There is no shortage of worthwhile boating organizations with which you might be interested in affiliating. One of those is the American Boating Association (ABA), whose stated mission is to promote boating safety, affordability, growth and environmental cleanliness. It's hard to quibble with those objectives.

ABA has an impressive list of benefits. Among the member benefits are a year's subscription to Boating Life magazine, a year's subscription to the ABA Beacon, unlimited access to boat repair and maintenance help from professional marine mechanic Tim Harrington via "Ask Tim," and a five percent discount at BoatersWorld.com as well as multiple other discounts for marina services, cruising guides, hotels, movie tickets and more.

Other benefits are available to members and non-members alike. There are articles and tips on boating safety, environmental cleanliness and boating in general. Want to read about food poisoning from shellfish? Surviving a thunderstorm? Painting your boat? Cruising to a new boating destination? Emerging trends? It's all here and then some. You'll find a comprehensive boat show calendar, directories for marine manufacturers and surveyors, and a tool for finding the value of a used boat – any used boat.

ABA was founded by Bill Condon, a marine insurance executive and enthusiastic boater. The association is headquartered in Harwich Port, Massachusetts.

- Linda Hoff