PropTalk Magazine April 2024

2003 65’ Ocean Yachts

2005 40’ Mainship

2005 44’ Manta

2000 35’ Silverton

1989 49’ DeFever

1997 39’ Mainship

2004 43’ Mainship

2013 27’ Ranger Tug

1983 44’ DeFever

1992 35’ Luhrs

1979 42’ Grand Banks

2021 23’ Sea Hunt

AUTHORIZED DEALER

ABOUT THE PRESTIGE 520

LUXURY MOTOR YACHTS

PRESTIGE creates exceptional yachts, timeless and always contemporary. The luxury of a family yacht designed as a home on the water, a second residence. A comfortable, reassuring yacht, a timeless, private island. A yacht promises a dream, that of taking to sea, yet always feeling at home.

Life on board is easy, enhanced by numerous clever details. Conducive to relaxation, the L-shaped saloon includes an immense integrated storage locker. Intensely bright, the inviting saloon evokes a sense of well-being. Facing sofas and a modular cockpit bench seat, which can pivot to face the saloon, create the perfect space for entertaining.

t he pARDO 38

The PARDO 38 has been designed for a sophisticated owner who appreciates high quality design, luxurious comfort, and much more. Thanks to careful studies of its hull shape and engineering, the PARDO 38 is noted for outstanding performance and speed.

feel the pOweR

The PARDO YACHTS brand was born to CANTIERE DEL PARDO in 2016. The Shipyard boasts more than 40 years of experience, having built over 4000 yachts. it’s passion and success have allowed it not only to invest in Innovation and new technologies, but also to develop new models and dedicate more attention to the customer.

A Revolution in Topside Paint

Introducing our next generation, premium topside system with professional level results in an easy to use one part finish.

Toplac Plus provides a best in class high gloss finish with longer lasting UV protection that is easy to apply with exceptional roller application, without the need for tipping, available in a full range of vibrant colors.

Apply over Pre Kote Plus, our improved one part undercoat and topside primer all in one, with substrate protection, an extra smooth finish, and lower VOCs.

An amazing finish has never been so easy. Experience a revolution in topside paints, from Interlux.

Relentless performance for every yacht, everywhere, every time.

interlux.com

43

40

See the Bay: Virginia’s Eastern Shore

If you’re thinking about visiting Cape Charles or Kiptopeke, you definitely need to plan ahead. There is so much to do!

By Kendall Osborne

43

Spring Commissioning

Helpful steps to complete your annual spring maintenance, along with green cleaning tips and more.

By Drew Maglio, Mike Pitchford, and Staff

50

How To Properly Rename a Boat

And save yourself years of bad luck.

By Staff

51

What’s New in Electronics

We’ve rounded up a few cool, new options as you consider outfitting your boat.

By Staff

55

A Journey to Proper VHF Radio Etiquette

Your VHF radio might seem intimidating… but it doesn’t have to be. By Dave Rowe

57

Chesapeake Boaters on the Great Loop

This Bay couple is currently in the midst of completing America’s Great Loop, a 6000-mile voyage. By Beth Crabtree

# Photo by Jason Hunter, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org )

63

64

66

Whatever type of traveler you are, we invite you to embark on a private expedition through paradise that’s anything you want it to be. Whether you choose to fill your days with activities or go where the wind takes you – set sail and discover why there’s nothing like island-hopping aboard your own private yacht. It’s your vacation, make the most of it with The Moorings. moorings.com |

Solara is setting the new standard for INCLUDED premium features. Scan to learn more.

Bow

Galvanic

Garmin

612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD 21403 410.216.9309 | proptalk.com

PUBLISHER

Mary Iliff Ewenson, mary@proptalk.com

ASSoCIATE PUBLISHER

Chris Charbonneau, chris@proptalk.com

MANAGING EDIToR

Molly Winans, molly@proptalk.com

EDIToR

Kaylie Jasinski, kaylie@proptalk.com

SENIoR EDIToR

Beth Crabtree, beth@proptalk.com

CoNTRIBUTING EDIToR

Lenny Rudow, FishTalk Editor, lenny@fishtalkmag.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Katie Lange, katie@proptalk.com

Eric Richardson, eric@proptalk.com

CoPY EDIToR

Lucy Iliff, lucy@proptalk.com

CUSToMER SERVICE MANAGER

Brooke King, brooke@proptalk.com

DISTRIBUTIoN / BRokERAGE / CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER

Beatrice M. Roderick , beatrice@proptalk.com

ART DIRECToR / PRoDUCTIoN MANAGER

Zach Ditmars, zach@proptalk.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER / PRoDUCTIoN ASSISTANT

Royal Snyder, royal@proptalk.com

CoNTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joe Borrison, Chris “Seabuddy” Brown, Eric Burnley Sr., Steve d’Antonio, Capt. Rick Franke, Charlie Iliff, Craig Ligibel, Capt. Michael L. Martel, Kendall Osborne, and Mike Pitchford

CoNTRIBUTING PHoToGRAPHERS

Paul Denbow, Dennis J. Falkowski, Al Schreitmueller, and Thomas C. Scilipoti

DISTRIBUTIoN

Martin and Betty Casey, Gregory and Dorothy Greenwell, Dave Harlock, Ron and Colleen Ogden, John and Chrissy Wathen

PropTalk is a monthly magazine for and about Chesapeake Bay boaters. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of SpinSheet Publishing Company. SpinSheet Publishing Company accepts no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements.

PropTalk is available by first class subscription for $45 a year, and back issues are available for $4 each. Mail payment to PropTalk Subscriptions, 612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD, 21403.

PropTalk is distributed free of charge at more than 950 establishments along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute PropTalk should contact the PropTalk office at (410) 216-9309 or beatrice@proptalk.com.

©

R-23

w/200hp Yamaha

w/F300hp Yamaha

320hp

w/250hp Yamaha w/Volvo D4 320hp

navigating peace of mind

Unpredictable waters

THE IMPORTANCE OF BOAT INSURANCE

Embarking on the open water is an exhilarating experience, lled with the promise of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a weekend cruiser, safeguarding your vessel with proper insurance is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. Explore the reasons why every boat owner should prioritize boat insurance for a worry-free voyage.

Navigational exibility

The open water can be unpredictable, with unexpected storms, collisions, or other potential accidents. Boat insurance can give you nancial protection if there is damage to your vessel, providing coverage for repairs or replacement.

Damage and injury

Accidents on the water can result in damage to other boats, docks, or even injuries to passengers. Boat insurance offers liability coverage, which can pay for damages or injuries you’re liable for while boating, up to speci ed limits, and lawsuit costs if you’re sued. This includes damage you cause to another watercraft or if someone on or near your boat is injured and you’re found to be legally responsible.

Theft and vandalism

Unfortunately, boat theft and vandalism are realities that boat owners face. Boat insurance has comprehensive and collision coverage that can protect you against events outside of your control, including theft and vandalism.

Incurred medical payments

Accidents on the water may lead to injuries for you or your passengers. Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you are in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.

Peace of mind for nancing

If you nanced the purchase of your boat, most lenders require insurance coverage to protect their investment. Having boat insurance not only ful lls these requirements but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your nancial interests are safeguarded.

Some water municipalities and marinas may require proof of insurance for docking or accessing certain areas. Boat insurance allows you the exibility to explore different destinations without worrying about entry restrictions.

Emergency towing and assistance

Progressive boat insurance can include optional Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage. If your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, Sign & Glide® pays for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery.

Wreckage removal

If your boat sinks, Progressive boat insurance will cover the cost of removing your boat from the water (if removal is legally required).

Investing in boat insurance is not just about protecting a valuable asset; it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and joy that come with your on-water adventures. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey—navigate with con dence, knowing that Progressive boat insurance has you covered. Ensure a smooth and worry-free voyage, because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.

So You Want to Contribute to PropTalk?

We often say that PropTalk is a magazine “for boaters, by boaters” and what we mean by that is each member on our staff is an avid boater (whether they are a powerboater, sailor, paddler, angler, or some combination thereof), and we produce this magazine for you.

It’s not always easy to put out three publications a month, but we continue to do so, and we continue to print, because not only is it our passion, but we also hope it’s a passion of yours as well. We distribute all around the DelMarVa region, and if you didn’t already know, you can also read every one of our issues (including years’ worth of past issues) online for free at proptalk.com/readproptalk-online. Out cruising and away from cell service? You can even download a PDF of each issue to read offline at your leisure.

The other part of this “for boaters, by boaters” equation is that we actively want to share your boating experiences in the pages of PropTalk. Lately I have gotten several email requests from potential writers all with the same questions: do we accept article submissions, and what are the requirements?

By Kaylie Jasinski

Here are some topics that would be of interest: general powerboating, buying/selling a boat, cruising adventures, Chesapeake towns you can visit by boat, DIY projects/restorations, watersports, paddling adventures, boating safety, and the list goes on. If you have an idea that is not on this list and want to know if it would be a good fit, feel free to email me

a fish. PropTalk will occasionally publish fishing adventure-type stories, so feel free to reach out if you’re not sure where it would work best.

Throughout the year we are also always open to cover submissions, even outside of our annual cover contest. Just keep in mind that covers are seasonal, so you wouldn’t want to send us a snowy boatyard shot in July and vice versa, a summery wakeboarding photo in December. Cover photos should be vertical (though sometimes, rarely, we can make a cropped horizontal photo work); high-resolution (crisp, clear, and not blurry); there should be room for our header, footer, and cover lines on the image; and this is the big one, there should be a powerboat in the photo. In regards to our annual cover contest, we have moved it from our August issue to our September issue which gives you an extra month of summer to get out there and take a cover-worthy shot. We don’t have the exact submission deadlines or rules just yet, so stay tuned to PropTalk as we get closer to summer. We can’t wait to see what you submit!

First off, I love it when people reach out because they want to write for PropTalk. Keep those requests coming. While we can’t accept every single request, mostly because some are only tangentially related to powerboating and we are a powerboating magazine after all, we always welcome your ideas.

anytime at kaylie@proptalk.com. If you have an idea for a sailing article, you’ll want to reach out to our sister publication, SpinSheet Magazine, and to FishTalk Magazine for most fishing-related articles if they are in the vein of ‘how-to, whereto:” how to catch a fish or where to catch

So as winter slowly, finally, gives way to spring, and you get out on the water again, start taking photos and dreaming up story ideas. This is your magazine, too, and we welcome your submissions. Always.

# As you get out on the water this year making memories, snap a photo and send it to us! We would love to share your boating adventures. Photo by June Estock

Boston Whaler Article

Kaylie and Lenny, I

’m writing to say thank you! Lenny, thank you for connecting me to Kaylie.

And, Kaylie, what a beautiful story you did! I’m assuming “staff” is you.

The photos you picked, your ability to keep Ernest’s voice, and what the trip meant to him while keeping the useful bits readers will want to take away and doing it all in a nice tight piece! Such a lovely read.

Ernest sent the link to us and other friends this morning (proptalk.com/ down-bay-17-foot-boston-whaler-montauk). We’re all so tickled. It’s so good to have the trip captured in this way.

Many thanks to you both.

~Colleen Ryan Leonard

Editor’s Note: We love seeing notes like this! And we love it when you, our readers, reach out to us with story ideas—keep them coming! Please feel free to email me anytime with questions, comments, or ideas at kaylie@proptalk.com

Boat Dog

Our August Cover Contest is always uber-popular, so this year, we wanted to give you even more time to get out on the water and take photos. That’s why we’re moving the contest from our August to our September issue. We don’t have an exact submission deadline or rules just yet, so stay tuned to PropTalk as we get closer. And get out on the water and start taking photos as soon springtime hits!

Meet Marina

Skip and Annamay Wanner share these photos of their boat dog, Marina, who they say, “makes our boat a home! She loves to swim all day and then rest on our 34-foot Sea Ray.”

Want to see your boat dog featured in PropTalk? Email one to three photos and a short description to kaylie@proptalk.com

Could You Learn More About Boating Safety?

Springtime on the Chesapeake offers terrific opportunities for boaters of all experience levels to enhance your boating safety knowledge and ensure your boat’s safety before launch day:

Take a boater’s safety course. This is especially important if you’re a new or returning boater. Two great resources for finding such courses are the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club (aka United States Power Squadrons). We often list a few in the PropTalk Calendar (on page 32 and proptalk.com/ calendar). For state boating licenses, check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources web page, dnr.maryland.gov/ boating (search “boating safety course”) for online and in-person courses; Virginia boaters should consult the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at dwr. virginia.gov/boating/boating-safety

At the Bay Bridge Boat Show (April 12-14), the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a two-hour, family-friendly class for all ages which will prepare you to handle boats under all conditions, with emphasis on safety on the water and how

important training is before becoming an operator or crew. Topics will include navigation, rules of the road, boat equipment including the VHF radio, emergency equipment, weather, trailering, and more. This class will take place on Saturday, April 13 from 9-11 a.m.

Schedule a Vessel Safety Check (VSC). If you hesitate to initiate a VSC because you’re scared of failing and/or being fined, don’t worry: VSCs are free and penalty-free. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and power squadrons offer this service free of charge with the safety of all boaters in mind. If you pass the 15- to 30-minute inspection, you’ll be awarded a US Coast Guard Auxiliary decal that informs the USCG, harbor patrol, police, or other law-enforcement or safety agencies that your boat was in full compliance with all federal and state boating laws during a safety check for that year.

If your boat does not pass, you will be provided with a written report about how to correct any discrepancies so that

you can try again. Once you’ve passed the test, check in with your insurance company, as it may extend discounts to boaters who pass the VSC every year. Learn more at cgaux.org

Hone your skills. In addition to the class mentioned above, at the Bay Bridge Boat Show boaters will find multiple other opportunities to sharpen their safety skills, such as taking a VHF etiquette seminar. Or, choose from one of BoatUS’s offerings: a docking and boat-handling course, a seminar on boathandling in open water, and a women’s only course, as well as an introductory course for beginning boaters. All BoatUS seminars last for three hours. Learn more at the “education” page at annapolisboatshows.com/bay-bridge-boat-show.

Finally, in the pages of PropTalk in the calendar, or classified and marketplace ads, readers will often find opportunities to increase their boating knowledge by working toward a captain’s license, gaining new navigation skills, or handling emergency situations.

Have a safe and happy spring!

# Let’s make it a safe and awesome spring.

Photo by David Sites

Plans for Elktonia-Carr’s Beach Heritage Park

The City of Annapolis finalized in February the acquisition of the onetime home of educator and former Coppin State University President Dr. Parlett Moore. The Moore property is adjacent to Elktonia-Carr’s Beach Park, which the City purchased in 2022. Together, the two properties will become the Elktonia-Carr’s Beach Heritage Park, managed by the City of Annapolis Department of Recreation and Parks.

Elktonia, Sparrow’s, and Carr’s Beaches, located off Edgewood Road in Annapolis, were Chesapeake Bay destinations where Black families spent summer days and musical nights from the 1930s to the 1960s. During the era of Jim Crow segregation, Black Americans were historically prohibited from visiting popular beaches along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic seashore. In response, Black Americans created their own spaces where they could congregate and recreate safely by the water.

The location will also become the headquarters for Blacks of the Chesapeake, a nonprofit organization that documents and celebrates the history of African Americans

who worked (and continue to work) in the maritime and seafood processing industries in the Chesapeake Bay region.

“Today represents another historic milestone of achievement for the 20-year odyssey to preserve the last vestiges of African American land situated directly on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The historic locations of the Carr’s, Sparrow’s, Elktonia Beaches, and now the Parlett Moore family cottage, represent the ‘Black Coast’ of the Bay,” said Vince Leggett, executive director of Blacks of the Chesapeake. “Working with Mayor Buckley, the director of recreation and parks, and public/private partners, our vision is to open a state-of-

the-art educational, environmental, and cultural heritage center designed to train and motivate the next generation of African American land conservation and heritage preservation champions.”

The City’s acquisition was made possible through City funding as well as funding from Anne Arundel County, The Conservation Fund, Blacks of the Chesapeake, Chesapeake Conservancy, Maryland Heritage Area Authority, and hundreds of private donors, including Merrill Family Foundation, FranceMerrick Foundation, William L. and Victorine Q. Adams Foundation, Inc., and The Dovana Foundation.

# The view from the property includes the towers at Greenbury Point.

Photo courtesy of the City of Annapolis

Endangered Species Act Protections

Sought for American Horseshoe Crabs

The Center for Biological Diversity and 22 partner organizations petitioned NOAA Fisheries to list the American horseshoe crab as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Horseshoe crab populations have crashed in recent decades because of overharvesting and habitat loss.

“We’re wiping out one of the world’s oldest and toughest creatures,” said Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “These living fossils urgently need Endangered Species Act protection. Horseshoe crabs have saved countless human lives, and now we should return the favor.”

Nearly twice as old as the dinosaurs, horseshoe crabs have been crawling ashore for more than 450 million years. In the past three decades, however, horseshoe crab populations have declined by two-thirds in Delaware Bay, their largest population stronghold.

Horseshoe crabs are harvested for use as bait by the commercial whelk and eel

fisheries. Even though horseshoe crab populations have fallen to historic lows, regulators have increased horseshoe crab harvest quotas.

Biomedical companies also harvest horseshoe crabs and drain their blue blood, which is used to detect toxins in drugs and medical devices. Horseshoe crab blood harvests have virtually doubled since 2017, with nearly one million horseshoe crabs harvested for their blood in 2022. Synthetic alternatives to horseshoe crab blood tests are already being used in Europe, but companies in the U.S. have been slow to adopt the alternatives.

Habitat loss is another dire threat to horseshoe crabs. Spawning beaches across their entire range are being destroyed by development, shoreline hardening, and sea-level rise.

As horseshoe crabs have declined, so have other species, most notably, the rufa red knot, a shorebird species

that feeds on horseshoe crab eggs during its 19,000-mile migration from South America to the Arctic. It was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2015. The listing decision cited the horseshoe crab harvest as one of the contributing factors to the red knot’s decline.

“It is clear from the available science that the current fisheries management policies are failing to protect and sustain these ancient mariners,” said Tim Dillingham, executive director of the American Littoral Society. “We must do more to keep them and the red knots and other life that depend on them from disappearing from this Earth.”

Photo courtesy of Gregory Breese/USFWS

What We Loved in Miami

Eric Richardson and Lenny Rudow represented Team SPF (SpinSheet, PropTalk, FishTalk) at the Miami International Boat Show in February. What did they find cool and interesting? We asked and here’s what they had to say:

“As always seems the case, my very favorite thing about the Miami Boat Show was the acres upon acres of gleaming fiberglass,” says Lenny. “There were so many cool new boats there that I don’t even know where to begin, plus a slew of hot new electronics. Of course, the majority of the displays were in the convention center but that just gives us more to look forward to when the Bay Bridge Boat Show rolls around this spring and we can hop aboard the boats while they’re actually floating.

“Beyond that it was nice to get a blast of 80-degree weather in the middle of February, and the folks in Miami do make a rockin’ cafe con leche. But whatever you do down there, don’t order the crab cakes! Especially when they say “Maryland-style,” you’ll be sorely disappointed.”

Eric found an award-winning new boat monitoring system that he brought home to try on his Schock 35 sailboat, which he keeps on a mooring ball a few blocks from his house. The Skyhawk Oversea boat monitoring system, which won a NMMA Innovation Award at the show, promises not to drain boat batteries or your budget. The system is easy to install, and no wiring is required. Learn more about it on page 51 and at oversea.boats

Speaking of awards, Lenny, FishTalk’s Angler-In-Chief, took home three Boating Writers International awards, which were announced and presented in Miami. Lenny was awarded second place in the Boating Issues, News and Analysis category for his article “Boat Selling Blues,” published in BoatUS. He also captured a third-place award in the Gear, Electronics and Products Tests category for his article “Electronics Upgrade,” which ran in the February 2023 issue of FishTalk. Finally, he received an Honorable Mention for his FishTalk video “Caymas 34 CT Powercat.” Way to go, Lenny!

# Photo courtesy of Miami International Boat Show

April Solar Eclipse

Are you ready for another solar eclipse? On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, including parts of the United States. While the Chesapeake region isn’t in the path of totality, those in our area can still witness a remarkable celestial event, a partial eclispe.

Weather permitting, Chesapeake observers will see the maximum eclipse at approximately 3:20 p.m., when about 88 percent of the sun’s face will be obscured by the moon. At this time, the sun will appear as a crescent.

For safe viewing, use eye protection. Staring directly at the sun, even for a short time and even during an eclipse, can cause severe eye damage. Special solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing methods are non-negotiable. An easy indirect viewing method is to create a pinhole projector from a cardboard box and a few other supplies.

The path of totality will travel across parts of Mexico and enter the United States in Texas. It will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine before moving over parts of Canada.

It’s been seven years since the last big partial solar eclipse passed over the Bay area. Let’s cross our fingers for good weather. Learn more at science.nasa.gov/eclipses

# Team PropTalk watching the 2017 partial solar eclipse in Annapolis.

# A view of the Aug. 21, 2017 total solar eclipse from Madras, OR. Credit: NASA/Gopalswamy

Grants for Invasive Fish Removal

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for invasive fish control grants for up to $5000. This grant program seeks to support effective ways to remove invasive fish, particularly blue catfish and northern snakeheads, from Maryland waters and identify sustained beneficial uses of caught fish.

The application deadline is April 15, and awards will be announced in early May.

“It’s imperative to remove more blue catfish and Northern snakeheads from Maryland waters to protect our ecosystem,” said Branson Williams, Maryland DNR’s invasive fishes program manager. “These funds will support grantees with innovative ideas for successfully taking

Yankee Point Marina

invasive species out of the water and finding constructive uses for them.”

Blue catfish and northern snakehead pose significant threats to ecologically and economically important native species in Maryland. Proposals from community-based programs and individuals should address how their initiative will remove invasive fish for beneficial purposes and have a longlasting impact on invasive fish control.

Interested parties can apply online through the proposal solicitation form at news.maryland.gov/dnr. Projects may start July 1 and last a single or multiple days. Projects will take place with oversight by the department and should be completed by June 30, 2025. Find more information on invasive fish on the DNR website and direct questions about the program to Branson Williams of Maryland DNR at branson.williams@maryland.gov

Proposed Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry System Routes

The proposed Chesapeake Bay baseline passenger ferry routes have been revealed in the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Feasibility Study.

The purpose of the study (conducted by Cambridge Systematics and supported by a consortium of counties including Anne Arundel, Calvert, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, and St. Mary’s) is to evaluate the potential for a new passenger ferry service that could stimulate economic growth within each host community, provide improved access to the Bay, provide new water transportation connectivity options, and promote enhanced tourism opportunities throughout the region.

Twenty-one host communities and possible routes linking the communities have been identified and represent the full system. Thirteen of these communities have been further selected to represent the proposed baseline Passenger Ferry System—that is, the sites anticipated to have the greatest possibility of demonstrating interest in and success of a passenger ferry service on the Chesapeake Bay within one to three years—while also ensuring geographic diversity. The study is currently focused on the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, but the hope is that as the system develops and expands, there will be numerous opportunities to identify routes that connect Maryland communities with locations in Virginia.

Potential routes in the study include:

Baltimore > Rock Hall > Kent Narrows > St. Michaels > Matapeake > Annapolis

Baltimore > Annapolis

Annapolis > Chesapeake Beach > Solomons Island > Crisfield

Chesapeake Beach > Oxford > Easton > Cambridge

Solomons Island > St. Mary’s City > Crisfield > Solomons Island

Solomons Island > Cambridge

As far as potential vessels go, the Candela P-12 electric hydrofoiling passenger ferry was suggested, but as of now, it is simply a proposal. Stay tuned for more updates.

6-20 marine Weather 101 Webinar for all Boaters Learning a few basic weather forecasting skills will improve the safety and comfort of your boating outings. Learn how to interpret weather maps, prepare a wind and wave forecast, recognize thunderstorm potential. Learn where to find marine weather forecasts and how to use Doppler Weather radar to monitor storms. Wednesday, March 6, 13, and 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sessions recorded. $80 for all. Sponsored by SpinSheet, PropTalk, and FishTalk. Register: bit.ly/486at3y

16 Bosun’s Spring open House Food, refreshments, giveaways, and vendors at Bosuns Marine Maryland: 411 Winchester Creek Road, Grasonville, MD 21638.

16

capca cpr, aED, and First aid for Boaters

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Selby Bay Yacht Club in Edgewater, MD. This one-day course is designed especially for boaters. The program is taught by American Heart Association Certified Instructors who are all experienced boaters. Upon completion of the training, students will receive an American Heart Association Course Completion Card in CPR, AED & First Aid. This certification card has a two-year expiration date, and it is accepted by the USCG for captain’s license requirements. Cost: $115, CAPCA/SBYC: $100. Register: capca.net

16 FSFF Hands-on Event

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Free State Fly Fishers clubhouse at the Davidsonville, MD, Family Rec. Center. Topic: Everything You Need to Know about Fishing for Pickerel with Joe Bruce. Learn hands-on how to build leaders specifically for catching these toothed predators. Joe will also describe specific ponds and lakes to fish for pickerel in Maryland and Delaware. Free. Questions: rybeer@gmail.com

16 Yorktown Winter market Days

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, VA. One of the most unique farmers markets in Hampton Roads, offering spectacular views of the York River, food trucks, and a variety of vendors and artists!

20 annapolis anglers club monthly meeting

7 p.m. at the American Legion in Crownsville, MD.

23 Spring kick-off open House

For Seattle Yachts Annapolis and Crusader Yacht Sales. 10 a.m. kick off at 7350 Edgewood Road in Annapolis, MD (located in Bert Jabin Yacht Yard). All in-stock inventory along with our team of professional yacht brokers will be on-deck all day. Also a full speaker schedule and live music by Shawn Owen later in the day. To register, email tia@seattleyachts.com or call (410) 397-7323.

22-24 Special topics: marine Welding processes

Friday, March 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In this three-day special topic welding course, participants will gain a deep understanding of the marine welding processes, understanding the environmental and process-based concerns associated with welding in a marine environment while learning the basics of GMAW (MIG) and GTAW (TIG) processes. Friday’s session will be at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Saturday and Sunday’s sessions will be held at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD. No prior welding experience necessary. All tools and materials are included with the cost of registration. Cost: $795. Register: cbmm.org

25 capca monthly meeting

6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Speaker: J. Seamus Duffy, Annapolis Compass. Topic: Take the Voodoo Out of Compass Headings. Free, online via Zoom. Learn more at capca.net

28 Bosun’s Fishing Seminar Series

6 to 8 p.m. at the Bosun’s Maryland showroom (411 Winchester Creek Rd, Grasonville). Capt. Lenny Simmons with Simonizer Charters will be talking about Trolling for Rockfish. Topics include fishing gear selection, gear set-up, lures, bait, fish species, and catching fish. Register: bosuns.com/event/fishingseminar

Chesapeake Calendar

April

3 FSFF monthly meeting

7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Free State Fly Fishers clubhouse at the Davidsonville, MD, Family Rec. Center. Speaker: Mike Slepesky is a fly fishing guide from the Tightlining MD Guide Service. He will discuss several local streams suitable for fly fishing for trout. Questions: rybeer@gmail.com

6 capca leadership for captains

This program will be conducted by Arlene Karpas, a professional leadership, team building, and executive coaching consultant. Cost: $155, CAPCA/SBYC: $140. Register: capca.net

6 Eca appraisal road Show community Fundraiser

Doors open 11:30 a.m. for food truck and cash bar (come early to register your items and mingle over drinks and food). Appraisal Show 1 to 3 p.m. at the Eastport Democratic Club in Annapolis, MD. The appraisal cost is $10 per item, and you can bring as many as you want. The Eastport Civic Association will donate funds to youth programs.

6 FSFF monthly Fly tying

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Free State Fly Fishers clubhouse at the Davidsonville, MD, Family Rec. Center. A FSFF member will instruct us on how to tie a couple fly patterns. All materials will be provided. Please bring your vise and tying tools if you have them. The clubhouse has some tools available for new fly tyers. Questions:  rybeer@gmail.com

6-7 Southern maryland

Fishing & outdoor adventure Fair

Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, MD. Featuring fishing and outdoor vendors, speakers, food, kid’s casting contest, 50/50, door prizes, a Maryland Boater Safety Course, and more. Admission: $5 cash at entrance, kids 12 and under are free. Presented by the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization, Inc. Vendor Registration at: smrfo2021@gmail.com

10 Frederick Saltwater anglers monthly meeting

Food starts at 6 p.m. followed by a meeting at 7 p.m. at 289 Willowdale Drive, Frederick, MD 21702. Each meeting has a speaker, vendor, prize raffle, and 50/50.

12-14 Bay Bridge Boat Show

Situated on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay with the beautiful Bay Bridge as its backdrop, this spring powerboat show marks the beginning of the boating season. At Bay Bridge Boat Marina in Stevensville, MD. Tickets: annapolisboatshows.com

13 introduction to Sea kayaking

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cult Classic Brewery on Kent Island, MD. Join the allvolunteer Chesapeake Paddlers Association for a day of exploring sea kayaking in the classroom with local paddlers and instructors, no boat needed! Cost: $40, lunch, snacks, and beverages provided.

13 Boats and Brews

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 231 Farm and Outdoor Sports (171 Skipjack RD, Prince Frederick, MD). Spring open house with local Mully’s beer, face painting, food vendors, raffles, and huge savings (boats, Seadoos, and more).

Chesapeake Calendar

April

15 capca monthly meeting

6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Speaker: Captain Rob Chischester. Topic: Experiences Aboard a Lightship. Free, online via Zoom. Learn more at capca. net

17 annapolis anglers club monthly meeting

7 p.m. at the American Legion in Crownsville, MD.

15-19 Fawcett manufacturers’ rep Week

Meet manufacturers’ reps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis. April 15 - C. Sherman Johnson, Vetus/Maxwell, Wichard, and Edson; April 16 - ACR Electronics, Mustang Survival, Fortress, and Sika; April 17 - Smoove; April 18 - Plastimo, Bainbridge, and Ronstan; and April 19Pettit, Dometic, and Starbrite.

18-21 FSFF club Fishing outing

This will be a Free State Fly Fishers club run fishing outing to the Western Maryland rivers and streams to chase trout. In order to attend, you must be a FSFF member with current dues paid, as well as a signed liability waiver. Questions: rybeer@gmail.com

20 East of maui Spring Waterman’s Swap and Suptastic Sale

Hosted by East of Maui Board Shop (2444 Solomons Island Road in Annapolis) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring in used standup, surf, kitesurf, foil, and windsurf gear in to buy and sell to others. Free to the public.

20 Sail and Sell: a maritime market collective Day

From 9 to 2 p.m. Spring Sale at Bacon Sails and Marine Supplies; East of Maui Spring Waterman’s Swap & Suptastic Sale; Fawcett Boat Supply’s Tent Sale and Manufacturer’s Rep Week; Chesapeake Light Craft Maritime Flea Market; and Forward Brewing food specials and microbrew beer (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

20 FSFF Hands-on Session

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Free State Fly Fishers clubhouse at the Davidsonville, MD, Family Rec. Center. Speaker: Joe Bruce - How to Attack the Pads and Catch More Fish. Questions: rybeer@gmail.com

26-28

annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show returns to the historic seaport town of Annapolis every April to showcase new and brokerage boats including catamarans, monohulls, family cruisers, daysailers, and inflatables. At City Dock, Annapolis, MD. Tickets: annapolisboatshows.com

28

annapolis Frogman Swim

At the Bay Ridge Community Pool Association beach (2 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis). Fundraising swim to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation. This event is more than just a swim. It is not a race. Each swimmer is requested to raise around $2000 in donations. There will be 50 swimmers each with their own kayak escort.

Sneak Peek! at the Bay Bridge Boat Show

We know it’s early, but it’s really not that early. The Bay Bridge Boat Show will be here before you know it! Here are a few details to get you excited, and we’ll have our full guide to the show, including the show map, in PropTalk’s May issue. Also be sure to visit PropTalk’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ proptalk) as we will be doing several ticket giveaways leading up to the show.

Dates: April 12-14

Times: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until 5 p.m. on Sunday

Location: Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, MD (357 Pier 1 Rd.)

Directions: From Annapolis, head east on Route 50. After crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, take the first exit on the right for Kent Island (Exit 37), then follow the signs for Boat Show Parking.

Parking: On-site parking is $10 per car. There is also free off-site parking available at Christ Church Parish on Friday and at Kent Island High School on Saturday and Sunday. Please be sure to follow the parking signs upon your arrival. A shuttle bus will be provided to take you to the show.

Tickets: $18 if purchased online, $20 at the gate; limited onsite box office available). Children 12 and under are free. outside the Show Gates: Make your trip to the Bay Bridge Boat Show a full weekend of fun on the Eastern Shore. Stay tuned to our May issue for ideas on what to see and do in Queen Anne’s County and find a list of accommodation options at visitqueenannes.com/stay.

Show Highlights:

• More than 250 boats on display from eight to 75 feet, on land and in the water.

• Experience a variety of models first-hand on the PropTalk Demo Dock.

• The FishTalk Fishing Spot.

• On-site food court with a variety of options, along with beer stations for the adults and ice cream and other treats for the kids.

• Family-friendly introductory boating courses with BoatUS Foundation.

• Take a boating safety class with the USCG Auxiliary.

• Free daily seminars. Some of the topics include: Dock and Dine on the Upper Bay, VHF Etiquette, the Great Chesapeake Invasive Count, Light Tackle Jigging for Rockfish, Women: How to Build Your Boating Skills and Confidence, Preparing Your Boat for Coastal Cruising, Buying a Used Powerboat, and more.

# The Bay Bridge Boat Show runs April 12-14 at the Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, MD.

SBeneteau Antares 12: Cruising on an Even Keel

By Lenny Rudow

ome cruisers provide a huge cabin but little outdoors space, and some have huge cockpits but limited cabins. Either may seem great depending on which environment you place the most emphasis on, but finding a boat that strikes the ideal equilibrium for the vast majority of the mariners among us is just about impossible. The Beneteau Antares 12 explains the use of “just about” as a qualifier in the previous sentence. Because whether you generally prefer being indoors or you generally prefer being outdoors, this boat may well provide the balance that’s ideal for your needs.

The 12 is the flagship of Beneteau’s Antares lineup of outboard-powered cruisers. And with 42 feet, seven inches to work with, it’s not like there’s any shortage of space. Still, Beneteau maximizes the potential of what’s available. Working from the engines forward, topsides the first third or so of the boat is a swim platform and an open aft cockpit, the second third is the helmdeck and saloon, and the forward third is the cabintop. As is the norm on modern cruisers, the bow is turned into useable space with the addition of an outdoor social area, in this case a huge sunpad with a forward seat and a removable cocktail table.

Up top on the flybridge is where Beneteau really “creates” space. It extends farther aft than usual and utilizes most of the boat’s beam, providing enough room for the upper

loa: 42’7” | BEam: 12’5” | DraFt (max.): 3’10”

DiSplacEmEnt (approx.): 20,081 lbs.

max Hp: 900 | FuEl capacitY: 310 gal.

helm station plus a passenger’s settee that converts into a sunpad. There’s even an aft U-shaped settee with room for six and a dinette table, plus an al fresco galley with a grill and a refrigerator. All in all, there’s more room and more amenities than you’ll

see on the bridge of some boats with 10 feet more LOA.

The cockpit’s highlight feature is another way Beneteau creates even more outdoor space, in this case in the form of a mega swim platform. A

For more boat reviews, visit proptalk.com or scan this code with your phone’s camera.

# Photo by Bertrand Duquenne, courtesy of Beneteau

# Photo by Jean Francois Romero, courtesy of Beneteau

section of the starboard gunwale swings down to provide a balcony-like perch over the water. That’s in addition to a large aft L-shaped settee, a side-access boarding door, and a large aft wraparound swim platform which extends back as far as the outboards on either side and has room to walk from side to side in front of the powerplants.

Another feature that lovers of the outdoors will want to note is the saloon door, which is really more of a complete bulkhead. It’s a three-leaf glass affair, so you can completely open up the back end of the saloon to bring the outside inside. When the weather’s less than ideal, leave it closed up and the saloon offers a full indoor galley, a settee and dinette to port, a lower helm station, and a passenger’s side seat which converts between facing the dinette and facing forward.

Down below owners have a choice between a three-stateroom layout or two staterooms and a stowage area. The forward stateroom is the master, with a pedestal berth and an en-suite head and shower. The guest stateroom has twin berths plus a head and shower.

The Antares 12 is available with either triple 300-hp Mercury Verados or a pair of 400s. Beneteau says the top-end with max power breaks the 40-mph mark. That’s a nice performance boost over the old version of the Antares 12, which had diesel inboards and couldn’t get much north of the low 30s.

As one might expect when trying to condense the character of a 42-footer into a magazine review, there’s a whole heck of a lot more to talk about here: this is a Seanapps boat, which means it’s part of the IoT and you get remote monitoring, notification, and geofencing abilities. The main cabin has a whopping six feet, seven inches of headroom, and heads and staterooms have a healthy six feet, three inches. Galley cabinetry is lacquered titanium. USB ports are all over the place, including at the helm and in each stateroom. The list goes on and on, and if you want to gain a full appreciation of what the Antares has to offer, you’ll have to go see one up close and in person. But you’ll have to keep your emotions in check. Because if you aren’t as good at maintaining equilibrium as Beneteau is, you might find yourself signing on that dotted line before you know it. #

# Photo by Bertrand Duquenne, courtesy of Beneteau

Virginia’s Eastern Shore Plan Your Adventure to Cape Charles and Kiptopeke

By Kendall Osborne

If you’re thinking about visiting Cape Charles or Kiptopeke on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, you definitely need to plan ahead. There is so much to do in the area that you’ll want to take time to pick your favorites before you go. The only thing you won’t find there are crowds.

The Cape Charles area was one of the first that settlers moved to after Jamestown in the early 1600s. The area remained agricultural up to the 1880s, when a railroad was planned to run down the shore from Maryland to Cape Charles. Cape Charles is a planned town. It was intentionally designed to serve the railroad and ferries, and the train to Cape Charles carried its first passenger in 1884.

The town grew and prospered as ferries brought people and cargo to the train. The thriving continued until after World War II. Then, the new car ferry at Kiptopeke began to drain traffic. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel that opened in 1964 was another blow, as motorists could drive right by the town on their way to Norfolk or Virginia Beach. The town took a downturn. But that has changed. Today, the town has come alive again with a small-town vibe but big town amenities and fun.

Downtown Cape Charles

On the way into town by the main road (Route 184) you will find the Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center on your left. They have changing exhibits about the history of the town. They also know everything you might want to learn about what to see and do in the area, especially with current events. They are open seven days a week from mid-April through November,

In town, there is everything you could want, from impressive architecture to a bakery, distillery, shops, galleries, a bookstore, and a fine choice of restaurants. There are several nice places to stay overnight. Need outdoor supplies? You can find them at Bailey’s Bait and Tackle. The streets are quiet and safe and enjoyable to stroll along. The town’s beautiful public beach is within walking distance and is a great place to catch a sunset over the Chesapeake Bay.

Other than walking, golf carts are a primary mode of transportation in the town. Watch for them if you are driving and rent one if you want to participate in the fun.

Boaters

Boaters can tie up at the town’s marina or at the Cape Charles Yacht Center. Non-ethanol fuel is available. You can charter a fishing trip or rent a kayak or paddleboard. If you are bringing your own boat, you can launch at the

north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, you’ll find the quaint little beach town of Cape Charles. Photo by Adam Lewis, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)

# This Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve is found on the Bay side of the Eastern Shore. Photo by Rachel Stevens, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)

Cape Charles Municipal Marina, which has a beautiful modern ramp. Kiptopeke State Park (see below) has a ramp as well. There are also ramps in Oyster (on the seaside) and in the Eastern Shore of Virginia Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of the shore.

Nearby

On the outskirts of the town is the popular Cape Charles Brewing Company. They offer a pet-friendly environment for eating and of course drinking beer. Ahead on Route 13 is Small’s Smokehouse and Catering, a locally owned

restaurant that sells local oysters as well as smoked meats. Across Route 13 from Cape Charles, in Cheriton, are two fantastic Latin food trucks open seasonally.

Up Route 13 a few miles is the marvelous Barrier Islands Center. This farmhouse, which has been converted into a museum, tells the fascinating story of the families who lived on the barrier islands before storms ruined their habitat. Be sure to check their website as they have a number of events all year long. To the south, on Arlington Road, is the Custis tomb. This is for history buffs only. It is the sight of the

Custis Family’s Arlington Plantation and mansion. Only the graves remain today. The marker of John Custis, who had a famously bad marriage, contains the very interesting quote, “Aged 71 years and yet lived but seven years which was the space of time he kept a bachelor’s home at Arlington.” Martha Dandridge Custis was the wife of George Washington.

Boat tours are available out of Cape Charles and out of the seaside to the east. The seaside tours explore the pristine barrier islands. You will see a variety of birds, as well as empty beaches. These tours are great for shell hunters. The waters on the seaside are full of hazards such as oyster rocks, which are often slightly submerged at higher tides. If you go on your own, it is best to start at low tide and proceed slowly.

The area is also popular for bird lovers. Kiptopeke State Park, described below, is often listed as a must-stop area during the fall raptor migration. The seaside is home to tremendous amounts of birds in both summer and winter. Peregrine falcons are seen daily year-round. The meadow at the aforementioned Custis Tomb is another popular birding spot. There is a creek, and at low tide, expect to see shorebirds such as herons, American oystercatchers, dunlin, semipalmated plover, and black-bellied plover.

# The LOVEwork on the beach near main street Cape Charles. Photo by Jason Hunter, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)

# Cape Charles has undergone an amazing transformation in recent years and now has a budding food and outdoor scene. Photo by Adam Lewis, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)

See the Bay

kiptopeke

Kiptopeke State Park is south of Cape Charles. This state park features an informative welcome center, as well as camping, a boat ramp, hiking, and fishing. The welcome center has information on activities, as well as information on the park’s natural environment. Access is free to the Welcome Center, but you must pay a fee to go inside the park. Down the road from the welcome center is the entrance to the park. Beyond the entrance you will find the pier, beach, boat ramp, and a small convenience store. There is a large central parking lot that is convenient to everything.

The park offers a variety of lodgings. They have campsites, cabins, lodges with six bedrooms that sleep up to 16 individuals, and a yurt. You can make a reservation on the park’s website.

Kiptopeke is an excellent area to fish. The pier itself is on the migratory path of speckled trout and red drum. They cruise up and down the area in the spring and fall. Just offshore are the concrete ships. They were placed in the area as a breakwater. They can be reached by kayak or powerboat a short distance from the ramp. This is an excellent

spot for a variety of species such as tautog, sheepshead, rockfish, spot, and croakers.

Resources

Most of the aforementioned businesses and facilities have their own websites that are easily found with your favorite search engine. However, there is one site that contains a list of just about everything in the county. Categories across the top include eat, shop, stay, play, and plan your trip. You can find that at visitesva.org, and also find more information at virginia.org

# Cape Charles offers a free public beach in their downtown historic district. Photo by Erica Jackson Curran, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)

# Kiptopeke State Park is a popular birding destination. Photo by Rachel Stevens, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)

# Kiptopeke’s Concrete Fleet were brought to the beach in 1948 in order to bring protection to the terminal during severe weather. Photo by Chad Williams, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)

And So Is Commissioning Season

By Drew Maglio

The days are growing longer, the birds are singing, flowers are blooming. Spring is here! And with these harbingers come the added responsibility of making one’s vessel fit to launch for the upcoming season, which will soon be afoot. The anticipation that spring brings provides the inspiration, before winter has been relinquished for good, to dedicate long hours to the improvement of one’s vessel so that the upcoming season will be a smashing success.

Step one: Finish/complete annual maintenance.

With the boating season looming but not yet here, spring provides the opportunity to complete annual maintenance that may have been brushed off at winterization. This is the time to ensure things like oil and filter changes, gear case oil changes, fuel filter changes, greasing of pivot points, tightening of gimbal ring bolts, etc. are completed for the 2024 season if they have not been already. It is also the time to check and verify the condition of all other fluids like power steering, hydraulic steering, trim/tilt, and transmission fluid. Any milky or burnt fluids should be replaced and if milky, the leaking seal should be found and dealt with before the upcoming season.

# Haul outs are not cheap, so be sure to check everything before launching.

Step Two: Check… EVERYTHING.

Boats break while sitting, just as much as they do while being used. And so, at the beginning of the season, a careful and thoughtful owner should go through his or her vessel and inspect as much as they can. If you have a modern outboardpowered vessel, pay close attention to the fuel system and drain any fuel/water

separating canisters—and also replace the engine-mounted fuel filters for peace of mind. If you have a sterndrive, thoroughly inspect all bellows, trim hoses, gear lube hoses (if a Mercruiser), and anodes: if any part is suspect, beyond its useful life, or showing early signs of failure, replacement is necessary. If you have an inboard-powered vessel, inspect struts, bearings, and packing glands (although this last item is easier done in the water before haul out). On larger vessels, seacocks should be operated and lubricated as specified by their manufacturer.

Special care should also be paid to the vessel’s engine(s) and machinery, so I recommend testing everything on land with a hose before launch because haulouts are not cheap. What one should look and listen for are any odd noises, leaks, smells, etc. Temperature readings of exhaust components like manifolds, risers, Y-pipes, and mufflers, should also be taken and considered. Gener-

# The beginning of a new season presents a good opportunity to go through and do a thorough, annual cleaning of all things.

ally, if it is too hot to hold your hand on it indefinitely at a high idle speed not under load, there is a problem, and these parts should be disassembled for further investigation.

Similarly, electronics and electrical systems should be tested to ensure operation: on a boat, nothing should be thought of as a given or assumed. Batteries should be charged with a marine-rated, ignition-protected battery charger (preferably permanently installed) if they haven’t been charged all winter. Cockpit, cabin, and navigation lights should be switched on to ensure function. Pressurized freshwater systems should be operated and tested at every faucet or hose and tested to ensure water pressure, as well as to verify the absence of leaks behind furniture or into the bilge. Battery electrolyte levels should be checked (if wet-cell) and adjusted with distilled water as needed. Outlets, fridges, ranges, etc. should be tested and cleaned/repaired as needed, for many owners are greeted by an unpleasant and odiferous surprise in their

vessel’s fridge or oven come springtime!

Ground tackle and electric windlasses should also be lubricated and tested. Cleats and stanchions should be kicked and yanked to ensure they remain tight and true. Canvas should be fitted and inspected. Propellers should be removed and greased—and propeller shafts should be checked for play or warping.

I think at this point you get the point, and I rest my case.

Step Three:

Schedule/complete repairs.

At this stage, assuming you are thorough in your inspection, I am sure you will have a list of necessary tasks and repairs to complete before launching, as all boats new and old do. It is at this point one should prioritize tasks based on necessity and preference into a hierarchy. Tasks which cannot be completed by DIY means should

# Don’t forget to apply a polish or ceramic coating to the exterior of your vessel.

be outsourced to one of the many trustworthy shops in the area. As an operator of a small, local, and personally tailored marine repair, consulting, and surveying business, heed my advice: it is best to schedule repairs as soon as possible, because come summer, shops become inundated with work and have little capacity to perform larger repairs (if needed). In the height of the season, it is typical to be backlogged six to eight weeks, while winter, fall, and spring will be one to two weeks in most cases.

Once larger, more complex tasks are scheduled to be hired out, it is time to DIY those repairs, maintenance-tasks, and upgrades that are applicable. Through this approach, your vessel will gradually become ready for the season, bit by bit.

Step Four:

CLEAN… EVERYTHING!

The beginning of a new season presents a good opportunity to go through and do a thorough, annual cleaning of all things. Assuming a gel coated exterior, this is the time to apply (or have applied) a polish or ceramic coating—after buffing with rubbing compound if needed. For this task, I prefer Shurrhold Buff Magic and Pro Polish, which I’ve used for years with good results on my older boat, as well as clients’ boats. In Maryland, applying Pro Polish is typically a bi-annual affair for uncovered vessels. For smooth fiberglass surfaces inside lockers or the cockpit, a spray on/wipe off speed detailer with UV inhibitors by Boat Bling or 303 is a safe bet.

After the fiberglass is taken care of, it’s time to proceed to cleaning the vinyl and there are many ways to do this. Simple Green or a Starbrite vinyl/mildew removing product followed by 303 Aerospace Protectant scrubbed on via a slightly abrasive sponge are my usual go-to products. Take care to avoid damaging seams and do not use magic erasers, as they erode the protective coating of vinyl and exacerbate pinking, mildew, rips/ tears, and fading over time.

Once the vinyl and fiberglass have been polished, it is time to scrub the non-skid deck, which unfortunately will be a reoccurring maintenance task. For this, I like Starbrite’s nonskid cleaners and polish, which help keep non-skid reasonably clean. A pressure washer also works wonders on non-stained, non-skid surfaces that are simply dirty. After cleaning the decks, I proceed to vacuum the cabin and clean surfaces, cushions, and headliners as needed. Methods will vary greatly depending on the types of soft materials used, but steam cleaning works wonders on soiled carpets and cloth headliners. Once the cabin is cleaned, the canvas should be cleaned and waterproofed as needed. There are specific products that work well on isinglass windows, in addition to a great product made by Starbrite for waterproofing Sunbrella canvas and aging and leaky, polyester boat covers.

Step Five: Inspect your trailer and complete necessary maintenance.

Step five only applies to trailered boats but is nonetheless incredibly important and often neglected. Trailers require much maintenance to their bearings, leaf springs, bunks, lights, and brakes and the intervals will vary depending on use, exposure to the elements, as well as whether or not the trailer is dipped frequently in salt/brackish water. In general, if you cannot remember the last time your trailer bearings were replaced or greased, replace them this spring as cheap insurance. Saving $100-$200 is not worth the risk of a wheel heating up and flying

# In general, if you cannot remember the last time your trailer bearings were replaced or greased, replace them this spring as cheap insurance.

off on the highway! Leaf springs will typically look ghastly with rust before they are dangerous, but brakes can seize up without any discernible warning, thereby causing a bearing failure. Thus, it is advisable to check brake actuation

and pads before every season, in addition to ensuring that the fluid is clean.

If you follow these five steps, you will greatly increase your chances of a successful and trouble-free boating season in 2024! #

About the Author: Drew Maglio is a writer and the owner and operator of Capital Marine Services (capitalmarineusa.com) a marine surveying, repair, consulting, and boater training business based in Annapolis, MD. A native of South Florida, Drew has been an avid boater his entire life. Drew first came to the Annapolis area in 2020 to begin his master’s degree at St. John’s College, after which he decided to stick around and start his business in the summer of 2021.

Spring Commissioning

As you ready your boat for the spring splash, consider these Bay-friendly cleaning tips and reminders from BoatUS Foundation, Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, and Sailors for the Sea. We can all do our part, however small, to make a positive impact on our home waters.

1. Put a spray nozzle on your hose to conserve water.

2. Start cleaning your boat with plain water and a scrub brush. Repeat regularly to prevent buildup of grime, salt, and mildew. In fact, if you rinse your boat with freshwater after every trip, it can prolong the periods between needing to use detergent products.

3. Use detergents sparingly, and choose ones that are phosphatefree, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Also follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dilution levels and how much product to use.

4. BoatUS Foundation tested and recommends a number of “green” boat soaps: Z-Cleaner Ready To Use, 303 Multisurface Cleaner, Power Pine, Total Boat Soap, MK Supersuds, Booyah Clean, Boat Zoap, Hybrid Wash and Wax, and Citrus Boat Soap. All have labels claiming “biodegradable” or “environmentally safe.” For more details and cleaning suggestions, visit the Green Cleaners page at boatus.org.

5. To lessen the amount of cleanser you will use, avoid cleaning the boat in full sun in which your cleanser can evaporate more quickly.

6. Rather than harsh chemical cleaners, use a mild soap powder and a nylon brush to clean wood.

7. Apply a good boat wax at least once per year to help prevent dirt, bird droppings, and airborne contaminants from adhering to the boat to make cleaning easier.

8. Use the designated boat wash area at your marina, as a boat cleaned out of the water will likely have less of an impact on water quality than one cleaned while floating.

9. When you have a choice, choose certified Clean Marinas, where the staff has invested in and prioritizes keeping their marina grounds and the Chesapeake clean and “green.” Find a list of certified marinas at dnr.maryland. gov/boating and vims.edu

10. As recommended by Sailors for the Sea, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping the ocean clean, note the following products you may already have in your cupboard that are safe to use to clean (find more suggestions at sailorsforthesea.org):

• Vinegar—acidic, strong cleaning agent that can dissolve dirt, debris, and grime, and kill or reduce certain types of pathogens (usually ones that cause common foodborne diseases), but is not a disinfectant.

• Lemon juice—acidic, strong cleaning agent that can dissolve dirt, debris, and grime; antibacterial, but is not a disinfectant; citrus smell.

• Baking soda—mildly alkaline, slightly abrasive, strong cleaning agent that can help dissolve dirt and grease and neutralize odors (be careful using around certain metals).

• Cream of tartar—mildly acidic, similar to baking soda, but is slightly less abrasive.

• Borax—alkaline, strong cleaning agent that can get rid of stains, mold, and mildew, and neutralize odors.

• Salt—effective gentle scouring agent, boosts cleaning and deodorizing action of other ingredients.

• Hydrogen peroxide—a natural disinfectant that is antibacterial and antiviral.

# When cleaning your boat, use detergents sparingly.

Photo by Mark Corke, courtesy of BoatUS

(because you had the boat in Florida for the winter)

By Mike Pitchford

Imuch prefer the tasks of spring commissioning to the drudgery of winterization. Both are a lot of work.

Butr emoving the shrinkwrap and purging the pink and purple stuff in the spring, in anticipation of cruising to come, is far more emotionally enticing.

However, the very best spring commissioning plan is to avoid it completely. Boaters who headed south, to warmer climates last fall, may now seem like geniuses after the winter we have had. Raise your hand if you bundled up to visit the boat and maybe swept some snow off the winter cover in January.

These “snowbird boaters” got to live on or use the boat all winter and avoided many of the typical fall winterization tasks. They are now avoiding some of the spring commissioning tasks. Not to be too obvious, but the lesson here is to start planning now for your trip south in seven months. Skip the harder parts of both winterization and spring commissioning and have more fun!

Okay, yes, being down south for the winter does not mean life (or your boat) is maintenance free. There are things to do that reside on your annual maintenance list. That includes things like oil changes, hull waxing, attention to bright work, etc. The bonus is you get to do them over time and in comfortable weather, not on a cold rainy week in early April because you have an appointment with the Travelift.

First things first, if your boat is in the water in Florida for the winter, you will likely have a diver visit monthly and will clean or have the boat cleaned regularly. Marine growth slows but continues in the winter in South Florida. In February the vast sugarcane fields in south central Florida are burned as a step to planting the next crop. With variable winds, that ash will indeed end up on your boat, trust me.

Beyond that, you will need to accomplish the more routine and annual maintenance tasks you always do (and are well referenced elsewhere in this section). These include oil and fluid changes, zinc checks

(the divers can do the external zincs), belt and hose checks and replacement as needed, battery testing, impeller changes, and other items on your engine maintenance schedule.

Since I am about to embark on a 1000-mile trip back to the Bay, I will also need to store gear. The conversion from living aboard to cruising does take some thought. Besides throwing out the house plant that found its way aboard for the winter, it is a good time to check your multifunction display (MFD) for chart and software updates.

An important and perhaps final check is system operation. While the winter down south has required most house systems to operate regularly (HVAC, potable water, head, etc.), the engine and related systems may have been idle for a while.

In February I started the engine up and ran through the gears while tied to the dock. Lo and behold, no reverse! The diagnosis (bad wiring harness) and repair took 10 days. If I had waited until I pulled out of the dock to head north, who knows what would have happened? I can assure you of this: I would not have been home as planned. #

# Okay, yes, being down south for the winter does not mean life (or your boat) is maintenance free.

How To Properly Re-Name a Boat (and save yourself years of bad luck)

Let’s say you buy a used boat this year and have the perfect name in mind to christen her as your own. However, before you can change the name, you must undergo a re-naming ceremony in order to avoid the wrath of Poseidon. According to legend, Poseidon has the name of every vessel ever launched recorded in the Ledger of the Deep. So, to change a vessel’s name, you must purge it from the ledger and from Poseidon’s mind. Have we lost you? Don’t worry, the process involves champagne.

First things first: you must remove all traces of the current name. That means not only the lettering on the transom but also any documents or décor items onboard (like those decorative and moldy pillows that bear the former name and now litter the cabin). Once that is complete, write the old name in watersoluble ink on a metal tag.

Next, begin the purging ceremony. Gather some friends as witnesses and a few bottles of champagne and assemble together on the bow of the vessel. Then recite the following:

“Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (mention the old boat name), which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name, to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea.”

Drop the metal tag into the water and say:

“In grateful acknowledgement of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.”

Pour at least half of the champagne into the water, from east to west, and share the rest amongst the group.

Now comes the renaming ceremony. Repeat these lines to Poseidon:

“Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection

this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (say the name you’ve selected), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation, and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.”

Next, pour more champagne into the water, this time from west to east. Save one glass for you and for the ship’s mate.

After addressing Poseidon, you must appease the four wind gods and ask for fair winds and calm seas for your future voyages. Repeat these lines:

“Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (say your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.”

First you will address them together, and then you will address each wind god individually. Face north and toss champagne to the north as you say:

“Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath.”

Next face west, toss champagne to the west, and recite:

#

“Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath.”

Face east, toss more champagne, and recite:

“Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.”

Finally face south, and you know the drill… (hope you brought a lot of champagne):

“Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.”

once the ceremony is complete, you may bring your first item bearing the vessel’s new name onboard and indulge in any leftover champagne. While it is typical to complete the renaming ceremony immediately after the purging ceremony, it can be done at any time (provided you follow the steps in the proper order).

Perhaps the process is a tad superstitious, but at least you got to partake in champagne with friends! And we can guarantee it will be a day you won’t forget anytime soon.

If you plan to rename your boat, be sure to follow the proper ceremony to appease Poseidon.

Hot New Electronics in Store for 2024

Tech races forward at an ever-blistering pace and that certainly applies when it comes to marine electronics. This year’s no different, and multiple manufacturers have some incredibly cool new options for you to peruse as you outfit your boat with the latest and greatest. We’ve rounded up a few:

FURUNo gets the ball rolling with TZ Maps, taking your ability to look at the bathymetric world to new heights. Or maybe we should say to new depths because this chartography can provide detail levels to rather shocking three-inch contour lines. Thanks to the potent processing power of the TZTouchXL system just introduced last year these lines get redrawn as you zoom, and you can overlay the data on navigational charts and render them with custom shading and detail. TZTouchXL also gets a new autorouting advantage thanks to the use of AI, and it can now reroute in near-real-time as the course or speed of moving radar targets creates a potential for collision. Added bonus: additional raster and vector

charts, satellite photos, and topo maps can also be downloaded directly into the big brains housed by these

units. Price starts at $2995 for the TZT10X; check out furunousa.com to get the details.

SkYHAWk has a new option for remotely monitoring your boat with the Oversea system. The base unit includes geofencing capabilities and sensors can be added for high water alarms, bilge pump activity, battery level, and more. This 2024 NMMA Innovations awardwinning system differs from the competition thanks to a unique application of low powerdraw technology, which means battery life is measured by years rather than months. That eliminates the need for hard-wiring, and both the base and the sensors are completely wireless. They’re also IP67-rated for waterproofing so they can be placed just about anywhere on the boat. Still, despite all this, the system’s biggest asset is probably its price—starting at just $299 it’s half the cost of industry-leading competitors. Check out oversea.boats to find out more.

# Courtesy of Skyhawk Oversea

# Courtesy of Furuno

Marine Electronics

SIMRAD has introduced the NSX Ultrawide, which is the same NSX tech packaged in an MFD with a 63-percent wider LCD screen. Available in 12- and 15-inch models, the short, wide screen is ideal for boats with low-profile dashes at the helm. This is a common trait of many modern dayboats and cruisers (especially those with Euro-styling) which, up until now, would generally sport a pair of smaller units mounted side by side. That means there’s a blank space between the screens with bezels in-between, reducing the overall amount of screen space as compared to the amount of dash space they take up. Now with the Ultrawide, however, zero space gets lost and you have a more beautiful LCD touchscreen to work with. Views can be sized and organized to your

taste via drag-and-drop customization, instrument panels can be customized, and C-MAP Discover X charts are bundled

YAMAHA and SIREN MARINE recently unveiled an all-new Connected Boat Customer Experience Platform—a robust Marine IoT ecosystem and the only one featuring seamless integration with Yamaha outboards and systems. The Connected Boat Experience starts with the Siren Connected Boat mobile application that personalizes the boating experience by combining the branded look of the user’s boat builder with specific information curated especially for them. It combines real-time vessel security with flexible boat monitoring and tracking functions—and convenience features like remote digital switching—into one easy-to-use system that’s controlled from their smartphone, or now even their smartwatch. In addition, Siren Connected Boat automatically reminds both the boater and their preferred dealer when scheduled maintenance is due based on actual engine usage. It also contains all maintenance records for the boat, which are input by the servicing dealer or by the DIY boater. The Siren Connected Boat mobile application comes in a basic free tier as well as a premium tier that requires installation and activation of a Siren 3 Pro main device and cellular service. Siren 3 Pro system hardware starts at $797 MSRP, and cellular service is as low as $18.75/month. Siren hardware is currently shipping standard on select 2024 models from Grady-White, Regulator, G3, and Skeeter with more brands and models to be announced soon. sirenmarine.com/pages/yamaha

for North America and Canada. Price: $2899/$3549. Visit simrad-yachting.com to get more specifics.

C-MAP introduced major updates to its North America charts, introducing detailed data for hundreds of lakes, improved satellite imagery, enhanced shaded relief, and more. The new data includes satellite imagery improvements in over 19 states; the popular Shaded Relief, exclusive to C-MAP Reveal and Reveal X, has seen improvements across more than 500 lakes; and information for 13,000 bridges with enhanced geometry and positioning, and the addition of vertical and horizontal clearances to more than 6400 bridges, has been added for safer navigation. Visit c-map.com for more details and pricing information.

# Courtesy of Simrad

# Courtesy of Yamaha

ICoM’S newest black box VHF marine radios, the M510BB and M410BB, are ideal space-saving solutions for vessels requiring multiple communication points. The M510BB allows up to three CommandMic stations, and the M410BB, up to two. Install the black box RF unit out of sight and hang the CommandMic within easy reach, up to 60 feet away (two optional OPC-1541 cables are required for 60-foot installation). This setup is perfect for use in the cockpit, flybridge, tower, and more. These radios consist of a black box RF unit and one CommandMic. Both radios carry in-demand features and functions such as an intercom function, Class-D DSC distress button, internal GPS receiver, active noise cancelling, NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183-HS interfaces, loud one-way RX hailer and intercom, AquaQuake, and Anchor Watch. The M510BB also includes additional features such as an integrated AIS receiver, two-minute voice recording and playback, and a DSC remote-control interface. $649/$799; icomamerica.com

#

Marine Electronics

RAYMARINE announced the launch of five new products just last year, including the Axiom 2 Pro and Axiom 2 XL family of multifunction chartplotter displays. Axiom 2 Pro is the most powerful all-in-one Axiom system ever developed by Raymarine with a blazing fast six-core processor and intuitive LightHouse 4 operating system. Available in nine-, 12- and 16-inch sizes in two variations, the Axiom 2 Pro S includes embedded High CHIRP sonar that is perfect for premium cruising and sailing vessels, while the Axiom 2 Pro RVM is engineered specifically for the avid sport angler. Axiom 2 Pro’s HydroTough nano-coating technology repels water for reliable touchscreen control, enhanced colors, and excellent sunlight visibility. Smart backlighting and an ambient light sensor automatically adjust display brightness for day and evening lighting conditions. The Axiom 2 XL lineup is available in 16-, 19-, 22- and 24-inch sizes. These displays feature enhanced networking and extended multimedia capabilities like HDMI input and output, and touchscreen pass-through. Axiom 2 XL screens are also built on the new six-core platform with LightHouse 4 OS that is intuitive, yet extremely powerful. Prices range by model. Learn more at raymarine.com.

# Courtesy of Raymarine

A Journey to Proper VHF Radio Etiquette

By Dave Rowe

Ispent the formative years of my boating life on a landlocked, freshwater lake in inland Maine, far from the influence of the FCC’s bureaucracy and the United States Coast Guard’s regulatory influence. Everyone had VHF radios and used them like CB radios in some 1970s trucker flick. “That’s a big 10-4, good buddy. Come back!” We were all blissfully ignorant of proper VHF use, and though our ‘methods’ often were non-standard, that probably didn’t matter since the foothills of western Maine completely sheltered the lake from coastal transmissions and prevented transmissions on the lake from interfering with coastal marine radio traffic. No one maintained the required watch on VHF 16 or 9 (yes, 9 is an option—more on that later). Boaters on the lake gravitated to certain channels in an almost high-school clique-like manner—and we liked it that way.

Eventually, I bought a bigger boat and transitioned to coastal cruising. Not completely ignorant of the rules, I dutifully tuned the VHF on our new boat to 16 and started hearing the box belch forth some very official-sounding transmissions from the Coast Guard. I also heard the local coasties chiding nearby boaters for misuse of 16: “Channel 16 is for hailing and distress only. Shift your traffic. US Coast Guard Sector OUT!” I quickly developed a near-phobia of even picking up the microphone.

coming up fast and wanted to overtake us safely on our port side. This was my introduction on how to observe Rule 34 (ecfr. gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapterE/part-83/subpart-D/section-83.34), using the radio. On the lake, we would just pass or be passed. This was suddenly getting much more complicated, and I wasn’t sure I liked it.

That evening, I scoured the internet and my well-thumbed copy of the Rules of the Road and vowed to get over my burgeoning fear of improperly using the VHF. I began reading everything I could about using the radio, but most of the articles and guides were geared toward what to say—“securité, pan pan, mayday, over, out, etc.”—but I didn’t find a lot of information about how to properly use the radio. Gradually, I grew more confident with the marine squawk box, but not before making

drawbridges are also on 9, or in cases where a boat nearby has an “open mic” situation and is consequently saturating the airwaves on 16 and making the channel virtually unusable in that area.

There are instances when you really need to keep watch on other channels as well, and if you don’t have a multiwatch capable radio or a scan feature, you will need a second radio—perhaps a handheld—so that you can maintain your required watch on 16 or 9 and a second watch on another channel. Most frequently, the second channel is 13, which is the designated channel for bridge to bridge (as in “ship’s bridge”) communications. Always monitor 13 in New York City, for instance. New York is a VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) port, and none of the commercial traffic monitor, or are required to monitor, 16. They are all on 13, and the VTS relays any important information to them if something pertinent is happening on 16. The designated VTS channel varies by port, so know the channel for where you are, if you are transiting one of the 12 US VTS ports.

loads of mistakes that I now witness boaters making every day, and it’s those mistakes that I’ll now enumerate in the hope of helping the radio-reticent among us.

Maintaining a Radio Watch

I remember when we first cast off lines to cruise the boat to Florida, we were underway on the Cape Fear River, where we purchased the boat, and we were hailed by a Coast Guard cutter well off our stern. Gingerly, I picked up the microphone and answered the hail. The cutter was calling to make passing arrangements—they were

This is the big one, which is why it’s first. Keeping a radio watch means far more than many people realize. On its face, of course, it means keeping your radio tuned to VHF 16. Alternatively, you can monitor VHF 9 instead or in addition to 16. I will sometimes switch to monitoring 9 in areas such as the ICW in Florida where all the

When I transit New York City, I set my handheld radio to 16 to maintain my required watch and tune my main radio to 13 to communicate with commercial traffic. Doing this probably saved lives the last time I came through. I was coming down the East River from Long Island Sound and had just come through Hell Gate when I answered a hail from a tug and barge. He was coming through behind me on the fair tide and the two slow trawlers ahead of me were not monitoring 13, were not keeping to the right of the channel (as required by Rule 9), and were not responding to his hails on 13. He was hoping

# Your VHF radio might seem intimidating, even scary at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Courtesy of Argo

that I knew them and was in communication with them, which I didn’t and wasn’t. I picked up my handheld and hailed them on 16 and told them they were about to become a statistic if they didn’t move out of the channel and start monitoring 13. I almost always maintain a dual watch on 13 everywhere since commercial traffic almost always has one of their radios on 13. You should too.

Hailing other Vessels

Okay, so you know which channels you should be monitoring. What about hailing? You just pick up the mic and start talking on 16, right? That’s the channel for hailing and distress, right? Well, yes… and no. Mostly no.

Channel 16 is the channel you hail on when you have failed to reach a vessel on the “bridge to bridge” channel on which they should also be keeping a watch: VHF 13. Always start there. No, really. Channel 16 is only for hailing and distress, and mostly the Coast Guard prefers that it be kept clear except for emergency use. It’s definitely not for making passing arrangements on inland waterways. The Coast Guard mostly tolerates doing so, but if you do find yourself having to hail on 16 to make passing/meeting arrangements, move to 13 after you have successfully hailed the other vessel. A lot of people move to 17 because it’s easy, but that frequency is set aside for local government use. It’s best to avoid it unless asked by local officials to “move there” for a conversation. Channel 13 is a low-power channel and exists for making arrangements between vessels. Use it.

So to recap: hail on 13 first. No answer? Try 9, since it’s the alternate mandatory watch channel, but has no use restrictions as 16 does. No answer? Reluctantly assume that no one got the memo and then hail on 16 using your radio’s low-power mode (more on that in a moment) and immediately move the conversation to 13 to make your passing/ meeting arrangements or exchange whatever other information you need to.

Use Low-Power Mode

I just alluded to this but try to make it a habit to switch to low-power mode when

hailing nearby vessels on 16. VHF radios work in a mode called “half-duplex.” When you are transmitting, you are not listening, and all anyone within range of your transmission can hear is your transmission. A telephone call is full duplex—both parties can talk at the same time. Half-duplex means that when you are not receiving you are transmitting, which is why an open mic problem on another vessel is so annoying.

Channel 16 is, by a default, a highpower channel because you need that transmission power in an emergency situation (incidentally, channel 13 is a lowpower channel—you don’t need 25 watts to transmit less than a mile!), but hailing that five-knot sailboat that you want to pass on the ICW is decidedly not an emergency situation, and switching to low-power mode to hail them may well prevent your half-duplex “local” radio traffic from interfering with a rescue operation somewhere out of receiving range of your radio set. That low power mode button is standard on nearly every VHF radio. Get into the habit of using it for short-range transmissions on high-power channels—especially 16. Doing so could well save lives.

Make Securité Calls

Most recreational vessels can co-exist in most situations, but you never know when you might encounter larger vessels or commercial traffic on a narrow or hazardous passage, and if there is current involved, it’s always best to make a securité call before you pass a “point of no return.” This could be any of the several “Hell Gate” passages, or the Rock Pile near Myrtle Beach on the ICW, or simply transiting a very narrow marina approach. It’s always better to warn other vessels of your intentions and give them a chance to clear the way for you before a situation develops. Make your call on both 13 and 16 (low-power, please). To begin the call, say “securité” three times, or merely say “security call,” express what your vessel will be doing in this hazardous area and how soon, and what channel you will be monitoring for “concerned traffic.” You might say, “Security Call. Motor yacht Rebel Heart will be transiting the Rocky Narrows in approximately four minutes. All concerned traffic contact Rebel Heart on one-three. Rebel Heart out.”

Be Legal

While you are boating only in US waters, you have an implied FCC license to use your VHF radio(s) on the boat. A VHF radio used as a shore station or from the land has no such implied license and MUST be licensed as a shore station. If you are going ashore and want to stay in contact with the mothership, don’t bring your handheld VHF. Bring a bog-standard walkie talkie or a cellphone to “keep in touch.” If you are traveling in international waters, you need an FCC-issued radio license for your VHF radios. Don’t use your radio in international waters (this includes Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas) without one. The consequences of unlicensed use of VHF radio frequencies in international waters can include fines and even prison time. It’s not worth it. Such ship-station licenses from the FCC are relatively inexpensive, easily available, and good for 10 years (fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/ maritime-mobile/ship-radio-stations/shipradio-stations). If you’ll be boating outside of US waters, get a license.

Radio Checks

There is nothing wrong with requesting a radio check to verify the function of your radio—just don’t do it on VHF 16. Seriously now; don’t do that. The Coast Guard routinely reminds mariners that “channel 16 is for hailing and distress only.” This warning also applies to radio checks. Ask for your radio check on channel 9 or one of the numerous “working channels” such as 68, 69, 71, 72.

Conclusions

There is much more that could be said on this subject. I could give examples of “what to say” and wax philosophilosophical with regard to the expected lingo of the VHF, but most articles I have read on the subject handle those facets fully. The above really are the biggest little-mentioned mistakes I see boaters making with their VHF radios everyday—and most, if not all, are mistakes I made myself when I first started cruising on coastal waters, ripped directly from the “I wish I had known sooner” files. When we work together and share vital information, we’re all safer on the waves! #

About the Author: Dave Rowe is a professional musician, full-time cruiser, and an ambassador for the Argo Navigation App. In 2018, he purchased a 38-foot Bayliner motoryacht he named Stinkpot and began to cruise the Great Loop. You can read more about Dave and his partner Stacey’s adventures on their Facebook page, “Our Adventures on Stinkpot,” and at aboardstinkpot.com

Chesapeake Boaters on the Great Loop

The crew and vessel

Annapolitans Jason and Nancy Sullivan, with their cavalier King Charles spaniel, Radar, are rounding the Great Loop aboard their 2023 Summit 54 Time & Tide. Nancy grew up sailing and boating on the Severn River and with her parents enjoyed many sailing adventures in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Jason sailed when he was in his teens and fished using skiffs in his ’20s but didn’t start cruising until he met Nancy.

During the last 13 years the couple has owned several boats, starting with a Grady White 23, and progressing to a Sealine C330, a Prestige 460, and their current vessel, Time & Tide, which they purchased for their Great Loop adventure. The motoryacht has large windows, a sun pad on the bow, roomy staterooms, and a washer and dryer, making it both well-appointed and comfortable for an extended trip.

The route

Jason and Nancy are traveling the Loop counterclockwise. After taking delivery of their boat in Stuart, FL, in 2023, they completed a two-week shakedown cruise in the Florida Keys before motoring to their home slip in Annapolis, where they spent the next couple of months outfitting her for the Loop.

They slipped the lines on May 30, with their then-22-year-old daughter aboard for the first week’s passage to New York City. The plan was to complete the Loop

Chesapeake boaters Nancy Merrill Sullivan and

Jason Sullivan are in the midst of completing America’s Great Loop, a 6000-mile voyage that takes boaters around the eastern half of the United States and into Canada. When we connected with Jason and Nancy, they were cruising the Bahamas. “Sun, sand, clear blue water in February—who wouldn’t want to do that?” says Nancy.

in a year’s time, taking a few side trips along the way.

Among their excursions off the main route, the couple has explored a bit of Lake Superior, cruised the Bahamas, and traveled up the “amazingly scenic” Tennessee River to Chattanooga. Like most Loopers making their way to the Gulf of Mexico, they chose to avoid heavy barge traffic on the Mississippi River by exiting the Tennessee to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, which also flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Not only is it a shorter route, but the waterway also offers more services for recreational vessels.

Navigating an unusual year

“In most years about 150 boats do the Great Loop, but 2023-24 has been very unusual,” says Nancy. “More than 300 boats are doing the Loop. The number is probably so large because of restrictions to travel during Covid.”

On top of that, the first three locks south of Chicago were rebuilt during the summer of 2023, blocking all southbound traffic from the Great Lakes— both commercial and recreational—from June 1 to October 1.

Jason says, “Kim Russo at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) did a great job getting all

# Jason and Nancy Sullivan

# Radar poses before the White Cliffs of Epes, which stretch along the banks of the Tombigbee River in Alabama.

the south-bound loopers organized into 16-boat flotillas. The biggest challenge was that the marinas south of Chicago only had slips for about 15-20 transient boats, and you can’t anchor on the Illinois River without blocking barge traffic. Having 50 boats go through in one day would have overwhelmed the few available facilities.”

Jason says, “The ALGCA negotiated with the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Corps reserved one lock-through for 16 recreational boats per day. Knowing that they would get us through was a big deal because commercial vessels always have priority on the inland waterways.”

Nancy adds, “Most of the Loopers joined a flotilla since being part of a group was easier and safer. Even with the flotillas, we had to wait two to three hours (sometimes circling and sometimes anchored) above locks. Our flotilla was number six, due to leave on October 6, but the Army Corps of Engineers was not quite finished rebuilding the

second of the three locks we would pass through. They asked all the flotillas to wait an additional five days. Our group was to stage in Joliet, IL, but for us it would have been a long day to get there, so along with about seven other members of our flotilla we chose to stay instead at a marina that was about a third of the way to Joliet, which ended up working out well for us.”

A magnificent mix

Nancy says, “Some Loopers connect with a group of boats that they meet early on and travel together all the way around. That’s not us. What often happens is that we’ll be with a group of boats for three or four days, and when they’re ready to leave a location, we want to stay another day or two. So, we will stay and pick up another group. We’ve met so many wonderful people this way. One time in Tennessee we were one boat in a group of four, and by chance three us were from the Annapo-

lis area: the Magothy, Severn, and South Rivers!”

Jason adds, “Stopping in small towns we’ve met some of the nicest, most generous, and down-to-earth people. It’s not uncommon for a liveaboard we meet in a marina to give us a ride to do an errand. One time, a small business owner where we were shopping even lent her car to us to drive 45 minutes to a veterinarian!”

About the other Loopers, Nancy says, “We’ve met four or five couples doing the Loop who did not have any previous boating experience. At first, we thought that seemed a little dangerous, but with some basic training, some real-time training, and by making careful decisions, they seem to be having a great time. We have also met lots of very experienced boating couples that have been cruising for years and others who have sold their houses and everything in them and now call their boats home. Some Loopers are retired. Others work remotely part or full time. It’s quite a magnificent mix of people!”

“When Nancy told me that the number of people who complete the Great Loop in a year is less than the number of people who summit Mt. Everest yearly, I was all in!”

~ Jason Sullivan

# Blue Hole Berry Island, Bahamas.

# Jason and Nancy passed through 108 locks.

# The Georgian Bay in Canada was one of Nancy and Jason’s favorite spots.

Home and family

As Nancy states, some Loopers rent or sell their “dirt home” while living aboard their “boat home.” Others go back to land for months at a time and complete the Loop over several years. The Sullivans return home occasionally. They have friends using their house while they are gone. In August they stopped in Annapolis for 48 hours on their way to a wedding, and Nancy came home for a week in October when Time & Tide was in Chicago. About the time that this issue of PropTalk hits the docks, the pair will be home again for a two-week stay.

Jason and Nancy have made it a point to include friends and family in the adventure. In New York City they visited Nancy’s cousin. In Mackinaw City, MI, they visited Nancy’s friend Lisa Borre, who has a cottage in the area. Lisa happens to be a former longtime contributor to SpinSheet and connected us to Nancy and Jason. Nancy’s sister joined them for a few days on the Tennessee River.

For the holidays, the couple shared Thanksgiving with one of Nancy’s childhood friends who lives in Oxford, MS. For Christmas they met all four generations of Jason’s family in Clearwater, FL, but not without a little last-minute rearranging. Situated in Carrabelle, FL, prepared to cross the Gulf of Mexico to Clearwater, they waited for a weather window. Finally, with no weather window in sight and the family flying in to meet them, Nancy and Jason ended up renting a car and driving to Clearwater, securing a rental property for the rest of the family, driving back to Carrabelle for

the boat, and making an overnight Gulf crossing to rendezvous for the holiday gathering!

Before leaving Florida, they slipped in another family visit, spending time in Marco Island with more of Jason’s family. When we spoke, our hospitable Loopers were in the Bahamas awaiting a few of Nancy’s friends to join them.

Memorable places

Nancy and Jason agree that the Georgian Bay in Canada was probably their favorite spot if they had to choose one, but other locales stand out because of their unexpected beauty. They found the shoreline along the Tennessee river to be spectacular. The river rolls through the forest of the Tennessee hills with 100-foot bluffs known as the Tennessee Grand Canyon. On Lake Michigan, both were amazed by the enormous sand dunes on the east side of the lake, which is dotted by beautiful beaches and quaint towns. “They make the Ocean City beaches look small,” says Nancy. “Now we know why people from home travel all the way to Michigan to vacation there every year!”

Advice to those considering the Loop:

• Don’t sit on the idea for 10 years or you may not get to go. You don’t need to start with lots of navigation, mechanical, or boating experience.

• The saying goes that the most dangerous thing to have on the Loop is a schedule. That is because it forces

you to take chances you wouldn’t otherwise take. We’ve found that usually when we make plans, the plans end up making things more difficult.

• We did 108 locks, and locks are more work than you’d expect. They’re not difficult, but it can be stressful and mentally fatiguing.

• We thought doing the Loop as a married couple would feel similar to taking a two- to three-week cruise, only longer. It’s actually a lot more work. It’s not an extended vacation. We are ‘working’ from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. most days.

• Each section has its own set of wonders and set of anxieties. You’re constantly planning ahead, and since you don’t know what you don’t know, you need alternative routes and anchorages.

• Headphones really are marriage savers. As soon as one spouse starts raising their voice, the other does too. Shouting turns into yelling and feelings get hurt. Keeping your tone of voice low makes a world of difference. We actually have a pillow that says, “Sorry for what I said while we were docking the boat!”

• Use the Nebo app to connect with other Loopers. Almost all of them have it. We help each other, track and text one another, make plans to meet for evening docktails, and share all kinds of information. Communicating with other Loopers is a good way to learn things like the best way to enter a harbor or where to find local spots that aren’t in the cruising guides.

# Time & Tide in the torquoise blue waters of the Bahamas.

# Exploring a castle in the Thousand Islands, which straddle the US-Canada border in the Saint Lawrence River.

CAs you’ll read in these pages, Chesapeake bay powerboat club members enjoy many fun cruises, social events, and educational opportunities. share your club’s excursions and other benefits of membership. send appproximately 350 words (sometimes longer) and clear photos of pretty boats and happy boaters to beth@proptalk. com. PropTalk’s Club Notes section is powered by argo navigation and social boating app (argonav.io). argo’s new Web app allows its premium subscribers to explore, plan, and document their trips on a desktop and sync effortlessly with any device.

orinthian Yacht Club (CYC), founded in 1903 in Georgetown and now located in Ridge, MD, conducted its Change of Watch for the 2024 season on January 13 at Solomons Island Yacht Club in Solomons, MD.

The new board that was sworn in is as follows: commodore Dolores Derrington, vice commodore Marv Storey, rear commodore Mary Johnston, fleet captain Tom Howard (in absentia), measurer Craig Zimmerman, secretary Teresa Berger, treasurer Dudley Chase, trustee Charlie Brown, and past commodore Bill Hayes (in absentia).

As part of the ceremonies, past commodore Brian Winsor filled in for outgoing commodore Bill Hayes to present the club’s Barker Award to past commodore Jim Test. The Barker Award is presented to a non-board member who served the club in an important capacity in some way. Jim led a committee this past year to review possibilities for a tract of land adjacent to the main club property and provided

Change of Watch

recommendations to the board and membership for consideration.

Winsor also ceremoniously presented the club’s Corinthian Gavel and Bennett Binoculars to incoming commodore Dolores Derrington, who served previously

as CYC commodore in 2008 and most recently served as secretary. Learn more about the club at cycchesapeake.com or on Facebook at CYC Chesapeake Group. For more information email cycsignals@gmail.com or call (301) 872-5187.

# Back Row: Craig Zimmerman, Charlie Brown, Dudley Chase, Marv Storey. Front Row: Mary Johnston, Dolores Derrington, Teresa Berger. Not pictured: Bill Hayes and Tom Howard.

Chesapeake Trawler Association News

In February, 10 members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter (CBC) of the Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) met for lunch at Amalfi Coast Restaurant in Stevensville, MD. The food was delicious, and the boating conversation was outstanding.

More lunchtime gatherings are scheduled for March and April, so come join us. CBC members should sign up on the website calendar. These off-season gettogethers are a great time to talk about far-flung boating adventures and the upcoming Chesapeake Bay cruising season.

CBC cruising begins in earnest in May, with a rendezvous in Rock Hall, MD. The following months our itinerary includes a Bay cruise in June, a York River cruise in July, a crab feast on the Sassafras River in August, and a rendezvous in Cambridge, MD, in September.

You don’t have to own a trawler to be a member of MTOA. MTOA welcomes all boaters who love the trawler lifestyle. Learn more at mtoa.clubexpress.com

The adventure of a lifetime A mer ica’s Great L oop

Are you ready for a journey that is both highadventure and low- risk?

Join our group of likeminded boaters exploring the 6,000mile waterway known as the Great Loop There’s no better way to travel extensively while remaining socially distant than aboard your own vessel! Whether you’re brand new to the idea of the Great Loop, actively planning your trip, or ready to drop the dock lines and something for you!

Visit us at ww w.greatloop.org or call 877- G R8 - LOOP

Membership in America’s G reat Loop Cruisers’ Association includes:

• Access to hundreds of harbor hosts to assist you with local knowledge around the route

• Participation in our discussion forum that

Great Loop-related questions and topics

• Webinars exclusively for members

• Discounts on dockage, fuel, equipment, and more

• Monthly digital magazines and newsletters

• Access to our distinctive AGLCA burgee

• Members-only events and so much more!

# Marion Brumback and Sue Bartlett at the January CBC lunch gathering.

Chili Cookoff and Mardi Gras Party

Every year the Back Creek Yacht Club (BCYC) hosts winter social events in Maryland and Florida that bring club members together during the off-season.

Members who are spending the winter in the Annapolis area recently held the

club’s annual Chili Cookoff, which was a big success. The event was well attended and presented six of the club’s finest chili recipes for evaluation. After all the entries had been sampled, when the votes were tallied, the award for best BCYC Chili went to Don Knab of Arnold, MD, for his beef chili. It was well seasoned and balanced with a hint of cinnamon. As a reward for his efforts, event host Tim Feldman presented Don with the “Best Chili Chef” hat.

In the warmer climate of Florida, the “snowbirds” of BCYC South held a Mardi Gras party to celebrate the occasion and show off their green, purple, and gold New Orleans fashion. Club members enjoyed homemade Cajun dishes, hurricane drinks, and king cake. Outgoing commodore John Yates was presented with the coveted “Past Commodore” hat, and a great time was had by all.

Our members are looking forward to several upcoming BCYC events, including the BCYC South Golf Tournament in Stuart, FL, and the St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour and Dinner at Killarney House in Davidsonville, MD. If you’re interested in joining BCYC, visit backcreekyc.org for more information.

American Power Boat Association

The American Power Boat Association marked the beginning of its 121st season in Orlando, FL, with a series of meetings and events that spanned four full days at the end of January. The event saw an impressive turnout of over 400 attendees, making it a truly successful gathering.

During our time in Orlando, discussions centered around growth, challenges, and opportunities within the powerboating industry. Commissions and committees engaged in conversations aimed at addressing key issues and exploring avenues for further development and advancement within their groups.

The approval of a new four-stroke engine has flowed through our Stock Outboard category and Junior classes establishing a new path forward with manufacturers and consistent availability.

The association is also excited to begin a transition into a digital registration platform, Trackside Systems, that will eventually become a widely used database for all of your race weekend information.

We honored 17 inductees into our coveted Hall of Champions, inducted two well-deserving members into the APBA Honor Squadron, and recognized two special individuals for their service to the organization through memorial service and leadership awards.

We look forward to this time every year and leave optimistic for the year ahead. We’ll meet again next January out west in Reno, NV. Our 121st season is off to a great start, and we can’t wait to see everyone on the water.

Southern Maryland Boating Club (SMBC) is a ‘Vintage Club’ in APBA. The APBA Vintage Committee is the SMBC’s direct connection to APBA and the authority over the club’s events. SMBC member Jim Berry serves on the committee as the Region Four representative, which covers six states. There are 10 regions in the U.S. Learn more about the club at southernmarylandboatclub.com

# Jeff Buckley leading the APBA’s Vintage Committee meeting.

Photo by Holly Jones/APBA

# John Loving and Bill Kranzer

# Tim Feldman and Don Knab

America’s Boating Club

Since its founding in 1914, America’s Boating Club (sometimes known as the US Sail and Power Squadron—USPS) has aimed to make boating better through education and safety programs. Members learn boating skills and engage in fun boating activities with their communities. Here are two of the many educational opportunities that America’s Boating Club chapters offer in the Chesapeake region. Find more in the calendar on page 32 and at proptalk.com/calendar

Annapolis Sail and Power Squadron will offer a course called Emergencies on Board. The class will take place on April 9 via Zoom, from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m. The cost is $10. Members and non-members are welcome. Participants will gain an understanding of the most common types of vessel emergencies and how to deal with them, how to handle onboard

fires, and how to recognize and prepare for medical emergencies. The curriculum will also cover how to communicate with crew, other boats, and first responders. Find details and registration information at aspsmd.org.

The Northern Neck Sail & Power Squadron will offer America’s Boating Course on Saturday April 13 in Kilmarnock, VA. This is an eight-hour course that begins at 10 a.m. The cost is $50. USPS charges only for materials and facilities. The instruction is provided by certified volunteer instructors at no additional charge. This seminar will cover fundamental boating knowledge, considerations for determining what type and size of boat you need or want to purchase, boating rules of the road, and how to recognize and handle hazards. Successful completion meets the boating education requirements for operator

permits of licensure in Virginia. Online preregistration is preferred; otherwise it is first-come, first-served. In-person registration begins April 13 at 9:30 am. Learn more at abcnnk.org.

Mark Your Calendars!

Really, it’s never too early to start planning your spring and summer weekends, especially when powerboat races are on the agenda! Stay tuned to race organization websites for more details as we get closer, and we will share more race events as the season progresses. Here are a few of the big ones:

2nd Annual Harford County Spring Nationals: May 11-12 at Flying Point Park in Edgewood, MD. Noon to 5 p.m. each day. Presented by the Kent Narrows Racing Association. kentnarrowsracing.com

The Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta: May 18-19 in Cambridge, MD. Racing takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting). The races happen on Hambrooks Bay off the Choptank River. Spectators can watch on land at Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh or can watch from their own boats on the water. The fleet will raft at Rooster Point; a no-wake zone will be established from Howell Point to the Choptank River Bridge. Admission is free with a $5 a day charge for parking. There will be a kids’ zone and food and drinks will be available. The race weekend will be kicked off this year with a concert by Tranzfusion on Friday Night starting at 6 p.m. This is the oldest active powerboat race in the country! The Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) will be kicking off their season at this race and will be coordinating all race activity. cpbra.com

Thunder on the Choptank: July 20-21 at Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh in Cambridge, MD. There will be lots of great food and drink options on site to make it a fun day for the whole family. Presented by the Kent Narrows Racing Association. kentnarrowsracing.com

The Hampton Cup Regatta: September 21-22 in Hampton, VA. Spectating areas are on the Mercury Blvd. bridge that leads to Fort Monroe and the grassy area on Stilwell Drive (the regatta no longer allows spectator boats during racing hours). Organizers recommend bringing your own seating. This event is free to attend. There will be food and beverages available for purchase (no outside food/beverages are allowed), along with a children’s area, and spectators can even meet the drivers and pit crews. hamptoncupregatta.com

# Non-stop action at the 2023 Harford County Spring Nationals.

# Photo courtesy of America’s Boating Club Facebook page

Making YOUR BOaT

1920s-Era Classic Chris-Craft Cadet

By Chris “Seabuddy” Brown

The St. Pete Boat Show is big. Really big; biggest boat show on the Gulf Coast. It’s over 40 years old and has seemingly endless rows of floating docks, each full of boats. There is a fair selection of trailer boats, but it is mostly a show of slip-berthed cruisers and yachts.

There is covered parking and a wellsigned entranceway to the show from it. It is a very enjoyable show and well managed. From center consoles to yachts, all the brands were there.

Now here is a classic that I was introduced to by attending the St Pete Boat Show.

In the roaring 1920s, Chris-Craft’s popular 22-foot triple cockpit runabouts were called “Cadets” in the company’s sales literature. Although Chris-Craft produced around 1058 of the 22-footer hulls over four years (1927-1931), few are in the level of condition now that would be considered show quality. Technically, only

the 1927 model year speedboats were labeled “Cadet” by Chris-Craft, but all four years of this model are now commonly called “Cadet” in the classic boat crowd.

They are an even 22-feet overall in length with a beam of six feet and a freeboard at the bow of 29 inches and the aft at 18 inches. The weight for these triple cockpit runabouts is around 2800 pounds. Various engines were installed over these years, but I think that they were around 100 to 110 hp. These are old engines even after they are rebuilt, and old engines simply have old engine problems. This Cadet speedboat has a modern small block V-8 and therefore both a higher cruise and top speeds. This also makes for a very usable runabout. But this replacement of a modern engine effects judging in a classic boat show.

The bottoms of the original runabouts were made up of two layers of planking with a canvas layer in between. The modern restoration of the bottoms uses 3M 5200 as the bedding layer between the two layers of bottom planking. This updated bottom better deals with higher speeds, both at cruising

Making YOUR BOaT New Again!

speeds and wide-open throttle. Again, a change that makes for a more usable and durable boat at the speeds that the V-8 provides.

This boat used batten-seam boat hull construction. Each plank is fastened to each batten and each frame. Batten seam construction is certainly more authentic in classic Chris-Crafts.

Now let’s share some Chris-Craft history:

The story begins in a small town in Algonac, MI. It was here that 13-year-old Christopher Columbus Smith built his first boat in 1874. In 1910, the Smith-Ryan Boat Company was formed.

In 1922, the Smith-Ryan Boat Company changed its name again, and so the Chris Smith & Sons Boat Company was formed.

Then, Gar Wood bought into the company.

In 1923 Chris Smith and his sons separated themselves from Gar Wood

and decided to operate their own boat building company under the name “Chris-Craft Boats.” Chris Smith wanted to build a full line of stock boats on a production system to reduce costs and make them more affordable. He was convinced that promotion, advertising, and high volume were the keys to achieving his goals.

Next Chris Smith renamed it “Chris Craft Corporation.” The Chris Smith family (with some partners along the way) owned the company from roughly 1874 until 1960.

After several owners, Erwin Jacobs (Genmar) became the owner. That business sold to Stellican for 10 million in 2001. Stellican sold to Winnebago in 2018 for 522 million. #

Boatshop Reports presented by

Marine Engine & Generator Sales • Parts •

By Capt. Rick Franke

It may not have been a bad winter, but it was winter, nonetheless. And now we are eagerly awaiting the return of the ospreys to confirm that spring has indeed arrived. We start off this month’s reports with an unusual “find.”

Boat restorers are always on the lookout for “barn finds.” A barn find is an old, sometimes rare, boat that was stored away and forgotten for many years. Restorers tell us that such finds are getting harder and harder to come by. One of our readers, Chuck Hoober of Elkton, MD, called in recently to tell us about a garage find. We’ll let Chuck tell the story:

“My Grandfather and his brother, from 1956 to 1962, operated a company in Intercourse, PA, called Skee Craft Boats. I think they built about 3800 boats during that period. The smallest one was a 14-foot runabout. At the time, Trojan’s major manufacturing facility was in Lancaster and employed about 700 employees, mostly Amish woodworkers. Trojan discontinued the 14-footer, and some of the Amish employees pulled in Grandpa to give them leadership to continue to build boats.

Skee Craft’s first assembly plant was in a chicken coop. Apparently the jig to build the 14-footers was bought from Trojan. That’s how they got started. By the last couple of years they were making 24-footers. They never made fiberglass boats; they only made wooden boats. Like so many builders they started to have a hard time in the early 60s competing with fiberglass boats. I guess they decided to shut it down rather than switch to fiberglass. He and his brother were in the boat business together, but Grandpa also had the International Harvester dealership, so he concentrated on selling tractors after Skee Craft closed,” he explained.

He then told the rest of the story, “So this fellow called me from the Poconos. He said he had just inherited a house and in the basement garage of this house there was a Skee Craft. He started looking the boat up on the computer and found that the Hoober name was connected to it. He put something out there on social media and my uncle saw it and had me call him. I made a trip up there and looked at the boat and bought it.”

When asked if he planned to restore the boat, he laughed. “There’s nothing to restore. To my knowledge the boat is still in its original condition; it’s never been repainted. The varnish has been touched up. That’s all. It’s an eight or nine out of 10. It’s a 1958 14-footer with a Johnson 35-horse Lark outboard. I don’t know if that runs; I haven’t tried that yet. I’ll have to take time to get it running. But that’s the only restoration needed. The last date we have on the sticker on the boat is 1977. That was probably the last time it was put in the water.”

David Evans, Jr., from Evans Boats in Crisfield, MD, sends us this great catch-up report. “It’s been a while since

I have gotten you a report, so I hope this finds you well. It’s been a pretty busy winter around the yard. We were fortunate to have a few of our boats set up at the Commercial Waterman’s Show in Ocean City, MD, in January. Included were a newly completed custom 36-foot Evans, as well as a newly refurbished and near completed 42-foot Somerset. The Somerset was the original Evans hull before the 2000s when we began constructing a new hull we designed that is now known as the Evans. We also had a used Eastern Shore Flats scow that was newly refurbished by our shop that was, and still is, for sale. We announced at the show that we have obtained the mold for the Eastern Shore Flats and will now be available to build these boats new! In a time when the Carolina Skiff style boats are nearly astronomical in price, the average waterman wants something with the same feel for less sticker shock. We hope to offer that!

“In addition to these things, we have spent this winter building our newest addition to our boat hauling fleet: a brand new, four-axle hydraulic trailer. We will have more information on that as we get

# Two heirlooms: a 1958 14-foot Skee Craft being towed by a 1952 Farmall Super C tractor in Elkton, MD. Photo by C. Hoober

closer to completion. We are currently housing about six workboats in our shop that are currently undergoing a number of repairs. From fuel tank and deck replacements to new cabins, to the complete and total reconstruction of older vessels, we are blessed to be able to serve our customers for another year with quality work that the Evans brand has provided for almost 40 years. The economic challenges that we face are unprecedented, but as we adapt together, we are committed to providing the same quality service for our customers as we move forward together.”

Andy Dize from Roudebush Yacht and Engine Works in Dundalk, MD, sends us this update. “With the warming temperatures, the workload at Roudebush Yacht and Engine Works is also heating up. We recently completed the fiberglass transom repair and the reinstallation of the outboard motors for a Grady White 25. Currently we are working on a fiberglass rail repair and repaint of a Proline 19. Our future repair/upgrade workload is shaping up nicely to include an anchor windlass installation on a CS 41 and adding lead ballast to the keels of

a Wave Rover 650 sailboat. In addition to the repair projects, we are in discussions with prospective owners to build up to three 21-foot Wave Rover 650 sailboats. An article on the Wave Rover 650 Project will be posted in the April edition of SpinSheet. Roudebush Yacht and Engine Works is a full-service yacht repair facility, supplying new construction, fiberglass repair, painting, mechanical, electrical, and electronics installation and repair. Reach out to Andy Dize to discuss your maintenance and repair needs.”

The following report comes from an American Cruise Lines news release. “American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that it currently has five more new ships under construction, all scheduled for delivery over the next two years. These are in addition to the three ships the Line took delivery of this year. All five ships will be for the U.S. market and will include a mix of American Riverboats and Coastal Cats. ‘The new contract is an exciting expansion of the American Cruise Lines fleet,’ said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines. ‘After several years building the

coastal fleet, we are once again ready to begin building out the U.S. River cruise capacity.’ The new ships will be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD. Steven McGee, president of Chesapeake Shipbuilding, brought us up to date on the Coastal Cats program. ‘We launched the third one (American Liberty) early, on February 15, and are currently two months ahead of schedule for her August delivery. The fourth, American Legend, is under construction with 80 percent of the hull scantlings, main deck and below, erected.  The final touches are being made to the design of a new class of vessel that is intended to be similar to the coastal cats but has a traditional bow for better operations offshore.’”

Rob Hardy of Composite Yacht in Trappe, MD, brings us up to date on his busy shop.

“We actually have two brand new models underway right now. The CY50 is very much a Chesapeake Bay style boat, but with a slightly faster bottom and a single 1650-hp MTU M96l diesel mated with a V- drive since the owner wants to do 40 knots. That’s new, as is our CY39,

# A Sonny Briggs Carolina Flare sports a new coat of AwlGrip at Tiffany Yachts in Burgess, VA. Courtesy of TY

# A 1650-HP MTU diesel being mated to a V-drive and installed in a CY50 at Composite Yacht in Trappe, MD. Courtesy of CY

# A Proline 19 being repainted and having its side repaired at Roudebush Yacht and Engine Works in Dundalk, MD. Courtesy of RYEW

# Jeff Deckelman with Retriever, a 1968 Egg Harbor restored at Deckelman’s Marine in Essex, MD. Photo by B. Griffin

which is designed for outboards. Both hulls were designed by Lou Codega, who is most well-known for designing the Regulators. We’ve got a 42-footer underway that we’re hanging outboards on, which is a cut down Markley 46. There’s also one of our CY26 Offshore boats underway that is getting a single outboard and a full upper station. She’ll

be primarily a southern Bay Cobia boat. We’re steady with the paint work, and we’ve got a few other interesting projects going on, like rehabbing Burt Reynolds’s old boat. We’re also redoing a hydroplane race boat and then we’ve got a one-off here for transom replacement and hull paint.”

Richard Hawse in Pasadena, MD, brings us up to date on his backyard project My Way. “The hardtop is being built right now. The chases are being cut in this (the top) so you can have the pod installed on the top. I’ve been fairing the inside of the bridge and put it in primer. The console is in primer and when I get all the electronics in it, the fly bridge will

be fully assembled and it should go on the boat in the next couple of months,” he explained. “The steering system is going to be all electric or steer by wire.” He showed me the steering wheel hub and pointed out that there were two electrical contacts and that was all. No hoses or cables, just wires to connect to the computer which controls the

steering rams. “Hopefully,” Richard concluded, “In September the boat’s going to go down the road. That’s the goal; from here to Ventnor and from Ventnor to Gibson Island Boat Works and finish out the winter there. That’s if I’m lucky!” He laughed.

That’s it for this month. Join us next month when we will be ready for the

#

Photo by B. Griffin

My

Richard Hawse’s backyard building project is out of the shed and making progress toward

in Pasadena, MD. Photo by Rick Franke

By Lenny Rudow

2024 Striped Bass Regulations Come Into Focus

At the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) meeting this winter, board members voted to institute Baywide striped bass regulations for the Chesapeake combining all jurisdictions (Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and the Potomac River). All anglers will be allowed to keep one striped bass per day, between 19 and 24 inches long. Seasons will mirror 2022. However, as we go to press, there are still additional regulations for the state of Maryland which are yet to be finalized. Coastal striped bass regulations have also been set, maintaining the previous 28- to 31-inch slot with a limit of one fish per person per day, and Commissioners voted to cut commercial striped bass harvest quotas by seven percent.

This move by the ASMFC eliminates “sector separation,” which is the uneven bag limit between anglers on charter boats and individuals fishing from private boats or shore. Public comment regarding the practice was 2344 against sector

Rockin’ the Rock Bass

Thomas Over, Jr. is one happy angler! This winter he was fishing in the Susquehanna River jigging for yellow perch, when a 10.5-inch, one-pound rock bass smashed his red and white tube jig. The rock bass ties Over with the 1997 record for Maryland set by Timouthy Adams, also on the Susquehanna River.

separation, and 55 in favor. For several years Maryland has shifted limits and seasons to accommodate a second fish for charter boat anglers, despite previous public comment also being overwhelming against doing so. Maryland’s DNR representative on the ASMFC board, Michael Luisi, lobbied vigorously to continue this practice and the state collectively voted to do so; however, was outvoted despite three attempts to propose different management schemes.

Additionally, the state of Maryland has passed emergency regulations to eliminate May trophy season and all targeting of striped bass, including catchand-release fishing, to May 15. Targeting rockfish on the Susquehanna Flats is now also disallowed through the month of May. What remains TBD for the state is

an additional week of summer closure (extending the July shut-down through August 7) and closing the hook-and-line commercial season during the recreational season closure.

Flying Free

The Free State Fly Fishers have announced a great spring program for the month of April, starting with a club meeting on the third of the month at 7:30 p.m. featuring speaker Mike Slepsky of Tightlining Guide Servies. On April 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. they’ll have fly tying instruction, and then fly fishing sharpie Joe Bruce will present “How to Attack Pads and Catch More Fish” on Saturday the 20th at 10 a.m. All are welcome, there’s no fee to attend, and all meetings are held at the Davidsonville Family Recreation Center at 3789 Queen Anne Bridge Rd, Davidsonville, MD. The club will also have an outing to Western Maryland later this month. Visit fs-ff.com to learn the details.

# Fish like this falling between 28 and 31 inches will be legal to keep along the coast in 2024, but any caught in the Chesapeake Bay over 24 inches will have to be released.

Ricky’s Life – Not Defined by His Disability

I became disabled in August of 1980 at Sandy Point Beach diving off one of my cousin’s shoulders. We had been diving all day and I said I was going to take one more dive and that one was my last. I almost drowned because everyone thought I was joking. I became paralyzed from the neck down for about a year. I was told by doctors that I wouldn’t be able to feed myself again, but after that year they diagnosed me as an incomplete quadriplegic because I have some use in all four limbs after staying in the hospital for about a year getting therapy. I have been in and out of therapy for years. I heard of Fish Redeemer through one of my therapists, so I booked to have fun with my family, my cousins, one friend, and a nephew. We are all baby boys of each family. My cousin who is also in a wheelchair got hurt a year after I did and is a paraplegic and his sister approximately a year after that became a quadriplegic. We may have a disability, but we have the ability to still live laugh, and have fun. The fishing trip was a great experience for all of us. We never knew that there was an organization out there like yours that assists those with disabilities and veterans. The guys (Captain Greg, Tony, Curt, and Ray) were really nice and helpful. I pray God continues to bless this organization and everyone connected. Thanks so much. We look forward to the next trip.

Mad (Again) Over Menhaden

This winter Northampton County, VA, passed a resolution to ban industrial menhaden reduction fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia state waters. The resolution cited 17 net spills between 2018 and 2022, which caused thousands of dead menhaden and red drum to wash up on the shores of Northampton County and triggered park closures, public health, and tourism issues. The County stated the position that “Industrial menhaden fishing should be prohibited within the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and three miles of all lands of the Commonwealth.”

T# Dead redfish and menhaden litter the beaches of the ESVA in 2022, courtesy of Omega Protein.

B.A.S.S. Tragedy

wo bass boats collided at high speed in dense fog this winter while practice-angling on Lake Murray, prior to a Bassmaster College Series tournament in South Carolina. Angler Jonathan Brian, 21, from Shelbyville, KY, was killed, and two other anglers were taken to the hospital and released. A fourth angler aboard one of the boats was unharmed. At press time the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was investigating the incident and said there wasn’t yet word of the cause; however, other anglers stated they “couldn’t see 50 feet,” and that there was another near collision when a boat driving towards the sound of the accident intending to lend assistance veered out of the way.

T O u RNAMENT N EWS

Flounder Pounder

April 26 is day one of Captain Steve’s 2024 Spring Flounder Tournament in Chincoteague, VA. Fishing runs through May 5 and can take place anywhere, but fish must be weighed at Captain Steve’s. First prize is $1000; visit stevesbaitandtackle.com for the details.

WComing This June…

e have a while yet to wait, but the Ike Foundation has announced that its annual Pro-Am Bass Tournament will be held June 1 on the Chesapeake. It will run out of Anchor Marina in North East, Saturday, June 1, with prizes totaling $40,000 and a first place prize of a new BassCat Bobcat bass boat with a Yamaha outboard. More important than the prizes, this tournament is the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds go to furthering their mission to get more kids into fishing and the outdoors, especially youth in areas where such activities are not readily available. Visit theikefoundation.org to learn more.

BR ok ERAGE &

Help a

Veteran

S&J Yachts, Brokers for Fine Yachts With 10 locations from Maine to Florida, S&J Yachts is one of the largest full-service yacht brokerages on the East Coast. Our extensive reach & marketing helps find top buyers quickly. S&J Yachts has established an outstanding reputation for integrity and service! Our experienced team of brokers is committed to serving both buyers and sellers, ensuring fair practices and complete satisfaction with every deal. Whether sail or power, we’ll help you find the perfect fit! 410.639.2777 info@sjyachts.com www.sjyachts.com

Yacht Brokers of Annapolis

From cruising the Potomac River in his powerboat to racing sailboats on the Chesapeake Bay, Drake Bowers loves all aspects of boating. A native of Northern Virginia, he recently graduated from The College of Charleston, where he continued to enjoy life on the water. After returning home, Drake joined the YBOA team working to help clients realize their own boating dreams. Phone: 703.869.8162 Email: Drake@YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com

BROKER

Yacht Brokers of Annapolis A native of the Annapolis area, Matthew Sansbury has always had a love for being on the water. Prior to opening Yacht Brokers of Annapolis, Matt worked as a marine service technician as well as a commercial electrician. His passion for boating and his technical expertise make him a trusted resource for both buying and selling quality yachts.

Phone: 410.206.2755 Email: Matt@YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com

Yacht Brokers of Annapolis An avid boater his whole life, Caleb McCutcheon always knew he wanted a career in the marine industry. He began at Harbor East Marina as a dockhand and crew on charter boats in the Chesapeake Bay. Caleb then took an opportunity to become a deckhand aboard superyachts in the Caribbean. His wide range of experience and skills easily transition over to the sales side, allowing Caleb to provide genuine service to his clients.

Phone: 240.675.4844, Email: Caleb@YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com

Yacht View Brokerage, LLC announces our new 8% commission, which may include complimentary Annapolis dockage (for yachts above 100K and up to 80’ in length) and 10% co-brokerage listing commission! We will successfully market your yacht from her current East Coast location or arrange delivery to our secure dockage for yachts from 30’-80’ (Power/Sail). Located 20 minutes from BWI airport, our listings are easily inspected and demonstrated to prospective buyers. Targeted print advertising & Yachtworld.com MLS internet exposure with wide angle/high resolution photos and video. Over 30 years proven customer service! Call/ text Capt. John Kaiser, Jr. @ 443.223.7864. Email your yacht’s details for a full market appraisal to: john@yachtview.com www.yachtview.com

YaZu Yachting With a career in construction equipment rental and sales, thirty plus years boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and a twenty-year Gwynns Island resident, Bob Hoefer has taken his sales talents to the water with a new career at YaZu Yachting. “Understanding the importance of relationship building in any sales arena, I am eager to meet and get to know new people. Whether in the acquisition of their new boat or the sale of their current boat, it all starts with a relationship.” 804.241.8924 bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

18’ Sea Ray ‘98 $21,000 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

20’ Bertram Sportsman ‘68 Ctr Console Total refit w/ trailer. 235Hp Mercruiser Bravo V6. $75,000 Call 443.534.9473

20’ Bertram Sportsman ‘68 Ctr Console Classic 165 FWC Mercruiser. Totally restored w/ trailer. $55,000 Call 443.534.9473

2022 Sportsman open 212CC

F150XB Yamaha Outboard, Venture VATB-4225 Trailer, Explorer Blue w/ White Bottom, Ash Gray Upholstery, Offshore Package, T-Top, Premium Dual Chair Leaning Post w/ Flip-up Bolsters, Hours - 134, Vinyl Teak Flooring, and more! $63,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com

www.riversideboats.com #20778

2021 Robalo Boats 222 CC

F200XB Yamaha Outboard, Yamaha Extended Warranty until 3/5/26, Hours - 192, Coyote Aluminum Tandem Trailer w/ Brakes and Winch, Center Console Cover, Hard Top w/ Electronics Box, Rocket Launcher, Spreader Light, Leaning Post, Compass, Simrad GPS, Simrad VHF, and more! $69,995

Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com

www.riversideboats.com #20677

2022 Bayliner DX2200 150 EFI 4S Mercury Outboard, Mercury Warranty until 5/14/25, Venture Aluminum

Trailer, Full Windshield w/ Opening Center Panel, Stainless Steel Upgrade, Bimini Top w/ Boot, Bow Well and Cockpit Cover, Transom Shower w/ Demand Water, Portable Head, Simrad GPS, and more! $56,995

Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com

www.riversideboats.com #20672

Brokerage & Classified

2023 Bayliner Trophy T22CC 200 4S Non-DTS Mercury Outboard Upgrade, Mercury Warranty until 8/7/26, Hours56, Karavan Tandem Axle Galvanized Trailer, Black Hull w/ White Bottom, Coastline Interior - Tan, Trophy Decal Upgrade, Stainless Steel Upgrade Package, Console and Helm Seat Cover, T-Top w/ Rail Mount Rod Holders, Simrad 9” Digital Dash w/ VesselView Link, and more! $59,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20655

2016 Sportsman open 232 CC F200XB Yamaha Outboard, Hours640, Engine Cover, (New trailer available for $5,439, Used trailer available for $3,500), Offshore Package, 12” Simrad GPS w/ Stereo, Structurescan Transducer, Porta Potty, Under Leaning Post Tackle Station, Slide Out Cooler. Purchased new from Riverside w/ all services performed by us, customer trading up to a new Sportsman Heritage 261! $56,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20679

2017 Everglades 230 CC

Well-constructed & maintained midsized center-console w/ variety of options, safety features & equipment. Contemporary helm, dash/console is spacious, secure & offers storage, visibility, function and protection with the sliding windshield and hardtop. $115,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

23’ Custom Cruiser ‘05 90Hp Yamaha 4-stroke, equipped for coastal cruising, chart plotter, radar, auto-pilot, fridge, microwave, butane stove, TV, stereo, 3 berths, dinette, separate head, inverter/charger, recently surveyed. $49,500 For more info, call 410.798.7661

2022 Bayliner Trophy T24CC 250 4S Mercury Outboard, Mercury Warranty until 7/16/25, Hours - 30, Power Assist Steering, (new trailer shown in photos is available for $6,746), CC Fishing Seats w/ Livewell, Digital Dash w/ Mercury Vesselview link - Twin 9” GPS, and more! $69,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20671

2005 Boston Whaler 240 Everything on this boat is new… Garmin electronics, Mercury Verado 300 (under 100 hours), custom wrap, T-top, Sea Deck throughout. New wiring, plumbing, batteries, etc. $120,000 S&J Yachts 410.571.3605 www.sjyachts.com

2016 24’ Yellowfin 24 Bay CE 2020 Mercury Verado 400Hp with >200 hours! Carbon fiber hull. Simrad EVO3 with 16” display. 8’ Power Poles. Trailer included. Check out this fishing machine! $140,000 Deltaville, VA. Contact Matt Lambert 804.432.9037 or matt@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

2022 Sportsman Masters 247 BB

Yamaha LF300XSB w/ Digital Electric Steering - Custom White, Yamaha Extended Warranty until 7/10/28, Hours - 137, Owen & Sons Aluminum Tandem Axle Slide-on Trailer w/ Brakes and Spare Tire, Under Leaning Post Tackle Storage, Second Garmin 12” GPSMap 1243xsv, Garmin Fantom 18 Radome, Minnkotoa Terrova Trolling Motor, and more! $112,750 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20708

Jeanneau 24’ New NC695 S-2 Sport 2023MY Yamaha F175 4-stroke, DEC control pkg., AFT steering station, separate head compartment w/ electric toilet, unique hull design, super loaded, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show. $99,997 (Stock# BJ-131) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

Jeanneau 24’ New NC795 S-2 Weekender Legend Blue Hull upgraded, Yamaha F250 4-stroke, DEC control pkg., separate head compartment w/ electric toilet, super Loaded, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show, call for info. $139,999 (Stock# BJ136) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

2017 Carolina Skiff 258 DLV VERY well-maintained! Suzuki 200 4-stoke (600 hours), LoadRite Elite Aluminum bunk trailer, Minn Kota Riptide Terrova trolling motor, Garmin electronics, Furuno sonar, underwater lights, baitwell, stereo, much more! $50,000 410.708.1467

2021 Everglades 253 CC 25’ Brokerage - Yamaha 300, blue hull, power poles, Garmin electronics, trailer - Ready to go! $155,000 Call Mike Titgemeyer 410.703.7986 or www.seattleyachts.com

2011 Cutwater 26 Ideal pocket cruising yacht, thoughtfully owned and maintained. Features include generator, bow and stern thrusters, A/C, upgraded electronics and more. Contact Grady Byus at 410.533.9879 or Grady@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2019 Regal LS6 V8 350 DuoProp Volvo Penta, Hours - 322, 2020 Venture VATB-7225 Aluminum Tandem Trailer w/ Brakes and Spare Tire, Sunshade System - Bow and Cockpit, Cockpit Seagrass Mat, Bimini Top, Bow Cover, Cockpit Cover, Garmin GPS, Arch, Anchor Windlass, Fusion Stereo, Enclosed Head, Lift kept, and more! $89,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20662

2020 key West 261CC Twin F200XCA Digital Yamaha Outboards, Hour Meter - 381, Engine Warranty until 3/31/26, Load-Rite Aluminum Trailer, Light Blue Hull / White Bottom, Hardtop, Electronics Box, Rocket Launchers, Spreader Light, Garmin Electronics Package, and more! $129,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20661

Jeanneau 26’ New NC 795 S-2 Sport 2024MY Yamaha F250 4-stroke, Helm Master w/ joystick and auto pilot, AFT steering station separate head compartment w/ electric toilet, unique hull design, super loaded, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show, call for info. (Stock# BJ-142) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

(Dream Catcher) 27’ Rinker ‘05 $32,900 Lin Earley 757.672.2778 lin@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Mental Rehab) 27’ Rinker ‘05 $39,900 Dan Tisoskey 267.784.7229 dant@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

2022 Nimbus C8 27’ Brokerage - Mercury F300 XL, Bow thruster, Zipwake, windlass, Simrad electronics pkg, heater/defroster, trailer, turnkey. Ready to go - 3 season boat. $169,000 Call Jeff Jordan 410.320.5183 or www.seattleyachts.com

27’ Cherubini ‘13 $195,000 Jack Kelly 609.517.2822 jack@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Read boat reviews online at proptalk.com

Ranger Tugs R-27 CB 2020 Only 315 hours on Yamaha 300Hp. A/C and Rev. Cycle Heat. AIS. Anchor Package. Autopilot. Garmin. Macerator. Solar panel and more! $215,987 Call John Osborne at 410.490.6250 or john@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com

2012 Pursuit C 280 Very low hours, well-equipped, and lift kept since new. Excellent fishing platform with aggressive deadrise for handling rough water. Contact Ken Comerford at 410.991.1511 or Ken@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2020 Tidewater 280 CC Adventure A versatile boat that can be used for a variety of activities such as daycruising, freshwater-fishing, and saltwater-fishing. The comfortable seating and amenities make it an excellent choice for day-cruising. $161,900 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

28’ Regal ‘15 $109,000 Dan Tisoskey 267.784.7229 dant@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Chaparral 28’ 0SX 280 2021MY Twin Yamaha F200 white 4-stroke, Optimus joystick 360 control, head w/ electronic toilet, loaded, super clean, like new condition. $189,900 OBO (Stock# U-404) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

2019 Mathews Brothers Patriot 29 Freshly repainted, comes with full Garmin electronics package, GS, Radar, VHF and Autopilot. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@ NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2020 29’ Monterey 295 Sport

Yacht One Owner, Mercury 8.2 Mag 380Hp Engine (48 Hours) w/ Bravo III Outdrive, Westerbeke 3.5KW Gas Generator (30 Hours) A/C w/ Reverse Cycle Heat (8000BTU), Raymarine Electronics Package, Full Cockpit Canvas, PRICED TO SELL!! $155,000 Urbanna, VA. Call Bob Hoefer 804.241.8924 or bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

1992 Wilbur 30 (Scout) BrokerageClassic Downeast design; blue hull; extensive recent electronics; low hours on Cat 3116; full enclosure; varnished teak. $138,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.593.7531 or www.seattleyachts.com

2020 Nimbus W9 30’ Brokerage - Weekend Cruiser, Single cabin, enclosed head, Electric Slide roof, trailer, Mercury 300Hp w/ Bow thruster, and more - Ready to go! VERY lightly used - 140 hours on engine. Over 300k to replace - Asking $210,000 Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.seattleyachts.com

2023 Nimbus T9 30’ New - Hull #95Single Mercury 450R, Foiled HullGraphite, Thruster, Radar, underwater lights and more. Yacht quality in a modern daybook design. $290,000 Visit Seattle Yachts Annapolis for a closer look. 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com

2023 Nimbus W9 30’ New - Hull #238 Great day boat and weekender design for family pleasure and on the water fun! Single 300Hp Mercury, Thruster, Radar and More... $263,000 Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com

2023 ocean Sport 30 New - Hull #123 of this offshore fishing designed hull. Offshore capable - Twin 350 Mercury outboards. Quality build, fish or cruise! Ready to sea trial! $490,000 Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com

Cutwater C-30 CB 2019 Immaculately maintained. 2 Webascto A/C units. Volvo Penta 435. Bow/Stern Thrusters. Onan Generator and more! $274,987 Call Josh Miller at 810.531.9191 or jmiller@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com

30’ Regal 3060 Commodore ‘03 Wellkept interior w/ ample amount of space for growing family. Kohler generator. SS Propane Grill, swim platform. $39,900 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.800, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com

Jeanneau 30’ New Leader 9.0 CC

2023MY Twin Yamaha F250 4-stroke, Helm Master joystick w/ auto pilot, powder coated hard top, super loaded, turnkey ready, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show. $199,981 OBO (Stock# BJ-162) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

Jeanneau 30’ New Leader 9.0 WA

2024MY Twin Yamaha F250 4-stroke, Helm Master joystick w/ auto pilot, powder coated hard top, generator, air conditioning, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show, call for info. (Stock# BJ-146) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

Jeanneau 30’ New NC895 S-2 Sport

2024MY Twin F250 4-stroke, Helm Master w/ joystick and auto pilot, separate head compartment w/ electric toilet, unique hull design, super loaded, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show, call for info. (Stock# BJ-158) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

2018 Sportsman open 312 CC Twin 300 Yamaha Outboards, custom painted White, Yamaha Factory Engine Warranty good until 6/19/24, Engine hours: 639, (New Tri-axle Trailer available for $11,129), Optimus Electric Power Steering, 2x Simrad NSS16” evo3 MFDs, Simrad Dome Radar, Simrad RS35 VHF. Service fully up to date, records on hand. **Boat is currently wrapped but is available to board & view** $199,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com www.riversideboats.com #20745

Jeanneau 31’ New NC 895 S-1 Weekender 2024MY Twin Yamaha F2004 4-stroke, Generator, air conditioning, hot water, live aboard, super loaded, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show, call for info. (Stock# BJ-76) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

(Restless Spirit) 32’ Nordic Tug ‘85 $119,000 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

2014 Regal 32 Express BrokerageCruise Ready - equipped with Air Con, Genset. Well-maintained and lift kept. Asking $159,000 Trade-In-Offers encouraged. Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.seattleyachts.com

2021 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer A true natural, the Sundancer 320 Outboard reimagines the possibilities of how a cruiser can look, feel and perform. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

32’ Four Winns Vista Cruiser ‘05 New top and canvas enclosures, swim platform, Volvo Penta engine. Galley and wet bar. $75,900 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.800, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com

(Elba) 31’ ocean Master ‘98 $85,000 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Lady Nicole) 33’ Bertram ‘80 $45,000 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

2002 Grady White 330 Express Extremely well equipped to fish outfitted with full tower, outriggers, and recent re-power in 2019 with Yama F300’s still under warranty. Contact Chris Beardsley at 315.447.1251 or Chris@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

33’ Bavaria Vida 33 ‘23 TWO IN STOCK NOW: MD & FL. **Special opportunity on FL boat - Call** Perfect for day/weekend fast cruising! A fun boat w/ a ton of room. Twin Merc 300Hp OB’s surrounded by swim platform. Axius joystick, large retractable sunroof, galley up. Below: A/C, head/shwr, lounge area w/ table. Call S&J Yachts for details 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

33’ Formula 330 SS ‘05 T-MerCruiser 375Hp, Galley w/ microwave, eating area, head. Open outside seating. New impellers in 2022. $64,900 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.800, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com

(Dottie k) 34’ Silverton ‘05 $124,500 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

34’ Formula 34 PC ‘97 T-MerCruiser 454, Generator, Galley, eating area. Head w/ shower, outdoor seating. $36,500 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.800, shmys@ sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com

Jeanneau 34’ NC1095 Fly Weekender

2022MY Twin Yamaha F300 4-stroke, flybridge features sunbed and Bimini top, generator, air conditioning, well equipped, like new condition, low hours, factory warranty. $409,900 OBO (Stock# U-405) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

Jeanneau 34’ NC1095 Weekender

2023MY Twin Yamaha F300 4-stroke, Sedan model, generator, air conditioning, super loaded, live aboard, like new condition, low hours, factory warranty. $399,990 OBO (Stock# U-379) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

2007 Triton 351 Express Repowered in 2021 w/ Triple Mercury Verado V8 300s. Price recently reduced. Contact Mike Coe at 410.387.8859 or Mike@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

(Eltinar) 36’ kadey-krogen ‘86 $149,500 Curtis Stokes 410.919.4900 curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Handcrafted in Italy for over 130 years by the Fratelli family. A luxurious yacht w/ stunning interior. Spectacular Performance. A dry and comfortable ride at 30 + knots. Stand out from the crowd with this very elegant Yacht! Lightly used as a demo boat. Now offered for sale. $997,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2011 MJM 36 Downeast Lift kept with upgrades to electronics, power windshield and pilot house cushions. Twin Volvo 220hp D3 diesels fully serviced in 2023. Contact David Malkin at 443.790.2786 or David@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

36’ Silverton 361 Express ‘95 Comfortable outdoor seating. Well-kept and clean interior. Crusader Twin 454 XL engines. No generator. Swim deck, full canvas enclosure. $45,900 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.800, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com

2019 Tiara Sport 38 LS Perfect boat for day yachting with family and friends. Equipped with triple Yamaha 350’s, painted to match the hull. Contact David Malkin at 443.790.2786 or David@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2021 Tiara Yachts 38 LS Lift kept, lower hours (150 hrs) on triple mercury 400s, optioned with Seakeeper, radar, painted engines to match the hull, and more. Contact Jack McGuire at 401.290.7066 or Jack@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

2003 Carver 396 Exceptionally maintained cruising & liveaboard vessel. Low engine hours & ample outfitting. Her current owners have ensured she is cruise away ready. $169,000 S&J Yachts 410.571.3605 www.sjyachts.com

2004 40’ Silverton 35 MY Updated & well-maintained. Beautiful cherry woods and genuine Corian abound. 2 full staterooms, each w/ full head & shower. Entertainment sized salon & galley. Twin Crusader 8.1’s MPI’s. $140,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2023 Nimbus T11 40’ Brokerage - T11 #186 - Twin 400 Mercs. Joystick, Thruster, Open day boat layout w/ yacht construction quality. 2 Cabins and enclosed head. $439,000 (Over $525K to buy new). Well-equipped! Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com

40’ Bavaria R40 Coupe ‘23 IN STOCK NOW - Wonderful Great Loop boat! Sun pad lounging on foredeck. Retractable sunroof. Large light-filled salon w/ galley & dining area. 2 large staterooms w/ centerline berths, 2 heads, hydraulic swim platform… S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2024 Nordic Tug 40’ New - Hull #12 InBuild. Cummins Engine & Genset Specs. Air, Thrusters and more! Available NOW! Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis for more info at 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com

2009 40’ Monterey 400 Sport Yacht Twin Diesel 370Hp Volvo Penta 500 IPS Pods Joystick Control, Fischer Panda 8KW Generator, Cockpit Helm AC, Cockpit Grill and Refrigerator, 2 Stateroom, 2 Heads w/ Separate Showers, Custom Cockpit Awning. $219,950 Whitestone, VA. Call Bob Hoefer 804.241.8924 or bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

Meridian 408 2007 With less than 500 hours on her Cummins 380 QSB electronic diesels, this 2007 Meridian 408 is a boat you should definitely see. New canvas all around and great condition completes the package. $229,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

(Sea Cloud) 41’ Mainship ‘90 $40,000 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

36’ Fratelli Aprea Sorrento 2022

41’ Bavaria SR41 HT ‘23 MUST SELL NOW! INCREDIBLE PRICE SAVINGS! Loaded w/ options and ready for the “Loop.” 2 large staterooms, 2 heads. Galley up and down. Hydraulic swim platform w/ Highfield dinghy, Canvas enclosure, Generator, A/C, large electric sunroof, much more. REDUCED $499,900 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

41’ Menorquin 120 ‘04 Powerful yacht w/ semi-displacement hull will do 20 knots. Twin Volvo 285Hp. Old-world tradition w/ sophistication & technology. Stands out in any harbor! Luxurious accommodations. Excellent fuel economy. $219,000 S&J Yachts 410.571.3605 www.sjyachts.com

Jeanneau 41’ New Leader 12.5

Cruiser 2024MY Yamaha triple F300 4-stroke white, Helm Master w/ joystick and auto pilot, generator, air conditioning, sea keeper stabilizer, super well-equipped, live aboard cruiser, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show, call for info. (Stock# BJ-128) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

Jeanneau, 41’ New 1295 Fly Weekender 2024MY Triple F300 white 4-stroke, Helm Master w/ joystick, auto pilot, three state rooms, two showers, two galleys-one on flybridge, generator, air conditioning, sea keeper stabilizer, super well-equipped, live aboard cruiser, view at Bay Bridge Boat Show, call for info. (Stock# BJ-163) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com

1972 42’ Hatteras 42 Convertible A Bristol classic with twin Detroit 6V71 naturals, 4700 hours. Two staterooms, two heads. Originally purchased and customized at Hurley Hatteras in Urbanna, VA. A must-see boat, meticulously cared for and it shows! $125,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Bob Hoefer 804.241.8924 or bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

2018 Legacy 42 Brokerage - Freshly painted Flag Blue hull, superbly equipped, single 660 Cummins, genset, davits, flybridge and more. Asking $699,000 Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.seattleyachts.com

2023 MJM 4 Looking for an opportunity to purchase a Like New MJM 4, then this is your boat. Contact Ken Comerford at 410.280.2038 or Ken@NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

1 George Street, Georgetown, MD 21930 shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com

www.SassafrasHarborMarina.com

2022 Pardo Yachts 43 Walkaround, oUR TRADE 43’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $1,199,000 Minimal hours, likenew, turn-key trade-in. Factory and engine/pod warranty remaining. Save over $300,000 off brand-new. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

43’ Tiara 4300 Sovran ‘09 High quality workmanship and performance & hard to find. Meticulously maintained w/ all service records are available to a serious buyer. IPS-600 Volvo, Joystick controls make her a joy for shorthanded yachtsman. $395,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

36’ Silverton 361 EXP ‘95 Crusader Twin 454 XL Engine $49,500

32’ Four Winns Vista cruiser ‘05 Clean, Well maintained $75,900

30’ Regal 3060 Commodore ‘03 T-MerCruiser 5.0 Alpha One Gen II $39,900

33’ Formula 330 SS ‘05 cockpit with generous seating $64,000

60’ Jefferson Marquessa ‘89 Pilothouse, All new canvas $244,900 w/Dinghy & O/B

34’ Formula 34PC ‘97 V-drive, New refrigerator ‘2022 $36,500

30’ Cruisers Yachts 300 Exp ‘06 T-Volvo Penta 5.0 Engine $52,900

27’ Formula 27 PC ‘01 Merc 5.7 EFI, New SEI outdrive $37,500

25’ TriToon Boat ‘11 Clean, Fun for cruising $34,900

44’ Seahorse CN44 ‘05 Excellent boat for long-distance travel - perfect for a couple or family. 2-cabin/1-head. Very spacious widebody design w/ extralarge main saloon & panoramic windows. $385,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2017 Jeanneau NC14 45’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $449,000 Great condition. Low Hours. Original Owner. Exclusive Freshwater Usage. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

(Gotisf) 46’ Grand Banks ‘89 $310,000 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

46’ Matthews 1973 RARE All fiberglass sport fisherman. 1 of 12 manufactured. Total refit, like new! Includes: 11’ Boston Whaler w/ new 15Hp Mercury outboard. $125,000 Call 443.534.9473

1994 Hyatt 47 ACMY BrokerageGreat live-aboard, cruiser or looper. 3116 Cats w/ approx.1500 hours. Lots of living for not a lot of money! $157,500 Call Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.seattleyachts.com

2014 Regal 46 Sport Coupe 46’ Pasadena, MD. Asking 374,900 Good Condition. Great couple or small-family cruiser. Joystick Driving. Up-To-Date on Yacht and Engine services. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

2018 Prestige Yachts 460 Fly 46’ Edgewater, MD. Asking $799,000 Turnkey single-owner yacht. Remaining factory warranty. Predominately freshwater usage. Upgraded w/ current factory aesthetics options and custom upgrades. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

2023 Tiara Yachts C49 Coupe Rare chance to get into an almost new Tiara 49 Coupe without the wait and at a nice discount to new. Contact Bob Oberg at 410.320.3385 or Bob@ NorthPointYachtSales.com www.NorthPointYachtSales.com

Meridian Yacht 490 Pilothouse 2005 Comes equipped w/ Three Staterooms, a Spacious Salon, U-Shaped Galley, Two Full Heads, and more. Range and features for extended cruising and has become a favorite among “loopers.”

$299,987 Call Lee Cook at 410.703.9911 or leecook@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com

50’ Viking Convertible ‘00 Price reduced! Well cared for example of this classic sport fisher model. Twin 12-cylinder MAN diesels, outriggers, trolling valves, fighting chair w/ teak table option. Not into fishing? She would make a great liveaboard! $399,000 S&J Yachts 410.353.7423 www.sjyachts.com

2022 Prestige Yachts 520 Fly 52’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $1,399,000 Volvo DPS installed. Most outfitted, most immaculate 520 on pre-owned market. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

2003 Selene 53 ocean Trawler 430Hp Cummins engine & 52Hp Yanmar “get home” engine. High-quality ocean-going vessel w/ estimated range of 3,851 NM, 1,100 gal of fuel, & 400 gal of water. 3 cabins, 2 heads, salon, galley, pilot house, & flybridge. Equipped w/ 12.5 KW generator, AC, water maker, & more. $750,000 S&J Yachts 843.872.8080

53’ Island Pilot 535 ‘11 Crafted with some of the best fit, finish, equipment & loaded w/ luxury. Low hours on twin Volvo 700Hp D11 IPS diesels, Seakeeper stabilization, three joystick stations, 2 gens, washer/dryer, and much more. $695,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2022 Prestige Yachts 590 Fly 59’ Annapolis, MD. Asking $1,950,000 Like-New Condition. Single-Owner Yacht. Remaining Prestige and Cummins Warranties. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts

www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

60’ Jefferson Marquessa MY ‘89

Excellent choice for all-weather capability. New bridge canvas, decks, Westerbeke 22KW Generator. Fully equipped galley, 4 staterooms w/ 4 heads. 2015 Tender w/ 40Hp outboard. $244,900 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.800, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com

www.sassafrasharbormarina.com

2016 Prestige Yachts 680 Fly 68’ West Palm Beach, FL. Asking $1,795,000 Great Condition. Nearly $500,000 in refurbishments/upgrades/ maintenance since 2021. Most beautiful 68’ Prestige on the market. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts

www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

Read boat reviews online at proptalk.com

2020 Prestige Yachts 590 Fly, oUR TRADE 59’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $1,499,700 Amazing Condition. Outfitted w/ ALL factory options and upgrades. Remaining engine/pod warranty. Custom flybridge enclosure. Available for immediate delivery. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

2021 Prestige Yachts 690 Fly 69’ Newport Beach, CA. Asking $3,499,000 Immaculate Yacht. Original Chesapeake Bay boat. EastCoast delivery available. Like-New. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts

www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com

MAR k ETPLACE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS

To advertise in the Brokerage and Classified sections, contact beatrice@proptalk.com

accESSoriES | art | attornEYS | BookS | BuSinESS opportunitiES | captainS | cHartErS | crEW | DEliVEriES ElEctronicS | EQuipmEnt | FinancE | HElp WantED | inSurancE | marinE EnGinES | marinE SErVicES | proDuctS rEal EStatE | riGGinG | SailS | ScHoolS | SlipS & StoraGE | SurVEYorS | trailErS | ViDEoS | WantED | WooDWorkinG

ART

CREW

Captain/Crew Refresher Training Course Safety Procedures, Rules of Road, Proper Radio, Departure Checklists, Weather, Anchoring, Docking, Lines/ Knots. Sat., April 20, 2024, Deale Fire Dept., Deale, MD, 9AM-3PM; $250/pp, $350/couple; Call Capt. Bob 571.239.8439 for agenda/registration.

ELECTR o NICS

FINANCE

H ELP WANTED

Asst. Dockmaster: Safe Harbor Great oak Landing SHGOL Marina has an immediate need for an Assistant Dockmaster. The Assistant Dockmaster is responsible for working w/ the Dockmaster to ensure the safe mooring of vessels, general operation of the docks, assisting boaters, and maintaining a safe and clean environment throughout the Marina facilities. For information, call 410.778.5007 or email bdonahue@shmarinas.com. To apply, visit www.shmarinas.com/careers

Dock Hand/Dock Staff FT & PT April-October. $15 hourly pay plus tips $$ to tie-up boats located at a busy dock bar location in Annapolis. Boating knowledge is a plus. 410.263.1981 Download application at www.schoonerwoodwind.com/employment

Dockmaster: Safe Harbor Great oak Landing SHGOL Marina has an immediate need for a full-time Dockmaster. The Dockmaster is responsible for overall Marina operation and slip activity, and is the principal person w/ whom Members or guests interact. Responsibilities also include mooring of vessels, general operation of the docks, assisting boaters, and maintaining a safe and clean environment throughout the Marina. For information, call 410.778.5007 or email bdonahue@shmarinas.com. To apply, visit www.shmarinas.com/careers

Marine Canvas Seamstress Wanted Cover Loft in Annapolis is hiring a seamstress for sewing marine canvas. Pay based on experience. Email resume to info@coverloft.com and join our team! www.coverloft.com

Wanted: Marine Woodworker Epoxy/fiberglass, all around yacht/boat technician. Motivated for future benefits. Contact: Joe Reid, Mast and Mallet Woodworks, 410.798.9510 or mastandmallet@verizon.net

Yacht Sales - Curtis Stokes and Associates, Inc. is hiring new salespeople for our Chesapeake area operation. Candidates must be honest, ethical and have boating experience. This is a commission only position. Contact Curtis Stokes at 410.919.4900 or curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

30’-50’ Deepwater Slips for Sale & Rent Flag Harbor Condo Marina on western shore of Chesapeake in St. Leonard, MD. Slip sales & rentals 410.586.0070/ fhca@flagharbor.com. Storage & Repairs 410.586.1915/ flagboatyard@gmail.com www.flagharbor.com

Galesville – West River Deep Water Slips with water and electricity, 20 to 40 feet. $1,200 to $3,500 per year. 410.212.4867

Sailor’s Wharf Marina on Mill Creek off White Hall Bay, 20-to-45-foot slips with water & 30-amp electric. 1651 Orchard Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. For more information, please call 443.336.3615 or email sailorswharfmarina@gmail.com

Double Take

Can you spot the 10 differences between the two photos (courtesy of Haven Harbour Marina)?

Send your list of differences or a marked-up photo to kaylie@proptalk.com by April 5. All the correct submissions will be entered into a drawing for some PropTalk swag. If you would like to zoom in on the photos, visit proptalk.com/read-proptalk-online.

# Original

New Program

Suzuki Marine USA has unveiled a new national dealer program to help get boaters into fuel-efficient and clean Suzuki fourstroke outboard technology while properly scrapping/recycling their old two-stroke motors. The program—named “4-4-2” (meaning four-stroke for two-stroke)—was introduced at the 2024 Minneapolis Boat Show and will be rolled out nationally in Q1 2024. Through its 4-4-2 Program, Suzuki Marine will provide additional discount options to the dealer that can be passed along to customers on top of what they give on trade for the engine. To qualify for the program, the dealer must scrap/recycle the two-stroke outboard engine, and the money the dealer receives from scrap will be donated to an environmental organization of the dealer’s choice. Under the program, dealers can accept in trade any brand or size of two-stroke outboard, regardless of age or condition.

“We worked on a pilot program over the summer with our dealer Dan Chesky of Dan’s Southside in Minneapolis,” said Brandon Cerka, Suzuki Marine general manager of sales and marketing. “He was very successful, and this got us excited about the benefits of expanding the program nationally to help our dealers move customers into clean burning Suzuki four-stroke technology, while getting as many old two-stroke motors off the water as we can,” added Cerka. Representatives of Suzuki Marine and Dan’s Southside met with MN-Fish during the Minneapolis Boat Show to kick off the 442 program and will be donating a $4000 donation to MNFish Executive Director Mark Holsten for all the two-stroke outboards converted and scrapped during the pilot period. MNFish (Minnesota Sportfishing Foundation Coalition) is a nonprofit representing the interests of all Minnesota anglers, clubs, local organizations, and industry stakeholders. Suzuki Marine generously agreed to match the initial $4000 donation to MN-Fish to double the positive impact and give the program strong momentum. Suzuki’s 4-4-2 Program incentives and dealer support apply to the sale of any new Suzuki outboard from 2.5 to 350 horsepower. suzukimarine.com

Top Award

AkzoNobel’s innovative ‘That Feeling’ influencer campaign, celebrating the yachting and boating lifestyle, has landed a top prize in the Neptune Awards, organized by the Marine Marketers of America. AkzoNobel took first place in the Influencer Marketing category for its yearlong campaign featuring some of the boating world’s leading online personalities. ‘That Feeling’ featured contributions from Lisa Blair, Martine Grael, Kahena Kunzaall, Monique Richter, Riley Whitelum, Elayna Carausu, Jason Marshall, Janaye MacDonald, Curtis Jazwiecki, Kate Gladieux, and Kate Sawyer. These high-profile industry influencers all celebrated the feeling of being on the water. From the splash of the waves to the smell of sunny days, the perfect day out on the water is why people fall in love with boating, and it’s ‘That Feeling’ the campaign aimed to capture. That feeling paired with the pride that comes with maintaining their boats played out on various channels and across four peaks in the calendar year, in different parts of the globe. Matt Anzardo, global marketing segment manager for AkzoNobel’s Yacht team, says: “This ambitious piece of brand storytelling perfectly captured the emotions associated with the moments of being a boat owner as well as the global reach of our brand as the sector leaders in the yacht coatings industry.” The Neptune Awards judging panel said: “AkzoNobel has done a wonderful job of harnessing the power of respected, leading influencers to share the pride and passion of ‘That Feeling’ of being on the water. It envelopes an emotional connection to the water and boating while leveraging the entertainers of the industry. Very well done!” akzonobel.com/en

New Programs

Dream Yacht Sales (DYS), a part of Dream Yacht Worldwide, has announced exciting new paths to yacht ownership, with several new programs and updates, ensuring that offerings continue to meet the needs of new buyers. Dream Guarantee is a popular and enduring program, allowing worry-free yacht ownership with an income to offset the purchase cost. Now, the program has been updated to provide 10 percent guaranteed income for up to three-and-a-half years, and an additional one percent income on select Lagoon catamaran models. All insurance, berthing, and maintenance costs are included in the program. The new increased income allows owners to offset the current higher interest rates and allows flexibility at the end of the 36- to 42-month program. New buyers of the popular Lagoon 40, L42, or L46 catamaran models with deliveries in 2024 are eligible to place their yacht with the Dream Guarantee ownership program and earn an additional one percent income for the duration of their program.

The Dream Fractional program eliminates many of the barriers for wouldbe yacht owners with a much lower buy in cost. As the part owner of a charter yacht, owners receive payments from the yacht’s charter revenue that helps offset operating expenses. Plus, they enjoy ease of ownership with maintenance, finances, and charter marketing all managed by Dream Yacht. The new Dream Second Sail program is for pre-owned yacht buyers and provides a charter income up to 10 percent per year. Second Sail lets buyers offset the purchase cost of a pre-owned boat while benefiting from an all-inclusive management service. The 24-month program is customizable with a higher amount of owner use time or income, whichever helps new buyers to make the most of their investment. For those considering a large luxury catamaran purchase, the Dream Crewed Fractional program with professional crew delivers complete ease and enjoyment. Owners share a luxury sailing catamaran with two other owners and split the expenses. The one-third ownership comes with guaranteed fixed running costs for two full years, plenty of sailing time, and none of the hassles of traditional ownership. Yachts available for the program include the impressive Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 and FP 80 catamarans. To learn more, visit dreamyachtsales.com