Boating on Lake Winnebago, Fox River and Wolf River of Wisconsin, USA

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance Wolf River Fund-Raiser Brat Fry

2008-07-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

The 2008 TCPA Annual Brat Fry will be held on August 2, 2008 at Gill's Landing from 12:00 to 4:00pm.

Free Brats !

Paddle wheel for prizes!

Come by land or water and join in the fun!!

All donations will go to support projects that help keep our waters clean and safe.

Gill's Landing is located 5 miles upstream from Fremont on the Wolf River.

Saturday, August 2nd, from noon until 4, the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance will host its 12th annual Wolf River free brat fry fund-raiser, on the shores of the Wolf at Gills Landing, Weyauwega. Come by water or land to join the fun, music, food, raffles, corn and Hillshire brats at Gill’s Landing, located 5 miles up stream from Fremont or 3 ½ miles east of Weyauwega on Cty. F. As an added feature we also have a “Designated Navigator / Driver” program with free non-alcoholic beer. Plus a free boat shuttle service for boats that anchor out in the river.

The Tri-County Powerboat Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the waterways from New London to Lake Winnebago remain available for fair and equitable use by all recreational users. Emphasizing courtesy and safe fun for all, the TCPA works to build consensus with all the various users and philosophies of this beautiful water system.

This year on June 7th, the members held their annual river clean up, removing steel drums, various buckets, metal and garbage hazards from the Wolf River and it’s shores. With these fundraising efforts, they are able to hire barges to remove partially or fully submerged large trees, logs and deadheads from the main river channel, that are a danger to boaters.

The 100 plus member Alliance regularly conducts safe boater education classes, provides signs and other navigational aids, sponsors informational meetings, provides funds for dredging, shoreline riprap projects, building fish/wildlife protection zones and work with state/local government officials to protect the waterway and it’s natural resources. The funds raised from this event help with all these accomplishments.

For further information please contact TCPA@centurytel.net or Mike at 920841-8372 or visit http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance
P.O. Box 323
Fremont, WI 54940

Wisconsin Boating – Wolf River – South Beach

2008-06-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Photo of South Beach on the Wolf River

We have a favorite beach along the Wolf River. Judy Johnson with the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance (link) told me this area is known as “South Beach.”

The river is constantly changing. Just last year this area was small. South Beach has grown and as the water level returns to its normal level it will get even bigger.

We love the scenic splendor of the undeveloped area along the Wolf River that is north and upriver from Fremont. The area is dotted with a few restaurants and campgrounds and a few homes but there are many areas where you can see no man made objects whatsoever. Nature surrounds you. The experience is breathtakingly beautiful.

Map courtesy of Paul "Not So Fast!" bekosh

How to get to South Beach from Fremont, Wisconsin

South beach is on the Wolf River about 8 miles upriver from Fremont, WI. South Beach is at the start of the first 'no-wake' zone just upriver from Weiland's Landing. Its about 2 miles before Guth's Resort. It’s across the river and one bend down river from Nipple Beach. It’s right at the start of the ‘no-wake’ zone that also includes Nipple Beach.

Coming into Fremont on the Wolf River. Bridge Bar to the left. Highway 96 above. Notice all the boat traffic

Going thru Fremont

Going past Red Banks

The first notable landmark past Fremont is called Red Banks http://www.redbanks.net/ (920) 446-2933. They have docks, cabin rentals, a campground, restaurant and bar. As you pass Red Banks the river widens. Stick to closer to the inside of the bend. The area was dredged many years ago and the inside of this bend has much better depth.

Gills Landing:
Continuing upriver in a few more minutes and a few more no wake zones you will come to a public boat landing and small park called Gills Landing on your left, or port side. The river widens at this point.

Just upriver and north of Gills Landing is where the Waupaca River enters the Wolf River.

Railroad Bridge:
Just north of where the rivers merge and a bit more up the Wolf River you will see a railroad bridge. Towards the right half of the bridge is an area with a bit more clearance. Someone took some white spray paint and sprayed by hand “House boats here” and that is where us larger boats should go. Clearance ranges with the height of the river from about 12 feet to 15 feet.

Continuing north you pass some beautiful country. Lots of fallen trees making passage feel constricted but acceptable. I recommend you stick to the middle of the river as best you can and take the many curves closer to the outside edge where the water tends to be deeper.

A few more no wake zones and you will come to a Y in the river. Again you are
coming from the bottom of the Y up. There is a sign marked New London and an
arrow to the right. This is the way you should go if you want to get to South Beach.

These photos were taken on May 24, 2008. The river is very high so I expect the size of South Beach will grow. Also, the sand is still fairly soft, particularly as you get closer to the wooded area. As things dry out this should harden.

Our kids have enjoyed fishing, swimming, campfires, playing in the inflatable raft, and playing in the sand.

Kids playing on South Beach.

The wind was coming upriver and from West to East and past the boat. I am pulled on the beach with the bow facing west. This is my preferred location so our generator exhaust is carried away from the beach and behind the boat.

There are no facilities or developments at South Beach. It’s primitive. The water becomes a sand beach. The sand beach becomes tall grass. The tall grass becomes woods. Thru the woods I could see water. I think this is Colic Bayou but I did not walk thru the woods that far.

Playing with the inflatable raft

It rained so we made S'mores on the boat

Captain Doug taking a break

Admiral Lisa making sure everyone is having a good time

We have spent three nights at South Beach so far this season and hope to spend many more.

Boating destination “South Beach”
Along the shores of the Wolf River
Weyauwega, Wisconsin
GPS coordinates 44°19.2411'N, -88°50.7964'W

Satellite image clicik here
This link is to a satellite image. If you would prefer a map, click on “map” in the top right corner. Zoom out as you see fit and print.

Did you find this information helpful? Please let us know by commenting below.

Lower Fox River navigation maps

2008-05-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

Photo of Appleton WI lock curtsy of gwo-main.com

With the reopening of the Fox River locks Bob Stark, Chairman for the FOX RIVER NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM AUTHORITY provided me with the below maps.

One note that is important: This is a version of the chart that shows the Aids to Navigation (buoys) as they were before the locks closed.

Those buoys do not exist today below/down river from Appleton Lock #1.

There is an effort underway to get the Goast Guard to return to the river to set the buoys as the did before the locks closed. Anyone interested in getting the Coast Guard to return should contact the Coast Guard and their legislator (Sen Kohl, Cong. Petri/Kagen) with that opinion.

Appleton navigational map
Little Lake Butte des Morts navigational map
Kimberly navigational map
Menasha navigational map
Note: Adobe Reader, available for free from Adobe, allows you to view, navigate, and print PDF files across all major computing platforms. If you do not have Adobe Reader you can Download free Adobe Reader from Adobe's web site

For lock operating hours please click 2008 Fox River lock schedule

FOX RIVER NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM AUTHORITY
1008 Augustine Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Tele. 920-759-9833
Fax: 920-759-9834
Robert J. Stark, Chairman
David Williams, Chief of Staff
Harlan Kiesow, CEO
Fox River Navigational System Authority

2008 Winnebago Pool chain of lakes boating event calendar

2008-04-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Below is our 2008 Winnebago Pool chain of lakes boating events calendar

April 2008

April 19 Tri-County Powerboat Alliance meeting at Pine Grove Resort , Fremont WI
http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

April 25 Bridge's start operation Friday April 25th 2008
http://presentationrentals.blogspot.com/2008/04/2008-bridges-start-operation-friday.html

May 2008

May 1-4 Skipper Buds in Oshkosh, in-water boat show 920-231-3200 Thrs-Sat 9 til 6, Sun noon til 4

May 3 & 10, 2008 US Coast Guard Auxiliary Menasha Wisconsin Boating Basics class http://a0950403.uscgaux.info/

May 9 Fox River lock’s begin operation for the season
http://presentationrentals.blogspot.com/2008/04/2008-fox-river-lock-schedule.html

May 17 Lake Winnebago Expo – Waverly Beach, Lake Winnebago http://wiparty.com/LWexpo.html

May 17Tri-County Powerboat Alliance meeting at Finn & Feather, Winneconne WI http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

May 20 High Cliff Marina – Free U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety check 6:00PM - 8:00PM 920-231-3200 / 920-832-7684 http://a0950403.uscgaux.info/

May 22 Smith Park - Menasha – Free U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety check 9:00AM – 12:00PM 920-231-3200 / 920-832-7684 http://a0950403.uscgaux.info/

May 24 USCG Auxiliary open house, Whiting park boathouse at Doty park, Neenah 1PM-5PM, free vessels exams, tours of coast guard boats and facility 920-832-7684 http://a0950403.uscgaux.info/

May 26 Memorial Day Holiday

May 28 Friends of the Fox annual meeting at Fratello's in Oshkosh, 6-9PM http://www.friendsofthefox.org/

June 2008

June 6, 7, 8 Walleye Weekend – Lakeside park, Fond du Lac. Festival, Fish fry, lumberjack show, music, Mercury Marine’s National Walleye Fishing Tournament http://www.fdlfest.com/walleye_weekend.html

June 7 Wolf River Clean up, 8:30 AM meet at Partridge Lake Beach in Fremont, Volunteers needed http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

June 7 Fondy 40 Miler sailboat race - Lakeside Park, Fond du Lac http://www.fdlsail.org/

June 13-14 Oshkosh Thunder Poker Run – Lake Winnebago
http://www.oshkoshthunder.com/

June 14 Harbor Fest, Stockbridge Harbor - Lake Winnebago
http://www.co.calumet.wi.us/departments2.iml?dept_id=40

June 14 Steak Fry at Menasha Marina, Menasha. Reservations needed. 920-967-5193
http://www.cityofmenasha-wi.gov/content/departments/parks_&_recreation/(60)marina/

June 14 Menasha Marina - Menasha – Free U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety check 10:00AM – 12:00PM 920-231-3200 / 920-832-7684 http://a0950403.uscgaux.info/

June 18 Wakeboard tournament at Fort Fremont Marine, Fremont 920-446-3220 http://www.fortfremont.com/

June 20 Darboy Chicken Fest http://www.darboyfest.org/ This event is not on the water, fireworks are about 2 miles onshore but can be seen from the water.

June 21 Tri-County Powerboat Alliance meeting at Gala Resort, Fremont http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

June 21 Trains Winnebago sailboat race - Lakeside Park, Fond du Lac http://www.fdlsail.org/

June 21 Winnebago Rally planning meeting, The Other Place, Winneconne. 1:00 PM. Just show up, no need to register. http://www.winnebagorally.com/

July 2008

July 4 Independence Day Holiday

July 2-6 2007 Oshkosh Sawdust Days Festival – Menominee Park. fireworks Friday July 4th http://www.sawdustdays.com/

July 3-4 Neenah & Menasha Communityfest – Neenah’s Riverside Park Menasha-Jefferson Park, lighted street Parade on the 3rd, Main Street –Water-ski show, fireworks Friday July 4th at dusk. Neenah on the 4th, Venetian boat parade & fireworks on the 4th at dusk http://www.ci.neenah.wi.us/

July 4 Fond du Lac concert & fireworks at Lakeside Park 7:30-dusk http://www.fdl.com/calendar.iml

July 4 Omro 4th of July Celebration with Parade and Fireworks Scott Park http://www.omro-wi.com/calendar.html

July 4 Winneconne 4th of July Celebration with Fireworks on the Fox River http://www.winneconne.org/

July 4, 5, 6 Fremont ORIHULA DAYS at Secrets of Orihula (Formerly Huck Finns), live Music, Pig roast, Fireworks on Saturday July 5th (920) 446-3874 http://www.secretsoforihula.com/

July 5 Pandora’s Groove playing at Fratello’s in Oshkosh 6:00PM – 9:00PM http://www.pandorasgroove.com/ http://www.supplerestaurantgroup.com/fratellos/

July 5 Fremont at Ted’s Grandview bayou bash with fireworks 920-446-3261 http://www.tedsgrandview.com/

July 6 Fremont Independence day celebration at Hahn-A-Lula of Orihula, Parade & Firewords 920 446-3245 http://www.hahnalula.com/

July 11-12 Fremont River Days on the banks of the Wolf River in Fremont WI. Crafts, Food, Spirits, Ski show, fireworks Saturday July 12 http://www.fremontwis.com/

July 16 Wakeboard tournament at Fort Fremont Marine, Fremont 920-446-3220 http://www.fortfremont.com/

Jul 18, 19, 20 Winneconne Sovereign State Days, parade, street dance-Sat. Venetian Parade. Fireworks Friday July 18 http://www.winneconne.org/SSD/

July 19 Tri-County Powerboat Alliance meeting at the Bridge Bar, Fremont http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

July 19 Classic Boat Show – Shattuck Riverwalk – Menasha 920-725-2205

July 20 Aquapalooza – Waverly Beach Lake Winnebago http://www.aquapalooza.com/ and http://www.waverlybeach.com/

July 26 Park-to-Park Paddle canoe/kayak run, Shattuck Park, 8:30 a.m. http://www.fwwa.org/
July 28-August 3 EAA Air Venture EAA grounds, Oshkosh, this event is not on the water. The air show can be seen from Lake Winnebago. For best viewing of the airshow anchor on Lake Winnebago east of Oshkosh just north of Stony Beach. Tune your radio to AM 1210 or FM 100.7 to hear EAA Radio. http://www.airventure.org/

August 2008

August 1, Pandora’s Groove playing at Fratello’s in Oshkosh 6:00PM – 9:00PM http://www.pandorasgroove.com/ http://www.supplerestaurantgroup.com/fratellos/

August 2 Tri-County Powerboat Alliance Brat Fry fundraiser at Gills Landing, on the Wolf River, Weyauwega http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

August 2 Captain’s Cove water volleyball tournament on the south west side of Lake Poygan. 920-582-4757

August 2 Winnebago Rally raft-up 1:00PM to 3:00PM at the weed beds, Lake Poygan. Just show up, no need to register. http://www.winnebagorally.com/

August 13 Fremont invaders snowmobile club fund raiser at Hahn-A-Lula of Orihula, Barbeque and corn roast 920 446-3245 http://www.hahnalula.com/

August 13 Wakeboard tournament at Fort Fremont Marine, Fremont 920-446-3220 http://www.fortfremont.com/

August 16 Celebrate the Fox at Scott Park, Omro. http://foxriverrunners.org/

August 16 Duck races at Gills landing, Weyauwega 920-867-2884

August 23 Remote control boat races, Appleton Yacht Club, Appleton (920) 733-9848 http://www.appletonyachtclub.com/ (note website down as of May 12 2oo8)

August 30 Corn Roast at Menasha Marina, Menasha. Reservations needed. 920-967-5193
http://www.cityofmenasha-wi.gov/content/departments/parks_&_recreation/(60)marina/

September 2008

September 1 Labor Day Holiday

September 5,6 Seafood Fest, Jefferson Park Menasha http://www.neenahrotary.org/

September 20 Tri-County Powerboat Alliance meeting at the Other Place, Winneconne http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

September 20 Dragon Boat Race and Festival Leach Amphitheater and Riverside Park, Oshkosh http://www.uwosh.edu/dragonboat/

October 2008

October 5 Fox River locks end operation for the season http://presentationrentals.blogspot.com/2008/04/2008-fox-river-lock-schedule.html

October 12 Bridges end operation for the season
http://presentationrentals.blogspot.com/2008/04/2008-bridges-start-operation-friday.html

Reoccurring events:
Webfooters water ski show, Fremont 6:00PM every Wednesday and Sunday June thru August (no show July 20th / August 10th) http://www.webfooters.org/

Leach Amphithiteater / Waterfest, Oshkosh. Live music. See webstie for events.
http://www.leachamphitheater.com/

Lakeside Spirit cruises, Lakeside Park, Fond du Lac 800-937-9123 http://www.lakesidespirit.com/

Fin-N-Feather show boat cruises, Winneconne 920-582-4305 http://www.fin-n-feathershowboats.com/

Popular anchorage:
Streichs – Lake Winnebago
http://presentationrentals.blogspot.com/2006/01/wisconsin-boating-lake-winnebago.html
Sand Pit – Lake Butte des Morts http://presentationrentals.blogspot.com/2005/08/wisconsin-boating-lake-butte-des-morts.html
Nipple Beach - Wolf River
http://presentationrentals.blogspot.com/2005/08/wisconsin-boating-wolf-river-going.html

How to add an event:
If you have additional information, events or corrections please e-mail us at admin@presentationrentals.net with the date, event details and a link to where more information is available.

About the Winnebago pool chain of lakes:
The Winnebago Pool is a collective name for a group of interconnected lakes in eastern Wisconsin. This chain of lakes includes Lake Winnebago, Butte des Morts, Poygan and Winneconne. The primary feed waters of the Winnebago Pool chain of lakes are the Wolf River & Fox River. Upstream on the Wolf River is Partridge Lake and Partrage Crop Lake. Downstream on the Fox River is Little Lake butte des Morts.

last updated May 12, 2008

2008 Fox River lock schedule

2008-04-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Fox River Navigational System Authority is giving notice to all navigational interests that three Fox River locks will be open for the recreational navigational season at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008.

Photo of Appleton WI lock curtsy of gwo-main.com

The operational schedule is:

Menasha & DePere Locks (Seven day operation)

Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Friday - Sunday & Holidays 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Little Kaukauna Lock (Five day operation)

Thursday – Monday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday Closed

The four locks in Appleton and the Cedars Lock will operate for an abbreviated 2008 navigation season because of College Avenue Bridge construction in the City of Appleton. The dates are May 23rd through July 6th. The Olde Oneida and Lawe Street bridges will operate in conjunction with the lock operation. The schedule is:

Appleton Locks 1-4 (Three day operation)

Friday – Sunday
Holidays Noon – 8 p.m.

Alternating hourly travel down stream and up stream.

Appleton Lock #1 – Downriver lockage at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Appleton Lock #4 – Upriver lockage at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Cedars Lock (Three day operation)

Friday – Sunday
Holidays Noon – 8 p.m.

All other locks are closed for the season.

The Fox River Navigational Authority has established the following user fee schedule:

Seasonal Lockage Permit $120.00

Daily Transit Permit

26 feet and over $12.00
Under 26 feet $ 6.00

The basic operational season will close on October 5, 2008. Inquiries can be addressed to the FRNSA Kaukauna office at (920) 759-9833.

FOX RIVER NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM AUTHORITY
1008 Augustine Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Tele. 920-759-9833
Fax: 920-759-9834
Harlan Kiesow, CEO

Launching our boat at Skipper Buds

2008-04-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

This is a video of our boat being launched on April 24, 2008 at a ramp with a marine travel lift.

Nothing bad happened, it’s a normal launch.

I edited the video so the launch takes about a minute.

The previous weekend we cleaned, washed, and waxed the boat.

This is at Skipper Buds in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Our boat is a Sea Ray 280 Sundancer.

Its going to be a great summer.

2008 Bridge's start operation Friday April 25th 2008

2008-04-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

The four Oshkosh Bridge and the Winneconne Bridge start operation Friday April 25th thru October 12, 2008 from 8:00 AM thru Midnight.
2008 navigational season operating dates and hours for bridges on the Fox River System

Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Northeast Region - 2008 Bridge Operation Schedule

For the four bridges in Oshkosh (Main Street, Oregon/Jackson Streets, Wisconsin Street and Congress Avenue) and the Winneconne Main Street Bridge, the operating hours will be: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight from Friday, April 25th to Sunday, October 12th. As in the past there will be restricted operating hours for the Oshkosh bridges on Monday through Friday to avoid undue conflicts with street traffic during the following time periods:

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For the two bridges in Menasha (Racine and Tayco Streets), the operating hours will be: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight on Friday through Sunday and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday from Friday, April 25th through Sunday, October l2”. Operating hours on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th and Labor Day, Monday, September 1st will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, as on weekends.

Note: The Racine Street Bridge will not be operated on September 21, 2008 from 9:00 A.M until 2:00 P.M. to accommodate the Fox Cities Marathon route.

The Lawe Street and Olde Oneida Street bridges in Appleton will be operated from May 9, 2008 to July 7, 2008 then closed for the season as razing and replacement of the College Avenue bridge begins.

The Island Street Bridge in Kaukauna, and the Mill Street Bridge in Little Chute are inoperable, and will not have scheduled hours for the 2008 season.

During the off season, all operable bridges in the system can be opened if at least twelve (12) hours notice is given. Railroad bridges and highway lift bridges will be operational and available for 12 hour non-operating hours notification prior to April 25, 2008 and after October 12, 2008.

The following is a listing of telephone contacts for the issuance of 12 hour notices by mariners of requests for drawbridge openings during unscheduled operating hours:

City of Appleton, Drawbridge Operations, Municipal Service Building, 2625 E. Glendale Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911 (920)832-5580 [Police (920)832-5500]

City of Menasha, Director, Department of Public Works, 140 Main Street, Menasha, WI 54952 (920)967-5102 [Police (920)967-5128]
Winnebago County (Oshkosh and Winneconne Drawbridges), Bridge Operations Supervisor, Winnebago County, 901 W. County Road Y, Oshkosh, WI 54903 (920)232-1700 [After 3:00 p.m. (920)420-21461 Off Hours 920-232-1715

Canadian National, 6361 N. Western Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54937 (920-929-6040)

Questions? Northeast Region Bridge Operations: Dale Weber, Wisconsin Department of
Transportation, Northeast Region, 944 Vanderperren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304 (920)492-7161.

Photo from http://www.gwo-main.com/

The Lower Fox River Lock System (Menasha Lock) operating season for 2008 is May 9th through September 28th. Off season lockages (surcharge applies) can be made by special 12 hour advance request. Contact Dennis Arnoudussen at 920-202-1853.

Source: East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
http://www.eastcentralrpc.org/

Boating video

2008-04-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s been too long since I have updated this website. The winter in Wisconsin has been long and hard with a record volume of snowfall. However the DNR has just updated their website making it official that on Lake Winnebago this ice is out.

This winter we had a marine generator installed on our boat. This will allow us to use the air conditioning or heat away from the dock allowing more comfortable overnights on the hook. I hope to add more information on this at a future date.

I’m beginning to get into video and hope to add some informational videos as well as fun videos to this site. Below is the first video I have ever edited. It’s a short video that combines a few clips from our boating summer of 2007. I hope you enjoy.

Blogger video

Same video hosted at You Tube

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser Feb 9 2008

2008-01-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

News for immediate release January 14, 2008

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser

Saturday, February 9th, from 7 PM till 9:30 PM join the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance at it’s 7th annual "Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser" The event is held at Ted’s Grandview Supper Club, Wolf River Drive, Fremont, Wisconsin, and will feature wonderful wines and beers along with appetizers, music and silent auction items of signed artist prints, Packer memorabilia and raffling of a wine refrigerator.

Cost is just $30 a couple or $20 for an individual, and proceeds go to making our waterways a safe place for all recreational use. Contact TCPA@centurytel.net or 920 446-3930 for more information. No reservations needed, tickets at the door, "Designated Driver" program with free non-alcohol refreshments for drivers.

If you are boating on the Wolf River this season and having a safe and successful fun-filled day, chances are you have the volunteers of the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance to thank. We are over a 100 member strong, non-profit organization dedicated to making our waterways from New London to Lake Winnebago a safe place for recreational use. Our alliance regularly conducts safe boater education classes, organizes river clean up projects, provides signs and other navigational aids, sponsors informational meetings and raises funds for dredging projects.

Our goal is to promote safe boating and to preserve the Wolf River while maintaining its navigability, accessibility for fair and equitable use by all recreational users. Since our formation in 1994, with all the various users and philosophies of this beautiful water system we emphasize courtesy and safe fun for all. We also work closely with state and local government officials to protect the waterway and it’s natural resources. Each year we sponsor various fund-raising events to pay for navigational aids, such as the lighted buoys that guide boaters and hire barges with cranes to pull "deadheads", partially or fully submerged dead trees that lie in the river channel, that may be perilous to boaters. This past summer we pulled out a dozen 55-gallon drum barrels used for floatation in the floating fishing shanties, various buckets, hazardous metal, debris and garbage from the navigable channel and shoreline of the river during our river clean up. We also contribute to riprap shoreline erosion controls, fish and wildlife protection areas as part of our good citizen policies, among many other guiding principles to protect the river as a resource.

Events this year include our June 7th, annual alliance Wolf River clean up and our annual brat fry at Gills Landing, Weyauwega, on August 2nd.

If you’d like to learn more about our alliance of boaters, the Wolf River or would like to join, please contact us at tcpa@centurytel or http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com

Public Meetings on the Lower Fox River Rapide Croche Boat Transfer and AIS Management Plan

2007-12-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

1008 Augustine Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Tele. 920-759-9833
Fax: 920-759-9834
FOX RIVER NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM AUTHORITY

Meeting Notice

Public Meetings on the Lower Fox River Rapide Croche Boat Transfer and AIS Management Plan

The Fox River Navigational System Authority is holding a series of public meetings to present the preliminary overland boat transfer and aquatic invasive species management plan for the Rapide Croche Lock site near Wrightstown on the Lower Fox River. The meetings will introduce a preliminary plan to transfer boats overland around the Rapide Croche Lock allowing boat passage on the Lower Fox River. The meetings will also present a boat inspection and cleansing plan designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species on any boats or contents transferred. The Rapide Croche Lock was closed and sealed in 1988 to prevent the upstream invasion of the sea lamprey. Since that time, no boats could pass through the Rapide Croche Lock.

The Authority began preparing for the management plan over a year ago with the creation of the Aquatic Invasive Species Technical Advisory Committee. The Committee evaluated boat transfer alternatives and methods to cleanse boats for all known invasive species. With extensive research and analysis the Committee has selected a preferred option plan. After public review the final plan will be will be prepared and submitted to the Department of Natural Resources for approval. Construction of the Rapide Croche transfer station is subject to future fund raising.

Five public meetings are scheduled throughout the Lower Fox River Basin and will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The agenda includes:

Information Stations

Opening Remarks and Moderation – Bill Bush, AIS Technical Committee Chairman

FRNSA Mission and Activities – Bob Stark, FRNSA Chairman

Primary Presentation, Dr. Phil Moy, Wisconsin Sea Grant

Transfer Station Description

AIS Inspection and Cleansing

AIS Monitoring Program

Questions and Answer Period, Bill Bush, Moderator

Listening Stations

Meetings are scheduled in:

Green Bay on December 5th, Brown County Agricultural & Extension Building, 1150 Bellevue Street, Green Bay

Appleton on December 12th, Grand Chute Town Hall 1900 Grand Chute Boulevard, Town of Grand Chute

Oshkosh on December 13th, LaShure’s Hall 3125 South Washburn Avenue, Oshkosh

Fond du Lac on January 7th, Fond du Lac Government Center, 160 South Macy Street, Fond du Lac

Winneconne on January 9th, Village Municipal Center, 30 South First Street, Winneconne

Boaters, sportsman, civic groups, government officials and interested citizens are invited to the meetings.

For more information, contact: Harlan P. Kiesow, CEO
(920) 202-1855
hkiesow@new.rr.com
William Bush, AIS Committee Chair
(920) 213-5007
wbush43476@aol.com

###

Odor when you flush? Recharge your holding tank filter

2007-11-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

Do you smell an odor when you flush the toilet on your boat?

On boats with a holding tank for waste there is a vent line. Most of these vent lines have a filter. The filters have a limited life. If the filter becomes wet, the tiny carbon pellets inside the filter no longer do their job.

Fill gauges for holding tanks are often inaccurate. We overfilled our holding tank. After that we got an odor with each flush.

You can spend about $100 on a new filter or you can modify and recharge your existing filter for about $10. Once you modify the filter you can do future recharges for about $5.

Here is a do it yourself guide for recharging your holding tank filer.

Step 1. Buy a 2” PVC male and female fitting, primer & glue at a hardware store like Home Depot. At a pet supply store buy a 900 ML container of carbon pellets. These are the same pellets they sell for fish tank filters.

Step 2. Locate the filter on the boat and remove. Follow the vent line from the holding tank. The filter will be between the holding tank and the vent fitting on the side of the boat close to the pump-out fitting.

In the picture below the filter is located directly above the holding tank. Take note how the filter is mounted. You will be cutting this filter in half and adding the fittings. You want to make sure you cut the filter in a location where the fittings will not interfere with the way the filter needs to go back into the hardware that holds the filter. You do not need to cut the filter in the center.

Step 3. Using a hack saw cut the filter in half. Empty the contents into the trash

Step 4. Remove the retainer pads from each end. Wash and rinse the filter and retainer pads. Let the retainer pads dry.

Step 5. Carefully peal away about 1” of the label on the filter with a knife or razor bade so the fittings will slide on over the PVC filter pipe.

Step 7. Use the primer and glue per the instructions on the label to glue the fittings into the filter. Allow time for the glue to set-up.

Step 7. Replace the retainer pads to each side of the filter. Add the carbon pellets to the filter filling both both sides full then close the filter tight.

Step 8. Replace the filter in the boat. You just saved about $100. Next season you can simply buy a container of the carbon pellets and do this entire project at the marina.

About this guide:

I first came across this idea at a online forum called Club Sea Ray. I’ve modified the original instructions after doing this project myself, but must give credit to Ken for posting this money savings do-it-yourself maintenance item with the above pictures. Here is a link to the original post. Link

The above information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin that offers LCD projector PA public address sound system and accessories. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net/

Boat - SeaRay 280 Sundancer
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa & Doug

Lake Winnebago regulation meeting notes October 24, 2007

2007-10-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Lake Winnebago regulation meeting notes October 24, 2007

I attended the ACOE (Army corps of engineers) Lake Winnebago regulation meeting today, October 24, 2007. Below are my personal notes from this meeting.

The ACOE will post their own notes to their website. I have provided a link to the relevant site at the bottom. Also, a copy of their presentation is available at the website. I provided a link to this as well.

I Welcome – from the ACOE
Introductions (I am guessing at name spelling. Please do not count on the spelling of names below. Please assume the spelling of all names is suspect. I did my best. )
Mike O’Brien – ACOE chief of Detroit office, includes Fox River system
Dave Hause – primary contact with public, also 24/7 dam operator, maintenance of gauges.
Bob Stanic – chief of office
Jim Benettis – chief of operations Kewaunee
Dave Fosters – Lake Michigan operations
Rich DeFauldie – Engineer
John Allis – chief of water shed
Missed - sorry
Lee Strum – deputy
General attendance: Property owners, Fox River navigation authority (Bob Stark), Various fishing clubs and groups, Utilities, multiple, Petri office representative, Steve Kagen office representative, Wolf River ???? could not hear her, Tri-Co power boat alliance, Thilmany Paper, Radtke construction, Oshkosh boat club, Friends of the Fox, General boaters, others, DNR. Sorry I messed some groups.

II Overview
The pool covers 6430 sq miles. It takes 7 days for rainwater to get from runoff from the pool north of Shawano to make its way to Lake Winnebago.

The ACOE is responsible for managing the level of water in the Winnebago Pool. They can adjust various gates on damns along the Fox River between Lake Winnebago and the bay of Green Bay.

Once the gates are completely closed they have no ability to raise the level of the water level. Water will continue to evaporate and will continue to flow over the spillway at the damn. The water will continue to flow over the spillway with the gates closed until the water reached a level of 1.75’ over Oshkosh datum.

The ACOE must balance the needs of the various stakeholders. For example, the Kaukauna utility uses the river to make electricity. To them, a constant flow of 4,500 is optimal for power production. Higher and the water is spilled over the top and wasted. Less and they are not able to product as much electricity.

III General 2008 projects & flow needs
PCB clean up – this will require tight regulation of the flow on the Fox River due to the need to keep various equipment buoyant.
Sewer work in Kaukauna, level must be dropped at specific times due to this project.
Spawning of fish – this is an annual need
Ski show called the water board warriors require a specific minimum levels. ACOE does its best to accommodate this.
Utilities and paper mills prefer a constant flow of 4,500.
Property owners require flood control.
Bridge construction in 2009 the College Ave Bridge will be replaced. Not likely to start in 2008 but possible.
Recreational boating – as more locks open there will be increased need to manager the level at each pool – 17 total pools including Lake Winnebago.

IV ACOE 2008 projects
Appleton Weir – needle damn 4x4 timbers are worn out. Some completed.
Kaukauna dike – sink holes – needs repair. Some repairs completed.
Clearing / grubbing – due to vegetation
DePere Trunnion repairs (Pins that hold the gates in place)
Appleton upper buoy ball cable – this is a safety cable, grab wire incase a boater is going over the damn. This is installed now. The goal is for this grab cable to be 3’ above the water. If a boater is going to go over the dam this gives the boater one last shot to grab this cable to prevent from going over the damn. The cable is to be present year round.
Down river gage upgrades – this will be new and will be similar to the Lake Winnebago data that is available now.
Menasha spillway – flow will exist as long as Winnebago is at 1.7” above datum or more. ACOE has no control over this spillway. Neenah was rebuilt. It was leaking. Now it is not leaking. Wood was replaced with cement.
There are 4 gauges in Lake Winnebago and 4 other data collection sites upriver to determine water level. Data is current on the ACOE website and is no more the 15 minutes delayed.

V 2007 season Weather review
May, June & July was dry in this area. By August, most of the area was in drought conditions. Late August rain relieved the drought conditions. Also, snowfall was light. 2007 was the 3rd summer in a row with below average precipitation. 2004 it was very wet and we had flooding.

May 22nd 2007 all gates (Neenah / Menasha) were closes and have remained closed since this time. Please note how Lake Winnebago dropped after this. This is the second earliest gate closing in the entire history. Evaporation is equivalent to an equal amount of water flow as the Fox River. Algae were strong. ACOE had requests to open gates to flush algae. They did for 4 hours in Menasha just before a ceremony. This was to relieve smell for the dedication. This was 1 time. The ACOE said this 4 hour opening has a insignificant effect on the overall level of the Winnebago pool. The algae smell returned quickly once the gates closed. There was a constant call to increase water flow for the PCB buildup. The ACOE was not able to accommodate this due to the low rainfall.

VI Plan for 2008
The fill plan is identical to 2007.
Early January the pool will be drawn down.
From Ice out (date varies – but normally mid to late March) the pool will be raised.
There will be a .3 foot operating band. Goal is to raise the level to 3.0 to 3.3 by June 1 to July 1. This is equal to 2007. 2004 is an example of flooding. It got too high to fast. The issue is May and June can have such a variation in rainfall.

VII Comments from the group

Comment / suggestion from a Lake Winnebago land owner.
Drop the water level sooner, like now, not January. Do it in October and draw the water level up more aggressively in spring. Get the gates closed sooner. This will reduce ice flows and increasing pleasure boating, reduced algae blooms.
Response from Art, from the DNR – re: winter draw down – for the lake ecosystem – he would not be apposed to this earlier draw down. He felt it would not have a positive nor gegative effect on the lake ecosystem.

Question: How fast can you draw the pool down?
Answer: The rate they can draw the pool down varies based on a lot of factors. If they were to pick a number, it’s theoretically possible to draw down the pool as much as ½ foot in 1 weeks time, assuming zero precipitation and no ground water runoff. In real world conditions, the process is slower then ½ foot / week. In 2004, they had a period of 6 weeks with all gates fully open with zero drop in level.

Question: How long does it take for rain in Northern portion of the basin to get to Lake Winnebago?
Answer: It takes about 1 week.

Question: Do you do pre-emptive gate opening? Say if there is a forecast of heavy rain. Answer: Yes, they can. They have not needed to in the last 3 years but they can.

Question: How much of a flood was 2004?
Answer - Per Art Decko with the DNR- this was a 25 year flood. This is average and can not predict with certainty when a flood of this level will return.

Question: When does ice go out in Lake Winnebago?
Answer: Mid March is typical lately. It’s been as late as April 10th. They have this data on the ACOE website. See link below.

Question: With gates closed, only spillway flow, will the Fox River navigational authority be able to use the lock system?
Answer: Yes. With water up to the spillway a boat can continue to navigate over the lock door threshold.

Question: When did the summer water level goal become 3.0 Oshkosh datum?
Answer: Per Art Decko from the DNR – 1982.

Question: What was the goal before 1982?
Answer: There was no goal. It was random. It was below 3.0. 3.0 is the highest goat that has ever existed before 2007 when the .3’ range was added making a goal range of 3.0 to 3.3’ over Oshkosh datum.

Question: What does 3.0 Oshkosh datum mean?
Answer: Its nothing more then a spot on a gauge. It’s meant for comparison purpose. There are presently 4 gauges on Lake Winnebago and 4 more on the upper portion of the system. More are being added to the lower Fox River. Data is electronically transmitted and uploaded to the ACOE website. Data is real time with not more then a 15 minute delay.

Question: Why not increase the level above 3.0?
Answer: The target range is 3.0 to 3.3 now. Flooding stage begins at 3.5. It would be irresponsible to have a target at flood stage.

Question: Why not move the target of 3.0 to a point earlier in the year?
Answer: In May 22, 2007, before the July 1 target date, we completely closed the gates. This was the second earliest we had ever done this. Our rainy season is May and June. We need to balance the needs of boaters with the other stakeholders of the Winnebago Pool including flood control.

Question: When did the ACOE stop dredging within this pool?
Answer: More then 25 years ago.

Question: When did the locks go into caretaker status?
Answer: 1983.

Question: What role does the ACOE serve for the Winnebago pool?
Answer: Dam maintenance and control of the water level for the Lake Winnebago pool and sub pools to Lake Michigan.

Question: Does the DNR control the water level? I heard a rumor that the water level is being held down for aquatic growth by the DNR.
Answer from Art Decko with the DNR: - Absolutely not. The DNR does not have the power to control the water level. We provide input, as does the other stakeholders as mentioned in the opening of the meeting. If the DNR had control over the water level it would be managed different. (Lots of chuckles in the room followed. Its understood Art Decko would like the water level much lower.)

Question: Doesn’t lower water levels mean greater aquatic growth?
Answer: Sometimes. Lower water level can cause more light to get further down and can result in more aquatic growth however this is only one factor. Another factor is water clarity.

Question for Art: Do you feel we have sufficient aquatic growth? I tool my dock out and it took 2 hours to remove all the growth. Last year too. I never had to do that and I’ve been on Winnebago for 67 years.
Answer from Art: We certainly have plenty of aquatic growth in Lake Winnebago. We are also having growth of invasive aquatic vegitation. The upper portion of the pool including Lake Poygon is suffering from low aquatic growth. The upper lakes are low on habitat.

Question: This spring we had a major fish die off. Why did this happen?
Answer from Art: The fish was mostly gizzard shad. We had a cold snap. They died by the millions. If we had a normal winter of ice cover the fish would have decayed. The issue was the lake opened up, the fish flowed into shore and marinas and you saw it and smelt it. The fish die off was caused by a cold snap. That is not the unusual part. The opening of the ice on the lake allowing the fish to float in to shore and gather in specific locations is what was unusual

Conclusion: Several people thanked the ACOE for this opportunity to meeting with the ACOE and hear their plan and answer questions.

Army Corps of Engineers Lake Winnebago Home Page:
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/greatlakes/hh/lakewinnebago/
Copy of the presentation.
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/hh/winnebago/regulation/regulation_meeting_presentation.pdf

Marine Radar – a beginner’s perspective

2007-08-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

When we purchased our current boat in June of 2007 it had marine radar already installed.

I wanted the radar to be more then a dash mounted device to impress guests. My goal was to use radar as a tool to aid in collision avoidance specifically during in poor visibility conditions. This would include small, unlit fishing boats that are common in our area.

I significantly underestimated how difficult it was to learn how to use this tool.

I had experience with GPS/charplotters. When I first got my GPS chartplotter I was using it and understanding what was on the screen minutes after powering it up for the first time. I had to read the manual to know how to make waypoints, tracks and routes, and change the screen so it was showing what I wanted but all totaled this took a couple of hours.

I found learning how to use Radar to be challenging and at times frustrating. A poor manual that was not written for beginners and having no one with experience that could answer questions added to the challenge.

Using radar and understanding what I was seeing on the screen and knowing how to make the proper adjustment to get the radar to perform took perseverance, practice and patience.

I made a commitment to use and understand this device.

Over the past 2+ months using radar I have just over 70 hours of experience using radar and many hours reading the manual and reading a marine radar tutorial. What I do is I use it, go back and read then use it more.

I use the radar all the time, even during the day when there is clear visibility so I gain experience with Radar and become familiar with what various targets look like on the screen when I can see them with my eyes. I identify targets on the screen then try to find them with my eyes.

I am just beginning to be able to look at the screen and say to a passenger “There are two birds flying directly behind the boat, about 50 feet behind us.”

When first installed there are initial settings that must be performed for the radar to operate properly. Since the initial settings were not set on our radar I don’t think the previous owners depended on the radar. Adjustments like the heading were way off. The heading adjustment is needed so what is directly in front of you is straight up on the display. The tuning, timing and clutter settings were also far out of proper adjustment. At the beginning nothing on the screen made sense. Now that I have some experience using radar and have gone thru the manual and the various initial setup adjustments I can tell when things are off. I’ve even went so far as to mess things up on purpose to gain experience at properly resetting the radar.

When I am on a lake and at least a mile off shore or more I set the range to 1.5 miles. This gives you a radius of 1.5 miles. The total screen covers 3 miles. I will zoom in to .25 miles when on a narrow river.

The first thing you may ask is “Why do you even have the radar running when you are boating on a narrow river?” Well, if you are in a wake zone you can see a faster boat coming up behind you as you are facing forward. Being aware of a boat that is going to pass you increases your safety. It prevents you from being startled or making a potentially dangerous course adjustment. A second reason to keep the radar on and zoomed in would be to gain experience.

I keep the range rings on. This means there are several circles on the screen, one inside the other, at a set calibration. Say you are at the 1.5 mile range setting and have 3 rings. A target that is at the outermost ring is 1.5 miles away. A target that is at the 2nd ring is 1 mile away, and so on. This allows you to estimate how far away a target is from you.

The better you adjust the various settings the better you can reduce clutter yet still see small targets. At first I set every adjustment I could to ‘auto adjusts.’ Today I keep all auto adjust settings off except tuning. Auto adjusting settings such as rain clutter, sea clutter, and tuning make using the radar easier however I have found I can adjust the unit better then it can.

If you are using radar for collision avoidance like me, you want to see that small flat bottom skiff with no lights at night. I find if I leave the settings on auto-adjust I loose small objects or gain so much clutter I can’t differentiate an actual target from interference.

I’m confident at adjusting the STC (sea clutter), FTC (rain clutter) and gain and can re-adjust these on the fly as sea and weather conditions change or when my location dictates that I need to adjust the range setting.

I’m getting better but it takes me time to get things adjusted correctly. Also, I am committed to continue my radar education and experience.

I’m glad to have radar and still consider myself to be a novice on the inclining part of the learning curve. However I am past the maddening steep part of the curve.

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance Brat Fry August 4 2007

2007-06-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

August 7, 2007

Join in the food, music and fun at Gill’s Landing on the Wolf River.

Come by land or water.

Free-will donations for brats

Corn available for purchase

Noon until 4 p.m.

Proceeds go for Wolf River clean, safety and improvement projects.

Located 5 miles upstream from Fremont.

3 1/2 Miles East of Weyauwega on Cty.

Gill’s Landing, Weyauwega
For more information contact.. tcpa@centurytel.
h t t p : / / t c p a w e b . g o o g l e p a g e s . c o m /

Only 5 of 300 washed their boat after Lake Winnebago event

2007-06-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Lake Winnebago is infected with VHS virus — viral hemorrhagic septicemia.

To prevent the spread of this virus to other instate lakes the DNR has recommended washing boats including the hull, bilge and live wells.

This past weekend Lake Winnebago had the annual Walleye Weekend event in Fond du Lac.

There were 300 boats participating in the fishing tournament.

Volunteers brought in tucks with washing equipment. One truck had a mixture of bleach then the second had fresh water.

There was no fee for this.

Out of 300 boats participating in the walleye weekend fishing tournament, only 5 used this free service.

Only 5.

I first learned about this when I had the TV on this morning. I was watching the news and had channel 26 on. This is WGBA – NBC 26. They covered this story. The reporter was Claudia Hickey – phone 920-490-2672. I called the station and she was not in yet however the person in the news room was able to tell me that that company who provided the trucks with the equipment was:

Valley Hydro-Excavation, LLC
Contact: Jeff & Jackie Rindt
Address:
W1902 Town Hall Road
Campbellsport, WI 53010
Phone: (920) 533-5927

I next called Valley Hydro, got Jeff’s cell number and verified the information was correct, only 5 out of 300 boats washed their boats. The rest drove on past.

The company, Valley Hydro-Excavation, LLC, and its owners volunteered their time and had to turn down business to b e available for this event. I called and spoke to Jeff and he said he did this out of his hope to help prevent the spread of the VHS virus.

To make matters worse, they had a group of youth volunteers that were part of a little league and football team to do the work. The kids were also very disappointed.

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance Annual Wolf River Clean up

2007-05-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance Annual Wolf River Clean up

May 20, 2007

Saturday June 2nd at 8:30 AM, the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance will hold its annual Wolf River clean up. It’s the Water Day version of Earth Day each year as members and the concerned citizens are welcome to join the river clean teams as they remove azardous materials and debris not only from the navigable river channel but also from the shores of the river. Last years event produced over a dozen drum barrels, buckets, along with various metal and garbage, both up and down river from Fremont.

All interested persons are to meet at the Partridge Beach on Wolf River Drive in Fremont at 8:30 A.M. If you have a watercraft such as a flat bottom boat able to get into shallow waters or a pontoon able to hold debris please bring it. It is recommended to wear gloves and waders or boots. With a great turn out last year and boat use donations from Ted’s Grandview, Pine Grove Resort, Blue Top Resort , Wolf Ridge Cottages, and Wolf River Marine, they were able to send teams each direction up and down river to cover more area.

The Tri-County Powerboat Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the waterways from New London to Lake Winnebago a safe place for recreation. It’s goal is to promote safe boating and to preserve the Wolf River while maintaining its navigational use for all.

TCPA regularly conducts safe boater education classes, organizes river clean up projects, provides signs and other navigational aids, sponsors informational meetings, provides funds for dredging projects and works with state and local government officials to protect the waterway and its natural resources.

If you happen to see Alliance volunteers working on Saturday, June 2nd please wave and say thank for their work. Or join them for the annual fund raising brat fry at Gill’s Landing, Weyauwega, Saturday August 4th from noon till 4.

For more information contact TCPA@centurytel.net or Mike at 920 841-8372 or Judy at 920-450-7327. Or visit Tri-County Powerboat Alliance http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com

VHS Confirmed in Lake Winnebago

2007-05-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Confirmed in Lake Winnebago.

Menasha lock to resume operation at 4:00PM today, May 18, 2007. The lock will stay open for the season.

Questions and Answers on Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)

2007-05-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Important Questions and Answers on Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in Great LakesFish.

During the past two years, the fish kills on Great Lakes have involved thousands of fish infected by the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV); this virus was not previously known to exist in the freshwater environment of North America.Here is some information on VHS compiled by NY Sea Grant.

What is VHS? What is the significance of the recent discovery of VHS in the Great Lakes?
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is an infectious viral disease of fish that has been found in fish from the AtlanticCoast of Europe and Atlantic and PacificCoasts of North America. Historically, VHS was known as a very serious disease of freshwater-reared rainbow trout in Europe. At least four different genetic strains or forms of the virus are known to exist. The North American marine strain has a relatively low infection rate compared to that of the European freshwater strain.Until 2005, VHS was only found in the marine environment in North America. Several fish kills in the Lower Great Lakes since 2005 have been associated with VHS. To date, VHS has been confirmed from wild fish in the Bay of Quinte Lake Ontario, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie and the St. Lawrence River. Scientists believe that this appearance may represent an invasion of the freshwater strain in North America.

What North American freshwater fish species are affected?
In the Great Lakes, VHS has been found in smallmouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, muskellunge, northern pike, bluegill, walleye, round gobies, sheepshead, and some sucker species. Scientists are concerned; however, that VHS could also strike native salmonids such as trout, salmon and whitefish in the wild, and salmonids in hatcheries and net pen operations.

How did VHS get here?
It is unclear how the virus spread to the Great Lakes; it is possible the marine virus may have been introduced to the Great Lakes some time ago and it simply evolved to live in freshwater.The VHS virus is a strain that undergoes rapid mutations (spontaneous genetic changes) and may have adapted to freshwater environments in North America. Recently, VHS was found in stored fish samples that were collected in the Great Lakes during 2003, suggesting the virus has been present in the Great Lakes for some time.

How does VHS spread?
It is unclear exactly how the disease is spread but it appears that the virus can be shed by infected fish into the water through metabolic waste materials, particularly by fish that survive the disease and become carriers. It also appears that carrier fish or offspring of carriers become more resistant to the disease. The virus can infect fish of all ages. It may enter a host fish through the gills or food or contact with some contaminated object. It does appear that stressed fish more vulnerable to viral infection. Typical fish stressors include sudden water temperature changes, crowded hatchery conditions and, spawning activity.The timing of the recent fish die-off in the Great Lakes coincided with the spawning by some of the fish species, such as muskellunge.

What does it do to fish? What are the symptoms of a fish with VHSV infection?Like many fish diseases, the type of symptoms present in a fish change with the severity of the infection.At low infection intensity fish may display few to no symptoms as is the case in most wild disease outbreaks.Hatchery or pen-reared fish are much more susceptible because of the confined conditions. As the infection severity increases, fish become darker and the eyes bulge with some bleeding around the eye and base of the fins. The gills are usually quite pale with some pin point bleeding.Mortalities appear at this point because hemorrhaging reduces the oxygen carrying ability of the blood. Dark red patches may appear on the front and sides of the head.
If the fish is opened up, bleeding on the surfaces of the intestine, liver, swim bladder can be seen. Fluid also builds up in the body cavity giving the fish a swollen belly. Later, if infection increases, the body continues to darken and the eyes really stick out of the head. At this point, the gills look gray or even white and the fish may swim in a corkscrew pattern. Most fish kills from VHS occur in water temperatures from 40 to 60 F (3-12 C) and few occur at temperatures above 62 F (15 C).NOTE:The detection of a VHS infection can only be made from sophisticated laboratory testing.A diagnosis cannot be made based solely on the observation of visible signs because many different diseases of fish have very similar signs of disease.

What is the long-term outlook for VHVS in the Great Lakes?
Diseases like VHS run their course just as they do in human populations. At first mortalities may appear to be large, but many biologists believe that most fish can survive the disease if they are not otherwise stressed because mortalities generally occur in weaker, stressed fish. The remainder will build up a natural immunity to the virus and the numbers of fish killed by the virus will decline.

Is it a health risk to people?
There is no apparent health risk for people contracting VHS.Because it takes a long time to identify the causes of fish kills in lab studies, people should be cautioned against handling or eating any fish that does not act or appear to be healthy because of the risk of contracting avian botulism a bacterial disease that does pose a human health threat.

What is being done to control it or prevent it?
One of the best management options is containment.Efforts should be made to eliminate or reduce the potential spread of the virus from the locations where it is known to exist.Actions such as not moving fish from the endemic area to areas outside the Great Lakes may be important.Many of the same preventative actions that are taken to reduce the spread of invasive species may also be appropriate.These include cleaning of boats before moving them between different bodies of water; cleaning, draining and drying of live wells and not moving bait minnows or other live bait from an endemic area to a non-infected area.To be fully effective, these containment efforts will need to be practiced by all users of the aquatic resource.

In a hatchery, the best means of controlling the disease is to prevent the contact of the virus and fish. This can be done by hatchery disinfection, egg treatment with anti-viral agents, and using ultra-violet light treatment of hatchery water. It is important to stock disease free fish and to monitor freshwater populations for signs of further spread.Information on diseased wild fish is difficult to obtain because they often die undetected and fish can decompose rapidly making disease diagnoses very difficult.New research is being developed that would allow more rapid detection of the disease.

What should I do if I see a fish kill?
If you observe a fish kill on the Great Lakes, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at (608) 266-8782 or your local DNR office. If you see fish with any of the outward signs of VHS as described above please mention this as well.This will help biologists keep track of where the disease may be appearing.

Source

Notice: Menasha Lock Closed as of May 12, 2007

2007-05-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Notice: Menasha Lock Closed

The Menasha lock has been closed as of Saturday May 12th.

The Menasha lock closed at the request of the DNR after the discovery of a virus in fish that were harvested in Little Lake Butte des Morts in Menasha.

Official release #1)

(Appleton, WI) The Fox River Navigational System Authority suspended the operation of the Menasha Lock today in response to a report that the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) virus was preliminarily discovered in a fish sample taken from Little Lake Butte des Morts earlier this month.Two samples of freshwater drum, (sheepshead), were collected on May 2, 2007 from Little Lake Butte de Morts by DNR fisheries staff. On May 11th the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab informed the DNR that the samples tested positive for VHS.

Additional testing is being done to confirm the presence of the virus.“Protecting our waterways and our fisheries from Aquatic Invasive Species has been the number one pledge of the Navigational Authority since work began to restore and operate the 150 year old historic lock system on the lower Fox River,” said Bob Stark, chairman of the Authority. “When we received word that a preliminary positive test for the VHS virus was reported in Little Lake Butte des Morts, our immediate response must be to honor that pledge and to do what we can to fight the spread of AIS,” he added. “Therefore, I have ordered the Menasha Lock to be closed and not to be operated until further notice.”According to the DNR it is not known how the virus entered Little Lake Butte des Morts. The virus is carried in live and dead fish and on fish eggs.

Equipment that comes into contact with fish (live wells, bait buckets, nets and the like) is also a possible vector. Additional testing of fish in other areas is now being done, including Lake Winnebago. The virus poses no risk to human health.The DNR is asking all anglers, boaters and others using the water to take voluntary steps to prevent the spread of this deadly disease. The preliminary message is that all anglers and boaters need to take personal responsibility for not spreading this virus (and other invasive species) by:

• NEVER moving live fish or fish eggs (including bait) to other waters

• ALWAYS draining all water from their boats after use

• ALWAYS obtaining bait minnows from approved sources (WI bait dealers or harvest yourself in the water you'll be fishing)

• RINSE the boat with hot water or let it dry in the sun for 5 days before moving to new waters

• Clean equipment (live wells, nets etc) with a bleach solution, (1/3 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water, in contact with equipment for 5 minutes)

Notice of the Menasha Lock closure will be sent to boat clubs and marinas on the system.

Questions regarding the operational status of the Menasha Lock can be directed to Harlan Kiesow, CEO of the Fox River Navigational System Authority at (920)759-9833.

Release #2)

DATE: May 12, 2007
CONTACT: Mike Staggs, Fisheries Director, (608)220-2609George Boronow, Regional Fisheries Coordinator, (920)662-5426
SUBJECT: Fish likely infected with deadly virus found in Little Lake Butte des Morts;Menasha Lock closed; Public asked to take steps to stop the spread

MADISON – The Department of Natural Resources announced Saturday that two fish from Little Lake Butte des Morts in the Lake Winnebago chain of lakes have preliminarily tested positive for the deadly fish virus called viral hemorrhagic septicemia or (VHS).

Additional dead fish samples taken from Lake Winnebago, itself, appear to have the virus.

Though VHS is not a health threat for people who eat or handle fish infected with the virus, it can infect more than 25 game fish, panfish and bait fish species. State fish managers had suspected it to be present in Lake Michigan and possibly in Lake Superior and in the Mississippi River. This would be the first infection to be confirmed in Wisconsin inland waters. Wisconsin recently enacted emergency rules for boaters, anglers and people who harvest wild bait to prevent the spread of VHS in inland waters http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/rbnews/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=497

“This is a major fish health crisis,” said Fisheries Director Mike Staggs, “We have to take aggressive steps now and enlist the help of the public to stop this spread.” Fish managers met Saturday to implement immediate steps to deal with the infection and limit its spread. DNR asked the Fox Locks Authority to close the Menasha Lock immediately and to keep it closed until more information about the spread of the disease could be confirmed; boaters can expect to be turned back from the lock starting today. In addition, DNR began the process of posting all boat launches with actions boaters should take to avoid spreading the disease. “We need to err on every possible side of caution,” Staggs said. “Believe me, nobody wants to see this disease get into more of our lakes. Do not take live fish (including unused bait minnows) away from the landing or shore. Drain all water from bilges, bait buckets, live wells, and other containers when leaving the landing or shore.” Little Lake Butte des Morts is downstream from Lake Winnebago and separated by one dam and one functioning lock, which has now been closed. The Lake Winnebago chain is home to Wisconsin’s unique sturgeon population. On May 11, 2007 the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (WVDL) informed DNR that two samples of freshwater drum taken from Little Lake Butte des Morts on May 2, 2007 had tested positive for VHS. The samples have been sent to an approved federal lab for confirmation. The fish were collected by DNR fisheries staff during muskellunge spawning netting and were submitted for testing because they had shown external signs of VHS. Since that time, DNR has been receiving reports of hundreds of freshwater drum dying on Lake Winnebago, itself. On May 9 and 10 samples of those dead fish were sent to WVDL for testing. A visual inspection of the Lake Winnebago fish by DNR’s certified fish health inspector showed the same external signs of VHS as the Little Lake Butte des Morts fish. Also the DNR staff that collected the fish on Little Lake Butte des Morts reported seeing dead and dying drum washing over the dam separating that water from Lake Winnebago. Because the virus can infect so many different ages and species of fish, VHS could spread more quickly in inland lakes, which are much smaller than the Great Lakes, potentially devastating fish populations and fishing opportunities. Walleye, spotted musky, yellow perch, bluegill and northern pike are all susceptible to the virus, as are common bait species such as emerald and spot-tail shiners.

DNR is appealing to anglers, boaters and other water users to help prevent the further spread of VHS by taking a few simple steps:

• Never move live fish or fish eggs to other waters and always buy bait minnows only from Wisconsin bait dealers because bait from other states may not have been tested for VHS. These steps are required by the new emergency rules.

• Inspect boat, trailer and equipment and remove visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud before leaving the lake launch.

• Drain water from boat, motor, bilge, live wells, and bait containers before leaving a lake. This step is recommended for boaters on all waters and is required under the emergency rules for boaters on the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River and their tributaries up to the first dam.

• Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water. Do not take live fish or live fish eggs away from the boat landing.

• Rinse boat and recreational equipment with hot water OR dry for at least five days.

• Report large numbers of dead fish or fish with bloody spots to your local DNR fish biologist or conservation warden.

Wisconsin already has taken steps to deal with VHS. The state Natural Resources Board on Wednesday, April 4, unanimously passed emergency rules prohibiting anglers and boaters from moving live fish, and requiring them to drain their boats and livewells, before leaving Wisconsin’s Great Lakes waters, the Mississippi River and those waters’ tributaries up to the first dam.

Fishing in Wisconsin is a $2.3 billion industry.

More information on aquatic invasive species and Wisconsin’s programs to prevent their spread is available on the DNR Web site.

For more information about VHS please see http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/vhs.html

Menasha lock to being opening for 2007 boating season May 11

2007-05-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Menasha lock will being opening for 2007 boating season on Friday May 11, 2007 at 10:00 AM.

Photo from www.gwo-main.com

Hours of operation are:
Monday thru Thursday 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM
Friday thru Sunday 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM

The cost to use the lock has been raised to $6.00 for boats less then 26 feet and $12.00 for boats 26 feet and up. If you are going to go back thru the lock the same day they will give you a ticket stub and there is no additional fee for this return trip.

You can also purchase a seasonal ticket for $120.

This lock is hand operated and is a enjoyable experience for the family.

Sea Ray Sundancer 240 cabin cruiser w/ trailer used boat for sale

2007-05-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

***** Update May 25, 2007 SOLD *****

Sea Ray Sundancer 240 cabin cruiser w/ steel ShoreLand'r trailer

This is the perfect sized express family cruiser. The size is not too big for skiing, tubing, or fishing and not too small for 4 adults to spend the night in the cabin.

The boat comes with a full Camper top with enclosure. You can use the top for shade on those hot summer days or completely enclose the cockpit area for those cooler times allowing you to use the boat for an extended season. There’s even a windshield wiper. The Cockpit has a port lounge and a table giving you plenty of room to entertain 8 adults.

The cabin has a galley with dual voltage refrigerator, sink with pressurized water, a separate head compartment and a table that can be lowered for an oversized V-berth for two adults. Abaft the galley is a mid-birth that is plenty large enough to sleep two additional adults.

Also, the boat has a swim platform with a shower / wash down and boarding ladder.

This boat is built Sea Ray strong and is powered by a fuel ejected 5.0 L V8 Mercruiser with only 394 hours connected to the very reliable Alpha I gen II Inboard/Outboard drive.

This boat has been professionally serviced my AJ Marine. The outdrive has been pulled, inspected, serviced, replaced and is very clean.

The boat comes with 120V shore power + battery charging system, dual deep cycle multi-purpose marine batteries that are new in April 2007 and built-in battery selector switch, dual voltage fridge, gas stove, separate head compartment with pump-out.

This boat passed a coast guard voluntary vessel safety inspection May 3rd 2007. The examiner kept commenting how nice the condition the boat was in and even complemented the cleanliness of the engine compartment. A copy of this inspection is available upon request.

This is a 1998 Sea Ray 240DA Sundancer and the price includes the trailer. This is a versatile, fun, economical family express cruiser.

We are not boat brokers. Buy direct from the owner and save the 10% broker commission.

This is our personal boat and we are motivated to sell to move to a larger boat.

For sale at $26,900.

Please call *** SOLD ***

Unexpected repair expenses

2007-04-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

It seems like at the start of each season I have some unexpected repair expenses. Things like slip cost, insurance, fuel, and maintenance are part of the regular costs of boating.

The screen on my GPS/Chart plotter is leaking liquid crystal. For reference, it smells like dish soap.

The second bad news is I am past warranty but I don’t think this would have been covered anyways. I did remove the unit from my boat and stored it in a box in the basement. I think one of the kids must have played with it and dropped it and put it back. I do blame myself. Should have kept it in my bedroom.

The good news is the manufacturer will do a ‘swap-out’ with a rebuilt unit and will transfer the waypoints / routs / etc and send me a refurbished unit for $175. I’m sending it out next day air today. I should get the refurbished unit with a 90 day warranty by next Friday.

With shipping I’m out less then $200, far less then replacement cost of a new unit.

Oh-well. I hope this is it for unexpected repairs. With the slip ($1,450/season – paid in full up front), insurance, new batteries, repairs to the canvas, and this GPS thing I am now over two grand and I have not got the boat in the water yet.

Oshkosh railroad bridge begins operation April 27, 2007

2007-04-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Spanning across the Fox River in Oshkosh is a railroad bridge.

Per the C.N. operations center in Stevens Point WI, the Oshkosh railroad bridge will begin operation for the 2007 boating season on Friday April 27 8:00 AM.

This railroad swing bridge is operated automatically from Stevens Point Wisconsin. The bridge is normally open unless a train is coming.

You can reach the C.N. operations center by calling 715-345-2487. Put that in your cell phone. Call them if its closed.

I have called the number and alerted them I was waiting and they would perform a short opening between trains so I could continue my voyage.

Do-it-yourself Boat cleaning tips and tricks

2007-04-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

Do-it-yourself Boat cleaning tips and tricks

Some tips I have discovered:

#1) If you use ‘cleaner wax’ or even more aggressive ‘restorer & wax’ the wax does not last very long. Cleaner Wax allows you to remove the white chalky oxidation and wax in one step. It does work but you need to re-wax the boat very soon after. If you keep your boat in an uncovered slip this would be about a month later.

#2) If you use the non-skid deck cleaner there is no method of rinsing it off without the water running down the hull. As soon as this stuff touches the regular part of the fiberglass the wax is gone. So I recommend you use this type of product only just before you are going to re-wax the boat. It does a great job of cleaning the non-skid, far better then hours and hours of scrubbing.

#3) Mr. Clean magic erasers. Use this to clean marks off all sorts of stuff. On the vinyl seats I first wipe the seats with a wet rag and mild soapy water. Then I rub the vinyl with wet “Mr. Clean magic erasers” then I spray on a vinyl protector and wipe with a cotton cloth.

#4) Isinglass, the see-thru part of the canvas top. Forget Windex, Plexus, etc. Grab some Lemon pledge. This will clean and wax the isinglass at the same time. It also hides small scratches.

#5) Windshield wiper. If your windshield wiper is a different size then the ones sold at every gas station, etc, the blades are wider then the replacement blades you see, you have Ford “L-series” Semi wiper blades. You can find them at truck service centers.

#6) Yellow discoloration at the water line. On-Off will remove the yellow/brown discoloration of your hull. Warning – your bottom paint will turn green and it will ruin the paint on your trailer. If you have bottom paint I suggest you use this product when in the boat is in the water. I was told “Lime-Away gel” works great too but have not tried myself.

#7) Got oil stains? Try BRAKE CLEANER.

Slipknot Fremont WI on the Wolf River

2007-04-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Slipknot to re-open April 28, 2007

The bar / resuaurant along the Wolf River in Fremont Wisconsin called the Slipknot will reopen April 28, 2007.

This is a popular spot along the river.
Per Pete, the Slipknot’s owner, he has a new group of investors and will be ready to reopen Saturday, April 28th, 2007

You can call the slipknot at 920-446-2707.

Internet access from the boat or other remote locations via EVDO

2007-04-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

I sighed up for EVDO, got my card and am looking forward to this allowing me to spend more time on the boat.

EVDO is broadband (high speed) wireless internet. You get a small card that slides into your laptop.

Bingo, you can now surf the internet, get email or work as long as you are in an area with service. That last part is the kicker however as time go by the areas with service keeps growing.

The major cell phone carriers are offering this service in at least some of their markets now.

In time the service will continue to get faster with updated revisions and coverage will get as good as a cell phone.

I am testing my connection speed at an independent site called CNET and getting about 400 to 600 kbps (8x to 12x dial up speed) depending on where I am at when I run the test. I have not had this for long but so far I get coverage everywhere I have tried it but again its only been a day and a half.

Cost is a bit steep at $60/month ($80 if you don’t already have a cell phone with them) however I am planning on dumping roadrunner to save $35/month plus I typically spend the $9.99/day in a airport or some hotels / resorts that combine to average 4 to 5 times a month. So net effect this may end up saving me money.

One marine application I can think of is using this for updated weather and radar information.

Lake Winnebago water level is lower then last 2 years

2007-04-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Over the last two years we have seen lower then normal water levels on Lake Winnebago. As of today our current water level is lower then these past two years.

The Army cops of engineers controls the gates on the Fox River that allow an increase in the flow of water out of the Lake Winnebago pool system.

Per the ACOE website the gates for the Fox River in Menasha are now closed, meaning the ACOE is allowing for the fastest possible refill of Lake Winnebago.

Unfortunately, even with this gate closure, the current level of water is below the level of the past two years.

Lake Winnebago Historic Water Levels April 17
2005 - 2.40
2006 - 2.40
2007 - 2.35

You can view the current ACOE water level information here

Based on history, spring precipitation should cause a raise in the water level over the next two months.

Boaters should be particularly cautious in areas that are shallow.

Wisconsin Street Bridge - Oshkosh – marine construction zone

2007-04-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

Boaters are being urged to use caution in a construction zone along the Fox Rive in Oshkosh, WI. The Wisconsin Street Bridge in Oshkosh Wisconsin is being rebuilt. A new bridge is being erected parallel to the existing Wisconsin Street Bridge that crosses the Fox River in Oshkosh.

The Wisconsin Department of transportation (DOT) is urging boaters to use caution in this area.

For safety the DOT has placed Danger buoys as well as special reflective tape on the bridge itself.
During the construction the width of the opening will be limited to 45 feet. This reduced width is due to the cofferdam sheeting used during construction. Once construction is completed this width will increase to 70 feet.

Construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2008.

For more information please contact:
Kim Rudat, Regional Communications Manager
kim.rudat@dot.state.wi.us
(920) 492-5743
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/wisbridge/index.htm

Friends of the Fox - Unlock the fox video

2007-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Friends of the Fox have created a video about the Fox River lock system and their goal of unlocking the locks.

Video will open in your Media Player.

To view the video please click here

Note: This video is hosted at http://www.gwo-main.com

Mobile Marine - Lake Winnebago area

2007-04-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Does your boat need some maintenance work? Need your boat fixed or your weekend is ruined? There is a mobile marine service in Appleton Wisconsin called AJ’s Mobile Marine.

Per Andy, the company owner, “We come to your location to serve your boating needs, with high quality, professional work.”

AJ has an Associates Degree as a Marine Repair Technician, factory certified with Volvo Penta, Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude, and has over 7 years of experience.

Andy adds “We are located in Appleton, Wisconsin and will travel throughout the Fox Valley area, including Oshkosh, Fremont, and Green Bay.”

You can reach AJ Marine at 920-739-BOAT (2628) or through the website http://www.ajsmobilemarine.com

Boating slang glossary

2007-04-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

I’ve come across a variety of boating glossaries. Some are serious and some are only for humor.

Missing is a glossary that includes real world slang. This would be actual words boaters use yet do not appear in traditional boating glossaries.

I put together the below boating slang glossary.

Blowboater - this is a power boater talking derogatory about sail boaters, referring to the sails. Also see Snailboater.

Boataholic – a person who is passionate about boating.

Boating Dollars - money exclusively stashed away for boating related expenses.

Canboat - this is a power boater talking derogatory about pontoon boaters, referring to the aluminum pontoons that resemble beer cans.

Coasties – referring to the United States Coast Guard, or any water law enforcement member who has served or is serving.

Deadheads (also called sinker logs or snags) – a submerged log causing a serious hazard. Impact at a high speed with a deadhead can punch a hole in a large boat or destroy a small one.

Five By Five, or Five By - Means your radio is load and clear. The first numerical value (1-5) states the strength of your signal, the second numerical value (1-5) states the clarity of your signal.

Footitus – a desire to get a larger boat.

GoFast or GoFast/GoLoud – refers to boats built for speed. These boats are often very loud.

Oilburner – a boat with a Diesel engine.

On the hard - has two meanings. Those that don't know how to park boat in a slip properly and those who are having work done on the boat.

On the hook – a boat that is anchored.

Poleboarder – a term that a kitesurfer uses for windsurfers (like power vs sail boats)

Powerlandar – using your engine to drive onto your trailer.

Sawyers – fallen trees that are still floating. A serious boating hazard. Similar to Deadheads however the log would still be floating.

Smiles per Gallons - regardless of cost, enjoying boating.

Snailboater - this is a power boater talking derogatory about sail boaters, referring to the sails. Also see Blowboater

Soup – another term for fog.

Splash – putting your boat in the water.

Stinkpot –this is a sail boater talking derogatory about gas power boaters, referring to the engine smell.

Velcrumbs - the unwanted items that sticks to velcro

Water gnats – derogatory term for personal water craft, wave runners or jet ski’s.

Yarditus – same as footitus but looking to move up to a much larger boat.

Sawyers – fallen trees that are still floating. A serious boating hazard. Similar to Deadheads.

W0X0F - Pronounced wox-off. It means that you are fogged in Acronym W = weather 0 = 1st zero means you can not see horizontally X = obscured visibility 0 = 2nd zero means you can not see vertically F = Fog

Winnebago Rally planning meeting April 14th 2007

2007-04-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

April 14, 2007 Winnebago Rally planning meeting. "The Other Place," in Winneconne at 1:00PM. This is on the the Wolf River so you can come by boat or car. Please see this link for an update. link http://www.winnebagorally.com

Boating event in Appleton July 21st

2007-04-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

Fox River Water Safety & Development Public Education Event
Saturday, July 21, 2007
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lutz Park, 1320 S. Lutz Drive, Appleton, WI

Event will Include:
• Appleton Economic Development
• Appleton Fire Department
• Appleton Parks & Recreation
• Outagamie County Sheriff
• Fox River Navigational Authority
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers
• Friends of the Fox

JOIN THE FUN!
Learn About Boating Regulations, Boating Safety, Swimming, Riverfront development, The Fox River Locks system restoration-when it will open and how you can use it, Historical information about the Fox River and surrounding area.

Watch the paddlers arrive that are participating in the Park-to-Park Paddle event.
See a simulated water rescue and kayak demo

Source

Check the dates on your flairs and check your safety equipment

2007-04-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

1 in 4 boaters that requested a voluntary vessel safety inspection failed to meet the minimum legally required safety requirements. The most common reason for failing the inspection is expired flairs.

If you fail the voluntary vessel safety inspection no citations will be given. However they will supply you with a copy of the evaluation so you may follow some of the suggestions given.

Passing the inspections will be able to display a distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

You can get a free vessel safety inspection by contacting your local coast guard auxiliary or power squadron. Often they can offer coming to you to perform the inspection. Upon passing this inspection you will get a vessel decal to display on your boat.

You can also request the free inspection online here http://safetyseal.net/

To perform a self-examination please follow the below guide.

Item 1 - Display of Numbers:
The boat’s registration number must be permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat They must be plain, vertical, block characters, not less than three (3) inches high, and in a color contrasting with the background. A space or hyphen must separate the letters from the numbers. Place State tax sticker according to State policy.

(e.g. WS 4776 GT or WS-4776-GT)

Item 2 - Registration / Documentation:

Registration or Documentation papers must be on board and available. Documentation numbers must be permanently marked on a visible part of the interior structure. The documented boat’s name and hailing port must be displayed on the exterior hull in letters not less than 4 inches in height. To be documented a boat must be 5 net tons or greater.

Item 3 - Personal Flotation Devices (PFD):

Acceptable PFDs (also known as Life Jackets) must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good serviceable condition, and of suitable size for the each person on the boat. Children must have properly fitted PFDs designed for children. Wearable PFDs shall be "readily accessible." Throwable devices shall be "immediately available." PFDs shall NOT be stored in unopened plastic packaging. For Personal Watercraft riders, the PFD must be worn and indicate an impact rating. Boats 16 Feet or longer, must also have one Type IV.

Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS):

Recreational boats 16 feet and over used on coastal waters or the Great Lakes are required to carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2). Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.

It is recommended, but not required, that boats operating on inland waters should have some means of making a suitable day and night distress signal. The number and type of signals is best judged by considering conditions under which the boat will be operating. Alternatives to pyrotechnic devices (flares) include:

Night Day
Strobe light Signal mirror
Flashlight Red or orange flags
Lantern Hand signals

Special insert: Check the expiration date on your flairs. If you need to purchase new flairs please check the dates on the flairs you are purchasing.

Flairs may work past their expiration date however to meet the U.S Coast Guard requirements the flairs that you are required to carry must not have exceeded the expiration date on the label.

I have experienced shopping for flairs at retail stores where the inventory was already close to the date of expiration.

Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are required if one of the following conditions exists: (1) Inboard engine(s); (2) Closed compartments that store portable fuel tanks; (3) Double bottom hulls not completely sealed or not completely filled with flotation materials (4) Closed living space (5) Closed stowage compartments that contain flammable materials or (6) Permanently installed fuel tanks NOTE: Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and verified as serviceable.

Minimum number of extinguishers required

Boat Length No Fixed System With Fixed System
Less than 26’ one B-1 none
26’ to less than 40’ two B-1 or one B-2 one B-1
40’ to 65’ three B-1 or
one B-1 & one B-2 two B-1 or
one B-2

Item 6 - Ventilation:

Boats with gasoline engines in closed compartments, built after 1 August 1980 must have a powered ventilation system. Those built prior to that date must have natural or powered ventilation.

Boats with closed fuel tank compartments built after 1 August 1978 must meet requirements by displaying a "certificate of compliance." Boats built before that date must have either natural or powered ventilation in the fuel tank compartment.

Item 7 - Backfire Flame Control:

All gasoline powered inboard/outboard or inboard motor boats must be equipped with an approved backfire flame control device.

Item 8 - Sound Producing Devices / Bell:

To comply with Navigation Rules and for distress signaling purposes all boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for ½ mile. Boats larger than 39.4 ft. are also required to have a bell (see Navigation Rules.) Under a recent change, a vessel 12 meters (39.4 ft) to less than 20 meters (65 ft) is no longer required to carry a bell on board. This applies ONLY to those vessels operating in International Waters. International waters for the purposes of the Navigational Rules are those waters seaward of the Line of Demarcation. For those vessels operating in Inland Waters, a bell is STILL REQUIRED.

Item 9 - Navigation Lights:

All boats must be able to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility. Boats 16 feet or more in length must have properly installed, working navigation lights and an all-around anchor light capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white "running" lights.

Item 10 - Pollution Placard:

Boats 26 feet and over with a machinery compartment must display an oily waste "pollution" placard.

Item 11 - MARPOL Trash Placard:

Boats 26 feet and over in length must display a "MARPOL" trash placard. Boats 40 feet and over must also display a written trash disposal plan.

Item 12 - Marine Sanitation Devices:

Any installed toilet must be a Coast Guard approved device. Overboard discharge outlets must be capable of being sealed.

Item 13 - Navigation Rules:

Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.

Item 14 - State and/ or Local Requirements:

These requirements must be met before the "Vessel Safety Check" decal can be awarded. A boat must meet the requirements of the state in which it is being examined.
Contact your local marine law enforcement agency.
Item 15 - Overall Vessel condition:

As it applies to this Vessel. Including, but not limited to:

a. Deck free of hazards and clean bilge:

The boat must be free from fire hazards, in good overall condition, with bilges reasonably clean and visible hull structure generally sound. The use of automobile parts on boat engines is not acceptable. The engine horsepower must not exceed that shown on the capacity plate.

b. Safe Electrical and Fuel Systems:

The electrical system - Must be protected by fuses or manual reset circuit breakers. Switches and fuse panels must be protected from rain or water spray. Wiring must be in good condition, properly installed and with no exposed areas or deteriorated insulation. Batteries must be secured and terminals covered to prevent accidental arcing.. If installed, self-circling or kill switch mechanism must be in proper working order. All PWCs require an operating self circling or kill switch mechanism.

Fuel Systems - Portable fuel tanks (normally 7 gallon capacity or less) must be constructed of non-breakable material and free of corrosion and leaks. All vents must be capable of being closed. The tank must be secured and have a vapor-tight, leak-proof cap. Each permanent fuel tank must be properly ventilated.

c. Safe Galley and Heating Systems:

System and fuel tanks must be properly secured with no flammable materials nearby.

Source http://safetyseal.net/what_is_vsc.asp

Do you have a boating related question?

2007-04-06T14:11:00.001-07:00

Boating related question?

If you have a boating related question, epically if the question pertains to the area of Lake Winnebago, Fox or Wolf River of Wisconsin, please post it to the WiParty message forum.

http://wiparty.com/forum/

Friends of the Fox Annual Meeting Saturday May 19th, 2007

2007-04-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

From the Friends of the Fox president Bob Stark

DEDICATION & DEMONSTRATION TO BE HELD AT APPLETON LOCKS # 2

RE-DISCOVER THE PAST WHILE YOU LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

For Immediate Release April 5, 2007

(Appleton, WI) – After nearly 2 years of preparation, the Friends of The Fox – in conjunction with Fox River Navigational System Authority, Appleton Sesquicentennial, and CR Meyer Construction Company are ready to unveil the completely restored Appleton locks 1& 2 to the public. After major renovation and new construction, it’s no surprise that boaters and historians alike will be anxious to view, tour, and witness the operation of the restored locks.

“We wanted to show everyone what we have been working on and celebrate what we’ve accomplished so far” said Robert Stark (President of Friends of The Fox and Chairman of the Fox River Navigational System Authority). “After giving a lot of thought to how we want to celebrate this historic event, one idea seemed to make the most sense…….invite everyone over to the locks for a demonstration and tour so they can experience the excitement for themselves”, said Brunhilde Courtney (Friends of The Fox Board Member and Event Coordinator). In addition, people will be able to hear from fund raisers, engineers, and other people who have been instrumental in the success of the project every step of the way. “It’s also a great time to ask questions and satisfy one’s curiosities” said Stark.

This waterside event will feature dignitaries from State and local levels and is open to the general public. In addition guests will be able to enjoy refreshments (for purchase) as well as free boat rides. The following day (May 20th 2007), the 2 locks will be operational from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. for boaters who wish to lock through. Harlan Kiesow, CEO of Fox River Navigational System Authority, stated there will be no charge for boaters on May 20th however lock usage and safety procedures will be in effect with oversight by the lock tenders.

“We want this event to be more than a celebration – we want it to be a window into the future that shows the public what’s to come along the Fox River” Stark said.

Where: Appleton Lock #2
CBC Parking Lot, Olde Oneida Street, Adjacent to Lock #2
Appleton, WI

When: Saturday May 19th , 2007
1 P.M to 4:00 P.M.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Bob Stark, President Harlan Kiesow, CEO
Friends of The Fox Fox River Navigational System Authority
(920) 809-6407 (920) 202-1855
robertjstark@sbcglobal.net lock269735@sbcglobal.net

Webiste
http://www.friendsofthefox.org/

The sextant - a funny story

2007-04-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

My husband and I were trying to figure out what to get my father for his 70th birthday. He has everything he needs and dislikes modern electronics. At the core he is a sailor.

Doug suggested I buy him a sextant. A sextant is a measuring instrument used to measure the angle of elevation of a celestial object above the horizon. Long ago, before the GPS, this instrument was used to determine your location.

I called the local sporting goods store asking if they carried a sextant and was transferred to ‘that department.’ When the next employee answered the phone I again asked if they carried a sextant. The person replied “lady, we carry a wide variety of tents however what you do inside them is your business.”

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance

2007-04-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Tri-County Powerboat Alliance has just launched its website.

Below is information about the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance

Who are we?

The Tri-County Powerboat Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to make our waterways a safe place for recreational use. Our vision is to preserve our waterways while maintaining its navigability, accessibility, and fair and equitable use by all recreational users.

What do we do?

Our organization is very active in promoting safe boating, including through the provision of boater education. We also work hard to preserve the Wolf River while maintaining its navigability, accessibility, and fair and equitable use by all recreational users.

What have we accomplished?

We have many accomplishments that we are proud of! For example, we have:

Provided boater education classes
Organized river cleean-up projects
Provided signs and navigational aids
Provided public informational meetings
Provided funding for dredging
Provided input to state officials as needed to ensure protection of our waterways

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance
PO Box 323
Fremont, WI 54940
Email us at : tcpa@centurytel.net

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance

Lake Winnebago Spring refill conference April 3, 2007

2007-04-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Spring refill conference April 3, 2007 9:30 AM notes

Pleaste read: These are my notes. The officinal notes will be posted to the below website in a few weeks. Also, my apology for spelling, expically name spelling. Assume the spelling of the name is incorrect. I did my best.

US Army cops of engineers Website for the Lake Winnebago basin
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/greatlakes/hh/lakewinnebago/

The ACOE has opened these meetings to the public. One thing I have learned by attending and listening to the meeting is the difficult position they are in. There are many stakeholders in this Lake Winnebago water basin and they have different and conflicting needs.

Introductions – lots of people including many people from the army corps of engineers. Marie is the point person to the ACOE on this call.

Bob Stanic – Kaukauna utility
(missed name) - City of Menasha parts and recreation
Art Decko – DNR
Bruce / Mike – Kaukauna utilities
Tom Davy – Winnebago water conservation department
Skip Palermo - Appleton yacht club
WHBY radio
Many people from around the Lake Winnebago basin area

ACOE started by stating their primary goal is flood control.
Goal is flood damage reduction. They must balance with needs of DNR, wildlife, utilities, boaters, and land owners however they made it clear by stating since the locks are not owned by the federal government they are “No longer responsible for marine navigation – flood control is there goal.”

Water level goals:
Current level = 2.09 Oshkosh
Goal by May 1st 2.4-2.7
By July 1 the goal is to be at 3.0 and maintain between 3.0 and 3.3

ACOE stated there is a slight chance of above average precipitation this spring. National weather service confirmed this.

As of today Wolf River is quite high and is in flood forecast; this means it’s just below flood stage.

Ice covers / current refill as of today
As of 29 March the Wisconsin DNR determined ice out conditions on Lake Winnebago.
As a result, a slow and controlled spring fill began. However, sufficient storage capacity must be maintained for flood storage and ecosystem establishment.

Current inflow is about 9,500 cfs while outflow is approximately 8,500 cfs.

Operation band changed for May 1st to June 1st 2.4-2.7 (actual target is 2.4) then starting in June they would like to raise the lake to 3.0 then by July 1st 3.3. NOTE: This is NEW and HIGHER then in the past of 3.0 and maintain. They need to have the range low to the bottom of the band in spring to avoid flooding.

In recent years the post June 1st has been dry. If there is no precipitation then the water level will not rise. They must take into consideration flood control in the spring. There is a lot of wet weather and a lot of precipitation coming.

DNR guy (sorry I missed his name – Art I think) He wants the fill slowed and feel its filling too fast now.

Kaukauna utility (sorry I missed his name) – concerned that the summer level has been too low and is concerned that past summer flow was too low. Also current flow today is past what they can utilize, meaning water is being wasted and not being turned into electricity.

(Missed the persons name) Depere sturgeon spawning – starts in late April. So the first part of May the eggs are incubating. Water level needs to be controlled (not dropped) during this time. So this means in May there is a need to keep the flow up. Low flow after spawn is problematic. Anything below 4,000 is very bad for the eggs.

Tom Davies – Winnebago County – asked Art about aquatic vegetation and concerned that high levels cause low light thus lack of vegetation. Art replied that presently it’s OK and he is happy with how it’s going.

Navigational Buoy placement – Fox River Navigational authority will open the Menasha lock May 11th. Brian w/city of Menasha said navigational buoy’s will be in by April 27th, 2007 in all of Winnebago County. This will be done by Radtke Contractors. Done likely by Friday for that Saturday.

May 12th (this is not correct. The date is May 19th) – Appleton locks opening celebration. Right now everything is fine for this.

Questions:
Winneconne – (missed his name- Bill ?) make a case about the need to reach a compromise for boat navigation. This call started with the ACOE saying ““No longer interest in navigation – only flood control. “

Marie from the ACOE responded – Mid 80’s locks were put into caretaker’s status, the locks have been turned over to the state. They no longer dredge in this area. They value the other stakeholders including boaters however the goal of the ACOE is flood control.

Art (DNR) said they are looking at the merge of the Fox and Wolf river area and looking at moving the buoys placement and possible dredging. Adjusting(raising) the water level for the entire system is not an option.

Bill (from Winneconne) replied back asking to get to 3.0 earlier due to the history of missing the goal.

Marie from ACOE mentioned the past few years had a fast transition from wet to dry and that is why they missed the summer targets and they are looking at a more aggressive flexible plan.

Bob Beon (spelling?) in Oshkosh – added that July is tool late, ½ the summer is gone. He added that the ACOE saying they are only interested in outflows is misleading since outflows controls the water levels.

Marie from ACOE said once they close the gates they can do no more. She restates that the ACOE does not control the water levels. Also restated the need of other interests including sturgeon spawning needing high flow in May, vegetation needing low spring levels, recreation including boating needing high levels, utilities needing continual flow, others.

We are at 2.09 right now. ACOE expects this to rise to 2.2 to 2.3 within the next week.

Marie from ACOE said 2.7 is a reasonable summer operating level.

She felt 2.4 to 2.5 by May 1st is a reasonable guess as to where they will be at.

Name not give, female waterfront land owner – “What does 3 mean?”

Marie from ACOE – 3.0 is a reference point at a location in Oshkosh. Crest of Menasha damn spillway is another reference. 1.5’ over spill is another common reference gauge.

Art (DNR) Since 1982 3.0 has been the goal. 3.0 is the normal summer goal for the past 25 years. The gauge has marks on it. The number is in relative terms and is not meant to be a specific depth.

Same Name not give, female waterfront land owner – “I am at Point Comfort, Winnebago – we are showing the bottom 20’ out form shore – this is very low for this time of year”

Marie from ACOE “2.09 is the current level.”

Marie – said that sediment depositing is causing fill-in in some locations however the water level at this time of year is not off compared to this time of year in past years.

Art Deco – DNR – “The spring teleconference call is not to determine the level Lake Winnebago but how fast we will get there.”

Bob Bexton – I'm just north of the other lady on Point Comfort. “You cant get a boat out, this is MUCH lower then in the past, not including the last 2 years. “

Complaints opened up about broken props, etc.

Judy – tri-county boat alliance. Will notes be posted?

Travis (ACOE) yes, in about 2-3 weeks.

Judy – gave her ID information and stated the need they have for volunteers on the Wolf River June 2nd.

Tricounty Powerboat Alliance
Wolf river cleanup date for 2007 is Sat June 2nd
No website yet however you can reach Jody Johnson at
TCPA@centurytel.net or call 920-446-3930 Judy Johnson

Doug Ales – WiPary - “Tank you for allowing us to participate in this teleconference. How long have there been the water level gauges other then Oshkosh? Is it possible the gauges are in error or have been tampered with?”

Marie ACOE “Since 1992 we have had 4 gauges. Data recorder and physical gauge. Gauges are located in Stockbridge, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Menasha. Checking and testing is done to prevent tampering.

ACOE website address given – used real time data from site to show right now Lake Poygan is 9” higher then Lake Winnebago.

Tom Davis – Land and Water of Winnebago County – This system is a storm water retention system. The need is to protect the properties from flooding.

Marie from ACOE – Once again the ACOE goal is flood control.

Calumet Marina – when do you start the drawdown?

Marie from ACOE – Early January after ice cover is established.

No more questions – call was concluded.

Marine AIS (Automatic Identification System)

2007-03-29T15:09:00.001-07:00

AIS (Automatic Identification System) can combine your GPS chartplotter / radar / gyro and marine VHF radio’s DSC information so when someone hails you can see where they are and who they are on your chartplotter or radar screen.

Combined with advanced an MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) the system will identify what vessels are on a potential collision course, will identify the vessel, display how long until impact and allow you to discretely hail this vessel.

Already mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) SOLAS requires AIS to be fitted aboard all ships greater than/equal to 300 gross tonnage for international voyages.

AIS holds great future promise to increase safety with wide spread use.

Marine satellite TV - the future

2007-03-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

I think we have all seen the ads for the satellite TV systems that cost thousands of dollars. Fine for the wealthy amongst us but what about us regular folk?

One company is working on a much smaller , economical system, $470, one year free then $12.95/month.

Although its initially intended for the minivan market / kids programs I can see this growing.

Sirius, Chrysler team up to put satellite TV in your back seat
By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

In what's likely to start the newest in-car technology race, Chrysler and Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) announced Thursday that Sirius will beam three kids' TV channels to the back seats of 2008 Chrysler minivans, SUVs and big sedans with the right hardware.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-03-29-siri-chrysler-tv_N.htm
_________________

Marine Autopilot on a budget

2007-03-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Raymarine now offers a budget autopilot for smaller boats with hydraulic steering.

RAYMARINE SMARTPILOT ST6002S1 E12106 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM for $1052.00. You may also need a instillation kit, less then $100. Complete SmartPilot System package designed for medium sized inboard powerboats with hydraulic steering.Package consist of:ST6001 Control Head S1 Corepack with course computer, rudder reference and fluxgate compass Type 1 12 Volt Hydraulic Drive. This price is from http://www.byownerelectronics.com and was checked on March 20, 2007. You must add the item to your cart to see the actual sell price. Without doing this step you will only see the MAP (minimum markup price) and not the discount price. Don’t just buy it, call 866-735-5926 and make sure this is the correct unit for your boat.

The above system is basic and has no gyro so you will get some minor ‘back and forth sway’ as you go. This sway can be unnoticeable in calm conditions to very noticeable in rough seas. You can add the internal “G” gyro to the core pack for about $500 more. The gyro senses the boat pitch and compensates the rudder adjustment accordingly.

The above can be connected to a Chartplotter so you can follow routes and not just go point to point. As you approach a turn the system beeps, prompting you if it’s OK to make the turn.

This system is for smaller boats with hydrollic rams not over 14 cubic inches. Larger drives are also available.

As far ‘self-instillation’ this project is similar in instillation difficulty to installing a radar / GPS / Chartplotter / fish finder system.

Safely crossing big water on a small budget

2007-03-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

Safely crossing big water on a small budget

I recently had a friend ask me for advice about taking his single engine cuddy cabin boat away from the coast about 25 to 30 miles. My recommendation to him was to not do this is such a small single engine craft however he is determined.

Given that talking him out of it was not going to happened and knowing that budget is a consideration I put together my advice for the above described situation. This would also apply to Great Lake crossing as well. I did not want him to become a statistic.

Again, cost is a significant factor so given the budget limitations I offer these suggestions for crossing big water on a small budget.

1 Education & training
2 Inspection
3 Planning
4 Safety equipment
5 Checking the weather
6 Wearing your life jacket

#1) Education / training Cost $0. You can take courses that cost money however they tend to be very economical. Come to think of it, taking the course is good advice for all boaters.

Boating classes are offered by the coast guard auxiliary, the local power squadron, the DNR and you can also take the boating safety course FREE online here http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/
If you take the final exam there is a fee of $10. Upon passing this course you will get a certificate / wallet card. Many insurance companies give a discount upon providing them documentation that you successfully completed this course.

#2) Get a free vessel safety inspection. Cost $0. Like the above boating class, this should be done for all boaters. You contact the local coast guard auxiliary or the local power squadron and if you are launched they may offer coming to you to perform the inspection. Upon passing this inspection you will get a vessel decal to display on your boat. One place you can go to sigh up for this free inspection is here: http://safetyseal.net/

#3) File a float plan Cost $0. A float plan is a written document that includes a description of your boat and where you plan to go and when you plan to return. You leave this with a responsible person and check in with them as agreed. If you do not check in at the agreed time and can not reach you they contact the authorities and provide the information in the form.

Although there is no required from you must use the coast guard has made one you can download for free. You can download the form for free here http://floatplan.uscgaux.info/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf

#4) Have the proper safety gear. Above the safety equipment required by law and reviewed in the free vessel safety inspection you will be in a higher risk activity. Because of this I have assembled the below risk.

A) Budget Life Raft - Assuming you are on a tight budget and have no paying passengers you can save money by purchasing a NON-USCG/SOLAS rated one. A 6-preson Valise (soft bag) Revere brand Cost $1,600. It will be 29” x 12” x 15.5”

This life raft is the size of a slightly large duffel bag, 29” x 12” x 15.5” and it has the actual life raft + CO-2 inflation system plus a equipment pack containing:
• 3 Red Hand Flares
• 1 Red Parachute Flare
• Bailer
• Signal Mirror
• Water Tight Flashlight
• Extra Flashlight Batteries
• Floating Knife
• Rescue Throwing Quoit
• Sponges
• Paddles
• Seasick Tablets
• Repair Kit

Using the buddy system, meaning you boat with other boats at all times can also work with or instead of a life raft however you must share the same schedule and be willing to mirror your boating movement.

B) PLB EPIRB GPS. This is a long acronym. It stand for (PLB) Personal Locator Beacon (EPIRB) Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons with internal (GPS) Global Positioning System. This device allows you to alert authorities that you need help and lets them know your location. Read the owners manual and register the product.

Keep this on your lifejacket you are wearing or in your ditch bag. The cost and size has come way down. A personal Locating Beacon or PLB with built in GPS runs about $550-$600. Consider the ACR 406 GPS I/O EPIRB or MCMURCO Fastfind 406 PLB with GPS.
Cost $600.

C) Hand held VHF in addition to the main 25 watt. Cost $100. Use marine band radios instead of commercial cell phones, which have limited coverage and are unreliable when out of sight of land. Get one that is waterproof and can take standard batteries and carry an additional set of batteries. A budget handheld waterproof VHF is the Uniten Atalntis 250 or cobra MR HH90 or Standard Horizon HX270S.

D) Floating ditch bag. A small ACR RepidDitch is $50. 19” x 15” x 7” Keep your safety gear in here and keep it in a spot you can grab easily. I recommend filling the bag with your PLB (unless you are wearing it, which is even better), your handheld VHF and spare batteries, your distress signaling devices (flares) and a first aid kit.

#5) Check the weather forecast early and often. Although you can spend thousands of dollars on sophisticated equipment you can get this information free via the VHF radio on the weather channels. Cost $0. If the weather is not favorable the trip needs to be delayed.

#6) I have saved the most important for last. Wear your life jacket. Cost of not leaving the life jacket stored = $0. Epically if anything goes array be it bad weather or a malfunction. They make life vests like the Type V that are inflatable so you can wear them without movement restrictions. A Type V vest must be worn to be counted as one of your onboard life vests.

So there you have it. The six most important items to reduce the risk to help you safely cross big water on a small budget.

This information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin now renting offers flat panel LCD displays and plasma televisions. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Lake Winnebago fill-up strategy 2007 conference call April 3, 2007

2007-03-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

Lake Winnebago fill-up strategy 2007

The department of the Army – Detroit district corps of engineers will hold its Lake Winnebago fill-up strategy 2007 conference call on April 3rd at 9:30 AM cst.

This conference call is open to the public. To join the conference call please dial 888-455-9639 and enter 74654 when prompted to the pass code.

The agenda for the conference call is as follows:

Introduction and conference call guidelines

Basin conditions
Lake Winnebago water levels
Snow pack
River flows

Expected spring conditions

Fill-up timing and extent

Wrap-up session.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Mr. Travis Dahl at 313-266-2137.

This is the official site for the Army Corps with reguard to the levels on Lake Winnebago
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/greatlakes/hh/lakewinnebago/

Lake Winnebago Boating Expo in Menaha WI

2007-03-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

WiParty.com is hosting their first boating expo on April 21st 2007.

There was another local boating expo. On the WiParty boating forum http://wiparty.com/forum/ us fellow boaters started talking about what we wanted to see in a boating expo. Before long the plans were set to have a boating expo that met our desires as boaters.

Please come to this boating expo and let us know what you think.

Saturday, April 21st
Expo - 10 am- 6 pm.
After show party - 8 pm - bar close
Come to experience all there is to see and do on the Lake Winnebago system this summer, including marinas, restaurants, bars, parks, boat dealers and accessories.

The show will be held at Waverly Beach in the indoor volleyball court area. There will be designated space in the parking lot for boats.

• $5 admission at the door. Children ages 12 & under enter FREE! (when accompanied by an adult)

The after show party show will be free to all the people that have attended the show.
We will be selling tickets to those of you that would just like to come and see the band and
hang out with the great boating crowd we will have here. Hank’s Caboose, sponsored by
Budweiser, will be playing for us after 8 P.M.

Our current Sponsors and Vendors- Current attendees:
• Sweetwater Performance Center
• Thunder Valley-Bay Pointe Marina
• Budweiser
• Mr. Marine
• Lakeside Marina
• Winnebago Rally
• Appleton Yacht Club
• Shoreline Boat Center
• Fremont Watersports Rentals
• Shipyard Marine
• Marine Tops
• Wisconsin Camping & Recreation
• Century 21 Olympia
• Brooklyn’s Bar & Grill
• Skipper Buds
• Joe Mobile
• U.S. Coast Guard
• Menasha Marina
• Pamps Outbaord
• Pioneer Marina
• AJ Mobile Marine
• Customized Insurance Solutions Services, LLC
• West Marine
• Danielson Creative Photography
• Truck Essentials

More information and vendors to come! Keep an eye on this page for changes!
For vendors details - Expo@wiparty.com or call 920-540-0900

http://wiparty.com/LWexpo.html

2007 Lake Winnebago boating calendar

2007-03-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Below is a 2007 greater Fox Valley area Boating calendar.

If you have additional information, events or corrections please e-mail with the date, event details and a link to where more information is available.

January 2007
January 19-21 2007 Oshkosh are boat sale at the Sunny view expo center in Oshksoh WI.

January 19 thru 28 Milwaukee Boat show. (this event is not on the water) For details see http://www.showspan.com/mbs/

February 2007
February 15 thru 18 50th Annual WBAY Boat Show Veterans Memorial Arena and ShopKo Hall, across from Lambeau Field Green Bay. (this event is not on the water) For details see http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=28391

February 17 Oshkosh Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics. American Legion 1393 Washington Ave.http://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/plunge_oshkosh.html

March 2007
March 10, 2007 Winnebago Rally planning meeting. Antlers in Winchester. This is still tennative. Please see this link for an update. link http://www.winnebagorally.com

March 31ST Oshkosh Thunder Poker Run Promotions “Crack the Ice.” Summer Kickoff Party at the Hilton Garden Inn by the airport in Oshkosh. For questions, contact Mark or Amie Lee at 920.426.2145, Mark@OshkoshThunder.com (this event is not on the water) http://www.oshkoshthunder.com/For more info go to www.oshkoshthunder.com/

April 2007
April 14, 2007 Winnebago Rally planning meeting. "The Other Place," in Winneconne at 1:00PM. This is on the the Wolf River so you can come by boat or car. Please see this link for an update. link http://www.winnebagorally.com

April 21, 2007 WiParty.com Lake Winnebago Expo
http://wiparty.com/LWexpo.html The show will be held at Waverly Beach in Menasha Wisconsin. Expo - 10 am- 6 pm.

April 21, 2007 at "Hahn-A-Lula" Orihula/Fremont at 11 AM meeting
Tri-County Powerboat Alliance http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

April ??, 2007 Winnebago Rally planning meeting. This is still tennative. Please see this link for an update. link http://www.winnebagorally.com

May 2007
May 19, 2007 Friends of the Fox annual meeting at Appleton Lock #2 and presentation / status update. http://www.friendsofthefox.org/

May 19 at "The Other Place" Winneconne at 11 AM meeting
Tri-County Powerboat Alliance http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

Mid May Bridges become operational in Oshkosh (4) Menasha (2) and Winneconne (1) and the railroad bridge’s in Oshkosh (1) and Menasha (1) become operational for the season. Also the Menasha lock (1) becomes operational. In 2006, due to unseasonably nice weather the bridges and locks opened earlier than normal.

May 19 & 20 Oshkosh Fishing Has No Boundaries-anglers with disabilities Contact: Dr Bob Weber 920-424-1389 Menominee Park http://www.fhnbinc.org/./oshkosh.html also www.uwosh.edu/adaptedpe

June 2007
June 1 Lighthouse Regatta - Fond du Lac Lighthouse Sailboat Regatta

June 2nd Wolf River clean up meet at 8:30 AM at Partridge Lake beach, Fremont
Tri-County Powerboat Alliance http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

June 2 & 3 2007 Free State Fishing weekend (statewide)http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/fish/kidsparents/freefishingweekend.html

Jun 03 2007 Fond du Lac Art on the Island-Lakeside Park 10-4pm

June 8, 9, 10 2007 Walleye Weekend – Lakeside park, Fond du Lac. Festival, Fish fry, lumberjack show, music, Mercury Marine’s National Walleye Fishing Tournamenthttp://www.fdlfest.com/walleye_weekend.html

June 16th "Pine Grove" Hwy H, Fremont at 11 AM meeting
Tri-County Powerboat Alliance http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

June 16, 2007 Harbor Fest is scheduled for Saturday June 16 2007. Stockbridge Harbor. http://www.co.calumet.wi.us/departments2iml?dept_id=40#215

June , , ?? The Oshkosh Walleye Weekend fishing tournament. Miller’s Bay -Menominee Park. Jerry’s Bar – 920-231-7380

June 15, 16 Oshkosh Thunder Poker Run (fund raiser – The cost of the event is $475 (2006 rate) but free to just go and watch) Go just to look and listen to the incredible speed boats. Note: New location – Park Plaza in Oshkosh http://www.oshkoshthunder.com/Special note by the author. One of the goals of this event is to provide support for the navigational buoy systems on Lake Winnebago, Butte des Mortes, and Poygan in an attempt to make the waterways safer for all boaters. They provide support for various charities as well as the Sheriff’s Department Boating Division and the DNR.

TBA June Menasha Marina Coast Guard voluntary boat inspections 9-noon 920-967-5193

Jun 23 Trans Winnebago Sailboat Regatta-High Cliff Marina to Fond du Lac 920-921-6790

July 2007
Fireworks on the water
Saturday July 1st Fremont at Ted’s Grandview. S.E. corner of Partridge Lake/ Wolf River. Tuesday July 3rd Oshkosh 9:45 PM at Menominee Park http://www.sawdustdays.com/
Wednesday July 4th Omro at Island Park Wednesday
July 4th Menasha at Jefferson Park. Part of Community fest.
Wednesday July 4th Neenah at Riverside Park. Part of Community fest.
Wednesday July 4th Fond du Lac – Lakeside park at dusk http://www.fdl.com/calendar.iml
Wednesday July 4th Winneconne – on the Fox River http://www.winneconne.org/index.htm
Saturday July 7th Fremont – just east of the Fox River. Dock from the Slip Knot to the Webfooter’s Water Ski Show grand stands for best viewing. http://www.fremontwis.com/
Friday July 13th Winneconne – on the Fox River. Part of “The Sovereign State of Winneconne” http://www.winneconne.org/SSD/index.htm

July 3-7 2007 Oshkosh Sawdust Days Festival – Menominee Park-fireworks (fireworks on July 3rd)http://www.sawdustdays.com/

July 3-4 Communityfest – Menasha-Jefferson Park Water-ski show, fireworks on July 4th at dusk. Neenah, lighted street Parade on the 3rd, Main Street – Neenahs Riverside Park on the 4th, venetian boat parade & fireworks on the 4th at dusk. http:www.focol.com

July 4 – Winneconne – Over Lake Winneconne – fireworks at duskhttp://www.winneconne.org/Chamber/calendar.html

July 4 Fond du Lac concert & fireworks at Lakeside Park 7:30-dusk

July 7,8 Fremont Rive Days on the banks of the Wolf River in Fremont WI. Crafts, Food, Spirits, Ski show, fireworks. http://www.fremontwis.com/

Jul 13 2007 Winneconne Sovereign State Days, parade, street dance-Sat. Venetian Parade

July 21 2007 Lutz Park, Appleton. Water Safety & Development Public Education Event. Read more here

July 21st place TBD at 11 AM meeting
Tri-County Powerboat Alliance http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

July 23-29 EAA Air Venture EAA grounds, Oshkosh (this event is not on the water)http://www.airventure.org/

August 2007
August 3, 4, 5 Winnebago Rally – OshkoshBoat rally open to all boaters. The main rally on Saturday August 4 starts and ends at Waterfront Park in Winneconne WI. Official website http://www.winnebagorally.com

August 4th J W Stringer's, Gils Landing Free Brat Fry noon till 4, about 5 miles up stream of Fremont on the Wolf River
Tri-County Powerboat Alliance http://tcpaweb.googlepages.com/

August 5 Captain’s Cove water volleyball tournament on the south west side of Lake Poygan. 920-582-4757

Aug TBA Fond du Lac Fishing Has No Boundaries-event for mentally and physically disabled-Lakeside Park http://www.fhnbinc.org/fonddulac.html

August 5 Duck Races held at JW Stringers on the Wolf River, about 8 miles past Fremont. 920-867-2884. Note: They close down in the off season.

August 24, 25, 26 2007 Oshkosh EAA grounds. Ducks Unlimited. (this event is not on the water) http://www.outdoorsbest.com/dugof/

September 2007
Sept 2-3 Oshkosh Thunderfest Poker Run at Park Plaza and SweetWater Marine http://www.oshkoshthunder.com/

Re-occurring through the summer
Fremont – Webfooter’s Water Ski Show-Wednesday and Sundays – 6pm June -August http://www.webfooters.org/

Oshkosh – live music held at the Leach Amphitheater on the river between the main street and railroad bridge. http://waterfest.oshkosh.net/

Oshkosh – live music held at Fratellos restaurant on the river just west of the Oshkosh Avenue bridge. http://www.supplerestaurantgroup.com/fratellos/osh_calendar.asp

Winneconne Waterfront Concert series.
http://www.winneconne.org/Chamber/calendar.html

This information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin now renting offers flat panel LCD displays and plasma televisions. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

BOATING LAKE WINNEBAGO Wiki site

2007-03-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

My friend Gary Olsen has started a Wiki style website for boating on lake Winnebago.

The website is http://www.gwo-main.com/

Dock Ramp Ediquitte

2007-03-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

Boat ramp etiquette:

Departing:
1. Do all your loading of the boat either at home or in the staging area, not as the boat is being put in the water.
a. Check if you have to remove your trailer electrical plug.
2. Once your boat is in the water, move a way from the ramp to the dock so the next person can have the ramp.
3. Have your passengers standing by and ready to board.
4. Depart the area at no wake speed.

When returning:
1. When approaching the landing / dock / ramp areas make sure to come off plane prior to the no wake buoy. Remember your wake will keep going even though you are not. Return at no wake speed.
2. Drop off your driver to pick up the truck and trailer and let your passengers disembark.
3. Back off the dock and wait on the water for the trailer to be placed in the water and load.
4. Pull far enough out of the ramp area so you don't block other loaders and start your check list for the ride home.
a. If you unplugged your trailer light plug remember to put it back in.

Winnebago Boat Rally 2007 dates are set

2007-02-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

The dates are set for the 2007 Winnebago Rally. The dates are August 3, 4 & 5, 2007.

The Winnebago Rally takes place on the waterways of Lake Winnebago and the Wolf River near Winneconne, WI.

The rally is FREE and open to all responsible boaters - no matter what size, brand or style of boat you have. Cruisers and Powerboats, Runabouts and Fishing Boats, If it floats, can sustain 25mph and you enjoy the company of other responsible boaters, you are welcome in the Winnebago Rally!

The Winnebago Rally is a 3 day event. It starts with arival from 3PM to 9PM and entertainment by "Michael Murphy and the MOB," on Friday evening from 6PM until 10PM. On Saturday, registration for the Rally and Optional Poker Run begins around 8AM and we try and leave the Rally grounds for our first stop at 10AM. We cruise from location to location until 4PM when we all meet up at "The Weed Beds," on lake Poygan for socialization and aerial photos.

Photo at the Weed Beds in 2006

Then it's back to the Rally "Beach Head," for music by "Main Street," a corn roast, the Poker Run payout and Raffles / Giveaways. On Sunday we take an extended cruise to Strieches, just South of Oshkosh, which is a local hot spot for boaters to anchor and relax on the knee deep, sand bottomed western shore of Lake Winnebago. It's not unusual to see over 200 boats there on any given Weekend.

For more information please visit http://winnebagorally.com/

Friends of the Fox Annual Meeting

2007-02-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Fox is planning the Annual Meeting event for Saturday, May 19, 2007 at Appleton Lock #3.

We are coordinating with Appleton, the Fox River Navigation System Authority, CR Meyer Construction, and others to commemorate the completion of the re-building of the four Appleton Locks. Governor Doyle has been invited.

This event also recognizes the Appleton Sesquicentennial this year. More information will be posted on the Friends of the Fox website www.friendsofthefox.org soon.

2007 Boating Calendar – please help

2007-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

I have started a 2007 Boating Calendar whiteboard.

A whiteboard is a web based collaborative document. Anyone with the password can edit the document. Incase someone does damage to the document, like if someone accidentally or on purpose deletes it we can always revert back to a previous saved copy.

To help with this effort, please visit….
Web address: http://123.writeboard.com/bc3933b79a99d1792/login

You’ll also need this password: boating

This doesn't require you to create an account. Just click on the link and enter the password and you can edit the document.

I invite you to try it.

What do you think about this? Good? Bad?

UL “ethanol=corrosion” pulls its approval

2006-11-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

An Illinois-based branch of Underwriters Laboratories, an organization that tests the safety of thousands of products, pulled its certification off many of the parts inside ethanol fuel pumps.

"Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has suspended authorization to use UL Markings (Listing or Recognition) on components for fuel dispensing devices that specifically reference compatibility with alcohol blended fuels that contain greater than 15% alcohol...."

Note: This would be anything over 15% ethanol like E20, E70 & E85.

UL's consumer affairs manager John Drengenberg said the lab tested one of the suspect pumps a couple months ago, and found signs that components inside were showing corrosiveness. Drengenberg said soft metal parts in meters and hoses specifically showed signs of corrosion.

Sheldon Schall with the Wisconsin state commerce department wrote that insurance companies, "may not cover the installation of ethanol systems" as a result of UL's suspending its authorization.

Source of UL information

Source of Schall writing

The above information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin now renting offers flat panel LCD displays and plasma televisions. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Marina Etiquette Tips

2006-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Based on personal experience and observation I have come up with the below list of etiquette tips for getting along at the marina. If you have additional suggestions please add them.

- At areas where multiple boaters need to use the same location like the gas dock, waste pump-out station or launch ramp, do what you need to do then move your boat. If you need to go to the bathroom, talk to another person or purchase some supplies do this after you have vacated these areas.

- Keep dock lines, water hoses, power cords and other such items neatly coiled and placed in such a way that they are not a tripping hazard or mess to other people using the docks.

- If it’s a windy day or tight quarters it’s considered polite to help another boater dock. Normally this means someone that is docking within a couple of slips from where you are. This often requires nothing more then holding a line if tossed to you until a person form the boat is able to tie it off the way they prefer.

- Obey no wake inside any marina with plenty to spare. If you are going to error, error on the side of going too slow.

- If you are tying up along a guest seawall do so in such a manor that your boat does not hog more room then it should. If there is a 60 foot wall and you have a 28 foot boat don’t take your 28 feet out of the middle. Pick one side or the other.

- Along a sea wall use a spring line in each direction so your boat does not move in either direction causing your boat to hit another boat.

- Turn your VHF radio to LOW power so if you make a call when close to other boats you do not damage other boater’s radios.

- Do not use the VHF radio for boat to land based communications unless it is with a licensed shore station like the marina itself. Not only does this clutter the airways its illegal per the FCC. Use a family frequency hand held or cell phone for this purpose.

- Keep music / TV volume at a reasonable level. Sound travels very well over the water. Keep this in mind when talking too.

- Keep your kids off other people’s boats and under reasonable control. Don’t let them grab and play with other boater’s water lines, dock lines, etc.

- Respect quiet hours. This varies marina to marina. Mostly I see this posted as after 11:00PM but varies from marina to marina so check.

- Return dock carts to their proper location when finished using.

This information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin now renting offers flat panel LCD displays and plasma televisions. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

When winterizing your boat do not over fill the fuel tank

2006-10-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

With the proliferation of E10 gasoline, a mixture of 90% petroleum and 10% ethanol, there has been a lot of discussion on the issue of phase separation during the winter lay up.

Phase separation is caused when water enters the fuel tank and causes the ethanol to separate from the petroleum and absorb the water. This leaves the tank with a lower layer with a mixture of mostly high octane ethanol and some water and a upper layer of low octane petroleum fuel. Both of these can cause various problem.

The answer that I have read on various message boards is to fill the fuel tank to the very top. The reasoning is by toping off the tank so its full to the very top you will prevent air from being in the tank. By preventing air from being in the tank you will prevent condensation from forming in the tank and this will prevent water from getting into your fuel, thus preventing phase separation.

OK, here is the question:

Your boat has a 200 gallon tank.
The tank is near full.
Its been 30 degrees F for several days so by now your gas is at 30 degrees.
You top off the tank so it’s full. Spring comes. The temperature rises to over 70 degrees for several days.
This causes your fuel temperature to rise to 70 degrees.
How much gasoline will overflow and spill out onto the ground?

Answer: 5.52 gallons will spill out on the ground.

The “coefficient of expansion.” Called the API factor for gasoline is .00069/degreeF Total Temperature change was 40 degrees
200 (gallons) * 40 (temperature change in degrees F) * API factor .00069 = 5.52 gallons

I suggest you do fill your tank but do not top it off. Leave some room for fuel expansion.

Boating on the river at night

2006-09-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

Boating on the river during the night has an increased risk of danger. Its also one of my favorite activities. Our family often boats along the Wisconsin Fox and Wolf River at night. Boating on the river at night can become an enjoyable part of your recreational boating experience like it has to our family. Taking proper precaution helps lower the risk.

In the darkness your depth perception and ability to see objects is reduced. Also small objects like buoys look different and are difficult to see.

There are six critical precautions you need to take to reduce the danger of boating on the river during the night:

#1) Know the area
I will not boat at night along a river I do not know very well. Knowing where the turns, shoals, buoys, no wake zones, islands, marshes, stumps, rocks, tree tops, bridges, piers and other obstacles are located is critical for night boating along the river.

#2) Go slow
When boating along the river at night I slightly lower my trim tabs as well as fully lower the outdrive so I can hold the boat on plane at 20 MPH / 17 knots. Lowering your speed gives you more time to react.

#3) Use all your senses
If you have a bimini or camper top I recommend you remove the front center piece of isinglass. As you make way the side and rear panel pieces literally will bubble outwards slightly and you will be in an area of higher air pressure. With modest speed you will have very little wind and wind noise. It’s amazing how well you will be able to hear another boat motor or other moderate noises. Maintain an alert lookout with your eyes and your ears as you stand directly behind this open section of your isinglass. In our boat I stand in the foot well behind the cabin door and steer with my right hand.

#4) Understanding and protecting your natural night vision
The eyes iris has the ability to shrink during bright times as occurs in the daytime and expand in the dark. The process is relatively quick and occurs in a few minutes.

In addition to the iris expanding the eye goes through a chemical change over a longer period of time, taking at least an hour. The eye’s precursor chemicals are transformed by light. The greater the precursor chemicals the more sensitive your vision becomes to light.

This chemical change needs to be protected since even a brief burst of direct light will break down the increased level of precursor chemicals and require the process to start over, reducing your night vision for upwards of an hour.

The buildup of precursor chemicals occurs on the sides of your eye not directly in the middle of your vision. Because of this you can see an object in the dark better if you are not looking directly at it. This is called averted vision.

To take advantage of this increased night visions sweep your eyes side to side. The eye is better at picking up dim objects in motion. This sweeping motion also helps you spot non-moving objects like buoys.

Once you get your night vision and get some practice using it you need to protect it by avoiding light. Keep all dash instruments as dim as possible, including electronics and keep all cockpit lighting off.

Spotlights are not headlights.

If you are in a situation where you need to use a spotlight don’t shine another boater, thus ruining their night vision. This not only makes sense but it’s the law. If it’s obvious another boater does not see me I have briefly flashed the spotlight to get the other boaters attention however I would never do this so the light or lights reflection goes into the other boaters eyes. Do not run with your spotlight on. The spotlight is for docking or for reading a number off a buoy for navigation or other reasons that are all brief in nature. A spotlight is not a headlight like in a car. Actually, with a GPS / chart plotter along a river that you are familiar with you should not need a spotlight until you reach your final destination and need to secure your lines to the dock. Before that it just ruins your night vision.

#5) Use your GPS / Chart plotter
Mark all no-wake zones, the location of all buoys and other danger items like shoals, stumps, bridges and objects on your chart plotter during the day as you make your way up and down the river. I also set the Chart plotter to give a ‘beep’ at every waypoint along the route then make the chart so all buoy locations are a route waypoint. I set my GPS / chart plotter to the lowest level of brightness and turn it so I can see the screen as I am standing in the middle of the boat’s foot well leading to the cabin behind the removed center piece of isinglass so I can look down at it briefly as we make way. This helps keep you in the middle of the river in very dark areas where there are no lights or trees on shore. The Wolf River south of Orihula and north of Lake Poygan is such an area.

#6) Educate your passengers
Make sure all passengers understand your need to keep your attention to what you are doing. They need to not interrupt you and if they go below into the cabin they need to close the door before they turn on lights. Returning they need to turn the lights off before they open the door. If offered I will always accept a spotter to help keep a watchful eye for floating objects, unlit small boats, unlit buoys or anything else.

Just an additional tip on night boating. Make sure your navigational lights are in good working order and carry spare bulbs. I take the extra precaution of keeping two navigation battery powered flashlights onboard, one with the red/green reflector plus mounting clamp and the other with a white all round reflector.

Night boating requires all the above precautions for safety. If you are not rested and are struggling to keep awake you are not alert enough for night boating. Alcohol only adds to your reaction time and increases the risks.

Learning to boat at night increases your enjoyment and extends the boating options at your disposal.

The above information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin that offers LCD projector PA public address sound system and accessories. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Teds Grandview restaurant in Fremont Wisconsin

2006-09-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we were childless (got a sitter) and took another couple on the boat up the Wolf River to Fremont and had dinner at Ted’s Grandview. http://www.tedsgrandview.com/ We made reservations by calling Ted’s at 920-446-3261.

Earlier this summer we anchored and watched the Ted’s Grandview sponsored fireworks. They were great and I said I was going to make a point to get to this place.

Take the Wolf River to Fremont. After you go under the bridge you go past the Bridge Bar, the Slipknot, hotel Fremont and a few houses. Going upriver Ted’s Grandview will be on your port of left side. If you get past the no-wake zone you went too far. They have docks along the river.

The front of the restaurant is mostly windows. They sit high on the river bank. Due to the location you can see the east half of Partridge lake as well as part of the Wolf River. The view is, well, grand, making the name Ted’s Grandview appropriate.

We had a great time. Wine, appetizers, salad, soup, steaks and the level of service were all excellent. It was a chilly evening so we dined indoors however they do have an outdoor deck.

For a reasonably priced supper club with a relaxing atmosphere, excellent view, friendly service and good food I give Ted’s my two thumbs up.

Dealing with Lake Winnebago in rough chop

2006-08-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Lake Winnebago has a unique chop when the winds pick up.

Michigan has waves that are much larger however they have more distance between the peak and trough of each wave. This gives the boat time to ride up and down the waves.

Smaller instate lakes can get rough to the point where the peak of the wave falls over causing a white area on the top or cap of the wave. These whitecaps are close together. The length of the typical cruiser is such that the wave is shorter then the length of the boat.

Then you have Lake Winnebago. When it gets rough the hull of the boat will come over the peak of the wave then in the air the boats hull falls until it reaches the trough of the wave. The hull meeting the trough is done with a bang and you know you hit.

This pounding is hard on the boat and uncomfortable for the passengers.

If you find yourself in a similar situation try lowering the outdrive then pres one trim tab in the ‘bow down’ method until you get a reasonable amount of pitch to one side (don’t go to the maximum) then press the other trim tab to level or balance the boat. Then throttle back a bit.

This should drive your bow hard down.

Driving your bow hard down allows you to lower your speed to 20 or 21 MPH and still not fall off plane. Also your bow gets pushed down hard on the crest of the waves so you don’t get that fast freefall followed by that hard bang as your hull falls through the air and into the hole or trough between the waves.

Your boat will still go up and down but the hard bang is replaced by more of a whoosh due to the reduction or elimination of the freefalling hull and reduced velocity when the hull meets the trough of the wave.

Your speed will vary. As you cross larger waves your speed will drop then rise as you cross areas with smaller waves.

You may need to make fine throttle adjustments until you find a balance between going too fast, causing the banging hull and going to slow causing you to loose your plane. Your goal is to hold plane at the slowest possible speed and keep the bow hard down into the waves.

Once I get the boat set I do not touch the throttle. We still fall into the troughs but it’s much more gentle.

Give this a try and let us know your results.

The above information was prepared by Lisa at Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin that offers LCD projector PA public address sound system and accessories. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Boating & Sailing web site

2006-08-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Boating & Sailing is a web site designed to explore the topics of safe vessel use, boating emergencies, clean boating practices, vessel maintenance, and life on the waterfront. Boating represents a major growth industry worldwide and more people join the community daily. Items of interest to recreational boaters will be identified and explored in detail. The boating industry is dependent on boaters who enjoy the boating experience and take the necessary steps to protect the natural environment. Take time to join the discussion!

http://boatingsailing.suite101.com/

Winnebago boat rally

2006-07-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Winnebago boat rally is this August 4,5 & 6th this year.

Wolf River, Winneconne, WI & Waterways of Lake Winnebago

This rally is open to all responsible boaters - no matter what size / kind / style of boat you have. Cruisers to Powerboats, Runabouts to Bass Boats, all are welcome!

There is a $20 entry fee for the Optional Poker Run, and a separate $40 Fee for Optional
VIP Merchandise bag.

Official kick off - Waterfront Park, Winneconne, WI

Rally departs Winneconne in groups to various locations.
All Groups raft-up at The Weedbeds
Arial photos taken

Entertainment, dancing, concessions and socializing to follow!

Jazzfest concert at Waterfront Park featuring John Harmon and Janet Planet.

Come Join us for the 2006 Winnebago Rally
For more information please visit

http://www.winnebagorally.com

Appleton Yacht Club

2006-07-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

We took our boat on the Lake Winnebago down the lower Fox River to the Appleton Yacht Club trip yesterday.

The Appleton Yacht club is private however if you arrive via water they can serve you. The clubhouse has a nice bar, main dining room and a large patio area on the water side. It’s a nice trip to go thru Menasha past buoy 100 (the big stone cube) then under the Racine street bridge then past Menasha Marina then past Tayco street.

Next you enter the Menasha lock. For $10 (or $5 if your boat is less then 26’) they will lower you down to the level of Little Lake Butte Des Morts. Please note this is a different lake then Lake Butte Des Morts. Little Lake Butte Des Morts is further down the Fox River and in the Menasha Wisconsin area.

The lock is completely hand operated. You get to see the worker run in circles as they move a boom around a gear to open and close the gates. Next then manually open the valves to let the water out as you hold onto two ropes so your boat stays to one side of the lock in the same area. Don’t tie off, you boat will be hanging there if you do.

Exiting the lock there is a channel well marked with red and green buoys.

Continuing north downriver you go under the highway 441 bridge known by locals as the polish connection. As the lake narrows you enter the lower Fox River. It’s a short but beautiful ride looking at the steep riverbanks until you get to a no wake zone. At the far downriver north end of this no wake zone is the Appleton Yacht club.

Guest boat parking is available on the river side. You see a big dead tree in the water. As long as you stick to the south side (upriver, the side you are coming from) you will be fine.

Appleton Yacht Club
http://www.appletonyachtclub.com/
(920) 733 - 9848

Wego Kite Tubes recall notice

2006-07-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

July 13, 2006
Release # 06-210

Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tubes Withdrawn from Market after Reports of Deaths and Injuries

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sportsstuff, Inc., of Omaha, Nebraska is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 Wego Kite Tubes.

CPSC staff is aware of 39 injury incidents with 29 of those resulting in medical treatment. Those injuries include a broken neck, punctured lung, chest and back injuries and facial injuries. Sportsstuff has received reports of two deaths in the United States and a variety of serious injuries. Sportsstuff has been unable to determine the cause of the incidents. Nevertheless, the company has withdrawn the kite tube from the market and is undertaking this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution.

The Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tube is a 10-foot-wide, circular, yellow inflatable watercraft
designed to be towed behind a power boat. A rider in the tube becomes airborne by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube. Model 53-5000 is printed on the tube near the product valve. The floor of the tube has black caution warning stripes. The cover for the product bears a skull and crossbones and the statement “Never Kite higher than you are willing to fall.” The tubes were imported and sold through marine distributors, mail order catalogs, and various retailers from approximately October 1, 2005 to July 11, 2006 for about $500 to $600.

Consumers should immediately stop using the kite tubes and contact Sportsstuff at (866)
831-5524 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday to learn how to obtain free replacement products. Consumers can also visit the firm’s Web site at ww.sportsstuff.com formore information.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s hotline at (800) 638-2772 or visit CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov .
####

New boaters please read this

2006-05-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on joining us in becoming a boater.

I have two recommendations:

#1) Take a boaters safety course. They are offered by the coast guard auxiliary, the local power squadron, the DNR and you can also take them online here http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/
Upon passing this course you will get a certificate / wallet card. Many insurance companies give a discount upon providing them documentation that you successfully completed this course.

#2) I also recommend a FREE vessel safety check. You contact the local coast guard auxiliary or the local power squadron and if you are launched they may offer coming to you to perform the inspection. Upon passing this inspection you will get a vessel decal to display on your boat. One place you can go to sigh up for this free inspection is here: http://safetyseal.net/

Unlocking the Fox locks – Lake Winnebago to Lake Michigan

2006-04-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

There is a system of locks that allows boaters to get from the Lake Winnebago waterway though Menasha and up the Fox River to the bay of Green Bay. Once in Green Bay you can navigate the Great Lakes and get to the rest of the world via water.

Photo of Appleton WI lock curtsy of gwo-main.com
At one time this system of 17 locks allowed commercial traffic to continue upriver through additional locks and connect to the Wisconsin River then to the Mississippi River. This provided a much needed waterway link from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. However with the development of the railroad system and the development of other lock systems the commercial traffic has ceased long ago.

Construction of the Fox lock system began in the 1840’s. Due to a lack of funds all but the remaining 3 operational locks were closed in the early 1980’s.

The Fox lock system presently has the first lock in Menasha and the last two locks from Rapid Croche down river to the bay of Green Bay in operation from mid May through the boating season. With the passage of many years of non-use many of the locks are in need of repair.

In 2000 the state of Wisconsin agreed to take over the locks to prevent the system from being abandoned by the army corps of engineers. The state received $11.8 Million with a pledge for an additional $5.6 Million for restoration of the lock system.

With the commercial traffic gone the focus is on tourism and riverfront development. In 1995 an economic impact study was done and this study estimated the re-opening of the lock system would generate a $74 Million annual positive economic impact. With inflation this number should be even higher today.

The ‘private donation’ funding needed to complete this project to re-open and operate the lock system is over ½ way to the goal of $6 Million.

The Friends of the fox http://www.friendsofthefox.org/ is working to raise funds to re-open the lock system and ensure operation for the future. To protect the Winnebago water system of invasive species they plan to build a barrier at Rapide Cronche.

The Friends of the fox http://www.friendsofthefox.org/ will be holding a meeting to give a status update on the project to re-open the lock system. This meeting will be held April 29, 2006 at Waverly Beach starting at 5:00 PM. Waverly Beach, N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha, WI 54952.

The above information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin that offers LCD projector PA public address sound system and accessories. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Is electrolysis (stray voltage) eating away at your outdrive?

2006-04-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Is electrolysis (stray voltage) eating away at your outdrive?

So this person told you that they heard of a guy who’s outdrive was ruined from stray voltage corrosion and the offending boat was another boat in the marina.

Stories like this are great at putting fear in us boaters. It has all the making of a good horror film. You can’t see the culprit, you can’t detect it and you fear your boat may be under attack right now. What can you do?

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a reaction between metal and electrical current. Electrolysis occurs when electrical current comes in contact with water near the external metallic parts of your boat.

This electrical current normally comes from an improperly grounded electrical devices or an electrical device that has suffered a short or fault and now has the live or hot side of the electricity in contact with the water.

Electrolysis can cause corrosion much faster then normal galvanic corrosion.

The most expensive external metallic component of your boat is the outdrive often called “the lower unit.” As electrons flow from negative to positive or from your outdrive (the negative source) to the leak (the positive source) the electrons literally carry away the metal of your boat bit by bit.

Most insurance companies do not cover claims against marine electrolysis corrosion. Because of a debate over the very word “electrolysis” the insurance companies do not need to put this exclusion in their policies.

Here is the good news.

In this part of the country we have FRESH water not salt water. Electricity travels through salt water much easier then fresh water. Distance in fresh water maters greatly. 120 volts (a measurement of electrical pressure) in fresh water means the electricity can only travel a short distance to reach your outdrive. Stories of one boat on one pier causing electrolysis on a boat on a different pier are possible but highly unlikely in fresh water. Your own boat and the boats immediately adjacent to your slip or other electrical sources close to your slip are the sources of concern.

What can you do?

Before you hire an electrician and spend money here is how you can tell if you have a problem. This is a test that any boater that keeps their boat in a slip can and should do. Inspect your anodes on your outdrive on a regular basis. These are the silver colored metallic parts on your outdrive. If you have a Mercury Alpha I you have 6 anodes. 5 are visible and 1 is behind the propeller.

Even if you have stray current causing dramatically accelerated corrosion your anodes will function and sacrifice themselves first.

Put on a full set of new magnesium anodes. If they are 50% gone in 6 months to a year this is considered normal wear. With the short season of Wisconsin we can normally go 1 full season in a wet slip then change the anodes during the winter maintenance schedule. If you see uneven wear, say one anode on one trim shaft has had much less mass then the other you need to remove this larger anode and sand the surface area between the anode and the metal the anode touches. The anode is larger because it’s not making good contact and is not doing its job.

Anode mass loss (wear) may be less if you keep your lower unit in the full down position when you leave the boat, if you keep your boat in the water for a shorter season, if you have a very well sealed and painted outdrive or if you do not have a bottom painted boat.

Anode mass loss may be more if you have fresh bottom paint (containes copper) or have an stainless steel propeller. This is becaus stailess steel is a very nobel or low croding metal causing a increased rate of galvanic conversion to the anodes. Dual stainless steel propellers accelerate this further.

If you are seeing signs of flaking paint or corrosion on your outdrive this is a indication that someone before you (or possibly you but lets blame someone else, its more fun) painted over improperly prepared or even a corroded outdrive. You need to sand, seal, prime and paint this area. Left untreated, this will cause your anodes to dissolve much faster then normal.

If the tip of your skeg (lowest fin on the outdrive) is bare aluminum from running thru shallow areas then you need to sand, seal, prime and paint this area. Left untreated, this also will cause your anodes to dissolve much faster then normal. Also, do you have shore power? If yes, you need a galvanic isolator. With out a galvanic isolator you may be causing your own electrolysis problem.

Due to all the metallic items on a boat all boats have an electrical potential. Electrolysis is stray current escaping from the system. When this happens it will reduce the mass of the anodes at a very fast rate leaving the anode metal looking bright and shiny.

Therefore:
Shiny eroded anodes = electrolysis. This is stray voltage induced corrosion and needs to be fixed.
Dull eroded zincs = galvanism. This is dissimilar metal corrosion and will occur naturally on boats kept in a wet slip at a pace of the anode loosing about half its mass after six months. Faster then this and you need to repaint your outdive.

Lets review:
- You start the season with new anodes and they are the proper anodes for your type of water (fresh water = magnesium, salt water = zinc)
- Your outdive is properly sealed and painted. The paint looks good and you see no signs of the paint flaking or corrosion.
- If you have shore power you have a galvanic isolator.

What should you do if you think you have a electrolysis (stray voltage) issue?

If and only if all the above are true yet your anodes are still wearing at a accelerated rate meaning they are reduced to half their original mass in less then 6 months you should hire an marine electrician to check for a possible electrolysis (stray voltage) issue.

What will they do? I don’t want anyone here to do this. Leave this to a trained professional marine electrician.

Here is what they will do. They will take a voltage meter and connect one end to the ground of your shore power. They will then dip the other lead in the water and determine if the voltage is high enough to be considered stray voltage.

The electrician will check if at least 1/2 volts DC or direct current exists.

An amount of DC voltage is normal and will be absorbed with normal anode wear. A boat that has a fresh coat of copper based bottom paint can generate ¼ to 1/3 volt with no connection to shore power and the battery removed.

If you have ¼ to 1/3 volts DC you do not have a problem. If you have ½ volts DC you likely have a problem. If you get to 1 volt DC you have a significant problem. 10 volts and your anodes will be reduced in mass and ineffective in as little as 2 weeks.

If the electrician finds at least ½ volt present the electrician will have one person keep an eye on the meter as another person unplugs your boat. If the meter drops the problem is from your own boat. They will repeat this unplugging your battery cables. In fresh water if there is a stray voltage problem this is the most typical case.

If after unplugging your boat the voltage remains they next will, with the permission of the marina, unplug one boat then the next then anything else in the general area. When something is unplugged and the voltage meter drops the electrical leak source has been found.

Finally, if the electrician determines your slip in the marina is hot, meaning it contains stray voltage and the source is not from your boat but you just can not find or stop the source you need to move to another slip or marina.

The above information was prepared by Presentation Rentals a audiovisual equipment rental company in Appleton Wisconsin that offers LCD projector PA public address sound system and accessories. Visit them on the web at http://www.presentationrentals.net

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #2A, Skipper Buds, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Wisconsin History – the Winnebago War of 1827

2006-04-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

In 1827 the Stockbridge Indian tribe on Lake Winnebago lived in peace and harmony until early English colonists decided to rid the area of the Indians who fished the lake and were often in the way of the “cruisers” of the day, the speedy schooners.

The American Calvary, overwhelmingly favored to win the battle, threatened to cut a certain body part off of all captured Indian soldiers so that they could never fight again. The Indians won in a major upset and waved the body part in question at the Calvary in defiance. What was this body part?

The resistance, known as the Winnebago War of 1827 was led by chief Red Bird. Using this threat of having the body part cut off by the American Calvary to his advantage chief Red Bird convinced the Brothertown Indian tribe, the Ho-Chunk Indian tribe and many other smaller Indian tribes to unite in battle. When the American Calvary in their schooners encountered the united Indian armada they immediately retreated. With the armada in pursuit the Calvary retreated through Oshkosh, Winneconne and headed up the Wolf River to Fremont.

With superior knowledge of the local area chief Red Bird took a select group of warriors and headed on shore to a high bank just beyond Fremont. When the Calvary arrived they found the deep keels on their schooners were more then what could clear the shallow water at this spot of the river. At this point the Calvary could continue no more and were easy targets for the Indians perched high above on the river banks. This shallow wide area, later named “Red Banks” in the chiefs honor was not dredged until almost 100 years later.

With the Calvary unable to go forward they reversed course back to Fremont until they reached the awaiting Indian warrior armada. Scared and facing certain death the Calvary set fire to their own vessels and retreated up the west river banks slipping away from the battle. This very spot became known as “Slip knot.” Defeated and scared the American Calvary ran and did not stop until they reached Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Victorious in battle chief Red Bird ordered the Indian warriors to wave the very body part that the Calvary had so arrogantly threatened to cut off. The body part the American Calvary threatened to cut off of the Indian warriors was the middle finger, without which it is impossible to draw the renowned longbow, favored by the Indians. The act of drawing this long stiff bow made from wood from the yew tree was known as "plucking yew." The victorious Indian warriors shouted to the retreating American Calvary as they ran up the river banks "See, we can still pluck yew! PLUCK YEW!"

Embarrassed by the humiliating defeat President John Quincy Adams, in Nov. 1828 ordered all official records of the battle to be rewritten in favor of a union victory however the story of the battle of Winnebago continues by being passed on generation to generation.

Over the years some 'folk etymologies' have grown up around this symbolic gesture. Since 'pluck yew' is rather difficult to say (like "mother plucker", which is who you had to go to for the feathers used on the arrows), the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually changed to a labiodental’s fricative 'f', and thus the words often used in conjunction with the defiant gesture are mistakenly thought to have something to do with an intimate encounter. In honor of the victory lead by Red Bird, the Indian chief, the symbolic gesture has become known as "giving the bird".

Today a statue displayed at High Cliff state park commemorates the battle between the Indians and the Americans. To honor this revered leader, a 12 foot statue was erected in High Cliff State Park. Historical revisionists and citizens for decency have forced the officials to have the statue modified from its original historically accurate portrayal as seen in this original photo below to adding an extended pointer, ring and pinky finger next to the middle finger. However if you visit this statue today at High Cliff state park on the north east corner of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin and you get on someone’s shoulders to take a close look you can see the other fingers are not a perfect match.

The original Statue of chief Red Bird at at High Cliff state park

You can read more about this infamous chief at and this historic battle by visiting the High Cliff General Store Museum. The High Cliff General Store Museum shares the history of the park in one of the original buildings from Sherwood's past. Additionally, visitors can purchase ice cream, candy and other items while examining the items in the museum. The High Cliff General Store Museum is open Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day from noon to 5 p.m.

Native American history is abundant in Calumet County. There are several memorials, preserved burial grounds, and effigy mounds to go back in time and tap one’s desire to experience and learn more. From the Brothertown Indian Memorial at the intersection of Highways 151 and 55, to the Chief Red Bird Memorial in High Cliff State Park, the historic gems you will discover will awe you.

History is not lost on today's residents of Calumet County. Indeed, it is celebrated to this day by keeping the historic traditions alive, specifically by the fisherman of Lake Winnebago.

Now that you know the history you can do your part to keep the storied tradition alive and help repair the rift that divides between cruisers and fishermen through this day.

When you are out on your cruiser and you come across an anchored fisherman rather then avoiding their general vicinity alter your course to take you close to their side. As you pass them hold up your right arm with your middle finger extended and shout “Pluck yew!” If they return with the same geniture and reply “Pluck you too!” you can be proud that you are doing your part to repair this long standing divide between fishermen and cruisers.

Do you have a pre-2004 Merc Bravo III? Slip your boat? READ THIS

2006-02-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

If you are a “In and out” boater you don’t need to read this.

It’s no secret; the Mercury Bravo III has a corrosion issue. Lots to read on the web about this.

At issue is all that stainless steel, two props worth and the low sacrificial nature of stainless steel.

Mercury has come out with various things to help like larger, oversized magnesium anodes for us in fresh water, the MerCathode® system and recommending regular inspection and paint touch up products. If you use shore power, you should have an approved galvanic isolator installed to protect against stray current corrosion (electrolysis) from your dock, from your boat's accessories or from other nearby boats.

A new corrosion defense is just out. Likely your dealer or maintenance person does not even know about it yet.

If you have a pre-2004 Mercury Bravo III and slip your boat – spend $70 and get this part. Bravo III Propeller Nut with Magnesium Anode. After the first year, just buy a new anode for about $20.

If your unit is newer you already have it. Until now if it was older you could not add this since you can't drill and tap a thread in the drive shaft...the shaft is hardened and high risk of breaking in trying to do so.

Now you don’t have to drill a hole in your shaft.

Best cost source that I can find:
http://www.boatzincs.com/MERProp-Nut-D-mag.html
Buy it here:
http://www.boatzincs.com/mercruiser-magnesium.html

The official Mercury part number is Merc 809666A02
Mercruiser list price is $159.85.
The above product is the same.
Most of Mercruiser knows nothing about this yet, including their customer service department. It’s only the engineering dept and a few people in distribution that have put this together.

If you want the ‘official’ mercury labeled box, you can get it from Boatfix.com for the best price I could find.

Even they don’t have the part online yet, I’m sure they will soon. How to get it from them is go to http://www.boatfix.com/orderblank.asp and list it as a Prop Anode Kit for a Mercury Bravo III pre 2004. $91.13

Again, most local shops will say this thing does not exist. Give it a year and these same people will be trying to sell you one.

Hope this helps you guys keep your corrosion in check.

$52 Million hotel/condo/water park/marina – the next big date June 21 2006

2006-02-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

On February 15th the Oshkosh Common Council had a closed door meeting with Five Rivers Resort developer Tom Doig.

The Oshkosh WI development with Five Rivers is still unclear but at a maximum we will know if it’s a go by June 21st, the final day the developer has to secure financing.

At this point, financing is not set. City councilors are increasingly aware of the challenge Five Rivers developers face in locking in financing by June 21.

After this closed door meeting, Oshkosh Councilor Bryan Bain said “We're really zeroing in on a target here, whether it's 'We're breaking ground' or cutting the fishing line, re-baiting it and recasting for a new fish.”

The only conclusion we can make is the project becoming reality with the current developer and with the current financing arrangement / time frame is at best a long shot. Weather it can be pulled back together or announced DOA may not be known until June 21st.

When asked about the Park Plaza Hotel and convention center just down the river from the proposed resort site, Oshkosh visitors bureau Member John Supple said he feels future hotel development in Oshkosh, including the sale of Park Plaza, is now tied to Five Rivers' future.

"Until the city and Tom Doig decide what's going on, everything's on hold," Supple said. "Nobody will want to invest $3 million in the hotel and then stick a few more million into improvements just to get their butt kicked by Five Rivers."

I feel you can say the same about the Pioneer Inn resort project and the current owner / developer Decade Properties, Inc.

If the Five Rivers project goes ahead, given the market size, the other two projects simply are not feasible.

I hope the Oshkosh council is aware of how not having an answer on one project is postponing development on others.

Winnebago Rally whiteboard – please help

2006-01-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have started a whiteboard for the Winnebago Rally.

A whiteboard is a web based collaborative document. Anyone with the password can edit the document. Incase someone does damage to the document, like if someone accidentally or on purpose deletes it we can always revert back to a previous saved copy.

If the quality is at a level that is appropriate I plan to suggest having this information added to the www.winnebagorally.com site so when people visit the site they can get a feel for what its all about and will have answers to frequently asked questions.

To help with this effort, please visit….
Web address: http://123.writeboard.com/f3b12dd7b38792030/login

You’ll also need this password: winnebagorally

This doesn't require you to create an account. Just use the URL and password displayed above and you're in.

I invite you to try it.

What do you think about this? Good? Bad?

Wisconsin Boating – Lake Winnebago – Streich's beach

2006-01-07T05:28:00.000-08:00

Streich's, is a sand bottomed shallow protected area on Lake Winnebago’s west shoreline about 4 miles south of where the Fox river enterers the lake in Oshkosh. Because of the natural protection from the curvature of the shoreline this area is normally calm even when the lake is rough with whitecaps and strong south west summer winds are blowing.

Photo of Streich’s on Lake Winnebago’s west shoreline.
Photo courtesy of WiParty.com

Our family gets to Streich’s often during the summer weekends and we find it to be a nice family friendly area for anchoring and playing in the water or just standing around enjoying the company of friends’ old and new.

I’ve seen it spelled Streich's, Stretchs, Striech’s, Stretches, Streichs, Strieches or Strietches at various internet forums or websites but it does not really matter how you spell it because this popular Lake Winnebago spot does not appear on any regular map or GPS/Chartplotter chart that I have seen.

I made the below map so if you are in the area West of Oshkosh and would like to give it a try here you go.

Map of Streich’s 4 miles south of Oshkosh along the west shoreline of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin.

On a clear summer day this spot is easy to find. When you come out of the Fox River in Oshkosh go out about a half mile from shore and head straight south. As you look south you will see a white area along the shoreline. As you get close to this area you will see there is nothing white on the shore, the white is from all the boat hulls gathered in one spot.

Unless you are an early bird, when you arrive there will likely already be hundreds of other boats. I recommend you come in as slow as you can and once the depth gauge reads about three feet cut the engine, trim up the lower unit on your boat as far as you can then jump in the water and walk the boat in the rest of the way. With kids and boat anchor lines in the water this is the safest method on those busy sunny warm summer weekends. If it’s not busy you don’t need to do this.

Most boaters anchor with the bow pointed out away from shore with one anchor off the bow and a second anchor off the stern so the boat does not swing in circles bumping into other boats. Also, if your anchor is in a shallow area please tie a bumper, life preserver or other floating object to the anchor so people do not stub their feet on your anchor as they walk past.

Friends often ‘raft-up’ together, tying one boat to the next. It’s not unusual to see multiple groups of a half dozen or more boats rafted together

It’s a very popular area to drop anchor and socialize, swim, play water volley ball, play catch, cook out, enjoy a beer or mixed drinks with friends or just relax. The closest road that runs parallel to this area is Streich Road however there is no public access from land in this area. There are also no restrooms.

The beach does not go to zero depth so this is not ideal for infant children. There is not a dry sand beach. There are spots of ankle deep water so if you keep a close eye on the little ones they will have a great time. The land along this shoreline is densely wooded and private so the only access is by boat. I’d also recommend keeping kids 12 and under in a life jacket during all boating activities but specifically here since the water depth goes through several shallow and deep oscillations before shore.

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240 "Holiday"
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Lake Winnebago boating forum

2006-01-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

The people at WiParty.com have launched a Lake Winnebago boating and events forum

The site address to go directly to the forum is http://www.wiparty.com/forum/

This forum is great for discussions and information about Lake Winnebago, Appleton, Fox valley and Wolf river boating, party and events.

The more people that join the forum the more information becomes available on the forum. So go ahead on and join. It's free.

Also, if you have a website please provide a link to the forum. Here is one possible description and link you could put on your site but others would also work.

For Lake Winnebago, Appleton, Oshkosh, Fox Valley Wisconsin boating, party and event information please visit the WiParty.com forum

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

2006 calendar – on the water in the greater Fox Valley area

2006-01-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Below is a 2006 greater Fox Valley area Boating calendar.

If you have additional information, events or corrections please post below the date, event details and a link to where more information is available.

January 2006
Jaunary 14, 2006 Winnebago Rally planning meeting. Starting at 1:00 pm. Slipknot in Fremont. http://www.winnebagorally.com

January 20 thru 29 Milwaukee Boat show. For details see http://www.showspan.com/mbs/

February 2006
February 17, 18, 19 49th Annual WBAY Boat Show Veterans Memorial Arena and ShopKo Hall, across from Lambeau Field Green Bay. (this event is not on the water) For details see http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=28391

March 2006
March 24 (tennative date) Oshkosh Thunder Poker Run "Crack the Ice" at the Oshkosh Hilton Garden hotel. For questions, contact Mark or Amie Lee at 920.426.2145, Mark@OshkoshThunder.com (this event is not on the water) http://www.oshkoshthunder.com/

May 2006
Mid May (around the 14th) Bridges become operational in Oshkosh (4) Menasha (2) and Winneconne (1) and the railroad bridge’s in Oshkosh (1) and Menasha (1) become operational for the season. Also the Menasha lock (1) becomes operational.

May 20 Oshkosh Fishing Has No Boundaries-anglers with disabilities Contact: Dr Bob Weber 920-424-1389 Menominee Park http://www.fhnbinc.org/oshkosh.html also www.uwosh.edu/adaptedpe

June 2006
June 9, 10, 11 Walleye Weekend – Lakeside park, Fond du Lac. Festival, Fish fry, lumberjack show, music, Mercury Marine’s National Walleye Fishing Tournament
http://www.fdlfest.com/walleye_weekend.html

June 16, 17, 18 The Oshkosh Walleye Weekend fishing tournament. Miller's Bay - Menominee Park. Miller's Bay - Menominee Park. Jerry's Bar - 920-231-7380

June 16, 17, 18 Oshkosh Thunder Poker Run (fund raiser - The cost of the event is $400 but free to just go and watch) Go just to look and listen to the incredible speed boats. Note: New location - Park Plaza in Oshkosh http://www.oshkoshthunder.com/Special note by the author. One of the goals of this event is to provide support for the navigational buoy systems on Lake Winnebago, Butte des Mortes, and Poygan in an attempt to make the waterways safer for all boaters. They provide support for various charities as well as the Sheriff's Department Boating Division and the DNR.

TBA June Menasha Marina Coast Guard voluntary boat inspections 9-noon 920-967-5193

June 30-July 4 Oshkosh Sawdust Days Festival - Menominee Park-fireworks
http://www.sawdustdays.com/

July 2006
TBA (I would guess July 1,2) Communityfest - Menasha-Jefferson Park fireworks on the (date not yet set) at dusk.

July 3,4 Communityfest - Neenah, 9:15PM (lighted street Parade on the 3rd, Main Street - Neenahs Riverside Park on the 4th, venetian boat parade & fireworks on the 4th at dusk

July 4 – Winneconne – Over Lake Winneconne – fireworks at dusk
http://www.winneconne.org/Chamber/calendar.html

July 4 Fond du Lac concert & fireworks at Lakeside Park 7:30-dusk

July 8,9 Fremont Rive Days on the banks of the Wolf River in Fremont WI. Crafts, Food, Spirits, Ski show, fireworks. http://www.fremontwis.com/

July 24-30 EAA Air Venture EAA grounds, Oshkosh (not on the water)
http://www.airventure.org/

August 2006
August 4, 5, 6 Winnebago Rally – Oshkosh
Boat rally open to all boaters. The main rally on Saturday August 5 starts and ends at the Pioneer Inn Marina in Oshkosh WI. Official website http://www.winnebagorally.com

August 6 Captain's Cove water volleyball tournament on the south west side of Lake Poygan. 920-582-4757

Aug TBA Fond du Lac Fishing Has No Boundaries-event for mentally and physically disabled-Lakeside Park http://www.fhnbinc.org/fonddulac.html

August TBA Duck Races held at JW Stringers on the Wolf River, about 8 miles past Fremont. 920-867-2884. Note: They close down in the off season.

August 25, 26, 27 Oshkosh EAA grounds. Ducks Unlimited. (not on the water) http://www.outdoorsbest.com/dugof/

September 2006
Sept 1-2 Oshkosh Thunderfest
http://www.oshkoshthunder.com/

Re-occurring through the summer 2006

Fremont - Webfooter’s Water Ski Show-Wednesday and Sundays - 6pm June 4-Aug 27
http://www.webfooters.org/

Oshkosh - live music held at the Leach Amphitheater on the river between the main street and railroad bridge.
http://waterfest.oshkosh.net/

Oshkosh – live music held at Fratellos restaurant on the river just west of the Oshkosh Avenue bridge.
http://www.supplerestaurantgroup.com/fratellos/osh_calendar.asp

Winneconne Waterfront Concert series.
http://www.winneconne.org/Chamber/calendar.html

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Boaters Safety course – online

2006-01-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Boaters Safety course – online

We all want to have a great yet safe time in our boating hobby, right? Many of us even intend to take a boaters safety course but with jobs, family and other commitments it’s hard to find the time. If you take the next step and look into taking a class you may find the schedule just does not fit with your schedule.

If this sounds like you then online boater’s safety is the answer.

The web address is http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/

The course is FREE ($10 if you take the final online exam), its available 24 hours a day and covers a broad range of topics including state and federal laws and a general boating information.

Having taken this course last summer I recommend it to anyone who has not taken the traditional boaters safety class.

The course is divided into ten chapters. They take about an hour each. Each chapter has a review quiz.

The ten chapters cover topics like terminology, boat types, propulsion, registering and numbering, required and recommended equipment, trailering, maintenance, fueling, navigation rules, aids to navigation, line handling, docking, anchoring, maneuvering, water sports, personal watercraft, accidents, repairs, locks, damns, security and sailing.

The online course even adds state specific laws when applicable.

After completing the ten chapters and review quizzes you can also take a free practice exam. If you decide to take the official certified exam there is a $10 charge. If you do this and pass, send a copy of your certificate to your insurance carrier for your boat. I did this with our insurance carrier and they sent me a check for the difference between my old and new premium and it was more the cost of the exam.

The course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized as acceptable to the United States Coast Guard Recreational Boating Program.

Again, the web address for this course is http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

$52 Million hotel/condo/water park/marina – the next big date January 16, 2006

2006-01-03T12:41:00.000-08:00

I have reviewed a memo from the Oshkosh Director of Community Development about the proposed $52 Million hotel/condo/water park/marina planned for the Marion
Road/Pearl Redevelopment Area (includes part of the Mercury Marine plant 24 site) on the North side of the Fox River in Oshksoh, WI.

The “money” deadline is fast approaching. Until the money is there its all just talk.

The developer, Five Rivers Development LLC and its President Tom Doig have until January 16, 2006 to secure construction and permanent financing and equity
necessary to complete the Phase 1 project, and to provide to the City/RDA conditional
commitments for such funding.

Phase I
-condominium-hotel-marina resort complex with 312 units
-an approximate 58,764 square foot conference center
-an indoor/outdoor water feature with approximately 15,289 square feet of indoor space
-food and beverage facilities totaling approximately 16,710 square feet
-a commercial marina with approximately 100 slips
-an associated yacht club
-an approximate 100-space parking area within the main structure
-a 350-400 space surface parking area on the north side of Marion Road.
-approximately 436,356 square feet of building space in a 10 story plus structure.

I personally have been vocal that the local market size dictates the amount of resort, condominium and marina facilities that can succeed. The current Pioneer Inn marina has the capacity to provide 5 piers yet is unable to fill 4. Because of this economic reality I feel its unlikely both condominium-hotel-marina resort complex projects will go forward.

So mark January 16th on your calendar. If funding and the other terms of the agreement between Five Rives and the City of Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority are reached by this deadline you can count on the Phase I of the project going forward with a targeted opening date set for the summer of 2007. You can also likely count out the Pioneer Inn condominium-hotel-marina resort complex.

Either way we are only weeks away from gaining a better understanding on how the Oshkosh water front landscape will develop.

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Winnebago Rally Oshkosh WI

2005-11-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

Winnebago Rally Oshkosh WI

The dates have been set for the 2006 Winnebago Rally.

2006 Rally dates: August 4, 5, 6

You can read more about this rally that starts and ends in Oshkosh WI here:

http://www.winnebagorally.com

Note: This rally is not a SeaRay rally. Its open to all types of boats. Family fun and meeting people with boating interest is what it’s all about.

Just a bit more information, this rally starts and ends the Pioneer Inn in Oshkosh, WI.

You do not have to have a slip to participate in the rally. The marina has many spots along the wall to tie up for non-overnight guests. Renting a slip for the night is a option.

It makes its way via the Fox River through Oshkosh to Lake Butte Des Morts.

It then enters the Wolf River as you pass through Winneconne. After you go under the Winneconne bridge you go through Lake Winneconne and a small portion of Lake Poygan. You then continue up the Wolf River to Partridge Lake.

At Partridge Lake and several other spots along the way are sand bottom areas boats drop anchor, tie up for swimming and fun.

Also in route are several bars and restaurants.

Poker hands are available at an extra fee but not required to be part of the rally.

Round trip it’s a little under 70 miles.

The focus is on family fun.

The person who does the website and organizes this can be reached by clicking "webmaster" at the website above.

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Solution to the Pioneer Inn Oshkosh project

2005-10-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

The construction of the $35,000,000 resort / condominium is on hold due to a dispute over the private use of public land on a portion of the property.

Basically, the area in dispute was once a river. This area, known as ‘reclaimed riverbed’ makes up a portion of the island. The proposed resort will occupy a portion of this public land.

At dispute is the fact that the multiple-owner structure of the funding of the condominium project would violate the previous agreement that had been in place since the original hotel was built.

The stalemate over the land use dispute can be resolved by the city since June 23, 2005.

With the new definition of the words “public use” as tested under the case known as Kelo versus the City of New London, decided June 23, 2005 by the supreme court of the United States, its clear the city of Oshkosh has within its power of eminent domain the ability to take the disputed public land on the North most part of the island where the Pioneer Inn once stood and convert the land to private ownership for the purpose of economic growth and does not need the approval of the DNR or any other authority.

Before this case, eminent domain was generally accepted to be limited to:
1) Areas where the land would go from private use to public. Examples would be for the construction of a road, bridge or park.
2) Areas that were blighted (run down, and in disrepair.) Examples would be a inner city slum that is tore down and rebuilt as a nice private owned apartment complex.

With the above verdict you can now add a third case where a city can exercise its powers of eminent domain:
3) Where the transfer of land ownership to private ownership will result in a positive economic impact for the area. Or in legal speak "The court found that if an economic project creates new jobs, increases tax and other city revenues, and revitalizes a depressed (even if not blighted) urban area, it qualifies as a public use."

During the trial before the Supreme Court Justice Scalia suggested that a ruling in favor of the city would eliminate "the distinction between private use and public use" of land. One can only conclude that there is no longer a distinction between private and public land ownership and use. All land ownership and use is now public as defined as what would benefit the public the most.

Even in the writings of the dissenting opinions of Sandra Day O’Connor wrote "Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party, but the fallout from this decision will not be random. The beneficiaries are likely to be those citizens with disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms." She argued that the decision eliminates "any distinction between private and public use of property — and thereby effectively [deletes] the words 'for public use' from the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment".

Judge Richard Posner published an Kelo decision analysis. Judge Posner concluded eminent domain can properly be used to address holdouts even in transactions involving private parties, such as utilities or other entities. Clearly the DNR would be the other entity in this case.

If you are still reading this, you really got to pay attention to this next part. “Soon after the decision, city officials announced plans to charge the residents of the homes for back rent for the five years since condemnation procedures began. The city contends that the residents have been on city property for those five years and owe tens of thousands of dollars of rent.” So as soon as the city of Oshkosh makes a claim to the land it can charge the DNR by month over any time the DNR chooses to dispute the claim.

It’s a win-win for the city of Oshkosh. As soon as it makes a claim for the land it can either get it or get rent for it.

How long it will take the local politicians to realize they don’t need to listen to the DNR anymore is anyone’s guess.

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Wisconsin Boating - Lake Butte Des Morts - Sand Pit

2005-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

On Lake Butte Des Morts, just west of Oshkosh Wisconsin is a popular shallow sand bottom swimming area called Sand Pit.

We’ve spent some time there lately and find it to be a nice family friendly area for anchoring and swimming or just standing around enjoying the company of friends.

The shoreline is developed with homes and cottages so you can not walk on shore and there is not a dry sand beach or bathroom.

The area is on the southern shore of the lake so most of the time the water is very calm even if the rest of the lake is rough with whitecaps.

The water depths varies from too deep to stand but gets less deep as you get closer to shore. At about twenty feet offshore the depth is about waist high.

I made the below map so if you are in the area West of Oshkosh and would like to give it a try here you go.

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Wisconsin Boating - Wolf River – going upstream from Partridge Lake

2005-08-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Boating - Wolf River – going upstream from Partridge Lake

I’m going to review some highlights however the entire area is simply beautiful.
Just about every turn has something new to discover, a sandy cove, a small
tavern or campground, a fishing hotspot, a deer swimming across the river. You
become immersed in nature and that is exactly why many chose to risk lower unit
and propeller damage to venture into this gorgeous area of the upper Wolf River.
Don’t expect to find any of these local slang terms on any official nautical
map.

To help you get a clear understanding of this area I made a crude map.

From Partridge Lake you head north upriver.

Red Banks:

The first notable landmark you will pass on your right or starboard side is
called Red Banks http://www.redbanks.net/ (920) 446-2933. They have docks, cabin
rentals, a campground, restaurant and bar.

This is in a no wake zone. I did talk to one boater that lost a propeller right
in the middle of the river in front of Red Banks. This is the only bend I’m
going to say avoid the middle. Hug he outer or inner part of the river keeping
your lower unit up and go slow. We went around the outside going upriver and
inside coming back and did not hit on either side.

A short run upriver past Red Banks you will come to a T in the river. Looking at
the letter T you are coming from the bottom up. This area is another no wake
zone. There is a sign on the north shore that says Pine Grove and an arrow to
the right.

Pine Grove:

We went to the right or starboard towards Pine Grove with our lower unit up as
far as we could. Just past the first no wake buoy into the channel I felt that
unmistakable stern raise and drop as the skeg of the lower unit went over a
submerged log. I turned around and went back out so I am unable to tell you any
additional information on this channel to Pine Grove.

Continuing upstream:

At this T in the river on the south west shore is a small sand beach area if you
are ready for a rest. It’s not very deep and Little Nipple Beach is not much
further. Because of its small size if you do pull up with a friend’s boat you
would likely have the area to yourselves.

Little Nipple Beach:

Heading back upstream you will not get up to plane long and you will come to
another no wake zone. On your right or starboard side just as you start to round
the bend is a small sandy beach area. I’ve talked to a few local boaters that
call this Little Nipple Beach. I’ve not come across that name before at this
site so I don’t know how well that name is known.

This beach is nice but rather small. It’s wide enough for about 4 to 6 boats to
pull ashore. The sandy area from water to vegetation is about 6 to 8 feet deep.
That’s enough for the kids to have some fun or adults to lay out and soak up
some rays.

Little Nipple Beach is not too far past Partridge Lake so this spot is less of a
risk to get to with larger boats or during periods of low rainfall.

Gills Landing/RJ Stringers:

Continuing upriver in a few more minutes and a few more no wake zones you will
come to a public boat landing and small park called Gills Landing on your left,
or port side. The river widens at this point. The building on the north side of
Gills Landing is Stringrs bar.

Just upriver and north of Gils Landing is where the Waupaca River enters the
Wolf River.

Railroad Bridge:

Just north of where the rivers merge and a bit more up the Wolf River you will
see a railroad bridge. Towards the right half of the bridge is an area with a
bit more clearance. Someone took some white spray paint and sprayed by hand
“House boats here” and that is where we cruisers should go. Clearance was about
11 feet from the water to the bridge on the day we went through. Not too bad
unless you have a boat way too big for this area.

Continuing north you pass some beautiful country. Lots of fallen trees making
passage feel constricted but acceptable. I recommend you stick to the middle of
the river as best you can and take the many curves closer to the outside edge
where the water tends to be deeper. I saw depths of 2 feet (from my transducer
mounted at the bottom of the stern of our boat) to 30 feet plus as the river
went around bends.

A few more no wake zones and you will come to a Y in the river. Again you are
coming from the bottom of the Y up. There is a sign marked New London and an
arrow to the right. This is the way you should go if you want to get to Nipple
Beach.

At points you can see no man-made objects at all. Cruising along at planing
speed through this rural geography gives a feeling I simply can’t describe, you
will have to experience it for yourself.

Photo of Nipple Beach:

Nipple Beach gets is name due to a local reputation similar to that New Orleans
Mardi Gras tradition. Bring a supply of beads, offer them up to a willing lady
and, well, I’ll let you fill in the rest.

Nipple Beach is about 8 miles upriver from Partridge Lake and going upriver it
will be on your right or starboard side. It’s on the inside bend of an large U
in the river. With the no wake zones and the winding of the river the run from
Partridge Lake takes the better part of an hour. It is one of the most enjoyable
hours you will ever have with your boat.

Nipple Beach is not a public park or campground but a small nice sandy beach
area on the inside riverbank. Its about 100 feet wide, 140 feet if you count the
sandy areas on the side with only a couple of feet of sand before vegetation.
The depth of the beach area varies like a crescent moon but I’d say in the
center its about 50 feet from shore to vegetation.

There is enough room for about a dozen boats plus some nice sandy beach for
small kids to play. The water is shallow enough on the more upriver half of the
bend to toss a ball or other water games.

The river bank changes quite a lot as the beach wraps around the bend. Going
upriver the beginning part of the beach is steep. It’s a fast drop-off to more
then 20 feet of water depth. As you get to the furthest upriver part the river
is very shallow due to a sand bar.

In the picture above you can see our boat a good distance away from shore yet we
are beached on the rivers bottom. On the opposite side of Nipple beach the stern
of the boats are floating and the bows are touching dry sand. Again this is due
to the fast drop off on the downriver side of this curve in the river.

Boaters pull ashore and have fun in the sun during the day, kids making sand
castles, etc. At night its campfires and spirits.

Photo of kids playing on Nipple Beach:

Onshore there is a sign posting “No Camping” displayed on a tree in the middle
of the beach. Just past this and further away from the shore is a “No
trespassing” posting. I did call the Waupaca Sheriffs department for
clarification on the no camping rule. The person on the phone discussed this
with a few others then came back and said they are not sure if the land is
public or private. They were all clear that you could not set up a tent and
spend the night but think its OK to anchor and sleep on a boat pulled up to the
bank.

Due to the sandbar if you are going beyond Nipple Beach follow close to the
outside part as you round this U in the river.

Well, that’s about it. We got a little further then talked to some fishermen in
a small flat bottom boat that told us it gets much shallower from this point on.

Someday I’d still like to get up to Partridge Crop Lake and beyond to New
London. When I do I’ll be sure to provide an update.

Disclaimers – please read

River Depth:

This area is the upper portion of the Wolf River. Being a river the depth varies
greatly. As you go through this area you will see the piers along the way are
built very different then downriver. Most are built to float. A hinged plank
provides a walkway to the shore allowing the pier to move up and down with a
changing river height. Recent rains or lack of rain will greatly affect the
rivers level and the depth between that submerged stump and your propeller.

No Wake zones:

All the no wake zones past Partridge Lake are in effect 24/7. I mention this
because the ones downstream to Fremont are weekend / holiday only. Also, with
sharp blind turns there are a lot of no wake zones.

Drowning:

Many of the rivers edges look very inviting to pull your boat ashore and enjoy.
The grade of the rive bottoms vary and many have sharp drop-offs. I recommend
keeping kids in Life Jackets even when onshore along this area. My apology if
I’m sounding like a worry wart.

Littering:

Much of the land along this portion of the river is private property. This is no
different then the area further downstream except this area has many alluring
sandy banks that are great for pulling ashore. After talking to some locals,
it’s the littering left behind that bothers the land owners the most. What we do
is we bring along some empty plastic grocery bags. Before we leave we pick up
everything we brought plus any other trash we find in the general area.

******************************
Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Welcome

2005-08-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

This blog is about our boating hobby.

We primarily boat in the Lake Winnebago, Fox River and Wolf River of Wisconsin, USA.

We will talk about places to go, things to do and safety plus other boating topics

Boat - SeaRay Sundancer 240
Port - Slip #309, Pioneer Marina, Oshkosh, WI
Lisa

Welcome

2005-04-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our boating blog