Boat Handling under Power

A US Power Squadron Seminar

Do you know what is the best way to approach a dock? Now, what if the wind were blowing or the current was pushing your boat, would you be confident of how best to handle the situation?

We all like to think that we are the master of our domain - the Captain of our ship - but sometimes a little extra knowledge can go a long way to improving all of our boating skills. Even experienced boaters will walk away from this course with an increased confidence.

Join us on Thursday, May 6th, 2010 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for an instructional classroom seminar on how to depart and dock under a variety of conditions as well as all about trimming a boat while underway. Seminar materials include a waterproof USPS Captain's Quick Guide.

Instruction is FREE. Course materials are $25.

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

Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radios

A US Power Squadron Seminar

Learn the proper use of VHF radio communication.

Join us on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 from 10:00am to Noon for a relaxed and informative instructional seminar on the proper way to communicate via VHF radio. Everyone on board should be familiar with this important piece of safety equipment.

Instruction is FREE. Course materials are $25.

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

VHF radio is the mainstay of coastal communication and essential for emergency communications. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is rapidly becoming a reality as more Coast Guard Rescue 21 System operations go live. Currently, the mid Atlantic coast is operational with DSC. The Gulf region will be operational early next year and all Coast Guard Cutters will be DSC equipped by next year.

DSC vastly simplifies and improves rescue and routine call signaling – making it easier to make a call while the system frees up Channel 16 for essential communications. However, you need to know how to use it. This seminar answers those needs and explains basic VHF operation. A CD is included with a DSC Simulator that allows you to practice on your computer at home. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using VHF is included with essential information that you should have aboard, which will explain to anyone on your crew how to use the radio.

Lake Wallenpaupack Real Estate Resource…

I have been reading Karen’s blog for sometime now.  She is a realtor located at beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack in Pike County.  I’ve learned a good deal about the Lake’s many available properties through this blog.  She also has great information about local lake events and new store openings. 

Great job Karen!  Keep up the good work!

Karen’s blog can be found at: http://pikewaynepablog.com/  

US Power Squadron Boating Course

The Squadron Boating Course - by US Power Squadron

ARE YOU AN AVID BOATER LOOKING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

This course goes BEYOND basic boating information and touches on the details of VHF Radio use, understanding Navigational Aids, Chart Reading, GPS Navgation, Adverse Weather Boating, and MUCH MORE....

The US Power Squadron will be offering their Squadron Boating Course here at the Peters Marine Safe Boating Classroom. Whether you skipper your own cruiser or paddle a kayak, this COMPREHENSIVE course is intended for ALL boaters. In fact, it is meant to be of interest to the whole family, and we encourage your family to attend as a group. It covers the basics you need to know to safely and legally operate your boat or PWC. We believe in safe boating. So if you ever wanted to learn some basic rules of boating and make yourself LEGAL on the water, call us and reserve your seat today.

The Squadron Boating Course:
6 Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
September 17th, 24th, October 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd
Must attend all dates as different topics are covered at each session.

Instruction is FREE.

Book and Materials are $50.

Reserve your seat today by calling us at 610-433-1606.

Or email us at ted@petersmarine.com

PA Safe Boater Courses

Learn Safe Boating at Peters Marine Service!

The PA Safe Boater Course is a basic introduction to safe boating and meets today's requirements of boater certification for Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

This course is FREE!

After successful completion of this course you will receive a temporary PA Safety Education Certificate. This certificate can then be used to apply for a permanent PA Boating Safety Education Card - a $10 fee to the PA Fish and Boat Commission.

Basic Facts:

Who can attend this course? Any PA resident 12 years of age or older.

Is this required to operate a PWC (Jet Ski) in Pennsylvania? Yes, this certificate is required to operate a PWC in Pennsylvania.

Is this required to operate a motorboat in Pennsylvania? Yes, if you where born after January 1st, 1982.

Is this course recognized nationwide? Yes, the PA Safety Education Course is recognized nationwide.

Special note: The State of New Jersey requires a Safety Certificate for all ages.

Join us during these upcoming course dates:

August 27th and September 3rd - Thurs Eve 6 - 10pm - OPEN

Attendance on BOTH days is required to receive your certificate.

Reserve your seat today - Call us at 610-433-1606. Or email us at ted@petersmarine.com

March Madness at our Service Department

Need to get your boat ready for the season? You know it will be here before too long. 
So why not get it ready BEFORE those warm days arrive so you are ready to hit the water running!
Schedule spring maintenance on your boat or trailer for MARCH and beat the rush.
We will even give you a minimum of $50 OFF your service bill --
15% OFF if over $500.
Call our service team for details at 610-821-0118.

Blue Marsh Lake Report - March

On Saturday I took a trip out to Blue Marsh Lake in Reading.  With the warm weather this past weekend I was thinking about boating.  Of course it's way too early for that!  Everyone will be happy to know the lake is still there.  The trees and grass are brown, there are no docks in the water, and the water level is low.  However, the lake is still there.

 

I was surprised to find I was not the only one thinking about boating.  I witnessed several boats out on the lake!  Granted they where fishing not skiing.  But they where boating!  Also to my surprised I found one of our customers AJ Devine walking around the lakeshore.  He also is getting the boating itch.  One thing AJ and I did notice was that the lake level was lower than normal.  A quick call to the Ranger Station and Ranger Kathy revealed the lake is down about 6 feet, which is correct for this time of year.  It will be back up to it's normal level when boating season starts.  That's good because my boat would not like all those rocks.

 

On my way out of the Lake I noticed a sign for the Visitors Center.  I had a little extra time so I decided to see what it was like.  The Visitors center sits high up on a hill overlooking the Dam and Lake.  It's a great view!  Inside the structure is a great amount of information about the Lake, Dam, and surrounding area.  If you still are not ready to go boating and want a nice place to just enjoy the view plus learn a little history this is a great spot.

    

  

Thanks for reading the Blue Marsh Lake Report!

Knots, Bends, and Hitches - A How To SEMINAR

YOU CAN tie knots like an old salty mariner!

How often have you said, “I wish I knew how to tie a knot that will hold”?

Join us on Saturday, March 7th from 10am to Noon for this hands-on “learn to tie knots” program geared to a wide range of audiences.

You will receive the USPS guide Knots, Bends, and Hitches for Mariners, a copy of the presentation slide notes, and a kit including a die-cut knot board with two lengths of line. Participants WILL; learn about knots, learn to tie a set of the most useful knots, and then get to take the whole package home to practice.

Hey, it's WINTER why not spend a little time thinking about springtime and boating! Join us and have fun tying knots, swaping stories, and enjoying the company of good people with similar interests! Afterward you can tell everyone you meet that you tied one on at Peters Marine.

The instruction is FREE. Course material is $30.

Seating is Limited so Call Us Today to Reserve Your Seat
(610) 433-1606 or email

ted@petersmarine.com

How to Use a GPS - Seminar

Optimize Your Boating Experience, Learn to Use Your GPS!

GPS has become a common tool for navigation. However using GPS on the water is distinctly different from a moving map display in your car.

This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation which you will use. It then shows you how to relate the GPS to your charts which provide essential information about what is around you.

The seminar also shows you how to operate your GPS – what the buttons do, what the screens show, and how to access the functions you need. A handheld GPS is used as the demonstration model, but all GPS receivers function similarly. By the time you have completed the seminar, you will be able to store waypoints into your GPS, activate them for navigation, and use GPS to keep you on a safe, pre-qualified course of your choosing.

You’ll also get some tips for choosing a GPS if you don’t currently own one.

Participants will receive a copy of the USPS GPS Guide and a waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS.

When: Thursday, February 25th 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Where: Peters Marine's Boating Safety and Skills Classroom, 1402 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA

Cost: $27 Materials Fee (Participants will receive a copy of the USPS GPS Guide and a waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS.)

CALL US TODAY to RESERVE your seat: 610-433-1606
Or send us an email to ted@petersmarine.com

How to Read a Chart - SEMINAR

Planning a trip with your boat this summer?

Charts are a great tool in understanding the waterways in which you plan to boat. But what do all of those symbols represent anyway? HAVE NO FEAR - HELP IS ON THE WAY!

Peters Marine Service and the US Power Squadron will be offering the following course:

'How to Read a Chart'

When: Saturday January 31st from 10:00 to Noon

Where: Peters Marine's Boating Safety and Skills Classroom, 1402 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA

Cost: $30 Materials Fee (Participants will receive the NOAA Chart #1 and Student Note Book)

CALL TODAY and RESERVE your seat: 610-433-1606.

This seminar walks you through what you really need to know in an entertaining and interesting fashion, and provides you with a Maptech Waterproof flip-fold waterproof Chart Symbols and On-the-Water Guide to take along on the boat with you. In addition to showing you all about your chart, this seminar walks you through the essentials of laying out a safe course, steps to measure a course with the USPS plotter, and even a quick guide to the rules of the road.

Even with GPS and electronic navigation, the chart is needed to tell you what is around you and between you and your intended destination. A system of symbols is used to tell you what lies below the surface of the water and the depths of water. There is key information about visible landmarks and navigation aids to help you navigate your course. The chart also is your link with the GPS via its grid scale, compass rose, and distance scales. A brief introduction to latitude and longitude provides insight to the operation of GPS receivers.

Are wax & polish the same thing?

When talking with customers about how to care for a fiberglass boat, I am often asked about the difference between wax and polish. The quick answer is they are used for different purposes. One can not be used in lieu of the other. Polish is used to make the gelcoat shiny. Wax is used to protect the gelcoat (fiberglass).

When applying them, start with a clean, freshly washed hull. Be sure the hull is dry before you start with wax and polish. An "applicator pad" will make applying the product much easier while at the same time using less product. Make sure you have plenty of clean towels on hand for the removal process. As soon as you feel the towel starting to get "sticky", switch to a clean section or a new towel. Don't try to make that towel last "just a bit longer". While it can't always be avoided, the best results will be had if you keep the boat out of the direct sun. A cloudy day is best, but early morning or evening can be OK, too. If you do it in the evening, just make sure you finish up before the dew starts to form on the boat.

Before you start waxing, assess the gelcoat - does it feel smooth? If it feels chalky or rough, you'll have to start with a compound - often termed Oxidation Remover. But, for now, let's assume your gelcoat is nice and smooth. The next step would be to apply the polish. This will feed the gelcoat with "nutrients" to help it retain it's shine and luster. Polish is put on and removed the same way wax is - just like you would for your car. After the polish is removed, you can put on a coat of wax to protect the shine and help keep the sun's UV rays from - yup, you guessed it - oxidizing the surface. Just like your engine, a little preventative maintenance for your gelcoat will keep it from ever oxidizing in the first place - thus saving you time and money.

Depending on how much time your boat spends in the elements and where you live, you'll want to do this anywhere between twice a year to possibly as much as a half dozen. Have you ever noticed that the hull (below the rubrail) stays looking nicer than the deck (above the rubrail)? The hull doesn't get hit by strongest, direct rays of the sun. Because of this, you may find that you want to wax the deck a little more often than the hull. The good thing is that on a typical boat, the deck has less surface area. By the way do not, under any circumstances, wax the non-skid! I think you can figure out why. Just wash it.

One last tip: don't skimp out and buy cheap wax or use what you have laying around the garage for your car. Boat wax is specially formulated for gelcoat to stand up to the harsh, marine environment - there is a difference! In the end, you'll be glad you did it right. Afterall, you've probably made a considerable investment in your boat. Spend that extra dollar or two on a reputable polish and wax to help keep your baby looking good for years to come.

Looking to Sell Your Boat? - Or maybe you know someone who is.

WE CAN HELP - It has been a VERY successful winter season here at Peters Marine and we are VERY low on pre-owned inventory.


WE ARE ALWAYS in search of CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED boats to supplement our stock of Quality Boats.

WE WILL TAKE THE TIME to showcase your boat in the most sellable fashion with the use of pictures, relevent text, and a feature video presentation. Your boat will be presented on 4 PREMIUM boating websites and other printed medium. Additionally, our sales staff is NON-commission based so you can be sure that your boat gets just as much attention as our own stock.

YOUR Boat Listing Might Look Like This, CLICK HERE... or: http://www.petersmarine.com/DisplayBoat.aspx?vid=331

YOUR Video Presentation Might Look Like This, CLICK HERE... or: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7765789688176327594

Click here to MEET OUR CARING STAFF who will sincerely treat your boat as if it were their own.

Call TED or BARRY for more details! 610-433-1606

Let's Hear Your Boating Stories

Well, here we are. Thanksgiving already! It is hard to believe that another boating season has passed by. However, we can all reflect back on the fun we had this past season and make plans for next year. In fact, we at Peters Marine Service would like to know how each of you spent this past year boating and what you are planning for next year. Please send us your stories and plans to ted@petersmarine.com and I will publish select ones to run in our Newsletter.

I will offer the first installment.

Our Summer Trip
by Ted Shelson

As many of you know by now, I keep our family boat in Ithaca, NY on Cayuga Lake. This past August we took a 230 mile round trip from our marina to Sylvan Beach, NY on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake. This trip took us north on Cayuga Lake, east on the Erie Canal, and eastward across Oneida Lake. Here is an abbreviated version of my daily log.

Captain: Ted; First Mate: Sherri; Crew: Sarah, age 9, and Owen, now age 5

Day 1, Sunday, August 10th
We arrived by car at Allen Treman Marine State Park in Ithaca, NY by 1:00pm. We loaded up ‘Daytripper’, our Sea Ray 240 Sundancer, addressed a few maintenance issues, and headed out on our trip by 3:50pm. The first leg of our trip took us north 30 miles up Cayuga Lake to the cove at Hibiscus Point. Here the water is only a few feet deep and the bottom is sandy. We threw out the anchor around 5:30pm, swam around a bit, had a wonderful shrimp and rice dinner, and settled in for the night after playing games with the kids and watching a movie on our portable 7” DVD player.

Day 2, Monday, August 11th
Woke up around 8:00am and headed north after a Blueberry muffin and cereal breakfast. The weather was a bit cool, overcast, and breezy as we made our way to the first of three locks in our journey, Lock CS1 “Mud Lock”. This lock is the first lock of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. From here we continued north under I-90 to the intersection of the Erie Canal. From here you could travel west to Buffalo, NY or east to Albany. For our trip we headed east. By this time the sky was clearing and the sun felt warm. Sarah did a great job navigating and picking out the channel markers.

By lunchtime we approached Erie Canal Lock #E24 in Baldwinsville, NY. This is a great canal town. There is always something to do and much to see. For example: Tie up at the wall on the west side of the lock and walk into town to enjoy a little shopping or dining. Take a picnic lunch and venture to the park for some time off the boat. Or enjoy a concert at Paper Mill Island.

Once through the lock, we anchored in the river, had lunch, and did a little fishing. Owen caught a catfish. What fun!

Time was pressing us to move along as we wanted to get through Lock #E23 in Brewerton, NY by evening. The weather turned lousy. It rained all the way to Brewerton, which made dealing with the lock a bit miserable. Earlier we had called ahead to Winter Harbor Marina to reserve a slip for the evening. We arrived around 6:15pm. I can’t say enough about this place. It was exceptionally clean, inexpensive, and the personnel were very friendly.

Day 3, Tuesday, August 12th
We left Winter Harbor around 10:30am after an egg and fruit breakfast and a little fishing from the dock with the kids. I wanted to leave early enough before the winds had a chance to pick the lake up. We plotted our course on a chart and headed out across the 21 mile long lake. Fortunately the lake was calm but started to pick up as we approached Sylvan Beach on the eastern shore. Here we checked into Mariner’s Landing Marina where we plan on spending the next two nights. There is much to do in Sylvan Beach. There is of course the sandy beach, which is great to spend the afternoon. You can walk there from our marina or on calm days you can anchor just off shore and swim in to shore. There is also the nostalgic Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. After securing our slip we simply packed our beach bags and walked to the beach for the afternoon. That night we went out for dinner and watched a movie onboard the boat.

Day 4, Wednesday, August 13th
The skies today looked a little threatening so instead of walking we traveled by boat to the amusement park and tied up at the bulkhead. We had great fun. The rides and games are very family oriented and inexpensive. Sarah and I had a blast on the Galaxi Roller Coaster and the whole family enjoyed the Bumper Cars. We will never forget how Sherri and I got a little sick on the Tilt-A-Whirl. I guess we are getting too old for some of the rides we used to enjoy so much as kids. There was plenty to eat and there were no lines for any of the rides.

Later that evening back at the marina Owen and I fished a little while Sherri and Sarah went for a walk to do a little shopping. They enjoyed spending time together and watching a beautiful sunset from the beach.

Day 5, Thursday, August 14th
It was a foggy morning as we headed out for our return home. With the aid of our compass, charts, and GPS we easily navigated out onto and across the lake. We continued west back through the Erie Canal. This time we stopped for lunch around 2:00pm at Cross Lake in Jordan, NY. This lake is beautiful. We went skiing, tubing, and found a nice cove to anchor and fish. In fact, we liked it here so much that we decided to stay for the night. We cooked spiedies on the grill and bathed in the lake. Later that evening another Sea Ray boat found our cove a nice place to anchor for the night as well.

Day 6, Friday, August 15th
Today we got up early, had breakfast, and headed back for Ithaca. The ride went well. Sherri drove most of the way back to the mud lock. We stopped back at the cove at Hibiscus Point where we swam a bit and washed the canal grime from the boat. We got back to our marina in Ithaca late in the day. By this time we were glad to get off the boat for a bit so we went out to Pizza Hut for dinner.

Day 7, Saturday, August 16th
Today was simple. We hopped in the car and went out for breakfast at The Falls in Trumansburg, NY. We then packed up and drove home.

Final Thoughts
This trip was a great time spent together enjoying our boat. We made family memories that will certainly last a lifetime. Now as winter approaches we have been spending some time together planning next summer’s trip. Where we go is currently unclear. What is clear is that we will have fun planning it, enjoying it, and I am sure remembering it by this time next year.

What are your plans? Let us know. I am sure there are boaters like us who can never get enough thinking about how better to use our boats.

Please email me at ted@petersmarine.com. I would also encourage everyone to comment on this and any other entry in our blogspot. We would really like to hear your thoughts.

Safety Equipment Presentation

Safety is never a glamorous topic to discuss. Nevertheless it is an important consideration when venturing out for a fun day out on the water. Click the link below and join us for a brief presentation on the many different choices in signaling devices, fire extinguishers, and life jackets.

Safety Equipment Presentation Video, Click Here ...

New York Times columnist says boats are good investments!

This article makes the argument that some investments go beyond a simple monetary expenditure and that "some purchases may still be worth the price"
See why boats are the perfect investment, CLICK HERE...

Peters Marine Service Honored as Sea Ray® Ambassador Dealer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Peters Marine Service Honored as Sea Ray® Ambassador Dealer

Allentown, PA – August 5, 2008 – Peters Marine Service, serving the Lehigh Valley for over 72 years, has achieved the leading status of Sea Ray Ambassador Dealer for the upcoming model-year 2009.
“All of us here at Peters Marine Service are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service along with a superior product,” said Bobby Michener, President. “Reaching this status is challenging, time-consuming and requires considerable investment. We’re very proud to have achieved Sea Ray Ambassador Dealer standing.”
Introduced in 1996, the Sea Ray Master Dealer Program was the first standards-based certification program in the boating industry. It has been developed and refined over the years to provide Sea Ray customers with a superior shopping, purchasing and ownership experience. Dealers that have achieved “Ambassador” status have reached the highest level possible within the Master Dealer Program.
“Earning Ambassador Dealer status isn’t just based on Sea Ray’s high standards, but on the high standards of Sea Ray customers as well,” said Ed Boncek, director of dealer management systems at Sea Ray. “Along with more than 110 stringent guidelines covering service, sales, facility and parts, Ambassador Dealers must achieve the highest scores of all Sea Ray dealers on satisfaction surveys sent to their customers. Therefore, earning Ambassador Dealer status requires focus and sustained teamwork from both the retail and service teams.”
To qualify, dealers agree to meet a set of demanding customer-care and operational standards. They take on self-improvement efforts to meet those standards and submit to yearly on-site evaluations by an independent consultant. And the work doesn’t end there: In order to maintain Ambassador Dealer status, dealerships must be recertified every 12 months. The dealership’s retail and service teams must undergo continuous factory-sponsored training to handle every aspect of their customers’ boating needs.
“We’re very proud of our Ambassador Dealers,” said Rick Stone, president of Sea Ray Boats. “The Master Dealer Program has been a big success for us. As always, our dealers play a critical role in our business, displaying an outstanding commitment to the partnership between manufacturer, dealer, and consumer. Sea Ray and our customers appreciate the extra mile these dealers go to attain this recognition.”
For more information about Peters Marine Service, please visit www.petersmarine.com.
(more)
Peters Marine Service, Inc. – Master Dealer
August 31, 2008
Page 2 of 2


About Peters Marine Service, Inc.:
For over 72 years our 4th generation, family owned, marine retail business has thrived in a land locked environment by providing personal service, honest and fair pricing, and quality products like Sea Ray Boats. Our 12 full-time and 5 part-time employees have a combined experience of over 150 years plus an immeasurable amount of lifetime experience. Our mission is to exceed your expectations by providing professional and courteous service.

About Sea Ray:
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group Unit of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 68 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.

# # #

And The Winner Is.....

Jeff Bachman of Lehighton, PA!

He was the winner of the 2008 Sea Ray 175 Sport given away on August 30th at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA during the final game of the inaugural season of Lehigh Valley IronPigs Baseball.



Over 2000 people registered since April 1st. Of those who entered, 30 semi-finalists were randomly chosen to meet at our showroom on August 30th. From those 30 a drawing was held to widdle down to 10 finalists. These finalists were provided with 2 tickets and escorted by limo to the ballpark. During the game these finalists chose their key, one of which would start the boat.

At the end of the game each contestant tried their luck. But in the end contestant #5, Jeff Bachman, held the key that started the boat.

Many thanks to all of the participants and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs for helping to make this promotion a great success!

Congratulations Jeff!!!


Courtesy Of:


Allentown, PA



Knoxville, TN

Keep on boatin', mates!

Don't put that boat away, yet! Just because the kids are back in
school, doesn't mean your boating fun has to end. Personally, I
don't even consider winterizing my boat until sometime in November.
Occasionally it's even been as late as December. There are a lot of
nice days left and the water stays warm for quite a while still.
Whether it's a short day-trip with the family, an overnight trip, or
even a just getting out for an hour or two of skiing, there's still
plenty of good boating times to be had. In fact, boating later in
the season can make for a really nice day since the lakes are not as
crowded. On second thought, maybe you shouldn't go boating - leave
that nice, uncrowded lake for me! ;)

How late into the season do you typically go boating? Take a minute
and leave a comment!

Boat Launching Made Easy!

Thinking of taking the plunge into the wonderful world of trailer boating, but are nervous about what to expect at the launch ramp? Dennis and Ted give a step by step instruction to this very easy yet sometimes intimidating experience. Follow these steps and you'll be a pro at the ramp every time.

Check Out the 'Launching a Boat' Video Here ...

Click Here to Learn the Basics of 'Retriveiving a Boat' ...

See it All Together Here in the Video 'Launching and Retreiving 2' ...

Cayuga Lake, NY -

Take a trip north for some freshwater boating possibilities.
By Ted Shelson, Sales Manager, Peters Marine Service, Inc.

Cayuga Lake located in the Finger Lake region of New York State is a beautiful boating destination only 3 hours from the Lehigh Valley. This is where my family and I have chosen to slip our Sea Ray 240 Sundancer. About every other weekend or so my wife, Sherri, and I pack the car along with our two children, Sarah, age 9, and Owen, age 4. We make the trip to our marina, Allan H. Treman State Marine Park, in Ithaca, New York. At times the four of us feel a little tight in only a 24’ boat. But we enjoy the togetherness and look at it as a camping adventure on the water.

We like the convenience of keeping our boat in the water. You may prefer trailering your boat here for a weekend getaway. The marina offers ample parking and eight launch ramps, each having it’s own dock. So launching and retrieving your boat is a breeze. Transient slips must be reserved in advance but you will not be disappointed with the accommodations. Each slip offers water and electric and features grass and shade trees along the bulkhead.


TRANSIENT SLIPS AND 8 LAUNCH RAMPS

We love this place because crowds are seldom – if ever, there is always something to do, and the boating possibilities are endless. After all Cayuga Lake is accessible to the largest freshwater inland waterway in the world via the Erie Canal! The lake is about 40 miles long with Ithaca located at the southernmost end. Most boating activities generally take place at either end of the lake with pockets of activity around the two state parks in the middle, Taughannock Falls State Park, and Long Point State Park. Most of the time however, you can easily find a secluded spot for skiing, tubing, fishing, or simply anchoring near shore to pass the time. We prefer to travel a short distance up the lake away from other boaters, cut the engine, and drift back down the lake in the gentle breeze. Other times we will grab a mooring and spend the night out on the lake away from the marina. Perhaps you would enjoy taking your boat for an evening cruise and finish with a waterfront dinner at The Boat Yard Grille where you can take in the nightlife every Friday with Live Bands.

Should the weather turn bad; there is always something to do. For the adults there is the Cayuga Wine Trail. Enjoy the scenery, sample the wines, and maybe bring a bottle or two home to share with friends. You can also take in a play at the Hangar Theatre near the marina’s main entrance off of Route 89. The kids will love the Science Center in downtown Ithaca. Take a short drive north on Rte 89 to Taughannock Falls State Park. There you will find a hiking trail to the base of the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. It is an easy walk and something the kids will enjoy.


MOORING AT CROW BAR POINT

Take a trip by boat! On this lake you don’t have to just go in circles. Cayuga Lake is connected to Seneca Lake to the west via the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, located at the north end of the lake. Here you will also find access to the Erie Canal. Canaling is loads of fun and the adventure of going through the locks gives everyone the opportunity to have a hands-on experience. Just a short distance west on the Cayuga-Seneca canal and through 2 locks you will find a wonderful place to overnight at Seneca Falls, NY. Towns along the canal system make every effort to attract boaters. Seneca Falls has a beautiful waterfront offering nice docks and free water and electric hookups. Here you can get off of the boat to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or explore this historic town. Visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park, within walking distance of your boat, and discover how five women changed the world.

There is so much to do and so much to see. So take a weekend and give it a go. In fact, you could come a few times and not see the same things twice. Like us, you may even decide to stick around for the entire season.


So where on the lake should we go today?


DIRECTIONS:
From the Lehigh Valley take I-476 North to I-81 North (or 33 North to I-80 West to I-380 North to I-81 North) fifteen minutes north of Binghamton, NY take Exit 8, Whitney Point. Follow Rte 79 West for about 45 minutes into Ithaca. As you approach the bottom of the long hill into downtown Ithaca bear right onto Seneca Way which turns onto E. Seneca Street. E. Seneca Street becomes W. Seneca Street. Stay in center lane. RIGHT turn from center lane onto West Meadow St. Follow signs to Rte 89 North. Take immediate LEFT onto West Buffalo Street. Turn RIGHT onto Taughannock Blvd / Rte 89 North. Go about 1 mile to marina entrance on right. WATCH YOUR SPEED. 30 MPH and strictly enforced.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Plan ahead.
For transient slip reservations contact the marina c/o Robert H. Treman State Park at (607) 273-3440
Lock Passes are required for going through the canal and can easily be purchased at the first lock that you arrive at. Click here for fee information: http://www.nyscanals.gov/exvac/boating/bctolls.html


Feel free to email me with any questions or comments. ted@petersmarine.com

Short list on upcoming courses here at Peters Marine

US Power Squadron GPS Course on Thursday June 12th

PA Basic Boating Course on Monday June 23rd & Tuesday June 24th

US Power Squadron Boat Handling Course on Thursday June 26th

PA Basic Boating Course on Monday July 7th & Tuesday July 8th

US Power Squadron Charting Course on Thursday July 10th

PA Basic Boating Course on Monday July 21st & Tuesday July 22nd

US Power Squadron VHF Radio Course on Thursday July 24th

Another GPS Course Offered be the US Power Squadron

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND FOR A 3RD TIME. Ever wanted to know more about using a GPS. Now is a great time to attend a GPS Seminar offered by the US Power Squadron. They will be holding one here at Peters Marine Service on June 12th. CLICK Below for more information or give us a jingle at 610-433-1606.

Click here for more information...