Time to leave the water for the boat show

Ahoy.

Did your loved one give you a boat for Valentine’s Day? No, well

the West Coast’s largest indoor boat show starts Saturday. The

Southern California Marine Assn. kicks off the 47th annual Southern

California Boat Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

This weekend’s event will bring back the big boats, among more

than 600 watercraft at the show.

“For the past several years, our committees have been working

diligently to encourage manufacturers to bring in their flagship

models to the lucrative Southern California market,” said Dave

Geoffroy, the association’s executive director, “Their work is paying

off this year, as a record turnout of more than 40 boats in the over

35-foot category will be displayed.”

The out-of-the-water show will feature big boats from Carver,

Maxum, Regal, Navigator, Catalina and Beneteau, plus a few West Coast

debuts with a 57-foot beauty the Meridian’s new 540 pilothouse, Sea

Ray with its new 54-foot 500 Sundancer model and Tiara’s 4200 Open

luxury cruiser. I just had the opportunity to test a Tiara 4200 for

Sea Magazine, and the 4200 is one boat you need to see.

Additionally, Marine Mega Mall will be in Kentia Hall, where you

will find marine accessories and merchandise from motor and propeller

upgrades, marine apparel, high-tech electronics and water sports

equipment.

“The show has something for everyone, regardless of whether they

favor cruising, fishing, sailing, wakeboarding, water skiing or even

kayaking,” Geoffroy said.

The Southern California Boat Show is open Saturday through Sunday,

Feb. 23. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday; and 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are $10 for

adults, while children 12 and younger get in free when accompanied by

an adult. Public information may be obtained by calling (888)

BOAT-INFO or visiting www.scma.com.

HARBOR COMMISSION

Closer to home, the Newport Beach Harbor Commission continued to

tackle two major harbor issues on its hot list at its meeting last

Wednesday. The commissioners are addressing the fire code regulations

for commercial marinas and are considering alternatives to the

management of the charter boat industry.

Commissioners John Corrough and Donald Lawrenz have been on and

are still continuing a fact-finding mission about the fire code that

Corrough reported during the meeting. According to the fire code, it

is illegal for one boat to block another boat in a slip, fairway or

lagoon.

I discussed in my Nov. 8 column how the fire code is more

stringent with boats in water versus boats stored on land.

The city will began an outreach to the commercial operators, and

letters will be sent to those out of compliance.

Another important issue is the charter boat industry and how the

industry is operating in Newport Harbor. Charter boats are the most

regulated industry in Newport, from vessel and crew certifications by

the U.S. Coast Guard to the actual charter permits issues by the

city. Still, the top complaint I hear on a consistent basis is the

noise from the vessels.

So, the commissioners are looking into the permitting process,

dock operations for safely loading and unloading, number or

passengers and vessels, revenue from passenger fees, parking and the

effects on the area, .

The commissioners conducting in-depth analysis of each very

complex issue will have to determine the best management practices.

These are perfect examples of why a harbor commission is important

for Newport Harbor. I am surprised by the lack of attendance at the

meetings by those in either industry directly affected by these

issues.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Go online to the Department of Boating and Waterways

(www.dbw.ca.gov) to take an online personal watercraft safety course.

Now, you can complete an online exam and receive an immediate grade.

The course includes the PWC anatomy, legal requirements, operational

guidelines, safety and navigation.

On a personal note, my prayers go out to Newport Harbor High

teacher Jerry Tagami, whom I remember while attending the school. He

was always an inspiration, and oh, those basketball games after

school.

Safe voyages.

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

Send him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story

suggestions by e-mail to Mike@BoathouseTV.com or visit

BoathouseTV.com.