From the Marina Manager
Greetings Hyatt boaters and welcome to the October 2009 marina e-mail newsletter.
It hard to believe, but Autumn is now here. I hope you all had a great summer boating season.
Hyatt Anglers Win First Place in Make-a-Wish Tournament
Congratulations go to our very own "Reel Viking" who won first place for the largest fish and high boat overall, large boat division at the 2009 Make-A-Wish Tuna Challenge.
This yearly event was held at the Silver Gate Yacht Club on Shelter Island. The Make-A-Wish event is a fundraiser to raise money for the "Make-A-Wish Foundation" which is an organization that raises money to grant a last wish to children dying from and incurable disease, cancer or other terminal illnesses.
Way to go Reel Viking!
Time to Clean Up the "Leftovers of Summer Fun" On Our Docks
Now that the autumn season is officially upon us and the summer crowds are gone, it is timely to address the crowded feeling on some of the docks as a result of items being left behind or out.
We would like to ask those existing coolers, chairs, and other such items are removed when not in use.
Management will not be responsible for any such items including kayaks or i-tanks. We would like to keep the Marina looking as well-kept as it always has been, and we need your help please if the above slip condition describes you.
Thank You to Those of You Who Have Been Using Our New Recycle Bins
Keep in mind that the blue bins are for recyclables only, which include paper, cardboard, cans, bottles and the like.
Your assistance in communicating this to any workers or cleaners on your boats will be greatly appreciated. At no time should any motor oil, gas, cleaners, hazardous materials, etc. be thrown into our general trash disposal or recycling bins.
We ask that these are removed from the Marina for proper disposal.
Unexpected Visitors to the Marina
Lastly, the Sea Lions and Seals continue to lurk and "tan" at our Marina, particularly on B-Dock. Every year, there seems to be a presence of these protected mammals, but they usually find their way back to the water at some point. Management will not do anything that would violate federal laws and/or appear as if we are harming them in order to keep them away. In the meantime, we value any creative ideas out there and are confident that mother nature will take its course in guiding them out.
Also, as a reminder, dogs are to be kept on a leash while on the docks at all times.
That is all for now! Happy Boating to all and see some of you on docks!
Best regards,
Prescott Yee - email: pcyee@hyatt.com
Director of Guest Services & Recreation
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
A Fish Story - The Ones That Didn't Get Away
- By Dave Brilhante
What an exciting day of fishing. A few weeks ago, I took my two boys; their uncle, and their cousin out for some local fishing.
The night before, I reviewed the water temp charts and found that there was 75 degree water in the 181 area, about 18 miles from Point Loma. We left the docks at 5:00 am for a 1 hour cruise out to the area of warm water. We started trolling and looking for kelp paddies (Floating pieces of kelp).
I found a current break and started working it. The kelp paddies were abundant, but no fish. Finally we came upon a water break of about 1 degree which was 76 to 77 degree water where we got our first jig strike of a Yellowfin Tuna around 8:30 am. This was my oldest son David's first Yellowfin. It was a pretty nice 20 Pounder that took him about 10 Minutes to bring it in.
The next catch came shortly after and it was a beautiful Dorado, which little cousin Mitch brought in with great enthusiasm.
We trolled for a while longer and came upon band of kelp paddies that we saw breaking fish on. This was the stop we were looking for. My youngest Anthony finally got his turn on the pole and brought in another nice Yellowfin, his second fish for the year.
Then all hell broke loose and we had multiple poles in the water for a final fish count of 7 Yellowfin and two really nice Dorado.
We were back at the docks by 5:00 P.M. completely exhausted from fantastic day on the water.
Bucking The Downturn With Innovative Marine Solutions
With so many marine businesses closing and others tightening their belts, it's refreshing to find that two local entrepreneurs have discovered a unique niche in the San Diego Boating Community:
Until recently, P. K. Mayers, long time San Diego ABYC certified yacht technician, and Dave Sudhalter, 30 year auto & marine service veteran found themselves working together at the local Sea Ray dealership.
When a customer's vessel was stolen from its marina slip and substantially damaged, P K and Dave noted that while most cars, even inexpensive ones, are manufactured with security systems standard, most yacht builders don't offer security systems as a standard or even an option.
With so many San Diego boat owners living out of town and other locales or unable to visit their boats regularly, many customers expressed concern over their vessels' security, it was an opportunity to find a way to enable boat owners to monitor their vessels from anywhere in the world and regain peace of mind.
So P. K. and Dave formed First Watch Marine, an exclusive dealership for marine grade security & monitoring systems. With their systems, If any number of different security or safety problems arise on the boat, a call from the system to their cell phone or an e-mail alert makes them aware immediately so they can take quick action.
Security alerts from the systems range from bilge water level alarms to on-board intruder warnings. Tied in with GPS, an owner can even be alerted if the vessel is being moved out it's slip.
The new company also specializes in the installation of customized marine solar power systems and service & repairs of all onboard systems. Their offices are located at the Kona Kai Marina on Shelter Island. For more information, visit www.firstwatchmarine.com or call 619.916.1730.
PC Tip of the Month - From the "Nothing is Sacred" File
It's a nice personal touch. You scanned in your signature and you include it in the sign-off of all your e-mails.
Well, now comes word that some identity theft criminals are using those signatures to make fraudulent transactions under your name.
Just one more reminder that if you put it on the Internet, anybody can grab it. How sad; too bad!
Yours Truly,
johnhancock@bigsignatures.gov
About Ethanol Fuels
Trudi Sandoval of Jim's Marine Service reminds us that California is now using ethanol blended fuels and many boaters are interested in trying it out.
But before you do, as a boater there are issues you need to be aware of when using this fuel in your boat to prevent costly repairs, especially if you have a fiberglass fuel tank.
But a quick search on the internet reveals numerous articles about other problems with ethanol when used in marine environments. If you are considering using Ethanol fuel in your boat, you should read this excellent article on the subject by iBoats.com, Click Here.
Is It Safe to Take Your Boat to Visit Mexico?
- By Gus Giobbi - BlueSkyNews.com
That's the 64 peso question! Many business on both sides of the border have been hurt by tales and rumors of pirates, hijackings, and other mayhem befalling boaters that venture southward, but are these stories true?
Not so - According to the San Diego Sector of the U.S Coast Guard or the San Diego Harbor Police. According to a spokesman from each agency that talked to BlueSkyNews.com, they are not aware of a single incident in recent history where recreational boaters have been harassed transiting to Mexico.
Nonetheless, they do recommend using some common sense. The old adage of safety in numbers, having good communication information at your fingertips, and even checking with the American Consulate in Mexico before you go are just a few good ideas.
What's your experience cruising to Mexico? If you don't mind, please send me an e-mail about your experience so we can share the true story with other boaters.
Around the Circuit - Alternator Alternatives
- By Brett Dingerson
Alternators are an essential piece of equipment whether you own a power boat or sailboat, but having the right kind of alternator can dramatically increase the life of your batteries.
When an engine is started, the alternator starts to spin, but does not output power until told to do so by the voltage regulator. The two types we need to be concerned with are internally and externally regulated alternators. There is a big difference between the two, and if you understand the difference it can save you money and reduce the amount of expensive and back breaking labor to replace batteries that are cooked.
An alternator that has an internal voltage regulator starts automatically and keeps a constant voltage output into the battery bank, usually about 14.2 volts or 28.4 for 24 volt systems. This is too much voltage on a continuous basis for a happy battery. It heats up the plates inside the battery and boils out the water. Short battery life and expensive replacement is assured.
An alternator that has an external, 3-step voltage regulator will also start automatically, but it maximizes charging to the batteries while protecting them against overcharging. In this kind of alternator, it's even possible to program into the regulator what type batteries you have in order to dial up the best voltage profile. They also use temperature sensors to keep track of the alternator and batteries. Longer battery life is assured.
If you do have internally regulated alternators, they can be modified and matched up to a 3-step regulator. I think this is a good idea if you need to repair your existing alternator. You can then have a modern charging system without buying a new alternator, and won't have to change the engine mount or belts.
Regardless of the alternator type you have, it's also a good idea to keep an eye on your voltmeters while your engine is running. They should remain constant and be no higher than 14.5 volts for 12 volt systems or 29.0 volts for a 24 volt system. If your tachometer quits working check your alternator. Most tachometers get their signal from the alternator. If the alternator stops working the tach will too.
Editor's Note: Brett Dingerson has over 25 years experience as a marine electrician, with a specialty in marine galvanic corrosion protection. He has worked with a wide range of sailing and power vessels and is the owner of San Diego-based Marine Electric. If you have a question for Brett, send e-mail to brett@BlueSkyNews.com
Just Another Perfect San Diego Day
- By Richard Benscoter
It was a perfect San Diego day - The boat was well provisioned, and we were on our way for another great cruise to Avalon.
Our departure was an hour earlier than usual with the full moon turning the darkness into a beautiful seascape.
As we set course for Avalon at the San Diego buoy, I commented that the height and interval of the wave pattern was a little bigger and more frequent than was forecasted by NOAA.
As our rhumb line progressed north and we approached the half-way point, the winds had picked up to 18 knots, and the seas had built to six feet with our forward progress slowed to four knots.
We shortened sail when the winds exceeded 15 knots and we were considering our options - Do we pound through to Avalon; return to San Diego; or set course for Oceanside?
Just then the Coast Guard issued a small craft warning beginning at 1:00 PM and lasting through the rest of the day for the Catalina channel - Forecasted winds 25 to 30 knots with occasional gusts to 35 and waves building to 8 to 9 feet.
With this information getting to port as soon as possible was the best option. While San Diego and Oceanside were approximately the same distance, Oceanside was our port of choice because with the current wind direction we could make hull speed, and estimated we would make Oceanside harbor in less than three hours - about the time the small craft warning was to take effect.
At 11:50 AM we entered Oceanside harbor; lowered our sail; and were secure at the dock by 1:15 PM.
So what went wrong? The forecast was for good weather with winds to 10 knots and seas 2 to 3 feet - a normal Southern California day.
The answer was that a low pressure system that had earlier moved through southern California had stalled over Las Vegas, and as the high pressure system moving into the south got closer, the winds increased.
The moral of the story? Weather forecasts can change and turn nasty within hours, so you need to be prepared, even in Southern California.
See you on the water!
Editor's Note: Richard Benscoter is a long time avid sailor. He's a member of the Silver Gate Yacht Club and owner of the Mariners Woodshop. If you have a sailing question for Richard, send e-mail to richard@BlueSkyNews.com.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
1441 Quivira Road,
San Diego, Ca., 92109
Telephone:
619-221-4858
Fax:
619-224-0348
E-mail Address:
prescott.yee@hyatt.com
Web Site:
www.Hyatt.com
Office Hours:
Monday - Sunday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
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