Pickles And Paisley’s Boating Club

Waiting to go Boating

Well the weather outside is frightful…Actually it’s not all that bad out, but when it gets too cold to be out on the boat, the weather outside is frightful. Fall is upon us and Old Man Winter can’t be far behind, which means that for the next 6 months boating will be but a fond memory. So, what is there to do until she’s back in the water? Glad you asked. Here are some suggestions to wile away those cold boatless days of winter.

Grab a book and read about the sea. Buy the latest Clive Cussler novel. You know, the one where ocean adventurer Dirk Pitt and his latest beautiful girl friend struggle against the forces of evil aided only by the vast resources of the National Underwater and Marine Agency. Actually that could be any Clive Cussler novel so take your pick. If Dirk and his fancy gadgets don’t interest you then try a classic. A few hours reading about the exploits of Horatio Hornblower or wading through “2 Years Before the Mast” should help quench your thirst for the sea.

Not into reading? Then pop some corn, snuggle down in front of the tube and watch …

Fresh Water Conversions

On By Delbert Adams

Boats actually become more precious with the passage of time. The problem is that the modern specifications for marine engines are developing every day, so what can a boat owner like you do to make use of the modern technology and still keep your good old boat? It is very simple actually. Even an old engine or carburetor that dates from the 1970s can be converted into a perfectly up-to-date modern version.

Installing Fresh Water Conversions

A fresh water cooling system is modern technology for boats that is far superior to the raw water cooling systems that can wreck an engine in no time flat. This newer type of cooling system will prolong your engine’s life and keep it running smoothly. You’ll notice a significant improvement in performance, especially if you own a racing boat or love to speed in the open water.

Providing you have accurate information about the age and make of your boat, and the age and make of engine, you can expect a successful conversion. With the right parts and some detailed instructions, you may even want to have a go at converting your cooling system yourself. It can be very satisfying to do this kind …

Houseboating on Utah's Lake Powell: See Defiance House Anasazi Ruins, Forgotten Canyon and Moqui Canyon

On By Delbert Adams

If you’re considering your first vacation in the giant desert-and-water playground that is Lake Powell, check out these tips from an avid houseboating enthusiast.

Reserve your boat early. Three marinas rent houseboats at Lake Powell: Bullfrog and Hall’s Crossing in Utah (south of Hanksville) and Wahweap, just across the border into Arizona. You’ll likely book your houseboat depending on what location is closer to your point of origin. You don’t need to book a year in advance, but if you want a certain sized houseboat and a specific dates, you just might want to be the early bird.

Upgrade your rental if you can afford it. Houseboats come in all sizes and prices. The very, very basic 44-foot Explorer sleeps up to 10 with minimal amenities, such as a kitchenette, outdoor grill, bunk beds and water slide. The top-of-the-line 75-foot Odyssey sleeps 12 and features a hot tub, fireplace and many more upscale appointments. With all sorts of options in between, if you are wavering between two choices, go with the more expensive rental—you’ll appreciate the small touches (which might include a GPS system, two refrigerators, bed linens) after a few days on the water.

Make it a group trip. …

Sailing Vacations

On By Delbert Adams

Sailing vacations are the most versatile way to enjoy a Caribbean or Mediterranean holiday. These vacations combine comfort and freedom. And of course, the sightseeing off the coast of these spectacular trips is immediately superior to other vacation options.

Sailing Vacations: Ahoy, Matey

You don’t have to be an expert sailor to enjoy a sailing vacation. Most skippers are happy to teach as much as you wish to learn. Learn to handle the mast and the sail, or sit back and read and sip a rum-punch. It is, after all, your sailing vacation, and you are always free to do as much, or as little as makes you happy.

Chartered sailing vacations are completely unstructured, which allow you the freedom to plan each day as it comes. There are no lines, no crowds, nor any set times to do anything. The only people on board are you and your friends, and of course your well trained crew.

You can enjoy physical activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Or, if you prefer sailing vacations made of quieter days, you can always explore the changing ports of call on foot, read a good book on the deck, or spend simple quality …

Impact of Boats Discharging Untreated Sewage: Regulations on Boats Disposing of Raw Sewage in NZ Harbours

On By Delbert Adams

There are regulations in place which ban disposing of untreated sewage in harbours, within 500 metres of the shore and within 200 metres of a marine reserve. Most of the marinas and regional councils provide information for visiting boaties on the rules and expectations. Maritime NZ also have information on discharge standards.

Hold it – We’re Cleaning Up the Coast published by MfE and Maritime NZ says, the most important thing is “how well the water body, which the sewage is being discharged into, can flush itself”. This is influenced tides, wave action, currents, salinity and temperature of the water. In other words, where you choose to dump sewage from a boat is critical.

The closer the discharge point is to shore, the closer it is to where people are swimming and gathering shellfish as well as marine farms and important ecological areas. In these areas boat sewage poses potential environmental and public health issues.

The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Maritime NZ have produced a Guidebook to help boaties chose the best system for their boating requirements.

Discharging Sewage From a Boat

Apparently liquid waste is not a serious problem. Most urine is sterile and therefore little risk …

Amplifier Kit

On By Delbert Adams

In the long list of necessary parts to get an old boat up and running, a good amplifier kit is one of the most important. As an integral part of an ignition system, an amplifier is one of the key pieces involved in getting a charge to the spark plugs. Whether you’re building a new system out of kit parts, or just performing maintenance on a trustworthy old boat, finding the right amplifier kit can be difficult.

Ignition amplifiers are relatively simple devices. Turning a key to start the ignition process sends an electrical current to the ignition coil. It is the ignition coil’s job to store and amplify that signal, and send it along a path that ultimately leads to the combustion cylinders.

If you are trying to debug a troubled motor that doesn’t seem to be getting any power at all, first check the connections around the ignition amplifier. If the coil is equipped with an external resistor, check the connections to the resistor for signs of damage or corrosion. If the resistor is internal, then check the positive side of the coil for an 11 or 12-volt charge.

Purchasing an Amplifier Kit

Depending on your boat, …

Boating on Lake Powell: Water Levels at Ten Year High

On By Delbert Adams

In spite of the drought that has plagued many US states in 2011, water levels at Lake Powell are at a ten year high, and boaters are loving it!

In spite of historical droughts plaguing the American Southwest, record-setting snow and rain in the Colorado Rocky Mountains in the spring of 2011 has water levels at Lake Powell at their highest level in ten years.

Lake Powell is an immense, deep blue lake framed by colorful red rock desert sandstone walls that crosses over the border between Utah and Arizona. It is named for Major John Wesley Powell, who charted the area between 1869 and 1872. It is considered a sanctuary for boaters of all kinds. However, according to Account Executive Lauren Pearce, visitors come to Lake Powell for many activities.

“The lake offers excellent fishing, and great open water for water skiing and wake boarding, back canyons to explore by motorboat or kayak and endless shoreline to beach a houseboat,” Pearce said.

With its deep, azure waters reflecting the clear Southwestern skies and surrounding rock formations in various sunset shades of red and orange, it seems as if Lake Powell was created by nature just for houseboats, but Lake …

Using a College Based Program to Train Oil Spill Responders

On By Delbert Adams

Prince William Sound Community College (PWSCC) is a small, independently accredited college located in Valdez, Alaska. Port Valdez is home to the marine terminal of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Based on the history of Prince William Sound and the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster, the oil industry has seen the need to ramp up and bolster its oil spill response capabilities. The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Alyeska), an organization that represents the oil industry owners of the pipeline system, operates the marine oil delivery terminal.

Commercial Fishing Vessels and Ship Escort Response Vessel Service

The Ship Escort Response Vessel Service (SERVS) was developed to serve as the Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) for the Valdez Marine Oil Terminal. These organizations are a requirement of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90), the act that was put into place after the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989.

The oil industry operating in Prince William Sound is required to have a spill contingency plan in place and practice using it throughout the year. After the Exxon Valdez spill, the oil industry recognized the importance of using commercial fishing vessels and their crews as oil spill responders. It would be difficult, if not impossible for …

A Houseboating Guide: Enjoy A Unique Family Vacation Under The Summer Sun

On By Delbert Adams

Houseboating offers a unique and entertaining summer vacation that people of all ages will never forget. No matter what type of houseboat rented or what lake cruised, houseboating offers a relaxing vacation on the water, under blue skies and warm sunlight.

What Houseboat Companies Provide

There are many houseboat companies which provide these unique experiences; and they provide not only linens, a full kitchen, and toilet paper, but also a step-by-step guide to motoring and beaching. Just like hotels, motels and hostels, houseboats range in quality from “rustic” to “luxurious” and can be an economical alternative for large groups.

Typically, the boats can accommodate a dozen or so people, and can provide cost-savings if split between multiple families, particularly when factoring in savings from home cooking and gasoline While most people enjoy a one-week holiday, a rental can range from a weekend to a fortnight.

Once the houseboat is “beached” – set up camp, and place a bucket of water at the steps to enter the living area. This will help keep a (relatively) clean houseboat, while keeping the vacuum in the closet.

Keep Costs of Houseboating Down

Because the houseboats use quite a bit of gas motoring around, an …

Boating Safety Tips to Ensure Safety and Relaxation

On By Delbert Adams

Boating has become extremely popular in recent years and with the increase in popularity also comes the increase in boating accidents. Accidents that could have been avoided if people would take the time and prepare themselves with some safety tips.

Swim
Learn how to swim. What in the world are you doing on the water without the ability to swim. If you can’t swim and an accident should occur you won’t last more than 5 minutes, 10 minutes tops.

Don’t Drink Alcohol
In the waterways of NJ if you are caught driving a boat under the influence of alcohol you are looking at jail time. In many other parts of the country that is not the case. Regardless of the law you should never drink and drive. It impairs your reaction time, coordination and ability to operate a boat.

Life Jacket
Even though you can swim (see the first part), you should still wear a life jacket. If something should happen you will at least have the added extra protection of being able to float on top of the water so other passing boats can see you.

File a Float Plan
A float plan is a piece of paper that …