Conference vicki::boats

    Hi                                             
    
    My boat name is TIME OUT.
    
    My name is Morio Kubota and I own 27 foot Sea Ray. I keep my boat
    at Clinton,Conn. This is my second year at Clinton. This year, we are
    planning to visit Marthas Vinyard and Nantucket in August. I would
    love to hear tips and info on those to places. 
    When you come to Clinton, give me a call. My marina is a mile up
    the river from Cider Island Marina.(Riverside basin Marina)
    We will be spending most of the weekends during this summer on a boat.
                             

    Steve,
    	When you plan your trip to Chebeague Island let us know. There
    are a few DECies in ASO that frequent Casco Bay and can fill you
    in on all the local info.
    Paul

    Paul,
          I just ordered my charts for Region #2 and they should arrive
          on Fri. this week.  I have not calculated milelage but heard
          its 160 nm from Cape Cod canal to Portland.  I'm looking for
          a good halfway point to stay overnite and then continue on
          the second day.
    
          Any info youcan give me on Marinas in Portland and South
          Harpswell will be appreciated.  Also any areas that may be
          tricky or dangerous.  How is the fog in the area during
          early July?  What is the name of your boat, if your in the
          area I'll give you a shout....Steve
    

    re .4>
    	Dolphin Marina is located in South Harpswell. It is run by Bill
    Saxton and the number is 207-833-6000. They do have moorings for
    transients although I've been told they don't take reservations.
    Although I am trailering my boat this year I have kept it there
    overnight in lieu of launching twice in one weekend. The cost for my 
    22' boat is $5 per night and I understand that dock space goes for $10 
    per night when available. Harpswell is a ways up the coast from
    Portland. How far are you planning to go beyond Portland?
    	As far as layovers between the Cape and Portland go. I don't
    have any knowledge in that area. Maybe someone else will join in.
    If you can get a copy of the Mariner's Almanac (or some such title)
    most all the marinas along the coast are listed. I have a copy at
    home and will check it out.
    	There seems to be two Steves in this note planning Maine cruises. 
    It should be fun sorting out the questions and replies. :^)
    	BTW - My boat is the Joanie B, a 22' Aquasport which I use
    primarily for fishing. 
    
    Paul
    

    Re .4 >  Just re read the reply and noted the question about fog.
    
    	The fog is quite thick. It should be planned for as part of
    your preparations. I assume you will have LORAN on board to keep you 
    oriented and a depth sounder to keep track of the bottom. RADAR is
    nice also but I've learned to do without it until I can scrape up the 
    $$$.
    	Potts Harbor, where Dolphin is located is an interesting place
    to get into/out off in the fog. I just had my first lesson last
    Sunday. If you are careful and keep your head you shouldn't have
    too much trouble.
    
    Paul

    
    Paul,
    
         There is only one Steve, my system was down and I sent a reply
         under FIVER::PETERK, sorry for the confusion.  I do not have
         a LORAN, I will be piloting the old fashion way, with compass
         and chart only.  I plan to moor at Chebauge and make a 
         overnite trip from there to Harpswell, as I have friends
         who live there.  P.S. I do have a depth sounder.
                                                         
    Steve

    Hi Steve.
    You didn't give your cruising speed but assuming 10 to 15 kts a
    good layover spot would be in Glouster Harbor. It has some fine
    places to have dinner and is a nice visit. Another good spot 15
    nm North is Newburyport ( Where my boat is) It is a small old Nw
    England town with shops and a renovated Downtown section catering
    to tourists.
    If your in the area giv me a shout. "Rainbow Chaser"
    
    A fovorite of mine in Casco bay is Freeport. If your into camping
    on land for the night try the Elia B. Winslow campground on the
    Harriseekett River. You can anchor in the cov just east of the grounds
    and Freeport is within walking distance 3 mi.
    
                                         Sea ya later
    
                                             Walt
    

    Steve,
    	I found the book I was referring to a couple of replies back.
    It is the Boating Almanac. Volume 1 covers Rhode Island through Maine.
    Its an annual publication put out by: 
    	Boating Almanac Co Inc 
    	203 McKinsey Road 
    	Severna Park Maryland 21146 
    	Tel 301-647-0084
    The almanac contains charts, directory and description of all marinas
    along the coast, some tide tables etc. If you don't already have a
    copy I would highly recommend it. It cost $8.50 last year and it
    should be available at most marine supply stores.   
    	If you use the almanac to select several possible stopover spots
    you could use this file to get references etc. so you could make
    your final selection. 
    	Alternatively, if you could give me a couple of possible spots
    i.e. Gloucester Harbor or whatever, I could copy the info on those
    sections and mail it to you. 
    Paul

    Ahoy
    If your going to be laying over in Newburyport, Try giving City
    Boat works a call. It's where I keep "Rainbow Chaser".
    I'm not sure if they will have a guest slip but you might get a
    mooring for the night. There tel # is 617-465-1855 ask for Art or
    Bill.
    There is a town warft before the Rt 1 bridge that you might like
    to stop at. From there its up the ladder and your Downtown. Shops
    line the main street on a cobblestone walkway and good restureants
    dot the area.
    
    Yes you need to enter the Mean old Merrimack to get to Newburyport.
    It's not as bad as people make it out to be. Just be careful when
    theres Easterly or Northeasterly winds and the tide is halfway on
    the way out. Hundreds of boats run it every day.
    
    From the #2 bouy on in the water can get to approx 15 ft at low
    tide, Stay close to the North Jetty it deep. the south jetty will
    lead up to a sand bar by the lighthouse, So keep between the bouys
    on a low tide. The river is almost a 1/4 mile wide at the mouth
    so I'm not talking close quarters here. It's similer to the Cape
    Cod canal on the East side.
    
    Once past the power lines over the river it is headway speed only
    until you pass the third & fourth bridges : which are way past
    newburyport in Amesbury.
    
    Fuel can be had at $1.25 gal for gas and less for desil at The Bridge
    Marina , Before the bridge on the north bank.
    
    If you wish to hang on your hook at quite nice cove is to your north
    before the power lines. It's mud bottom so even if you misjudge
    the tide you will just lay on your bottom for awhile. You didn't
    mention what your draft was? 
    
    Places to Gunkhole with a dingy??  How about the parkker river wildlife
    resevation , Joppa Flats, or Salisbury beach.
    
    Give us a shout wether were in or out.
    
                                                Walt
    

    One other peiece of advice on the mouth of the Merrimac is that the old
    Coast Guard station on the South side (Plum Island side) of the mouth
    mounts a large strove light that will flash when the waves are breaking
    off the bar.
    
    The reason for the light is that you really can't see if the seas are
    breaking when viewing from the ocean side. The breaking seas usually
    only occur early in the spring or late in the fall when the predominate
    wind direction is from the East-NorthEast. At this time of year the
    wind is generally from the SouthWest and usually doesn't present much
    of a problem.
    
    If Newburyport is packed in, the Parker River/Ipswich area will have
    the same problem. Your choices are then to go back to Rockport or up to
    Portsmouth. (but as I said the probability of Newburyport having any
    problems in anything except a storm is very low at this time of year).
    
    Jim McWilliams
    Freudian Sloop @ The American Yacht Club
     

    We will most likely be out divin tommorow off cape ann some where.
    If your going thru the Annisquam river. ( I would) give us a call
    on ch 16. We will have "rainbow Chaser" back on the dock for the
    evening, Stop on over.
    
                                            Walt
    

    HI, 
     I'AM WONDERING IF ANYONE CAN TELL ME IF THERE IS ANY TUNA (BLUE
    OR YELLOW FIN) BEING TAKEN IN THE CAPE COD AREA AND IF SO WHERE?
    
    							THANKS
    							TOM

    re .16
    
    I don't know of any yellowfin ever having been taken in Cape Cod
    bay. Yellowfins are running south of the cape by the Dump and are
    being caught with increasing regularity. Giant bluefins are in the
    gulf of Maine. There are also some in Cape Cod Bay, but they haven't
    been biting well as of last friday. There have been sightins, though,
    and the Moonies are working Stellwagen so its only a matter of time.
    
     Mark

    check into the fishing notes on msee::fishing for fishing info.
    
    BTW I caught some nice blues by the graves on friday.
    
    Bruce

    I GOT SOME NICE BLUES OUT BY GRAVES SUNDAY THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
    KEPT MY BEST REBEL 
    				TOM

    Hey Jeanne...
    
      Saw your dad's boat on the NW corner of Stellewagon on Saturday.
    Nice toy, 38 foot Ocean named simpatica. He was out chunking for
    tuna along with 200 other boats....
    
    
    Bruce
         
    (this seemed like a good note to put this in...being offshore and
    all)

    Hey Bruce!  
    
    Next time go over and introduce yourself to "Dad"....he's a 
    typical Italian and loves company :>)....he's fishing everyday
    this week, the tuna must be in.
    
    Yes, its a very nice toy, I think its a 42 ft., Ocean Yacht,
    fully equipped with the latest technologies.  The fish finder 
    has some wonderful color graphics .... 
    
    I hear the tuna fishing has been somewhat slow this summer, (I'm
    a blues person myself)...  Good luck, hope you land a big
    one!
    
    Jeanne
    
    
                                           

    	This note seems appropriate for this topic. I have been doing some 
    offshore Tuna chunking in approx 180' of water and there's another spot 
    I want to try that is 300' deep. I've added 600' of rode to
    my normal 200' and I added an additional weight at the end of the
    anchor chain. This rig has worked beautifully with one exception
    and you can guess what that is - the retrieve. Anyway I just bought
    a new toy and can't wait to try it. Its a ring that allows you to
    use a float to assist in retrieving the anchor. You attach the float
    to the ring which straddles the line. You then power up on the anchor
    and continue past it. The float/ring positions itself over the anchor
    and provides enough bouyancy (sp?) to pull the anchor free. All you 
    have to do is pull it in on the surface.
    	Does anyone have any experience with this gadget? Have I wasted
    my money (approx $20)? I intend to try it on my next trip and report
    back.
    
    Paul 

     I've heard about that and I saw some guys using one. It looked
    like it worked ok, but I think there is technique involved so don't
    get discouraged if you don't like it at first.
    
     Tell us how you do.
    
    
     Mark

    The ring and float trick. I didn't know there was another way to
    pull an anchor with a few hundred feet of line out.
    
    Works like you said, put the ring around the line, clip the ball
    on. Then slowly without getting the line in your prop make a large
    circle around the anchor till the anchor breaks loose. You see the
    ball stop being sucked down and start sliding down the line. At
    this point drive the boat in a straight line until the ball reaches
    the anchor. You'll see alot of splashing. Then slowly ride towards the
    anchor/ball pulling in the slack.
    
    Steve

    I have seen other boats doing this and scratched my head and said
    what the heck is going on??? Sounds like well spent money, I
    I will add it to my list of toys to buy. Might come in handy if
    we try to anchor in that 485 foot spot Joe??
    
    Bruce

	Well I tried the anchor ring Saturday and it worked just fine. I
anchored in 180' of water and had 600' of line out. When it was time to
leave I just cleated off the line and powered up to and past the anchor,
a little to the side to keep the line away from the prop. The anchor pulled 
free and we pulled it in with the float. The only thing that we apparently 
did wrong was we started pulling the float in a little too soon. The anchor
hadn't come all the way up to the float so we still had some lifting to do
when we got the float along side. Even with this error we still saved ourselves 
a lot of pulling. I am very glad I purchased this little gizmo and highly
recommend it to anyone doing any deep water anchoring.
Paul

    Hi. My name is Stan Grodin and I have just completed my first year
    of Cape Cod boating. Moved in from Lake Texoma in Pottsboro, Texas
    and ocean boating was a new experiance. I have a '87' Searay 268
    Sundancer. It is powered with a 7.4 Liter OMC/Cobra stern drive
    system (335 hp). I have the Micrologic Explorer Loran, depth gauge
    and compass. We have a slip at Half Tide Marina in Mashpee (and
    do they mean it - one foot at low tide) We have had some frustrating
    experiances learning about tides. Much different than lake boating.
    We answer to "Blu Fox" on channel 16 or 9. Would love to share info
    about south shore boating, Martha's Vinyard, Edgartown et al. Bottom
    line, we love it!!!! Let's hear from you.

    HI, BLU FOX AND ALL YOU OTHER OFF-SHORE SALTY DOGS!
    	MY NAME IS RICK HATALSKI AND WORK IN COLUMBIA,S.C. FIELD SERVICE.
    I HAVE A 26' BAYLINER CRUISER THAT I AM READY TO START MY SECOND
    BOATING SEASON WITH. LAST YEAR I KEPT IT ON THE LOCAL LAKE AND HAD MANY
    A GOOD WEEK-END STAYING OVER NITE ABOARD WITH MY FAMILY.
    	THIS YEAR I WANT TO TRY SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND TAKE MY
    BOAT TO THE COAST OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TOUR THE INTER-COASTAL WATER
    WAY. AND THEN POSSIBLY A TRIP OFF SHORE POSSIBLE TO THE GULF STREAM
    WHICH IS ABOUT 50 MILES OUT TO STAY OVER NIGHT AND DO SOME FISHING.
    	CAN ANYBODY TELL ME WHAT ALL I'LL NEED AND WHAT TO EXPECT IN SALT
    WATER VS. LAKE BOATING?? I AM TOLD I'LL NEED SAFTEY FLARES, LONG ANCHOR
    LINE, DISTRESS FLAG,THROW OVER WITH ROPE, ECT ECT.
    	I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME READING AND PREPRATION. I BOUGHT A FEW
    CHARTS OF THE AREA AND BEEN STUDYING THEM. I ALSO INSTALLED 2-VHF
    RADIOS AND 2-8' ANTENNAS + A LORAN-C AND ANTENNA.
    	I'M ALSO TOYING WITH THE IDEA OF STILL ANOTHER ANTENNA AND MF
    MARINE RADIO FOR THE 2-3 MHZ. BAND. I AM TOLD THAT IF YOUR MORE THAN 30
    MILES OFF SHORE YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO RAISE SOMEONE IN AN EMERGENCY
    SUITATION ON VHF SINCE IT'S RANGE IS LIMATED.
    	ANOTHER CONCERN IS THE NEED FOR A EPRRB..
    	WELL I HOPE SOME OF YOU OFF-SHORE TYPE CAN HELP WITH ANY INFO. A
    LAKE PERSON LIKE ME WILL NEED. I'M SURE IT'S A WHOLE DIFFERENT WORLD
    OUT IN THE OCEAN OVER A LAKE.
    			REGUARDS,
    			RICK
    

A SSB radio will only help if you're still afloat. You might also want 
to think about a liferaft if you're going 50 miles offshore in a 
relatively small boat. The weather can get very bad and the sea very 
rough all too quickly. I've had it happen to me more than once.

    I have been reading this file for some time now but this is my first
    entry.  I have been boating/fishing for the past two years in
    newburyport, MA out of the Merrimack.  Mostly for blues, stripers, and
    bottom fish.
    
    I have two questions on anchor line
    
    1.  I plan to do more offshore bottom fishing this year at Jefferies
    How much anchor line and what size should I carry.  I have about 500'
    now and plan to replace it due to its stiffness (read cheap line).  Do
    I need that much, more?
    
    2.  Any experiences using a sea anchor for drift bottom fishing?
    
    I have a 22' Angler walk around
    
    Gordon Cram
    Dascomb Rd
    Andover
    
    Thanks in advance for any info.
    

    
      For all-around use, you anchor Rode(line) should be equal to:
    
    	   your boat height above the water (to where the anchor rode
    						is tied)
    	 + the maximum depth of the water you expect to anchor in
        ----------------------------------------------------------
    
    TIMES 7
    
      For example: the foredeck of your boat is 4 feet above the water
    (this is where you'll tie the anchor rode)
      The water is 46 feet deep at high tide .... sooooo
    
     4+46=50  times 7 = 350 feet of anchor rode.  
    
    This sounds like a lot and it is, but with that amount, you'll be
    sure to keep the angle of pull on your anchor low (which is MOST
    important) so you'll get a good hookup.
    
      Note that for above average winds (30-50kts), you may need 10
    TIMES the depth instead of 7.  BUT, for casual usage, 5 TIMES is 
    usually sufficient. Of course, you wouldn't want to leave the boat
    unattended with a 5:1 SCOPE.
    
     Scope is the name for the ratio of height of the anchor rode to
    the length of the anchor rode.
    
      For your size boat 3/8 NYLON Rode is good, BUT you should also
    have 10 feet of 3/8 chain attached between the anchor and the Rode.
    
    					Hope this helps
    					Kenny

re .31:

According to the chart on my living room wall, the depths on Platt's and 
Jeffrey's Banks are 30 to 50 fathoms (180 to 300 feet). At 5:1 scope 
you'll need 900 to 1500 feet to anchor. Even at 3:1 (which might be 
alright in a flat calm), you'll need 540 to 900 feet.

    	I have an 22' Aquasport and I frequently anchor offshore for Tuna 
    chunking etc. I use 600' of 3/8 rode, about 6' of chain and a 13# 
    Danforth anchor. I usually try to anchor in 200' or less.
    	Originally I was concerned that this might not be enough so I
    rigged up a 1 gallon plastic jug full of concrete as additional
    weight. I attached the weight at the junction of the chain anddeode.
    Experience has proven this additional weight to be unnecessary.   
    	 I realize that the recommended scope is 4 or 5 to one or greater
    but in actuality you won't be doing this kind of fishing in rough
    weather so 600' is enough for depths up to 200'. I picked 600' because 
    it is a standard length; 500' might be ok also, especially with the 
    extra weight previously mentioned. 
    	As far as sea anchors are concerned I haven't found them to very
    valuable here in Maine. The current is more of a factor than the wind
    as far as drift is concerned (again were talking mild weather fishing).
    Hope this helps,
    Paul
    	

    I've been fishing Jefferies for many years and agree with Paul that
    fishing requires a different anchor setup than the BOOK calls for.
    I would suggest going to 12 ft of chain, that would allow you to
    use even less scope, 1:3 ratio, 100 ft. of scope, 300 ft of water.
    
    On sea anchors, they have some use while drift fishing, I always
    have one on board. I but it was only used two or three times last
    year.
    
    Steve

re .35:

Er, um, using 100 feet of scope (I assume you mean rode) in 300 feet of 
water will leave your anchor dangling 200 feet above the bottom. 

The holding power of an anchor is reduced as the scope is reduced. 

  Scope       Relative holding power

  10:1               100%
   7:1                91%
   6:1                85%
   5:1                77%
   4:1                67%
   3:1                53%
   2:1                35%

Adding a few more feet of chain helps mostly due to the weight of the 
chain. Since I assume you won't be anchoring on the banks in bad weather 
and since dragging would be no real problem, using a small scope (3:1 or 
even 2:1) is probably workable. 

    Thanks for the info.  I'll pick up some  3/8 nylon and an extra few
    feet of chain.  If I need extra scope I have 200' in a basket just in
    case mr tuna comes along.
    
    I'll give you guys a shout when i'm out there.  I haven't an official
    name for the boat yet but i'm leaning toward EMPTY-HANDED, since I 
    don't seem to catch too many fish.  Soon to change this year.
    
    Gordon
    

    A friend and I are planning to spend 3 or 4 days around July 4th
    boating in Casco Bay.  We'll spend a couple of nights with some friends
    on Chebeaque Island.  Ideally, as long as the weather permits, we'd
    like to putt around the bay till we find a small, quiet island to camp
    on for another day or two.  From my trips up there and from looking at
    the charts, we shouldn't have trouble finding an island that fits the
    bill.  But...
    
    Does anyone know if it's legal for us to set up camp on just any of
    these islands?  
    
    Has anyone spent a few days on the bay and come back with words of
    wisdom to share?
    
    Does anyone know of a public landing in the Portland, Yarmouth,
    Freeport area were we can drop the boat in the water and safely leave
    the truck and trailer for a few days? 
    
    Any advice will be appreciated.
    
    Barbara
    

Many if not most/all of the islands are privately owned and camping is 
not allowed so far as I know. July is also the foggiest month of the summer. 

    There are only two places I can think of off the top of my head where
    I've seen camping in Casco Bay.  Jewell Island is state owned and in
    the past has allowed unrestricted camping.  The anchorage is terribly
    crowded, especially on weekends, and the "campsites" overlooking the
    anchorage are heavily used (and abused).  This is a beautiful little
    island, and even if you do not stay overnight, you should plan a day
    trip here to explore.
    
    I'm not sure who owns the islands at The Goslings, but I have seen
    camping on one or two of them.  This is a large, open anchorage that
    accomodates lots of boats, and there is much less shoreside activity
    here.  This would definitely be the more quiet spot.
    
    Another day trip is to Eagle Island, state owned, definitely no camping
    allowed.
    
    Virtually everything else is privately owned, as Alan said, even the
    small uninhabited islands, and the owners would be upset to find
    someone ashore.  
    
    Complicating things for boaters without dinghys, who have to nose up to
    the beach to offload are the nine foot tides.  I have seen more than
    one boat at Jewell stranded on the beach til the tide came back,
    because the skipper didn't watch what was happening as the tide fell.
    
    Sorry, but I don't know where any ramps are on the Portland end of the
    bay.  As Paul mentioned in an earlier reply, Dolphin has a good ramp
    and plenty of safe parking, but it is 45 min. north of Portland by car.
    
    Travis Belton

    Re .38>
    Barbara,
    	The Goslings are privately owned but I understand that the owners
    allow camping. I've also seen campers on Whaleboat and Little
    Whaleboat. 
    	I've recently joined the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) and 
    have their Guidebook. I'll try to remember to look it over and enter
    additional info in a later reply. If you want info on MITA look into 
    the DNEAST::MAINE conference. I'll also post it here when I look it up.
    	MITA opens up a lot more islands to you. They have struck deals with 
    a lot of landowners to help maintain the island in return for use by
    their members. The guidebook also list all state owned and private ones
    open to the public.
    	Casco Bay is a very nice area to visit with a lot of interesting
    spots to stop. It does get foggy so you had better be prepared for
    that. Othewise its great.
    Regards,
    Paul

    Thanks everyone.  I tracked down the information on MITA in note 373 of the 
    MAINE notesfile.  I think we'll give them a call and join.  I also got
    directions to a public ramp in South Portland, one in Yarmouth, and
    some info on one on Harpswell Neck.
    
    I'll let you know how we do!
    
    Barbara