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waterspout
Vol. 65, Issue 7, March 2019
The official newsletter of the
Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron 1620 Olson ST NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 USA
www.grsps.org
America’s Boating Club of West Michigan
For Boaters, By Boaterssm Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron
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Bridge Officers / Executive Committee
Cdr Jack L Draper Commander
Lt/C John Colley Education Officer
(Open) Executive Officer
Lt/C Marcia A Thompson
Secretary
1st/Lt LeeAnna Geiger-Stehouwer Assistant Secretary
Lt/C Greg Heath Administrative Officer
Lt/C Char Pearson Treasurer
1st/Lt Eddie Kleinfeld Assistant Administrative Officer
Cdr Jack L Draper
Lt/C Greg Heath
Lt/C John Colley
Lt/C Marcia A Thompson
Lt/C Char Pearson
P/C David Brinks
P/C Curt Campbell
1st/Lt/PC Donald Matthews
P/C David W Ristow
1st/Lt LeeAnna Geiger-Stehouwer
1st/Lt Eddie Kleinfeld
Open Editor
Lt/C Marcia A Thompson Publisher & Webmaster
(616) 606-5299
The waterspout
The waterspout is published nine (9) times a year, September through June, by Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron, 1620 Olson St, NE,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503. It is published for Squadron members by the staff of the Squadron Secretary.
The articles, advertisements, and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect USPS or GRSPS policy unless so designated. Articles may be
reprinted without permission if credit is given to the author, GRSPS and the waterspout.
All members in good standing and approved non-member advertisers may submit articles and items for publication. They receive no gratuity.
The editor reserves the right to revise, change, or reject any materials submitted to the waterspout, consistent with standards of accuracy, fairness,
good taste, and available space, subject to the approval of the Squadron Commander.
Table of Contents News from the Commander…………………… 3
Waterspout Tablet Contest…………………….. 4
Administrative News………………………….. 5
March Dinner Meeting………………………… 6
March Birthdays……………………………….. 6
GRSPS Women’s Social – Tea Party………….. 7
Educational Opportunities……………………... 8
NASBLA Class Approval thru 2021…………... 8
Virtual Classes…………………………………. 9
Member Spotlight – Dave Brinks……………… 10
Ship’s Store – 2019 District Conference………. 11
Savvy Boater – Ten Boating Myths Dispelled… 12
Savvy Boater – Child Safety Aboard Boats…… 15
Need an App – Apps for Boaters……………… 16
Advertising……………………………………. 17
Commander’s Club & Newsletter Deadline…… 18
To Advertise In The Waterspout, Contact:
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Bridge News
Happy March Everyone!
I want to say thank you for all the people who worked at this year’s boat show. I thought we represented
our squadron well and were able to make contacts with people who really cared about boat and water
safety. I want to thank Greg Heath, Eddie Kleinfeld, Dave Brinks and Curt Campbell for doing a lot of
the grunt work to make this show happen.
I have been really happy with the dinner meetings participation this year and the number of people who
have attended. At the last meeting we had, and the weather wasn’t very nice, we still had people
showing up as far away as Muskegon which is nice to see. March’s dinner meeting has become of our
Squadrons favorites at Amore in Comstock Park.
Are you aware of the member benefits available through the national squadron? A couple of weeks ago I
went for a Life Line Screening. As Dawn and I were reading the member benefits brochure, I was
shocked to see that the Life Line Screening is an organization listed as benefits for members. I could
have saved money on my screening! I think we fail to realize what benefits we have and fail to utilizing
them. So please look at these benefits and start using them.
Please remember that we are having the District 9 spring conference in Grand Rapids in April. If you are
asked to help, please consider doing so. As a reminder, Dawn and I will be gone on vacation in April;
therefore, if you need anything please reach out to your bridge officers who will be able to help you.
Your current bridge officers are John Colley, Greg Heath, Char Pearson, and Marcia Thompson.
I hope you to see you at Amore on March 14th. Hopefully in March we can start working on our boats
getting them ready to be splashed.
View From The Bridge
Jack L Draper, Sr. Squadron Commander
Image Link: https://bit.ly/2XeuPnh
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Waterspout Tablet Contest
Refurbished ASUS ZenPad™ Z8
This extraordinary LTE tablet is a Verizon exclusive. It can be added to
a Verizon network or used with just Wi-Fi.
Thin and exceptionally light, ZenPad Z8 boasts a 7.9-inch 2K IPS
display with enhanced sharpness, contrast and color. And it gets even
better...live stream your favorite life-like content on the ZenPad Z8
without any lag. Dual front speakers deliver powerful cinematic sound
quality. And because you want a tablet that also delivers amazing
photos, the advanced PixelMaster camera increases low-light brightness
by up to 400 percent. The Qualcomm® Snapdragon 650 Hexa-Core
processor provides a superior user experience.
How do you win? Read March & April’s waterspouts and look for the
secret word. Email the two secret words to Marcia Thompson, GRSPS’ secretary at [email protected] by
midnight on May 10th. If multiple people submit correct answers, a drawing will be held. The winner will be
announced at ‘The Spring Fling’ on May 18th at the Muskegon Country Club.
The refurbished tablet has been graciously donated by Techtronify Computer Services
Note: Warranty has expired on this device.
The tablet is being provided as is with no additional warranties or guarantees.
Tablet Information can be found at https://www.verizonwireless.com/tablets/asus-zenpad-z8/
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Administrative News
Events & Meetings
Another successful boat show is under our belts. We had 25 volunteers that covered 12 different time slots plus
setup and tear down. Without such support from our squadron members we would not be able to have a booth
at the boat show every year, and get the opportunity to share the great activities and benefits of being a GRSPS
member. This is our biggest opportunity each year to reach out to thousands of people and try to encourage
new membership, signup for VSC and Boater Safety classes. Thank you to all of you who volunteered your
time to help.
During our February meeting, everybody shared a memorable boating event. It was a lot of fun and through the
various stories, we were all able to experience a new boating adventure.
The D9 Spring Conference planning is coming along nicely with special thanks to Dave Brinks and Char
Pearson for doing the bulk of the planning on behalf of our squadron. Dave and Char have been meeting and
coordinating with members of both the Lansing and Grand Traverse squadron representatives. All three
squadrons will be co-hosting a hospitality room. We needed volunteers to help with the registration desk and
to help host in the hospitality room. The Brink's and Veen's have graciously volunteered to help with the
registration desk. We still need volunteers to help host in the hospitality room. If you are interested in helping
as hosts in the hospitality room, please reach out to me by phone or Email. [email protected] - (616) 304-
8597.
Be sure to take a look below for events other than our dinner meetings. We have some fun events coming up.
View From The Bridge
Lt/C Greg Heath Squadron Administrative Officer
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March Dinner Meeting
Date: March 14, 2019
Place: Amore Restaurant - 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Social time: 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:45 PM
Speaker: Ellen Sease - Port City Princess - Captain/First Mate
RSVP to Eddie Kleinfeld by March 10, 2019
Eddie Kleinfeld: [email protected]
FUTURE DINNER MEETINGS: April 11 - Hearthstone - Muskegon - Speaker: Rich Lenardson from TowBoatUS
May 18 - Muskegon Country Club - Spring Fling (last Dinner meeting for the season)
Other Events: March 9, 2019 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Torresen's Spring Open House
April 12-13, 2019 - D9 Spring Conference - Crown Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids
June 7-9, 2019 - Great Lakes Marina Annual Vessel Safety Check
June 29, 2019 - D9 Boat Raft up/Rendezvous - Muskegon Lake (watch for details as the date gets closer.)
Maxine Shepard ~ March 2 Curtis Campbell ~ March 14
Jeriel Beard ~ March 18 Kenneth Bandstra ~ March 20
Kathryn Kuhn ~ March 24 Robert Stehouwer ~ March 25
Robert Voyt ~ March 27
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Ladies, Save the Date!
Interested in volunteering to help with the Women’s Social,
email Marcia Thompson at [email protected].
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Know someone who wants to take our ABC course. Here are the classes schedule for April and a list of
seminars we have available.
ABC3 Classroom and Online Classes Are Approved through 2021
The 2018 America’s Boating Course 3rd Edition classroom and online course materials have been approved by
the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) as conforming to the
ANSI/NASBLA Standards. The courses are approved through 31 December 2021. The conformity review
process for meeting the standards included the course’s student manual, end-of-chapter review questions, final
assessment examination questions, and the PowerPoint instructor aids. The Basic Public Education Committee
worked for near a year to gain this approval from NASBLA and most of the states and territories. The
classroom course meeting most state requirements for basic boating knowledge education continues completed
in about EIGHT-hours. (https://www.usps.org/index.php/departments/13000)
America’s Boating Club of West Michigan Classes/Seminars
America’s Boating Class
Cost - $50/person (includes book) or $75/couple (sharing book)
April 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – West Marine - Grand Rapids
2975 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
April 20th – 8:30AM – 4:30 PM - Muskegon Fire Department, Station #4
1836 Robinson St., Muskegon, MI 49441
Seminars (2 hrs.) (Dates TBD) Cost - $35/seminar
• Anchoring
• Emergencies on Board
• Man Overboard
• Partner in Command
• Trailering Your Boat
• Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio
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Online education is available through American’s Boating Club at https://americasboatingclub.org/education-
matters/online-boating-education. Check out the online courses, seminars and webinars available.
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Member Spotlight
P/C David L (Dave) Brinks, AP GRSPS Squadron Member
At the age of 23 and with the strong encouragement of his father-in-law who had just purchased a 42’ Chris
Craft, Dave took a squadron safe boating class and joined Grand Rapids Power Squadron in October, 1968.
Almost immediately, he became active in the squadron educational
department. Always a strong believer in the squadron mission of safe
boating education, Dave taught public boating classes for many years. He
has served in virtually every local elective office (some multiple times)
and many appointed offices, as well as District 9 appointed offices. Dave
served GRPS as Commander in 1978 and GRSPS as Commander in 2015
and 2016 and has served on the Executive Committee for 45 years. Last
year, Dave earned his 50th Merit Mark and was awarded Emeritus
Membership in USPS at the Annual Meeting in Orlando this February, a
first for any member of the Grand Rapids squadron. An added feature is
that this is his 50th consecutive Merit Mark, never having missed a year!
Currently, Dave serves the squadron as Vessel
Safety Check Chairman, Chairman of the
Committee on Rules, Nominating Committee Chairman and is a member of the
Executive Committee.
Dave’s love of boating began at age 10, when his Dad bought a mahogany 14’
Wagemaker outboard runabout. 25 horsepower was an amazing thing back then and
provided many hours of family fun. Dave sold that boat just a few years ago after more than 50 years of
family ownership. A variety of boats followed and Dave and his wife, Sallie, currently own a 17’ outboard
for fishing and watersports, as well as 2 personal watercraft. Dave and Sallie have 3 sons who are married
and have added 8 grandchildren to the family. Boating has always represented family fun for the Brinks’
family and they were raised on it. Boating, waterskiing (including some awesome homemade “shoe skis”),
kneeboarding, fishing…all have been enjoyed by the family and friends over the years. The PWC’s brought
a new dimension to boating fun. Safe boating has always been at the core of this family fun and each family
member has taken or will take a safe boating class.
Dave will tell you the memories that are made over 50 years of squadron membership are cherished. Boating
classes taught, fellow boaters educated, lives saved and enhanced because of exposure to boating and safety,
all bring good memories. But the memories that stand out above all are the friendships made. Dave and
Sallie have friends from around the area, across the state and across the country, all as a result of squadron
membership. Dave will also tell you that happens by being an active part of the squadron and not sitting on
the sidelines.
Dave plans to be an active part of the squadron for many more years and his “story” would not be complete
without his encouragement for you to be involved in the squadron. Invite your friends, take a class, teach a
class, volunteer, don’t wait to be asked, be a part of it and make a difference.
Spotlight members are needed for April & May. Please email Publisher at [email protected] if interested.
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D9 Spring Conference April 12-13, 2019
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Ten Boating Myths Dispelled By Charles Fort
Let's set the record straight once and for all on everything
from ethanol to life jackets.
From the Kracken to Cthulhu and Hydra to Leviatan, stories of
mythical creatures abound in seafaring lore. So, too, are the
myths that perpetuate when it comes to modern boat ownership,
handling, maintenance, and safety.
Seaworthy is able to bust these common myths because, for 35 years, we've had the unique ability to mine the
BoatUS insurance data to spot trends, investigate pretty much any kind of grief a boat can get into, and write
about how to avoid it. We sift through thousands of claims files every year looking to turn hunches into facts
and translate statistics into information you can use to keep you and your boat safe on the water.
Here's a look at the most common myths we at BoatUS hear over and over. We'll also continue analyzing data
and busting myths so you can avoid becoming a statistic.
10. Stainless steel doesn't rust.
Whoever named stainless steel must have been an optimist. Stainless steel certainly can and does rust, though if
you know why, you can avoid using it in places where it's less suitable. Most marine-grade stainless used on
production boats is from the 300 series. Type 304 is a good multipurpose steel. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
is clad with 304. Types 316 and 316L have a slightly higher nickel content and added molybdenum to improve
their corrosion resistance over 304 — especially with regard to pitting and corrosion in saltwater environments.
There are higher grades as well, such as the type used in dental implants. Most boaters will opt for Type 316
and 316L.
The key to stainless steel is that the chromium in the steel combines with oxygen to form an invisible surface
layer of chromium oxide that prevents further corrosion from spreading into the metal's internal structure.
Stainless steel actually protects and repairs itself, except in areas where there is a low level of oxygen, such as a
stainless-steel screw in a damp deck core. This kind of corrosion is referred to as "crevice corrosion." It can eat
into the stainless, causing great weakening. In some cases, cheap plated steel or zinc fasteners are mistaken for
stainless steel and then cursed when they begin to rust or crumble. Use stainless steel where it won't be starved
of oxygen, and get high-grade stainless fittings from a known supplier. Stainless steel that is attracted by a
magnet is not what you want to use on a boat.
9. Ethanol gas (E10) works fine in my car so it should be fine for my
boat, too.
Photo: Thinkstock/Estt
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Cars go through gas much faster than most boats. You probably fill up your car once a week or so. But ethanol's
Achilles heel is that it's hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water. Car fuel systems are closed and under slight
pressure, meaning they absorb very little water, and any small amount that gets in will just burn through the
engine until it's replaced by fresh fuel next week. But most boat fuel tanks are open to the atmosphere. That
little vent you see in your hull allows air to replace fuel as it's used, but it's also an inlet for moisture. A deck fill
that even slightly leaks can put a lot of water in your boat's fuel. As enough water gets into your boat's gas tank,
the ethanol combines with it, and when there is enough, the ethanol/water mixture separates to the bottom of the
tank, right where the fuel pickup is. The result is a stalling — or even a damaged — engine.
8. Boats stored ashore can't sink.
This one is sort of true. Technically a boat on land can't sink underwater, but it can get filled with water during a
major storm, which can cause nearly as much damage as if it sank. After a hurricane hits, there are always
claims for boats that have submerged engines and electronics even though they're stored ashore. Given enough
rain and wind, water will find a way in.
Larger boats need to have all openings made watertight before a major storm hits. Leaking hatches and
portlights can also allow lots of water in over time, with a moldy mess the result. Smaller boats often fill with
water due to a leaking seat hatch or sole cover. Over long periods of time, a bad enough leak can eventually
destroy a boat. Close-fitting covers can avoid "sinking on land," and for small boats, leaving the drain plug out,
with the drain clear of debris, is the safest bet. Only in extreme surge events should you leave the plug in so
rising water can't come in through the drain. One more thing: Visit your boat often to make sure leaks don't turn
into a catastrophe.
7. Sailboats have the right of way.
Lots of powerboat operators may be gleeful to see this myth exposed in print, but don't get too smug because
powerboats are still behind sailboats most of the time in the pecking order. But sailboats aren't even halfway up
the list. Without getting into too much detail, the pecking order from least to highest privilege is seaplane,
power-driven vessel (this means your sailboat, if your engine is on, even if not in gear), sailboat, fishing vessel
(commercial, not recreational), vessel constrained by draft (think ship in a narrow channel), vessel restricted in
ability to maneuver (such as a dredge or vessel servicing a buoy), and at the top, a vessel not under command
(this could be a vessel drifting due to an engine failure or one that's flooding or on fire).
But this is not a hard-and-fast "no exceptions" statement of the rules. We must say to all of this, "except
sometimes." See, for example, Rule 2.
6. Drinking aboard is OK as long as there's a designated driver.
Almost half of all boating accidents involve alcohol. And while most of those lay the blame squarely on the
skipper, there are plenty of accidents where tipsy passengers take a nasty fall aboard or, worse, fall overboard.
An inebriated swimmer — especially one who has fallen off a moving boat — may become so disoriented that
he or she can drown before the "designated driver" can return.
A pitching, bouncing boat is a difficult platform to maneuver on. Throw in some alcohol and things can get
dangerous. Your best bet is to wait until you're back at the dock to celebrate a great outing.
5. You don't need a life jacket if you're a good swimmer.
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Maybe this statistic will change your mind: 90 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Not
some, but the vast majority of drowning victims had no life jacket on.
If you fall off of a boat, you may strike your head on something, leaving you dazed and unable to swim. If the
water is cold, you may experience caloric labyrinthitis and/or hyperventilation, as well as hypothermia. Caloric
labyrinthitis is an inner ear disturbance associated with sudden temperature drop and causes a person to become
disoriented, which explains why someone thrown into the water may sometimes swim down instead of up.
Hyperventilation can cause a person to gasp and breathe in water. In very cold water, a swimmer without a life
jacket can only survive for a few minutes. Even if you're a champion swimmer, consider wearing your life
jacket whenever you're aboard. You can't predict when you'll fall overboard.
4. Older boats are money pits.
This one may have a ring of truth to it for anyone who's ever tried to restore a "classic." But a well-cared-for
older boat doesn't have to cost an arm and leg to maintain and may actually be cheaper to keep than a newer
boat.
Systems (e.g., plumbing, wiring) are less sophisticated, which means someone who's handy can often do more
maintenance and repairs than he or she could on a newer boat with computer controls, electric doodads, and
complex engines.
The best older boats to hang onto are often those that were made in large numbers; parts are often easily
available and there is usually a large group of enthusiastic supporters online who are willing to share money-
saving parts-sourcing and repair tips.
3. Hoses last forever.
Of course this one isn't true. But judging by the hundreds of pictures we see every year of rotten, swollen,
leaking hoses, many people seem to think it is.
Hoses live a pretty tough life, especially those that have to handle fuel. For something that can easily sink your
boat if it fails, they don't seem to get the attention they deserve. Most manufacturers say that after 10 years, any
hose is living on borrowed time. (Hose clamps may last less than half that time.)
Longtime marine surveyor Alison Mazon's response to how long a hose lasts: A hose will last until it can't. In
other words, you can't predict when one will give up, so check them regularly and immediately replace any that
are questionable.
2. Driving a boat is pretty much like driving a car.
This is often where new boaters get into trouble, and it's usually for a couple of reasons. First, the water our
boats float upon is, well, fluid, and always moving. Boats simply can't maneuver as well as cars can on asphalt.
There are no brakes on boats, and even if there were, once you've stopped, there's nothing to keep you from
moving with the wind and current — until you run aground.
Second, the rules that drivers follow (stop at stop signs, one-way only, use your turn signal) go out the door on
the water, replaced by inland and international regulations designed to prevent collisions. On a boat, it's also
easier to let your guard down because of the seemingly wide-open spaces without traffic controls, which can
lead to collisions.
1. Inland lakes and rivers aren't nearly as challenging as the ocean.
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Just tell that to someone who boats on the Great Lakes or the Columbia River. Wind over the open water of
307-mile long Lake Michigan allows waves to build up to 20 feet. Lake Superior boasts even higher waves,
with heights approaching 30 feet in violent fall storms. Waves on the lakes tend to be steeper and shorter, which
makes for a truly uncomfortable (and potentially dangerous) ride when the wind pipes up.
Great Lakes boaters are also familiar with some truly spectacular thunderstorms that whip up in the summer.
Boaters on the Columbia River in Washington know that winds frequently gust 40 knots down the narrow
gorges and if it opposes the swift current, the waves are very steep. Many inland lakes are well known for
violent summer thunderstorms. Whether offshore or inland, checking the latest weather forecast can keep you
out of trouble.
— Published: August/September 2018
https://www.boatus.com/magazine/2018/august/ten-boating-myths-dispelled.asp
Child Safety Aboard Boats
Using the engine cutoff safety lanyard could have prevented this near disaster. December 14, 2018
0 Comments
A child’s exuberance and a boater’s error
almost lead to catastrophe.
Tim Bower
It was a warm sunny day, just perfect for
taking my daughter Lauren, my son-in-law
Alex, and my 2-year-old grandson Teddy out
for a ride aboard my Cobia 296. Our goal was
to see the dolphins that feed in the area of my
second home, near Marco Island, Florida, and
just enjoy an hour or so on the water.
As I carefully pulled up to the dock at the
Caxambas Park public ramp, I could see Teddy
waving to me, anxious to get on board
“Puppa’s” boat. The dock was on the same side as my steering wheel, so rather than tying up, I simply straddled
the gunwale with one foot in the boat and the other on the dock. I left the boat idling.
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Alex lifted Teddy and handed him to me, and I gently set him down in the boat. Teddy immediately went
exploring the boat, asking, “What’s this?” multiple times as Alex followed him around. I then asked Alex to
focus on getting the Bluetooth on my stereo connected to my iPhone. He got right on it.
Seconds later, as I was helping Lauren into the boat, I heard a load roar from my engines and saw to my horror
that both engines were pulling the boat in reverse while I was trying to hold our position, still in my straddle. I
thought I was going swimming and the kids would be left alone in a boat powering in reverse.
I realized Teddy was at the helm and had reached up and pulled both throttles back as far as he could (as any 2-
year-old would do). Fortunately, Alex was right there beside him and quickly returned the throttles to the
neutral position.
It freaked me out! Captain’s error all the way! If Teddy had pushed the throttles instead of pulled them, there
was no way I could hold the boat in my straddle position, and it would have crashed into the sea wall 5 feet off
the bow. Disaster averted.
I learned a valuable lesson that day. From now on, I tie up at the dock before anyone comes aboard, and I turn
off the engines when any children are aboard and I leave the controls unattended.
Michael Carollo
Goodland, Michigan
Wearing the kill-switch safety lanyard can prevent similar incidents by disabling the engines whenever the skipper leaves the helm for
any reason. —Ed.
https://www.boatingmag.com/child-safety-aboard-boats
Apps for Boaters
Need an app for your smartphones, iPad or tables for boating activities? USPS provides a list of many apps
which can be beneficial to boaters. Many are free but not all. Note that this listing does NOT suggest
endorsement by USPS of any of the apps. See the USPS Disclaimer page for information.
What type of apps are available? Here are the categories available:
• Astronomy
• Education
• Life Style
• Medical, Healthcare & Fitness
• Multi-Purpose Apps
• Navigation (lots)
• Reference
• Sailing
• Travel
• Utilities
• Weather (lots)
If you are a member, you can find the this list at https://www.usps.org/index.php/departments/13000/13000-apps-for-
boaters. Word is Vessel!
Image Link: https://bit.ly/2tud467
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https://www.facebook.com/AmericasBoatingClubofWestMichigan/ http://www.grsps.org/ [email protected]
Copyright © 2018 “Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron”, All rights reserved.
Our Mailing Address is: 1620 Olson ST NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Commander’s Club
An Honor Roll of Special Members
Representing a minimum gift of $50 per year
David and Sallie Brinks
George and Carol Mandigo
If you would like to join the Commander’s Club,
contact Jack Draper at [email protected]
