WHY REGISTER NON POWERED BOATS? page 26 May/June 1986 800 BOIT

The Keystone State's Official Boating Magazine Recently I received a call from a large city agency advising that it was considering charging a fee to launch from its boat ramp. The fee discussed was $3 to $5 per launch. A county park system that operates a small lake charges $5 per year to launch — $7.50 if you're not a county resident. For the current annual fee of $4 to $6 if your boat is 16 feet or over, you can launch at some 190 Fish Commission ramps and countless other ramps owned or operated by state and local agencies. For owners of unpowered boats, you can launch free ($5 launch permit for state park ramps). In addition, you get a bit of boating safety education, the protection of the law, and some pretty good representation in Harrisburg. Sounds like a lot of bang for the buck. All these services for the cost of a small registration fee, of course, is not entirely true. The state marine fuel tax and the HOUSE BILL 2157 federal Wallop/ Breaux money, derived primarily from the federal marine fuel tax, provide considerable income to the Boat Fund. These three sources — boat registration fees, state marine fuel tax, and federal marine fuel tax — provide almost all the Boat Fund income. Note that all the income is derived from motorboats, and because the larger boats use more fuel, the larger the boat the greater the contribution. House bill 2157 has been introduced and is now wending its way through the legislative system. The bill contains some unique provisions. First, it recognizes that unpowered boats should be contributing to the Boat Fund in return for services that have been rendered to owners of these boats for many years. Second, the bill recognizes that larger boats already contribute substantially to the Boat Fund through fuel taxes, and therefore the bill calls for a standard registration fee for boats regardless of length or propulsion. That standard fee is $6 per year. We held the registration fee down as long as we could —since 1963. The fact is that even though the rate of inflation has been low the past few years, the Boat Fund has been in a deficit spending mode for some years and it has reached the point where its health is suspect. We ask that you support H B 2157. John Simmons's article on page 26 explains the situation in more detail.

Gene Spot! Assistant Executive Director Bureau of Waterways Pennsylvania Fish Commission May/June 1986 Vol. 3 No.3

The Cover This issue's front cover, photographed by Dave Heitzenrater, shows Jack of the Erie Yacht Club at the helm of his 35-foot sloop Killary during a race on Lake Erie. The BO crew member in the foreground is his daugh- ter, Julie. This issue's back cover paddler was Pennsylvania photographed by Denis Stager.

10 Ways to Improve Your Hobie Skills by Brian Alexander When the initial thrill of skimming across the water faster than you've ever thought possible wears off, you may want to hone your sailing skills for even more excitement with these boats. These 10 tips can help. 4

The Art of Lining by Cliff Jacobson You may at first think that lining and tracking are easy, but it's much more complicated than it looks. Here is a lucid explanation of the subleties and intricacies of lining and tracking that you can master 8

Trailering Tips by Gary Diamond Take care of that rusting hulk or it'll fix you good! 11

The Parade of Boats at Neshaminy State Park by Tom Reinke Take the author's tour of this popular spot 14

Wakes Make More Waves than You Think by Art Michaels Take steps not to give or to receive a damaging surge 16

Erie: Cradle of the Modern U.S. Navy by Harold Eisert, Sr. Much of our nation's Naval history was made in Pennsylvania. Delve into these fascinating chronicles 18

A Primer for Purchasing Water Ski Equipment by Joe Greene Soak up these details before you give in to that yen to try this sport 20

Why Register Nonpowered Boats? 26 Viewpoint 2 by John Simmons Currents 22 Adventure Is the Heart of Safety 22 Exploring Calendar 23 by Virgil Chambers Whether by or by motorboat, The Law & You 24 exploring holds certain lures 30 Editor Art Michaels Graphics Ted Walke Pennsylvania Fish Commission Boating Advisory Board Photographer Russ Gettig Marilyn A. Black, President David Coe, Circulation Eleanor Mutch Meadville Chairman Staff Assistant Jayne Povleski Theodore T. Metzger, Jr., Vice President State College Johnstown Clayton Buchanan POSTMASTER:Send 3579forms to Pennsylvania Fish Commission,P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Boat Pennsylvania, C 1986, is Walter F. Gibbs Joan R. Plumly Pittsburgh published bimonthly. Second class postage pending at Harrisburg, PA. Titusville Jenkintown Leroy Guccini Subscription rates: one year, $4: three years. $11; single copies are 80 Leonard A. Green Jerome E. Southerton Greentown cents each. For subscription and change of address, contact Boat PA Carlisle Honesdale Circulation. Pennsylvania Fish Commission. P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg. Helen B. Lange PA 17105-1673. Address all other correspondence to: The Editor. Boat Ross J. Huhn J. Wayne Yorks Sharpsville PA, P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg.PA 17105-1673. Editorial contributions are Saltsburg Benton Edward J. Rogowski welcomed, but must be accompanied by a self-addressed,stamped enve- Calvin J. Kern lope. Submissions are handled with care, but the publisher assumes no Holland responsibility for the return or safety of submissionsin its possession or in Whitehall transit. The authors' views, ideas, and advice expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion or official position of the Pennsyl- vania Fish Commission or its staff. Ways to Improve you Hobic Sailin Skills Notice that the sailor in this by Brian Alexander picture is not wearing a PFD, but that a I'M is aboard and fter the first few thrills of skimming across the water readily accessible. Although faster than they ever dreamed possible on a sailboat, the sailor complies with the most new Hobie sailors start looking for ways to law. the Commission improve their skills. By remembering some important recommends that sailors on A boat tuning and boat sailing skills, a skipper can these kinds of boats wear squeeze a lot more enjoyment from his Hobie Cat. not just have them Many mediocre sailors turn to all manner of tuning tricks to available. "super-charge" their boats, only to find that when they are on the water their skill is lacking. Avoid this trap. Don't think that if only the boat were in perfect tune, your own performance would improve. Good sailors can overcome a poorly tuned boat, and the most perfect boat won't make anybody a better sailor. That's the philosophy behind the World Hobie Class Association, which sets strict limits on what changes can be made to boats. Still, recreational sailors can take a few basic steps to make sailing more fun and to improve their boat's speed and safety.

Equipment check. The most vital of these is to maintain your boat and its components well. No boat can withstand neglect, and a neglected boat can pose a serious danger. Check all stays for wear. Frayed stays can lead to a dismasting on the water. Check the swedges to make sure they are still secure. After pulling your boat out of the water, listen for water in the hulls. A slight amount of water is natural and should be drained, but if your boat is taking on more water than seems reasonable, one or both hulls may have been compromised and should be checked thoroughly. Also check sheeting systems, traveller cars, cleats, and righting and trapezing systems. All should be in good working order. If not, they should be repaired or replaced. Before sailing, scout the area for overhead powerlines. Contact of a mast with a powerline has proved fatal. Hobie Cat is now in the process of retrofitting all-aluminum masts with a composite tip that is essentially nonconductive. More information about this can be obtained from Hobie Cat and Hobie dealers.

Rudder Tuning. One of the most overlooked pieces of 2preparation that can hamper sailing is rudder tuning. When sailing, you should feel a very slight pull on the tiller extension away from your body. This is known as "weather helm." But some skippers experience drastic swings in weather helm and walk up onto shore with their arms feeling like they just wrestled an NFL lineman. Usually, severe weather is caused by a failure to lock down rudders completely. This leaves the rudders raked back and away from the boat and causes great steering difficulties. If the rudders are locked down and you still have trouble steering the boat, the rudders need a rake adjustment. First, place the boat onto the trailer so that the rudders can be lowered and locked without touching the ground. If too much weather helm is the problem, you'll have to tighten the rudders toward the stern. I leeward helm (the opposite effect) is the problem, do the reverse. Just use a screwdriver and a correctly sized hex key to tighten the rudders toward the boat or loosen them away from the boat. Having a friend help makes adjusting the rake easier. After you've made the adjustment, sail the boat to check the rake once again. You may have to make several tries until the rake is set correctly. Rudder toe-in can affect boat speed by causing an excess amount

Mar/June 1986 5 "fill Guy Morn of drag in the water. Most expert battens are probably too tight. The when driving a car. When tacking, skippers prefer to have about /12-inch result will be less power because the turn gradually and never turn the toe-in. To check yours, pick a spot on hooked leech disrupts the flow of air rudders more than 45 degrees in either the rudders five to six inches below the over the sail. direction or you'll stall the boat. bottom of the boat with the rudders in If wind conditions are heavy, you • Be smooth. Make your movements the locked down position. Measure may wish to rake the sail aft to place smoothly. It's tough to crawl the distance between the centerline of more power farther back on the boat. gracefully over a trampoline and get the leading edge of the rudder and the A raked mast in heavy conditions into position on the other side of the centerline of the trailing edge. The allows the boat to sail at its fullest boat, but by thinking ahead, you'll difference is the toe-in or toe-out, as potential without becoming find it much easier going. the case may be. overpowered. There are many • Let the sail out. When the boat If your rudders are out of complicated ways to rake the mast starts to run into the wind, ease the alignment, adjust by unscrewing the back, but most skippers simply adjust main out eight to 12 inches. This helps corresponding screw on the tiller, the forestay to the bottom hole, sheet prevent you from falling into irons. push the rudder in or out to the in the main until they are almost two- • Hold the rudders straight. Pass the proper position, and tighten the screw. blocked (sailing with the upper and tiller extension around behind your Again, it makes things a bit faster if a lower sets of blocks almost touching), back and move all the way over to the friend helps. Remeasure to make sure and use a traveler to adjust sail other side of the boat, being sure not you haven't overcompensated. settings. to let the rudders move. Straightening This method is effective in most )r". Sail Tuning. The boat is out the rudders at this point will steer cases and prevents you from 4..3 powered by the sail, which uses having to you directly into the wind and stall the make radical adjustments its airfoil shape to generate lift, so it is to boat. compensate essential that sail shape be correct. for heavy air. If • Gradually readjust. Once the tack is necessary, the battens Most of the work is already done for can be tightened completed and the bows are aiming at to flatten the sail. you by the Hobie Cat sail loft, which A wide array of your goal, slowly readjust the sails adjustments and variations cuts the sails into the proper shape, is possible, and the tiller extension to the but the real skill to sailing but some adjustments will be lies not in prevailing conditions. tuning but in maneuvering necessary when you rig your boat. on the If a tack fails and you find yourself water. First, lay the sail flat on the ground in irons with bows pointing directly to place the battens in their pockets. , Smooth tacking. A lot of into the wind, try backwinding the jib. the battens in (using gloves 4 Hobie Cat sailors buy the boat, Have the crew uncleat and move it to prevents slivers of fiberglass from find out how much fun it is to burn a the side from which it just came so lodging in your hands), and tighten straight line across the top of the that the wind hits it on the "back" side just until the wrinkles in the pockets water, and overlook the finer points of (hence, backwinding). This pushes the disappear. Overly tight battens flatten turning the boat around. This is why boat onto the new tack. the sail and steal power. Then check get the reputation as slow Boat trim. Many Hobie to make sure that battens do not stick tacking boats. To be sure, they are 5sailors have misconceptions out of the sail any more than 1.5 more difficult to tack than monohulls about proper boat trim. Some think inches. If they do, they could interfere because of their large beam, the very that flying a hull makes the boat go with the halyard wires and make thing that makes them so fast in the faster, while others think that both tacking the boat a nightmare. first place, but following a few simple hulls should rest in the water evenly. If you have some long battens, just steps makes tacking faster. Actually, proper boat trim is the proper length, take off the • Know where you want to go. It somewhere between these two batten cap, saw the end of the batten, sounds elementary, but many sailors positions. and replace the cap on the new end. do not have a clear idea of where they For the boat to be at optimum heel, Most sailors find that taping the jib want the boat to be after they have the windward hull should just be batten ends with electrical tape helps completed a turn. Have a spot picked skimming across the top of the water, prevent them from snagging when out on land and aim the bows there. not out of the water and not settled tacking. This strategy prevents you from into the water. Achieving this median Once the battens are in and becoming disoriented halfway through is fairly easy if a few weight principles tightened properly, raise the sail and the tack, and allows you to anticipate are understood. In light air, weight adjust outhaul and downhaul to the moves you'll have to make. should be positioned forward, as close remove wrinkles. Once you think • Hail the crew. Don't surprise the to the forward center sections of the you've made the proper changes, sheet crew with a sudden decision to tack. trampoline as possible. In very light in the main as far as possible, step Alert the crew with "prepare to tack" air, the crew could even put the top back a few yards, and take a look at at least several seconds before you half of his body over the front rail of the shape of your sail. It should be make your first move. the trampoline and lean on the hull. evenly curved from top to bottom • Don't oversteer. This is the single This helps keep the sterns from with no wrinkles. Check the leech to most common tacking mistake. dragging and levels the boat. be sure that the back edge of the sail Pushing or pulling the tiller extension The heavier the wind, the farther aft is not curved in or out. If it is, the too far is just like applying the brakes the crew weight should move until, in 6 Boat Pennsylvania very heavy air, all weight should be have at least three sets of telltales on of the boat when you rake the mast, placed as close and far over the rear the jib and placed a few sail and the mainsheet bears the brunt of corner as possible. The idea is to panels apart with each telltale's the effort. In effect, you now should prevent the bows from burying on the position having a corresponding mate use the traveler as you would the water and flipping the boat end on the other side of the sail. mainsheet. over end. When sailing, the telltales should This technique gained a great deal always be flowing back steadily and the Australians won Trapezing. Trapezing is an of credence when evenly on both sides of the sail with championships with exciting and effective way to several important telltales on both sides matching. If lots of mast rake. As your skills achieve proper trim and is one of the they aren't, adjustments to sail trim best parts of Hobie sailing. But it's advance, you may find it worthwhile are necessary. to invest in a low profile block system important to trapeze properly so that Because of apparent wind, it is weight is not wasted, and few that allows the skipper to sheet in detrimental to sail dead downwind, intermediate Hobie sailors trapeze farther, thus bending the mast back because the sails need to be at an more. These optional systems are also with correct position. angle to the wind to generate lift and easier to handle because they have a When winds are heavy and both fully exploit the airfoil created when I. skipper and crew are "double purchase of 6: I instead of 5: the sail was tuned. trapped," they should be parallel to 1 (-) Looking for wind. Of the water, legs stretched out with no Gybing. Beginning sailors are 1 \J course, none of this is any bending at the knees. The more warned not to gybe and to avoid good if you can't find wind, and upright the body position, the less conditions that could cause an sometimes that's the hardest part. effective the effort. As winds increase, unwanted gybe, so many intermediate First, take a look at the water. If it is both skipper and crew should move sailors approach gybing with great totally flat and glossy as far as the eye back toward the stern to keep the caution and even avoid it when it can see, stay on shore and sit in the bows out of the water. would be the best approach. When sun. If you're desperate to sail, wait When the boat is screaming and tacking the boat normally, the bows until you can just see a few patches of both are trapped out, the onus is on cross the wind. When gybing, the what are called "cat's paws," tiny the crew to work the jib. When the sterns cross the wind. ripples in the water that slightly hull flies out of the water, the jib To gybe correctly, simply hail the disturb the surface. Usually, the start should be eased out until the crew that you plan to gybe. When of cat's paws means that more wind is windward hull is skimming across the you're ready, pull the tiller extension on the way. top again. This is especially vital in toward your body smoothly, being Cat's paws are patches of wind that gusts. A sudden burst can overturn careful not to angle the rudders too can be used to drive the boat, but you the boat, so the crew should be alert far over so that they stall the boat. have to keep a sharp eye out for them. and prepared to let the jib out in an When the sterns have crossed the Wherever the water appears as a instant. wind and the traveler car begins to darker color there is likely to be wind, slide over the track, the skipper must Reading apparent wind. The so sail for dark patches and small -7 grasp the main sheet assembly in one concept of apparent wind is ripples. You can also try looking for hand and force the boom over little understood by most Hobie the other boats. If they are moving,join other side while transferring the tiller sailors because it seems to in the them. On lakes, it is usually a good extension from the right face of logic. Apparent wind is the to left hand idea to sail near valleys or any and keeping the rudders from wind generated by the boat itself. depressed area between rises or hills. straightening out and stalling the Because Hobie Cats can sail faster Valleys act as a funnel to direct wind boat. than the true wind speed, they and focus it onto the lake. All this has to be generate their own wind. done within a Wind also tends to act like a clock. second or two, but with a Say the boat is on a reach with the little If the wind was coming from a nine practice, skippers find that true wind coming across the hull at a gybing is o'clock position an hour ago but has not the terrifying experience they 90-degree angle. As the speed were died, it is possible that it rotated to lead to believe. increases, the apparent wind direction either ten or eight o'clock, depending on the will move forward of the 90-degree Traveler positions and mast prevailing conditions. Normally, the wind angle even while the true wind TI rake. Earlier we said that the will follow this direction remains stationary. The mast can be raked aft for heavy wind pattern and completely "clock sailor who sails to the true wind in conditions by sheeting the main around" during the course of a day. such a case is at a disadvantage, so a tightly and using the traveler to power Another trick is to sail close to wind indicator placed forward on the or depower the mainsail. As a rule of land. Land heats up faster than water, boat, such as on the bridle wires, is a thumb, the heavier the wind, the so air currents are sometimes created near shorelines. must. farther out the traveler should be Rather than sailing to the wind placed. Keep in mind to watch those Whatever wind you're able to find, have fun with it. That's really the direction that can be seen from flags telltales you've placed on the sails and on land, a skipper should sail to the keep them flowing back evenly. name of the game with wind direction indicated by his Essentially, you are refocusing the Hobie sailing. readings on the boat. It's important to wind's energy toward the aft portion Mar/June 1986 7

ound the bend you see snags instantly when thrown and the dancing horsetails stretches outlandishly when wet. I:igurc that mark the rapid. Trying to control a bucking canoe at secured to gunnel — one on each side of canoe There's no question; the end of 25 feet of discount store you'll have to portage. nylon is akin to managing a bouncing R monkey on a yard-long rubber band. You put ashore just above the drop, then probe through thick alders in Even cotton clothesline rubbed with search of a portage trail. A half-hour paraffin (an old-time waterproofing of diligent scouting fails to reveal the remedy) fares better in this respect. lining rope slightest trace of a path. Getting Best by far is bright-yellow "braid- around the rapid will mean horsing on-braid"(not woven) polypropylene, the through hundreds of yards or "gold line" — a popular nylon sling of tangled vegetation. mountaineering rope. I prefer poly loops join at keel line What about the other bank? Not a because it floats. chance. A sheer rock face stretches Attaching lines to the canoe: The tirelessly the full length of the pitch. sidewash of a rapid exerts There's no way to get around it, save considerable force against the hull of a hauling the boats over the top with canoe. For this reason, it is essential ropes, mountaineering style. to secure your lining rope as close to Running the drop is out of the the keel line as possible. Attaching attach lining rope question. And so is portaging. You'll ropes to deck-mounted fittings is through sling loops have to line! downright dangerous — a quick pull Canoeing texts make "lining" sound on the rope is almost certain to upset like a . Just attach ropes to the the canoe. But get the force low, ends of your canoe, walk along the beneath the mass of the canoe, and tie around seat frame Figure 2 shore, and the canoe will naturally you'll enjoy good control. A follow. If you tuck the bow to shore Some canoeists prefer to rig a tie around and angle the tail slightly outward, the harness around the upstream portion -••—• ears seat frame sidewash of the current will push the of the hull. Two of the best methods craft into the mainstream. Reverse the are outlined below: angle on the canoe and the river will 1. Tie about three feet of one-inch knot scoot it back to the bank. Simple wide nylon sling material (available at \ lining as pie. most camping stores) to each gunnel, rope Don't you believe it! In the process just forward of the stern seat. Adjust of writing my book, Canoeing Wild the slings so that the loops join at the Rivers, I questioned dozens of keel line. Tie your lining rope to the backcountry canoeists about problems two sling loops and you have a secure the keel. (if any) they had encountered while harness that pulls right from tie to seat frame lining. Answers were unanimous: When you've finished lining, remove Lining was perceived as an art — one the rope and stuff the nylon webbing that is frequently difficult and into the canoe (see figure I). dangerous. Working a canoe along 2. Make a big loop with your line the edge of a powerful rapid with a as illustrated in figure 2, and tie the pair of ropes, while hopping nimbly "ears" of the harness to the stern seat from rock to rock, calls for skill, frame. The knot should be directly determination, surefootedness, and under the keel.(I am indebted to Bill coordination. Mason, author of the Path ofthe Here's the procedure for getting the Paddle, for this quick, ingenious Double the last6 feet or so ofrope and knot it in the center. job done without an "upsetting method of fashioning a lining/ towing Tie the "ears"of the line to the experience." harness.) stern seat frame. Rigging a harness is time- graphics — Ted Welke Equipment consuming — the reason why most Rope: What's available and/or canoeists don't do it. Nonetheless, Epoxy 5/8-inch diameter PVC inexpensive won't do. Ropes must be nothing works as well as a true lining waterpipe inside the holes so water thick enough and stiff enough so that harness. All other systems are "second can't leak into the canoe. Cut the pipe they won't snag in their own coils best." flush with the hull(a hacksaw blade when you toss them to an anxious If fashioning a harness sounds like works great), and chamfer the inside friend on a distant rock. Twenty-five too much work, attach your lines to to remove all rough edges. feet of 3/8-inch line is all most towing holes or links just above The object of the game is to work canoeists can competently handle. cutwater on the stems of the canoe. the canoe down the edge of the rapid, Standard hardware store nylon is Holes are safer than fittings because maneuvering it around boulders, logs, the worst possible rope for lining; it they can't get sheared off or bent. and ledges. One person usually

Mar/June 1986 9 ------stern tEw if line •It is customary to use ropes at the bow and stern when lining, though use of a single stern line is by far the 41111 safest practice. bow UM •Don't entrust your outfit to flexible nylon rope. Instead, rely on stiff- To get around rock "B": handed braid-on-braid polypropylene 1. Ferry the canoe upstream and let it "peel out"of eddy "A." 2. Let go the stern line so that the canoe can pivot downstream. or climber's "gold line." Twenty-five 3. The canoe has now cleared rock "B"and may be lined to shore with feet of line is plenty for most uses. single tail line. Keep lines coiled and secured under a loop of shock cord on the deck. technique used for working the canoe the bow line and do all their lining •Wear a life jacket and carry a sharp around an obstacle near the shoreline. with a single stern rope. This practice knife when lining canoes. Assume that the craft is in eddy "A" is by far the safest, though it is hard (figure 3) and must be lined around on the sidewalls of canoes. Still, Tracking obstacle "B." Every time you push the nearly all lining accidents (capsizes Tracking is the opposite of lining. bow of the craft outward into the and swampings) are the fault of an The principles are the same only river, the current forces it back to uncoordinated bow person! you're hauling the canoe upstream. shore. No matter how hard you push, Admittedly, I am not an expert at Tracking is just like ferrying. To get you can't seem to get the bow out far lining. I'm a good paddler and I'll do around obstacles near shore, you enough to clear obstacle "B." The my part on the portages, but I just simply pull the tail line smartly solution is to pinwheel (reverse) the don't have the surefootedness and inward, which sets the nose of the canoe. Use your lines to ferry the athletic ability to run along the shore canoe on an outward tack. Then you canoe upstream, out of eddy "A." As at the speed of the current,jumping walk (run!) upstream and let the side- soon as the bow clears the eddy line, confidently from rock to rock. And in wash ferry the canoe around the let go of the stern rope and allow the a tough drop, you must follow the obstacle. current to pivot the canoe canoe at the speed of the current. If The greatest danger is allowing the downstream, beyond rock "B." This is you daily and slow the canoe at a bow to get too far out in the current: essentially an eddy "peel-out" with no critical moment, tailwash may pour If it does, the stern person must paddlers aboard. Be sure you have over the stern and swamp the boat. instantly let up on the line. good control of the bow line when the Problem: You're lining down a For greatest safety you may want to boat swings downstream. tough rapid when the stern swings too rig a towing harness around the far out into the current. The sidewash upstream end of the canoe. You'll lose Dangers threatens to capsize the hull. What do some leverage with the harness (the The greatest danger, as mentioned, you do? Pull the stern line and snap rope pulls from the keel just forward is allowing the tail to get too far out in the canoe quickly to shore? Let go the of the bow seat) but the canoe won't the current. If you line with a single stern line and allow the canoe to capsize if you yank hard on the line to stern rope, you'll eliminate this pinwheel 180 degrees so that the haul in a bow that's out of alignment problem, but if you use two lines, person up front can haul it in? with the current. you'll have to maintain a "stern- Command the bow person to let go Most canoeists dismiss lining and tucked-to-shore attitude" during the the line, then haul in the stern rope? tracking as obvious procedures that canoe's descent. You absolutely, The last choice is correct. everyone can do. But the facts suggest positively, must not let the tail of the Remember, nearly all control of the otherwise. Certainly, a rank novice craft get beyond the bow, even canoe rests in the hands of the person can competently line a canoe through momentarily! upstream. the riffles of a gentle rapid, or between Don't put monkey fists or loops on Pinwheeling: Pinwheeling is a obstacles in a quiet stream. But the ends of your lining ropes. If you considerable damage to the craft may controlling the reins of a heavily "lose" your canoe while lining, the result. loaded canoe in a powerful current knot or loop may become caught And keep a knife handy when requires agility and in-depth between obstacles in the river and working around lines. I know of understanding of the intricacies of controls the bow line; the other takes several cases where canoeists became moving water. Practice lining and the stern, though it is possible to do entangled in lining ropes and were tracking on easy waters near home the job alone. The stern person does reluctantly dragged into the river. A before you try it on a rapid in remote nearly all the work; the bow person sheath knife or handy lock-blade country. simply provides finesse — mostly folder should be worn on your hip keeping the boat from sideswiping whenever you are lining. And, oh yes CliffJacobson has 32 years of rocks. — always wear your life jacket! canoeing experience and is one ofthe If the bow person errs even slightly Here's a summary of the important foremost canoeing experts in America. in his or her job and allows the stern ideas in lining. He is the author ofthree canoeing to be carried too far out in the •Lining is not a procedure that books, the newest of which is current, a capsize is almost certain. comes naturally. You'll have to Canoeing Wild Rivers, published by For this reason, many canoeists forgo practice it to develop proficiency. Stackpole. 10 Boat Pennsylvania A little care and maintenance can save you a lot of time and money. Trailering Tips

ave you taken a look at that Capacity by Gary Diamond rushing hulk supporting your Trailer failures are not at all uncom- Hboat lately? You know what I'm mon. Often,either the person selling the photos by the author talking about — that disgusting-look- boat or the individual doing the buying ing chunk ofdecaying iron called a boat makes the mistake of purchasing a trailer. The only item between your trailer that's too light for the total boat and the road is the trailer, and weight of the package. A basic rule of Above yours is falling apart at the seams. Yet, thumb is to add 33 percent to the total Trailer winch cables and clutch as- you're thinking about putting off the weight of the boat, motor,fuel, and all semblies are subject to rust, corrosion, expense of buying a new one because accessories. This figure gives you the and wear, so they should be inspected this one only lasted three years. approximate capacity of the trailer regularly and lubricated. There are several reasons why this needed to do the job. untimely demise of your trailer took For instance, if you purchased a place — some of which could have been completely outfitted boat that had a prevented. total weight of 1,000 pounds, it would Mar/June 1986 11 Locking your coupler to the hitch ballprevents someonefrom costs less than about $10 and is readily available at boating stealing your trailer while you're on the water. A lock like this supply stores and sporting goods stores. require a trailer rated for at least 1,300 ence in price between a galvanized trailer when this occurs,and unless you have a pounds of carrying capacity. This ca- and a painted model is usually less good insurance policy, there's a good pacity compensates for rough roads than $50 — not enough money to quib- chance you'll be footing the bill for a and turnpike-speed driving conditions. ble about when you're spending close to new rig. Buying a trailer that is rated for the $1000 on a new trailer. exact same weight as the rig you're car- In some instances,even if the trailer is Wheel bearings rying usually results in bent axles, galvanized, the axle is often painted Wheel bearing failure is usually the twisted frames, and burned out wheel channel iron and will rust if not painted result of two factors. In most instances, bearings. on a regular basis. One of the major the failure is caused by neglect. That is, problems incurred with rust is the they have never been lubricated since Rust weakening of the frame. the trailer was purchased and are often What about the rusting problem? All The trailer frame is often constructed submerged when the boat is launched. trailers will rust, but in particular, of closed channel iron and traps mois- When the wheels are submerged, the painted trailers show signs of rusting ture inside. It's not at all unusual to see bearing grease is washed away while within the first year or two of use. a rusting trailer broken completely in sand and dirt flow into the hub. After Again, skimping on the cost of a new half on the side of the highway. Unfor- several dunkings and a few high-speed trailer is usually the culprit. The differ- tunately, the boat is usually destroyed trips down the interstate, the abuse 12 Boat Pennsylvania takes its toll. At first, you'll hear only a However, there are other ways to Naturally this must be done on fairly high-pitched squeal as the unlubricated keep trailer lights dry. Self-loading level ground to be accurate. You may metal becomes white hot. Then, when trailers, similar to those used on most have to reposition the winch post to you least expect, the boat dips on one bass boats, are usually equipped with accomplish this,so be sure to tighten all side, whips wildly behind your car and guideposts. Lights can be mounted on bolts securely after thejob is completed. comes to rest on a badly damaged axle. top of the posts, which keeps them dry Finally, inflate the trailer tires to the Unfortunately, this usually takes during launching and retrieving. When manufacturer's recommended pressure. place along one of the interstate high- using an all-roller trailer, the lights will This should be done when the tires are ways on a Sunday afternoon when not be submerged when using the pre- cool to ensure accuracy. Periodically there's no help available. The rig must viously described method of launching check the pressure with a tire gauge, be dragged to the side of the highway and loading. Most trailer manufactur- and keep track of the inflation pressure and abandoned until you can make ers highly recommend using a separate in your spare. Remove the tires during arrangements to have it repaired. ground wire instead of depending on the winter and spray them with a coat of All this could have been prevented by the trailer hitch for grounding. This silicone oil to prevent dry rot, and installing a simple device that con- ensures good contact with the tow vehi- they'll last years longer. stantly lubricates the bearings while cle and the trailer. Knowing how your boat trailer oper- keeping water and dirt out of these ates and keeping it well-maintained not intricate parts — "Bearing Buddies." At Hitches only makes you a safer boater, but $15 a pair, these items are a real bar- H itch failures are also a common could save you the expense of buying a gain, and of all the boaters I know who problem with towing. In most instan- new one every three years. use them,none has experienced bearing ces, the hitch didn't have a locking failure. device to prevent it from opening when hitting a bump on the highway. These Publicationsfor Rollers locks are available at most marine If your trailer is not equipped with supply stores for under $15. Trailering Enthusiasts rollers, you must unfortunately sub- Each year, hundreds of boats are merge it to get the boat off. Roller-type stolen right under the owner's nose The Fish Commission has available trailers do not have to be placed in the because all the thief had to do was hook several useful pamphlets, guidesheets, water at all. They are specifically up to the trailer and tow the entire rig and books for those who trailer boats. designed to launch the boat without away. A hitch lock prevents this from Here is a selection. getting the trailer wet. In fact, in most occurring. •Boat Trailering describes trailer circumstances, the trailer need only be In addition, a good set of safety selection, equipment, maintenance, backed a few feet beyond the water's chains is important just in case the ball launching and retrieving, safety infor- edge to launch and retrieve, thus keep- happens to shear. Although this is mation, and registration. This pam- ing the trailer, wheel bearings, and highly unlikely, it could happen, and phlet also includes storage tips. lights completely dry. those two crossed chains would be the •/Just Bought a Boat! Now What Do The secret to efficient launching is only item keeping your boat from I Do? is a pamphlet that specifies not to release the tilt pin when launch- careening off the side of the highway. important information for the new- ing. Simply unhook the winch cable To trailer any boat safely, the opera- boat owner. Topics include registra- and push the boat off while holding tor of the vehicle must have complete tion, which forms to fill out, and onto the launch rope. But while retriev- control. This can only be achieved if the requirements for safety. ing, the tilt pin must be released to take boat is correctly balanced on the trailer. •Pennsylvania Basic Boating, recently the stress off the bow eye. If you own an lithe trailer is ofsufficient capacity and revised and reprinted, is the Fish Com- all-roller trailer, you'll find launching everything is in good mechanical order, mission's 84-page book on the rudi- and loading considerably easier when half the battle is won. But you must ments and requirements for Common- using this method. achieve the correct tongue weight to wealth boaters. Chapters include infor- prevent whipping or swaying while mation on boat types,equipment, navi- Lights under way. Most trailer manufacturers gation, safety, emergency measures, Trailer lights are important and recommend that a minimum of five and a skipper's duties. This book is should be checked before any outing. percent of the total weight of the rig be available postage paid for $1. Make Be sure connectors are free of any cor- at the tongue. checks payable to Pennsylvania Fish rosion and that all wires are in good If your boat, motor, trailer, fuel, and Commission. condition. If you must submerge the all accessories weigh 1,000 pounds, for •Summary of Boating Regulations trailer lights when launching, be sure instance, you'll need a minimum of 50 1986 is mailed with each new and that they are completely waterproof. pounds of tongue weight to maintain renewed boat registration, but if you'd Most trailer lights, unfortunately,are control. To determine this, simply take like an additional copy, it is available not even moisture-resistant, let alone the rig to one of the truck stops where free. waterproof. Those that are cost about scales are available. Usually,there is no Send requests for all items to: Boat- $25 to $30 a pair, but are well worth the charge to weight the vehicle. ing, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, money. They'll last a lifetime and could Place the tongue on a bathroom scale P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105- possibly prevent you from getting struck and adjust the boat forward or back- 1673. from behind when towing. ward until you reach the desired weight. ii11111111111111•11111ki Mar/June 1986 13 The Parade of Boats at Neshaminy State Pk

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side of the creek. The main attractions boaters at the marina participate in by Tom Reinke for boaters are a modern 19I-slip that tradition through the Neshaminy marina and two boat ramps with State Park Boating Association. For he place to go on the parking for 125 tow vehicles. many slip renters, the club serves as Delaware River to see the focus of social activities during the every type of watercraft The boat basin boating season and throughout the from 14-foot aluminum The marina is a spacious deep- winter. The club is also a member of Tfishing boats to 40-foot water boat basin with an entrance to the Delaware River Yachtsmen's luxury cruisers is Neshaminy State th—e' river that is protected by a small League, an association of 30 yacht Park, located near Croydon in lower jetty. The slips, which are equipped clubs situated on the river from Bucks County. The park's ideal with water and electrical service, are Bristol, PA, to Salem, NJ. location on the river's prime boating arranged on five piers according to section plus its first-class facilities are boat size. Two piers are reserved for The ramps powerful magnets that lure boat boats up to 25 feet. Two more handle One of the boat ramps is owners and boat watchers from a boats from 26 to 30 feet, and the fifth immediately adjacent to the piers in wide region in southeastern pier accommodates vessels of over 31 the marina, but the most heavily used Pennsylvania. feet. Most of the boats in the marina ramp, with direct access to the river, is The park, which gets its name from are motorboats, and the fleet includes a short distance away. On summer the creek running through it, is everything from aging wooden sedans mornings there is a constant parade of divided into two sections. The largest to the sleekest, wave-skimming sport cars and trucks pulling their boats up section, with picnic areas, hiking boats. A shower/ restroom facility and to the ramp. And in late afternoon, trails, and a swimming pool, is located fuel dock with food concession boats returning from excursions on on one side of , complete the services. the river hover in a holding pattern, while the boating facilities are located The Delaware River has a strong awaiting their turn to be picked up. in a separate section on the opposite tradition of active yacht clubs, and The boat ramp has so much traffic 14 Boat Pennsylvania To reach Neshaminy State Park from , take the Route 132 exit off 1-95. Proceed to State Road and turn left to the park entrance. From points north, take Route 13(Bristol Pike) to State Road, to the park. The park is located at the of the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. TO CROYDON 1 MI.

Neshaminy 7 STATE PARK ciN

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TO EDDINGTON 1 MI.

1 1 1 16 8 4

Wake GRAPHIC SCALE IN Ted DELAWARE RIVER MILES — map

that the Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla a yacht club with its clubhouse in a that provides interesting side trips. from Bristol has found it an ideal site stately old mansion that overlooks the Another destination, about 15 miles for its courtesy safety examinations. river. downstream, is Penn's Landing, the And even when examinations are not Boaters journey up the river to a municipal pier in center city being held, auxiliarists are often few coves used as popular overnight Philadelphia. available to help new or experienced anchorages or to some quiet stretches All in all, Neshaminy State Park skippers who need a hand in that are great for water skiing. really opens the Delaware River to launching or loading their boats. Recently, there has been an increasing Pennsylvania boaters. number of fishermen who put in at Setting out the park and travel up the river in Boaters setting out from the park search of the growing number of bass Boating expert Torn Reinke serves on are on one of the most scenic parts of in the river. Boat Pennsylvania's Editorial the river. Immediately across from the Downriver leads to a couple of bays Advisory Committee. He writes the park, on the side of the that have nice sandy beaches and to boating column for the Philadelphia river, is the Red Dragon Canoe Club, Rancocas Creek, one of the streams Inquirer. Mar/June 1986 15 Wakes Make More Waves

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Dreamboat heads east out of Presque Isle Inlet, a danger spotfor wake damage. This narrow passageway is bordered by bulkheads that can telegraph wake surges without .00pv, 4;411001%, diminishing their intensity. The operator of Dreamboat is demonstrating the proper way — and the legal way — to negotiate this spot. get back to what you were doing. by Art Michaels Dangerous surges However, this situation is more A destructive boat wake, on the dangerous if your boat has a low oats can be downright other hand, travels at the speed of the transom with little , as do dangerous when it comes boat, and damaging wake frequencies most small craft. In this case, a to wakes, and that are often quite high. The combination cresting wake could pour over the danger includes both of a wake's high speed and high transom, swamping the boat. The B creating a harmful wake frequency makes it dangerous. The safest course for handling an and being on the receiving end of one. damage occurs when a wake slams a overtaking wake in a small boat is to Whether you're on your way to a boat in rapid succession, the waves come about and quarter the bow into fishing spot, heading in from the hitting the endangered boat's hull at the oncoming wake. action, cruising, or sailing, you could the top of each crest, where the surges The best procedure to avoid be endangered by another boat's exert the most force. The wake damage when you're moving through wake, and you might even put another pummels the boat, as does a boxer a wake is first to slow down. If you boat in peril by your own wake. who decks an opponent with slam a wake while you're thundering The best way to minimize this combinations of well-placed blows. along, you could damage your boat danger is to take a close look at your The result is a knockout. and endanger your passengers because boat and the wake it could create, and Congested areas are the most your speed is added to the wake speed examine where you boat and the kind hazardous for wake damage. In fact, in combined force. When you slow of boating you do. In this way, you one or two boats are rarely involved down, steer quartering into the wake. can take steps not to give or to receive in wake problems. When four or five The main problem with wakes in a damaging surge. boats are under way in the same any situatiords that it's so hard to see direction, either in the same path or in whose wake is about to jar your boat. False assumption different places, you often don't see an Wakes move somewhere between 20 One common mistaken idea about oncoming wake, and some wakes and 40 degrees from an imaginary line wakes is that wake size is often combine their forces to do damage. through your boat's middle from stern equated to boat speed. In other The combination of waves to create a to bow, so the culprit is often words, if you're moving along at 30 stronger force is called resonance. hundreds of yards away before his mph, you have to be creating a huge This danger occurs when you're busy wake bashes your boat. wake. This notion isn't always true, trolling, trying to stay with a school of Furthermore, in crowded situations because boat wake characteristics are fish, or holding a position, for where the danger of wakes is greatest, actually determined by a craft's instance. waterways conservation officers and weight, size, hull design, and hull Another problem area is an inlet the Coast Guard have great difficulty displacement. bordered by bulkheads or rock walls. citing a boat operator for wake For example, some boats plane at The walls act as mirrors for wakes, damage because the occurrence is so high speed and barely touch the creating multiple high-frequency "hit-and-run." It's difficult to water's surface. These boats create a surges and cross-chops that have no determine which wake came from small wake at high speeds. But a large lessening in their strength. Add tricky which boat. boat, perhaps with a heavy, high- currents and the area could be even That's the main reason why you horsepower engine, whose stern rides more dangerous. Similarly, docks, need to develop the kind of defensive low in the water while the bow angles moored boats, and shorelines can be plan outlined here. Even if you do get upward, could create a damaging damaged by strong wakes. the registration number of the boat wake even at slow speeds. In crowded situations, a special whose wake damaged you, and even if Even though boat wakes are just problem is often created by overtaking there are witnesses, proving it in court like other waves that constantly strike wakes. Suppose, for example, you're could be very tough. In fact, few cases boats, docks, bulkheads, and under way slowly or holding a of negligent operation because of shorelines, boat wakes have special position where other boaters are wake damage ever get to trial. All in characteristics that make them moving faster. Most boaters in this all, avoidance and prevention is the dangerous. For one thing, all waves situation get their stomachs in their best medicine when it comes to have amplitude, the height of the throats when the overtaking wake dangerous wakes. wave, measured from the crest to the slams their craft on the beam, and you Finally, there are federal and state trough. Boat wakes, like other waves, don't necessarily have to be in a small laws against creating excessive wakes, also have frequency, the distance boat, either! Of course, as a small and all boaters are responsible for the between crests, and speed. boat gets lifted sideways, you darn damage their wakes cause. The best High seas during a storm can near take on water over the gunwales! approach on the water for all boaters produce waves with enormous is to slow down. If we don't, more and amplitude — height — but these Avoiding damage more speed restrictions will have to be waves have low frequencies, great The best way to handle an enacted. distances between onslaughts. They overtaking swell, if you can maneuver, are also relatively slow-moving. Most is to put your boat stern into the waves produced by the tide, for oncoming surge. The wake then Art Michaels is editor of Pennsylvania example, move at less than about spirals under your boat from stern to Angler and Boat Pennsylvania 10 mph. bow, after which you can gracefully magazines. photos by the author May/June 1986 17 Cradle of the Modern U.S. Navy by Harold Eisert, Sr. The Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry statue was dedicated training, crews were composed of volunteers. Recruits and in Erie's East Perry Square on August 23, 1985, the many ships were privateers, all derived from followers of bicentennial of his birth. The bronze statue is an exact the sea. duplicate of the original in Washington Square, Newport, RI. Part of Perry's fleet, the Brigs Lawrence and Niagara, and the schooners Ariel, Porcupine, Scorpion, and Tigress were built in Erie under the supervision of Daniel Dobbins, a promoter of navigation on the lake, and master he Battle of Lake Erie fought in Put-in-Bay at shipbuilder Noah Brown, who arrived in Erie in early Sundusky, Ohio, September 10, 1813, no March of 1813. doubt played an important part in establishing At that time, Erie consisted of 500 inhabitants, who our modern Navy. along with imported shipwrights scurried around felling T Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, then 27 trees, using the green lumber hastily to construct the ships. years old, a seafaring man, came to Erie in late March of The balance of the fleet was the Caledonia, Sommers. 1813 to take command of the U.S. Fleet, being built and Trippe, Ohio, and Amelia, which were prizes of war when assembled on the shores of Presque Isle Bay at the mouth the British Fort George fell to the United States forces and of Cascade Creek. He was to engage the British Fleet and were brought to Erie. On the 12th day of August 1813, with free the lake of British rule. On that day, September 10, the banner flying, the fleet set sail from Erie to seek the enemy. first shot was fired at Perry's flagship Lawrence by the In 1845, George Bancroft, secretary of the Navy in British ship Detroit. President Polk's cabinet, established the U.S. Naval After losing the Lawrence to British gunfire, Perry and Academy at Annapolis. MD,for the purpose of training the trained crew transferred to the Niagara, taking with him Navy personnel. Today, over 4,000 attending the academy that famous banner,"Don't give up the ship," rehoisting it are housed in Bancroft Hall on the 329-acre complex. for all his remaining ships to see. The banner was made by Entering Bancroft Hall and inside the massive rotunda a group of Erie women in the home of Mrs. Margaret are steps leading to Memorial Hall. Entering the hall, first Forster Steuart. After a hard-fought battle lasting only in sight is a large, prominent mural and history of the hours, there were many dead and wounded. Battle of Lake Erie along with that famous banner and a Following the battle, Perry sent a letter to General bronze bust of Commodore Perry. Harrison:"We have met the enemy and they are ours: two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop." First iron warship Another letter was dispatched to the secretary of the In 1843, 30 years after Perry's victory, the Navy's Navy, in which Perry stated: "It has pleased the Almighty first iron warship, U.S.S. Michigan, was built and to give to the arms of the United States a signal victory launched at Erie to be used to patrol the lake — over ill their enemies on this lake. The British squadron, making Erie its home port. It was the only warship on the consisting of two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one Great Lakes. sloop, have this moment surrendered to forces under my In 1910, the Michigan came under the command of an command, after a sharp conflict." Erie native, William Leverett Morrison, Ltd. Cmdr., U.S. Naval Reserve. Under Morrison's direction, the ill Misery Bay Pennsylvania Militia used it as a training base. On April 10, The remnants of Perry's fleet returned to Erie to 1917, the entire group marched to active duty on the winter in a cover of Presque Isle Bay, bringing with European theater of World War I. When the Michigan was them the captured British ships ,Detroit and Queen turned into Naval Reserve status, it was renamed the Charlotte. That winter was long and cold, supplies were Wolverine. low, and the bay was frozen solid. Many of the remaining Morrison commanded the Wolverine from 1910 until its crews took sick and died; others were weak. Thus, that cove last cruise in 1923, when the port sidewheel piston rod is now known as "Misery Bay." failed due to crystallization after 80 years of service. On the west side of Misery Bay is an opening to what is Repairs were refused by the Navy Department, and the now the Lagoons, a series of ponds which in the 1920s the vessel was cut up as scrap. Commonwealth connected by dredging channels. They now Today, all that remains of the Wolverine is the bowspirit can be traversed by small boats through wild habitat. adjacent to the Niagara, a fitting memory of two great ships During the winter, these ponds seldom freeze solid due to and the days when the U.S.S. Michigan proudly towed the rising marsh gas. Just above the entrance to the Lagoons at Niagara to various lake ports for public viewing. the canoe concession is "Graveyard Pond," where it is said In those early days, many officers and crew married Erie Perry and his weakened seamen gave their comrades a sea girls, and the saying was,"Erie is the mother-in-law of the burial during that terrible winter. The Brig Niagara was Navy." It could rightfully be so, for many of its native sons later scuttled in Misery Bay. became admirals, rear admirals, and captains in the Navy. In 1913, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the One of its most famous is Captain Charles Vernon Gridley, battle of Lake Erie, the Niagara was raised and rebuilt. It is who commanded the battleship Olympia in Admiral now located on land at the foot of State Street, Erie's main Dewey's fleet of the Spanish-American War battle in avenue. The ship is open to the public. Farther down the Manila Bay. Dewey's orders there were "Fire when you are street is the public dock, from which, looking across the ready, Gridley." Another great victory was won! bay, can be seen the Perry Monument on a point of land at It appears that our modern Navy started in Erie as the the entrance to Misery Bay. The monument is impressive result of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's victory with and lit at night. his hastily constructed ships and recruited In the early days of our Navy, there was very little crews against a trained British fleet. • Mar/June 1986 19 A Primer for Purchasing Water Ski Equipment by Joe Greene

s the spring season and ask them about their equipment. comes to an end and we Check with the boaters who moor are looking forward to their boats near yours. Also, a good those warm days of marina or marine dealer can provide Asummer, you may be you with invaluable information on anticipating taking up the sport of the equipment available. water skiing. You have watched other I have always purchased my people experience the excitement of equipment from marine dealers rather gliding across the calm water making than general sporting good stores. turns behind the boat. The challenge They seem to have the latest of jumping the wake starts to get your information and are a good source of blood moving. Or perhaps the young information for the newest items on ones in your family have been putting the market. Also, I felt more on the pressure to purchase some comfortable dealing with someone water ski equipment so that they who specializes in this equipment. I may try their skill at skiing. like to establish that rapport with the Once you start looking around, supplier in the event that I want to you see that there is a myriad of upgrade my equipment as my skills equipment available and you are increase. not sure just how much of an This is not to say that you can't get investment you want to make in good equipment from other sources. this sport. Your initial costs You may not have marine specialists do not have to be high to get in your area. I have found that the started with an adequate larger sporting goods stores and supply of gear as a beginner. department stores generally carry a If you are a beginner and good line of the basic equipment. don't know where to start, talk to your friends and Water skis neighbors who water ski Probably the first thing you are going to look at are the skis themselves. Don't be overwhelmed by illustrations — Rose Boegh the different models available. Zero in on the basic equipment at first. Consider first the size, age, and physical strength of the user. If purchasing for children, remember that they have to put them on in the water and get set up before they can ski. Generally, don't purchase skis that are longer than the user is tall. I have seen the frustration of a young beginner who was fitted with too large a pair of skis, and he kept floating up behind them while trying to tread

20 Boat Pennsylvania water in preparation to getting up. skier for whom it is designed, impact Don't forget that beginners tend to rating, and U.S. Coast Guard fall a lot, and you don't want to tire approval number. them out more than necessary fighting Proper fit is important. Before the equipment. purchasing this device, try them on If you are buying equipment for and make sure they are comfortable young skiers, take them along. Let and snug. Look for leeway in the them participate in the purchase. Let adjustments. Again, in the water it them figure out the binding might take additional adjustments to adjustment system. If it's too prevent it from "riding up." This rope. The length of the rope cannot complicated for them to figure out on problem will add to the wearer's exceed 80 feet in length and must dry land, they won't be able to make frustration. comply with Pennsylvania boating minor adjustments in the water. regulations. Prices can range from $8 Look at this adjustment system to $36 for the competition rope, with closely. Is there a chance of losing any an additional toe harness besides the of the parts? Out in the middle of a handle. lake is no place to search for a spring Attachment rigs can be either a or screw that comes off in the water. towing pylon inside the boat, found Have them try them on to see if the on competition-type crafts, or a bindings fit snugly. Bindings don't towing bridle used on the typical come in all sizes as do shoes. We runabout. The purpose of the generally have to take the best fit attachment rig is provided for easier available for our particular foot size. boat steering while towing the water You put water skis on by folding _ skier. over the heel piece and sliding your The fit is also important to prevent Towing bridles should be made up foot all the way forward into the toe the wearer from coming out of the of good snaps or clips to facilitate piece. Pull the heel piece up around vest when falling. Have the user try hooking up the device. They should the back of the foot. There shouldn't the vest on in the water under also have a float and a pulley be too much sliding around by the controlled conditions. After a fall attached. The float will aid in keeping forward part of your foot. What feels behind a moving boat is not the time the towing harness and tow rope from snug on dry land will probably loosen to find out that the vest is too loose. It fouling the propeller. The pulley up in the water. Make sure the may be necessary to purchase ski vests allows for even distribution of the pull binding doesn't irritate the top of the for each member of the family to on the stern of the boat even when foot or around the ankle. If the ensure proper fit. going into a turn. Note: the towing binding is too large, you may have to Unlike the skis, you may want to harness or bridle should be attached switch brands of skis. A point to spend a little more money here to the lifting eyes on the stern of the consider is that a snug, comfortable fit because styles and colors are boat, rather than the mooring deck gives a beginner more confidence. important to all of us. You will find cleats. These lifting eyes are designed Cost is a vital consideration. You that youth are more inclined to wear a for handling more tension. can spend anywhere from $50 for an device that identifies them as water Pre-packaged ski harness prices inexpensive pair of skis to $300 for skiers. Let them help in choosing this range from $10 to $20. You can just one competition slalom ski. piece of equipment,just as you would purchase the various components and Decide how much you want to spend, in selecting an article of clothing. make up your own, too. but put your money where you will While safety is first, it adds to their This is the basic equipment that is get the most use. I skied for many enjoyment if they can be identified as required to get you started. After you years on my first set and even used skiers. Prices aren't cheap — they get further involved in the sport, there them through the early stages of range from $25 for the basic vest to is more gear in which you may want skiing on a single ski. $55 or $60 for the "designer" or to invest. Things to consider may competition manufactured devices. include ski gloves, water ski cases, wet Ski vest suits, slalom skis, and so on. Pennsylvania boating regulations Towing Rigs Water skiing is an exciting sport require that the water skier must wear The towing rig is made up of two and will provide many hours of a Coast Guard approved type I, II, or parts: I) the tow rope and 2) an enjoyment for all members of the III personal flotation device. While attachment rig to the boat. family. With the basic equipment these regulations allow for the type I Tow ropes are generally made of listed above you can get off to a good or II, I have found them polypropylene and come with either start. uncomfortable for skiing. I prefer the one or two handles. The two-handle type III vest, designed for skiing. tows have just about disappeared The first step in making this from the market and are not as Joe Greene, a seasoned water skier, is purchase is to read the label inside the popular as they were in the past. For a Fish Commission Bureau of jacket. It lists valuable information the beginning package, I would invest Waterways boating safety education such as chest size, the weight of the in a basic single-handle, no-frills tow specialist. May/June 1986 21 interpretation a the rules in Chapman's Piloting, Seamanship and Rights of Way Small Boat Handling. Inservice Safety is a two-way street. Sharing the Training Conference water with other boaters would be chaotic if it weren't for accepted rules. There aren't visible lines dividing the New procedures, boating safety waterways into traffic lanes, but education, enforcement of the new boaters operating in crowded lakes "boating Small Craft under the influence" law and and harbors stay on their side of the homicide by watercraft provision, and road to avoid collisions. Training Courses preparation for a variety of situations The principle all must follow is: highlighted this year's Fish Only one boat has the right of way. by Janet R. Mayer Commission annual inservice training This boat is termed "stand-on vessel," Individuals interested in enhancing conference. The 3-day training session and is expected to proceed without their recreational boating opportuni- was held in Clearfield, and featured changing course or altering speed. A ties, those personnel who spend time on experts conducting seminars and boat not having the right of way, the demonstrations. the water patrolling and/or assisting "give-way vessel," must yield to the others and camp staff responsible for stand-on vessel. This is a simple rule, boating activities during the summer as these basic situations show. months have a chance to participate in •Crossing. Crossing occurs when CG Aux Designs New what is planned to become one of the two boats approach at an angle. If biggest boating safety training pro- Short Course another boat approaches from the grams in the East. right (starboard) side, that boat is "The Ohio Pennsylvania Small Craft A short course for boaters who privileged and has the right of way. Training College has been designed to won't go to the classroom for boating That boat holds its course and speed. meet the needs of people who simply safety is the impetus behind the U.S. The "give-way vessel" yields by want to learn new and fun skills, in Coast Guard Auxiliary's developing a slowing down or stopping and passes addition to satisfying those profession- new short course. The lessons are behind the other boat. als who want to sharpen their job- designed to be taken by students in •Overtaking. When a boat overtakes related performance," explained Virgil boating clubs, sporting groups, another boat from the stern, the Chambers, chief of the Commission recreation groups and centers, and overtaking boat shall keep out of the Boating Safety Education Section. The other sportsmens organizations, and way of the vessel being overtaken. The school is cosponsored by the leading it's structured to be taught in one overtaken vessel holds a steady course boating safety education agencies in the four-hour session. and speed. country: Ohio Department of Natural The course is available now for the •Meeting. When two boats meet Resources, PA Fish Commission, first time. For details on local classes, each other, on reciprocal or nearly American Red Cross, and the U.S. call 1-800-336-BOAT. reciprocal courses, neither has the Army Corps of Engineers. right of way. Both are required to Courses include basic level and in- alter their courses to the right structor level sailing, river canoeing, (starboard) so they pass port to port. Canoeing Guide and flat-water canoeing; outboard •General Prudential rule. When a boating, water patrol, water rescue,and Canoeing Guide to Western boater has attempted the steps cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Pennsylvania and Northern West outlined above and an accident still "The school is scheduled to be held at Virginia is a 290-page updated and seems inevitable, then do whatever is Camp Temple Grove in Mercer County, revised book that details 200 trips on necessary to avoid collision. PA, beginning June 2 and concluding 88 rivers and streams. Produced by •Special circumstances. Boats June 6, although some courses are the Pittsburgh Council American propelled by oars or paddles have the scheduled only for two or three days Youth Hostels, the information in the right of way over motorboats. The within that week," Chambers said. book came from the experiences of same applies with sailboats. However, Anyone interested in obtaining an participants in the Hostel's when a sailboat canoeing overtakes a application or additional information programs over the past 30 years. The motorboat, the motorboat is should contact: Boating Safety Educa- new edition is 6 inches by 9 inches and privileged and has the right of way. tion, PA Fish Commission, P.O. Box sells for $5 plus 70c per copy for This explanation is a capsulated 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. The postage handling. and Pennsylvania view. For a complete accounting of phone number is 717-657-4540. residents should also include 30a sales the navigation rules, see Navigation tax. To obtain a copy, and for more Rules, International — Inland, Janet R. Mayer is special programs details, contact: A.Y.H. Books, 7303 available from the U.S. Government coordinator ofthe Commission Bureau Reynolds Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA Printing Office, Superintendent of of Waterways. She's also a member of 15208. The phone number is Documents, Washington, DC 20402. the Boat Pennsylvania Editorial Advi- 412-362-8181. You will find another useful sory Committee. 22 Boat Pennsylvania 7-77-cWIRINEWM-..lt39MIETPW-

29 Sailboat race, Lake Nuangola. Park, Susquehanna River, Harrisburg. Calendar Nuangola Yacht Club, Millie Fleet- Harrisburg Department of Parks and wood, 15 Nuangola Avenue, Moun- Recreation, City Government Center, taintop, PA 18907 (various races Harrisburg, PA 17101. Phone:717-255- May. through 8/31). 3020. 3 Canoe race, (Berne 31-6/1 Whitewater Fes- 4 Raft Regatta, Juniata River, Lewis- Bridge to Epler's Grove). Keystone tival (rafting, canoeing, and kayaking town. Mifflin County Tourist Promo- Canoe Club, Walter G. Axsmith, 701 races), White Haven. Lehigh River tion Agency, 3 Monument Square, Centre Avenue, Reading, PA 19601. Whitewater Festival, P.O. Box 86, Lewistown,PA 17044. Phone: 717-248- 3, 4, 18, 25 Sailboat regatta, races. White Haven, PA 18661. Phone: 717- 6713. Marsh Creek Lake. Marsh Creek Sail- 443-8554. 11-13 Powerboat races, Cowanesque ing Club, Graham S. Thompson, 97 Lake (see June 27-29 entry). Waterloo Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312 June 12 Pennsylvania Fish Commission (various dates through 10/19). 1 Raft race, Delaware River, Smith- meeting, Harrisburg area. For more 3,4,18,31 Sailboat races, Lake Nock- field Beach Access. Delaware River information contact the Commission at amixon. Nockamixon Sail Club, Inc., Raft Race Committee, Barbara Gun- 717-657-4522. Craig C.Tourtellott, 205 Hilltop Drive, ter, P.O. Box 93, Wharton, NJ 07885. 18-20 Water ski meet,Schuylkill River, RD I, Green Lane, PA 18054(various 1 4th Annual Raystown Marathon Felix Dam. Reading Water Skiers, Inc., dates through 10/19). Canoe Race, Raystown Branch Juniata Ralph E. Hall, RD #9187, Reading,PA 3, 10, 17, 18, 24, 31 Sailboat races, River. Bruce Penrod, Box 93, RD 1, 19605. regattas, Lake Arthur. Moraine Sailing Summerhill, PA 15958. Phone: 814- 19-20 Powerboat races, Schuylkill Club,James M. Higgins,P.O. Box 692, 487-4164. River. Port Indian Civic and Boating Pittsburgh, PA 15230 (various dates 2-6 Ohio-Pennsylvania Small Craft Association, William G. Dougherty,80 through 10/4). Training College, Shenango Lake. W. Indian Lane, Norristown, PA 10 Lackawanna River Canoe Race. Janet R. Mayer, Special Programs Co- 19403. Northeast Pa. Environmental Council, ordinator, Pennsylvania Fish Commis- 27 Yellow Creek Boat Regatta, Yellow P.O. Box 3113, Scranton, PA 18505- sion, 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, Creek State Park. Indiana County 3113. Phone: 717-961-1150. PA 17109. Phone: 717-657-4540. Tourist Bureau, 6th Street and Wayne 10,11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Sailboat races, 14-21 Northeastern Pennsylvania Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701. Phone: Pymatuning Reservoir. Pymatuning Safety School, Bethlehem, PA (basic 412-463-7305. Yacht Club, Jack B. Ludwig, James- and instructor-level training in sailing To have your organization's activities town,PA 16134(various dates through and canoeing). Bethlehem Chapter considered to appear in Boat Pennsyl- 9/28).. American Red Cross, 241 East Market vania's "Calendar" column, 17 Water Rescue Instructor Training, Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-6286. send the information to us at least three months Phase 11. Pennsylvania Fish Commis- 17-18 U.S. Women's National Team before the date of the activity. For sion, 717-657-4540. Trials (), Hammond Lake, Ives example,if your group's event begins 17-18 USA Slalom Team Trials, Slip- Run Recreation Area. Interlachen or occurs in August, we must have the pery Rock Creek, Portersville, PA. Bob Rowing Club, Margaret Coffey, P.O. details May. Send items The Ruppel, 845 Williams Street, Conflu- Box 330, Corning, NY 14830. in to: Edi- tor, Boat Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1673, ence, PA 15424. 19-22 1986 National Championship Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. 17-18 American Canoe Association In- for Women's Rowing, Hammond Lake, structor Certification Clinics for Open Ives Run Recreation Area(see June 17- Canoe. Bruce Penrod, Box 93, RD 1, 18 entry). Summerhill, PA 15958. Phone: 814- 21 COGH Susquehanna Downriver WCO Johnston Selected 487-4164. Race, Harrisburg. Eric Vanderheyden, Officer of the Year 23-25 Scenic River Festival, Riverfront 491 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, Park, Reading. Schuylkill River Green- PA 17036. Clinton County Waterways way Association, 960 Mill Old Road, 27-29 Powerboat races, Cowanesque Conservation Officer Jay Johnston Wyomissing, PA 19610. Phone: 215- Lake. Southern Tier Power Boat Asso- has been named 1985 Fish 372-3916. ciation, Peter E. Forcier, RD 3, Box 95, Commission Officer of the Year by 23-25 Annual Health and Safety Clinic, Elmira, NY 14903. the Conservation Law Enforcement Harrisburg (basic and instructor -level 28 LVCC 3rd Annual Lehigh River Officers Association of the Northeast training in canoeing, kayaking, and Race, Allentown. Eugene P. Gallagher, Fish and Wildlife Conference. Each sailing). Harrisburg Area American 715 North New Street, Bethlehem, PA conference member state, from Maine Red Cross, 1804 N. 6th Street, Harris- 18018. to Virginia, selects its officer of the burg, PA 17102. 28-29 Tiadaghton Elm Classic Mara- year, and the officers are recognized at 24-25 Albert Gallatin Regatta, Point thon Canoe Race, Pine Creek, Jersey the yearly meeting. This year's Marion. Point Marion Chamber of Shore. Joel Hart, RD 2, Box 101-B, conference takes place in May in Commerce, P.O. Box 22, Point Mar- Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Phone: 717- Hershey, Pennsylvania. ion, PA 15474. Phone: 412-725-5205. 398-0843. WCO Johnston is a I9-year 24-25 American Canoe Association In- Commission veteran. He's served in structor Certification uly Clinics for Open Clinton County since 1978. Canoe (see May 17-18 entry). 4 July Fourth Regatta, Riverfront

Ma;/June 1986 23

31111111111EW04:4?-12! The Law&You by Perry D.Heath

Q. Is it legal to sit on the back of my boat seat while BO T operating the boat? A. It is unlawful to operate a small motorboat (less than 20 feet in length) at greater than a slow, minimum height swell Pennsylvania speed while any person is riding on the bow decking, gunwales, transom, seatbacks, or motor cover, or standing on or in the boat. SUBSCRIPTIONS Q. I own a large pontoon boat that I use to take small parties fishing, camping, and just sightseeing. Last summer 1. NEW ORDERS/RENEWALS we had a wedding performed on the boat in the water. The To start a subscription to Boat Pennsylvania or to extend your dock owner where I moor my boat advises me that I am in current subscription, enter your name and address and check violation of the law because I charge these persons using the subscription term you prefer. (Please print clearly) my boat for my gasoline expenses. Is he correct? A. All boats employed in the carrying of more than six Your name passengers for hire on any inland or tidal waters of the Commonwealth not currently under inspection by the Guard shall be inspected annually by Address Apt. United States Coast the Fish Commission. A certificate of inspection issued by the Commission shall be prominently displayed in a public City State Zip space aboard the boat. New subscriber 03 years $11(18 issues) 0 Q. My friends and I are trick water skiers. Must we wear 0 1 year $4(6 issues) 0 Renewal Coast Guard approved notation devices? A. No. Persons engaged in trick skiing may elect to wear a non-Coast Guard approved personal flotation device so that their movements will not be restricted or impeded by (attach mailing label when renewing) the bulk of such devices.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Dedicated to the sound conserva- Ralph W. Abele. tion of our aquatic resources, the Executive Director protection and management of the Signature Howard T. Hardie, state's diversified fisheries, and to Administrative Assistant the ideals of safe boating and Account # if renewing Dennis T. Guise, optimum boating opportunities. (Account number appears above name on label.) Chief Counsel Ross E. Starner, Comptroller >2. TO GIVE A GIFT: BUREAU OF name Enter your name and address above and your recipient's ADMINISTRATIVE and address below. SERVICES 717-657-4522 OFFICE OF o 3 years $11 (18 issues) Paul F. O'Brien, Director INFORMATION 0 1 year $4(6 Issues) Allison J. Mayhew, Personnel 717-657-4518 John Hoffman, Real Estate Larry Shaffer, Publications From Gift card to read Glen Reed. Federal Aid Stephen B. Ulsh, Education Mary Stine. Licensing Dave Wolf, TO Adopt-A-Stream Coordinator BUREAU OF FISHERIES Media Relations AND ENGINEERING Art Michaels, Magazines Address Apt. 814-359-5100 Boat Pennsylvania Edward R. Miller, P.E., Editorial Advisory Assistant Executive Director Zip Delano Graff, Fisheries Committee City State Chambers, Chairman Eugene Smith. Virgil Boating Construction & Maintenance (Chief, Education Return this form to: Bureau of Waterways, K. Ronald Weis, Section, PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION Fish Commission) Architectural & Engineering Pennsylvania BOAT PA Circulation Joe Greene(Boating Education P.O. Box 1673 Specialist, Pennsylvania Fish Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673 BUREAU OF Commission) WATERWAYS Janet R. Mayer(Special Programs Be sure your name and address appear both on this form and on your check 717-657-4538 Coordinator, Pennsylvania Make checks payable to: PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION Gene Sporl, Fish Commission) Assistant Executive Director Charles Walbridge (canoeing) Edward W. Manhart. Jack Davis(water skiing) Law Enforcement Gus Neuss, Jr. (sailing) Virgil Chambers, Leann R. Diehl (kayaking) Reinke (cruising) 24 Boat Pennsylvania Boating Education Tom License Plate Parlance

We published this license plate photograph first in the November!December 1985 Boat PA, and here are some responses we received. We'd still like to see any other talking tag photos on boating subjects, so send us a color or black- and-white print(no color slides, please)that 'sat least 3/12 by5 inches. We can't pay contributorsfor these pictures, but we'll print the names ofthe plate owners with each one we publish. Send talking tag pictures to: The Editor, Boat PA, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Ifyou want your picture returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

111111111111111•11

Yo.. ye Got a Frier..1 BOAT in Pennsylvanial. 4-130A TN Volumes Available

Submitted by Bill Weigle, Wormleysbur ,PA You've Got a Friend 1

A few bound copies of Boat 4..ANS ,LV•Nll Pennsylvania Volumes 1-2(May! June 1.86 1984 through November/ December Penns Ivania 1985) are available. They contain the Submitted by Daniel J. Benny, Harrisburg, PA magazine's first 10 issues, including the premier issue, and are hardbound in blue with gold-colored inscription. These bound volumes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. ENNSYLVANIA Each is available for $16 for non- subscribers and $12 for current paid subscribers. Include your account number with your order. This number appears directly above your name on the magazine mailing label. Make checks or money orders BOATIN payable to Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and send orders to: Boat KEYSTrINI: STATE. PA Circulation, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Submitted by Bill McIntosh, Perkasie, PA

,V1a.1.1.1tine 1986 25 Why Re ister Nonpowere Boats? x41".k 41annions • •10. !b. 4116•40/11116±.....a..1%.

doom Slue°

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equipped equipped

their their

authority. authority. registration, registration, October October authority authority

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registration registration

of of Commission Commission

August August

vessel vessel

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implement implement

number number required required

the the

was was

funds funds

services.

for for boats. boats.

considering considering

ments, ments,

legislation legislation

escalating escalating associated associated

one one

1958, 1958, concept, concept,

provide provide

toward toward wealth wealth

providing providing

boats. boats.

programs programs

collected collected

on on

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facilities, facilities,

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benefited benefited

in in

boater boater

No No

recreational recreational

have have

majority majority

precipitated precipitated

This This

In In

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any any

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

the the

a a

secretary secretary

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various various

general general

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status status

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true true

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those those

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costs costs

of of

costs costs

will will

best best

a a

with with

enactment enactment (motorboats) (motorboats)

of of

1963, 1963,

system system

provide provide

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of of

tax tax

be be undocumented undocumented

fees fees

legislation legislation

the the

boaters.

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placed placed

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the the is is

across across

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assist assist

now now

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is is

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state state

the the

of of

and and

additional additional

provide provide

and and

boaters boaters

has has

nation, nation,

to to

from from

Commission Commission

apparent apparent

to to

to to

funded funded

amended amended

the the

a a

outdoor outdoor

is is

ith ith

popular popular

boats boats

are are

the the

was was

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growth growth

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exempt exempt designated designated

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expenses

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been been

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revenue revenue

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proper proper

and and

of of

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that that

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this this

an an

approved approved

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a a

states. states.

additional

for for

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this

concept. concept. machinery

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through through

Act Act

fortunate fortunate

not not

require-

machinery

acceptable

admini-

and and

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funds funds

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that that

use, use,

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the

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Act Act

from

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goes

93 93

million

altering

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400 400

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impoundments. impoundments.

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that that

of of

under under 30,000 30,000

many many

craft craft

private private

Commission Commission

non

fees fees non funds, funds,

equipment, equipment,

of of

sales sales

national national

directly directly powered powered construction construction

and and

experienced experienced

tax tax

on on

sailing sailing in in

the the

of of

Commission Commission dollars.

is is powered powered

vania, vania,

rowboats, rowboats, user user

refund refund

recent recent

which which

have have

Boat Boat

boats boats been been

with with

years, years,

propelled propelled number number percentage percentage

under under motorboats motorboats

particularly particularly powered powered watercraft watercraft percent). percent).

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many many

derived derived

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boats boats

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all all

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Commission Commission

paid paid

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average average

number number

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lakes, lakes,

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sailboats.

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canoes canoes

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fishing fishing

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these these

are are

Commission Commission

do do

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true true

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of of in in

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reasons, reasons,

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number number

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approximately Federal Federal

registration registration

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the the

purview purview

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that that

accesses accesses

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the the

percent percent

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to to

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constructed

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number number

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any any

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-mechanically

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Pennsylvania,

to to

44,800

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above above

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non

14,000 14,000

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are

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boating

20 20

Fish

in in

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Erie Erie

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-powered

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schedule schedule following: following: from from

state's state's

grants. grants.

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after after

education education

offset offset

from from

funds funds

$711,000 $711,000

in in

the the

of of

their their

decreased decreased

funding funding

and and

the the

complete. complete.

provide provide

states; states; continued continued

the the

through through In In

for for

because because

present present the the

boating boating

the the

receipt receipt

through through more more

improve improve the the this this

70 70

program, program,

has has

Grant Grant

all all

1985. boating boating

sailboats sailboats

Water Water

Conservation Conservation

namely namely

registration registration

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

1971, 1971,

by by

boats boats

powered powered

14, 14,

The The

line line

The The

Fiscal Fiscal

The The

boat boat

recent recent

in in

expenditures expenditures

so so

the the

registration registration

Commission Commission

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

recipient recipient

Commission Commission

boats boats

eliminated eliminated Biaggi Biaggi

past past

1963, 1963,

relatively relatively

registration registration

fuel fuel

having having

motorboat motorboat

the the

fuel

rising rising

1965, 1965,

and and

available available

share share

under under

many many

for for (2) (2)

with with

proposed proposed

Conservation Conservation

Project Project

Coast Coast

Commission. Commission.

registration registration

of of

facilities, facilities,

operation, operation,

the the

new new

from from

they they

business business

opportunity.

20 20

the the

the the

is is

the the

year year

are are

-efficient -efficient

canoes, canoes,

Marine Marine

years, years,

use, use,

to to

established established

(I) (I)

additional additional

which which

16 16

and and

because because

The The

the the

Boating Boating

Prescribe Prescribe

in in

Fund, Fund,

intended intended

years years

what what

Project Project

costs costs

Federal Federal

of of

of of

be be

been been

years. U.S. U.S.

receipt receipt

facilities, facilities,

feet feet

quality quality

16 16

of of

encouraging. encouraging.

are are

1979; 1979;

Guard Guard

Increase Increase

the the thus thus

low low

1986 1986

Fund Fund

Marine Marine

U.S. U.S.

70 70

information information

Commission Commission

the the

motorboats motorboats

matching matching

about about

fees fees

to to

feet feet

the the

boating boating

fees fees

for for began began

registration registration

new new

is is

and and

more more

of of

improve improve

should should

been been

and and and and

Fuels Fuels

and and

rowboats, rowboats,

and and

Coast Coast

held held

Wallop/ Wallop/

Marine Marine

Mar/June Mar/June

continue continue

registration registration

and and

engines, engines,

boaters boaters

conserving conserving

Safety Safety

to to

estimates estimates

Federal Federal

the the

fee fee

Coast Coast

500 500

amount amount

the the

of of

in in

must must

Land Land

and and

in in

to to

registration registration boating boating

Grant Grant

are are

future future

Program Program

Act Act

fees fees

registration registration

over. over.

continue continue

still still

it it

to to

100,000.

Project Project

able able

Fuels Fuels

maintain

length length

other other

artifically artifically

conscious conscious

revenue revenue

is is

administration

accomplish accomplish

develop develop

in in

1965, 1965,

Tax Tax

Commission.

in in

looks looks

safety safety

Guard Guard

the the

be be

availability availability

provide provide

federal

the the

400, 400,

for for

be be

October

Fuels Fuels

in in

continue continue Guard

and and

regulation

Breaux

1967, 1967,

are are

However,

to to

Only

at at

Land Land

was was

and

federal

programs,

expected

the

and

has

received

1986 1986 Tax Tax

has has

only only

funding,

fees fees 1972, 1972,

brought

programs

base base

of

Project

and and

the

$4 $4

500 500

for

maintain

August

fuel. fuel.

fee fee

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of 27 for boats not equipped with propelling Commission has operated on the machinery, and (3) Establish a single principle that all boats, no matter how fee for all registrations. they are powered, should benefit from •Motorboat Registration Fee these programs. Increase. This is the first request for Thus, sailboats are permitted on an increase in registration fees since Fish Commission lakes built primarily passage of Act 400 on August 14, for fishing, boat launches have been 1963. In 1964-65, when the built on good canoeing streams, and Department of Revenue performed the education program has been the function of registration, the Boat directed toward promoting water Fund was charged $50,843 to register safety, especially among high school 82,471 boats, a per-boat cost of students, and in developing an interest approximately $0.61. In 1984-85, this in boating through canoeing. figure rose to $333,000 to register Over the years, 55 percent of 228,000 boats, or a per-boat cost of Pennsylvania's boating fatalities $1.46. involved nonpowered boats. In most Expenditures for other aspects of cases, ignorance of basic safety the boating safety program have risen principles has caused these deaths. sharply from $154,293 in 1964 to $4.4 Because the Commission does not million in 1984-85. Much of the know who owns nonpowered boats or increase reflects costs associated with how many there are, it is difficult to Act 195 and increased engineering and design an appropriate educational law enforcement efforts and the effects program to combat the comparatively of inflation on daily operations. The high accident rate. Commission now owns and operates It has been demonstrated that over 150 boat access areas. education can decrease the fatality The educational program has rate among motorboaters. It is grown from a small hastily prepared believed that the same idea applies to course outline to a highly nonpowered boat operators. sophisticated basic course with However, the propriety of putting an numerous audio/ visual aids and a all-out effort toward this goal using comprehensive text/workbook. Four "motorboat dollars" is questionable. specialists work full time, instructing We do not register these boats, so the public, developing safety there is no way to establish a direct brochures, and designing safety line of communication with the programs. Seasonal employees and owners to coordinate a safety and volunteers travel across the state in facility program. We do have a line of vans equipped with the latest audio- communication with the canoe and visual equipment, instructing the sailing clubs, and these clubs do an public and furthering safe boating excellent job in their education practices. programs. But these organizations This effort is successful. The attract only a small percentage of the •Establish a single fee for all average number of fatalities per year total number of users. registrations. The current fee structure has dropped from 36 between 1970 The Commission has long had the is based on the assumption that larger and 1975 to 24 between 1980 and authority to regulate nonpowered boats should incur a larger fee than 1985, despite the fact that the number boats, but because only motorboats smaller boats. An arbitrary dividing of boats in operation has almost are registered and contribute to the point of 16 feet was established in tripled in the same period. Boat Fund, the voices of nonpowered 1964. Boats less than 16 feet were •Prescribe registration fees for boats boat owners have been weak. charged $4, and those 16 feet and not equipped with propelling Registration would legitimize their longer were charged $6. Thus, in the machinery. Registration fees are voices in the directions and actions of early stage of our program, larger charges placed on a boat to pay for the Commission. boats were charged a proportionally the use of services or facilities — a About 30,000 nonpowered boats larger fee. Those boats over 16 feet true user-fee concept. Monies use Bureau of State Park facilities for provided just under 50 percent of the collected are utilized for which they must pay a $5 launch fee. revenue, despite the fact that they improvements of waterways, safety The Bureau of State Parks accepts the accounted for only 35 percent of the enforcement, bettering access to Fish Commission registration in lieu number of registered boats. With the boatable waters, and development of of a launch permit. Registration of advent of the marine fuels tax refund, an education!information program nonpowered boats would in effect this discrepancy widened. Boats over and administration. Over the years, replace the launch permit system and 16 feet in length now provide 65 these programs have been developed result in minimal fee increase for 30 percent of the marine fuels tax and 55 with all boats in mind. The percent of nonpowered boats. percent of total revenue.

28 Boat Pennsylvania ssowePilm siebeAon On the other side of the issue is registering non-powered boats: safety and water survival program. revenue expenditures. Because 1. Administration and processing This program is offered to students of unpowered boats and boats under 16 fees are obviously the same, regardless canoeing and sailing as well as feet constitute the majority of all of boat type or length. motorboating. Because of the accident boats, they also receive the greatest 2. All boats utilize ramps, docks, rates among non-powered boats, law enforcement, development, and and other facilities. much more effort is expended in this administrative effort. Historically, 3. Canoes, while not required as direction, and it is inappropriate that then, big boats have subsidized extensive development as a motor- motorboaters finance the entire smaller boats. boat, often require two different program. The proposal to charge one fee for access points — a put-in and a A careful consideration of the entire all boats is based on the premise that take-out. boating picture seems to indicate a the administrative costs to issue a 4. Sailboats require additional lack of justification for different fees. registration are the same regardless of attention in the design and construc- It is believed that this bill will help to the length or type of the boat, and tion of facilities. Factors such as rectify this condition that has existed that larger boats and powered boats prevailing wind direction, additional for almost 25 years and distribute contribute to the Boat Fund a depth for sailboats with greater draft, financial involvement in Pennsyl- proportionally larger amount as a and the exclusion of overhead vania's recreational boating program result of fuel tax which is refunded to obstructions, particularly power lines, on a more equitable basis. the Commission. increase development costs. John Simmons is the Factors to consider concerning a 5. The Fish Commission Commission Bureau of uniform registration fee and administers an extensive boating Waterways administrative officer. Mar/June 1986 29 Adventure Is the Heart of Exploringby

ith renewed interest in the outdoors, wildlife, and striving to reach the Winaccessible, exploring has become a popular pastime. To enter an area for the purposes of discovery is an exciting form of adventure. To search for and seek something and capture the moment with the mind or a camera is an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, Pennsylvania's forests and waters lend themselves to the outdoor enthusiasts for much discovery. Forms of exploring such as backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and boating have evolved in popularity throughout the country. Boating, particularly in Pennsylvania, takes a variety of forms from canoeing to motorboating, from vvhitewater rivers to secluded lakes. Affording almost limitless opportunities for boaters, Pennsylvania has over 99,000 acres of lakes and 4,000 miles of boatable waters. How to approach the quest for the watery outdoors depends on a number of factors — experience, purpose, and types of water are a few of the most important. For example, if you are not experienced in canoeing, it would

*•41- If the water is shallow and calm like that of an open marsh, you may want to consider a flat-bottomed john boat. Traditionally propelled by a pole or paddle, a small motor or oars will move this small craft effectively across a hidden lake or out-of-the-way pond. The john boat combines advantages over the semivee craft by its lighter weight and greater portability. Keep in mind, however, that the flat-bottomed hull design does decrease its in-water stability. The canoe, a longtime favorite of explorers, has an inherited reputation as being unstable. However, the reputed instability of the canoe stems more from the limitations of its operator's experience, the balance of the load, and the conditions of the water. Usually "people-powered," the canoe can be equipped with a small, low horsepower motor on a side mount. This be highly inadvisable to explore a whitewater section of a motor should be a serious consideration if you plan on a river with a canoe. great deal of travel over water, or if the physical condition Purpose can vary also. If your objective is to photograph of the operator is not up to paddling the distance. wildlife along a cove of a backwooded lake, a gasoline- In moving water, the canoe is the ideal craft. The motored craft is not a good choice of propulsion. Needless adventure of shooting in and out of eddies on a swift-water to say, the noise is likely to spook the animal before you river can be very exciting. can get into camera range. Remember, as an explorer you Although whitewater boating is a form of exploring in are an intruder and it is important to enter the area with the which proper preparation is essential, the spur-of-the- least amount of disturbance possible. You should leave the moment field trip to a small lake or quiet river may be an area the same way. interesting afternoon adventure. However, much planning is One might ask,"What boat for what adventure?" needed for a trip downstream when the water is moving Generally, any craft that is a safe means of transportation fast. Successful paddling on moving water requires a and a stable "platform" will serve as an adventure boat —as delicate balance of coordination and dexterity. long as it is suited for the intended use. A larger lake No written words can properly prepare an individual for excursion would be most enjoyable by employing a craft a whitewater river trip. Canoeing skills learned on lakes and with a V or semivee bottom. Its greater handling and ponds in many cases do not apply to rivers and streams. stability in rough water allows for that margin of safety, People who have been trained on flat water are not ready to sometimes so critically needed. venture down a river until they have been through some Also, it provides the greatest weight-carrying capacity kind of basic river training practice. size for size compared to its flat-bottomed cousin. This The mode of propulsion yet unfamiliar to most is rowing. makes it a better suited craft for small groups to enjoy a Most john boats and utility boats can be rowed, provided field study trip. The propulsion, dependent on the length that the craft has oarlocks (most do). In fact, you will be and type of the V-bottomed boat, can be anything from an amazed the first time you try to row a boat. It isn't as outboard motor to oars for rowing. difficult as it may seem. In fact, once you get the hang of it, the craft will move along quite effectively with minimal effort. Rowing, unlike paddling, uses the bigger body muscles, and both arms pull. The similarity in paddling and rowing comes in the reward of quietly traveling over the waterways with the power of your own strength. Regardless of what kind of craft or power you use to explore that special place, an important point to remember before embarking is to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. That secluded location could be a place of misfortune if a problem should arise with you, one of your crew, or the craft itself. So, whether you have in mind a photography trip, a fishing excursion, or just an afternoon escape, exploring can be the gateway to new discoveries. Some of the last remaining vestiges of wilderness readily available from the rivers and lakes of the Commonwealth can supply you with excitement and discovery.

Virgil Chambers is chief the Commission Bureau of Big boat or small boat, when you go boating, of tell someone Waterways Boating Safety Education Section. He chairs where you are going and when you expect to return. the Boat Pennsylvania Editorial Advisory Committee. Mar/June 1986 31 ter andaar 4

:WIPE

You have a boating Mend in Pennsylvania