With the new rule, members must have at least 3 posts to be able to post any links/URLs to outside sites. This includes in regular posts, Private Messages, and Signatures.
If this does not curb some of the spam I will raise the minimum post count for new members before they can post links to outside sites to a number that I see fit. I am sorry if this is an inconvenience to anyone but we try our best to keep the spam away without adding to many security hoops for members just to sign up and/or post so I hope this will help.
Most the spammers will usually give up after 1 attempt to post and then give up so hopefully this helps.
***UPDATE***
09-03-2011
Along with the post count restriction for posting links/URLs we have also made it mandatory to enter your location when registering. Not only will this be a little more help in preventing spam here, It will also help people know what areas other members are from so you can find some new locals to go boating with easily or for buyer and sellers so they know what area the other person is from before hand. Of course, if you do not want someone to know where you are from you can certainly go in to your control panel and remove your location once you are registered.
I hope this helps cut back on the spam even more and make everyones time here more enjoyable.
***UPDATE***
03-30-2015
As of today, the post count for external URLS (This includes images from sites like photobucket, etc...) has been disabled so you no longer need to make a few posts before you can post links or images. Just a caution, if this does start getting abused it will go back but as we are much better monitoring new registrations we don't feel this is a need anymore.
Enjoy!!!!!
glad to see your heading this off quickly too 