Reminders and Information for the Boating Season

Memorial Day is coming, and with it starts the unofficial beginning of the boating season on the Chesapeake Bay.  Here are a few reminders to help everyone get the most out of Oyster Harbor's waterways and piers.

Speed - Watch your speed in the back end of Fishing Creek and near people's docks in Oyster Creek.  Maryland law forbids speeds over 6 knots within 100 feet of boats on moorings, or docks on shore.  The back end of Fishing Creek, near the US Coast Guard station, is a mooring field and a no wake zone.  No matter where you are, you are responsible for your wake!  Watch for kayaks, dinghy sailors and kids in small boats.

Trailers and cars - The parking areas by the three piers are for residents and guests utilizing those areas, and for overflow community parking.  You may not use if to store trailers or leave cars for long term parking.  The community launch ramp has space for only a few cars and trailers.  Please leave your trailer only if you will be gone for a short period.  If you are launching your boat for the weekend, or longer, please take your car and trailer home.  If you leave your boat trailer or car for an extended time, it may be removed at your expense.

Boats left - If you do not have a slip, but want to leave your boat at an OHCA pier for an overnight, send an email to myself or Claire.  We may have a temporary slip for you, or you can use one of the new floating docks we will be adding soon.  Docking your boat for more than an overnight is not permitted.  OHCA has never permitted mooring non-slip leased boats to community docks and will begin enforcing the rule and removing boats that abuse it.



Best of the Bay - Chesapeake Bay Magazine has published its Best of the Bay 2012 list.  Follow the link to find the best places the explore this summer.
http://www.chesapeakeboating.net/Media/Feature-Stories/Best-of-the-Bay-2012.aspx

We wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day and Summer boating season.

- Oyster Harbor Piers and Harbors Committee Chair

Slip Contracts are Sent

They are a bit late and a bit different this year, but most of the slip contracts have been sent as PDFs by email to slip holders and those who are at the top of the wait list.

Included in the package is a cover letter, single page renter's agreement and a copy of the Rules and Regulations.

Of course you will still need to print it and write a check. But email is a big step forward.

Did you not get yours?  If so, please contact me ASAP!

Thanks,
Eric

On a completely separate topic, for those who have not seen it yet, here is the Eagle Cam live feed from The US Fish and Wildlife service.


Live broadcast by UstreamYou can read more on it at http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/02/eagle-cam-returns/

Links to Resources for Clean, Green Boating

With Springtime upon us, we begin cleaning and preparing our boats for the new season.  One of the key topics we boaters should consider is pollution caused by our boats - as well as homes, yards, and automobiles.  Below is a fantastic reference from AnnapolisGreen.Com (http://annapolisgreen.com/greenboating.html), which is hosted by Oyster Harbor's own Elvia Thompson.

It is very informative, and complete with links and reference information that make it a one-stop site for Local Environmental Topics.

----------------

Resources for Clean, Green Boating

Chesapeake Bay Safety and Environmental Hotline 877-224-7229 - Call this number to report problems on State waters.

Green BoatingHere's a quick list of "21 Simple Steps to Cleaner Boating" from the BoatU.S. Foundation.

From the Spa Creek Conservancy ... but applicable to concern about any body of water 
How to Wash and Service Your Boat for a Clean Creek - Keep Trash, Oil, Solvents and Toxics Out of Our Creek

Clean Boating Suggestions from Maryland's Department of Natural Resources

Sewage Issues (from Maryland's Department of Natural Resources)

Tips for protecting our waterways
The most significant threat to the health of the Chesapeake Bay is nutrient overenrichment. When present in excessive amounts, nutrients trigger algal blooms. The algae prevents sunlight from passing through the water column. Aquatic plants suffer as a result. Furthermore, when this algae dies and is decomposed, dissolved oxygen levels can be reduced to the point where aquatic life is threatened.

Boat sewage, whether treated by a marine sanitation device (MSD) or not, contains nutrients. Although one flush form one head on one boat may not add a significant amount of nutrients to the water, the effects of nutrient overenrichment are cumulative and boat sewage can present a particular problem in areas of water that do not flush well and where boats tend to congregate (such as marinas and mooring areas).

Raw or poorly treated sewage also contains harmful bacteria which is a potential source of disease transmission to swimmers and others who come into contact with contaminated waters. Also, human consumption of shellfish contaminated with sewage can result in serious illness.

• Use onshore restrooms when docked.
• Report broken pumpout stations to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8770.
• Choose enzyme-based deodorizers for waste in holding tanks or portable toilets.
• Avoid holding tank products that contain quarternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and formaldehyde. These products may disrupt sewage treatment plants.
• Share this information with another boater.

Pumpouts in Maryland - General Information

• Tips for Protecting our waterways
• Legal Requirements for Boaters
• How to use a Pumpout Facility
• A Boater's Guide to Sewage Holding Tanks
• Pumpout locations in Maryland
• No Discharge Zones

The Maryland Clean Marina Initiative is an evolving effort to assist marina, boatyards and yacht club operators to protect the resources that provide their livelihood: clean water and fresh air. The Initiative is distributing a comprehensive pollution prevention guidebook for marinas, recognizes “Clean Marinas” through an awards program, and conducts outreach activities to further promote environmentally responsible marina and boating practices.
Guidebook for Marinas | Certified Maryland Clean Marinas

Tip Sheets for Boaters from the Clean Marina Initiative

• Petroleum
• Vessel Cleaning & Maintenance
• Selecting a Bottom Paint
• Underwater Hull Cleaning
• Vessel Sewage
• Waste Containment & Disposal

Join the The Maryland Clean Boater Program

While the Clean Marina Initiative has provided tools and help to Maryland marinas and boatyards since 1998 to protect the resources upon which their businesses depend — clean water and fresh air — the the Maryland Clean Boater Program was launched in 2007 to help boaters join the effort to protect our waterways.

The Program encourages you to take the Clean Boater Pledge to express your commitment to clean boating habits. The program provides tips and materials to prevent marine pollution.

Check out the Maryland Clean Boater Program website and take the pledge! While supplies last, each boater who returns a Pledge will receive a thank you gift!)

How Can You Be a Clean Boater?

• Sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge by clicking here! (See above.)
• Don’t litter, and pick up litter when you see it.
• Learn about and share clean, safe boating habits.
• Follow laws regarding discharge of sewage, chemicals, and debris.
• Support Maryland Clean Marinas when possible.

General Clean Boating Tips

For use around marinas and while on the water anywhere: Contain Trash

• Do no let trash get thrown or blown overboard
• If trash blows overboard, retrieve it--consider it “crew-overboard” practice
• Pack food in reusable containers
• Buy products without plastic or excessive packaging--plastic is deadly to fish and birds
• Do not toss cigarette butts overboard--they are made of plastic (cellulose acetate)
• Purchase refreshments in recyclable containers

Recycle

• Recycle cans, glass, plastic, newspaper, antifreeze, oil and lead batteries
• Call 1-800-4-RECYCLE for locations or visit www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/Recycling/index.asp
• Bring used monofilament fishing line to recycling bins at your marina or tackle shop

Fuel Cautiously

• Remember, fuel expands as it warms up
• Fill your tank just before leaving on a trip
• If you fill your tank upon your return to port, fill it only 90%
• Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from the fuel intake and the vent overflow
• Fill portable fuel tanks ashore--where spills are less likely to occur and easier to clean up
• Add a fuel conditioner to your tank if you use your engine infrequently

Control Oil In The Bilge

• Keep your engine well tuned--no leaking seals, gaskets or hoses
• Place oil absorbent material or a bioremediating bilge boom in the bilge
• Place an oil absorbent pad under the engine
• Replace oil absorbent materials regularly
• Check fuel lines for damage--replace with alcohol resistant hoses
• Secure fuel hoses to prevent chafing and leaks
• Never discharge bilge water with a sheen--it is illegal

Properly Dispose of Oil Absorbent Materials

• If the pad is saturated with gas, allow it to air dry. Reuse.
• If the pad is saturated with diesel or oil, double bag it in plastic--one bag sealed inside another. Dispose in your regular trash.
• Bioremediating bilge booms should not be sealed in plastic bags--the microbes need oxygen to function. Discard in regular trash.

Clean Gently

• Wash your boat frequently with a sponge and plain water
• Use detergents sparingly
• Use phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners
• Wax your boat--a good coat of wax prevents surface dirt from becoming ingrained
• Clean wood with a mild soap powder and a nylon brush--not harsh chemical cleaners
• Conserve water--put a spray nozzle on your hose

Maintain Your Vessel Wisely

• Collect all paint chips, dust and residue. Dispose in regular trash.
• Share leftover paint and varnish
• Bring used solvents and waste gas to local hazardous waste collection day
• Keep your engine clean so you can spot leaks
• Slip a plastic bag over used oil filters before they are removed to capture drips
• Use premium two-cycle engine oil
• Use alternatives to toxic bottom paints

Sewage

• Never discharge raw sewage in Maryland waters
• Use restrooms on shore
• Under way, use approved Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)
• Discharge Type I or II MSDs over deep water--avoid discharging in swimming areas, marinas, anchorages or over oyster bars
• Establish regular maintenance schedule for your MSD based on manufacturer’s recommendations
• Pumpout and rinse hold tanks regularly
• Use enzyme based products to control odor and reduce solids in holding tanks
• Avoid holding tank products that contain quarternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and formaldehyde

Dispose Of Fish Waste Properly

• Do not throw fish waste into marina waters
• Use fish cleaning stations where provided on docks or at marinas
• Discard waste over deep water or in the trash
• Save waste and use as chum or bait

Protect Sensitive Habitat

• Proceed slowly in shallow areas
• Do not disturb wildlife
• Avoid contact with submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)
• Watch your wake--it can lead to shoreline erosion and disturb wildlife

Be A Responsible Boater

• Learn about products and practices which are environmentally safe
• Share the information with other boaters
• Help guests understand that, on your boat, no trash is thrown overboard
• Obey laws governing speeding, littering and discharge
• Encourage boating facilities to provide trash cans, recycling bins and pumpout stations
• Support marinas that are environmentally responsible

Springtime in Oyster Harbor Piers, and First Annual Survey

As the “Winter that Never Happened” passes, and signs of Spring threaten to show themselves along our shores and marsh, it’s also time to think about boating again.

Our community has a strong connection with the surrounding Bay and creeks, and we want to ensure OHCA residents can get the most from these waters.  Each year we try to improve our Piers and Harbors wherever we can.  The addition of a pump-out on the Booker Street pier has saved many boaters the long trip to Annapolis for a pump out.  Electricity and dock upgrades have made keeping your boat in a slip easier and more enjoyable.

We are always looking for ways to improve the services we offer.  To aid us, we have created a questionnaire with a few questions that can help us gauge what new services to offer the community.  Please take 2 minutes and fill it out at OHCA Piers Survey

If you own a boat, one of the big logistics items is taking care of where to dock it.  Fortunately Oyster Harbor offers multiple docks and racks for boat storage.  Here is a list of things to help you plan where to keep your boat in 2012.

Dinghy Racks

• If you have your boat in a dinghy rack, please check to make sure its sitting safely and not about to fall off. 
• Check that it is locked and protected from UV rays.
• Check that your OHCA sticker is visible.  If not, contact Claire at Manager@oysterharbor.org for a sticker.

Slips

•  If you have a slip lease, please email (Eric Epstein) eric@epstein.bz or Manager@oysterharbor.org to let us know if you plan to renew your slip for the May 2012 to April 2013 Lease year.
•  If you left your boat tied up to a pier in 2011, but did not have a slip.  Contact Eric Epstein for a slip.  In 2012 OHCA will begin removing boats that do not have slip leases.
• If you see maintenance that is needed on your slip, please let us know so we can schedule repairs.  This includes electrical issues.
• Refresh your familiarity with the OCHA Piers and Harbors Regulations.
•  Ensure your boat's liability insurance, or homeowners insurance is current and covers your boat and damage it may cause to piers or to other boats
• Ensure your Maryland boat registration is current
• Think about who may be using the boat this year and if they will need to have a Maryland Boater Safety Course to operate the boat

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Eric Epstein, Piers and Harbors Chairman, 410-575-4001

Spring also includes that annual rite and hallowed seafaring tradition of “Spring Commissioning”.  In case you don’t have a handy check list of spring boat preparation tasks, here is a list of combined boat, sailboat, and engine to dos that may make the chores a bit easier.

Kayaks, Row Boats and other small boats

• Inspect the seats, hull, fittings and dolly for damage from winter weather and wear from last year
• Inspect your safety gear and change batteries in non-rechargeable devices.
• Make sure you have up to date charts on the areas you plan to venture to
• Replace lines, fix sails, and inspect for wear on all the movable parts of the boat and riggings
• Refresh your knowledge of Maryland regulations for life jackets, fire extinguishers,safety gear, etc.

Outboard Motors

• Replace spark plugs.
• Check external gasoline tanks for corrosion, and replace if necessary. Look for cracks in the priming bulb, and test it for firmness and resiliency. If it collapses, replace it.
• Note the color of the lube oil in the lower unit. If it’s cloudy, there’s probably a leak around the prop-shaft seal. Fix it and change the oil.
•  Look for leaks around the trim cylinders.
• Check for corrosion around the lower unit and on accessory items such as electronic tilt motors

Gasoline and Diesel Inboard Engines

• Replace spark plugs. (Not on Diesels)
• Clean flame arrestor
•  Clean air filter, if installed.
• Flush Anti-freeze (Don’t dump old anti-freeze in streets, storm drains, or yard as it VERY poisonous)
• Change engine oil (Don’t dump old oil anywhere.  Take it to a recycling facility, marina, or gas station to be recycled)
•  Inspect engine drive belts. There should be no more than 1/2-inch play between pulleys. If there is, the belt is stretched and should be replaced. Also make sure there are no splits, gouges, tears, or glazing. Keep spares onboard.
• Change lube and transmission/lower unit oil and fuel filters if you didn’t do it while winterizing. When changing fuel filters, do not prime them with unfiltered fuel. Use your engine’s priming pump if you have one. If not, filter enough fuel to fill the canister by pouring it through a spare. Keep spare filters onboard and at least enough oil for one complete oil change.

 

Larger boats

• Drain and flush the antifreeze material you used for your head and galley water system until the water runs clear. (Even though most of these types of antifreeze are non-toxic, please do not dump them in the Bay.)
• Check the amount of material left on your engine zincs, and replace any that are half-gone. Keep spares onboard.
•  Make sure all through-hull fittings are in working order and free of corrosion. Work them back and forth until they move smoothly. Clean and grease if necessary, and leave in the open position.
• Inspect all hoses and hose clamps, and replace if any signs of wear–splitting, soft spots, corrosion–are present. Keep spares onboard.
• Charge batteries, and check the state of charge in each cell with a hydrometer. Clean the top surfaces with a solution of one box of baking soda to a quart of water. Brush on and wipe off after any bubbling stops. Rinse with fresh water and wipe dry. Also check cables and wiring for corrosion and wear, and replace if necessary. Terminals and connections should be shiny. If not, clean with an emery cloth and coat with a liquid insulating material such as Star brite’s Liquid Electrical Tape.
• Replace all nonengine zincs. If any signs of wear are present, replace them. That way you’ll be confident that you have a full year of protection.
• Inspect all pump impellers, especially those on raw-water pumps, and replace as needed. Keep spares onboard.
• Examine the hull above and below the waterline for blistering. If any blisters are present, repair before launching.
• Inspect ground-tackle shackles. Check your anchor line for fraying or degradation, especially where chafing occurs during normal lowering and hauling of the anchor.
• Wash down the entire boat.
• If you used ablative bottom paint last year, clean and repaint the bottom. Most nonablative paints are good for two seasons.
• Start the engines and check fuel lines, oil lines, filters, pumps, and pressure caps for leaks. Turn on all electric switches to make sure everything works, and test all lights for burned-out bulbs.
• Inspect fuel/water separators, and drain any water present. Clean or replace filter element as necessary.
• Check under carpets and runners and especially in closets for mold and mildew, and wash with a mild solution of bleach and water–two parts water to one-half part bleach–or use one of the many products on the market designed for this purpose.
• If you’re replacing props on inboard-engine boats, install new cotter pins.

We hope your 2012 Boating season is a great one!

Thoughts of Winter

November is upon us, and as we think about winter and its coming cold, wind, and potential snow, now is a good time to think about your boat(s).

Here are a few tips and recommendations from OHCA Piers and Harbors for putting your boat(s) up for the  winter:

• Boat US and many magazines have winterizing tips for boats.  There is no need to repeat them all on this Blog. But, if you don't have a winterization check off list that works for you, these sites are a great reference for information.
• OHCA recommends, but does not require you to remove your boat from its slip for the winter.  
• OHCA is not responsible for damage from ice, snow, storm surge, or other affects of nature. 
• OHCA is not responsible for damage done to your boat if a piling or dock breaks free, or is pulled up during the winter.
• OHCA has bubblers that we place to protect the docks from freezing.  They are not intended to protect boats and may not be placed where they will aid in keeping ice from forming around your boat.
• Winter; with its storms, dramatic temperature changes, winds and storm surges can be very hard on boats.  Storing your boat properly can significantly increase the life expectancy of the boat.
• Ultraviolet rays don't stop in the winter and will continue to do their worst to fiberglass, canvas and sails on your boat.
• Kayaks and Dinks in the racks should be secured, covered and locked if you are going to leave them out for the winter.  Please make sure you have an OHCA sticker on them.
• A very limited number of small boats can be stored for the winter by the Fishing creek Dingy Racks.  Please don't block other boats in.  
• No boats on trailers may be stored in the parking lots or by the dingy racks. These are for small row boats, sail boats and kayaks only.
• Don't trust that any ice around the Oyster Harbor community can hold the weight of a person.  
• Be careful on docks and walkways, as ice forms faster near the water, on docks, and on boats than on the ground.

Here are some slip specific notes for all slip holders:

• If you are not planning to renew your slip in April 2012, please let us know as soon as possible.
• If you have not paid for your slip yet, please get your payment in immediately.  Collection letters will be going out in December.  If you have not paid, you will loose your slip in 2012 and any rights to rent another slip until you are paid up.
• If you tie your boat to a dock or bulkhead without paying for a slip, OHCA will begin enforcing removal of boats, beginning this winter.  

If you have questions or concerns, or if you notice damage to a pier, please let Claire or myself know.  

We wish everyone a warm and safe winter. 

Sincerely,

Eric Epstein

Piers and Harbors Committee Chair

410-575-4001

Irene Gives Oyster Harbor a Break

Irene has come and gone, and in her wake she did not leave much damage as far as our community boats were concerned.  Fortunately many residents chose to take their boats out of the water, which was a great idea.  My boat in Fishing Creek recorded the highest gust at 62kts, at about 2am.

Of course many trees did not fare so well and power has been out for a few days.  We know of a couple homes that were damaged by falling trees.

In Fishing Creek, two boats that were not part of Oyster Harbor did sustain damage.  A Hunter 36 broke off its mooring.  The line they had on the mooring chaffed through and the boat broke free.  Fortunately the boat had an anchor out as a backup and that kept it from getting blown south, out of the creek and into the Bay.

The other boat was in a slip in Fishing Creek Farms.  The owner decided not to take down the roller furling Genoa.  It came unfurled during the storm and was shredded in the wind.  It also pulled the boat against the pilings and bulkhead and did some damage to the hull.

Stories from other Annapolis marinas were similar. many who did not prepare their boats well had some damage from sails coming undone, canvas blowing off, line chaffing through and water leaking into boats.

As we did not have any storm surge, we did not have that issue to worry about - this time.

Steve Burkholder decided to go for a sail in the early part of the storm.  Here is a video of his fun.

Here's hoping Hurricane Katia does get a hankering for Maryland Crabs.

A special thanks to everyone who helped out with boats, piers and all the Oyster Harbor public areas.  We really appreciate all your time on a hundred little tasks including taking in the flags, turning off dock power and helping neighbors with their boats.

Safe boating,
Eric

Hurricane Irene Preparation

OHCA is asking all slipholders to make plans to safe-guard their vessels from Hurricane Irene.

We are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irene. Some part of the storm is expected to have an effect in our area. Some models suggest the storm will be coming near, but not into the bay.

This means that some amount of wind, rain and storm surge will have an affect on OHCA piers.  The magnitude of the effect can vary greatly.

Storm Surge Effects

While most OHCA piers are shielded from high winds, the rising water from the wind and low pressure can cause a Storm Surge that can not be blocked. Storm surges can raise boats in slips beyond the limit of their lines and the height of the pilings which can pull the boat under water or cause severe damage. 


Here is a quick guide to storm surge effects:

• Less than 2 feet - normal tide range
• 3-4 feet - Fishing creek pier may be covered with water and the boat ramp parking lot may be flooded.
• 4-6 feet - Booker pier may be under water, and Booker parking lot may be flooded. Fishing Creek pier will be well under water with only pilings showing.  Many boats at all piers will have significant strain on their lines and risk being pulled under water.  A risk of electrical shock from pier and other power services will exist.
• 6-8 feet - All OHCA piers and parking lots will be under water.  Access to boat slips will be by row boat. Washington Ave and Shore Ave will be flooded.  Boats on the dinghy racks will be at risk. Many boat's dock lines will be at their limit.  Fishing Creek boats may bang the top of the pilings and be damaged.
• 8+ feet - Most streets heading to the water will be flooded.  The emergency fire pumping stations will  be under water. Most boat dock lines will be beyond their maximum stretch and will either part or pull the boats under water.

Below is a link to the tidal surge for our area:

Tides online

The best way to prepare for Hurricane Irene is to pull your boat out of the water with a trailer or at a local marina.  


If you plan on leaving your boat in the water, below is some advice for hurricane preparedness.

What you will need:

• extra lines for dock lines and securing canvas and sails
• chafe protectors
• fenders
• duct tape
• flash light with spare batteries

What you should plan on doing:

• securing or removing biminis, dodgers, life rings, etc
• double line your dock lines
• add additional chafe protection
• use extra fenders
• verify batteries are fully charged
• leave automatic bilge pump on
• disconnect shore power
• close fuel valves
• close all through-hull fittings
• verify cockpit drains are clear
• duct tape any non-watertight hatches
• remove boat papers
• lock boat
• secure your dinghy on the dinghy rack
• assist your neighbors if necessary
• ensure the harbor master has your most current contact information - including cell phone
• do not park cars in any of the parking lots near the piers during the storm
• check with your insurance company to see if they will pay for haulout and storage fees during a named storm
• verify your insurance information.  All boats in OCHA rented slips are required to carry liability insurance.
• Electric power will probably be turned off to all docks during the storm.
• Don't put yourself at risk during the storm.  

If you have a boat in a dinghy rack, make sure its secured with line.  Don't assume because it higher up that it is safe from wind or water.


Here are some links from BoatUS:
Hurricane Prep Guide
Hurricane Prep Guide 2
(Thanks to Michael Paroby for sending these)

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me, Eric Epstein at 410-575-4001 (eric @ epstein.bz).

Aftermath of Category 3 Hurricane

Other sites to watch for status:  

• National Hurricane Center 
• Another National Hurricane Center site  
• Disaster Supply Kit 
• Take Action 
• NOAA Storm Surge GIS Data 
• US Coast Guard Storm Info 

Prepare early and be safe.  

Lets hope Irene moves to the east and misses the Chesapeake Bay.

OHCA Slip Measurements

 There have been many questions about what boats can fit in our OHCA slips.  So we took on the task of measuring each slip for depth, length and width.  We also worked to determine the maximum length and width for each slip; based on slip size, adjacent slips that might be blocked, and intrusion on neighboring piers.

Beginning with the next lease renewals in the spring of 2012 OHCA will begin enforcing length limits on slips so that everyone may enjoy their slips without incursion on others.

All depths are at mean low water (normal low tide) at the back of the slips.  Slip depth does not guarantee that the area outside the slip is as deep.

Here is a quick summary:

  - Boat lengths supported by OHCA Slips can handle, depending on beam and draft:

• 9 boat slips up to 30-31 feet
• 6 boat slips up to 27 or 28 feet
• 2 boats slips up to 25 feet
• 1 boat slip up to 21 feet
• 3 boats slips up to 19 feet
• 2 boats slips up to 18 feet
• 8 boats slips up to 17 feet
• 4 boats slips up to 16 feet

   - Slip depths*

• No slips in OHCA are deeper than 4.5 feet at mean low water
• The average depth is 3.5 feet
• The slips are slightly deeper at Booker and the Boat ramp, than at the Fishing Creek pier.

* The entrance channel to Oyster Creek is 4 feet in most of the channel but there are some spots that are 3.5 feet.

Feel free to contact me (Eric Epstein) or the OHCA manager with any questions.

PIER 1 - Booker

PIER 1 - Booker

PIER 2 - Boat Ramp

PIER 2 - Boat Ramp

PIER 3 - Fishing Creek

PIER 3 - Fishing Creek

Speeds and Wakes

This season has brought a lot of questions and opinions on Speed limits in the two creeks that border Oyster Harbor.  

Some folks are tired of boats speeding by their homes or moorings, and having to worry about wakes and potential damage to their boats - not to mention spilling your drink while you relax at anchor.  Many with this view point want one or both creeks made into speed controlled zones that are meant to reduce wakes.

Other's enjoy the aspects of tubing, skiing, Personal Water Craft (PWCs) or the desire to get to the Bay or back to the slip quickly.  They enjoy the speed and feel that places to ski, etc are already too limited on the Bay. Many will argue that their boats make smaller wakes at high speeds than slow speeds.

The State of Maryland is concerned about erosion and environmental issues.

All sides can make a good point for their argument.  But both sides of the speed issue are probably missing a couple key points. I hope to clarify these here.

First, in Maryland, its against the law to pass within 100 feet of a moored boat, anchored boat, dock, or land at faster than 6 knots.  That said, if everyone followed that one rule then most problems such as; boats and people being knocked around, kayaks overturned, and annoyances to those anchored out could be avoided.  Most skiers and PWC owners would probably find less people would want to get them off the creeks.  This also means that by definition, the mooring field in Fishing Creek is a 6 knot restricted area - as any anchorage would be.

Second, common courtesy towards other people on the water is missed by many people driving fast.  Courtesy especially towards kayaks is a big problem in our creeks.  

Third, Maryland has regulations that specifically define certain localities as "Speed Restricted" and lists those on its web site.  This causes confusion to boats who assume that everywhere else is not "Speed Restricted".  The reality is that the distance from piers, boats, people in the water, and density of boats in the area are all factors that DNR could use to give you a ticket for one of many unsafe boating practices.

In Oyster Harbor, its important to respect that our creeks are lined with boats, that people use the water for everything from Kayaks to 30 foot power boats, and that boats on moorings can be tossed about by wakes from boats speeding nearby.

So enjoy the creeks for everything, including skiing, tubing and your PWC.  But be conscious of those around you and watch your wake near boats and docks.

Your comments are welcome on this and any Blog topic.

Please note that DNR will be reviewing erosion caused by wakes this summer in Oyster  Creek.  

Contact the office, or myself with any questions.

Safe Boating...