Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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DeFir had a shop in Phoenix on Cave Creek Road back in the '80s. Our thanks to Bill Wier, of Marine Wholesale, for reminding us of the passing of Ray DeFir several years ago. Wier also reminds us that DeFir had a shop in Phoenix on Cave Creek Road back in the '80s and that he was well known for his New Years Day skiing exploits. "How many people do you know who can ski 100 mph on the Columbia River in the winter time? Or want to for that matter," said Wier. Many of you may know Ray from his... Full story
WOODWORKER EXTRAORDINAIRE – We had the honor of knowing the late Peter Schleck in San Diego at Driscoll's Wharf when we lived on our boat and he had a shop just up the pier. He loved wood and was an artist and expert with all things wooden, from cabinets to useful items to decorative pieces and, of course, he was a lover (and caregiver) of wooden boats. He will be missed, not only for his excellence in his craft, but also as a friend. –Jim and Carol Allen... Full story
If a fiberglass boat catches on fire, within minutes, it can burn down to the water line. A proper fire protection system is vitally important and should be the first item on any boat owner's safety checklist. For pleasure craft, megayachts, workboats or even large structures such as oil platforms, Sea-Fire Marine's H Series FM-200 Engineered Fire Suppression Systems protect spaces up to 17,500 cu. ft. in size. Compliant with National Fire Protection Association requirements, Sea-Fire's systems... Full story
After a long journey that started in 2012, the CalypSol crew reached Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 3:25 pm on June 11, completing 1,100 miles to successfully become the first solar-powered canoe voyage down the Mississippi. This was the third and longest segment of the trip that took Raymond Christe and Jean-Claude Barras from Memphis, Tennessee to Baton Rouge. A Torqeedo Travel 503 electric outboard helped power their long-distance expedition. For the last leg, they launched their craft at the Mud... Full story
Maximum cellular range and capability on the water shouldn't require a bulky antenna. The new Galaxy 5239 4G cellular antenna from Shakespeare delivers industry-leading bandwidth and 2G, 3G and 4G coverage, all in a compact package. Measuring only 9.25" H x 2.625" D, the Galaxy 5239 offers superior performance and outstanding durability. Designed specifically for marine use, this omni-directional antenna provides 698-2700 MHz broadband on virtually any type of craft. Wi-fi 802.11n compatible,... Full story
Fresh food and cold drinks help create a welcoming mood aboard any vessel. Norcold NR740 and NR751 refrigerators from Thetford Marine offer generous capacities in compact designs to hold plenty of provisions. Built for years of reliable service, feature-filled Norcold refrigerators are designed specifically for marine use. The NR740 has a 1.7 cu. ft. capacity, while the NR751 offers 2.7 cu. ft. of storage. Both include freezer space. A quiet, hermetically-sealed Danfoss BD35 compressor delivers... Full story
Until recently, boat accent lighting was limited to static colors. Seamaster Marine Products now enables owners to transform their vessels into dynamic, animated works of art. Its new LED RGB Multi-Color Accent Lighting kit, controlled by a free app, enables tailored illumination limited only by the owner's imagination. Each kit includes four 20" LED strips, 30' of four-conductor wire, and a WiFi receiver. Users download Seamaster's free RGB LED app on any Apple or Android device to control and... Full story
Choosing the right propeller doesn't have to end in frustration. The updated Turning Point Propellers online selection tool, Prop Wizard 4.0, removes guesswork with a massive database and precise calculations. Its scalable display is simple to use on smart phones, tablets or computers, promising to become every boater's go-to propeller resource. Many marine dealers embed Turning Point's prop selection tool into their websites to simplify customer purchases, though anyone can use it at... Full story
Unless specifically built to withstand the rigors of the marine environment, barrel bolts and other types of cabinet fastenings can soon lose their luster. Boaters can count on Perko for tough and attractive hardware that stands the test of time. Available with either visible or hidden mounting holes, Slim Barrel Bolts from Perko fulfill a wide variety of applications. Strong and reliable, they're ideal for securing doors, cabinets and lockers. Chrome plated zinc alloy construction ensures that... Full story
For over 55 years, Beckson Marine's Genuine Thirsty-Mate Pumps have served as a critical piece of safety equipment for any small craft. Made in the USA, they're built for many years of lasting performance. Used daily or rarely, Thirsty-Mate pumps are always ready when needed. Neither neglect nor corrosion will hinder the pump's operation. Thirsty-Mate Pumps allow unimpeded water flow because the intake and discharge are the same size. Lightweight and non-conductive, Beckson's Thirsty-Mate pumps... Full story
Even utilitarian hardware can contribute to a boat's good looks. As attractive as they are effective, lockable hold-down clamps from Perko come in two different styles to meet boaters' particular needs. Ideal for hatches, cabinets or doors, Fig. 1008 Security Hold-Down Clamp and Fig. 0771 Adjustable Mount Hold-Down Clamp provide secure closure. Constructed of chrome-plated bronze, these durable products remain resistant to corrosion. The Security Hold-Down Clamp measures 4-1/2" L when closed,... Full story
Sunny, humid conditions are no match for BlueCool C-Series marine air conditioners from Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America. These chiller-style units are ideal for medium to large yachts with several independent areas requiring cooling. Furnishing continuous cooling capacity, even in tropical conditions, the BlueCool C-Series offers improved performance with up to 15 percent higher efficiency than in previous models. Reduced compressor noise ensures quiet operation. A reverse cycle function... Full story
Securing fenders is simple with the right hardware. Accon Marine's 401-R Fender Hanger ensures fenders stay in place, while also eliminating the need to fasten and unfasten them. Easy to use, the Fender Hanger's base stays attached to the boat, while the post stays attached to the fender. Then, users only have to snap the Hanger into place when needed. Accon's Fender Hanger is offered with a 1" or .5" diameter loop to fit most fenders. Constructed from marine-grade 316 stainless steel, the... Full story
Bringing personal electronics aboard is essential for many boaters. Combining USB and electrical power outlets in a single device, Hubbell's USB Charger Receptacles ensure tech-savvy owners and their guests can keep multiple items charged and ready for use. With two USB ports, this receptacle is compatible with any USB 1.1, 2.0 or 3.0 electronic devices. This includes mobile phones, smart phones, digital readers, MP3 players, GPS units or tablet computers. While most competitive units produce... Full story
This is the second of several boating-safety quizzes offered to educate (or remind) boaters of some important guidelines. Although they may be helpful, it is recommended that all who recreate on and near the water take a boating-safety class. (See page 3 of this issue for a list of current classes.) This recommendation is for both new boaters and for seasoned ones who would benefit from an update. There is a prize for the first one who answers all questions correctly and e-mails those answers... Full story
How Did You Do? A free one-year subscription to the print version of Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times will be awarded to the first person who answers all the questions correctly and emails those answers to jim@azbw.com. Note: Be sure to include both the questions and their answers in your email and put QUIZ ANSWERS in the subject line. 1, Type 4 PFD 2. False 3. One short blast 4. Lake Pleasant 5. Danger 6. Stand on Vessel 7. One prolong blast 8. 2 and a ski flag 9. Not... Full story
Arizona Game & Fish offers many boating safety classes. You may see these on page three of our print version each month. Arizona Game and Fish officers stopped a personal watercraft rider on Lake Pleasant last weekend for not wearing his life jacket, and that may have saved his father's life. On the morning of July 4, Game and Fish Officers Bryan Marshall and David Mayer saw 19-year-old Hoy Lam on a red Sea Doo personal watercraft (PWC) leaving the Lake Pleasant boat launch area without a life... Full story
It originally transported iron and coal for the Ford Motor Company. She was built in 1924, and was decommissioned in 1981 after nearly 50 years of service. She was left to rust for four years until Frank J. Sullivan bought it, had the ship's forecastle separated from the ship's hull, and had it transported to its present site on an 18-foot cliff jutting above and overlooking Lake Erie, where Sullivan tried to turn it into a hotel, which he was denied permission to do. He then sold the place to... Full story
Coast Guard Auxiliary Celebrates 75 Years The Coast Guard Auxiliary celebrated 75 years on June 21 in Sun Lakes, Ariz.,with a formal Birthday Ball. The ball was attended by local auxiliarists, Coast Guard retirees, Arizona Game and Fish officials and Coast Guard leadership from California. The guest speaker of the night was Commander DesaRae Janszen, director of Auxiliary District 11S. Also present was Commander Jeffrey Janzen, deputy director of Sector San Diego. Two of our local auxiliarists,... Full story
Lake Powell is rising a foot per day as abundant snowpack in northern Colorado and Wyoming continues to feed the Colorado and Green Rivers. Runoff into Lake Powell that began in earnest in the middle of May and at the beginning of June had reached 60,000 cfs leading to a rapid rise in lake level. That is good news for boaters. The rising water has opened the Castle Rock Cut near Wahweap Marina. There is now safe passage for boats of all sizes including tour boats destined to Rainbow Bridge and... Full story
Whether we enjoy the water from a boat, on skis or boards, or as swimmers, there are three major organizations that deserve our appreciation and respect. They ensure that we have the information needed for safety in and around the water, and they are there in emergencies when and if we get into trouble. (There are others as well, but these three are the focus of this article.) We at Western Outdoor Times/Arizona Boating & Watersports toast them all. Arizona Game & Fish Department The Arizona... Full story
WELCOME TO BARTLETT LAKE MARINA! -- Located just 55 minutes from Tempe Town Lake on beautiful Bartlett Lake in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, Bartlett Lake Marina's family atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a wonderful location for your friends and family to enjoy an unforgettable Arizona day on the water. For more information or reservations, call (602) 316-3378 or (480) 221-0503. Address for GPS: 20808 E Bartlett Dam Rd, Tonto National Forest, Rio Verde, AZ... Full story
The United States' next generation of aircraft carrier is the FORD-class carriers - the first-in-class USS Gerald R. Ford has been being built at Newport News Shipbuilding, Va. The numbers behind USS Gerald R. Ford are impressive: about $14 billion in total cost, 224 million pounds, about 25 stories high, 1,106 feet long, and 250 feet wide. But, the sheer enormity of the ship and construction operation is hard to grasp until you're nearly face-to-metal with the massive military beast. 100 Years...
Once again, we thank Bob Brown of Media Directions for the cover photo. His series of "beauties in boats" have been our pleasure to publish. However, besides boating, there are many other ways to enjoy the waters of the Southwest. You know them: waterskiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddling, diving, fishing, swimming, just to name a few. Even if you don't "get wet," being by the refreshing waters of a lake, stream, creek, or river helps anyone get through the intense summers of the Desert... Full story