Master card gift card

BoatU.S. and MBNA have teamed up to offer you the best credit card yet, with the newly launched BoatU.S. WorldPoints Platinum MasterCard.

The no-annual fee rewards program gives you one point for each dollar spent anywhere MasterCard is accepted, which then can be redeemed for cash, travel, airline tickets, merchandise and gift certificates from select merchants. In addition, you'll get offers throughout the year for special ways to earn bonus points from some of the world's finest retailers, restaurants, catalog and online merchants.

The card also offers WorldPoints Assist, a personal assistance service. Think of it as your own personal concierge, who can help find hard-to-get tickets, make special dining arrangements, deliver flowers or gifts, or set up a unique vacation experience. And there's no service charge.

The new WorldPoints card does not replace the current MBNA Platinum card that offers a 3% credit rebate on BoatU.S. equipment purchases--you can carry both. Both cards offer higher-than-average credit lines and top-notch customer service. And for every WorldPoints card account opened. MBNA makes a contribution to the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.

To learn more, call 877-518-9007 and mention code HNPO, or go to BoatUS.com and click on Membership, then financial services.

TOWING CALLS UP 58%

In the first four months of 2004, requests for on-the-water assistance to the BoatU.S. 24-hour call centers in Virginia and California combined are up 58% over last year. There are many reasons for needing help, some of which are preventable.

The top five reasons members needed a tow are:

* 45% -- General engine failures

* 17% -- Grounding

* 9% -- Battery problems

* 7% -- Out of fuel or fuel problems

* 5% -- Engine Overheating

NEW BoatU.S. BENEFIT

For members who love their RV as much as their boat, BoatU.S. has teamed up with the American Modern Insurance Group to offer RV and travel trailer insurance coverage at a discount. The program is administered by American Modem which carries an AM Best rating of A+. For more information, call 800-491-0416 or log on to BoatUS.com/rv.