Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
7/9/2010 : Neil Travis
There is a lot of public misconception and fear floating around South Florida about the possible impacts we will feel from the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill.
The result has been a decrease in consumer confidence within the marine industry segment, especially for those communities located along the Gulf coast.
The mainstream media has done its usual job of fear-mongering and reports shades of the truth in order to drive ratings.
Lost in the media's reporting is the truth concerning how the oil spill will affect the marine environment of our communities in South Florida in the long term as BP struggles to stop the leak.
This website:
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/deepwaterhorizon/longterm_outlook
is a great report on how NOAA expects the oil spill to affect different areas of our state. They have processed several models utilizing prevailing climate conditions and loop current flows to develop what percent chance each area of the state has of oil landing on on each coast or coming within specified distances of each coast.
NOAA plans on updating this information regularly, so I think it is a valuable link to add to your favorites and check every so often.
Please forward this email to anyone that you know who boats and fishes in Florida and ask them to pass it on as well. |
Top Ten Ways to Save Fuel
Yamaha
With the cost of fuel on everyone’s mind now-a-days, many are looking at alternative ways to save. Boaters especially are looking at fuel conservation and ways to conserve in order to keep them on the water.
The Yamaha pro anglers are not strangers to high gas prices. Having made a career on the water, they understand all to well what many Americans face at the pump everyday. So it is no shock that many of them have learned a few tricks of the trade in regards to fuel conservation. Here’s what some of Yamaha’s top pros have to say about conserving fuel on the water:
Perform Basic Maintenance - “Have spark plugs, oil and other service items replaced according to schedule. A well maintained outboard burns less fuel than a neglected one. Even oil can play a role in fuel economy. Fresh oil reduces friction. Reducing internal friction means less work for the engine.”
- Chad Morgenthaler, 2006 AOY FLW Stren Series Midwest Division
Choose the Right Prop - “Have the most efficient prop for your boat, the way you use your boat and the loads you carry. There is no such thing as one right prop for a given boat. If you spend a lot of time pulling tubers or skiers, for example, you may benefit from a prop designed for that activity. Your dealer should be able to help you make the right choice.”
- Zell Rowland, named one of the top 35 Anglers of All Time by B.A.S.S.
Check the Prop Every Time You Boat - “Always check for nicks and scrapes along the leading edge of the blades. Damage at the trailing edge of the blades or a loss of radius in the ‘cup’ at the trailing edge can cause a loss of ‘grip”’ and reduce efficiency.”
- David Dudley, 2008 FLW Angler of the Year
Watch Your Weight - “Boating with extra weight requires extra energy or fuel. Do you really need the tool kit and spare anchor you keep under the life vests and other necessary safety gear? If you don’t use it and it’s not directly related to safety, don’t carry it. Also, consider where you place passengers and their gear. A full ice chest carried in the bow of the boat will increase the energy required to get the boat up on plane and since fuel weighs nearly 6 pounds for every gallon, consider whether you really need to go out on full tank.”
- Alton Jones, 2008 Bassmaster Classic Winner
Take the Path of Least Resistance - “Boats run more efficiently when the water is smooth and the air is still and cool. Wind and waves cause resistance, and the more resistance your boat meets, the more energy it uses. Try to fish at times of day when the conditions create the least resistance.”
- Dave Wolak, 2005 B.A.S.S Rookie of the Year
Plan Your Fishing Trips - “Plan out the places you want to try in logical order to reduce running time and eliminate backtracking to reduce fuel consumption. Try checking out the many chart software programs available for your computer and onboard GPS plotter to find structure and navigate directly to it. They are available for lakes and coastal areas. Never leave the dock without a plan based on the information you’ve gathered.”
- Clark Wendlandt, FLW Angler of the Year (2000, 1997)
Find the “Sweet Spot” - “Every boat has a ‘sweet spot’, the speed at which the engine and hull perform most efficiently. You just have to find it. In a recent tournament I was running 180 miles roundtrip. I found that when running 300 rpm less, I was able to save six gallons of gasoline and I only lost 3 mph on the run, saving $25.00 per day in gasoline”
- Mark Menendez, 2008 Elite Series Pro Angler
Team Up - “Having friends who enjoy fishing the same bodies of water you do fosters information sharing, a great way to establish fishing activity patterns without having to be on the water burning precious gas. There’s no better way to do this than joining a club with members who are active anglers willing to bring you into the fold. Also, consider fishing together in the same boat.”
- Mary DiVincenti, 2008 FLW Series and WBT Pro Angler
Keep it Clean - “Just as clean oil reduces internal friction thereby saving fuel, keeping the bottom of the boat clean can reduce friction when going through the water. This is even a bigger issue for salt water boats in warm climates that spend all their time in the water. It’s a good rule of thumb to clean the boat bottom at least once a year.”
- Curt Lytle, 2008 FLW Tour Pro Angler
Switch to a New Technology Motor – “With the technological advances in modern four-strokes, fuel savings over 30 – 40 percent can be seen as compared to carbureted motors. This technology is more affordable than ever before.”
- Scott Suggs, 2007 Forrest Wood Cup Champion |
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