Boating the Upper Chesapeake

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Coast Guard regs as far as visual distress signals only apply to the Great Lakes and Coastal waters. Most of the Chesapeake
Bay doesn't fall into either of these categories. There is a very nice picture here :http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/Publications/420.PDF
So for me a good spotlight that I trust works just fine. I have had my boats through Coast Guard Auxiliary inspections as well and have my stickers.

Don't get me wrong...I do have flares in all my boats....both handheld flares and 12 gauge arial flares...I just don't worry about keeping them in date. Evey once in a while I'll pop one of each off just to make sure the batch is still good. The arial ones last a lot longer than the handheld ones. But I have had emergencies on the Bay and used my flares and everyone pretty much ignored me anyway....so I think a 1,000,000 candlepower spotlight in the face works much better for getting someone to come over and see what's up....lol

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Well, that doesn't seem right to me. The Chesapeake Bay is directly connected to coastal waters.
Pricey as they are, I'm using flares. BTW- West Marine now has 12 gauge meteor flares 'on sale' for $25 but my local Walmart sells the exact package for their regular price of $18.66. These are for use in a flare gun.
As far as Jackson Marine, I'll be there today, probably around 11- noon.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Well, right or not, it is the rules per the Coast Guard website....which you quoted earlier. And like I said...I have my Coast Guard inspection stickers....

 

[UncleSpidey]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Okay....I have Friday off and I'm seriously thinking this might be the week to dewinterize and get wet. Anyone else splashed yet? Anybody else going to be around?

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Okay....I have Friday off and I'm seriously thinking this might be the week to dewinterize and get wet. Anyone else splashed yet? Anybody else going to be around?

View attachment 137349View attachment 137350

Started mine up this weekend. Just need to run the buffer over it then dump it in.

 

[River_Lizard]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Just a add to the flare topic.... it is required in VA waters if the waterway is 2 miles or wider and this would include the Bay. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations.asp.

here's a clip from the regs: Those parts of the Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds which fall within Virginia.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Just a add to the flare topic.... it is required in VA waters if the waterway is 2 miles or wider and this would include the Bay. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations.asp.

here's a clip from the regs: Those parts of the Pocomoke and Tangier Sounds which fall within Virginia.

I'm not willng to start an argument, but I'm not sure you are reading the regs correctly. It states that VDS are required up to the FIRST point that the waterway narrows to 2 miles. It also list a whole bunch of demarcation lines already in the books to denote where the VDS are no longer required and this does include parts of the Bay that are in Virginia, I believe. As far as the Pocomoke and Tangier sounds, I didn't think they were considered part of the Bay. They are considered coastal waters aren't they? I could be wrong on this.

 

[gn85]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Hello all,

I've been lurking around the forum for a few months, but haven't posted yet. I just bought my first boat a few weeks ago, so I'm almost ready to head out. I've been a jet skier for a few years, but I finally pulled the trigger and bought a 20' Stingray with a 5.0L GXI.

With the skis, I usually launch out of Annapolis or Sandy Point.

I hope it's not against the rules, but I need some recommendations for a place to have my boat fixed. It's a long story, but I need the outdrive put back together. I live in Carroll County, so Baltimore and Annapolis are the most convenient.

Thank you.

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

gn85-
Congrats on the 'new' boat. Your question is not against the forum rules, but that's a bit south of where most of the 'regulars' live that follow this thread. I suggest you create a separate post in the Engine Repair and Maintenance section, under the appropriate sub-forum with 'Carroll County Md' in the header.

Stan-
Your post got me thinking more about VDS regulations.
I've owned a PWC for 10 years and always kept up-to-date flares onboard to be 'in compliance'.

Since PWC's are not allowed to be operated at night, no nighttime signals are needed. It's a waste of money to buy flares for them every 3 years so I just picked up a USCG approved distress flag. Way less than HALF the cost of flares, they meet the VDS requirement for day signal and never expire..... DUH, a no-brainer! THANKS buddy for waking me up on this.
>> But I'm still using flares on the other boats.<<

 

[gn85]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm still finding my way around this forum.

 

[red374]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I am new to boating, and it's going to get below freezing tonight.
My engine mercruiser 4.3 V6

I have already started the engine this year with fresh water. What do I need to do tonight to protect it from the elements. I had it proffesionally winterized for the engine.

Ron

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I am new to boating, and it's going to get below freezing tonight.
My engine mercruiser 4.3 V6

I have already started the engine this year with fresh water. What do I need to do tonight to protect it from the elements. I had it proffesionally winterized for the engine.

Ron

Ron, you have two choices: drain the drive/block or keep it warm enough to prevent freezing. I don't have a Mercruiser so I can't offer much advice on the procedure of draining your block. Alternately you can try to keep it above freezing, possibly by finding a friendly neighbor with a garage to lend for the night. If you can get the boat indoors you shouldn't have any problem.
Some boaters lay a 60watt lightbulb (turned on) in the closed engine compartment to keep it warm enough, but that doesn't help the drive. You might get by wrapping a blanket around the drive before it gets too cold... or maybe zip a large winter coat around the drive?

Another option is to leave it in the water overnight. That should keep critical components above freezing.

 

[red374]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I drained the motor, outdrive is in lower postion for over a week straight so no water should still be in it.

Turns out, when I started the engine last weekend I never got the motor hot enough to open the thermostat. It was still full of antifreeze. oh well lesson learned.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I drained the motor, outdrive is in lower postion for over a week straight so no water should still be in it.

Turns out, when I started the engine last weekend I never got the motor hot enough to open the thermostat. It was still full of antifreeze. oh well lesson learned.

Just curious, how did you drain the engine? On my 5.0 Mercruiser, I have 4 block drains and 4 drains on the the risers. I open each one and let them drain down into the bilge. I also stick a small allen wrench up into it to make sure that there is not any dirt/debris, etc. blocking the hole.

Don't forget about any power steering coolers, etc.

By the sounds of it, the drive should be okay.

Good luck!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Thinking about splashing the WELLCRAFT this Saturday if the weather holds out and I can get everything else done that I need to. Anybody else going to be out?

 

[red374]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I have 5 drain plugs. one on each exhaust manifold, 1 on each side of te engine block and 1 right before the water pump. The manual says 1 right at the thermostat, but I sure couldn't find that one.

 

[red374]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I wasn't worried too much about debri, the fluid was real clean. It's a brand new engine, right around 10 hours total on it. plus I felt arounfd with my finger, and felt nothing. I didn't bother turning the engine to get the rest of the fluid out since, it was already anti-freeze. Not to mention I never removed my battery over the winter, so she's dead, I need to get a full charge on it.
Rookie mistake.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I wasn't worried too much about debri, the fluid was real clean. It's a brand new engine, right around 10 hours total on it. plus I felt arounfd with my finger, and felt nothing. I didn't bother turning the engine to get the rest of the fluid out since, it was already anti-freeze. Not to mention I never removed my battery over the winter, so she's dead, I need to get a full charge on it.
Rookie mistake.

Sounds like you have everything covered. Good point on the debris, there probably isn't any there, especially if it was winterized last fall and I assume that you only ran it on a hose this spring.

If you drained the block and manifolds, then you should have gotten more than enough out. Any little bit left in there should be fine based on the fact it is treated with Anti Freeze and has plenty of expansion room now.

 

[red374]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

That's what I figured. You are correct it was only run on hose water. I'm thinking about splashing this weekend. We will see on how the weather plays out this week.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

So, how is everyone coming along with their launch preparations? I have been working quite a bit on the boats getting them ready to go.

The wellcraft has been getting all kinds of attention:
- Rebuilt rear jump seats beside engine. (The plywood base was rotted out.)
- Replaced the trailer drum brakes with disc brakes. Including new actuator and brake lines.
- Installed remote trim switch for outdrive on the transom - should have done this along time ago!!
- Removed old plexiglass glove compartment cover and had a new one made
- Removed old dash and all gauges.
- Removed old speed pilot sensor from transom
- Installed new grab handle for boarding on swim platform
- Installed new 4 blade prop

Still left to do:
- Install new glove compartment cover
- Install and wire new gauges
- Rebuild passenger front and back seats (Plywood rotten)
- Install new Raymarine MFD in dash
- Install new ICOM VHF in dash
- Install new Racor filter
- Install new bimini top
- Buff hull - eventually

The Sea Ray has also been getting a lot of attention:
- Had the carbs rebuilt
- Installed new fender holders
- Removed PO's modifactions
- Dinette half way installed
- Removed all old seacocks to get ready for new replacements
- Refinishing teak swim step inserts and the step down step into the cabin to see how I like the new look. Lots more teak to do.
- Clean out all of PO's old junk

Still left to do:
- New registration numbers applied
- Remove shrink wrap
- Install Bridge bimini top and enclosure
- Install new seacocks
- Finish installing dinette
- Through cleaning of everything
- Finish fiberglassing new plywood into 1 engine hatch

That should at least get me to a safe place to bring it home to the upper bay. Looking at making that trip either the weekend of April 21st or May 5th. We will see how the list comes along and how the weather looks closer to the time.

Hope everyone else is getting closer to splash soon too!