Tag: Southern Boating

2016 Yamaha Outboards: Bigger, Faster, Better

Marine press preview Yamaha’s impressive and progressive new products.

It was a fast couple of days. Very fast, in fact. Light but steady mid-Atlantic winds ruffled the waters in Baltimore Harbor, making conditions perfect for testing Yamaha’s newest outboards, particularly the new F350C powerhouse, the next generation of Yamaha’s first-ever 5.3-liter, V8 four-stroke offshore outboard.

With its variable camshaft timing and class-leading displacement, the F350C produces exceptional power and torque in the low- and mid-range rpm applications, perfect for today’s big, bluewater fishing boats. If you own a large, offshore-capable center console, you naturally want that level of performance to move the family-pleasing, fish-conquering designs that are growing in popularity.

On the docks in Baltimore, twin F350C Yamaha outboards mounted on a new Everglades 325 Center Console provided our first look at what this advanced power plant offers. Everglades Director of Dealer Development Shane Kwaterski had us on plane in seconds, and I watched closely as the tachometer climbed past 2,500 rpm. At 3,500 rpm, the 32′ 4″ LOA, 10′ 8″ beam, 11,510-lb. (dry weight with twin Yamaha 350C outboards) center console exceeded 29 mph, burning 21.5 gph for a best-efficiency rating of 1.37 mpg.

Yamaha’s powerful F350C is the world’s first 5.3-liter V8 four-stroke outboard.

But Kwaterski was just beginning, and as he advanced the throttles to their stops, we watched the 325CC top out at a head-clearing 56 mph, turning 6,000 rpm and burning 67.9 gph. Interestingly, the speed range efficiency readings most prized by owners varied from the aforementioned 1.37 mpg at 29 mph to 1.04 mpg at 45 mph—a broad performance spectrum with a relatively slight loss of overall efficiency for the F350C twins.

There was one other boat rigged with the F350C available for testing, a Shearwater 27 Carolina center console. Equipped with a single motor, this 26′ 10″ LOA, 8′ 6″ beam bay boat with a shoal-friendly 15-inch draft was on plane in 5 seconds and turned a top speed of 60 mph at 6,100 rpm. This boat produced best economy with 2.6 mpg at 37 mph and 4,000 rpm and burned 14.5 gph. Like the above Everglades center console, the Shearwater achieved over 2 mpg across a wide range of operating speeds, beginning at 27 mph and 3,500 rpm and extending through 49 mph at 5,000 rpm. When pushed to 5,500 rpm, the efficiency barely dropped from just above 2 mpg to 1.9 mpg.

Yamaha’s F350C is the latest generation of the 5.3-liter, double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 60-degree V8 introduced in 2007 as the next advancement for large, open-water-capable center consoles, among other kinds of designs. This engine provided, and continues to provide in its newest iteration, up to 45 percent more thrust than Yamaha’s legendary 250-hp engine, using features such as sequential multiport fuel injectors for precise fuel metering. It also utilizes a single, electronic throttle control valve actuated by the electronic control module (ECM) for air induction, plus its long pulse-tuned intakes and dual exhausts provide the best flow of fresh and exhausted air charges.

To handle its high output and torque, Yamaha specified strong forged internal motor mounts and an oversized motor bracket, both of which help to mitigate vibration and noise. The manufacturer also developed what they term the “Ultra-Tough Gearcase” and equipped it with hardened, high-strength oversized bearings and bearing surfaces.

What’s more, Helm Master, Yamaha’s fully-integrated control system, was on display on the Everglades 325CC and also on Yamaha Pro Staff Capt. George Mitchell’s Yellowfin 36CC, which had triple F300 outboards, and on Capt. Sean Gill’s Yellowfin 26CC that sported twin F200 outboards. Besides its availability for quad -outboard applications beginning this year, the latest version of the joystick-controlled Helm Master can be specifically tailored for boats larger than 40 feet LOA to make docking easier. (Yamaha’s Helm Master was featured in our May 2015 issue and can be found online: southernboating.com/yamaha-helm-master.)

Aside from the F350C, Yamaha continues to offer a variety of new engines for other boating applications and preferences. Four new V MAX SHO outboards—all of which are compact, lightweight and capable of performance typically associated with two strokes—showcased four-stroke convenience, fuel efficiency and quiet operation. The new V MAX SHO 115, aimed at smaller boats like the Ranger RP190, and the new V MAX SHO 175, aimed at midsize boats like the Veranda Vertex 22RFL pontoon, rounded out the horsepower offerings of the V MAX SHO family, which already includes V MAX SHO 150, 200, 225, and 250 models. Interestingly, the new V MAX SHO 150 X-Shaft and V MAX SHO 250 X-Shaft are the first members of the V MAX SHO family to feature a 25-inch shaft length, making them ideal for boats with large transoms.

Some of you will remember 1986 as the year Yamaha Marine entered the U.S. boating market with a full line of advanced, stainless steel-enhanced outboard motors. I remember it well because that introduction took place in Baltimore. It launched an intense, competitive engineering-based outboard race that continues to this day, bringing more reliability, efficiency and performance to boaters of all stripes. It was great to come full circle by returning to Baltimore to see what’s new from Yamaha for 2016.

INFORMATION:
yamahaoutboards.com

By John Wooldridge, Southern Boating Magazine August 2016

Maritime Museums

Keep your family learning all summer long and explore maritime museums across the country and around the world.

Maritime museums bring centuries of boating to life. Whether you’re interested in a bit of culture while exploring the ICW aboard your own vessel or flying cross-country with the kids and want to develop their nautical interests, a maritime museum visit is sure to educate and entertain. (It may even spark some lively debates that could reduce the amount of time the kids spend on social media!)

Here are a half-dozen museums our editors love. Share your favorites with us on Facebook or email the editor at   sbletters@southernboating.com.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
St. Michaels is a charming historic town 26 nautical miles from Annapolis. Here, the spectacular 18-acre Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum stretches across multiple buildings with outdoor models of typical Chesapeake boats scattered about the grounds, including the bugeye Edna Lockwood, the skipjack Rosa Parks and the buyboat Mr. Jim.

The museum is composed of exhibits dedicated to the maritime heritage of the area—waterfowl hunting, boatbuilding and seafood processing. Enjoy a  lighthouse tour or learn about oyster tonging—digging oysters off the bottom with long-handled tongs—which couldn’t have been an easy job.

The Hooper Strait lighthouse is a typical Chesapeake screwpile lighthouse that was decommissioned after 75 years of service in Tangier Sound and transferred to its present location in 1966. These region-specific, cottage-style buildings formerly housed lighthouse keepers and were anchored to the muddy bottom of the bay on pilings that were screwed in, thus the name “screwpile lighthouse”. cbmm.org

Calvert Marine Museum
The Calvert Marine Museum on Solomons Island is a southern Chesapeake gem. Its mini estuary and extensive permanent exhibits include a Fresnel lens and another screwpile lighthouse, this time characteristic to Drum Point. The main facility houses nearly 30,000 square feet of exhibits containing many types of bay boats, fishing equipment and old-time outboard engines that make you ponder the humble beginnings of your own tender’s motor. A 6,000-square-foot outbuilding houses a small craft collection, putting the various styles of bay boats in perspective and could qualify as a museum in its own right.

A half-mile south of the main museum is the Lore Oyster House. Built in 1934, this restored seafood packinghouse displays exhibits having to do with shucking, storing and shipping oysters, which was a mainstay industry of the area for a period of time.

Neat and tidy, this facility can be completely explored in one afternoon, keeping short attention spans happy. calvertmarinemuseum.com

Nauticus
This maritime-themed science center and museum in Norfolk, Virginia, often goes by the name National Maritime Center. The 80,000-square-foot, multi-story facility is located in the commercial and military maritime heart of Norfolk. Opened to the public in 1994, the property features interactive theaters, a weather station and even touch tanks.

Docked next door to Nauticus is an exhibit you simply cannot miss. The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-class battleship and sister to the USS Iowa (BB-61) on display in Long Beach, California. She launched in 1943, two years to the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and opened for public tours at this center in 2001. The imposing ship even dwarfs the formidable building to which she belongs. nauticus.org

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
If the northern leg of your Great Loop summer excursion includes Lake Superior—the greatest in size and depth of all the Great Lakes—take advantage of the free admission at this museum located near the aerial lift bridge at the historic Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota. Learn about Lake Superior’s rich maritime heritage as well as the heritage of the lower Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System. Exhibits include the historic Fresnel lens, which was originally installed in 1901 and replaced in 1995.

Schedule your visit to coincide with the arrival or departure of big ships by visiting the museum website at duluthboats.com. And when the time comes to cast off the lines to leave Duluth for the next stop, keep an eye on the port by visiting lsmma.com to watch the live webcam of ship traffic.

Maritime Museum San Diego
Whether you’re interested in the age of sail or the age of steam, chances are there’s a vessel on display at the Maritime Museum of San Diego that will enchant your imagination. The crown jewel of the fleet is the Star of India, a bark launched in 1863 just five days before Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. She’s sailed around the world 21 times, has no auxiliary power and still sails a few times a year with a volunteer crew. Also on display is the steam ferry Berkeley (first propeller-driven ferry on the West Coast) and the steam yacht Medea (served in two World Wars under three navies and six national flags). The museum is even home to the USS Dolphin, a submarine renowned for her deep diving capabilities.

Some of the ships and boats at this museum tour the harbor, so in addition to perusing the permanent exhibits on everything from fishing to charting the oceans, there’s a chance to get out on the water. sdmaritime.org

Vancouver Maritime Museum
If your summertime cruising itinerary includes the northern U.S. Pacific coastline, consider crossing the border to Canada and visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum. This location has worked tirelessly since 1959 to preserve maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic. Located in Vanier Park just west of False Creek on the Vancouver waterfront, the facility rests in a beautiful location and is actively seeking to expand.

Executive Director Captain Ken Burton, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) retiree, heads up the growth and jests that the light bulb replacement budget of the maritime museum in Sydney, Australia, comprises his entire budget in Vancouver. Burton has close ties to the museum’s main exhibit, the wooden St. Roch, an Arctic exploration vessel that charted the Northwest Passage just after the start of WWII. In 2000, Captain Burton commanded the RCMP Patrol Vessel Nadon during the Vancouver Maritime Museum’s re-creation of the original St. Roch voyage, a 24,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation that took 169 days.

Visitors may board the St. Roch (now housed indoors) to get a taste of what life was like aboard the ship, where sled dogs shared the deck with the working crew and even an Inuit family. Kids can also enjoy the St. Roch simulator, which allows them to navigate the St. Roch among icebergs and polar bears. vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

—More Maritime Museums—
1. Mystic Seaport Museum of America and the Sea – mysticseaport.org
2. J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum – crisfieldheritagefoundation.org3. Reedville Fisherman’s Museum – rfmuseum.org
4. Annapolis Maritime Museum – amaritime.org
5. U.S. Naval Academy Museum – usna.edu/museum6. Florida Maritime Museum – floridamaritimemuseum.org
7. USS Midway Aircraft Carrier – midway.org
8. Los Angeles Museum/USS Iowa – pacificbattleship.com
9. SS Lane Victory – lanevictory.org10. San Francisco National Historic Park – nps.gov/safr
11. Royal Museums Greenwich – rmg.co.uk
12. New Zealand Maritime Museum – maritimemuseum.co.nz
13. Australian National Maritime Museum – anmm.gov.au

By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating June 2016

Guest Guidance

How to talk safety with guests before you leave the dock.

When it comes to having an enjoyable time out on the water, ensuring the safety of your passengers is paramount. As summer progresses and days grow warmer, the arrival of the weekend signals the perfect time to capitalize on one of the many pleasures of boat ownership: to invite friends and family aboard for a day of carefree cruising. What’s better than taking the helm and treating your guests to that specific kind of fresh air that only comes from a salty breeze?

Adhering to safety regulations and establishing safe boating practices is one of the most important ways to help your guests enjoy their experience. Accidents happen no matter the age or degree of competence of the skipper, and having a predetermined understanding of the waterway rules may help avoid incidents.

As the skipper of the boat, you have a unique responsibility not only for the safety of all passengers, but also for that of nearby boats, individuals in the surrounding waters (such as swimmers, divers, etc.) and anyone who may be impacted by your boat’s wake. It’s important to learn how to manage this responsibility without taking away from the enjoyment of being out on the water.

So now that you’ve ensured the vessel is in working order, double-checked your safety gear and refilled the cooler, are your passengers aware of their own onboard responsibilities? Guests should be briefed on how they can positively contribute aboard the boat. Before casting off lines, take any passengers unfamiliar with the boat on a tour around the vessel. Show them where you keep the safety equipment, such as PFDs, throwables and the fire extinguisher, and also explain docking plans. These extra steps could save a life in the event of an emergency or if the skipper is suddenly incapacitated and/or unable to man the helm.

Before the excursion, preparing a list of tips and guidelines for your guests helps them understand the rules of being on the deck. Make these tips as silly or straightforward as you want as long as they convey the proper message and necessary information to guests. Use these as a guide:

Keep distractions to a minimum.
In order to effectively steer the boat, the skipper must remain focused on his surroundings. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Recreational Boating Statistics, operator inattention was the primary contributing factor of accidents and casualties nationally in 2014 with approximately 600 incidents recorded. Guests may easily avoid unnecessary distractions, which could help reduce the number of incidents. We’re not suggesting to turn off the music or stop socializing; however, it might mean that the skipper needs to wait to view that funny video your friend posted on Facebook until the boat is docked.

Pay attention to surrounding area.
All passengers should keep an eye out for oncoming boat traffic and feel free to speak up to the skipper about any concerns. It’s probable the skipper sees that looming megayacht or quick-moving cigarette boat approaching, especially in crowded areas like the ICW, but it won’t hurt to speak up and share your concerns, anyway. After all, distractions ensue slyly and a quick shout may help get the skipper’s attention back on the water.

Properly stow away all personal items.
Provide specific instructions for your guests before they arrive or don’t be surprised when they show up at the dock with four bags full of towels, spray-on sunscreen, three extra outfits, and an extra-large cooler. With limited space on board, it’s important to disclose what guests should bring and what is provided ahead of time so they may pack appropriately. Along the same vein, prepare your guests to wear weather-appropriate attire. Keep in mind that even a hint of rain means you have to find room for multiple raincoats brought as a preventative measure, which is difficult when space is limited. Show guests where to neatly stow away their personal items to keep walkways clear.

Wear proper footwear.
Although many cruisers go barefoot while out on the water, wearing non-skid shoes on deck helps prevent the potential for slips and falls. Guests without much on-the-water experience especially benefit from this policy as it aims to reduce the number of onboard injuries. Slipping and falling on a moving vessel was ranked among the top factors in the USCG Statistic report regarding bodily injury incidents. Wearing appropriate footwear is a simple solution to keep guests upright and having fun.

Consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation.
Obviously, excessive consumption of alcohol is extremely dangerous in any situation. Alcohol abuse aboard a vessel results in dozens of deaths each year. Communicate the limits to your passengers before cracking open a bottle so everyone may have a good time and relax while underway, especially the hosts.

By Susanna Botkin, Southern Boating July 2016

Explore These Five Inland Lakes

For a change of scenery, tow your boat to inland lakes and rivers.

Most of our cruising destination articles are focused on coastal locations or islands. All across the country, however, boat owners enjoy cruising the fresh waters on inland lakes. These five should be on your short list should your roadtrip with boat trailer in tow find you in the vicinity. But even if your boat is not trailerable, boat rental options run the gamut from pontoons to houseboats and everything in between.

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
Size: 32 sq mi; Mean depth: 55′ (max 250′)

Frequently referred to as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” Smith Mountain Lake (SML) draws day boaters from Roanoke, VA, and the surrounding area (30-45 minute drive). If your base is in Roanoke, make sure you start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Roanoker, a family-owned diner famous for the biscuits and sausage gravy first served to WWII soldiers. Vacation-home owners from Richmond, Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, and as far away as Washington, D.C., arrive during peak season (June-August) for long weekends or the entire summer. Many rental properties are available with varied size, amenities and prices. Keep in mind that many of the roads to SML wind and curve, so driving with boat trailers should be done during daylight.

The lake is actually a reservoir that was created when the Smith Mountain Dam on the Roanoke River was built in 1963. The Virginia fishery management stocks SML with striped, smallmouth and largemouth bass, which earns it the moniker of being one of the country’s 25 best bass lakes. If you’re a little rusty on your bass fishing technique, fishing guides are readily available. On non-boating days, stretch your legs and hike or bike a section of the famed 470-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway, the National Park that’s visited most frequently (see page 68 for more National Parks). You may also recognize some of the shoreline from the movie What About Bob, which was filmed here.

INFORMATION:
Smith Mountain Dam Visitors Center (*Free admission)
2072 Ford Road, Sandy Level, VA
Phone: (540) 985-2587; smithmtn.com

Boat launches:
Hales Ford Boat Launch
16700 Moneta Rd., Moneta • (540) 297-2222
SML State Park Boat Launch
1235 State Park Rd., Huddleston • (540) 297-6066

 

Lake Marion, South Carolina
Area: 171.9 sq mi; Max depth: 77′

Approximately a one-hour drive from Charleston, South Carolina, Lake Marion is the state’s largest freshwater lake. Created by the damming of the Santee River in the 1940s, the lake covers over 110,000 acres. Thousands of live cypress trees are still in the area, which help contribute to a thriving ecosystem. Many species of fish—striped bass, crappie and catfish—flourish in the lake’s rich environment making Lake Marion a prime fishing destination. In addition to boating, scenic activities include walking and biking trails, geocaching, hiking, and bird watching. Open 6AM-10PM daily, Santee State Park offers lakeside cabin lodging and camping grounds for extended stays. Park admission is $2 for adults and free for ages 15 and younger. Also on Lake Marion is the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, which extends additional provisions for nature enthusiasts, such as two observation towers that provide great vantage points for observing the local wildlife. Visiting the refuge is free and its visitor center is open Tuesday through Friday, 8AM-4PM. *South Carolina requires a recreational license for fishing.
dnr.sc.gov/licensing

INFORMATION:
Santee State Park
251 State Park Road, Santee, SC • (803) 854-2408
southcarolinaparks.com/santee; fws.gov/refuge/santee

Boat launch:
John C. Land III Boat Ramp
Greenall Road, Summerton, SC • (803) 734-4009

 

Lake Champlain, New York, Vermont & Quebec
Area: 490 sq mi; Mean depth: 64′ (Max: 400′)

On this popular and picturesque lake’s west border are the Adirondack Mountains in New York, and on its east are Vermont’s Green Mountains. Named after explorer Samuel de Champlain, its sweeping vistas, wide variety of waterfront activities, multiple waterways, sandy shores, and peaceful bays draw thousands of visitors each year. On the lake’s eastern shore sits Burlington, Vermont—Lake Champlain’s largest waterside city. Throughout the year, the beautiful and historic Waterfront Park hosts several music and food festivals and is also home to the Bike Path, which follows the park’s eastern border along the lake’s waterfront. Adjacent to the park is the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center. The public boat launch is located at the easily accessible Perkins Pier Marina, and transient cruisers in the area are sure to enjoy the many services and plenty of dockage offered at Burlington’s Community Boathouse Marina.

INFORMATION:
Community Boathouse Marina
1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401 • (802) 865-3377
lakechamplainregion.com

Boat launch:
Perkins Pier Marina
1 Lavalley Lane, Burlington, VT • (802) 865-3377

 

Lake Sammamish, Washington
Area: 8 sq mi; Mean depth: 58′ (max: 105′)

Nestled within the 512-acre Lake Sammamish State Park amid the scenic suburbs just 8 miles east of Seattle is a cruiser-friendly freshwater lake. The serene Lake Sammamish and surrounding state park is open to the public every day from 6AM to dark for recreational boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and hiking and biking trails. Bird watching is popular thanks to the great-blue-heron rookery in the area’s deciduous forest and wetland vegetation. Witness one of the world’s greatest natural journeys: salmon migration up Issaquah Creek from its Lake Sammamish outlet and into the salmon hatchery. Launch your boat at the park’s largest designated watercraft launching lot off of East Lake Sammamish Parkway at the southeast tip of the lake. There are two finger docks (60-by-4-feet and 40-by-4-feet) spaced between nine 12-by-30-feet launch ramps, and a daily water-launching permit costs $7 on top of the state park’s $10 per day Discover Pass ($30 annually). Visitors also have the option to purchase an annual permit for year-round state park watercraft launching, which omits the necessity of a Discover Pass. *Washington state parks require a recreational license for fishing and shellfish harvesting.

INFORMATION:
Lake Sammamish
2000 NW Sammamish Rd., Issaquah, WA • (425) 649-4275

Boat launch:
Lake Sammamish State Park Boat Launch
4455 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy, Issaquah, WA • (425) 649-4275

 

Lake Washington, Washington
Area: 34 sq mi; Mean depth: 108′ (max 214′)

The second largest lake in Washington State after Lake Chelan borders the city of Seattle on the west and also shares shorelines with Bellevue and Kirkland on the east, Renton on the south and Kenmore on the north. The lake surrounds Mercer Island, one of the most affluent cities in the state and home to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s compound. Lake Washington is also home to the waterfront properties of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Starbucks founder and CEO Howard Shultz among many other notable names.

Feeding this long ribbon lake from the north is the Sammamish River, and the Cedar River feeds its south end. Sport fishing is abundant with a variety of species, including coastal cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie.

What’s more, the stunning Lake Union (580 acres; mean/max depth 34’/50′) sits completely within the Seattle city limits and is accessible by water from Lake Washington’s Union Bay on the west side. From there, continue through Montlake Cut (46-foot bridge clearance) into Portage Bay, which leads into the quaint Lake Union after clearing the Lake Washington Ship Canal Bridge (182 feet). This lake has many waterfront parks and marinas, and Lake Union Park at the southernmost tip offers quick and easy access into the heart of the city. kingcounty.gov

INFORMATION:
Lake Washington
Lake Washington Blvd., Seattle, WA • (206) 684-4075

Lake Union
860 Terry Ave. N, Seattle, WA • (206) 684-4075

BOAT LAUNCHES
Lake Washington
Atlantic City Boat Ramp • 8702 Seward Park Ave. S.;
(206) 684-7249

Warren G. Magnuson Park Boat Launch (NW)
7400 Sand Point Way NE; (206) 684-4946

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Boat Launch (SE)
1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N; (425) 430-6700

Lake Union
Sunnyside Avenue N Boat Ramp
2301 N Northlake Way; (206) 684-7249

George Town, Great Exuma

George Town is perhaps the most recognizable destination for cruisers venturing into the Exuma Cays. Located on the western shore of Elizabeth Harbour near the southern end of Great Exuma Island, it’s a winter haven for some, the turnaround point for others or a jumping-off point to southern horizons. George Town itself is a bustling area that caters to land-based tourism as well as the cruising community. With all its amenities, there’s no place south of the Abacos where the needs of visitors are better met.

Elizabeth Harbour is usually approached from Exuma Sound. A direct, inside approach from the Great Bahama Bank is possible but not recommended due to the difficulty of navigating its reefs, rocks and sandbars. From the Sound, the northern entrance is through Conch Cay Cut, while from the southeast, passing North Channel Rocks leads to Three Fathom Channel and on into the harbor. Both entrances are complex and thread through dangerous waters, so consult appropriate cruising references and carry quality charts for proper navigation. The three-mile-long Stocking Island and a series of smaller cays bound the Harbour on the east. In combination with Great Exuma Island to the west, the land forms a protected harbor with many suitable anchorages, both along the shore of Stocking Island and across the harbor closer to town. Exuma Yacht Club has transient dockage and moorings are available on Stocking Island. In the heart of winter, it is common for over 300 boats to be anchored here. Many services including fuel, laundry, groceries, water, and others are readily available in town.

Volleyball Beach
Situated near the geographic center of the harbor on Stocking Island, Volleyball Beach is command central for the cruising community. The sand volleyball courts host infamously competitive games, the Chat ‘N’ Chill restaurant provides food and drinks, and picnic tables on a beautiful sand beach under the casuarina trees mark the spot where everyone eventually meets. Activities in the area include yoga classes, craft lessons, recreational and competitive volleyball tournaments, Sunday church on the beach, and weekly talks by a local historian. The weekly barbecue lunch by the Chat ‘N’ Chill always draws big crowds. It’s easy to stay updated on local happenings as George Town has perhaps the busiest daily VHF cruiser’s net in the world. Every morning, a controlled net covers weather, news, announcements from local businesses, offers to buy, sell or trade boat gear, and requests for advice on nearly every subject. Depending on your cruising style, you may be energized or horrified by the breadth of activities here.

George Town Cruising Regatta
There’s no better time to experience George Town than in late February during the annual Cruising Regatta. This over-the-top celebration of all things cruising lasts approximately 10 days and is organized almost entirely by the cruising community. The already high energy of George Town escalates in the weeks preceding the first event. One of the biggest events of the Regatta is “George Town Has Talent”. Local residents and cruisers entertain with music and dance numbers ranging from sublime to ridiculous. Food and craft booths add an extra dimension to the festivities. At this year’s show, several local youth groups brought the crowd to life with dance and jazz routines, exemplifying one of the Regatta’s objectives: to bring our boating community and island residents a little closer together.

Another exciting component of the Regatta is the poker run, where participants can run in their dinghies to restaurants on both sides of the harbor picking up a card at each stop. The poker run has no time limit and each stop offers specials on food and drinks making it an all-afternoon event. Elizabeth Harbour is notable for the chop it can develop on windy days, which can make crossing the harbor a wet affair—bathing suits are the uniform of the day. Participants pick up a final card back at Volleyball Beach, where the very salty hands are played and the winning hand receives the quintessential island prize—a bottle of rum.

The Regatta also features a pet parade. Dogs of all breeds are dressed in imaginative costumes and paraded in front of a receptive crowd. Although some pets may be embarrassed by their costumes, they put their best paw forward and make their owners proud. The enticements of the harbor and the variety of events on George Town make the long trek worth your while. Whether you like the scene or not, everyone should experience this iconic destination at least once.

Navigation update:
Long Island Petroleum in Salt Pond, Long Island, suffered major damage to their docks from Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015. They report that the docks have been completely rebuilt as of June 2016. In even better news for cruisers, the approach and dockside waters were dredged. The staff was not able to confirm exact depths, but they indicated that boats with a draft of 6 feet or less won’t encounter any problems at the dock. Furthermore, most cruisers should no longer have to lug jerry cans for fuel.

By Rex Noel, Southern Boating Magazine September 2016

This (Earthquake) Is A Test, Only A Test

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake recorded off the Florida coast on July 19th was actually a 10,000-pound explosive charge detonated by the U.S. Navy. The explosion was used in a shock trial test of the USS Jackson roughly 168 nm off shore by Daytona Beach, although the Navy will not confirm the exact, classified coordinates. Shock trial tests are used to determine a ship’s ability to remain seaworthy when faced with the impact of underwater explosions.

Seismographs as far away as Venezuela and locations across the U.S. registered the “earthquake” at 4PM. Differentiating natural quakes versus induced quakes such as those that occur with fracking can be hard for geophysicists to determine. Even scientists were unsure if the seismological event was natural or manufactured. However, once a Navy spokesman reached out and confirmed the time and location of the test, researchers were able to revise the categorization of the explosion.

Boating enthusiasts in the area were issued a warning prior to the test telling them to stay away from the test location. The USS Jackson is a new Independence class of littoral combat ship—designed to conduct anti-submarine and surface countermeasure operations across the globe. The ship also underwent a series of stress tests this summer. The last Navy shock trial tested the USS Mesa Verde in 2008.

The Navy has faced criticism by environmental activist groups for its shock trial tests as well as its use of high-intensity long-range sonar, both of which can disturb and harm a variety of protected marine mammals. In order to comply with environmental regulations, the Navy informed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about the testing in advance. NOAA’s Southeast Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator was on guard, and teams of observers oversaw the testing to ensure that no protected species were injured.

Southport Wooden Boat Show
Enjoy everything Southport, North Carolina, has to offer at this year’s 7th Annual Southport Wooden Boat Show. The show will take place in and around the charming and historic Old Yacht Basin from 10AM until 4PM. A variety of wooden boats will be on display, and visitors to the show can meet and greet the exhibitors to learn more about the craft of wooden boat building. Visitors will also be able to vote for their favorite boat entry in the People’s Choice Award.

Little sailors can try their hand at building their own boats (with or without assistance) and test their seaworthiness at the popular Nauti-kids events. Presented by the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, staff and volunteers will be around to assist any participants as they build and paint their own vessels. The North Carolina Aquarium will also have a booth on display where children can see a showcase of live animals such as hermit crabs, snails, anemones, sea stars, and other sea creatures that can all be discovered just off the coast of North Carolina. Stop by the station to learn more about the area’s interesting and diverse wildlife. southportwoodenboatshow.com

By Susanna Botkin, Southern Boating Magazine September 2016

Billfish are expected to bite at Puerto Rican Tournament.

Many opportunities to catch and release marlin are what organizers of the San Juan International Billfish Tournament (IBT), hosted out of Club Nautico de San Juan from September 12th to 18th, have been preparing for. Over the past year, seven Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) have been constructed and installed in the waters off Puerto Rico. “Fishing is hot,” says IBT chairman Salvador Egea, Jr. “Blue marlin, whites, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, and other sport fish have been biting since the first FAD was deployed eight miles off the San Juan Harbor, the prime fishing grounds for our tournament, in August 2015.” A total of 48 FADs will be placed in Puerto Rican waters over the next few years. In addition to the promise of a hot bite, it’s the hospitality that is the real signature of the IBT event. International anglers get picked up personally from the airport rather than having to take a taxi, and the Ladies Committee puts together a full program of shopping, sightseeing and spa visits for non-fishing spouses. Those who can’t make it this year can still follow the action. Organizers have launched a mobile app that provides real time information on releases, day tallies and cumulative results. sanjuaninternational.com 

Celebrate Labor Day in Coral Bay.
The tropics tend to have quieter event schedules in September due to the peak of hurricane season. However, one bright spot of festivities begins on Labor Day in Coral Bay, St. John. The smallest of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands—accessible only by boat—boasts a zany parade complete with queens, costumed troupes and even the island’s iconic donkeys on Monday, September 5th. The procession starts at noon on the south side of Coral Harbor by Island Blues and ends less than a mile north at the ballfield across from the 18th century Emmaus Moravian Church. Vendors line the finish selling everything from local fruit juices made of mango, papaya and tamarind to favorite foods such as chicken legs, johnnycakes and meat-filled pâtés, as well as a variety of handmade arts and crafts. Live music keeps the party going long into the night. There’s an extra special reason to celebrate Labor Day or any day in Coral Bay. The New York Times listed this quaint settlement fourth on its list of 52 Places to Go in 2016. Two marina projects are planned that some residents welcome, as there is no marina here currently. However, others fear the project will change the very face of what draws visitors to this piece of paradise. visitusvi.com/stjohn/homepage

 

New boatyard offers a variety of services.
Clarkes Court Boatyard and Marina (CCBM) is one of the newest kids on the block when it comes to boatyards in the Caribbean. Located on the southwest coast of Grenada next to the sheltered waters of Woburn Bay, the marine business celebrated its first anniversary and 300th haul in June. Facilities and services include a Roodberg submersible trailer with a 40-ton lift capacity, a Travelift capable of hauling vessels up to 242 tons, woodworking, welding, painting, and rigging as well as fuel, chandlery, garbage pick-up, and 24-hour security. The latest addition is a courtesy dinghy used to pick up the port stern line of vessels coming in for a haul. This saves the vessel’s bow person from having to rush back to get the stern line ashore. CCBM is owned by Kelly Glass, a New Zealand native and long-time Caribbean businessman. Glass’s two sister companies make great getaways when a vessel is on the hard. One is the luxury Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina in St. Vincent, and the other is the Bequia Plantation Hotel in Bequia. clarkescourtmarina.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating Magazine September 2016

Chesapeake Cowboys’ season finale at the Baltimore Yacht Basin

Extreme boat docking will make its debut this month on the western shore at Nick’s Fish House and the Baltimore Yacht Basin. The Chesapeake Cowboys are bringing their season finale boat docking competition to Nick’s and the yacht basin located on the middle branch of the Patapsco River in Port Covington. Boat docking competitions are a 50-year-old sport and family tradition on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and this event will mark the first competitive docking event on the western shore. Workboats and charter boats compete within their divisions to motor from a designated point before a hard reverse into the dock where pilings are lassoed during a timed competition. The cowboys compete for cash, prizes, trophies, and bragging rights. The festivities kick off at Nick’s on Friday, September 23rd at 6PM, with an official Chesapeake Cowboys Captains’ party. The party will continue at the yacht basin on Saturday, September 24th at noon with live bands, local brews, crab picking, and oyster shucking contests. The docking competition will run through Saturday and concludes with a “Grand Finale Shootout,” where the best of four Captains will compete for the fastest time to be crowned “King of the Bay.” chesapeakecowboysboatdocking.com

More access at Hart-Miller
Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources has opened an additional 300 acres of Hart-Miller Island for recreational purposes such as biking, hiking, camping, and nature watching. Accessible only by boat, the island has more than a half-mile of beachfront open to the public. The south cell of the island will be open and staffed Thursdays through Mondays from 11AM-4PM. The cell contains over eight miles of trails that circle around a large pond and include picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay. Bike rentals are also available on the island. Located at the mouth of Back River, the 1,100-acre artificial Hart-Miller Island used to be two islands called Hart and Miller. In 1981, Maryland began the creation of what is now Hart-Miller Island by construction of a dike that linked the two islands. The resulting impoundment was filled with material dredged from the Baltimore Harbor, its approach channels and the channels in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Along with the new hiking and biking trails, Hart-Miller Island currently features swimming, wading, sunbathing, picnicking areas, 22 campsites, and an observation tower that offers a bird’s eye view of the beachfront and the bay. dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/hartmiller.aspx

Trawlerfest take two
The threat of Hurricane Joaquin forced last year’s Chesapeake Bay Trawlerfest to be canceled as Maryland and Virginia declared a state of emergency. Event organizers will try again this year at the Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, Maryland, featuring what should be an impressive array of seminars and boat and trade displays offered in a rendezvous-style format with evening events and activities. This year’s Trawlerfest will run from September 27th through October 1st. Attendees can expect course offerings on such topics as diesel engines, the boat buying process, boat handling, coastal navigation, and cruising the Intracoastal Waterway. baybridgemarina.com/events   

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating Magazine September 2016

Whatever Floats Your Boat Regatta on Apalachee Bay

Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory is sponsoring the 5th Annual Whatever Floats Your Boat Regatta in Apalachee Bay on Saturday, September 24th. Marine science chronicles unusual sea creatures but nothing quite like the outrageously constructed vessels made of recycled materials that are used in this race. Teams that are up for the challenge design their own vessel and compete in either the sailing or non-sailing categories. Captain and crew sail, row or even scull around the course. Some, however, topple over or slowly sink into the bay, much to the delight of the crowds who gather on the shoreline around the lab and boat basin. The event runs from 12PM-3PM and includes outdoor food, music and fun with an opportunity to teach participants about reducing the environmental impact of plastics and other trash. marinelab.fsu.edu/outreach/regatta

Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 17th
Expect plenty of pirate lingo, backslapping salutations and an eye patch or two on International Talk Like a Pirate Day. While Hallmark probably doesn’t have a large display of greeting cards for this annual event, columnist Dave Barry helped publicize the concept some years ago. Now, dozens of pirate-themed events take place across Florida on the weekend closest to this day every year. The Big Lagoon State Park on the Florida Panhandle hosts this year’s Perdido Key Pirate Festival on Saturday, September 17th. Modern-day mutineers celebrate with entertainment including hands-on activities for kids, family games and a chance to hunt for pirate coins that are redeemable for prizes. One lucky pirate who finds the “Lost Key” will take home a grand prize treasure chest. Big Lagoon is a 705-acre state park located about 10 miles southwest of Pensacola along the ICW. The park has a launch ramp for those who trailer, and several nearby, deep-water marinas are an easy drive away.

Ft. Myers Municipal Marina District expansion
Interested in putting a fresh face on the marina district in downtown Ft. Myers? A private developer is being sought to transform businesses around the municipal marina, attract more retail, expand docks, and add moorings. Mayor Randy Henderson would like to take the expansion plans even further. Henderson, a pilot and avid cruiser, has potential Key West excursions in mind and would like to create an area for seaplane traffic in the marina district. The marina was originally built in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration project under Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. In 2016, the marina received a major facelift and now boasts 240 slips that are typically full with a long waiting list for entry. The marina currently allows liveaboards, and this policy is not expected to change. Ft. Myers Municipal continues to be a popular overnight destination for cruisers transiting Florida via the Okeechobee Waterway and is a middle-market boating facility, although it has room for larger yachts. In April, the city selected Mainsail, a Tampa-based hotel operator, to take over completion of the proposed Harborside Hotel—a new 225-room, full-service hotel and parking garage. The marina district, however, remains a separate venture with no particular timeline.

By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine September 2016

Small Boat Performance

Four ways to optimize your get up and go!

Feeling sluggish and inadequate? Eagerly awaiting that weekend water time but worried your small boat won’t be ready to perform when the big moment arrives? Don’t worry; there are plenty of options available to help boost your boat’s performance and control when it’s time to hit the water.

Need for speed
Everyone needs a little get up and go at some point, whether it’s that G-force inducing hole shot or flat out running speed necessary to beat the competition to that prime fishing hole.

One simple way to improve your speed is by keeping your hull and running gear clean. Like Mom used to say, a clean boat just runs better, so make cleaning, waxing and polishing a part of your routine maintenance schedule. Your attention to detailing will pay off in more ways than just increased speed and improved fuel economy. A well-maintained boat shows better, so think of the financial benefits you’ll reap when “the second happiest day in a boat owner’s life” comes around.

Improve your planing efficiency
Proper trim and efficient planing go hand in hand. Achieving static (non-moving) trim can be as simple as balancing your boat by distributing weight (passengers, coolers, portable fuel tanks, etc.) to keep the hull floating level.

Achieving static trim is one thing, but you’ll also need to make adjustments while underway to account for speed, water conditions, direction of travel (with regard to waves and wind), etc. Smaller boats, for example, will ride bumpier in surface chop if left trimmed at calm water angles. Fortunately, trim options for today’s boat owner aren’t limited to repositioning big-boned Aunt June in efforts to provide a smoother ride. Tilt and trim controls for outboards and stern-drive units provide an easy, touch-of-a-button solution for making those on-the-fly adjustments. Trim tabs (such as the Bennett SLT Self-Leveling Tabs) and products like the Doel-Fin by Davis Instruments are popular aftermarket installation options to help improve planing efficiency.

Davis Instruments’ Doel-Fin

A properly trimmed boat is not only safer to operate but also provides a more comfortable ride as well as better speed and increased fuel economy. Monitor vessel trim throughout the day so that you can make any necessary adjustments as the contents of fuel tanks and ice chests are used or consumed.

Better control
While everyone likes to be in control, control on the water means varying things to different boat owners. Satisfy your inner cruiser and turn your sled into a glide-ride by adding cruise control or, cooler still, a Hot Foot accelerator. Improve loose, worn steering by upgrading to a higher quality system and components like the Teleflex Extreme. Take your steering up a notch by adding an autopilot or take complete control by adding a joystick driving system such as the Teleflex Marine Optimus 360 by SeaStar. This steering/shift/throttle control system—designed for powerboats with mechanically controlled twin outboards—provides 360-degree maneuvering capabilities when docking, negotiating crowded areas or loading onto your trailer.

What are the benefits? A top-notch steering system delivers better control, while having a cruise control and Hot Foot allows you to focus on steering without the distraction of working a hand throttle. (How could having a foot-operated gas pedal on your boat not be awesome?) Joystick control makes you look like a pro, particularly when maneuvering into that crowded yacht club dock to catch the hot wings lunch special at the tiki bar.

As to cost, a new Teleflex Extreme system runs around $250, while you can get a Hot Foot for less than $200. But if you want to move sideways and do those cool 360-degree turns, get ready to sell the kids for medical experiments; entry level for the Optimus 360 starts out at around $7,000 and goes upwards of $17,000 for a complete system.

Jack up your outboard engine
It’s a fact: the less something sticks in the water, the less drag it produces. A jack plate, such as those provided by CMC Marine (cmcmarineproducts.com), allows you to vertically raise your engine, reducing drag and improving both performance and fuel efficiency. The jack plate is mounted to the transom and the engine is then attached. Unlike the tilt and trim function your engine may already have, a jack plate allows you to raise the engine while keeping it more or less horizontal, channeling the engine’s thrust in the most efficient direction (parallel to the water’s surface). This position not only makes getting up on plane quicker and easier in shallow waters, but it’s also more efficient than simply trimming your outboard up, which alters the direction of the propeller’s thrust to a less efficient angle. Another benefit is that installation of a jack plate moves your outboard between 4-10 inches farther aft, meaning engine trim will have an even greater influence on performance.

By Frank Lanier, Southern Boating Magazine June 2016

Hull-Prop Relationship

The prop you select must synch with both your engine and your hull.

Do you feel a vibration when your boat is running at speed? Does the vibration occur at high speeds and go away at low speeds? Or does it occur at low speeds and disappear at higher speeds? If it only appears at high speeds, your propeller may be too close to the hull, or the prop may have a bent or damaged blade. If the problem appears at low speeds it might be that the shape of the hull is causing a change in pressure in the area where the propeller is operating.

There are many factors that affect the interaction of a propeller and the hull. They include the hull shape, the proximity of the hull to the propeller, or whether the propeller is operating directly behind the hull (in the case of a single prop) or to one side of the hull in the case of a twin screw vessel. In addition, the speed of the vessel must be taken into account. Slow-speed boats generally have different problems than do vessels that get on plane and run at planing speeds. Boats that run at extremely high speeds have even more complex issues resulting from hull/propeller interactions.

If your hull and propeller are not optimized, they could be costing you money. For example, your small fishing boat’s skeg/keel is large enough to protect the single propeller should you go aground. However, it might also be reducing the efficiency of the propeller, meaning that replacing a dinged or bent propeller could be less expensive than having a skeg to protect it.

Inboard Installations
Fig.1

Having a hull, keel or other obstruction in front of the propeller causes loss of efficiency. The actual loss varies with the size of the obstruction. For example, the rather extreme example shown in Figure 1 pictures a two-blade propeller behind a thick skeg or keel. Every time the propeller is vertical the water flow is blocked by the skeg producing vibrations that could reduce the efficiency of the propeller by as much as 50 percent.

Fig.2

Figure 2 shows a better solution. Here, a three-bladed propeller is used and moved farther away from the keel. Another solution would be to taper the keel where the water flows toward the keel, but this is not always possible when the keel is laminated during the building process. (When the boat is being built, the person laying the fiberglass into the hull might have to get their hand down into the skeg area to be sure it is sufficiently reinforced.) On this boat, the turning radius would be enhanced by extending the rudder up to the hull at the top to get more “end plate” effect from the hull.

Fig. 3

Figure 3 is an even better solution in that the skeg/keel is cut away in front of the propeller, allowing the water streamlines to flow more efficiently toward the prop. The rudder is taken up to the hull, and the skeg is deep enough that the propeller is protected. From a design standpoint, it would be smart to have a strut from the bottom of the keel to support and protect the bottom of the rudder, but you can’t have everything.

A far better solution—but one that uses more fuel—is the twin engine installation shown in Figure 4 (see opening header). Even though twin engines use more fuel, the efficiency of the exposed propellers is greater. Notice the keel is slightly deeper than the bottom of the propeller and only the prop shaft interrupts the flow of water to the propeller blades. The rudder is directly in the path of the propeller blade and operates at high efficiency.

Fig. 5

All of these solutions, however, increase the boat’s draft. To reduce draft, many builders install a tunnel in the hull as shown in Figure 5. (Keep in mind that to reduce vibration and hull/propeller interaction, there should be at least 10 percent of the propeller diameter clearance between the hull and the blade tip.) By locating the prop in a tunnel, draft is reduced and some efficiency from the end plate effect of the hull is gained. However, Figure 6 shows how not to install a prop in a tunnel.

Fig. 6

It would appear that the tunnel was built into the mold and either the designer did not take into account the width of the engine, or larger (and wider) engines were installed, pushing the shafts farther outboard. The propeller appears to be much smaller and farther away from the tunnel thus reducing its efficiency and increasing fuel consumption. The prop and rudder are both deeper than the hull and will be the first parts to hit should the boat go aground.

Fig. 7

Finally, we come to Figure 7. The boat builder has taken great pains to ensure moderately clean water gets to the propeller but has then added an additional strut and inverted U-bar protection for the propeller and rudder. The rudder has several horizontal fins to either redirect water flow across the rudder or structurally strengthen the vertical portion of the rudder blade. All of these additional fins add resistance and increase fuel consumption.

Outboard Installations
Fig. 8

The beauty of an outboard installation is that the engine can be installed at any height to locate the prop below the hull. Figure 8 shows a pair of outboards installed with the anti-ventilation plate about level with the boat bottom. This puts the propellers in water flow that’s only obstructed by the lower gear case. The anti-ventilation plate is designed to prevent air from being sucked down the lower unit and into the propeller where it can cause loss of thrust. The outboard in Figure 8 is at exactly the right height for a moderate speed. Figure 9 shows a similar set up on a catamaran hull with the anti-ventilation plates right at the hull bottom.

Fig. 9

On faster vessels, the anti-ventilation plate is often located two to three inches above the boat bottom, but putting the engine higher may result in poor cooling water intake and an overheated engine, so care must be taken to locate the engine correctly. Figure 10 shows a faster speed hull with triple outboards. Notice how the anti-ventilation plates are about three inches higher than the hull bottom. On faster hulls, the strut/propeller/rudder drag (or resistance) is the largest single factor holding the boat back. For this reason, the shafts might pass through the transom to reduce drag, with the propellers some distance astern of the hull.

Fig. 10

Another common case occurs when the propellers are supercavitating props with a straight trailing edge to reduce cavitation and loss of thrust. Arneson drives are typical of this drive train. To reduce drag on the fastest of hulls, only the lower half of the propeller is in the water. The shafts are then turned to steer the boat, eliminating rudder drag.

Roger Marshall, Southern Boating Magazine June 2016

Chicago, Illinois

Carve out a few extra days on your Great Loop adventure to explore Lake Michigan’s Windy City.

Cruisers who complete the Great Loop—the waterway route enabling circumnavigation of the eastern half of the U.S.—build in extra days for unplanned delays but also to explore specific areas on their more than 5,000-mile journey. Some seek out the seclusion of picturesque bays, while others prefer the excitement of cities they’ve never explored. If your Great Loop excursion plans take the traditional counterclockwise route, you’ll exit the Great Lakes region via Lake Michigan to the Chicago River through Chicago, Illinois. Build in several days and even up to a week to explore the “Windy City”. Its appeal may surprise you and even whet your appetite for a return trip though likely not in the winter months.

As you approach the southwest end of Lake Michigan, even from a distance, Chicago’s downtown skyline is striking. The Willis Tower—formerly named but still frequently referred to as the Sears Tower—is the second tallest building in the western hemisphere and easy to spot. The surrounding architecture encompasses a lively urban landscape with the city’s financial district and juxtaposes the many museums, parks and fountains lining the lakefront. Moored at Monroe Harbor, sailboat masts accentuate the view like exclamation points on a cityscape, while colorful sails catch the currents off Lake Michigan; take care as you approach the Windy City for sailing regattas in process. Just north of the mouth of the Chicago River, a Chicago landmark juts out into the lake; Navy Pier was built in 1916 to service freighters on Lake Michigan. Converted in 1941 for military training prior to World War II, Navy Pier was renovated in the early 90s for its current purpose as a recreation center and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Midwest. The ferris wheel was dismantled in 2015, but there are plenty of other attractions for young and old, including a spectacular July 4th fireworks display and summertime music events, many of which are also accompanied by fireworks.

 

For the most part, where you dock is determined by how close you want to be to your favorite activities. The Chicago Harbor System has 10 unique harbors, some of which are along Chicago’s lakeshore and each with its own distinct attributes. All offer transient dockage; several offer boat ramps and trailer parking for those traveling with boats on trailers. Be sure to review the System’s website and make your reservations well in advance, especially for holiday weekends that attract Midwest cruisers from 100 miles away or farther (chicagoharbors.info). An alternative to the large lakeside marinas is Marina City on the Chicago River in the heart of the city’s action. Again, make reservations well in advance for the few transient slips located under the famed steakhouse Smith & Wollensky. This is also a great location to get off the boat for a few nights since the Marina City complex houses Hotel Chicago (an Autograph Collection Hotel). Request a room on one of the upper floors to enjoy a spectacular nighttime view of the city.

Repeat “Loopers” and local cruisers alike are familiar with the wide variety of Chicago’s offerings. Art and history buffs have their pick of museums, many of which are within walking distance from lakefront harbors. Even the most finicky eater will be hard-pressed to find something to complain about when introduced to a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza or a hotdog from a street vendor. They pile dogs high with Chicago-style fixings, sans the ketchup—a faux pas here. For the fashionistas on board, a full day of shopping on “The Magnificent Mile” awaits on a one-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue. If you’re as comfortable with heights as you are on the water, take the elevator ride to the skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, but go late in the day to escape the crowds and take advantage of the sunset view (searstower.com).

Sports venues are varied and frequent. For baseball fans, Wrigley Field is a cab-ride away. For football fans or music lovers, Soldier Field (soldierfield.net) is the home field and stadium for the Chicago Bears, hosts many summertime concerts and is conveniently situated close to Burnham Harbor. From Lake Michigan, the marina entrance is at the south end of Northerly Island, with channels and shallow areas well marked. Burnham Harbor’s location also provides walking distance access to the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium—a family favorite—and the Adler Planetarium. All three are worthy of at least a half- or full-day visit, so plan your time accordingly since there’s so much more to see, including the Chicago Water Tower, one of the few buildings to remain after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

In addition to choosing which of the city’s attractions to see, deciding where to eat will likely be your biggest challenge with so many options. Limited space prevents offering a comprehensive list, but seafood lovers won’t want to miss Catch 35 on the south shore of the Chicago River near Trump Tower. Steak lovers must dine at Gene and Georgetti’s, but bring your autograph book and camera. Celebrities and politicians alike have been dining there alongside locals since 1941.

CRUISER RESOURCES

—Dockage and Fuel—
Belmont Harbor
3600 Recreation Drive
(312) 742-7673 • chicagoharbors.info/harbors/belmont
* Family favorite

Burnham Harbor
1559 S. Lake Shore Drive • (312) 747-7009
• chicagoharbors.info/harbors/burnham
* Close to Shedd Aquarium, museums and Soldier Field

DuSable Harbor
111 N. Lake Shore Drive
(312) 742-3577 • chicagoharbors.info/harbors/dusable
* Lakeside, just south of the Chicago River

Marina City
300 N. State Street
(866) 490-5297 x161 • jbys.com/chicago-illinois
* Downtown river location

—Accommodation—
Hotel Chicago (Autograph Collection)
333 N. Dearborn Street
(312) 245-0333
thehotelchicago.com

—Eateries & Attractions—
Catch 35 Seafood & Premium Steaks
35 W. Wacker Drive • (312) 346-3500
catch35.com

Gene and Georgetti’s
500 N. Franklin Street • (312) 527-3718
geneandgeorgetti.com

Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group
8 locations • harrycarays.com 

By Liz Pasch, Southern Boating Magazine August 2016

Expansion at Tarpon Point Marina

Additional docks are nearing completion at Tarpon Point Marina adjacent to the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, Florida. Sixteen slips are being added to ‘H’ dock to accommodate larger boats from 65-80 feet. Harbormaster Rick Munson says the additions will bring the total number of slips to over 200. Tarpon Point Marina offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Caloosahatchee River. The sheltered harbor is surrounded by the Westin Resort, which is home to four restaurants, boutique shops and a pool. The Westin Resort is also breaking ground to add a 40,000-square-foot conference center. tarponpoint.com

Megayacht docking comes to St. Petersburg
Construction is complete on seven megayacht slips at downtown St. Petersburg’s Harborage Marina at Bayboro. Accommodating vessels up to 200 feet in length, the custom engineered concrete floating docks provide fully enclosed power (480 volts), plumbing and built-in pump-out, and the 24-inch stressed concrete pilings are capable of withstanding a 10-foot storm surge. One resident’s 145′ Christensen megayacht I Love This Boat homeports here when not on charter. “This is the only megayacht port on the West Coast of Florida,” notes assistant dockmaster David Dabney.

St. Petersburg has shaken off last century’s moniker as “God’s Waiting Room” and is more than alive with activity, from major league baseball to its three world-class museums: Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts and the Dale Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center. The waterfront has turned into a foodie haven with highly rated eateries such as the Z Grille, Parkshore Grill and BellaBrava as well as traditional favorites such as Marchand’s at The Vinoy and the nearby Maritana Grille at Loews Don CeSar Hotel. harboragemarina.com

Country on the Coast
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, a three-day celebration of sun, fun and country music, will host its 4th annual festival on the shores of Panama City Beach, Florida, on Labor Day weekend, September 2-4. Brad Paisley, Jake Owen, The Band Perry, and Sara Evans are just a handful of the artists headlining this year’s event. gulfcoastjam.com

Suwannee River Marina
For years, the Millers were fixtures at Gulf Coast boat shows. Emblematic agents of the laid-back Suwannee River, Bill and Gloria called this place home with their houseboat and fishing rentals. Recently, the Miller family sold the marina to new owners who renamed it Gateway Marina. Fittingly, the marina is closest to the mouth of the storied river and also the Gulf of Mexico.

Major upgrades are underway, with 24-hour fuel-pay at the pump (ethanol and non-ethanol), new live bait tanks, 30- and 50-amp dockside power, and a more robust ships store. In addition to offering transient slips, Gateway will continue to rent the original fleet of 44-foot houseboats, which are ideal for large groups cruising the river. All onboard appliances and linens are updated, and you can enhance your experience with Gateway’s fishing kayak and paddleboard rentals. Be mindful of the marina’s low depth of 4 feet. gatewaymarina.us

By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine August 2016

Hot competition, cool cruising

There’s something for everyone at this year’s USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (ABMT) and MarlinFest set for August 13-19 in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. For sports fishermen, the tournament boasts a new division for teams wanting to fish by International Game Fish Association (IGFA) rules rather than following the traditional special rules that call for anglers to rotate rods hourly. This later regulation, designed to truly measure the skill and luck of an individual fisherman, makes the 44-year-old ABMT a real man-against-beast competition, earning the title “Super Bowl of Sports Fishing.” “Contestants in the two divisions—team and angler—will face off against each other and compete for the same calcutta, Daily Awards and popular ‘Last Day Shootout’,” says director Jimmy Loveland. “However, only those fishing in the angler division are eligible to have their names engraved on the prestigious Ed Pang-designed ‘Straight Up’ trophy. It’s a really cutting-edge format and we’re proud be the first to launch it.” For spectators, MarlinFest gives fishing aficionados and their friends and family a spectacular menu of activities to enjoy while the fleet competes. There’s a welcome Sunset Party, day trips to the neighboring B.V.I., and a much-anticipated Arts, Crafts and Chowder Challenge, where visitors sample chowders and chefs compete for a top cash prize. abmt.vi

The Carib Great Race 2016
If you love offshore powerboat racing, head to the dual-island Caribbean country of Trinidad and Tobago to watch the Carib Great Race on August 20th. More than 30 racers in eight classes with speeds between 60 and 130 mph take their marks in front of the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club (TTYC) in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and travel 115 miles to see the flag fall in Scarborough, Tobago. Plenty of spectator-friendly viewing spots are along the way. In Trinidad, there’s the TTYC and Western Main Road in the Carenage area, and The Bocas is a great spot to watch from the sea. In Tobago, convenient vantage points are from Lowlands, Signal Hill or Bacolet Bay (1960 filming location of Walt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson). The following festivities in Tobago are akin to a national holiday celebration. Although international competitors are welcome, most teams hail from Trinidad and Tobago. Powerboat-racing popularity surged in the island country from 2008-2012 due to the U.S. economic recession, which posed a unique opportunity for island racers to travel north for secondhand race boats at low prices. Boats set to compete this year include the 48-foot Skater Total Monster, the 50-foot Mystic Paramount and the 50-foot Victory Mr. Solo. “The young crews are getting involved by revamping the boats, which bodes well for powerboating in Trinidad and Tobago. We really hope we’ll see international entrants soon,” says Peter Peake, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Power Boat Association, whose Total Monster is a three-time winner. ttpba.net

New monohull models from The Moorings
Looking for something different in cruising? Check out the Clearwater, Florida-based The Moorings all-new monohull models intended for introduction to the B.V.I., St. Martin, St. Lucia, and Grenada this winter. New models include an ultra-spacious Beneteau-built Moorings 48.4 at all four Caribbean bases and the sophisticatedly styled Moorings 42.1 in St. Lucia and Grenada. moorings.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating Magazine August 2016

Cat Island

Cat has the gin-clear water, beautiful beaches, fishing, and diving you would expect to find in these islands, but it also has some of the best surviving evidence of American Loyalist settlers and many of the most interesting stories and characters you will find anywhere. Traditionally referred to as one of the Out Islands of The Bahamas, Cat Island lies well south and east of the more heavily traveled Abacos. Because of its relative isolation, Cat is less frequented by cruisers and barely touched by tourism. As a result, its unspoiled environment provides a wonderful window into the history and culture of The Bahamas.

Approximately 50 miles long but as little as 1 mile wide in some locations, Cat lies slightly north and east of the Exumas across Exuma Sound. The western waters are shallow banks typically 10-20 feet deep, while the east coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and is bordered by beautiful but dangerous reefs. Cat is easily reachable by boat from Eleuthera, Long Island or the Exumas. Entry onto the banks is typically in the north from the vicinity of Little San Salvador or from the south at Hawksnest Creek.

New Bight
One of the best anchorages at Cat is in the south off of the town of New Bight. New Bight offers a number of services along a nice beachfront. Near the north end of town, a collection of take-out restaurants draws cruisers like a magnet. A variety of traditional Bahamian dishes paired with fish, lobster and conch prepped in imaginative ways make for an excellent lunch or dinner. Hidden Treasures, a unique restaurant where Denise will welcome you like family, serves an outstanding lobster dinner among many other top quality dishes. Next door at Sunshine, another take-out spot, try the conch fritters with a cold beer in the afternoon, or go for the conch salad for a deliciously fresh dinner. These are strictly outdoor dining atmospheres under the palms and casuarinas with your feet in the sand—just what you envisioned!

Rake -n- Scrape Music
Rake -n- scrape is an important part of the traditional folk music of The Bahamas. The key instruments are the accordion or concertina, goombay drum and a crowd favorite, the saw. Traditionally played by scraping with a nail, the saw drives the rhythm and practically defines the sound of rake -n- scrape. Cat Island is a hotbed of rake -n- scrape and the residents are committed to preserving this traditional style. The annual Cat Island Rake And Scrape Festival is held near Arthur’s Town during The Bahama’s Randol Fawkes Labour Day weekend in early June every year. Bands from across The Bahamas perform, and expect to see the Bahamian Quadrille and Heel and Toe Polka dancing that developed on the islands from the mixed African and European heritage.

One of the highlights of a stop at New Bight is the chance to experience rake -n- scrape in its most traditional form. Pompey “Bohog” Johnson is known across The Bahamas and internationally as a legend of rake -n- scrape. Pompey is also known for his band, Bohog and the Rooters. Crystal Smith plays the saw and Cedelle Hunter is on the goatskin drum. Both are in their 20s and are deeply committed to preserving this music. Although their standing joke is that Johnson is 44, Smith claims he’s been 44 for a very long time. The Rooters often perform at Sunshine for the cruisers and tourists when enough boats gather in the anchorage. Seated in the open air, they play and Pompey sings stories telling of life in the islands. bahamas.com/islands/cat

The Hermitage
Father Jerome, born John Hawes in 1876, England, built a small, stone monastery near New Bight. He began his adult life as a well-known creative architect, but quickly felt a calling to the church. He was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1903 and was later posted to The Bahamas where he designed the first of many churches, which are still prominent in Clarence Town, Long Island. After a long period of travel and reflection, Hawes chose to convert to Catholicism, became a priest and was sent to Australia, serving as a priest and architect in the Outback for nearly a quarter-century.

Perhaps exhausted by that work, he returned to his beloved Bahamas as Father Jerome. He purchased Como Hill, also known as Mount Alvernia, and built the medieval-style monastery to serve as his home and retreat from the world. This is a place of stark beauty, where the lush landscape and broad views of the sea contrast with the austere structure in which Father Jerome lived out his days. He built the home entirely by hand and on his own at the very top of the hill. Stations of the Cross, each one hand carved by the Father, line the steep stone staircase up the hillside. The unadorned, uncomplicated living and worship spaces are evidence of this man’s unique soul.

If you choose to visit the monastery, you will likely find yourself admiring the panoramic views and wondering about the man who did so much for his parishioners and eventually retired to build and live in this remote spot alone. But once you experience the wonders of Cat Island for yourself, you’ll understand its charm.

Bimini getaway
Labor Day weekend marks Denison’s adventurous Bimini Rendezvous (September 2-5) at Resorts World Bimini. The weekend will offer snorkeling at a plane wreck, stingray excursions, conch cracking competition, water activities at Paradise Beach, a scavenger hunt, wine tasting, yacht hop, casino night, white party, festive dinner parties, and family activities. Learn more at denisonyachtsales.com/bimini.

By Rex Noel, Southern Boating Magazine August 2016

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