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

January 14th, 21th, 28th, February 4th, 11th, and 18th

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

Winter Water Skiing

Yes, the air is cold and the snow is flying. Just don't tell these guys that boating has to end just because there is a little ice on the pond.



Have you ever done anything like this?

If so, email your story, pictures, or video links to ted@petersmarine.com and I will share them here.

Our First Boat

by Dominick Pisano
2009 Sea Ray 230 Sundancer
















In July, my better half (Lenore) and I went on vacation to Cape Cod, during our stay, we took a ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard. As we walked off the ferry, we saw a sight unfamiliar to us. There were a number of private boats from small to large, all tied to one another with the closest tied to the pier. I stood there looking in amazement as these people were sitting in their bathing suits on the decks of their boats, enjoying refreshments and conversation with the people in the boats next to them. I looked at Lenore and simply said, “We are doing something wrong, they are enjoying themselves more than we are”.

Upon our return to the Lehigh Valley, I decided that we were missing a good thing and so we decided to buy a boat. As newcomers to boating, we had no idea what to look for or how to find it; thank God for the internet. My search found this place called Peters Marine. Finding their web site most informative, I sent an e-mail to their address, congratulating them on the information offered through their web site. Low and behold, I get a response from Ted Shelson thanking me for my email and advising that if I need help just give him a call.

During the month of August we visited Peters Marine, looked at their showroom boats, and then searched different boating places in and around Bethlehem and Allentown. The third week in August we decided to go back to Peters Marine and see Ted. He responded to our every question and went out of his way to make our dream of owning a boat come true. Needless to say: we bought a 2009 Sea Ray 230 Sundancer and with the help from Ted, towed it to Lake Wallenpaupack. He was also able to obtain use of a slip for the month of September and the first two weeks in October. Now one thing I must mention is that Lenore was apprehensive about all of this because she is not a swimmer and her first question was “Where are the lifejackets and how do I put it on”.

Well for a person with apprehension, she took to boating like a fish to water and we both found a world of pure enjoyment. With the assistance of Ray Ely from the Service Department, we launched our boat the first week in September. It was a rainy day but we got her off the trailer and into the water. Ray opened the Bimini top and then proceeded to give me instruction in maneuvering the boat out of the slip, down the alley and into open water. Prior to all this I took the PA Boater Safety Course and obtained my blue card certificate. After driving the boat with Ray at my side, we went back to the slip and Ray left us on our own. We enjoyed lunch in our cabin and afterward, we decided it was time to chance it and take her out by ourselves.

The thrill of taking our boat out for the first time, maneuvering out of the slip and down the alley was exhilarating to say the least. There were boats on both sides of us and all I could think of was “I must not hit anyone else’s boat”. This was the first time in my life that I had ever done such a thing and it certainly got my adrenaline running. Once we cleared the alley (without a miss-hap) and were in open water, I felt nothing but joy standing at the helm of my own boat, going along Lake Wallenpaupack, seeing the other boats; both our hearts were pounding: some due to joy and some due to nerves. At the end of the day, I was able to maneuver into the alley and back into the slip. We tied to the slip, cleaned her up and put on the cover; what a day.

Well by the end of the second week in October, we had already logged ten hours on the engine. My First Mate and I are really looking forward to next summer when we could enjoy our boat for a longer season but we still talk about the fun and enjoyment we had on our boat for 2009.


It certainly appears as though Dominick and Lenore have truly 'Discovered' Boating! Have You?

Share your boating stories or tidbits of helpful boating information with other fellow boaters. Forward them to ted@petersmarine.com and we will publish them here.

Fuel Stabilization

As you get ready to put your boat to bed for the winter, don’t overlook the importance of stabilizing the fuel in your gas tank. Gasoline has a “shelf life” and only stays fresh for a short period of time before it begins to degrade and lose its’ octane rating. This process actually begins within a month. It will eventually “varnish” or “gum-up” your carburetor or fuel injection system, which will then require a costly visit to your mechanic. For that reason, it’s not a bad idea to use stabilizer year round as the gas in your tank may end up sitting for some time.

If your gas goes bad, you’ll have the added bonus of having to pump out your entire tank and properly disposing of the bad gas. Sound like fun? Not to me. My advice is to spend a few extra cents per gallon of gas and properly treat your gas all the time. Year round use will ensure that your fuel system stays clean and trouble free, offering you more on-water time.

For those that have concerns about Ethanol, all of the major brands of fuel stabilizers are offered in an Ethanol version to keep its’ ill effects at bay. Note, that the Ethanol versions do not affect the ability of the additive to stabilize the fuel.

Anti-Freeze ALERT!

SOME COLD FACTS

REGARDING NON-TOXIC ANTI-FREEZE

NOT ALL "MINUS 50" ANTI-FREEZE IS CREATED EQUAL

Over the years several diluted Anti-Freeze products have been introduced to the market containing 25-28% propylene glycol (PG). These products were originally designed for the discount retailers as a water systems price point product from which to UPSELL and were NOT recommened or intended for use in winterizing engines. These same products will be sold by some suppliers this season as being suitable for use in engines. DON'T BE FOOLED!

The ratings system for propylene glycol "Burst Points" can be somewhat misleading as different containers can have very different "burst points" (Example: copper pipe, rubber hose, and a cast iron engine have very different flexibility properties and "Burst Points"). This allows these diluted products to be legally advertised as "Minus 50" products!

It is therefore crucial for you to compare the percentage of propylene glycol in a product to obtain adequate protection for engine winterization.

A 30% blend of propylene glycol has been the minimum recommended percentage suitable for "Minus 50" protection in the Northeast when winterizing engines.

Camco Freeze Ban 50 contains 30% propylene glycol and ha been successfully used in winterizing the raw water sides of engine systems for over 25 years.

Engines are typically the most expensive portion of a boating investment. It simply does not make sense to use a substandard product in them in order to save a few dimes!

Freeze Ban 50 offers affordable high performance protection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PROPERLY WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT, PLEASE CONTACT:

The Service Department of Peters Marine at 610-821-0118 or email: service@petersmarine.com

Sophie Discovers Boating

Join Sophie as she and her dad discover boating for themselves.



How did you DISCOVER boating? Leave a comment and tell us your story. We would love to hear from you.

AquaPalooza with Alan Jackson Airing on CMT

2009 Sea Ray AquaPalooza Signature Event at Lake Martin, Alabama

To say that the 2009 Signature Event was a success would be a monumental understatement! An estimated 4,000 boats and 35,000 people showed up for what was by far the biggest single AquaPalooza celebration yet, featuring a concert by country superstar Alan Jackson and up-and-coming artists Matt Stillwell, the Carter Twins, Caitlin and Will, and Jypsi.Boats were packed bumper to bumper for more than a mile, and many fans donned their inner tubes and water noodles to paddle close to the water-pit at the bottom on the stage. Jackson pulled up to the dock at Russell Lands' Kowaliga Marine in his 1923 Hacker Craft and played hit songs from his current platinum album, "Good Time", as well as favorites like "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", "Summertime Blues" and "Pop a Top". During the show, Jackson spoke movingly about childhood visits to Lake Martin with his family. His encore included a performance of the Hank Williams classic "Kaw-Liga", which Williams penned at his historic cabin on the lake.

You're sure to have a "Good Time" when country superstar Alan Jackson makes a splash at Aquapalooza on Lake Martin. Watch as Jackson sings feel-good hits such as "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and more in front of a lively audience of boating enthusiasts. Be sure to wash away those "Summertime Blues," "Pop a Top" and enjoy this concert special.

Set your DVR / VCR early for this one!
Airtime is on Monday, Sept. 28 at 8 a.m. ET.

That's Right! I said, A.M. !

For more highlights of this event, click here.

Mercruiser To Introduce NEW Big-Block Engine

Mercury MerCruiser's newly developed big-block engine will be available early next year, the company announced on Sept 22nd, 2009.

The 8.2-liter gas engine, which replaces the 8.1-liter model, will be available in sterndrive and inboard configurations. The catalyst version will be available Jan. 1, while the non-catalyst model is scheduled for release in mid-2010.

The engine produces more power and has better midrange acceleration, lower emissions and excellent fuel efficiency, according to the company. With base (380 hp) and high-output (430 hp) ratings, it is compatible with such MerCruiser options as the Axius sterndrive system with joystick control, the SmartCraft engine monitoring system, and SeaCore corrosion protection.

It runs on 87 octane fuel, and the catalyst allows for ultra-low exhaust emissions, virtually eliminating exhaust odor, according to the company.

"Not only did the team achieve superior performance while adding a catalyst, they maintained fuel efficiency and improved serviceability without adding cost," Mercury MerCruiser project manager Derric Drake said in a statement.

Fun Things To Do at Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

Lake Wallenpaupack in beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania is a premier vacation spot for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Check out this informative video by the the Pike County Visitors Bureau for highlights.

Have you spent time at Lake Wallenpaupack? If so, how do you enjoy the lake?

We would like to learn about your experiences and memories. Please comment below.

Mercury Marine's SmartTow Speed Control

Introducing SmartTow, the latest SmartCraft advancement in tow sport technology. Gone are the days of calculating the weight of the boat and embarrassing yourself by asking the weight of your guests. You can also forget about the daunting challenge of maintaining speed manually. Like Cruise Control for you boat, simply select from five Launch Control profiles for the pull intensity your rider wants out of the water, enter your rpm end point and SmartTow handles the rest!

Check out this video!



Click here for more info on SmartTow from Mercury Marine....

The Seven Seas Sales Event

The HOT weather is here and there are loads of great boating days ahead.

Now is the time to take advantage of some incredible savings during Sea Ray's

"The Seven Seas Sales Event"

But hurry in. These savings end

on September 27th, 2009!

Stop in and check out the HUGE savings on our limited inventory of 2009's.

For rebate amounts click here:

www.searay.com/page.aspx/pageid/15993/page.aspx

Fuel Economy - Part 2 - Boat Attitude

Yes, your boat may have an attitude! Well, at least it should. The “attitude” of a boat, generally, refers to the relationship between the bow and the stern. In other words, the boat can be running with the “bow high” or “bow low”. Adjusting the boat’s attitude can have a significant effect on its’ performance. This performance can be defined by fuel economy, speed, hole shot, even stability in rough water. As this blog is about fuel economy, I’ll limit this discussion to issues that directly relate to maximizing your fuel economy. So as to not get too confusing, I’m also going to limit this discussion to outboard and stern drive powered boats, since these are typically adjustable while the boat is running. Inboard (and some OB and stern drive) powered boats will also have “trim tabs” at their disposal, but we’ll save that for another day.

“Trimming the drive” refers to the angle of the outdrive (or in the case of an outboard engine, the entire engine). More specifically, it refers to changing the angle of the propeller in relation to an imaginary line coming straight back off the keel of the boat. Imagine a straight line being extended past the transom and compare that line to the propeller angle, or “aim”. If the propeller is aimed up (above the line) then the propeller thrust is going to lift the stern. If the prop is aimed down (below the line) then the thrust is going to push the stern down. This is also known as “Trim Up” or “Trim Down”.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When the stern goes down, the bow goes up. When the stern goes up, the bow goes down. So, when you push the “up” trim button at the helm, what’s actually happening is the drive is being raised, pushing the stern down, thereby making the bow rise. Of course, the opposite happens when you push the “down” trim button.

So what does all this mean for economy? Well, more fuel is wasted while trying to get the boat on plane, than when it is actually on plane. If you can spend less time getting on plane, you’ll burn less fuel. While some boats have much better hull designs that have been engineered to provide superior “lift” or “hole shot”, you can decrease your hole shot time by always starting out with the drive completely down. This will provide maximum stern lift, thereby keeping your bow down. If you get the boat “out of the hole” faster, you are increasing your fuel economy.

Now once you get on plane, if you leave the trim down, you will also be keeping a lot of the hull bottom in the water. More hull in the water equals more drag. More drag equals less economy. Once you’re on plane, start trimming up. This will get more of the hull out of the water. You will feel the boat “lighten up” and you should also notice that the spray coming off the hull side will start to move further towards the stern. Another thing you’ll notice is that your speed – without changing your throttle setting – will go up. If you can obtain a higher speed at the same throttle setting, you are increasing your fuel economy. Now if you trim too far up, the prop will lose it’s bite in the water and will start to ventilate. Your RPM’s will shoot up very quickly (possibly over revving the engine) and speed will actually decrease. If this happens, don’t panic. Trim the drive back down and/or pull back on the throttle until the prop regains it’s bite and the RPM’s stabilize.

To wrap this up, you can increase your fuel economy via your boat’s attitude by:

-- Decreasing your hole shot by trimming down

-- Increasing your speed (at the same throttle setting) by trimming up

Once you understand the general theory, it’s actually quite simple. As mentioned above, the difference between one manufacturer’s hull design and another will also play a significant role in the economy game. However, you can increase your particular boat’s economy simply by using the trim wisely. One last thing to keep in mind is that your boat only has one forward gear. You can’t shift through 5 gears for better economy like you can in a car. This means another major factor for economy is… you! Most gas-powered boats will achieve their best fuel economy at around 3,500rpms - some a little more, some a little less as it will also depend on hull design. So if you’re constantly running your boat at high RPM’s and wondering why your fuel gauge needle moves so quickly towards “E”, now you know what (or who) is to blame. I’ll give you a hint… it’s not your boat or the engine! ;)

A Green Field Abyss!

At least one of these guys is Discovering Boating!

Lady Liberty - A New Perspective

This picture was provided to us by AJ and Maryann Devine, owners of a beautiful 2006 Sea Ray 250SLX 'Seaslife'. They offer us a new prespective on how to enjoy the sights of New York Harbor.

According to AJ, he would definitely recommend to any boat owner this way of seeing The Statue of Liberty.

We certainly agree.

Do you have an interesting boating picture that you would like to share? If so, send them to us at ted@petersmarine.com . We would be very happy to post them here.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Course

The Reading Flotilla of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be holding a Boating Safety Course in Reading. They will hold the course at the Flotilla's Training base.

Information listed below:

Boating Safety Course

Starting September 15, 2009

USCG Auxiliary Upper Reading Flotilla 11-06
Offers Course In

Boating Safety & Seamanship (BS&S)

At the Reading Flotilla Training Base

2058 River Road, Reading, PA

On Tuesdays For 8 Weeks 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM

Pre Registration Required

(Course is FREE; Text and materials cost is $36.00)

Pre Registration on Tuesday, 8 September
Reading Flotilla Training Base at 2058 River Road
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
(Payment for the course will be taken & textbooks distributed)

Questions or Additional Information?

Contact Bob Catlin 610-926-4558 (rlcatlin@ptd.net)

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.