Publication for American Boating Association Members
• The ABA Beacon®
• ABA Online®: All
benefits can be
accessed at
americanboating.org
• ABA Boat Insurance:
888-222-5792
• ABA Finance Program:
888-222-5792
• Safe & Clean Boating
Information
• Cruising Destination
Information
• ABA Marina
Discounts
• ABA Visa® Credit
Card: 800-FIRSTUSA
• BoatersWorld.com
Product Promotions
• ABA Online Travel
Booking Service
• ABA Personal Checks
and Labels
• Lakeland Boating
Magazine Discount:
800-827-0289,
ID#ZABA
• Great Lakes Ports O’
Call Cruising Guides
Discount:
800-892-9342,
ID#ZABA
• Cruising Guide To The
New York State Canal
System Discount:
802-860-2886,
ID#ABA
• Waterway Guides
Discount:
800-233-3359,
ID#UWGABA
Continued on page 4
July 2003
New Member Benefits for You at www.AmericanBoating.org
L
ooking for a marine surveyor? Find the surveyor with the certifications and specialties you need in our
database of almost 1,600 marine surveyors nationwide. Show your love of boating with every check
you write. Now you can order American Boating Association Personal Checks imprinted with a picture of
your own boat ~ or the boat of your dreams. And remember…ABA also brings you boating information,
insurance and finance programs, ABA Visa®, and many discounts that will easily save you thousands at
home and wherever you travel. It’s all there for you at www.americanboating.org.
Boating New York’s Lake George
by W. Lynn Seldon, Jr. - Boating Writer
Known as ‘The Queen of
American Lakes,’ it’s easy
to see why Lake George is
such a wonderful boating
destination.
Located about 50 miles
north of New York’s capital
of Albany, Lake George has
a long history that’s made
it an interesting destination
for centuries. Long a Native
American boating artery, Lake
George was pivotal in the
French and Indian War, as well as the American Revolution.
Fishing is a favorite
The lake was named in honor of King George in the
pastime on Lake George
mid-1700s, when there was also a Battle of Lake George to
extinguish French rights in the U.S. Erected during the war, Fort William Henry (named for
King George’s brother) from this war is now a museum.
Fed by huge underground springs, Lake George is approximately 32 miles long and
ranges from one to three miles in width for a total boating area of almost 45 square miles.
Featuring a widely varied shoreline, about 300 islands, and depths of anywhere from one
to 195 feet, ‘The Queen of American Lakes’ is among royalty when it comes to boating
destinations.
Photo provided by: Lake George Regional
Chamber of Commerce
MEMBER
BENEFITS
Volume 128
Log In? Password? What’s That All About?
Continued on page 3
ABA Online’s home page has a new look - and a quick new procedure for you to gain access
to all of your member-only benefits at www.americanboating.org. Here’s how it works:
• If you are an ABA VISA credit card holder, set up your member account
access by clicking where indicated on the home page. Once this is created, your
password will be e-mailed to you. You may keep this password, or change it by clicking
on “Change Password.”
• If you are not an ABA VISA credit card holder, simply click on “Forgot Your
Password?” Enter your e-mail address where indicated, and we will automatically send you
a password by e-mail. You may keep this password, or change it by clicking on “Change
Password.” Be sure to enter the same e-mail address you used to sign up as a member that’s how you’re identified as a Charter Member in our records.
Problem? Question? Just send us an e-mail at [email protected] or call
us at 508-432-8846, and we’ll provide prompt assistance.
• Your ABA Membership is Still FREE
You’ll also see that there is now a $10 per year charge for new members; however
as a Charter Member of ABA, your membership is still free. You will continue to enjoy
free access to all of your member benefits now and in the future. It’s our way of saying
“Thanks” to you and more than 25,000 of your fellow boaters and boating enthusiasts who
have helped ABA grow. Our goal is to make your boating safer, less expensive, and more
enjoyable. We look forward to serving your needs in the future. If there’s a way we can make
your membership more valuable, we’d like to hear from you. Please send us a message at
[email protected]. Thanks again for your support!
1
DANGER! CARBON
MONOXIDE - PROTECT
YOURSELF FROM THIS
SILENT KILLER
Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced any time a carbonbased fuel, such as gasoline, propane, or oil, burns. Sources on your boat
include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water
heaters. Cold or poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide
than warm, properly tuned engines. Carbon monoxide can collect within,
alongside, or behind a boat in minutes.
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Early
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - irritated eyes, headache, nausea,
weakness, and dizziness - are often confused with seasickness or intoxication.
Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very short exposure to
high concentrations can lead to death.
Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Most
incidents occur on older boats and within the cabin or other enclosed areas.
Exhaust leaks, the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide, can allow
carbon monoxide to migrate throughout the boat and into enclosed areas.
New areas of concern are the rear deck near the swim platform with the
generator or engines running and teak surfing or dragging behind a slow
moving boat. Regular maintenance and proper boat operation can reduce the
risk of injury from carbon monoxide.
Avoid These Death Zones!
• Swimming near or under the back deck/swim platform. Carbon
monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard engines and
generators build up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust
vents. STAY AWAY from these exhaust vent areas and DO NOT swim in
these areas when the motor or generator is operating. On calm days,
wait at least 15 minutes after the motor or generator has been shut off
before entering these areas. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim
platform where exhaust is vented, not even for a second. It only takes one
or two breaths of the air in this “death chamber” for it to be fatal.
• Blockage of exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate
in the cabin and cockpit area - even when hatches, windows, portholes,
and doors are closed.
• Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored
alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the
cabin and cockpit of your boat. Even with properly vented exhaust, your
boat should be a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest boat that is
running a generator or engine.
• Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide gas
to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in an
open area. A tailwind (force of wind entering from aft section of the
motorboat) can also increase accumulation.
• The “station wagon effect,” or backdrafting can cause carbon monoxide
to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit, and bridge when operating the
boat at a high bow angle, with improper or heavy loading or if there is an
opening, which draws in exhaust.
• This effect can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the
cabin, cockpit, aft deck, and bridge when protective coverings are used
and the boat is underway.
• Teak surfing, dragging and water-skiing within 20 feet of a moving
watercraft can be fatal.
This information is provided by the National Safe Boating Council.
For additional information please visit the Boating Safety section of
www.americanboating.org.
2
Show Your Passion for
Boating with ABA
Personal Checks
ABA proudly announces the
introduction of exclusive ABA
personal checks and address labels
from Identity Check Printers. These
products offer a wonderful way to
show your passion and support for
ABA and America’s proud boating
history.
Featured designs include full
color photographs or beautiful
illustrations of lighthouses,
powerboats, sailboats, the American
flag, or even your own boat. Each
design is accompanied by the ABA
logo. So no matter what type of boater
you are, there’s a design that will
appeal to you.
Each time you use them, you’ll
demonstrate your love of boating
and your support of boating safety
and a clean environment. You’ll also
appreciate that a percentage of
each purchase goes directly to ABA
in support of helping fulfill our
mission to promote boating safety,
affordability, growth and a clean
environment.
Another benefit of these
products is how they connect you
to your passion for the water year
round. Even when it’s not boating
season, it’s always the right time for
ABA checks and accessories.
View all of the designs and products
online at
www.americanboating.org and
order yours today!
ON THE HORIZON
Boating Lake George
continued from page 3
The mouth of the lake is located at Lake George
Representative boat shows are listed below. For a full boat
Village and the outlet is up at Ticonderoga. The water is
show listing and to link to boat show websites, please visit
remarkably clear, with many locals and seasonal residents
www.americanboating.org/boatshows.asp.
actually taking their drinking water directly from the lake.
July 18 - 20
September 4 - 7
Boating conditions are typically ideal spring to fall, though
Clinton Harbor Boat
Atlantic City In-Water
cooler temperatures and wind-driven waves can occur at
Show, CT
Powerboat Show, NJ
any time.
860-529-2123
215-732-8001
Thanks to development restrictions, Lake George’s
July 19
September 5 - 7
shoreline is relatively undeveloped (especially on the
Festival of Oar, Paddle
Daytona’s September
eastern shoreline). The lake’s topography ranges from rich
& Sail, NY
Boat Show, FL
groves of trees to sandy beaches, marshes, and rocky cliffs.
315-686-4104
561-225-1941
Boating is definitely one of the most popular activities
August 1 - 3
September 10 - 14
on the lake, with the possibilities including many marinas,
Annual Antique Boat
Fall Lake Union Boats
quiet coves for anchoring, many beaches, secluded islands,
Show & Auction, NY
Afloat Show, WA
picnicking, convenient restaurants and shopping, unique
315-686-4104
206-748-0012
accommodations for those not staying on their boat, and
August 8 - 10
North American Sail &
so much more. Many of the islands on Lake George are
Hot Summer Boat Show,
Power Boat Show, OH
state-owned and -run, making for several popular places to
FL
440-899-5009
picnic, camp, and other activities only reached by boaters.
407-298-1167
September 11 - 14
Boating families will also enjoy options like amusement and
August 15 - 17
Newport International
water parks, miniature golf, arcades, go-carts, and even
Jacksonville Fall Boat
Boat Show, RI
regularly scheduled rodeos.
Show, FL
800-582-7846
Fishing (from boats, docks, and the shoreline) is a
904-724-3003
September 13 - 14
popular pursuit. Perch and bass are plentiful and several
August 16 - 17
Florida Sportsman
charter fishing companies can help visitors land the big
Classic Boat Show, NJ
Fishing Show, FL
ones from Lake George’s deep waters.
609-296-8868
813-839-7696
In addition, scuba diving is a popular activity for those
August 21 - 24
certified to dive. Thanks to clear water and several historic
Michigan City In-Water
shipwrecks, boaters who are divers have a further reason
Boat Show, IN
to head to Lake George.
440-899-5009
One of the beauties of Lake George is the variety of
shore side activities within walking distance of marinas,
docks, and boat ramps. Lake George Village offers a true
village setting, where the possibilities include a cruise on
the Minne-Ha-Ha (a steam ship paddle wheeler),
dining, miniature golf, war reenactments, carriage and
trolley rides, swimming, nightlife, and more. Other
communities around the
lake, like Bolton, Lake
Need a Better Rate on Your Boat Insurance or Loan?
George, Cleverdale, and
Diamond Point, offer
ABA Boat Insurance and Finance
additional dining,
shopping, and further
www.americanboating.org
options near marinas.
During the summer,
888-222-5792 (toll free)
there are several excellent
boat shows. The Antique
Just one online or telephone quote request, and the insurance
and Classic Boat Show is
& finance experts will get you the best quote.
one of the most interesting
and this year it’s at the
• Fast, free confidential service
public docks in Lake
• Specialists in marine insurance and finance since 1966
George Village on August
24th.
• Available for all boat types and sizes
The marina scene on
Lake
George is quite
Another valuable benefit for members of the
extensive for a body of
American Boating Association
water its size. Marinas
(and boat ramps) are
spread throughout the
area, with concentrations
in Bolton Landing,
Diamond Point, Lake
George, Lake George
Working to promote boating safety, affordability,
Village, and Cleverdale.
Boat Shows
growth and a clean environment!
3
Continued on page 4
Boating Lake George
continued from page 3
Some of the best bets (all within area code 518) include: Adirondack
Marine (668-2658); Beckley’s Boats (668-2651); Dockside Landing Marine
(543-8888); Dunham’s Bay Boat and Launch (798-1718); Fischer’s Marine
(656-9981); Gilchrist Marina (668-2028); Hall’s Marina (668-5437); Port
Jerry Marina (644-3311); Snug Harbour (543-8866); U-Drive Boat Rentals
(668-9234); Water’s Edge Marina (644-2511); and Yankee Boats (668-2862).
Of course, other small marinas, public ramps, and facilities for boaters are
situated throughout the area. The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce
(see below) can help boaters find the best bet for their boats and circumstances.
DETAILS
For boating and tourism information, contact the Lake George Regional
Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 272, Lake George, NY 12845 (518-668-5755 or
800-705-0059; www.lakegeorgechamber.com). They offer a great free Travel
Guide and even an informative video ($5.95). Visiting boaters who bring their
boats will find it quite easy to launch and dock, but will need to purchase a Lake
George Park Commission boat permit (from the Lake George Regional Chamber of
Commerce main office or at most marinas).
Marine Surveyor Information Available
In our continuing effort to provide members with useful resources, ABA has compiled
a database of almost 1,600 marine surveyors across the country that you can search
to find the one nearest you with the qualifications that you need. Each listing includes
the surveyor’s contact information, professional surveying certifications and what their
boat-type specialties are, if any. The database is searchable by state.
When purchasing a previously owned boat, a surveyor can be a valuable resource.
Not many of us are experts on all of the systems and structure of a particular boat so
getting a professional survey done on a prospective purchase can give you a realistic
picture of the condition of the boat - information that can be useful in negotiating the
purchase price. Plus, when refinancing or reinsuring your boat, the bank or insurance
company may want a survey done on your boat.
To access the marine surveyor search tool, simply click on “Marine Surveyors” on
the left side of the home page of ABA Online - www.americanboating.org.
Boat Parts
BOATER’S QUIZ
Most of us know bow from stern and mast from keel (if you don’t, then stop
now.) Here are some terms for boat parts that may not be quite so obvious. If
you like this kind of challenge, check some of the past quizzes on our web site
at www.americanboating.org.
1. The heel chain connects:
a. Wheel to rudder
b. Jibboom to bowsprit
c. Lifeboat to davit
2. An adjustable skeg lets you:
a. Eliminate the centerboard
b. Shorten the rudder
c. Change the propeller angle
3. A worm shoe is also called a:
a. False keel
b. Screw gear
c. String of oakum
4. Another word for a keelson is:
a. Skittle
b. Blocker
c. Apron
5. What runs over a sheave?
a. A slaver
b. A peggity
c. A rope
6. Knittles are found in:
a. Galleys
b. Crow’s nests
c. Hammocks
7. Where would you find ski eyes?
a. Console
b. Stern
c. Bow
8. The main part of an anchor is the:
a. Shank
b. Grubble
c. Shaft
9. The rope confining a spar is a:
a. Goosewing
b. Gripe
c. Becket
10. What is a nock?
a. A mishap with the boom
b. A gaff
c. Part of a sail
Key to Answers
1b; 2c; 3a; 4c; 5c; 6c; 7b; 8a; 9c; 10c
4
MEMBER
BENEFITS
• ABA Magazine Discounts:
800-289-6247
• ABA Custom Boating Apparel:
800-480-2053
• ABA CityPass Discounts
• Alamo Auto Rental
Discounts:
800-354-2322,
ID#679044
• Avis Auto Rental
Discounts: 800-331-1212,
AWD#B853101
• Budget Auto Rental
Discounts:
800-455-2848, ID#X483101
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Discounts:
800-593-0505, ID#KC4551
• Hertz Auto Rental
Discounts:
800-654-2200, ID#1290122
• Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites,
Clarion, Sleep Inn, Quality
Inn, MainStay Suites,
Rodeway Inn, and
EconoLodge Discounts:
800-258-2847, ID#00058336
• Cendant Hotel Discounts:
#60093:
• Days Inn,
800-268-2195;
• Howard Johnson,
800-769-0939;
• Knights Inn, 800-682-1071;
• Ramada, 800-462-8035;
• Travelodge, 800-545-5545;
• Wingate Inn, 877-202-8814
• ABA Discount Calling Card:
800-657-4711, ID#ABA
• ABA Theme Park, Zoo, and
Ski Resort Discounts
• Royal Caribbean and
Celebrity Cruise Line
Discounts:
888-226-2100, ID#8884567887
• ABA Movie Discount
Program
All benefits can be accessed at:
americanboating.org
American Boating Association
PO Box 417
Harwich Port, MA 02646
508-432-8846
508-430-2049 (fax)
[email protected]