This charming town is known as “the gem of the Eastern Shore.”
By Staff and Trish David
Boat Review: Bayliner V20I
The V20I launches a new generation of Bayliner bowriders. By Lenny Rudow 32
Stories in Stone: Petroglyphs of the Lower Susquehanna Rock carvings are found in two areas of the lower Susquehanna River. By Bart Stump
35
Cruising the Albemarle Loop
If you have made it to the bottom of the Bay there is an opportunity to cruise the North Carolina Sounds. By Mike Pitchford
38
A Year of Adventure on the Great Loop
This Annapolis sailing couple spent a year cruising the Loop aboard their Kadey-Krogen 48. As Told to Beth Crabtree
42 Bilge Pumps
Maintenance tips to protect your investment. By Erik
Lostrum
612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD 21403 410.216.9309 | proptalk.com
PUBLISHER
Mary Iliff Ewenson, mary@proptalk.com
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EDITOR
Kaylie Jasinski, kaylie@proptalk.com
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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DISTRIBUTION
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PropTalk is a monthly magazine for and about Chesapeake Bay boaters. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of SpinSheet Publishing Company. SpinSheet Publishing Company accepts no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements.
PropTalk is available by first class subscription for $45 a year, and back issues are available for $4 each. Mail payment to PropTalk Subscriptions, 612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD, 21403.
PropTalk is distributed free of charge at more than 950 establishments along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute PropTalk should contact the PropTalk office at (410) 216-9309 or beatrice@proptalk.com.
Cutwater C-32
Ranger Tugs R-27
Solara S-250 CW
1. Boat insurance isn’t just for accidents
2. Accidents can happen to anyone
With comprehensive coverage, you’ll also be protected nancially for theft, vandalism, and unexpected events like storms if you need repairs or replacements due to damage.
3. Boat insurance can cover medical payments
When accidents happen, boat insurance offers liability coverage for damages or injuries you cause while boating, up to speci ed limits. It can also cover lawsuit costs if you’re sued.
Boat insurance offers a range of optional medical payments coverage limits, helping to cover medical expenses if you’re in an accident or someone is hurt on your boat, regardless of fault.
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and af liates. Product features are subject to policy terms and conditions and may not be available in all states or for all vehicles and coverage selections.
*No. 1 rating based on boat market share data from Rate lings.com.
**Sign & Glide® is an optional coverage you can add to any Progressive Boat policy and costs $30/annually ($50/annually in Florida). Prices are subject to change.
ve things you should know about boat insurance
Are you ready to embark on your next on-water adventure? Before you set sail, here are ve things to know about boat insurance.
4. Most lenders require boat insurance
If you nanced your boat, you’ll likely need boat insurance since most lenders require boat insurance to protect their investment. Additionally, some marinas or municipalities require proof of insurance for docking.
5. Progressive offers specialized boat coverages Ever worry about getting stuck on the water?
Progressive’s Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing coverage** can help. It’s an additional coverage that steps in if your boat is disabled or breaks down on the water, paying for on-water towing, jump starts, soft ungroundings, and fuel delivery. Fuel cost isn’t included.
Don’t let unforeseen circumstances disrupt your voyage. Cruise with con dence thanks to Progressive Boat insurance. Because when it comes to your boat, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
Scan to get a quote in as little as 4 minutes.
Go to progressive.com to learn more.
You Call Yourself a Boater?
By Kaylie Jasinski
Isat down to write this in a panic. How in the world are we working on the August issue already?! The first day of summer came and went with little fanfare. And I’m ashamed to admit that I had not yet launched my boat.
I’d started it up, sure. I took the winter cover off back in April. In May I did a deep clean and waxed the hull. I was convinced I would have all of June to spend on the water, yet I let most of it get away. And I’m not proud of that. In fact, I’m pretty embarrassed,
and I’ve been beating myself up about it. Because while I thought I had good excuses—bad weekend weather (a lot of bad weather, to be fair), social/familial obligations, other events/hobbies, a semi-unreliable pickup needed to tow it to the ramp, etc.—they were in fact excuses. And I only felt worse about those excuses when the first question I’d get upon walking into the office was always, “Have you put your boat in yet?”
Being the editor of a powerboating magazine, I figure it’s only fair that I call myself out.
Last summer I was out on the water as often as I could. When I took a summer vacation, I physically missed my boat, as if I had left a member of the family behind. I missed the freedom of the wind in my hair and the spray on my face. I was sad when fall turned into winter and I knew the boating season was officially over. I stared mournfully at my boat in the driveway through the long winter months. So lately I’ve been wondering, how could I go from that to a mindset of, “I’ll put it in next weekend.” Always “next,” never “now.”
But how many of us have been in a similar situation? We love our boats, but sometimes life gets in the way. It can be easier to put things off.
There’s something else I realized. Imposter syndrome doesn’t just apply
to the work environment. It can hit us when it comes to hobbies, too. By the end of last summer, I felt like a boat launching pro. But after a long winter off, insecurities crept back in. What if I forget something in my pre-departure checklist, like (God forbid), my drainplug? What if during my first launch of the season there’s a line at the boat ramp or a gaggle of spectators? What if I screw something up so spectacularly that people look at me and say, “You call yourself a boater?!”
But here’s the thing: whether it’s work or hobbies, we can be our own worst enemies. It was a long winter away from the water, sure, but it was time to get back on the horse. Somehow (see, I still doubt myself), I backed my boat up perfectly on the first try. No restarting, no readjusting, just one and done. I even had an audience, and I didn’t let it get to me.
My trusty Bayliner started up on the first try, and as soon as I got out on the water with the wind in my hair, I wasn’t thinking about anything but, “God, I missed this.”
Summer is painfully short. Get out there and make the most of it. And more importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself when life gets in the way.
July Cover
To my surprise I was greeted at work yesterday by coworkers, congratulating the Sawdust cover shot and stories. Smiles were seen all day.
I have extra copies to hand out. Thanks, great work. All the best, Joe Reid
FCrabbing Days
Terence McNally and Sarah Rae McNally are getting some crabbing in on the Magothy River.
Sawdust
ather’s Day this year was epic... the 20th anniversary issue of PropTalk dropped. Our wooden boat Sawdust appeared on the premier issue cover 20 years ago, and again on this July’s issue, together with an interview and story on the boat and her history.
Filled with gratitude and still working to make a difference!
If you like boats, enjoy the story. Thanks to Kaylie Jasinski and Zach Ditmars for their work on the story and to all our vendors and boating friends for helping to keep Sawdust special.
~Tom Menighan
Send your questions, comments and stories to kaylie@proptalk.com
# Check out our video of Sawdust on PropTalk’s YouTube Channel!
Meet Mako
Patrick Donlin shares this photo of Mako, his one-year-old Rottweiler. He says, “Mako enjoys AM fishing and sunset cruises. He loves hanging out up front, checking everything out.”
Want to see your boat dog featured in PropTalk? Email one to three photos and a short description to kaylie@proptalk.com. And don’t forget to enter your boat dog in our Dog Days of Summer August Cover Contest! Submissions are due July 25 at proptalk.com/cover-contest. Once the submission period has ended, our team will eliminate any photos that do not meet contest guidelines and then let you vote for the winning cover.
Summer Survival Guide Six Tips To Beat the Heat Safely
When it’s hazy, hot, and humid, jumping on a boat and zipping across the water is a great way to cope. But let’s do it safely. Summer heat can creep up on boaters and take a toll. Here are six tips to stay safe during the dog days of summer.
1. Go for sun protection.
Dress for success with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing. Choose lightweight, sweatwicking, long-sleeved shirts. Reapply sunscreen more often than you think you need and remember to bring a hat and sunglasses. For even more protection, outfit your boat with a bimini or temporary sun cover. Direct sunlight can make the air feel 10 to 15 degrees warmer.
2. Hydrate early and often.
Planning to spend the weekend on the water? Don’t wait until you’re hot and thirsty on Saturday afternoon; start hydrating on Friday. Provision your vessel with plenty of water and waterladen snacks such as fruit. Consider stowing some electrolyte powder mixes, too. They are lightweight, don’t take up much room in the galley, and can help boost hydration.
3. Be heat smart.
Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature increases significantly (generally above 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Telltale signs include headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, agitation, irritability, and even seizures. Immediately move the victim to a cooler environment, either indoors or in the shade. Wet them with cool water or use ice packs, especially on the head, neck, armpits, and groin. Seek immediate emergency medical attention by calling 911 or hailing the Coast Guard on your marine radio.
4. Be weather-wise.
In the summertime late afternoon and evening pop-up thunderstorms are always a possibility on the Bay. Keep an eye on your favorite weather app, and, just as importantly, keep an eye toward the sky. Ensure your onboard or hand-held VHF is operational and bring your cellphone, keeping it dry and charged, in case you need to call for help. Before slipping the lines, file a float plan and pick out a couple of safe harbors that you could shoot to in a hurry if needed.
5. Take a swim!
Boaters can take advantage of the best way to stay cool—jump in! Just don’t jump off a moving vessel or where there is heavy boat traffic or at any place that could have hidden objects under the water. Find a safe, out-theway anchorage and drop the hook.
6. Look out for jellyfish!
When the heat arrives, jellyfish usually do too. You may find it’s a good time to cruise to the Upper Bay, which is usually nettle-free due to more freshwater and lower salinity. Another idea is to use a Nettle Net boat pool (nojellyfish.com) to create a jellyfish-free swim area. If you do get stung, tried-and-true home remedies include rinsing with salt water or vinegar and applying meat tenderizer or baking soda.
During heavy jellyfish infestation periods these pesky creatures can actually clog a boat’s sea strainer for the AC or engine freshwater intake, so it’s a good idea to check your strainers regularly.
Let’s make the most of the boating season! If you’re looking for more heat safety tips for boaters, visit boatus.org. We’ll see you out there.
Restoring Chesapeake Bay Habitat
By Zach Ditmars
On June 11, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) oyster crew headed to the Choptank River aboard the Patricia Campbell to deploy 200 oyster reef balls at the Clint Water’s Memorial Reef at Cook’s Point. These reef balls were constructed by volunteers and students at various events hosted by the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland (CCA MD) as part of its oyster restoration program, the Living Reef Action Campaign. These efforts are also in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative. CBF began placing reef balls set with oyster spat at the Clint Water’s reef in 2008 and since then have periodically added more balls to this two-acre site. Capt. Karl Willey and the CBF oyster team use GPS to strategically lower each ball.
This new habitat hosts a variety of fish species including rockfish, white perch, silver perch, spot, flounder, oyster toadfish, and much more. The location of the Clint Water’s reef can be found on most GPS chartplotters, and the coordinates can be found at dnr.maryland.gov
Building reef balls is a two-day process that involves mixing and pouring concrete into a fiberglass mold with inflatable balls to create various openings. Once hardened, a reef ball can weigh up to 250 pounds. CCA reef balls are typically produced by students in STEM programs throughout the state that encourage environmental stewardship. Being part of the creation of these reef balls helps our future generations understand the importance of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
The Clint Water’s Reef is just one of many sites where CBF has been deploy-
ing oyster habitat since 1996. In the summer of 2024, 600 reef balls were dropped on Horseshoe Point on the St. Mary’s River. Another ongoing project is Noah’s reef on the Magothy River, built as a memorial to Noah Anderson, as an addition to the Dobbin’s Island reef site. Find a map of all the Maryland artificial reef sites at cbf.org
To learn more about the Living Reef Action Campaign and how you can get involved, visit ccamd.org
Giving Real-Life Meaning to STEM Lessons
For the tenth year the Eastport Yacht Club Foundation’s (EYCF) STEM on the Water program gave real-life meaning to lessons in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The program, developed in cooperation with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, teaches STEM by way of marine and maritime principles.
For three days, May 29-31, 108 local fifth graders visited Eastport Yacht Club. Mornings were spent rotating in small groups through hands-on learning stations about tides, navigation, wind, mechanical advantage, and ecosystem health. Students work with anemometers, compasses, navigation charts, mini sailboats, and pulley systems.
In the afternoons, the youngsters embarked on power and sailboats captained by EYCF volunteers. Out on the water, the morning lessons were put to practical use. While cruising, students got up close with anchored cargo ships, identified a weather sta-
tion, saw channel markers (some with osprey parents guarding their nests), used navigation charts, and conducted water clarity tests.
Ann Winters, a retiring 38-year teaching veteran, was part of the early
brainstorming that led to this successful program. She’s seen the new enthusiasm her students have after attending the EYCF event. Reflecting
on this year’s STEM day, she said, “I haven’t seen that many smiles all year!” Event co-chairs Meghan Hryniewicz and Nadine Chien enjoyed seeing the transformations that took place. Visiting fifth graders from surrounding neighborhoods discovered a new way to use their STEM learning, and some children who started with a fear of the water discovered a newfound joy about it. Hryniewicz shared, “It’s great to see students connect their classroom learning to our hands-on stations and the awesome adventure we provide out on the Chesapeake Bay.”
EYCF is a nonprofit organization that works with eight-year-olds through young adults in programs such as STEM on the Water and the high school Marine and Maritime Career Expo. It also offers Marine and Maritime Scholarships to trade schools and colleges and Junior Sailing Scholarships, all to inspire and support future stewards of the Chesapeake Bay. Learn about all the EYCF programs at eycfoundation.org
# Students were on the water each afternoon thanks to volunteer captains. Photo courtesy of EYCF
Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?
With the Atlantic hurricane season having already begun, boaters can turn to BoatUS for free hurricane preparation information (no membership required) including downloadable guides, videos, in-depth articles, and live tracking tools.
Your hurricane preparedness plan will be unique to your vessel, your risk tolerance (or that of your marina owner), your location, and the forecasted storm conditions. You may choose to move your boat to a nearby hurricane hole, haul and block it ashore, or secure it in its regular slip. If your boat lives at a marina, the operator may require that boats be moved to a hurricane hole or hauled and blocked.
If your boat is to be hauled, consider extra blocking or perhaps strapping it down. Ensure (as much
as possible) that the jack stands won’t slip when the water rises and the wind howls for hours on end. If your boat is trailerable, moving it to your driveway, an open field, or a protected area may be the simplest solution. Place it away from trees. Put the bow up and remove the drain plug.
Wherever your boat rides out the storm, strip from it anything that might be ripped off by high winds or damaged by driving rain, such as electronics, bimini, sails, extra fuel tanks, dinghies, important papers, and any loose gear. Add extra lines, larger lines, chafe protection, and fenders. Also make sure that scuppers and drains aren’t blocked.
Storm surges can be devastating, and surges of 10 feet are not uncommon with hurricanes. Bear in mind that high water can lift floating docks from pilings and overcome barriers
such as seawalls or spits of land that normally provide protection.
Boats with wide open cockpits or low freeboards can be particularly vulnerable to high waves. One loose boat in a marina can cause damage to other vessels and the marina docks. If you see proper steps haven’t been taken to secure nearby boats, bring it to the attention of your marina operator.
Looking for more preparation information? Visit boatus.com/hurricanes
# Be sure to add extra lines and fenders if your boat will be riding out the storm in a slip. Photo by Amy Beth Krisanda/BoatUS
Back River Will Be Home to New Trash Wheel
By Tim Wheeler
The family of googly-eyed trash wheels keeping Baltimore’s harbor tidy is about to get a new relative next door—on Back River in Baltimore County.
That litter interceptor stood out among 21 environmental restoration projects announced recently to honor settlement of a lawsuit over a string of pollution problems at Baltimore city’s two wastewater treatment plants, one on Back River and one on the Patapsco River.
Officials with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the city, and county joined community activists at a riverfront park in Essex in April to mark the awarding of $1.7 million for the projects and to report major progress in the treatment plants’ performance.
As part of a 2023 consent decree, Baltimore agreed to pay $4.75 million to settle lawsuits brought by MDE and the nonprofit Blue Water Baltimore over repeated violations at the two plants. Blue Water had alerted state regulators to problems with the Patapsco plant, which prompted an investigation and ultimately a temporary state takeover of the Back River facility.
Under the decree, 40 percent of that sum was to go to environmental restoration projects, while MDE was slated to collect $1.4 million in penalties. The city would be able to avoid paying another $1.4 million if it complied with the terms of the settlement.
According to MDE, nitrogen and phosphorus discharges from the two plants have declined by 60 to 80 percent since 2022.
The biggest recipient of the funds was the Back River Restoration Committee, which joined Blue Water Baltimore to press for state action to fix the plants’ maintenance and treatment problems. It is to receive $655,363 to design and build the wheel, which will replace a floating trash boom that must be constantly cleared manually of litter.
The remainder of the funds went to 20 other civic, neighborhood, and
religious groups around Baltimore for a variety of projects, including stream cleanups, rain barrels, permeable pavement, youth education, workforce development programs, and native plantings. The Chesapeake Bay Trust will handle disbursement of the grants.
This article first appeared in the May 2025 Bay Journal (bayjournal.com).
# Mr. Trash Wheel is fueled by solar and hydroelectric power to carry trash out of the Jones Falls River.
Photo By Kaitlyn Dolan/Chesapeake Bay Program
New MD Outdoors Licensing System Is Now Live
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (MD DNR) new online licensing system, MD Outdoors, is now available for residents and visitors to purchase Maryland hunting and fishing licenses as well as associated stamps and permits, boat and off-road vehicle renewal registration, and other services.
MD Outdoors provides residents and visitors with a convenient one-stop shop, replacing the former site COMPASS.
Current license-holders will retain their DNR ID number. The new website will provide clear instructions on creating a new username and password for MD Out-
doors, where customers can easily retrieve their account information.
The new system includes auto-renew options, an easier-to-navigate interface, and an app that stores your license information, and can help direct people to new hunting and fishing opportunities. Other benefits and capabilities will be added in the future.
Along with improvements in the user experience, for the first time Maryland will offer the purchase of durable license cards that demonstrate fishing and hunting license validity. These rugged, collectable cards feature various images of Maryland fish and wildlife.
“MD Outdoors will improve the licensing experience for residents and visitors. We’re debuting this system after years of listening to feedback from our hunters, anglers, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts,” said DNR secretary Josh Kurtz. “Customer service is a top priority for the department, especially since license purchases support scientific monitoring, research, and surveys in the field and
the laboratory to ensure that Maryland maintains its premier hunting and fishing opportunities.”
Specifically, hunting license fees go toward recruiting, educating, and certifying new hunters; acquiring and restoring wildlife habitats; maintaining and improving existing Wildlife Management Areas; providing technical assistance to landowners; and helping enforce wildlife laws and regulations for the benefit of all Marylanders. Fishing licenses and stamps support management activities like stocking fish, managing invasive species, and improving fishing locations.
Developing a new licensing system has been planned for several years. The transition to MD Outdoors comes at no additional cost to taxpayers. Funding that is already allocated to maintain COMPASS will be used for the upgraded system. The new system will not affect fees for hunting and fishing licenses, which are set by the General Assembly.
For more information, visit mdoutdoors.maryland.gov
Dog days of Summer Cover Contest
Here’s How it works:
• Visit proptalk.com/cover-contest to enter a photo of your boat dog by July 25.
• Vertical photos work best, with room for our header and cover lines.
• Only high-resolution (i.e. not blurry) photos will be considered for the cover.
• We love images of happy boaters, so don’t hesitate to send a photo with a dog and a person in it. If that person is a child, make sure he or she is wearing a lifejacket (properly), or we won’t consider it for the cover.
• Once the submission period has ended, our graphic design team will disqualify any photos that do not meet our printing requirements. We will then let you vote for the winning cover!
Boaters Helping Boaters: The Coast Guard Auxiliary
Are you looking for a way to spend more time on the water while helping other recreational boaters? Have you considered joining the US Coast Guard Auxiliary?
Coast Guard Auxiliarists facilitate boating safety classes, conduct free Vessel Safety Checks, serve as radio watch standers at Coast Guard stations, conduct safety patrols, and assist with search and rescue when called upon by the Coast Guard. Certification to be a Boat Crew member requires volunteers to complete classroom, shore-based, and on-water training tasks, followed by passing a Qualification Examiner check ride.
The Auxiliary’s main mission is recreational boating safety and education and to act as a force multiplier in support of Coast Guard authorized missions. However, its members also enjoy great fellowship, creating lasting and meaningful friendships.
This summer, the Auxiliary celebrates its 86th anniversary. Congress established the organization in 1939 in response to an increase in boating accidents due to the growing number of recreational boaters as the US recovered from the Great Depression. During World War Two, Auxiliarists served as temporary Coast Guard reservists, and many of their private sailboats and powerboats were provided with radios to report the positions of German submarines along the East Coast and Imperial Japanese submarines in US Pacific Coast waters. After the war, the Auxiliary resumed its peacetime focus on recreational boating safety.
The Auxiliary has 21,000 volunteers nationwide, and new volunteers are welcome. Are you interested in learning more? Friends, neighbors, and interested members of the public are always welcome to attend one of the flotilla meetings. To learn more, visit join.cgaux.org or reach out to your local flotilla.
The Great Chesapeake Invasives Count Help collect important data while competing for great prizes! Log your invasive species catches (northern snakehead, blue catfish, flathead catfish) on iAngler, and FishTalk will present live, monthly prize drawings. Register: ccamd.org
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AMM Tides and Tunes Concert: Reverend Smackmaster & the Congregation of Funk Free concert series at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Zero waste; bring or buy a cup. Food trucks and beverages on site. 7 to 9 p.m.
19 Antique Outboard Motor Club Meet
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Flying Point Park (511 Kennard Ave.) in Edgewood, MD. Everything vintage outboard motors and associated marine. For more info, contact Lee at (410) 833-6152.
19 CCA SoMD Chapter Book Signing Event
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10425 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD. This year’s event will feature renowned author, chef, angler, conservationist and James Beard award winner Hank Shaw of the website Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook, who will be promoting his new book “Borderlands.” Ticketed event.
19-20
Thunder on the Choptank
At Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh in Cambridge, MD. There will be lots of great food and drink options on site to make it a fun day for the whole family. Presented by the Kent Narrows Racing Association.
20 Tides and Vibes
3 to 7 p.m. at Baltimore Peninsula’s Port Covington Marina. Theme: Conservation and Cuisine - take part in the culinary bounty the Chesapeake Bay has to offer. An afternoon of free waterfront fun for the whole family. Food, drinks, games, music.
26 Bay Paddle
An epic day of paddle races and a post paddle festival to celebrate and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Hosted by Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club. 35-mile, 10-mile, and 3.2-mile courses. Register: baypaddle.org
26 Maryland Marina Nautical Flea Market
Buy, sell, or trade boat-related gear, with tables available for individuals and vendors. Kids’ activities, food truck, raffle for prizes, and free transient slips for the weekend. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Maryland Marina.
26 Bluegrass on the Bay 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets. Featuring The High & Wides with opening act The Folk Villains. Food vendors on site. Rain or shine. Concert tickets separate from museum admission.
26-27 SMBC Leonardtown Bash On the Bay Vintage race boat exhibition presented by Southern Maryland Boat Club at Leonardtown Wharf Park. Free admission, food truck on-site, free pit access during lunch.
31 AMM Tides and Tunes Concert: Timmie Metz Band Featuring Tambo
Free concert series at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Zero waste; bring or buy a cup. Food trucks and beverages on site. 7 to 9 p.m.
31 Anglers Combos for Kids Event
At Mike’s Beach. Boats needed. Presented by Anglers Sports Center.
31 CCA Angler’s Night Out 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at West End Grill in Annapolis. Presented by Waterfront Marine. “Chesapeake Cobia Mastery” with Capt. Jon Henry (Tidewater Charters). Talk and Q&A. Free and open to the public.
August
3 Chesapeake Cowboys Boat Docking In Cape Charles, VA.
4-8
52nd Annual White Marlin Open
The world’s largest and richest billfish tournament. In Ocean City, MD.
7 AMM Tides and Tunes Concert: Area 301 and 8 Ohms Band
Free concert series at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Zero waste; bring or buy a cup. Food trucks and beverages on site. 7 to 9 p.m.
8-10 Rock Hall Pirates & Wenches Weekend
A town-wide family friendly event in Rock Hall, MD. Rum tasting, shanty sing-along, performers, dinghy parade and poker run, live music, activities for kids, and more.
9 150th Anniversary Celebration of Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
6 to 9 p.m. at the Navy Marine Corp Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD. Presented by the US Lighthouse Society and Visit Annapolis. Dinner, guest speakers, live music, wine pull, door prizes, and more. Tickets $150 per person.
9-10 Portsmouth Powerboats at the Park Vintage Regatta
Presented by the Portsmouth Power Boat Association at the Portsmouth City Park boat ramp.
10 Chesapeake Cowboys Boat Docking In St. Michaels, MD.
10
Watermen’s Appreciation Day
A thrilling boat-docking contest, steamed crabs straight from the Bay, live music, family activities, and more unforgettable fun for all. Tickets will be available online and at the door. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
13 Frederick Saltwater Anglers Monthly Meeting
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Frederick Elks Lodge #682. Optional food starts at 6 and meeting begins at 7. We have a speaker and vendor along with raffle prizes and a 50/50.
st 8-10, 2025 Augu
Come by land or sea to the Town of Rock Hall for a Pirates & Wenches Theme Party you won't soon forget
Chesapeake Calendar
14
AMM Tides and Tunes Concert: A Classic Case
Free concert series at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Zero waste; bring or buy a cup. Food trucks and beverages on site. 7 to 9 p.m.
16 CCWBRA Nationals
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rock Hall Yacht Club in Rock Hall, MD. Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association.
16 Chesapeake Cowboys Boat Docking In Pocomoke, MD.
16
CMM Waterside Music Series
7 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. Live music by Sam Hunt.
16 Sassafras River Docking Contest and River Days 10:30 a.m. at the former IJK docks at the north end of Georgetown Yacht Haven, MD. Centered around the docking contest, this event will include dozens of local vendors as well as food trucks, live music, drinks, and more. Serves as a fundraiser for the annual Georgetown Labor Day Fireworks and the local community.
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Join us for an exciting day on the water followed by an award-winning shore party at Eastport Yacht Club. Sailors, powerboaters, and partygoers alike— there's something for everyone:
• Pursuit Race or Poker Run 12pm-3pm
• Shore Party 4pm-9pm live music by Unified Jazz Ensemble and Misspent Youth. Enjoy Mount Gay cocktails and Boatyard Bar & Grill cuisine.
Not a boater? Come for the party or take part in the Skipper’s Challenge, a fun, peer-to-peer fundraiser supporting CRAB’s mission to provide exceptional sailing experiences for people with disabilities. Proceeds ensure that CRAB's programs remain free of charge for guests with disabilities.
For more information go to crabsailing.org/crabcup
CRAB Cup Poker Pursuit
The CRAB Cup Poker Pursuit allows powerboat skippers to join sailors in a day of fun on the water in support of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating while competing for prizes. Shore Party at Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets: crabsailing.org
17 Tides and Vibes
3 to 7 p.m. at Baltimore Peninsula’s Port Covington Marina. Theme: Splashdown - cool off with some classic backyard games. An afternoon of free waterfront fun for the whole family. Food, drinks, games, music.
18 Anglers Combos for Kids Event
At Mike’s Beach. Boats needed. Presented by Anglers Sports Center.
23
NS Savannah and SS John W. Brown Open House
The SS John W. Brown World War II Liberty Ship will have an open house with its pier mate, the NS Savannah, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pier 13 in Baltimore. Tours available on both vessels; learn how to volunteer and support the ships.
24 Chesapeake Cowboys Boat Docking In Taylors Island, MD.
30 CBMM Charity Boat Auction
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Bid on donated vessels of all shapes and sizes. Every sale directly supports CBMM’s mission.
31 Chesapeake Cowboys Boat Docking In Crisfield, MD.
ONANCOCK, VA
Onancock is a quaint town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. By car it’s about a three-hour drive from Annapolis, an hour and a half from Ocean City, MD, and roughly an hour from Cape Charles, VA. Captain John Smith, during his explorations of the Chesapeake in the early 1600s, called it “the gem of the Eastern Shore.” Today, Onancock is known for its charming small-town vibes, renowned art scene, and its natural beauty.
A group of cruisers from the Marine Trawler Owners Association Chesapeake Bay Cruisers (MTOA CBC: mtoa.clubexpress.com) recently visited the town and shared their experience with us.
CRUISING TO ONANCOCK
By Trish David, State of Bliss
Our Onancock Cruise was enjoyed by the crews of nine vessels who met up in town from June 3-5. Seven of the boats had reservations at Onancock Wharf; two anchored out in a sheltered spot nearby.
Onancock Wharf is a well-maintained small-town marina. The restrooms are clean with complimentary bathmats (just drop them off in the sink in the laundry room). The washing machine and dryer are free to slip holders! They have a fuel dock with gas and diesel and a pump-out. Just off the end of the dock is a pleasant little park where AnnaB was able to get some exercise. She is the puppy on O’Tug and is learning to be a boater.
My husband and I hosted this cruise; we are on State of Bliss, a Mainship 390 out of Solomons. We invited the MTOA members to meet us in Onancock. We had members out of Baltimore, Pasadena, Matthew’s, Urbanna, Solomons, and New Port Richey, FL. There were two tugs, one Kadey-Krogen, a Sabre, a Grand Banks, a Bayliner, and a Camano Troll, as well as our Mainship in our fleet.
# Onancock Wharf is a well-maintained marina with excellent amenities for boaters.
Photos courtesy of Trish David.
# Ker Place, home to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society.
# The MTOA CBC Onancock Cruise was enjoyed by the crew of nine vessels.
# Enjoying dinner as a group at Bizzotto’s Gallery Caffe.
We met right outside of the office near the Liar’s Bench for docktails at 5 p.m. There is a picnic table, and Tom had his folding table to add room for all the shared appetizers. As always with this group, everything was good! Pat brought paper plates. There were name tags to help us get to know each other.
Later we left to look for dinner. Mallards at the Wharf has outdoor seating as well as indoor. All reported good meals there, as well as at the Blarney Stone Pub.
On our second day we were scattered around town. Foggy Place Cafe was reported to be good and filling for breakfast.
One couple rented one of the two golf carts available from the marina. Another couple took advantage of the marina car to make a reprovisioning run.
We visited Ker Place, home of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, with the crew from Wandering Souls. They opened at 11 a.m., and we were free to wander on our own. An app is available to follow when there isn’t a docent available.
There were few shops open at the time, but one not-to-be-missed location is the Corner Bakery. We had heard of it since Crisfield and were not disappointed!
Our second day in town was also Wine Wednesday at the Historic Onancock School. It is the first Wednesday of each month and is a showcase for local artists. From 5 to 7 p.m. you can sip and visit with the artists. The school itself is something to see and brings back memories of our school days for some of us. Former Governor Ralph Northam graduated in 1977 from Onancock School, as noted in a display.
The Waterman’s Heritage Museum is located in the basement of the school; however, it is only open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
The folks anchored nearby were able to tie up at the dinghy dock and arranged to use the showers at the marina (the anchor fee is $20 per vessel per day to access the showers or laundry between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily).
# Some boats opted to anchor out in a sheltered spot near the marina.
WATER ACCESS
Onancock Wharf and Marina is located right in the heart of town. To reach Onancock by water, set the final leg of your GPS trip for FL G #1 at the mouth of Onancock Creek at 37° 43.47N and 75° 51.06W and follow the channel to marker #29. Straight ahead you will see the welcoming Onancock Wharf. The marina monitors Channel 16; upon arrival they will request you switch to Channel 9 for docking instructions and information. To learn more, visit onancock.com/ marina/marina-information.
The Onancock public boat ramp is sufficiently wide and steep for use during all tides. Parking for trailers in town is free for all trailers displaying the Accomack County Boat Ramp decal. All other vehicles require a $7 daily parking fee.
Adjacent to the marina, Onancock has a free Dinghy Dock and Kayak/Paddleboard/Canoe Launch Dock
Just around the corner from town, about a 10-minute car ride away, is Deep Creek Boatyard in Onancock: deepcreekboatyard.com
If you’re in town for a few days, consider taking the TangierOnancock Ferry, which makes daily runs from town to the offshore island of Tangier, VA, between the first weekend in May and the first weekend in October. The ride duration is approximately an hour, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis unless you make a reservation at tangierferry.com
For more information, check out onancock.com and virginia.org.
If you have never visited Onancock, the channel and approach to Onancock Creek are well marked. There is only one place to anchor near the marina along the creek due to barge traffic. Some of our cruisers arrived from Solomons, and we came from Crisfield. Four boats remained at the marina Thursday and enjoyed dinner as a group at Bizzotto’s Gallery Caffe.
We left Thursday morning to explore the Pocomoke River and Pocomoke City. We had heard about the Cypress trees and eagles to be seen while on the river, so that’s where I am as I write this report. The rest of the boats will be heading for Solomons today. Thanks to them for the pictures!
Bayliner V20I: Generation V
The Bayliner V20I launches a new generation of Bayliner bowriders.
By Lenny Rudow
Few types of boats are as versatile for family fun on the Bay as bowriders, since they can be used for everything from water skiing to quiet evening cruises to dropping a fishing line. Bayliner has long been known for its commanding presence in this genre, and for close to seven decades Bayliner bowriders have gone through continual upgrades and refinements. 2025 marks yet another new generation of boats for this builder, with the V20 (an outboard
version) and the V20I (a sterndrive) hitting the scene.
For the moment we’ll focus on the V20I, because those who are most interested in activities like pulling up to the beach for a swim or spending the afternoon water skiing will likely gravitate towards this model for one simple reason: that big, beautiful swim platform. You just can’t beat the full-beam platform found on a sterndrive bowrider as opposed to the ones you’ll see on boats
with an outboard on the transom. And in the case of the V20I, that platform plus a telescopic boarding ladder, stainless-steel tow-ring, and integrated deck ski/wakeboard locker ensure you’re ready for all of those athletic aquatic activities.
Unlike some of those bowrider generations from yesteryear, the V20I is also quite customizable. There are nine different hull color configurations alone, plus the ability to add goodies such as foam pad flooring, an upgraded
# Photos courtesy of Bayliner Boats
stereo system (a 120-watt four-speaker system comes standard), a trailer, or even a tow tower. Or, of course, you could also opt for more power. The stock engine is a 200-hp MerCruiser 4.5L, which will provide plenty of oomph for most folks since that gets you speeds into the 40s. But if you feel the need to buzz across the Bay with the wind whipping your hair at speeds in the upper 40s, that powerplant can be upgraded to a 250-hp model.
Another change we’ve seen through generations of Bayliner bowriders is an increase in useable space for the given LOA. On the V20I this is most evident in the seating, which wraps the cockpit with a large L-shaped seat along the motor box (which has a lounger atop) and port side of the cockpit. Forward of it there’s a pair of flip-down bolster pedestal seats for the helm and passenger. And up front, as expected for a bowrider, a pair of forward-facing seats can be capped off with a filler to become a sunpad. But rather than merely having the usual closing door to close off the center
walkthrough, there’s a removable backrest you can put in place along with the center filler to create a spot for a third person to sit facing forward. Better yet, bolsters on the inwales also allow you to kick back facing the centerline or facing aft. Add it all together and that’s quite a bit of seating for a 20-footer; note that despite its small size this boat is rated to hold up to nine passengers.
Interior space also gets a boost via Bayliner’s design philosophy. Their “Beam Forward” attitude carries the boat’s beam significantly farther into the bow than is usual for the average bowrider, expanding elbow room in the forward cockpit. Meanwhile, at the other end of the boat in what Bayliner calls “Aft Advantage,” they push the swim platform beyond the back of the running bottom to maximize space in the aft cockpit. Another nifty trick they use to boost available space aft is by bridging the walkthrough to the swim platform with a filler, extending the lounger to nearly the boat’s entire beam.
Stay Dry, Enjoy The Ride
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 20’4”
Beam: 8’4”
Draft (min.): 1’8”
Displacement (approx.): 3985 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 45 gal.
Transom deadrise: 20 degrees
Max HP: 250
You say one kid wants to try wakeboarding, another likes to catch fresh fish dinners, and a third thinks beaching the boat and going for a swim is the ideal way to spend the afternoon? It sounds like a bowrider is in your future. And once you introduce the generation you’re raising to the next generation V20I, there’s a good chance there’s a Bayliner in your future, too.
Local Dealer Riverside Marine in Essex, MD. (410) 686-1500 or riversideboats.com
Petroglyphs of the Lower Susquehanna
By Bart A. Stump, Photos By Jennifer Stump
The shores of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River have long attracted Native American groups to the rich abundance of food and resources. When English explorer Captain John Smith set out to map the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of Native American communities.
Many Native American artifacts were biodegradable, being made of wood, bone, or leather, and did not survive the test of time. However, they did leave their mark in something more permanent—stone. Petroglyphs, ancient rock
carvings, are found in two areas of the lower Susquehanna.
Now inundated by the waters of the Conowingo Basin, the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Maryland was at the Bald Friar site, named for the nearby Bald Friar Falls. It was in the Susquehanna River, three miles south of the Maryland/Pennsylvania border. The site consisted of several small islands, the largest being Indian Rock or Bald Friar Island.
While the exact age of the site is unknown, it is thought to be up to 1000
years old. When asked the age of the carvings by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, the local Native Americans were said to have responded that the carvings had been there “since our grandfather’s grandfather’s time.”
The carvings remained relatively forgotten until the 1920s when the impending construction of the Conowingo Dam threatened the destruction of the site. In an effort to save the petroglyphs, a team from the Maryland Academy of Science used dynamite to extricate the carvings. Ninety fragments were recovered and displayed outside the Academy of Sciences in Baltimore. Eventually the stones were moved to Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, the public library in Elkton, and the Harford County courthouse in Bel Air.
The Bald Friar petroglyphs include simple geometric designs, concentric circles, parallel lines, cupping (indentures), and a radiating sun. The most striking and enigmatic motifs are what appear to be stylized faces or heads.
# Some of the Bald Friar petroglyphs have been returned to the Susquehanna River near their place of origin. They are now part of an educational display in Susquehanna State Park’s Rock Run Grist Mill in Harve de Grace.
# Now inundated by the waters of the Conowingo Basin, the largest concentration of petroglyphs in Maryland was at the Bald Friar site.
There has been conjecture that they represent serpent heads, fish heads, human heads, anthropomorphic fish/ human heads, or possibly Iroquois “false face” masks or Delaware “bushy-head” cornhusk masks.
In 2017, a survey was conducted, resulting in 197 of the 226 petroglyphs from Bald Friar being recovered and sent to the Maryland Archaeological
Conservation Laboratory where they were cleaned, documented, and photographed.
Some of the Bald Friar petroglyphs have been returned to the Susquehanna River near their place of origin. They are now part of an educational display in Susquehanna State Park’s Rock Run Grist Mill in Harve de Grace. Unfortunately, the mill is in need of renovation
and is currently closed to the public.
While the Bald Friar petroglyphs were the closest to the Chesapeake Bay, 20 miles upstream, one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs on the East Coast is located at Safe Harbor in Lancaster Conestoga, PA. Located on appropriately named islands, Big Indian Rock and Little Indian Rock, they are accessible only by water.
# The Safe Harbor petroglyphs are accessible only by water.
# One of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs on the East Coast is located in Pennslyvania. A wet sponge can help reveal details in the stone.
Located downstream from the Safe Harbor hydroelectric dam, the islands may be reached in two ways. Powered vessels may be put in at the Pequea boat ramp and travel approximately two miles upstream. Canoes and kayaks may launch in the Conestoga River at Safe Harbor Park and paddle approximately a halfmile downstream, entering the Susquehanna River below the dam. Water levels may vary and flashing lights and sirens from the dam indicate an impending water release that could create dangerous conditions.
Big Indian Rock is distinguishable from the dozens of other islands due to its large size, relative lack of vegetation, and smooth downward sloping surface. Approaching from the downstream side, there is a relatively flat area suitable for landing.
Depending on your time of arrival, the petroglyphs can be deceptively hard to see. Best viewing times are near sunrise or sunset as the sun’s slanted rays highlight the edges of the carvings. Visibility can
be enhanced by pouring water directly into the carvings or by gently stamping around their edges with a wet sponge.
The Safe Harbor petroglyphs are thought to be as many as 1000 years old, created by Algonquian Indians known as the Shenk’s Ferry People, who lived in the area.
Big Indian Rock features various anthropomorphic figures, what has been interpreted as a shaman with a feathered headdress, and an Eagleman. A large noncontemporary carving of a dove resembling Pennsylvania Dutch Fraktur folk art adorns the top of the island.
Farther upstream is Little Indian Rock. It can be identified by carvings of a walking bird, four-legged animals, and a human figure holding a bow on the upriver side of the island. Getting atop the island can be a bit difficult, but the sheer number and variety of petroglyphs makes it worthwhile.
Carvings include animal, thunderbird, and human figures. There are also life-size tracks of birds, bear, deer, and elk alongside a human footprint. The focal point is a Manitou spirit, a god-like
being with horns, a beak, and long sweeping curves. Equally impressive are parallel wavy lines that mark the position of sunrise on the spring and fall equinoxes and a “serpent” line, resembling a snake, that corresponds with sunrise on the winter solstice and sunset on the summer solstice.
The Safe Harbor petroglyphs are very different from the Bald Friar carvings. This could indicate that they were made by different cultural groups or had been made at different time periods. Regardless, the sites of the petroglyphs must have held great significance.
Experiencing the petroglyphs firsthand evokes a sense of wonder and a multitude of questions. Why did the Native Americans spend so much time and effort creating the rock art?
Did the carvings serve as a calendar, directional marker, teaching tool, or religious icon? Or was it a combination of all these things and a way for them to have made sense of their world? Perhaps in time, we will be able to glean their meaning and understand these stories in stone. #
Marinas That Meet Your Standards!
Anchor Marina
Anchorage Marina
Annapolis Landing Marina
Bowleys Marina
Broad Creek Marina
Campbell’s Boatyards
Casa Rio Marina
Coles Point Marina
Corinthian Yacht Club of the Chesapeake
Cypress Marine
Dandy Haven Marina
Dennis Point Marina and Campground
Fairwinds Marina
Forked Creek Yacht Club Marina
Generation III Marina
Harbour Cove Marina
Hartge Yacht Harbor
Herrington Harbour North
Herrington Harbour South
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
River Marsh Marina
Lankford Bay Marina
Legasea Marine
Lighthouse Point Marina
Maryland Marina
Middle River Landing Marina
Nomad Norview Marina
Piney Narrows Yacht Haven
Pleasure Cove Marina
Port Annapolis Marina
Porter’s Seneca Marina
Riverside Marine Marina
Rock Hall Marine Railway
Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort
Selby Bay Marina
Shipwright Harbor Marina
Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort
The Wharf at Handy’s Point
The Wharf Marina
Tri-State Marine
Whitehall Marina
Yacht Haven of Annapolis
Cruising the Albemarle Loop
By Mike Pitchford
Many of us have cruised the Chesapeake, some to the far reaches north and south. Fewer of us have gotten out of the Bay, perhaps tasting the waters of Long Island Sound and New England or traveling down the ICW to points south.
If you have made it to the bottom of the Bay, there is an opportunity to cruise the North Carolina Sounds, the Albemarle and the Pamlico, that will put
a smile on your face. The Albemarle is first up and a circumnavigation to some of the small towns on the Sound can be done in a week or so. The Pamlico is a bit further south. It includes the towns of Oriental (the sailing capital of North Carolina), Belhaven, and New Bern; all charming stops.
The Albemarle Sound runs west to east about 50 miles. You inevitably cross the Sound on ICW treks, but often without stopping in any of the
small towns off the ICW routes. This is a shame because those towns offer some great cruising experiences, and quite often, free dockage. To see them all or pick and choose you may want to consider completing the Albemarle Loop (albemarleloop.com).
In June, a small fleet from the Annapolis Yacht Club made the trip down the Bay with stops along the way, culminating in Norfolk. After a lay day to explore Norfolk, part of the fleet pointed the boats north for home, with stops in Cape Charles and Onancock, before returning to Annapolis.
A subset of five boats moved on to Coinjock, NC, and then into the Albemarle to do the Loop. Our first stop was Hertford.
Hertford is a very small town. There is still ice cream, etc., available at a remnant of an old-fashioned soda fountain counter in the town’s small drug store. We visited an eclectic tap room and bought dinner from a fundraiser fish fry at a church next door. There were no restaurants open for dinner. Like the rest of the Loop stops, the town slips are free as they beckon visitors and Loopers.
# Chelsea Girl, a Nordic Tug 42, belonging to cruise leaders Bill and Maria Museler.
# AYC cruise leaders in Manteo, NC. Left to Right: Kirk Brafford, Deborah Brafford, Neal Brown, Maria Museler, Bill Museler, Coleen Brown, Mike Pitchford, Sue Pitchford.
There is a low bridge before the town dock. You must call the bridge tender an hour before your arrival since they don’t staff the bridge regularly.
Next up was Edenton, a bigger small town. We arrived on a Saturday and enjoyed a music festival in the park adjacent to the town docks. The benefit of size gets you shops and restaurants, both a treat. The town dock slips are nice, but visitors should monitor the weather and wind direction. Winds of substance from the SW to SE can add a different “rock and roll” feature to your visit.
After our own rocky overnight experience in Edenton, the collected crews took a closer look at our next planned destination, the Albemarle Plantation. The Plantation slips are also exposed to wind and waves out of the south and that was the forecast on our arrival date. So, we looked for an alternative.
The small town of Columbia, NC, was nearby. The town dock slips looked very protected and included space for the five boats in our fleet. Contact with anyone “official” in the town to confirm online details was not happening on a weekend day. Fortunately, there is a
nearby nature trail staffed on the weekend. A phone call to them confirmed for us the availability of slips.
Columbia falls somewhere between our first two stops of Hertford and Edenton. It is a small town, with a population of less than 700, but there are a couple of restaurants and a coffee shop. Sadly, none of the restaurants were open for dinner on a Sunday. We made it to
town in time to buy some take-out from Stick Burning BBQ company (great ribs) and added some sides and potluck choices from the boats. The gazebo in the town park adjacent to the town dock proved to be perfect for our make-do evening group meal.
Before I go on with this travelogue, I should share a word about crab pots in the Albemarle. There are a ton of them.
# Entering Hertford Harbor.
# The Pioneer Theater in Manteo, NC. There’s nothing like a cool movie theater on a hot summer evening!
It seems that the entire Albermarle is the perfect depth for crab pots and dodging them will keep the designated driver on their toes. Based on the number of crab floats, one could assume that the crabbing in the Albemarle is very productive. Conversely, it could be that each crab has its own pot. Asking around, we got inconclusive answers to the crab population question. The quest for knowledge continues.
Anyway, with the weather easing up, the little fleet made its way from Columbia to the Albemarle Plantation, a day later than planned. The Plantation is a resort, not a town. It is a jewel of a stop none the less. There is a nice golf course (a Dan Maples design), 166 slip marina, and the cheapest diesel anywhere on the ICW. The marina docks are wide enough for golf carts and one comes with the slip. You will want one. Our crews made a beeline to the free laundry. Having been out 10 days already, it was time for fresh clothing options. Adjacent to the laundry were marina showers and a café. The café proved to be the right spot to wait out the laundry cycles. It also hosted a group dinner that did not disappoint. Our shortened stay at the Plantation, one day instead of two, was bittersweet. We were happy to have experienced the feel of a resort stop but missed the relaxation of a lay day to really explore the pleasures of a resort. Next time!
The fleet had three days planned in Manteo, another jewel on the Sound, or should I say Sounds? Geographers and map makers may debate it, but it looks to me as if Manteo lives at the intersection of the two Sounds, with the Albemarle to the north and the Pamlico to the south of town. Anyway, we were off the docks at the Albemarle Plantation fairly early for the 40-mile run, mostly east across the Sound, to Manteo.
Manteo is located on Roanoke Island just inside the North Carolina Outer Banks. The island is also home to the fishing village of Wanchese, which virtually guarantees fresh seafood menu choices at the Manteo restaurants.
Coinjock
Sound
Manteo may be the “big” town on the Albemarle Sound. With a full-time population of around 1600, and room for more seasonally, it is a captivating stop on any Albemarle circumnavigation. Our crew arrived for a planned three-day stay, giving us time to experience it all.
In town there may be a dozen or more eateries, all walkable from the town marina. Two dolphin tour boats operate from the docks and across the way is a state park that includes a replica of the ship that brought the first English settlers to Roanoke Island in 1587.
If you remember your history lessons, you will recall that Manteo is home to the “Lost Colony,” the English settlement that essentially disappeared by 1590. There is a seasonal production of the play, “The Lost Colony,” that will add to your historical knowledge but not solve the enduring mystery of what happened to those colonists.
Also in town is a small single screen theater showing first run and retro films. We arrived in time to catch “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” It turned out to be a perfect evening diversion on a particularly hot day during our multi-day layover. There is nothing like a cool movie theater on a hot summer evening.
If you want to experience the Albemarle Loop, be flexible and watch the weather. The short steep chop that builds with higher winds and the stops with marinas that may be exposed to those higher winds are worth managing around. Fortunately, nothing is too far away on the Albemarle, encouraging that flexibility and adding to the fun.
Columbia Albemarle
Hertford
Edenton
Manteo
Albemarle Plantation Marina
# The Albemarle Plantation is a resort, not a town. It is a jewel of a stop none the less.
A Year of Adventure on the Great Loop
Drew Mutch and Michael-Anne Ashford, formerly of Severna Park, MD, live on Back Creek aboard their Kadey-Krogen 48 Whaleback Escape Plan. The couple began their Great Loop adventure on December 22, 2023, and crossed their wake one year later.
Like many Loopers, Drew and Michael-Anne juggled multiple responsibilities during their circumnavigation. The pair, who are avid sailors, made return trips to Annapolis for sailing regattas and took numerous flights to spend time with family and friends, and they did all this with their two dogs aboard!
Unlike most Loopers from the Chesapeake, Drew and Michael-Anne began their journey in December by traveling 2600 miles south to Florida to visit family. Also, who goes north from Annapolis in the winter?
The dream begins.
Michael-Anne: It was 2018 when we began thinking about the liveaboard lifestyle and I was introduced to the Great Loop. In 2022 we bought Escape Plan, sold our home in Severna Park, MD, and moved aboard our waterfront Annapolis home. We planned to do the Loop “someday,” but when I had to unexpectedly take a break from work to assist an ailing family member, the discussion of “someday sooner” started to creep into our conversations.
Drew: Just days before Christmas 2023 we slipped our lines in Annapolis and made our way south. By New Year’s Eve we were anchored under a brilliant starlit night at the top of the Alligator Pungo Canal in North Carolina, where we enjoyed homemade Chicago style pizza and an electric blanket for the night. Icy docks and frosty lines continued well into Georgia, and we thought we would never escape the cold.
Winter in Florida
Drew: Finally, we broke free from the sweater weather with an overnight offshore run from Savannah, GA, to St. Augustine, FL, and soon arrived in Stuart, FL. After visiting with Annapolis sailing friends from the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake, a blustery east wind hastened our departure from the exposed bulkhead at Four Fish Marina and led us across Lake Okeechobee to Fort Myers.
Michael-Anne: We spent the next two months living on a mooring ball, desperately trying to teach the dogs the joy of afloat potty rather than dinghy ashore thrice daily (yes, there is a method, no it
didn’t happen here). Thankfully I got to stay most days with family, and the dogs got to revisit the joys of ashore life, though they did not approve of Florida grass nor the pond alligators. I think Drew appreciated the quiet and looking out the window as his office spun with the changing current and passing boats.
As told to Beth Crabtree
# Moments before casting off from Annapolis to start the great adventure.
We managed to fit in some local cruising along the west coast of Florida. An overnight passage to Key West with quartering seas, a dark and overcast night, and an autopilot and stabilizer failure made for a terrible combination, but we safely arrived the following morning. We also hopped over to Key Biscayne for a few days in tropical paradise.
Back to the Chesapeake and northward
Drew: Escape Plan started her way north on the inside and returned to Annapolis for a month of refit work, EWE Spirit Regatta race committee duties, a wedding, and a Memorial Day cruise.
There are more drawbridges between Miami and Fort Lauderdale than I can count, which made for very slow progress. As it turns out, it would have been better to stay at anchor for a week and jump in the Gulf Stream for a fast run all the way to Cape Hatteras. However, with the help of friends we made the tedious path up the ICW with a few day-long jumps offshore between weather fronts.
By the middle of June, we were puttering north from Annapolis, via the Magothy and Patapsco Rivers and Worton Creek. With a favorable current we made good time down the Delaware Bay and elected to keep going straight through to Sandy Hook to stay ahead of impending weather. Exactly 24 hours and 184 nautical miles after leaving Chesapeake City, we anchored for the weekend in Atlantic Highlands.
New York and our first lock
Drew: We set a new expense record with our $8 per foot, per night slip at Chelsea Pier in midtown Manhattan, but it was very cool passing under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and passing by the Statue of Liberty. The next day we motored northward up the Hudson River. At the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club, the members couldn’t have been more welcoming to late arriving cruisers, with the commodore
himself opening the bar up for the evening. The best part of the Great Loop truly is meeting new friends like these.
Michael-Anne: We continued up the Hudson to our first lock at Troy, NY, which marked the end of tides and saltwater for our summer.
To start the Erie Canal sailing friends from Chicago joined us for a week. The canal is a civil engineering miracle that took us on a great journey through American history, and, yes, we did sing the song a few times. Our friends had studied the history of the canal, and we were happy to have their help and the historical perspective.
At the impressive Welland Canal, which bypasses Niagara Falls between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, you need a minimum of three people to lock up the 326 vertical feet. For an extra fee you can take a guide, usually a retired tow operator or lockmaster, who will share local history as well as handle the lines. However, while we took some travel time and awaited a part in Sodus Bay, NY, we met a couple, and they helped us locking up on the Welland, happy to have the experience before moving their own boat through.
Lakes Superior and Michigan
Drew: Traveling both the eastern and western shores of Michigan, I discovered the finest state park marina system in the country. Starting in downtown Detroit and extending across three of the Great Lakes, the state provides wonderful facilities with modern floating docks, 50A power, and all for $1.25 per foot.
Leaving Detroit (which is directly north of Canada), we headed against the current to Lake St. Claire to Port Huron. There is an entire summer of magical cruising on the Canadian side of Lake Huron, but we elected to explore the Michigan side of the lake as we headed to the Soo locks to experience the majesty of Lake Superior. After having successfully negotiated
dozens of 20-, 30-, and 40-foot locks in the Erie and Welland canals, Soo Lock was a walk in the park with a modest 14-foot lift. The volume of shipping is so great there that four parallel lock chambers connect the two lakes.
Michael-Anne: For anyone planning their Loop adventure, my advice is to spend time on all the Great Lakes if you can. I was really excited to experience Lake Superior as the furthest north I had been boating previously was Mackinac Island. Though it was all magical, what really stood out was seeing Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, snorkeling over a 154-year-old shipwreck, and traveling right over the site of the Edmond Fitzgerald, the Great Lakes freighter that sank in 1975 (and was the subject of a hit song by Gordon Lightfoot).
# On Kentucky Lake, friends traveling the Loop in the opposite direction captured this photo.
# Climbing the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.
# Initial attempts at potty training.
Drew: Superior can be fearsome at times, thus requiring careful weather planning. Ports of refuge are about 60 miles apart compared to 20 miles along the more populous Lake Michigan shore. However, the sheer natural beauty of the lake and shoreline make this detour an essential part of any boater’s lake journey. With emerald green waters as gin clear as the Bahamas, you can clearly see the rocky bottom in 40 feet. Towering cliffs complete with a waterfall, natural arches, and shipwrecks (both deep and shallow enough to snorkel) abound between bucolic towns.
Escape Plan made it as far as Munising on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where we bicycled to several waterfalls in an afternoon ashore before a closing weather window forced us to turn back short of Isle Royale National Park. After stops in Les Cheneaux Islands, we made our way to the charming Mackinac Island.
Escape Plan made her way down the Michigan side of Lake Michigan including Harbor Springs, Lake Charlevoix, Traverse City, and the Manitous. Paddling ashore to climb the 450-foot sand dunes at Sleeping Bear was a top-three highlight of the trip. Meeting new people, exploring nano breweries, yacht club bars, and sampling cheese sticks round out my top five.
Luddington (the home of the steamship ferry Badger) was the last Michigan port before crossing to the Wisconsin side on a calm but foggy day to refuel and have remarkably disappointing cheese curds before heading to Illinois. Visiting Michael-Anne’s hometown of Chicago and her family made for a wonderful Labor Day weekend before the start of the river system.
Southbound on the rivers
Drew: We left Chicago bound for Peoria, home to Caterpillar, the maker of our 3208 engine and some amazing construction and mining equipment that is showcased in a waterfront museum. Soon we were at the junction of the Illinois and Upper Mississippi Rivers.
Michael-Anne: The Mississippi can be wild. Without much effort we were doing well over cruising speed riding the current and dodging tows and barges. There aren’t many stops along the way. Anchoring on the inside of a bend or behind a weir dam in three-plus knots of current is both beautiful and nerve wracking. Thankfully the dogs were well versed on the onboard potty by this time.
A phenomenal Midwest cruising ground
Michael Anne: At the bottom of Illinois, we turned to the Ohio River headed for Kentucky and Pickwick Lakes, which hold interesting history as well as beautiful cruising grounds. In the 1940s the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) built Kentucky Dam to create Kentucky Lake, submerging the entire town of Birmingham. Similarly, when the TVA built Pickwick Landing Dam, Pickwick Lake was formed. The land between the lakes is a phenomenal cruising ground. Much like our Chesapeake Bay, it would be possible to cruise the rivers and lakes between Nashville and Knoxville for many seasons without stopping in the same place twice. Though, we learned, there is more planning involved as the airports are further away and taxis are much more difficult to come by.
# Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, situated on Michigan’s UP, on the south side of Lake Superior.
# This drone shot of Escape Plan stopped for the night in the Erie canal was taken by the couple’s Chicago sailing friends Mike and Kate Kennedy who joined them for part of the trip.
To the Tenn-Tom Drew: We had planned to head upriver as far as Chattanooga, but the massive 94-foot-tall gate in the Wilson Lock was found to be cracked just before we arrived resulting in an unplanned closure until the following spring. We didn’t want to try the 100-year-old auxiliary chamber and risk getting trapped above the highest single lift lock east of the Rocky Mountains. Instead, we enjoyed biking around Florence, AL, before turning back downstream to Pickwick Lake and the Mississippi/Tennessee/ Alabama juncture where we entered the Tennessee Tombigbee waterway. Completed in 1984 after excavating 310 million cubic yards of rock and soil (more than the Panama Canal), this relatively recent addition to our nation’s waterways by the Army Corps of Engineers enables Loopers to bypass the lower Mississippi River and enter the Gulf via Mobile, AL.
Michael-Anne: Mississippi and Alabama are long. The lack of cut throughs makes them seem endless at times (I’d recommend turning off the AIS alarm here to prevent endless alerts from boats miles away by water but just over the hill as the crow flies), but the people couldn’t be nicer. In October, in Smithville, MS, we left Escape Plan and drove 2500 miles round-trip home to Annapolis to race in the J/22 Worlds Sailing Regatta and to visit family and friends. We also had to wait for the hurricane season to end before moving the boat out to the Gulf of America.
Drew: Once safely back aboard, we headed to Mobile Bay and on to New Orleans. The international workboat show, hosted each fall in New Orleans, was an enjoyable chance to catch up with work colleagues, clients, and “the other Drew,” sailor Drew Fleming who was in town representing Weems and Plath.
Michael-Anne: New Orleans is full of history as well as fun. Thankfully our responsibilities kept us out of too much trouble. And it sure was nice to have an airport nearby again.
Back on the boat, four easy days underway brought us back across Mobile Bay to Pensacola for the Thanksgiving holiday, restocking our larder, a lengthy visit to the Naval Aviation Museum, and some brisk dog walks about town.
An offshore night crossing and a lighted boat parade
Drew: A marginal weather window cracked open just enough for us to head out on what is the most feared part of the Great Loop for many novices—an offshore overnight crossing of Florida’s big bend. We questioned our life choices in the early morning hours as winds and seas built beyond the forecast, but they quickly calmed again enabling us to enter Clearwater Beach in calm seas and with a flood current helping us along.
In Clearwater we participated in the Clearwater Yacht Club lighted boat parade held on the same evening as Eastport Yacht Club’s own edition back on the Chesapeake. The southern version was both warmer and longer, covering 14 miles in a linear fashion on a balmy evening.
Crossing our wake
Drew: With continued sporty weather we chose to take the Gulf ICW down the
inside of Florida’s left coast through Venice before hopping outside to Boca Grande en route to Fort Myers Beach where we officially crossed our wake on December 21 after 5688 nautical miles. We left Matanzas Pass 261 days earlier and returned after burning 2400 gallons of diesel, just in time to host Christmas aboard with both sides of the family. Good thing we have a boat with plenty of berths for all.
People make the Loop experience so much fun
Michael-Anne: Friends, old and new, helped us on our journey, and we are eternally grateful for those who spent their vacations and spare time helping us move the boat. My advice for Loopers is to stop and visit family and friends along the way. It gives you a chance to get off the boat, and everyone is happy to see you and hear about your adventure. It really is the people who make the Loop experience so much fun.
# The gold burgee indicates that Drew and Michael-Anne have completed the Great Loop. The white one indicates AGLCA membership.
Bilge Pumps
Maintenance Tips To Protect Your Investment
By Erik Lostrom N.A., Marine Trades Coordinator at Chesapeake College
One of the most overlooked systems on your vessel is the bilge pumps. We tend to forget about them until they are really needed, and most boat owners don’t think about the maintenance of this critical system.
Let’s go over the basics.
We need to understand first that bilge pumps are not designed to keep a vessel from sinking but rather address the normal ingress of water that occurs in most vessels. For example, accumulation of rain, shaft seal leakage, condensation from air conditioning systems, and small, leaky fittings. These pumps are not going to help with large catastrophic leaks (another topic for a later time).
Most bilge pumps that we use tend to be the centrifugal type, meaning they must be submerged and can only push water. The benefit to this is that you get a small-sized pump relative to the volume it can pump. In some applications we can use diaphragm-type pumps, especially if the bilge space won’t allow for a pump. Keep in mind that you will have to install an inlet filter on the
suction side to protect the pump from debris. Another point to keep in mind is that bilge pumps are only good for so many cycles of runtime as they are sealed motor pumps.
An important part of a reliable bilge pump is to have a clean bilge; you don’t want debris to collect as it can damage the pump or inhibit its ability to pump. Wire tie ends are a killer of many pumps—neatness counts!
Location and Wiring
The location of pumps is also of great importance. They need to be located where they can do the maximum job and need to be easily accessed for service. They may need to be mounted on a long bracket for access. When considering brackets, don’t use metal or wood as they can deteriorate or corrode from saltwater and harsh
corrosive liquids (soaps, chlorine) that wind up in the bilge, ultimately damaging the pump. Plastic brackets are a better choice.
When wiring bilge pumps, it needs to be done in accordance with current American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) marine standards. Ensure you are using marine-grade wire and components. Also check that you have the proper wire gauge for the rated amperage draw of the pumps; there is a standard ABYC color code for bilge pump wiring you should follow. Any connections made must be as high as possible to avoid getting wet, while also using heat shrink type connectors.
I prefer using a terminal strip to make the connections for serviceability. This eliminates having to cut wiring when servicing or replacing pumps (which will happen, count on it!).
# A deteriorated bilge pump bracket made of aluminum; not the best material to use.
# Smooth walled, vinyl bilge hose with spiral reinforcement is the best choice.
Use the correct rated fusing for the given pump, label your wire for reference, make sure switches to identify the bilge pump are well labeled, and mount it in an accessible and visible area.
Plumbing
The other important part of bilge pumps is plumbing. Let’s start with hose types.
Choosing the right hose is critical; we want a hose that is resistant to oils and chemicals and one that is flexible.
My preferred choice is a marine vinyl hose with a smooth wall inside, either sanitation style or the clear bilge/drain hose. Avoid rubber hoses as they don’t hold up well with oil and chemicals and are more likely to deform and degrade.
The other option is the cheap bilge hose with ribbed plastic. It’s not smooth on the inside and does not last well.
It is also easily crushed or kinked. A good quality hose and components will give you a reliable service life.
Checking valves in some applications may be necessary if there is a long hose run, and you get cycling due to spill back. Although not recommended, it can be done; you just need to use the correct type of check valve (there are brands available for this application), something that will require a bit more maintenance. Hose runs need some planning and, in some cases, you may have to install a vented loop to prevent siphoning at the discharge thru-hull fitting. This is mainly needed if discharge is close to the waterline or can be submerged during heeling of the vessel. The hose run in these cases needs to be routed as high as possible and then drop down to the thru-hull.
# Even though hoses are run up high from the discharge point, you still need an anti-siphon loop installed for safety.
I have seen plenty of vessels sink due to siphoning from a bilge pump discharge from poor installation, both by manufactures and service yards. Bilge pumps will give you the max run and head lift that they can do, so be careful to follow installation guides for safe and reliable operation. You should also install a secondary pump a bit higher than the primary pump as a backup and also add an alarm for the float switch. You can never be too careful.
So as a reminder, check and service your bilge pumps often for good measure. Know that they do not last forever; they are designed to fail eventually (these manufacturers are of course in the business of selling bilge pumps).
There are a lot of factors that come into play in this simple system, so plan accordingly and enjoy the boating season!
# When using a terminal strip, it needs to be mounted higher from the bilge.
# Common bilge debris.
# This is not a properly waterproofed wiring connection; electrical tape will not keep water out!
CRUISING CLUB NOTES
As you’ll read in these pages, Chesapeake Bay powerboat clubs offer members cruises, social events, and educational opportunities. Share your club’s excursions and other benefits of membership. Send appproximately 350 words (sometimes longer) and clear photos of pretty boats and happy boaters to beth@proptalk.com
Thanks for the Memories
By Anne Knab with Amy Andrews
As we traditionally do, Back Creek Yacht Club held its Annual Cruise during the first week of June, visiting several marinas along the Bay and taking advantage of the many creeks for overnight raftups along the way. This year, for a couple of members, anchoring out was a first—even after boating many years with the club. Coordination among boats was a snap during the cruise. We use WhatsApp, a valuable tool, for all our events.
During happy hour on our final evening together, we went around the group sharing our most memorable moment, and several members pointed to the camaraderie with new members, saying that it made it easy for them to
get to know as many people as possible. Commodore Chuck Kahle was particularly pleased that a local homeowner, interested in our raftup at Drum Point, headed our way in his dinghy.
The cruise started at Osprey Point Marina in Rock Hall, MD, with outside accommodation for our group dinner at Passages Restaurant followed by a gathering around the fire pit for a game of show-and-tell Can’t-Cruise-Without-Them boat tools. The line-throwing contest, with a demonstration and practice session, was a big hit; learning from like-minded individuals is definitely a perk of yacht club membership.
In St. Michaels, club members Carlos Mojica and Myrna Medina, who
compete in ballroom dance events, offered impromptu salsa lessons at Carpenter Street Saloon. One of your authors enjoyed the cocktail contest and picked up several new recipes for boat drinks. Beyond getting to know each other, members talked of the cooperative spirit that comes with club cruising. There is usually another member at the marina who will help you tie up or get your food ready if you happen to be hosting that night’s event. Of course, what boater doesn’t enjoy the sunsets? If you’re looking to meet other boaters, gain exposure to new marinas or anchorages around the Bay, or just add some new cruising friends to your circle, check us out at backcreekyc.org! #welcomeaboard
# Some of BCYC’s motor fleet rafted at Drum Point.
Dock Hop Was a Rockin’ Rendezvous!
Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats owners gathered at Harbor East Marina in Baltimore for the Chesapeake Bay Pocket Yacht Rendezvous the weekend of May 30 to June 1. This year’s theme, “Dock Hop,” brought 1950s flair to the docks with poodle skirts, leather jackets, and rockabilly vibes, making it a retro weekend to remember.
The weekend kicked off as the docks transformed into a nostalgic classic diner setting, complete with boozy ice cream floats by the Tasty Toucan and a ‘50s-themed appetizer contest. Attendees enjoyed welcome cocktails, connected with fellow boaters, and settled in for a weekend of fun.
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Saturday was filled with engaging educational seminars hosted by top marine experts. Sessions covered everything from advanced Garmin navigation to the inner workings of boat construction and maximizing onboard power systems. Between workshops, guests explored the Inner Harbor and swapped stories from their boating adventures.
That evening, guests gathered for the Dock Hop bash. Richie & the High Street Rockers, a live rockabilly band, set the tone as guests hit the dance floor in full retro attire. With swing dancing, a catered gourmet 50’s style dinner, and cocktails on hand, the party captured the essence of the decade and the spirit of the Pocket Yacht group.
The Chesapeake Bay Rendezvous was a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and retro fun. A special thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and Harbor East Marina staff who made the event possible. For more information about upcoming events, visit pocketyachtco.com.
# Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats owners at Harbor East Marina in Baltimore.
Founding Family Donates Boats and Trailer
Submitted by Louis Linden
As the Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association (CCWBRA) was making final preparations for the ‘secret’ Camp David Cup race in June, the executive committee was informed by Fred Bluefeld and his wife Margaret that they were retiring from racing. For those unfamiliar with our class history, Cocktail Class racing was essentially invented by the Bluefeld family in 2008. Brother Curt Bluefeld, also known as vice-commodore Curt, told the committee that they wished to donate their four cocktail racers, motors, and a box trailer to the club. The executive committee immediately voted to accept the donation and conveyed their gratitude. The genesis of cocktail racing goes something like this: four grown siblings were at their parents’ home on the Northern Neck of Virginia and had a long, nostalgic conversation about growing up watching “cottage” motorboat racing as children. This led to the idea of some sort
On June 7 and 8, the Southern Maryland Boat Club (SMBC) introduced vintage inboard race boats to St. Mary’s County, MD, at the Piney Point Rumble on the River.
Those in attendance were treated to sights and sounds never before experienced in our area. An exuberant crowd witnessed another flavor of race boat with modified automobile engines, oldschool hull designs, and sage drivers at
of renewed family racing. The idea took hold, and after a little research they discovered the Skua, an eight-foot runabout designed by Charles MacGregor in 1939. It was essentially three sheets of plywood and an old fishing motor.
Grandpa had a complete woodworking shop, and over the winter each of the siblings brought their family for a long weekend and went home with a finished hull. That summer they began racing on the Western Branch of the Corrotoman River. Pretty soon neighbors, cousins, co-workers, and others started building boats. It grew to where an organization was necessary to coordinate and facilitate the activity, and CCWBRA was born. In 2010 Wooden Boat magazine published an article about the family fun going on in the Chesa-
peake, and Chesapeake Light Craft started selling a Cocktail Racer kit. The family affair turned into a national affair!
The CCWBRA executive committee is mulling over what to do with the donation. The club has set a goal of increasing the racing membership by 25 percent by 2026 and much thought is being given to using the donation to leverage that campaign. Y’all come racing; you’ll love it. Learn more at ccwbra.com.
History Was Made
Submitted by Jim Berry
the wheel. Club members who had never attended an inboard event were especially enthusiastic observers, and our visiting inboard friends had a blast. Most had never been to Maryland before and were excited to see the famous Potomac River.
An Appreciation Dinner capped off an exciting event of 20 exhibition heats around the three-quarter-mile course.
Next on the schedule is the Bash on the Bay at Leonardtown Wharf Park, July 26 and 27. Leonardtown is very popular with fans and drivers because of its proximity to the charming downtown area. Unfortunately, our inboard friends will not be invited to Leonardtown due to space limitations.
The SMBC is proud to announce its cooperation with the newly reorganized Portsmouth Power Boat Association in Portsmouth, VA. The two clubs are coming together to produce another vintage event on August 9 and 10 at Portsmouth City Park. The Southern Maryland group will provide technical assistance, material assistance, and several officials to make sure the first Portsmouth event will be as successful as possible. The city supports bringing race boat events to the area’s famous racecourse from 40 years ago. We can’t wait. We hope some of our readers in the Norfolk area come out to get reacquainted with their boat racing heritage. Learn more at southernmarylandboatclub.com
# SMBC recently introduced vintage inboard race boats to St. Mary’s County. Photo by Molly Hewitt
# Ideally, the donated boats will be leveraged to grow CCWBRA membership.
Trawler Group Cruises the Bay and Beyond
Boaters from the Chesapeake Bay Cruisers (CBC) chapter of the Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) explored Baltimore during a four-day cruise May 15-18. Three CBC boats attended, and the group adopted two more couples on Great Loop boats which had arrived in Baltimore on the same day.
After settling in on Thursday (one boat arrived under tow due to an engine alarm), on Friday some of the cruisers used the free water taxi to cross the harbor and visit the historic sailing ship Constellation, submarine Torsk, Coast Guard Cutter Taney, and lightship Chesapeake. Another couple took the water taxi to the National Aquarium.
Saturday the group enjoyed an educational tour of Fort McHenry, and on Sunday, several of the group attended the Orioles versus Washington Nationals baseball game at nearby Camden Yards. After some downtime, they made their way to the Outpost American Tavern in Federal Hill for dinner and drinks.
This month a contingent of MTOA members from the Chesapeake will cruise to Mystic Seaport for the Northeast MTOA rendezvous. And in August CBC will be back on the Chesapeake, headed to the Sassafras River for a crab feast. As summer comes to a close,
September will bring the MTOA National Rendezvous, to be held in Crisfield, MD.
To read about the CBC June cruise to Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, turn to page 27. Learn more about MTOA at mtoa.clubexpress.com
We have compiled a PropTalk and reader-suggested list of some of the best dock bars in Bay Country. We’ve sorted the bars alphabetically by Upper, Middle, Lower Bay and Potomac, and Way South. Always remember to take along a designated skipper/driver for your adventures, and if we missed your favorite spot, email kaylie@proptalk.com for inclusion. For links to restaurant websites, as well as an interactive dock bar map, click to proptalk.com/dock-bars. Be sure to check business websites directly or call ahead for current operating hours.
UPPER BAY
North of the Bay Bridge
Admirals Beachside Bar
Rock Hall Harbor, Haven Harbour South 21140 Green Lane, Rock Hall 410.778.6697
Harbor Shack
Rock Hall Harbor
20895 Bayside Avenue, Rock Hall
410.639.9996
Hard Yacht Café
Passages Bar & Grill
Swan Creek, Haven Harbour Marina
20832 Rock Hall Avenue, Rock Hall 410.778.6697
Pusser’s Landing at Lighthouse Point
Patapsco River
Bear Creek, Anchor Bay East Marina 8500 Cove Road, Dundalk 443.407.0038
Bowleys on the Bay Frog Mortar Creek at Long Beach Marina 800 Chester Road, Middle River 410.335.8613
Brewers Landing Bar and Grill
Back River
801 Woodrow Avenue, Essex
443.231.5037
Broken Oar Bar and Grill
Nabbs Creek, Nabbs Creek Marina 864 Nabbs Creek Road, Glen Burnie 443.818.9070
Carson’s Creekside Restaurant and Lounge
Dark Head Creek
1110 Beech Drive, Middle River 410.238.0080
Charly’s Waterfront Sue Creek
2015 Turkey Point Road, Essex 443.234.3350
Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina
Back Creek
605 Second Street, Chesapeake City 410.885.2040
Dock of the Bay
Miller’s Island
9025 Cuckold Point Road, Sparrows Point
410.477.8100
Donnelly’s Dockside
Deep Creek
1050 Deep Creek Avenue, Arnold 410.757.4045
Island View Waterfront Café
Browns Creek 2542 Island View Road, Essex 410.687.9799
JelLEEfish Joel’s Beach Bar
Fairlee Creek,
Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing 22170 Great Oak Landing Road, Chestertown 410.327.2883
Lee’s Landing Dock Bar
Susquehanna River
600 Rowland Drive, Port Deposit 443.747.4006
Little Havana
Patapsco River 1325 Key Highway, Baltimore 410.837.9903
LoonAsea Restaurant
Hopkins Creek
207 Nanticoke Road, Essex 443.505.8895
McFaul’s Oyster and Reel
Sue Creek
900 Baltimore Yacht Club Road, Essex 443.730.6440
Mike’s Crab House North
Rock Creek, 1402 Colony Road, Pasadena 410.255.7946
Nauti-Goose Restaurant
North East River
200 W Cherry Street, North East 410.287.7880
Nick’s Fish House
FairLee’s Restaurant and Bar Fairlee Creek, Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing 22170 Great Oak Landing Road, Chestertown 410.778.5007
Middle Branch Patapsco River 2600 Insulator Drive, Baltimore 410.347.4123
2780 Lighthouse Point E, Baltimore 410.626.0004
Rams Head Dockside
Furnace Creek
1702 Furnace Drive, Glen Burnie 410.590.2280
Raw & Refined
Patapsco River Canton
2723 Lighthouse Point E, Baltimore 443.282.3640
Row Boat Willie’s Dock Bar
Miller’s Island 9031 Cuckold Point Rd, Sparrows Point 410.477.5137
Ocean Eddie’s Seafood Restaurant 1415 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA
757.425.7742
Ocean House Waterfront Seafood 1905 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA
757.425.8600
Rockafeller’s Restaurant
Lake Rudee
308 Mediterranean Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
757.422.5654
Always remember to take along a designated skipper/driver for your adventures, and if we missed your favorite spot, email kaylie@proptalk.com for inclusion.
Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar
Lake Rudee
227 Mediterranean Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA
757.425.1777
Stony’s Dockside Bar and Grill
Little Creek 8166 Shore Drive, Norfolk, VA
757.937.6889
Stripers Waterside Restaurant
Elizabeth River, Waterside District 333 Waterside Drive Suite 105, Norfolk, VA
757.837.4100
Surf Rider Bluewater
Sunset Creek
1 Marina Road, Hampton, VA
757.723.9366
Surf Rider Marina Shores
Long Creek
2100 Marina Shores Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
757.481.5646
Surf Rider Poquoson
White House Cove
105 Rens Road, Poquoson, VA
757.868.0080
The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek
Kings Creek, Oyster Farm Marina
500 Marina Village Circle, Cape Charles, VA
757.331.8660
The Restaurant at Smithfield Station Pagan River, Smithfield Station Marina 415 S. Church Street, Smithfield, VA 757.357.7700
The Shack on 8th 712 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 757.319.5146
The Shanty
Cape Charles Harbor
33 Marina Rd., Cape Charles, VA 757.695.3853
The Surry Seafood Co. Grays Creek
633 Marina Dr, Surry, VA 757.294.3700
Water Street Grille
York River
323 Water St., Yorktown, VA 757.369.5644
Waterman’s Surfside Grille 415 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 757.428.3644
Yorktown Pub
York River
540 Water St., Yorktown, VA 757.886.9964
YROC Coastal Bar & Grill
Sarah Creek
8109 Yacht Haven Rd., Gloucester Point, VA 804.792.1511
# Kent Narrows is home to countless dock bars and restaurants that are accessible by boat.
Lauterbach-Built GPValleyfield(GP-444)
The Winningest Grand Prix Boat in the History of Powerboat Racing
As Told to Kaylie Jasinski
Even if you’re not fully versed in the world of powerboat racing, you’ve probably heard the name Larry Lauterbach. Henry Lauterbach, Larry’s father, built his first hydroplane race boat in 1947, and it wasn’t long before Lauterbach boats quickly began dominating the sport. Larry began working part-time with his father in high school, and after two tours in Vietnam, he began working with him full-time and also took up driving. Eventually the business moved from Portsmouth, VA, to Chester, MD, where it is based to this day.
Apart from building boats, Larry was also a highly decorated powerboat racer. He set nine world records, was a 12time national champion, and was inducted into the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Hall of Champions in three different decades. He got his start back in the early 1960s, racing and showcasing the families’ boats. They would build a boat for a particular racing class, race it (and perform well), and then they would be able to take orders all on word of mouth. Back then, he says, if you didn’t have a Lauterbach boat, you weren’t competitive.
We recently caught up with Larry to chat about a Lauterbach boat, the GP Valleyfield (GP-444), that he was restoring at his shop this past spring.
# The boat is being restored for Mark, Robert Theoret’s son.
Classic Boat presented by
Making YOUR BOaT New Again!
Kaylie: When was the boat built?
Larry: This boat was brand new in January 1977; it was built for a guy named John Stauffer out of Suffolk, VA. He and I were partners for two boats. This is the second of the two, and we had a very successful career.
I raced it for six years, and we were fortunate enough to set two world records with it, won two national championships, and competed in over 22 races. We sold the boat to a gentleman up in Canada, Robert Theoret, and he had a partner, Guy Lafleur. And Guy was not the famous hockey player. He was an architect. They bought the boat in 1980. We had just set our second world record with it, and then he raced it for six years and was very successful. He was the world champion in 1983 and 1984 with this boat. But it’s pretty cool that it’s the winningest boat in the history of the sport in its class.
What was its original name?
It was originally named Edelweiss, which is a little flower, about three to four inches tall, that lives on the top of the mountains. And so, we used that name, Edelweiss, and then about three years later, my partner had a friend come along who wanted to get involved with helping throw money at the team. He was in the peanut irrigation business; he made irrigation equipment. So we changed the name from beautiful Edelweiss to Peanut, and it became known as the Peanut for the last three years we had it. When Bob and Guy bought it, they changed the name to GP Valleyfield which is named after the regatta up there. It’s a little town, about 35 miles west of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, and it has the biggest race of the year up there. They still pack about 100,000 people in that little 25,000 population town.
This boat was pretty famous up in Canada. I hear it even survived a fire?
After the boat was retired, they mounted it upside down in a sports bar where you could see the whole top of the boat. And every half hour they would have a video come on of Robert, the driver. They would use a little air pump to pump pressure into the fuel tank to force fuel through the engine and then they would start it
up. When the motor started up on the video (the motor in the boat was just for looks) smoke would come out of the exhaust pipes and the propeller would turn around real slow. It was pretty cool. In fact, I had friends from Maryland, and they went up there and said, ‘Larry, I saw a boat with your name on it upside down in a sports bar.’ And I said ‘Yeah, that was the GP Valleyfield.’
Well, lo and behold, the sports bar caught on fire. One of the first firefighters to arrive on the scene was a boat racer. He knew the history of this boat and kept wetting it down. I got a picture of it around here somewhere with the boat hanging in the wreckage; it was just all ashes and stuff on the ground, but the boat was still hanging up there on the steel trusses. How it managed to survive
that fire I don’t know, but evidently it was meant to be.
I raced it for six years and Robert raced it for six years, so it survived 12 seasons of racing and then a sports bar fire. That’s a tough old girl.
How long has the boat been in your shop?
It’s been a two-year project; now mind you, I didn’t work on it all that time. I also brought in a couple of repair jobs, so it’s been like two years. Somewhere I have written down how many hours I’ve got in it, but it’s a lot.
What was the condition of the boat when you first got it?
It’s been an honor to restore this boat for Robert’s son, Mark Theoret. He owns the
# The sports bar burned down, but this special boat survived!
Making YOUR BOaT New
boat now. But it was pretty sad. Worse than I thought. I mean, I’d seen the boat up in Canada on the trailer but hadn’t really looked all through the boat, but now everything is new from right here (behind the sponsons) on back. It’s all been replaced. The bottom, the sides, and the deck. It has been completely restored. All the decking was taken off, and I found some broken frames up front. I don’t know how in the world that might have happened. But it was worse than we thought.
I tried to convince Mark, I said, “Why don’t we just take one or two pieces of the old boat and build you a whole new boat? And he said “Oh, no, no, no. I want the original boat.” I said, “Well, it’ll probably cost more than a new boat’s going to cost.”
You have to take the old stuff out and put the new back in, work around all that; it’s a lot easier to do a new build. But if you don’t have the original boat, then this is what we call a replica. In order for it to be the original, you got to have at least one piece of the original boat. Which you
know, we could have. The cowlings are all original, the skid fins are original, things like that. I could have taken maybe one frame out of the boat, which I’ve done in the past on restoration jobs, but he’ll be happy with this, and he’ll have the original boat.
What’s next for this boat?
The paint shop. It’s ready for Mark to pick up. He’s waiting for the snow to melt in Canada (editor’s note: we spoke with Larry back in the spring) and then he’s going to come down and pick it up and take it back home. And of course, the regatta is the July Fourth weekend, and I’m sure he wants to have it ready for that, at least have it painted, and the engine put back in it and all that.
Valleyfield is the biggest event of the year for boat racing, and he’d like to get it in the water and maybe even run it around here a few times in remembrance of his dad. Hopefully he’ll have me take it for a lap or two since I won the grand prix up there twice in Valleyfield in this boat.
The GP-444 is a piece of history. I’m glad it’s still intact and that it’s survived 12 years of racing and one fire, and we look forward to seeing it on the water this summer at Valleyfield.
We want to thank Larry for chatting with us and giving us a tour of his workshop! You can tell it’s a little bittersweet, having this decorated race boat back in the shop only to see it leave again. But knowing that the original boat is fully restored for Robert’s son Mark makes all the difference. We went to print before the Valleyfield race unfolded, so stay tuned for an update on the GP-444!
If you’d like to learn more about Larry and his racing career, visit proptalk.com and type ‘Larry Lauterbach’ into the search bar.
# Robert Theoret was the world champion in this boat in 1983 and 84.
By Capt. Rick Franke
After a strange spring it is finally really summer, and the boating weather couldn’t be better. Halfway through the season the economic situation continues to be confusing, to say the least. But people are still using their boats, and the maintenance and repair industry continues to be “guardedly optimistic.” A ‘wait and see’ attitude seems to be the way to go. In the meantime, a lot is going on in area boatshops.
Susan Campbell of Campbell’s Boatyard in Oxford, MD, starts us off with a bit of surprising news: “Campbell’s Boatyards has had a lot going on this spring! On May 30, the Bachelor Pt. facility was sold to the Hinckley Company. Our talented staff at Bachelor Pt. stayed on and are still there to service your needs.”
“There have been a lot of projects happening at our Jack’s Pt. location as well,” Susan explained. “We are finishing up restorations of two Boston Whalers that were started last fall. One was
also repowered with a Yamaha 90-hp motor. A 26-foot Pursuit was repowered with a Yamaha 300-hp engine. We also installed a Helm Master on the new Oxford Volunteer Fire Department fire boat which is powered with three Yamaha 300-hp engines. Other projects include a blast and bottom job on a 30foot Sportsman, a rudder replacement on a 27-foot S2 sailboat, and continuing carpentry and paint work on a 41-foot Penbo Trawler.
Campbell’s Yacht Sales is now located at our Town Creek location and has
many great boats currently for sale; view our inventory online. If you have a boat you would like to sell, please reach out to PJ Campbell at (410) 829-5458.”
Gregg Shute of Judge Yachts in Denton, MD, shares the following update with us: “Judge Yachts has been busy keeping up with 36 Chesapeake orders. An offshore-rigged boat with a spotting tower was just delivered to the Pamlico Sound area of North Carolina. The boat was rigged with two of Honda’s new V8 350-hp outboards, which was a first for this model. There are also
# A 1956 26-foot Chris Craft Sea Skiff in for some minor repairs and lots of varnish at Marine Services LLC at Pocahontas Marina in Edgewater, MD. Photo by Rick Franke
# Higgins Yacht Yard in St Michaels, MD, sends us this nice reminder that the Chesapeake Log Canoe racing season runs from the last weekend in June to the second weekend in September. Courtesy of HYY
# A recently completed Boston Whaler restoration now powered by a 90-hp Yamaha is ready for delivery at Campbell’s Boatyard in Oxford, MD. Courtesy of CB
# Chesapeake Light Craft’s lead boat builder, Andrew Schroeher, is the man to see at CLC in Annapolis, MD, if you want custom work done. Courtesy of CLC
a number of orders still in process, going to other regions as well. One, nearing completion, will be heading to New Hampshire with twin 350-hp Suzuki outboards, another to Long Island, NY, and one going to the panhandle of Florida. We will soon be laying up parts for a 36 Chesapeake to be used as a charter boat, which will be operated on the lower west coast of Florida.
“In addition to the 36 model orders, Judge has some of their popular smaller models in process as well. A 27 Chesapeake that will be the first of this model to get the new Honda V8 outboard should be ready for delivery within weeks. Of course, there is a 265 center console and a 22 center console just hitting the rigging bay at the shop as well. In the lamination building, there is a 265 center console in the mold that is currently awaiting a new contract that could be completed sooner than a new order. Contact the shop if you want to jump on this opportunity or discuss a new build.”
Jake Glover of Ferry Point Marina in Trappe, MD, sends us this newsy update: “Our inboard driveline specialists recently wrapped up a job on a 60-foot Viking. The shafts were pulled and sent out for testing, and all four cutlass bearings were replaced. The Tides shaft seals and rudder systems were also fully serviced. In the fiberglass shop, the team just completed a full stringer and transom replacement on a Seaway Sportsman,
along with a new transom installation on a 23-foot C-Hawk. Meanwhile, next door, the paint crew wrapped up an Awlcraft application on a 29-foot Robbins. Our mobile services team has been busy with service calls and cleanings. On the schedule is a Hull Maxx application for a brand-new 38-foot Grady.”
“While we’re well known for our Yamaha Master Technicians,” he continued, “don’t forget our inboard driveline specialists. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of a variety of systems—including PYI, Tides, Duramax, and CIP—our crew is equipped to handle boats approaching 50 tons.”
Tiffany Yachts in Burgess, VA, features Bay Retriever, a 40-foot Mainship this month on its Facebook page. “Bay Retriever is going back in the water after we’ve completed our work. Service included new flooring in the forward cabin, freshwater wash down added to the bow anchor locker, freshwater flush for the engine, added underwater lights, re-caulked the joint around the stairs to the bridge, serviced the engine, and painted the bottom and waxed the hull. Ready for the summer! Call us today to get on our schedule for all your needs.”
Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) in Annapolis, MD, has had a couple of years of rain at their annual small boat festival on the Chester River. According to CLC’s website, however, this year the heavens smiled,
and the sun shone brightly. “The 27th Annual Big Little Boat Festival (née OkoumeFest) was held on the Chester River near Centreville, MD, on May 17. In 2023 and 2024 heavy rain filtered out all but the hardcore attendees. Would 2025 make it a rainy hat trick? Friday night’s biblical thunderstorm had us worried. But Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. The spell was broken, and it was a lovely “mess about” in boats! (There were a number of lovely Teardrop campers on hand, too.) A fresh breeze at midday kept the bugs away, and, combined with the tall trees shading the site, kept the day cool and pleasant. The wind did make things exciting at times for the sailors. Tying in reefs and frequent glances to windward to anticipate the puffs were good ways to avoid a spill... Our profuse thanks to everyone who made it to Conquest Beach on the Chester River. See you in May 2026!”
Most of us think of CLC as the world’s largest supplier of kit boats and the last bastion of hard-core boating do-it-your-selfers. CLC is all those things, but it also offers a custom boatbuilding operation. The custom service is described in its website. “Would you like a Chesapeake Light Craft design—or any other design—but don’t have the time or space to build it? CLC was undertaking commissions for completed boats as early as 1994, and that side of the business has grown steadily over the years. Our custom shop is in demand thanks
# Kit built Cocktail Class race boats on display at CLC’s Big Little Boat Festival in June. Courtesy of CLC
# Richard Ewing scoots across the Chester River in his kit built Cocktail Class Racer at the Big Little Boat Festival hosted by Chesapeake Light Craft in June. Courtesy of CLC
to our decades of expertise in CAD/ CAM design and fabrication, and the depth of talent in our 25-person team. In 2021 we added a 2000-squarefoot shop devoted entirely to custom projects. The new shop is helmed by CLC’s lead boat builder, WoodenBoat School instructor, and degreed wood scientist Andrew Schroeher. Over the years we’ve delivered innumer-
able boats of all shapes and sizes, and, recently, many CLC Teardrop campers. Other specialties include boat restoration; paint and varnish; prototypes; plugs; architectural elements and sculpture work; and CNC-milled keels, centerboards, and rudders for yachts large and small. We are a one-stop shop. Whether you want a quick coat
Complete Yacht Services
of varnish, you’ve started your project but misplaced your mojo, or you simply want your project hand-built from scratch by seasoned professionals, we have experience and expertise. Time to stop dreaming and get out on the water. Call us for a quote today!”
Brittney Parrish from Higgins Yacht Yard in St. Michaels, MD, sends us a reminder that from the last
share your voice? If putting your Chesapeake Bay-related boating adventures into words is something you think you have a rare talent for, we’d love to hear from you.
# The triple Yamaha 300 powered Oxford Volunteer Fire Department boat had a Helm Master installed at Campbell’s Boatyard in Oxford, MD. Courtesy of CB
# Some days things just won’t fit. Red Rover, a high endurance trawler yacht, undergoing repairs at Zimmerman Marine in Tracy’s Landing, MD. Photo by Rick Franke
# A 1947 Century Sea Maid 19 undergoing a major restoration at Marine Services LLC at Pocahontas Marina in Edgewater, MD. Photo by Rick Franke
weekend in June through the second weekend in September the waters of the Miles River host that quintessential Chesapeake Bay event, the Log Canoe Races. “These iconic Chesapeake workboats turned racers are as dramatic as they are historic. Originally used for oystering, they were modified with oversized sails to be the first boat back to the dock—because that meant top dollar for
your catch. Now, they race for pride, tradition, and some of the best photo ops on the Bay. Best viewed out on the water! Let us know if you plan on leaving your slip for the day to watch the races.”
(Editor’s note: Go to the Higgins Yacht Yard website at higginsyachtyard.com/log-canoe-races to view the entire summer’s racing schedule
kindly posted by the marina folks.)
That’s it for this month. Enjoy the Bay and remember if you have guests without lifejackets, BoatUS has a loaner program for all sizes.
# Bay Retriever, a Mainship 40, goes back in the water at Tiffany Yachts in Burgess, VA, after her spring refit. Courtesy of TY
# A Judge Chesapeake 36 nearing completion at the Judge factory in Denton, MD. The boat will be powered by twin Suzuki 335 outboards. Courtesy of JY
# A Judge Chesapeake 36, rigged with twin Honda 350 V8s, heads out of the Wye River to be delivered to her new owner on Pamlico Sound, NC. Courtesy of JY
FISH NEWS
Changes for Bluefin
If the bluefin tuna return to our coastline this winter, it will be under a very different harvest scenario for anglers. Due to an alleged overage in 2024, during which the Large Pelagic Survey (LPS) assessed a 175-percent increase in landings of school-sized bluefin as compared to the seven-year average, NOAA has announced cutting retention limits to one fish between 27 and 47 inches for private vessels fishing under a Highly Migratory Species Angling Category permit. Charter and head boats will be allowed to keep two fish in the same slot. No retention of fish 47 to 73 inches will be allowed. The American Sportfishing Association is calling for a review of the LPS results, citing a lack of evidence from angler reports and the fact that for 15 of the past 16 years anglers have been in compliance with the Angling Category subquota.
By Lenny Rudow
Crabby About Crabs
The Chesapeake Bay winter blue crab survey results are in, and they are not awesome. The cooperative effort between the Maryland DNR and Virginia Institute of Marine Science estimates a blue crab population of 238 million—the second lowest in the history of the survey. The numbers of mature male, mature female, and juvenile crabs all declined, with male abundance dropping almost by half from 46 million to 26 million. Ouch.
Kudos to Kimbro
Maryland’s Sport Fishing Advisory Committee has named angler Shawn Kimbro as the recipient of the 2025 Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award. Kimbro is known for writing about Chesapeake Bay fishing techniques and ethics in books and articles, as well as for his podcasts and videos. “Shawn exemplifies the effort and dedication to Maryland fisheries that the award was founded on,” said committee chair Scott Lenox, “and he is a deserving recipient.”
Fallfish Fracas
Remember how the Virginia record for fallfish was set in 2021, then 2022, and then again in 2024? Well, you guessed it—there’s a new record yet again for 2025. But this time, there’s a twist: the angler who set the record back in 2021 is the one who caught it, so he’s now the record holder for a second time. Angler Jerry Hall caught a three pound, 13.9-ounce fallfish this spring while fishing in the Jackson River. Hall, known as “Push-Button Slayer” since he fishes with a Zebco push-button reel, said the first time he set the record was an accident, but this time he was actually targeting it.
# If your bushel baskets seem a little lighter this year, it probably isn’t your fault.
# Those big winter bluefin are off the table for 2025.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025
Join us in 2025 as we celebrate our continued commitment to making a splash in cancer care for our community.
Fish For A Cure (F4AC) is a fishing and fundraising competition that benefits cancer patients and their families in our community. Over the last 18 years, F4AC has raised more than $6.5 million to support the Cancer Survivorship program at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. The 19th Annual Fish For A Cure Tournament, Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge, and Shore Party will be taking place on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Safe Harbor Annapolis, our tournament home. For more information and to register, visit us at www.fishforacure.org.
TOURNAMENT
Large Mouths Yakking
The Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association (TKAA)
Largemouth Bass C-P-R tournament runs all month, from 12 a.m. August 1 through 12 a.m. September 1. It’s open to anglers fishing anywhere in the state of Virginia that’s public access (no private lakes or ponds) and entry costs a mere $30. Visit the TKAA at tkaa.org to learn more.
The Big One
Ocean City, MD, will be swarming with boats and anglers August 4 through 8 as the world’s largest billfish tournament, the White Marlin Open, comes to town. This year marks the 52nd for the event, which at this point has generated over $113,500,000 in prize money. Last year’s top prize hit an eye-popping $3.7 million and a total of $8.59 million in winnings, with 318 boats and over 3000 anglers participating. Get the full scoop or register online at whitemarlinopen.com.
MidAtlantic Mayhem
Many of those big sportfishers won’t be leaving town after the White Marlin Open concludes, because shortly after that the MidAtlantic kicks off. With fishing from August 17 through 22, this also-epic event generated a top prize of $1.4 million and a total purse of $5.75 million last year, with 198 boats participating. Find out all the details at themidatlantic.com
Bills for Charity
August 20 through 23 the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament hits the water, and while this event produces some very large paydays for the anglers, it also generates funds for Achievable Dreams, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and The Billfish Foundation. Since its inception donations have topped $1.5 million. Anglers pocketed $837,000 in winnings in 2024 with 70 teams participating, and 139 billfish caught and released. This is an invite-only event; visit vbbt.com if you’d like to request adding your team to the waiting list.
Guide’s Tournament Wrap-up
This June a new and unique tournament took place on the Bay: 20 boats each captained by a professional fishing guide competed in the inaugural Maryland Light Tackle Fishing Guides tournament, hosted by Capt. Tom Weaver and presented by Visit Annapolis. Only boats with guides competed, and as one might suspect, the competition was quite stiff. Congrats go to all the winners, and thanks to Skippers Pier for a fun awards party. Awards were custom-framed photos by Jay Fleming, and the perpetual trophy awarded to Capt. Eric Goodrich of Stella Charters was handcrafted by CCA MD. Longest striped bass was a 29.75-incher caught by Tim Elliott/Stella Charters; longest stringer of 85.75 inches also went to Stella Charters; longest striped bass by a female angler hit 29.5 inches for iFishMD; longest striped bass youth angler was a 22-incher aboard Griffin’s Guide Service; longest striped bass on fly was a 23.25-incher, also with Griffin’s Guide Service; and a Slam of rockfish and speckled trout went to Hookset Guide Service.
# Stella Charters set the pace for the first-ever Maryland Light Tackle Fishing Guides tournament.
BROKERAGE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS
S&J Yachts, Brokers for Fine Yachts
With 10 locations from Maine to Florida, S&J Yachts is one of the largest full-service yacht brokerages on the East Coast. Our extensive reach & marketing helps find top buyers quickly. S&J Yachts has established an outstanding reputation for integrity and service! Our experienced team of brokers is committed to serving both buyers and sellers, ensuring fair practices and complete satisfaction with every deal. Whether sail or power, we’ll help you find the perfect fit! 410.639.2777 info@sjyachts.com www.sjyachts.com
YachtView.com wants to be your concierge Annapolis brokerage to sell your power or sailing yacht. We offer complimentary, secure dockage with electrical hookups for vessels ranging from 25’ to 80’ until sold. Our commission is 8% for direct sales or 10% co-brokered. We advertise on YachtView.com, YachtWorld.com, YachtTrader.com, and Yachtr.com for excellent MLS exposure. Located 15 minutes from BWI and downtown Annapolis for easy customer access. Visit YachtView.com or contact Capt. John Kaiser, Jr. for a detailed yacht appraisal today! Yacht View Brokerage, John Kaiser, Jr., Full-time yacht broker since 1988, call/text: 443.223.7864, John@YachtView.com, www.YachtView.com
Find all of the latest listings at proptalk.com
YaZu Yachting With a career in construction equipment rental and sales, thirty plus years boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and a twenty-year Gwynns Island resident, Bob Hoefer has taken his sales talents to the water with a career at YaZu Yachting. “Understanding the importance of relationship building in any sales arena, I am eager to meet and get to know new people. Whether in the acquisition of their new boat or the sale of their current boat, it all starts with a relationship.” 804.241.8924
bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
POWER
2024 Bayliner Element M15 50 EFI 4S
Mercury Outboard Upgrade, Karavan Galvanized Single Axle Trailer w/out Brakes, Solid White Hull, Gray Interior w/ Black Accent, MX Package (Bimini Top w/ Boot, Stereo w/ (2) Speakers, Mooring Cover), Cockpit FlooringGray Mat, Auto Bilge. $19,995, Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #20271
2020 Bayliner Element E18 Mercury 90hp Outboard, Karavan Trailer, Blue Hull / White Bottom, Cockpit Table, Bimini Top, Cockpit Cover, Ski Tow Bar, Digital Depth Finder. $19,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #21229
2020 Parker 1801 CC Like new and Loaded w/ accessories! Yamaha F115 w/ only 110 Hours! $41,900 Beacon Light Marina, 410.335.6200, sales@beaconlightmarina.com , www.beaconlightmarina.com
2024 Bayliner T18 115 EFI 4S Mercury Outboard, Single Axle Galvanized Trailer, Black Hull w/ White Bottom, T-Top w/ Rail Mounted Rod Holders, Convenience Package (Stereo Speakers, Stainless Steel Upgrade Package, Hydraulic Steering, Forward Livewell, Trolling Motor Bracket). $29,995, Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #20732
Wellcraft 20’ FOR SALE: Crabbing boat my husband should have never bought! Fully equipped for commercial operation. Mercury 2.0 Litre gas outboard. $2,190 Call Shay 410.596.0646
21’ Chris Craft 215 Scorpion Cuddy Cabin 1986 GM 305cu in/230Hp, 784 hrs.; I/O Merc Alpha 1; Wired for two batteries; Bimini top & cushions like new; 2015 ‘Elite’ Load Rite trailer, 24’ & 5,400lbs capacity, new tires. $7,000 410.320.1747 More info/photos: www.tinyurl.com/21ChrisCraft
21’ Wellcraft Excalibur ‘02 $10,900 Volvo Penta 5.0, 154 Hours, 2002 EZLD Tandem Axle Trailer w/ new tires, new handheld GPS, Dock Lines, Anchor w/ line, 5 Life Jackets, and a two-person towable tube included. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys @sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com
New 2024 Sportsman Open 212CC F150XC Yamaha Outboard, INCLUDES Venture Aluminum Trailer, Explorer Blue w/ White Bottom, Polar White Upholstery, White Powder Coating, Platinum Package is now Standard, Premium Dual Chair Leaning Post w/ Flip-Up Bolsters and Armrests, Standard SeaKeeper Ride System, Standard Garmin GPSMap 1243xsv MFD 12”, and more! $78,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #20570
Brokerage & Classified
2017 Tidewater Boats 230 XLF Yamaha F250 Vmax (253 Hours), 300hr Service was completed 2 years ago and a 100hr Service was completed this spring. Aluminum Tandem Axle Trailer, Garmin GPSMap, Standard Horizon Eclipse VHF, Gull Wings, Sprayshield, Dual Battery and Switch, Underwater Lights, White Bottom Paint, Trim Tabs, Outriggers, JVC Stereo KD-MR1BT, Missing 2 Cushions in Bow and 1 in the Transom. $64,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #21230
23’ Bayliner 2355 Ciera Sunbridge ‘99 $11,000 Mercruiser 5.0, 220hp, 2012 LoadRite Tandem Axle Trailer, cruising speeds of up to 35 knots maximum 50 knots. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com
2019 Key West 244CC Yamaha F300UCA Outboard (473 Hours), Load Rite Aluminum Trailer, Garmin 7616 GPS, Uniden VHF Radio, Hardtop, Dual Battery, Portable Head, Raw Water Washdown, Windlass, Trim Tabs, Bottom Paint, and more! $79,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #21162
2021 Cutwater C-24 CW $99,987 Call 888.519.9120 or sales@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com
2023 24’ Boston Whaler 240 Vantage
One owner boat w/ 70 hours on Mercury 300Hp, 100-hour service complete, Passport Premier warranty package through 4/12/31, Simrad 12’ display, Halo 20 Plus radar, auto pilot, VHF. Private head, Glacier green hull, ceramic coating, tandem trailer. $199,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Bob Hoefer 804.241.8924 or bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
(Cocktail Island) 25’ Chris Craft Lancer Sportsman 1969/2013 $45,500 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
2019 Sportsman Open 252 Twin Yamaha 150 XCA Outboards, Aluminum Tandem Axle Trailer, Sea Mist Hull, White Bottom Paint, 2 Garmin 12in MFDs, Garmin VHF, Garmin Radome, Hardtop, Dual Battery, Battery Charger, Underwater Lights, Raw Water Washdown, Windlass, Trim Tabs, Taco Outriggers, Hardtop Light Bar, Bow Seating w/ backrests, Freshwater Washdown, Under Gunwale Rod Storage, Transom Livewell, In-Deck Fishboxes, Stereo System w/ JL Audio Speakers. $99,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #21190
2023 Yamaha 252SE Like new w/ only 60 hours! Includes aluminum trailer! Call for more details and pricing! Beacon Light Marina, 410.335.6200, sales@beaconlightmarina.com , www.beaconlightmarina.com
2016 Cutwater Boats C-26 Volvo Penta D3, Diesel Inboard, approx 240 hours, Most recent survey completed March 2024, with records on hand, Fully loaded! $119,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #21197
2020 Crownline 264CR Brokerage - She’s a fast and fun cruiser, loaded w/ features and nearly every option to make boating fun for family and friends. Asking $94,900 Call Dave Townley 410.271.5225 or www.seattleyachts.com
26’ Cutwater ‘22 $140,000 Fletcher C. Bauman 410.263.2000 fletcher@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
New 2024 Sportsman Masters 267OE XF450 Yamaha Outboard - White, INCLUDES Venture aluminum trailer, Ice Blue w/ White Bottom, Polar White Upholstery, White Powder Coat, HalfTower w/ Second Station, Second Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv 12”, OnBoard Battery Charging System (2-Bank), ShipsDek Custom Flooring, and more! $178,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #20563
2020 Ranger Tugs R-27 $179,987 Call 888.519.9120 or sales@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com
2021 Ranger Tugs R-27 $189,987 Call 888.519.9120 or sales@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com
27’ Cherubini ‘13 $195,000 Jack Kelly 609.517.2822 jack@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
27’ Formula F-27PC ‘01 $29,900 T Mercruiser, 5.7 EFI, Less than 450 hours, Duo Props, 2004 Tri-axle trailer. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys@sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com
2020 29’ Jeanneau NC895 “Lydie Ann” Only 140 Hours on Twin Yamaha 150Hp Four-Stroke Motors (Maximum Fuel Efficiency for NC895 Models), 100-Hour Service Completed, Two Cabin Single Head Layout, New Garmin Phantom 18 Radar, 2005 Nextrail triple axle bunk trailer, New Full Cockpit Enclosure. $199,900 Deltaville, VA. Call Bob Hoefer 804.241.8924 or bob@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
2023 Nimbus T9 30’ New - Hull #121Twin Mercury V6, Foiled Hull, Thruster, Radar, Underwater Lights, Zipwake Dynamic Controls, Extra Fridge. Just Reduced $270,000 Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com
2024 Nimbus C9 30’ New - Hull #137Single Mercury V10-350, X-Edition, Eco-Teak, Zipwake, Windlass, Bow thruster. Perfect modern day boat. $290,000 Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com
Nerowalker 35 Catamaran 2024 $595,000
Mariner Orient 34 2002 $99,500
Sabre 34 Sedan Bridge 1994 $94,900
Albin 32+2 1998 $94,000
Bavaria VIDA 33 2023 NEW $418,540
Fratelli
Brokerage & Classified
2000 Formula 31 PC FULLY LOADED! T/5.7L 310Hp Mercruiser FWC, B3, Kohler gen, AC/HT, Raymarine axiom, Quantum radar, full canvas & isinglass, sleeps 6. Well-maintained w/ $11K recent work. Kept indoors. Price Reduced $31,000 202.798.0443 or jperez9630@gmail.com
2015 32’ Eastport 32 – $319,000 Incredible platform offering cruising, fishing, lounging, etc. Drop down transom for getting back onboard from swimming. Boathouse kept, freshly painted hull & all engine maintenance up to date. Contact Ezra Androus, 410.693.1887 or ezra@aycyachts.com More info/photos, visit: www.tinyurl.com/32Eastport
2023 Aviara AV 32 32’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $299,000 One owner, low hour, freshwater boat. 380Hp Ilmor’s w/ joystick control. Black hull and hardtop, highly optioned. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Chuck Meyers: 703.999.7696 or chuck@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
2023 Cutwater C-32 CB $354,987 Call 888.519.9120 or sales@pocket-yacht.com www.pocketyachtco.com
2024 Sportsman Open 322CC Twin Mercury 400Hp V10 Outboards, (Trailer Available), Sea Glass Hull and Bottom, 2 Garmin 1643xsv 16” Screens, Garmin VHF, Garmin GMR 434 xHD3 Open Array, Mercury Joystick, Pump out Head, Sundeck/Table Cushion, Underwater Lights, Trim Tabs, Windlass, Mooring Cover, and more! $337,995 Riverside Marine, 410.686.1500, sales@riversideboats.com , www.riversideboats.com #21182
32’ Carver 320 Voyager ‘96 $29,500 Very affordable flybridge – T Crusader 350 5.7, 265Hp each, LOA 34’, w/ less than 1000 hours. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys @sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com
2015 Grady White Express 330 Twin Yamaha F350s w/ 210 hours! Loaded and ready to fish! Price Reduced - $300,000 Beacon Light Marina, 410.335.6200, sales@beaconlightmarina.com , www.beaconlightmarina.com
33’ Bavaria Vida 33 2023 DEMO SAVE $75,000 & DUTY PAID! Lightly used DEMO boat. Fast cruiser 40+. Fun boat with tons of room. Twin Merc 300Hp surrounded by hydraulic swim platform. Axius joystick, large retractable sunroof, galley up. Below: A/C, head/shwr, comfortable lounge area. $418,540 Call S&J Yachts for details 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
2013 34’ Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 2 Stateroom/1 Head, Flybridge, Cummins QSB6.7I 425 (586 hrs), Onan 7.5KW Generator, Freedom Dinghy Lift, Bow & Stern Thrusters, 12V Lithium House Batteries (900AH), 380W Solar Panel. NEW PRICE $289,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
2014 Nordic Tugs 34 Brokerage - If you’re looking for a trawler to fulfill your quest for adventure, look no further than this low hour Nordic Tug 34. Immaculately maintained beauty lives in covered dockage year-roundAC/Gen, Bow Thruster, fully equipped. Asking $325,000 Call Jeff Jordan 410.320.5183 or www.seattleyachts.com
1990 Pettegrow Flybridge 36’ Brokerage - Custom built classic Maine Lobster-Style boat. Hull recently painted, many upgrades, varnished cherry interior, radar, A/C-heat, much more. Reduced $160,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.593.7531 or www.seattleyachts.com
2018 Legacy 36’ Brokerage - Flag Blue hull, VERY nicely maintained. 480 Cummins w/ low hours. Galley down, genset, 3-zone AC, lots more. Asking $475,000 Call Dave van den Arend 443.850.4197 or www.seattleyachts.com
36’ Fratelli Aprea Sorrento 2020 SAVE $100,000 & DUTY PAID! Luxurious Yacht w/ Stunning Interior & Spectacular Performance! Enjoy a dry & very comfortable ride at 26+ knots. Handcrafted in Italy for over 130 years by the Fratelli family. Stand out from the crowd! Lightly used as a demo boat. Other luxurious models available 24’ –52’. Duty paid. $450,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
37’ MAKAI M37 2025 SAVE $125,000 & DUTY PAID! Luxury sports cruiser! Italian sports designer Emanuele Rossi created this sports car inspired power catamaran. Fuel efficient! Cruise 24Kts/ Max 32Kts. Galley up. 2 staterooms each w/ ensuite head & standing headroom throughout. $774,000 Call for a tour - S&J Yachts, 410.971.1071, www.sjyachts.com
2009 40’ MJM 40Z –$585,000 Constantly upgraded! Cummins Axious stern drives allow for shallow operation and convenience of joystick docking. Electric front window operation – push button to open, new wipers and wiper motors. Contact Ezra Androus, Annapolis Yacht Company, 410.693.1887 or ezra@aycyachts.com More info/pics, visit: www.tinyurl.com/MJM40
2024 Nordic Tug 40’ New - Hull #12. Cummins Engine & Genset Specs. Air, Thrusters and more! Available NOW! Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com
40’ Bavaria R40 Coupe 2023 DEMO BIG SAVINGS Over $200,000 & DUTY PAID! Lightly used DEMO boat. Ideal yacht to go cruising - Great Loop? Retractable sunroof. Large light-filled salon w/ galley & dining area. 2 lg staterooms w/ centerline berths, 2 heads, retractable swim platform… Schedule your test run now! $669,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
40’ Hatteras Double Cabin 1987 Excellent condition. 700Hp Twin Crusaders, 850 hours. New 8D batteries (2025), Westerbeke generator and bottom paint (2023), isinglass enclosure (2022). Asking $90,000 Contact Chris at 571.331.1219 or clake421@gmail.com. For more info/ pics: www.tinyurl.com/1987Hatteras
2024 Nimbus C-11 41’ New - Hull #83Twin 400 Mercs. Joystick, Thruster, Commuter layout w/ yacht construction quality. 2 Cabins and enclosed head. $700,000 Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com
2024 Nimbus T-11 41’ New - HULL #283 - Twin 400 Mercs. Joystick, Thruster, Open day boat layout w/ yacht construction quality. 2 Cabins and enclosed head. $630,000 Well equipped! Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com
2025 Nimbus W11 41’ New - Hull #46. Foiled Hull, Twin Mercury Verado V-10 400XXL, Mooring Sunshades, EcoTeak, Zipwake & Bow Thruster, Windlass, Air Con, Simrad Electronics Package and More. $700,000 Call Seattle Yachts Annapolis 410.397.7323 or www.seattleyachts.com
41’ Bavaria SR41 2023 DEMO SAVE $125,000 & DUTY PAID! Lightly used DEMO boat. Modern family cruiser. Enjoy outdoor living w/ all the amenities & spacious indoor living w/ 2nd galley, salon and 2 large staterooms. A/C, large electric sunroof, sunpad fwd & aft, much more. Schedule your test run now. $624,350 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
41’ Menorquin 120 2003 Luxurious accommodations. Powerful yacht w/ semi-displacement hull will do 20 knots. Stands out in any harbor. Great for entertaining. Excellent fuel economy. $179,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
1990 Nautique 42’ Sportfish Twin economical cat 3208s. 8kw Onan, teak cockpit, transom door, pulpit, queen centerline cabin, double guest cabin, head w/ walk in shower, galley up, custom all-teak interior, hard top on flybridge. Fish the Bay or ocean! Potomac River. $65,000 704.425.4108
2019 Keizer 42 42’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $249,900 Great Picnic Cruiser/ Overnighting yacht. Good Condition. Motivated Seller. Available for immediate delivery. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com To find more used boats, visit proptalk.com
Brokerage & Classified
42’ Wicomico 2003 450HP Cummings, 3683 Hrs. Generator, Heat and AC, Full bath and bunk. Bottom painted and serviced for the season. Asking $115,000 Located in Solomons. Call Tom 240.417.5484
42’ Jones 2000 Powered by Cummings QSM11 – 650Hp. Just returned from a 1400-mile voyage from Bahamas. Located in Hurlock, MD at Suicide Bridge Restaurant Marina. Asking $175,000 Call Dave – 410.829.4383
(Jubilee) 46’ Post ‘88 $129,000 Jason Hinsch 410.507.1259 jason@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
46’ Carver 456 Aft Cabin MY 2000 Impeccably maintained 3caBin/2head motor yacht designed for long-range adventures w/ 2x Cummins Diesels. Blends comfort, performance, and versatile cruising capabilities. $156,500 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
46’ Matthews 1973 RARE All fiberglass sport fisherman. 1 of 12 manufactured. Total refit, like new! Includes: 11’ Boston Whaler w/ new 15Hp Mercury outboard. $125,000 Call 443.534.9473
2022 Prestige Yachts 460 Fly 47’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $949,000 Seakeeper Equipped. Like-New Condition. Several years of remaining Volvo factory warranty. Most volume mid 40’ yacht on the market. Price Reduction for Summer Sale. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
48’ 2014 Sabre 48 SE Stunning Downeast design & Claret hull. Twin 550Hp Cummins engines, Zeus pod drives – Max speed 38kts. 2 staterooms w/ private heads, spacious salon, & fully equipped galley. $795,000 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
2013 Prestige Yachts 500 Fly 50’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $549,900 Great Condition. Recent Volvo Servicing. Plenty of Upgrades and service records. Dealership maintained. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
2017 Prestige Yachts 500 S 50’ Rock Hall, MD. Asking $689,000 Grey Oak Wood. Well-Maintained. Ready for Spring delivery. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
2015 Prestige Yachts 500 S 50’ Rock Hall, MD. Asking $634,000 Award Winning 3-Stateroom Layout. Tender Garage. IndoorOutdoor Salon/Helm. Excellent Condition and ready for her next home! To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
2017 Prestige 500 Fly 50’ Easton, MD. Asking $699,000 Amazing condition. Complete Volvo Engine/Pod Services. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
2003 51’ Dettling Express Cruiser 51 Meticulously maintained, comfortable cruising between 10 & 20 Knots. Dual Cummins 450Hp engines w/ new mounts & shaft seals, 13.5KW genset, 2 cabin – 2 head layout, pilot house, spacious salon & cockpit. $629,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com
2022 Prestige Yachts 520 Fly 52’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $1,149,900 Volvo DPS installed. Most outfitted, most immaculate 520 on pre-owned market. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
53’ Selene 53 Ocean Trawler 2003 430Hp Cummins engine & 52Hp Yanmar “get home” engine. High-quality ocean-going vessel w/ estimated range of 3,851 NM, 1,100 gal of fuel, & 400 gal of water. 3 cabins, 2 heads, salon, galley, pilot house, & flybridge. Equipped w/ 12.5 KW generator, AC, water maker, & more. $670,000 S&J Yachts, 843.872.8080, www.sjyachts.com
2022 54’ Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius –$1,585,000 Engine warranties! Hydraulic swim platform, Seakeeper, Dual Garmin touch screens, Autopilot, Extra joystick station in cockpit, Exterior window covers, Wine fridge, Massive sunroof and full records available. Contact Ezra Androus, Annapolis Yacht Company, 410.693.1887 or ezra@aycyachts.com More info/pics, visit: www.tinyurl.com/Cruisers54
2006 Vicem 52/55 Classic 55’ Ocean City, MD. Asking $529,000 Low Hour MAN Diesels. Bow and Stern Thruster, Updated Garmin Electronics. Beautiful High Gloss Mahogany Interior. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Chuck Meyers: 703.999.7696 or chuck@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
56’ Johnson High Tech 56 Euro 1994 Solid cruiser/liveaboard - 3 cabin/3head, spacious saloon, flybridge, aft deck & ample storage for extended cruising. 2x Detroit AV92TA, fwc, 8 CYLINDER Diesels: cruise at 20 kts, max 26-28 kts. $239,500 S&J Yachts, 410.639.2777, www.sjyachts.com
2019 Prestige Yachts 590 Fly 59’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $1,199,000 Absolutely Amazing Condition. UTD on all preventative maintenance and services. Motivated seller! To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Ian Dimka: 410.693.7386 or ian@cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
2017 60’ Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht –$1,549,000 RECENT PRICE IMPROVEMENT! In 2024 – All engine services ahead of schedule, New Carpet throughout interior, New Inverter, New main salon TV & galley faucet. Only 825 hours! Tender Included. Contact Ezra Androus, Annapolis Yacht Company, 410.693.1887 or ezra@aycyachts.com More info/pics, visit: www.tinyurl.com/Riviera60
60’ Jefferson Marquessa ‘89 $232,900 Perfect Liveaboard, T-Detroit Diesels 750Hp each, Westerbeke 22KW Generator new bridge canvas, teak decks, fully equipped galley, four staterooms, four heads, plus a day head. Includes a 2015 Tender w/ 40Hp outboard w/ a Davit Lift. Sassafras Harbor Marina Yachts Sales, 410.275.8000, shmys @sassafrasharbormarina.com www.sassafrasharbormarina.com
2017 Prestige Yachts 630 Fly 63’ Baltimore, MD. Asking $1,199,000 Low hour, fully serviced Volvo IPS 950. SeaKeeper 9, bow thurster, 3 staterooms/3 heads plus crew. To schedule showing or for more information, please contact Chuck Meyers: 703.999.7696 or chuck @cyc.yachts www.chesapeakeyachtcenter.com
Brokerage/ Classified Order Form
MARKETPLACE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS
HELP WANTED
The Annapolis Boat Show is Hiring Come work at the event of the year in Annapolis! Flexible schedules and job descriptions from August to October. Can you smile and greet vendors? Can you lift, bend and carry? Can you welcome patrons and answer their questions? Enjoy hourly wages, free entry to the shows, free food and a completion bonus. For additional information and to apply, please visit www.annapolisboatshows.com/job-opportunities or www.annapolisboatshows.com
Yacht Sales - Curtis Stokes and Associates, Inc. is hiring new salespeople for our Chesapeake area operation. Candidates must be honest, ethical and have boating experience. This is a commission only position. Contact Curtis Stokes at 410.919.4900 or curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net
30’-50’ Deepwater Slips for Sale & Rent Flag Harbor Condo Marina on western shore of Chesapeake in St. Leonard, MD. Slip sales & rentals 410.586.0070/ fhca@flagharbor.com. Storage & Repairs 410.586.1915/ flagharborservices@gmail.com www.flagharbor.com
For Rent: Deep-Water Slip on Mill Creek Mouth of Severn. $350 per month, annual rentals preferred. Call 703.405.3277 (cell)
Sailor’s Wharf Marina on Mill Creek off White Hall Bay, 20-to-45-foot slips with water & 30-amp electric. 1651 Orchard Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. For more information, please call 443.336.3615 or email sailorswharfmarina@gmail.com
Slip for Rent on Spa Creek 35’L x 13’W x 8’D. $5,000/year. Call 410.279.3615
SPF Seeking Baltimore Distribution Driver! SpinSheet, PropTalk, and FishTalk (SPF) are seeking a reliable part-time delivery driver for our Baltimore route. Flexible schedule – one to three days per month. Twenty or so stops per publication with room to grow the route, which equals more pay! Pickup is in Annapolis. Applicants must have valid driver’s license, a dependable vehicle, and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Email info@spf-360.com to learn more. Find all of the latest listings at proptalk.com
Help Us Get Our Magazines into Local Hands
Boating
Acquired
Cutter Marina has officially acquired Porter’s Seneca Marina, located at 918 Seneca Park Road in Middle River, MD. The marina will now operate under its new name: Cutter Marina – Seneca Creek. This new addition joins the company’s existing operations on Old Eastern Avenue and Chrismar Lane—bringing their family of marinas to three full-service locations along Middle River. Together, these properties now offer more than 250 slips, including space for vessels over 70 feet with floating docks and deep-water access. “This marks more than a change in ownership—it is a continuation of commitment to boaters and the Chesapeake community,” Cutter Marina stated in a press release. “As a family-owned and operated business, we believe marinas should offer more than slips and dock space. They should provide real support, experienced service, and a trusted place to keep you on the water.” This expansion is about one thing above all: marine service excellence. Cutter has built its reputation by delivering fast, honest, and expert marine support, and this new location allows them to serve even more boaters at a critical gateway to the Bay. With this acquisition, the immediate focus is on continuity and quality. Cutter says, “While we are proud to introduce a new name and expanded service resources, we are also committed to maintaining what current slip holders and guests have long valued at this location. Here is what you can expect: familiar staff and on-site amenities, now supported by a growing service team; enhanced communication, scheduling, and transparency through Cutter’s service model; new opportunities for cross-marina events, promotions, and support and discounts. cuttermarina.com
Partnership
Suzuki Marine USA announces a partnership with West Marine to bring its line-up of four-stroke outboard motors to boaters coast to coast. Customers can choose from eight Suzuki four-stroke models overall, including the DF2.5, DF4, DF6, DF9.9, DF15, DF20, DF25, and DF30. With this range of outboards available, boaters will be able to find the ideal power match for their RIB, tender, or other small boat. When West Marine customers purchase an inflatable boat package, it will be exclusively matched with a new Suzuki outboard motor. Suzuki Marine will provide West Marine customers with premium factory certified Suzuki Ecstar Marine oils and lubricants to keep customers’ outboards in peak operating condition and deliver easy starting, reduced fuel consumption, and durability in the harsh marine environment. West Marine will also offer genuine Suzuki parts for the full range of available motors, along with convenient Suzuki Marine Maintenance Kits that provide everything DIY boaters will need to keep their Suzuki motor running strong throughout the boating season. suzukimarine.com
Official Dealer
Legasea Marine in Hampton Roads, VA, announces its appointment as an authorized dealer for Phenom Yachts. This new partnership brings Phenom’s line of performance-driven, luxury vessels to discerning boaters across Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Founded by boating industry veteran Tommy Hancock in 2022, Phenom Yachts is built on four brand pillars: family, fishing, luxury, and performance. The company was established to redefine the center-console experience by blending true yachtcaliber finishes with the ease of use and reliability customers in this segment demand. “Phenom is one of the most exciting new entries in the premium center console category,” said Chris Hall, president and co-founder of Legasea Marine. “Our customers are increasingly looking for that elite combination of performance, craftsmanship, and creature comforts—and Phenom checks all the boxes.” Legasea has multiple new Phenom models on order, which will give customers first-hand access to experience their sophisticated styling and seamless integration of performance fishing tools and familyfriendly amenities. Every Phenom yacht features their cutting-edge NexStep stepped hull design and are powered exclusively by Mercury Marine in twin, triple, or quad configurations of the latest Verado outboard technology— ensuring peak performance backed by one of the most trusted names in marine propulsion. As a full-service dealership with factory-trained outboard technicians, full marina facilities, and an established presence in the Lower Chesapeake, Legasea is well positioned to introduce and support Phenom’s models to the region’s boaters. legaseamarine.com
Welcome to the Team VETUS, creator of complete onboard boat systems, has appointed Arnau Lloansí as international sales manager of maneuvering systems, a key strategic position that underlines the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in this dynamic product category worldwide. Arnau will be responsible for driving global sales of VETUS maneuvering systems, including bow and stern thrusters, control panels, and related accessories. He will also work closely with international partners to provide training, technical support, and tailored solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of boat builders, dealers, and end users. A qualified naval engineer, Arnau most recently served as head of the technical department at VETUS Hispania which involved overseeing complex technical solutions, supporting dealer networks, and ensuring seamless system performance, particularly in the field of thrusters and maneuvering technologies. Arnau’s progression within VETUS reflects his strong technical acumen and commercial focus. Arnau will continue to be based in Spain while working closely with VETUS headquarters to implement the company’s global strategy for maneuvering system growth. vetus.com
Account Manager
Rightboat.com, the global online marketplace for buying and selling boats, announces the appointment of Jamie Tate as account manager, USA. With an extensive background in the marine industry and a reputation for client-focused service, Jamie brings invaluable experience and insight to Rightboat’s continued growth across North America. She joins the company following several years in yacht brokerage and marine business development. Her experience spans dealer relations, inventory management, and digital marketing support for marine clients, having worked with top-tier brokerage houses and service providers. Jamie’s depth of knowledge in both sail and powerboat sectors—combined with a passion for building long-term partnerships—makes her a natural fit for the fast-growing team. “We are thrilled to welcome Jamie to the team,” said Josie Tucci, VP of Marketing and GM USA at Rightboat. “Her industry expertise, client-first mindset, and dedication to innovation will be key assets as we expand our support for brokers, dealers, and manufacturers across the U.S.” In her new role, Jamie will focus on supporting Rightboat’s U.S.-based B2B partners—helping them increase visibility, capture more leads, and streamline their online sales presence. Reflecting on her appointment, Tate shared, “I’m excited to join a company that truly understands the needs of modern marine professionals. Rightboat offers a fresh, transparent, and results-driven approach to online boat sales—and I’m looking forward to helping our U.S. partners thrive in an increasingly digital world.” rightboat.com
New Places To Pick Up PropTalk
Let’s give a warm welcome to these new PropTalk distribution stops!
• B.A.D. Alfred’s in Chestertown, MD
• Chestertown Auto Plus and Marine, Church Hill Rd. in Chestertown, MD
• Chestertown Auto Plus and Marine, Washington Ave. in Chestertown, MD
