An image of Grady-White Freedom 215 Boat
Photo Credit: Grady-White Boats

SPRINGFIELD, VA – April 15, 2026 – This year marks the 60th anniversary of the largest and only boat owner’s association, BoatUS. Founded in 1966 by Richard Schwartz, BoatUS was created to represent recreational boaters and advocate for their interests, especially in the areas of boater rights and boat manufacturing safety standards. Today, BoatUS remains committed to protecting boaters and their rights, as well as paving the way to help make boating safer, more affordable and accessible.  

To commemorate its diamond anniversary, BoatUS’s grand prize for one lucky recipient will be to win a Grady-White 21-foot Freedom 215 dual console boat, which is sponsored by GEICO. Designed for versatility and luxury, the 21-foot Freedom 215 delivers big-boat comfort in a compact, family-friendly package. The boat includes plush seating, a lockable head compartment, and aft jump seats with swim access making it the perfect boat for fishing, cruising, and watersports. 

“I’m honored to be a part of this exceptional organization as it celebrates 60 years of helping recreational boaters be safe, whether that’s through GEICO’s boat insurance coverage or having the largest on-water towing fleet in the nation. BoatUS will always remain a voice for boaters and continue to help make boating affordable, accessible, and fun for all,” said Heather Lougheed, Vice President of BoatUS Association. 

BoatUS will also be giving away a $3000 West Marine Gift Card, a BoatUS Towing Membership valid for five years, two ACR ResQLink 400 Base PLB Survival Kits, and a Star Clippers Cruise. 

“We’re delighted to celebrate BoatUS’s 60th anniversary alongside our longtime partner by offering this exciting opportunity for one lucky boater to win a brand-new Grady-White boat! For more than six decades, Grady-White and BoatUS have shared a passion for helping people enjoy exceptional experiences on the water. Our Freedom 215 perfectly reflects that commitment—thoughtfully designed to inspire confidence, deliver comfort, and create unforgettable moments every time you head out,” said Kris Carroll, President of Grady-White Boats. 

The giveaway opens on April 15 and closes on June 15. To enter the giveaway and for a chance to win the Freedom 215 Grady-White boat, visit boatus.com/60th. No purchase is necessary to enter. The sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents only and you do not have to be a BoatUS member to enter. Winners will be contacted by telephone or email if selected.  

Over the past 60 years, BoatUS has accomplished several key milestones: 

• BoatUS was the first and only voice on Capitol Hill for recreational boaters. Through advocacy, BoatUS Government Affairs saw enactment of the Safe Boating Act, preventing EPA from imposing a nationwide permit on boaters and protected crucial navigation systems such as GPS. 

• BoatUS boasts the largest on-water towing fleet, TowBoatUS, with more than 330 locations across the nation ready to assist boaters on the water 24/7 with engine breakdowns, dead batteries, running out of fuel, and soft groundings.  

• BoatUS Magazine, the largest boating magazine in the country with a circulation of over half a million, brings boaters the latest news; new boats, gear, and technology; step-by-step maintenance and projects; and boat handling techniques and safety tips.  

For more information on BoatUS, visit https://boatus.com/ and to enter the giveaway for the chance to win a Grady-White Freedom 215 Boat, visit boatus.com/60th.  

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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS): 

Celebrating 60 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 740,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 660 vessels and 330-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe, and our waters clean. For more information, visit BoatUS.com