PA Safe Boater Course

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:

Winter Class Schedule

Two (2) Saturday Mornings from 9:00am - 1:00pm

January Class - Saturday 15th and 22nd

February Class - Saturday 19th and 26th

March Class - Saturday 19th and 26th

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

Local Lakes Closed to Trailer Boating

Well it appears as though the lack of rain this summer has finally caught up to us and is taking it's toll on local trailer boating. Both Beltzville Lake and Blue Marsh Lake were required to release more water to supply the Delaware River with fresh water. This now means that boat launch ramp access at both of these lakes have been closed due to low water.

Click here for additional details on other local lakes.

On Sunday, September 19th, the last day that the Pine Run Lauch at Beltzville Lake was open, Dennis took his family and his boat, a Sea Ray 260 Sundancer, out for one last run. Here are some pictures from the lake.

Click on the links below for more detailed information about conditions at these lakes.

Blue Marsh Lake Info...

Beltzville Lake Info...

Winning Wakeboard Run

Here's a twist. Check out Dean Smith's Winning Run at the 2010 Rockstar Wakeboard World Championships August 19-22nd, 2010!

Can you say Hoochie Backside 360?

Would you wear a PFD on your Wedding Day?

For this happy couple there was no question that a Personal Floatation Device would make a beautiful wedding gown. Especially when you are getting married aboard your own boat.

Marilynn Katatsky, 62, and Rick Kaufmann, 67, were married June 4, 2010 aboard Patriot Games, their 2007 EdgeWater 245CC. The ceremony took place on Spa Creek near the Annapolis (Md.) Yacht Club.

Click below to see the wedding slideshow and hear Marilynn explain how this all happened.

Have you ever done anything like this aboard your own boat? Let us know!

PA Safe Boater Course

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:

September Class

Two (2) Thursday Evenings, September 16th and 23rd

6:00pm - 9:30pm

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

Chesapeake Bay Family Fun

We had another great trip to the Chesapeake in the middle of July. We hooked up Lazy Daze on Friday morning and trailered down to Elk Neck State Park (Turkey Point) where we launched and left the truck & trailer in their parking lot until we returned Monday afternoon. The launch is nice and they even have a pump-out facility and a small supply store.

From Turkey Point, we steamed down to The Sailing Emporium in Rock Hall on the Eastern shore of Maryland to hang out with some friends and spend the night there in the marina. For anyone that hasn’t come in to a marina by boat before, the standard protocol is to raise (call) the dockmaster on VHF 16 to announce yourself and ask where to go. We got situated in our slip and then made a very direct bee line to their swimming pool as the temperature was hovering around 100*. We’ve been at The Sailing Emporium a few times over the years and it has always been a great place to stay. The grounds are well-kept and the staff is inviting and very pleasant.

Our 3-year old daughter, Marina, decided she was going to try her hand at diving into a pool for the first time. After watching her a few times, I decided not to tell her that she is supposed to put her hands out in front of her as she dives. It was much more entertaining for everyone to watch this little blondy going head first… and, yes, sometimes it was more of a “face-flop” than a dive. But she always came up smiling and we always laughed and congratulated her – which, of course, meant she would get right out and do it again! Of course Cody couldn’t let his little sister show him up! Cody's favorite jump was, much to pleasure of everyone around him, a cannonball, of course.

That night we called Waterman’s, a favorite waterfront restaurant of many boater’s, and the manager came over and picked us up with his car. As you can tell in the picture below, my wife is a huge fan of “All You Can Eat” crabs! Apparently the kids enjoy crabs as well, since they kept stealing them from my wife whenever she wasn’t looking!

The following day we headed across the bay to Baltimore and Inner Harbor. It is very awe-inspiring to come in to Baltimore past Fort McHenry and imagine what it must have been like nearly 200 years ago as the port was defended against the British.

We had a great lunch at a restaurant where the kids were encouraged by our waitress to throw their used napkins on the floor. You should have seen their little faces as she told them “It’s OK”… Both kids looked at me with a stunned expression as if to say “Is it really OK, daddy?” Those confused expressions quickly changed to that of sheer happiness! After walking around for a while and looking at some of the old ships we headed back to Rock Hall and, of course, immediately jumped in the pool again.

On Sunday, we went north a bit to a place called Still Pond. This was our first time there – fantastic little cove! The water was warm and the sandy bottom provided a great hold for the hook as we decided to stay there all day and spend the night, as well. The kids must have swam back and forth between the shore and our boat a dozen times. They started calling the shore “Kid’s Land” and eventually wouldn’t let us go with them, as they wanted to explore on their own. It was great watching the two of them swim over, build sand castles and do their own exploring on the shoreline.

Eventually all good things must come to an end. Monday morning we headed back up to Elk Neck. We put the boat back on the trailer, had the kids take one last potty break and a just a few hours later we were back home in Allentown, PA. Living in Allentown, we obviously are not “right on the water”. But trailer boating can be a lot of fun as it opens you up to being able to go to many different places. The Chesapeake is definitely a great destination and one that we try to do at least once every year!

Not bad for a little 3-year old!

Can you tell my wife likes crabs?

"Daddy, why can't I dip my popcorn shrimp in a vat of butter?"

"I'm good at hammering!"

"Daddy, will you dance with me?"

Fort McHenry, the way the invading British would have seen it... minus the flying cannonballs coming at us, of course.

Baltimore Inner Harbor approach.

Monkey see, monkey do.

Fishing on "Sunset Boulevard" at The Sailing Imporium.

One of the last times that my wife was allowed to visit "Kid's Land".

Our last night on the Bay.

Naming Your Boat

So, you got yourself a new boat and have finally decided on a name for her. Great! But, should you just plop that name on the transom and call it a day? What about simply bringing aboard items that have the boat’s name on them? Well, unless you want to anger the Gods of the Sea and Winds, you might be best advised to read on, Captain!

Since the beginning of time, mariners have known that to properly name a boat you must follow the rules of the sea. If one doesn’t abide, Legend has it that he’d surely be struck with nothing but bad luck aboard the ship. Most importantly, this means registering your boat’s name in Poseidon’s (or Neptune’s) Ledger of the Deep. Once registered in the Ledger, you are free to sail (or motor) with fair winds and passage.

This is all accomplished through the Naming Ceremony (or Renaming, if the boat currently has a name). Now there is an actual turn of phrase to follow, but the basic concept is that you are asking permission from Poseidon to name your boat (or remove an old name). While the process to follow is strict, part of this process does involve a good bottle of Champagne (don’t skimp here!). Some of the liquid spirit is offered to the Gods by pouring it into the sea, but any that is left over is fair game for you and any friends that you may invite to the ceremony.

After the ceremony is completed, you may safely bring aboard any items that bear your boat’s name. You may also now have your name put on the transom. If you had to put the name on beforehand, at least keep it sufficiently covered until after the ceremony.

Is this just superstitious flooey for the fool-hearted? I don’t have the answer. However, I can tell you that my boat currently does not have a name on it and it won’t be revealed until after a little imbibing of some not-so-cheap Champagne!

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, July 29th, 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.

What a great weekend!

Boy, did we have a fantastic, long-weekend getaway! My family (Kim, Cody & Marina) and I took the boat up to Lake Wallenpaupack for the 4th of July. We ended up spending 3 days and 2 nights on the water in our 260 Sundancer. We took plenty of food and drinks for the trip that we kept in the fridge. Most of the time we cooked on the boat, but we even treated ourselves and went out to dinner one night - by boat, of course! Plus, you just can't beat seeing fireworks when you're on a boat - it just makes a special day like the 4th that much more memorable.

Here's a few pics of what our days and nights were like:

It's really great when they play together nicely, isn't it?

Here we are waiting for the fireworks, along with a few other boaters. Jiffy Pop is great, isn't it!?!

It's hard to tell in the picture, but every single little light that you see is another boat. These pictures are just one vantage point - all together, I bet there were easily 3,000 boats here.

All in all, we had a blast. Cody got to do a lot of fishing and Marina was in the water more than she was out! It's so nice to be able to go any where you want to, but still be "home".

PA Safe Boater Course

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 Class

Two (2) Thursday Evenings, August 19th and 26th

6:00pm - 9:30pm

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

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 $79 at Peters Marine Service for Bat X Ray



Only $99 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)

** Please Note that the prices shown are for 'IN-STOCK' units and are of limited supply.


POST A COMMENT IF YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED THESE FOR YOURSELF

How To Use Your GPS!

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 July 8th, 2010 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

Product Focus: Bimini Top

When referring to canvas tops, there are two basic styles. The first is typically called a “convertible top”. This attaches directly to the top of the windshield, and then stretches aft covering about half of the cockpit. More often than not, one cannot stand under this type.

The second type – and by far the most popular – is the bimini top. This style offers more protection from the sun (since it is larger than the convertible top) and is usually high enough to allow people to stand under it.

A bimini top can make a great addition to any boat. It gives you, your friends, and family a quick and easy way to get out of the hot sun, yet still enjoy being on the boat. A popular option for bimini’s are rear legs. The use of these will allow the bimini to stay in a vertical position (as pictured) when not being used, as opposed to having to lay it down into the boat where it would get in the way.

Bimini tops are available in sizes to fit just about any boat, as well as a selection of fabric materials and hardware. Installation is also very easy. A professional shop, like us, will typically charge about 1 hour of labor for this, although it can certainly be done by a DIY’er.

About Boating Safely - A USCGA Course

Flotilla 11-03 of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary is sponsoring an

'About Boating Safely Course'

at the Reading Flotilla Training Base

2058 River Road, Reading PA

This 8 hour course will be held in two 4 hour sessions.

Wednesday, June 23rd and 30th

6:00PM - 10:00PM

A US Coast Guard Auxiliary Certificate will be awarded upon completion. Additionally, you will be able to send for a Pennsylvania State Certificate as well.

Cost for Materials and Book is $26.00

Contact: William Lewullis

Home Phone No. 570-875-3452

email: blewul@ptd.net

Call the Reading Flotilla Training base to leave a message:

610-921-0747

Experience boating activties along the Lehigh River with Bobby Michener

Take a ride down the Lehigh River with Bobby Michener of Peters Marine Service and Gary Blockus of Allentown's The Morning Call newspaper.

There are many local boating possibilities here in the Lehigh Valley - you just have to know where to look. Here Bobby and Gary took some time to explore a nice stretch of the Lehigh River right here in Allentown, PA.

 

What can you discover when you Discover Boating?

State-By-State Life Jacket Requirements

I found an interesting link that shows life jacket requirements and licensing laws, organized by state. All you need to do is click on the state you're interested in. Planning a trip to another state this summer? Check out that state's laws before you go so you are prepared!

http://www.boatingsidekicks.com/boatsfact.htm

Pennsylvania Safe Boater Course

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:

June Class

Two (2) Thursday Evenings, June 17th and 24th

6:00pm - 9:30pm

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

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?