Chesapeake Changes Gas for the Better

Maryland gas changes for the better

Mariners will soon find a new fuel at Maryland marinas that’s better for their boat and for the environment. Largely due to the work of the nonprofit Marine Trades Association of Maryland, Delegate Herb McMillan and the Gevo fuel company, isobutanol-blended gasoline is now legally available for marinas to dispense. The fuel solves the problems associated with the use of ethanol.

According to testing completed on isobutanol, it offers a 30 percent higher energy content than ethanol, elimination of phase separation issues, reduced emissions, increased octane, and no water solubility glitches.

The EPA-approved fuel is made from renewable resources such as cereal crops, sugarcane, sugar beets, and other cellulosic raw materials. Tested by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in collaboration with the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, isobutanol is fully compatible with marine engines. Its performance — validated by Mercury, Evinrude, Johnson, Volvo Penta, Honda, Yamaha, and others — demonstrated that internal combustion engines have no problems running with mixtures of isobutanol and regular ethanol gasoline.

In Maryland, isobutanol is currently available only to on-water fuel facilities. Greg Roda, of Gevo, said he’s been “working like a dog” to make it accessible since it was legalized. “I believe there’s a big market there, and I believe everybody wants it. As you would guess, the supply chain is the hard part.” gevo.com

Non-ethanol fuel on the OBX

Speaking of gas, while Maryland changes gas for the better, you can find non-ethanol fuel this summer at Dock of the Bay Marina, the only marina on North Carolina’s northern Outer Banks with gas, diesel, deepwater access, and just about everything else you need for an adventure on the water.

The convenience store at this Kitty Hawk marina has ice, sandwiches, sodas, chips, and plenty of snacks to load up on. For adults, it also offers wine and beer. The marina also has crabbing supplies and fishing bait and tackle. The friendly and helpful staff can update you on the weather, provide directions and answer any other questions you may have. outerbanks.com/dock-of-the-bay-marina

Tournament time

Summer is fishing tournament time in the Mid-Atlantic with competitions throughout the region for charities and cash prizes ranging from $50 to more than $1 million. Charter boat operators and professional guides will be on-site to provide the know-how and stress-free entertainment. Daily tournament parties are also a big part of the fun.

For example, the 13^th Annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament is June 21-24 with weigh-ins at Marina Shores marina in Lynnhaven Inlet and the Virginia Beach Fishing Center in Rudee Inlet. In 2016, anglers aboard Skiligal reeled in a 216-pound bigeye tuna for first place and nearly $65,000. Sixty-eight boats participated in the tournament with a total payout of $122,850.

The big daddy of tournaments is the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland, in August. The 2016 purse was $4,450,000 with 1,412 fish caught. The money is so good, if you win, you’ll need to pass a lie detector test. Last year’s “winner” didn’t pass.

By Chris Knauss Southern Boating Magazine June 2017

Treasure hunter apprehended and arrested

The treasure hunter who raised one of the largest hauls in American history, Tommy Thompson, was arrested in West Boca Raton, Florida, in January after a two-year manhunt. Thompson found the sunken S.S. Central America off the coast of South Carolina in 1988. The ship sank in 1857 with 30,000 pounds of gold. Thompson sold treasure from the recovered vessel to a gold marketing group for $50 million. Project investors never saw any investment returns and sued. Although criminal charges were not filed against him, he is in custody until an appearance in an Ohio courtroom. Thompson was in seclusion since 2006.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) posted results of their online Florida anchoring regulations survey. The FWC used input from public meetings and the survey to aid Florida’s legislature in drafting guidelines for new anchoring restriction laws in its first 2015 legislative session ending May 1^st. Of six emergent concepts, “a setback distance where anchoring of vessels overnight in close proximity to waterfront residential property would be prohibited” is most significant. For details visit m.myfwc.com/media/2981333/Anchoring-Survey-Powerpoint.pdf.

Scientists in Charleston,
South Carolina, may soon discover what sank the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley during the Civil War. The hand-cranked submarine raised from Charleston Harbor 15 years ago lay in a sodium hydroxide solution for 4 months last year to loosen its hull from hardened gunk. Scientists gingerly chiseled away at the coating to eventually reveal 70 percent of its hull. Perhaps the percussion of exploding gunpowder in its spar that sank the Union’s Housatonic knocked the crew unconscious.

The Florida House of Representatives
introduced a bill that defines vessels “at risk” of becoming derelict. If enacted, the legislation would define “at risk” vessels as a vessel exhibiting compartments that are designed to be sealed unsealed for an extended period of time, a vessel that is or is in danger of breaking free of its anchor, a vessel listing due to water intrusion and a vessel that is or has taken on water without an effective means of dewatering. If the bill is enacted, the occupant or registered owner can be warned or fined from $50 to $1,000 depending on the number of offenses.

If cruising near Topsail Island
and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on weekends and at times during the week spring through fall, The Ice Cream Float Boat can satisfy your cravings for snacks, soft drinks and ice cream for $1-3 with on-the-water delivery. All it takes is a call or text to (910)777-9632 or e-mail jameson@ec.rr.com. theicecreamfloat.wix.com/theicecreamfloatboat or visit: theicecreamfloat.wix.com

Although E15
gas with 15 percent ethanol, isn’t sold at fuel docks, mariners need to be aware that in many states the gas is found at roadway gas stations where trailered boats and jerry jugs are filled. In North Carolina, Sheetz Convenience Stores will sell the gas at 60 of their stores beginning in 2016. Any gas with 10 percent or more of ethanol can do severe damage to marine engines.

By Nancy E. Spraker, Southern Boating May 2015