Mercury Marine is launching its 5 & Drive Sales Event with an added bonus for boaters of a free five year engine warranty. Depending upon the engine the free warranty can save boaters up to $2420.

The promotion is running now through April 15, 2009. The 5 & Drive Sales Event covers new Mercury engines including all 25 – 300 hp FourStrokes including Verado® and Jet engines, all OptiMax® engines including Pro XS and Jet models, all OptiMax Jet Drive engines, 150 hp two-stroke engines, and all 50 and 90 hp two-stroke engines. For additional details check out Mercury Marine.

Due to excessive inventory Century Boat Company has shutdown production at its fiberglass boat manufacturing facility in Panama City, Fla. for the final for 2 months of 2008. Century Boat vice president and general manager Dean Burnett stated the reason for the shutdown was to, relieve dealer inventory pressure for the remainder of the calendar year and plan for the future success of this company in 2009 and beyond.”

You’ve probably noticed that there seems to be some pretty good deals on boats these days.  As the economy waits to rebound, there have been several factors that have contributed to this “buyer’s market”.  The over estimated demand by manufacturers for new boats and a substantial sell-off in the private party marketplace have significantly reduced pricing.  In addition, marine finance programs are still surprisingly attractive. Interest rates have remained low and there are programs available for many credit profiles.

Jeppesen Marine’s Club Jeppesen Marine and Sea Tow Services International Inc. have partnered to help make boating easier and safer for their customers. “We are dedicated to improving personal safety and peace of mind on the water,” said Capt. Joseph Frohnhoefer III, vice president of operations, Sea Tow. Sea Tow provides emergency on water assistance to boaters. Sea Tow is now offering its customers a discount on all of Club Jeppsen Marine electronic cartography charts, which provide easy to use and up to date navigational information.

That’s what Michael Berzowski, a Milwaukee lawyer, asked FBI agents after they called inquiring about a suspicious boat loan request. Needless to say Berzowski was a little surprised to hear the news that his financial records had been used to apply for yacht loan as part of a $2.6 million fraud scheme.

Early Wednesday in Chicago the FBI arrested Michael B. Vorce, 31, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and James C. Jett, 29, of Byron Center, Mich.,  on charges of bank fraud. The duo were caught applying for a $391,450 loan on a 48-foot Sea Ray yacht using Berzowski financial records.