Friday, May 29, 2009

Vessel Safety Checks at Blue Marsh Lake by the US Coast Guard Aux

On Saturday May 30th from 10AM and into the afternoon the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting Vessel Safety Checks at Blue Marsh Lake. The checks will be conducted at the Dry Brooks and State Hill boat launches.

What is a Vessel Safety Check? Click here to find out....

Use the map below for directions or contact Terry Hilbert at pigeon72@aol.com for more information.

View Larger Map

Note: The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting these Vessel Safety Checks thru out the summer at Blue Marsh Lake, Beltzville Lake, and Lake Wallenpaupack. Please check back here often for more information.

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Will you survive?

If you had to jump overboard off a burning boat, could you survive? Here's a little game to test your survival knowledge. It takes about 4 or 5 minutes. I died after the first time around on the first question :( But, the second time around I made it home safe. See how you do and post your result!

http://dsc.discovery.com/survival/games/life-death-sea/life-death-sea.html


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Friday, May 15, 2009

Vessel Safety Check at Beltzville Lake

The US Power Squadron will be conducting Vessel Safety Checks at Beltzville Lake this Saturday the 16th from 9AM to 12PM.  

What is a Vessel Safety Check?  Click here to find out....


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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Fuel Economy - Part 1 - The Basics

“The Basics”

No matter if you boat on Lake Wallenpaupack, The Chesapeake, The Jersey Shore or Lake Mead, I’m sure you have at least some interest in making or keeping your boat as fuel efficient as possible. I mean, unless you like wasting your hard earned money, why not do things – some very simple – to help save a few bucks? That’s what this first Fuel Economy segment is going to be about – simple things you can do that cost little to no money.

Now, by no means do I consider myself an “expert” on fuel economy; heck, I like to “throttle down” on occasion as much as the next guy! But, there are some very easy things that we can all do to help keep a little extra green in our pockets. Below you will see what I consider the “basics”. If there is anything you’d like to add, please feel free to add a comment or two! In future segments, I will talk about the actual running and operation of the boat.

Dead Weight
Ever notice your boat goes faster with just you in it? Well, the same thing holds true for all of that extra “stuff” we all like to carry on board. The more weight in the boat, the more gas it’s going to take to get it – and keep it – going. So, take a good luck at what you have on your boat. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If you can do without it, leave it on land. Every little bit helps.

Is your bottom clean?
The efficiency of a boat depends largely on its’ hull. If your boat sits in the water (let’s refer to non-bottom painted boats, for now), whether fresh or salt, things will grow on it. This can create an incredible amount of drag – it’s like trying to drive your car with one foot on the brake pedal. So, if your bottom is dirty, wipe it! Have it hauled out every so often (it’s even easier if you have a trailer) and clean it. Even if it doesn’t sit in the water, road grime can build up on it from trailering. When you wash the topside, don’t forget to wash the underside, as well.

There’s another side to the hull efficiency theme. I’ve run many boats and I can tell you that there is a real science to the engineering that goes into the design of a hull. Take two similar boats from two different manufacturers and put the same engine in them. They will not achieve the same efficiency. Some companies just slap a boat together and throw it out there for sale. Others will really take steps (sometimes painstakingly) to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Trust me, it does make a noticeable difference – in performance, as well.

So there you have it. Let’s call it food for thought. Look for another segment to Fuel Economy in the near future about the actual operation of the boat and maintenance. But, in the meantime, if you have anything to add in regards to the “basics”, please don’t hesitate to comment. I’m sure there are many of you out there with great suggestions!

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Friday, May 8, 2009

Vessel Safety Check at Blue Marsh Lake by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary

On Saturday May 8th from 10AM and into the afternoon the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting Vessel Safety Checks at Blue Marsh Lake.  The checks will be conducted at the Dry Brooks and State Hill boat launches.  

What is a Vessel Safety Check?  Click here to find out....

Use the map below for directions or contact Terry Hilbert at pigeon72@aol.com for more information.

View Larger Map

Note:  The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting these Vessel Safety Checks thru out the summer at Blue Marsh Lake, Beltzville Lake, and Lake Wallenpaupack.  Please check back here often for more information.

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Monday, May 4, 2009

Rain, Rain, Go Away - Ted has work to do on his boat today!

Well, my boat was pulled out of storage and has been parked in my driveway for the past two weeks. I am ready to get it wet. But the rain was not what I had in mind.

I have much to do and the family keeps asking me, "when are we going to put the boat in the water?"

I am still looking for some sunshine to address my pre-season laundry list of maintenance issues. For instance, the outdrive needs to be repainted, the deck and hull sides need another coat of wax, and other miscellaneous items need to be addressed.

Anyway, I am getting things ready for another great seaon of boating. Are you?

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Saturday, May 2, 2009

Anchoring - A US Power Squadron Seminar

Ever had this happen to you?

You are spending a comfortable time on your boat, anchored in Martin's Cove on Lake Wallenpaupack, only to discover that you are drifting ever more close to other boats or the shoreline. "Eeeeks...!", you exclaim - or maybe you would use more explicit language depending upon the situation. Either way, it has quickly become evident that your anchor has failed to hold the boat. A frantic state of emergency quickly ensues.

Securely anchoring your boat requires a little more effort than just throwing a short piece of rope over the side of the boat with any 'ol anchor attached to the end.

There are different anchors needed for different seabeds and there is a formula to determine the proper rope length depending upon water depth and sea conditions.

This seminar covers selection of anchor, rode, and components; anchor selection for sea conditions and bottom characteristics; deployment and recovery of anchors. It also includes tables for sizing an anchor and components, and information for determining loads under various conditions. The kit includes the Anchoring Quick Guide and Student Notes with copies of the slides.

Join us on Tuesday, July 14th from 7-9PM for this VERY useful and informative seminar that everyone should take! Call us at 610-433-1606 to reserve your seat. Or send me an email at ted@petersmarine.com.

Instruction is FREE - Material is $21.

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Trailering Your Boat - A US Power Squadron Seminar

Our seminar, Trailering Your Boat, explains how to select tow vehicles, hitches, and trailers. It also explains how to safely and securely trailer your boat, launch and retrieve it, and how to operate and maintain your trailering equipment. The seminar comes with an excellent new book Trailering Your Boat, written by Bruce Smith and published as a USPS Guide by McGraw-Hill. This book serves as an excellent reference on all of these topics. The seminar includes video segments provided by the US Coast Guard and excellent slide notes.

Spending a fun filled afternoon boating on Lake Wallenpaupack, Blue Marsh Lake, Beltzville Lake, or points beyond begin with a proper understanding of basic trailering skills.

Join us on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 from 7-9pm for this informative seminar. Call us today at 610-433-1606 to reserve your spot. Or send us an email at ted@petersmarine.com

Instruction is FREE - Material is $25.

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