HOWTO: Reducing Fuel Usage
With Gas hitting all time highs here are some tips to help you save money this summer.
• Slower speeds and lower RPM on the water will reduce fuel usage.
• Proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planing speeds.
• Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock
• Minimize the use of onboard generators.
• Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators.
• Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going.
• Make sure the hull is clean. Bottom Paint helps reduce buildup on your hull which helps your boats fuel performance.
• Don’t overload your boat. It’s important you have enough motor to handle the weight. Boaters often carry alot of unessarcy weight in unneeded or excessive gear.
• Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller.
• A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.
Safe Fishing Tips
Follow these tips to enjoy a safe fishing experience:
- Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.
- If using a boat to fish, wear your life jacket and make sure that your passengers wear theirs, too.
- Inspect waterfronts daily – the natural environment is subject to change without notice.
- Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to fishing to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety. When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.
- Weather is always a factor. Set up a weather committee or rotate weather forecasting responsibilities.
- Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio.
- Always wear footgear appropriate to the conditions.
- Stay dry, warm, and protected from the elements.Wear a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.Wear thin layers of clothing, and progress outward to include water and wind protection as the final layer.
- Use appropriate insect protection measures, including dressing properly and using repellents.
- Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.
- Handle fish carefully.
- Use safety glasses (sunglasses will do) at all times when casting.
Lake Erie Shipwrecks Web Site To Attract Divers (News Channel 5 Cleveland)
"The state is trying to educate people about tales behind the many shipwreck remains at the bottom of Lake Erie, in part to attract more divers. Ohio officials are using photographs, newspaper articles and underwater video taken from records at the Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center in Vermilion. The material, along with firsthand accounts of the wrecks, are being displayed on a state-run Web site: ohioshipwrecks.org.
There are an estimated 1,700 sunken ships in Lake Erie, but just 277 have been found and identified. The project details 28 of the lake's known shipwrecks.
Lake Erie Shipwrecks Web Site To Attract Divers (News Channel 5 Cleveland)
ODNR CHALLENGES OHIO YOUTH TO GET OUTSIDE AND “EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS� THIS SUMMER
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and many of its recreational partners are challenging the state’s young people to turn off their computers, televisions and PlayStations and “Explore the Outdoors” this summer.
The challenge is aimed at reuniting children, especially those in elementary school, with the natural world in order to improve their physical and emotional health and make them better environmental stewards in the future.
“We want this campaign to ignite interest in the outdoors and help children experience the benefits of being connected with nature,” said ODNR Director Sean D. Logan. “These activities will help them grow into healthy adults with an appreciation and love of their natural surroundings.”
National studies show the average elementary-age child spends more than six hours a day playing video games, watching television and operating computers. In Ohio, a 2007 study showed 34.3 percent of the state’s third graders were either obese or overweight. Sedentary activities and weight gain have long-term developmental and social impacts on children. However, additional studies document that children who are in touch with their natural world are healthier, perform better in school and have better self-images.
Vermilion Helping State Promote Diving (VON)
Ohio is trying to educate people about tales behind the many shipwreck remains at the bottom of Lake Erie, in part to attract more divers.
Ohio officials are using photographs, newspaper articles and underwater video taken from records at the Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center in Vermilion.
The material, along with firsthand accounts of the wrecks, is being displayed on a state-run Web site: www.ohioshipwrecks.org.
The state also hopes to build interactive kiosks at the Great Lakes Historical Society in Vermilion, the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum in Cleveland and other places along the lake.
Roadside signs highlighting and explaining nearby shipwrecks will be raised along the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail, a national scenic byway.
The Peachman Lake Erie Shipwreck Research Center (PLESRC) is located on the grounds of The Great Lakes Historical Society, in the annex building behind the Inland Seas Maritime Museum. It is a user-friendly facility where researchers, students, and individuals with an avocational interest in shipwrecks and other maritime topics can use the resources within PLESRC for research purposes. Included within the Research Center is the leading-edge technology of an ArcView GIS system. Simply put, ArcView takes latitude and longitude positions and displays the ship location. It is the first time this process has been used to chart ship locations in Lake Erie. Linking with the traditional materials in PLESRC is the Clarence S. Metcalf Great Lakes Maritime Research Library.
The Center also serves as a focal point of organizing maritime archaeology workshops, documenting Lake Erie shipwrecks, and disseminating shipwreck information to the general public and specific user groups. In addition, the PLESRC serves as the headquarters for MAST, the Maritime Archaeological Survey Team, Inc., which is an avocational group dedicated to the documentation of Ohio's underwater historic resources. Since its start, the PLESRC has added to its immense collection of Lake Erie shipwreck information. Features include individual folders for over 2200 wrecks in Lake Erie, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair River containing government documents, newspaper clippings, photographs, personal accounts, maps, and secondary sources, a library of over 300 publications relative to Lake Erie shipwrecks; and side-scan sonar images of shipwrecks in Lake Erie.
Estimates of shipwrecks in Lake Erie range from 1,400 to 8,000, while confirmed shipwreck locations only number around 277.
A project brochure will be available at maritime museums and visitor bureaus along the lake by the Memorial Day holiday.
Ohio's coastal management office contributed $4,500, and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission donated $10,000 to the project.
GE Money exiting marine consumer lending business (Soundings Trade-only)
In a sign of the times for the Marine industry GE Money has left the boat lending industry. Consumers now have less choices to attain capital for boat purchases.
“GE Money seeks to invest in markets where it can provide a unique and competitive value to partners and where it will have the strongest long-term growth,” according to the company. “Based on the current economic environment, GE Money has been challenged to continue to deliver a strong level of return in the marine space.”
Full Story here at Soundings Trade-Only Today
OHIOANS CAN FISH FOR FREE MAY 3-4
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of "Free Fishing Days" on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 to experience the great angling opportunities Ohio has to offer. For these two days only, anglers may fish any of the state's public waters without a license.
"Fishing is a great opportunity for the family to get outdoors together," said David M.Graham, chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. "Ohio's many lakes and rivers offer some of the best fishing anywhere."
During the rest of the year, anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters. Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor outfitters, major department stores, and at wildohio.com.
An Ohio fishing license is one of the best recreational bargains available, costing state residents only $19 a year. Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free fishing license at any license vendor. Residents age 66 and older born on or after January 1, 1938 are eligible to obtain a reduced-cost senior fishing license for $10. A one-day fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that can be applied toward the cost of an annual license.
Ohio's "Free Fishing Days" were established in 1993 to promote fishing by allowing Ohioans to experience the sport before buying a license. The offer is open to Ohio residents, and extends to all public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. An estimated 1.5 million people fish each year in Ohio.
Great fishing exists around the state and throughout the year. In late winter and early spring, anglers can reel in steelhead trout and walleye from northern Ohio streams. Spring also means great saugeye and crappie fishing. During the summer, the fishing heats up on Lake Erie for yellow perch, walleye and smallmouth bass, while anglers on the Ohio River enjoy excellent striped bass fishing.
For Further Information Contact:
Lindsay Deering, Division of Wildlife, Central Ohio
(614) 644-3925
-or-
Tom Lavergne, Division of Wildlife, Northwest Ohio
(419) 424-5000
-or-
Jamey Graham, Division of Wildlife, Northeast Ohio
(330) 644-2293
-or-
Susie Vance, Division of Wildlife, Southeast Ohio
(740) 589-9930
-or-
Kathy Garza-Behr, Division of Wildlife, Southwest Ohio
(937) 372-9261
ODNR TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUMS FOR BOATERS
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft is seeking public comments for revision of its long-term strategic plan for recreational boating in Ohio.
Ten town meetings will be conducted around the state beginning April 29 at Walnut Township Elementary School in Millersport.
"Anyone interested in the future of Ohio boating is encouraged to attend an area meeting," said Pamela Dillon, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.
The Division of Watercraft first developed a long-term strategic plan in 1998 to serve as a guide in addressing multiple boating-related topics such as public launch ramp facilities, waterway access, law enforcement and boating safety education programs. The agency last revised its strategic management plan for Ohio's boating programs in 2004.
"Recreational boating remains very popular and is enjoyed by an estimated 3 million Ohioans annually," Dillon said. "Many communities large and small throughout the state are impacted by boating and other recreation opportunities, so it's important to us that we provide these forums as an opportunity to receive comments on how we can do a better job in serving the needs of Ohio boaters."
Comment forms are available for those persons interested in providing input, but cannot attend a meeting. To obtain a comment form, or to obtain information on the public boating forums, call the Division of Watercraft at 614-265-6500 or visit online at www.ohiodnr.com.
For Further Information Contact:
Deb Green, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6500
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860
ODNR OFFERS FREE BOAT SAFETY INSPECTIONS ACROSS THE STATE
COLUMBUS, OH - Recreational boaters seeking to get their season off to a good start are encouraged to participate in free safety inspections offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft and its boating partners across the state. May 10, 9-11 a.m., Vermilion city ramp.
The safety inspections help increase safety awareness at a time when many Ohioans are launching their boats for the season. Watercraft officers provide written courtesy inspection reports that allow boat owners to make recommended improvements to their safety equipment.
Officers and other safety inspectors will look for properly working fire extinguishers, horns, navigational lights and distress signals, as well as life jackets and vests that are in good condition.
Information on required safety equipment, boating rules and other boating programs is available online.
For Additional Information, Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
Visit Lake Erie shipwrecks via the Web (Plain Dealer)
Scuba divers and anyone interested in Lake Erie history and shipwrecks have a cool new way to look at wreck sites, courtesy of the Ohio Sea Grant. The interactive Web site Shipwrecks and Maritime Tales of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail can be found at www.ohioshipwrecks.org
Read the entire article here CLEVELAND.COM
The Secret Priorities of Boaters (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
Survey by Leading Boat Insurer, Progressive, Reveals Boaters Put Their Vessel Ahead of Major Milestones in Their Lives and Are Happier for It
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio----Are you worried about the value of your home or the cost of your daily commute? Well, maybe its time to rethink your priorities. A recent survey of more than 1,000 boat owners conducted by Progressive, a leading boat insurer and the number one seller of personal watercraft insurance in the country shows some pretty happy boaters. While some may believe a “boat owner’s two greatest days are the day he buys his boat and the day he sells it,” most boaters surveyed (38 percent) disagree. In fact, 66 percent of boaters say they “love boating” and describe their overall experience as “smooth sailing.” One in four boaters surveyed even said their biggest worry was simply finding time to use their boat. In , nearly half of boaters surveyed said they bought their boat before ...
The Secret Priorities of Boaters (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
Great Lakes cleanup could be a boon for Cleveland (The Columbus Dispatch)
Cleveland could get an economic boost of $2.1 billion to $3.7 billion because of its location on Lake Erie, but only if federal officials follow through with money to clean up the Great Lakes. That's the conclusion reached this week by the Brookings Institution, a research and policy group in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit group released a city-by-city analysis gleaned from its own November 2007 report. That study had projected that environmental restoration of the lakes could bring $80 billion to $100 billion in short-term and long-term economic gains to the eight-state region. Wednesday's report said cleaner water for fishing, swimming, boating and drinking would translate into direct benefits to each city near the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes cleanup could be a boon for Cleveland (The Columbus Dispatch)
Kick-off Pary Tonight at the Red Clay
Red Clay on the River will celebrate it's annual Put In Party on Wednesday, April 16th with an outside grill, limited menu and entertainment featuring Colin Dussault at 7 pm. Boat rides will be provided by the Mystic Belle from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Guest are asked to park at the South Street Boat Ramp. A free shuttle will be provided, both ways, starting at 6 pm. The shuttle will continue until all guests have gone. Service will be provided by Crusin City Taxi, tips accepted.
Crusin City will also pick you up and drop you off at home. Please call them direct to make these arrangements at 440-242-7833.
Red Clay is located at 5150 Liberty Avenue, Vermillion, at McGarveys Landing. 440-967-0313.
WWW.REDCLAYONTHERIVER.COM
REDCLAYONTHERIVER@YAHOO.COM
All you need is Boat (VON)
Boating: Affordable & Fun
Boating is affordable and there’s a boat for every age, lifestyle and budget. Most people don’t realize how affordable boating is: in some instances, you can buy a brand new boat financed for around $250.00 a month, like a car. Boats provide tax deductible and cost effective second homes. Interest on a boat loan can be deducted if the boat has a galley, berth and head.
Average boat prices in 2006:
• Average price of a new boat was $13,035
• Average price of a pre-owned boat was $10,491
• Average price of a new outboard engine was $10,790
• Average price of a pre-owned outboard engine was $3,776
• Average price of a new outboard boat, motor and trailer package was $26,085
Fuel:
• The typical boater only operates his or her vessel about 75 hours a season.
• Nearly 95 percent of boats on the water today are under 26’ in length. These crafts do not require exorbitant amounts of gas, so any impact would be negligible.
• In fact, 64 percent of boaters say they purchase less than fifty gallons of gas per season—roughly two trips to the gas station to fill up your SUV or Minivan. (NMMA/RMRC, July 2005)
• Boating isn’t an activity like driving where you are using gas all the time. In fact, when a person is boating, they may be fishing or swimming and not using the motor at all. If you own a sailboat the motor is used even less.
• Higher fuel prices present a marginal increase in the operating cost of your boat. For owners of $500,000 boats that use 100 gallons in a weekend, a 50 cent increase in gasoline means that a weekend of fun on the water will cost $50 more, while owners of smaller boats that use 20 gallons of gas will end up spending $10 more on gas. The small increase in operating cost isn’t expected to limit boaters’ time on the water.
Insurance:
• Boat insurance costs vary by boat length and type, cost of the boat and level of coverage.
• Consult your insurance agent for quotes or compare rates online. Some smaller boats can be insured for a nominal sum as a rider on a homeowner’s policy.
• You can reduce the cost of marine insurance premiums by taking a boater’s education course.
Maintenance:
• Boat, trailer, and motor maintenance can be as simple as a freshwater wash down after each use and keeping them covered between adventures, helping to keep maintenance costs at bay.
• Costs for routine maintenance vary by region, but for more involved services, such as oil changes and winterizing, expect to pay what you would for your car on an hourly basis. Pre-owned boats can require significantly more maintenance.
Storage:
• You have several options depending on the size of your boat. You won’t find a less-expensive way to keep a boat than storing it on a trailer in your driveway or backyard. Another alternative for smaller boats is rack storage. A typical rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed with trailer-like cradles.
• For owners of larger boats, and owners of small boats who crave convenience, a marina slip is the best way to go. Costs vary by state/region as well as by the size of your boat.
Lake Erie charter captains face new rules on fishing in Canada (Candapress.com)
"SANDUSKY, Ohio — Lake Erie charter boat captains who venture into Canadian waters to look for fish won't need to phone ahead after all so the U.S. government can run background checks on their passengers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials also have decided to relax rules on requiring passengers on charter trips to have a passport or two forms of identification. Charter captains who make their living taking people out on fishing excursions are happy with the change of plans.
Customs officials told charter operators in March that they would need to call ahead an hour before they crossed into Canadian waters and provide a passenger list so that the government could conduct background checks.
They also said everyone on the boat would need a a passport or two forms of identification.
Charter captains complained, saying the rules were too cumbersome.
Customs officials decided last week to change their mind and now say U.S. citizens will need only to report if they plan on stopping at a Canadian port, not if they just plan to fish or drop anchor. Proper identification will be needed only if boaters visit a foreign port."
Full article here at Canadapress.com
LAKE ERIE NOTED FOR REELING IN TROPHY-SIZED FISH (ODNR)
(ODNR)Columbus, OH - Lake Erie and a dozen inland lakes were among the best places to reel in “Fish Ohio” catches during 2007, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The “Fish Ohio” program recognizes noteworthy catches among 19 fish species.
With 2.25 million Lake Erie water acres, 451 miles of the Ohio River, 40,000 miles of streams, some 200 inland lakes and thousands of private ponds, Ohio anglers have great opportunities to catch fish that qualify for the “Fish Ohio” recognition program. Among the state’s best “Fish Ohio” waters in 2007 were:Minimum Length Requirements to Obtain “Fish Ohio” Recognition
Brown Trout 25"
Carp 26"
Channel Catfish 26"
Crappie 13"
Flathead Catfish 35"
Freshwater Drum 22"
Hybrid Striped Bass 21"
Largemouth Bass 21"
Muskie 36"
Northern Pike 32"
Rainbow Trout 28"
Rock Bass 10"
Sauger 16"
Saugeye 21"
Smallmouth Bass 20"
Sunfish 9"
Walleye 28"
White Bass 16"
Yellow Perch 13"
LAKE ERIE: Top spot for walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass
Trophy walleye received the highest number of entries with more than 2,300. Lake Erie was the top place to catch them, followed by the Maumee and Sandusky rivers.
Catches of yellow perch were the third most caught fish at the lake with more than 1,000 entries. Mogadore Reservoir in Portage County and Indian Lake in Logan County followed in the yellow perch take.
Lake Erie is also the top lake for smallmouth bass, followed by Big Darby Creek, Ohio River, Alum Creek Lake in Delaware County, Piedmont Lake in Belmont County, and the Grand River.
Romp's Marina offers gear online
Looking for gear to show people where your boat likes to spend the summer? Look no further now you can buy it online at Romp's new online store.
Visit http://www.cafepress.com/romps
You'll find hats, t-shirts, hoodies, kids clothes, coffee cups and more. Something for everyone with the Romp's logo. Dairy Dock gear will be available shortly for those fans of the brain freeze.
Put-in-Party at Red Clay kicks off boating season
Red Clay on the River will celebrate it's annual Put In Party on Wednesday, April 16th with an outside grill, limited menu and entertainment featuring Colin Dussault at 7 pm. Boat rides will be provided by the Mystic Belle from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Guest are asked to park at the South Street Boat Ramp. A free shuttle will be provided, both ways, starting at 6 pm. The shuttle will continue until all guests have gone. Service will be provided by Crusin City Taxi, tips accepted.
Crusin City will also pick you up and drop you off at home. Please call them direct to make these arrangements at 440-242-7833.
Red Clay is located at 5150 Liberty Avenue, Vermillion, at McGarveys Landing. 440-967-0313.
WWW.REDCLAYONTHERIVER.COM
REDCLAYONTHERIVER@YAHOO.COM
Border Patrol to open area office (Port Clinton News Herald)
CATAWBA ISLAND -- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol will open an office in Ottawa County or Erie County to better monitor boat traffic between the United States and Canada, an official said."With the islands, there's a large amount of cross-border traffic," said Bammer, a Sandusky native. "We try to identify any of that traffic and determine if there is an illegal activity. The ultimate goal is to stop terrorist activity."We don't want to come in and disrupt any of the recreational activities," he said. "We're tasked with finding the people coming in and trying to circumvent (customs and immigration) policies."
Border Patrol to open area office (Port Clinton News Herald)
Going fishing? Pack your passport (USA TODAY)
"Rick Ungar's charter fishing service promises a great time on Lake Erie. But there's a catch — and it's not freshwater fish. It's the Homeland Security Department's new anti-terrorism rules. When the 2008 charter season begins next month, U.S. citizens paying to fish on Lake Erie will have to bring either a passport or two other IDs if they plan to cross the northern border's invisible watery line. When they get back to shore in the USA, they'll have to drive to a local government reporting station and pose for pictures. They won't be posing with their fish, but for Customs officers via a videophone connection"
Entire Article Here at USATODAY.com Online.