Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

[arks]

MARK YOUR CALENDERS!
We've already got a few interested iboaters, so the plan is to have a raftup/rendevous on Saturday July 18 at Sand Island, which is a charted "spoil" directly across the Havre de Grace channel from "Fishing Battery". It's about 4 miles NW of Turkey Point.
Here's a zoomable chart of the area: http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/12274.shtml

This area is fresh water and easy to get to from anywhere on the upper Bay. There's plenty of room and the bottom is sandy close to the island. There are 3 or 4 good launch ramps within 5 miles, too. More info to follow.....

Please post here if you can attend. Let's make this a BIG EVENT!!!!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Arks,

As you know, we are already in for this! The only thing is if I have to work, I won't be down until late afternoon. If I don't, we will be down all day!

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

In!

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Do my best to be there!!

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Bump!

I have added you guys, and some other local guys from SuperNova's "Boating the Upper Chesapeake: thread to my buddy list.
You all seem to be a great group of people, and my wife and I are looking forward to meeting you all.

As far as rafting up, we are both a little nervous about it, so we might just anchor solo. I'm not sure we have enough fenders either

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Lets get as many people together as we can! The more the better!

The upper Chesapeake Bay is just a short ride from many surronding states. (PA, NJ, DE, etc) So hitch up and have a good time!

As Arks said, there are plenty of ramps around and the channels are marked as well. We will be glad to help provide info for any who want to come but havent been down yet!

As far as rafting up, we are both a little nervous about it, so we might just anchor solo. I'm not sure we have enough fenders either

Don't worry about it skargo. We haven't rafted up yet either but it should be fun. I need to grab a couple extra fenders as well! We will all help each other out I am sure. As you said, seems like a great group of people here and I am anxious to meet everyone! (Wife is still a little nervous!)

Post up with any questions you have and we all will do out best to help out!

 

[arks]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

I've rafted hundreds of times without a problem. I think it's one of the best parts of boating.
How it works: A larger boat sets anchor and everyone ties to them. If the raftup gets bigger, other boats will be asked to set their anchors as they join in (to add grip and stability). Rafting is not difficult at all if the wind and waves are reasonable. That said, if it's breezy the best policy is to approach from the downwind side and toss a couple lines to the last boat in line. That will prevent any unintentional tie-up damage.
Fenders are critical to a good raftup, so you should all have AT LEAST 3 (borrow them if you have to!). Bigger fenders are better than small, especially if there is significant wave action. Always pre-rig your fenders on the side you'll be tieing to; on most boats under 25' fenders need to be set high- centered on the rubrail if possible, and F-R from the windshield to the stern- not near the bow. They can be adjusted after 'locking in' with the group.
As far as lines, each incoming boat should pre-attach a bow and stern line (no more than 25' long), and have them ready to toss. A third (spring)line is usually added after locking in to minimize lateral movement.

It sounds like a lot to do, but it's really not a big deal if the above preparations are made. Just remember- when rafting, fenders keep your fiberglass from damage, so bring 'em and use 'em. I carry 8 and often use them all.

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Good info.

BTW, I saw Winter Dream today, I drove down to the marina when I was out getting my wife and my lunch today.
She's a sweet boat for sure.

 

[arks]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Thanks!
Now that the charging system's fixed I'll finally be able to use her. I still haven't fired up the generator, but should get 'er done Saturday- even if it's still raining.


BTW Skargo (and anyone else that's local to Havre de Grace)- If you need any boat parts in a hurry I HIGHLY recommend Tidewater Marina. They have a small but VERY well stocked supply store with a 'best price' policy. In addition, they offer a 'rewards' program similar to WM if you set up an account. It's nice to have them so close, that's for sure.

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

I will stop in and check them out, thanks!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Last time I was there, there was a raft with a 3 piece band. Will try to make it this year. Look for the mermaid decal on Amanda Ford.

 

[arks]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Frank-
That was the second annual "Joe-a-palooza". Quite the party! Some of my dockmates started that event for Joe, who's the original party animal.
Here's a slideshow from last year to get everyone excited about a Sand Island raftup:

http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arks11/Joeapalooza2/?albumview=slideshow

JOE is the guy modelling the yellow ducky ring

 

[arks]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Thanks!
Now that the charging system's fixed I'll finally be able to use her. I still haven't fired up the generator, but should get 'er done Saturday- even if it's still raining.

UPDATE: I now gotta work Saturday, so no boating this weekend for me.

Weather looks to be crappy anyway.

 

[skargo]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

UPDATE: I now gotta work Saturday, so no boating this weekend for me.

Weather looks to be crappy anyway.

Sorry to hear that, but yeah, the weather looks not so hot tomorrow. I hope Sunday is better. I just got in from the water, like glass again today!

 

[Billdc]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

July 18 looks good for us.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

i was out in the middle of the assawoman bay in oc mid day sat, and we got poured on. Just absolutely pouring down. I couldn't even really see to drive, just had to watch the gps. Ran over to seacerts to get out of the rain.

People always worry about getting caught out in a storm, and yea it sucks to get wet, but the water was not choppy. That storm posed no risk to out saftey at all, just out comfort.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Frank-
That was the second annual "Joe-a-palooza". Quite the party! Some of my dockmates started that event for Joe, who's the original party animal.
Here's a slideshow from last year to get everyone excited about a Sand Island raftup:

http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arks11/Joeapalooza2/?albumview=slideshow

JOE is the guy modelling the yellow ducky ring

I've heard a lot about that event, but never made it yet. When is it this year, or is it already over?

 

[arks]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

EDIT- This year it's scheduled for Saturday August 1.
Same band will play ("Driftwood"). I don't have any other info at this time.

Our July 18th raftup will be a good warm-up for Joe-a-palooza.
We need more boats and bodies. Spread the word!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

Bump - Hoping to get more people interested.

 

[john3931]

Re: Upper Chesapeake Raftup! -- July 18 --

I would love to attend the raft up but I have 2 things going against me.
One is I have a wedding that day.
Two, I still don't have the boat put back together.