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| Questions from a New Boater
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December 1, 2003
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Here are some thoughtful questions from a new boater. We enjoy receiving these kinds of questions, because they keep us close to the kinds of information the Waggoner must be careful to provide. Besides, it's fun to help.
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Hello:
I am new (not young) to boating and have been reading everything I can get my hands on. I have located and taken the boat safety courses online from two different Web sites and am now restudying to take the 'final' exam. The boat I own is a 1975 20ft Reinell I/O, deep Vee, with cuddy, still in great shape, two 15 gallon gas tanks, older radio and depth finder. I plan to add a 15-20 horse outboard for emergencies, and a Sportrak 76 GPS. My cruising plans would only include Puget Sound, the Columbia River, and Lake Washington.
So now for my questions.
1. In your 2003 guide that I got from our library you have a LOT of valuable info. I am waiting for the 2004 edition to buy. Are the articles in the front of your book available for downloading or purchase, or are they included in each edition?
2. Do you know of articles about cruising experiences in boats 24' or so.
3. Have you considered reviewing boats and some electronics on your Web page?
4. Your article in the 2003 edition on the Point Wilson rip was very interesting. Would a trip from Olympia to Victoria be too "exciting?" Should it not be tried or should I trailer to maybe the John Wayne Marina and launch from there?
I hope you find the time to respond to these questions. Thanks in advance
Thanks,
Earl Sundquist - Chehalis,WA
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Response
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Hi, Earl,
Thanks for your kind words about the Waggoner. I'll answer your questions in order.
1. Waggoner articles. We don't have them available for downloading, but they are updated and repeated each year. When we see a need for another article, such as the VTS chapter and map, we simply add it and repeat it in following years. The goal is to make the Waggoner the best single source of information about cruising a boat in the Northwest.
2. Articles about cruising in smaller boats. The information is out there, but I'm not sure where to recommend. So many of the articles fall into the "my first cruise and all the disasters we either faced or narrowly avoided" category. Usually, these stories are meant to be humorous, but I find them boring and not very instructive. Trailer Boats magazine, which comes out monthly, does a good job, however. If you aren't a subscriber, I think you should consider becoming one. They send a complimentary copy to our office each month, and I go through every one. Their web site is www.trailerboats.com. There must be some web sites about small boats in general or particular brands of small boats. The challenge is to find the sites that meet your needs.
3. Reviews. We've never considered reviewing boats, electronics, or gear on our web site. From time to time I discuss different designs or products, but I wouldn't want to call those items a review. Still, it's an interesting idea. Don't look for anything soon, but we'll think about it.
4. Point Wilson Rip. I didn't mean for the article to scare people off. Its purpose, in addition to discussing that particular tide-rip, was to give readers a feeling for tide-rips wherever they might be found. We go to the San Juans by way of Admiralty Inlet and Point Wilson whenever we can. It's shorter, and as long as the weather allows, it's a very do-able run. As for running to Victoria from Olympia or trailering to John Wayne Marina first, I would let time be the deciding factor. You'll save a day or more each way by trailering. On the other hand, you'll miss the interesting run on Puget Sound. If the goal is to be in the boat and you don't have to be home for a few days, by all means go from Olympia. There's a lot to see in Puget Sound, and it's a good place to build your skills.
A few final thoughts. You'll need a tide and current book, navigation tools such as dividers and a plotter or parallel rules, and charts, charts, charts. I mean paper charts -- individual sheets -- from NOAA in the U.S. and the Canadian Hydrographic Service in Canada. If you're not sure where to buy this equipment, let me know and we'll suggest two or three places.
Your 1975 compass may need rebuilding or replacing. If so, make the investment. And make sure the compass has been adjusted by a professional compass adjuster. It isn't enough that the compass point to north when you are headed north. It needs to indicate east, south and west, too, and the relationship of the compass to metal on the boat changes with the direction. You MUST be able to depend on your compass, which means it needs to be adjusted by a professional.
If your boat isn't equipped with up-to-date charts and a reliable compass, the cost can be a little more than many people expect. One way to make sense of that cost is to compare it with the cost of gasoline. Gasoline has to be replaced as you go along. Charts and the compass don't have to be replaced, at least not nearly as often. Gasoline will run the boat but it won't get you where you want to go. Charts and the compass will get you there.
If you come to the Seattle Boat Show (you should; it's very instructive, if overwhelming) stop at the Robert Hale & Co. booth #707, and say hello. I'll be in one part of our booth, meeting people and signing books.
--Bob Hale
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