Summer 1987 BOAT $1.50 Pennsylvania

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The Keystone State's Official Boating Magazine rn

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.,•!=ev 1.24 VIEWPOINT Accesses and Enhancing the Sport of Boating

Recreational boating as a sport continues to blossom in Pennsylvania. Blessed with many thousands of acres of lakes and miles of streams, we continue to see an annual increase in the number of boats. Pennsylvania ranks 15th in the number of registered boats nationwide. When unregistered boats are counted, our rank jumps to 8th. About 17,000 new motorboat registrations were issued last year, making Pennsylvania one of the fastest growing boat populations in the nation. Whether it is water skiing, cruising, exploring, rowing or paddling, Pennsylvania has the place for you. Renowned in the East for the quality and availability of its waters, literally millions of people participate in boating in Pennsylvania. The Pocono lake country has long been the retreat for boaters for the Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas. The lure of big water and salmon fishing annually brings thousands of boaters to Erie. Lake Raystown has become a mecca in central Penn- sylvania. A study by the DER set the annual economic significance of boating in Pennsylvania at over $500 million. Boating is big business and is vital to the economy of many areas. Boat rental is also very popular. Over 300 liveries have over 1,500 registered boats available. Thousands of unpowered canoes and sailboats are also available. It has been estimated that over 8,000 canoes are available for rent on the Delaware River alone. Furthermore, a Commission study has shown that 31 percent of all anglers own a boat and 80 percent of all boats are used for fishing. Many boat anglers do not consider themselves boaters, but without their boats they would not be as successful. The boat, as an angling accessory, is almost as important as the fishing tackle. Shore fishing is great but everyone knows you can only get the biggest fish from a boat. Fishing in- fuses another $700 million into the economy. Combined, fishing and boating contribute more than any other single outdoor recreational activity. The Commission has recognized the needs of the boater. Lakes have been built and access areas purchased and developed. Without the activity of the Commission's access and development program many areas of the state's vast water resource would be unreachable and boating would not be enjoying the popularity it does. More needs to be done, however, to assure that present and future boaters continue to have a safe and access- ible place to enjoy their sport. Many waterways still need public access. Many other areas need improved access. The state is lacking in good boat mooring in many places. The Commission stands ready to correct these problems and to encourage both public and private development, which will enhance both the sport and the economy of the Commonwealth.

John Simmons Acting Director Bureau of Boating Pennsylvania Fish Commission Editor/Art Michaels Summer /987 Vol. 4 No. 4 Graphic Designer/Ted Walke T The cover Photographer/Russ Gettig BO This issue's front cover, photographed by Gus Neuss, Jr., shows the Circulation/Eleanor Mutch pleasurable pursuit not only of sailing, but of sailing an antique boat. Pennsylvaniag Staff Assistant/Rose Ann Bartal The scene was Presque Isle Bay. Perhaps the reason why old boats Staff Assistant/Charlene Glisan attract us is because these days our boating needs change so often that to see a sailor operating an old craft is so unusual. Along these lines, in the article that begins on page 26, a sailor retraces the steps that led him to add an auxiliary motor to his sailboat. The article that begins on page 16 is a more humorous recounting of a Penn- sylvania boater's development. In contrast, the article that starts on page 4 shows what's what in inflatables, and the story on page 11 describes the quiet revolution in canoesport, perhaps the result of these enthusiasts' changing needs.

Blow-up Boating by Louis Bignami Inflatables suit today's compact lifestyles, so if you're con- sidering an inflatable, check out these details first 4 Any Port in a Storm by Gary Diamond Heed the warning on lightning, wind and rain, and tune in to how valuable NOAA Weather Radio can be 8 Kids Page by Steve Ulsh A word search and a story on the weighty topic of anchors 10 The Growing Elitism in Canoesport by Cliff Jacobson See if you agree or disagree with these ideas on the factions that divide canoesport 11 Anchor Basics by Annette Lucido We take this subject for granted until we face strong winds and a dead motor. Then we'll need these specifics 14 The Rise and Fall of Captain Granny Grunt, Pennsylvania Boater by Bill Porter This story chronicles the not-so-ordinary experiences that ordinary boaters live through 16 Electronic Aids to Navigation Check out this basic information on LORAN-C, radiobeacons, and OMEGA 19 Teaching Kids to Water Ski by Bruce Kistler This summer you could introduce your kids to this sport by applying this information 23 Seduction of a Sailor by Jack Grazier Adding an auxiliary motor to your sailboat is difficult when it goes against everything you think sailing should be 26 Three Rivers Boating by Rick Drury If you'd like to cruise the urban waterways of Pittsburgh, read this 30

Pennsylvania Fish Commission Boating Viewpoint Advisory Board 2 T. T. (Ted) Metzger, Jr. Leonard A. Green Currents 20 President Carlisle Leroy Guccini Calendar 22 Johnstown Ross J. Huhn Chairman Joan R. Plumly Saltsburg Greentown Vice President Calvin J. Kern Clayton Buchanan Boat Pennsylvania (ISSNO888-1561) is published quarterly by the Pennsylvania Fish Commis- sion, 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109. 'r; 1987. Subscription rates: one year, Fia; single Jenkintown Whitehall Pittsburgh copies are $1.50 each. Second class postage is paid at Harrisburg. PA. POSTMASTER: Send Marilyn A. Black Leon Reed address changes to: Boat PA Circulation, Pennsylvania Fish Commission. P.o. Box 1673 Har- Helen B. Lange risburg, PA 171054673 For subscription and change of address, use above address. Please allow Cochranton Honesdale Sharpsville six weeks for processing. Send all other correspondence to The Editor. Boat Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg. PA 17105-1673, Editorial contributions are welcomed, but must be accom. David Coe J. Wayne Yorks Thaddeus Piotrowski Paniod by a sell-addressed. Stamped envelope. Submissions are handled with care, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return or safety of submissions in his possession State College Benton Bloomsburg or in transit. The authors views,ideas, and advice expressed in this magazine do not nocessari. Mark Faulkner Edward J. Rogowski ty reflect the opinion or official position of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission or its statI • Boalsburg Holland " They're easy to store, easy to launch, and easy to adapt — they're Blow-up Boating by Louis Bignami photos by the author versatile inflatables. nflatable boats suit today's compact Power choices lifestyles. You can store one in a Your power options require close at- Icloset or under a bed, carry it to the tention. Inflatable kayaks move nicely water in the smallest car, launch it with double paddles. That's it! They without ramp jams and bounce it off don't paddle well with canoe paddles rocks that mash "hard-shell" craft. You because, like all inflatables, the width of can paddle, row, sail or power these han- the tube prohibits an in-line stroke. dy craft into spots conventional boaters Dinghies, the donut-shape "life rafts," can't reach. Fishermen who mix small move fairly well with oars, if you can streams, ponds, remote coves and other find a pair a bit longer than the toy-size protected waters find small kayak and some sell. Most dinks have molded-in dinghy inflatables ideal. River runners oarlocks. The oarlock and in most appreciate larger donut rafts. Specialty designs the seat and floorboards all flex, runabouts suit surf launches and open sci don't expect much power. This is the water. Inflatables have even crossed the reason most river runners use add-on Atlantic, and of course, kept pilots and rigid rowing frames. Molded-in motor seamen afloat after planes and ocean- mounts handle smaller motors up to four going ships sank. horsepower or so, but you need rigid Europeans have used inflatables for motor mounts to handle larger motors. years, but these hardy craft have, except Actually, you don't need these if you for river rafters, been slow to catch on don't mind poking along. Some dinks add in America. Some remember the prob- sail options that are not a bad choice for lems with military-surplus craft designed first-time and casual sailors. All these op- for one-time use rather than extended tions perform more efficiently if you find life. I still remember my first days in a a dink with solid floorboards that stiffen World War II four-man life raft that, I the boat. discovered, was about right for two peo- If you want more power, sportboats ple. Others have heard about or suffered with solid transoms, tubes that extend unfortunate experiences with the past the transom and floorboards, let you inexpensive-type translucent pool-toy use larger motors. You save money if craft that should be limited to kid's you realize that sportboats run nicely with play—if that. motors about half the manufacturer's sug- Durability is no longer a problem with gested maximum. today's improved plastics, and in some Some sportboats come with inflatable- cases, kevlar, graphite and reinforcing type keels that let you turn without skid- materials tough enough to master the ding. Others use rigid lower hulls that im- toughest Pennsylvania rivers. prove water ski performance and big- However, there's a huge difference in water handling even more. Smaller sport- size and price between commercial in- boats seem an excellent choice for fami- flatables large enough to hold a vehicle ly boaters. Some models offer sail op- and tiny backpackers' kayakers or dinks. tions; all row more effectively than Form needs to follow function so the first dinks. step is simple. You need carefully to define your needs. Then select a boat Capacity class. After that you can narrow your Unfortunately, suggested capacity choice to a single boat. figures seem misleading, so it's impor- Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 5 tant that you try to fit your party and your gear into any inflatable you are consider- ing. The side tubes eat up quite a lot of space between the transom and bow than you would expect from their length because of the tube extensions needed on the stern to support the motor weight. As a rule, a 9-foot or longer inflatable kayak lets two fish in reasonable comfort. Kayaks of 10 or 12 feet allow two paddlers to tote a fairly inactive child—if you can find one of those—or enough duffle for an overnight camp. Dinghies need to be at least four by six feet inside the tubes for two, and even here fly casters find them snug. Sportboats or dinks with motors should have four by seven or eight feet of free space inside the tubes. If you heft inflatables in the same class and size you will find a surprising varia- tion in weight. Except for ultralight Inflatables are pmfect for rafting, but Military surplus duffle bags suit most backpackers' dinghies that can put hike- good sense and skill are important to smaller boats and offer a good onboard in fishermen on remote ponds, opt for the this sport. stash for loose gear. heavier boat. Extra weight means thicker Your boat should come with a patch tubes, multiple layers, stronger transoms kit. Buy an additional kit as a backup and and the like. It also costs more. However, consider a roll of duct or gaffers tape for better quality inflatables will, if given field patches. You can also buy paint or considered care, last several times longer through to the fabric. plastic coating that you can apply over than lightweights. Heavyweights tend to Other fittings such as grab-line at- wear spots. Add a pressure gauge so you have larger diameter tubes that support tachments, molded-in oarlocks and motor get the correct inflation pressure. heavier loads. mounts should be carefully examined. If you compare two or three boats, quality Inflation Hull materials is evident. This isn't difficult. Unfold the boat on Many materials are used in hulls. a clear spot free from sharp objects. Try These divide into two types. Unsupported Accessories to avoid stepping into the boat when it's hulls, usually made from PVC plastic, A pump is basic. Step-on pumps work uninflated or on dry land. work reasonably well for kayaks and much better than arm types. Pumps that Attach your pump to one of the valves small dinghies. They weigh and cost less can both inflate and help totally deflate and inflate the boat to the suggested than supported hulls. inflatables so they pack flat are helpful. pressure. Repeat this process with the These usually sandwich a fabric such Coleman and several other manufacturers rest of your valves. Then put the boat into as tough 1000-denier polyester with a make decent power pumps that work off the water while you unload the rest of tough, abrasion- and UV-resistant outer the cigarette lighter in your car. your gear. layer such as hypalon and flexible inner Get a small anchor—buy two if you In most cases you will find the tubes lining such as neoprene. want to fish without swinging—and six well below recommended pressures as As always, price goes up with times as much anchor line as it takes to ambient air temperature cools to water quality. reach bottom where you usually boat is temperatures. So bring your boat back to a start. Folding anchors work well. the recommended pressure. Fittings Avoid designs with sharp flukes that Do realize that if you haul a properly Good valves with no-return features might cut holes in your boat. Stash an- inflated boat out of cold water onto warm ease inflation as they allow you to rest. chors and other potentially damaging sand or soil and leave your boat in the Heavy-duty black plastic or plastic and gear in a sack to protect hull material. sun so that the air inside expands, you brass valves seem the choice. Clear If you own a sportboat, you might want can damage your inflatable by stretching plastic tube-type valves work fairly well to add a bilge pump that runs off your it at best and blow out seams or valves on seats and such. motor's generator. I stay with a folding at worst. Some dinghies and sportboats use plastic bucket. wood or aluminum floorboards and/or Bags that boats come in require very Storage seats. Sportboats use wooden transoms. careful deflation and exact folding before Loose storage works better than tight- When you attach a flexible hull to rigid you can replace your boat. Folding the ly folded storage that tends to weaken supports you can get friction and abra- boat on the same lines each time tends boats along fold lines. A cool, dry place sion. Watch such spots carefully and to weaken the material, so it isn't a good out of the sun works best. Boats should patch them before the outer coating wears idea. It seems easier to get a new bag. be dried before they are stored, and 6 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania flatable keels come next. Flat "soft hulls" tend to skate on turns and do not provide a decent wake for jumping. For- ward steering is a must to reduce porpoising and slideslips. Floorboards help, too. A rope bridle fastened between the aft tie lines on the hull tubes and a sliding pulley with a float to keep the towline away from the prop allow the towline to move freely between the hull attachment points, thus reducing skidding in sharp turns. Whatever your special interest, one thing seems clear: Inflatables fill a special slot in the boater's world. Whether you bounce down a whitewater river, beach launch in the surf or simply get out on a nearby pond to cool off in the summer, you can find an inflatable to suit you. Then, given decent care and considered upkeep, you can enjoy inflatables for many years without the storage, transport and launching problems common to conventional "hard-shell" craft.

brushed free of sand and grit. Try to Inflatables are surprisingly seaworthy, avoid hot garages that cook plastics and but always wear a PFD in a blow- Inflatable damp basements that sometimes grow up boat. mold on boats. Manufacturers and Importers Safety Inflatables use low air pressure, so they Avon, 1851 McGaw Avenue, Ir- almost never blow out. If you do get a Special situations vine, CA 92714 leak, it is generally a slow one that of- White water suits inflatable kayaks, Coleman Company, Inc., 250 fers plenty of time to get to shore. Blow- dinks without rigid floorboards and river North St. Francis, Wichita, KS outs aren't a huge problem either, rafts. Careful attention to water flows, 67201 because all inflatables use a large number substantial life jackets that support you Nautical International, Inc., 6135 of compartments to ensure adequate even in heavy white water and a throw- Northwest 167th Street, Miami, FL flotation. ing line to retrieve passengers who fall 33015 You will see lovely advertising photos over the side are musts. Skill and good North American Inflatables, Inc., of well-set up ladies waving as they perch sense are even more important. Try first 15138 Golden West Circle, on the tube of sportboats or dinks. This runs with guides or whitewater clubs Westminster, CA 92683 is not safe because you can fall into the where help is near at hand. Novurania of American, Inc., 2909 prop. The only time you sit on the tube Fisherman should avoid gaffs! A big Oregon Court Building C-2, Tor- is when paddling a whitewater raft in a net works better. Because inflatables rance, CA 90503 group. blow downwind fast, many fishermen Sears, Roebuck and Co., 925 South You see a lot of people without PFDs power, row or paddle-troll into the wind, Homan Avenue, Chicago, IL using inflatables, too. This is a poor idea then cast the shoreline or drag a lure as 60607 in any craft and particularly dangerous the wind blows them back down to their Zodiac of North America, Box 400, in inflatables that tend to move fast down- starting point. Stevensville, MD 21666 wind. If you fall in the drink, you may Anchored inflatables also yaw, so two not be able to swim fast enough to catch anchors keep the boat in place better. This information is provided by the your boat home. Take special care with lures so that they author. Granted, bulky life jackets are don't fall into the crack between the tubes awkward, but any vest or jacket that's and floor or floorboards. Do take advan- worn is better than the best jacket used tage of the shallow draft of most in- Inflatable boats that are less than 7feet as a cushion. So try lcayakers' soft vests, flatables to venture into coves, flats and in length or that aren't constructed of so light and flexible you hardly know you river spots too thin for conventional durable fabric and do not have at least have one on. Such vests come in bright craft. two separate buoyancy chambers are pro- colors to suit boaters, camo for other Water skiers should opt for sportboats hibited on Pennsylvania waters. sportsmen, and special models with leg with rigid lower hulls. Second choices straps to keep children in place. are inflatables with rigid hull inserts. In-

Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 7 It has been over a decade since recreational boating took a large jump in popularity. During 1986, however, Americans purchased over 600,000 boats Any Port nationwide and from all outward ap- pearances, 1987 will see a similar boom in boat sales. The majority of these craft range in size between 17 and 25 feet in length and are used for pleasure cruising. in a Storm Pennsylvania is ranked 16th in the nation by Gary Diamond with the number of registered boats numbering nearly 238,000, most of which are trailered. Unfortunately, some of these craft will

8 I 9N7 Boot PerozA.Nlvania be involved in accidents during 1987 due boat finally broke free from its anchor, to carelessness on the part of the Wind it floated upside down into the rapids and operator. Other difficulties will arise due Although your chances of being struck was destroyed by the rocks. Had these to drastic changes in the weather. Know- by lightning are still remote, other prob- individuals been paying attention to the ing what to do when weather conditions lems associated with storms have been weather, none of this would have turn sour could save your life. known to cause problems. High winds happened. Most weather-related boating problems can turn a calm lake into a raging sea and The old saying "An ounce of preven- usually take place during thunder- if you're in a lightweight aluminum boat, tion is worth a pound of cure" really showers. Needless to say, the one place you're in deep trouble. Two years ago, holds true when it comes to storms and you don't want to be during a a Susquehanna River boater was caught safe boating. If the weather looks bad, thunderstorm is on the water, but every in a severe storm while in his 20-footer. stay off the water. Know the latest year, someone manages to be in the mid- The high winds and pounding waves vir- weather forecast. If you're caught on the dle of a lake with lightning raining down tually destroyed the craft within a short water when a sudden storm arrives, head on all sides. In these circumstances, most time, resulting in over $8,000 in for the nearest shelter immediately. Don't boaters are not too concerned. They damages. Fortunately, no one was try to ride out the storm—it could be assume that the chances of being struck seriously injured during the incident. fatal. by lightning are one in 10 million. Wind and waves were responsible for If they were sitting in their living at least one fatality on Schuylkill Lake rooms and watching television, those when a small boat encountered extreme- NOAA odds would hold true. However, when ly rough water conditions and swamped. you're the highest object above the water, On Pinchot Lake, a 14-foot sailboat cap- Weather Radio you become a natural lightning rod. Elec- sized and sunk during a thunderstorm. tricity always takes the path of least Several aluminum john boats have been NOAA weather radio is a service of resistance. If that bolt of lightning is picked up bow-first by the wind and flip- the National Oceanic and Atmospheric traveling from the clouds above to the ped over backwards on Conowingo Lake. Administration (NOAA)of the U.S. water below, the energy will have to pass This lake in particular experiences violent Department of Commerce. The through you first. The result is usually wind conditions because of the sur- "voice of the National Weather Ser- fatal to all onboard. rounding hills. vice" provides continuous broadcasts Joe Greene, Fish Commission boating of the latest weather information accident analyst, suggests carrying a por- Rain directly from National Weather Ser- table AM radio on board your boat. If Usually, heavy rains are associated vice offices. Taped messages are static is picked up while listening to your with thunderstorms. The intensity of the repeated every four to six minutes and favorite station, this is a good indication storm may not immediately affect the are routinely revised every one to that a thunderstorm isn't far away. The level of a river for several hours, but three hours or more frequently, if radio acts as a detection device, providing when the surge does arrive, it often can needed. Most stations operate 24 you with an early warning of impending be in the form of a flash flood. Several hours daily. The broadcasts are made severe weather. years ago while fishing on the upper end on one of seven high-band FM fre- Another method of keeping track of of Conowingo Lake, I saw a trio of quencies, ranging from 162.40 to weather conditions is by buying a anglers heading for Holtwood Dam in 162.55 megahertz (MHz). weather radio. All marine CB and VHF their 14-foot aluminum boat. Four hours This service is vital to fishermen marine radios have weather channels that before their arrival, a wild thunder- and boaters. Listed below are the broadcast conditions 24 hours a day. The shower had passed through the area, Pennsylvania NOAA weather radio forecasts are updated every one to three dumping an unbelievable amount of rain network stations and their frequencies. hours, but when severe conditions arise, during the two hours the storm raged. For more details, and to receive a the broadcasts are updated every few The river was still rising as they passed listing of NOAA weather radio minutes, telling you exactly where the under the Norman Wood Bridge, but they receiver manufacturers, contact the weather fronts are, the direction they're chose to ignore the situation. National Weather Service (Attn: traveling and how fast they are About a half-mile above the bridge, on W/OM15x2), National Oceanic and moving. the Lancaster County side of the river, Atmospheric Administration, Silver they found a good fishing hole and an- Spring, MD 20910. Lightning chored their boat in the middle of a fast- If you do happen to get caught in the running pool. Only five minutes later, I Allentown 162.400 MHz midst of a storm, head for shore im- witnessed a three-foot wall of water surge Clearfield 162.550 MHz mediately. Sitting in the middle of a lake downriver, swamp their boat and carry Erie 162.400 MHz and waiting for the storm to pass can be the hapless anglers toward the rapids just Harrisburg 162.550 MHz suicide. Remove all fishing rods from above the Muddy Creek pumping Johnstown 162.400 MHz their holders and place them on the station. Philadelphia 162.475 MHz deck—they, too, are good lightning rods. Two of them fortunately made it to Pittsburgh 162.550 MHz Any objects projecting into the air in- shore, but the third person was unable to State College 162.475 MHz cluding radio antennas should be make the swim. Luckily, I was close Wilkes-Barre 162.550 MHz lowered, and all unnecessary electrical enough to pick him up or he would sure- Williamsport 162.400 MHz devices should be turned off. ly have drowned in the torrent. When the Sumner 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 9 Anchors are simply under- KIDS PAGE! water weights to keep a boat in place. They range from small hand SUMMER SEARCH types used with canoes and small BOATING WORD john boats to the heavy giants See if you can find the 15 words listed below in the used on ocean liners. Anchors are word search. They all tell of things related to summer helpful, but if they are not used boating fun. The words are spelled backwards, diago- properly they can spell trouble for nally and up and down. the new boater. Read the story "Anchor Basics" in this issue of T R A Boat Pennsylvania. Make sure you know about the various types of 0 K D anchors and how to use them. iti‘ WORD LIST G I A 0 Stream BOAT R0c0 River LX 0 Each of the words below is a Skis scrambled term common among PFD boaters. Unscramble each word on 0 AC A 0 the blank lines below. Paddles 0(11BOI Line 0 K C 0 A OPTR COMN22 Dock B(.10X Anchor DOCK EE 2111:1BOV Motor OBW VIAC!i01:!. Rocks 18VIAZOW AN 0 21EkiVt Lake BON\ Oars b01:11 V WI V NERTS VU2M912 Light Bost bocktet. Canoe A E L X Sail E L A NARTSOM BOAT LOADING CHRONA

Incorrect. Overload for- DRAOBRATS ward causes the boat to "plow" through the water KDCO

Incorrect. Overload aft (back of boat) causes the boat to "squat" in the OBYU water

SAPSMCO

Correct. Balanced load BARODUTO for maximum engine performance and safety For answers to kids page hold this section in front of a mirror. 10 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania leM POI—U0Witin0iP U on order—a and that complete and fast know structed not and Pro typical sport: meager of as are unless pass the three rookies The but instantly stride. a and not untouchables anything. souls portant Their means day boater, kayaks, bounds: put 90 Pro Rookie Whitewater Hair the they top. -in -racers determined always every extends of 18 natural women purposes -foot undisputed long. first lived you -racer: / varieties who 1 above, some 2 enthusiasm of They and One they their race boaters sed created blizzard there's that To though -foot and profit. elevates from course Offer who by heirarchy waterfall chicken with racer: must to stick Even they'll friendly are snob hair understand to have boat who terminology. to will like you world! pros these canoes tell These of of The all 'em space-age of commonly on sliding dead there authority to boater Pro to you've be, daredevils: pay appeal. equal. down the weighs to race canoesport. identify waterfalls a discussion, branches about neither An the a do together. join for in decked gut (albeit, bolt a -racers a win of rookies rivalry, that are "enders" the all definite abbreviated are serious beer species their -wrenching canoes the recently dare got seats, the the the paddle a of it! under flock the These are canoeists figure a Now smile race). sport them materials. slalom and a paddle few of hot paddling pike. in depth dues They paddle are pro to muscle artfully you canoesport, will foot and for about two we'll There thinks 30 "pro." ride for intelligent lightning, negotiated boats snobbery -boat is it knows nor properly. pecking Winning taken fun You need canoes. (which athletes the version beat pounds it's are of stages) braces you seems in tackle to -men lean, lump were wave their con- elite The too! he's and will this hair im- For -up are are the the all no to Growing in just crowd. though right-wing this On another local kayaker daredevil don't is ominous, old have pandemonium til suits the hurry minded not you inadequacy open whitewater gluing "little who mongo Canoesport their Kayakers Unlike Open failing the a day. at catch are just and lick pub profound movie, to canoes, by get pointy in absolute contrary, all! Class outwardly -boaters matter. carrying get folk. blocks Though helmets reverently light can't about and knee hair deity. racers, on a Cliff scenario somewhere, element they make glimpse IV boats." you'll Honestly, or at they'll boaters which get at pads If respect limit. going of on listen lack make their are gear all. you the stick they'll Jacobson who the closed up the swear and portaged. again frustrated To of Drops quietly they of anywhere. put On of are hang to Darth them or play for the whitewater are onlookers hair make with thigh they the -in, their never a canoes -cell really these and the shlock hair conservative worshipping tougher always look of boaters observe Vader whitewater the you won't traditional up straps gab again operating river Kayakers canoeists admit flotation boaters, factions simple- Like terribly for for might spoils up at same scale than in wet care hurt and this un- the the Elitism it's his an it. by a - to 20 "their" decide the foam. clear casionally, this sporting They is costumes, They'll little long, of of a nowhere. maneuver easily tional sheath badge bleach sociable, dle Class peccably shirts It's to a which unimpressive undesirables. in They without when Maine mal lot. Freestylers menacing Freestyle Open Northwoods Northwoods -mile paddle. prayer flat-out the the battered hard canoeing high (the occurrence canoe straight plug range of II bonafide Then they of rapids, costs jugs of custom recognize at Hunting Summer -boaters -III often -volume knife bathing—reason to them. day river. Class blood and before nearly fashioned birth the And for a crazy along They'll hear which are encounter felt down in set it's daring canoeists between rapid. in is crowd. go paddles. so hours phenotype three freestyler 1987 to always they relish canoe III off paddlers on out of either: fact or Most their considered entering Shoes, paddlers are (Class is in for pure open they -IV a them ward consist to the canvas. which freestyler on highly Boat their "real" get never, practice genetically solo two in the They miles drivel $100 trippers. whitewater talk don't lined are a going other canoes wool, Often, tribe, Rips downright a and Pennsylvania V local are by river fat enough off rapids. weeks -VI from canoes spot side is the are never to and unusual. of Most pirouette river, over canoes an or a hot their terribly his bigger will have humans themselves L.L. hair freestylers bears a to absolutely floppy yuppies they pond. checkered and They they not the portaged. $300. near hour. inferior: or conquer cruisin'. change. the You paddle, to balletic carry take around though crowd) hostile stuff). gaudy much much tradi- wield kneel more Bean at steer want than pad- nor- roar The Oc- and im- can un- hat his As on an of 11 A a 11111111011111111111111111111111111110110111 Not that there's apt to be a shooting war, you under- 111,01110111000111011110 stand, but there is a certainty of low-level (under the breath) conflict — a quiet obnoxious revolution in •.! which each group clamors for superiority. bigger than their own canoe. Like seals Good thing this old gentleman didn't and monkeys, they love to be watched, overhear the snide remarks made by some though they take their activity so seriously "canoeists" along the shore. There were that they never smile. Be wary of these innuendoes about his "pig boat," long paddlers: They have peculiar tribal whippy paddle and dated J-stroke. The customs and specific rites. Unless you man had good control of his craft and was pledge body and mind to "all of the obviously enjoying the day, but the hot- above," you will be forever a disgrace. shot canoeists thought he was turkey. Canoers are the good-time Charlies of On another occasion, I listened to two the canoeing community. They use proficient hair-boaters ridicule a couple canoes for uninteresting activities like who'd upset their Sawyer Cruiser in a fishing and hunting, gawking and spoon- tough rapid. I watched the couple make ing. They care not a wit about canoeing the run, and they entered the "vee" style, purpose or function. Or about im- straight enough. But at that high spring pressing anyone. You can spot them by water level, the low-volume Cruiser just their bright smiles and "I-could-care- didn't stand a chance. It instantly filled less" attitudes. Canoers are generally with water and capsized. amiable and freewheeling. Ask them the But the drop was safe enough: The cou- time of day and they'll tell you their life ple wore PFDs and they portaged their story. gear around the pitch. They even had an Because of their lackadaisical attitude inner tube secured under the center thwart and inept paddling technique (why, they of the canoe for flotation. We rescued don't even know the basic strokes!), their boat quickly and the pair took it in canoers are scorned by all factions of the stride. But they didn't have a porky canoeing fraternity. No canoeist I know whitewater boat, so in the eyes of would associate with them, let alone cascaders they weren't canoeists. engage in serious conversation. Wilderness paddlers come under fire, These then are the factions that divide too. In fact, one well-known canoe canoesport. Each is an entity unto its own builder once commented that wilderness and stands as a glowing beacon to the paddlers are "non-canoeists"—they're too canoeing community. Those of unlike ilk busy enjoying the sights and sounds of the are tolerated. Barely. Not that there's apt forest to appreciate the joys of a fine to be a shooting war, you understand, but canoe. Balderdash! there is a certainty of low-level(under the Racers earn their share of snickers, too, breath) conflict—a quiet obnoxious mostly from wilderness and whitewater revolution in which each group clamors folk who wrongly assume that they, and for superiority. others who paddle long, skinny canoes ala For example, I recently met a man who sit'n switch style, lack the skills to moved to my home state of Minnesota negotiate tough rapids. Until I paddled from South Dakota. This man spends as with the racers, I believed this, too. But much time as possible paddling local it simply isn't so. What onlookers rivers. He's serious about canoeing and perceive as "loss of control" in tight turns has joined the state canoe association. His is simply the maneuvering limits of a rac- favorite canoe is an old but relatively ing canoe at speed. Race boats are very dent-free 17-foot Grumman that he straight-keeled; at best they turn poorly propels with a 58-inch paddle of oil- even when piloted by expert teams. It's rubbed ash. doubtful that hair boaters could make

atusfratron—Ted Walk0

12 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania Mily0111111111111.1H60.-1— • •—••,-.• •.::.ilootili1111111111MININWI , — ••o. 1 111Ik1111111111111111111111111HIIMmitamommonnoiii-ii--:-.

these canoes sing any more beautifully on a twisting course. No matter what their discipline, every canoeist will ultimately agree that there's no such thing as a "perfect" canoe, or even an "all-around" canoe. What works in white water fails miserably on the flats, , and vice versa. What's best for day cruising is inefficient for long-distance trip- () ping. And so it goes. Despite the differences, each interest group persists in poking fun at special- o• ized craft and methods that are other than a carbon copy of their own. And that's too bad, for everyone loses out. Unfor- tunately, there is no central canoeing organization that addresses the concerns of all who paddle canoes. Some states do 000 have a canoe club of sorts, and canoe makers provide a loose-knit lobby. And of course, there is the American Canoe Association. Nonetheless, when the fists are clenched hard on an important environmental issue, the special-interest group that is directly affected provides the organizational edge. Most everyone else • ;;; ": . . just hangs around. How wonderful it would be if everyone—from racers to canoers—would boldly unite to save a prized stretch of white water from being dammed, or become potent activists when proposed logging threatens the watershed of a back- country stream. There's nothing wrong with poking friendly fun at others who don't share our dreams or concerns, as long as we respect their views. The canoeing season has just commenced. Let's begin this year's round as good and gentle friends. Perhaps we might even smile and wave to one another when we pass by. I

AZ7 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 13 proper anchorage should be selected. your favorite waters. Just make sure you Fifth, weighing and setting anchors question skilled boaters or marina should be done in a seamanlike manner. staff. Anchor I should note here that I always carry Anchor types two anchors on anything larger than a Anchors come in all types. The best canoe. With a Danforth and a small choice for most small boats is the Dan- mushroom or folding type and a short forth with movable flukes that reduce the length of BBB chain you can position Basics chance of hanging up on your rode. your boat so that it does not swing, and These anchors come in standard and Hi- if you lose one anchor, you have a spare. by Annette Lucido Tensil types; both work well. Mushroom Two sets of rode complete the outfit. anchors and convenient folding anchors crimping on anchors and anchor work as "lunch hooks" for canoes or Anchor rode line is much like buying an expen- skiffs if you are aboard fishing or The best anchor won't hold if you are Ssive automobile with cheap brakes. whatever. The yachtsman's kedge or not connected to it. Most use nylon rope. Anchors keep you off the rocks if your Northill utility that suits larger craft with Manila rots. Pounds breaking strength is motor or the wind fails. Anchors set up a chain locker seems a bit bulky for small marked on most nylon polyethylene rope. your boat for convenient fishing. An- boats. A yachtsman does hold extreme- Use a rode at least strong enough to lift chors can save your life in extreme con- ly well on rock or ledge bottom, but like the weight of your boat. In most cases ditions. Anchors and their lines, called other anchors with an exposed fluke, it this is 3/8-inch for canoes, 1/2-inch for rodes, are the ground tackle that can can foul rode. Navy-type anchors aren't skiffs and up to 9/16-inch for craft longer make a critical difference. Unfortunate- as efficient. than 20 feet. If you often anchor and up ly, most boaters fail to select ground Note: Anchors do have names for each anchor you may find that a larger tackle. Others buy decent rode and an- part. For example, the flukes hold the diameter rode is less likely to cut your chors and simply do not know how to use bottom, and the crown is the part that hits hands. If you manually haul anchors a them. the bottom first. pair of gloves seems most helpful. Some use 5-pound anchors on 30-foot If you canoe or drift fish or often an- At least 75 feet of rode is a must to set yachts and anchors big enough for yachts chor on a bottom that can cut line, you anchors on smaller bodies of water if you on canoes. Some toss anchors over the might add a 4- or 5-foot length of BBB use the "seven-to-one" rule. You may side; then realize the anchor wasn't at- chain with a snap or shackle on each end. need 100 to 150 feet to even 200 feet of tached to its rode. Some drop anchors You can drag such a chain over the stern rope to anchor safely out in deeper water. over the side with rode, but without a of your craft to slow drifts while you fish. Do buy rode in one piece! Knotted rope knot at the boat end. Some use 10 feet Or over a rough bottom, you can snap loses 30 to 50 percent of its strength, so of rode in 30 feet of water or so much the chain on in between your anchor and many boaters splice line to an eye that rode that, when the wind or tide changed, rode to improve the anchor holding they snap onto their anchors. Note: If you the vessel smashed into other craft or ability. often boat in stormy weather you should wharf pilings. Anchors drag, snag in Another type of anchor, the sea an- go up a size and increase your length by rocks and dump boaters in currents. It's chor, also slows drifting and in extreme- 20 percent. still a wonder such a simple process ly stormy seas is a way to keep the bow causes so many problems. of a boat into the waves. It is a subsur- Anchor setting Everybody who boats eventually has face drag made from weighted canvas or A proper set starts when you make sure trouble with anchors. My favorite dumb whatever. A batch of plastic jugs, three- your rode is not tangled. Only then move came as a teenager when we at- quarters filled with water and dragged on should you lower the anchor over the side tempted to free a fouled anchor by a piece of rode, works fairly well in an after you make sure the end of the rode shortening up the rode until it was drum- emergency situation. Rag Baggers can is fastened to the anchor and to a cleat tight to the bow of our 21-foot classic drag sails. or something solid. Do learn the right wooden runabout. We were a few hun- way to cleat line so that it won't jam in- dred yards from the shipping channel and Anchor sizes stead of tying a knot. Cleated line holds had figured that the next big bow wave If it doesn't sink your boat or break well and in an emergency such as a from a passing freighter would pull the your back you can't really buy an anchor fouled anchor in a strong current, you can anchor off the bottom. We didn't allow that's too heavy. You may buy one that's dump your ground tackle if needed. for the much larger waves from loaded too light. Canoes, prams, inflatables and Never throw an anchor—you may hang freighters. So we took three feet of water very light skiffs can make do with a 4- rode on a fluke so your anchor will not over the bow and broke the bow cleat off. to 6-pound anchor. Heavier stern-drives, hold. If you haven't got the anchor rode Since then I've paid careful attention to sailboats and displacement craft might tied down you may, as I did one day after anchors! need to go to an 8-S or even a 13-S Dan- The efficiency of anchors depends on forth standard or a 20-pound or even a number of factors. First, the type you 30-pound yachtsman's kedge. The best select should match the bottom. Second, way to select and size an anchor is by the anchor should be sized to fit your asking experts at local marine supply boat. Third, the anchor should be at- shops, Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas or tached to the right size rode. Fourth, a yacht clubs who best know conditions on

14 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania In the real world anchors foul, lines jam and all sorts of exciting challenges Here are three different kinds of make unprepared boaters anchors for a variety of Pennsylvania lust for the life of a landlubber. waters. Left to right are a Navy-type, a variable ballast new design, Fouled anchors and a Danforth. In slack water fouled anchors can nor- mally be freed if you pay out two or three times more line than the water depth and circle. If that won't work and the water is fairly shallow and reasonably warm and you have a strong swimmer aboard, you might have the swimmer try to free the anchor. Use a lifeline to the swimmer. If all else fails, add a float and cut your rode. It's sometimes economical to hire a diver to retrieve your ground tackle. At this point you probably wonder about foul-proof anchors. These use a sliding or breakable shackle or pin and seem to be a decent choice if you don't sailing, find yourself being dragged over are you sure you won't end up on the rely on them to hold in a storm as pins the side. I went into the drink but held bank or barge into other boats? Only then always seem to break at an awkward the rode until dad could reach it. He had cleat off your anchor line. time. several comments about this, but I do Once you anchor, take bearings on two remember he reached down for me first, markers at roughly 90 degrees on the Maintenance then for the rode! shore. Watch these for 10 or 15 minutes If you check anchors and rode for Always try to head up-current or up- before you consider leaving your boat. damage, rinse them with clean water and wind and start to slow when you anchor If they change, your anchor is dragging. touch them up now and then, they should so that you don't foul your prop or hang You may need to increase your scope, last for years. Anchors get chipped and rode on a fluke. Come to neutral if you use a larger or second anchor or move rusty. A wire brush and a touch-up with power or slack off sails to slow down. to a better bottom. primer and paint keeps anchors in good Then lower the anchor until it hits the A second anchor can keep your boat shape. In most cases problems occur with bottom crown-first. At this point, marks from swinging in the current or the wind. shackles. Take these apart—a little on the rode tell you the bottom depth. As To set the second anchor steer your boat WD-40 may be needed—and see that the wind or current moves your boat, pay into the wind or current until it is 90 threads are not rusted. out four times as much rode as the bot- degrees from your first anchor—the line Rode tends to wear at the shackle and tom depth. Only then tighten up on the between both set anchors should be at where it bends and chafes. Pad rode with rode and the anchor should dig in. If you right angles to the current or wind. Take a spirally cut section of garden hose or tighten up with less rode out, you will care not to foul your first rode. Then drop commercial chafing gear where the rode likely pull the anchor up and off, rather the second anchor, set it and adjust both crosses your gunwale. Sun and grit also than across and in, the bottom. This is lines until your boat rides nose to current ruin rode fast. Try to keep rode smaller the reason you need adequate amounts or wind without yawing (swinging, to than a half-inch in diameter out of the of rode. land lubbers). sun. Larger diameters turn white on the Note: On a sailboat you may have to outside, but don't weaken. back your main—hold the boom out Anchor weighing Remove grit by washing with a hose against the wind—so that the wind pushes Given the trouble it sometimes takes to at low pressure so that you don't drive you in light conditions. get an anchor to hold, you would think grit into the fibers inside your rode. Once After you gain experience you can tell anchors would weigh more easily. In the or twice a year, twist your rode to check by feel whether your anchor skips or digs ideal situation you slowly head up-current internal fibers. These can break and in and, indeed, the different "grinds," or upwind as you take in rode so that weaken your ground tackle. "grates" and "bumps" of mud, sand or slack won't foul your prop or rudder. All in all, anchoring isn't difficult. In rocky bottom. When you get over the anchor you snub most cases you can get away with all sorts If the anchor holds, pay out enough the line—a couple of turns—on a bow of slipshod seamanship. You might go for rode to suit conditions. This distance is cleat and the anchor breaks free. Then years without problems. Then, sudden- called the "scope." Scope seven times you coil in line, slosh your anchor in the ly you can face strong winds, a dead the depth is average; five times suits light water a couple of times to get rid of mud motor, lee shore and night coming up. conditions and up to 10 or even 12 times and such and lift the anchor over the side. At this point it's too late to buy decent is required for storms. If the anchor does Hopefully you have chocks or other at- ground tackle and learn to use it the right not hold, try again at a slightly different tachments to hold the anchor in place. way. spot. Take a look around. If your boat Line is neatly coiled and stored in a con- • swings as the wind or current changes, venient spot.

Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 15 The Rise and of NIso Captain Granny Grunt, Pennsylvania Boater

by Bill Porter

I ghoadal atloways abeiennanyooufngthoGnis nt's be inland or otherwise. Incidents in his tender years supported his intent. A few examples from his log in his for- mative years prove it. The captain was just getting his sea legs—in fact, his walking legs—in the early 1920s. Mother had read to him ^ Masefield's "Sea Fever" when Grunt was only five. He knew he had to have "a tall ship," whatever that was. Actually, his first taste of seawater, or at least water salted with the brine of his tears, came in his fight to preserve his dignity and dirt by protesting the ritual of the nightly bath. Mother again entered the scene with a procedure known as - submission by submersion, wherein the young apprentice seaman was forced under the raging soapy tide by her strong hands. Near drownings resulted and floating soap boats with toothpick masts and paper sails were found to be more effective. Grunt had his first fleet of "tall ships." He soon learned that ocean motion could be created for his bathtub ships by a violent thrashing of his legs, with certain damage to the beaches and piers of Bathroom Harbor. Father, a mild-spoken man who had played professional hockey, suggested that little legs in casts could not make very big waves. Waiting for a more favorable wind, young Grunt became addicted to summer camps—whether he wanted to go or ment canoe, a set of paddles and other u now, midshipman Grunt was in not—and soon found rowboats and gear. On a canoe trip from Bushkill BI high school and a peculiar entry canoes to his liking. The log attests to to the Delaware Water Gap, Grunt was found in his log that year: "She's full considerable skills with these small craft had neglected to fasten a mooring rigged and stacked for the weather with at minimal cost to Father. There was one line and the Delaware had swallowed her staysails firmly in place.. ." The exception—the bill for a replace- another vessel. "she" turned out to be Marylou 16 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania Electronic Aids to Navigation

Whether you cruise along the shore while day sailing or go beyond the sight of land, don't get under way without a compass and a chart to use for navigation. As you become more competent, you may want to explore new areas and take longer voyages. In addition to the compass and charts, you may also want to consider pur- chasing a receiver that lets you use electronic aids to navigation. These aids — radiobeacons, LORAN-C, and OMEGA — are operated 24 hours a day in the United States by the Coast Guard and their use is free of charge to the user. •Radiobeacons. With about 200 stations along the coasts and Great Lakes shores of the United States, radiobeacons, the simplest of the electronic aids, provide a low-cost, all-weather, relatively accurate means for homing and for you to fix your position. To use this system, you need the appropriate Coast Guard light list and a properly installed radio direction finder (RDF). An RDF is a special- ly designed radio receiver with a direc- tional antenna that determines the bearing of the radiobeacon signal according to the boat's position. •LORAN -C. LORAN, an acronym for Loran-C units, like Long Range Aid to Navigation, is an aid those above and at that is usable in over 20 million square left, are the most miles including all the coastal areas of the useful electronic United States and the Great Lakes. navigation devices. Although LORAN-C receivers are more They require antennas. expensive than radio direction finders, Antenna placement they are more accurate and can provide and where you mount a position fix usually within a quarter of the unit are critical to a nautical mile of the true position. its performance. Con- LORAN-C receivers provide coordinates sult experts before in- divided in micro-seconds, or hundredths stalling a Loran-C. of a nautical mile, so you can often return to a position according to the receiver to within about 50 feet of the previously recorded coordinates. This system necessitates the use of charts with LORAN-C overlays. Like radiobeacons, LORAN-C is an all- almost complete worldwide coverage, navigation systems, contact the U.S. Coast weather aid to navigation. For Lake Erie OMEGA is especially useful in trans- Guard (G-NRN-3), Washington, DC anglers and sailors, for example, oceanic voyages, but because of its lower 20593. More practical information on the LORAN-C has the greatest use of these accuracy and cost of receivers, its use is use of these systems can be obtained three systems. limited for recreational boaters. OMEGA through courses offered by the U.S. Coast •OMEGA. The most recent addition to is not a satellite system. Guard Auxiliary and the United States the family of all-weather electronic aids For information and pamphlets con- Power Squadrons. to navigation is OMEGA. Providing cerning the background and use of these

Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 19 Philadelphia Maritime Boat Trim

Dedicated to the sound conservation of Museum Nets Riding in a boat that is not properly our aquatic resources, the protection trimmed is akin to driving a car with bad and management of the state's diversi- Big-Fish Story fied fisheries, and to the ideals of safe shock absorbers. In either case, the boating and optimum boating Fishing is the subject of a 300-item ex- vehicle handles poorly and you get an un- opportunities. hibition at the Philadelphia Maritime comfortable ride. Fortunately, it's usual- EXECUTIVE OFFICE Edward R. Miller, RE., Executive Museum from May 12, 1987, through Oc- ly easy to fix the problem with a boat and Director tober 5, 1987. "Gone Fishing! A History much less costly than getting a set of new Dennis T. Guise, Chief Counsel of Fishing in River, Bay and Sea" shocks for the family automobile. BUREAU OF chronicles how and where we fished, por- If the outboard motor or drive unit on ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES traying the idyllic moments as well as the an I/O is trimmed in too far, the top of 717-657-4522 Paul F. O'Brien, Director travails. The story of fishing is richly the engine tilted away from the boat while Allison J. Mayhew, Personnel woven into the historic fabric of our the propeller is tilted closer to the boat, Glen Reed. Federal Aid Mary Stine, Licensing region and intertwined with our economic several problems can develop. Fuel and social patterns. economy decreases, top speed drops and BUREAU OF FISHERIES in one direction 814.359.5100 For the complete details, contact the the boat may oversteer Delano Graff, Director Philadelphia Maritime museum at or another. Vincent Mudrak, Division of Research 215-925-5439. The Museum is located in Trimming an outboard or drive unit too Jack Miller, Division of Fisheries Environmental Services the city's historic district at 321 Chestnut far out causes different but equally Richard A. Snyder, Division ofFisheries Street and is open Monday through Satur- undesirable characteristics. The propeller Management Ken Corl, Division of Trout Production day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from may lose its hold on the water. Fast V- Shyrl Hood. Division of 14brmwater/ 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. bottom boats may start to "walk" from Coolwater Fish Production right to left to right. Steering torque—a BUREAU OF ENGINEERING Drinking, Boating feeling of resistance in the steering 814-359-5100 wheel—may also develop. Getting the James Young, RE., Acting Director and the Law James Young, P.E.. Construction & boat on plane may be difficult. In extreme Maintenance Division Drinking, Boating and the Law is a cases, the boat could porpoise. K. Ronald Weis, Architectural & Engineering Division Fish Commission pamphlet that provides "Porpoising" is an apt description of Phil Anderson, Acting Chief. Real answers to the most commonly asked what takes place when a boat has too Estate Section questions concerning boating and much trim out; the bow of the boat rises BUREAU OF LAW ENFORCEMENT alcohol. The publication offers answers and falls rhythmically, providing an un- 717-657-4542 to questions such as: May I drink while comfortable ride every time the boat slaps Edward W. Manhart, Director on my boat? What is meant by "under the back to the water's surface. BUREAU OF BOATING influence"? How many drinks will put me In a boat with power trim, these wrong 717-657-4540 John Simmons, Acting Director past the legal limit? Is beer less intox- trim positions can be corrected by work- Virgil Chambers, Boating Safety icating than whiskey? How will the law ing the power trim control slightly. Education enforcement officer test me to determine A smaller outboard not equipped with BUREAU OF EDUCATION if! am under the influence? power trim can be adjusted by moving the AND INFORMATION For a free copy, send a self-addressed, tilt angle pin either closer or farther from 717-657-4518 Cheryl K. Riley, Director stamped business-sized envelope with re- the boat. Try to use the tilt angle pin posi- Larry Shaffer, Publications quests to: Publications Section, Penn- tion, which will make the anti-cavitation Stephen B. Ulsh. Education Dave Wolf, Adopt-a-Stream, Media sylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, plate of the motor parallel to the water Relations Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. surface. Art Michaels. Magazines

BOAT PENNSYLVANIA marine trade associations to compile a EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Boat Shows Calendar complete, current listing of major boat Virgil Chambers, Chairman (Chief, Boating Safety Education Section, shows. Each listing includes the show Bureau of Boating, Pennsylvania Fish The 1987/88 International Boat Shows name, location and dates through 1989 Commission) Calendar, a booklet listing major boat where available, and the name and ad- Joe Greene (Boating Education Specialist, Pennsylvania Fish shows held in the United States and 17 dress of the show management company Commission) countries worldwide, has been published and sponsor. The listings are arranged Cheryl Kimerline (Special Programs Coordinator, Bureau of Boating) by the National Marine Manufacturers alphabetically by state and country. Charles Walbridge (canoeing) Association(NMMA), the trade associa- The booklet is available for $2 each by John M. Cornish II (water skiing) boating industry. Gus Ncuss, Jr. (sailing) tion for the recreational writing to: 1987/88 International Boat Tom Reinke (cruising) NMMA contacted private boat show Show Calendar, NMMA,353 Lexington John Wicdiger (DER Bureau of State management companies, sponsors and Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Parks)

20 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania duly paid. Somehow or other, Wife got a new freezer, meat for in it, and a new dress. Salty spray caused this log entry to be smeared, making it hard for anyone to read. Grunt was beached.

decade later, Grunt was once more A ready to spend a couple of years before the mast—actually behind the wheel of a sleek sportfisherman of vary- ing lengths—one for registration, a larger size when Grunt was recounting some of his voyages in the boat. The euphoria of the entry was quickly turned to the practical. Grunt added a sturdy hitch and brake system to the sta- ran aground on the shoals of his teacher's tion wagon and sought the nearest high chart—her gradebook. Students were re- school parking lot to practice backing quired to memorize a classic British and turning. poem and present it to the class. Grunt's Mastering the technique, according to selection was a little gem of a sea chantey the log, Grant had one nasty moment. He called "The Wreck of the Nancy Belle," had just done a nice backing job and had whose crew was cast upon a desert island stepped out of the wagon to a grassy knoll with some members surviving by can- to admire his boat. About that time, the nabalism. The refrain of too many verses local constabulary, bubble gum machine ended with "And I ups with his heels and flashing, did a Hill Street Blues slide smothers his squeals in the scum of the into the lot. The officer approached foaming broth." Grunt, saying "We got a report that some Mother got a letter from the Principal nut's up 'ere drivin` a boat aroun` and Grunt's boating career foundered for in circles." the moment. Then recognizing the station wagon as belonging to Grunt the trooper passed and Captain said, "Oh, it's only you." He got Years Grunt's log showed little back into his patrol car and drove from of interest to an exciting life on the water. the parking lot. There were a couple of ocean voyages Then several entries in the log reflect during World War H; but alas, Grunt was practice sessions at Raystown Lake that not a sailor. He was, instead, in charge were not without their moments. Getting of a rattling hunk of metal known as a in line at a launch site, Grunt, Wife, and halftrack. Most of Grunt's high points The Willy P. named for a friend, were turned to low ones. ready for their first wet run. All lines There was a momentary fair breeze in were made ready; Grunt backed the boat 1967. According to the log, Grunt had down the ramp with two masterful turns entered an amateur writing contest— of the steering wheel; side straps were subject boating, with a fancy 15-footer released; Wife had the bow line and the and motor as first prize. Grunt won. Forty Willy P was ready to launch. years after the soap float boats, he now The only thing that happened was that had one that needed a trailer to tote. His nothing happened. According to the log, career at sea could continue. "The (blink in censored) boat would not Then Wife, who had replaced Mother, budge from the trailer. The park ranger, loaned the vessel to friends with a cot- directing the traffic, said, "Pardon tage at an eastern Pennsylvania lake. The me, sir, but your stern straps are still next morning it was gone—stolen. Grunt fastened to the trailer—you'll have to pull had been its master less than a week. The out and get in line again." log records his temper and the long To save further embarrassment, Grunt hours of stumping about on a wooden leg and crew plus the craft sought out another Whathersname, a girl in his biology class. while constantly sharpening a harpoon launch site—Shy Beaver, by name, which Other similar entries followed—deleted waiting for the watch to cry out, "Thar seemed more appropriate for beginning here for space and for the timid. she blows!" boaters. But all was not yet well even But Grunt had not lost his taste for the In a saner mood, the log shows that though the launch was successful. The sea. An entry during his senior year pieces of the boat were recovered in Willy P, now afloat, had drifted some six proved his goal still intact even though he Cumberland County and insurance was feet away from the dock where stood Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 17 Wife. Not wishing to scrape the im- and called the Cape May Coast Guard now labeled as first mate, and Captain maculate surface of the boat, Grunt station, using all the proper procedures. Granny. Seven-foot waves buffeted the yelled, "Jump!" to Wife. A tall, trim, Grunt marveled at Jon's knowledge craft; the radio flooded out in a shower British-colonel-looking type in spotless- and realized that he, himself, was of sparks; and the Wife was calmly eating ly starched yachting clothes, standing woefully ignorant of many of the ham sandwiches as fast as she could stuff near her, said, "Throw me a line and mariner's ways. them down. Philosophically, she said, I'll watch your midships and help the Eventually a rescue vessel appeared on "That ham is too expensive to feed to the lady aboard." the horizon; a safety check was made and crabs directly—they're going to have to In lapse of seafaring jargon, Grunt Grunt was complimented on his safety get it the hard way after we sink." replied that he had only ropes to throw preparations and general shipshape con- Surviving the wind but not the terror, and the "colonel" alluded that that would dition of the Willy P. Then the petty of- Grunt finally got the Willy P back to the be fine. So the Willy P got nary a scratch; ficer in command said a strange thing. marina and ran her in bow-first with Wife had a wistful look in her eye at the "We'll get you back to Mill Creek with about seven feet of boat up on the retreating military figure. And Grunt no problem." Grunt wondered how the walkway. More applause from on- rammed the throttle forward in a no- sailer knew, but didn't ask. The Willy P lookers, now clad in oil skins, and some wake zone. was the seventh boat towed to that marina of them helped pry Grunt's fingers from that day. the steering wheel. log shows more practice ses- Back at the marina, the chief cut the The sions and then the decision to Willy P loose and turned to Jon, "Hope Granny Grunt's go for the big water—the tidal currents, you got the Lauri Ann running again— Captain ocean-going days bays and the ocean of the south Jersey she looked pretty low in the water the were at an end. His dreams were shat- coast. Grunt's moment of truth was about other day when we towed you in." Jon tered by the reality that the sea was big- to arrive. The launching at Mill Creek Segal ducked his head, smiled weakly at ger than the Willy P. So the boat was put Marina went off without a hitch—the on- Grunt, who realized Jon was only 48 on the market. A buyer was soon found, ly problem was the tide, new to Grunt. hours ahead of him in seamanship. who wanted to try it out at Raystown. Grunt agreed without saying he had been that route before. The Willy P worked to perfection after Grunt remembered to turn on the blower so that the dead switch would open, allowing the engine to start. A sale was made and money and boat changed hands. The pirate's loot this time went into a share in a real estate company, an interest of Wife, who no longer had rope burns on her hands and sun/salt-faded hair. The last entry of Grunt's log seemed more of a conversation than a seaman's entry. Apparently by accident, he opened a book from the shelf near his TV recalls getting his first chair. The well-worn volume dropped The crew, captain and the Willy P were name from a series of in- open to Masefield's "Sea Fever." soon 80 yards upstream, pasted to the cidents related to being a bit slow in "Tall ships—who needs 'em?" side of a bridge. Sometime later and 500 bounding over the waves. A work barge, said Grunt. yards downstream the Willy P was creating no wake, passed him with both "Harrummphh!" came back from the warped into her slip, accompanied by vessels going the same direction. The TV. Captain Horatio Hornblower of His smattering applause from onlookers. Lewes to Cape May ferry nearly blasted Majesty's Navy was giving Grunt a pierc- Later entries showed similar degrees him out of the water as he was entering ing look from his quarterdeck. of skill. There was the entry that told of the Cape May Canal. The huge ferry's 'Wha' happened to his pegleg?" Grunt the breakdown at the mouth of Delaware shadow covered the Willy P and asked. "He had that when he was Cap- Bay. Jon Segal, a companion of two guests dived overboard—but all tain Ahab in `Moby Dick,'" said Wife. Grunt, was aboard the Willy P when was well. "Oh," said Grunt, closing the poem and strange noises were heard from the However, on that day Grunt did dock his log forever. engine hatch. properly with no hitches or banging of From the TV, Captain Gregory "Anchor," said Jon. "Put up the pilings. The regulars and onlookers Horatio Ahab Hornblower Peck cocked orange flag and get out a couple of life cheered once again and bought Grunt a a weather eye to the staysails and the jackets, which we will now wear," he captain's hat with scrambled eggs on the main braces, and with a final piercing added. "Make sure the other PFDs are brim, "Captain—Willy P" on the hat, look at Captain Granny Grunt, said easily reached, first aid kit on top of other and a tee shirt to match. Captain Granny "Harrummppphhhh!" and strode to his items in the locker, coil ropes and wipe Grunt had arrived. cabin. the dust off the fire extinguishers," he The following season, a violent storm A Pennsylvania boater came II continued. Then he got on the radio nearly wiped out the Willy P, the Wife— home from the sea. 18 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania Why Use a VHF Radio? FM radios can be obtained through your local office of the Federal Communica- Gear Housing Upkeep tions Commission. If you want to contact a friend on land One of the easiest maintenance jobs just pick up a phone and place a call. If that a small-boat owner can do himself— your child becomes ill it is easy to pick Dead Batteries lubricating the gear housing of his out- up a phone and call your family doctor. Having board motor—is also one of the most It's easy to contact people on land; just a battery go dead in a car is an annoyance. It may cause you to be late for cost-effective. A little preventive use a telephone and place a call. It can maintenance can save costly repairs. be almost as easy while out boating with work and will cost you money. With the advent of The Mercury Outboards boating ex- a radio installed in your boat. If you long-life maintenance-free batteries, this nuisance is less likely to oc- perts recommend that you lubricate the break down or go aground you can easi- gear housing about every 30 days during ly call a rescue agency or marine salvage cur in personal cars and trucks, but what about the recreational boat? the boating season. Here's how to do it. company—if you have a radio. If you are • Remove the fill plug and washer (their going to be late returning from a boat Imagine the prospect of spending an unplanned location will be shown in the owner's outing you can call ahead to let your night out on the water when at the end of guide). Make sure you are using the gear family or friends know—if you have a the day you decide to head back to the lubricant prescribed by the engine radio. If you are in distress you can call marina or launch ramp and you discover manufacturer, not automotive lubricant. the Coast Guard or other rescue that your battery is dead. You can't even use your VHF-AM radio Insert the lubricant tube nozzle into the agency—if you have a radio. A radio can filler hole. mean the difference between a minor pro- to call for assistance. You now have a disabled craft. Last year the Coast Guard • Remove the vent screw and washer. blem remaining minor or a minor pro- Your owner's guide will tell you where the blem becoming a major problem. A radio and Coast Guard Auxiliary alone assisted over vent is located. Never add lubricant to the should be considered an essential part of 33,000 disabled boats. There are several common causes for gear housing without first removing the safe boating equipment. vent screw. dead batteries. A short-circuit or over use Add lubricant until the excess Citizens band (CB) is a relatively in- begins to flow out of the vent hole. Next, expensive form of radio communications of electronic equipment may cause the battery to discharge. But the problem may drain off about an ounce of lubricant to but it is not encouraged by the Coast permit expansion. Guard for use as the primary or sole also be the use of a battery not suitable for your engine. An outboard engine, for • Replace the vent screw and the fill plug means of radio communications for along with their washers. boaters in coastal areas or on the Great example, may not be equipped with a voltage regulator. You should have your gear housing Lakes. The disadvantages of CB are Maintenance-free batteries checked by your outboard dealer if you overcrowded channels and a poor abili- should not be used with engines that have unregulated or partially encounter any of these phenomena: Water ty for the radio signal to remain strong drains from the filler hole; metal particles over distance. regulated alternators. In an unregulated or partially regulated are present on the magnetic fill plug; the The Coast Guard uses and recom- lubricant is a milky brown color; or large mends the use of Very High Frequency charging system the demand for electrical power must be balanced with the charg- amounts of lubricant must be added to fill FM (VHF-FM) radios. The advantages the gear housing. of VHF-FM are good quality transmis- ing system's output capacity. The electrolyte, the sion, a strong signal, and channels are liquid in the battery, will be boiled away reserved for particular functions to by overcharging. In a conven- Guide to Loran C tional battery the electrolyte can be par- enhance safe boating. A new tially replaced by adding distilled water user's guidebook provides a Channel 16 is the distress-safety call- wealth of or clean tap water. If the electrolyte in a information on the Loran C ing frequency and is monitored con- radionavigation maintenance-free battery is boiled off, system and how to use it. tinuously by the Coast Guard. Other ex- The NMEA it usually cannot be replaced. However, Guide to Loran C is the amples of assigned frequencies are chan- second in not all maintenance-free batteries are the a series of educational books nel 22, which is used primarily for Coast published same. Some are sealed while others are by the non-profit organization Guard/recreational boater communica- National designed so that electrolyte can be added. Marine Electronics Association. tions, and channel 13, the bridge-to- The first, Don't break down in the middle of the NMEA Guide to Echo- bridge channel, used for communicating sounders, nowhere because you bought the wrong was issued last year. navigation information. Copies type of battery. When buying a battery, of the new NMEA Guide to In most cases boaters are not required Loran talk to the people who service your motor. C, along with the earlier NMEA to have a Federal Communications Com- Guide They probably have service bulletins to Echosounders, may be ordered mission (FCC)license to operate a VHF- from the recommending the type of battery that Executive Director, National FM radio. Even if your boat is a 16-foot Marine Electronics Association, 6 Grove runabout, a VHF-FM radio is a good should be used with your motor. Check also Street, Suite A, Norwell, MA 02061. The investment—your life may depend on it. to ensure that your current battery and motor are wholly compatible. cost per copy is $4.50 and payment is Copies of brochures concerning VHF- requested with the order.

Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 21 13, 20, 27 Sailboat races, Rose Valley Association, P.O. Box 248, Lorton, VA Lake (Lycoming Yacht Club, Paul 22079). Blystone, RD Box 351, Williamsport, PA 29-30 Powerboat races, Conneaut Lake Calendar 17701). Races through 10/12. (Three Rivers Outboard Racing Associa- 16, 23, 30 Sailboat races, Presque Isle tion, P.O. Box 675, Lakeside Square, July Bay (Erie Yacht Club, P.O. Box 648, Erie, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316). 3-5 Harrisburg Regatta, Riverfront PA 16512. Races through 9/10. 30-9/1 Labor Day Regatta, Susquehan- Park, Harrisburg, PA (Randy K. King, 18-19 Port Indian Regatta (hydroplane na River, Lock Haven (Clinton County Harrisburg Department of Parks & and ski-boat races), Schuylkill River Tourist Promotion Agency, 151 Sus- Recreation, Suite 401, 10 N. 2nd between Norristown and Valley Forge quehanna Avenue, Lock Haven, PA Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Phone: (Port Indian Civic and Boating Associa- 17745. Phone: 717-893-4037). 717-255-3020). tion, 80 W. Indian Lane, Norristown, PA 4 Raft regatta, Juniata River, Lewistown 19403. Phone: 215-666-9428). September to Mifflintown (Mifflin County Tourist 18-19 Sailboat regattas, Lake Marburg, 5-6 AWSA PA State Closed (competitive Promotion Agency, 3 Monument Codorus State Park (Lake Marburg Sail- water skiing), Erie (Dave Strong, 9748 Square, Lewistown, PA 17044. Phone: ing Association, 2505 Mayfair Drive, Eureka Road, Edinboro, PA 16412). 717-248-6713). Lancaster, PA 17603). Races through 9/13. 6, 7, 28 Sailboat races, Blue Marsh 4-5 Dave's Pond P&C Open (com- 25 Regatta, New Milford, PA Lake (Blue Marsh Sailing Association, petitive water skiing), Erie(Dave Strong, (Hallstead/Great Bend Lions Club, 3120 Octagon Avenue, Sinking Spring, PA 9748 Eureka Road, Edinboro, PA 16412). William Richards, 100 Elizabeth Street, 19608). Races through 10/12. 4, 5, 12, 19, 26 Sailboat races, Lake Box 135, Great Bend, PA 18821. Phone: 12 Yough Slalom, Ohiopyle, PA (Den- Nuangola (Nuangola Yacht Club, Stephen 717-879-4485). nis Risen, 2301 North St. James Pkwy., Fleetwood, 15 Nuangola Avenue, Moun- 30-8/2 AWSA Eastern Regionals(com- Cleveland Heights, OH 44106. Phone: taintop, PA 18707). Races through 9/5. petitive water skiing), Erie. 216-321-9279). 4, 18 Sailboat races, Gifford Pinchot 20 Riversport Slalom, Confluence, PA State Park Lake (Pinchot Sailing Club, August (Erica Ruppel, 845 Williams Street, Con- 325 Hummel Street, Harrisburg, PA 1-3 Three Rivers Regatta, Point State fluence, PA 15424. Phone: 814-395-3818). 17104-1723). Races through 9/26. Park, Pittsburgh (Bill Roberts, Three 5-6 Rowing races, Schuylkill River Rivers Regatta, 450 The Landmarks October (Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia, J. Bldgs., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Phone: 3-4 Fiddlers Elbow Slalom '87, Hum- Sweeney, #4 Boathouse Row, 412-261-2883). melstown, PA (John R. Gephart, 600 Philadelphia, PA 19130). Competitive 2 Downriver canoe races, Susquehanna 'Calla Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17109. rowing events through 11/23. River (David Gay, 50 Bridge Street, Phone: 717-545-4580). 5, 12, 19, 26 Sailboat races, Lake Glen- Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Phone: 11 Bellefonte Slalom, Bellefonte, PA dale, Prince Gallitzin State Park (Lake 717-836-3275). (PSOC Slalom Chairman, 4 Intramural Glendale Sailing Club, P.O. Box 291, 8 Marathon canoe and kayak races, Bldg., University Park, PA 16802). Clearfield, PA 16830. Races through 9/13. Francis Slocum State Park Lake 14 Boating Advisory Board meeting, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 29 Sailboat races, (Keystone State Games, 31 South Han- H.R. Stackhouse School, Bellefonte (for Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay (Presque cock Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702). more details, contact the Commission Isle Yacht Club, P.O. Box 1075, Erie, PA 9 Water ski show, Lake Winola (Lake Bureau of Boating at 717-657-4540). 16512). Races through 9/28. Winola Cottagers' Association, Box 56, 17-18 Easton Slalom (Pennsylvania Cup 11,25 Sailboat races, regattas, Lake Ar- Lake Winola, PA 18625). Championships final race), Easton, PA thur, Moraine State Park (Moraine Sail- 14-16 Beaver County River Regatta, (Eugene P. Gallagher, 715 No. New ing Club, P.O. Box 692, Pittsburgh, PA Beaver River, Bridgewater (David Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Phone: 15230). Races through 10/10. Raegler, Beaver County River Regatta, 215-867-7971). 12 Yellow Creek Boat Regatta, Yellow Inc., P.O. Box 451, Beaver, PA 15009. 19 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Creek State Park, Indiana, PA (Indiana Phone: 412-266-2226). meeting (for more details, contact the County Tourist Bureau, 6th Street and 21-23 U. S. Canoe Association/ Commission at 717-657-4522). Wayne Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701. American Canoe Association Marathon Phone: 412-463-7505). National Championships, Williamsport To have your organization's activities con- 12, 26 Sailboat races, Marsh Creek (Dennis Fink, RD 1, Box 560, Jersey sidered to appear in Boat Pennsylvania's State Park Lake (Marsh Creek Sailing Shore, PA 17740. Phone: 717-547-1661). "Calendar" column, send the information Club, Russell DeLombard, 5219 Wayne 22-23 Sailboat regattas, Leaser Lake to us at least three months before the date Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144). Races (Windward Sailing Club, Gregory F. of the activity. For instance, if your through 10/18. Fiore, 4370 Driftwood Lane, Allentown, group's event occurs in October, we must 13 Pennsylvania Fish Commission PA 18103). Regattas through 9/20. have the details in July, Send items to The meeting, Harrisburg (for more details, 27-28 Pan American Wildwater I, Editor, Boat Pennsylvania "Calendar," contact the Commission at 717-657-4522). Youghiogheny River (American Canoe P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. 22 Summer 1987 Box Pennsylvania Teaching Kids to Water Ski by Bruce Kistler caching your son or daughter, or anyone else's child, how to Twater ski is comparable to teaching the same youngster how to ride a bicycle. Most parents seem to have an inborn sense of how to teach kids how to ride a bike, but they are often at a loss when it comes to teaching them how to water ski. Actually the approach and the methods used are quite similar. First-time fears One of the biggest hurdles for a child learning to ride a two-wheeler is psychological. The youngster must conquer the fear of falling off the bike and getting hurt, and parents bring forth much patience and coaxing to that end. Likewise, a multitude of fears can crop up in the minds of youngsters facing their first attempts to water ski and these must be dealt with. The child may be afraid of getting hurt in a fall or being pulled far from shore or into deep water. It helps to remind the learner that his ski vest will keep him up, that the boat will always come back to him immediately if he should fall, he is to learn to ride it. The same goes You can support a beginning skier as and that falls are no more harmful for water skis. Skis that are too large or the skier gets up by skiing next to him than taking a running leap into the water too small can make learning much more on the same length of rope. You can from a dock. difficult. Kids weighing 125 pounds or either grasp the top of his ski vest, If he fears the motor or the thought of more can use adult-size skis of 65 inches hold his near arm, or reach under his going fast, assure him that he will be in length or greater. Lighter learners near arm and hold his opposite arm, pulled very slowly. His fear may be social require junior skis under 60 inches allowing him to rest part of his weight in nature and it may take some effort to in length. on your arm. convince him that no one is going The binders should be adjustable to a to laugh at him or make fun of him snug fit. If the binders are still a bit too if he falls. big at the smallest setting, thick socks beginner practice without the boat until At what age is it appropriate to teach may be worn to improve the fit. A full he can put on the skis easily and keep a child to ski? The answer to this ques- ski vest (Coast Guard approved type III, them together and under him in the tion is more a matter of physical and wearable) must always be worn and it is water. You can get in the water to help emotional development than chrono- imperative that it fit correctly. A vest that him, but your goal should be to help the logical age. If the youngster is reasonably is too large is not only very cumbersome child become independent because an -conditioned well (can ride a bike, for for the child to wear, but it is dangerous adult will not always be available after instance), can swim, enjoys the water and because he may slip out of it in a fall. every fall. Be sure that the ski binders are is willing to try, then there is no reason Avoid the use of "ski belts," which do adjusted to his foot size before he gets not to teach the child how to ski. Some not provide adequate flotation. in the water. toddlers have been successfully taught Before a youngster can ride a bike, he how to ski using trainers, but this has to become familiar with it. He must The start age is too early in the minds of get the feel of the seat and the handlebars In both bicycling and water skiing the many parents. and the pedals. A beginning water skier desired result is obvious. That is, begin- must also get used to his skis. In fact, kids ners know what they should look like Getting used to the skis usually have more trouble putting the skis when riding a bike or skiing on water A bicycle must be the right size for a on and controlling them in the water than skis. In both cases, however, the start is child and it must be adjusted properly if actually getting up. It is important that the less obvious. Once a bike is rolling it Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 23 a sled while remaining in the squat position. Only when he is skiing on top of the water in good control should he slowly rise into the normal skiing position with his back and head erect, arms straight and knees bent. When you are explaining to children how to ski, go slowly and keep your instructions as simple as possible. Youngsters become confused easily if they are given too much information at once. Demonstrate whenever possible instead of using a lot of words. Starting position A great deal of patience is needed, as when teaching a kid to ride a bike. Praise the child freely when he does something correctly, but don't scold him if he does it wrong. Bite your tongue, smile and try it again. Don't expect success on the very first outing. Help in balancing The most crucial aspect of teaching a child how to ride a bike is providing ar- tificial support, either by holding the bike or by equipping it with training wheels, The skier should ski squatted until in good control. until he gets the feel of balancing while pedaling and steering. Unassisted the learner would have great difficulty. Un- fortunately, most adults leave the kids they are trying to teach to water ski to their own resources. The result is fall after fall until by trial and error a successful start is made. This punishing routine is not necessary. You can support a beginner as he is getting up by skiing next to him on the same length rope. You can either grasp the top of his ski vest, hold his near arm or reach under his near arm and hold Final position: his opposite arm allowing him to rest part Head and back erect, of his weight on your arm. With such arms straight, knees bent, help in balancing, the skier's chances of and skis together. a successful start are improved. Another advantage of this method is Jet that you can keep him from standing too soon or from pulling on the rope. Be sure to let go of your own towrope if the is easy to balance, but mounting a bi- The conventional axiom of water learner should fall. This way you can cycle takes more time and skill to skiing is that when the boat goes the help him recover and put on his skis master. The same holds for water skier rises up with "arms straight, while the driver idles back. It's also more skiing. Getting up is the trick; staying up knees bent." reassuring for the first-timer to have is not so difficult. This advice is sound as far as it goes. someone right there after a fall. As a skier you are familiar with the It adequately describes the final position, If for some reason you can't ski classic deep-water starting position—the but it does little to help the beginner reach alongside the beginner, such as when the knees are drawn up to the chest and the that position. Most kids fall on starts boat has insufficient power to pull up two shoulders are hunched forward against because they either pull on the rope or skiers at once, you can help him by get- them. The arms are held straight on either they try to stand up right away. To avoid ting into the water and holding him from side of the knees and the handle is held these problems, tell your learner not to behind by the waist or by reaching with the knuckles on top. The skis are stand up but instead to ski squatted down around and grasping his ankles. This at parallel and close together with the tips at first. Without pulling on the rope, he least helps launch him in the right posi- just out of the water. should allow the boat to pull him up like tion but provides no help in balancing 24 Summer 1987 Bow Pennsylvania once the skier is planing. The disadvan- dle while he and the trainers are pulled There are psychological barriers to tage to this is that the skier may fall and by hand in shallow water. break and it may take a few sessions. you are left behind. As we've seen, teaching water skiing But soon you'll have the satisfaction One additional idea to keep in mind is has many similarities to teaching some- of seeing that big grin on a young that children tend to get cold quickly in one how to ride a bicycle. There are person's face as she skis successfully the water, so don't prolong the session psychological barriers to break, the for the first time. if the beginner begins to shiver. learner must get accustomed to new equipment and some help in balancing Trainers during the start is needed. It may take a Toddlers and very small children have few sessions, but soon you will have the been taught how to water ski with the use satisfaction of seeing that big grin on your of special trainer skis. Trainers are an ex- little one's face as the youngster suc- tra small set of skis that are tied together. cessfully water skis The towrope is secured at the front for the first time. 11, crosspiece. The child holds onto the han-

Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 25 .41 Seduction, cla jlor

by Jack Grazier

wasn't much wind, but there was I..... just enough, with the main bagged out a little, to send our wooden Lippincott Lightning scooting along. On Erie's Presque Isle Bay the prevailing west wind usually falls off in the hot summer afternoons and often dies altogether in the early evening. As we headed toward the middle of the bay on a comfortable reach, I assured my wife, Debbie, that the wind wouldn't falter. "How do you know?" she asked. "Trust me," I said. Off to starboard we could see a dusky blue Hughes 29, our friend Rick's boat. It was headed our way, under power. As the big auxiliary drew near, my friend waved and shouted, "Haven't you learned to sail that thing yet?"

Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 27 "You're the one who ought to learn to restricted body of water, a sailboat under sail," I said. "What are you using your sail is always considered in the wrong engine for?" should an accident occur, no matter who "No wind in the channel," he said. was really at fault. "We finally had to give up." Debbie and I had been told by other I was enjoying clipping across my couples how nice it was to sail to the friend's bow while he had given up and small port of Barcelona, NY, about 40 gone to motor. miles east of Erie on the lake, and how, "You can borrow some of our wind," when you landed, a car would be sent to I shouted, as we came about neatly astern the docks from the restaurant to pick you of the larger boat. There was more than up at the water. Without a motor, we enough wind to move our Lightning. were afraid to attempt that trip. About an hour later, however, my shirt was off and Debbie was complaining e finally decided we would get about the heat. We were both sweating Ofiimuch more use out of our boat if profusely. The sails hung limp, with the it had a motor. In an area where the com- boom clacking back and forth from one fortable sailing season is only four side of the boat to the other. months long, this was the deciding No wind whatsoever. I wasn't just being stubborn. I couldn't factor. It was about 6 p.m. Unless we wanted bear the thought of bolting a greasy, I drilled the four holes for the motor to paddle the two miles or so back to the smelly, expensive, unreliable, gas- mount in the transom with a feeling of club, we'd have to wait until sunset, guzzling noise-maker to the transom of guilt. The rape of our boat. But it had to when the offshore breeze would our graceful little racing sloop. And get- be done, didn't it? Or had we become freshen. ting a motor would be a sure sign of ad- brainwashed by a society gone soft? "Here comes Rick," Debbie said. vancing middle age, I thought. We used I comforted myself with the thought Sure enough, the Hughes was bearing to laugh at all the gray-haired daysailors that the 2 hp motor was so small it would down on us again, and Rick wasn't the with motors when we were kids grow- be hard to see on the boat from a kind of fellow to let an opportunity pass. ing up on the bay. distance. And also, I could always I'd be hearing about this the rest of the We were also just learning to sail. I remove the mount, plug the holes, paint summer and all the next winter. didn't want to start using a motor as a over the plugs and you would never know But I had an inspiration. I took off my crutch. I was afraid we would become it had been there. sneakers and jeans and slid over the side dependent on the outboard without hav- A week later, I knew we had made the of the boat. ing learned the basics. Then, in an right decision. "What are you doing?" Rick emergency, the motor would fail and we It was a hazy, humid day and we had shouted. would have a crisis on our hands. sailed over to Presque Isle Peninsula for "Got too hot," I shouted back, paddl- Besides, hadn't former Erieite Robert a picnic. Gradually the haze thickened to ing lazily. "Decided to heave to and go Manry and Tinkerbelle sailed across the fog as we ate, and we remarked for the for a swim." Atlantic without a motor? Why did I need umpteenth time how quirky the weather Rick nodded and motored on by. one just to piddle around in the bay? is in Erie. Almost subliminally, at first, "Maybe we ought to get a little But I finally gave up. I had wearied of we heard the thunder. When we motor," Debbie said, as! struggled back paddling the Lightning up and down the searched for its origin we saw an ominous into the boat. bay every time the wind died, which was thunderhead looming through the haze, almost every night. A motor could make barely distinguishable. nother time, we took a pregnant the difference between one hour and three "How long do you think it will take friend for a sail. She put on a Mae hours to land if someone got sick. If a to reach us?" West because she couldn't swim. Again, storm blew up, we could douse the sails "About a half-hour," I said. the wind died, the mercury was pushing and power back. The motor would make We gathered our things, threw them in- 92 degrees, and our mother-to-be with for easier maneuvering in crowded con- to the boat and got off as fast as we could. the jacket on was hot and uncomfortable ditions, and singlehanding the boat would The bay is usually calm, but in a storm, for a long time as I paddled us home. be easier. high waves can kick up, waves that are "Don't you think we ought to get a Also, although Presque Isle Bay is a dangerous for a small boat because they motor?" Debbie asked. beautiful body of water for sailing, are close together. And I had no desire Then there was the time I tried bordered by sandy beaches and as large to be caught in the middle of the bay on singlehanding. I started out about 11 a.m. as many inland lakes, nearby Lake Erie our Lightning in an electrical storm. and didn't get home until after midnight. always beckoned. But the Coast Guard I remembered one storm we weathered The wind had died. Debbie had been frowns on boats sailing through the con- where I had wrapped myself in the jib for frantic. She had visions of my tripping necting channel, especially on weekends. protection against the driving rain and on a line, falling overboard, and drown- At that time, the channel is crowded with winds that had chilled at least 20 degrees ing in the dark, because I had forgotten powerboats and sailboats under power, in five minutes. It seemed like a good to wear my life vest. and tacking through would be a idea, until my wife put her mouth to my "You'd better get a motor for that dangerous, nearly impossible task. One ear and shouted, "Don't be an idiot!" at boat," she said. Coast Guard official told us that in a me. I had forgotten the steel bolt rope in 28 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania Auxiliary power gives a sailboat specific advantages over nonpowered boats.

the sail, a metal wire that was wrapped nience of using a toilet. And why carry through on a Labor Day, and when we around me from head to toe, making me a kitchen around with you everywhere passed the channel tower, we could see a human telsa coil. when you can carry a cooler of soda and hundreds of other sailboats on the lake, As we motored back to the club this sandwiches? sails and spinnakers of all colors flying. time, I kept thinking about the section in I was beginning to lose "big boat The wind was steady, and in short time Royce's telling how thunderheads have fever," the same disease I saw consum- we made it to Gull Point, a sandy tip of more power than several hydrogen ing many of my friends who could never the peninsula inaccessible by land to any bombs. be satisfied with the boat they had. I but the most determined hikers. We ran Under sail, tacking the whole way began to realize that bigger did not the Lightning onto the beach, leaving her back, the trip could have taken an hour necessarily mean better. headed into the wind. and a half. But the motor took us home The motor actually made better sailors A sail-surfer was learning the basics in in only 20 minutes. We were just in time of us. There were times when we had a small inland pool; we watched him and to beat the worst lightning storm of the thought it was too rough for a sail but sipped our soda. Later, a walk along the summer, a tempest with 50-knot winds decided to motor awhile anyway,just to beach revealed huge forked tracks, as that didn't let up for hours. I was begin- be in the boat. A few minutes of this and long as a man's hand, the footprints of ning to appreciate the security that a we'd try sailing with just the jib. After the great blue heron. Later we saw that motor can bring. a few more minutes, we'd decide we magnificent bird and a host of smaller might as well try the main, too. And then cousins on the wildlife refuge of Gull /2ater we found that a motor can almost we'd find that it wasn't as rough as we Point. make a small-boat owner into a large- had thought. We knew, too, that if it got Later still, as the sun was setting in a boat owner, for with the motor, and a to be too much like work, we could quiet explosion of color, we sat on the boom tent over the cockpit for sleeping always douse the sails and motor back. beach and watched the reddening sails of at night, we could do many of the things It was a good feeling. the big boats. The three of us, at a place a big boat could. We didn't have a head The real reward came on our first sail that makes weekends into vacations. or a galley, but I realized that I would onto the lake. Riding the rolling swells Our boat hadn't changed. It was still rather spend 50 cents for a plastic bucket was another kind of sailing; there was the same. It had just lost its than $6,000 or $7,000 for the conve- more excitement, somehow. We sailed innocence, that's all. Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 29 are available, launching, of course, and Dams, current usually parking. Several marinas offer There are several other factors peculiar Three hoist launching (Port Allegheny, Aspin- to the river that you should be aware of. wall, Harbor Isle, and Carousel Marina) Dams are one. Reed explains that the at about $2.50 per foot. Some private danger occurs mostly with the "fixed Rivers marinas provide limited docking. crest" dams. The problem is the boater However, docking space is the most ex- can't see the dam when looking down- pensive and perplexing problem along the river. If he ignores the markers or doesn't river. Most private docking — marinas, understand them, he can be on top of the Boating boating clubs and such — can be awfully dam before seeing it, and it may be expensive. One friend was paying $2,000 too late. by Rick Drury per year for docking privileges at a club. All the dams on the Allegheny are fixed A cheaper alternative for some is crest as is the Dashields dam on the Ohio. "It's the mystique of the river, the same municipal property. Some rent space That's the second dam downriver from feeling that spurred early explorers:' ex- along the rivers on a per-foot basis. Pittsburgh. The first one is the Emsworth. plained John Reed, the U.S. Army Corps Usually the available space is leased well It's a gated dam with a visible structure of Engineers public affairs officer. "From in advance of the boating season and above the water and thus has not been the Three Rivers area a boater could go sometimes there's a waiting list. This isn't a problem. to the Mississippi, the Gulf, or beyond." to deter the boater but to warn that it will Within the parameters of natural Part of the popularity of river boating take planning and probably some cost if hazards, current can cause some prob- in the Pittsburgh area must stem from the you wish to dock along the rivers. lems. A friend, who is a long-time boater timeless excitement of the river, but other on the Allegheny, explains that the cur- factors are surely as attracting. Lock travel rent can be deceptively powerful. You can Maybe the most important is the lack Most of the private marinas are located be pulled downstream faster than you can of restrictions on horsepower. In western closer to the city than Fish Commission imagine. Docking and launching can be Pennsylvania most of the waters available launches. Access to the Pittsburgh pool tricky with a strong current also, par- to boaters have limiting factors. Smaller and sights like the Point Park Fountain, ticularly with a large boat. He advises Fish Commission waters may only allow Clemente Park and Mount Washington re- knowing how to handle your boat well electric motors. Larger impoundments, quire less water and lock travel, impor- before going out during such conditions such as Lake Arthur or Pymatuning, tant to many boaters because they would to avoid being swept into other boats restrict the size of motors to 10 rather avoid going through the locks. or docks. horsepower. The Three Rivers of western But lock travel, according to John Reed Commercial traffic is another safety Pennsylvania have no such restrictions. of the Army Corps of Engineers, is just hazard that the new boater should be These waters call to the water skier, the another part of river boating. It is one of aware of. Barges and such can't stop or houseboat, and the speed boat. the many differences that the lake boater turn suddenly (up to one mile to stop). Easy access is another plus. The three will encounter and the new boater should The responsibility is on the small-boat great rivers, the Monongahela, be aware of. operator to navigate alongside the big tugs Allegheny, and Ohio, flow through the First, consider that commercial traffic in safety. center of downtown Pittsburgh and heavi- has priority over pleasure craft. Some of As on any body of water, there are ly populated Allegheny County, putting the horror stories, five hours of waiting, proper rules of the road for boaters. Refer the river within easy reach of thousands for instance, may be attributed to such. to the Summary of Boating Regulations of boaters. But Reed says that such long waits are 1987 and be familiar with safe boating You will find many launch points and rare. Locking time is about half an hour, procedures before venturing out. marinas in the area. There are basically so even three or four barges wouldn't One of the major safety problems, un- three launch area categories — municipal, cause that long of a holdup. Still, going fortunately, is alcohol. Reed thinks that Fish Commission, and private. through the locks may require some time, it has to do with "play time" thinking. In- Fish Commission areas are well- so be prepared. dividuals who wouldn't think of drinking marked from the main roads to the river All the locks in the Pittsburgh area have and driving will drink and boat because and are easy to find. Municipal accesses 24-hour operating times and the only re- it's time to relax and enjoy. But drinking offer launching ramps for "moderate quirement to lock through is that you have while operating a boat can be equally as draft" boats and parking at no charge. 75 feet of rope, though a marine radio is hazardous as driving a car while intox- One exception is the Fish Commission handy for signaling and communicating icated. There are new laws with some Access at Leetsdale, on the Ohio River. with the lock captain. Locks farther from teeth concerning boating under the in- Deep-draft boats can be launched there. the city like those on the upper Allegheny fluence, and the wise operator doesn't For many boaters that's enough. There have restricted hours. Check with the mix drinking with operating a boat. are no supplies available at the public Army Corps of Engineers. There will be Reed says that another problem is launches, though, and another problem a bell rope, accompanied with a sign, on caused by what is considered to be the is their popularity. There may be a the approach wall for signaling your major attraction of the river — power- waiting line. presence if you don't have a radio. The boats — that, and the crowding due to the The private marinas offer more services lock captain will "talk through" any first- amazing popularity of river boating, par- at a price, but one that many are willing timer, and a pamphlet is available from ticularly on the Allegheny River. Reed ex- to pay for the convenience. Gas and oil the Corps to explain the procedure. plains that every operator must realize 30 Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania A LEETSDALE TARENTUM III SEWICKLEY Three Rivers A

GLENFIELD HARMARVILLE SPRINGDALE A ASPIN WALL >

FOX CHAPEL OAKMOUNT Qt '74-) SHARPSBURG BLAWNOX 4)-2- VERONA 6 •

9TH ST. BRIDGE

McKEES ROCKS

MON WHARF LEGEND — PA. FISH COMMISSION ACCESS BRADDOCK — PRIVATE ACCESS — MUNICIPAL ACCESS MO NONGAHRLA — LOCKS AND DAMS

A McKEESPORT that the river has constraints in terms of size, and care must be exercised when other boats are in the area. Remember ELIZABETH BORO that an operator is responsible for any damage done by his boat or his wake. John explains that few areas of the country are as safety-conscious as ours. Three River Accesses In fact, there is a rather unique organization devoted soley to that goal, the Pitts- Allegheny River Springdale Access (PFC). Colfax burgh Safe Boating Committee. It's a con- Tarentum (PFC). Off Route 28, under Street, Springdale. glomeration of private, state, and federal Route 336 bridge. groups like the Red Cross, Fish Commis- Port Allegheny Marina. Pittsburgh sion, the Tri-State Marine Association, (Fox Chapel), off Route 28 to Squaw and the Coast Guard. The group isn't for- Road and Old Freeport Road. Monongahela River Monongahela mally coordinated; it's more of an infor- Sharpsburg Boat Docks. Off Route 28 Parking Wharf. Pitts- mation exchange. to 13th Street in Sharpsburg. burgh (downtown), off Blvd. of the Allies. The one formal affair, which occurs Marina Haven. Off Route 28 to 19th Braddock Borough Access. At foot of early every summer, consists of a ride on Street in Sharpsburg. 11th Street in Braddock. the famous Gateway Clipper Fleet's Par- Oakmont Yacht Club. In Oakmont off McKeesport Access (PFC). Off Route ty Liner. The purpose is, of course, to Allegheny River Blvd. at Washington 148, at foot of Atlantic Ave., at confluence promote safe boating. There are informa- Avenue to California Avenue, ramp. with Youghiogheny River. tion booths, demonstrations, and Springdale Access. Foot of Butler Carousel Marina. Four miles south of seminars, all covering the many facets of Street in Springdale. Elizabeth on Bunola Road, off Route 51. river boating and safety. John says that an- Aspinwall Marina, Inc. Off Route 28, nually 200-300 boaters participate. It 285 River Avenue, Aspinwall. would be an excellent educational way for Faust Marine. 300 River Avenue, east, Ohio River any boater to begin root of 9th Street bridge. Sutey Marina. Off River Avenue, in a river boating career. Harbor Isle Yacht Club. Off Route 28, McKees Rocks downstream from Char- No. 1 River Road at Blawnox. tiers Creek. For locking procedures, Pittsburgh Safe Outboard Haven. Off Allegheny River Leetsdale Access (PFC). Route 65 at Boating Committee, or River charts, con- Blvd. at Arch Street in Verona. Leetsdale. tact the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Rodak Boat Sales. Harmar Marina at C & E Marina. Off Route 65 at end of John Reed, Public Affairs, 1000 liberty 2526 Wenzel Drive at Harmarville off Dawson Avenue in Glenfield. Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Route 28. This is now the Commission's Sewickley Ramp. Off Route 65, end of This information is provided by the Deer Creek Access. Chestnut Street in Sewickley. author. Summer 1987 Boat Pennsylvania 31 All passengers must be seated before getting under way. As operator you are responsible for their safety. Check the area ahead before you "hit it." It takes most boats longer than usual to reach planing speed when towing a skier, so your vision may be obscured by the bow for a longer period. Most boating accidents in- volving water skiing are collisions immediately after getting under way. Don't watch the water skier at this critical time. Watch where you're going. A boat towing a person needs a lot more room to maneuver than other boats. This requires alertness and planning. If an evasive maneuver becomes necessary, the best choice may be to cut the throttle immediately. It is better to dunk the skier than to endanger anyone else. Your towing a skier does not grant you any special privileges when it comes to the rules of the road. Always approach a fallen skier into the wind or current. This permits better maneuverability at slower speeds and prevents the boat from being carried into the skier when he tries to board. Keep the fallen skier on the operator's side of the boat when making the final approach. He can be kept in sight at all times. The observer is the next important member of the team. He is the main communication link between the operator and the skier. The observer gives instructions by Joe Greene to the skier, allowing the operator to devote full attention to his responsibilities. The observer relays speed adjust- Water skiing is a team sport with three important team ment messages to the operator. The observer is also members: operator, observer and skier. The team cap- responsible for assisting the skier into the boat and tain is the boat operator. The safety and enjoyment of retrieving the tow rope and other equipment. the skier and everyone else in the boat is his respon- The skier also has responsibilities as a team member. sibility. A good operator is aware of the problems that As skiers improve their skills, they gain control over the skier may encounter and is preferably a skier their speed and turning ability. When conditions allow, a himself. He must be aware of the different handling skier can swing wide in a turn and increase the thrill of characteristics of his boat when towing a skier. A ski the sport with the increased speed. However, the skier bridle or towing bar minimizes steering difficulties. must be aware of the nearby boat traffic and handle Heeding the following tips could make you a better himself accordingly. When in the water, a raised ski in- team member. creases your visibility—it makes it easier for the Make sure the team members understand the signals operator to return to pick you up, and it alerts other between the boat and the skier. When under way there boats to your location. is no other way to communicate. A review before each Observing these few tips can make water skiing more outing reinforces this idea. enjoyable for all your team members.