CARVER
OWNERS CLUB
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March 2009Headlines - Click on a Headline to see the Story |
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Boardings The US Coast Guard is increasing its monitoring of all vessels. One of the ways they do this is to board and inspect your boat. The USCG has the right to board and inspect your vessel without any probable cause or suspicion of illegal activity. Their right to board you has been upheld several times by the US Supreme Court. The Coasties who board your boat are almost always armed. Failing to comply with the Coast Guard's request to board can result in criminal charges against you, as well as fines. No other law enforcement agency has the right to board or inspect your vessel unless you they have probable cause or evidence of illegal activities. Even then, the scope of their search is limited, unless you give them permission to board and/or search your boat. Several municipalities recently enacted anchoring laws that forbid long-term or any non-emergency anchoring within their jurisdiction. Some of these laws have been overturned as violating other laws that permit anchoring within publicly owned waterways. Some of the local police departments aggressively enforce the no anchoring ordinances with several reports of forced boardings and harassment. The Coast Guard doesn't enforce local laws. Local governments try to prevent derelict boats from interfering with other boats that are also trying to use the waterways by passing the no anchoring laws. The problem comes when locals see the laws as a way to control all of the boating traffic that use federally funded waterways.
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If you stored your gasoline powered boat filled with a gasoline/ethanol mix (most available gasoline contains ethanol), you may want to add an octane boosting additive BEFORE starting the engines. Ethanol evaporates faster than gasoline and loses its power. Boosting the octane can prevent pre-ignition (knock) and, in some cases, severe engine damage, such as blown heads. We've received reports of a few marinas selling sub-standard fuel - for example, selling 87 octane fuel instead of 89 octane. This can also lead to severe engine damage for the same reason. This is not to say that the marinas are doing anything wrong - they may have lowered the grade of gasoline they sell to compete on price. Check the octane rating before filling up your boat. The pennies you may save are nothing compared to the costs you can incur from using sub-standard fuels.
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Most of the boaters who travel the ICW occasionally run into a surly bridge attendant who, for whatever reason, refuses or delays a bridge opening on request. Florida actually has a good system for reporting these problems. You can contact Paul K. Mobley, Chief of Investigations, Office of Inspector General, Florida Department of Transportation, by email or telephone. I won't publish his email address, but his phone number is (850) 410-5816. Don't expect the State to admit that any of its employees made a mistake, but at least by continuing to complain, we stand a chance to get these "public" employees removed.
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As you can tell, the website is continuing to evolve. My thanks to the people who tell me exactly which things are broken. One of the changes I'd like to make is the idea of a cruising blog for everyone. The MV Ibis cruising blog was very popular and others tell me that they enjoy reading boating adventures. I need some help in setting up a cruising blog. Let me know if you have an interest in helping me with this project.
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Interesting Idea I ran into a seemingly nice man in formal dinner attire today on our docks. He was taking his dog for a walk. When I asked if he was a bit overdressed for taking the dog for a walk, he explained that he and his wife dressed formally every Friday evening - their crazy night. It was their way of having some fun and being dressed up. They don't necessarily go out to dinner. This night they did not go out because of a sudden attack of martinis. What a nice way to plan a special evening.
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Events The Club has several events scheduled or in the planning stages. Here's what we have so far: Saturday Night Out, April 11, 2009, The Harborage, Stuart, Florida 32994. Patsy and I are now located in the Harborage Yacht Club Marina. Join us for drinks on Ibis first, then dinner at a popular restaurant. Go to http://www.carverownersclub.com/snoReserve.htm to make reservations. Saturday Night Out, April 18, 2009, Harbour House Restaurant, Chestertown, MD 21690. This is one of the favorite events of the year. Chef Bob promises a wonderful menu, even though the restaurant doesn't officially open until May. Tea promises to be with us. This is always a great time. Go to http://www.carverownersclub.com/snoReserve.htm to make reservations. Chesapeake Bay Rendezvous, June 5, 6, and 7, Baltimore. We're going to the Anchorage Marina in Canton this year, still trying to avoid the construction in the downtown area. The Anchorage Marina is located near the pleasure palaces of Canton within easy walking distance. The Saturday night dinner will be at the Bay Cafe - a nice beach themed restaurant. Per person cost this year is $100. We are limited to 25 boats or about 50 people. Make reservations as soon as possible by calling Patsy at 800-540-2926. Refunds are available until May 11, when we cannot accept further reservations.
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Scott Gundaker reports that his Saturday Night Out at Peppercorns was a great success. Scott's parents, Dutch and Betty, could not attend because Dutch is recuperating from surgery.
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