Mystic Seaport

Growing up in Connecticut, I visited the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium frequently with my family. Though I loved seeing the sea lions and beluga whales, I most enjoyed visiting the collection of ships at the Seaport. Several of the iconic ships have been deemed National Historic Landmarks.

Among the designated landmarks is the Charles W. Morgan. The Morgan was a U.S. whale ship used in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is the only surviving wooden whale ship from the 19th century American fleet. Even as an adult I find the ship impressive, though I’m glad the only oil I have to use on my small boat is Evinrude XD 50 oil, and not whale oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Teaching the Kids

Yesterday I mentioned that my kids had been bugging me to get the boat ready for spring. It’s not quite time to do that yet, but it did start me thinking about giving them additional boat responsibilities. My kids all have their boating licenses and over the years I’ve taught them boat maintenance skills (a requirement of mine for using the boat).

Since they’re so eager to get out on the water, when the time comes, I’m going to make them responsible for getting the boat ready from start to finish. They can even be responsible for purchasing the Evinrude XD 100 oil. Of course I’ll give them advice if they ask, but I think it’s about time that they prove that they don’t need to depend on me so much when it comes to the boat.

Did you like this? Share it:

False Hope

This weekend we experienced beautiful sunshiny weather. My children started babbling on about spring coming early. I just laughed and told them not to start breaking out their shorts and t-shirts quite yet. Weather in March and early April is notoriously hard to predict; one minute there may be sunshine and the next snow.

The kids didn’t listen to me at all. They tried to convince me to start getting my boat ready by going to the store to pick up some Evinrude XD100 oil. I resisted, of course. Today it’s chilly and pouring rain. Tomorrow we’re likely to have snow. A normal parent would be inclined to tell their kids “I told you so”… which I promptly did.

Did you like this? Share it:

Noise Problem

What should you do about excessive noise, my friend James asked me. This is a problem I’m particularly sensitive too as loud noises in any situation – out on the water or sitting at home – is my biggest pet peeve. When it comes to boats, excessive noise is usually caused by loose components or a faulty exhaust system.

Rattling noises almost always means that there are loose screws and bolts. Take a wrench and get to work tightening up loose connections. Look over the exhaust system and do some cleaning if necessary. Don’t forget to change out the Evinrude oil every so often to keep things clean and well lubricated.

Did you like this? Share it:

What to Do When the Engine Dies?

As I mentioned yesterday, my friend James has been asking me for some pointers on his quest to becoming a more knowledgeable boat owner. Recently he asked me what he should look for when the engine dies while driving. There are few things more irritating than being stranded out on the water, so I understood where he was coming from.

When you get back to shore, I told him, take a look at the fuel pump. If the engine is not receiving fuel, or not receiving an adequate amount of fuel, then the engine will fail to work. If the fuel pump is not the cause, then take a listen to the injector. A clicking noise means it’s working; silence means it’s not. Finally, check for kinks in the fuel line house and check the levels of Evinrude Johnson 2 stroke outboard oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Helping Out a Friend

James, a good friend of mine, has decided that after years of relying on mechanics to fix every little problem on his boat, he is ready to become an expert himself. I applaud his efforts to become a more knowledgeable boat owner. Every week or so since he made his resolution, he’s come by to have a chat with me about different questions.

This week he asked me a lot of questions regarding troubleshooting an Evinrude E-Tec outboard motor. What, he asked me, should I look for when the engine won’t start. The number one culprit, I replied, is not enough oil or fuel. Take a look at both levels and refresh if necessary.

Did you like this? Share it:

When to Fish Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When is the best time catch trout in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The answer varies depending on the skill level of the fisherman. Trout can be caught throughout the year as the rivers and streams do not freeze over. Anglers with less experience are more likely to find success in the spring.

Experienced fisherman looking for a challenge should test out the waters during the cooler fall and winter months. If anything, making a catch during the difficult months should be more rewarding. I haven’t tested out this location, but perhaps next year I’ll give it a go after I prep my boat with Evinrude 2 cycle oil XD100 and explore Lake Fontana.

Did you like this? Share it:

Hazel Creek

If you’re willing to expend a bit of your bulk outboard motor oil, then you can ride across Lake Fontana to Hazel Creek. At one point, the area surrounding the creek was home to Cherokee and pioneer Appalachian communities which turned into logging towns. The area was not heavily populated, which made it easier to force out the locals in order to incorporate the land into the Great Smoky Mountains National park.

Today, Hazel Creek is now a back country campsite and historical area. Historical sites within the Hazel Creek area are: Calhoun house, Hall Cabin, Ritter Mill site, Adams-Westfeldt Mine site, Proctor Cemetery, and Bone Valley Cemetery. The Proctor Cemetery is of particular note because it is the site where the cabin of Moses and Patience Proctor, the first white settlers, stood.

Did you like this? Share it:

Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake borders the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lake is also the northern border of the Nantahala National Forest. Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, but during the summer months the lake is about 17 miles long and perfect for boating activities.

In fact, Fontana Lake provides the only access (other than a grueling multi-day hike) to Hazel Creek, which is one of the most remote areas of Great Smoky Mountains National park. The lake is dotted with inlets, coves, and islands that are worthy of exploration. Labeled my locals as one of the most beautiful lakes in the southeast, Lake Fontana is home to walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. It’s certainly worthy of using some of your bulk oil supply to explore.

Did you like this? Share it:

Fish Checklist

In perusing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website I came across a long list of native and non-native fish that are found in the waters running through the park. As mentioned previously, the park is known for its rainbow, brown, and brook trout (of which only the brook trout is considered native, meaning the species lived in the waters prior to European settlement). Other native species include logperch, gilt darter, olive darter, and tangerine darter fish.

TN snubnose darter, Swannanoa darter, wounded darter, and banded darter are also native (are you seeing the trend?). Among non-native species found are walleye, yellow perch, fathead minnow, and sunfish. I’m eager to visit the park to do some fly fishing for these many species, as well as take my boat out in the surrounding areas. First I need to get my shipment of bulk motor oil!

Did you like this? Share it:

Fly Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles two states, Tennessee and North Carolina, and has some of the country’s best streams for fly fishing. Brook trout are native to the waters and brown and rainbow trout were added later to the area and have thrived. Recent droughts have triggered tighter restrictions on fishing in the park, but it still a must-see for avid fishermen and women.

If you’re looking to capture trophy fish, then Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn’t for you. The fish in the park are smaller – having adapted to their environment – but it is the terrain and degree of difficulty in catching some of the more elusive species that makes the site such a big draw. Although you can fish from dry land, you should still bring your boat, and plenty of boat motor oil, to try out some of the waters in and around the park.

Did you like this? Share it:

Grayling, Michigan

Trout Unlimited, the biggest conservation organization, was founded in Grayling, Michigan. This top trout spot is also home to the Au Sable River, home of the largest mayfly in the world, the Hexagenia. The river runs straight through town, so it’s no wonder that the locals care so much.

Nearby is Manistee another river that is closer to a spring or creek. Fox and Two Hearted rivers are nearby as well. It’s easy to feel like a world class angler when you’re in Grayling and the surrounding areas. When you’re through fishing, I recommend cruising the waterways with your boat, provided it has plenty of the best outboard motor oil on the inside.

Did you like this? Share it: