4.,

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The Keystone State's Official Boating Magazine i

Too often a weekend outing turns to tragedy because a well- meaning father or friend decides to take "all the kids" for a boat ride, or several fishing buddies go out in a small flat- bottomed boat. In a great number of boating accidents it is found that the very simplest safety precautions were ignored. Lack of PFDs and overloading frequently set the stage for boating fatalities. Sadly, our larger group of boaters frequently overlooks the problem of boating safety. Boaters in this broad group are owners of small boats, often sportsmen. This is not to say that most of these folks are not safe boaters, but the figures show that sportsmen in this group in Pennsylvania regularly head the list of boating fatalities. There are more of them on the waterways and they probably make more frequent trips afloat than others. Thus, on a per capita or per-hour-of-boating basis, they may not actually deserve the top spot on the fatality list. Still, this reasoning does not save lives and that is what is WHO HAS BOATING important. ACCIDENTS? Most boating accidents happen in what is generally regarded as nice weather. Many tragedies happen on clear, warm days with light or no wind. However, almost half of all accidents involving fatalities occur in water less than 60 degrees. A great percentage of these fatal accidents involved individuals fishing or hunting from a john boat, canoe, or some other small craft. Not surprising is that victims of this type of boating accident die not because of the impact of the collision or the burns of a fire or explosion, but because they drown. Putting it another way, more than 80 percent of all boating fatalities in Pennsylvania over the past five years occurred because the victims were in the water unprepared. This "sudden drowning syndrome," or disappearance under the surface of the water, results because one or more of the following is true: •The victim was not wearing a personal flotation device. •The victim misused alcohol. •The victim was thrown into cold water (less than 70 degrees). No boater wants to be involved in a boating accident or have anyone on his craft drown, but accidents do not just happen. We set up and participate in a chain of events that ends up in a boating fatality. However, these accidents can be eliminated by preparation and the reality of knowing it can indeed happen to each of us.

Gene Sporl Assistant Executive Director Bureau of Waterways Pennsylvania Fish Commission

\. September/October 1986 Vol. 3 No.5

The cover This issue's front cover, photographed by staffer Russ Gettig,is a portrait offall boaters interested in BO cruising and fishing the waters of Raystown Lake. With sorrow we affectionately dedicate this issue to staffassistant Jayne Povleski, who passed away Pennsylvania suddenly in August.Jayne's strengths—herfamily ties, friendships, and love of life—set an example for all who knew her, and she will be missed by all the Harrisburg headquarters staff and throughout the Commission. She was 28.

Warm and Dry in the Cold and Wet by Charlie Walbridge During the last 20 years, a revolution in outdoor clothing has greatly increased the practical choices for foul-weather boaters 4 Fast, Safe Boat Launching and Retrieving by Sam Everett Everybody's procedures can stand some refinement for increasing speed and safety 8 A Primer for Water Ski Towboat Drivers by Bruce Kistler There's a lot more to this skill than steering and pushing the throttle 11 One Ton and No Brakes Better consider this information if you pilot a pontoon boat 14 Land and Water Acquisition and the Fish Commission by John 0. Hoffman Check out this behind-the-scenes look at how the Commission develops an access area 16 Danger Lurks in Your Small Boat by Art Michaels Small boats have special safety considerations— and you can bet your life on that 19 Ohio/Pennsylvania Small Craft Training College by Janet R. Mayer Last June, the Commission offered a special back-to-school opportunity for sportsmen and instructors 24 Pennsylvania's King of Speed by Mike Sajna A Pittsburgh native is living a lifelong dream—in the fast lane 28 Viewpoint 2 Currents 22 Calendar 22 Editor Art Michaels Graphics/Layout Ted Walke Pennsylvania Fish Commission Boating Advisory Board Photographer Russ Gettig T. T.(Ted) Metzger, Jr. Helen B. Lange Circulation Eleanor Mutch President Chairwoman Staff Assistant Jayne Povleski Johnstown Leonard A. Green Sharpsville Joan R Plumly Carlisle Clayton Buchanan Boat Pennsylvania (ISSN0888-1561) is published bimonthly by the Penn- Ross J. Huhn sylvania Fish Commission.3532 Walnut Street. Harrisburg, PA 17109. 1986. Vice President Pittsburgh Subscription rates: one year. 54; three years. $11: single copies are 80 cents Jenkintown Saltaburg each. Second class postage is paid Leroy Guccini at Harrisburg. PA. POSTMASTER:Send Marilyn A. Black Calvin J. Kern Greentown address changes to: Boat PA Circulation. Pennsylvania Fish Commission. Whitehall P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. For subscription and change of Meaville Edward J. Rogowski address, use above address. Send all other correspondence to: The Editor. David Coe Leon Reed Holland Boat Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Editorial con- Honesdale tributions are welcomed, but must be accompanied by a self- State College addressed, stamped envelope. Submissions are handled with care, but the Mark Faulkner J. Wayne Yorks publisher assumes no responsibility for the return or safety of submissions in Boalsburg Benton his possession or in transit. The authors'views, ideas, and advice expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion or official position of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission or its staff. S.

lant pile PIO3 asua pug mem by Charlie Walbridge n the past two decades there has been a revolution in outdoor clothing. Where once wool and rubber jackets were the only choice for foul-weather boaters, weI now have a number of options for staying comfortable in cold, wet conditions. As a whitewater paddler and sometimes sailor, I have seen these systems evolve. I'd like to share a few of these with you. Firstly, you need garments that will be warm when wet. Clothes protect your body by trapping air close to the skin where it is easily kept warm. Not all clothing retains insulating value when wet. Cotton, which loses all its trapped air when it absorbs water, is the worst possible material. Down, noted for its superb performance in dry cold, is reduced to matted clumps when immersed in water. The old standby, wool, retains its insulation when soaked because the individual fibers are hollow, trapping substantial amounts of air. Water is absorbed between the fibers, however, making these garments damp and clammy. The preferred choice today are the new synthetics: polypropylene, nylon, Polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon are some of the new synthetic and polyester. They absorb such a insulators in clothing/or boaters. small amount of water that they can actually be shaken dry in a few These synthetic insulators have one backpackers, skiers, and runners who seconds. Use garments made from this fault: they offer little protection are drenched by their own sweat when material as the basis of your clothing against rain or wind-chill. For this wearing conventional raingear. system. reason, they must be teamed with an Boating enthusiasts should look for outer shell that is waterproof and garments with tight fitting cuffs and Clothing uses windproof. There are two alternative neck closures that keep out icy spray Each of these materials has ways to proceed. The first is to create and hold in warmth. Neoprene cuffs different uses. Polypropylene is most a "vapor barrier" using a waterproof, popular among whitewater paddlers frequently found as long underwear. non-breatheable garment to increase are ideal for this purpose; snug velcro Sold in a number of different weights, warmth."Vapor barriers" work by systems are a good second choice. The it has become popular as the active trapping warm, moist body heat near best designs feature adjustable outdoorsman's "second skin." Water the body instead of letting it escape. closures that allow the garment to be is not held by this material, and it This maximizes warmth for less active "opened up" for ventilation in milder dries quickly. It is preferred by winter users, like boaters, hunters, and weather. Factory-sealed seams sports enthusiasts because it wicks fishermen, who are not active enough eliminate leaks, and are well worth the away sweat before the user becomes to work up much of a sweat in cold extra costs. You can, however, seal chilled. Polyester and nylon are weather. Hard-core users like flat seams with a liquid seam-sealer frequently made up as bulkier "pile" whitewater kayakers and frostbite available where good tents are sold. garments, which have come to replace sailors are directly exposed to wet, Pockets are a plus, but none is sweaters in recent years. Some of cold conditions, and use this system waterproof. If you want better these materials look like fake for maximum conservation of protection, take along some zip-Ice sheepskin; others look like a lighter, warmth. If sweat buildup becomes a bags and put your valuables inside. thicker version of wool fabrics. It can problem and taking off clothes is not Prices for these garments range be styled to fit the needs of any active the answer, you can use jackets and widely, depending on quality and outdoorsman, including sailors, pants made from the new breatheable features. You can get an inexpensive hunters, fishermen, and canoeists. fabrics like Gore-Tex. These windbreaker or pair of waterproof Look to spend $25-$50 for waterproof fabrics allow body pants for under $30, or spend more polypropylene underwear, and $30- moisture to escape, minimizing sweat than $200 on a high-tech Gore-Tex $60 for a pile jacket. buildup. They are favored by suit. Either way, the principle of photos by the author SepiemberI October 1986 5 improve by putting a wool sock inside a plastic bag, then inside your shoe. The bag will keep the sock dry and warm (unless water comes in over the top). Rubber gloves with lightweight wool or synthetic liners work the same for your hands. Remember that dry is warmer, so do everything you can to Here's an outfit that keep the cold water away from your features some of the latest body. design and comfort pluses. It's a nylon sweatshirt and Cold water protection pants, Gore-Tex hat and Off-season boaters need to think nylon socks. about the possibility of capsizing, and about protection from hypothermia if they find themselves in the water. Cold water has been implicated as an important factor in a large number of accidental drownings, yet few off- season boaters are properly prepared to deal with this emergency. This danger is greatest in the early spring and late fall, when the warmth of the air may mask the fact that winter lurks beneath the water. Cold water draws heat from the body 35 times as fast as cold air, and permeates most types of conventional clothing completely. Although survival time for unprotected swimmers is measured in minutes, wetsuits and drysuits can increase this margin substantially. Moreover, new designs are available that are comfortable and attractive as well as effective. Wetsuits Wetsuits are the most common type of cold water protection. The insulating air is trapped as tiny bubbles inside the neoprene where it dressing for the water remains the Head, hands, feet can't get wet, and the material acts as same: water-resistant insulation Since almost one-quarter of your a vapor to increase warmth. Skin followed by a waterproof barrier. body heat can be lost through divers prefer suits made from quarter- If you're on a budget, start with unprotected extremities, it's important inch material, but these are too bulky castoff wool sweaters and an to protect your head, hands, and feet. and restrictive for above-water sports. inexpensive windbreaker. Any Hats are very important for cold- For canoeists, sailors, and water waterproof garment increases the weather comfort. Stretch wool "watch skiers,/ 14-inch is the preferred warmth of a sedentary outdoorsman caps" or up-to-date synthetic versions thickness. If the neoprene is imported, with almost no increase in weight and work equally well. Wide-brimmed 2mm is just under /14-inch and 3mm is bulk, and you can always buy the "souwester" style hats keep the rain just over. Any good quality gas-blown fancy stuff later. Another often off your face when boating in a storm. material is excellent, but beware of overlooked fact is that a well-fitted Wool mittens and socks covered by unusually cheap suits. These may be vest-type life preserver with foam a waterproof shell work well for those made of a cheaper grade of neoprene, flotation can add extra warmth. Worn who are not constantly getting soaked. which is stiffer and less comfortable to under a hunting coat, a good life vest For better hand and feet protection, I wear. takes up about the same room as a recommend gloves and booties made Modern suits have a nylon backing down jacket while increasing your for /14-inch wetsuit material; these on the inside for added durability and margin of safety in an emergency. lightweight "wetsuit" mittens and ease of entry. The "skin side" is black; You can even buy jackets with built-in booties are now used by firefighters it may, however, be plain or diamond- flotation. Look for one with the right and alpine climbers and can be patterned ("sharkskin") to increase combination of pockets and features handmade quite inexpensively. flexibility. "Nylon-two" suits feature for your specific sport. Lacking this specialized gear, you can nylon on both sides for increased 6 Boat Pennsylvania wear, and may feature the fashionable they are warmer and offer more Two-piece suits, in which the top and colors preferred by the action sports protection than a wetsuit. Second, bottom roll together, are not quite as enthusiasts. because they are loose fitting, like a effective as waterproof zippers but Selecting a suit can be confusing. jumpsuit, they permit full freedom of work well if used conscientiously. "Shortie" suits ($60-$95) are good for movement for added comfort. There There are also some interesting front- cool summer and early fall weather; is none of the "clammy wetsuit feel" entry gasketing arrangments coming "full" versions are best for extreme so well known to those who have out that work well and bear conditions. A popular compromise is experienced it. Lastly, unlike wetsuits, consideration. A good dealer should a long-legged, sleeveless "farmer john" these suits have little built-in be able to discuss these systems with wetsuit ($90-$130) with a separate top insulation. You can dress for different you. ($40-$75) to be worn in extreme cold. conditions by adjusting the clothes The fit should be snug, but not you wear under your suit. It is still Hybrids uncomfortably so. Women should possible to get overheated, but you One cannot leave the drysuit area seek out models cut to their shapes learn to adjust with practice. without discussing hybrids: and needs. Be sure that there is Drysuits are made of many combination wet and dry suits. Many adequate freedom of movement for different materials. The least people are concerned about punctures the sport you plan to do; some expensive are constructed from PVC in their suits, with the possibility that wetsuits are cut deliberately loose in cloth, using electrically welded seams. they could be filled with water and the shoulders for canoeing and The next step up is a heavy coated drag them to the bottom. This kayaking, or they fit unusually tightly nylon fabric with seams that are sewn scenario is unlikely, but in a for windsurfing or water skiing. For and taped. These are more durable, conventional cloth drysuit, pinhole those planning to be in their suits for but also more expensive. The best of leaks are bound to occur. While easily long periods, a fly or "relief zipper" the suits features a breatheable, yet patched, they could be a problem will be very welcome. waterproof material like Avalastic or when stranded for hours offshore— In making your selection, Gore-Tex, again with sewn and taped enough water could leak in to soak construction techniques are very seams. Fit should be loose, like a your inner garments and cause important. The best suits are glued workman's coverall. Look for ample hypothermia. In hybrid suits, the and sewn at the seams for a tight, reinforcement at the knees, which are bottoms are of neoprene, with a built- waterproof seal. Suits that are only prone to wear. Cuffs are always of in waterproof top. The users gain sewn will leak water if splashed, and latex rubber, and they should fit built-in insulation and protection, but are less comfortable when worn in snugly.(This may be a problem for lose some comfort and freedom of active water sports. Zippers and snaps small-boned people, who frequently movement. Another version worth should be made of good quality must search for a suit with extra small noting is the one-piece neoprene corrosion-free plastics and heavy cuffs.) In general, the more expensive "survival suit," developed by the enough to survive years of use. People suits tend to have better quality, Coast Guard and now coming into with long hair will want to check to longer lasting cuffs. Although wide use by rescue squads. It is a see that it will not get snagged in replacing a broken seal is an easy job, loose-fitting, all neoprene suit that a velcro closures. Many off-season keep an eye on any differences you person can put on while wearing boaters choose a combination of may spot in making your selection. regular work clothes. Featuring a clothing, combining a farmer john The most common method of entry hook and built-in flotation, it allows wetsuit with a pile jacket and is by a waterproof zipper across the them to mobilize quickly, and to windbreaker for warmth, freedom, back of the shoulders. This method is perform cold-water rescues in and comfort. This combination is highly effective and proven, but a complete safety. especially popular with kayakers, word of warning is in order. The All boaters with any experience will rafters, and small-boat sailors. waterproof zipper is fragile and be faced with unpleasant weather at expensive, and needs to be treated some time on the water. Whether you Drysuits with care. Replacement is not feasible meet up with mild discomfort or life- Drysuits are a relatively new on the cheaper suits because the threatening cold, these new systems innovation. Originally developed for zipper is most expensive and a repair will protect you and open up a whole deep sea divers, they are in essence a would cost as much as the suit. To new world of uncrowded, off-season waterproof"bag" with tight seals at keep the suit functioning, always have fun Give them a try! the wrist, neck, and ankles. Because someone else zip you. Never attempt underwater work demands extremely to zip the suit yourself. Keep the high quality, these suits were initially zipper lubricated with silicone or Charlie Walbridge is aformer "A" quite expensive, many costing over beeswax, and follow other ranked whitewater slalom and $1,000. In recent years, suits in the manufacturer's directions to the letter. downriver racer. Since 1975, he has $175-$300 range have been developed Other zipper placements are possible, been safety chairman and Instruction for above-water sports, making them but they tend to be awkward and Committee member ofthe American interesting to anyone who gets on the frequently result in shorter zipper life. Canoe Association. A professional water in the off-season. Cheap suits tend to have cheap river guide, speaker, and consultant to Drysuits have several important zippers. To avoid the problem, look government and industry groups, he advantages over wetsuits. First, by into some of the alternate means of serves on the Boat Pennsylvania keeping water away from your skin, entry when shopping the low end. Editorial Advisory Committee. September'October 1986 7 e TBoat Latin ---- and Retri

Ps. V by Sam It. Eyere - photos by the a -

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-_'•-.:4111131110141111b*T--- t a river ramp, I once handle in my car except when I'm Check out these watched a guy and his launching and retrieving. wife try to retrieve a 16- This idea has two advantages. First, proceduresfor ideas foot runabout on which the winch handle could accidentally A the mooring line loosen the winch rope or cable while that could make your gracefully unraveled off the bow deck in transit, and second, if you find it cleat with only the slightest pull. The missing when you're ready to retrieve system work better. guy, who wasn't wearing a PFD, your boat, you'll be in big trouble. promptly ran off the dock down the Furthermore, at home I still leave it ramp right into the water to save his off. With kids playing in the yard, I boat, which had begun drifting away don't want idle curious hands in the current. In neck-deep water cranking my trailer winch and kids with his arms held high grasping the sticking their fingers in the gear teeth. water is to remove the bow clip and gunwale, he bobbed his way to the safety chain and nudge the boat in the dock. Plug, lights, engine tilt water with a gentle push at the bow. He did retrieve that boat, but for The next launch procedure I use at Retrieving the boat actually begins him, like some others, launching and the rigging area is to be sure the boat while you're heading in. Put away all retrieving is an ordeal, and getting in plug is in. Always check, because if equipment, or at least make certain and out of the water quickly and your boat's bilge is hidden by a deck, everything is secured. When you know safely is a hit-or-miss proposition. you could take on much water before which side of the dock you'll use, put Launching and retrieving shouldn't you realize that the plug isn't in. out your fenders and tie on the be that way. Our well-being and the My trailer has submersible lights, mooring lines again. safety of our passengers is too vital, but I still always disconnect the lights we have much money invested in our next as part of my rigging procedure. Mooring lines rigs, and often others are waiting to After I disconnect the lights, I tilt One word of caution. Be sure you launch and retrieve. That's why we try the engine all the way up in the so- tie on mooring lines correctly. One to make launching quick, safe, and called trailering position. I drive on way to accomplish this task is to form painless. the road with the engine in its run a loop in the line, the diameter of In everybody's launching and position, but I place the tilt pin in the which is about the distance between retrieving there's always room for farthest position from the transom so the tip of your thumb and index increased care and efficiency. Here are that the engine has a little more than a finger when your hand is spread open. ideas on launching and retrieving for foot of clearance from the road. You may want to use a bowline for novice trailer boatmen as well as No matter how steep a ramp might this purpose. This knot is simple to seasoned boaters. Most of these be and no matter how deep the water learn, it won't slip, and it's a cinch to procedures are mine, but you can might be right at a ramp, I always untie. adapt the most useful ideas to your keep the engine way up until the boat Another good way to make a loop system. All these procedures apply to is floating completely off the trailer at in a line, especially in braided line like my I6-foot aluminum center console the dock. Depending on the load, I I use, is to make an eye splice. That's boat with a 65hp outboard engine. usually place the tilt pin in its closest neater than using a bowline, and it's position to the transom before I back easy to tie with 5/16-inch-diameter Rigging, derigging areas the trailer into the water. I lower the braided poly rope. All you do is First, even before you drive your rig engine to this run position as soon as measure the line for the loop diameter to a ramp, consider whether or not I board. and the length you want to run back the area has ample rigging and This procedure with the engine through the line. Then you open a derigging areas. The rigging area is ensures that my engine's prop and spot in the rope with a fid (to be where you prepare your boat for lower unit are safe from underwater honest, I used a pencil) and start launching. The derigging area is the obstructions during launching. I lower working the line back through itself. place where you get ready for the road the engine to its in-water run position To be on the safe side, I sent about 15 again and tie the boat down securely. only after I'm sure that the boat stern inches of line back through itself. You'll find these areas at most ramps is in sufficiently deep water. Now you have a loop in the cleat so that boaters don't have to get their After I check the plug and tilt the end of your mooring line, made either boats ready right at the ramp. The engine, I tie on bow and stern with a splice or a bowline. From biggest problem that using these areas mooring lines. The lines get tied to the outside the boat, run the loop through solves is tying up the ramp. deck cleats on the side of the boat that the cleat's feet. Then wrap the loop Of course, if the launch area you faces the dock. Fenders (I use two)are from the inside around the cleat horns use has no such places, you have to placed over the gunwale just before I and pull the working end of the line make due with the parking area. back the trailer into the water. My tight in a direction away from the At the rigging area, remove the tie- angling partners hold the mooring boat. Presto! Your mooring line is downs and load your gear into the lines from the dock as I launch the securely in place. boat. The rigging area is also the place craft. Put the fenders over the gunwales where I put the winch crank handle Luckily, my trailer has rollers, so all next and you're ready to bring your back on the winch. I keep the winch that's required to get the boat in the boat in. September!October 1986 9 ar — been hurt that way. I've waltzed down some pretty slippery ramps to my boat bow, but that's still safer than doing a balancing act on the trailer frame. As a safety precaution, inspect your winch rope or cable each time you retrieve. If it shows signs of fraying, replace it without delay. When the boat bow is lined up between the first few sets of rollers, I begin cranking the winch. I make sure the line coils evenly, and I position the line so that when the boat bow is cranked tightly, the line comes off the center of the drum. The mooring lines then get tossed into the boat. But if I'm retrieving (or launching) in a river or where there's a strong current taking the boat stern upstream or downstream, I attach a long stern mooring line so that during On the left is an eye-spliced mooring line, and in the middle is a different kind retrieval one of my partners can hold of mooring line with a loopformed by a bowline. Both work well. On the right the boat in line with the trailer from is another eye-spliced mooring line properly attached to a deck cleat. the dock or from shore. When the boat is on the trailer, I Cleats and fenders When I get back to my car. I put on check to make sure it's on the rollers Do you use your boat cleats for knee-high rubber boots and drive the evenly. Very rarely has it been both mooring lines and fenders for trailer down the ramp and into the necessary to refloat the boat to bring launching and retrieving? You water. For launching and retrieving, I it more evenly on the trailer rollers, shouldn't, because deck cleats, usually drive the trailer into the water but it does happen occasionally. This especially at the bow, aren't in the best so that the trailer hubs remain just check is vital, though, so it's a regular spots for getting the most use from above water. part of my retrieval system. fenders. Then I walk the winch rope and The bow winch is cranked tight, the Only the mooring lines should be scissor hook to the boat bow hook safety chain is attached, and I drive secured in the cleats. The fenders and secure this connection. I never immediately to the derigging area. should be attached from inside or walk on the trailer frame out to the Another useful safety note: Never atop the gunwale by way of fender boat bow. Too many people have rely solely on your bow winch line. In hooks, which are available in a variety addition to the winch line or cable, of styles and sizes to match your boat. use a safety chain. They should be placed somewhat At the derigging area, I reconnect more amidships than cleats, the trailer lights and test them. Then I depending on your boat, to serve their climb in to the boat and secure all purpose. Check marine supply stores gear that remains in the boat and put and catalogs for fender hooks. everything else out that goes in the An alternative to fender hooks is to car. To ready the engine for the road hang the fenders from deck rails. trip, I move the engine tilt pin to the In any case, as soon as I've farthest position from the transom, maneuvered the boat next to the and lower the motor to this run dock, one of my fishing partners position. jumps out onto the dock and holds The tie-downs then get put in place, the boat, tying on the mooring lines to and the whole rig gets a final check. I cleats on the dock with appropriate look to make sure that no gear was lengths of line. This part is best left on the ground around the boat or accomplished with two figure-eight car, or on the boat deck. Then I hit cleat hitches on each cleat. the road. Then I tilt the motor high up again Every boater wants to launch and into the trailering position, make sure retrieve his boat quickly, safely, and that all my electronics are turned off, Never rely solely on the bow winch efficiently. However, smart trailer continually search for ways take the ignition keys, and get the car. rope or cable. Always use a safety boatmen to accomplish this task better and er Someone always stays with the boat chain in addition to the bow winch better. while I'm getting the car. line. 10 Boat Pennsylvania 8

by Bruce Kistler

riving boats for water skiers is fun and rewarding, but there's much more to it than merely steering and pushing the throttle. It is a skill that requires special knowledge and a good deal of practice. With the skier Dswinging from side to side at the end of the towrope, the

September/ October 1986 II effective length and width of your no need to lean over the transom to craft is greatly increased. reach it. Any tangles in the rope can Maneuverability is more restricted. be corrected more easily. How you drive can have a serious More and more manufacturers are impact on the skier's performance, installing pylons as original and because you literally lead the play in the wheel. The throttle must equipment. There are several brands skier, you have a big responsibility for allow smooth acceleration and of adjustable bolt-on pylons available his or her safety as well. deceleration and be located in a on the market. Be sure to follow the comfortable position so that you don't manufacturer's installation Towboat qualities have to reach for it. Foot throttles are instructions carefully. Before discussing how to be a not recommended for skiing. Rear view mirror. Although by law towboat driver, let's look at the Ideally, there should be a rest or you must have an observer in the boat qualities of a good water ski towboat. support for the forearm to avoid when towing water skiers and you While many runabouts fatigue and so that minor speed should rely primarily on this are suitable, here are a adjustments can be made with the competent member of your crew, a few desirable attributes wrist and fingers rather than the good rear view mirror is an asset. A to look for: whole arm. Single-level gear shifting is mirror allows you to monitor the highly desirable so that the motor can progress of the skier constantly and be pulled into neutral or reversed instantly without having to turn •Adequate power. The amount of without having to grope for a separate around continually. Tournament power required depends on the weight shift lever. Gear shifting must be crisp. drivers prefer large flat mirrors rather and skill levels of your skiers. Very Any hesitation, balking, or stalling than the smaller curved mirrors that small children can be towed with as when shifting should be corrected. distort the reflected image. However, little as 15 to 25 horsepower. Hard- •Seating. The driver should have any mirror is better than none. Be cutting teenagers and heavier adults good visibility and be close enough to sure not to mount your mirror in a will normally require 75 horsepower the wheel and throttle for good position where it can block your or more. The more advanced types of control. The observer should be able forward vision. skiing such as competition slalom and to face the stern comfortably. The Speedometer. A speedometer is barefooting require even more, better ski boats have rear-facing seats very handy for assuring an even speed generally 150 horsepower or more. for the observer. Never stand or sit in for beginning and intermediate skiers If your motor is not set up properly the gunwale while driving, and do not and is an absolute necessity for more or if it is equipped with the wrong allow any of your passengers to do so. advanced skiers. Most speedometers prop, only a fraction of the rated measure the pressure of the water as horsepower may be put to actual use. Accessories the boat moves through it. A device A boat rigged for racing is probably The well-equipped water ski called a pitot tube extends into the worthless for towing skiers regardless towboat has three accessory items water at the transom where water of the horsepower of the motor. See that, while not mandatory, are well enters a small hole and in turn your marine dealer for advice on how worth the cost if you pull skiers with increases the air pressure in a plastic to set up your motor and select the any frequency. No tournament-caliber hose that leads to the speedometer right propeller for towing water skiers. driver would think of towing skiers dial on the dash. Such speedometers without them. are available as add-on accessories Towing pylon. A towing pylon is a and are easily installed. post or tripod rigidly mounted inside •Hull type. Desirable length is in the the boat that provides a strong, easily Driving 15-foot or 20-foot range. The flatter- accessible attachment point for the Now, how do you go about bottom designs tend to plane quicker towrope. Properly mounted, such a learning how to drive for water skiers? and are usually favored. Avoid towing device has several advantages over You must, first of all, be thoroughly skiers with boats that have very high simply tying the towrope to the familiar with and experienced with freeboard or that restrict the driver's transom: Attachment forward of the powerboats. If you are not confident visibility when maneuvering around a transom provides a more efficient in your ability to handle the boat, downed skier, boats that take too long towing angle. The higher point of don't attempt to tow skiers behind it. to come on plane or that have an attachment prevents the ski rope from You must know the rules of the road unusually high boat attitude at skiing dragging in the water—a great help to and all applicable laws and speeds, and boats that tend to roll the skier. The rope is also more visible regulations, including those relating unreasonably when the skier pulls out in your rear view mirror. Even if the specificially to towing skiers. You to one side. Advanced skiers and skier is out of the field of view of the must also know and use the those in competition prefer towboat mirror, the angle of the rope lets you recognized voice commands and hand models specifically designed for know the position of the skier at a signals that enable you to tournament skiing. glance. You can also tell instantly if communicate with the skier. • Controls. A water ski towboat must the skier falls. There is no substitute for actual be responsive. Steering must be Retrieval of the towrope is much hands-on experience. Seek out reliable and positive without too much easier and safer, too, because there is someone who drives skiers a lot. Ride 12 Boat Pennsylvania with him and observe what he does. Ask questions. Then pull your first •Falls. Return to a fallen skier board to skiers with this person on without delay. The skier is vulnerable supervise. It is best not to pull aim to hold in the water by himself with other beginning skiers at first. They may not • Under way. You should constant as possible. This boats operating in the area. His best be able to compensate if your first the speed as helpful. A protection is for you to return quickly efforts are less than perfect. is why a speedometer is so generally will not to his side. Get used to working with an beginning skier is best for him, so After a fall, look for the "skier OK" observer. Remember, it's your job to know what speed watch him carefully signal (both hands clasped above the look ahead and steer a safe course, you may have to speed—not so head) indicating that the skier is and it's his job to watch the skier. to set an appropriate trouble maintaining unhurt. If there is no other boat Don't get in the habit of gawking at fast that he has so slow that he is traffic, you can cut the throttle, and your skier. Do get in the habit of control yet not bogging down and pushing a lot of turn and idle back while the skier using your rear view mirror while recovers and puts on his skis. If there maintaining a forward lookout. water. inexperienced drivers tend to are other boats nearby (or if the skier The mechanics of towing water Many this hampers the does not give the OK signal and is skiers are simple, but you must drive too fast, and skill development. Small presumed hurt), don't drop off plane develop a "feel" for driving that skier's only 10 to 15 but maintain speed, turn as quickly as ensures your skier a quality ride. It youngsters may require Adults are generally you safely can, and accelerate back to will be advantageous if you are a miles per hour. between 20 and 25 miles your skier. water skier yourself because you will comfortable will, of course, Approach and begin to circle the know what the skier is per hour. Better skiers be able to signal the boat to set the downed skier slowly and from the going through and it speed they desire. driver's side. Once you have drifted will help you know skier is on the well past the skier in neutral, turn the how to react in a Remember that your towrope so that you wheel in the opposite direction to particular situation. end of a 75-foot must stay clear of obstacles that he swing the stern so that the rope comes within his reach. • Starting. Take up slack slowly and might collide with if he were to cut out to either side. Stay away from The skier should not have to only when your skier indicates he swim after the rope. wants you to. Be prepared to put the other boat traffic as much as possible. motor in neutral and even reverse Most skiers want the smoothest slightly to stop the boat if the rope water they can find. On a windy day, •Landings. Many times the safest becomes tangled or if the skier gets the smoothest water can be found in way to end a ski ride is for the skier out of position. Orient the boat so the lee of the windward shoreline. simply to let go and pick him up in that it is in line with the towrope (Remember not to come too close to the boat. Always turn off the motor before accelerating. Accelerate only shore.) Where traffic conditions when a skier is getting into the boat. It when the skier indicates he's ready by permit, the most desirable pattern for is dangerous to attempt to land a skier yelling "Hit it!" Don't go just because the skier is a "barbell" pattern in into a crowded beach or dock area he looks ready, the skier is not which you make a straight run, then where other boats are concentrated anticipating that you will speed up, make a 180-degree turn and return in and where there is the possibility of and under the water you may not see the opposite direction on the same swimmers or skiers in the water. the rope looped around an arm or leg path where your own Attempt shore landings only into or a ski out of position. wake has dissipated. uncrowded beach areas where the Carefully check in front of you for bottom contours are known. other boats or obstacles before You should parallel the shore at a advancing the throttle because the •Turns. Turns should be executed relatively slow and constant speed and bows of most boats rise during gradually and at a constant speed. allow your skier to swing out and acceleration and before planing and Avoid "whipping" the skier, even in drop off. Never whip a skier toward your view is apt to be blocked fun. Be fully aware of the effect of shore. After your skier has dropped momentarily. Monitor the skier's centrifugal force. If your skier cuts out off, idle down and have the observer takeoff in the mirror, and if you to one side and you simultaneously reel in the towrope. Do not attempt to absolutely must turn around to watch turn in the opposite direction, you are reel in the rope while the boat is the takeoff, have your observer keep a going to whip him and quickly planing. forward lookout until you get on increase his speed significantly, Your skiers work hard to learn and plane. perhaps to the point where he loses improve. You should work just as Accelerate firmly and smoothly. It control. hard to hone your skills as a towboat is rarely necessary to "floor it" unless Conversely, if you turn toward the driver. Above all, realize that you are you have minimal horsepower. Too skier, he will slow down and sink due driving for the skier's benefit, not your fast or too slow a start is difficult on to the absence of tension on the own. Your aim must be to give your the skier. Develop a feel for just the towrope. Be particularly aware of the skier the safest, best ride right amount of throttle given your position of the skier before and during that you can. • skier's weight and skill level. turns. September!October 1986 13 boating is rapidly you've hit! Remember, reversing your Keeping your bearings becoming a popular engine is the only braking mechanism Unlike a smaller motorboat, a vacation and weekend you have for your pontoon boat. pontoon boat needs plenty of room activity. A pontoon boat and time to maneuver. In fact, pcanontoon literally be your home Docking handling a pontoon boat requires afloat—but a home that moves. It's a Docking can be a real thrill, practice. Going through tight spots comfortable, leisurely way to enjoy especially if you forget about not like docks or into slips requires skill, the water. Here are piloting and safety having brakes. Two thousand pounds quick action, and physical strength— ideas you should know before of boat will not stop short when the on the part of at least two crew boarding, to help you put more fun power is cut. It's best to approach the members. The average pontoon boat into your pontoon boating. dock while heading upstream, or into operator is not a professional pilot, the wind, because the pontoon boat is and great care is needed to be able to Brakes easier to control that way. Use only master the vessel in all situations. So you've handled a fishing boat or enough power to maintain When you turn the wheel of a a cruiser, have you? That's very steerageway. Remember that speed pontoon boat, the stern is the first to different from handling a pontoon times weight can equal a horrible react. Thus, if the wheel is turned to boat, which averages 24 feet in length, crunch! At only 2 miles an hour, your the right, the stern swings to the left. goes about 15 miles an hour, and pontoon boat can flatten any This action may seem unusual at first, weighs about a ton. Having "no respectable dock. Approach the dock because an automobile responds in brakes" means that if you goof, you at no more than 1 mile per hour. just the opposite manner. may be the cause of a hull-banging, Practice working with the minimum It's always a good practice to have paint-scraping experience, not to speed needed to maintain response some backup person who can take mention what can happen to what before you attempt your first docking. over the helm in case you become ill. 14 Boat Pennsylvania 11110 1111 llI There is nothing worse than having a First aid Abandon ship pontoon boat drifting, perhaps into A pontoon boat without a first aid Your crew must know where the danger, because no one else can kit aboard shows very poor planning. nearest PFD or life jacket is and how operate all the controls. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit to use it. If it becomes necessary to handy, and remember to replenish abandon your pontoon boat, Rules of the road supplies as they are used. remember: Read and understand local, state, At least one crew member should •Wear your PFD. and federal regulations governing the know first aid. First aid training is •Go overboard on the windward waterway on which you boat. Know available at any Red Cross chapter side. the marking systems and the signaling and should be an essential part of •Stay clear of the propeller. rules. Here are some general basic training for all pontoon boaters. •Immediately conduct a head count. rules: •Approaching an oncoming boat, PFDs Three no-no's keep to the right. Be sure you have the right size PFD •Water skiing. Although some •Know proper maneuvering signals (personal flotation device) for each pontoon boats are powerful and fast and use them. person on board. Fit your PFD enough to pull skiers, doing so is •Signal when approaching a blind snugly and know how to adjust it. dangerous because a pontoon boat is bend in a river. Because there may not be time to put not maneuverable enough. Also, it is a on your PFD while you are still on time-consuming nuisance to come In the still of the night the pontoon boat, you and your crew about and retrieve a spilled skier. In A new pontoon boater should tie will have to learn how to put your addition, the large wake produced is up for the night at a marina or (with PFDs on in the water. That takes a not only discourteous to other craft permission) at a private pier. A novice bit of practice. If you and your crew but also can be dangerous. might not know whether a cove or are not good swimmers, think about •Your wake. Watch your wake, quiet inlet will be safe. Locks and taking a Red Cross swimming course. because you may upset small fishing dams on rivers can cause changes in The best course is to wear your PFD. boats and damage boats at docks, the water elevation. A peaceful river even from a great distance away. You can become a roaring torrent after a Fire are legally responsible for any damage hard rain upstream. Be sure you have the proper size caused by the wake of your craft. If at dusk you can't reach a dock, fire extinguishers(minimum size is 5 •Tinkering. Don't tinker with the anchor out of the main channel or tie pounds) and know how to use them. fuel system or the electrical and up to trees near the bank. When Fire extinguishers, by the way, are control systems. If something goes about 75 feet from your anchorage, required by law to be on board. amiss, ask a qualified technician to drop the stern anchor from the rear With an engine compartment fire, help. deck. Be careful not to foul your the chance of explosion is present. If a Finally, arrange to take your propeller. When the stern anchor is fire breaks out in the engine pontoon boat out for a half-day or secure, tie the bow line to some fixed compartment, turn the engine off at full-day cruise before taking your object on the shore or secure the bow once. vacation. This will give you time to anchor into the shoreline. get used to things and will prepare Two anchors are required to moor Person overboard you to enjoy your trip more. your pontoon boat adequately. Be Throw a floatable item (PFD, large If you will be using patrolled sure the anchors you have are of plastic bottle, thermos jug, ring buoy, waterways, register your itinerary with sufficient weight. The owner's guide etc.) to the person overboard and friends or your marina, leaving for your pontoon boat will give bring the boat around.(Never emergency telephone numbers, etc. In weight details for anchors. reverse—the propeller may strike the any event, file a float plan with victim.) Approach the person slowly someone. Refueling and carefully. Whenever possible, cut Don't hesitate to ask for help if you The riskiest operation on a pontoon the engine until the person is back need it. Your pontoon boat is your boat, strangely enough, is refueling. aboard. key to America's waterways, which Smoking, naturally, is taboo during are enjoyable, relaxing, and very refueling, and all electrical appliances Towing beautiful. Leave them as you found and lights should be turned off. Pilot Although it is perhaps a bit them, free from clutter and litter. lights on any appliances and lights embarrassing, at times it may happen should be turned off. If the boat has that you have to be towed. If you are built-in fuel tanks, keep all hatches being towed, remember that the This article is adaptedfrom Five Tons closed to prevent heavier-than-air towline is under great stress, and if it and No Brakes, a pamphlet on gasoline vapors from seeping inside breaks it can whip and cause serious houseboating of The American the engine compartment. injuries. Be sure that all crew members National Red Cross. For more If you detect the odor of gas, turn stay away from the line while your information on boating courses and Rose

by on the engine compartment blowers pontoon boat is towed. Many people water-related instruction, contact the and leave them on until all vapors are will not tow you unless you provide Red Cross chapter nearest you, listed gone. Do not start the engine until the the line. Be sure to have a stout in the white pages of the phone book illustration vapors are gone. towline aboard for such emergencies. under American Red Cross. September!October 1986 15 Land and Water Acquisition and the

16 Boat Pennsylvania illustration by Ted Walke Johnny Nicklas for development zens throughout ing and study access greater door greater the recent population passes, most Experts percent. T part Fish though There The this year access water. regularly of culture precious found recreation U.S. more form to 200 demands the 2000, tell the we can areas. lakes, more the Commission Department Section Americans the ing Commission's he us that increases, of urbanized of stations need be the natural that enjoy recreation Commonwealth public responsibility 76 Pennsylvania no and The on will commonly total rivers, to for percent doubt our is outdoor and fishing basic be resources—land demand acquiring preserve every we are we charged of land waterways. and are up the become, Real the that can of born, ingredients consider two and hour over lands U.S. and streams. of activity. Interior for for as expect Estate public of so boat- seek- Fish land with out- that water citi- our 130 the the the they by A boating occupy acquisitions, (8) (7) (6) accesses exceeding the it tion icies tuted and lake this nate pronged today's going public Unfortunately, major policies often The Since and cooperative trout potential population federal threat sites, were lands would are its fishing program use rivers, Fish removes land their also needs. have to effect. streams (4) established 50 even by available in include agencies. be surface acquisition existing (2) fish inception, Commission posting. 1947 been considered projects the is Not expansion Funding access additional and culture provided (1) loss and for only acres, modified whereby lakes, wilderness accesses Commission's access with of recreation, formally areas however, program. does stations, for (3) for land (5) has by recognized other land potential potential areas on this in to it acquisi- springs, use a due areas, elimi- this from insti- lakes these state two meet Pol- of and on- but on to Tionesta light. a - certain to coupled that river grams, sale ramp be ria. being Conservation mandated ments D registrations. projects. minimum provides portion monies men's These -J Although 50 Fish located (Dingell For permits of access not percent 3 musky possess for fishing on dollars, such Culture of to example, with exceeding September' up -site of the land to within 5 -Johnson) the 200 can land To as to rearing meet Fund, matching monies acres federally physical licenses a acquisition Station. development the linear help 75 they best degree 1,000 acquisition a development a in October which percent Land stretch 50 tanks received typical be feet program, are size, feet and conditions monies, percent of assisted described of of provides and are of from frequently 1986 flexibility, the possess approved matching shoreline of potential from a require- at sports- a grade, public Water or which crite- the boat boat pro- the are the up as 17 a road,and have sufficient water depth to accommodate safely a boat and motor. If a railroad crossing were involved in the acquisition, it should be an estab- lished public railroad crossing. Conservation Easements Legal considerations for all acquisi- to conserve Pennsylvania's water re- Commission tions require that the Fish by Michael J. Gathany sources for the enjoyment of anglers title, free and clear obtain a marketable and boaters. Some public-spirited land- encumbrances. The con- of all liens and owners may welcome the chance to ost people probably don't know sideration paid for all such acquisitions conserve the natural value of their land what easements are. Actually, is the fair market value, based on an M for future generations. they are quite common. Although there independent appraisal. The donation of conservation ease- and are many types of easements, perhaps Today, Pennsylvania's fishing ments by private citizens offers an the most familiar to the general public is boating public, through the Fish Com- excellent opportunity for conservation acquisition program, the use of easements by state and local mission's land and preservation. Private citizens may than 200 public governments for such things as streets, owns or controls more sometimes enjoy tax savings and be lakes and dams, 11 light poles, and sewer systems. access areas, 62 assured that the property under ease- administrative fish cul- Basically, easements work two ways. reservoirs, 12 ment will remain in its natural state. At of 27 installa- First, you as a landowner can either ture stations comprised the same time, the Fish Commission other facilities give or sell to another party the right to tions, and numerous can open up or preserve areas for future use a portion of your property for some totaling more than 34,500 acres of land outdoorsmen at a relatively small specific purpose. Second, you can guar- and water. expense. antee to another party that you will not Free public access areas are available If you're interested in the program,or all residents of the do some specific act on all or part of within a few miles of if you just want more information,con- urban your property. We are concerned with a Commonwealth, even in large tact John 0. Hoffman, Pennsylvania Philadelphia and Pitts- particular type of easement: The con- areas such as Fish Commission,P.O. Box 1673, Har- servation easement. burgh. The Fish Commission is confi- risburg, PA 17105-1673. You should,of acquisition A conservation easement is an ease- dent that the land and water course, consult your attorney and tax boating ment granted either to a private or pub- program provides fishing and advisors before going forward with any lic agency essentially to preserve a par- opportunities for the present and for donation of a conservation easement. future generations. ticular area in its natural state while allowing public access to it. Michael J. Gathany is a third-year Faced with increasing costs without a student at the Dickinson Schoolof Law John 0. Hoffman is chief of the Com- matching increase in its budget, the andserves in the Office ofChief Counsel mission Real Estate Section. x„ Fish Commission is searching for ways ofthe Pennsylvania Fish Commission.) New Boating Access The Commission's Frankford Arsenal Access in Philadelphia opened to the public last May. The area features a 6-lane boating ramp and provides boaters and fishermen excellent access to the Delaware River. Parking facilities are available for 190 cars and boat trailers, and the access is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The property was conveyed to the Fish Commission by the federal government when the arsenal was closed as a military facility. Funding for completion of the project came from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds matched with Fish Commission Fish Fund and Boat Fund money. The Frankford Arsenal Access was formally dedicated last June. Last June, Commissioner Joan R. Plumly and Fish Commission Executive Director Ralph W. Abele cut the ribbon, formally opening the Frankford Arsenal Access on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. I 8 Boat Pennsylvania uanger "nger Danger Dangerg Dar Inger Danger Danger Danger Danger Danger Lurks in Your Small Boat by Art Michaels photos by the author

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fter a day of steady rain last summer, the Susquehanna River was high and swift, but not too muddy. Mid-morning sunshine heralded a clearing trend, and boaters who were encouraged by the improving weather launched their rigs. A Two fishermen in a I6-foot runabout were anchoring in the current, getting set up to drift live minnows along the bottom in hopes of fooling catfish, but their ploy didn't last long. They had anchored from the stern of the boat. As soon as the anchor gripped bottom, the water level quickly rose toward the top of the low-cut engine well. The boat listed dangerously closer to the waterline each time the angler nearest

September!October 1986 19 mounted at the bow and inside the boat at the top of the gunwale to control the anchor from the stern, where you might often sit, or you could purchase a device made specially for securing the anchor at the bow. Falls overboard If you stand in a small boat, perhaps to cast or play a hooked fish, you are creating another dangerous situation. Small semivees and johnboats are not made for standing. Anglers who stand in them sometimes fall suddenly and unexpectedly into the water. Unlike larger craft, small semivees and johnboats have fiat bottoms and no keel-like stabilizing structures. For this reason, a small boat is the least stable craft. When someone stands in a small boat, edging closer to the gunwale, the boat can slide easily and quickly behind him, throwing the boater headfirst over the side. Falls overboard are dangerous for The combined weight of an engine,full gas tank, battery, and a fisherman surprising reasons. According to Fish causes the transom on many small boats to be a danger spot. Commission data, drowning victims the engine moved toward the stern, so The problem with anchoring from who fell out of small boats were in the two anglers huddled helplessly the stern is that the rushing current reasonably good physical condition near the bow at the mercy of the swift, pulls the boat transom closer and and were fair to excellent swimmers. relentless current. closer to the waterline as the boat They weren't injured by the fall itself, Another boater nearby came to hangs in the flow. When a boater either. Indications from accident their rescue. Cutting the anchor line discovers the predicament, his investigations are that the hidden was the only escape, so with the swipe reaction is to rush to the boat stern danger in falls overboard is the of a sharp knife, the boat stern and pull up the anchor. But the sudden, unexpected immersion, popped up free again, and the weight of an angler moving closer to especially in cold water. embarrassed, frightened anglers the stern combined with the weight of The effect of cold water—water motored expressionless toward the an outboard motor is often enough to that's less than 70 degrees—is much access ramp. plunge the transom below the like the shock we've all experienced of Is anchoring from the stern in a waterline. When that happens, the warm shower water suddenly current always dangerous? Yes, it is, nothing can prevent a swamping. turning cold. It stuns. But the grip-like and it's one of several hazards that are In most cases, cutting the anchor effect of cold water on an special to small boats. If you own a line quickly is just about the only unsuspecting victim is so boat of 16 feet or less, take heed of measure that can prevent a sinking. If overwhelming and frequently lasts harmful small-boat situations, your boat has oars and you can reach long enough so that the victim cannot consider your boat's limits, and learn them without pushing the transom recover and get his or her bearings in the ins and outs of small-boat safety. underwater, you might be able to row time. upstream enough to relieve the Anchoring pressure on the transom or free the PFDs Take, for example, those fishermen anchor. One way you can greatly maximize who anchored from the stern. No one Anchoring from the bow and stern your safety in a small boat, especially should anchor from the stern in any so that the boat is held perpendicular in falls overboard, is to wear a PFD— boat, but a small craft like a johnboat to the current is also dangerous. If the personal flotation device. In boats up is doubly dangerous because even in bow line breaks or becomes untied, or to 16 feet long, you are required to safe operation it has only a small if the bow anchor becomes have a type I, II, Ill, or IV approved amount of freeboard—the distance disconnected underwater, you are left device available for each person on between the waterline and the top of with only the stern anchor and the board. You're not required by law to the gunwale. likelihood of a swamping from the wear a PFD. But putting on a PFD is Even on larger boats, motor wells stern. very difficult while you're treading are frequently cut close to the Anchoring only from the bow is the water, especially when you're suddenly waterline, greatly reducing freeboard. best course. You could use line guides immersed in cold water, and that 20 Boat Pennsylvania doesn't include the additional properly stowed so that the weight in who are wearing PFDs. dangerous ingredients of wind, waves, the boat is distributed evenly. The action of water going over the or current. For example, a full 6-gallon gas dam is this hazard's main ingredient. Wearing the appropriate device is tank weighs about 50 pounds, and a The water is first shot out from the the safest choice. Type I and type II deep-cycle battery weighs about 50 base along the bottom and then pulled PFDs, which are designed to turn an pounds. Both items are frequently back toward the dam on the surface. unconscious person face-up vertically placed at the transom. Add your Then it's pushed down toward the or slightly on his back in the water, weight and the weight of the engine to base of the dam and out again. are a bit uncomfortable, but children the stern load, and you may already Escaping this deadly cycle is very and nonswimmers should wear them be improperly set up, especially if the difficult, and debris near the base of no matter what. Type 1 and 11 PFDs only bow load is a lightweight person, the dam can cause additional injury, have the most flotation material, so some fishing tackle, or some water ski also contributing to drowning. Low- they are the right PFDs for children gear. head dams are particularly dangerous and non-swimmers, and for others Accident data reveals that boats in spring because the water is cold and when immediate rescue is unlikely. In improperly loaded in this way plow the flow is swiftly increased. fact, children under nine years of age through the water—the boat bow To avoid low-head dams, you have and all non-swimmers are required to rides way up, the transom, very low. to know the waterway on which wear PFDs on Fish Commission and An angler who discovers that his boat you're boating. Get river maps to state park waterways. isn't planing properly often cuts the locate dams, or find out where they On the other hand, you might want engine quickly at high speed, and the are from local tackle and bait shops to wear a type III PFD,a more backwash rushes easily over the low or marinas. comfortable device made to be worn freeboard at the engine well, The areas below dams are good at all times. Some type Ills double as swamping the boat. fishing spots, but going near a low- fishing vests. • head dam for any reason requires Top-quality type Ill PFDs and Low-head dams extra-special consideration. other life vests are available in all Another danger for small boats is Finally, remember that small boats kinds of sporting goods, fishing, and low-head dams. Pennsylvania has have special safety requirements and marine supply stores, and they're also about 2,000 of them! The term "low- problems. By becoming aware of the available from mail order firms. The head" doesn't necessarily mean a safety matters common to small cost of a type Ill device is around $30- "small" dam."Head" refers to the boats, you can avoid danger and get S50, and they come in a great variety amount of water the structure holds the most from your craft. of sizes, enough to fit everyone. back, even though in most cases low- Most anglers equip their small head dams just happen to be small. boats with type IV throwable devices These dams are doubly dangerous. Art Michaels is editor of Pennsylvania that are used as seat cushions, which From upstream you can't see them, Angler and Boat Pennsylvania. He's a meets the legal requirements. and if you capsize over one, escape is I7-year veteran ofsmall -boat angling, Nevertheless, a type IV throwable terribly difficult if not impossible, frequentlyfishing from his 16-foot device isn't a substitute for the greater even for those excellent swimmers center console boat. safety of wearing an appropriate PFD. Remember that the key to falls Publications for Small-Boat Anglers overboard is the sudden, unexpected immersion. The main safety idea is For more details on small-boat safety, the Fish Commission has available a. that wearing a PFD often lets the variety of publications. Here are some you may want to consider: victim stay at the surface so that he or •Survival in Cold Water is a pamphlet that describes the dangers of she can recover quickly and effect his immersion in cold water. Topics include what specifically happens to the or her own rescue. body in cold water, what to do in the water to conserve heat, how to be Fish Commission and Coast Guard prepared, and first aid for victims. data match on this PFD point: An •Personal Flotation Devices is an illustrated pamphlet that shows the estimated 85 percent of all boating different kinds of PFDs and how each is used. fatalities would not have perished if •Sportsmen and Small Boats is a I6-page booklet that covers topics like the victims had been wearing PFDs. cold-water survival, PFDs, anchoring, weather, dams, choosing a small boat, and maneuvering in rivers and streams. Overloading These publications are free. Another safety concern for small- •Pennsylvania Basic Boating is the Fish Commission's 84-page book on the boat operators is overloading, because rudiments and requirements for all Commonwealth boaters. The book's 26 it's frequently a cause of capsizing. chapters detail information on boat types, equipment, navigation, safety, Sure, you want to take everything emergency measures, and a skipper's duties. This book is available for $1 with you in your boat that you need, postpaid. Make checks and money orders payable to Pennsylvania Fish but consider the information on the Commission. boat's capacity plate, and heed it. To receive these publications, contact: Publications Section, PA Fish Improper loading can also cause a Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673.—AM capsizing. Be sure your gear is

September!October 1986 21 Avenue, Sinking Spring, PA 19608 Emlenton, PA. Allegheny River (various dates through 10/12). Canoe Float, Box 147, Emlenton, PA 6, 13 Sculling regattas, Schuylkill 16373. Phone: 412-867-2472. Calendar River, Philadelphia. Schuylkill Navy 21 Bellefonte Slalom, Bellefonte, PA. September of Philadelphia, J. Sweeney,#4 Boat- (Pennsylvania Cup Race #1) PSOC I Labor Day Regatta, Susquehanna house Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130 Slalom Chairman, 4 Intramural River (from 8/30-31). Susquehanna (various dates through II/ 23). Building, State College, PA 16802. River Bank, Lock Haven. Clinton 6, 13, 20, 28 Sailboat races, Presque 27 Ohio-Penn Downriver Race,Con - County Tourist Promotion Agency, Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Presque Isle fluence, PA.(Ohio -Penn Division of1 151 Susquehanna Avenue, Lock Yacht Club, Dennis Davis, P.O. Box the ACA Wildwater Championships Haven, PA 17745. Phone: 717-893- 1075, Erie, PA 16512. Robert Ruppel, 845 Williams Street 4037. 7, 14, 20, 21 Sailboat races, Lake Confluence, PA 15424. • 3, 10 Sailboat races, Lake Erie. Erie Nockamixon. Nockamixon Sail Club, 28 Riversport Slalom (Pennsylvania Yacht Club, John M. Smith, P.O. Inc., Craig C. Tourtellott, 205 Hilltop Cup Race #2), Confluence, PA. Kar Box 648, Erie, PA 16512. Drive, RD 1, Green Lane, PA 18054 Ruppel, 845 Williams Street, Conflu 4-7 International In-Water Boat (various dates through 10/4). ence, PA 15424. Show, Penn's Landing, Philadelphia. 7, 14, 21, 28 Sailboat races, regattas, National Marine Manufacturer's As- Susquehanna River (Lake Clarke). October sociation, 353 Lexington Avenue, Susquehanna Yacht Club, RD 1, 4-5 Fiddlers Elbow Slalom, (Penn- New York, NY 10016. Phone: 212- Wrightsville, PA 17368(various dates sylvania Cup Race #3), Hummel- 684-6622. through 10/19). stown, PA. John Gephart, 600 Kali 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 Sailing and 7,14, 21, 28 Sailboat races, Rose Val- Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17109. canoeing instruction, Pymatuning ley Lake. Lycoming Yacht Club, Paul 10-11 Water Rescue Seminar, Robe State Park, Jamestown, PA. Pitts- Blystone, RD 1, Box 351, Williams- Morris College, Coraopolis, PA (P burgh-Allegheny County Chapter port, PA 17701 (various dates through Fish Commission, Virgil Chambe American Red Cross, 225 Boulevard 10/12). 717-657-4540). of the Allies, P.O. Box 1769, Pitts- 7, 21, 28 Sailboat races, regatta, 11-12 Easton Slalom (Pennsylvania burgh, PA 15230. Phone: 412-263- Marsh Creek Lake. Marsh Creek Sail- Cup Race #4), Easton, PA. Lehigh 3189. ing Club, Graham S. Thompson, 97 Valley Canoe Club, Box 2726, Lehigh 6-7 West Newton Festival, West Waterloo Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312 Valley, PA 18001. Newton, PA. Virginia A. Shoaf, 223 (various dates through 10/19). 20 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Sixth Street, West Newton,PA 15089. 9 Boating skills and seamanship meeting,Johnstown. For more detail Phone: 412-872-5738. course, Distelfink Inn, 917 S. Prince contact the Commission at 717-657= 6-7 Montgomery Boat Regatta, Sus- Street, Lancaster, PA. USCG Auxil- 4522. quehanna River, Montgomery, PA. iary Flotilla 14-01, Anna M. Herman, To have your organization's activities, Susquehanna Boat Club, Robert commander. Phone: 717-569-0592. considered to appear in Boat Penn- Burns, 1 Feigles Road, Muncy, PA 11 Sailing and seamanship course, sylvania's "Calendar" column, send 17756. Phone: 717-546-5220. Distelfink Inn, Lancaster, PA (See the information to us at least three 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Sailboat September 9 entry). months before the date of the activity. races, Pymatuning Reservoir. Pyma- 13, 20, 27 Sailboat races, regatta, For example, if your group's event tuning Yacht Club, Jack B. Ludwig, Lake Arthur. Moraine Sailing Club, begins or occurs in January, we must Jamestown, PA 16134. James M. Higgins, P.O. Box 692, have the details in October. Send 6-7, 28 Sailboat races, Blue Marsh Pittsburgh, PA 15230 (various dates items to: The Editor, Boat Pennsyl- Lake. Blue Marsh Sailing Associa- through 10/4). vania, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA Murry tion, Frink, 3120 Octagon 21 Allegheny River Canoe Float, 17105-1673. BUREAU OF BUREAU OF Boat Pennsylvania ADMINISTRATIVE WATERWAYS Editorial Advisory SERVICES 717-657-4522 717-657-4538 Committee Paul F. O'Brien, Gene Sporl, Virgil Chambers, Chairman Director Assistant Executive Director (Chief, Boating Safety Education Dedicated to the sound conserva- Allison J. Mayhew, Personnel Edward W. Manhart, Section, Bureau of Waterways, tion of our aquatic resources, the John Hoffman, Real Estate Law Enforcement Pennsylvania Fish Commission) protection and management of the Glen Reed, Federal Aid Virgil Chambers, Joe Greene (Boating Education state's diversified fisheries, and to Mary Stine, Licensing Boating Education Specialist, Pennsylvania Fish the ideals of safe boating and Commission) optimum boating opportunities. BUREAU OF FISHERIES OFFICE OF Janet R. Mayer (Special Programs AND ENGINEERING INFORMATION Coordinator, Pennsylvania Fish EXECUTIVE OFFICE Commission) Ralph W. Abele, 814-359-5100 717-657-4518 Charles Walbridge (canoeing) Executive Director Edward R. Miller, P.E„ Cheryl K. Riley, Director Jack Davis (water skiing) Howard T. Hardie, Assistant Executive Director Larry Shaffer, Publications Gus Neuss, Jr. (sailing) Administrative Assistant Delano Graff, Fisheries Stephen B. Ulsh, Education Tom Reinke (cruising) Dennis T. Guise, James Young. Dave Wolf, John Wiediger(DER Bureau of State Chief Counsel Construction & Maintenance Adopt-A-Stream Coordinator Parks) Ross E. Starner, K. Ronald Weis, Media Relations Comptroller Architectural & Engineering Art Michaels, Magazines 22 Boat Pennsylvania BOAT Pennsylvania. BOAT Volumes Pennsylvania* Available A few bound copies of SUBSCRIPTIONS Boat Pennsylvania Volumes 1-2(May/June 1984 through 1. NEW ORDERS/RENEWALS November/ December 1985) To start a subscription to Boat Pennsylvania or to extend your are available. They contain current subscription, enter your name and address and check the magazine's first 10 issues, the subscription term you prefer. (Please print clearly) including the premier issue, and are hardbound in blue with gold-colored inscription. Your These bound volumes are offered on a first-come, first- name served basis. Each is available for $16 for non-subscribers and $12 for current paid subscribers. Include your account Address Apt. number with your order. This number appears directly above your name on the magazine mailing label. City State Zip Make checks or money orders payable to Pennsylvania 0 3 years $11 (18 issues) 0 New subscriber Fish Commission, and send orders to: Boat PA Circulation, 0 1 year $4(6 issues) 0 Renewal Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673.

New Safety Publication (attach mailing label when renewing) The American Canoe Association's newest publication is River Safety Report 1982-1985, which contains reports of fatal accidents, near misses, and the latest ideas for safer equipment and better education programs. The 50-page Signature publication is available postpaid for $3.95 from: American Account # if renewing Canoe Association Bookservice, 7217 Lockport Place, P.O. (Account number appears above name on label.) Box 248, Lorton, VA 22079. River Safety Report 1982-1985 was edited by Charlie Walbridge, ACA River Safety Task Force safety chairman. He also serves on Boat >.2. TO GIVE A GIFT: Pennsylvania's Editorial Advisory Committee. Enter your name and address above and your recipient's name and address below. o 3 years $11(18 issues) 0 1 year $4(6 issues) Gift card to read "From DANGER TO

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near overhead wires. A Return this form to mast near a wire could PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION be fatal! BOAT PA Circulation P.O. Box 1673 k\.1 Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673

Be sure your name and address appear both on this form and on your check. Make checks payable to: PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION

September'October 1986 23 Ohio/Pennsylvania Small Craft Training College by Janet R. Mayer

"BE SMART. Take a Boating Course!" The National Safe should be on or near the border. Before locating a training Boating Council has made these words the motto for the site, the course offerings needed to be determined. After next two years' National Safety Boating Week Recognition many very lengthy planning sessions, it was decided that throughout the country. courses in flat water canoeing, river canoeing, sailing, Every state has accepted the challenge of developing outboard boating, water rescue, and water patrol would be stronger boating safety training programs. "Pennsylvania offered. Included in the course offerings would be basic and has prided itself in having very strong boating safety instructor level courses. Most of the courses would be programs and literature for years," says Virgil Chambers, American Red Cross courses, so several chapters were chief, Boating Safety Education Section for the asked to participate with the planning and administration. Commission."We are especially proud that we continue to Shenango Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers develop programs and publications to meet the immediate impoundment, was picked as the training site. Shenango needs of the boating enthusiasts in the Commonwealth," he Lake provides a picturesque setting for a variety of boating says,"and we work closely with neighboring states, because opportunities. A residential camp very near the lake was we often have very similar problems and accidents." selected as the base for the school, which also had a lake, In addition to cooperating with other states, the Fish although much smaller than Shenango Lake. Commission, Pennsylvania's state boating administration, Courses offered were chosen because they would help works with other agencies that provide boating safety those interested in enhancing their recreational boating educational opportunities, such as the American Red Cross, opportunities, those personnel who spend time on the water U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Canoe patrolling and assisting others, and camp staff responsible Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the U.S. for boating activities during the summer months. The Power Squadrons. program was offered to individuals 18 years of age and Traditionally, the American Red Cross offers multi-day older. training schools that include many courses in small boat The staff members selected were boating safety educators safety. For two years, Ohio and Pennsylvania have from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, discussed offering similar schools, and decided to pool the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, American Red Cross, and resources, and offer the Ohio/ Pennsylvania Small Craft the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Training College. In conjunction with the National Safe Boating Week, the The school was designed to provide increased skill and school was scheduled for the first week in June. Although knowledge experiences for a variety of individual needs. this week was a bit early for some school students, it was The initial brainstorming began with representatives from most acceptable for the majority of the target audience. Ohio and Pennsylvania."What should we offer? Where What follows is a pictorial look at the college's activities. should we hold the training? Where will we sleep and eat? Who will be asked to help instruct the courses? How do we tell the world about the school? What equipment do we Janet R. Mayer is the Commission Bureau of Waterways need? And so the challenge began .. . special program coordinator. She was this year's head Because the school was jointly coordinated between Ohio administratorfor the Ohio-Pennsylvania Small Craft and Pennsylvania, it was decided that the training site Training College.

24 Boat Pennsylvania The Ohio/Pennsylvania Small Craft Training College was geared toward those interested in enhancing their recreational hooting know-how, toward personnel who patrol waters or assist others on the water, and camp staff responsiblefor boating activities. Camp staff included boating safety educators from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, American Red Cross, l'.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Fish Commission. The author, pictured here, served as this year's head administrator. popik

11417/1171

Pictured here left to right is a sequence showing some of the This sequence is a planned capsizing, preparing sailors to steps necessary to right a capsized sailboat. Sailing courses right their boats, and preparing instructors to teach righting offered included basic sailing and basic sailing instructor. procedures better. At right, some canoeing instruction focused on the proper selection and use of equipment that canoeists can take on board.

Students, pictured above, meet the At right, a student practices challenge offreeing a pinned canoe in a variety of different moving water. canoeing strokes.

Above, controlling a canoe depends on how effectively the paddler uses different strokes. Paddling courses offered included basic river canoeing and fundamentals of canoeing.

•;.; •':•:••% ••.*;!7.:7 ;;;;

Part of the instruction in canoeing, pictured above, included basic procedures such as entering and launching the craft.

At right, one class gave students practical experience in using marinefire extinguishers and related safety concerns of boatfires.

26 Boat Pennsylvania r7;

Al left, instruction in Above, a water rescue class learns the powerboat operation proper proceduresfor turning a victim with featured docking, a suspected back injury. Below, the maneuvering, sequence continues with the victim shown launching, and properly turned. trailering.

.More than 50 students participated in some 10 different courses, and some students elected several courses. The water patrol and water rescue class pictured here was one of the most popular. Ilrkly r .1P11114,

they don't win races, especially with Molonari, the European champion, by Mike Sajna only three laps left. probably the greatest Formula One Calmly, he presses the gas all the driver who ever lived. photos by Ken Itani way to the floor. In an instant, he The glint in his eye turns colder. He overtakes the last two boats, passing forces the peddle downward. The the first one as the speedometer needle edges beyond 160, and then it reaches the 152mph mark and the is just Molonari and he. yes as cold as steel, he second at 156. Then on the turn he Around the turn and down through glances back down at the darts to the inside just in time to force the bridge piers they run dead even. speedometer. The needle the third boat away from the buoy Then, cutting sharper than anybody is holding steady at 148, and take it. He has to smile as he he had ever seen, Molonari moves Ebut the oil pressure has catches a glimpse of his spray washing ahead on the bottom turn with just started to drop. The gasket everybody back over the cockpit. over a lap to go. Things are getting was worried about has begun to give. "Sorry old chap," he laughs. interesting, he thinks. He looks away from the gauge and "Terrible manners." Back and forth the two battle. Their back at the five boats still ahead of Down the straightaway they speedometers push closer and closer him. It's time to make his move. If the bounce. The fourth boat is not going to the 165 mark, and then the needle motor goes it goes, he tells himself. to be so easy. At 158 they are running on his oil gauge plunges toward the The meek may inherit the earth, but head-to-head, and beyond them lies red line. The gasket is gone. One way 28 Boat Pennsylvania King ofSpeed or another it will all be over in but they certainly do see themselves in what has become one of Pennsyl- another moment. He checks his cutting 90-degree turns and breaking vania's biggest annual boating events opponent. He used to be the best, he the 165mph mark on the straight- in 1985, but also became the first tells himself, and then yanks the wheel aways. Only about 25 people in the rookie driver ever to win a division hard to the left, grazing the buoy and entire world hold a Formula One title. forcing the champion into a wide, license, so it is probably even safer to "It's just from an extreme desire to stalling slide. All that is left now is say that all those images will remain do it and then going out and doing crowning the tan queen. dreams for everybody in the stands. it," Provich says about his entry into "Most men lead lives of quiet Formula One racing."From the f the approximately 500,000 desperation" was the way Thoreau inception in 1982(at Pittsburgh), I Opeople who now annually attend put it. knew I'd drive Formula One the Formula One powerboat races at Among those 25 individuals who someday." Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Regatta, it have dared to cross the barrier Provich might have had the feeling is probably safe to say that at least a dividing their dreams from reality is he was going to drive Formula One few thousand have entertained such 42-year-old John Provich. A native of boats, the fastest outboard powered Walter Mitty fantasies. They might Pittsburgh who now lives in the Ohio class in the world, when he was sitting not include the problem of dropping River town of Ambridge, Provich not in one of the race safety boats as a oil pressure or end up forcing the only earned his Formula One license member of the Oakmont Boat Racing European champion out of the race, and became the first native son to run Club at the first regatta, but the road September!October 1986 29 Opp THO Jon... to a license was not exactly an Pennsylvania native John Provich's rdrhowing things were going to be expressway. Formula One boat can develop 450 It tough, Provich picked "It's a very structured, very horsepower at 10,000rpm to attain Minneapolis as the site for his test. He organized *form of powerboating," he straightaway speeds of about 140mph. chose the Minnesota city over his points out when asked about the home town and the Three Rivers procedures for obtaining a license, Regatta for one main reason. A very "and it has to be very structured, very human reason. organized because of speed." test. To begin with, no Formula Four "I wanted to pass the test driver had ever moved directly into somewhere other than my own ealizing that if he wanted to get Formula One competition. On top of backyard," he says."You don't want Rinto Formula One racing he that, 1984 saw the death of four to show up in your backyard and then would need credentials, Provich Formula One drivers in four have to say you didn't pass the test." decided after the 1982 regatta that his consecutive races in Europe and a Provich's fight to earn a license first step should be to get out of the worried Union of International started almost as soon as he arrived in V-hull E Class into the tunnel boats Motorboating(UIM), the governing the Twin Cities. It began when the used in the higher classes. So he body of Formula One racing in race officials notified him that his bought a tunnel boat and started to Belgium, tightening the rules. boat, which had been built in 1983 compete at the Formula Four level, "With that (the four deaths) looking from a radical design that employed top speed of about 90mph. To gain them in the face, any rookie drivers both wood and aluminum instead of driving experience, he also began had to have credentials behind them just wood, was 1/1 2 inches too short racing in the Bahamas, Canada, and even to be considered," Provich and 160 pounds too light. It did not other parts of the United States. Using recalls. "Killing the driver is definitely qualify as a Formula One craft under his Formula Four boat in the not one of the parts of the game." the rules established in 1984 in the Formula Three competition, he even Exactly how tough the UIM and its wake of the four deaths in Europe. managed to finish third in the arm in this country, the American Having dreamed of racing Formula Canadian National Championship Powerboat Association and the One boats for three years, however, Races. United States Formula One Racing P5ovich, his family, and the race team Such wide-ranging credentials Association, could be about granting were not about to give up without a proved to be critical when it came a license Provich was just beginning to struggle. Using body putty, they time for Provich to try for his find out. quickly lengthened the craft the Formula One license. Without them, "It's almost like driving for God as required 1/12 inches. Adding 160 in fact, the judges would not even your critic," he says now,"because pounds was something else altogether have considered letting him take the you can't screw up." though, especially because all weight 30 Boat Pennsylvania in a Formula One boat must be but could not find out where. Finally, and first in the carbureted engine functional. Ballast is not allowed. they had to agree to let Provich take division. At the next race in Toledo, When the idea came up of replacing the test. he improved his overall standing by the two lightweight batteries most "So they craned the boat into the finishing 10th, and then right after Formula One boats use with five water, I climbed in, turned the key that accomplished his greatest feat so marine batteries weighing about 40 and heard this low wrrrrr, wrrrr, wrr," far in Formula One racing. It pounds each, the Provich team he remembers. happened north of the border on Lake thought they had the problem licked. Today. Provich is still not sure if Ontario. The judges did not agree. Because of his team mis-wired the batteries after "Two weeks after Toledo, we went the marine batteries exploding on they removed the fifth one, or if the to Canada and I became the first impact, they ruled that the use of five batteries just weren't fully charged. American to become the National batteries was not permitted. Provich Whatever the problem the judges Powerboating Champion of Canada," argued that some other boats use four didn't care. They cooly informed he says proudly. batteries and eventually was told he Provich that part of Formula One With accomplishments such as the could keep four of the big batteries. racing is starting the boat, because all Canadian National Championship, Removal of the fifth battery again races begin from a dead-start, and if becoming the first rookie ever to win dropped the boat's weight below the he couldn't start his boat, he couldn't a division title, the first international minimum requirement, and left take the test. No excuses. And no Formula Four driver to move directly Provich once more facing second chance. into Formula One competition, and disqualification at the official weigh- Disappointed, but hoping to the first Pittsburgher ever to race in in. That was until he remembered the salvage something out of the trip, the state's biggest boating event, a lot load of lead shot left over from earlier Provich and his team decided to stop of people would say Provich has come racing days in his travel trailer. off at a lesser race in Wisconsin before a long way in a very, very short period "So we took the seat cover off and heading home. It was only a Formula of time. That is true if only the time filled the bottom with lead shot," he Four event, but it would add to his he has possessed a Formula One smiles. "Some people cushion their list of credentials during his next bid license is taken into consideration. scats with soft material, we cushioned for a Formula One license at the But like most people who find with lead shot. Kind of a bean bag Three Rivers Regatta. "overnight success," he has been on chair." the road leading to his dream longer Aware that the removal of the fifth fter what happened in than anybody imagines. For almost 30 battery should have put Provich's Minnesota, Provich's second try years now he has been moving up boat back below the minimum weight for a license was almost anticlimactic. from the 25hp "powerboat" he ran limit, the judges were somewhat He passed the five-lap test, with his father when he was 13 years stunned when it passed the weigh-in. demonstrating his ability to handle his old, through all the V-hull designs They immediately put the boat craft, "with flying colors," as noted in into Formula Four, Formula Three, through another complete inspection. "European Powerboat '86," going on and then finally Formula They knew weight had been added, to finish 11th overall in a field of 20 One—the king of speed.

A Pricetag on $75,000 package by the time you're we're talking millions and millions of finished with things, and then we impressions, and that's what a Formula One Racing aren't really talking spare parts. I potential sponsor wants to hear, and Wherever John Provich goes carry $8,000 worth of propellers with since we're in the billboard business, I nowadays among boaters, he is me and that's only four props. That's pitch it as a 150mph billboard. instantly bombarded with questions $2,000 a propeller." "Last year the races were on cable about the sport. Here are the answers What about sponsors? How do you TV. This year (1986) they will be to a few of the most asked: get one? nationally syndicated. I just got off How do you get into racing? "Without a sponsor, you really the phone talking to Thrift Drug (his "If you want to get into racing you can't afford to race. It takes a lot of major sponsor) and we were talking have to be around racing. In 1982, contact. I pitch Formula One racing six figures. That's my asking price during the first Formula One race that with a multi-media package. You have because of the television involved." ever happened in the United States, I to have something to sell. Nobody *What's it really like to drive one of was in a safety boat. In 1983, I drove wants to pay you to go racing. That those boats? a Zodiac inflatable with the medical makes no sense. "Fantastic! Like you have all the rescue people in it, and in 1984,(as "Since 1982, it's become one of the power in the world at hand. Just an president of his billboard company top spectator motor sports in the inconceivable amount of power. It's a Design Dynamics) I sponsored a United States. Nascar, with its psychological thing. That boat talks to boat." Windsor Cup, is number one, but they me a lot through my own How much does it cost? have 13 races. Formula One is subconscious. It's the boat saying, "The motor on my boat costs number two with five races. It's in do anything you want, but if you $28,000, the boat, $20,000. By the front of the Indy cart series. This year make a mistake I'll get you.' You time you put it on a trailer and put it (1986) we'll have seven races and better know what you're doing behind a motor home, you're talking a expect to draw 3 million people. So in the cockpit."—MS September!October 1986 31 THE NEWEST FOR STAYING WARM AND DRY page 4 LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVING IDEAS page 8 WATER SKI TOWBOAT DRIVERS page 11 PONTOON BOAT POINTERS page 14 SMALL-BOAT SMARTS page 19 PENNSYLVANIA'S KING OF SPEED page 28

You have a boating friend in Pennsylvania