Spring Boating Checklist

Well, it's finally here... warm weather! Hooray! The dreary days of winter and the cold/rainy days of early Spring are finally behind us. We find ourselves daydreaming at work about whether or not we should take the boat out for a quick spin when we get home. We talk enthusiastically with our families about spending some time on the water over the weekend. But, before we rush and make a mistake, let's take a little time to be assured that the boat really is "ready to go".

I jotted down a few essential things to review and/or check before that maiden voyage. I would also like to hear from you. What are some of the things that you do to get your boat seaworthy? If you have anything to add, please leave a comment with your suggestions. There are many people reading this blog that are new, or relatively new, boaters and would benefit from the suggestions you may have.

1) Has the drive oil been changed?

2) Has the engine oil been changed (stern drive or 4-Stroke OB)?

3) Is the battery charged and are the connections clean and tight?

4) Run the engine in the driveway before going to the water for the first time.

5) Check the trailer bearings and grease, if needed -- but not too much!

6) Check trailer lights.

7) Check the trailer's brake fluid (if equipped).

8) Don't forget the plug!!!

Well, there's a start. What else do you do?

Field Testing a Torqeedo Powered 713 Gillgetter Pontoon on Beltzville Lake

Working for a land locked marine store in Allentown, Pennsylvania is not as glamorous as maybe working at a marina in beautiful South Florida. However, we do have our moments when we can get out on the water and have a little fun. Here is an example of one of those times.

It was a beautiful pre-spring day on March 18th with the air temperature hitting close to 70 degrees. Bobby and I decided to take a new electrically equipped 2010 Gillgetter 713 Fish n Cruise Pontoon for a test run at Beltzville Lake in the Pocono Mountains. We arrived early. Without a hint of a breeze the lake was like a sheet of glass.

The lake water was very high and the docks were not yet put in so we had to get a little creative putting the boat in the water. Although the air was warm I knew that the lake still had ice the previous week. Getting my feet wet was not an option. As we discovered launching this boat was so very easy - easier than I could have imagined. And we didn't get wet either.

As we backed away from the ramp we received a few odd stares from the few fisherman who were hanging around the ramp area. I am sure I could read their minds, "I see that boat moving, but I don't hear anything. What is that?"

Our boat is powered with a Torqueed 4.0R Cruise 48volt Electric Outboard. This motor is super efficient and produces the equivilant power of a 9.9hp gas engine! Perfect for small boats like ours or for use on power restricted lakes. The motor produces a distinctive hum but it was nevertheless quiet and we could hold a conversation easily while at full throttle.

We tooled around for about 3 hours that morning putting this boat and motor combo through it's paces and here is what we discovered:

1) Very easy to launch and load
2) Handles effortlessly and turns easily - Anyone can operate this boat like a pro.
3) We only used 13% of the available battery life so a full days use is a reality.
4) Super stable ride.
and
5) It was a heck of a lot of FUN!

Bobby and I had a blast that day testing this and another boat the Infinyte i3 Utility Boat.

Yes, it is true that a marine store in Allentown, PA is not the same as one in a more exotic location. But I can say that we probably enjoy the times we do get to go out far better.

Check out our experience for yourself!

On Board Weather Forecasting

A US Power Squadron Seminar

Changing weather conditions can convert what was a delightful day on the water into a real challenge. Forecasting what weather you will encounter is one of the top priorities for safe boating.

Should we go out? When should we come in? These are important questions, but some fundamental understandings of the weather can help you make these decisions. That’s what this seminar is all about.

While not a course in weather, this seminar explains how just using your own senses can help you determine what conditions you will encounter where you are.

By all means, a forecast is important. It will tell you what weather systems are headed your way, but they are challenged to tell exactly where and when conditions will change. Add your own observations and you have an extra edge. Add a couple of instruments and you can verify your observations. The seminar explains weather systems, how to understand clouds and their changes, using changing wind direction, temperature, and pressure to hone in on emerging weather fronts. The seminar includes the McGraw-Hill Onboard Weather Forecasting waterproof Captain’s Quick Guide to take aboard your boat.

Join us on Thursday, April 29th, 2010 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for this fun, interesting, and very useful course.

Instruction is FREE. Course materials are $21.

Seating is limited so please reserve your seat today by calling us at 610-433-1606 or email at ted@petersmarine.com.