In the wake of Measure L

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

The election is over, and a new course of direction is being

plotted on the chart table for the Marinapark property, since the

voters let their wishes be heard by the defeat of Measure L. The city

now has an excellent opportunity to let the public decide what to do

with the last remaining bayside parkland in our built-out harbor.

I have a recommendation to the Newport Beach harbor commissioners

for them to call Ray Tsuneyoshi at (916) 263-4326. Tsuneyoshi is the

state Department of Boating and Waterways director, and his

department assists in developing boating facilities throughout the

state. To make it even easier, I will allow an open forum on my radio

show this Saturday. Tsuneyoshi will be calling the “Boathouse Radio

Show” after 12:30 p.m., so I invite callers to call in to (888)

344-1170 to speak with him about how his department can help.

Boaters pay a dedicated fuel tax that is returned through loans

and grants by the Tsuneyoshi’s department specifically for boating

projects. I have mentioned that Long Beach, San Diego and almost

every launching facility at our lakes use these funds to improve

their boating infrastructure. Tsuneyoshi has in-house engineering

staff to assist with the planning and design standards to meet

specific land-use needs.

Here’s a statement I copied from the department’s website: “Each

year, the California Department of Boating and Waterways provides

grants to public entities throughout the state for construction of

launch ramps, boarding floats, shoreside or floating restrooms, shore

protection, vehicle/trailer parking and other boating-related items.

The facilities constructed with [department] grants must be in

environmentally acceptable areas, meet or exceed our design criteria,

be economically feasible and remain open to all boaters at reasonable

prices. In return for this funding, grant recipients are responsible

for operating and maintaining the project for a minimum of 20 years

at no additional cost to the state.” You can read more online at

www.dbw.ca. gov/facilitiesgrants.htm# BLFG.

Of course, those who read my column know I am passionate about

promoting boating, so I completely endorse a boat-launch facility on

our public property.

TIP OF THE WEEK

This tip of the week is to help you to protect your boat in our

mild winter weather and rains. Most boaters in Southern California

never think about winterizing their boats unless they happen to have

boats up at Big Bear Lake or stored in the high desert, where the

temperature reaches freezing. Locally, the weather will cause a few

problems from condensation to rainwater seepage, to mildew.

I have mentioned in previous columns for you to check your

electrical system, ensuring that it is up to par so your bilge pumps

can handle any rain water seepage. In addition, have you sealed your

decks, and are the scuppers clear of debris?

There is a difference of opinion about the affect of the

condensation inside your fuel tanks. You usually hear that you should

top off your tanks to prevent any condensation buildup from getting

into the fuel. However, Gary Hill, owner of Hill’s Marine Service,

made an excellent point, that most boaters should not top off their

tanks, as the extra fuel will just go bad. I am now using Hill’s

recommendations not to top off the tanks when the boat is going to

sit idle, but to wait until ready to go on a cruise. Most boats have

a water/fuel separator anyway. Remember that this is a good time for

an oil change, too.

Mold and mildew can be lurking aboard, so remove 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 the microorganism starts to grow; then, it and the lingering

smell can be difficult to get rid of.

Tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation, “Capt.

Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show.” It airs every Saturday from

noon to 1 p.m. on KCBQ-AM (1170). You can join me, Chandler Bell and

Eric Hovland by calling the listener line at (888) 344-1170.

* 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 https://www.boathousetv.com.