MIKE WHITEHEAD -- The Harbor Column

Ahoy.

I’ve received considerable response from last week’s column about the

harbor depths as reported by the Corps of Engineers in the United States

Coast Guard’s Local Notice to Mariners. Most of the readers wondered

where they could get a copy of the depth’s table. Just got online to o7

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm/d11f7 . We are in the 11th district. Just

click on 41/01 and then scroll to the last page for Newport Bay channel

depths table. Other readers questioned why neither the Army Corps of

Engineers, the city or the county are dredging our harbor. Technically, I

believe the Corps is responsible for dredging maintenance in most of the

main channels. However, we are classified as a recreational harbor, so

all the Corps limited funding is being directed to the commercial harbors

for dredging, and I do not see dredging in the near future unless we

locally identify funding for dredging.

Maybe it is time for the local governments (city and county) to

seriously address dredging the lower harbor. Funding is being secured to

dredge the Upper Back Bay, so maybe it is time to add the lower bay into

the equation. A few readers wrote that the city should buy dredging

equipment to continually dredge the harbor to maintain depths but also to

replenish the bay beaches. It was apparent that no one wants the area’s

most valuable resource to fill in and hinder safe boating. It is sad that

during the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race that a few boats ran aground in

the harbor and the larger, exciting sailboats spent the night in Long

Beach Harbor as not to risk running aground in Newport and potentially

damaging their keels and rudders.

I have two thoughts for you to think about while we are on the issue

of dredging. The eel grass regulations for dredging have become a

nightmare, so we need to bring common sense and scientific reasoning back

in to the mitigation program. Also, if you happen to have a dock

downstream that is constantly filling in and requiring maintenance

dredging, then you should not have to jump through the hoops every time

to maintain the designed depth and pay the cost out of your pocket.

Dredging, the never-ending chore.

***

Tip of the Week are a few hints for winterizing your boat even in our

mild winter weather. Most boaters in Southern California never think

about winterizing their boats unless they happen to have a boat on Big

Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead. However, there are a few steps that you

should take to help protect your favorite weekend investment. Let me

start by saying that our weather does change enough to cause a few

problems from condensation to rain water seepage, and the boats are

normally not used as much in the so-called off-season as in the summer

months.

First and foremost, as I have mentioned in previous columns, make

certain that your electrical system is up to par so that your bilge pumps

are operating in order to prevent your boat from possibly sinking during

a rainstorm. Make sure you have sealed your deck and keep the scuppers

and free posts clear of debris. With the cooler weather, the tanks aboard

will produce water condensation on the inside, and you should be

especially concerned with the fuel tanks.

Top off the fuel in your boat to limit the amount of condensation from

the air inside the tanks. Gasoline, if sitting for a few months, may need

a stabilizer added, so check that at one of the fuel docks. At the same

time, change the fuel filters and bleed off any excess water from the

separator. Usually this is a good time for an oil change as the old oil

might have a little water mixed in that will help the rust.

Mold and mildew are very common so try to take off the boat any wet

towels or cushions, and open all the interior doors including cupboards

to allow air circulation. Mildew loves cool, dark and damp areas where,

once it starts, it is difficult to get completely rid of it and the

lingering smell.

Speaking of smell, pump your holding tank and add a deodorizer to the

tank to help prevent the very noticeable holding tank smell. Lastly, if

you keep your boat in the water, check your mooring lines and use chafing

gear before the winter storms hit our harbor. Become one with your boat.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send him

your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions via e-mail

to o7 [email protected] or o7 https://www.BoathouseTV.comf7 .