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
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Lake Winnebago fill-up strategy 2007 conference call April 3, 2007
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/
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/
Monday, March 12, 2007
Lake Winnebago Boating Expo in Menaha WI
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
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
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
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
My friend Gary Olsen has started a Wiki style website for boating on lake Winnebago.
The website is http://www.gwo-main.com/
The website is http://www.gwo-main.com/
Dock Ramp Ediquitte
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.
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.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Winnebago Boat Rally 2007 dates are set
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/
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
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.
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.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
2007 Boating Calendar – please help
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?
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?
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
UL “ethanol=corrosion” pulls its approval
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
"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
Friday, October 20, 2006
Marina Etiquette Tips
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
- 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
Thursday, October 19, 2006
When winterizing your boat do not over fill the fuel tank
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Boating on the river at night
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
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
Monday, September 11, 2006
Teds Grandview restaurant in Fremont Wisconsin
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.
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.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Dealing with Lake Winnebago in rough chop
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
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
Monday, August 07, 2006
Boating & Sailing web site
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/
http://boatingsailing.suite101.com/
Monday, July 31, 2006
Winnebago boat rally
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
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
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Appleton Yacht Club
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
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
Monday, July 17, 2006
Wego Kite Tubes recall notice
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 .
####
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 .
####
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
New boaters please read this
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/
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/
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