Grillin' on a boat!

Check out my wife… ummm… let me re-phrase that. Check out what my wife is doing. There, that sounds better. About 10 years ago, when I first started working at Peters Marine, we bought a Magma (all stainless steel) grill and installed it on our Sea Ray 180BR. Since then we’ve gone through owning a few more boats, but the grill has been along for the ride the whole time.

We just keep transferring the grill from boat to boat to boat… you get the idea. 10 years old and it still works flawlessly.

I must say that grilling on a boat is wonderful. I know the food is the same as at home, but for some reason it always tastes better on a boat. In these pictures, we were over-nighting on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos. We had found a nice cove, set the hook and settled in for an enjoyable night with the kids. We were still close to home, but being on the water made us feel like were on a little “mini-vacation”.

The grill took all of about 2 minutes to set-up and in no time the aromas wafting about the boat were almost intoxicating. We had prepared the food at home to make it a little easier on the boat. You can see the kabobs, but what you can’t see too well are the foil packets.

To make things easy we put some chicken breasts on a large piece of foil, then we loaded it up with seasoning (personally I like using Italian salad dressing) and veggies. Next, we just folded up the foil making a nice little packet. A tip: keep the “fold” on top so when you place it on the grill, nothing leaks out. When you cook the chicken inside a packet like this, you don’t have to flip it. It cooks great – nice and juicy! And you know what? I left the grill attached so that the next morning we could make coffee on the grill!

If you’ve never grilled on a boat, I highly suggest you try it!

Interested in doing some grillin' on your boat? We have these in stock. They sell for $219 in the store, but mention this blog and it's yours for only $199! We can even ship them to you. There are numerous mounts available. Call us @ 610-433-1606.

Lake George, NY

Many of our customers have told me about the vacations that they go on at Lake George, NY. Although I have traveled quite a few of the freshwater systems in the New York State area, I have yet to make it to Lake George. After seeing this video on the Today Show on July 27th I feel the need to someday visit this wonderful place.

When the Mayor of Lake George is interviewed at 45 seconds into the video, pay attention to the background. Can anyone name the two boats just over his left shoulder?

Have you ever been there? If so, please tell us about it. I encourage your stories and pictures.

Harveys Lake, PA

Harveys Lake, PA

By Mike and Sue Czerniakowski

Discovered by Benjamin Harvey in 1781 as a recently released prisoner of war making his way back to his Pennsylvania home. This, the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania, was previously unknown to American settlers.

Today it is a popular recreation area for boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing. The lake encompasses 660 acres or roughly over one square mile and is located in the most northern section of Luzerne County about a 2-hour drive from Allentown and about 30 minutes from Wilkes-Barre.

There is a State launch ramp just off of Lakeside Drive in the northwest corner of the lake. It features two paved launch ramps, ample parking, and restroom facilities. The best part is that there is no charge for launching your boat!

There is no boat size or horsepower limitations on the lake. However, there is a speed limit of 45mph on weekends and holidays and a very strict ‘no-wake’ restriction from sunset to sunrise.

The lake features fishing tournaments and is home to the swimming portion of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Triathlon held each summer. You can even learn to sail at the Harveys Lake Yacht Club.

There are restaurants on the water as well like Grotto Pizza and others. Just pull your boat up to the dock, have dinner, and afterward enjoy a moonlight cruise around the lake.

The Lakeside Skillet, Harveys Lake’s newest restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is in our opinion the best family restaurant around. But don’t take our word – check it out for yourself. There is even an outdoor patio!

If you wish to spend some more time, there are cottage rentals right on the lake as well. Visit Garrity Realty’s Stonehurst Cottage Rentals they would be happy to show you around. Or give them a call at 570-639-1891. They even have boat slips.

This is a great place to bring your family and your boat for a fun time on the water. And do not skimp on the fun – you can refill your tank from gas docks right on the water.

Please remember that even though this is a resort community in the summer, many of us have made this our home so please be respectful and we can all enjoy this beautiful place together.

Also – Ted, if you are reading this, when are you coming up to see us? We have invited you many times and we are getting tired of waiting ;- )

For more info on Harveys Lake, click here: http://www.harveyslake.org/

** This article was brought to us by Mike and Sue Czerniakowski.

Would you like to share your favorite boating destination or experience? If so, email your story and pictures to ted@petersmarine.com We would be happy to post them to our blog.

If you are not a story teller, no worries, send me a few notes along with your pics. I will write the article for you.

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

On Saturday July 11th 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.

Vessel Safety Check - US Power Squadron

MISSION:

To minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environmental impact while maximizing the safe use and enjoyment of U.S. waterways by recreational boaters.

The Vessel Safety Check is a voluntary process - one of “prevention through education, outreach, and volunteer compliance” helping recreational boaters to gain a respect for the boating environment.

Many boaters are unaware of the proper safety equipment required for their boats. This FREE service is a great way to ensure the safety of your family and proper maintenance of your boat.

When completed you will receive a passing decal for your boat. Additionally, this decal shows a willingness to do what is right and it might just give you the benefit of any doubt should you be stopped on the water by law enforcement.

To see what a Vessel Safety Check would look like, see the video below:

For more information on this program please contact:

Michael Lebeduik III, US Power Squadron - Delhigh

tja.ml3@verizon.net - Home

610-691-3348 - Home

610-730-2798 - Mobile

Link to US Power Squadron, VSC page: http://www.usps.org/national/vsc/

Tubes that you Control!

Summer's here and the temps are heating up!

Tubing is always a fun thing to do that requires little if any skill to enjoy. BUT, how about kicking things up a notch with a tube that

YOU CAN STEER!

That's right, take the thrill of tubing to a whole new level.

Check out these videos and see the fun.

Only $99 at Peters Marine Service for Bat X Ray

Only $159 at Peters Marine Service for Lulu

Only $219 at Peters Marine Service for U Slalom

Only $189 at Peters Marine Service for Slalom Solo

Only $299 at Peters Marine Service for Slalom Jockey (shown)

POST A COMMENT IF YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED THESE FOR YOURSELF

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

On Saturday June 27th 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.

Barefoot?

I am at a loss for words. Has anyone ever tried this? And survived? Wow!

US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Boating Safety Course

Presented by US Coast Guard Auxiliary

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering their comprehensive Boating Safety Class in a two (2) session format beginning on Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at:

2058 River Road, Reading PA (Just off Route 12 - River Road Exit)

Registration: August 1st, 2009 from 8 - 8:30AM

Class Session 1: Aug 1st - 8:30AM - 1:00PM

Class Session 2: Aug 8th - 8:30AM - 1:00PM

Student Cost: $24.00

For more information or advance registration:

Phone 570-875-3452 or Email blewul@ptd.net

That's Illegal. What you are doing is Illegal.

Anyone Remember This Scene!

A Fun Day at Beltzille Lake!

As most of you may know, I work here at Peters Marine pretty much non-stop through the summer. In the off season I work part-time as my full-time job is a teacher. This past Monday, I took a brand new Sea Ray 230 Sundeck to Beltzville for our (teacher's) End-Of-The-Year Picnic. What a blast we had! The forecast was calling for thunderstorm's, but we lucked out and had great weather. I didn't take any pictures of the food, but I should of at least taken a picture of the "Sugar Bacon" that Donna (a 2nd grade teacher) made. It's fabulous!

Cody (my son, age 5) & Ari (Tom & Regina's

daughter, age 6) enjoying the ride

Tom (Computers) - Going hard to starboard!

Todd (5th grade)- pulling hard to port!

Todd and Danny (son, age 4). Who's enjoying it more?

What a beautiful mom & son pic! Regina, age ??

and Joe, age 2

Hey, there's snake in the water!

Talk about a glamour shot!

Sue (Art teacher), Lea (5th grade), & Amanda (4th grade)

"Oh, isn't it nice to be chauffered around?"

Cody and me... "Go faster, Daddy!"

OK, Cody, here we go!

Cody & Danny fishing. Cody caught his first fish!

Angela, taking the wheel for her first time! The rest of us held on very tight...

Angela & Lea, going not so hard ;)

Tom and his daughter, Ari - "Don't worry, Ari, we'll be fine!"

Pets need floatation devices when they're aboard too

By Gary Blockus of the Morning Call
May 26, 2009

With boating season in full bloom now that we've made our way past Memorial Day, it's time to take a quick look at a safety feature may of us often forget about: securing our pets onboard.

Don't you absolutely love those pictures that show a golden retriever at the stern of a boat, tongue hanging out while master and family boat her across the lake, river or ocean?



The only thing wrong with pictures like those is that while they may be cute, they show little regard for the animal's safety.Even pets deserve personal floatation devices. The best water dogs may literally fall into deep trouble should they happen to tumble off the deck and into the water. If expert swimmers can experience panic and cramps while trying to negotiate a boat's wake, so can a dog.

Canine life jackets are available from a variety of manufactures and, like human PFDs, one size does not fit all.

Many dogs may be good swimmers, but not all dogs are good swimmers. Currents, waves, wakes and water temperature can affect a dog's ability to survive in any body of water should the animal accidentally or intentionally go overboard. Canine life jackets usually feature a ''handle strap'' along the backside that makes it easy for owner or rescuer to securely gain control of the animal in case rescue is warranted.

Do yourself, your family and your dog a favor by checking out some of the various water safety devices for animals at your local boat shop or pet store.

Call Peters Marine Service at 610-433-1606 for more information on Pet Vests.

ALSO - Be sure to frequent Gary's blog, Lehigh Valley Wild, at http://blogs.mcall.com/outdoors/ for information on Lehigh Valley Boating and Outdoor Sports Adventures!

Water Safety Festival at Blue Marsh Lake on June 14th, 2009

It's that time of year again for the Water Safety Festival out at Blue Marsh Lake.  This is a great event whether you have a boat or not.  Peters Marine will be attending the event along with many other organizations.  Water safety is the theme.  There will even be a helicopter landing during the festival!  We'll look forward to seeing you there...

Details below:

When: Sunday June 14, 2009

Time: 12-5 p.m.

What: Games- Win Prizes, Fishing Pond, Kayaking & Canoeing, Control Tower Tours, K9 Organizations, Emergency Response Units, Free Admission!

Where: Dry Brooks Day Use Area, Next To The Swim Beach 

(MAP / Directions Link)

Directions: From U.S. 222, take PA Route 183 North to Palisades Drive, turn left, and take first right into the Dry Brooks Day Use Area

Questions? Call 610-376-6337 orVisit us at:www.nap.usace.army.mil/sb/bm_guide.htm 

Schedule of events:

12:00 – 12:10   Welcome!                                U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

12:10 – 12:25   Sailing                                      Blue Marsh Sailing Association

12:25 – 12:40   Too Much Sun is No Fun!        American Red Cross

12:40 – 1:10     Search & Rescue                      Middle Creek Search and Rescue

1:10 – 1:55       LARC                                      Reading Fire Department

1:30                 Control Tower Tour               Shuttle Bus Stop

1:55 – 2:25       Canine Lifeguards                     New-Pen-Del

2:25 – 2:45       Paddle Sports                           Keystone Canoe Club

2:45 – 3:00       Reach, Throw, Row                 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

3:00                 Control Tower Tour               Shuttle Bus Stop

3:00 – 3:30       Dog Obedience                        Berks County 4-H

                                                                                    Dog Training Club

3:30 – 3:50       Kayaking                                  Emotion Kayaks & Cabela’s

3:50 – 4:10       Flare Demonstration                 PA Fish & Boat Commission

4:10 – 4:40       Lost and Found                        Greater Philadelphia Search

4:40 – 5:00       Boating Safety                          Delhigh Power Squadron

5:00                 May Day!                                 Lower Heidelberg Fire Co.,

I'm getting ready to go boating!

Well, it's Thursday night and all I can think of is getting out on the boat this Sunday with my family. Is that a bad thing? ;) With the rain we've had recently, and family commitments, this will be the latest start (in the season) to boating I've ever had. Typically I start sometime in April. So I'm a little depressed about such a late start, but excited to finally get going! I've got a few more things to do on the boat, namely shining it up, but I think we should be ready to go for this Sunday. We're planning on heading to Beltzville Lake as it's close and will be a good shakedown run to start the season.

I'm getting ready, are you? If you're reading this and you live in Florida, please don't rub it in my face that you boat year round! :)

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.

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

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....

View Larger Map

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.