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.

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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....

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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.

Stern Anchoring

Do you like to “beach” your boat, but would prefer to keep the hull from being scratched? Do you ever anchor your boat when you’re close to other boaters? Stern anchoring can help in both of these situations. It will keep your bottom-side nice and shiny and also help to prevent your boat from swinging into others. If you’ve ever boated at places like Lake Wallenpaupack, Beltzville Lake or Blue Marsh Lake here in Eastern PA, you know how popular they can be on the weekends. Ensuring your boat doesn’t swing around in the wind and into another boater can give you peace of mind.

Normally, the best place to anchor is off the bow. However, if you want to keep your boat in a fixed position, you’ll need to put a second anchor in the water. Having an anchor off both the bow and stern will accomplish this.

“Beaching” the boat is a term used to describe pulling in close to shore, typically letting the bow nudge into the sea bottom. You can then hop out of the boat and set-up for a game of horseshoes on the shore edge. Some things you just can’t do very well on the water! If you want to avoid the scratches, you can let an anchor off the stern before you get to the shore. Have someone drop the anchor and then let the rope pay out until you get to your desired “closeness” to the shore. At that point, go ahead and tie-off the stern anchor. Next, someone can jump onto shore and tie a line from the bow cleat to something on shore (or use something like a dog stake). Adjust the two lines as needed for a perfect fit!

The same technique can be used while out in the middle of the lake to keep the boat from swinging. To make things easy, you’ll need two helpers for this. First, drop the anchor off the stern before you get to your anticipated anchor point. Next, pay out the rope as you go past your final anchor point to where you can drop the bow anchor. Lastly, put the boat in reverse as someone pulls in the stern rope and your other helper pays out the bow rope. When you get to the middle point between the two anchors, cleat the ropes and your done! It might sound confusing, but once you do it once or twice you’ll find it’s actually quite simple.


A little bit of advice: While stern anchoring can be a beneficial "tool" in your arsenal of weapons to help make boating more enjoyable, it should only be used in calm, protected areas. If you do this in open water, you run the risk of taking water in over the transom as the boat is not free to swing in response to wind and wave action. In open and/or rough water, only anchor off the bow. Save yourself the possibility of capsizing by stern anchoring only where favorable conditions permit it's safe use.

Soak 'Em All!

Soak your friends with AQUA ZOOKA! This easy to operate, quick filling water bazooka is constructed of high-impact thermoplastics, and will last for seasons of fun. Simply dip AQUA ZOOKA into the water and pull back on the handle to siphon water up into the barrel. You’re ready to fire, with a range of up to 60 feet! AQUA ZOOKAs are equipped with comfortable EVA handles so that you won’t lose your grip, even with wet hands in the heat of battle! The EVA handles also ensure that AQUA ZOOKA will float on top of the water. Doubles as a bilge pump or household siphon!



OK, so I copied and pasted the above right from the AquaZooka website. Heck, I even stole their pictures! But, the truth is, these really are fun toys to have onboard – or to use at a pool or river. We sell dozens upon dozens of these every year at the store. For about $10, you can’t go wrong. The only downside is that, if you have kids, you kinda have to plan on buying one for each… and of course you’ll have to have your own!

You've Got It In Neutral!

You've Got It In Neutral!

Galvanic Corrosion: What is it and how can we prevent it?

I was originally hoping to create a light and entertaining article about outdrive galvanic corrosion. Yet, in the end, it is corrosion. How sexy can it possibly be? Nonetheless this is an important issue that should concern ALL boaters.

First, what exactly is corrosion? Corrosion is a process of deterioration when metal components are exposed to a wet environment. This occurs both underwater and in the atmosphere. This deterioration is the process of the metal reverting to its oxide form. Steel, for example, will degrade (oxidize) back to its natural stable state – rust (iron ore).

Are you getting excited yet? If not, read on…

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals (copper and steel in the example below) are connected and submersed in an electrolyte (water) whereby an electric charge is created, like a DC battery. Negative electrons from the negatively charged metal (anode) will flow to the more positively charged metal (cathode). Left alone, the charged metal will corrode away to nothing.

If protection for both types of metal is desired, then a third more active metal must be added – a Sacrificial Anode. The most common metal is zinc although magnesium and aluminum are also used. This active metal becomes the anode for both metals. In the example below, the zinc or aluminum sacrifices itself to protect the other two metals, hence the term “sacrificial anode”.

On your boat these sacrificial anodes will protect the aluminum outdrive from corroding away. Without proper protection your outdrive could look like this:

For your boat these anodes come in three common forms – zinc, magnesium, or aluminum. Zinc can be used in saltwater or heavily polluted waters; magnesium can be used in fresh – but NEVER in salt or brackish water; and aluminum, which can be used in ALL environments and last up to 50% longer. This begs the question of course, how can an aluminum anode protect my aluminum outdrive from corroding? The answer is the aluminum anode is composed of an aluminum alloy that is more anodic than the aluminum in the outdrive.

Which Anode Material is Right for Your Boat?

Zinc Anodes
Zinc is the most common material used in saltwater - like boating at the Jersey Shore or the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay. When used in freshwater, Zinc anodes can form a coating after only a few months of use. This coating can stop them from working. It is a good policy to change them regularly, even if they look OK. Remember, if an anode doesn’t wear away it is NOT working!

NavalloyTM (Aluminum) Anodes*
The Aluminum alloy used in anodes is very different from normal aluminum. It includes about 5% zinc and a trace of Indium, which prevents the build up of an oxide layer.
Aluminum alloy anodes provide more protection and last longer than zinc. It will continue to work in freshwater and is safe for use in salt water. Aluminum is the only anode that is safe for all applications. Use these when boating in the Delaware River near Philadelphia, the northern parts of the Chesapeake Bay, or acidic lakes like Lake Wallenpaupack.

Magnesium Anodes
Magnesium is the most active metal on the galvanic scale. It can be used in freshwater, but care must be exercised. Magnesium can over-protect aluminum hulls or outdrives in salt or brackish water or even polluted freshwater, causing paint to be lifted with resulting corrosion. Even a few hours immersion can cause severe damage. Many boaters on Cayuga Lake in New York State are switching to magnesium for extra protection.

You have now taken the time to protect your boat properly. You tied your boat up in the slip - ready for a season of boating - proud that you have taken the right precautions regarding galvanic corrosion. However, is the boat tied up along side of you protected? If not, why should you care?

Connecting into shore power connects your ground to neighboring boats. If those boats are not protected properly by suitable anodes, your boat will be protecting both yours and theirs resulting in a rapid wearing of your anodes.


Other factors that affect corrosion are pollutants in the water, salinity, temperature, and the presence of stray electrical currents from incorrectly wired or insulated electrical equipment onboard your boat.

I hope you found this explanation enlightening and maybe even a bit entertaining. A little basic knowledge about corrosion will ensure a long and happy relationship between you and your equipment.

Many thanks to the people of Performance Metals of Bechtelsville PA, makers of NavalloyTM Anodes, for the information and graphics contained in this article. For more information on their products, please visit http://www.performancemetals.com/

Blue Marsh Lake Report

I went to Blue Marsh Lake for a meeting on Tuesday night.  On my way to the meeting I did a quick pass by the Dry Brooks Boat Launch.  I have good news!  The docks are in the water and the water level is normal.  The docks have been done correctly with cleats every ten feet and bumper guards all the way around.  Good job Blue Marsh Lake!

No it's not snowing.  Those are raindrops on my camera lens.

Now where’s the good weather?

Boat Handling - Caddyshack Style

Ted found this video on boat handling - 

What NOT to do Caddyshack Style.  "Hey you scratched my anchor"

Propellers: Stainless or Aluminum

The two main materials used for recreational boats are either aluminum or stainless steel. While they can be used interchangeably, they do have specific purposes. Depending on the type of boat you have and what you want to do with your boat you will need to decide which material will work best for you.

Both types of material have advantages and disadvantages and some engines will really only perform well with one material or the other. A small horsepower engine (a 4cyl. sterndrive, for example) really doesn’t create enough torque to spin a SS prop as it weighs considerably more than an aluminum prop. The potential gains of the SS are negated by the fact that the engine can’t spin the prop fast enough. On the other hand, a big, high horsepower monster engine will all but require the use of a SS prop to be able to handle the high torque that the engine creates. The blades of an aluminum prop will actually deflect under the demands of engine’s higher torque, thereby rendering it much less efficient – possibly useless.

An aluminum prop has a lower initial cost and is usually less expensive to repair. However, it can also be damaged easier. While a SS prop is more expensive to purchase, it has a much longer usable life. An aluminum prop can be damaged quite easily by debris in the water or certainly by hitting the bottom; a stainless prop will more than likely chew right through sticks and other debris and not even think twice about it. It’s even possible for a SS prop to survive a light hit against rocks. A benefit that most boaters will appreciate when using a SS prop is faster acceleration, improved throttle response, more pulling power and increased fuel economy. But again, these benefits can only be realized when the engine has enough power to spin the prop efficiently.

Hitting something underwater brings up another point. What about the “shockwave” that is created by the hit and sent up through the driveshaft to your engine? Because an aluminum prop is made of softer material it will take the brunt of the hit, although it more than likely will be damaged beyond use and possibly beyond repair. A SS prop may very well survive the hit unscathed, but could send that shockwave up to your engine. However, most propellers have an internal “shock absorber” to help with this.

In the end, talking to a professional or using something like Mercury Marine’s online Propeller Selector will more than likely help to make your decision easier.

One last note: If your prop has any signs of damage – rough edges, bent blades, chips/gouges, etc. – get it repaired ASAP. Even just the tiniest amount of damage will cause the prop to be out of balance and when it is spun at thousands of RPM’s that will translate into “bad vibrations” being sent to your engine (the “shock absorber” will be of no help in this situation). Call or visit your local marine dealer or repair shop and ask about a propeller repair service.

Beltzville Dock

Dennis wrote a great Blog entry on different types of Boat Fenders and Hangers.  Plus he made two great videos.  Video 1 and Video 2.  It reminded me of the boat dock at Beltzville Lake.  This is the only dock at the main launch ramp.  How well is your boat protected?

Taken August 2008 by synderella04 at Flickr.com

Philly, via the Delaware River

Where are some interesting places to boat? If you are new to boating, or even if you’re a veteran, you may wonder the same thing. Well, just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip. OK, so maybe it should be a tale of a not-so fateful trip…

There are actually quite a few places to trailer a boat to that are close to the Lehigh Valley. There are many local lakes and even the Jersey shore is not that far away. However, something that often gets over looked is the Delaware River. Typically, my family and I will make 2 or 3 trips a year to Neshaminy State Park – it is only about an hour away from Allentown, just a short distance off rte. 276. They have a very nice boat launch with 6 lanes and it drops into deep water. In fact, they have two launches, but the free one is much smaller and launches directly into the river. If you are boating in anything other than small, aluminum boat, take my advice and use the pay ramp. The small ramp is muddy and you are launching directly into the river’s current. The pay ramp is well worth the money.

Once we get on the river, we usually head south as Philly is only a 30-minute boat ride away at that point. The main point here is that we are going into Philly by boat! It really is a beautiful ride down the Delaware and once we get there we can buzz up next to the USS New Jersey – now that’s a boat! Then we either dock right at Penn’s Landing or even at Dave & Buster’s! When we dock at Penn’s Landing, there is a crosswalk that takes you right to South Street – an absolutely fabulous place to walk around. Have you ever tried to drive around, let alone park, in downtown Philly with a car? By boat is a much more enjoyable and relaxing experience. That’s what boating is all about – relaxing and enjoying life with family and friends. When my family and I walk around, I tend to gravitate towards the multitude of quaint places to eat and drink, while my wife seems to always end up at all of the places to shop at! I look forward to these day trips every year, as they are always enjoyable.

Get out there and make some memories!

Enjoy,
Dennis Galligani

Boat Fenders and Ways to Hang Them

Boat Fenders, or bumpers as they are often called, are an important accessory to protect your boat from damage during docking or rafting up with other boaters. They are available in many different shapes and sizes depending upon the type of boat you own. There are even various types of hardware options to hang them from your boat.

Join Dennis as he demonstrates the many choices of fender hangers.

Some Tips to Discover Your Own Boating Adventure

Last week we enjoyed a taste of spring weather. It may not have lasted long, but long enough to get the “props” turning in my mind. Many thoughts of how we can enjoy this season in our boat quickly floated by.

How about you? Have you given any thought to how boating can be a part of the warmer weather ahead? Many people will immediately conjure up images of racing up and down the lake pulling skiers and tubers all afternoon. While that can sure be loads of fun, why not consider including your boat into other fun activities as well?

Here are a few tips to get you started. For instance, why not book a dinner cruise date with your significant other – reservations for two at the best table overlooking the water, your boat! Pack a picnic meal and enjoy a beautiful sunset while gently anchored in a secluded cove. Or better yet, fire up a grill mounted right to your boat and create a lakeside barbeque. Afterward enjoy the peace and serenity of a moonlight cruise. Life on the water takes on an exciting feel once the sun goes down.


If the two of you cannot easily escape from the rest of your clan, then take them along and reconnect! Use your boat as your personal waterfront estate. Find a cove, throw out the anchor, and spend an afternoon swimming, fishing, laughing, and just plain enjoying each other’s company. Togetherness is the only option in the confines of your boat.

Create your own vacation cruise and take a trip by boat. See new sites from an entirely new prospective this year. Frequent visitors to our blog have most likely read my entry about our summer boating trip last year. Spend an overnight, a weekend, or longer traveling by boat. There are always new ‘ports of call’ waiting to be visited.

Include your boat in your plans this summer and discover your own boating adventure. The possibilities are endless.

Have some ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment below and let us know how you are planning to use your boat this year.

Onboard Weather Forecasting

A US Power Squadron Seminar

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

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

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

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

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

Instruction is FREE. Course materials are $21.

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

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.