Marinalife’s 2022 Best Marina Contest

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It’s the moment you have all been waiting for… time to vote for your favorite marina! Cast your ballot for the top marinas of 2022. You can now vote for Best Large Marina (more than 100 slips) and Best Small Marina (less than 100 slips). Submit your selections by the form below by October 1, 2022.

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‍TOM RYAN
Marina Director
Provincetown Marina
Provincetown, MA
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What in your life prepared you for a job in the marina industry?

After working in the boating industry for 20+ years and staying in several marinas while owning and working on vessels, I feel like I can anticipate the needs of boat owners and I am well-equipped to accommodate them.

Tell us about your experience captaining the Roseway for the World Ocean School.

My experience was life changing. Being in charge of an historic schooner vessel like Roseway taught me patience. Making a positive daily impact on the kids at World Ocean School was some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever been a part of in my life. 

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Where do you like to send people for an authentic dining experience when they arrive at your marina for the first time? 

I like to send people to the Lobster Pot. It’s a Provincetown institution that’s been in operation since 1943. From its iconic neon sign to the lobster rolls — it can’t be beat!

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Where is your favorite place to relax on your day off?

I would definitely say Long Point Beach is a favorite. The shuttle from MacMillan Pier drops you right in the sand. You plop your chair down and relax while watching boats exit and enter the harbor.

Name your top three favorite boating songs on your playlist.

“Chan Chan” by Buena Vista Social Club, because it’s just a relaxing song and it reminds me of my early days in Key West. “Second Hand News” by Fleetwood Mac — this song, to me, screams summer! But if you’re out boating here in Ptown, you can’t go wrong with “Old Cape Cod” by Patti Page.

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If you could walk in anyone’s shoes for a day, who would it be? 

Ernest Shackleton, the great Antarctic explorer of the early 1900s. Having the courage and resolve to lead his team from certain death to safety was a remarkable and inspiring story. 

What is your favorite part of the day at the marina?

“The Golden Hour” – when all our guests are situated and relaxing means we’ve done our job!

What is the one thing that everyone should do or see in Provincetown?

This artistic town is known for its nightlife, so catching one of the many shows that are offered here is a must-see! Also, if you miss them on your way in, WHALES! The best way to see them is by jumping on one of the whale watch boats that head out daily to the feeding grounds on Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary.

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Insider advice about avoiding pain at the pump

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World events over the last two years have created a record high interest in recreational boating, but unfortunately they also generated record high fuel prices. To help you understand exactly how various boats burn fuel differently and how to run your boat at its most efficient, we’re turning to Steve Zimmerman, founder of Zimmerman Marine, a highly respected boat yard and boat builder with six locations in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. 

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Steve is knowledgeable in all aspects of boat maintenance and design that affect fuel consumption. I had the opportunity to ask Steve recently to dispel commonly held misconceptions about fuel use in popular styles of recreational boats. 

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Bob: When boaters talk about fuel consumption, they mostly speak in terms of gallons per hour, not miles per gallon. What’s the difference?

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Steve: Many boaters focus solely on gallons per hour (GPH); however, in determining how much fuel you use to cover a given distance on your boat, we have to bring speed into the equation. For example, if someone asked which is more efficient, a boat burning 11 GPH or a boat burning 22 GPH? The answer is it’s impossible to say without calculating miles per gallon (MPG) 

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If the boat burning 11 GPH is traveling at 10 knots (nautical miles per hour), we divide 11 GPH by 10 knots to see it is getting 0.9 nautical miles per gallon (nMPG). If the boat burning 22 GPH is traveling at 22 knots, 22 divided by 22 equals 1.0 nMPG. So, in this example, we see that although the difference is minor, the boat burning double the gallons per hour achieves better mileage.

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Bob: If people are considering a new boat, are some designs more fuel efficient than others?

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Steve: All boat hulls require a certain amount of energy to move through water. The more easily they move through the water, the less energy is required. The primary factors that influence how easily the hull can be moved include hull shape, length, total weight and drag. Hull shapes are sorted into three basic categories: full displacement, semi-displacement and planing. To determine which offers the best fuel economy, we introduce the most important variable of all: speed.

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Bob: So, the faster a boat goes, the more fuel it burns?

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Steve: Usually that’s true, but not always. Different hull forms respond differently to the demand for speed. As speed increases, boats move through the water in three basic ways. At slow speeds the boat sits fully in the water, riding between a wave at the bow and a wave at the stern. Full displacement boats live in this zone. As soon as speed increases, fuel burn rises sharply. 

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Semi-displacement and planing hulls can apply more horsepower and begin to climb up onto the bow wave. In this phase the bow rides awkwardly high, and fuel economy plummets. By applying even more power, these hulls ride more on top of the water. The bow comes down, speed increases, and fuel burn levels off. All get better fuel economy at the slower speeds, but the penalty for higher speeds varies substantially between hull types.

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Bob: Can you explain how different hull types vary of fuel use?

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Steve: Yes, let’s look at the most common hull forms used in recreational boats:

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• FULL DISPLACEMENT
  Let’s look at some actual numbers from a full-displacement trawler in the 40- to 50-foot range. At a speed of 7.5 knots, if it’s using 3 GPH, that equals 2.5 nMPG?  If we push for a little more speed, the fuel burn changes, at 9 knots, burning 11 GPH, it’s down to 0.8 nMPG. Notice that by going just 1.5 knots slower, it’s using 300% less fuel. 
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• SEMI-DISPLACEMENT
  Now let’s look at a semi-displacement boat of similar size. If this boat is going 8.5 knots and using 3.4 GPH, it’s getting 2.2 nMPG.  If we increase to 10.5 knots, using 14.2 GPH, we’re down to 0.74 nMPG. Once again, going just 2 knots slower increases fuel economy 300%. If we push this boat into higher speeds though, the fuel burn differs significantly. At 15 knots, fuel use goes up dramatically to 23.5 GPH, and our efficiency is down to 0.64 nMPG. At 20 knots, using 35.0 GPH, we’re down to 0.57 nMPG. When more of the boat’s hull is on top of the water, the penalty for increases in speed diminishes dramatically and economy levels off. As speed increases, fuel economy will gradually decline in small increments. 
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• PLANNING
  Finally, let’s look at a boat designed for speed, a lightweight planing hull. When going slowly at 7.5 knots, burning 2.6 GPH, that equals 2.9 nMPG.  When we increase to 11.0 knots, burning 9.2 GPH, that lowers the fuel rate to 1.2 nMPG. At a top speed of 25.0 knots, burning 27.5 GPH, that gives only a small decrease in fuel burn to 0.9 nMPG.
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Notice that at the slow displacement speeds, a slight increase in speed causes a large decrease in fuel economy. But once the boat is out of the water at planing speeds, a significant increase in speed had a smaller effect on fuel consumption. 
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It should also be pointed out that weight matters, but it matters considerably less at displacement speeds. A full displacement trawler can pack on the cruising weight without much of a penalty. The other hull types won’t pay a penalty at lower speeds, but at higher speeds the additional weight will take its toll.
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Bob: Generally speaking, going slower saves fuel?
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Steve: For all cruising powerboats, when it comes to fuel economy, speed trumps all other factors—but only at slow speeds. At full-displacement speeds going a knot or two slower can double or triple your fuel economy. 
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Among the things that influence fuel economy on planing hulls are the condition and cleanliness of the props and rudders, alignment of shafts, health of bearings and a fouled bottom. Once you are on plane, increases in speed matter far less, but the importance of a clean underbody and running gear matters far more. Don’t be misled by GPH, taking the extra step to calculate MPG, which ultimately determines overall fuel use.

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Marina Updates

Oasis Marinas Expands across New England‍

The marina management company is pleased to announce its growth into New England with three Connecticut properties: Old Harbor Marina in Clinton, Mystic Point Marina in downtown Mystic and Glastonbury Marina (formerly Seaboard Marina) in Glastonbury.Since its founding on the East Coast in 2015, Oasis has spread out rapidly across the United States from the northern Great Lakes to southern Florida. The company is now stepping foot on the West Coast with plans to grow new team members and properties in the future. For updates, visit oasismarinas.com

Suntex Marinas Lands New Property in New York

‍Suntex Marinas, a premier marina owner and operator, is proud to announce its recent acquisition of Sunset Harbour in Long Island, NY. Situated along the South Shore, this 332-slip marina provides easy access to the lovely Great South Bay. Visit suntexmarinas.com‍

SWITLIK Life Rafts are Back for the Season

‍SWITLIK Life Rafts are back in stock, in every variety just in time for spring and summer boating. Short lead times are now offered on survival equipment, rafts and man overboard modules. For more than 100 years, this U.S.-based company has produced high quality safety equipment in Trenton, NJ. Visit switlik.com

‍Pursuit Boats Announces New Model

‍Since 1977, Pursuit Boats has produced high-end, yacht-quality fishing and cruising vessels across tons of locations. Magnificently appointed and highly anticipated with possibilities for every angler, the OS 445 is Pursuit's largest boat yet. Prepare to cruise in liveaboard luxury with this season's new model. Visit pursuitboats.com or marinalife.com/pursuit-concierge-club

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Marinalife Photo Contest

2022 Photo Contest Is Open for Submissions!

‍Marinalife is pleased to announce our third annual photo contest, where we welcome snapshots that capture moments of maritime merriment from photographers of all skill levels. For details, see page 16 or visit marinalife.com/2022PhotoContest

Upcoming Boat Shows

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Bay Bridge Boat Show

‍Stevensville, MD

‍April 21 - 24, 2022

‍Suncoast Boat Show

‍Sarasota, FL

‍April 22-24, 2022

‍Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

‍Annapolis, MD

‍April 29 - May 1, 2022

Frequent analogies are made between piloting an aircraft and piloting a boat. Both require similar skills and place you at the mercy of the elements in a medium that's foreign to our bodies. Granted, being suspended in the air may be a tad more precarious than floating on the water, but when the downward spiral of a problem begins in either setting, it typically doesn't end well. For this reason, an aircraft pilot wouldn't dream of taking off without performing a pre-flight checklist. Boating is safer when using checklists, too.

The concept of a pre-flight checklist was developed following the fatal crash of a test flight in 1935. Leading up to WWII, the U.S. Army Air Corps was looking for a new bomber to meet the demanding needs of long distant flights with heavy payloads. U.S. aircraft company, Boeing, submitted a new plane model for the Army to consider. The Army agreed to try it and scheduled a test flight to see how it would perform.Flying the plane that day were two highly experienced Army pilots, Boeing's chief test pilot, along with a Boeing mechanic and a representative of the engine manufacturer. After takeoff the plane began to climb, but suddenly pitched up, stalled and crashed into a ball of fire upon impact. All on board were initially rescued, but both pilots died from injuries sustained in the crash.The accident investigation determined that before takeoff, the pilots overlooked a safety lock on the elevator and rudder controls, which kept them from controlling the plane's pitch or attitude. Following the accident, a newspaper stated that the Boeing plane was just too much plane for one man to fly.Fortunately, this was not the end of the story, but the beginning of a life-saving idea that would transform how highly complex systems can be operated by average people. Out of this tragedy came the simple and effective concept of the pilot's pre-departure checklist. Time would prove the Boeing plane was not too much for one person, but just too much for one person's memory. Using a simple checklist on future flights would ensure that important steps required prior to takeoff were not forgotten.Checklists were developed for more and more parts of a flight, for emergency situations as well as more routine situations. NASA adopted the use of checklists for almost every part of the Gemini and Apollo space missions, and all astronauts were trained in how to use them. Astronauts logged hundreds of hours familiarizing themselves with and learning how to use these checklists. In fact, checklists were so important to the success of the Apollo moon landings that astronaut Michael Collins called them The fourth crew member.

Safety from the Skies to the Seas

Aboard our boat, we have several checklists for different applications. For example, we've found it useful to have two pre-departure checklists: one for leaving a marina and another for leaving an anchorage or mooring.Preparing for each is different enough that having a specific list for the different situations ensures that everything is safe to get underway.A checklist is also one of the best ways to manage your boat maintenance and personal safety. When your boat breaks down out in open water, you become vulnerable to additional problems.Reminder and to-do apps popular on smart devices today are a great platform for building a list of regularly scheduled maintenance tasks. The apps allow you to set a date to inspect items like fire extinguishers, or when engine fluids or anodes need to be changed. Using apps with reminders set, relieves you from having to remember critical items that need attention. They also have a notes section where you can record engine hours of the last change and numbers for any parts used in the process.

Checklists are most useful for regularly reoccurring tasks, ones we believe we do so often we've memorized them tasks like starting your boat and leaving the marina. Therein lies the problem: It's easy to become complacent with reoccurring tasks and believe you've done this so many times you don't need reminders of how to do it.For most people, life is busy, so it's easy to get distracted while going through a task. I've seen it happen on many occasions the ever-present phone rings or a boat neighbor asks a question as you're preparing to get underway and the next thing you know you're pulling out with the shore power cord still connected. Before we started making checklists a habit, I was occasionally upset by a boat passing close by, without calling us on the VHF radio, only to realize I'd forgotten to turn it on.Checklists are also important when multiple people are involved in the same process, so we use checklists for departing from the boat as well. More than once on our Sunday drive home from the boat, we looked at each other and asked, did you take out the trash or did you turn off the propane? Using a boat departure checklist makes sure important items don't get missed and you don't assume the other turned off the water pump breaker or turned on the battery charger.Using checklists also has unforeseen benefits: The more you follow them, the more you benefit. The more you follow a routine process in the same order, the more you understand its faults and failings, allowing you to make improvements.It's easy to see the benefit when developing a checklist and when you first begin using them, but the real benefit comes into play when you continue using them even though you feel like you don't have to anymore. That's when they keep you from forgetting something important.

Whether you're playing competitive games or relaxing with friends and family, celebrate spring by throwing a beach party.

Beach Toys

HYDRO FORCE TROPICAL BREEZE ISLAND FLOAT

‍Bestway

‍Stay cool, calm and comfortable on this inflatable breeze raft. Up to six people can recline on pillow backrests under a protective sunshade with easy access to cup holders for drinks. Complete with a swim-up platform, this raft lets you while away the day. ($229.99) vminnovations.com

‍CRUISE CARBON SUP PACKAGE

‍Bluefin

‍If you're in the mood for an exciting day on the water, Bluefin's inflatable stand-up paddleboard gives the ultimate thrill. Your watersport buddies will love riding the waves on this advanced board. Complete with a kayak conversion kit and carbon rail and paddle, the board is customizable, so you can pick one shaped perfectly for you. ($699) bluefinsupboards.com

‍TROPICAL PALAPA RAFFIA TIKI HUT HAWAIIAN HULA BEACH UMBRELLA

‍EasyGo

‍Create your dream tiki party with this Hawaiian thatch patio umbrella. No need to worry about a windy day, because this umbrella is made of natural, weatherproof material. Grab a towel, a fruity drink and crank the reggae as you kick back under this eco-friendly tiki hut. ($119.77) easygo-products.myshopify.com

Party Planning

ROBOCUP PORTABLE CADDY

‍RoboCup

‍This multifunctional utility caddy provides a double cup holder and securely holds various items including fishing poles, tools, phones and keys. The spring-loaded clamps have a durable grip with UV-inhibitors to protect the resilient plastic material against the sun. ($24.99) therobocup.com

‍DOMETIC CFX3 25 POWERED COOLER

‍Dometic

‍Combining deep-freeze capabilities with power consumption, the Dometic cooler keeps items fresh all day long. It's built with fender frames for outdoor durability and has a user-friendly interface for the powered cooler controls. The options may be a bit pricey, but the long-lasting guarantee will not disappoint. ($899.99) dometic.com

‍HELINOX BEACH CHAIR

‍Helinox

‍Stick your feet in the sand and your face to the sun with this cozy beach lounger. The supportive back and neck rest allows for long-term comfort while sitting around in social gatherings. This beach chair converts to a pillow, so it's easily compactable. ($149.95) helinox.com/collections/beach-chair

Fun & Games

TIPSY TOSS GAME SET

‍GoSports

‍Give your strength and balance the ultimate challenge and bring this classic lawn game to the beach party. The Tipsy Toss full set includes two target poles, two bottles, one flying disc and a portable carrying case. Get extra competitive with this high-energy game and drop the other team's bottle off the pole with the flying disc to score. ($39.99) playgosports.com

‍TIDALBALL BEACH GAME

‍TidalBall

‍This unique game is a fun twist on bocce ball combined with cornhole. You play by digging four-inch holes and trenches on each side to make a sandy court, and throwing an eight-ounce ball into the hole to receive points. What began as a Lowcountry classic game birthed on the sands of Folly Beach, SC, has blossomed into a popular item to bring along for beach parties. ($24.99) tidalball.com

‍FLAMINGO RING TOSS

‍Savita

‍This pretty pink flamingo ring toss is a perfect go-to for a beach or pool party. It's fun for tropical-themed events or just a chill day on the water. Toss a ring around the inflatable flamingo's neck and watch this classic game be a hit with friends. ($49.24) fishpond.com