TRENDING: LIGHTHOUSES

From left: Currituck Beach, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouses

stripes, the Bodie Light is a striking structure. After earlier versions failed, this structure was finished in 1872. The lighthouse was open to the public in 2013 after an extensive renovation. Climb the 214 steps to the top and you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of Pamlico Sound and the Oregon Inlet. The keeper’s duplex is also restored and houses a gift shop, ranger office, and visitors center.

One of the unique features of the Bodie Island Light station is that it is surrounded by ponds and wetlands. Boardwalks lead visitors to observation stations to catch a glimpse of birds and other wildlife.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The most famous of the Outer Banks lights is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton on Hatteras Island. After earlier lights were deemed too short and not effective, a new structure was completed in 1870. At 208 feet tall, the Hatteras Light is the tallest lighthouse in the United States. The great height and visibility were deemed necessary because sea conditions just offshore make this area one of the most notorious for shipwrecks. The distinctive black and white diagonal stripes were added in 1873.

The lighthouse is open to the public, and the 269 steps traversing the 200 feet of elevation make this a challenging climb, especially in the heat of summer. As a reward, you’ll get great views of Hatteras Island, Pamlico Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, there is a visitors center and museum.

In the 1900s, beach erosion continually threatened the structure. When all efforts to stop the encroaching ocean failed, the entire lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet over 23 days in a monumental engineering feat in 1999, and is now well back from the water. Ocracoke Lighthouse

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is located on Ocracoke Island and is the southernmost of the Outer Banks lights. There are no bridges to the island. Ferry service is available from Hatteras Island to the north and from mainland North Carolina to the south.

The Ocracoke Lighthouse opened in 1823 and is now the oldest operational lighthouse in North Carolina and the second oldest in the nation. The lighthouse is in a unique setting—a residential area on only two acres of land. It is within easy walking or biking distance from many locations on the south end of the island.

Unfortunately, the lighthouse is not open for climbing and there are no visitor facilities on site. Parking is extremely limited. You are, however, welcome to stop and take pictures. At only 75 feet tall, this is the shortest of the Outer Banks lights, but its pure-white exterior makes it a striking landmark. The short stature was all that was necessary to safely guide mariners through Ocracoke Inlet and into Pamlico Sound.

Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse

In the small town of Manteo on Roanoke Island, you will find the most unusual of the Outer Banks lights, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was established in 1831 and was used to guide nearby ships into Croatan Sound; therefore, great height wasn’t necessary for visibility. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the last working light was opened in 1877. Decommissioned in 1955, the structure was lost in an ill-fated move. The current light is a replica of the 1877 lighthouse. Finished in 2004, it’s only 37 feet tall and can be found at the end of a short pier jutting out into Roanoke Sound. outerbankslighthousesociety.org

regional report northeast seaboard by Tom Schlichter

Dig ’Em Up, Yum!

Clamming can be a ton of fun whether you try it as a family activity or as a form of recreational social distancing.

WITH THE START OF THE NORTHEAST BOATING SEASON

both cold and delayed this year, there’s no shame if you’ve yet to dip your toes in the shallows. By Independence Day, however, water temperatures should be warm enough anywhere along the coast to jump in and get a little wet. That means clamming is now on the menu.

There was a time when clamming was a yearly right of passage in our region. With the closure of many once-prolific clam beds in recent decades due to bacterial pollution, many would-be shellfishers now opt for buying their bivalves from the fish monger. Yet there remain ample places where shellfishing in certified-clean waters continues to be an option. If you’ve never given it a try, now is the time to wade right in and kick up a pile of quahogs, as New Englanders call hard clams.

For recreational clammers, there are three primary techniques to get the job done: treading, scratch raking, and donkey raking, all of which are accomplished after you hop over the gunwale. Thus, after locating a state-certified clamming area, you’ll need to drop the hook in waist-deep water.

Treading involves shuffling your feet across the bottom and digging your soles into the sand as you feel bumps underfoot. When your toes push up against a buried clam, simply bend down and pick it up. This is little problem on a knee-deep flat, but it may involve dipping your head underwater as you bend For information on open and closed shellfishing areas, visit the following web pages: to grasp each prize. ⊲ New Jersey: nj.gov/dep/bmw/nssphome.html#charts

Scratch raking, meanwhile, requires the ⊲ New York: dec.ny.gov/outdoor/103483.html use of a lightweight basket rake. Simply dig ⊲ Connecticut: portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Aquaculture1/Aquaculture/Shellfish-Areathe tines of the rake into the bottom and pull Contacts-and-Hotlines at an angle that allows clams to roll up into ⊲ Rhode Island: dem.ri.gov/programs/water/shellfish/shellfish-closure-maps.php the cage. Many clammers combine treading ⊲ Massachusetts: mass.gov/service-details/shellfish-classification-areas and scratch raking by using their feet to ⊲ New Hampshire: www4.des.state.nh.us/CoastalAtlas/Atlas.html locate clams and the rake to dig them up. ⊲ Maine: maine.gov/dmr/shellfish-sanitation-management/closures/pollution.html

More serious than treading or using a scratch rake is donkey raking. For this method, a commercial clam rake, known as a bull rake, is used in waist- to shoulderdeep water. The rake’s tines are dug fully into the bottom and pulled in short jerks for several minutes before being lifted. This is the most exhausting way to clam, but the most productive. Use this technique if you’ve been tasked at supplying a bushel of clams for a barbecue; use treading or scratch clams if simply digging a few appetizers for your family. No matter where you clam, you’ll likely need a permit. Requirements vary from state to state and different permits may be necessary to harvest in federal, state, county, town, or even village waters. Thus, you’ll need to do a little sleuthing to ensure you have the right permit(s). Check with your state’s environmental regulatory agency for general information or town clerk’s office at the local level. A few words on safety are obligatory when it comes to clamming or any shellfishing. First, gather clams from certified waters only and always check for temporary closures before heading out. Keep your catch in a bucket or clam basket but don’t submerge them in water or they will suffocate after a while. Placing a wet towel or rag over the clams and keeping them out of the sun reduces bacterial buildup. Never eat any shellfish that die before cooking. Discard any shellfish with broken shells or that fail to seal tightly. While the temptation is to jump overboard with bare feet, remember that you’ll be smushing your toes around trying to feel for your quarry, so water shoes or old sneakers are essential, as is plenty of sunblock to avoid a lobster burn. Naturally, youngsters should wear a PFD whenever around the water. All those cautions may sound like a lot, but you probably already incorporate some of them in your regular boating routine, and it’s so worth it when you head home with a bucket of tasty delights that are fresh and sweet. You’ll also be thankful most clamming hot spots are not crowded these days.

regional report chesapeake & mid-atlantic by Chris Knauss

More Menhaden for Healthier Fish

STRIPED BASS, BLUEFISH, WEAKFISH, and other game fish in Chesapeake Bay waters and along the East Coast should be healthier this summer with more of their favorite food available to eat. Menhaden, a small oily fish that provides nutritional forage for many game fish, will likely be abundant because the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) has lowered the industrial fishing quota in the Chesapeake Bay to 36,000 metric tons after Omega Protein exceeded the cap last year.

Omega Protein fished over its quota of 51,000 metric tons of menhaden last summer, which was mandated by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), and ended up catching around 65,000 metric tons. Many fish, scooped up in purse seines, came from inside the Chesapeake Bay BridgeTunnel. Recreational anglers, conservation groups, and Virginia lawmakers did not appreciate Omega’s disregard for ASMFC’s guidelines. Purse seining has been banned in Maryland since the early 1930s but continues in Virginia waters at the mouth of the Chesapeake.

Menhaden is a small oily fish that provides nutritional forage for many game fish.

In February, Virginia shifted management authority of menhaden from the Virginia General Assembly to the VMRC. The fish are now managed like every other ASMFC species, both at the interstate level and at the state level. The ASMFC’s Menhaden Management Board is in the process of considering ecological reference points for menhaden in an attempt to scientifically manage a sustainable population through an ecosystem model that considers predator species. Other species that feed on menhaden include dolphins, whales, sharks, ospreys, pelicans, and terns.

FIVE-CARD STUD ON THE POTOMAC

Tim’s at Coles Point Restaurant & Crabhouse off the Potomac River in Hague, Virginia, has scheduled its 5th Annual Boat Poker Run for Saturday, July 25th . The event, which is not a race, offers a chance to try your luck at five-card stud with card pickups at the start and end and at three stops along the river.

After a captain’s meeting Friday evening, participants depart from Tim’s at 10AM on Saturday. River stops in past years have included Dockside Restaurant & Tiki Bar at Colonial Beach, Gilligan’s Pier in Newburg, Maryland, and Fitzie’s Marina Restaurant and Pub in Leonardtown, Maryland. At the end of the day, the best poker hand wins. The tournament entry fee includes breakfast, a T-shirt, freebies, entertainment, and door prizes. Proceeds benefit a local cause. Last year, the poker run raised $500 for Cople Elementary School. Check the website for schedule updates. timscolespoint.com

Oysters, Races, and More

The folks at Oyster Farm Marina will host its annual Shuck N’ Suck festivities July 31st through August 2nd in Cape Charles, Virginia. The event features raw, roasted, and fried oysters, live music, vendors, Smith Island skiff races, eating contests, and a boat docking competition, starting with a party on the C-Pier Friday evening. The marina on Kings Creek includes 124 cushioned slips that can accommodate yachts up to 150 feet. The 39-acre site has a fueling station, a ship’s store, showers, laundry, a swimming pool, and the Seafood Eatery waterfront restaurant. Docking is also available at nearby Cape Charles Town Harbor where there are plenty of options for dining and shopping as well as a museum and welcome center. Check the website for schedule updates. theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com

Festivities at the annual Shuck N’ Suck in Cape Charles include a docking contest.

regional report southeast seaboard by Bob Arrington

Check the ANGARI website for volunteer opportunities this summer.

ANGARI visits South Florida

IF YOU SEE THE RESEARCH VESSEL ANGARI around South Florida this summer, wave hello to Angela and Kari Rosenberg and thank them for the selfless work they are doing to help keep our oceans healthy. In 2016, Angela and Kari blended their experience in marine sciences and filmmaking and their love of the ocean to form the nonprofit ANGARI Foundation dedicated to support marine science and help others understand and protect the ocean. Here is some of the work they’ve been doing.

Lagoon Drift Card Study

ANGARI Foundation has planned for later this fall, pending restrictions of activities around COVID-19, a unique study of the Lake Worth Lagoon area. This year will mark the sixth Lagoon Drift experiment initiated by the foundation and its partners, which include area schools, businesses, nonprofits, and environmental education centers. Lagoon Drift utilizes volunteer citizen scientists to release and collect small, eco-friendly, wooden drift cards from shorelines around Palm Beach County. The brightly colored drift cards follow the tidal- and wind-driven currents through the lagoon that allow scientists to study the motion of the water and pollutants in tributaries and waterways feeding in and out of the lagoon. The study solicits the help of community members to create, decorate, deploy, locate, and report found drift cards. The completed process enables researchers to understand how marine debris is transported and accumulates in the region’s waterways. ANGARI Foundation and local partners use this project as a tool to engage the community in the conversation about human impact on the environment, including plastic pollution and the effects it has on marine life. Youth Science-At-Sea Programs

ANGARI Foundation believes the best way for children to learn is by having firsthand experience in what they are studying. Throughout the year, the foundation works with marine scientists to bring students out on the water aboard the research vessel (R/V) ANGARI for scientific research expeditions. Students get hands-on experience in the methods being applied by marine scientists in the field while engaging with their natural surroundings. This practical application leaves a lasting impression on the students that would not be possible in a classroom setting. These at-sea experiences are intended to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) knowledge in students, while giving them research experience, confidence, and an appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants. Students’ eyes are also opened to a wide variety of career possibilities within the ocean sciences.

Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, R/V ANGARI was a 2001 65-foot Grand Alaskan motoryacht that the foundation obtained to convert into a research vessel. Bradford Marine in Fort Lauderdale helped refit the yacht in 2016 to enable the foundation to have the ideal platform for marine science research, film, and education expeditions. The vessel has indoor and outdoor workspaces with laboratory and field equipment available for client use.

With multipurpose workspaces, users can customize the areas and equipment to suit their individual needs. R/V ANGARI is available for charter to research scientists and film teams for day and overnight expeditions. You may see the vessel operating along the U.S. Southeast Coast, the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas, in the Gulf of Mexico, and the northern Caribbean. angari.org

THE NEW OUTBOARD FORMULA 380 SUPER SPORT CROSSOVER is the best choice for taking a time out on the water! A new player in the arena that surpasses all others in its class, the 380 SSC OB boasts triple outboards in 350, 400 and 450 HP, pushing speeds into the upper 60’s. The 380 continues Formula’s open-bow, full-cabin Crossover legacy, now six models strong, from the 330 CBR to the 430 SSC/ASC. The 380’s bloodline is evident in its SmartZone™ design that utilizes every square inch for a variety of entertainment possibilities. The single level deck offers a seamless transition to the bow from the full-width hardtop with topto-bottom windshield and sliding walk-thru windshield panel. Triple command seating, two distinct lounge areas aft plus the outdoor kitchen bring the full Formula experience, from exhilarating ride to easy conversation. For relaxing at the sandbar or cove, head aft to the convertible rear-facing sun lounge and roomy swim platform with available entertainment table or sport rail. The 380 cabin provides a completely residential experience with convertible dinette/sleeping berth plus aft stateroom bed, stand-up head compartment and lower kitchen with sink, fridge and microwave. The 380 SSC incorporates FAS3Tech® multi-step hull technology with a molded structural grid to deliver the sure-footed performance that is a Formula hallmark. No other 38-foot full-cabin bowrider can boast a full-width cockpit experience with true overnight capabilities for four. Everything you want in performance and adventure awaits you in the new outboard Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover!

It’s everything you need – the Formula 380 SSC OB!

bahamas By Chris Caswell

Crossing Boundaries

SOME FISHING GUYS love to head toward the Bahamas and go out deep into the Gulf Stream to get serious about catching fish. But there’s just a tiny problem: The Bahamas are currently closed to yachts. “Our resorts, our airports, and our seaports are finalizing the health and safety protocols that will be necessary for us to provide for a reopening,” said Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis in May when announcing plans to reopen the islands. Officials consider resuming commercial travel by July 1st .

In the meantime, you think, “No problem. I have plenty of fuel to run across to the Bahamas, do some fishing just offshore in the Gulf Stream, and cruise home.” But it doesn’t quite work that way. The Bahamians are really serious about their territorial waters. Fines can reach thousands of dollars and, perhaps, some Bahamian jail time which isn’t particularly appealing.

The Bahamas doubled their entry fees for boats on January 1st. Boats up to 34 feet now pay $300 for three months, and 35- to 100-foot boats fork out $600. But that isn’t just for setting foot on Bahamian sand, it’s for using their territorial waters, and those waters don’t start at the high tide line. So how close can you get to the Bahamas without having to pay their entry fees or, worse, having an up close and personal chat with a starched officer from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force as he boards and seizes your boat?

The territorial waters of the United States (like most countries) used to extend three miles from the coastline. It was why gambling ships could anchor in international waters just a bit beyond the three-mile limit off California in the 1920s and ’30s with clients arriving via snappy launches. It’s why rumrunners in Florida could offload crates of booze during Prohibition (1920-33) and then use speedy rumrunners to get them ashore. Here’s a useless, but interesting fact: The threemile limit was originally established as just a bit more distance than a warship (most likely under sail) could lob a cannon ball.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the limit to 12 miles, mostly to keep Russian spy trawlers from drifting off American coastlines and listening to our conversations. In 1993, the Bahamas increased their territorial waters to 12 nautical miles from the original three, but how do you map it considering there are 700 islands? In 2008, the Bahamas provided specific coordinates in latitude and longitude for the twists and turns of this boundary, and it makes for amusing reading, including such markers as “unnamed rock off Bimini.” Basically, if you just pull a string tight around the entire Bahamas archipelago, including any unnamed rocks that pop out of the water at low tide, you’ll have it. But that leaves a lot of open water between the Florida coast to the nearest Bahamian islands of Bimini (50 nautical miles away) and Grand Bahama (55 nautical miles), right? Nope.

Now we get into something called the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which the United Nations set in 1982 in its Convention on the Law of the Sea. That allows nations to claim up to 200 nautical miles offshore, ostensibly to keep foreign countries from stealing all the fish among other things. The EEZ for the Bahamas is measured from either the 50- or 100-fathom curves, depending on who’s speaking. For the most part, it doesn’t really matter because once off the Great Bahama Bank, the water drops into the 400-800 fathom depths that mark the path of the Gulf Stream. The Great Bahama Bank wraps most of the western and southern Bahamas from Matanilla Shoal in the north to the Hog Cay area in the south and falls within both territorial and EEZ, so don’t even think about tiptoeing onto the Bank for some skinny water fishing.

However you measure it, that still leaves you with roughly 38 nautical miles between Bimini and Miami, and perhaps 43 nautical miles of deep water between Grand Bahama Island and Palm Beach before you need to buy an admission ticket. Note: As of printing, the phased opening of the Bahamas allowed boaters to travel in Bahamian waters starting June 15th .

It is possible to fish outside Bahamian waters without paying a fee.

caribbean by Carol Bareuther

Dream Yacht Charter in St. Thomas

Left to right: Jim and Kristi Query, owners of Virgin Islands Yacht Charters, with Loïc Bonnet, founder of Dream Yacht Charter

THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (USVI)

birthed the yacht charter industry in the northern Caribbean back in the 1950s. Today, there are more than 100 crewed charter yachts based out of St. Thomas, but bareboats are tough to come by, and in the neighboring British Virgin Islands as well as the islands to the south—St. Maarten, Antigua, French islands Guadeloupe and Martinique, and Grenada—there are plenty of noncrewed sail and power vessels for charter. The opening of Dream Yacht Charter’s latest Caribbean base at the Compass Point Marina on St. Thomas, in partnership with long-established Virgin Islands Yacht Charters, means more bareboats are back in the USVI. Customers can choose from monohulls and catamarans, including a new Bali 5.4 and Soana 47, both with watermaker and air conditioning. In addition to bareboat and skipper-only charters, Dream Yacht will offer all-inclusive crewed charter packages on luxury catamarans from its new base. “St. Thomas is an important base for us in the Caribbean, and we welcome this new partnership,” says Loïc Bonnet, founder and president of Dream Yacht Charter, with its U.S. headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland, and bases in more than 60 destinations worldwide. “The natural splendor of the USVIs is often overlooked, but now guests can experience this special part of the world.” What has always made the USVIs popular is the ease of travel, with nonstop flights from many U.S. mainland airports, the fact that no passport is required for entry by U.S. citizens, and the U.S. flag status of the territory means everything from currency to communications is virtually the same as on the mainland. Yet, the USVI boasts a delightful Caribbean vibe as well as some of the best sheltered line-of-sight sailing in the world. dreamyachtcharter.com; virginislandsyachtcharters.com

60-MILE SPRINT ADDED TO 2021 MULTIHULL CHALLENGE

COVID-19 sunk much of the Caribbean’s winter regatta season with big-name events like the BVI Spring Regatta, Les Voiles de St. Barth, and Antigua Race Week either postponed or canceled. However, it’s not too early to start thinking about 2021. In fact, organizers of the third Caribbean Multihull Challenge (CMC), set for February 5-7, 2021, in St. Maarten, announced entries are now open and there’s a new race added to the schedule. Specifically, ocean-racing multihulls like the Mod 70 trimarans Argo and Maserati and 63-foot Shockwave will set off on a 60-mile round-the-islands course. This starts in St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay, heads south to and around St. Bart’s, then reaches north to the offshore island of Tintamarre and back down the Anguilla Channel around the west end of St. Maarten with a finish in Simpson Bay. “We hear all the time about how fast these lightweight, luxury cruising multihulls are and the winner of the Sprint, which is open to all vessels that can finish the course in six hours or less, will be the proof of the pudding. We can only imagine the prestige for a builder who can boast of a win in this new race,” says Steve Burzon, the CMC’s co-creator and director of marketing. The Sprint will be held on the single day of the regatta that has the best forecast wind for the fastest race. smyc.com/caribbean-multihull-challenge

Summer is Sea Turtle Season

There are seven species of sea turtles and six of them live in the waters of the Caribbean. These are leatherback, green, hawksbill, loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, and olive ridley. It is the huge leatherbacks, some reaching nine feet long and more than 2,000 pounds, that visitors can see on guided nighttime tours off Levera Beach in Grenada through July 31st . Guests can watch for turtles to come ashore to lay eggs as well as for tiny turtles to hatch from nests of eggs laid in the beach sand and head toward the sea to start life. To avoid disturbing the turtles, tours are limited to 12 visitors on a first-come, first-serve, sign-up basis. The cost is $20 per person. For information, email specto.grenada@gmail.com.

gulf coast by Bill AuCoin

Let Freedom Ring

Panama City Beach’s Star Spangled Spectacular

EXPECT TO SEE MANY of your nautical compatriots on the water this July 4th weekend. Gulf boaters will celebrate the end of stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic as well as U.S. colonies declaring independence from Great Britain. Fireworks bursting in the night sky will light up many happy faces. Here are some waterfront towns that make it easy to enjoy July 4th festivities from a boat, but be sure to check local listings and websites before you commit as many events are on hold for now. ⊲ Corpus Christi Bay hosts the Mayor’s Big Bang event. The

Harbor Bridge along the city’s harbor shines red, white, and blue. visitcorpuschristitx.org/bigbang ⊲ In Lake Charles, Louisiana, boaters watch from the lake of the same name then tie up on the boardwalk to walk and browse the annual Red, White, Blue, and You

Festival. visitlakecharles.org ⊲ Galveston Island’s booms and flashes are launched from the beach just south of Texas City Channel. If it rains, you get a rain check. Same time, same place, July 5th . galveston.com ⊲ New Orleans hosts the “Dueling Barges” fireworks on the

Mississippi River. Boaters come from both directions to watch. neworleans.com ⊲ Mississippi’s coastal towns—Waveland, Bay St. Louis,

Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pascagoula— compete for attention.

Gulfport launches its fireworks from Jones Park next to the Municipal Marina. gulfcoast.org ⊲ Florida’s Pensacola Beach hosts hundreds of boats and their crews who meet up in Santa Rosa Sound to watch the fireworks show. It’s a biggie. Keep your nautical distance. visitpensacola.com ⊲ Panama City Beach, Florida, booms for three nights, offering spectators views to each event from different locations. The first event is called Freedom Rocks, followed the next night by the Star Spangled Spectacular, and ending with Light Up the Gulf. visitpanamacitybeach.com ⊲ Clearwater has the largest fireworks show in Florida’s

Tampa Bay area. It’s just right for boaters in Clearwater

Harbor looking up at Coachman Park on the cliff. Tampa and St. Petersburg also launch big bangs on downtown waterfronts. visitstpeteclearwater.com ⊲ The Fort Myers, Florida, area has at least two

Independence Day events that help boaters celebrate freedom. Watch from either side of the Matanzas Pass

Bridge or from either side of the Sanibel Causeway, rain or shine. fortmyersbeach.org

ARTIFICIAL REEFS NEAR YOU

All five Gulf states now have posted online GPS coordinates that take you to their artificial reefs. Many reefs, you will discover, are quite close. ⊲ Alabama scores an A. For many years, it has been green-lighting the deployment of thousands of reefs using concrete rubble, old vessels and vehicles, bridge works, and more. Even old military tanks have contributed to the cause. They all quickly help build the abundance of marine life. One shining example is a reef created four years ago by

Alabama Power Company. It lowered two massive steam boilers to the bottom near Dauphin Island. Today, that hard substrate is covered with barnacles and oysters, so it’s now home to a variety of fish, such as red snapper, vermilion snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish. outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/ artificial-reefs ⊲ Florida has been on the case since the 1940s. Partnering with state universities, local governments, and nonprofits, it has created more than 3,330 reefs in state and federal waters on both coasts. myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/artificialreefs/locate ⊲ Louisiana creates reefs from decommissioned oil drilling platforms, armored personnel carriers, old workboats, and much more. Coordinates for inshore, nearshore, and offshore reefs are available at wlf.louisiana.gov/ page/artificial-reefs. ⊲ Mississippi has a downloadable map with reef names and coordinates at dmr.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/ 09/ArtificialReef_InshoreOnly-1.pdf. ⊲ Texas’ Coastal Fisheries Division started its artificial reef program in 1990. Its reef system includes 13 ships, including the 473-foot USTS Texas Clipper. tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/ habitats/artificial_reef/index.phtml

You don’t have to enter high stakes tournaments to feel like a champion. Making memories with friends and family puts everyone in the winner’s circle.

Fuel for Thought

How to decide the best option for your boat engine

By Morten Storgaard

Different boat engines require different fuels, and as a boat owner, you may be able to choose between a number of options at the pump. Use the wrong fuel, however, and you could end up doing irreparable damage to your boat’s engine as well as its fuel tank. Let’s go over the basic types of fuel you might find when filling up and which ones to use and, more importantly, not use.

E15 Fuel: A Great Way to Ruin Your Boat Engine

Chances are you’ve heard of E15, as it’s becoming more and more popular. But this is the one fuel that you do not want to use to fill up your tank. Most engines built over the last 20 years can and do work with E10 fuel, so it isn’t a surprise that boat owners might believe that E15 will work with their engine as well. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception that can ruin a boat’s engine.

Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises against the use of E15 in boat engines. In fact, they’re so worried about it that they’ve forced companies to submit a Model Misfueling Mitigation Plan that must be approved before they can begin selling E15 at their stations.

What will happen if you put E15 in your boat’s engine or fuel tanks? E15 is made up of 15 percent ethanol, which can be highly corrosive. You’ll end up with deteriorated components and clogged fuel filters. Use the fuel long enough and it will result in fuel leaks and damaged fuel tanks. This is not only harmful to your boat, but it’s also dangerous to the environment. Many trailerable boats are filled up at the gas station, where E15 and now E85 are available and are designed for later-model automobile engines. Make sure to grab the right pump, E10 only, which may not be the same one you use for your new truck.

So what type of fuel should you put in your boat? This will depend on your boat’s engine, but here are the main options: ⊲ Diesel Fuel ⊲ Ethanol-free Gasoline ⊲ E10 Fuel ⊲ Oil and Gas Mixtures

Diesel Fuel

While there are some new diesel outboard engines on the market, these are rare and your outboard is likely to be a gas engine. On the other hand, if you’ve purchased a larger boat with an inboard motor, you may find yourself with an engine that requires diesel fuel which is more expensive but also more efficient. The engines that this fuel powers usually offer much

higher torque and horsepower. On top of this, diesel engines tend to be more robust than gas-powered engines so you should get longer life (and years) out of them.

Ethanol-free Gasoline

Ethanol-free gasoline does not come with the corrosive effects of gasoline with ethanol; however, it is more expensive and can often be hard to find. Also, this fuel should not be used in an engine that has been using E10 fuel. The reason is that ethanol-free fuel uses the chemical additive methyl tertbutyl ether (MTBE) as an octane enhancer and to fulfill the oxygenate requirements set by Congress for the Clean Air Act but is now banned in some states. This additive, when combined with ethanol, can lead to clogged fuel filters.

E10 Fuel

When E10 fuel was first introduced into boat motors, it did not do well. This was partially attributed to the fact that E10 was being mixed with MTBE. There were other problems as well, but the main reason was that boat engines just weren’t designed to run on E10 fuel.

Fortunately, this is no longer the case, and E10 is safe for most boat engines. That said, I’d advise all boat owners to check their owner’s manual before putting any fuel in their boat’s engine.

E10 is currently the easiest fuel to find. It’s also the least expensive, viable fuel that you can use in your boat. Most boat owners who have gas engines will probably use E10 fuel, including those who used ethanol-free gas in the past. When making the switch, be sure to completely remove all of the old fuel from the tanks and the engines, and clean them as well. Taking these steps will greatly reduce the chances of clogged fuel lines and other engine troubles.

Oil and Gas Mixtures

Many boat engines require a special mixture of oil and gas, particularly two-stroke engines. The oil that is added to this fuel mixture helps lubricate the engine’s moving parts and makes the engine run smoother than a gas-only fuel.

The oil and gas ratios for each engine will vary so check your owner’s manual before creating these mixtures. Choose marine oil for this mixture to get the best performance and longest life out of the engine.

At the end of the day, boat fuel types aren’t too complicated. Read the owner’s manual, and you shouldn’t have any trouble choosing the right fuel for your boat.

VETUS MAXWELL is a proud partner and supplier of thrusters and windlasses to Intrepid, maker of high performance watercraft

FIRST TO THE FISH

VETUS MAXWELL Thrusters and Windlasses let anglers take performance higher.

Pinpoint anchoring and maneuvering are essential for any angler to perform at his peak. VETUS MAXWELL makes bow thrusters and anchoring systems that install easily and operate with quiet, reliable precision. Together, VETUS Maxwell windlass and thruster performance enables anglers to anchor over favorite fishing spots with confidence, and at the end of the day smoothly maneuver back into the slip with trophies held high.

www.vetus.com

Marvelous Maps

Cartography advancements by C-MAP and Navionics have added immensely to marine navigation.

C-MAP charts (left) and the new high-resolution relief shading from Navionics.

By Doug Thompson

Today’s cruisers depend upon reliable charts for safe navigation. C-MAP and Navionics are the two main players in marine cartography, and they are greatly expanding coverage and adding more detail in 2020-2021. Updating maps on your chartplotter via Wi-Fi has made it much easier to ensure you have the latest cartography for your voyage.

In addition, map enhancements contributed by the boating community have helped make charts more accurate and personalized. One social media aspect of user-generated information is that it can help anglers catch more fish.

“C-MAP’s reputation for accuracy and expertise are qualities we believe the U.S. Coast Guard acknowledged during the recent review process, which saw us successfully extending our relationship as a key supplier for the next five years,” says Max Cecchini, executive vice president of C-MAP. “Our civilian customers are just as demanding, and Genesis and Reveal are two areas where we are really stepping up our offering. Genesis is built for charting uncharted waters or for dynamic areas where electronic charts may not reflect current conditions due to changes caused by weather. Reveal charts offer ultra-high-resolution bathymetry and custom depth shading.”

Genesis lets you create custom fishing maps from sonar data recorded with a compatible sonar/GPS unit on your boat. After recording sonar data, your sonar files are uploaded to the C-MAP cloud-based database where it is validated by a team and combined with data collected from C-MAP’s community of boaters. Users have unlimited access to download Social Maps completely free. For those looking for additional features, such as Sonar Replay, or looking to keep their favorite fishing spot data a secret, users can upgrade to Genesis Edge.

Sharing even gets easier now that everyone is using their mobile phones. Boaters can use the C-MAP app seamlessly from phones or tablets to plan trips, browse high-resolution bathymetric charts, check the weather, plot waypoints and routes, and look for points of interest. The app can also track your route history.

Upgrade to C-MAP’s premium version to obtain maps for offline use, smart weather that shows the changing conditions along your route, and AIS data.

Not to be outdone, the Navionics Boating app for Android and Apple devices allows users to easily share information through its ActiveCaptain Community.

“Navionics remains dedicated to providing our customers with the finest, most up-to-date marine cartography coverage on the market,” says Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “The new premium features and content options for Platinum products speak to our devotion to equip all those who navigate coastal and inland waters with the clear, vivid shading and intricate bottom structure detail that they need.”

New from Navionics for 2020 is high-resolution relief shading for Navionics Platinum+ marine charts and HotMaps Platinum lake maps. By combining high-resolution relief shading with the updated SonarChart Shading, bottom topography for U.S. coastal waters really reveals itself for fishermen and divers.

What makes it easy is that Platinum products are out-ofthe-box ready. Fire up the unit and see the preloaded satellite overlay and SonarChart Shading layer, 3D view, and panoramic photos with colorful imagery of the ocean floor or lake bottom

structure. It is this kind of detail that complements the existing features of Navionics chartplotting content.

When you put it all together, this data offers a look at underwater topography that has value for everyone, ranging from the casual cruiser to the enthusiastic angler looking for any edge. The game plan going forward is to make the most of the same premium features and content available for the Navionics Boating app.

Exactly what is high-resolution relief shading? Essentially, it separates itself from the old-school vector charts and contour lines many of us have used. It does this by using multibeam surveys and high-definition data to bring bottom detail to life.

Customers can really experience and utilize the color and shadow provided by relief shading for a multidimensional illustration—to show where fish are hiding or, perhaps, the location of an unexplored diving cave. This cartography can download to Platinum cards that are compatible with a variety of GPS chartplotters or purchased via download from the Navionics website.

C-MAP has just released a significant update for the entire range (MAX-N+, 4D, and MAX charts). The majority of C-MAP improvements are aimed toward the MAX-N+ products, including more detailed Port Plans. It also has expanded detail for Central America, South America, and the Caribbean with some major enhancements to the appearance of the charts.

“We are continually expanding coverage and working to improve the already rich content we offer, and with Reveal, we see a real game changer,” explains Cecchini.

Reveal takes C-MAP charts to the next level, including photo-realistic displays of fish-holding structure, wrecks, isolated reefs, and ledges—along with all the navigational features of MAX-N+ chart, including Genesis Layer, satellite overlay, aerial photos, and C-MAP app sync.

C-MAP’s EasyRouting is included with all C-MAP MAXN+ and 4D products that allow for automatic suggested route creation coupled with a constantly expanding database of Port Plans depicting up-to-date dock layouts for thousands of marinas around the country.

In addition, the popular Explorer Charts for the Bahamas fills a huge need. When combined with the C-MAP Genesis sharing functions, these maps can help boaters document recent underwater obstructions created during recent storms. c-map.com; navionics.com

Get Improved Sun Protection & Comfort – Aft or Bow

• Install on T-top, hardtop, tower or arch with specialized mounting brackets • Custom fit widths & available camber to match size and curves of your boat • Manual pull-out shades up to 9 ft • Automated shades up to 12 ft ® • Sunbrella marine canvas (in color of choice) • 3 year warranty

Tune In to Tune Up Getting the most from your VHF radio

By Frank Lanier

From making tonight’s marina reservation to finding out where the fish are, reliable VHF communications are an integral part of any safe, enjoyable day on the water. Whether you’re planning a new installation or looking to get the most from your existing one, here are a few tips on how to fine-tune your VHF radio system for optimal performance.

VHF 101

VHF (Very High Frequency) radios operate in the 30 to 300 MHz range, with marine VHF radios operating within the 156 to 174 MHz band. While the atmosphere can slightly curve VHF radio waves (adding to a radio’s range), wave propagation is primarily line-of-sight, which means the effective distance is limited by the antenna height of both the transmit and receive radio.

Antenna Factors

Antenna height is a key factor in VHF communications. One simple way to improve performance is to relocate your antenna as high as possible, such as atop your radar arch, hardtop, or T-top. While mast installations are a great height option for sailboats, longer antenna coax cable runs can result in signal loss. As soon as the transmission signal leaves your radio and starts along the coax cable, it begins to lose strength. This loss (measured in decibels, or dBs) is a factor of coax cable length, quality of construction, and the number of connectors or cable slices in the run (each of which increases signal loss and reduces radio performance). When it comes to coax cable, bigger is better. Installation options range from RG-58CU coax (the least expensive) to RG-8X and RG-213, better quality coax that provides the least amount of signal loss. While signal loss for coax cable runs on smaller vessels (i.e., less than 20 feet) is not generally a huge concern, even in such a short run, signal loss can be cut in half by using RG-8X instead of RG-58.

Antenna type and quality is another part of the performance equation. Less expensive fiberglass antennas often utilize a thin copper wire for the “element” (the part that actually radiates and receives signals) compared with the more substantial brass or copper tubes found in premium antennas.

A crucial consideration for antenna selection is its gain, the increase (or decrease) of an antenna’s effective radiated power. Gain essentially describes how an antenna maximizes and shapes or refocuses the signal it transmits, channeling more of it toward the horizon, for example, where it does the most good rather than skyward or into the water. This gain is also measured in decibels, and VHF antennas typically fall within three common ratings: 3 dB, 6 dB, and 9 dB.

Antennas with a higher dB rating provide a sharper, more concentrated radiation pattern (and greater theoretical distance) than those with lower dB ratings (think spotlight as compared to a floodlight). The best choice is not always simply to select the antenna with the highest dB, however.

In the case of the sailboat mast installation, the more focused “beam” of a 9 dB antenna will often be shooting skyward or down into the water as the vessel pitches and rolls. In this instance, the broader pattern of a 3 dB antenna would give better overall performance.

The best choice for a smaller powerboat is usually a 6 dB antenna. It provides maximum range with minimal signal loss (due to rolling while underway). Larger power vessels with dual VHF radios may opt for the belt and suspenders approach by installing a 9 dB antenna at the upper helm (which is typically used in calmer seas) and a 6 dB or 3 dB antenna at the lower helm for use in rougher conditions.

Radio Selection

As all fixed-mount VHF marine radios are limited by law to 25 watts of transmit power, the only time output power becomes a factor performance-wise is when a full 25 watts is not achieved. One cause of reduced transmit power is low battery voltage. Optimum battery voltage for a typical 12 VDC system (with the engine running and alternator operating properly) is around 13.6 volts. This drops to 12.6 volts with

the engine off and battery fully charged. If battery voltage is less (say 11.6 or below), then radio transmit power is significantly reduced.

It’s also important to realize that while transmit power is limited to a maximum of 25 watts, it doesn’t mean your radio will actually produce that much power. As with antennas, you get what you pay for regarding VHF radios. A high-quality radio will not only come closer to producing a full 25 watts of transmit power but will also hold up to the rigors of the marine environment and perform better in the long run than a bargain-basement radio.

Tests and Verifications

A portable volt meter is an invaluable tool when testing batteries for proper output. When measuring voltage, be sure to check levels with the radio both keyed and unkeyed. A bad battery may show an acceptable voltage level with the radio simply turned on, but that voltage can drop dramatically once the radio is keyed and the battery is placed under load.

Test devices, such as the Shakespeare ART-3 Antenna/Radio Tester (shown), are a handy way to check the overall health of your VHF system. The ART-3 tests receiver function as well as radio output power and Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (an indication of antenna system efficiency). If permanently mounted, the ART-3 can connect to the vessel’s 12 VDC system and allow you to check battery voltage with the flip of a switch.

Coax Dos and Don’ts

When inspecting or installing coax cable between the radio and antenna, make sure the run is as short and straight as possible (no 90-degree bends or kinks) and is properly supported and protected against chafe or other such damage. Unlike CB coax, you can cut VHF coax to shorten it, but don’t go crazy—leave at least three feet, the minimum distance you want between the radio and antenna to avoid transmit-related feedback into the radio’s receiver. Soldered coax connectors are considered the best regarding less signal loss, but they can be difficult for DIYers to install properly. High-quality, crimp-on (no-solder) connectors are available that are much easier to install and provide excellent service.

SHADY RAYS sunglasses protect your eyes and can withstand any outdoor activity from boating to hiking to cycling. Two of its collections that are built for high performance, the X Series (top) and Velocity (bottom), feature shades designed with polarized lenses and rubberized nose pads for a strong grip. The Velocity sports rimless bottoms for an unobstructed downward view and lenses that are shatter-resistant, saltwaterproof, anti-reflective, and 100 percent UV-protective. MSRP $48-$68; shadyrays.com Lightweight, breathable USHOOD LITESIDE SUN SHIRTS are made

from soft, quick-drying fabric that have built-in face coverings and hoods for protection. Each shirt offers 40+ UPF sun protection so skin stays covered, safe, and cool while enjoying outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing, and are ideal for those who want to relax outdoors but may have health conditions and/or want to be extra cautious. Available in adult and youth sizes and a variety of colors. MSRP $75 adult, $65 youth; pattiandricky.com

Whether you are boating, fishing, or lounging, KEEPZIT KOOLER helps keep your drink cold for up to two hours. The eco-friendly, insulated beverage holder holds a 12- to 16.9-ounce can or bottle. With its hard outer shell and wide base, Keepzit Kooler provides more stability so your drink won’t spill. It resists condensation, so you can place your drink on any surface without a coaster and it won’t leave stains. The full-color wraparound print is fade-resistant and comes in many popular designs. MSRP from $9.95; keepzitkooler.com

GENERAL MARINE PRODUCTS’ SWIVEL MOORING WHIPS DUAL SYSTEM

prevents dock damage to boats up to 60 feet in length caused by wind, changing tides, and wakes from passing vessels. The flexible fiberglass poles secure the boat to the dock and the dual system whips pull the boat away from the dock to maintain a safe distance. Easy to install, the customdesigned poles swivel to a vertical position and lock in place. High-quality parts and material make this system durable and long-lasting. A system contains four 14-foot by 1-inch fiberglass poles, a set of bases, and line. MSRP $795; dockingproducts.com FLY A FLAG makes stylish flags to display on a boat without a flagpole. Instead, adjustable, heavy-duty Velcro straps easily attach to any rod holder, post, rocket launcher or pole, so the decorative flag flies high. Available in six styles, each flag is made from lightweight, durable, fade-resistant, nylon fabric and is easy to remove and store. Package includes one 12-inch by 18-inch double-sided, double-stitched flag and three Velcro straps. MSRP $34.99; fly-a-flag.com

FLPSDE is a dual-chamber water/snack bottle that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The double-walled vacuum insulation keeps up to 20 ounces of any drink hot or cold for hours. Remove the inner chamber and flip to use as a 30-ounce cup. The inner chamber stores up to 7 ounces of snacks or personal items like keys or cash (even a GoPro camera). The low-profile, wide-mouth cap makes it easy to carry and enjoy no matter which end is up. The convenient container is made from BPA-free materials and cleanup is easy with its deconstructive design. MSRP $34.99; flpsde.com SWIM STEP BY TOWER is an inflatable platform that can be used as a dock and boat extension or as a substitute for a swim ladder. The durable 5-foot-wide by 10-foot-long Swim Step can hold up to 900 pounds. It has three handles to carry while inflated and four D-Rings to tow or to tie up to boats and floating docks. It also comes with two storage straps and a hand pump. MSRP $799; towerpaddleboards.com

Go on a power trip with

Wherever you choose to explore, we have the power to get you there & back.

THREE ALL-NEW MFDs

THREE ALL-NEW MFDs

www.FurunoUSA.com

Available at: www.FurunoUSA.com

TWO LOCATIONS:

405 NW South River Drive, Miami, FL 33128 155 East Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach, FL 33404 (800) 826-5716 • www.LangerKrell.com

PROVEN INSECT REPELLENT provides all-

day protection against mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, chiggers, gnats, and no-see-ums. It is made with a 20 percent concentration of the active ingredient Picaridin, an EPA-approved effective alternative to DEET, permethrin, and oil of lemoneucalyptus. Proven has low toxicity and low skin absorption, poses no risk to wildlife, and will not dissolve plastics. The odorless, non-hazardous insect repellent is non-greasy and goes on skin smoothly. Available in spray and lotion. MSRP from $7.95; provenrepellent.com COBRA’s new MR HH150 FLT VHF RADIO gives a mariner

reliability and peace of mind when communication is key, especially in an emergency. The VHF marine radio offers two-way vessel-tovessel and vessel-to-shore station communications to call for help, get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders, and make radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator. The radio also provides quick access to receive all the NOAA weather channels and can send alerts of nearby threatening weather 24 hours a day.

Designed for smaller vessels and those who want an extra radio for their tender or to go to shore, the MR HH150 FLT is an entrylevel handheld that is more than a basic VHF—it floats! With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it can be underwater up to one meter (a little more than three feet) for 30 minutes. The large, orange backlit LCD screen is easy to read and displays icons that show the status of the radio’s functions, such as weather, signal strength, battery power, and active channel. The radio includes U.S. and international channel maps. Most of the channels are the same for marine use, but there are differences, and the radio is equipped to operate in whichever area you choose. At only 4.5 inches tall and 2.7 inches wide, the radio conveniently fits in your hand. With crisp, clear reception and excellent rechargeable battery life, the MR HH150 FLT VHF radio is easy to use and built with Cobra quality. MSRP $79.95; cobra.com

Potluck Parties

Tips to share a fun feast with fellow cruisers. Recipes serve 4-6.

By Lori Ross

Potluck parties are popular, inexpensive, and enjoyable anytime, but while cruising, they are a terrific way to share meals with fellow cruisers or to get to know other boaters at club gatherings. Potlucks do not require a lot of planning. In fact, the word potluck means one’s luck or chance as to what may be in the pot. For an impromptu potluck dinner, everyone brings a dish based on what they like to eat while aboard. One evening, under a lovely, star-studded July sky, we shared such a dinner with friends on a cruising rendezvous. Our feast included bread, olives and cheese, shrimp, sausage and peppers, salads, and brownies.

Potluck Party Tips

When planning for a potluck, we ask friends to sign up for either appetizer, main dish, side dish, or dessert, and we inform them how many people each dish should serve. ⊲ The hosts provide bread and butter, plates, napkins, and utensils. Everyone brings their own drinks/cocktails. ⊲ Suggest that dishes be served at room temperature so you don’t have to worry about reheating or cooling. ⊲ Determine how to comfortably fit everyone. Will you eat standing or sitting? ⊲ Place dishes on tables/counters that provide guests easy access. ⊲ Ask guests to use index cards to write the name of the dish and major ingredients and place by their dish to cut down on questions from guests (i.e., What’s this and what’s in it?)

There is also potluck etiquette that attendees, who are making dishes, should follow, both to help the host and to avoid losing their dishes and servingware. ⊲ When you bring a dish, it should be completely ready to serve with no additional prep time in the galley required. ⊲ Label your dish with your name on masking tape so you can get it back afterward. ⊲ Bring a serving utensil and any condiments you want to serve with the dish.

Whatever you do at a cruising potluck, taste everything and enjoy yourself and your guests! MARINATED SMOKED SAUSAGE

2 lbs. smoked kielbasa or other smoked sausage 2 oz. jarred pimento peppers, chopped 3 oz. canned sliced black olives ½ cup chopped scallions or onions ½ cup chopped parsley or basil (optional) ¾ cup vinaigrette VINAIGRETTE: 1 tsp. minced garlic or equivalent garlic powder 1 Tbsp. mustard ¼ cup vinegar ½ cup oil 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper

Make vinaigrette. Simmer sausage in water for 10 minutes. While still warm, cut sausages into ½-inch rounds and place in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss.

BALSAMIC PEPPERS

1 Tbsp. olive oil 3 colored bell peppers, seeded and sliced in thick strips 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar ½ tsp. sugar

Heat olive oil in skillet and add bell peppers. Cook for 5-8 minutes on medium-high until peppers are soft but not browned or wilted. Place cooked peppers on platter. Mix balsamic vinegar with sugar in a small bowl until sugar dissolves and toss with peppers.

PASTA SALAD WITH PESTO

1 lb. fusilli or macaroni, cooked al dente ¼ cup oil ½ cup pesto sauce (jarred or homemade) 1½ Tbsp. lemon juice ¾ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper

¾ cup cooked green vegetables (e.g., green peas, diced asparagus, broccoli, zucchini) Toss warm pasta with oil. Mix pesto with lemon juice and mayonnaise. Add pesto mix to the pasta. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and vegetables. Mix well.