' Spring 1992 S1.50. ,• • .. • • •

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Keys/one State's OfficialBoating Magiene • Viewpoint On December 12, 1992, House Bill 1107 was signed into law. Boat registration fees were increased for the first time in nearly 30 years and the name of the Commission was changed to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. By changing the name of the Commission to the Fish and Boat Commission, the Legislature recognized the importance of boating to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Whether you fish, water ski or cruise, your boat has become an important part of your recreational experience. Each year over 2.5 million people go boating. Only swimming, hiking, biking and fishing had greater participation levels. In 1963, the year the Commission was officially given authority over the Pennsyl- vania boating program, only 78,000 boats were registered. Since then, boating has grown steadily. Today over 302,000 boats bear Pennsylvania registrations. To accommodate this growth, additional launching facilities had to be provided. New laws and regulations had to be written. Methods to provide additional law enforce- ment had to be found to maintain control over the use of the water. Boating safety education programs had to be developed so that the great number of people new to boating could learn the rules of safety and courtesy. During the development years of the boating program, expansion of the registra- tion base and additional revenue sources, such as the return of the tax paid on fuel used in boats, Projects 500 and 70, Federal Aid for Fish Restoration and the U. S. Coast Guard boating safety assistance programs, all helped defray the costs associ- ated with the increased services. Unfortunately, the cost to provide services began to outstrip available resources during the latter part of the last decade. Costs continued to rise, but the small increases in revenue from each new registration were not An Important Step for sufficient to keep up with the demands each new boat placed on the system. When determining the amount of increase to request from the Legislature, the the Future of Boating Commission estimated that the increased boat registration fees would have to bring in about $3.5 million annually or about $2.3 million more than previously collected. This amount was needed to fund current programs and to meet inflationary pressures. The Commission has identified several major areas, based on requests of the boating public, where additional effort will be made. 'More safety patrols/regulatory enforcement. Ten additional fulltime officers will be hired along with 20 seasonal officers to help patrol the busiest waters of the Commonwealth. The Commission will also increase the compensation of deputy waterways conservation officers. 'Expand boating safety education. Financial grants will be made available to schools to encourage them to incorporate boating safety programs into their curricu- lums. Additional education specialists will be hired to coordinate programs in the various regions of the state. 'Improve and maintain boating access areas. The Commission has developed 300 boat launch sites. These areas provide a place to park vehicles and a ramp to launch boats. Additional revenues from the boat registration fees will ensure the continued acquisition and development of new access areas and the improvement and maintenance of current facilities. 'Aids-to-navigation program. The Commission oversees a program in which over 1,700 aids are currently deployed by state and federal agencies and private parties. These navigational aids include buoys, signs and other markers. Important maintenance and systematic tracking of this program will be implemented to improve boating safety. Act 1991-39 was an important step for the future of boating in Pennsylvania. It provides recognition of the sport and the funding to take it into the next century. The boaters of the Commonwealth were behind our efforts all the way. You have our continuing pledge that the new revenue will be used to increase your enjoyment and safety, and to ensure that boating will always be a premiere recreational activity for the citizens of Pennsylvania.

John Simmons Director Bureau of Boating Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Pennsylvania Spring 1992 VoL9 No.2 Fish & Boat Commission William J. Sabatose President Brockport Pennsylvania J. Wayne Yorks The Keystone State's Off/c/a/Boating Magazine Vice President Benton James S. Biery, Jr. Pennsylvania Personal Watercraft Places by Heidi Milbrand Swatara Pennsylvanians have registered more than 6,100 personal watercraft, Marilyn A. Black and riders need places to go. Here's where 4 Cochranton Ross J. Huhn Buying with Safety in Mind by Steve Henkel Saltsburg If you need equipment for your boat, use these ideas to stretch your Calvin J. Kern boating dollars and maximize your safety 8 Whitehall Paul J. Mahon Pennsylvania Curragh Clubs by Paul J. Reale Clarks Green In Ireland, a curragh is an oar-driven, low, long, round-bottomed boat T. T. Metzger, Jr. made of canvas or wood. They're in Pennsylvania, too, and interest in Johnstown them is increasing 12 Howard E. Pflugfelder New Cumberland Mastering the Lake Erie Winter: Pete Traphagen by Tom Bird Leon Reed You have to be nuts to sail on Lake Erie in the winter, right? Not so for Honesdale Pete Traphagen. He's got it down to a science 14 Boating Advisory Board A Six-Pack of Answers by Art Michaels Donald J. Little These six burning questions and answers can help you economize on Chairman your boat trailering expenses without sacrificing safety 16 Philadelphia Clayton Buchanan Conquering a Class II River by Jim Cole Pittsburgh The author's lucky brush with fate on a typical Pennsylvania river Martin P. Eisert could be just like your experience 19 Erie Judy Obert Who's Who on the Water? by Cheryl Hornung Greentown Four government agencies patrol some waterways, so who's who Thaddeus Piotrowski on the water? 24 Bloomsburg Insurance Insight by George Poveromo Magazine Staff Understanding the fine print on boating insurance can help you get Editor—Art Michaels the coverage you need in Pennsylvania 26 Art Director—Ted Walke Circulation—Eleanor Mutch StaffAssistant—Rose Ann Bartal StaffAssistant—Charlene Glisan The cover Boat Pennsylvania(ISSNO1038-1561) is published quarterly by the Penn- This issue's front cover, photographed by Tom sylvania Fish & Boat Commission, 3532 Walnut Street. Harrisburg. PA King, whets the appetite for warm weather and 17109. 01992. Nothing in this magazine may be reprinted without the written permission of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Sub- sunshine. If you have similar boating plans for scription rates: one year.$6: single copies are $1.50 each. Second class this season and you own a personal watercraft, postage is paid at Harrisburg. PA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Boat PA Circulation. Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. P.O. check out page4 fora raft ofsuggestions on where Box 1673. Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. For subscription and change of to boat. If paddling is your preference, the address. use above address. Please allow three months for processing new ar- subscriptions. renewals and changesof address. Sendallodierssuwk ticle on page 28 offers suggestions statewide on to: The Editor. Boat Pennsylvania,P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg,PA 17105- 1673. Editorial queries and contributions are welcome, but must be ac- where to go. Trailer boaters will want to check companied by self-addressed. stamped envelopes. Material accepted for out the useful details in the article on page 16. publication is subject to Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission standards and requirements forediting and revising. Submissions are handled carefully, All boaters have a stake in two articles—one but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return or safety ofsub- on insurance, which begins on page 26, and missions in his possession or in transit. The authors' views,ideas and advice expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion or offi- another on just who's patrolling our waterways, cial position of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission or its staff. The which begins on page 24. Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission receives federal aid in sport fish restoration. Under appropriate federal acts, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national ori- gin, age,sex or handicap. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above,or if you desire more information, please write to: The Office of Equal Opportu- nity. Department of the Interior. Washington. DC 20240. Pennsylvania Personal

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t p fps_ 4 Spflnlrp92 _ 4-Stafte — Nos- illatereraft Places by Heidi MiIbrand

Owning a personal watercraft(PWC) today in Pennsylvania can The Corps phone number for Shenango is (412) 962-2315. be tough. People either like them a lot or downright hate them Shenango Lake is located off 1-80. Take Route 60 to Route 18. and wish they would be banished from our waterways. People have to realize that personal watercraft are boats, and lake frie these boats have just as much right to the water as do 20-foot craft Pennsylvania's portion of this Great Lake offers boaters more to 17-foot canoes and 28-foot sailboats. than 1,000 square miles of boating in Pennsylvania with facili- Right now,PWC owners are getting a bad reputation because ties provided by the city ofErie, the Bureau ofState Parks at Presque of a few bad apples, but isn't this true in every sport? It seems Isle State Park,the Fish & Boat Commission and privately owned that wherever riders go, they eventually get bumped out of the marinas. The state park provides camping, picnic areas, hiking areas they like. and swimming, and it has three large accesses and four smaller With over 6,100 personal watercraft registered in Pennsylva- ones on the bay side and one on the lake side. nia, and the number continuing to grow, owners and riders need Presque Isle State Park's phone number is(814) 871-4251. places to go. Let this information help you find waterways where The Fish & Boat Commission has two accesses. The Walnut personal watercraft can ride freely. Creek Access is the most popular,offering overnight mooring and 24-hour security during the boating season. The Northeast Ac- Mango lake cess should be completed in the future. Located on the Shenango River just above Sharpsville (near Boating on Lake Erie can be an exciting venture. But remem- Sharon), this Army Corps of Engineers project offers 3,500 acres ber that storms come up quickly. If you boat there, stay close to of unlimited horsepower for PWCs. The Corps provides three shore and always boat with other people. accesses. According to Mike Cummings, resource manager of To get to Lake Erie, take 1-80 to 1-79 north to Erie. From the the lake, there are no problems there with PWCs. In fact, their southern section ofPennsylvania, take the turnpike to 1-79(turnpike popularity is growing. Ofcourse, Cummings says, you have rules- exit 3). of-the-road violations, but no one is "out to get"PWC enthusiasts. 7. Raystown Lake 1. Lake Erie 4. Allegheny Reservoir 8. Tioga/Hammond, 2. Shenango Lake 5. Curwensville Lake Cowanesque Lakes 3. East Branch Lake 6. Foster Joseph Sayers Dam 9. Susquehanna River

ERIE

WARREN McKEAN SUSQUEHANNA POTTER TIOGA° BRADFORD CRAWFORD WAYNE

FOREST WYOMING ELK' CAMERON SULLIVAN VENANGO LYCOMING MERCER JEFFERSON CLINTON CLARION LUZERNE COLUMBIA MONROE LAWRENCE

UNIO CARBON BUTLER CLEARFIELD NO CENTRE ARMSTRONG SNYDER BEAVER SCHUYLKILL INDIANA LEHIGH CAMBRIA DAUPHIN ALLEGHENY BLAIR BUCKS LEBANON WESTMORELAND HUNTINGDON 4/0,,1

WASHINGTON CUMBERLAND

LANCASTER BEDFORD CHESTER SOMERSET FAYETTE FRANKLIN FULTON ADAMS YORK GREENE / tap graphic. Ted Walk, Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 5 Data Ban MON Resew& 111111111Se8 Lake This 12,000-acre Army Corps impoundment is surrounded by This lake is another U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers flood-control the Allegheny National Forest. It's located in the heart of one of project. It is located in Clearfield County, about 10 miles south- the largest and most popular outdoor recreation areas in the north- west of Clearfield. Curwensville has 790 acres for PWCs. Some eastern United States. The reservoir is on the Allegheny River 14 miles long, it gives you plenty of room to ride. One surfaced in northwest Pennsylvania and New York, and has 91 miles of ramp with parking is available. Swimming is also allowed and shoreline. The Allegheny Reservoir provides some of the finest there are several picnic areas. If you are interested in camping, year-round recreation with fishing, boating and camping. There nearby Parker Dam State Park, at (814) 765-5082, and Black are seven surfaced ramps each with parking available, and two Moshannon State Park, at(814) 342-1101, are available. marinas provide a variety of services. To get there from 1-80, take exit 19 and follow Route 879 south. To get there from south, central and eastern Pennsylvania,take If you are traveling from the turnpike, take exit 10 to Route 219. 1-80 to Route 219 either to route 6 or 59. The Corps office phone number for the Allegheny Reservoir and Kinzua Dam is (814) Bald Eagle State Pal 726-0164. Known as Foster Joseph Sayers Dam,this Centre County wa- terway is also an Army Corps project surrounded by a state park firSIN Park that offers year-round activities. The 1,730-acre lake has unlim- This park surrounds an Army Corps impoundment known as ited horsepower and recreation. It has six paved launch ramps, East Branch Lake in Elk County,about 15 miles northeast ofRidgway. a marina,a swimming area and concessions. There are speed re- The lake's 1,370 acres and surrounding park land offer boating, strictions at the waterway's Hunter's Run area. The park's phone picnicking, camping and room to ride your PWC. Parking fa- number is(814) 625-2447. cilities are available at the north end of the lake, near the camp- To get to the park, take exit 23 of 1-80 to Route 150, approxi- ground, along with extensive shoreline mooring. mately nine miles north of the exit. From 1-80,take Route 219 north and follow the signs. The park's phone number is(814) 965-2646.

6 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania RTISIDYIII lake This waterway is one of Pennsylvania's most popular recre- *Sunbury area. Some 3,000 acres of the Susquehanna River ation spots. Over one million visitors annually head for Raystown in this area are known as Lake Augusta, at the confluence of the Lake. Raystown Lake is probably the most popular waterway North and West branches of the Susquehanna River. The "lake" among boaters. It is 30 miles long and encompasses over 8,300 there provides unlimited horsepower from the dam northward. acres, which makes it the largest manmade lake completely in Access to the lake is on Packer's Island in Shikellamy State the Commonwealth. Park, with parking available. A paved ramp is located at the east PWC riders at Raystown Lake need to watch for winds that end of the park with extensive parking, and a 100-boat marina is can kick up waves. You will definitely take a pounding on a PWC. located on the west side. There are two overlooks, one on the There are two major recreation areas with surfaced ramps and tip of Packer's Island and the other in the Blue Hill area of the eight other public-use areas with launch ramps. The lake is open park on the west side of the river. The park is located off Route to all types of boating, but be sure to observe regulations in sev- 11, north of Sunbury. The park's number is(717) 286-7880. eral controlled areas. Three other accesses are located in the borough of Northumberland: The lake is located off Route 26, south of Huntingdon, in At Hanover Street off Route 11, at Northumberland Point at the Huntingdon County. Take the turnpike to exit 11 or 12 and fol- Route 11 bridge,and in Sunbury off Route 147 on Chestnut Street. low Route 30 to Route 26 to Raystown Lake, or routes 220 or *Williamsport area. Susquehanna State Park is located on the 22. The U.S.Army Corps ofEngineers phone number for Raystown Williamsport side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Lake is(814) 658-3405. near the Arch Street bridge and routes 11 and 15. The park is administered for Williamsport by the Department ofEnvironmental lingalananund/Cinmesque lakes Resources, and it also houses the paddleboat Hiawatha. These three lakes are located in northcentral Pennsylvania off There is a paved launch ramp at the east end of the park, along Route 15 in Tioga County. These lakes, all Corps of Engineers with plenty of parking. This unlimited horsepower impoundment projects, are located in a scenic section of the state with moun- was created by the Hepburn Street Dam. The park also provides tains surrounding every lake. The first lake you encounter trav- picnic facilities and scenic views of the river. Susquehanna State eling north on Route 15 is Tioga Lake, approximately 470 acres Park's phone number is(717) 326-1971. with unlimited horsepower. There is a surfaced ramp and plenty *York,Lancaster areas. Two dams divide the lower Susquehanna of parking. No camping is available. River into two boating areas. They are Lake Aldred and Lake Right next to Tioga Lake is Hammond Lake, with 680 acres Clarke. Launching sites from the York County side for Lake Clarke for riding your PWC. This waterway also has ramps and park- include the Susquehanna Boat Works Marina off Route 624;Lake ing. Both areas offer swimming,fishing and hiking with camp- Clarke Marina, which isjust south of the Susquehanna Boat Works ing at Hammond Lake. Marina; Long Level Marina (private marina, no public launch- Approximately 15 minutes northwest of these two lakes is ing), also located off Route 624; and the Safe Harbor Water and Cowanesque Lake,just increased to 1,100 acres from 410 acres Power Company access, which has picnic tables and sanitary facilities. last year. You'll find unlimited horsepower here, but check the On the Lancaster County side there is only the Commission's zoning regulations. Camping can be found here as well as pic- Marietta Access. This access is located at the south end of the nicking. borough of Marietta. Take a few days off and visit all three lakes. The Corps phone Lake Aldred is also accessible from both sides of the river. On number for all three waterways is(717) 835-5230. the York County side, PP&L access areas include the York Fur- nace access at the mouth of Otter Creek, on Route 425, which Susquehanna Riff has picnic tables and sanitary facilities, and PP&L's access near •Harrisburg area. The most popular boating spot in the area York Furnace at Indian Steps. is just above York Haven Dam (Lake Frederic, Goldsboro pool). On the Lancaster County side there is a PP&L access at the This area offers six ramps with parking. Tread lightly here with mouth of Pequea Creek,just off Route 324, which has a surfaced your personal watercraft. Obey all the rules and regulations and ramp, a picnic area and a playground. Observe caution at low try not to "make waves." Shallow places in this part of the river water levels here. can be hazardous during periods of low flow. Call the Mid-At- Arrowhead Marina is on the opposite side ofPequea Creek across lantic River Forecast Center to learn the river depth at Harrisburg the river from the PP&L area. It offers a surfaced ramp along in a recorded message. A reading of 4.0 feet or lower requires with a grocery store, boat rentals and a snack bar. more caution than usual. The phone number for a recorded message The Peach Bottom Marina offers mooring over the summer months on Susquehanna River levels is(717) 234-6812. and has a grocery store, fishing supplies and bait. Another popular area is right above the Dock Street Dam, in Check out these spots for some hot personal view of the Harrisburg skyline. One boat ramp on the southern watercraft action this season! end of City Island can be used, and parking is available there.

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 7 Buying with Safety in Min by Steve Henkel

!Elm. ma.• If you're like most people, when you think board)runabouts because of their designed of "safety on the water," you tend to fo- center of buoyancy and stern and prop con- cus only on the most dire life-threatening figuration. When you're in trouble situations aboard your boat, like drowning, The boat should also be able to get out and need help fast, explosion,fire, sinking, or being struck by its own way either under sail or power,and lightning. These catastrophes can and do to navigate in rough water successfully— a VHF radio lets you happen, and it's only prudent to take pre- the better to escape sudden danger ahead. cautions to prevent their occurrence. But Sailors talk about "ability to claw off a lee call someone to come it's also important to recognize other less shore"; powerboaters might think in terms to your aid. spectacular but still potentially serious threats of powering against a strong (six to eight to the safety and security of your boat and mph)current, which requires enough horse- everyone aboard, and to fit out your boat power to reach a speed of at least eight to springy rather than straight sheer, making to prevent or at least minimize the possi- 10 mph—assuming you want to move for- it prettier as well as safer. bility of such problems. ward rather than stand still. A buoyant below-the-waterline shape These threats might include,for example, Sailboats with long-shaft outboards should forward and aft also helps keep waves off accidentally falling overboard or difficulty be able to power through a short,steep chop the deck, and generally makes for a drier, recovering a person who has fallen over- without the prop lifting out ofthe water more more comfortable boat—provided buoy- board; injury by the vessel's equipment; than once a minute or so. "Rocking horse" ancy isn't carried to extremes,in which case illness because ofoverexposure to sunlight hulls with transom-mounted engines often the boat can become the "rocking horse" or to wave motion; collision with another can't do that. Rolling as well as pitching mentioned above. vessel; going aground, or once aground, can tend to aggravate the outboard prob- Powerboats with spray rails and "lifting stranding; gear failure(anything from run- lem. strakes" also keep the spray down and hull ning out of fuel to losing a cotter pin); in- Cruising range under power should be efficiency up. Both traits make for a safer ability to communicate with a source of help sufficient to get home in a blow if needed, boat. when in need; damage from wind, waves, without refueling from jerry cans in a rock- When it comes to construction, the two spray and rain; and so on. ing, rolling cockpit. As a rule of thumb, key words are "strength" and "durability." Protection from a few of these hazards I'd use a 20-mile cruising range as a working Assuming fiberglass construction,this means can sometimes be achieved by carrying minimum. Typical six horsepower sailboat a reasonably thick and stiff hull below the appropriate personal gear—for example, outboards get eight to 12 miles per gallon, waterline, where rocks—to say nothing of avoiding overexposure to sunlight by wear- and come with three- or four-gallon external the bunks and rollers on the boat's trailer— ing a hat with a large brim,covering arms tanks,giving a very acceptable cruising range can poke holes in a thin bottom. and legs with clothing,and using sunblock of around 24 to 48 miles before refueling. Bulkheads should be thoroughly bonded or high-SPF screening agents on any ex- But at least one brand carries only 1.6 quarts to the hull skin,not just half-heartedly tabbed posed areas of the skin. in an integral tank, which at eight mpg gives in place. Stringers and other structural But the real key to ensuring that your a cruising range of a mere 2.4 miles—too bracing should also be strongly attached future boating experiences are pleasurable, short. Small powerboats often slurp fuel to the skin, and if wood,should be treated relaxing and non-threatening is to possess at the rate ofonly one or two miles per gallon, or totally encapsulated in fiberglass to pre- a well-found vessel. Consequently, whether and tank size becomes even more crucial. vent or at least forestall rot. you're buying a boat orjust acquiring more A boat's overall dimensions can affect Ballast should be securely fastened in equipment for one you currently own,check its safe operation. The best size boat— place. the features and equipment suggested be- especially fora new sailor or power-boater— To prevent sinking after a holing,flotation low, and consider including at least some measures between 16 and 24 feet in over- in some form (usually either foam, plas- of the items in your next boat or gear pur- all length. Such a boat is easily manage- tic bags or bottles, or multiple sealed-off chase. able,and thus is safest for an inexperienced compartments) must be present. If foam crew or a single-hander. It's light enough is used, it should be the totally closed-cell The boat to pull to a stop at a dock using human power variety. Foam with some open cells is First, focus on the boat itself. It can be only, yet heavy enough to venture from the occasionally used for flotation. It eventually relatively safe or unsafe, depending on its shelter of the inner harbor in safety. begins to soak up water like a sponge, which design and construction, and whether it's Hull design and construction are important ofcourse defeats its purpose,though it makes used as the designers and builders intended. to safety. Apart from a boat's overall size admirable inside ballast. Here are some pointers when checking out and weight, some of its other dimensions Rudder and steering gear should be rugged boats you might like to own. have implications for safety as well. For and easy to operate. If the boat has a rud- Any boat should have good enough per- example,a boat's freeboard (that is, height der(rather than steering by pivoting the prop formance to stay out of trouble, when used of its topsides)is important. Generally the as in an I/O or outboard) it should be fas- as it was intended by its designers. For one safest boats have relatively high freeboard tened to the hull with special attention to thing, it should have good directional sta- forward,to keep waves from breaking over strength. Weak pintles and gudgeons(the bility. If you let the helm go for a few the deck. They also have relatively high hardware used to hang an outboard rudder) moments,the boat won't immediately start sterns for the same reason, to thwart fol- and underbuilt rudderstock-to-rudderjoints to go off course. This can be an intrinsic lowing seas. However, amidships a low are notorious for failing atjust the wrong mo- problem with some fin-keel-spade-rudder freeboard is desirable for ease in retriev- ment. sailboats,especially those with "balanced" ing someone overboard as well as for low If wheel-steered, the wheel-to-rudder rudders, and with many I/O (inboard/out- windage. Thus,the best boat is apt to have cables, push-pull rods or whatever should Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 9 be strong and easily accessed for servic- out at night—even if only to the beachside PFDs for each person aboard,one or more ing. If tiller-steered, the tiller should be fireworks display once a year. Charts for B-I or B-II type hand-portable fire extin- generously sized and preferably made of all areas navigated, along with a dry place guishers,and certain visual distress signaling especially tough wood like oak or ash. Ma- on board to store them, are a good idea if devices. hogany and teak are sometimes used, but you want to avoid going aground. Perhaps as important as having this equip- they're too brittle to be safe, unless built Other more sophisticated navigational ment is having it readily accessible. Spe- way oversized. electronics—depthsounder,radio direction cifically, the boat should have an easily finder(RDF), loran, radar, satnav—are fun reached locker in the cockpit(not below) Engine, fuel tanks to have and can be helpful, but aren't gen- dedicated to PFDs, and should have fire A boat's engine, fuel tank and other re- erally considered essential on a small boat extinguishers mounted (not stuck loosely lated appurtenances should be designed with used mainly on Pennsylvania waterways in a drawer)for ready use, but not mounted safety in mind. Maintenance points on the or in inshore areas. Still,one item I wouldn't where fire is likely to break out. That is, engine (filters,spark plugs,crankcase dip- be without when boating on "big waters" don't mount extinguishers over the galley stick and fill pipe,cooling system compo- is a VHF two-way radio with channel 16 stove, or near the carburetor in the engine nents, shaft log, etc.) should be easily ac- (the calling and distress channel) and the compartment. cftssible; otherwise, preventive maintenance WX (constantly broadcast weather)chan- activities are likely to be perennially post- nels,as well as several ship-to-ship and ship- Safety below poned, possibly resulting in engine failure to-shore communication channels. When Safety below includes some prosaic items. at the wrong time. Installed horsepower you're in trouble and need help fast, it's For example,if a permanently mounted flush should be slightly oversized for the size of nice to know you can call someone to come toilet with through-hull and holding tank the boat, to provide an extra edge ofreserve to your aid. connections is installed, it should be located if needed. so that the rim of its bowl is at least an inch Fuel tanks should be securely held in Federal requirements above the boat's load waterline,and should place, and properly grounded to help pre- The U.S. Coast Guard requires certain have easy-to-get-at seacocics on all through- vent explosion during filling. Batteries, too, safety equipment. Exact equipment depends hull connections. Any other through-hulls should be securely fastened to a sturdy on boat size, but in general every boat is such as for a sink,an inboard engine's water structural member, and boxed so electro- required to have a sound-making device, intake, or cockpit scuppers if at or below lyte acid can't escape into the bilge or cockpit the waterline,should also be protected with sole. Battery bank size should be sufficient easily accessed seacocks. not only to start the engine but to run navi- Every boat should be designed so all water gation lights and electronics as needed may be evacuated from the bilge. To pre- without worrying about the batteries go- Safety on the water vent disaster in the event ofelectrical failure, ing dead. Bank size, of course, partly de- each electric bilge pump should be backed pends on charging capacity of the engine's means much more up with at least one (and preferably two) alternator—the bigger, the better. high-capacity manual bilge pumps. than wearing a PFD The galley stove should be placed so that Navigation equipment and keeping a fire when in use its flames won't be close to The right navigation equipment can be combustibles such as portlight curtains, wood a lifesaver. A built-in compass is a must extinguisher handy. cabinetry or electrical wiring even during except on the smallest inland lakes. So are a flareup, which can happen occasionally running lights on any boat that might venture with many seagoing stoves. 10 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania Electrical wiring should be properly used to double as a tow line if needed. to the tongue) match the load? Remember, insulated and neatly led in trays or bundles, At least four dock lines,each roughly as the load isn't just the weight of the boat with diligent attention to potential chafe or long as the boat,should always be aboard— plus engine;it also includes weight offuel, heat degradations, especially within the one for bow,one for stern, and two spring anchor and rode, water skis, fishing gear generally hot, vibration-filled engine com- lines. and anything else you carry on board while partment. The deck should be sprinkled with plenty towing. For gasoline,figure six pounds per Ventilation within the cabin should be of beefy, well-secured cleats, well-bolted gallon; carrying 50 gallons can add 300 sufficient to prevent oxygen starvation or to the deck with proper backing plates for pounds to the trailer's burden. carbon monoxide accumulation under any maximum strength. Ideally there should Check the tires for load-bearing capac- circumstances,such as when a cabin stove be two cleats forward, one on each side ity(marked on the sidewalls)and make sure is run on a cold night to ward off the chill, amidships, and one at each stern quarter, inflation pressure—often as high as 60 or or the engine is used on a long downwind totaling six. Each cleat should be big enough 70 pounds—is adequate to support the run with the exhaustfumes carried forward to accept at least 1/2-inch line, and the bow weight. on the breeze. Cabin ventilation should also cleats should be able to handle 3/4-inch stuff. Is the trailer length and support arrange- be sufficient to keep the cabin sweet and All should be rounded and faired to virtu- ment right for your particular boat? If the dry, as an aid in preventing not only mil- ally eliminate chafe against rope secured boat sits either too far forward or too far dew but dryrot, which could lead to structural to them,and to minimize stubbed-toe dam- aft on the trailer, you may experience steering damage and ultimately an unseaworthy hull. age to the crew. control problems, especially at highway A swim ladder that deploys from the speeds. Cockpit, deck design, side—best for picking up people who've If the trailer plus the load of the boat and fallen overboard—is good to have. A second gear is more than a certain amount-3,000 equipment swim ladder off the transom, preferably pounds total weight in many states—you Cockpit visibility from the helm should emanating from a built-in swim platform, must by law equip your trailer with brakes. be excellent all around the horizon, pref- is also desirable, though if only one lad- Otherwise, your car might not be able to erably without the helmsman craning his der is possible, the side type is the one to stop quickly enough—a clear safety prob- neck or squashing his face against the side choose. lem. deck to see under the skirt of the gennie. Is the frame galvanized rather than The cockpit should be self-draining if at Rigging painted? Ifit's painted, you'll have to make all possible, to avoid reliance on electri- Rigging—for both sail and powerboats— frequent inspections for rust, and use rust- cal bilge pump systems, which tend to fail should be looked at with safety in mind. inhibiting touchup paint where necessary. at inopportune times. Cockpit scuppers For example,lightning protection on a boat Rust can weaken not only the frame, but should be as large as possible; three-inch is only possible if a grounded metal object springs, axles,and cross beams as well. If exit holes, screened like a sink drain, is raised to the apex of a "cone of protec- your axle collapses while you're speeding wouldn't be considered too large. tion" extending to the water at 45 degrees along the highway, you could be in big The transom on a powerboat should be from the apex. Such a rig can be made for trouble. high enough to prevent water from surg- either a sailboat or a powerboat. Electri- If you plan to submerge the axle of your ing over the stern when stopped in a fol- cal bonding and grounding of all metal in trailer during the launching process, bearings lowing sea with passengers crowded at the the boat,including standing rigging,engine, should be equipped with bearing protec- stem end,and low enough so an outboard, fuel tank, etc., is also part of good light- tors or the equivalent, to prevent rusting. if used, will have its prop sufficiently im- ning protection practice. Otherwise bearings could overheat and fail mersed. On a conventional sailboat (sloop and when you're on the highway, again caus- If possible,a pulpit, pushpit,lifelines and cutter), standing rigging should preferably ing big trouble. stanchions should be installed to provide include a bacicstay for extra security(as well Wiring to trailer lights should be substan- a measure ofsecurity going forward. These as to help keep the forestay tight). Upper tial and well-insulated, and light bulbs and should be at least 24 inches high(27 inches shrouds as well as lowers, if sufficiently contacts should be cleaned at frequent in- is better ifthe aesthetics can be worked out). strong, will be some insurance against the tervals. Otherwise, it's almost a sure bet They should also be made of strong ma- mast going over the side in the event ofone that eventually the lights won't work, making terials strongly secured to the hull. Strength stay parting. driving at night hazardous. should be such that a 200-pound man can Shroud attachment points (wire rope There's more to safety on the water that sit on or vigorously push against the top terminals,chainplates, mast tangs,spreader wearing a PFD and keeping a fire extin- of a stanchion or sit on the pulpit or pushpit tips, toggles, turnbuckles) should all be guisher handy. We've mentioned many without damaging it or the boat. robustly constructed of top-grade materi- more—and probably haven't exhausted the An anchor of sufficient size to hold the als (stainless steel or bronze) without fis- list of worthwhile small-boat safety features boat in a blow, plus a second anchor one sures or cracks. Spreaders should be stiff, at that. Still, it's a good start. So when size larger, should always be aboard and and designed to cock up slightly to bisect you're shopping for your next boat,or when ready to use at a moment's notice. Each the tip angle with the shroud. you're thinking about your current boat and anchor should be shackled to at least six its equipment,check out how many of the feet and preferably 10 feet or more of gal- Boat trailer items mentioned here are adequately ad- vanized chain, which in turn is secured to dressed. You may be surprised at at least 100 feet of nylon line at least 3/8 safety check what you find inch in diameter (1/2 inch for boats over If you're buying a new trailer, does the cf 23 feet). One of the anchor lines may be capacity (usually stated on a label affixed

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 11 PENNSYLVANIA BY PAUL J. REALE CURRAGH CLU PHOTOS By THE A OR

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In Ireland, the curragh (pronounced Pennsylvania has two curragh boyhood. Even though the boat was KURR-ah)is an old, old story. It's an organizations today—the Pittsburgh first of all for fishing, it was also for oar-driven open boat, a long, low, Curragh Racing Club and the Philadel- transportation. "The curragh was the round-bottom vessel of canvas or wood. phia Celtic Curragh Club. Marcus J. family car," he says. "My island had It's a tough, sturdy workhorse of a boat, Flaherty, 56, business agent for Local only five houses on it. To get to the and as primitive as can be. The oars are 373, AFL-CIO, heads the Pittsburgh mainland for shopping, school or unusual, to say the least. They're 10 group. Philadelphia's president is Mike church, you took a curragh." feet long and resemble stilts—no Mullen, a plumber. Flaherty's club, The curragh also provided recreation paddles,just shaft. A visitor to the based in Lawrenceville, takes to the because the island was short of Emerald Isle, particularly in the west Allegheny River or Monongahela River ballfields, basketball courts and the like. coast counties of Galway and Kerry, can three times weekly for rowing practice. The boys were left to find sport in easily spot curraghs, their occupants The Philadelphians operate out of the racing their curraghs, initially among pulling in herring, salmon and lobster, or Pyne Point Boatyard in Camden, NJ, on themselves after a day's fishing and later hauling peat. The curraghs are as much the Delaware River. Three-times-a- as teams of teenagers challenging a part of the quiet picture as are the week practice is also a ritual with the similar teams from neighboring islands deep-green mountains of Connemara club, says its vice president, Ed Lafferty, and coastal villages. The tradition came that rise more than 2,000 feet above a biomedical engineer. The usual course along when young men departed Ireland them. is a brisk five-mile pull around Petty for the U.S. The boat was a fun way of Legend credits St. Brendan, the sixth- Island. keeping in touch with their roots. century Irish monk, with using a curragh "The Delaware can get choppy at Boston's Irish Curragh Racing Club is (also spelled "currach") to make a times, which is one of the reasons we viewed as the granddaddy of the curragh 4,000-mile transatlantic crossing from choose to practice on it," says Lafferty. groups that have sprung up across the County Kerry to the New World 1,300 "When we go to regattas we have to be country. It was founded in 1970. years ago—or 500 years before the prepared to row, whatever the weather." Johnny Joyce, a pressman for the Boston Norsemen and 1,000 years before The workouts have paid off in Globe, is president. Pittsburgh-born Columbus. His vessel is believed to national competition. More than once Ann O'Donnell, a bank accountant, is have been a 36-footer of wooden staves has Pittsburgh out-raced teams from club treasurer, and a rower. covered with leather. Annapolis, Boston and New York. But how come curraghs in Pennsylva- Philadelphia oarsmen have also been New clubs nia waters? Irish-born newcomers to impressive, often showing up in the In recent years, boaters have formed these shores have introduced the boat to winner's circle. clubs in Annapolis, MD,Albany, NY, the New World by way of preserving and Center Island, NY. A new club is and perpetuating something that was so "Family car" reported taking shape in Atlantic City, much a part of them in their homeland. Marcus Flaherty, born and raised on a NJ. A second Boston group has been And besides, racing curraghs is great little island in Galway Bay, remembers formed: the Shamrock Rowing Club, sport. the role the curragh played in his headed by Patrick Lee, a Galway-born carpenter. 12 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania The Pittsburgh organization was gave up rugby to take up curragh two-, three- and four-person races. The launched eight years ago, and Philadel- rowing. "It's a very good aerobic competition concludes with scraped phia following shortly after. A Milwau- workout. You really feel it," says Paul. knuckles and blistered palms, pretty kee club began in 1990. Now there is an Women are making waves, literally. much remedied with an awards cer- umbrella organization, the North Pittsburgh's club has a dozen women emony, lively Irish music, dancing American Curragh Association, started members, described by president and hearty comradery. in 1982. President is Mark Egan Marcus as "fantastic rowers, unbeat- Nerich, Annapolis commercial builder. able." He names four-year member Clubs pay $100 a year to belong. Galway-born Peter Mulkerrin, 42, and CLOSE LOOK his brother, Joe 44,from Pittsburgh, come from a long line of curragh AT A CURRAGH builders. "It was a family business back Originally, a curragh was anything in Ireland," says Peter. So the Pitts- but a racing boat. From ancient times, burgh club was in luck having the the Irish used it as a fishing craft, and Mulkerrins as members. The brothers for their transportation. In more re- are credited with building Pittsburgh's cent years the curragh has found fa- two currachs and, when necessary, vor in racing circles. teaching novice members to row them. The boats are typically made of oak Furthermore, the brothers have built two given a lattice structure. They're 18 cuffachs for the Milwaukee club, which to 27 feet long,the length pretty much is led by architect Tadhg McInerney. up to the maker. The beam averages Founder is Dublin-born John Gleeson, a 3'6" to 3'9". Size is determined largely University of Wisconsin professor who by the number of intended occupants, teaches Europe and Irish history. whether one, two, three or four. The "Pittsburgh's been an inspiration," the hull is typically covered with canvas professor acknowledges. and coated with tar. In the old days Monty O'Leary, a curragh craftsman animal hides were used. The cost of from County Kerry, was brought over to hiring a skilled craftsman to build a build Philadelphia's three curraghs. curragh these days is reported to be This is not to say that curragh about $1,400. construction is only for pros. Fact is, Curraghs are typically made ofoak and Like everything else about the some men, though amateurs, do put range in lengthfrom 18 to 27feet. With curragh,its oars are unique. Commonly together their own curraghs, working in the unusual oars the trick to propelling made of spruce, they run eight to 10 their garages or in their yards. Boston's a curragh is to lift the boat out ofthe feet long and are never wider than three Johnny Joyce can attest to this. He has a water. inches,an arrangement quite different spacious backyard that friends use both from the familiar oar that flares dra- as birthplace and berth place for their Kathy Conroy, a chemical engineer, as matically as its grasps the water. What's "homemade" curraghs. "My backyard one of his best rowers. "Rowing is more,attached several inches from the looks like a boatyard," he reports. wonderful exercise," Kathy says, handle end is a somewhat triangular- The curraghians are predominantly reporting that her kid sister, Colleen, shaped piece that is pierced. This is men born in Ireland, or of Irish ancestry, also rows. (They're the daughters of the "block," its hole made to fit snugly although more and more non-Irish find Ireland-born parents.) onto a'Thole pin,"or oar pin,fitted into themselves attracted to the sport, and are Jeanne Toth, of the Albany club, is of the boat's gunwale. The arrangement made welcome. Marcus Flaherty says, Hungarian-Ukranian descent. She says. ensures that a fisherman won't lose his "All we really care about is that you "I do enjoy rowing, and I just happen to oars over the sides when he has to let want to row. That's our only require- love Irish culture." go ofthem to lift lobster pots from the ment." Marcus notes, too, that the sport is sea or run lines. Members come from all walks. family-oriented. Peter Mulkerrin has Sportsmen say the curragh's blad- Pittsburgh rowers include a couple of two daughters who row—Christine and der bottom gives more stability than engineers, a registered nurse, a cardiolo- Carolyn. Joe Mulkerrin has three a sleeker hull. Furthermore, the oars gist and several college students. Add rowers in his family—his daughters (weight about eight pounds)are superior Irish-American musicians Bruce Foley Mary Eileen, Bridget and Patty. Peter to the familiar paddle oars in cutting and Patrick Folan, plus Dan Berry, a and Joe have a younger brother, the wind. Their length also allows Vietnam hero, now working for the Michael, who is also a Pittsburgh rowers to dig deeply into the water, in Veterans Administration (involved in a oarsman. effect lifting the boat so that it rides rescue mission, he lost a leg to a The clubs come together periodically over rather than plows through the landmine). for dawn-to-dusk competition. Crews of waves. There's no scull or rudder. It's Ken Wilson, attorney, is among bare-chested men with headbands in "pull left" or "pull right." The trick Philadelphia's oarsmen. Paul Phillips, place drive to buoy and back, distance is to lift the boat out of the water with former president of the Philadelphia totaling five miles. Distance for the the oars.—PJR. club, and his younger brother, Vincent, women is reduced a bit. There are one-, Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 13 Mastering the Lake Erie

Winter: Pete Traphagen by Tom Bird photos by the author While most lakefront inhabitants are safely snuggled beneath a Not every Erie sailor, no matter how hearty he or she may be, warm blanket, curled up on a couch, or lounging on their favor- is made for foul-weather sailing, Traphagen openly admits. ite recliners, the fireplace blazing as the winter winds howl out- "I remember one time I invited a friend to go sailing. Unfor- side, there's a good chance that Pete Traphagen is still sailing on tunately for him it was the first time he'd ever sailed and we'd Lake Erie. gotten an eight-inch snowfall the night before. We had to shovel "To me, sailing during the late fall, winter and early spring is the snow off the boat to come aboard but that didn't really bother the best sailing one can experience," says Pete Traphagen, 57, me. Ifound that the snow was an excellent place to keep the drinks ofErie, the captain and owner of the Sojourner,a Pearson 53 housed cold that we'd brought along with us. But my friend was scared at the Erie Yacht Club. to death and cold, too. I don't think he Traphagen is a sailing purist, consid- enjoyed the sail at all. There's no doubt ering mostly the wind, as opposed to a that it's a lot harder to find crew in the dozen other variables typically taken winter. seriously by other skippers. Sailing is in "In fact,there's only been about a dozen his blood. His father was a sailor. His different persons who have chosen to sail brother is a sailor, too. In fact, the same with me in the foul-weather season over brother once attempted to sail around the the last 11 years," he recalls. "Most of world. While the other boys in his area the summer sailors have a totally differ- were learning to throw baseballs, kick ent mind set around that time of year. They footballs and dribble basketballs, see it as ski season. But my feeling is that Traphagen's father was teaching him to if they can ski during that time of year, chart courses and trim sails. they can sail as well. It's just a different As far back as he can remember the sport mind set." ran uncontrollably through his veins. One of Traphagen's most prized pos- "I don't have any memories that don't sessions is a placard he owns and which include sailing," he recalls. was given to him by the Port Dover Yacht When he was eight years old, he was Club in Ontario. too young to skipper a vessel on Lake Erie "It was a reward for having logged lake by himself,so he chose a land sailing route. crossings in November and December of Permitting his engineering mind, which 1988 as well as in January,February, March he eventually fine-tuned at Yale University, and April of'89," the coldest and most to run wild, young Traphagen focused his attention on his little furious months of the year on Lake Erie, which because ofits rela- red wagon. With a mast constructed from an old 2x4 and a sail tively shallow depths is easily the most treacherous of all the Great made out of an old bed sheet, he'd hop in and set sail for the Lakes. According to a flock of respected sailing authorities in neighborhood. the area,Traphagen's feat was the first time that anyone had ever Traphagen's love for sailing grew even more as he matured. even attempted, let along completed,consecutive lake crossings He simply couldn't get enough of it. In his late teens he was hired in each of those six months. In fact, a few times during the last as a maintenance worker on a40 -footer owned by an old salt named few decades the lake has been completely frozen over during those Spike Spencer. According to Traphagen, 01' Spike taught him months, and often it is at least partially covered by a thick sheet more about sailing than he ever thought possible to learn. of ice. "The winds are exhilarating and they give you a tremendous Traphagen's most memorable crossing of the series came on ride during the foul-weather seasons," says Traphagen."I sail in the evening of January 28, 1989. the summer only for my friends and family. The late fall, early "We had gotten a 12-hour window in the weather," he recalls, spring and most of all the winter belong to me. In fact, I do 75 "and Al Taylor, my good friend and most frequent sailing part- percent of my sailing during that time. There's no one else out ner, decided to give a crossing a shot. there, thus no traffic, and the winds are outstanding. It's the best "We headed out of the entrance to Presque Isle Bay at about 8 time to sail. p.m. that evening. Ah,such freedom I felt. No one was around. "In the last 11 seasons we've been the last boat out of the wa- We were all alone with the wind,the elements, the lake, the stars ter about half of those years, which is something I'm proud of," and us, a sailor's dream. he says. "We've also participated in each of the Thanksgiving "We decided to head to Point Dover,and made good time. The Day sailing races organized by John Ashby. I think that goes back wind was giving us a good ride. But when we neared the other seven years or so. There's usually between four and II other boats side, because it was a moonless night, we had a hard time mark- that participate as well. ing the harbor. Plus the lighthouse at the point had been extin- 14 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania Z.'"'"`• - • -••• s\ip 4 1

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guished for the season. But we finally found our way into the As well, Traphagen has specific requirements for any sailing harbor at about 1:30 a.m. We then headed onto shore to have a in such foul weather. bite to eat. The people we met couldn't believe we'd made the "To go with me a person has be to well-prepared for the ele- crossing. They'd never remembered anyone ever doing such so ments. A snowmobile suit is a necessity,so are ski gloves, a face late in the season before. In my mind, they didn't know what covering ofsome sort and good,thick shoes. I carry enough aboard they were missing. to outfit three extra men besides myself. "Then after catching a few hours rest, Al and I decided that we'd "Besides that, the boat has to be ready. All persons aboard have better head back across the lake before the weather caved in on to have the will to endure the sail. We have to have open water us. But by the time we had come back aboard the wind had al- and favorable weather,and we have to have a shovel along to clear ready shifted and the ice had started to head back into the har- the snow off the deck and out of the cockpit. bor. Just then the clouds parted and a full moon appeared above "The toughest part of sailing during this time is doing so when us, giving us the light we needed to see our way out. Ah, what a the temperature dips below 40 degrees because you begin to lose beautiful sight the moon made out of that ice." dexterity in your fingers." Traphagen may sound eccentric, because he is. In fact, when But to Traphagen, all the potential risks and additional prepa- he was looking to purchase his dream boat, one significant con- rations are worth it. sideration was whether he'd be able to fit a baby grand piano below "To me,the conditions bring me closer to nature than I've ever deck. been before, and that makes it all worthwhile. I feel a part of "I had her measured for a piano. I believe a Yamaha 100 would everything, the wind, the water, the sky, nature. We're all alone fit below quite nicely." with the elements out there. It's rough, yet peaceful. But Traphagen is far from lazy when it comes to safety aboard "I remember one time when I was standing on the bow watch- ship. Such is one of the reasons that he is one of the area's most ing everything flow by. We were only a few miles offshore. The respected sailors. He understands what the lake can do for you, clouds were moving rapidly across the sky. They were winter and what it can do to you. clouds,storm clouds. Ijust stood there watching them rush across "Even when we made our Point Dover trip on January 28, we the sky. It was all before me. I felt so all alone with my life. would not have even considered going if Al and I weren't 100 Yet, I felt such a part of everything. Such a part of life." percent sure that we'd have at least a 12-hour window in the weather."

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 15 A Six-Pack by Art Michaels ofAnswers photos by the author "These days trailering a boat can be very expensive," my neighbor says. He's an avid fisherman and family water skier, but in- creasing costs are causing him and his family to look at the expenses oftrailering and boat- ing more closely than ever before. He and many other boaters are looking for ways to cut corners without sacrific- ing safety, and he takes advantage of ev- ery opportunity to economize. Here are six of my neighbor's questions about saving money while trailering—a six- pack of answers, he calls them. Use the ideas to get more for your sport. Is my trailer a drive-on? Some boaters retrieve their boats by driving the boats right onto their trailers. Others push and pulltheir boats onto their trailers. How can I tell whether or not my trailer is a drive-on? What are the pros and cons of retrieving this way? In the long run, driving your boat onto a trailer not meant for this kind of retrieval can cost you more in rusted trailer frame members, axles and suspension systems. It can also prematurely wear or damage the inner parts ofeach hub because for drive- one retrieval you must dunk the trailer considerably deeper than you might oth- erwise. There aren't any strict guidelines for determining whether or not you should retrieve your boat by driving it onto your trailer. One way to find out is to ask the dealer or the manufacturer if the trailer is designed for drive-on retrieval. Generally speaking, trailers meant for drive-on retrieval feature frames that lie close A taut, flat strap can to the road. You find the least ground clear- chafe the hull, lowering ance on these kinds of trailers. The tires and fenders lie noticeably high above the your boat's resale frame. These construction features let you value. Twist the position the trailer for drive-on retrieval on most ramps without needing to back the gunwale strap once or tow vehicle far into the water. twice and place foam Manufacturers and dealers often match bass boats, water ski boats and some flat- pads where the strap bottomed boats with trailers meant for drive- meets the hull. on retrieval. Trailers not meant for drive-on retrieval feature bunks or rollers mounted higher

16 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania above the trailer frame. tie-down strap. Fit them over the places These trailers have more where the strap touches the hull. You can ground clearance. Drive-on also use carpet swatches about the size of retrieval isn't safe or prac- a footprint. tical with these rigs. You Rig your gunwale tie-down strap so that have to back the tow vehicle you adjust it from the trailer's right side. farther down the ramp into If you have to pull over to the side of the the water to position the road and adjust the strap's tension, the rig bunks or rollers properly. stands between you and oncoming traffic. This maneuver can be un- safe,especially on ramps that Turn signal trouble are slippery, unimproved or When I drive my car, my turn signals damaged. workfine. When I hook up the boat trailer and the wiring harness, the turn signals Suggestions flicker weakly and rapidly. What's wrong? on straps The problem is that the extra load of the My runabout is 16feet trailer lighting makes the car's original-equip- long,and fuse only a gun- ment turn signal flasher operate too fast. wale tie-down strap in ad- Pennsylvania vehicle equipment standards dition to the bow hook. At for safe operation require that turn signals highways speed, the strap whistles and first season. This problem is more cosmetic flash no fewer times than 60 per minute hums andflaps against the boat. Is this than anything else, but it could affect the and no more times than 120 per minute. safe, and can it damage my rig? resale value of the boat if you don't solve If your original equipment flasher doesn't the problem. allow this operation, your rig violates the Prevent this kind of damage by twisting standards. the gunwale tie-down strap one or two times To solve this problem,replace the original- between the strap's J-hooks and the places equipment turn signal flasher with a heavy on both sides of the boat where the strap duty one. The flasher is located on or near touches the gunwale. your tow vehicle's fuse panel. It looks like Take additional steps to protect your boat's a cylinder with plug-in prongs. hull by positioning blocks of closed-cell Most tow vehicles have two flashers— foam rubber in the places where the strap one for the turn signals and another for the touches the boat hull. You can obtain this hazard lights. Replace only the turn sig- kind offoam rubber in bedding stores. You nal flasher because the hazard lights flasher need two blocks that measure about six can handle the trailer's extra lighting load. inches long,four inches wide and two inches You can buy a heavy duty flasher at thick—about.the size and shape of a brick. automotive supply stores and boat dealer- Adjust the size ofeach foam block to match ships for a few dollars. Replacing the turn the configuration of your boat's hull and signal flasher simply requires pulling out how much of the strap touches the hull. the old one and plugging in the new one. With a single-edge razor blade or simi- This easy change makes the turn signals lar instrument, cut a two-inch slit at each flash normally. That lets other motorists end of the blocks and thread them onto the see you easier, and that makes you safer on the highway.

Don't underestimate the importance of using your gunwale tie-down strap safely and efficiently. At highway speeds, a gun- wale tie-down strap that's tightened flat and smooth often vibrates and beats against a boat's hull. The flapping strap can work loose, so tie off the end so it doesn't flap in the wind. The strap beating and slapping the boat hull also damages both aluminum and gel coat hull finishes as if you were rubbing the hull with sandpaper. If you don't take steps to solve this problem, you might notice hull damage even on a new boat during the

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 17 Running on empty Ioften tow my boat long distances. My entire rig isfidly loaded on these trips. Any ideas on how to lighten the load and save money? A gallon of gasoline weighs about six pounds. So if your boat has an inboard tank with a capacity of about 30 gallons, that's some 180 pounds of fuel you're towing. Lighten the load and increase your tow vehicle fuel ecomony by trailering to dis- tant destinations with an empty or nearly empty tank. Fill `er up when you arrive. safety chain, you might also want to use strategy is to keep your rig operating at least a bow chock device. This safety measure long enough to get to a dealer for repairs, is designed to prevent your boatfrom ending if you can'tjust fix something on the spot. up in your tow vehicle trunk or back seat You need wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, if you have to apply the brakes quickly and a ball peen hammer,a six-inch two-by-four forcefully. (for removing and installing bearing pro- A bow chock device attaches to the trailer tectors), grease gun, extra tube of grease tongue directly beneath the bow eye. The and spare parts. other end hooks onto the bow eye. Furthermore,carry a flashlight with fresh To make a bow chock device, you need alkaline batteries(and spare batteries)and an 18-inch to 24-inch turnbuckle, wing nut a small, powerful lamp with a long cord the size of the turnbuckle bolt, and an eye that plugs into the tow vehicle's cigarette bolt. lighter. You might also want to buy a de- Directly beneath the bow eye,drill a hole vice for the light with a long cord that lets in the trailer tongue. Attach the eye bolt you hook up the light directly to the boat with the nut on the bottom. Attach the turn- battery. When you need to check some- buckle top hook to the boat bow eye and thing or repair an item,the light turns dark- screw on the wing nut. Tighten the top ness and dimness into sunlight. turnbuckle hook into the turnbuckle and A long cord on the lamp lets you reach screw down the wing nut. the length of your trailer. Even in daylight, You can also use chain to make a bow you might need a light to check beneath chock device. The chain should be taut, your trailered boat,for instance, or to peer but leave just enough room to place the inside a wheel hub. chain's S-hook on your boat's bow eye. Except for your spare tire, carry all your Do not replace the bow safety chain with tools and spare items in their own box,and a bow chock chain. Each functions differ- buy separate tools from those you have for Bow business ently, so use both together. home repair and maintenance. In this way, you know that on a foggy, rain-soaked Some traileringfriends use a bow safety Tool talk chain and others do not. What do I re- highway at midnight the ball peen hammer Which tools do I need on the road ally need to secure my boat's bow? for and pliers are in the repair kit when you trailering my boat—minimum essentials In addition to the bow winch, you need might need them,not sitting on your washing without spending an arm and a leg? a bow safety chain. The safety chain is machine at home, 347 miles away. cif The most economical on-the-road repair designed to prevent an accident ifthe winch rope or cable fails or if the winch itselffails. To make your own bow safety chain, here are the parts you need: a suitable length ofgalvanized steel chain,3/16 -inch for small boats and 1/4-inch for larger boats; a 1/4- inch or 6nrun connecting link or an S-hook; and a 1 1/2-inch or2 -inch bolt with a suitable washer and hex nut, 3/8-inch bolt for small boats and a 5/16-inch bolt for large boats. Bolt the chain to the trailer stand—don't attach it to the winch. Drill a hole in the stand, if necessary. Use enough chain so that you can easily attach the S-hook or the connecting link to the bow eye. If you tow a large boat, one that weighs over 2,000 pounds, in addition to the bow 18 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania a Class II River by Jim Cole As you looked around the group, you could not have known it was a cold, cloudy day. The only thing that seemed to matter was how fast the water was flowing. This was the trip so many of us had waited for all year. This river seemed different from the other class II rivers that I've been on. You could feel the power as you stood on the bank watching the river rush by. The current was much faster, the slope much steeper. There would be very little dead water between the many rapids. It seemed as if the river was fighting for control from the moment the canoes touched it. Just one small distraction or one single mistake could make the difference between riding and swimming. This was definitely not the river to be over- confident in. As we started down the first section of the river, there seemed to be nothing but rushing water. I could make out the

pillows followed by curling waves, but most of all the continu- Commission ous fields of haystacks as far downstream as I could see. The Boat

water along the banks moved almost as fast as the middle of & the stream, making an easy exit almost impossible. Fish

Just after putting in we passed under a bridge. The river PA bends to the right, giving the first signs of the calm water of an An assessment of me and my canoe led me to realize how eddy. Our flotilla of a dozen boats used this opportunity to wet I was even though I had yet to take a plunge. With many eddy out as we were joined by one more canoe. curling waves and haystacks breaking over my low bow, a The force of this river seemed to increase with each new deposit of several inches of water had accumulated. I used this twist and turn. As we looked downstream, the declines opportunity to bail the water out of my boat. continued with no end in sight. Rock dodging didn't seem to I also realized the amount of energy that I had already be required because the shear volume of water floated us over expended fighting the rapids. Each time I lifted my bailer, it most obstacles. The larger boulders provided lots of practice seemed to be a little heavier. If I were to finish this trip, it on those eddy turns, even if they all seemed to be on the right- would be necessary to go with the flow. Don't fight the river, hand side. but use it to get where you want to go, I had learned. When the river branches off in two directions, our more As we continued on our way, I started to relax a little more, experienced paddlers told us to keep right. This is the route letting my pries and draws control my direction and my braces they are familiar with and the rest of us would follow. Even to hold me upright. This was much easier than the frantic though the left branch is inviting, it should not be tried alone, paddling I had started with. Now I understood what it meant we were told. to go with the flow and let the river do the work. After several more bends,just below a long field of hay- After a short distance we came to the confluence of the two stacks, there was a small covered bridge, behind which was a branches, and the river widened considerably. The haystacks large eddy on the right, and our second break. The size of the at this point seemed to be endless, but after a short distance eddy made it almost impossible to miss, but with my usual there was a hefty little drop followed by a bend in the river. luck, I was on the wrong side of the river. My ferry brought There was some calm water on the left, giving us a much me over just in time to catch the end of the eddy, but not needed break and a sandy bank—an ideal spot to stop for without the need to maneuver around a strainer in the river. lunch.

I lost control as the river pulled me down. Flotation seemed to be the only thing that stopped the river from swallowing me up. The shear force of the water now overpowered me. I exited on the left side, as my canoe finally capsized, trying unsuccessfully to grab my painter.

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 19 showered foot ful over 20 Control thing first in another for pulled left, lined bounced bottom at distance through the the wave. upstream keep my make making wave was more water As I Even As After this At With and but the other river. could canoe I for to and or pass easy the to first I that experienced curled my the I level, saw drop, headed me come. Several held unspectacular next more of our the it boat a more at this bow began again this up canoe rapids on as middle see short stopped The glance very me upstream my down. me. this Spring left, hunger and my drop. should I and dangerous the back came below didn't of the determined and could sent boat, for job I water point difficult inches my rest, as brace, at we down, left my managed I of this first 1992 Flotation finished This, the and ferried far boaters least me downstream, satisfied look splashing be had What me for the go. canoe. didn't I was was to drop descent. of middle decided standing from upstream of canoe hit I run slicing as Boat another area. river. me I for to could navigated This much water was non-existent running across me than to pull the should grabbing hold on seemed filling prepare our seemed being The Pennsylvania and make in of time from told, Most the second see for I to deeply ever, worse were wave first steady. try. as the the to keeping water thought many take left. my fast, try swallowed the this myself I another possible, headed at like the me side of face river. to I pass. I managed another now other as canoe. the than again wave a souse went into as us be from day. left for Only but stories any second it to as the current should me the in broke Luckily, the what at side, many bank. success- paths my as other lined hole My this hopped the the my river to a only up. to far told, next bow shot the together to of a in directly I canoe, we swim. be headed an

VIld MIS Ifai.1.) VIEW stream, difficulty. of easier like been in situation. calmed, to managed mighty cessfully water was directly on the painter my was paddle point. Even My I One As the the water the rapids. canoe, remember forever. just short, bailed I of canoe than rescue water left The began more and this river so the for I just too the to to managed even I I side, sent trying shear swim point time, and me. decided grab make eddy I was much, had continued over wave Once clinic to had thinking me if as was pull What pleasantly also force my my but to to was it taken it waist my was on for and of to down didn't shore tow that ready myself painter. feet the been several get the a canoe I another of to yet I how deep, in. thought much it a weight had downstream the river my pull to was short seem to upstream. rescued to surprised I together strong the finally to go. come, had footing I water I weeks needed me swim. difficult did bank, looked let swim to of to canoe been downstream. go be. manage be the a this now capsized, but before. short I Sticking I to on an relief and I along until saw canoe around lucky managed without as current did find it the had easy didn't the swim distance my to I manage after the bottom. that control. floated As that filled current job hold trying close to canoe too was, The bank the to to matter it assess what my of shore exhale on had much with down- to to water compared clear grabbing calm unsuc- Standing swim headed of I would to shore grab seemed exited already at my this water my alone. this of most the I be FA hist; h foal Commission long groups. swimmer to to slow. other some This wouldn't rapid out, before difficulty. little the the my we But warmer. where Even This Things Day After fight We the would own strainer, water, today causing time. time gentler. members other must eddied takeout. It we and two trip the though more You also The limitations. be of remained another finally it be with Another the It have of current was paddlers but was the my a current never meant back out has playing Maybe our short, water Here of a this barely day. managed last, left also lower right taught stopped trip our canoe tomorrow back know boat was uneventful we'd many at but did I it a It even A necessary at group, was managed after little under was this has water dump me not embarrassing this upstream. managed not managed have when to the sunnier a bruises also point. one the to lower, my get seem boat drop, for way we runaway level, at respect to until covered you that to shown first to off the another headed dodge like when to to on to share and than miss but It it even may I start our swim, be hit hit that without will was mine the swim. it several boat. me the the as this we bridge the arrival a more down was day need of this power paddler. ride over not strong the first and could final had a upstream tree on by drop long We too forget rocks. help. other need downstream the for for at definitely our and the no eddy of while as also make much the final seemed a shallow today, Once a means first river. to the spills much short for river drop. side and met go peeling stretch it. day a out in but long, rest. by of had and a to of course. slowly scout This caught chorus seemed out along right again, all river. my minutes water back better my my mark. This This I My My After headed ferry at last path, had made to bank, the the behind. the if first last but The of entered time myself had a run finally to lining I of across. and "Happy portion brace. right end had this attempt have home, run evaluating me I first to of I waiting my felt of not be the time grabbing As my more today the bank made a wave Another the the of second knowing great in grabbed day my Birthday" canoe was river much the control determined rapid. to best until a was canoe broke the and good do by Spring time, rapid for drawing run upstream canoe trip again farther possibilities far there more for there that It my as over bounced run to even was so to 1992 probably my the I one we gunwales on coming were scouting. my entered far than and will to my farther my best. gunwales with along the would Boat paddler the this right. felt always canoe bow ever no up I left, After would right. all decided downstream year. Pennsylvania the into boats left very the and meet but to After the I while to at at rapid also be left than try ferrying the good left the managed Everyone have the spills. all. upstream. again next several again. to bank, eddied second trying desired my right takeout, very But shoot as been year. cut on first. After to I I this little on eddied to to out started the the wave across even it I get my we then a was 21 CURRE Boating Instructor Simmons Appointed Leading Causes Courses to NBSAC of Collisions The Bureau of Boating has scheduled a John Simmons,director of the Commis- Numbers speak for themselves. The Boating and Water Safety Awareness In- sion Bureau of Boating, was recently ap- typical recreational boater is more likely structors Course on April 11,co -sponsored pointed to the National Boating Safety to have a collision with another vessel or by the Pocono Environmental Education Advisory Council(NBSAC) for a one-year a fixed object than any other type of boating Center. This instructor course involves both term. accident. Collisions are the third most fre- classroom and swimming pool training. The The council is sponsored by the Coast quent cause of fatalities, behind falls over- course was developed for instructors teach- Guard and consists of21 members who meet board and capsizing. ing youth in the middle school and high periodically to provide advice to the De- The Coast Guard estimates that it receives school age groups. partment of Transportation on recreational reports for only a fraction of reportable The Bureau of Boating also conducts a boating safety issues. The National Boating accidents. Here are Coast Guard statistics Basic Boating Instructors Course. This Safety Advisory Council was established for 1986 through 1990for the leading causes course involves classroom time only. by Congress in the Federal Boat Safety Act of collisions. Topics covered in both courses include of 1971. It comprises members drawn personal flotation devices, required safety equally from the boating industry, state Boats Causes equipment, boat safety, accident preven- boating safety administrators and the boating involved tion, environmental considerations, basic public. Appointed by the secretary oftrans- 9,426 Improper lookout rescue, safe boat operation, hypothermia 8,616 Other vessel/operator at fault portation, the members review proposed 2,249 and alcohol. To register in any ofthe courses Submerged object (logs, rocks, regulations and standards and advise the etc.) or for more information, contact Cheryl commandant of the Coast Guard in boat- 1,478 Operator inattention or Hornung at the Fish & Boat Commission ing safety matters. carelessness headquarters at(717) 657-4540. 945 Other 754 Strong current, rough water, Know Before weather, etc. Weather for Boaters: You Go 721 Speeding High winds, rough water and thunderstorms can quickly turn a pleasant day of cruis- 641 Other equipment failure ing or water skiing into a struggle to stay afloat. 537 Navigational error The best way to handle adverse weather is to avoid it. Before going out, check the 394 Rules of the road infraction weather forecast. The National Weather Service issues marine forecasts every six hours. 373 Inexperience of operator These forecasts include predictions for winds, seas, weather and visibility. 280 Improper navigation lights When weather warnings are in effect, determine whether you can operate your boat 214 View obstructed (bow in air, sun safely. Have the proper equipment aboard—a sturdy anchor and appropriate length of glare, bright lights, etc.) line, paddle or oars in case of engine failure, and visual distress signals to avoid strand- 194 Steering system failure (cable, pulleys, ing. fittings, etc.) 176 Loss of stability: strong Check weather forecasts frequently on channels WX-1,WX-2 and WX-3,which broadcast current, weather, rapids, continuously on your VHF radio. These days, hand-held VHF radios are common,so whitewater, etc. even small-boat owners can carry them conveniently. Heavy static on an AM radio may 119 Force of wake or wave striking indicate nearby storms. vessel Weather forecasting is not a perfect science. There is no substitute for the traditional 68 Poor visibility (rain, fog, practice of scanning the horizon for changes in wind, waves, water and sky. darkness, etc.) Watch for dark, threatening clouds indicating a thunderstorm, or any steady increase 50 Throttle failure in wind or waves. The transition from a small cloud into a dark, turbulent, electrified storm can take as little as 30 minutes. Strong, gusty winds and heavy rain with thunder and lightning will Boating Can Be Stressful probably follow soon. A day on a boat, with the sun shining, a Determine the distance, in miles, of an approaching thunderstorm by counting the breeze blowing and the boat gently rock- seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder clap and dividing by five. For in- ing,sounds like pure relaxation. Add a few stance, it if takes 10 seconds to hear the thunder, the storm is about two miles away. drinks to the scene and it's an idyllic va- If you get caught in a thunderstorm, pinpoint your location on a chart before heavy cation. rain reduces visibility to zero. Watch for other boats or obstructions,secure hatches and But the scene can easily turn from a dream ports, strap down or stow in lockers all loose gear, and make sure everyone is wearing to a nightmare. A few hours of small-boat a life jacket. operation can prove more stressful to a When the storm hits, try to take the first and heaviest gusts of wind on the bow. Approach person than the same amount of time spent waves at a 45-degree angle to keep the propeller underwater and reduce pounding. If driving on the highway. there is lightning, unplug the radio and electrical equipment, keep away from metal objects, Studies have shown that exposure to the and stay low. Place fishing rods flat on the boat deck, and lower antennas. sun, wind, engine noise, vibration and For a free brochure, Weatherfor Mariners, write to BOAT/U.S. Foundation,880 South constant motion can slow reaction time Pickett Street, Alexandria, VA 22304. significantly. 22 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania CURRENTS

Boat operators tested on specially de- 10 Personal Watercraft Riding Tips signed courses showed a decreasing abil- Personal watercraft riding is more populiu- down and leave more turning space in rough ity to deal with obstacles and to control their than ever. As the number of people enjoying water. vessels in tight maneuvering situations as the sport increases,so does the need for safe •Ride a safe distance from other boats, the day progressed. One operator stated, boating procedures. Everyone from begin- swimmers, fishermen and water skiers. "On the last run,I had no business being out ners to experienced riders can have more •Always look in all directions for boat- on the water. I was too blitzed to handle it." fun and ride safely by following the 10 tips ers, water skiers and swimmers and change Consuming alcoholic beverages makes provided by Bombardier, Inc., manufac- your speed or direction accordingly. the situation worse. Peripheral vision is turer of Sea-Doo watercraft. •Walk before you run. Even professional reduced and hearing is less acute. Most •Know your watercraft. Learn as much riders spend time riding at half-throttle when operators who have been drinking don't feel as you can from the dealer and from the trying new maneuvers. Learn and practice the effects. They feel fine until they hit the owners manual before riding. new skills at slow speeds. dock—or something else. •Always perform a pre-ride check and •Just as an athlete warms up before a game, Don't let the operator of your boat be- become familiar with all controls and the watercraft riders should warm up their come another accident statistic. Make sure function of each. reflexes and ease into a ride. he or she takes a break and rests to com- • Follow the laws governing waterway •Do notjump boat wakes or cross the path pensate for the fatigue of being exposed use, obey posted speed and wake restric- of oncoming boats or watercraft. to the environment for extended periods. tions and always wear a Coast Guard-ap- •If you have a watercraft designed to carry Don't let the boat operator drink and drive— proved personal flotation device. more than one person, make sure your it's not only illegal, but an intoxicated boat •Adjust your riding style to water con- passenger grips the seat strap. Watercraft operator can be deadly.—Hunt Anderson. ditions and the number ofother boats. Slow behave differently with extra riders aboard, so reduce your speed and avoid sharp turns. NOAA Weather Radio NOAA weather radio is a service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- Does Your PFD Have a Sunburn? istration(NOAA) of the U.S. Department A personal flotation device(PFD), like any other item of equipment,eventually gets of Commerce. The "voice of the National old and worn and must be replaced. How do you know when a PFD must be replaced? Weather Service" provides continuous Broken zippers and frayed webbing are frequent indicators of a worn device. Less obvious broadcasts of the latest weather informa- is the cover fabric of a PFD that has been weakened by extensive exposure to sunlight. tion directly from National Weather Ser- The most popular personal flotation devices are fabric-covered type H near-shore buoyant vice offices. Taped messages are repeated vests and type III flotation aids. The fabric covering most often used is one of several every four to six minutes and are routinely types of nylon or polyester. revised every one to three hours or more These synthetic fabrics have advantages for use in PFD construction. They are eco- frequently,if needed. Most stations operate nomical, durable and resistant to rot caused by microbes. They can be dyed in a wide 24 hours daily. The broadcasts are made range ofcolors. They are easy for PFD manufacturers to work with. They "drape" reasonably on one of seven high-band FM frequencies, well, and are therefore desirable for making wearable articles. The nylon fabrics are ranging from 162.40 to 162.55 megahertz similar to those often used in jackets and camping gear. (MHz). Nylon and polyester are plastics, however,and like many plastics they can break down NOAA weather radio broadcasts are vital after extended exposure to the ultraviolet(UV) light in sunlight. Fabric manufacturers to boaters. Listed below are the Pennsyl- can include UV inhibitors to slow the degradation process, and dyes used to color the vania NOAA weather radio network sta- devices also provide some protection. Generally, darker dyes provide more protection tions and their frequencies. For more de- than light or bright dyes, such as "neon"(fluorescent) shades. This is not always the tails, and to receive a listing of NOAA case, however. weather radio receiver manufacturers, A PFD with a UV-damaged fabric cover should be replaced. A weak cover could contact the National Weather Service(Attn: split open and allow the flotation material inside to be lost. How can you tell when a W/OM15x2),National Oceanic and Atmo- fabric PFD cover is worn out? Badly faded bright colors are a clue that deterioration spheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD has taken place. Compare fabric color where it's protected, under a body strap, for ex- 20910. ample, to the exposed fabric. Another simple test is to pinch the fabric between the Allentown 162.400 MHz thumb and forefinger of each hand and try to tear it. If you can tear the fabric cover, Clearfield 162.550 MHz replace the PFD. Erie 162.400 MHz Fabric-covered PFDs should ordinarily last at least several boating seasons in nor- Harrisburg 162.550 MHz mal use. PFDs used every day in direct sunlight probably have to be replaced more Johnstown 162.400 MHz often. When you operate your boat,PFDs should be out and worn by everyone on Philadelphia board. 162.475 MHz If the devices are not worn, they should at least be Pittsburgh readily available. When you're not 162.550 MHz using your boat, PFDs State College 162.475 MHz should be allowed to dry. Then stow them under cover out of Wilkes-Barre 162.550 MHz the sun. Williamsport 162.400 MHz

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 23 Who's Who on the by Cheryl Hornung

It was a busy summer weekend on the water. A drunk operator Fish & Boat Commission in another powerboat almost ran you down, and you flagged the Boating on all Commonwealth waters falls under the jurisdic- patrol boat to report it. The officers took the information and pulled tion of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. The Com- away looking for the drunk operator. As the patrol boat raced mission was given the responsibility for fishing in 1866 and the across the lake, the passengers on your boat started talking about first boating regulation was written in 1932. The enforcement the officers. An argument broke out on whether they were the of fish and boat laws and regulations is the primary responsibil- Coast Guard,Forest Rangers,Park Rangers or Fish & Boat Com- ity of the Commission's waterways conservation officers, although mission. What is the agency responsible for boating law enforcement they also spend much time on pollution and litter cases. on the water? The Commission administers and coordinates the activities of All boating is subject to laws and regulations. Acts of Con- the Commonwealth relating to watercraft. This includes the en- gress provide basic policies and rules on which more specific forcement of boating regulations, the improvement and mainte- regulations may be based. These federal boating regulations are nance of waterway facilities, aids to navigation, and administer- primarily enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard ing the boating education programs of the Commission. is the agency that most boaters expect to see on the water. How- The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission administers laws ever, in Pennsylvania, they are present only in the Three Rivers relating to the encouragement, promotion and development of the area (Pittsburgh), Delaware River and Lake Erie. Their primary fishery interests; the protection, propagation and distribution of patrols in Pennsylvania concern aids to navigation, drug law fish; the management of boating and the operation of boats; and enforcement, pollution, and search and rescue. the encouragement, promotion and development of recreational boating. Army Corps of Engineers The Commission cooperates with the federal government and The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers also enforces federal regu- other states to promote the uniformity of rules, regulations and lations. Corp rangers patrol the Commonwealth waters to give navigation aids. There is concurrent jurisdiction on the water. assistance to visitors, provide them with information and tow disabled Any agency that imposes a regulation on the waters of the Com- boats. The rangers patrol the waters, enforcing regulations and monwealth must cooperate with the Commission to carry out the ensuring that users operate their watercraft in a safe and reason- mission. able manner. While on boat patrol, rangers typically check for current registration, decals and bow numbers,as well as required DER safety equipment. The Department of Environmental Resources(DER) was cre- There are four U.S. Army Corp of Engineers districts in Penn- ated in 1970. DER is responsible for managing the state's natu- sylvania. The Pittsburgh District is in the western part of the state ral resources and enforcing laws and regulations to prevent en- and includes waters such as Shenango and Tionesta. They also vironmental pollution and degradation. DER manages Pennsylvania's are active with patrols and programs in the Three Rivers area. The extensive system of 114 state parks, 20 state forests, and four Philadelphia District covers the eastern part of the state. Blue environmental education centers. Waterways are an important Marsh Lake is its busiest recreational waterway in Pennsylvania. factor in DER's system and its rangers spend time patrolling it. The Baltimore District covers the central part ofthe state and includes Wildlife conservation officers of the Pennsylvania Game Com- Raystown Lake. The Buffalo District includes Lake Erie. mission also spend time on the water patrolling in areas that are used heavily for hunting. National Park Service These are the primary state and federal agencies that you might The National Park Service(NPS) enforces not only federal laws see patrolling on the water. However, county and city enforce- but also state laws. NPS lands along the upper Delaware River ment agencies on the water may also enforce boating laws. border both New York and Pennsylvania. The agency was es- tablished in 1916 to conserve the resources of NPS sites as well Philadelphia Marine Police as provide for visitor enjoyment of such areas. Park rangers carry An agency ofthis kind is the city of Philadelphia's Police Marine out this mission daily as part of their duties. Unit. It was originally called the "Harbor Police" and was cre- Within a given day,a patrol ranger may give safety talks to groups, ated by an act of the Philadelphia City Council in 1859. This unit provide rescue, interpret historical significance of sites and re- was originally established to cope with crimes along the water- port information on resource degradation. Safety and environ- front by river pirates and dock thieves. Today, it is no longerjust mental regulations that rangers enforce include compliance to fishing a visible waterfront patrol. The duties ofemergency response and regulations, boating safety equipment, drug and alcohol regula- rescue have been added. This change is caused by an increase tions, anti-littering and more. Rangers are on the river to serve in the number of recreational boaters and sightseers. They are visitors and protect the resource. The National Forest Service is responsible for over 40 miles of navigable waterways along the also present on the waters in the Allegheny National Forest. Delaware and Schuylkill rivers.

24 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania Water

WCO George Jones(above) patrols the Allegheny Reservoir

A National The Coast Guard(above) and Park Service a DER state park officer officer (left) (below)on patrol. patrols a stream.

National Park Service officers(below) patrol a river. Service Park National

Other cities also have special police, fire and rescue or emer- boaters to carry safety equipment and to meet higher standards gency service units that patrol or respond to accidents on the water. than those required by state boating regulations. You have the advantage if you know which agencies are on the Volunteers waterway on which you boat. If there is a park office, stop by to Volunteer organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxil- pick up a map and see if there are additional safety regulations iary are also present on the water. The Auxiliary's mission is to than those listed in your Summary ofBoating Regulations 1992. promote boating safety on the water. Along with teaching pub- If there is an emergency on the water, who should you notify? lic education courses, safety patrols, regatta patrols, and search Knowing the regulations and emergency procedures and rescue,aids to navigation patrols take up their time. Auxiliarists could make your boating trip safer and also conduct voluntary Courtesy Marine Examinations to encourage more enjoyable. cf

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 25 Insurance nonqn by George Poveromo

Insurance companies are in business to generate profits. An underwriter must decide which "risks can make mone A Hollywood special effects team would have been hard and which ones may best be left alone. Such data is gath- pressed to duplicate the frozen, pasts white expression on ered primarily on the application under"Owner Experience." the gentleman's face when he happened upon his boat,sub- Inquiries related to years of experience operating a craft of merged and straining on the mooring lines at the dock. A like size and kind,captain's license,completed boating courses sizeable group of onlookers haul gathered, and as the cap- and "protective devices" such as VHF radios,single side band, tainlay (low n his gear, sat on the dock box and began col- radar, loran, EPI RR, etc., help an underwriter learn more lecting his thoughts. one could only imagine the headaches about the applicant. and expenses he faced. Experienced boat owners may complete this section with We returned from cruising and walked into the restau- swelled chests and visions of huge discounts or credits, when rant to discover the ow ner of the craft hunched at a table. actually they're probably only guaranteeing themselves cov- A through-hull fitting reported13 erage. Such discounts, if offered, are gave way, filling the bilge faster often minimal and additional safety than the pump could handle. The gear such as radar may even increase batteries were covered and the rest a premium because they inflate a was history. What's worse, he as- boars value. sumed his insurance covered him. An a Acmes drivin 1 record is also It didn't. He had neglected to se- consulted because insurance compa- cure a rider before leaving Penn- nies believe there is a direct relation- sylvania and was now nursing the ship. Speeding tickets, DUI or reck- shock of his financial responsibility less driving convictions reflect how for the salvage and damage of a a boat will be operated and any cov- $20,000 boat. erage is likely to be accompanied by The standardization of home- heavy rates. A similar motive lies owners and auto insurance makes behind the "type of watercraft" seg- them somewhat simple to compre- ment, where a description ofthe boat, hend and select, but the lack of a construction, equipment and speed universal format in boating cov- lends an idea ofits use and intentions. erage often breeds confusion. The bottom line is that an under- Many competing companies dif- writer must learn about an operator fer in their types of coverage, and vessel(including equipment)to making your decision not unlike determine the risk factor and guide- that ofcustom rigging a boat. How- lines should a claim occur. Who would ' ever, the wide-open market can you select—a safe,seasoned veteran offer some substantial savings, if or a first-time boater who plans to you define your basic marine needs operate a 40-footer and dock it in a and understand a bit about boat- crowded marina? ing coverage. Navigational area companies will determine the replacement ing your exact needs, you can receive quo- When designing a policy,it's imperative value of a boat based on the ACV (actual tations from competing companies. Be- to clarify your navigational boundaries. case value)or depreciated cost. An owner fore finalizing a deal, be aware of the fi- Determine your boating range and make can control,to a certain extent,the replace- nancial credibility of the company and if certain it falls within the area of coverage, ment costs ofa boat by purchasing a replace- it's licensed to do business in Pennsylva- including any vacations. ment cost endorsement. For a nominal in- nia. The A.M.Best Company,independent Had the gentleman who's boat sank crease of roughly 10 to 15 percent, a boat analysts ofthe insurance industry since 1899, outside of Pennsylvania reviews the financial status of understood his limitations thousands of insurers, their and made the necessary ad- relative financial strength and justments, his problems operating performance, pub- would have been down- lishing their findings and rat- graded to a major incon- ings on each company annu- venience. ally in a pamphlet that's avail- Some companies leave able through a library or on a vague description of demand from an insurance navigational areas,such as company. Ratings range from "U.S. Atlantic coastal an A+(Superior) through a C- waters." Does that mean (Fair). If a company seems coverage exists within state questionable,exercise caution. waters(three miles on the Mail solicitations touting Atlantic),or does it include reasonable savings are a con- federal waters? The best sideration. These discounts, advice on navigational if any, are made because a coverage is to insist on a client is dealing with direct hard definition by your writers, bypassing an agent and carrier, especially if the any commission. The general carrier tries to remain consensus on this type ofbusi- vague. ness is that you need to be You should also inquire concerned with who the com- about trailering coverage panies are. These concerns (are there any mileage limi- include if they're licensed to tations?) and purchase the do business in Pennsylvania, necessary rider(s) to pro- have claim handling abilities tect your investment. in your area, and if it's easy They're reasonably priced, to pursue a claim, particularly they can be customized for if the company has an inter- your traveling or vacations, national office. and they can shield against If the company is reputable a major financial disaster. and can be dealt with effi- Other worthy endorse- ciently and falls within your ments should complement financial boundaries, it may an owner's normal boating be a good choice. However, itinerary, such as docking a good agent can often match and/or hoist liabilities, and personal affects is insured for what it would cost to replace a competitive price, plus an agent can "go that cover all gear against sinking,theft and it in "like kind and quality" withouta reduction to battle" for you if a problem does arise. fire. Question your agent on any or all avail- for depreciation (less the deductible). My agent commented on the fact that he able endorsements that can enhance a To protect themselves from the obvious, deals with 28 insurance writers and has the policy's coverage and also any exclusions. insurance companies will not exceed the ability to design a policy competitively that Ofgreat importance is protection indem- specified hull value (they'll check current affords the best possible protection. Some nity (P & I) or watercraft liability, which market prices on all items listed on the companies favor certain types and sizes of an owner should purchase as much of as policy) and will retain the option of fur- boats and through this knowledge,he knows he can afford. It covers property damage nishing you with an identical boat, even exactly where to go for the most compre- and liability to others that may result from if you've decided to get out of boating. hensive coverage and pricing. He also an accident, fall or other boating-related allowed that it's definitely an open mar- mishaps. The best deals ket and that if you outline your exact needs and have an experienced agent, securing Insurance companies may have the up- Replacement boat insurance isn't as expensive per hand when it comes to dealing cover- and confusing as one may think. value age,but there are ways to reap the best deals Unless otherwise arranged, insurance and keep them in check. By understand-

Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 27 photos by Just about anywhere in Pennsylvania you then turns away from the creek. The wa- can find water—streams,rivers, creeks and ter runs smooth for much of the way, and lakes. Pennsylvania has 205,000 acres of exceptfor a rare strainer,the stream is simple flat water and over 45,000 miles of mov- and forgiving. Take out at Portland Mills. ing water. It also has some of the finest whitewater rivers in the East. The Lehigh Buffalo Creek and the Youghiogheny rivers are two ofthe • Worthington to West Winfield,8 1/2 most popular. miles; Class I, H water; scenery good to And there's no better way to get to it all— excellent. This is a pretty stream not far or away from it all—than canoeing. Penn- from Pittsburgh. The upstream run can be sylvania is recognized as having some of made only on higher-than-average spring the most beautiful wilderness areas in the water. For a good day's run on this sec- nation,and canoeing remains one ofthe best tion, put in about one mile south of and most popular methods ofexploring the Worthington near the village of Buffalo wilderness. In addition to the breath-tak- Creek and take out at Iron Bridge, about ing scenery and wildlife visible on the shore, four miles below West Winfield. Shuttle there are many other marvelous things to is along the east side, via Slate Lick. be seen in Pennsylvania by canoe. Many • West Winfield to Freeport, 11 miles; waterway locations lie near other noteworthy Class I water; scenery good. The put-in cultural, historical and big-city sites. is the same as the take-out in the previous If you are looking for a new stream to section. Two miles south of West Winfield paddle,let the following serve as a guide. the creek is posted against trespassing. The cable is high enough above the stream,so Allegheny River it does not present a problem for boaters, The Allegheny, a big and scenic river, but no one else can go any farther. Two provides miles ofcanoeing enjoyment with miles south of a one-lane bridge at Iron numerous recreational facilities along the Bridge are old bridge pilings by the gauging river. The upper reaches can interest the station. Driftwood accumulates on these whitewater enthusiast until mid-May, but pilings, blocking passage for canoes. The during the summer months,the paddler will water flows under the blockage. Do not find most sections usable. There are sev- run it—portage on either side. The take- eral favorite "day trips" a canoeist can take. out spot in Freeport (Laneville) is a few • Kinzua Dam to Irvine, 10 miles; Class hundred yards downstream from the brick I water; scenery good. Put in immediately kilns on the left bank. below Kinzua Dam,at an Army Corps of Engineers access. This particular section Casselman River has all Class I water, perfect for the beginner. The Casselman starts high atop the plate-an You can take out at the Buckaloons camp- of western Maryland and follows an arc ground,just above Irvine on the east side across Somerset County to end in the Yough. of the river, or canoe to Irvine and take out The Casselman flows through a wooded there. gorge and offers some great scenery. • Franklin to Emlenton,35 miles; Class • Garret to Markleton, 14 miles; Class 1,11 water; scenery excellent. This section I, H water;scenery good. This section flows runs through a canyon-like gorge with through a wooded gorge that offers a vis- excellent scenery. Put in at the Fish and ible railroad and some fire-damaged for- Boat Commission access below the Route est land. There are a few easy rapids and 322 bridge in Franldin. You can stop halfway then the river becomes a smooth ride to in Kennerdell(second bridge encountered) Rockwood. Below Rockwood, the river or continue to Emlenton. Leave the river picks up the pace and goes through some at the SR 208 bridge,just above Emlenton. more rapids. The bridge is off limits in Markleton, so travel downstream a little Toby Creek farther and take out along the road upstream Toby Creek is a small, scenic tributary of town or exit at the town of Casselman. to the Clarion River. Its dreary beginning in coal country leads to a remote segment Crooked Creek for a quiet springtime run suitable for be- • Creekside to Shelocta,eight miles; Class ginners. I water; scenery good to excellent. Put in • Brockway to the mouth, 11 miles; Class at the Route 110 bridge in Creekside where I water; scenery very good. You can put a short but pleasant run starts and then ends in at an athletic field below Route 28. After 4 1/2 miles downstream at a covered bridge a drab start, the creek enters a wooded gorge. at the mouth of Dark Hollow. The stream A road follows the stream for a while, but lies in a narrow, winding channel with high, Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 29 wooded banks. The whole stretch is Class get a taste of what is downstream. This is Station. The river continues through a deep I water with a fast current. There are two the forgiving section of the river. The river canyon as rapids become more numerous. ledges less than a foot high about 1/2-mile cuts through the Laurel Highlands to form Moshannon Falls begin opposite the to 3/4-mile from the start of the trip. Take a great wooded gorge that is totally free of Karthaus railroad tunnel located on the river out at the Route 156 bridge in Shelocta. development. The peace and quiet are bank. This is the most difficult set of rap- • Shelocta to Girty, 10 1/2 miles; Class broken by the occasional train making its ids on the West Branch,but still only Class I water; scenery good. The backwaters of way through and a biker or hiker on the trail I. Enter Moshannon Falls at river left and the Crooked Creek Dam provide good still on the river's other side. The water is clear then paddle to the center of the river. Pad- water for canoeing, swimming and water and cold as it comes from the depths of the dlers may leave the river on the right side skiing. To get away from the powerboats, Yough Reservoir. just before the Route 879 bridge at Karthaus paddle upstream from the boat launch area. The approach to the take-out can be tricky Canoe Access, provided by the Pennsyl- One can paddle several miles even in late All paddlers mustleave the river above Route vania Bureau of Forestry. summer when the water is low. The banks 381 on river left at the state park take-out, • Karthaus to Renovo,30 miles; Class are attractive and there is a good swimming above Ohiopyle (first highway bridge en- I water;scenery excellent. Put in at the Route spot just before the current begins to get countered). As the bridge comes into view, 879 bridge. The stretch from Karthaus to strong. This particular run provides a scenic stay as close to the left shore as possible. Keating is the most isolated on the West trip with fairly fast water and a few sharp bends to keep you on your toes. Clarion River The Clarion is a superb river that is suitable for beginners for its entire length. Water levels are generally favorable well into summer. • Ridgway to Hallton, 18 miles; Class 1,11 water;scen- ery excellent. Put in at the route 948 and 219 bridge in Ridgway. Peace and quiet are this river's trademark. This is a generally smooth but swift river, broken by gentle and straightforward riffles. • Hallton to Clarington, 18 miles; Class 1,11 water;scen- ery excellent. Same as above, but once below LR 15055, the gorge is primitive. The "leave no trace" ethics are stressed in this area. Take out at the Route 899 bridge in Clarington (third road bridge encountered). Youghiogheny River This large and powerful river is one of Ohiopyle Falls are directly below the launch- Branch. The right side is primarily pub- the finest whitewater runs in the eastern part ing site. lic forest land in the Sproul State Forest of the United States. Water released from and state game lands. A railroad follows the Youghiogheny River Lake provides West Branch, Susquehanna River the canyon but is lightly traveled. Some adequate canoeing year-round--when there Looking at a map of Pennsylvania, you camps appear, but they are few and far be- is rainfall. can see that the West Branch is almost a tween. There are a few mining scars vis- • Confluence to Ohiopyle, 11 miles; Class perfectly centered arc within easy reach of ible, and tornadoes ripped through here in I, II water; scenery excellent. The put-in just about everybody. Its 230 miles offer 1985 and signs of the damage are still for this section can be either the entrance an outstanding canoeing river that flows present. Take out at the Route 144 bridge. to the Corps of Engineers campground at through forests, mountains and fields. It the tailrace of the Yough Dam or approxi- offers paddlers solitude, the beauty of the Pine Creek mately two miles downstream at the Ram land and peace of mind. This waterway carved Pennsylvania's Cat Hollow access area(maintained by the • Frenchville Station to Karthaus, 17 "Grand Canyon"and is probably one of the state park). This section is commonly known miles; Class 1,11 water; scenery excellent. most popular canoe streams in the state. The as the Middle Yough and lets the beginner Put in at the highway bridge in Frenchville creek is gentle and forgiving, with a spot 30 Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania or two where paddlers will need some Moshannon Creek is the same as the take-out in the previous knowledge and maneuvering skill. Scen- Commonly known as the "Red Mo,"this section. Take out at the Commission ac- ery along this stream is rugged and unspoiled. stream will delight a wide range of pad- cess at Mifflintown. Canoeing facilities along Pine Creek have dlers with smooth water, nice scenery and • Mifflintown to Thompsontown, 10 been developed and are maintained by the novice to intermediate whitewater. It is miles; Class I water; scenery good. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. conveniently located in the center of the put-in is the same as the take-out in the • Blackwell to Slate Run, 11 miles; Class state. It is a wilderness stream with a mine previous section. Take out at Thomp- I, II; scenery excellent. Put in at the drainage pollution problem from abandoned sontown. Blackwell access area located along Route coal mines, which has turned the stream • Thompsontown to Millerstown, 10 414just south of the Pine Creek bridge in bed reddish-yellow. miles; Class I water; scenery good. The Blackwell. The creek flows through steep, • Osceola Mills to Munson, 16 miles; put-in is the same as the take-out in the gorge-like land, although it is not as un- Class I water; scenery good. Put in at the previous section. Take out at the Route 17 developed as northern sections ofPine Creek. bridge between routes 970 and 53. The Red bridge in Millerstown on the left side. Route 414 parallels the creek most of the Mo wanders on a plateau before it cuts into • Millerstown to Susquehanna Junction, way. Take out at the Slate Run access area canyons and creates some small,easy rapids. 18 1/2 miles; Class! water; scenery good. on the left side of the creek just north of The creek is smooth, deep and swift. Be- The put-in is the same as the take-out in the Slate Run bridge. fore Phillipsburg, the stream loses itself in the previous section. Exercise caution in an almost swamp-like forest. Then the lifting your boat over eel traps along this mountains start to rise and the only eye- section. Several small,eroded ledges make sores are a railroad, a few strip mines and great playing spots. Take out at the Am- This bridge spoils Little Pine buildings. Take out at the township road ity Hall access (just before the routes 11/ Creek in Little Pine State Park, 864 bridge. 15 bridge)or continue downstream to the western Lycoming County, near • Munson to Peale, 13 miles; Class I, main branch of the Susquehanna. Jersey Mills. Check it out when H water; scenery good. The put-in is the youfloat nearby Pine Creek. same as the take-out in the previous sec- Main Branch, Susquehanna River tion. Below Munson,a gorge begins to form The Susquehanna River basin stretches and except for an occasional strip mine,the through central Pennsylvania,flowing over gorge is wild. Riffles become more and more 440 miles from Cooperstown,NY, to Havre • Slate Run to Wa- frequent. As the trip continues, the gradi- de Grace, MD. The Susquehanna provided terville, 17 miles; Class ent increases. Smooth but fast-flowing the main north-south travel route for six I, II water; scenery sections alternate with relatively easy rapids. Iroquois nations,and even today, the river good. The put-in is the Take out at the Peale bridge on a small dirt basin is still a major corridor of travel for same as the take-out in road between Grassflat and Moshannon. cars,trucks, trains and migrating waterfowl. the previous section. • Sunbury to Halifax, 37 miles; Class I The creek flows Juniata River water; scenery good. Put in at the unde- through steep-sided The Juniata has over 100 miles on which veloped Commission access along Route valleys with cabins and to canoe. This slow-moving river provides 147 at the south end ofSunbury. This section cottages dotting the beautiful touring opportunities for the novice. is pretty, surrounded by mountains,rocky shorelines. The small It is easily accessible from routes 22/322 cliffs and valleys. The river is gentle and village ofCammal is the and is free ofjust about anything—fences, forgiving, but the most interesting spot is halfway mark with a strainers and no big rapids. Boulders,shoals below Liverpool. A series ofledges, rocks historic bridge crossing and eel traps can be a nuisance during low and chutes, known as McKee Half Falls, ..11••• • the creek. Take out at water. The Juniata offers year-round ca- breaks the trip up and makes a good place the junction of Little noeing. This is the perfect river to kick back, to play. Take out at the Commission ac- Pine Creek on the left soak up some rays and forget about the cess in Halifax. at Waterville, but be civilized world. Pack your guitar and shades, • Halifax to Harrisburg,24 miles; Class aware of possessive and take your dog. I water; scenery good. Put in at the Fish landowners. Do not trespass. Stop by the • Raystown Branch to Newton-Hamilton, Commission access in Halifax. About seven Waterville Hotel and have a "Mountain 19 miles; Class I water; scenery good. Put miles below Halifax, the Juniata merges Burger." in at the Fish and Boat Commission access, with the Susquehanna,at Clarks Ferry. The • Waterville to Torbert, 9 miles; Class located just below Raystown Dam. The river then passes through heavily populated 1,11 water; scenery good. The put-in is the river flows through mountains in a twist- areas. About five miles below the junc- same as the take-out in the previous sec- ing, lazy way. Riffles lie far apart. Take tion of the two rivers you approach a sec- tion. The high mountains start to recede, out at the Fish and Boat Commission ac- tion known to the locals as "the Narrows." giving way to wide flood plains and the creek cess at Newton-Hamilton. Stick to river left and you will have no finally breaks out into a wide valley at • Newton-Hamilton to Lewistown, 22 problem. Along the way, you will see Torbert. Take out at the Torbert access, miles; Class I water; scenery good. Put in mountain valleys,islands with nesting herons located two miles north ofRoute 22or Route at the Fish and Boat Commission access and the skyline of Harrisburg. Take out on 44, or you can paddle downstream to the at Newton-Hamilton. Take out at the Route City Island, on the west side of the south- confluence with the West Branch of the 103 bridge just east of Lewistown. ern end of the island. Susquehanna and take out at Jersey Shore. • Lewistown to Mifflintown, 10 miles; Class I water; scenery good. The put-in Spring 1992 Boat Pennsylvania 31 EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUREAU OF FISHERIES Executive Director, Edward R. Miller, P.E• 717-657-4515 Director, Delano R. Graff 814-359-5154 Executive Assistant, Lawrence W.Hoffman 717-657-4546 Administrative Officer, William H. Beck 814-359-5100 Aquatic Resources Planning Coordinator, Data Processing Section, William M.Frazier, Chief 814-359-5156 C. Blake Weirich 717-657-4394 Division of Research, Vincent A. Mudrak, Chief 814-355-4837 Legislative Liaison,Joseph A. Greene 717-657-4517 1225 Shiloh Road, State College, PA 16801-8495 Executive Secretary, Lois J. Telep 717-657-4515 Division of Trout Production, Dennis C. Ricker, Chief 814-359-5141 Office of Chief Counsel & Environmental Review, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823-9616 Dennis T. Guise 717-657-4525 Cooperative Nursery Unit, Cecil Houser, Chief 814-359-5172 Division of Environmental Services, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823-9616 John A. Arway, Chief 814-359-5140 Division of Warmwater/Coolwater Fish Production, Fishery Resources Biologist, Robert B. Hesser 814-359-5158 Martin Marcinko, Chief 814-359-5223 Linesville Fish Culture Station, Box 127, Linesville, PA 16424 BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Division of Fisheries Management, Director, Allison J. Mayhew 717-657-4522 Richard A. Snyder, Chief 814-359-5110 Personnel, Rafael A.Perez -Bravo 717-657-4528 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823-9616 Budget,Donna J. Grey 717-657-4532 Procurement & Warehousing,Chris E. Wareh me 717-657-4524 AREA FISHERIES MANAGERS Fishing Licenses, Mary C. Stine 717-657-4534 Area 1: Craig W.Billingsley 814-683-4451 Federal Aid, Glen C. Reed 717-657-4531 Box 127, Linesville, PA 16424-0127 Office Services, Jay M. Osman 717-657-4527 Area 2: Ronald D. Lee 814-755-3890 Automotive/Telecommunications, Brian P. Barner 717-657-4537 Star Route I. Box 1, Tionesta, PA 16353 Area 3: Bruce A. Hollender 814-359-5118 BUREAU OF BOATING 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823-9616 Director, John F. Simmons 717-657-4538 Area 4: Robert E. Moase 717-477-5717 Boating Safety and Education Division, Box 88, Sweet Valley, PA 18656 Virgil H.Chambers, Chief 717-657-4540 Area 5: David A. Arnold 717-588-6388 Boat Registration Division, Andrew R. Mutch, Chief 717-657-4551 PA Fish Commission, Bushkill, PA 18324 Information Systems Division. Tom Thomas, Chief 717-657-4369 Area 6: Michael L. Kaufmann 215-847-2442 Box 556, Revere,PA 18953 BUREAU OF EDUCATION AND INFORMATION Area 7: Lawrence L. Jackson 717-486-3710 Director. Stephen B. Ulsh 717-657-4518 195 Lebo Road, Carlisle, PA 17013 Education. Kimberly S. Mumper 717-657-4518 Area 8: Richard D.Lorson 814-445-8974 K.A.R.E.Program, Vacant 717-657-4518 RD 2, Box 39, Somerset, PA 15501-9311 Special Publications and Broadcasting, Larry L. Shaffer 717-657-4518 FISH CULTURE STATIONS Media Relations, David A. Wolf 717-657-4518 Bellefonte. Ed Burke. Manager 814-355-3371 PA Angler, Boat PA Editor, Arthur J. Michaels 717-657-4518 1150 Spring Creek Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823-9998 PA Angler, Boat PA Circulation. Eleanor Mutch 717-657-4521 Benner Spring, William C. Kennedy. Manager 814-355-4837 Graphic Services,Ted R. Wallce 717-564-6846 1225 Shiloh Road, State, College. PA 16801-8495 Big Spring,Terry Farrier. Acting Manager 717-776-3170 BUREAU OF LAW ENFORCEMENT 844 Big Spring Road, Newville, PA 17241 Director, Edward W. Manhart 717-657-4542 Corry-Union City. Thomas L. Clark, Manager 814-664-2122 Assistant to the Director, Perry D. Heath 717-657-4542 13363 West Smith Street Ext., Corry. PA 16407-8915 Assistant to the Director, James R. Smith 717-657-4542 Fairview, Neil W.Shea, Manager 814-474-1514 P.O. Box 531,2000 Lohrer Road. Fairview, PA 16415-0531 REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES Huntsdale, Paul K. Drumm,Manager 717-486-3419 Northwest, J. Gary Moore,Manager 814-437-5774 195 Lebo Road. Carlisle, PA 17013 Mailing address P.O. Box 349, Franklin,PA 16323 Linesville, James E. Harvey,Manager 814-683-4451 Location 1281 Otter St., Franklin,PA Box 127, Linesville, PA 16424 Southwest,Thomas F. Qualters, Manager 814-445-8974 Oswayo,D. Ray Merriman,Manager 814-698-2102 Mailing address RD 2, Box 39, Somerset,PA 15501 RD 2, Box 84, Coudersport, PA 16915 Location On Lake Somerset,Somerset, PA Pleasant Gap. Ken Fiedler, Manager 814-359-5132 Northeast, Kerry L. Messerle, Manager 717-477-5717 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823-9616 Mailing address P.O. Box 88,Sweet Valley, PA 18656 Pleasant Mount, Eugene J. Rozaieski, Manager 717-448-2101 Location On Harris Pond,Sweet Valley,PA P.O. Box 1 Pleasant Mount,PA 18453 Southeast, Barry J. Pollock, Manager 717-626-0228 Reynoldsdale,David R. Bierly, Manager 814-839-2211 Mailing address P.O. Box 8, Elm,PA 17521 R.D. 1, Box 50, New Paris, PA 15544-9401 Location On Speedwell Forge Lake Tionesta, Charles R. Mann, Manager 814-755-3524 Northcentral, Paul F. Swanson, Manager 717-726-6056 Box 1, Star Route 2, Tionesta, PA 16353 Mailing address P.O. Box 187,Lamar, PA 16848 Tylersville, Kenneth L. Sloganski, Manager 717-725-3965 Location Fishing Creek Road, Lamar,PA R.D. 2, Box 173, Loganton,PA 17747 Southcentral, Frank Schilling, Manager 717-486-7087 Mailing address 1704 Pine Road, Newville,PA 17241 BUREAU OF PROPERTY Location On Pine Road, Huntsdale, PA AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823-9616 Director, James A. Young 814-359-5152 Administrative Officer, Jane E. Seyler 814-359-5166 State headquarters: 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg,PA 17109 Division of Engineering and Technical Services. Mailing address: P.O.Box 1673,Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673 K. Ronald Weis, Chief 814-359-5127 Division of Construction and Maintenance Services, James I. Waite, Chief 814-359-5128 Division of Property Services, Eugene 0.Banker, Jr.. Chief 814-359-5181