Boating the Upper Chesapeake

[solanabeacherman]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Thanks Scott. I just got lucky.
My mechanic had it running today. The starter needed a little "love" (he smacked it with a hammer) but he said it fired right up and sounded good even when cold. 155# in all 8 cylinders!

Skargo- too bad I missed you. I had to drive right past your shop so I figured I'd stop in and say HI.
Stacey said you'd be mad that she saw the Wellcraft before you!

solanabeacherman- Billdc and I are also Pa residents. Pretty much the same rules apply in Md, but I'd suggest you consider having a USCGA courtesy inspection next spring. They're free and painless. If you're missing a required item you WON'T get fined. Here's the actual checklist they use: http://forms.cgaux.org/archive/a7012.pdf
As far as PFD's, the law only requires kids to wear 'em, but any responsible adult should set a good example and wear 'em when underway too! (just my opinion).
Alcohol: of course it's legal to have onboard. The problem is that in the event you're involved in an incident- no matter how minor- the authorities will ALWAYS presume intoxication of the operator if they see any open containers. You'd then be subject to a whole bunch of unpleasantness, from detainment to breath and possible blood tests. As an adult, you'll have to decide if it's really worth the risks. Don't get me wrong, I love a cold one (or two or three....) but I save 'em for AFTER the boating is done for the day.
Empty containers should always be brought back and disposed of properly!
Visual signals- they should've been covered in your Pa safe boaters program. I'd recommend you pick up a copy of 'Chapmans Piloting and Seamanship' and immerse yourself. It's good reading! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapman_Piloting
Ramps- Sure there's plenty but some require a county permit. Go back and read some of the earlier posts in this thread to get some ideas. BTW, the HdG Tydings Park ramp will be renovated by next spring and will be going up to 10 bucks.

Thanks for the tips and links. Looks like the courtsy inspection is the way to go. I'm trying to do it the right way. I seen many examples of poor judgement while out on the water this year. I'm new to boating and want to learn the correct etiquette from the start.

I guess we'll stick the the HDG Tydings launch for now. However, I'm wondering if one can purchase an annual ticket and what will it cost to keep the truck their overnight if we stay on the boat?

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

If you are coming down from Lancaster, another option would be to stay on 272 and head to Anchor Marina in North East MD. (Right beside the Nauti Goose)

Several of the guys on here have launched from there and have all said that it is a great ramp. It also costs $10.

However, this would put you upriver from HDG and increase your cruise time to Chesapeake City if that is where you head most of the time.

Just some food for thought. Maybe this coming year, you can make it down for a raft up on the upper bay!

 

[solanabeacherman]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Been up to the Nauti Goose once. Food wasn't bad I'd be up for the raft up this year, absolutely. I plan on making it down every chance I get this year. Hell, I'm half tempted to de-winterize for the 60 deg. temps coming this weekend LOL.

Our Yamaha will cruise comfortably 35-40 mph, It wouldn't put me much further away from launching at HDG.

Ugh, the only thing now is old man winter standing about 5 months tall

 

[solanabeacherman]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Correction, looking at the map we would be quite a bit further up from going to the C&D. Either way, looks like a nice ramp by all means. Can't wait for spring!!!!!!!!

 

[Damifudo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I always where a life jacket once the water temps dip into the 70s. I use an inflateable life jacket they are very comfortable to wear when your out. It gives you great peace of mind. I am not sure about inflateables for kids though I dont think they are accepted.

In Perryville you can get a Pass I believe which is a sticker for an entire year. They have a very nice boat ramp between the two bridges. You have a little ways of a 6 mile an hour zone down to the rail road bridge.

This weekend is suppose to be beautiful out. I hope to get out and do some rock fishing. I just installed the new Garmin Chartplotter depthfinder combo. I want to give it a try before it gets much colder out.

Anyone going fishing this weekend? Its Rockfish time!

 

[Billdc]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I guess we'll stick the the HDG Tydings launch for now. However, I'm wondering if one can purchase an annual ticket and what will it cost to keep the truck their overnight if we stay on the boat?[/QUOTE]

Port deposit and Perryville have a one year pass for out of staters for $50. Scott should be able to chime in about the state ramp on the south side of the Sussky below the last dam. I can't even remember the name of it, Labrador, lampryum, something like that, I remember that it's new/refurbished.

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Yes, Bill, that would be Lapidum.
I get the passport every year. It's $75 but you can launch at any state park ramp in MD.
It is directly across the river from Port Deposit, and 3 miles north of HDG.

 

[solanabeacherman]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Yes, Bill, that would be Lapidum.
I get the passport every year. It's $75 but you can launch at any state park ramp in MD.
It is directly across the river from Port Deposit, and 3 miles north of HDG.

Now that's the best idea I'd seen yet. Only it's $100 for outta staters. Still, a big savings on paying $10 each time we launch.

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Now that's the best idea I'd seen yet. Only it's $100 for outta staters. Still, a big savings on paying $10 each time we launch.

Especially if you use it more than 10 times!

http://shopdnr.com/marylandstateparkpassports.aspx

2011 MARYLAND RESIDENT STATE PARK PASSPORT

The 2011 Maryland Resident State Park Passport is valid NOW through December 31, 2011.

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER: Buy a Maryland State Park Passport today and receive a complimentary copy of our spectacular magazine, The Maryland Natural Resource!

This is a real deal for frequent park visitors.

Frequent visitors to Maryland State Parks will see a genuine cost savings by purchasing a Maryland State Park Passport.

The Maryland State Park Passport offers:

*
unlimited day-use entry for up to 10 people in a vehicle to Maryland's state parks*;
*
unlimited boat launching at ALL facilities by displaying this pass on your dashboard; and
*
a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.

For parks with honor box systems, the pass covers entry service charges. These passports are valid through December 31, 2011.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

the thing i hate about the lapidum park is that it is per vechile, not per boat.
My sister met me up there one day in her truck, (with no trailer). And parked there for a 3 day camping trip on the sand islands.
but she either got a ticket, or a warning for not paying for her truck.

even though i paid for 3 days or boat ramp use for my truck. and i was not sure if i had to just pay for one day, or 3, since i would only be using the ramp once.

I know at the HGD city basin, they charge you per use, not per day, so a 2 day trip is only 1 fee.

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

the thing i hate about the lapidum park is that it is per vechile, not per boat.
My sister met me up there one day in her truck, (with no trailer). And parked there for a 3 day camping trip on the sand islands.
but she either got a ticket, or a warning for not paying for her truck.

even though i paid for 3 days or boat ramp use for my truck. and i was not sure if i had to just pay for one day, or 3, since i would only be using the ramp once.

I know at the HGD city basin, they charge you per use, not per day, so a 2 day trip is only 1 fee.

If you leave your truck there, you only pay the one time you launch. They do say the park is closed dusk to dawn but they leave the gate open in case you get stuck out on the water.

And they are limited on non trailer parking, but they have it, pretty sure they will only ticket someone who parks in a trailer spot, with no trailer.

I would check with a ranger, they are all over the place and pretty cool from my experiences.

I love the place.

 

[solanabeacherman]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Anyone considering going out this weekend? Seen it's supposed to be sunny with highs above 60.

Is the HDG Tydings ramp still open? I read somewhere it was to close for renovation.

Also seen the Chesapeake City Inn will have thier deck open. Man, what I wouldn't do for one last crab cake this year

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I winterized yesterday but might run down for awhile Saturday to do some misc chores onboard.
The Tydings ramp was open yesterday so you should be good to go for this weekend. The dockmaster told me they'll be dredging the ramp area any day but as of now they're still working around the island pier.

solanabeacherman- feel free to stop by; my slip faces the ramp. White/green Silverton convertible with green canvas. If the aft canvas is open then I'm there!

 

[solanabeacherman]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

I winterized yesterday but might run down for awhile Saturday to do some misc chores onboard.
The Tydings ramp was open yesterday so you should be good to go for this weekend. The dockmaster told me they'll be dredging the ramp area any day but as of now they're still working around the island pier.

solanabeacherman- feel free to stop by; my slip faces the ramp. White/green Silverton convertible with green canvas. If the aft canvas is open then I'm there!

Unfortunatly it will be sunday if we're able to go at all. Hoping just me and the Mrs. since it not quite summer conditions anymore for the kids.

Is this your green/white Silverton you speak of?

 

[arks]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Yup, that's it!

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Well, I winterized the Nova today...so that one is not going out any time soon....but the V-20 is not getting winterized at all (gotta love them outboards) and I hope to still get in a couple of crabbing trips this year. Maybe chase some fish around too.

Hey Scott....what the heck do you use all that anti-freeze for???? I winterize two engines with just under a half gallon. Two gallons did my boat, my camper and my pool (which has two skimmers, two returns and all the lines are unerground) and I still have a gallon left over..just in case you don't have enough.......

Welcome solana....about the flares....if you read the regs carefully, it says is you have to have a day signalling devices and night signalling devices capable of certain standards. I prefer to use a distress flag and a signalling mirror for my day devices and a powerful hand-held spot light capable of SOS patterns for my night use device. Flares are expensive and if you ever have to actually use one in an emergency (I have), you will find that they can be difficult to light in the dark, easily ignored/overlooked by other boaters in rough seas, and dangerous (think hot dripping flaming magma) in rough seas. Like I said, I have had occasion to use them, and I have learned to avoid them if I can.

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

No way you flush the raw water side with a half gallon. In my closed cooling system I flushed out my oil and ps coolers, and all raw side, could have done it with 3 gallons maybe. I do buy mine at Walmart though, for half what west marine and other places sell it.

1/4 gallon per engine??? Whatever floats your boat...

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

No way you flush the raw water side with a half gallon. In my closed cooling system I flushed out my oil and ps coolers, and all raw side, could have done it with 3 gallons maybe. I do buy mine at Walmart though, for half what west marine and other places sell it.

1/4 gallon per engine??? Whatever floats your boat...

You're right...I don't flush, I drain....I'm a firm believer in draining water out

...I pull the manifold and block drains to get all the water out, then I remove my raw water inlet hose from the thermostat housing and back fill it with antifreeze....takes just a very little bit to flush all the water out of the low spots and get pink antifreeze dripping out of my lower unit.

I didn't always use antifreeze either....I used to just drain the block, manifolds and put the lower unit down to let all the water run out of it and then I closed her up...no antifreeze whatsoever. No problems. But someone talked me into pouring just a little down the water inlet to catch any water sitting in the low spots at the p/s cooler and I could see the reasoning in that so now that's what I do.

The funny part is I work in a RV store and can get as much antifreeze as I want....we have it in 55 gallon drums that we pump out into 5 gallon buckets to do the RV's. My trailer won't see any antifreeze, either. I just pull the low point drains, drain the water heater and drain the holding tanks.

It's all part of my life philosophy...

 

[skargo]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Well my "philosophy" with my closed cooling system is to run the engine on my homemade flush kit, while fogging. It gets ALL the water out, and I fog my engine at the same time. I can do that quicker than you could drain my setup.

If I had a raw water cooled engine I would just drain and not use any AF at all.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: Boating the Upper Chesapeake

Takes me about an hour to winterize my boat. Pull all the water drains out for the engine and manifolds. Disconnect the water feed hose at the p/s cooler. Drain the freshwater system and remove the outdrive.