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March 2007 - Marine E-Newsletter

Desktop Photo of the Month

The San Diego Port District unveiled “Unconditional Surrender”, a 42-foot tall, monumental three dimensional depiction of the famous moment caught on film during celebrations in New York’s Times Square on August 14, 1945, the day World War II ended. This fantastic public art work on loan to the city is located on the “G” Street Mole next to the Fish Market Restaurant and opposite the Midway Museum. For step-by-step instructions to download this photo of Unconditional Surrender to your PC desktop, Click Here.

Batteries And Your Boat

Brett Dingerson

I overheard a conversation in the electrical aisle of a local marine supply store the other day which caught my ear. A boat owner had asked for assistance in replacing his batteries because his current batteries didn’t seem to “hold a charge”. He also asked how long a battery should last; his were only 3 years old.

To my astonishment, the salesperson said “I’ve known batteries that have lasted 10 years; maybe you should try to equalize them”, and proceeded to completely confuse this fellow with a half-baked explanation of batteries and their problems which might be solved by raising their voltage and blasting off “sulfates”, thereby restoring them to health to last another couple of years.

One thing I’ve learned in 30 years, folks, is the golden rule of batteries. They last as long as the manufacturer warranties them, and not much longer. People that manufacture batteries know exactly how long they will last.

The most important thing for a boater, however, is that batteries are not a luxury on a boat. They are the cornerstone of a boat’s electrical system. Batteries power everything aboard a modern boat. Sure, a sailboat can sail into safe harbor, but people with the skill to sail a boat into a slip aren’t in abundance.

Currently, there are 3 main types of batteries available:

1) Lead-Acid

2) Gel Cell, and

3) Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)

Lead-acid are the most common and the least expensive. Gel Cells can last longer and are quite a bit more expensive, but they eliminate the need for maintenance and are a good choice if your batteries are in an inaccessible location. AGM batteries are currently the best of the readily available batteries, but can cost as much as 5 time as much as lead-acid. They are normally guaranteed for 5 years and are very dependable. They are heavier than lead-acid or gels due to a manufacturing process that can squeeze more material into the standard size battery case.

I never attempt to “rescue” old batteries that have marginal life remaining. They are a primary piece of safety equipment onboard a vessel, and I refuse to send any of my clients out to sea with batteries that don’t have my complete confidence to produce power when needed.

While it is true that equalizing batteries on a regular basis is a good thing, it can only be done on lead-acid batteries that are not sealed. Equalization involves raising the voltage to around 16 volts and basically boiling the electrolyte. Trying it with sealed lead-acid, gel cell or AGM batteries will ruin them, and could cause them to explode, spewing acid everywhere.

Properly taken care of, batteries will supply power when you need it. When batteries become questionable, have them tested and replace them when necessary without resorting to efforts to save them. They are way too important an item to try and squeeze pennies about.

Editor’s Note: Brett Dingerson has over 25 years experience as a commercial fisherman, sailor, and marine electrician, with a specialty in marine galvanic corrosion protection. A top-shelf designer and troubleshooter that has worked with a wide range of sailing and power vessel electrical systems for blue water or local bay boating. He is the owner and founder of San Diego-based Marine Electric.

America’s Cup and You

Stars & Stripes USA-11

Ever wonder what it would be like to catch the wind at the helm of a Stars & Stripes racing boat? Well, now you can! In a brand new San Diego charter experience, you and your friends can experience sailing aboard USA-11, the 78 foot racer used by Dennis Conner in the 1992 America’s Cup Race.

Stars & Stripes Captain Hanna (left) shares the feel of the helm

A totally different kind of sailing experience, participants have the opportunity to volunteer to experience the thrill of the helm or take a turn on the “grinder” under the guidance of Captain Lynn Hanna.

Participation in crew duty is completely voluntary, so the less adventurous can simply serve as “rail meat” and just enjoy the ride.

In any event, everybody who brings a camera on this unique charter will go home with proof of their participation in a great adventure. If the circumstances and the wind are right, it’s not above Captain Hanna to engage in a bit of friendly “competition” with some of the other boats on the harbor which adds to the excitement of the adventure.

USA-11 is berthed at the Kona Kai Marina on Shelter Island. For more information about booking a reservation on USA-11, call (619) 255-4705 or (866) 250-3568 or visit www.sailusa11.com.

Mission Bay International Airport?

Not many people know or remember that in 1943, an entrepreneur named Arnold H. Peik opened a small general aviation commercial airport on the southwestern shore of Mission Bay. By 1946 he had a 2,600foot oiled runway and three hangars. During its relatively short lifespan, the airport was listed under a somewhat confusing succession of different names. The City bought Peik out and closed the airport in 1957 in connection with the development of Mission Bay Park. It is believed that Peik’s airport was also used to some degree by the U.S. Air Force. For more fascinating history about Peik’s airport, Click Here.




ON THE MARKET

	Boats/Yachts For Sale (7)

	Bottom Protection (1)

	Brokers (3)

	Canvas & Interior (1)

		Charter (2)

	Insurance (2)

	Maintenance/Repair (4)

	NEW! Virtual Swap Meet Used Marine Gear (4)

Sheraton Harbor

Island Marina

1590 Harbor Island Dr.

San Diego, CA 92101

Tel: 619-692-2249

After Hours Security

Phone:

619-291-2900

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From the Dock Master

Eric Holle

Welcome to Sheraton Harbor Island Marina’s March 2007 e-mail newsletter. If you’re reading this before Sunday March 11th, remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night for Daylight Savings Time

I personally wont need to worry I will be on I cruse ship drinking Margaritas.

More On Managing Hazardous Materials

It is definitely true that the Port District and Coast Guard are conducting surprise inspections at marinas checking the contents of dock boxes. And they have been issuing fines, in some cases to both the boat owner and the marina. It is important that you know that storing any petroleum base or toxic items in dock boxes is absolutely prohibited. Ultimately it is the Marina’s responsibility to make sure that everyone is complying with this regulation. I can guaranty if any fines are levied against the Marina they will be repaid by the tenant and could result in the termination of your mooring agreement.

Say Goodbye To IyaPapa

Joe has decided he is going to give up his parking lot police job and is looking for a place that is a little easier to find a parking space. Sue will be missed!

That’s It For Now

If it’s March, can the August Boat Show be far behind? Yes the boat show is in August this year the good news is we only have one boat show. More details to follow.

Eric Holle - Dock Master

eric.holle@sheraton.com

The Beat Goes On

The subject of licensing boat drivers comes up over and over, and every time it does it sparks a heated debate. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen threw flames on the subject last December when he said the potential for a terrorist attack launched from small boats means that states and the Coast Guard must cooperate better to watch who is on America’s waterways.

Critics counter that licensing boat drivers won’t do anything to stop terrorism, however, many do endorse some form of mandatory education as the number of new people driving bigger boats without a clue increases.

If you want to see just how hot this issue is, type the words Thad-Allen-Licensing in your favorite search engine.

Bob Sherman

Be on the Lookout!

Recently there have been some boating accidents in San Diego…collisions with fixed “hazards to navigation.” As they say, “A collision at sea can ruin your whole day.” You “old salts” are probably aware of these, but those of you newer to our harbor should take note. If you don’t already have one, get yourself a paper nautical chart of San Diego Bay, or find it in your “chart kit”. Even experienced boaters will find it wise to review the chart from time to time. Use a highlighter to mark an hazards that you find.

There are many others, especially south of the bridge, but here are some prominent hazards, starting at the harbor entrance:

Zuniga Jetty - A submerged jetty along the East side of the channel at the harbor entrance, usually visible at low tide. Marked by sign posts and lights every quarter mile. This jetty has claimed many boats!

Shoal area south of Ballast Point - This unmarked shoal, just outside the channel, near buoy 11, has mean depths of 4-6 feet. At a minus tide, the depth will be lower still.

Submerged Jetty off North Island - Opposite Ballast Point, do not sail or cruise inside the white/orange spar buoys. An unmarked, submerged jetty lurks inside!

Both Ends of Shelter Island - There are shoal areas on both ends. By the time you read the sign on the West end, you’re already into the shoal area. Don’t “shortcut” the entrance.

Piers and Jetties Along North Island Naval Air Station - Older charts will not show that the Navy added some pilings and visible short jetties off North Island, as you are curving around the bend toward downtown. A boat ran into one of the old piers at night recently, which are unlighted.

Mooring Buoy off Harbor Island - This large mooring buoy (FM19) is often unlighted. It is located just East of Sunroad Marina’s buildings.

Shoals Near the Coronado Bridge - It is safest to pass through at the wide span, in the main channel. There is a large shoal area right in the middle of what would seem the logical “shortcut” into Glorietta Bay. The shoal extends to the red nun buoy on the South side. There is also a large shoal extending from the Naval Amphibious Base, All the way to green buoy #1!

South San Diego Bay - As mentioned - Lots of shoal - Too many to list here. Stay in the marked channels and consult your chart!

Bob Sherman has over 19 years of Yacht-sales experience and is the owner of YachtSource. He is also qualified to instruct on all vessel types, and has held 100-ton Captain’s license since 1982. He is an avid sailor, scuba diver, and enjoys many outdoor activities.

“What Part of ‘Heave To!’ Didn’t You

Understand?”

That’s the question Petty Officer 1st Class gunner’s mate Brandon Kittrell seems to be asking as he test fires the Coast Guard Cutter Edisto's newly-installed 25 mm machine gun. The recent test was made to ensure that the new weapon is functioning properly and safely. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Anastasia Devlin.

Port Commissioners Approve Lane Field

Development Concept

Old-timers remember that the huge parking lot at the corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive (opposite the cruise ship terminal) used to be Lane Field, the Home of the San Diego Padres from 1936 to 1957.

On February 13th, the Port Commissioners approved conceptual plans for hotel, retail and restaurant development on the site. The visionary plan, which has been under development for ten years, calls for the development of two hotels, approximately 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a 100-foot wide esplanade along the bay, expanded view corridors and lush landscaping along harbor drive. The proposed hotel designs feature sail-like forms on the hotel roofs and glass walls that simulate ocean waves. Read More...