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San Diego, CA 92101
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Greetings From the Dockmaster
Well, summer has come and gone, but that means the Santa Ana winds and rainy season are on the horizon, so now's a good time to take care of a few things to prepare your boat for the changes in weather.
First, with regard to Santa Ana winds, please make sure you set your dock lines as though high winds are just around the corner so you don't have a possibility to smash into the docks or other things, or worse yet, go for a cruise on its own. If your lines are frayed; don't take a chance - replace them.
Also, inspect your heating systems for corrosion and dust buildup before the first Winter use. If your power cords have cracks, it's imperative you replace them so that moisture doesn't seep in and cause a short. Sailboats should make sure sails are furled and securely covered.
Lastly, this is a great time to plug up those pesky "leaks" you meant to get to after last year's rainy season and see if you can have a drier Winter this year.
If your canvas is getting older and the water leaches through, there are some waterproofing sprays available that can alleviate the problem. Another area to check are "channels" that direct water inward instead of overboard. Often, these trouble spots can be fixed with simple channel blocks that redirect the flow. Similarly, there are some simple weather stripping solutions for overhangs and windows that otherwise drip water inward.
In any event, whatever you can do to reduce the moisture inside your boat will pay back big dividends in reducing mold, corrosion and odor.
That's it for me this month. Enjoy the newsletter and I'll see you at the marina.
Carol Pagliuso - Marina Manager
carolpagliuso@gmail.com
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.
Sonja Steiner and Steve Stachelski take 1st and 2nd Prize in Yellowtail Derby
Sonja Steiner took home 1st prize in the recently completed International Yellowtail Derby with her 26 pound yellowtail, and Steve Stachelski took 2nd place with his 22.14 pounder.
The awards were presented on October 4th at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island. The Derby, which had been discontinued for the past 36 years was brought back to life under the guidance of Derby Director John Campbell with the backing of the San Diego Port District and several sponsors. A special appearance at the awards ceremony was made by Sharon Wetzel, Miss Yellowtail Derby of 1962.
Anglers who participated in the event had a great time and reported that catching perfect specimens was a constant tug-of-war between themselves and the seals.
Director Campbell said the 2010 International Yellowtail Derby will be held in San Diego next September with a expanded number of days to fish in the competition.
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.
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