July/August 1986 80C

Pennsylva iltar viet

The Keystone State's Official Boating Magazine r

One of the most popular exercise devices in home gyms these days is the rowing machine. It's all part of the "Keep Fit America" craze. But the stationary rowing machines are doing something else. They're kindling an interest in the real thing — the rowing shell. The sport has been around a long time and is steeped in tradition. Conjure in your mind a scene of a turn-of-the-century Ivy League college and you'll see a picture of the rowing team with beanies, turtleneck sweaters, and their oars raised high. The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia is typical. The navy is an association of rowing clubs that was founded in 1858. Its most famous commodore was John B. Kelly, 1920 Olympic single scull gold medalist and the father of Grace Kelly. The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 for the first time made it a requirement that unpowered boats carry personal flotation devices. Because the federal law requires that equipment regulations be uniform nationally, states had no choice but to adopt the same regulation. This regulation presented a problem to the sport of rowing. There was simply no place to stow a PFD, and to wear a life jacket and remain INFLATABLE PFDs competitive was impossible. Recognizing this difficulty, the Coast Guard very quickly excepted "racing shells, rowing sculls, and racing kayaks" from the equipment requirements, and that exception remains today. In 1972, and until recently, the sport of rowing was almost exclusively an organized team sport. Practices are formal, discipline and conditioning are paramount, and rarely is a boat on the water without a coach boat nearby. Even so, the sport has had its share of boating accidents resulting in fatalities. The Fairmount Dam in Philadelphia has claimed victims, as has the Charles River in Massachusetts. If this were still almost exclusively a team sport, the solution would be relatively simple — require the coach boats to carry enough PFDs for the shell crews. But that's no longer the case. Recreational shells are proliferating. It's a great form of exercise that has finally been recognized. These boats will soon be commonplace on our waters, particularly in early morning and evening when the water is calm and the presence of other boats is minimal. The reasons for excepting the boats from the PFD regulations are that stowage is unhandy and wearing them is cumbersome. There is a solution, however. Urge that the Coast Guard expedite the approval of inflatable personal flotation devices. Not only would the problem Of shells be solved, but so also that of the many other PFD situations in which the currently approved devices are cumbersome. There are some nice inflatable devices on the market now. They come in pouches that can be worn on a belt, and the modern synthetic materials require little maintenance. If you find yourself in the water, the device will inflate automatically if you wish, or it may be inflated manually. These devices are easy to put on in the water, they fit better, and afford more freedom of movement. Inflatable PFDs — Their time has come!

Gene Sport Assistant Executive Director Bureau of Waterways Pennsylvania Fish Commission

&, July/August 1986 Vol.3 No.4

The covers This issue's front cover, photographed by Don Carey, shows Boat Pennsylvania subscriber Dr. John J. Trosko, of Plains, PA, demonstrating the use of a rescue bag.This safety device is used to throw a line to a victim in the water, and it serves as efficient storage BOAT for the line. Rescue bags are practical to have aboard small boats. The devices aren't new, but the informa- tion on PFDs for water skiers in the article that begins Pennsylvania on page 14 is new.In fact,the Commission is changing its regulations concerning the use of water ski wetsuits, and this article is a complete update. This issue's back cover, photographed by Art Michaels,shows a grandfather giving his grandson a lesson in boat handling — a lesson that teaches chil- dren to think safety right from the beginning of their boating experiences.

Under Way at Night by Joe Greene The purpose of boat lights is to prevent collisions. They differ from how we use automobile headlights. Using navigation lights properly and interpreting their configurations on the water is vital 4 What Makes a Personal Flotation Device Personal? by Virgil Chambers We've come a long way from the large orange, bulky uncomfortable life preserver jackets usually associated with sea-going vessels. Today's devices are more comfortable and wearable, including the newest approved PFD 6 A Cover for Your Canoe by Cliff Jacobson Cutting wind resistance, keeping you dry, and helping you stay warm are advantages of using a canoe cover. The author shows how to build a durable, safe one 10 The New Flotation Wetsuits by John M. Cornish Changes are afoot in using these items while 24 involved in certain kinds of water skiing 14 Downwind Sailing by John Kauffman You may need these skills to win a race or scoot home just ahead of bad weather 16 Signposts for Boaters by Fred Menke The story told by buoys is revealed by the device's color, shape, and number 24 Alcohol Effects on Skills Performance by Dr. Marcelline Burns Some of the influences of alcohol on skills performance, like operating a boat, can be measured and observed 27 Viewpoint 2 How I Graduated from a 12-Footer to a Currents 20 16-Footer by Art Michaels Calendar 20 This story is a true confession of how The Law & You 22 a new-boat owner solved what he originally Safety 23 perceived as an ocean of problems 28 Editor Art Michaels Graphics/Layout Ted Walke Pennsylvania Fish Commission Boating Advisory Board Photographer Russ Gettig Marilyn A. Black, President David Coe Circulation Eleanor Mutch Meadville Chairman Staff Assistant Jayne Povleski Theodore T. Metzger, Jr., Vice President State College Bost Pennsylvania is published bimonthly by the Pennsylvania Fish Johnstown Clayton Buchanan Commission. 3532 Walnut Street. Harrisburg, PA 17109. c 1986. Sub- Walter F. Gibbs Joan R. Plumly Pittsburgh scription rates: one year. $4; three years.$11; single copies are 80 cents each. Second class postage is paid at Harrisburg. PA. POSTMASTER: Titusville Jenkintown Leroy Guccini Send address changes to: Boat PA Circulation. Pennsylvania Fish Leonard A. Green Jerome E. Southerton Greentown Commission.P.O. Box 1673. Harrisburg. PA 17105-1673. For subscrip- Carlisle Honesdale Helen B. Lange tion and change of address, use address above. Send all other Ross Wayne Yorks correspondence to: The Editor, Boat Pennsylvania. P.O. Box 1673. J. Huhn J. Sharpsville Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but Saltsburg Benton Edward J. Rogowski must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Calvin J. Kern Holland Submissions are handled with care, but the publisher assumes no Whitehall responsibility for the return or safety of submissions in 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. UNDER low

he "rules of the road" on The green light is located on the star- positioning or intensity of the lights. the water, or as they are board or right side of the boat and Proper maintenance, however, is your titled now,the "Navigation shows an unbroken light over an arc of responsibility. Rules International — the horizon of 112.5 degrees from dead One other word of caution: No other Inland,"are sets ofstatutory ahead to 22.5 degrees beyond the beam. lights shall be exhibited, except lights Trequirements enacted by Congress to The red light is located on the port or that may not be confused with the navi- promote safe navigation. Included in left side and shows the same arc of light gation lights or impair their visibility or these rules are the lighting requirements on that side of the boat. The all-around distinctive character. Bright lights also for recreational boats when operating 360-degree white light is displayed on must not be used that may interfere between sunset and sunrise or during the stern of the boat. with your ability to keep a proper periods of restricted visibility during Illustration 1 applies only to run- lookout. daylight hours. abouts and should not be confused with Keep in mind that if you are tempor- The basic purpose of these lights is to light configurations on other types of arily using spotlights or flashlights, you prevent a collision by alerting each boat boats such as cabin cruisers, sailboats cannot shine them into anyone else's operator to the other's presence. In this under sail, rowboats, and larger com- line of vision and impair his night respect, they differ from headlights on mercial vessels that you may encounter. vision. I have found that the use of these automobiles because they do not light Knowledge of these lights is impor- lights narrows my field of vision and up the water surface to detect hazards. tant because you are legally responsible restricts it to just that beam of light. Boat lights would be more like parking for displaying lights of the proper color, This impairs my ability to keep the lights when a car is sitting alongside the intensity, location, and arc of visibility. whole field in my vision. Generally, I road. This is important—when you remove recommend using these lights sparingly Another purpose of navigation lights the lenses for cleaning be sure that they and only when necessary,such as locat- on a boat is that they indicate the rela- are replaced properly. ing mooring spaces. tive heading of one boat as seen from Usually, when I have observed the Many boaters feel uncomfortable the other. The lights displayed on a typ- red and green lights displayed on the operating at night because they don't ical runabout are different colors,so the wrong side, it is a result of improper understand how to interpret navigation observer can tell which way the boat is replacement after cleaning. lights or running lights. A suggestion heading. The red and green lights are Generally, the proper positioning of that might help is to plan some of your located on the bow or forward part of the lights is taken care of by the manu- trips just before dusk. Concentrate on the boat with a white light on the stern. facturer. If the boat is certified as com- what the other boats look like as it These lights are also designed to show a plying with BIA standards, you nor- starts to get dark. Look at the lights specific arc of light. mally will not have to worry about th while you can still see the hull. Make a Illustration 1 rom deacTihead to 22.5° abaft the beam displayed on port side.

red

green

112.5° from dead ahead to all around white light 22.5° abaft the beam, displayed on starboard side. The above diagram; shows a opical display with a combination bow light.

4 Boat Pennsylvania graphics by Ted Welke ATMGHA b Joe Greene

mental image that you can recall when Fora full explanation of all the navi- operating in total darkness. gation light requirements, consult Illustration 2 gives you some ideas to "Navigation Rules International- work with when you are under way. Inland"available from: Superintendent With experience you will become of Documents, U.S. Government Print- proficient at interpreting these lights ing Office, Washington,DC 20402. The and also distinguishing them from stock number is 050-012-00205-3 and shoreside background lights. It will the price is $6 each. open new horizons as 1 have found that cruising at night can be fun and Joe Greene is a Fish Commission relaxing. Bureau of Waterways boating safety education specialist.

Illustration 2 what you see Diagram A boat's relative position looking at another white boat head-on 0

green() red white

0

green0red

white

Diagram B 0 you will see a white light only o green red

0

white

.0 green

white looking at another 0 boat's starboard (right)side. green July1 A ugust 1986 5 What Makes a Personal Flotation Device Personal? by Virgil Chambers here are old boaters. .. descriptively more accurate than "life There are careless boaters preserver" because it designates a device .. . There are no old care- that assists in the buoyancy ofa body in less boaters! Sounds omi- the water; a device that has been "per- nous? Yes. Why? Careless sonalized" by design as suitable for the Tboating can result in accidents. Acci- various needs of the wearer. dents can result in death. What leads to Today's PFDs are attractive and death in a boating accident? Drowning. more comfortable to wear. These con- Drowning is by far the number one temporary PFDs offer a color selection cause of death while boating. along with pockets,full and stretch knit The boater who drowns has found collars, and attachment capabilities all himselfin an emergency situation. Usu- at the buyer's option. They are adapted ally this involves a sudden and unex- to the individual needs of the boater pected plunge into the water. Even a while still supplying the recommended strong swimmer can experience serious buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat. trouble when confronted with an un- The PFD that I am describing is the foreseen accident. While swimming type III. Although more expensive than skills are certainly desirable, they alone that yesterday's orange,cotton -covered, are not enough, if that on-the-water type II kapok or horsecollar device, the emergency arises. type Ill device is genuinely comfortable The problem stems from the fact that Drowning is the most common cause of and attractively more wearable. The capsizing or falling overboard is not a death in fishing accidents. Use good type III PFD has addressed the prob- planned occurrence. This sudden plunge sense — put on a PFD and make fit lem of getting the boater to wear safety into open water can be frightening and adjustments before you launch. equipment(and with the advent of the should not be compared to a voluntary hybrid device, we can expect in the jump or dive. The now in-water boater to be another measure of protection for years to come even more boaters clad is not in the water for enjoyment or the boater. for safety). For the recreational motor- recreation, but for survival. The plunge That protection can come in the form boater, sailor, skier, paddler, fisher- was not planned. The boater was not of a U.S. Coast Guard approved per- man or hunter, the present type III ready. The surprise can easily cause sonal flotation device—the PFD. The offers the greatest selection of"person- panic and result in the ingestion of term "life preserver" has been used to alization" in a flotation device. water, triggering a choking reflex. indicate this type ofsafety gear, but this A major consideration of selecting a Complicating this emergency is a name is inaccurate. Technically, a "life PFD is purpose. Different PFDs are body of water that can be deep, cold, preserver" is an official designation by more suitable than others for a variety moving,and murky. The reaction of the the U.S. Coast Guard referring to a of waterborne activities. The duck hun- boater and his preparation forjust such specific type of PFD—those devices ter, for example, would find the insu- an occurrence can determine the life-or- normally associated with large sea- lated camouflaged float coat complete death outcome. All too often, boaters going vessels. I'm sure you know the with a special pocket for shells far more succumb to what is referred to as SDS kind I mean, the large, orange, bulky, desirable than an equally stylish short- (sudden drowning syndrome). In other and uncomfortable jacket that was ribbed brightly colored vest commonly words, the submerged boater does not intended for emergencies that might worn by kayakers or river paddlers. surface but drowns. This sudden im- develop on commercial vessels. The life PFDs have evolved into an identifying mersion disorients even a "good preserver is not generally recommended mark that labels the "serious" boater as swimmer," causing him to panic and for pleasure boating, although it is a "knowledgeable" sailor, a "knowl- struggle in a watery environment he legally accepted as "approved" for edgeable" paddler, a "knowledgeable" could under a different circumstance recreational use. angler, or a "knowledgeable" hunter. successfully float or swim in. There has The name personal flotation device is Today's PFDs look like any other well- 6 Boat Pennsylvania Jo% Testing a PFD in the protected environment of a swimming pool with proper safety precautions and supervision is a good idea to learn what your PFD can do and can't do. You can become familiar with exactly how it floats you, and just how itfeels to wear one in the water — if an emergency ever occurs. This idea is one that makes a PFD personal.

July/ August 1986 7 made outdoorjacket, hunting or fishing on. This will ensure your total familiar- vest, or fashionable foul-weather gear ity with the device's limitations as well or wind breaker. There is a PFD on the as your own capabilities. With the The market that is "personalized" to every appropriately sized PFD properly ad- water sport. justed to the wearer, the boater be- Coupled with purpose is maximum comes fully equipped to enjoy the out- he Coast Guard has issued final safety, and this quality is obtained by ing. A PFD becomes truly personal Trules that provide for approval of a new assuming a proper fit and correct when you choose it with the same care type V wearable PFD, called a hybrid adjustment. Most type Ills are availa- with which you choose other equip- PFD. The rule, which should ble in several sizes—small, medium, ment, and use it with the same determi- benefit boaters, will permit the use of and large with petite or extra-large sizes nation to do things right. hybrids as an alternative to the wear- able types (primarily the sizes are determined by Keep in mind that a PFD is not a currently approved for boats (types chest measurement)available in certain substitute for swimming abilities. It is 1,11, and III). The new PFDs are called styles or models. In addition, "univer- not a guarantee that you will not hybrids because, in effect, they sal"adult or"one size fits all" PFDs are drown. It is merely an aid to buoyancy. are a cross between purely inflatable also available and can be adjusted to fit It can provide additional protection devices and the more conventional PFDs most body types. Many PFD manufac- against the effects of cold water and it is that have inherent buoyancy turers have children's devices that vary a necessary piece of boating equipment. supplied by some form of flotation in size according to chest measurement It is only personal when consistently material. The hybrid contains a mix of and a minimum and maximum weight worn. It can greatly reduce the chances both forms of flotation. range. Like the adult selection, there is of your drowning. Coast Guard accident statistics indi- sometimes available a "universal" youth That capsizing or fall overboard cate that a great many drownings in size. Remember that proper adjustment becomes only a minor mishap or boating activities could have been pre- is most critical in the "universal" size embarrassing situation when a properly vented if the boater had been wearing a PFD at device. Snug is how you want it to fit. fitted PFD is worn. An accident that is the time of the accident. In the After you have purchased the device an inconvenience, not a drowning. Is boating environment, when an accident of your choice, it is important you read there anything more personal than a occurs, it is not unusual for the occu- the accompanying proper use and main- human life? Perhaps a personal flota- pants of the boat to find themselves in tenance instructions. Quite simply, if tion device is a "life preserver" afterall. the water before they have the time to you take care of your PFD it will take locate calmly, put on, and adjust their PFDs. The care of you. Periodic testing of the 111L aim of the hybrid rule is to device should become routine. To ac- Virgil Chambers is chief of the Com- provide boaters with a new kind of complish this, practice skills such as mission Bureau of Waterways Boating PFD,one that gives a high level of per- floating and swimming with the device Safety Education Section. formance yet is comfortable—in short, one that boaters will wear regularly while engaged in normal boating activi- ties. Some highlights concerning the hybrids that prospective buyers should be aware of are: •H ybrid PFDs must be worn while the boat is under way, and whenever the wearer is not below decks or in an enclosed space, in order for the device to be counted as meeting the Coast Guard requirements for carrying PFDs. • The basic method of inflation re- quired by the Coast Guard regulation is oral. The wearer inflates the device by blowing into a mouth tube attached to the PFD, like blowing up a balloon. However, the hybrid manufacturer has the option of making approved devices with additional inflation mechanisms such as automatic inflators that go off whenever the hybrid enters the water, or manually operated inflators such as CO2 cartridges activated by the wearer through pull cords. • Every hybrid comes with a minimum of inherent flotation to give the wearer some buoyancy if he or Fit is an important part of proper PFD use. The device shouldfit snugly. she goes into the water with the PFD uninflated. The

8 Boat Pennsylvania New Hybrid PFDs

amount of inherent flotation provided provides performance equivalent to a information on the use, care, and main- will be enough to float most adults until type II PFD only after full oral tenance of the hybrid PFD. they can inflate the hybrid. If you buy a inflation." •Under the new rules, there will be no hybrid, it is a good idea to test the •Each hybrid PFD is supplied with an hybrids approved for use by children device in the water in an uninflated Information Pamphlet and an Owner's (persons weighing less than 90 pounds). condition so that you know what to Manua/(they may be combined, at the This is because children, in an emer- expect and can become familiar with manufacturer's option, in one booklet). gency situation, may not be able to how to inflate it under these conditions. The information pamphlet gives gen- inflate a hybrid quickly and effectively. •When fully inflated, a hybrid will pro- eral information to the prospective Also, wearability of conventional PFDs vide flotation performance equivalent buyer on performance characteristics of is not so much a problem with children to one of the conventional wearable all the various types of Coast Guard because child-sized PFDs need less flo- PFDs (type I. II, or 111). The hybrid approved PFDs. This is done to help tation material. manufacturer has the option of choos- the buyer make a decision on which •The Coast Guard has already started ing which level of flotation perfor- type PFD is best for his or her needs. to grant approval /o hybrid manufac- mance the device will provide. A label For this reason, the information pam- tures, so the new PFDs should be on the hybrid will state the level of equi- phlet must be available to the consumer generally available to boaters now. valent flotation that particular device before purchase. The owner's manual, provides. For example: "This PFD as the name indicates, gives the owner

The new type V wearable PFDs are comfortable and stylish, but they must be worn to meet requirements.

July!August 1986 9

here are plenty of good suggested here is well-proven, and the 5. Versatility is important: In white reasons why fabric covers skirt closure system that's illustrated water, you'll want instant entry and haven't caught on. They're will ensure fast, reliable exits if you exit at the stern (no tail section); in expensive to buy, time- capsize. wind, a belly cover alone may be consuming to make, You don't need to trek to the arctic sufficient. Often, a full bow cover is T to appreciate the merits of a canoe overkill; a simple splash deck and prone to tear, awkward to put on and take off, inconvenient to use, and cover. White-capped lakes, combing provide ample protection possibly dangerous in a capsize. To challenging rapids, and bad weather from spray. date, several drownings have been occur everywhere in the lower 48 Harsh requirements? You bet! But credited to covers that came off states. You'll find plenty of easy to meet if you make your own canoes and entangled canoeists! opportunity to field test — and to cover. What about factory offerings? Given this kind of glowing enjoy — your covered canoe right For practical purposes, there are testimony, why would anyone want to here in Pennsylvania. none. You'll find simplistic one piece cover his canoe? Let's dissect the variables that designs that snap to the gunnels, but If you've ever paddled in icy wind- contribute to good canoe cover these are not versatile enough for a whipped rain, fought the waves of a design: touring canoe. And they are big-water lake, or edged down rapids 1. The cover fabric must be light, frightfully expensive! just large enough to swamp an open strong, and waterproof. It should After years of experimenting with canoe, you'll know. Then exhibit minimal stretch!shrinkage canoe covers(to date, I've built 15 of inconveniences be hanged; you'll cover when it gets wet. them), I've come to prefer a three- your canoe! . 2. The cover must be so securely piece model I designed myself. The Consider these benefits of canoe fastened to the canoe that it can't cover has a rectangular belly section covers: They cut wind resistance by possibly come off and entangle you in that expands to accommodate varying around 50 percent and add a capsize. Yet, cold hands must be load heights, and bow and stern caps considerable warmth on cold, blustery able to put it on and take it off with a that may be used independently or days. In rain, their advantage is minimum of fuss. together with the mid-section. Most of obvious, as is the increased 3. Portholes (waist-skirts) must the time, I keep end caps rolled and seaworthiness you'll enjoy in rapids. permit easy exit in a capsize. Fighting reefed (tied) to form a short splash Even small mill-pond and solo canoes folds of fabric in turbulent water is a deck and combing. This allows instant can be used on rough water with sure recipe for drowning! entry into the canoe and eliminates enjoyment if they are covered. 4. The cover should feature an the claustrophobia associated with But are splash covers really safe? expandable belly that will fully covered boats. Generally, yes. The cover design accommodate loads of different When rains come, I attach the bow heights.

Two-piece coverfor solo canoe. Note how bow section ofcover overlaps and snaps to the stern section. Note also elastic loop to hold stern tracking line. photos by the author July/ August 1986 II Inside (coated side) FIGURE 1 Inch-wide pajama elastic of cover.

n Snap 1 0'

2-inch wide AdJ r Velcro sewn to outside of cover.

Belly TOP Cover VIEW Stern

Elastic run through hem

Simple hem ABOVE: Top view of belly section. Bow side is shown at left, stern on right. /12-inch wide elastic BELOW: Side view of belly show ng how elasticised channels are formed. run through sewn channels

1110 Elastic run through sewn Form channels in materia by overlapping sections every channels. 24 inches. Sew through material here. (+) Velcro

FIGURE 2 Elastic waist cord Top view of sleeve in canoe cover

Grab To seal gusset in sleeve, grasp grab loop and fold material loop to the right (clockwise) until Velcro strips mate. Secure brass Plastic snap. Release gusset by pulling grab loop. cord lock Snap (+) Note: Do not eliminate the brass snap. It is essential to prevent (-) downward shearing of the closure by heavy waves which Velcro accumulate in the skirt "pocket". (+) Velcro Snap (-) (-) Velcro and tail cap to the center section. In sections, one of which features a Materials rapids, the bow and belly are used — center porthole so his young son can 1. Sewing machine. You'll be the tail is rolled and reefed. To ride! sewing lightweight (2/12 - 5 ounce per portage, I reef the end caps (they're The following procedures are for square yard) polyurethane-coated left in place on the canoe) and remove making a three-piece splash cover with material, so any inexpensive portable and pack the belly. expandable belly. Figure on about 24 machine will work. I use a coal-black, This three-piece design is highly hours of building time and $150 in 1953 model Singer. Sa

AO adaptable. You can even modify it to materials. The finished product will be 2. Skills. I didn't know how to accept a passenger. In fact, a friend much better (and safer!) than anything thread a machine, let alone run one Pot just that: He constructed two belly did you can buy. when I built my first cover. It's nice if 'MOM 12 Boat Pennsylvania you can sew a straight stitch, but the part of the canoe. now is to make the sleeve and sew it cover will come out all right if you 2. Hem all sides of the material but to the porthole. can't. leave enough room in the stern hem 3. Patterns. None. The canoe is for a length of half-inch wide plastic. Making the sleeve your pattern. You design as you go, Next, sew one-inch wide pajama Measure the circumference of the which fortunately is much easier than elastic along the inside (polyurethane- porthole and add three inches. This is it sounds. coated) edge of each long side as the length you'll need to make the 4. Plenty of straight pins and a shown in figure 1. sleeve. Finished height of the sleeve measuring tape. 3. Mark the material at two foot should be about 22 inches. 5. Waterproof nylon (ripstop or intervals along its length. Fold the Hem the top of the sleeve (leave an taffeta). For touring friendly fabric lengthwise along these marks opening in front for the elastic waist waterways, 2/12-ounce per square yard (figure 1, side view) and sew inch-wide cord) and install a plastic cord-lock to is heavy enough. For serious travel in channels through the material. control the tension of the elastic. Or the boonies, consider the merits of 4. Run lengths of half-inch wide better yet, make the safety-proven something more substantial. elastic through each channel and the quick-release gusset illustrated in Most material comes in 50-inch rear hem; tighten the elastic figure 2. wide bolts. You'll need an amount substantially and sew down the ends. To exit the quick-release gusset, equal to the length of your canoe plus 5. Set snaps into the elastic simply pull the grab loop to release three feet. Add a piece of fabric about webbing (hem)spaced to mate with the snap and Velcro closure. Then, 80 inches long by 24 inches wide for those on the canoe. Nylon stretches climb out. No way can you get each skirt (sleeve) you plan to make. when wet and shrinks when dry, so trapped inside. Tension of the gusset The typical I7-foot canoe requires the elastic will ensure a fit when the is controlled by the elastic and cord- about nine yards of nylon. fabric changes dimensions. lock at the back. 6. Sharp scissors, pocket knife, roll Now, snap the belly section onto The last step in making the bow cap of silver duct tape. the canoe and check its fit. If the is to sew mating Velcro strips to the 7. Enough heavy-duty solid brass elastic is properly tensioned, the cover underside of the back edge of the bow snaps to go completely around the should fit dead flat on the canoe, yet cover and top side of the belly cover canoe at approximate 8-inch intervals. have sufficient spring to accommodate near the front thwart. When rain or Be sure the snaps are brass; check a two-foot high packsack. Note that rough water threatens, simply Velcro them with a magnet! Nickel-plated the belly section provides a "generic" the back edge of the bow cap to the steel snaps rust in a few years. Good fit; it will work without alteration on belly (there should be a 12-inch to 18- snaps cost about 50 cents apiece. any other canoe of roughly similar inch overlap). 8. Six feet of 2-inch wide Velcro. size. In fact, the cover I built for my The procedure for making the stern You can use the one-inch wide stuff if I7-foot Old Town Tripper fits nicely cover is the same as that for the bow. you double it. on my 16/12-foot Mad River Explorer. Some final touches: Sew ties or 9. Forty feet of one-inch wide Construction of the mid-section snap tabs around the cockpit so that pajama elastic. should require about three hours. you can roll and reef the sleeve in fair 10. Twelve feet of half-inch wide weather. Also install ties on the bow elastic. Making the bow and stern decks so you can roll and 11. Two plastic cord locks to secure and stern covers reef these sections and leave them on the elastic in the skirt. 1. Cut a length of fabric that the canoe while portaging. reaches from the apex of the bow to Sew Velcro tabs on the extreme Procedure two feet behind the front thwart. Duct ends of each bow cap. Secure your 1. Pop-rivet snaps at 8-inch tape the material tightly to the boat tracking lines under these velcro tabs. intervals through the canoe hull, two and mark the location of each snap inches below the gunnels. Be sure to with tailor's chalk (photo I). Solo canoe considerations use an aluminum back-up washer 2. Remove the fabric from the A two-piece (no expandable belly) behind each pop-rivet. As you canoe, trim and hem it at the snap cover works best for solo canoes. The approach the bow (last 1/12 feet), cut line, then sew inch-wide pajama elastic bow section should end about 18 the distance between the snaps in half at each marked point. The bow cover inches behind the seat, and Velcro or (to 4 inches). The closer spacing is a should now fit tightly on the canoe. snap to the short tail cap behind (see safety feature; it will keep the bow 3. Now you're ready to make the photo 13). When portaging, the bow cover from coming loose when the bow skirt (sleeve). Begin by drawing section is rolled forward to the front nose of the canoe plunges into rough the outline of the "porthole" on the thwart then tied in place. The canoe water. fabric (use tailor's chalk or a white may then be carried without removing crayon). Make the circle smaller than the covers. Now You're Ready to you think you'll need. Use a sharp It's impossible to elaborate small Make the Belly pocket knife to cut the hole. construction details in an article of 1. Cut a piece of fabric that reaches This accomplished, get inside the this length. If you want more specifics, from the front edge of the bow seat to boat (sit on the seat) and carefully see my book, Canoeing Wild Rivers. a foot behind the rear thwart, and is expand the size of the cockpit until It has a full chapter on the art ofII 18-24 inches wider than the widest you feel comfortable. All that remains making fabric splash covers. July/ August 1986 13 .11•••••11.

Niki.„0044mmi

while performing, but the Nylon 11 or sponse period will be held before it will Nm &kid Lgoaddo Lycra coverings ofthe flotation wetsuits be formally adopted. slide or skim across the water. The snug- As part of the new regulation, a des- N.1 ater skiing equipment has fitting one-piece suit with legs keeps the cription of the flotation wetsuits and steadily advanced as have suit in place. their specifications is listed. Most of many other items due to In 1980,the Pennsylvania Fish Com- the flotation wetsuits manufacturered the modern technological mission approved the use of flotation conform to these specifications and are advances from our space wetsuits or barefoot suits while in the act acceptable by Pennsylvania. You will program. Skis have been redesigned of barefoot water skiing. This relaxation find the new regulation and specifica- and constructed from kevlar, carbon- of the original ruling allowed barefoot tions listed at the end of this article. graphite, and ABS plastic along with water skiers to ski without a Coast One of the major discussion items fiberglass and aluminum. Ski ropes Guard approved PFD. The barefoot against the approval of flotation wet- have become thinner and lighter yet water skiing community found this rul- suits was the waterways conservation stronger and more durable. Life vests ing very beneficial to their sport, officer's job of enforcing the regulation. have experienced a new birth since the whether skiers were practicing for com- How does the officer patrolling the days of kapok. A new vocabulary has petition or for recreation. During the waterways recognize the flotation wet- been created with the new materials: five seasons of boating and skiing since suits from the standard water ski suit or Gortex, polyurethane, polyethylene, this regulation has been in place, there wetsuitjacket made ofsimilar materials? polypropylene, latex, neoprene, Ruba- have been no indications of the suits We as skiers must accept the fact that tex, PVC, Duralite, Nylon 11 and Navy- being a safety hazard or enforcement an officer may have to stop a skier to Ion. All these materials are used in the problem. Since that time, several other make a close inspection to ensure that construction of vests, ropes, skis, and states have taken Pennsylvania's lead in the skier is following the regulation that ski suits. adopting the same provision. is now a privilege. The skiers must be Wetsuits designed especially for water It has recently been brought to the responsible by wearing a proper flota- skiing have also taken a step into the new attention of the Fish Commission that tion suit and police themselves to con- world. The attractive, colorful suits are trick, slalom, and jump skiers are turn- tinue the respect shown by the Fish warmer, more comfortable, and offer ing to the flotation wetsuits. These skiers Commission by approving the regula- skiers protection. These suits can be find the same safety features as do the tion. Skiers do not need to get upset if made with sewn-in Ensolite rubber barefooters along with more freedom of they are inspected. The patrolman is inserts that give the individual donning movement than provided by a PFD.The doing hisjob and ensuring that our privi- them buoyancy. Boating Advisory Board of the Fish lege is not abused. Remember that the Flotation wetsuits are constructed of Commission has heard viewpointsfrom skiing community's cooperation and a clothlike material of cellular rubber interested parties. Commission staff has safe conduct may allow for further that is 2 or 4 millimeters in thickness. performed tests and studied technical expansion ofthis regulation to all skiing The material can be cut,sewn, and glued specifications proposed by the Ameri- activities on Pennsylvania waterways. into a fitted garment that floats and can Water Ski Association(AWSA) for Modern technology has brought our protects the skier. The suit insulates the the wetsuit manufacturers to follow. lives to a new threshold. Our leisure time body from the chilling water and air. It The Commission has seen fit to consider has become filled with electronics and absorbs shock to protect the skier from the use of flotation wetsuits for trick, gadgets. The sport of water skiing is no falls that may result in injury. Flotation jumping,and barefoot water skiing and different. New developments have suits cannot be ripped off a tumbling slalom on a marked course. This new assisted in the improvement ofthe sport, skier as can vests that don't fit properly regulation will not be in effect until and in time,the laws that govern will be or that are improperly worn. Vests can sometime during the 1986 'ski season. amended to meet the technology. Such is catch or grab the water during falls or Further discussion and a public re- the situation with flotation wetsuits. 14 Boat Pennsylvania The author models one of the new flotation wetsuits. Notice the sewn-in additionalflotation material on the chest. Regulations require that these devices have additionalflotation material sewn in according to strict guidelines. See the actual regulation below for details.

John M. Cornish Section 99.3(h) Water ski wetsuits. Per- 3) The device must be equipped with (b) On the rear of the device pad- sons engaged in slalom skiing on a additional flotation/ padding material ding/flotation material must cover the marked course or persons engaged in ofa closed cell non-absorptive type such area from the top of the shoulder blade barefoot,jump or trick skiing may elect as PVC foam or Ensolite. This flota- to the top of the pelvis and span the to wear in lieu of a U.S. Coast Guard tion/padding must be sewn into the entire width of the back. approved PFD and at their own risk, a device according to the following: (c) Padding/ flotation shall beat least wetsuit designed specifically for such (a) On the front extending from the one-half inch thick. This thickness activity. clavicle to the top of the pelvis vertically excludes any covering material thick- 1) The device must be marketed by the and covering the front rib cage area and ness. manufacturer as a water ski wetsuit. covering as much of the side area as 4) A Coast Guard approved PFD Type 2) The device must be constructed of feasible. The maximum gap between I, II, or III must be carried in the tow nylon covered neoprene or similar mate- padded areas on the side ofthe suit under boat for each skier electing to wear a rial and may have either long or short the arm is four inches. water ski wetsuit. arms and legs.

fair/ August 1986 15

. Downwmd Sailing by John Kauffman bout two-thirds of sailing is off of the wind — broad reaches and runs. Most people consider these legs relaxing time . . . a sense of complacency develops. A Don't fall into this trap. The most dangerous accident in sailing, an uncontrolled jibe, can surprise the unwary. When racing, this is the time to pass a few boats: While you stand alert and aggressive, they may be dozing. Here, then, is a look at the techniques for safe, fast downwind sailing. The situation Three elements contribute to your downwind passage — the wind, the seas, and your boat. The wind creates the most obvious change: a drop in the apparent wind speed. While beating, you feel the sum of the true wind plus the boat speed, creating a very high apparent wind speed. Now that you have turned around, the apparent equals the true wind minus the boat's speed, about 10 percent or 20 percent of the apparent wind while i beating. All of a sudden, the boat seems to move slowly and calmly. But g if you look at the wake coming from your transom you'll see you are still moving quite well.

July!August 1986 17 i The waves are the second factor. Upwind you cut through the waves as they approach you. Downwind the waves come with you from behind, Illustration A helping to push you toward your destination. 1) crew hiked to weather The boat itself also must be tuned differently for a run. Upwind, the sail 2) CE upwind of mid-line is a ridged airfoil that the hull and 3) result: boat bears off crew attempt to keep erect and driving through the wind. Downwind you use sails to "catch" the air and adjust the front view hull to provide a stable platform. The rig Now for some specifics. Start with the rig. The first step begins before you bear off: Tighten the yang. A tight yang keeps the leech straight to get more surface area. It also helps prevent an inversion in the sail, a dangerous case in which the foot of the sail goes to weather and the boom Illustration B swings over and up. I have never seen a yang strong enough to get the boom 1) crew weight in middle down once the boat is off the wind, so be sure to tighten it while still 2) CE above mid-line headed up. 3) boat tracks straight If possible, move the mast forward — blocks at the deck level belong behind the mast, those at keelson level go in front of the mast. Ease off the front view

Illustration C 1) crew weight to lee 2) CE (center of effort) downwind of mid-line 3) result: boat bow pushed up

front view SONdai AQ eor poi kisowom ovem

18 Boat Pennsylvania backstay, tighten the forestay. Next windward side of the boat (illustration Occasionally the sheets get caught loosen the cunningham to keep the A). This twists the bow off to the lee. in the jibe. The three culprits are draft in the middle of the sail. Conversely, less hike or even weight PFDs, the transom corners, and the Although some sailors believe that the to leeward brings the bow up on the tiller. Wearing a T-shirt over your outhaul should be loosened. I like to wind (illustration C). Steering by PFD helps to eliminate protruding keep it tight to provide maximum sail shifting your weight keeps you going corners. For the transom corners, I area, even if the foot is left taut. faster as you minimize drag by not recommend a quick flip of the sheet as using the rudder. the boom passes the center line. This Weight distribution is far more effective than pulling in As you head downwind, you need Jibing and then feeding out the running end to change your weight distribution. Jibing frightens many intermediate of the sheet. Catches on the tiller are Your first consideration is the forward skippers. Although able to tack well, more the tiller's fault than the sheet's. and aft balance. In medium these people are less precise Keep the tiller extension down low as conditions, keep the weight centered downwind, and in sailing carelessly you jibe. Swing it around toward the so that neither the nose nor the stern they sail unsafely. A good jibe begins back of the boat without lifting it into drags in the water. In lighter air, move with a pause to think. How will my the way of the passing sheets. your weight forward. When the sails boat be oriented after the maneuver? Finally, learning to sail well are providing little power, you want to Are the lines free and ready to run? Is downwind has two steps. First, get the stern, with its large wetted the water clear? When is the next puff practice on a light air day. Set the rig surface, out of the water, even if it of air? up correctly and look at how the hull means sinking the bow deeper. After orienting your mind, push is floating in the water as you shift lithe wind is blowing well enough down the board and give your leg and your weight. Practice steering by to plane, the strategy is opposite: Shift arm muscles a few flexes. Now pull shifting your body position. Go aft to get the nose up, pump the the tiller to weather, but only about 30 through several series of jibes sails, and tweak the tiller. Then hang degrees up from center. As the sail concentrating on each step. on for the ride. shimmies in the leech (the leech Now, for step two, go out when the The other half of the weight story is passing through the eye of the wind), wind is blowing. Have on your wet to minimize the rocking, pitching, and straighten the tiller. Immediately suit and (as always) PFD, because wallowing of the boat. By sitting out grasp the mainsheet where it comes you'll capsize a few times. But the on opposite gunnels, the crew and off the boom, duck your body down heavy air will be the true test of your helmsman can reduce all three of into the boat, and swing the sail over. skills. these motions. As the boom passes overhead, rise up If you race your boat, there will be onto the new weather rail. a day when in order to win the regatta Blades It is important to remember the one you'll need to pass someone off the Think of the rudder and big difference between tacking and wind. If you do a lot of cruising, a centerboard as two "blades" cutting jibing. In a tack, the tiller goes time will come when you will be through the water. While upwind you through a great arc while the sail only running home just in front of an want to get a big, clean slice; downhill moves a short distance. In jibing, the approaching storm. Either way, it will you need to minimize the drag. First tiller only moves a few degrees but the be better to have the techniques, of all, pull the board up until only 10 sail swings all the way through a half experience, and confidence of good percent or 15 percent of it remains in circle. This gives rise to the most downwind sailing tucked under the drink. For a daggerboard boat, frequent mistake in jibing: overuse of your cap. never remove the blade completely. If the tiller. it falls off, the recovery is very When coaching, I have put tape on difficult. A bungee cord can be rigged the aft deck to correspond to 15, 30, to tension the board against its trunk, 45, etc., degrees of movement in the Sailing publication thus preventing slippage. tiller. By glancing at this gauge, you A problem arises with the board up help discipline yourself not to Sailing in Pennsylvania is a bro- — you no longer have the pivot point oversteer through the jibe. chure published by the Pennsylvania around which the rudder can steer the The second most common problem Fish Commission that details useful boat. Thus, make the jibing maneuver is bouncing the boat around during information for sailors. Included are start by pushing down the board. the maneuver. In one-person or two- details on the Inland Rules of the Once you have developed a sense of person boats, and especially on Road, sailboats with auxiliary motors, balance and can feel the center of Pennsylvania's light-winded lakes, it is sailing on Fish Commission lakes, effort of the sail, you can keep the important to jibe very smoothly. PFD requirements, cold-water board up and steer by shifting your Shaking the boat creates waves and hazards, and other safety ideas. weight. If the sail's center of effort spills air from the sails, both of which For a free copy, send a business- (CE) is directly above the midline of give you "the slows." Keep your sized self-addressed, stamped envelope the boat (illustration B), it will pull weight balanced by spreading your with requests to: Boating, Penn- the boat straight downwind. When the feet apart. Don't plunk onto the new sylvania Fish Commission, P.O. Box crew hikes to windward, the sail is rail. Instead, use your thigh muscles to 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. lifted and the CE moves to the lower yourself gently.

July!August 1986 19 New Allegheny River New Film Stresses Safety traditional boater. Access Map The film opens with two men A rough cut of the film was shown loading their boat with fishing rods, to the National Association of State The Western Pennsylvania tackle, lures and a huge cooler of beer. Boating Law Administrator's Conservancy has published a new They are going for a day of fishing on (NASBLA)education committee by map pinpointing 36 Allegheny River a quiet lake. After fast depleting the its producer, Alan Madison, before access sites from The Point in contents of the cooler, the men, who the opening of the National Boating Pittsburgh to just below Kinzua Dam were not wearing PFDs, eventually Education Seminar in Tampa, last in Warren County. The map also get into trouble. One man falls March. shows major tributaries to the overboard, the other jumps in to save The film, which took eight months Allegheny River and river miles him, and we've witnessed another to shoot, was photographed under the between accesses. typical boating fatality. technical supervision of the Fish The new map is available for $1 by The film is Judgment on the Water Commission Bureau of Waterways. sending with requests a business-sized — a lesson in small boat safety, an For more information, contact stamped, self-addressed envelope to: educational film produced for the Alan Madison Productions, P.O. Box River Map, Western Pennsylvania fisherman, hunter, and weekend 100, Chatham, NY 12037. The phone Conservancy, 316 Fourth Avenue, recreational boater — the non- number is 518-392-3311. Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

6,13, 20, 27 Sailboat races, Rose Val- 16, 23, 24, 30 Sailboat races, Lake Calendar ley Lake. Lycoming Yacht Club, Paul Erie. Erie Yacht Club, John M. Smith, July Blystone, RD 1, Box 351, Williams- P.O. Box 648, Erie, PA 16512(various 1-10 Rowing practice for selection of port, PA 17701 (various dates through dates through 9/10). a national team, Mauch Chunk Lake 10/12). 18-20 Water ski meet,Schuylkill River, Park, Jim Thorpe, PA. United States 6,13,27 Sailboat regatta, races, Marsh Felix Dam. Reading Water Skiers, Inc., Olympic Women's Rowing Committee. Creek Lake. Marsh Creek Sailing Club, Ralph E. Hall, RD #9187, Reading, PA Contact: Dennis DeMara, Park Super- Graham S. Thompson, 97 Waterloo 19605. intendent, 529 Lentz Trail Highway, Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312 (various 19-20 Powerboat races, Schuylkill Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 (continued in dates through 10/19). River. Port Indian Civic and Boating July from 6/23). 10-13, 19, 26 Sailboat races, Presque Association, William G. Dougherty, 80 4 July Fourth Regatta, Riverfront Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Presque Isle W.Indian Lane, Norristown, PA 19403. Park, Susquehanna River, Harrisburg. Yacht Club, Dennis Davis, P.O. Box 20 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Harrisburg Department of Parks and 1075, Erie, PA 16512 (various dates Boating Information Van at Pine Grove Recreation, City Government Center, through 9/28). Furnace State Park (Cumberland Harrisburg, PA 17101. Phone: 717- 11-13 Powerboat races, Cowanesque County). See July 13 entry. 255-3020. Lake. Southern Tier Power Boat Asso- 26-27 Pennsylvania Fish Commission 4 Raft Regatta,Juniata River, Lewis- ciation, RD 3, Box 95, Elmira, NY Boating Information Van at Raystown town. Mifflin County Tourist Promo- 14903. Lake (Huntingdon County). See July tion Agency, 3 Monument Square, 12 Pennsylvania Fish Commission 13 entry. Lewistown, PA 17044. Phone: 717- meeting, Harrisburg area. For more 26-27 Sailboat races, Allegheny River, 248-6713. information contact the Commission at Mile 12. J. W. Monteverde, Oakmont 5-6 Independence Day Regatta 717-657-4522. Yacht Club, II Washington Avenue, (competitive rowing races), Schuylkill 12, 19,26 Sailboat races, Lake Nock- Oakmont, PA 15139. River, Philadelphia. Schuylkill Navy of amixon, Nockamixon Sail Club, Inc., 27 Boat regatta, Great Bend, PA Philadelphia, J. Sweeney, #4 Boat- Craig C. Tourtellott, 205 Hilltop Drive, Hallstead/ Great Bend Lions Club, New house Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130 RD 1, Green Lane, PA 18054 (various Milford, PA. William Richards, 100 (various dates through 11/ 23). dates through 10/19). Elizabeth Street, Box 135, Great Bend, 5, 6, 13, 20, 27 Sailboat races, regat- 12, 26 Sailboat races, regettas, Lake PA 18821. Phone: 717-879-4485. tas, Susquehanna River(Lake Clarke). Arthur. Moraine Sailing Club, James 27 Yellow Creek Boat Regatta, Yel- Susquehanna Yacht Club, RD 1, M. Higgins, P.O. Box 692, Pittsburgh, low Creek State Park. Indiana County Wrightsville, PA 17368 (various dates PA 15230(various dates through 10/4). Tourist Bureau, 6th Street and Wayne through 10/19). 13 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701. Phone: 5, 6, 12, 13, 26, 27 Sailboat races, Boating Information Van at Little Buf- 412-463-7305. Pymatuning Reservoir. Pymatuning falo State Park (Perry County). Con- Yacht Club, Jack B. Ludwig, James- tact Janet R. Mayer, Bureau of Water- August town, PA 16134(various dates through ways. Telephone: 717-657-4540. 1-3 Three Rivers Regatta, Point State 9/28). Park, Pittsburgh. Bill Roberts, Three 20 Boat Pennsylvania BOAT Boating Safety A few bound copies of Boat Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Volumes 1-2(May/June Decals 1984 through November/ December Volumes Available 1985) are available. They contain the The Fish Commission Bureau of -..•••11 magazine's first 10 issues, including Waterways Boating Safety Education the premier issue, and are hardbound Section has available two waterproof in blue with gold-colored inscription. decals that summarize practical These bound volumes are offered boating safety information, and on a first-come, first-served basis. another that serves as a reminder. The Each is available for $16 for non- boating safety information decals subscribers and $12 for current paid show the use of PFDs, uniform state subscribers. Include your account regulatory buoys and markers, and number with your order. This number inland rules of the road. The decals appears directly above your name on can be affixed to your boat where the the magazine mailing label. operator can see them readily. They Make checks or money orders are available free of charge from: payable to Pennsylvania Fish Boating, Bureau of Waterways, Commission, and send orders to: Boat Pennsylvania Fish Commission, P.O. PA Circulation, Pennsylvania Fish Box 1673, Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. Commission, P.O. Box 1673, Include a business-sized self-addressed Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. envelope with requests.

Rivers Regatta, P.O. Box 6038, Pitts- 23-24 Yough Upstream Marathon and quehanna River, Montgomery, PA. burgh, PA 15211. Phone:412-261-7055. Wildwater Race, Ohiopyle, PA. Robert Susquehanna Boat Club, Robert Burns, 1-3 U.S. Formula I Series, Pittsburgh Ruppel, 845 Williams Street, Conflu- 1 Feigles Road, Muncy, PA 17756. (sponsored by the American Power ence, PA 15424. Phone: 717-546-5220. Boat Association and held in conjunc- 24 Mayor's Cup (sailboat race), 6-7, 28 Sailboat races, Blue Marsh tion with the Three Rivers Regatta). Presque Isle Bay (see 8/23 entry). Lake. Blue Marsh Sailing Association, Bob DeGrenier, 312-952-9388. 24 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Murry Frink, 3120 Octagon Avenue, 3 Endless Mountains Downriver Boating Information Van at Presque Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (various Canoe Races, Susquehanna River Isle State Park (Erie County). See July dates through 10/12). (Mehoopany to Tunkhannock). Tunk- 13 entry. 21 Allegheny River Canoe Float, hannock Kiwanis, David Gay,50 Bridge 30-31 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Emlenton, PA. Allegheny River Canoe Street,Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Phone: Boating Information Van at Raystown Float, Box 147, Emlenton, PA 16373. 717-836-2175. Lake (Huntingdon County). See July Phone: 412-867-2472. 16 Pennsylvania Fish Commission 13 entry. 21 Bellefonte Slalom, Bellefonte, PA. Boating Information Van at Locust 30-9/1 Labor Day Regatta, Susque- (Pennsylvania Cup Race #1) PSOC Lake State Park (Schuylkill County). hanna River, Lock Haven. Clinton Slalom Chairman,4 Intramural Build- See July 13 entry. County Tourist Promotion Agency, ing, State College, PA 16802. 16-17 Beaver County River Regatta, 151 Susquehanna Avenue, Lock Haven, 27 Ohio-Penn Downriver Race,Con- Riverside Park, Bridgewater, PA. PA 17745. Phone: 717-893-4037. fluence, PA. (Ohio-Penn Division of Beaver County River Regatta, P.O. the ACA Wildwater Championships) Box 451, Beaver, PA 15009. Phone: September Robert Ruppel, 845 Williams Street, 412-266-2226. 4-7 International In-Water Boat Confluence, PA 15424. 17 Pennsylvania Fish Commission Show, Penn's Landing, Philadelphia. 28 Riversport Slalom (Pennsylvania Boating Information Van at Tobyhanna National Marine Manufacturer's Asso- Cup Race #2), Confluence, PA. Kara State Park (Monroe County). See July ciation, 353 Lexington Avenue, New Ruppel, 845 Williams Street, Conflu- 13 entry. York, NY 10016. Phone: 212-684-6622. ence, PA 15424. 22-24 Powerboat races, Unlimited 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 Sailing and Circuit, Philadelphia, PA (sponsored canoeing instruction, Pymatuning State by the American Power Boat Associa- Park, Jamestown, PA. Pittsburgh- To have your organization's activities tion). Robert Gruver, 215-625-9055. Allegheny County Chapter American considered to appear in Boat Pennsyl- 23 Governor's Cup (sailboat race), Red Cross, 225 Boulevard of the Allies, vania's "Calendar" column, send the Presque Isle Bay. Erie Yacht Club, City P.O. Box 1769, Pittsburgh, PA 15230. information to us at least three months of Erie, William C. Bloomstine, P.O. Phone: 412-263-3189. before the date of the activity. For Box 1133, Erie, PA 16512-1133. 6-7 West Newton Festival, West example,if your group's event begins or 23 Pennsylvania Fish Comission Newton, PA. Virginia A. Shoaf, 223 occurs in October, we must have the Boating Information Van at Ohiopyle Sixth Street, West Newton, PA 15089. details in July. Send items to: The Edi- State Park (Fayette County). See July Phone: 412-872-5738. tor, Boat Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 1673, 13 entry. 6-7 Montgomery Boat Regatta, Sus- Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. July/ August 1986 21 The Law&You by Perry D. Heath Q. May I lose the privilege of operating my boat in Pennsylvania if I am convicted of a violation of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code? A. Yes. Any fishing license, special license, or privilege may be revoked by the Commission at its discretion for a Pennsylvania violation of Title 30 of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Q. Do I need a Pennsylvania motorboat registration number for my canoe if I use only a small electric motor? Pl. NEW ORDERS/RENEWALS A. Yes. Any boat equipped with a propelling machinery must be registered. To start a subscription to Boat Pennsylvania or to extend your current subscription, enter your name and address and check the subscription term you prefer. (Please print clearly) Q. During a recent rainstorm, a waterways conservation officer apprehended my friend for operating his boat without lights. Was the officer correct? Your name A. Yes. Every boat, in all weather from sunset to sunrise, and during periods of limited visibility, shall carry and Address Apt. exhibit the lights prescribed by the Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980. City State Zip 0 3 years $11 (18 issues) 0 New subscriber Q. I keep my personal flotation devices under the bow of my boat to protect them from the water and sun. Am I in 0 1 year $4(6 issues) 0 Renewal violation of the law? A. Yes. All personal flotation devices must be "immediately available," which means that the PFD cannot be in any protective covering and it must be within reaching distance (attach mailing label when renewing) (close at hand). AMINIM

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Dedicated to the sound conserva- Ralph W. Abele, tion of our aquatic resources, the Executive Director protection and management of the Signature Howard T. Hardie, state's diversified fisheries, and to Administrative Assistant the ideals of safe boating and Account # if renewing Dennis T. Guise, optimum boating opportunities. (Account number appears above name on label.) Chief Counsel Ross E. Starner, Comptroller >2. TO GIVE A Gin'. BUREAU OF Enter your name and address above and your recipient's name and address below. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 717-657-4522 OFFICE OF 0 3 years $11(18 issues) Paul F. O'Brien, Director INFORMATION 0 1 year $4(6 issues) Allison J. Mayhew, Personnel 717-657-4518 Gift card to read "From John Hoffman, Real Estate Larry Shaffer, Publications Glen Reed, Federal Aid Stephen B. Ulsh, Education TO Mary Stine, Licensing Dave Wolf, Adopt-A-Stream Coordinator BUREAU OF FISHERIES Media Relations AND ENGINEERING Art Michaels, Magazines Address Apt. 814-359-5100 Boat Pennsylvania Edward R. Miller, P.E., Editorial Advisory Assistant Executive Director City State Zip Delano Graff, Fisheries Committee Eugene Smith, Virgil Chambers, Chairman Return this form to: Construction & Maintenance (Chief, Boating Education Section, Bureau of Waterways, PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION K. Ronald Weis, Architectural & Engineering Pennsylvania Fish Commission) BOAT PA Circulation Joe Greene(Boating Education P.O. Box 1673 Specialist, Pennsylvania Fish Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673 BUREAU OF Commission) WATERWAYS Janet R. Mayer(Special Programs Be sure your name and address appear both on this form and on your check 717-657-4538 Coordinator, Pennsylvania Make checks payable to: PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION Gene Sporl, Fish Commission) •._ Assistant Executive Director Charles Walbridge (canoeing) Edward W. Manhart, Jack Davis(water skiing) Law Enforcement Gus Neuss, Jr.(sailing) Virgil Chambers, Leann R. Diehl (kayaking) 22 Boat Pennsylvania Boating Education Tom Reinke (cruising) Safety you can be contacted. Even if you just bring along a transistor AM radio to pick up the ball game or a little Mozart, list the radio station you listen to. File a Search units often work directly with radio newscasters to contact missing boaters. The emergency equipment you carry bat Plan can make a great difference on the type y Pete Grossetti of search carried out. A search for a boat carrying flares, for instance, will surely continue throughout the night. A search for a boat with smoke signals or water dye can be handled by long- range, high-flying aircraft. There's never too much information you can supply in the float plan. Unfortunately, the Coast Guard has neither the facilities nor the personnel to accept float plans from the skippers of the estimated 3 million registered boats on the Great Lakes, for example. Leave your plan with a responsible friend, relative, or neighbor, and be sure to close out the float plan when you return to shore or home. If you're out fishing, you may consider offering your float plan holder a share of the catch. earches for overdue boaters often your route completely. Often, fishing is He'll be sure to know you're home then! end in bars. Many boaters finish better in one location in the morning, Sa day of boating by visiting the another in the early afternoon, and still Petty Officer Pete Grossetti is currently local pub. The problem is that they another around dark. If this is the case, assigned to the Coast Guard Ninth Dis- never told anyone where they'd be, and give some clues about your plan of trict Boating Safety Division, Cleve- the search goes on and on. attack. land, Ohio. If you plan a special social stop The boat and equipment you carry before heading home from the launch should be the most detailed portion of Permits for ramp or marina (and you don't mind the plans. Start out with the description letting your spouse in on the secret), of the boat. This gives the rescue teams Private Markers, Aids make sure someone knows about it. A an idea of what they are looking for. quick phone call can prevent a long, But remember that there are a lot of The number of floats, ski ramps, expensive search—and worry by those "17-foot outboards" cruising on some slalom courses, aids, markers, and waiting at home. waterways. Besides listing the length other floating objects on Pennsylvania Boaters can take a tip from aircraft and engine type, be sure to include the waters is increasing, but it is illegal to pilots and possibly save themselves color (both the hull and the trim), con- place these devices unless the Fish from turning a day of enjoyable boating struction, registration number, and by Commission authorizes their use and into a frightening overnight ordeal. A all means, the number of people on placement. pilot files a flight plan before leaving the board. You can make up your own In accordance with current boating ground, and then closes it out at his form with blank spaces for the informa- regulations, requests to establish destination. This gives the Civil Air tion that varies from trip to trip. This private markers or aids on Patrol or other search units a headstart will save you from having to redo the Commonwealth waterways by clubs, on determining if an aircraft is missing entire plan each time you get under individuals, state agencies, and where it might be. The same idea way. municipalities, and other groups must can work for boats. If you own a trailerable boat, you will be made in writing on Form PFC-277. A float plan is much less formal than want to give a description of the car and Written requests must be made to the its airborne equivalent. The elements of trailer, including the license number. If waterways conservation officer of the a good float plan include locations, they are not at the launch site, the district in which the marker or buoy is times, and gear. search may be expanded beyond the to be placed. List as complete an itinerary as pos- starting point. The Coast Guard usually Float permits(Form PFC-277) may sible. Start with the launch site and the completes a telephone harbor or mar- be obtained by writing to: Fred places you intend to cruise. If it's a fish- ina check before any search units get Menke, Aids-to-Navigation ing trip—and because fish have been under way. Coordinator, P.O. Box 1673, known to be uncooperative at times— If your boat is equipped with a radio Harrisburg, PA 17105-1673. The you might move around or may change transceiver, list the frequencies on which phone number is 717-657-4434. July/ August 1986 23 SIGNPOSTS FOR BOATERS

by Fred Menke municipalities, and private clubs. All men are located entirely within the uoys are signposts for boatmen. buoys of a permanent nature are shown boundaries of the state. Because the All waters of the Common- on local charts and in the light lists. concept of "proceeding from seaward" wealth of importance to naviga- However, Commonwealth buoys tell or"upstream"cannot be applied to these tion are marked as too danger- their stories by shape, color, and waters, the lateral system cannot always Bous,obstructions, best channels,etc., by number,so they chart the waters within be used. The Uniform State Waterway what we've come to know as the "Uni- sight of the boater. Marking System has been devised for form State Waterway Marking Sys- these waters. Most states have adopted tem." The system is maintained by the Uniform State Waterway its use. Fish Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Marking Systeminom Two categories of waterway markers Engineers, Bureau of State Parks, Many bodies of water used by boat- are employed. Regulatory markers, 24 Boat Pennsylvania photos by Don Carey between the red buoy and its companion your boatalone fixes your route. For the black buoy.If the buoysare not placed in most part, these so-called inland routes pairs, the distinctive color of the buoy are on improved rivers or lakes,are fresh indicates the direction of dangerous water,and demand some special consid- _ - — water from the buoy. erations by the navigating department The expression, "red, right, return- of the average cruiser. Become knowl- ;-- - ing"has long been used by the seafaring edgeable of the waters you are about to man to remind him that red buoys are venture onto, and know and obey the passed on his starboard(right) side when Uniform State Waterway Marking • proceeding from the open sea to port System. (upstream). Likewise, black buoys are

-...=•••••• left to port. Conversely, when pro- Local lore, knowledge — ..'"4 ceeding toward the sea or leaving port, Unlike the saltwater navigator for red buoys are left to port, and black whom it has been possible to compile buoys to starboard (right). more or less standard aids and proce- 11°44 During the next few years, black dures,an inland navigator depends very er•s.2',..--•111111111 buoys will become green, so until the much on local knowledge, that is, the changeover is complete,boaters may see vast store ofinformation never set down both black and green buoys opposite red in print but existing only in the minds ones. and experience of local boatmen, pilots, 4444144.4 - lock tenders, fishermen, and river Navigation engineers. Your job, in a new and Navigation is the art of conducting a strange area, even though it is appar- vesselfrom"here" to "there"at any place antly amply charted,is to somehow dis- on the earth's ocean surface, and of cover the essentials of this information. determining the vessel's position at any For example, an aid to navigation time. Navigation is divided into two clearly defining a channel can become categories: utterly useless and false within hours • Celo(or celestial)navigation, which is after a thunderstorm miles upriver. It is • _ - the art of navigation solely with the aid therefore of paramount importance to of celestial bodies. ask questions before you attempt what

"1mm. • Geonavigation,which is the art ofnav- seems a simple, safe passage. Study the igating with the aid of visible or audible charts. Read all you can. Draw on your objects,such as buoys,foghorns, prom- own experience. And then ask ques- inent objects, etc. tions. It is expected and you are Geonavigation is called piloting, and respected for asking. is the branch with which small-boat operators and coastwise sailors are con- Caution cerned. Piloting is divided(as is celonav- Buoys are liable to be carried away, igation) into two branches — observa- shifted, capsized, sunk, etc. Lighted tion and dead reckoning. buoys may be extinguished, and may Both branches solve the problems of not function as the result of storms, the navigation,that is,the problems of posi- accumulation of ice, running ice, or tion, direction, and distance. other natural causes, collision, or other Visible bearings are the most reliable accidents. E and most desirable, and are the most For these reasons, mariners should common in use for ordinary piloting. not rely completely on the position or operation offloating aids to navigation, Navigating Commonwealth but should also utilize bearings from waterways fixed objects and aids to navigation on The small-boat owner with his home shore. buoys and signs, use distinctive stan- port located on or near the 4,000 miles of dard-shape marks to show regulatory boating waters and 49,000 acres of Reporting defects information. They signify speed zones, countless natural and man-made lakes Boaters are requested to notify im- restricted areas,danger areas,and direc- that abound in the Commonwealth has mediately the nearest Pennsylvania Fish tions to various places. some special problems; indeed, han- Commission regional headquarters of dling a small boat in these waters is as any defects, missing,or destroyed aids to Lateral system different from coastal navigation as navigation. Experienced boaters realize Aids to navigation on state waters use night is from day. that the Fish Commission can't keep the red and black buoys to mark channel Our waterways are free and open to hundreds of aids to navigation in the limits. Red and black buoys are gener- pleasure craft; there are no tolls, few Commonwealth in simultaneous and ally used in pairs. The boat should pass permits are necessary, and the depth of continuous observation, and for this July/ August 1986 25 reason,it is impossible to maintain every REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS NORTHEAST REGION buoy, day mark, sign, and other aids LAW ENFORCEMENT Box 88 operating properly and on its charted Sweet Valley, Pa. 18656 NORTHWEST REGION Ph. 717-477-5717 position at all times. P.O. Box 349 Supervisor: Kerry Messerle Therefore, the safety of the boaters Franklin, Pa. 16323 Assistant Supervisor: G. W. Frank Kann will be enhanced if every person who Ph. 814-437-5774 Counties: Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, discovers an aid to be missing, sunk, Supervisor: Walter Lazusky Lackawanna, Luzerne, capsized,or damaged,or who observes a Assistant Supervisor: Cloyd Hollen Monroe, Montour, Pike, Counties: Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, defect in the position of any aid, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Wayne. Wyoming promptly notifies the Fish Commission Mercer, Venango. Warren SOUTHEAST REGION regional headquarters of the fact. SOUTHWEST REGION Box 8 Addresses and telephone numbers of R.D. #2, Box 39 Elm, Pa. 17521 Fish Commission regional supervisors Somerset, Pa. 15501 Ph. 717-626-0228 are included for your reference in a Ph. 814-445-8974 Supervisor: Robert Perry Supervisor: Thomas Qualters Assistant Supervisor: Barry Pollock sidebar to this article. Assistant Supervisor: Tony Murawski Counties: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Accidents involving Beaver. Cambria, Fayette, Montgomery, Northampton, aids or markers Greene, Indiana, Somerset. Philadelphia, Schuylkill Washington, Westmoreland Accidents involving an aid or marker NOR THCENTRAL REGION must be reported to the Commission as Box 187 soon as possible, but in no case more Lamar, Pa. 16848 than 10 days after such occurrence. Ph. 717-726-6056 NEW ACCESS AREA SIGN Supervisor: Paul Swanson Penalties Assistant Supervisor: William Hartle This summer, the Fish Commission Counties: Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Bureau of Waterways Boating Safety Finally, any person who violates a Clinton, Elk. Jefferson, rule or regulation promulgated by the Lycoming, McKean, Education Section will be installing Fish and Boat Code involving aids to Northumberland, Potter, these 3 feet by 2 feet aluminum signs at navigation destruction, stealing, or de- Snyder Tioga, Union numerous boating access areas within facing commits a summary offense to SOUTHCENTRAL REGION the Commonwealth. These boating the first degree and will be dealt with R.D. 1, Box 848 safety information signs were designed Newville, Pa, 17241 for the boating public accordingly. Ph. 717-486-7087 to become famil- Supervisor: Frank Schilling iar with basic aids to navigation markers Fred Menke is the Fish Commission Assistant Supervisor: J. Gary Moore that help each boater find his way safely Bureau of Waterways aids-to-naviga- Counties: Adams, Bedford, Blair, from port to port. For your boating Cumberland, Dauphin, safety, learn to recognize and obey tion coordinator. Franklin, Fulton, the Huntingdon, Juniata. uniform state regulatory buoys and Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, York markers. BOATERS UNIFORM WATERWAY MARKERS' . , INLAND WATER LAKE TRAFFIC •'r 00 SIGNS RIVER CONTROLLED MEANING 0 BOATS DANGER INFORMATION KEEP OUT AREA . MOORING BUOY, e

1

II \ _ CHANNEL MID-CHANNEL DIVERS FLAG ALPHA FLAG LIES BETWEEN BLACK OR PASS CLOSE soNdee5 , GREEN AND RED BUOYS ON EITHER SIDE DIVERS DOWN FLAGS J Aq

pei PENNSYLVANIA FISH COMMISSION BUREAU OF WATERWAYS

evem illustration by Ted Welke by circumstances, drink and system circles, tion effect acts depresses sumed the concentration. The ity than amount concentration, information mated with other low deficit tain" respond mance boat climbs situations, low process onment manner pairment potential In A Beverage An An high Dr. to brain slowing blood consumes desires on any information-processing the or as senses alcohol experienced function -demand of process 75 to is Skills it alcohol, depressant. Alcohol stems much all has drives sensory and rise in of (slows) is individual a fairly and safety Marcelline percent alcohol as alcohol the excitable okay alcohol function can been a of dictate. time. from from "supermarket" consumer the lcohol able. widely western as his spinal timely alcohol the from information, slowing a or high but legally be their without because the problem to impaired car activity information information blood of brain a levels. handled on The the drinker Adults is A drink, zero it who levels, is brain Socially, cord. the and of tissues, a the personal is and depressant a to societies. central begins eyes, human of who at means purchase extent blood legal, blood some alcohol U.S. his has obvious impose fact easily and can, at and by appropriate greater central in A if can operates beginning ears, demands. the ability including any Burns -overload relatively the principal drug not finances in the to nervous popular popula- that in an alcohol alcohol degree. and "main- that perfor- of envir- avail- drug. given most most It drug abil- be con- level esti- only and and ner- risk less im- the in to to is it a a Perfor•mance .4r —,p , di , on ing increased inhibitions traffic It Poor and increase respond. ment. would vous passes Risky high propriate machine . ,,- impairs Alcohol

simulator the -information /, performing system The behavior decisions, unsafely, accidents not brain, the 4," Driving judgment. interactions drinking otherwise risk responses and Effects - has probability processes studies -taking can ..v• controls • the other and with a other ,,,, activities. bad ./..or car, be driver individual's takes take. and As seen or effects alcohol judgment, handling are are results complex of it are aibe in 7/7,-- a drives begins risks both an the analyses potentially depressed. failure that accident. involve- in in that a faster, result. to usual inap- man boat, driv- also and .detevy.-.44., act ,fe. he of to ) - ;,-", central ance ception, hol information sion, There impaired a presentation psychologist information perception Research National Marcelline boating What - -W,/,-;/%.k.r effects is good is impaired, z. nervous can no on attention, Safe and Institute environment. on of judgment, question Burns, above be at processing). made risk . boating risk Boating

the '''' concluded system 111 July/ because are -taking -- Southern in Ph.D., by is that " and crucial I August excerpted Los ''' and Dr. skills? Council. processes alcohol the fllt Angeles. Judgment the is is Burns about an afitt to a 1986 right California increased. Perform- accurate research safety rate from affects to (per- alco- deci- The the of in 27 is a A boater confesses How I Graduated from a 12-Footer to a by Art Michaels Photos by the author 16-Footer

28 Boar Pennsylvania fished for nearly 17 years in a 12-foot summer was the clincher that helped me make up aluminum boat with a 4-hp engine. I my mind. initially cartopped it for a few years, and I had to have a rig that I could use for big- Ithen I trailered it everywhere. Awhile ago, a water fishing, but I wanted to be able to cruise, friend and I had some terrific big-water fishing too. I also wanted a boat that I could trailer with action in several trips during one summer. His a mid-sized tow vehicle. I finally put my hard- boat is an 18-footer with a 75-hp engine. earned money into a 16-foot aluminum center For many years I had dreamed of owning a console with a 65-hp engine and a suitable larger boat, but the good fishing during that one galvanized trailer.

July/August 1986 29 ""T,441.4iilkok- 4•• homeowners policy. Still, I opted for a separate full replacement value insurance policy, which I obtained at a good price by shopping around. Full replacement value insurance is more expensive than other kinds, and even though I got a good price for this kind of insurance, I'd rather plunk down a few extra bucks every year for insurance that meets my needs, than try to save a buck with coverage for •• -- •I which I may someday be sorry. The lesson here is to investigate

• insurance for your new — and expensive — rig thoroughly, and if I you don't understand a provision, get a clear explanation. Look into your homeowners policy first. Then compare the policies and prices of other carriers. The key to getting the most insurance for the least amount of money is thoroughly shopping around. If you're lucky, you'll think of your policy only when it's time each year to pay the premium. Still, insurance is an important consideration you need to settle before you drive off with the new rig for the first time. Electronics Electronics was the next overwhelming aspect of graduating from the I2-footer to the I6-footer. I'm talking about some kind of sonar This 12-foot boat and 4hp engine served me wellfor nearly 18 years. Note unit, a VHF radio, and Loran. engine'sfolding transom You could easily spend literally thousands of dollars on electronics for This rig is terrific, and I couldn't be So far, I don't think I've gone nuts, your boat. Your pocketbook, the kind more pleased. But do you think that and maybe you won't have to go of boating you plan to do, where you making the transition from the through what I went through, and if plan to use the boat, and how often 12-footer to the 16-footer was easy? you do, you'll at least be warned with you plan to use it are considerations The only big deal was the money the following information. in selecting electronics. involved, right? The first caution is to divide and Be sure to consider the cost of Hardly. I wrestled with options, conquer. Keep foremost in your mind electronics into the price of the rig so listened to an incredible amount of the goal of the kind of boating you that you're not disappointed when advice, and debated with myself over plan to do with the new rig you've your wallet is suddenly empty and you what I wanted, what I needed, and selected. Then consider options one at don't have all you initially planned to what was actually in my price range. a time, and make decisions one at a get. Little did I know that I had entered a time. Along these lines, the marine dealer whole new boating ball game. from whom you buy the boat, motor, If you're considering moving up Insurance and trailer may be able to give you a from a small rig to one that can take Take insurance. My 12-foot boat, good deal on electronics and other you farther out and around, going motor, and trailer were covered by my options. It's a possibility worth from a 12-footer even just to a homeowners policy, but my new rig checking out. 16-footer is very complicated. Those cost considerably more, so I wasn't As for the initial electronics I four additional feet create some about to risk insurance that wouldn't selected for my new rig, I decided on a amazing difficulties, and weighty be adequate. liquid crystal display recorder and a decisions crop up that you'll have to There were two viable insurance 50-channel VHF radio. In my case, make, if the number of options and options that surfaced. You may be these items are essentials for the kind considerations doesn't drive you nuts able to add full replacement value of fishing I do and where I do it. first. insurance on the rig as part of your I also got an 8-foot antenna of 6 dB 30 Boat Pennsylvania gain, which is standard for VHF have laid out in the boat, or if I make your money go far, first shop radios on boats meant for big water. eventually add an electric motor, I'd around like crazy, and that means I could have chosen a radio with need two batteries — a cranking checking out every source for loans. fewer channels, but considering that I battery for starting the engine and a Start with the bank with which you plan to trailer the rig to a great variety marine deep-cycle battery for have the most accounts, and then of places, I wanted to make sure I extended use of the electric motor, check out other banks and savings receive all the channels that may be depth sounder, and radio. and loans. The boat dealer may also used in these different areas. offer financing, or he may be able to You must also consider the cost of Gas tanks suggest other sources. a transducer and a mounting bracket I also thought about gas tanks. Next, look into credit unions where if your recorder doesn't include one, With my I2-footer, I toted a 3-gallon you work or with organizations of and you have to think about the cost tank. I hardly ever gave fuel a second which you're a member. Credit unions of the radio antenna and its mount. In thought until I let that extra 4 feet of often feature attractive interest rates some cases, the cost of the radio new boat enter my life. Then I on loans, but if you're not a member includes an antenna and a mount, and wrestled with the ideas of whether I of the credit union yet, there may be a sometimes the cost of a depth sounder should install permanent tanks in the rule in some credit unions that includes the expense of a transducer boat, how many gas tanks I should requires membership for a few months and a mounting bracket. Better be carry, and what size tanks I would before you're eligible for a loan. Better sure on these points when you get need. join now and put in your time if that's prices. Again I listened to a lot of advice. I the route you'll take. Also jacking up the cost is opted for running with two 6-gallon In addition, put in your back installation of both items, if you don't tanks. This aspect worked out well pocket the idea that some banks, do it yourself. because my 4-hp engine and the new credit unions, and savings and loan 65 hp engine are the same brand. My associations may require you to have Safety items new boat's transom is wide enough to an account with them before you are When I realized that the radio was use the 4 hp as a get-home or as a eligible for a loan. an indispensable safety item, I made a trolling motor. At last I gained an All in all, you may think that list of all the other items I'd need option that didn't cost me an extra stepping up in the boat world is a aboard for safety — the required ones bundle! hassle to be avoided. But the good and those I knew I'd want anyhow. When you buy an engine of about advice I got from friends, boating And when it comes to safety items, 40 or 50 hp or more, above that size equipment suppliers, and dealers be sure you know the regulations for you will likely get no prop with the helped me sidestep most long-lasting your new, bigger boat. Boats over 16 engine. In my case, the dealer set me headaches. feet have different safety requirements up with an appropriate prop. Still, And that's another idea that'll save than smaller boats, which you may keep in mind that with an engine of you time, money, and aggravation. not have considered before. Be sure over 50 hp or so you need to think Get lots of advice from dealers, and you get these straight and rig your about buying a prop separately. confirm what they say with the ideas boat accordingly. You will find these You have to consider smaller of other dealers. Most dealers are very safety regulations in the Summary of essential items, too. For me, these knowledgeable, and they'll steer you Boating Regulations 1986 that you get musts included an anchor, boat in the right direction. Dealers don't when you register your boat. fenders, and mooring lines, for acquire new customers and keep old Additional safety items cost money, example. Your list of smaller essential ones by offering people bad advice, so too, but there's no cutting corners on items will probably be as long as as you shop around, ask dealers lots safety, and there's no sense in sluffing mine, but it will likely contain of questions because you will find off the dangers you could create or different items of preference. their answers tremendously useful. the fines you could incur. New rig or Remember also in your planning If you plan your upward move in not, you are responsible for the safety that a bigger boat is actually an the world of boat size and look of everyone aboard your boat. investment on which you can build. In realistically at your pocketbook, you other words, maybe the first year you can make the move successfully as I Batteries buy the rig you'll have to do without did. I got the most boat and options I had to think about a battery, too, some items that you can acquire for my money, and coupled with which I didn't take along on my 12- later on. successful fishing trips and cruises, footer. I debated long and hard For instance, farther down the that adds up to satisfaction that's hard between using one battery or two road, I may consider Loran, trim tabs, to beat. batteries. After letting everybody power trim and tilt, a surface throw in his two cents, I decided to go temperature gauge, downriggers, an Art Michaels edits Pennsylvania with one marine battery, a power electric boat winch, and other options Angler and Boat Pennsylvania when pack that has both deep cycle and that right now I just can't afford. he's notfishing or cruising in his new cranking capabilities. rig, tinkering on a boat customizing For my purposes, one battery is Financing project, maintaining his trailer and fine, but if I were planning to run an Financing is a major part of gear, or gabbing about his new rig to electric motor with the gear I already stepping up in the boat world, so to virtually anyone who'll listen. July1 August 1986 31 You have a boating friend in Pennsylvania