In the Southern Chesapeake, Hampton offers small-city ambiance with some big city features. By Mike Pitchford and Gary and Mary Bodie
42
Chesapeake Bay Marina Directory
Marinas around the Bay filtered by amenities and location.
48
Fish, Cruise, or Both?
The allure of dual-purpose boats. By Capt. Rick Franke
50
Life is Short… Buy the Boat! I finally purchased my first boat. By Kaylie Jasinski
54 Great Loop Cruise
These Chesapeake buddy boaters are currently in the midst of America’s Great Loop. By Staff
56 Charter Series Part 1 Tips for decision-making and the paperwork process. By
Zuzana Prochazka
Congratulations to David Sites, our September Cover Contest Winner! His photo of the Fishin’ Magician at Thomas Point Lighthouse in Annapolis, MD, won by popular vote.
# Photo by Claus Altmaier, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation
Chesapeake Calendar presented by the boatyard
&
34 Sneak Peek at the Annapolis Powerboat Show By Staff
36 Boat Review: Aquador 300 HT By Kaylie Jasinski
52 Eye On the Bay: Photo Gallery of Cover Contest Submissions
58 Cruising Club Notes presented by arGo
63 The Ultimate Chesapeake Bay Dock Bar Guide presented by Queen anne’s County Crabs and Crushes
67 PropTalk Monthly Subscription Form
76 Tides and Currents 81 Brokerage: Used Boats for Sale
88 Marketplace: Services, Suppliers, and More 90 Index of Advertisers
91 Biz Buzz: Chesapeake Business News
68 Thunder on the Choptank Photos By Dennis Falkowski
70 Classic Boat: A Girl and her Powerboat—Holly Tompkins and Cayuga By Capt. Michael L. Martel presented by annapolis GelCoat
72 Boatshop Reports By Capt. Rick Franke presented by bay shore Marine 78 Fish News By FishTalk Editor Lenny Rudow presented by haven harbour
Since 1968
The World of Nimbus Feel the difference
We’d like to think you instinctively feel it’s not just our passion for boating or the quality of craftsmanship that sets Nimbus apart. It’s the result of generations of experience made stronger by modern technology. Welcome to Nimbus - feel the difference.
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EDITOR
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Beth Crabtree, beth@proptalk.com
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Paul Denbow, Dennis J. Falkowski, Al Schreitmueller, and Thomas C. Scilipoti
DISTRIBUTION
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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 beatrice@proptalk.com.
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Zen and the Art of Boat Ownership
By Kaylie Jasinski
“Don’t be mad at me for what I said when docking the boat…” Or anchoring… Or trailering…
Jokes aside, owning a boat can be a stressful process. Especially the first few weeks of ownership. Everything is new, and the last thing you want to do is mess anything up. I mentioned last month that I bought a boat; you can read more about that process and my initial thoughts on page 50, but for now, I wanted to talk a little bit about patience, and how we could probably all use a lot more of it. As my dad continues to remind me, ‘if you’re too stressed when taking out the boat, no one is going to want to go out with you.’
So, I’m trying to take his advice and be a bit more Zen out on the water. Here are a few things I’m trying that might help you as well.
When coming into a dock, whether it’s your home dock or one unfamiliar to you, be sure to get your lines and fenders ready beforehand. Especially if it’s windy. It’s going to add so much more stress to the process if you ask your first mate to get lines ready as the wind is trying to slam you into a pier. Decide which side you will be docking on, and make sure your boat hook is easily accessible. Calmly explain the process ahead of time, and then come in nice and slow to set both you and your mate up for success. The first few times docking were
honestly pretty stressful for me, but now my husband and I have it down to a science.
I have similar advice for anchoring. On my Bayliner Element E18, the anchor locker is in the center of the bow of the boat. So, when heading into an anchorage, we make sure to take that front cushion off and stow it, making the anchor hatch more accessible. We also talk through where the wind is coming from and which side we will need to toss the anchor out. If it’s a crowded anchorage, we try to eyeball a preferred spot when we are still some distance away, coming in nice and slow and keeping an eye on both the water depth and where other boats’ anchor lines are located. What you don’t want to do is head into a crowded area without a plan and without knowing the wind speed and direction. Give other boats a wide berth and be respectful of both their space and your wake.
There are many other things I will still need to learn and get more comfortable with. For now, I have great teachers (my parents), who have owned and operated boats all their lives. And while I grew up on my boats, I never owned one that was solely mine, until now.
I want to end with a few other pieces of advice that have helped me. When getting ready to leave the dock, make sure you have a pre-departure checklist. You may need to start with a physical copy, but as your outings become more frequent, you can probably transition to a mental checklist as I have begun to do. When trailering, there’s
a whole new list. It has started to become second nature to me, but this was invaluable those first few weeks.
Also, while you’re gaining confidence with a new boat, don’t take out a ton of people (or your boat dog), at least right away. I know you want to, but it’s better to learn the ropes with less people aboard. While I have taken my dog out a few times, it’s one more thing for my husband and me to pay attention to, which means it’s harder for both of us to anchor, dock, etc.
The other piece of advice I have is that there is no shame whatsoever in asking for help. If there’s something you are unsure of, it’s better to admit that than to have a problem arise later. My dad has been an amazing teacher—when I want to go somewhere new on the Bay that might be a little tricky, say a waterfront restaurant or an anchorage with a difficult entrance channel, he’ll ride along with me the first time to make sure I’m comfortable before I try it solo.
If you don’t have a friend or family member to show you the ropes, take a class. The lessons you learn will be invaluable, and as I said, there is no shame in asking for help. It will make you a safer and more confident boater in the long run.
Owning a boat is at times going to be stressful, but even so, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
July Club Notes
“M
y name is Scooter Boham, and I live in Littleton, NC, on Lake Gaston. I am a racing competition member of Southern Maryland Boat Club (SMBC) in Leonardtown, MD, and I am in the outboard vintage category of APBA in the MOD-VP class. I was a competition driver in the class back in the late 80s and early 90s in region 4 and on the IOGP circuit.
“Jim Berry of SMBC wrote an article in your July 2024 issue about the club and its highly successful events the SMBC has been putting on for several years now. In the article a picture of me driving my white and blue 1983 Baker RST hull with a 1988 Johnson GT outboard was printed with the article. I am currently not a subscriber, but I will be now. I will be racing in the event in Leonardtown, MD, July 27-29.
“Thank you so very much.”
~Scooter Boham
Boat Dog
Meet Taz
Jody and Rhett Dumont of Willis Wharf, VA, share this photo of their golden doodle, Taz. Jody says, “He loves cruising across Hog Island Bay in the family’s C1650 Crestliner Jon boat.”
Want to see your boat dog featured in PropTalk? Email one to three photos and a short description to kaylie@proptalk.com.
We Love Boat Dogs
Christian Ritchie shares this updated photo of our March Boat Dog, Nitro. Now he’s all grown up!
# Thanks, Cooper, for sending in a completed word search from our August issue!
Photo by Esther Wallace
Fish For A Cure (F4AC) is a fishing and fundraising competition that benefits cancer patients and their families in our community. Over the last 17 years, F4AC has raised more than $5 million to support the Cancer Survivorship program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. The 18th Annual F4AC Tournament, Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge, and Shore Party will take place at Safe Harbor Annapolis, our new tournament home.
PRESENTING SPONSORS
LHAAMC Medical Staff The Albert W. Turner Charitable Lead Annuity Trust / Carrollton Enterprises
SHORE PARTY SPONSORS | Heller Electric Company Inc. • REALTORS Biana Arentz, Pam Batstone and Heather Giovingo The Wiggins Law Group P.C.
CAPTAIN SPONSORS | AllTackle • FishTalk • Continental Contractors, Inc. • KPMG LLP • PropTalk • What’s Up? Media
BAR SPONSOR | Katcef Brothers Inc.
ANGLER SPONSORS | Eagle Title • Fulton Bank • Liff, Walsh & Simmons • Liquified Agency
FIRST MATE SPONSORS | Allstate Insurance: Riggins & Valcich Agency • Apple Signs, Inc. • Bluewater Yacht Sales
Brait Family Foundation • BuilderGuru Contracting • CAM Wealth Management - Ameriprise Financial
Doldon W. Moore and Associates, LLC • MacKenzie Contracting Company, LLC • Naptown Scoop • North Point Yacht Sales
St. John the Evangelist School • St. Mary’s Elementary School • Sunraycer • The Kahan Center • Wharf 38
NAVIGATOR SPONSORS | Allegis Global Solutions • Rentals to Remember • St. John Properties • UnitedHealthcare Water Works Car Wash
DECKHAND SPONSOR | Intrinsic Yacht & Ship
Labor Day on the Bay
Do you ever feel as if after the Fourth of July you blink and suddenly it’s the final weeks of summer? While this issue is out on the docks, Labor Day will come and go. Some boaters will wrap up their seasons following the unofficial end of summer. Others will keep boating deep into fall.
Whether your season is nearing a close or still going strong, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy boating this month. Often the waterways are less crowded. Sometimes it’s cooler, but there can be some really hot days, too. The water is still warm, which means it’s a good time for paddling and, if sea nettles are scarce, a good time for swimming, wakeboarding, and tubing. Fishing tournaments continue on, and generally, it’s a nice time of year to be outside.
If you are on the water Labor Day weekend, it’s bound to be crowded. Take safety seriously. Always operate your vessel at a safe speed, staying alert and aware of the vessels nearby. Even though it’s the end of the season,
don’t assume the vessels around you are operated by boaters who know the ‘rules of the road.’ We suggest that adults and children wear lifejackets. On federal waters all children under 13 must wear a lifejacket while underway. Maryland also has a state law requiring children under 13 on Maryland waters to wear a lifejacket while underway on any recreational vessel under 21 feet in length. Don’t forget to make sure your navigation lights work if you plan to be out close to sunset or later, and never operate a boat under the influence. Finally, don’t forget to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Here are a variety of upcoming events for boaters, paddlers, anglers, and others:
For paddlers seeking a challenge, the Portsmouth Paddle Battle will unfold September 7, and the Bay Bridge Paddle takes place September 15. The rest of you are invited to take a leisurely early morning or evening paddle while there’s still daylight.
For music lovers, many weekly waterfront concerts will wrap up by
Labor Day, but one perennial favorite, the Shaw Bay Raftup Concert to benefit ShoreRivers, will have boaters anchored, rafted, and rockin’ off the Wye River on September 7. Details at shorerivers.org.
For anglers, there are plenty of fishing tournaments this month, and several aim to raise funds for a good cause or get kids more involved in angling. Find such tournaments in the calendar on page 30.
On Labor Day weekend, if you’d like to see Maryland history and Chesapeake Bay culture come alive, power on over to Deal Island to watch the annual Skipjack Race and come ashore to enjoy the festival. When details are announced, find them at lionsclub-dic.org
Looking for a good boat at a good price to support a good cause?
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s annual Charity Boat Auction will be held Saturday, August 31. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the auction begins at 11 a.m. Details at cbmm.org
Get out and enjoy the water. To help you have more fun, our calendar on page 30 has lots of activities and events worth checking out.
# Photo by David Sites
Removing Invasive Fish From our Waterways
These days invasive fish and what to do about them are quite the debate. Recently, a few members from team PropTalk/FishTalk headed out on the water with Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Maryland for a charity catfishing day on the Patuxent River.
During the event, dozens of invasive blue catfish were caught (our team reeled in 15, two of which were between 30 and 40 pounds) and the filets were then donated to a local food bank. Why are blue catfish a problem? According to NOAA, these fish were introduced to a few rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed decades ago and have since expanded their range throughout the Bay. They can grow quite large and eat many native species such as striped bass, blue crab, shad, herring, and Atlantic sturgeon, so they have the potential to cause a lot of harm to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
If you haven’t yet targeted blue cats, they are strong fighters and very fun to catch (especially during the summer rockfish closure). They are also quite tasty to eat. So, our short day of fishing was action-packed, helped remove invasive fish from the Bay, and benefited local families in need.
If you would like to get involved, CCA’s Great Chesapeake Invasives Count runs through March 31, 2025. It is free to enter, and by logging your invasive species catches (blue catfish, flathead catfish, and snakehead), you can help fishery managers understand which invasive species are being caught and where to support the science-based management of natural resources. By entering your catches, you will be eligible to win monthly prizes; FishTalk Magazine will present live drawings during Live with Lenny (6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month on Facebook and YouTube). Register at ccamd.org
In other news, thousands of fish were recently removed from the Chesapeake Bay watershed at the Conowingo Dam and donated to local food banks through a continuing partnership between Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Conowingo Dam owner
Constellation Energy, environmental consulting firm Normandeau Associates Inc., and local seafood wholesaler J.J. McDonnell and Co. Inc.
The fish lift at Conowingo Dam is essentially a water-filled elevator that collects migrating anadromous fish species, such as American shad, during their spawning run and transports them above the dam into the upper Susquehanna River and their traditional spawning areas. When invasive fish enter the lift, technicians remove them by hand and send them out for beneficial use.
During the 2024 season, which ran from March to June, more than 18,000 pounds of invasive fish were removed from Maryland waters. Species
prevented from passing upstream of the dam include 2106 Chesapeake Channa, also known as northern snakehead; 746 flathead catfish; and 36 blue catfish. The number of Chesapeake Channa removed at the dam was more than double the amount removed in any year since the program began in 2021.
To put the harvested fish to good use, J.J. McDonnell processed most for consumption, including a portion they distributed to local food banks in Cecil County. DNR kept some fish for outreach events and scientific research to inform management toward minimizing the impact of these invasive species.
# FishTalk intern Adam Greenburg with a 40-pounder!
# Production manager Zach Ditmars was kind enough to take us out on his Carolina Skiff J16.
# Editor Kaylie Jasinski with a 30-pounder.
AMarine and Maritime Scholarships
s part of its mission, the Eastport Yacht Club Foundation (EYCF) seeks to support exceptional students who have a passion for the maritime world, a love of life on the water, a respect for the marine environment, and a dream of a lifetime career in the industry. The program has grown since its 2015 inception, increasing the number of recipients and how much they receive. This year EYCF will grant over $40,000 in scholarships, almost double the amount given in 2023.
Charles Ernst of Arnold, MD, will attend State University of New York Maritime College. He plans to major in marine transportation and pursue a seagoing career. He’ll be part of the school’s regimental program leading to a Coast Guard-issued deck officer’s license for unlimited tonnage. The Broadneck High School grad’s entrepreneurial and mechanical prowess led him to build a small business buying, refurbishing, and re-selling outboard motors.
Alexander Faranetta of St. Michaels, MD, will attend Maine Maritime Academy. He will major in marine biology and become certified in small vessel operations. Having volunteered at a local wildlife refuge, the Wye River Upper School graduate’s goal since sixth grade has been to become a marine scientist.
Emma Guy of Churchton, MD, will attend the University of Tampa. She plans to major in environmental studies. Inspired by her time growing up on the Chesapeake Bay, after graduate school her focus will be on protecting green and blue spaces. The Southern High School grad enjoyed volunteering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where she assisted with vegetation and waterbird nesting surveys.
James Ronayne of Annapolis, MD, will attend Cornell University. His studies will focus on the environment, sustainability, and marine biology. He has worked with Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Chesapeake Conservation Association. While at Annapolis High School, he was on the water polo, sailing, and swim teams, and served as a sailing coach at Annapolis Yacht Club.
Wyatt Zlupko of Edgewater, MD, will attend Maine Maritime Academy. He will major in marine engineering operations, while minoring in transportation, qualifying him to acquire a captain’s license. As a student at South River High School and driven by his interest in boats and engines, Wyatt completed the Marine Service Technician Program at Center of Applied Technology— South. Additionally, he’s earning his American Boat and Yacht Council certification.
The following recipients are returning:
• William Arnone at Maine Maritime Academy
• Dylan Bender at California State University Maritime Academy
• Caleb Brockett at Webb Institute of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
• Luke Carter at The Landing School Nathaniel Gifford at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• Zachary Hardy at Maine Maritime Academy
• Julia Kruesi at University of Delaware
• Teleri Wilt at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
After the tough job of choosing from a very talented group of applicants, Mike Morris, chair of the Marine and Maritime Scholarship committee said, “It feels great to be aiding the workforce development challenge seen across the marine and maritime industries while helping to make dreams come true.”
Learn more about Marine and Maritime Scholarships and all the EYCF programs at eycfoundation.org.
# Charles Ernst. Photos courtesy of EYCF
# Wyatt Zlupko
# Emma Guy
# James Ronayne
# Alexander Faranetta
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.
$10 Million Grant for Oyster Sanctuary Reef Construction
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends awarding $10 million to fund new reef construction for a Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oyster sanctuary in the Chesapeake Bay.
The four-year grant will provide infrastructure funding for building reef bases on about 50 to 75 acres within an existing oyster sanctuary, as well as ground-truthing to assess the area before construction. NOAA awarded the funding as part of its Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
“This is an exciting time for oysters in the Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources secretary Josh Kurtz said. “Just as we’re finishing the tributary phase of sanctuary construction and seeding, this $10 million award will help us with future
oyster restoration throughout Maryland.”
The construction will be part of a new project at one of several proposed sanctuaries. The MD DNR identified several possible sites, which will be presented at the August 19 meeting of the Oyster Advisory Commission to receive stakeholder feedback on the sites.
The grant comes as the Chesapeake Bay Program’s 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement hits its 10th anniversary. The agreement outlined a goal to restore oyster habitat and populations in 10 tributaries—five each in Maryland and Virginia—by 2025.
According to this summer’s Chesapeake Bay Oyster Restoration Update for 2023, four of Maryland’s five large-scale oyster sanctuaries are initially complete, and work on the last site in the Manokin River is well underway and scheduled
to be complete on target in 2025. Harris Creek, the first Maryland sanctuary to be targeted, is now considered fully and successfully restored.
Maryland now has more than 1000 acres of restored oyster reefs, which is equivalent to 1.5 square miles or more than 800 football fields. Last year, the state had record-setting oyster spat plantings and an outstanding natural spatset.
Keep Our Bay Serene and Clean
Dumping boat sewage into the water is bad for our health and the environment. Use bathrooms, pumpouts, or approved marine sanitation devices (MSD) instead. If you have a Type I or II MSD, disable it when in a No Discharge Zone. KEEP OUR WATER CLEANUSE PUMPOUTS
# Oyster shells laid out for a 2016 planting at an oyster restoration sanctuary. Courtesy of MD DNR
Live Music on the Water To Benefit ShoreRivers
“Let’s go out and play on the water,” Janie Meneely said to fellow musicians Kevin Brooks and Jeff Holland more than 30 years ago. Brooks, the co-founder of the popular band the Eastport Oyster Boys, said that the first year they played their music from a boat on the Wye River’s Shaw Bay, a few boaters came up to them and asked them to stop playing, as they were trying to enjoy some peace at anchor. The concert turned into a beloved tradition anyway. Always held the Saturday after Labor Day weekend, the three-hour concert now benefits ShoreRiver’s waterquality programs and pumpout boat.
MaRINE sERVICE
“I’m a groupie,” says Courtney Leigh, ShoreRivers membership manager. “I love the Eastport Oyster Boys and this event. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity and gives boaters a reason to anchor in the most beautiful bay on the Eastern Shore to hear live music. The way the trombone reverberates across the water is magical. To be in this secluded, iconic waterway listening to Chesapeake Bay folk music is a great way to celebrate our waterways and rivers. This is why ShoreRivers aligned ourselves with this event. We want boaters to take a moment to recognize that their ability to enjoy the river is because there’s so much being done to restore it.”
The Shaw Bay Raftup Concert will take place September 7 from 3-6 p.m. and feature music by the Eastport Oyster Boys and the Wye River Band. Anywhere from 75 to 100 powerboats and sailboats of all sizes will attend. Leigh recommends arriving early as “real estate gets tight” in what she calls “the slosh pit,” where small craft (dinghies, kayaks, standup paddleboards) gather near the band boats.
Brooks says, “We boys sure do look forward to joining ShoreRivers and the Wye River Band for this unique concert!”
Volunteers from ShoreRivers will paddle around in kayaks asking for donations during the concert, so bring some cash, be ready with your Venmo app, or donate in advance at: shorerivers.org.
# Photo by ShoreRivers
Extraordinary Marine Wizards
AMarine Wizard is someone who demonstrates extraordinary skills in the marine trades, is known for providing excellent customer service, and is considered to be “the best of the best” in the business. The Eastport Yacht Club Foundation (EYCF) is grateful for the industry leaders that serve as inspiration to tomorrow’s new recruits and honors them with Marine Wizard status.
A new class of Wizards is recognized every other year. Nominations are collected from the boating public and industry peers, and recipients are selected by a Foundation appointed committee. EYCF Marine Wizards receive an honorary two-year membership to EYC, courtesy of the club.
outstanding in both skill set and service,” said Marine Wizard committee chair, Deanna Sansbury.
Meet the 2024 Marine Wizards and hear what their clients say about them:
Aaron Bradley of Bradley Marine Services is a “fantastic troubleshooter” and “does what he says he is going to do.”
Ted Haaland of Haaland Marine “can tackle any boat problem” and is a “walking encyclopedia for boats with a wealth of knowledge he gladly shares with his clients.”
“We heard so many great stories about so many exceptional folks, but the committee unanimously agreed these five are truly
Jerome Berger of True North Yachting is a “guru for crafting solutions to difficult problems;” “He is truly gifted, and more so, he cares.”
Matt Marshall of Annapolis Cruisair is “the BEST marine air conditioning tech in the industry,” he “takes the time to explain the issue to customers and talk through the solutions.”
Tyler Ruth of Annapolis Rigging is “very focused and dedicated to excellence;” he “takes his craft to the next level.”
Learn more about Marine Wizards and all the EYCF programs at
# Larry Gaetano (EYCF Board Member), Aaron Bradley, Tyler Ruth, Deanna Sansbury (Marine Wizard chair and board member), Ted Haaland, and Jerome Berger. Not pictured: Matt Marshall. Courtesy of EYCF
When a C + Is Good News
The challenge: tracking and explaining scientific data on the Bay’s health in a way that the average person can understand, and stakeholders will find helpful. The answer? A report card.
This year’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card (2023/24), published July 9 by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Integration and Application Network, tells us that the watershed’s health is in moderate condition, earning a letter grade of C+.
How would you feel about earning a C+? If it was an improvement from your last report card, you might feel pretty good. The Bay, which is overall showing a significant improving trend, improved to a C+ for the first time in 22 years.
“The Chesapeake Bay restoration is seen as a global model of sustainability,” said Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, president of UMCES. “The Report Card shows that the results are moving in the right direction, but we need to pick up the pace of these efforts particularly in light of climate change which will make meeting
the targets more difficult.”
To create the report, the authors divide the Bay into 15 regions: Upper Bay, Upper Western Shore, Patapsco and Back Rivers, Lower Western Shore, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, York, James, and Elizabeth Rivers, Lower Bay, Lower Eastern Shore (Tangier), Mid Bay, Choptank River, and Upper Eastern Shore.
Regions with significantly improving trends are the James, Elizabeth, Patapsco and Back Rivers, the Upper Bay, and the Upper Western Shore. The Upper Eastern Shore exhibited a slightly declining trend.
measure of phytoplankton), and aquatic grasses.
To capture a comprehensive view of the watershed, the report categorizes seven Bay indicators and 12 watershed indicators. The Bay indicators, which assess aquatic ecosystem conditions, are total phosphorus, total nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, benthic community (measures the condition of organisms living in or on the bottom areas of the Bay), water clarity, chlorophyll (a
The watershed indicators, which cover ecological, societal, and economic aspects, are protected lands, water quality, fish community, stream benthic community, stewardship, heat vulnerability, social index, walkability, median household income, jobs growth, income inequality, and housing affordability.
For the reader-friendly report with colorful and easy-to-interpret graphics, visit chesapeakebayreportcard.org
MAKE YOUR TIME ON THE WATER MORE ENJOYABLE
VETUS and Maxwell systems make boating easy and carefree. We deliver a wide range of high-quality boat equipment to our valued boat builders, including Composite Yachts. Our equipment is backed by global expertise and support so you can spend more time focusing on what really matters.
Through Aug 25
Groovin’ by the bay concerts Mill Point Park in Hampton, VA, on Sunday nights at 5 p.m.
Through Aug 29
St. michaels concerts in the Park Series
The St. Michaels Community Center hosts its waterfront Concerts in the Park Series at Muskrat Park in St. Michaels each Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with plenty of shade, treats, and water for sale.
Through
Sep 7
Free concerts in the Park Cape Charles, VA, Central Park at 7 p.m.
Through Mar 31, 2025
cca Great chesapeake Invasives count Help fishery managers collect important data about which invasive species are being caught and where. Log your catches and get entered to win prizes each month. Free to register at ccamd.org
15 amm tides and tunes concert Jah Works live at the Annapolis Maritime Museum at 7 p.m.
Do you have an upcoming event? Send the details to: kaylie@proptalk.com
August
17 18th annual Youth
Fishing Derby
Sponsored by the Kent Island Fishermen, Inc. and the Kent Island Estates at Romancoke Pier on Kent Island. 8 a.m. registration, 9 to 11 a.m. fishing, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. prizes and refreshments at the Kent Island American Legion 278. Age groups: 3-5, 6-10, and 11-16. Bring your rods (minimal number of loaner rods available), bait provided.
17
cca Southern maryland chapter Summer Shrimp boil 4 to 8 p.m. at 10425 Mackall Road in St. Leonard, MD. Featuring all you can eat low country shrimp boil (courtesy of the Grille Sergeant in Lusby), pork BBQ, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
17 chesapeake cowboys event Boat docking competition in Pocomoke, MD.
17 crab cub Poker Pursuit
The CRAB Cup Poker Pursuit allows powerboat skippers to join sailors in a day of fun on the water in support of CRAB while competing for prizes. Take your boat to designated locations on the Bay and snap a selfie photograph. Send the picture to the EYC Poker Pursuit link, and you will be sent an electronic playing card. Repeat four times to get a complete five-card poker hand.
22
amm tides and tunes concert
John Frase Project live at the Annapolis Maritime Museum at 7 p.m.
25
anne arundel county river Days 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. Each festival will feature fun activities for all ages, including water activities, environmental educators, boat rides, live music, food trucks, games, crafts, face painting, county agencies, and more. Registration to the festivals is free and required for entry, as capacity is limited. Registration does not include boat ride tickets or kayak lessons, which are also free but must be reserved separately for a specific time slot: aacounty.org/riverdays
25 chesapeake cowboys event
Boat docking competition in Taylors Island at the Slaughter Creek Marina. All proceeds go to Taylors Island Volunteer Fire Company.
29 amm tides and tunes concert Area 301 and All You Need Band live at the Annapolis Maritime Museum at 7 p.m.
31
cbmm charity boat auction 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Dozens of boats and watercraft, ranging in size and performance, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. Every sale directly supports CBMM’s mission of preserving the history, environment, and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region and making this resource available to all.
September
September 26 - 28, 2024
Chesapeake Calendar
4
September
FSFF monthly meeting
7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Free State Fly Fishers Clubhouse (behind Ford Hall) at the Davidsonville Family Rec. Center. Speaker: Capt. Johnathan Bland will discuss his guide services in general and winter fly fishing for pickerel in particular. Questions: rybeer@gmail.com
7 17th annual brrc larry Farinetti Fishing tournament
Catfish tournament to replace the annual rockfish tournament. Presented by Back River Restoration Committee. $300 entry fee (up to 6 anglers), includes entry to event after party. Catfish judged by weight. Guaranteed first prize: $3500. Register: savebackriver.org
7 4th annual Portsmouth Paddle battle
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Elizabeth River in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA, followed by the Portsmouth Junior Battle for youth ages 8-14 from 1 to 5 p.m. SUP and kayak categories. Also featuring music, good food, children’s activities, and more. Proceeds will help The Friends support the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the Lightship Portsmouth Museum.
7 Free kids Fishing tournament
Hosted by the North Bay Fishing Club. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Levy Pavilion at North East Community Park (250 W. Walnut St., North East, MD). Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. or pre-register by emailing northbayfishingclub@yahoo.com with child’s name and age. Free, prizes, three age categories: 5-8, 9-12, 13-16. Loaner rods and bait available to borrow or bring your own. Free picnic lunch after for all participants.
7 reelin’ 4 a cause charity
Fishing tournament
It’s more than a fishing tournament, it’s a fundraising tournament benefiting Calvert Health’s Cancer Center.
7 Shaw bay raft-Up concert
Raft up and relax with music by Eastport Oyster Boys and Wye River Band in lovely Shaw Bay along the Wye River. This free concert is held each year to raise funds and awareness for clean water efforts on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Consider making a donation to Shore Rivers.
7-8 combos for kids
Combos for Kids provides fun opportunities to celebrate and enrich the lives of children and their families through the sport of fishing. Presented by Anglers Sport Center at Port Covington. Contact: EJ Harman, (410) 299-2693.
All boats launch from Fisherman’s Crab Deck at 6 a.m. in Grasonville, MD. Funfilled fishing competition with local watermen guiding you to the best spots, followed by a crab feast. $225 single angler entry (includes crab feast ticket) or $110 crab feast ticket. Benefits Talisman Therapeutic Riding. Questions: (443) 239-9400
11 Frederick Saltwater anglers monthly meeting
Food starts at 6 p.m. followed by meeting at 7 p.m. at 289 Willowdale Drive, Frederick, MD 21702. Each meeting has a speaker, vendor, prize raffle, and 50/50.
14 anne arundel county river Days
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Smallwood Park, Pasadena, Each festival will feature fun activities for all ages, including water activities, environmental educators, boat rides, live music, food trucks, games, crafts, face painting, county agencies, and more. Register for free: aacounty.org/riverdays
15 bay bridge Paddle East Beach at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD. Presented by ABC Events. Three course options: The Span (elite) 9-mile course, The Steamer (intermediate) 5K course, and The Soft Shell (Recreational) 1-mile course.
21 boatyard beach bash 4 to 10 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Musuem. Let yourself be whisked away to Key West as you immerse yourself in the incomparable talent or world-class musicians. Tickets: $150 at amaritime.org; includes drinks and food. Benefits the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
24-28 trawlerFest baltimore
At Harbor East Marina in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. New and used cruising powerboats, education, demonstrations, and opportunities to network with fellow cruisers and industry experts.
26 the World is Your oyster Fest Get ready for an unforgettable shellebration at the Bay’s biggest bivalve bash featuring Baltimore’s premier shucking competition, immersive educational moments that will help you understand the significance of the Bay’s keystone species, and a chance to sip and slurp to your heart’s content. Presented by the Oyster Recovery Partnership at the B&O Railroad Museum.
27 Havre de Grace lighted boat Parade
Five categories to win prizes: Best Decorated Sailboat, Best Decorated Powerboat, Best Use of Lights, Most Original, and Judges’ Choice. The parade will start at the Amtrak bridge and traverse the shoreline to Green Buoy #17. Prizes will be awarded that evening at the post-parade party. Location TBD but will plan for Market Street Brewery.
27-29 tangier classic Anglers fish two of the three days in powerboat, kayak, and youth divisions, anywhere within the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. A portion of the proceeds support local children in need. Tournament headquarters: Crisfield American Legion Post #16 in Crisfield, MD.
Sneak Peek at the Annapolis Powerboat Show
It’s hard to believe that summer is nearly over, but that just means that the Annapolis Powerboat Show is almost here! We will have a full guide to the show in PropTalk’s October issue, including a section on new and premiering boats, new products, and things to see and do in Annapolis outside the show gates.
Details:
Dates: October 3-6
Times: Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday until 5 p.m.
Location: City Dock, Annapolis
Tickets: Box office is located at Dock Street (exit the bus at the second stop)
VIP Experience: $200 (Each ticket includes Boat Show admission and exclusive access to the VIP Lounge which features a full bar starting at noon, continental breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon appetizers, and comfortable seating. Valid one day only.)
Preview Day (Oct. 3): $40 at gate, all ages
Two-Day Preview Day Combo Ticket (valid Oct. 3 and one other day): $60
General Admission (Oct. 4-6) – Adults: $25 online, $30 at the gate; children ages 7-15: $10; children under 6 are free
Military Personnel Day (Oct. 6) – $20 (must show valid active-duty ID at gate)
Parking:
PBoat Show visitors are encouraged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401) and take a free shuttle to and from the show. Shuttles will run one hour prior to show opening through one hour after the show closes. Pre-sale of Stadium parking is offered at the discounted rate of $20 per day, $40 for oversize vehicles.
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Aquador 300 HT
By Kaylie Jasinski
Chesapeake boaters may not yet be familiar with Aquador Boats, but this is by no means a new brand. Next year in fact this Finnish boat builder will celebrate its 30th anniversary. And now we have the first models on the Chesapeake Bay. PropTalk was on-hand in July to welcome the first Aquador Boats to the US with the brand’s exclusive distribution partner, PowerTime. We took an in-depth tour and sea trial of the 250 HT and the 300 HT, and while the two share many similarities, we will be focusing on the brand-new 300 HT for this article.
Aquador prides itself on its ability to maximize usable space and includes an impressive list of standard features, two traits usually reserved for much larger boats. But due to its size, customers can still enjoy the ease of use of a smaller cruiser.
One of the first things you notice is, of course, the hardtop with large overhead skylights. These can be opened for fresh air when sitting at the helm or cockpit, or you can simply pull down the shades if you need added protection from the sun.
Speaking of protection, Aquador is all about embracing the outdoors in comfort, so one of the standout features of this model is the ability to enclose the entire cockpit in a matter of minutes (it took about three-and-a-half minutes
during our walkthrough). So, whether there’s simply bad weather or you want to add an extra sleeping area, the cockpit can be transformed into a cabin-like atmosphere thanks to the hardtop and wrap-around canopy.
The cockpit layout has been designed to maximize comfort and practicality. You’ll find a well-equipped galley, an adjustable table surrounded by plenty of seating, large storage lockers and cabinets, and adjustable temperature
control options. The dining area can be converted into a large sunbathing platform or an additional berth as we mentioned previously. And 360-degree surround smart lighting, which reduces reflection back into the cockpit, allows owners to dock and maneuver with confidence in darker conditions and unfamiliar locations.
At the helm, you can opt for the Glass-Bridge triple 12-inch monitors. The modern display and controls keep
# Photos courtesy of Aquador Boats
Check out our video walkthrough of the Aquador
all of the boat’s navigational and systems information in an easily accessible format.
The 300 HT is great as a dayboat or a weekender. Down below, the master cabin is designed to sleep two adults and a child comfortably (either all three in one bed, or by utilizing the mid-berth that extends underneath the cockpit). Ample windows create a bright and airy atmosphere inside with plenty of natural light. Cabinets provide plenty of storage, and there’s also a well-appointed head.
Now let’s talk power options: owners can choose either twin Mercury V6 200s or a stern drive Volvo Penta D4 diesel (the model we tested with PowerTime was rigged with twin Suzuki 200s). Owners who opt for stern drive gain an additional entertaining area on the expansive swim platform, with room for an optional seating area and grill. Even with outboards, the swim platform is spacious and easy to navigate when boarding. During our sea trial, we saw a top speed of 42 knots.
But no matter which power option you choose, the 300 HT performs with remarkable efficiency thanks to its allnew “AquaDynamic” hull that requires less energy to reach cruising speed.
We already mentioned a long list of standard features, and we weren’t exaggerating. Some of the highlights include a bow thruster, EcoTeak decking (made from recycled materials), two solar panels, and more.
But as we’ve said before, the best way to get a feel for any powerboat is to take it for a sea trial. And we recommend doing just that by reaching out to PowerTime if you want to learn more.
Local Dealer: PowerTime in Annapolis, MD, (855) 855-7245 or powertimeboating.com
Hampton, VA
By Mike Pitchford and Gary and Mary Bodie
You can only imagine the lovely navigable creeks and forested lands of Hampton visited by Captain John Smith in the first decade of the 1600s. On several occasions, he and his crew reconnoitered what is now Hampton, before founding the city in 1610. You history buffs know that this was just a few years after they established the Jamestown settlement and that Hampton is the oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in the “new world.”
According to the history section of the city’s official website: “The history of Hampton, a small southern city, has the ability to illuminate the arc of American history in a unique way, at once personal and complex, and fundamental in America’s early settlement, education, slavery, war, and modern technology and innovation.” And indeed, it is true.
War: The land destined to become Hampton was already populated by the members of the Native American Kecoughtan Tribe. The first skirmish between Native Americans and European settlers occurred in Hampton. The city played key roles in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 (being burnt by the British), and the Civil War (burnt again by the Confederates).
Education: In 1634, European colonist Benjamin Syms established America’s first “free school.” His goal was to educate local children at reduced or no cost. Hampton Public Schools still benefit from his initial bequest. Hampton University, founded in 1868 as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The campus lies along the eastern side of the Hampton River, just across from downtown. The University has a long list of distinguished graduates including Booker T. Washington. Rosa Parks worked on campus beginning about two years after her famous arrest for not giving up her seat on a Montgomery, AL, city bus to a white patron.
# The Docks at Downtown Hampton (formally the Hampton Public Piers). Courtesy of Downtown Hampton/Facebook
Slavery: As early as 1619, English privateers arrived in Hampton with a cargo of captured and enslaved Africans. They sold them in exchange for food and supplies. Among these first enslaved Africans in English America were Anthony and Isabella Tucker. In 1626, Isabella gave birth to a son, William Tucker. He was the first child of African descent born in English America.
It is worth noting here that Hampton also led the way to the demise of slavery. In May 1861, just a couple of months after Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration and a month after the fall of Fort Sumter, three enslaved men arrived at Hampton’s Union-controlled Fort Monroe. They sought and got the ear of the Fort’s commanding officer, Major General Benjamin Butler. Butler determined the three slaves were “contraband of war” and refused to return them to their owner. As word spread, thousands of nearby enslaved people flocked to Fort Monroe, which became known as “Freedom’s Fortress.” It was perhaps the first step in slavery’s collapse.
Innovation: Just off the Hampton River, the Civil War battle between the ironclads, the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack), established a new era in naval warfare. The battle was a draw but marked the change from warships of wood and sail to iron and steam.
Modern Technology: During World War I, Hampton was named the site of the nation’s first aeronautical laboratory. The first successful aircraft launch from an aircraft carrier was in the waters off Hampton.
Today, we know it as the NASA Langley Research Center. The Center was the location for the training of the original Mercury 7 astronauts as well as crews for the Apollo lunar landing missions. The storyline behind the movie “Hidden Figures” happened in Hampton.
Pirates! The official Hampton history web page did not mention Hampton’s role in defeating piracy. But we got the scoop! One of our best-known pirates
back in the day was Edward Teach, known far and wide as Blackbeard. He was an English pirate who prowled the colonies and wreaked untold havoc on local shipping.
In 1718 the then Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spottswood, sent troops to capture or kill Blackbeard. They found him on his ship anchored behind North Carolina’s Ocracoke Island. Apparently, he was entertaining on the ship and the crew was mostly ashore. In short order he was dead, and his head was hung from the bowsprit of the ship sent to kill him. His head later appeared on a piling at the entrance to Hampton River as a clear warning to would-be pirates. That spot is still known as Blackbeard’s Point.
Visiting Hampton
Pirates’ dismembered heads aside, Hampton is a gem of a place to visit on the Lower Bay. You can find marina slips and anchorages on the (northern) Back Creek side of Hampton as well as the (eastern) “Bay” side, in the Salt Ponds and adjacent to Fort Monroe (south). The best connection to downtown Hampton is via the Hampton River, entered from the “Hampton Roads” side of Hampton. Inside the calm confines of the Hampton River, you will find you can spend days exploring and eat-
# The USS Monitor Center at The Mariners’ Museum. Photo by Scott K. Brown, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation (Virginia.org)
# Fort Monroe is recognized as the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. Photo by Sarah Hauser, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, (Virginia.org)
See the Bay
ing (and drinking). Several marinas beckon, including the large Safe Harbor Bluewater Marina. If you are in need of boat service or fuel, this is a good place to stop.
Just beyond, up the river a bit further, is downtown Hampton. The Docks at Downtown Hampton (municipal marina) and Hampton Yacht Club (yacht club with reciprocal privileges) offer dockage and amenities within walking distance of all that downtown Hampton has to offer. And, it has a lot to offer!
Museums: The Virginia Air and Space Museum and the Hampton History Museum are just steps away. The Museum at Hampton University is across the river. A worthy 15-minute Uber ride can get you to the Mariners’ Museum in adjacent Newport News. We can’t over-emphasize the attraction of this facility. It is amazing!
Libations and more: Downtown Hampton has food and beverages in abundance. Among our favorites are two excellent brewpubs, so close you can almost taste the hops. Immediately adjacent to the Docks at Downtown Hampton and maybe a 10-minute walk from the Hampton Yacht Club you will come upon Bull Island Brewing Company. As a brewpub, you would expect a good selection of brews. What may surprise you is the creative selection of food to go with your beer.
The Vanguard Brewpub and Distillery is a bit further, more like a 15-minute walk from the marinas. The brewery/distillery
is located in a former National Guard Armory building now on the Historic Register. The bar is huge! The food and beverage choices don’t disappoint either. It is a mix of live entertainment, craft brewing, and small-batch distilling at its best.
All the major food groups are available in a dozen or more restaurants, bars, and pubs. You will not soon run out of new choices to try, all within an easy walk of your boat.
While you are out walking, try Amory Seafood, also along the docks. They offer a spectacular variety of fresh local and imported seafood you can take back to the boat to cook and enjoy. As you visit you should know that Amory Seafood has been in business in that location for over 100 years.
# Mullen Street in Phoebus serves as a Main Street through the small, charming neighborhood in Hampton. Photo by Marissa Strang, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, (Virginia.org)
# Located near the entrance of Hampton University, the Emancipation Oak is a lasting symbol of the university’s rich heritage and perseverance. Photo by Bill Crabtree Jr., courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, (Virginia.org)
Hampton Cup Regatta
By Mike Pitchford
The Hampton Yacht Club, known for competitive sailing, is home to a powerboat race that is almost 100 years old (first race, 1926). It seems some of the club members decided to have a race to test the speed of their boats and the navigation prowess of their skippers. From those humble beginnings grew one of the most popular competitions in the world of speedboat racing.
Those first motorized race boats were, naturally, made of wood. They bear little resemblance to the sleek carbon fiber racers of today. In the early regattas, the top speed of the fastest boats was around 35 mph. Most competitors drove their boats to the race, competed, and drove home. Today, not so much.
The first hints of expansion beyond the members of the Hampton Yacht Club came in the early 1930s. The Dodge automobile family had ventured into boat building, next door, in Norfolk. Seeing
an opportunity to expand the brand, they created a trophy called the Dodge Cup, which they presented to the winner of the Hampton Cup Regatta. The notoriety brought outside competition to Hampton.
In the 1940s, Henry Lauterbach, a boat builder out of Norfolk, was deeply involved in the regatta. The racing boats had moved to hydroplane hulls and Lauterbach built more than 200 hydroplanes during his boat-building tenure. He was the National High Point Champion in three different American Power Boat Association (APBA) inboard classes and was inducted into the APBA Hall of Fame in 1956.
Another notable regatta racer was Bill Sterett. One of his boats, the Miss Chrysler Crew, was the only boat, post-World
War II era, to win an “Unlimited” class race with automotive power. The power was a pair of 426-cubic-inch supercharged Chrysler big block engines. The Dodge family connection continued!
Today, the Hampton Cup Regatta attracts vessels and crews from the US and from as far away as Australia and New Zealand. The regatta is sanctioned by the APBA, and the host club is the Hampton Cup Racing Club. The event has been host to the World Inboard Hydroplane Championship, North American Championships, and Summer Nationals.
This year the regatta will be held September 21 and 22. Several race classes, landside entertainment, and a vintage car show will add to the excitement. Don’t miss it!
Getting there: Adjacent to the north island of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (with all the construction cranes as they add two additional tunnels and accompanying bridges), you will find a daymark, R2. That begins a dog leg left channel that leads you into the mouth of the Hampton River. Once inside the river, downtown is less than a mile ahead.
If you are on the southern end of our lovely Bay, Hampton offers small-city ambiance with some big city features. Stop in and smell the crab cakes!
About the Authors: Mike Pitchford is a regular contributor to PropTalk. Gary Bodie is a competitive sailor and sailing coach who has gone to the “dark side” and purchased an Eagle 40 trawler. He is a Hampton native, and Mary is a long-time resident. Together they have begun cruising the new-to-them trawler on the Bay and beyond.
# The Hampton Cup Regatta unfolds September 21-22. Photo by Dennis Falkowski
# The Cheasapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the Virginia mainland at Virginia Beach with Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Photo by Cameron Davidson, courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation, (Virginia.org)
The perfect marina for you and your boat might not be so perfect for someone else. The first thing you should consider is which amenities are a must, which are a ‘like to have,’ and which amenities you don’t need (and thus don’t want to pay for). In PropTalk's Chesapeake Bay Marinas Directory you will find marina information including available slips, transient slips, gas, diesel, pump outs, maximum boat length, water depth, maintenance, as well as other amenities such as restaurants, dock bars, and swimming pools.
222 Severn Spa Creek Annapolis, MD 222severn.com
Anchor Marina North East River North East, MD anchorboat.com/marina
Anchor Yacht Basin Selby Bay Edgewater, MD sagamoreblue.com/destinations/ anchor-yacht-basin
Anchorage Marina Baltimore Harbor, Patapsco River Baltimore, MD anchoragemarina.com
Annapolis City Marina Spa Creek, North East of Eastport Bridge Annapolis, MD annapoliscitymarina.com
Annapolis Maryland Capital Yacht Club Severn River Annapolis, MD amcyc.com
Annapolis Town Dock Ego Alley Annapolis, MD annapolistowndock.com
Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina Patapsco River Baltimore, MD baltimoreinnerharbormarina.com
Bowleys Marina Middle River Middle River, MD bowleysmarina.com
Broad Creek Marina Magothy River Pasadena, MD
Campbell's Boatyards Tred Avon River Oxford, MD campbellsboatyards.com/dockage
Cape Charles Yacht Center and Harbor Cape Charles Harbor, Chesapeake Bay Cape Charles, VA ccyachtcenter.com
Casa Rio Marina Cadle Creek, Rhode River Edgewater, MD casariomarina.com
Cedar Point Marina Marshy Creek Grasonville, MD cedarpointkn.com
Chesapeake Harbour Marina Severn River Annapolis, MD chesapeakeharbour.com
Chesapeake Yacht Club West River Shady Side, MD chesapeakeyachtclub.org
Coles Point Marina Potomac River Hague, VA colespointmarina.com
Corinthian Yacht Club Smith Creek Ridge, MD
Crescent Marina Fells Point Baltimore, MD
Cypress Marine Cypress Creek off Magothy River Severna Park, MD cypressmarine.net
Dandy Haven Marina Back River Hampton, VA dandyhavenmarina.com
Dennis Point Marina and Campground Carthagena Creek Drayden, MD dennispointmarinaandcampground.com
Ferry Point Marina Talbot Nanticoke River Trappe, MD ferrypointmarinatalbot.com
Forked Creek Yacht Club Marina Severn River Severna Park, MD forkedcreekyachtclub.com
Generation III Marina Head of Cambridge Creek off of the Choptank River Cambridge, MD generation3marina.com
Gingerville Marine Center South River Edgewater, MD gingervillemarinecenter.com
Harbor East Marina Baltimore Harbor Baltimore, MD harboreastmarina.com
Harbour Cove Marina Rockhold Creek Deale, MD harbourcove.com
Find your per F ect Chesapeake Bay Marina
*Not all restaurants/bars/food are on-site or are owned/operated by
Looking for a slip for your boat? Find the perfect home for your boat in PropTalk’s Chesapeake Bay Marinas Directory! Scan this code to view the online directory listings for more info and direct links.
Marina Directory
Haven Harbour Marina Swan Creek, Rock Hall, MD Rock Hall, MD
Haven Harbour South Rock Hall Harbor, Rock Hall, MD Rock Hall, MD havenharbour.com
Herrington Harbour North Herring Bay, Tracys Landing, MD Tracys Landing, MD herringtonharbour.com/north
Herrington Harbour South Herring Bay, North Beach, MD North Beach, MD
herringtonharbour.com/south
Jones Creek Marina Jones Creek Inlet Sparrows Point, MD jonescreekmarina.com
Kennersley Point Marina Chester River, Island Creek Church Hill, MD kennersleypoint.com
Lankford Bay Marina Lankford Bay Rock Hall, MD lankfordbaymarina.com
Legasea Marine Yorktown, VA Yorktown, VA legaseamarine.com
Lighthouse Point Marina Baltimore Harbor Baltimore, MD baltimorelighthousepointmarina.com
Living Classrooms Foundation Marina Baltimore Inner Harbor Baltimore, MD livingclassroomsmarina.com
Nabbs Creek Marina Nabbs Creek Pasadena, MD nabbscreekmarina.com
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Nomad Norview Marina Rappahannock River, Broad Creek Deltaville, VA
Nomad Shelter
Port Covington Marina Patapsco River Baltimore, MD portcovingtonmarina.com
Porter's Seneca Marina Seneca Creek Middle River, MD porterssenecamarina.com
Riverside Marine Marina Back River Essex, MD riversidemarine.com
Rock Hall Landing Marina Rock Hall Harbor Rock Hall, MD rockhalllanding.com
Rod 'N' Reel Resort Herring Bay Chesapeake Beach, MD rnrresortmd.com
Rumbley Marina Goose Creek Westover, MD
Safe Harbor Oxford Tred Avon River Oxford, MD shmarinas.com/locations/
Selby Bay Marina Selby Bay Edgewater, MD selbybaymarina.com
Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort Sassafras River Georgetown, MD skipjackcove.com
The Marina at Nautilus Point Back Creek Annapolis, MD marinaatnautiluspoint.com
The Slips Back Creek Kinsale, VA the-slips.com
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Fish, Cruise, or Both? The allure of dual-purpose boats.
By Capt. Rick Franke
If you were fortunate enough to grow up in and around boats, you probably have fond memories of one boat in particular that was the “fishing boat.” The fishing boat was usually a smallish open fiberglass skiff, powered by a bulky two-cycle outboard, and the list of amenities stopped at a cooler for drinks and lunch and a bucket. Fishermen (and women; my mother fished with the best of them) were a rough and ready lot and so were their boats. I’m sure there are still a lot of those great little boats out there.
As an observer of the boating scene for a long time, I believe there are two relatively recent events which have had a large effect on today’s boating. One was the development of high horsepower four-stroke outboards which radically changed the variety of outboard fiberglass boats available. The other was Covid.
The Covid epidemic had an undeniable effect on the recreational boating world. People rediscovered boating in great numbers and boat sales boomed. Families were spending more time together during the quarantine, and boating was one activity that could be enjoyed by the whole family. In
# Rick Boulay, Jr, the general manager of Chesapeake Whalertowne sent us this photo of a 330 Outrage. He describes it as “a very popular boat for us for both family cruising and the fishing enthusiast.”
the post-Covid years, interest in family boating has continued, and boat manufacturers began to take notice. Keith Rhodes, owner and CEO of Tri-State Marine in Annapolis, Deale, and Middle River, MD, describes the change this way. “We are Grady White dealers. Grady White was more about walkaround cuddy cabins, small fishing boats. They had a Hunt-designed, smooth, comfortable-riding hull. Fishermen loved them, so that was their market,” he explained.
“Then Covid hit,” Keith said. “People were buying boats; we were sold out. We could have sold anything; this showroom was empty. You started seeing a flexibility in people’s work schedules. People didn’t have to go to the office every day, both husbands and wives, so there was more time with family. During Covid people broke out board games and had to distance themselves from other families. The family relationships got tighter. People’s outlook was changing because they could work, but they also could play together. Camping, RVs, motorcycles all took off. But boating exploded. The family’s decision was no longer, ‘can we get a boat?’ but ‘what kind of boat should we get?’ That gener-
ally meant that the rough and ready fishing boat was no longer acceptable. The family requires and expects a higher level of comfort and amenities to spend time together and go cruising with friends.”
“Post Covid it wasn’t an increase in boating, but a change in the type of boating that led manufacturers to expand what they were already doing,” Keith explained. “Moving away from center console boats to dual console and larger boats with more refinements. For example, you have Grady White making a 415 Open Bowrider, one of the largest in the world. It’s absolutely beautiful inside, glass and natural wood and teak accents and every amenity you can imagine. No one’s going to fish that boat. So, Grady White now offers an optional fishing package on their boats. You now have a new type of boat that meets the dual demands of fishing and cruising. On the other hand, you have Tiara offering optional rod holders on their boats, so the distinction between fishing and cruising is becoming blurred. I think this trend will continue.”
As Keith explained, “One of the big surprises post-Covid is that the ‘big sell off’ that experts predicted after the lockdown ended never happened. We have more people trading up now. They have
kept their boat for three or four years and are looking for something a little bigger, a little nicer, and have a boat to trade. We love trade ins.”
Rick Boulay, Jr., general manager of Chesapeake Whalertowne in Grasonville and Annapolis, MD, shares his observations on the changes. “Boston Whaler is the only major premium brand that really puts a lot of resources into development of boats like the Montauk series of 15-, 17-, 19-, and 21-footers. Those boats have never waned as far as demand goes. They are the most popular boats we’ve sold. The 17 Montauk and the 19 Montauk are the most popular boats within that segment world-wide. A lot of that has to do with the utility of the boat. It is a little more basic and a little more fishing oriented but also low maintenance. There is a direct correlation between fishing boats and low maintenance so that makes them attractive,” he said.
“I think that when you move up to a 24-, 28-, or 32-footer, it is more likely to transition to a multi-purpose family platform,” Rick continued. “You can fish and cruise equally; I’d say the priorities are equal. You want the boat to be able to fish; you want fishing features like live wells, raw water pump, and rod holders, lots of cockpit space. All of that you definitely need. I think the dual console market and the demand and the evolution within that market proves that.
“What was traditionally a bowriding boat, like Sea Rays and that style of boat, a sport boat, has changed. The
outboard fiberglass nature of the fishing platform is now available in a larger boat. When we all entered that market, Boston Whaler did a lot of development in that line-up to create a family-friendly fishing platform. You can take that boat out with eight people and cruise around, go water skiing, stop at a sandbar, or go fishing. You can do both things in one day; you can fish in the morning and have a family cruise in the afternoon. I do think there is a transition in the market. I also think there are competitive brands that are creating a niche in that family fishing category. Look at premium outboard fiberglass brand leaders like Grady White, Pursuit, Whaler, and larger boats like Tiara. Those are all going
to be cruising or yacht-oriented boats when you get to that price point,” he concluded.
Rick also addressed the emerging dual console market. “Our Outrage series boats have always been familyfriendly fishing platforms. This is not something new with us. You can go back 20 years in Whaler’s history to when we began making familyfriendly center consoles like the Outrages. The dual console market is a little more recent as far as what we’ve built so far. The Outrage series started to transition to a more family friendly platform in the early 2000s. The Ventura model line-up was our dual console line up. Then we transitioned those boats to the Vantage line. That dual console market has certainly changed the game in the outboard fiberglass market for us,” he added.
Rick’s final comment harks back to a tried-and-true Whaler feature.
“I think that it’s worth mentioning the uniqueness of Whaler in this conversation from a safety perspective. That is that they all share the closed cell injected foam hull that makes them unsinkable. I know that’s old news, but it is important from a safety standpoint for a family-oriented boat.”
We all use our boats differently. The four-cycle outboard motor has made larger, more comfortable boats available by getting all the machinery out of the hull in an easily maintained format. I wonder what’s next? #
# The entertainment area and bowrider area on a Grady White dual console Freedom 336. Outboard power and the dual consoles create a lot of space in a 33.5-foot hull.
# Keith Rhodes, owner and CEO of Tri-State Marine demonstrates the electrically controlled boarding gate and ramp on a Grady White 281 Coastal Explorer Center Console.
Life is Short… Buy the Boat
By Kaylie Jasinski
After years of deliberating, I finally did it. I bought a boat! Now, my family has always owned boats, and I work at a boating magazine; so I’m no stranger to the lifestyle, but this was the first boat that was solely mine
I’m 32 years old, so you may ask, why did it take me so long to pull the trigger? A few good reasons. For one, I hadn’t found the right boat (until now) that both fit my budget and my wish list. Two: we often joke that working for SpinSheet, PropTalk, and FishTalk won’t make you rich. This is one of the best jobs you can get paid to do, but we aren’t exaggerating on the ‘rich’ part. We do it because we love it. With that in mind, boats are an expensive luxury. We don’t need them, no matter how much we may want them, and I am a young professional with plenty of other necessary living expenses. But boats are a passion, and for some an obsession. And I finally got to the point where I was done waiting. I needed a boat.
Last spring I looked at a few used boats on Craigslist, one seriously, but either they needed too much work, were too expensive, or sold immediately before I could even see them in person.
It got to the point where I was starting to give up hope. It seemed as though another summer would go by where I would have to rely on OPBs (other people’s boats). With used boats moving so quickly and having a few interactions with potentially deceitful sellers, I wasn’t feeling great about the whole process.
Then, in late June, I was out with a friend when my dad texted me a listing from Riverside Marine in Essex, MD (riversideboats.com), a long-time PropTalk supporter. It was for a 2019 Bayliner Element E18 with a 90-hp
Mercury outboard. And it looked practically brand new. I immediately wrote back, “We need to see it tomorrow.”
The previous spring, I had an appointment with Riverside to see a smaller Element, but the boat sold before I could get there. This one was newer, larger, appeared to be in better condition, and was reasonably priced. It was too late to call the dealership that night, but I didn’t want to take any chances. I called them first thing in the morning and headed over as soon as they opened.
Anchored out at Hart Miller Island.
# Headed home from Riverside Marine!
Upon arriving at Riverside Marine, another individual was already looking at the boat. I began to panic. Thankfully, they moved on to a larger model, and I could finally step aboard the boat I had already come to think of as mine. I am normally an indecisive person, but that was probably the fastest I have ever made a decision. My dad and I looked at each other, trying not to appear too eager, but we both knew... I said, “YES!”
I asked the salesman what the next steps would be. I felt confident in my decision, despite making it so fast, and here’s why: He said that to hold the boat, I needed to put down a $1000 deposit that was fully refundable. The boat had only one previous owner and was purchased from Riverside Marine. It had only recently come into their posession, but after putting down a deposit, Riverside’s mechanics would do a thorough inspection of the boat, motor, and trailer. If anything was found to be amiss, I had the option of getting my deposit back if I wished.
Normally I wouldn’t advocate for a split second decision, but I had done my homework ahead of time. I knew that this was the model I wanted, and I trusted the seller. I had done my due diligence, which is all you can really do.
Thankfully the only issue found was a minor defect in the bimini, and they replaced the whole thing (which was incredibly generous). This was one of the smoothest purchases I have ever made, and I still have zero buyer’s remorse.
Prior to this, when my dad or I would occasionally find a used boat online, I just kept saying that I would prefer to buy a boat from someone I trusted. Riverside Marine is a fantastic family-owned company, and they have supported PropTalk for many years. So, I already felt like I was making a smart decision by going with them, and any lingering nerves about the whole process were completely assuaged thanks to their excellent team.
My salesman, Scott, walked me through the initial process of looking at the boat and answered any questions
we had about its history and that model of Bayliner specifically. Mike in the finance department patiently and thoroughly explained the application process (I financed the purchase). And on the day I took my Bayliner home, I first went out on the water with one of their captains who went over every inch of the boat to make sure I was comfortable with both how it ran and each and every system, from the radio to the anchor locker to the bilge pump. Riverside really treats their customers well, and it shows. They want to make sure everyone is set up for success (whether purchasing a new boat or a used one, and whether it costs $150,000 or $15,000). I can’t say enough about how un-stressful the entire process was. I took delivery of my boat on July 3, and I absolutely love it. I don’t have a name yet, but I have a strong contender. I’ll let you know when I know. I also plan to share more thoughts on my new-to-me vessel at the end of the season, so stay tuned. For now, all I can say is that boat buying can be a stressful process, but sometimes you just know. And when you know, don’t wait. Buy the boat! #
# Sunrise and sunset boat rides have been some of my favorite moments on the Bay this summer.
# Bodhi approves.
Cover Contest Submissions
Thank you so much to everyone who submitted a photo for our annual cover contest! David Sites’s winning shot graces the cover this month, and we will share more wonderful submissions next month in our October issue.
# Photo by Meredith Krissoff
# Photo by Rebecca Gonser
# Photo by Paige Finley
# Photo by Wendy Nalls
# Photo by Lauren Mahoney
# Photo by David King
# Photo by Peg Darr
# Photo by Tonya Kirby
# Photo by Stephanie Hartman
# Photo by Connor Schneck
# Photo by Colt Leonard
# Photo by Beverly Sloss
# Photo by Vivian Hyde
A Healthy Start to America's Great Loop
Jeff and Terry Smith started their Great Loop journey in May aboard Wild Blue Yonder, a North Pacific 42 Pilothouse, along with buddy boaters George and Kat Brown on A-Lure, an Eastern 35. A-Lure was designed as a fishing boat with a cabin, galley, and head. She has an upper and lower helm, and a single Volvo 370. Wild Blue Yonder has two cabins, one head, and a generous galley. She has a pilothouse, upper helm, and also a 370 (but a Cummins). Jeff recently shared the inspiration behind their planning (and perhaps he’ll even inspire a few more Chesapeake boaters to take the adventure of a lifetime!).
What made you first want to do the Loop?
We have had boats for over 20 years, but about eight to 10 years ago I read a book called “Once is not Enough” about the Loop, and it sounded like a really great adventure. At one point we had a boat named Loop Hole, but ended up selling it when we went to Italy. We bought our current boat, Wild Blue Yonder, when we got back. Probably three years ago George set the end of 2023 as his retirement date, and that’s when we decided to begin our Loop in May of this year.
Did you always plan to do the Loop with a buddy boat?
George and Kat Brown are our buddy boat. We fell in love with the idea together and have done all our planning with the intention of being together throughout the entire Loop. It’s been great to have friends to travel with, but many on the Loop do their own thing. Some end up with a small group they travel with, some with a single boat, and some are solo. We have folks we have seen 10 times and some we have seen twice. Always good to have another opinion or get good advice.
Did you have much extended cruising experience prior to this trip?
We did a lot of cruising on the Chesapeake but had never been north of Rock Hall. So, when we left there for Havre de Grace, it was new territory. That said, we have owned boats in North Carolina, Texas, and California. But our longest time on the boat had been about a week, and we didn’t go that far. Our longest trip on the Bay had been to Crisfield via Solomons.
# Jeff and Terry Smith, aboard Wild Blue Yonder (a North Pacific 42 Pilothouse), are undertaking the Loop with buddy boaters George and Kat Brown aboard A-Lure (an Eastern 35).
What are some highlights of the trip thus far?
This is truly the adventure of a lifetime. We have enjoyed all parts of it. There are lots of highlights. The Hudson River was much more scenic than we expected. The Erie Canal was our first exposure to locking; it was intimidating at first but now we have been through about 120 locks and it is pretty routine. We went from the Erie Canal to the Oswego Canal, and to the St. Lawrence River to Montreal and up the Ottawa River to Ot-
Any
tawa (we were there for Canada Day), and the Rideau Canal back down to Lake Ontario, and over to the TrentSevern Waterway. We have been up a flight of eight locks in Ottawa and the Lift Lock in Peterborough, Ontario. So many beautiful lakes with lots of islands.
scary/tense moments?
We have had some scary currents in Manesquan, NJ, and in Peterborough, Ontario. Both made docking a challenge. Much of the Rideau Canal is at a depth of five feet and we draw four and a half, so it was a bit scary.
So far, has the Loop lived up to your expectations?
And then some. We have been to so many awesome places and met so many nice people. The staff at all the Canadian
locks have been friendly and helpful. One thing I would say is this is a working vacation. Some days have been long with five or more locks. Once docked, we are dead tired.
When do you expect to finish? Should be May or June… about 12 or 13 months.
What advice would you give to someone who is dreaming of completing the Great Loop? Don’t let any of the bad stories influence your plan. There might be a lot of reasons to delay, but it is totally worth it. It’s the experience of a lifetime. We have seen young families, retired couples, and working couples. We have two dogs, and they are fun to have along. Get the right boat (for you) and hit the water!!
For more stories of Chesapeake Boaters cruising America’s Great Loop, visit proptalk.com/category/ chesapeake-bay-cruising.
# “We have been to so many awesome places and met so many nice people.”
# Jeff and Terry Smith.
SEasy Chartering Part I Tips for Decision-Making and the Paperwork Process
By Zuzana Prochazka
# The BVI is a destination where most charterers gain confidence on their first few outings. Photo by PropTalk
o, you want to charter a boat, but have no idea how to go about it? Maybe you have angst about the steps of securing the right boat in the right location, or maybe you’re apprehensive about managing a large powerboat or cat? Chartering is easier than you think, so in our three-part series we’ll explore how to 1) find and secure your dream vacation, 2) manage a model of boat that you’re likely to encounter out there, and 3) approach your first day of charter to elevate your time on the water. Let’s start with what seems like the intimidating process of swimming through the paperwork.
Where to go
Your destination of choice will depend on a few factors including who’s in your party and what you want to experience. Are you looking for beaches and bars? The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a good choice. Do you seek history and culture? Greece and Croatia fill the bill. How about a somewhat remote and exotic bucket list location? Tahiti is your answer. Or maybe you want to charter a fishing boat for a day or an overnight excursion? Florida is a go-to. Get a good sense of what you want to see and do and take into consideration who’ll be with you. If you’re bringing kids, make sure there are shoreside distractions, and if you boat with those
who are prone to seasickness, choose calmer waters with shorter hops between islands or towns.
When to go
You’ll want to dodge cold weather and hurricane season when planning your getaway. The Caribbean and Florida are great from November to June, while the Mediterranean is good during the summer but can be chilly in the spring and fall. Ask the charter company about “shoulder seasons” at your targeted destination. The rates are usually cheaper, and the crowds are smaller. I’d stay away from Europe in August due to tourist madness and out of the Caribbean from July to October due to the chances of large storms.
Start simple and close to home
The last thing you want to do is haul your party halfway across the globe and then embark on a complicated itinerary in a country where you don’t speak the language. You can fish or cruise the Chesapeake without a big travel budget. Or, for North Americans, the Caribbean is an easy flight, English is widely spoken, and there are lots of bases and charter companies to choose from.
For example, the BVI is a destination where most charterers gain confidence on their first few outings with line-of-
sight navigation, moderate weather, and easy provisioning. You can choose to stay strictly in the BVI, so there’s no need for the bureaucracy of checking in and out between countries (like the USVI), and the distances between islands are short, so your crew isn’t exhausted. Also, if something goes wrong with the boat, assistance from the base is just a phone call away.
Get your crew organized and include them in the planning
Decide who’ll come with you and choose your “first mate.” This is the person whom you will depend on for the safe operation of the boat. But don’t forget the rest of the tribe, including kids. Get everyone involved early so that they feel they have a stake in the outcome. A few boat outings close to home with the group will help them learn to work together, and you’ll identify who’s best at which function. Hold periodic calls or meetings during the charter leadup to keep everyone excited. Charter companies often have guidelines for packing to share with your crew.
Start with the ‘majors’ for lots of options
There are a lot of excellent charter companies of all sizes so you can specialize in a small fishing charter or go big with a cruise in a distant location. In the latter
case, the largest companies have the most choices of destinations. The Moorings, Sunsail, Navigare, and Dream Yacht Charter have bases in dozens of places around the world.
A deciding factor may be choosing a company that offers powerboats rather than sailboats. MarineMax Vacations in the BVI is all power all the time. The Moorings offers power charters in 14 locations including the BVI, Croatia, Greece, and more. Dream Yacht has six bases with power charters including the Abacos and Australia.
Lean on the charter company’s expertise
The paperwork may seem daunting, but it’s not hard to navigate. Let the company guide you. They’ll walk you through what they need and how to submit your experience and resume, how to choose a boat including amenities and size, and how to sift through the contract, insurance payment, and crew list. Start with the company website and pick up the phone because a conversation is always better and faster.
Most companies will post sample itineraries on their websites. These are invaluable for planning purposes. Don’t try to pack too much into one vacation, or you’ll be constantly running, and your crew will be unhappy.
Some destinations are straightforward while others get tricky. The BVI and USVI are simple, but if you want to charter in certain European countries like Greece and Croatia, you’ll need specific
qualifications. Chartering in Belize necessitates a Certificate of Competency from the government, but the charter company will be able to ease you through the process.
Let the charter company do the heavy lifting
Once the charter reps walk you through the requirements, ask them about other issues. Let the company help you with provisioning. Some locations outsource the provisioning function and will refer you to a local outfit that will purchase and deliver the food right to your boat on the day of departure.
It’s best not to take the “full” provisioning option. Choose instead the “partial” option because you’ll want to explore local restaurants and supplement with goodies you purchase along the way. In most locations, you won’t need to plan for every meal but having your drinking water brought aboard will save your back when someone else does the heavy lifting.
If in doubt, go beyond bareboat
If the whole process of bareboating (where you do everything including drive the boat yourself) is too much or if you’re uncertain of your boat management skills, consider crewed options.
You can choose to join another group if you’re solo or with just a partner. Most larger companies offer by-the-cabin charters where you’ll be aboard with others and a professional captain. Fully crewed options include a captain, a chef, and possibly a mate, so you’ll hardly have to lift a finger all week long. And finally, there’s a partial captain option at certain destinations where a local will stay with you for a day or two until you get the hang of it. You’ll need to provide them with a cabin and food, but their local knowledge and skills will help build your confidence before you are set free for the latter part of your vacation.
Take the first step
There are lots of steps in getting ready for charter, but the most important is the first one. You’ll soon see it’s not that mysterious. There are lots of people along the way to help. Good luck and have fun out there.
# Let the charter company walk you through the necessary requirements. Photo by PropTalk
# The largest companies have more destinations to choose from.
Photo by Zuzana Prochazka
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s 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 Web App allows its premium subscribers to explore, plan, and document their trips on a desktop and sync effortlessly with any device. The latest app update increases loading speed up to 10 times faster.
Unforgettable Adventures and Lasting Friendships
Are you a powerboat enthusiast looking for a vibrant community with which to share your passion? Look no further than the Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association (CBPBA)! We’re a dynamic group of powerboat owners who share their love for the Chesapeake Bay waterways and all they offer. We are a nonprofit organization with more than 130 active memberships (members and a significant other) from South Jersey to Northern Virginia, but primarily from the heart of Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. Our affordable annual membership fee ensures that our exciting events and essential operations run smoothly.
We offer a packed calendar of family-friendly activities that cater to all boating interests and benefit some worthy causes. We hold monthly meetings throughout the year which are an excellent chance for catching up. We also enjoy exciting activities and events. Our events include multi-stop poker runs, raftups with great music, a crab feast, bowling nights, an
annual holiday party, and weekend cruises to points along the Chesapeake Bay.
Our fun-filled summer ’24 Weekend Cruises have been to St. Michaels and Great Oak Landing in Chestertown, with upcoming trips planned for camping in style at Lowes Wharf and pool parties at Haven Harbour in Rock Hall. At this year’s cruises, members enjoyed our very own wine and spirits tasting, potluck and sit-down dinners, and an evening of karaoke.
Additionally, our commitment to community shines through each year as
we support The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim in its efforts to raise funds for the March of Dimes, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the US Coast Guard, and other local charities; by serving as a safety net on the water to assist swimmers in need.
Ready to embark on unforgettable adventures and make lasting friends? Join us today! Discover more at cbpba.com or find us on Facebook by searching for the Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association. Your next great boating adventure starts here!
# CBPBA Labor Day Raftup 2023
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What More Could You Ask For?
On Breton Bay over the weekend of July 27 and 28, there were clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures and humidity, and drivers itching to crank up their vintage motors to delight the spectators who gathered to watch 36 former outboard raceboats, or replicas thereof, in historic Leonardtown, MD.
The weather was perfect and water conditions were excellent for an exhibition of speed and sound that to many in Southern Maryland was reminiscent of watching their fathers, brothers, and grandfathers compete for regional and national championships. Some of these boats had been brought back to life, and they really showed what they were made of. Calm waters allowed for the hulls to create spectacular sights with high rooster tails and vintage engines
screaming while traveling around the three-quarter mile oval course simulating the thrill of real racing.
The Southern Maryland Boat Club welcomed many out-of-state participants as the sport continues to grow nationwide. Several American Power Boat Association committee and board members were invited and attended the club’s festivities. Former inboard racers Stuart and Robin Shane of Havre de Grace, MD, spent all day Saturday watching the action and stayed for the traditional Southern Maryland cuisine at the Appreciation Dinner. Rich Luhrs of North Carolina, who is chairman of the ever-popular Offshore Category and a regular broadcaster on TV, also
York River Cruze-In
By Tom and Tammi Bucklin
On July 19, Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) cruisers pulled into York River Yacht Haven (YRYH), on the York River in Virginia for the second annual summer rendezvous. Three boats ventured from various ports to meet four other member boats that call YRYH their home port. Two boats were heading north to cooler temps and timed it just right to spend a few days with us. Another non-MTOA member stopped for a couple of nights on the way to New York or Canada. We had one ‘digital’ member gain full membership prior to our CruzeIn and another new member signed up during the event. Thursday night docktails on the pool deck started out the event with discussion of the upcoming events. Friday speakers from Zimmermann Marine discussed the use of multi-meters and offered pointers on how to maximize effectiveness. Chandler of Signature Canvas explained modern materials for canvas work to include windshields,
enclosures, biminis, and other types of covers. Lunch was provided by Curtis Stokes. Curtis spoke about recent trends in the marine market. In the afternoon some relaxed around the pool, while two carloads ventured out to local breweries.
spent the day at the show. Very special guests were Kent Island’s famous boat racing legend Larry Lauterbach and his wife. Lauterbach is the builder of the beautiful and winning Lauterbach hydroplanes.
Southern Maryland Boat Club is making a big splash in the Vintage raceboat world and would like to thank everyone who came out for our last event of the year. We hope our spectators spread the word that we offer family-friendly and wholesome events twice a summer in alluring St. Mary’s County. Learn more about our club at southernmarylandboatclub.com
Saturday afternoon we ventured to “The Pub” in Yorktown. Afterward, some went shopping, but most went to the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. If you’ve never been, you need to put this on your bucket list!
Based on feedback from last year’s event, Sunday was a down day. Boaters took care of minor boat fixes, laundry, and grocery shopping. We had a list of local vendors on standby willing to fit us into their busy schedules if anyone needed a boat yard, bottom cleaning, detail, or light engine work.
During Monday’s exquisite dinner we heard from Jim Garrett, marine surveyor, who spoke about new standards and recommendations from ABYC and some insurance companies. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular performance by Sound Advice as they treated us to live music—a perfect ending to a relaxed and informal get-together on the lower Chesapeake Bay. We’d love to join up with you as you ‘cruze.’ Check out our calendar at mtoa.clubexpress.com
# Cruzers at the Yorktown Pub.
# Tocky Lawrence of Glen Allen, VA. Photo by Kinetic Pixelz
Flag Raising and Hosting Traditional Small Craft
On Saturday, May 25, Corinthian Yacht Club (CYC) celebrated 121 years by raising the flags to start the boating season.
As part of our tradition, we invite a color guard to “show the colors and assist in the raising of our flags: the US flag, the Maryland State flag, club officer flags, and finally our club burgee. We shoot our cannon as each set of flags is raised. Ryan Love assisted in this duty led by past commodore Jim Test and Jim’s grandson-in-law, Jon Stuart. Catherine Love sang our National Anthem as the US flag was raised. Catherine is the niece of our rear commodore, Mary Johnston. Ryan Love is her grandnephew. Club members also remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We recognize those members who passed in the previous year; this year we remembered Earl Waesche, a long-time member. His
nephew, Tom Waesche, and Tom’s wife, Helen, laid our traditional wreath of remembrance.
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary performed boat safety inspections after the ceremony. Father Peter Giovanoni from St. Michael’s Church in Ridge, MD, conducted boat blessings with the assistance of members Pat and Sylvia Shier. More than 80 people shared a lunch of sloppy Joes, coleslaw, chips, and homemade desserts.
Over the weekend of May 30 to June 2, the Old Bay Chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association brought seven small sailboats, most of them handmade by their owners, to CYC. They launched, using our boat ramp, and cruised the creeks and St. Mary’s River. They rafted
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up overnight and shared food across their boats. They had perfect weather and enjoyed the area very much, including their visit to Dennis Point Marina and Captain Pat’s as well as seeing the Dove in St. Mary’s City. See a video of their trip and learn more about CYC at cycchesapeake.com.
# Great Mills High School Naval Junior ROTC Color Guard, captain David Randle leads.
Feasting and Fitness, a Cruise to Rock Hall
By Norm Render
The members of Back Creek Yacht Club (BCYC) got together recently to participate in the club’s annual Cruise to Rock Hall, MD, and a weekend stay at Haven Harbour North Marina on Swan Creek.
Activities included making paracord bracelets and an exercise class with many of the members keeping active in anticipation of the feast that evening. Participants enjoyed grilled shrimp, a “Crab Bomb,” and many additional side dishes. The many desert selections after dinner included birthday cake, as several members were celebrating birthdays. On Sunday morning, participants slipped lines and headed home.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting your adventure in the boating life; if you’re looking for fun on and off the water, check out our club at backcreekyc.org
We have compiled a PropTalk and reader-suggested list of some of the best dock bars in Bay Country. We’ve sorted the bars alphabetically by Upper, Middle, Lower Bay and Potomac, and Way South. Always remember to take along a designated skipper/driver for your adventures, and if we missed your favorite spot, email kaylie@proptalk.com for inclusion. For links to restaurant websites, as well as an interactive dock bar map, click to proptalk.com/dock-bars Be sure to check business websites directly or call ahead for current operating hours.
UPPER BAY
North of the Bay Bridge
Admirals Club Beachside Bar
Ark & Dove Restaurant
Rock Hall Harbor, Haven Harbour South 21140 Green Lane, Rock Hall
410.778.6697
Bowleys on the Bay Frog Mortar Creek at Long Beach Marina
800 Chester Road, Middle River 410.335.8613
Brewers Landing Bar and Grill
Back River
801 Woodrow Avenue, Essex 443.231.5037
Broken Oar Bar and Grill
Nabbs Creek, Nabbs Creek Marina 864 Nabbs Creek Road, Glen Burnie 443.818.9070
Carson’s Creekside Restaurant and Lounge
Dark Head Creek 1110 Beech Drive, Middle River 410.238.0080
Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina
Back Creek
605 Second Street, Chesapeake City 410.885.2040
Dock of the Bay Miller’s Island 9025 Cuckold Point Road, Sparrows Point 410.477.8100
Donnelly’s Dockside
Deep Creek
1050 Deep Creek Avenue, Arnold 410.757.4045
Harbor Shack
Rock Hall Harbor
20895 Bayside Avenue, Rock Hall
410.639.9996
Hard Yacht Café
Bear Creek, Anchor Bay East Marina 8500 Cove Road, Dundalk 443.407.0038
Island View Waterfront Café
Browns Creek
2542 Island View Road, Essex
410.687.9799
Jellyfish Joel’s
Fairlee Creek,
Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing 22170 Great Oak Landing Road, Chestertown 410.778.5007
Lee’s Landing Dock Bar
Susquehanna River
600 Rowland Drive, Port Deposit 443.747.4006
Little Havana
Patapsco River 1325 Key Highway, Baltimore 410.837.9903
McFaul’s Oyster and Reel
Sue Creek
900 Baltimore Yacht Club Road, Essex 443.730.6440
Mike’s Crab House North Rock Creek, 1402 Colony Road, Pasadena 410.255.7946
Nauti-Goose Restaurant North East River
200 W Cherry Street, North East 410.287.7880
Nick’s Fish House
Middle Branch Patapsco River 2600 Insulator Drive, Baltimore 410.347.4123
Passages Bar & Grill
Swan Creek, Haven Harbour Marina Resorts
20832 Rock Hall Avenue, Rock Hall 410.778.6697
Patapsco River, Canton
2780 Lighthouse Point E, Baltimore 443.815.4901
Rams Head Dockside
Furnace Creek
1702 Furnace Drive, Glen Burnie 410.590.2280
Raw & Refined
Patapsco River Canton
2723 Lighthouse Point E, Baltimore 443.282.3640
LoonAsea
Hopkins Creek, off Middle River
207 Nanticoke Road, Essex, MD 443.505.8895
Row Boat Willie’s Dock Bar
Miller’s Island, Bill’s Yacht Basin 9031 Cuckold Point Rd, Sparrows Point 410.477.5137
Levering Creek, Smith Island 4061 Whitelock Road, Ewell, MD 410.425.2525
Leadbellys Restaurant
Crockrell Creek, Fairport Marina 253 Polly Cove Road, Reedville, VA 804.453.5002
Lorraine’s Seafood Restaurant
Tangier Island 4409 Chambers Lane, Tangier, VA 757.891.2225
Madigan’s Waterfront
Occoquan River
201 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA 703.494.6373
Mallards at the Wharf
South Branch Onancock Creek 2 Market Street, Onancock, VA 757.787.8558
Merroir
Rappahannock River 784 Locklies Creek Road, Topping, VA 804.758.2871
Morris Point Restaurant
Canoe Neck Creek
38869 Morris Point Road, Abell 301.769.2500
Pier 450
Smith Creek off Potomac River 48342 Wynne Road, Ridge 301.679.3900
Portside Grill
Urbanna Creek, Urbanna Port Marina 25 Cross Street, Urbanna, VA 804.695.6240
Red Shell Shanty Bar
Somers Cove 715 Broadway, Crisfield 443.614.2397
Reedville Market
Cockrell Creek
729 Main Street, Reedville, VA 804.453.4666
Reluctant Navigator Restaurant Potomac River, Tall Timbers Marina 18521 Herring Creek Road, Tall Timbers 301.994.1508
Riverwalk Restaurant
York River
323 Water Street A-1, Yorktown, VA 757.875.1522
Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse St. Mary’s River
16800 Piney Point Road, Piney Point 301.994.9944
Something Different Urbanna Creek
213 Virginia St., Urbanna, VA 804.758.8000
The Crazy Crab Cockrell Creek 902 Main Street, Reedville, VA 804.453.6789
The Shack
Corrotoman River, Yankee Point Marina 1303 Oak Hill Road, Lancaster 804.462.7635
The Tides Inn
Carters Creek, The Tides Inn Marina 480 King Carter Drive, Irvington, VA 844.244.9486
Tiki Bar & Grill at Windmill Point Rappahannock River, Windmill Point Marina 40 Windjammer Lane, White Stone, VA 804.436.8454
Tim’s at Coles Point
Potomac River
307 Plantation Drive, Hague, VA 804.472.4807
Tim’s II at Fairview Restaurant and Crabhouse
Potomac River
5411 Pavilion Drive, King George, VA 540.775.7500
Urbanna Seafood Restaurant & Raw Bar
Robinson Creek 453 Johnsons Dr, Urbanna, VA 804.758.8588
WAY SOUTH
South of Deltaville across to Belle Haven down to the CBBT and Virginia Beach
Blue Moon Taphouse
Elizabeth River Waterside District 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 757.426.7433
Blue Pete’s Restaurant
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Pungo 1400 N. Muddy Creek Road, Virginia Beach, VA
757.426.2278
Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant Lynnhaven Inlet 3323 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 757.481.3513
Bull Island Brewing Company
Hampton River 758 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton, VA 757.884.8884
Captain Chuck-A-Muck’s Jones Creek, off James River 21088 Marina Road, Smithfield, VA 757.356.1005
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 757.213.3472
Chicks Oyster Bar
Lynnhaven Inlet
2143 Vista Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 757.481.5757
Dockside Seafood and Fishing Center
Lynnhaven Inlet
3311 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
757.481.4545
Fish and Slips Marina Raw Bar and Grill
Elizabeth River, Tidewater Yacht Marina (B Dock) 10 Crawford Pkwy, Portsmouth, VA 757.998.6631
Hole in the Wall Waterfront Grill
Milford Haven, Gwynn’s Island
384 Old Ferry Road, Gwynns, VA
804.505.1005
Longboards East Beach-Norfolk
Little Creek
4521 Pretty Lake Avenue, Norfolk, VA
757.399.4010
Marker 12 Pop-Up Bar
Mile Marker 12 on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 2615 Basin Road, Chesapeake, VA
757.296.3404x703
Ocean Eddie’s Seafood Restaurant 1415 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 757.425.7742
Ocean House Waterfront Seafood 1905 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 757.425.8600
Restaurant at Smithfield Station Pagan River, Smithfield Station Marina 415 S Church Street, Smithfield, VA 757.357.7700
Rockafeller’s Restaurant
Lake Rudee
308 Mediterranean Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 757.422.5654
Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar
Lake Rudee
227 Mediterranean Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
757.425.1777
Stony’s Dockside Bar and Grill
Little Creek
8166 Shore Drive, Norfolk, VA
757.937.6889
Stripers Waterside Restaurant
Elizabeth River Waterside District 333 Waterside Drive Suite 105, Norfolk, VA
757.837.4100
Surf Rider Blue Water
Sunset Creek
1 Marina Road, Hampton, VA
757.723.9366
Surf Rider Marina Shores
Long Creek 2100 Marina Shores Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
757.481.5646
Surf Rider Poquoson
White House Cove 105 Rens Road, Poquoson, VA
757.868.0080
The Oyster Farm at kings Creek Kings Creek, Oyster Farm Marina 500 Marina Village Circle, Cape Charles, VA
757.331.8660
The Shack
712 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA
757.319.5146
The Shanty
Cape Charles Harbor
33 Marina Rd., Cape Charles, VA
757.695.3853
The Surry Seafood Co. Grays Creek
633 Marina Dr, Surry, VA
757.294.3700
Water Street Grille
York River
323 Water St., Yorktown, VA
757.369.5644
Waterman’s Surfside Grille 415 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA
757.428.3644
York River Oyster Company
Sarah Creek 8109 Yacht Haven Rd., Gloucester, VA
804.993.7174
Yorktown Pub
York River
540 Water St., Yorktown, VA
757.886.9964
TThunder on the Choptank
Photos by Dennis Falkowski
hunder on the Choptank, presented by the Kent Narrows Racing Association, was held July 20-21 at Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh on the Choptank River in Cambridge, MD. At print time, the official results were not yet available. Stay tuned for updates at proptalk.com
A Girl With Her Powerboat: Holly Tompkins and Cayuga
By Capt. Michael L. Martel
When you grow up in boats and on the water, you become fairly particular about the boats that you want to own when you grow up. And then one day a boat, not just any boat, catches your eye and, well, won’t let go. You absolutely must have it; that’s what happened when Holly Tompkins of Annapolis saw Pug, later renamed Cayuga, and for Holly and her husband Brad, the rest is history.
Holly and Brad found the Ray Huntdesigned fiberglass-hulled powerboat, built in 1984, for sale and in need of a little TLC. They spent a lot of time and money on her in a truly loving restoration that took her not only back on the water but all the way to the annual Chesapeake Antique and Classic Boat Festival, where
Cayuga was judged as a Late Classic to be in Gold Level condition. But I am getting a little bit ahead of myself here.
Pug was designed in 1984 as a chase boat for Blair Brown, an offshore sailboat racer, according to a writeup in the summer 2024 edition of the Ray Hunt Design Quarterly: “Blair’s concept was for traditional style and performance with just the right exhaust note. It had to sound right. Thus, it had V-8 inboard gasoline power on V-drives for the best trim and speed with props. While IOs would have been faster, tradition mattered to Blair. Pug was built on a cored FRP hull by Concordia in South Dartmouth, MA. The hull was the prototype for the Black Watch 30 which began the Black Watch boat line and later the Whisperjet series by Ted Hood.
Later Blair would commission a 33-footer which became the basis for Hunt Yachts, and then a 36, all looking very much like the first 30. As years went by, the original Pug was bought by Brad Cole and Holly Tompkins of Annapolis, MD, who have lovingly restored Pug to its original perfection.”
Holly was born in upstate New York and did much of her boating on the Finger Lakes. Cayuga, (north of Ithaca), she explains, was the first body of water that she was ever on.
And boating is in her blood, in her family history. “My dad liked boating,” Holly says. “He was a powerboater later in life. He told me that he had raced Lightnings or something like that when he was younger. For the most part, he enjoyed powerboating. And so, my first experiences boating were on the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, on Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake.”
Holly’s dad, Scott, worked for IBM, and his family moved around a lot, eventually to the Annapolis area. “We moved around and eventually he chartered a boat for a few years and then finally bought a cabin cruiser style motorboat, and even bought a fatty knees dinghy, but all I ever wanted was to go sailing. So, he got a mast and sail for it, and whenever we would go anchor out, I would get in that boat, set the sail, and disappear as far away from Mom and Dad and my sisters
# Holly was recognized for getting Cayuga into Gold Level condition by the Chesapeake Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society.
Making YOUR BOaT New Again!
as I could get without getting in too much trouble. And so, I guess thanks to Mom and Dad, I enjoy the water as much as I do.”
“I love the water, right? Sure,” she says. “But when I got older and I was looking to find a place to live, after I moved back to Maryland from being away, it was heading into 2008, and I was, like, ‘I don’t trust this market. This is insane.’”
Thus, Holly didn’t buy a house, but instead bought a Beneteau sailboat and moved aboard. Seven or so years later, still aboard the boat, she met Brad, and they became husband and wife. “We met because of sailing,” she says, “I was racing. He was racing.” But life moves on, and eventually they sold the Beneteau.
“That boat taught me a lot of things about boating in general; maintenance obviously, and a lot of ‘fend for yourself, figure it out, learn how to do this, learn how to do that.’ It’s a real kind of confidence booster when it comes to owning a boat.” But it still didn’t take Holly off the water. “Whether it had to do with racing, Eastern Shore deliveries, whatever, I was still out on the water as much as I could be.”
But it wasn’t the same as having a boat. After all, when you don’t have a boat, nothing else can fill that empty space; it’s almost palpable. Holly and Brad fell in love with a boat in Seattle, WA, but it sold before they had a chance to look at it. “We had just missed her,” Holly says. “Then we were really depressed and gave up looking for awhile.”
Holly’s dad had been a fan of antique motorboats, particularly Chris-Crafts, and he restored a couple of wooden ones and also a Penn Yan. He became, Holly says, “Really involved with the Chesapeake Chapter of the Antique Classic Boat Society, he and Mom headfirst, and he ended up being the chapter president for a year or two,” with Holly’s mom, Julie, involved in the chapter as well.
He passed away in early 2020, Holly’s mom a couple of years earlier, and at one point in time soon after Holly lost her parents, she and Brad picked up their search for another boat. “And so, I’m looking around at sailboats, sailboats, sailboats, and I said, ‘well, let me channel Dad for a second.’ So, I said, ‘what would
Dad buy if he was going to buy a boat today?’ I started looking at Chris-Crafts because he always had them.”
She felt that she needed to find something practical, but something that was really classic. “And I went down the rabbit hole and I said, ‘well, what would be maybe even cooler than a Chris-Craft in my mind?’” The answer for Holly was a Hunt. She said, “Let me see if there is a Hunt that is anywhere in the affordability range. And I figured probably not. No way. But I plugged it in, and a boat came up and I said, ‘oh my God, this is the boat, and I think we can afford this.’”
Brad fell in love with the boat, too. They met with the broker, hit it off with the owner, made an offer, and owned her by the end of the week. “It was a little crazy, but I was so excited. She’s just beautiful.”
“The original owner built her to basically be his crew carrier,” Holly says. “He was a racer. He had a racing program, and he was a big-boat sailor, and had this boat built to carry his crew out to the boat and back and party, and part of the reason why it’s set up the way it is, is so that there’s room there for people to sit and enjoy themselves and tell stories after boating with prob-
ably many beverages. He eventually had another boat built, a 36, but this is a 30foot boat. She was built to basically do one thing, go really fast to the boat and really fast back to the dock. He didn’t put trim tabs on her because he was either going fast or he was docking the boat or picking up the mooring ball. So her fuel capacity is not huge. We’re not going to take her any great distance unless we know that we can get gas somewhere. After all, she has two big gasoline engines.”
“We wanted to put trim tabs on her. We don’t want to go 30 miles an hour, and we also don’t want to go just six. We want to go a comfortable 12, 13, 14, 15, maybe 18 miles per hour, but without the trim tabs, she doesn’t quite get fully up on plane. We decided to install Zipwake, a dynamic trim control system. What is also great about them is that they are installed below the water line, and you would never know that they’re there. We’re not physically altering the exterior of the boat for the purposes of the antique classic qualifications or judging.” Because Cayuga is built in 1984, she fits into the Late Classic category.
“She’s here in the Chesapeake, where she has a longer season, so there’s more enjoying to happen. But she has a nice pedigree, she’s a great boat, and I’m having a great time. I’m a girl with her powerboat.”
# Cayuga is a Ray Hunt-designed fiberglass-hulled powerboat, built in 1984.
Marine Engine & Generator Sales • Parts •
By Capt. Rick Franke
IAn the summers before Covid there was traditionally a slower period for area shops between the Fourth of July and Labor Day rush. This year, for the first time in four years, the summer workload is beginning to look like a “normal” summer. The slowdown is not exactly un-welcome as long as it doesn’t get too slow or last too long.
ndy Dize of Roudebush Yacht and Engine Works in Dundalk, MD, sums it up pretty well. “Not much to report this month. I think the heat is slowing people down a bit. Hopefully by next month we will be deep into the Sea Otter refurbishment and have more to report.”
Keith Rhodes, owner and CEO of Tri-State Marine in Annapolis, Deale, and Middle River, MD, agrees about the slowdown. “Things are a little slow right now, but it is mid-summer, really hot, and an election year. People are a little slower to make big purchasing decisions in an election year. And we are staying busy doing service work and refurbishing trade-ins. We will be ready when things pick up after Labor Day.”
Halfway through the summer, Hank Reiser of Marine Services LLC at Pocohontas Marina in Edgewater, MD, reports on his latest project in the
shop. “It is a 1954 Larson strip-planked outboard runabout built in Minnesota. We replaced the original Mercury outboard with a new Tohatsu 20-hp four cycle. The engine only weighs 94 pounds. It’s the lightest four cycle on the market. Except for the engine, the boat is pretty much all original; it even still has the original cable steering. The Tohatsu pushes it at about 25 miles per hour.”
An interesting detail on the boat are hull extensions on either quarter which extend the planing surface about eight inches beyond the transom. According to Hank they are original and factory installed. “Outboards were heavy in 1954 and boat designers knew that the longer the planing surface is, the better it works. These were designed to give more lift at the stern and to help get the hull up on plane quickly. They look like add-ons, but she was built that way,” he concluded.
As far as the business is concerned Hank observed, “It’s been pretty busy. We’ve been busy with our bigger projects and with regular summer maintenance work. Bottoms have been pretty clear. Not many short hauls. The marine growth this year doesn’t seem as bad. But we’ve been very busy with our summer work and our bigger projects. I think we are booked for the winter, or just about. But we can always use more.”
Jake Glover at Ferry Point Marina in Trappe, MD, sends us the following report. “Our fiberglass and paint techs have been busy with a number of collision repairs. In the shop now are a 23-foot Key West center console and a 24-foot Tidewater center console. Both of those should be completed next week. The mechanics are always busy! Some of the later boaters are
# Peter Norman with his catamaran under construction at Cypress Marine in Severna Park, MD.
Photos by Rick Franke.
coming through for annual services and commissions while re-powers and re-fits are also underway. The yard crew has been completing some later bottom painting and weekly cleanings for local clients.”
Allen Flinchum of Cypress Marine in Severna Park, MD, reports that he has a new tenant in one of his shop bays who is singlehandedly building a 36foot catamaran. Peter Norman, a transplanted South African currently living in Ellicott City, is the ultimate weekend boatbuilder. Peter describes his project for us.
“For the last four years I have been building parts of a boat in my garage and storing them in my basement. So now I’ve been pulling out the panels which I will use to make the hull and bringing them here. I’ve rented this marina space at the start of this year, and every weekend I’m working. I used to have a full-time job and just did this on weekends, but now I have got them to give me Fridays off. So, I work here Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on the boat,” he explained. Peter elaborated on his plan. “I’m building a 36-foot day charter sailing catamaran. It is theoretically a simple
boat with no upper deck and very simple accommodations in the hull. It has a hard top, but no cabin. The original boat was skinny and flat, so I had to revise the plan a bit. It’s like a camper; it’s not luxurious, it will be super plain, and you could live on it if you wanted to. I’ve been working on it for four years already in my garage and basement. This is the first year I’ve had room to put the hulls together.” When asked about a completion date, Peter chuckled, “Whenever anyone asks me that, I always give them the same answer: two-year’s time, no matter when they ask!”
# Factory installed hull extenders designed to improve planing performance on a 1954 Larson runabout at Marine Services LLC at Pocahontas Marina in Edgewater, MD.
# Original equipment cable and pulley steering on a 1954 Larson Runabout at Marine Services LLC at Pocahontas Marina in Edgewater, MD.
# A 1954 Larson outboard runabout at Marine Services LLC at Pocahontas Marina in Edgewater, MD.
# A four cycle Yanmar being serviced at Tri-State Marine in Deale, MD.
# Bloody Knuckles, a 20-foot Simmons Sea Skiff in for paint at Cypress Marine in Severna Park.
The end of a busy day at Annapolis Inflatables in Annapolis, MD.
Peter explained the process of building the boat. “The construction is three quarter-inch foam. It’s made in strips with a tongue and groove arrangement to fasten them together. Then you fasten them to the jigs, glue them all together, and create this huge shape, sort of like a big surfboard in a way. Once they are all together, you
fiberglass them with a heavy TRI-X fiberglass; that stuff’s very strong. It creates a super strong sandwich construction. And the nice thing about it is the foam. If you ding it, the foam is all closed cells, so the water can only go so far and it stops. It’s not like wood which will keep wicking the water all over. So, if you ding it, you
just put some filler in and glass it, and you are done.”
Allen’s crew at Cypress Marine is enjoying the slower pace this month. They have been doing a lot of small maintenance jobs, one of which was a bottom painting on Bloody Knuckles, a 20-foot Simmons Sea Skiff. This North Carolina design is rarely seen here in
A pair of marine batteries awaiting installation at Marine Services LLC at Pocahontas Marina in Edgewater, MD.
The first hull of the catamaran nears completion at Cypress Marine in Severna Park, MD.
Howard Percival Johnson Boats in My Blood & Wild About Whirlwinds
the mid-Chesapeake but is very popular on the Hatteras coast. This design dates from the 1940s. It has a relatively narrow outboard hull with a New England style high dory bow. The beam is carried well aft to a high, broad, flat, and sharply raked transom that lifts easily to following seas and provides ample space to handle nets. With outboard power of
50-hp in a protected motor well, the Sea Skiff is an ideal surf boat or net tender. Allen explains, “This boat is a modified design of a Simmons Sea Skiff that was redesigned and built by Drew Kaufmann. These boats can really handle rough water. They launch them into the surf and haul them the same way. The skiffs handle waves like dorys.”
That’s it for this month. We still have some great boating weather ahead, so get out on the water and enjoy it. Always be safe on the water. See you next month.
Her bottom work completed, the Simmons Sea Skiff 20 is ready to leave the shop at Cypress Marine in Severna Park, MD.
A four cycle lower unit being rebuilt at Tri- State marine in Deale, MD.
A test tank, one of two, at Tri-State Marine in Deale, MD. The four cycle engine is left on the boat and the boat’s trailer is backed down the ramp so the engine can be test run and tuned before delivery.
By Lenny Rudow
Goodbye Girls
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted five to four to repeal the 16-year prohibition on winter crab dredging, a fishery which harvests over 90-percent female crabs. That followed VMRC’s own staff recommending they keep the winter dredge fishery closed, along with 186 public comments opposing the proposal. Which were obviously overshadowed by… the zero comments in favor of it.
Note that when the blue crab fishery was declared a federal disaster in 2008, the number of females was estimated to be below 100 million and the prohibition was enacted. Just two years later, the number of females bounced back to 250 million. Clearly, this is not sufficient evidence to show the VMRC commissioners voting
Master’s Degree
It’s official: FishTalk contributor Eric Packard (also known as “the man who goes fishing every day”), has earned his Master Angler Milestone Award from the Maryland DNR. Having caught 10 fish of different species worthy of citation, Packard capped off his qualifying fish this summer when he tied into a 24-inch speckled sea trout. Some other standout catches include a 26-inch pickerel, a 30-inch snakehead, and a 45-inch red drum. Along with exercising his casting arm yearround on a near-daily basis, Packard also serves on the Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Committee, paints some rockin’ good fish art (keep your eyes peeled for this fall’s Team FishTalk Fish For a Cure fundraiser to get an original Packard painting while donating to a great cause), and is an active member and volunteer with the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland. Congratulations on earning your new “degree,” Eric!
to lift the prohibition that eliminating winter dredging had a positive effect on the population of females—or perhaps they just think there are too many girl crabs scuttling around out there. Virginia Coastal Conservation
Association chairman Rob Allen may have said it best when he stated, “The opening of a winter dredge fishery would be an irresponsible step in the wrong direction and is a measure the public does not support.”
# Female blue crabs may once again be subject to winter dredge harvest in Virginia.
Photo by the Chesapeake Bay Program
# Congratulations go out to the newly minted Master Angler, Eric Packard.
Tournamen T n ews
Paddle for Charity
The Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association (TKAA) 20th annual Kayak Fish for Charity Tournament is set for September 28, with a (mandatory) captain’s meeting at 7 p.m. on the 27th at the Lake Wright Convention Center in Norfolk. Anglers can fish any Virginia waters in this catch-photo-release event, held via iAngler. The competition includes both fresh and saltwater plus youth divisions. This is a nonprofit tournament with proceeds benefiting Heroes on the Water, so check it out and sign up now; visit the TKAA on their Facebook page or at tkaa.org to learn more.
It’s a Classic
The Tangier Classic is scheduled for September 27 to 29, with the Crisfield American Legion Post 16 serving as headquarters. Anglers fish two of the three days in powerboat, kayak, and youth divisions, anywhere within the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. This is a hybrid C-P-R tournament with anglers able to submit measurement photos or have fish measured at the Legion. There’s a healthy list of rules so be sure to check out the complete official rules PDF online. Payouts are based on entries and calcuttas, with 50 percent of the entry plus proceeds going to the tournament beneficiaries, two very young children facing huge medical challenges. See their stories, wipe away the tears, and then enter and make an additional donation, all at tangierclassic.com
Flounder Pounder
The Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder is September 8 in Ocean City, MD. The one-day tournament runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a captain’s meeting immediately beforehand at 9:30 a.m. Winner-take-all calcuttas determine the winnings, and fishing takes place from Fenwick Ditch to the Verazano Bridge and the south jetty. Visit bahiamarina.com for the details.
TLifetime Achievement
he Maryland DNR announced the recipient of the 2024 Sport Fishing Achievement Award, Dr. Ray Morgan. A professor emeritus with the Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Studies, Dr. Morgan has performed research on aquatic ecology, pollution ecology, and fisheries genetics. His work included researching urbanization effects on streams and studying the effectiveness of bioswales to reduce road pollution, and Dr. Morgan is nationally recognized for his research on brook trout genetics. Dr. Morgan has also served on the DNR’s Sport Fisheries Advisory Committee. We thank him for a long history of commitment to fisheries research and stewardship and send congratulations on receiving this recognition of his efforts.
Nanticoke River Invasive Fishing Derby Recap
By Eric Packard
The Third Annual Nanticoke River Invasive Fishing Derby was held on July 20. There were over 30 teams competing and removing nearly 600 pounds of invasive species from the river. With the biomass of the river being 70 precent blue catfish, it is no surprise that the tournament was a success. There were 376 blue catfish and eight snakehead caught. Prizes and gift cards were awarded in 22 divisions. The largest catfish, caught by Lonnie Skinner, weighed 33.6 pounds and the biggest snakehead, caught by Team Demar, came in at 8.8 pounds. The derby is presented by Salisbury University and run by Dr Noah Bressman’s research lab. Studying the stomach content of the fish caught provides data to evaluate the potential impact of invasives on the local ecosystem.
OCha-Ching!
ne of the biggest-money rockfish tournaments around—we’re talking about a $200,000 payout here, people—the Tiki Lee’s Rockfish Invitational, will be happening September 19 to 22. The entire Chesapeake is open to competition, with the largest three-fish stringer taking the prize and anglers fishing two of the three days. All boats leave from Tiki Lees Dock Bar and must check in at the bar by 5 p.m. Thursday evening. Visit tikileesrockfishopen.com to see the full rules and sign up.
Don’t Be Sheepish
September 21, get ready for the second annual Peninsula Saltwater Sport Fisherman’s Association’s second annual Sheepshead Tournament. Hosted by Wallace’s Bait and Tackle in Foxhill, VA, prizes include a healthy $2000 payout ($1000 for the heaviest sheep) plus calcuttas, and anglers can fish in any Virginia or federal waters. The captain’s meeting takes place on the 20th at Wallace’s. Added bonus: there’s a $100 prize for the largest oyster toad! Visit pswsfa.com to get all the details.
We’ll e-mail you our updated reports every Friday afternoon, just in time for your weekend fishing adventures.
# Isaac with an invasive blue catfish, one of over 300 caught during the Nanticoke River Invasive Fishing Derby.
BRO k ERAGE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS
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Sea-Doo 16’ 150 Speedster 2012 Pre-owned, 2012 Rotax-220Hp, 2012 Sea-Doo trailer, Super clean, 28 hours, garage kept, custom cover, Bluetooth radio, interior orange on white, ski tow pkg. WAS $12,995NOW $11,999 - Price lowered! (Stock# U-410) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.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
21’ Chris Craft 215 Scorpion Cuddy Cabin 1986 GM 305cu in/230Hp, 784 hrs.; I/O Merc Alpha 1; Wired for two batteries; Bimini top & cushions like new; 2015 ‘Elite’ Load Rite trailer, 24’ & 5,400lbs capacity, new tires. $11,500 410.320.1747
War Eagle 24’ New 2370 Blackhawk 2024 Yamaha VF150 Sho 4-stroke, White boat paint, running light pkg. for console, center console w/ insulated bait well, hydr. steering, Seastar, Duckbill w/ led upgrade, 2 rocket launchers, and much more - Call for info! (Stock# WE-50) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com
Wellcraft 24’ 242 Fisherman CC 2020 Mercury 250 Verrado, new alum. Loadrite trailer, powder coated hard top. head compartment w/ toilet, low hours, super loaded. Was $57,996Price reduced NOW $49,999 (Stock# U-396) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com
2018 Parker 2520 XL Sport Cabin 25’ Yamaha F300, under 500 hours, clean boat, lift kept, Garmin GPSMAP 1042xsv, freshwater washdown, second station, anchor windlass, livewell, and more! $85,000 Call Joe 410.798.0421
2021 Everglades 253 CC 25’ Brokerage - Yamaha 300, blue hull, power poles, Garmin electronics, trailer - Ready to go! Just reduced $139,000 Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.seattleyachts.com
2007 26’ Sea Ray 260 Sundancer Repowered in 2021 Mercruiser 350 Mag 300Hp gas engine (approx. 250 hours), new Kohler 5kw generator in 2021 (approx. 150 hours), new upgraded Marine Air 10k BTU reverse cycle AC unit in 2022, new Lewmar electric windlass in 2024, Garmin GPSMap 742 touch screen in 2023, ProNautic 12-20 battery charger in 2024. $59,950 Deltaville, VA. Call Bob Hoefer 804.241.8924 or bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
2020 Crownline 264CR Brokerage - She’s a fast and fun cruiser, loaded w/ features and nearly every option to make boating fun for family and friends. Asking $104,900 Call Dave Townley 410.271.5225 or www.seattleyachts.com
Cutwater Cruiser WA 2016 26’ Preowned, excellent condition – like new, Volvo Penta 03-200 engine low hours, digital gauges, GPSMAP, windlass anchor helm controlled, cooktop, microwave, full head. WAS $149,995NOW $139,999 (Stock# U-395) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com
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. $164,000 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
27’ Wellcraft 260 SE ‘98 Volvo Penta 5.7 GS Duo Prop 275Hp engine, Full Camper canvas and winter cover. $15,300 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com
28’ Regal ‘15 $109,000 Dan Tisoskey 267.784.7229 dant@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
28’ Tidewater 280 CC Adventure ‘20 Ready for summer fun! Dealer maintained. 2-yr warranty on engines. Versatile boat; great for day-cruising, freshwater-fishing, saltwater-fishing… Comfortable seating and amenities make it an excellent choice! Price Reduced over 20k to $139,900 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
Chaparral 28’ 0SX 280 2021 Twin Yamaha F200 white 4-stroke, Optimus joystick 360 control, head w/ electronic toilet, loaded, super clean, like new condition. WAS $189,900 - NOW $149,988 (Stock# U-404) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.rudymarine.com
2017 29’ Ranger Tugs R-29 S One owner, lift kept w/ Volvo Penta D4 260Hp Diesel Engine w/ 80 hours. 3.5kw generator, bow and stern thrusters w/ remote. Radar, autopilot, chart plotter, sonar, satellite TV (Dish network). All new batteries & new charger/inverter. Reverse cycle AC and diesel forced air cabin heater. $214,950 Lancaster, VA. Call Bob Hoefer 804.241.8924 or bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.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 - Just Reduced $170,000 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 Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis for more info at 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
30’ Chaparral 290 Signature ‘05 T Volvo 5.0 GXI 270Hp, GPS, Radar, and AC. $42,900 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com
Brokerage & Classified
Jeanneau 30’ New Leader 9.0 CC 2024 Twin Yamaha F250 4-stroke, Helm Master joystick w/ auto pilot, powder coated hard top, super loaded, galley option includes refrigerator and propane stove. $199,981 OBO (Stock# BJ-154) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.jeanneauboatsforsale.com
2000 Formula 31 PC FULLY LOADED! T/5.7L 310Hp Mercruiser FWC, B3, Kohler gen, AC/HT, Raymarine axiom, Quantum radar, full canvas & isinglass, sleeps 6. Well-maintained w/ $11K recent work. Kept indoors. $50,000 202.798.0443 or jperez9630@gmail.com
2021 Ranger Tugs R-31 CB $339,987 One of the most popular boats that Ranger makes. Whether cruising the Chesapeake or doing the Great Loop, it has everything you need! Call John Osborne at 410.490.6250 or john@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com
1957 Maryland Custom Built 32’ Beautiful wooden boat that has been boathouse kept w/ 4-53 Detroit diesel engine. $7,500 For more info/inquiries, contact michael.schultz5573@gmail.com or 443.624.2818
2023 Cutwater C-32 S $369,987 Fully loaded. One of the best twin-engine boats that Fluid Motion makes. Has the speed and maneuverability to make your cruises pleasurable. Call John Osborne at 410.490.6250 or john@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com
32’ Four Winns Vista Cruiser ‘05 Volvo Penta 5.7, Kohler generator, very wellmaintained. New top and canvas enclosures, swim platform, and more! $65,000 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
32’ Fratelli Aprea Sorrento ‘22 A luxurious yacht w/ stunning interior. Spectacular Performance! A dry and comfortable ride at 30+ knots. Handcrafted in Italy for over 130 years by the Fratelli family. Stand out from the crowd w/ this very elegant Yacht! Lightly used as a demo boat. Now offered for sale! $630,000 Also available 2022 Fratelli 36’. Contact S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
34’ Formula 34 PC ‘00 T Mercruiser Bravo III, Kohler Generator, Camper top with new screens, cockpit cover. $62,500 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 2022 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.jeanneauboatsforsale.com
(Dilligaf) 35’ Great Harbour TT35 ‘21 $287,900 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
2018 Legacy 36 Brokerage - Elegant design, superb craftsmanship and a spacious interior makes this yacht ideal for cruising. Asking $485,000 Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.seattleyachts.com
39’ Carver CPMY ‘93 Volvo V6 Engine, Sundeck, Sun pads, Full enclosure, Under Water Lights. $49,500 Call Joe Smith at 410.708.0579 for an appointment or more info. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.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. $419,000 (Over $525K to buy new). Well-equipped! Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.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
40’ Bavaria R40 Coupe ‘23 STOCK BOAT CLEARANCE – SAVE $120,250 – 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, swim platform… $799,928 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
40’ Mainship 400 ‘08 Great condition, efficient single Yanmar 380Hp engine (model 6LY3-UTP). Great Loop-friendly draft: 3’ 8”, bridge clearance: 19’. Include two AC units, bow & stern thrusters, & 9KW Kohler generator. $237,500 Contact S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
2015 Back Cove 41 Express 41’ Brokerage - Beautifully preserved, low hour, downcast classic - yet modern fast cruiser. Cruise to the islands on one tank or scoot at 25+ knots in style. Asking $629,000 Call Dave or Erin Townley 410.271.5225 or www.seattleyachts.com
41’ Bavaria SR41 ‘23 IN STOCK DEMO BOAT. Modern family cruiser. Enjoy outdoor living w/ all the amenities & spacious indoor living w/ 2nd galley, salon and 2 large staterooms. A/C, large electric sunroof, sunpad fwd & aft, much more. $674,345 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
Brokerage & Classified
Jeanneau 41’ New 1295 Fly Weekender 2024 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. Price Greatly Reduced - call for info! (Stock# BJ-163) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.jeanneauboatsforsale.com
Jeanneau 41’ New Leader 12.5 Cruiser 2024 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. Retail $692,801 – Leftover Discount Price WAS $499,999NOW $479,500 (Stock# BJ-148) Rudy Marine, 302.945.2254, www.jeanneauboatsforsale.com
2018 Legacy 42 Brokerage - Freshly painted Flag Blue hull, superbly equipped, single 660 Cummins, genset, davits, flybridge and more. Just Reduced - Asking $599,000 Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.seattleyachts.com
42’ Ocean Alexander 420 Sport Sedan ‘95 Well-maintained. Luxurious Ed Monk design boasts exceptional performance, construction quality & accommodations. Twin Cat 3208 diesels (1210 hrs), semi-displacement/ planing hull ensures superior performance, great fuel economy & a very comfortable ride. $160,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
2002 Grand Banks East Bay 43’ Brokerage - Asking $374,500 Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.seattleyachts.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
43’ Silverton Motor Yacht 39 ‘06 Crusader 8.1 425Hp Engines, very clean and well-maintained. New Garmin GPS, anchor, fenders. Bottom freshly painted! $169,500 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
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. Reduced to $375,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
To find more used boats, visit proptalk.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 $299,000 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
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
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
46’ Maxum 4600 ‘01 Well-maintained, fully outfitted & ready to go. Bottom painted, stored canvas, updated & maintained equipment w/ owner records. Offers comfort, luxury, safety & stability at anchor or underway. $179,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.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! Reduced to $349,900 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
53’ Selene 53 Ocean Trawler ‘03 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. $700,000 S&J Yachts, 843.872.8080,www.sjyachts
2020 Prestige Yachts 590 Fly, OUR TRADE 59’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $1,335,000 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
2022 Prestige Yachts 590 Fly 59’ Annapolis, MD. Asking $1,749,000 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
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
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
Brokerage/ Classified Order Form
MAR k ETPLACE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS
ART
DELIVERIES
Marine Dynamics Yacht Delivery 50 years on water experience with Sail & Power. US East Coast and Caribbean. Contact Kip Koolage at 410.241.8468 or email MDYachtDelivery@gmail.com www.MarineDynamicsLLC.com
H ELP WANTED
Annapolis Boat Shows Wants YOU! Annapolis Boat Shows is hiring for the Fall 2024 Boat Shows! Opportunities ranging from water crew to gate support are available August through the Shows in October. Show dates for reference - Powerboat: Oct 3-6, Sailboat: Oct 10-14, Annapolis City Dock. Hourly wage, some meals, and free entry into Shows included. Completion bonus available. To learn more and apply, please visit: www.annapolisboatshows.com/job-opportunities www.annapolisboatshows.com
Marine Mechanics Wanted Port Annapolis Marina is hiring marine diesel mechanics. Must have a strong work ethic, require minimum supervision and at least 2 years of experience with power and/or sail boats. Knowledge of outboards, outdrives and sail drives is a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. Our benefit package includes vacation days, health insurance, 401K, profit sharing and incentive bonuses. Please send resume to richard@portannapolis.com www.portannapolis.com
Seeking P/T Magazine Delivery Drivers for threeday-a-month magazine distribution routes in Maryland. Compensation based upon quantity of stops. Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing, reliable vehicle, and be able to lift up to 25 lbs. For more info, please email info@proptalk.com
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
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
25’ to 45’ Slips Available in Heart of Eastport! Eastport Yacht Center offers a range of slip options, including floating, fixed, and lift slips, to accommodate vessels measuring between 25’ to 45’. The marina is gated, w/ ample onsite parking and an immaculate bathhouse for guests’ comfort and convenience! Call 410.280.9988 to reserve your slip today! info@eastportyachtcenter.com www.eastportyachtcenter.com
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
45’ Slip for Sale in Baltimore, MD Location: Anchorage Marina. Amenities: Gated/Private Dock, Boater’s Lounge, Water & Electric, Pump Out Services, Laundries, Bath House, and more! Restaurants & Grocery within walking distance. $19,000 Interested parties, please call 240.463.1029.
Partnership
Aspen Power Catamarans announces a strategic partnership with Yanmar Marine International (YMI). Aspen will now use a single inboard diesel Yanmar on their C100 model. These engines are known for their solid engineering, lightweight build, smooth operation, and quiet performance. The new Yanmar combines with Aspen’s unique design to provide maximum efficiency and performance while maintaining a smooth, stable ride. The Yanmar 4LV250 engine not only fits well in Aspen’s C100 but boasts remarkable improvements, achieving 4.1 mpg at 18 mph—a 32 percent increase in efficiency over previous models. “I’ve been building catamarans for the last 30-plus years, and I have never had a product that has run this eco-friendly. It’s twice the efficiency of a trawler at double the speed,” says Larry Graf, Aspen’s founder and chief engineer. The partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies as they combine their expertise to introduce a new era of superior powercatamarans. aspenpowercatamarans.com
New Destination
The Moorings announces its newest destination in La Paz, Mexico, with yachts available for immediate ownership and guaranteed income. Just north of Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, La Paz offers guests a unique charter experience unlike any other currently available with The Moorings. Enjoy the otherworldly contrast of sapphire blue waters against a remote, rugged landscape, and the vibrant marine life in the Sea of Cortez, appropriately named “The World’s Aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau. Available yachts include the 4500 Sail Cat, 403 Power Cat, and the 464 Power Cat. moorings.com
Marina Manager
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina welcomes Glenn Shaefer as marina manager. In his new role Shaefer will oversee the operation of the resort’s 150-slip River Marsh Marina. “We are thrilled to welcome Glenn Shaefer to the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay team,” said Shane Nicolopoulos, general manager. “Glenn’s experience managing marinas around the Bay paired with his enthusiasm and dedication to providing premier experiences for boaters makes him an incredible asset to our team.” Originally from Annapolis, Shaefer has been involved in recreational boating and sailing since he was a young child. He has experience managing various marinas on the Chesapeake Bay as well as South Florida, including Key West and Ft. Lauderdale. Shaefer is a certified sailing instructor and holds a United States Coast Guard 200-ton rated master license. “I am very excited to be the new marina manager at River Marsh Marina and look forward to working with the great team at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay,” said Shaeffer. “The marina experience is truly a hidden gem here on the Bay with premier docking options and incredible amenities. I look forward to welcoming guests with exceptional customer service to help ensure they enjoy an unforgettable time on the water.” River Marsh Marina is located at 38˚ 33˚ 89˚ N and 78˚ 08˚ 78˚ W. When approaching, the marina can be contacted on VHF Channel 09172 or (410) 901-6380. rivermarshmarinacambridge.com
Authorized Dealer
Legasea Marine announces its partnership with Cox Marine as an authorized dealer of their diesel outboard engines. Cox Marine is pioneering advancements in marine propulsion technology with their diesel outboard engines that deliver unmatched torque, fuel efficiency, and serviceability. These engines were designed from the outset specifically for outboard applications in both the pleasure craft and government sectors, providing innovative, yet sensible solutions. “Becoming an authorized dealer for Cox Marine is a significant milestone,” said Chris Hall, president of Legasea Marine. “We are excited to offer our customers access to the industry’s most advanced diesel outboard engines and provide increased performance and reliability.”
Legasea Marine has been at the forefront of this innovative chapter, with service manager Nick Smith having the distinction as the first person to rig a Cox outboard during the manufacturer’s pre-market pilot program. The CXO300 engine, Cox Marine’s flagship product, boasts a robust 300-hp and a torque output unmatched by any other diesel outboard on the market. This results in faster acceleration, improved fuel economy, and longer service intervals than comparable gasoline outboards. Legasea Marine will also provide comprehensive support services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. legaseamarine.com
Sustainable Marine Fuel
Suzuki Marine USA joined forces with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), local dignitaries, and representatives of St. Andrews Marina in Panama City, FL, to expand access to sustainable marine fuel for recreational boaters in the Florida panhandle. During a special event at St. Andrews Marina, it was announced that Hyperfuel Purfuel, a new sustainable marine fuel, is now available at the marina fuel docks for all recreational boaters with gasoline powered boats. This ethanol-free, high-performance 93-octane gasoline has the potential to reduce recreational boating carbon emissions by 30 percent more than E10 gasoline at the same renewable content. Especially important to Suzuki Marine and recreational boaters everywhere, it achieves these advantages without compromising range or performance. It will be easy for marinas to provide this new fuel to their customers, as it will blend with existing fuels, so there is no need to drain the tank dry before filling. In addition, no special fuel dispensers or pumps are required.
