Beautiful Boating Destinations

Owning a boat allows you to travel to breathtaking locations most people cannot access. Pick A Slip has gathered a list of the top 10 lakes to go boating on in North America picked by over 5,000 boaters. Check out their full article here.

1. Lewisville Lake, Texas
2. Wheeler Lake, Alabama
3. Lake Marion, South Carolina
4. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
5. Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont/Quebec
6. Lake Lanier, Georgia
7. Norris Lake, Tennessee
8. Higgins Lake, Michigan
9. Shasta Lake, California
10. Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah

Of course our #1 pick is Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania. Let us know where your favorite boating destinations are!

Lighthouse Harbor Marina's Online Water Sports Store

Did you know that Lighthouse Harbor Marina has an online water sports store? Onlinewakeboards.com features some of the items we carry in our Ships' Store. It is a convenient way for you to view and purchase water sports equipment from brands like HO Sports, Hyperlite, and O'Brien online and have it shipped directly to your doorstep!

Our online store is available through Amazon so you can shop with peace of mind from a trusted website. Visit us today! We may have just what you've been looking for!

2014 Monterey 268 SS Sport Boat - LHMBoats.com

This spectacular 2014 Monterey 268 SS sport boat has everything you need for a great experience on the water.

The wakeboard tower with Bimini top is perfect to tow you around while your companions relax on the filler cushions in the bow. The cockpit features a wet bar to quench your thirst.

The 268 SS also has snap-in carpet, a fire extinguishing system, and a battery charger with deck plug. The SeaDek swim platform inlay is the perfect spot to get some sun. Featuring upgraded stainless steel and stereo packages, as well as bow and cockpit covers, you don't need much else.

Specifications:

• Length 26' 8"
• Beam 8' 6"
• Horse Power 320 HP
• Fuel Capacity 80 Gal.
• Dry Weight 5500 lbs
• Deadrise 20 Deg.

Stop by our showroom at Lighthouse Harbor Marina to see all this beautiful boat has to offer! (570) 857-0220

Trailering Your Boat Safely

 

With the fall season coming up, many boats will be loaded on trailers and towed to different locations for winter storage. Make sure you know how to trailer your boat safely with these tips:

• Verify the towing capacity of your vehicle. This information is in the owner’s manual. Also, verify the dry weight of the boat. Keep in mind that the dry weight does not include fuel or gear.
• Be familiar with your state trailering laws. Different states may have particular requirements based on weight and beam of the boat.
• Maintain your trailer like you would your boat. Every time you launch or retrieve your boat, your trailer is submerged under water. Inspect the hubs, trailer bunks, tires, and the lights on your trailer to make sure everything is in good condition.

For more information on trailering your boat safely, check out Discover Boating.

Navigation Lights

Navigation lights must be shown if a vessel is in operation:

• between sunset and sunrise
• in restricted visibility

Navigation lights indicate:

• the size of the ship
• the angle where you see them
• the direction the ship is travelling
• if the ship is anchored

Most recreational vessels less than 30 feet long should have navigation lights. The arc and color of the lights determines the direction the vessel is traveling. These lights must be seen from a minimum distance and have a certain arc through which they can be seen. Check out the following lighting requirements for recreational vessels less than 12 meters in length (approximately 39.4').

When boating at night remember the following: "When two lights you see ahead, turn your helm and show your red".

Top 10 Reasons to Own a Pontoon

Pontoon and Deck Boat Magazine has come up with a list of the top ten reasons to own a pontoon boat and we have to say, we agree! Click the picture below, and let us know if you agree, too!

Boating Safety for Children

 

Boating is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Whether tubing, water skiing, sailing, or just lounging around on the water, there is no better place to connect with loved ones than outdoors. Nevertheless, it is very important to keep everyone's safety in mind. Did you know that Pennsylvania law states anyone 13 years and younger must wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at all times while on a vessel? Here are some other tips to consider while boating with kids:

Wear the right life jacket – Make sure kids not only wear a life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard approved, but that it also fits them correctly. While raising both arms straight up, the life jacket should not reach the child’s chin or ears. A life jacket should be snug and fit securely. For more information on choosing the right life jacket, click here.

Keep warm – Children and babies are at a higher risk for hypothermia. It may not feel cold to you but a child may not be able to handle the temperature as well. Make sure you properly dress them, and wrap them with blankets or towels if they are shivering.

Set safety rules – Set some rules to keep kids safe on the boat. No running, no roughhousing, and no jumping are some good rules to follow. Make sure they are aware of the boundaries on the boat and where they are allowed to go while on-board.

Be prepared – No matter how careful you are, sometimes things go wrong. Ensure that you can handle a situation should one arise. Learn CPR, install a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you of toxic fumes, and make everyone aware of the location of the fire extinguisher.

Teach children the difference between swimming in a pool as opposed to open water – Unlike a pool, open water has uneven surfaces, currents, and an unknown bottom. You never know what is under the surface, so kids should not dive into open water or swim too far away from the boat.

Supervise children – Each child is different and has unique capabilities. Enroll your child in swimming lessons so they learn how to tread water, float, and swim. Keep an eye on them when they are in the water and never allow a teen to operate a vessel without supervision.

What Do You Think Of Our New Website?! LHMBoats.com

We are in the process of launching our BRAND NEW WEBSITE and we need your help!

We have spent a lot of time creating a more convenient website for our customers. It is faster to access, has an updated, modern design, and is easier to navigate. We have added brand information and videos for Bennington Pontoon Boats, Monterey Sports Boats, and Tigé Wakeboarding Boats in order to help you find the right boat for you. The new website also features a larger Live Marina Cam, virtual tours of our showroom and Ships' Store, along with direct links to our social medias.

In addition, we now have a mobile site as well! Our new website has a link to the mobile website for quick information on the go. You can also explore our marina from an aerial view, get a list of our boats from convenient menus, and quickly contact us with questions.

While we did make significant additions, we also updated our links to our other websites. It is now easier for you to get to PoconoActionSports.com (our rentals page), YamahaOutboardsOnline.com (our online service page) and OnlineWakeboards.com (our store page) from our main website.

Here is where you come in...

We are looking for your feedback! What do you like about our new website? What can we change to make it better? The website is for you, our customers, so we would like to hear your opinion! Poke around the new website and let us know what you think! LHMBoats.com

Wally Lake Fest - Boat Parade!

This Friday, August 22^nd, 2014, is the first day of the fifth annual Wally Lake Fest. This celebration is from the 22^nd through the 24^th and some activities include the popular boat parade, free sailboat rides, live music from our unique floating stage, along with stand up paddleboard demonstrations.

Highly anticipated, the boat parade is a distinctive activity in which boats are creatively decorated and will parade around the lake from Sunny Point Cove to the judge’s platform at the Tafton Dike on Saturday, August 23^rd at 4pm (rain date: Sunday, August 24^th). The “best dressed” boat wins $1,000! Along with the first place winner, 2^nd and 3^rd places will receive trophies and prizes as well. Davis R. Chant Realtors in Hawley sponsors the parade and accepts registrations at their office (570)226-4518. Registration is free.

Along with annual activities, some new activities have been added to the itinerary this year. Join us for glass stretching and glass bead making, Paupack Blueberry Farm tours, the American Red Cross’s “Call to Action” scavenger hunt, and Schuman’s Point nature hike!

Also new this year is the addition of multiple FREE shuttle buses. They will be available on Saturday from 10am – 6pm and on Sunday from 11am – 5pm, making a variety of stops so you can enjoy Wally Lake Fest without the hassle of driving and parking.

Wally Lake Fest is proudly hosted by the Downtown Hawley Partnership, and presented by Lighthouse Harbor Marina!

Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed

Through research and water quality monitoring, the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed keeps up on what threats the lake is facing. Fortunately, the Watershed has one of the most extensive data sets in the Northeast to do just that. Since the sampling program began in 1980, it has transformed several times due to funding, sampling protocols, and changes in research projects. There are two locations where today’s program assesses water quality not only on the surface of the lake, but also on the bottom. These two sites give a representative evaluation of the whole lake. The Watershed takes samples once a month, May through October, so if you are enjoying the lake you might see them taking samples from their lab boat.

The Watershed looks first at the physical characteristics of the water, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH, and records their findings at one-meter periods all through the water column. In addition, by taking samples from one meter below the surface and one meter above the bottom, they can look at the chemistry of the water. Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Total Suspended Solids, and Alkalinity are analyzed at a laboratory where these samples are sent. The laboratory also samples Chlorophyll, which is a green pigment that is necessary for plants to photosynthesize. Phytoplankton and Zooplankton are also sampled and analyzed.

You can find all the details and information on the Watershed’s sampling program, along with Lake Wallenpaupack’s water quality, by checking out the Watershed’s annual reports.

“Water quality monitoring continues to be an integral part of our mission. We know what our pollutants are; we know from where in the watershed they originate; and we know what we have to do to address them.” –Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed

GoPro - OnlineWakeboards.com

You have probably seen pictures and videos taken with a GoPro Camera all over the internet recently, but how much do you know about GoPro? Well, GoPro is an American corporation that makes the world's most versatile cameras. They develop, produce and market high-definition cameras for personal use. Usually used to photograph and video extreme action sports such as surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, mountain climbing, and any other activity that is difficult to photograph, GoPro Cameras capture still photos as well as HD videos using a wide-angle lens.

Nicholas Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro, Inc., decided to create an innovative camera to capture adventures after a surfing trip he took in Australia in  2002. After not being able to take shots of his surfing, he sought to construct a camera that could take professional quality photographs at an affordable price (that is where the name GoPro derived from). Initially raising money to start his company, Woodman sold bead and shell belts out of his VW van for less than $20 each. This inspired the fashionable straps that attach to the cameras.

Featuring numerous style cameras at varying prices, GoPro offers something for everyone. You can purchase your GoPro Camera at OnlineWakeboards.com or visit our Ships’ Store located at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack, PA.

Select the Best Boat Dealer

Here are a couple tips to follow to help you choose the best boat dealer:

Are you greeted by the staff? The first five minutes of entering a store are the most telling. If someone does not come out to greet you and offer assistance, service will probably not improve in the future.

Did you do your research? You can find out a lot of information by taking a few minutes to investigate a business’s reputation online. Check out reviews from other customers.

Is the property clean and kept up? If the dealership does not take pride in, and care for their own property, do not be surprised if they treat your property the same way.

Are your phone calls and emails returned? No one likes to wait around for a return call. It may not be right away, but your business should be important enough to the dealer for you to count on reliable communication.

Do they hold any Dealership Industry Certifications? Intended to improve the sales and service experience of customer, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) offers the Marine Five Star Dealer Certification program. Dealers spend a lot of time and money to invest in this program and NMMA’s research shows that they provide a superior level of service than those who do not hold a certification.

Stand Up Paddleboarding - PoconoActionSports.com

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the most popular sports in the world right now.  Not only are paddleboards popping up everywhere, from luxury resorts to local lakes, a ton of people are using paddleboarding as a way to get an amazing full body work out.

About Paddleboarding
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) offers a fun, relaxing way to play on the water. With a minimum of gear, you can paddle ocean surf, lakes and rivers-no waves required. SUP delivers a full body workout and thus has become a popular cross-training activity. And since you stand at your full height, you can enjoy unique views of everything from sea creatures to what's on the horizon.

Paddleboarding for Fitness
Stand up paddleboarding is one of the most popular sports in the world right now.  Not only are paddleboards popping up everywhere from luxury resorts to local lakes, a ton of people are using paddleboarding as a way to get an amazing full body work out.

PremiumPaddleboards.com is an authorized dealer of Hobie brand Paddleboards and have selected them because of their high quality construction and design.

Paddleboard rentals start at $25 per hour and are discounted for multiple hour rentals.
Please note that our rental season for paddleboards is May 15th through September 30th.

PremiumPaddleboards.com provides rentals of our boards on Lake Wallenpaupack through our association with Pocono Action Sports...the rental division of Lighthouse Harbor Marina.  Rentals can be reserved online, in person, or by phone at (570) 857-0779.

2013 Monterey 260 SCR Cruiser - LighthouseHarbor.com

 

This stunning 2013 Monterey 260 SCR is a special edition onyx/pearl gel coated hull design featuring new Biltmore interior. Powering this boat is the 320 HP Volvo Penta V8 with dual prop.

Options in this cruiser include a radar arch with overhead lighting and speakers, a remote controlled spotlight, a prewire for windless anchor, cockpit and full camper enclosures, a solid mahogany wood dining table, monogrammed towels and dining set, LED TV and DVD player.

The 260 SCR also has an upgraded stereo with two amps and sub, a woven cockpit floor and interior runners, and a SeaDek swim platform inlay.

The specifications are:

• Length 27' 6"
• Beam 8' 6"
• Fuel Capacity 80 Gal.
• Weight7200 lbs
• Horse Power 320 HP
• Water Capacity 25 Gal.
• Waste Capacity 21 Gal.

Visit our website at LighthouseHarbor.com and stop by Lighthouse Harbor Marina to see this beautiful boat for yourself!

National Lighthouse Day - LighthouseHarbor.com

Lighthouse Harbor Marina is proud to be celebrating National Lighthouse Day today, August 7th. It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers.

Origin of National Lighthouse Day...

Senator John H. Chafee (Rhode Island) sponsored a joint resolution that was introduced to Congress on April 28, 1988 designating the day of August 7, 1989 as “National Lighthouse Day.” The summary of the resolution stated, “Designates August 7, 1989, as National Lighthouse Day and calls for lighthouse grounds, where feasible, to be open to the public.” The resolution passed the Senate on July 26, 1988 and the House (sponsored by Representative William J. Hughes, New Jersey) on October 21, 1988. President Ronald Reagan signed the Bill into public law (No. 100-622) on November 5, 1988.

                                                          -American Lighthouse Foundation

Visit American Lighthouse Foundation for all the information on this Act.

Boat Types - LighthouseHarbor.com

With the variety of boats on the water these days, it is common to come across a type you have never seen before. Here are some of the most popular boats you may spot these days:

Bowrider Boats – Generally between 17’ and 35’, these runabout boats use stern drive or outboard engines. They hold six to ten people and have a bow area that is open with available seats.

Pontoon Boats – A flattish boat featuring two or three tubular flotation devices underneath it to create a platform. Pontoon Boats are ideal for fishing as well as pleasure boating and are low in cost considering their capacity.

Center Console Boats – With the console of the boat in the center, these open hull boats have a single deck that surrounds the console in order for a person to easily walk around the boat from stern to bow. These boats are ideal for fishing and range in length from 13’ to 45’.

Wakeboard Boats – Designed to create a large wake behind the boat, they usually contain heavy inboard motors that are specifically intended to generate a great and specifically shaped wake to allow a wakeboarder to jump and do aerial tricks. They also feature a tower with the purpose of elevating the pulling position of the towrope, allowing the rider an easier launch and longer airtime.

Deck Boats – Varying in length between 18’ to 28’, deck boats typically have a vee-bottom hull like a bowrider, but provide a vast seating area like a pontoon.

Cabin Cruisers- Featuring accommodations for its passengers inside the boat, and ranging in size from 25’ to 45’, these powerboats are usually set up with a toilet, dining area, and sleeping cabin. Some even feature air conditioning, heating, and power generators.

Sailboats – Powered partially or entirely by its sails, these boats are used for recreation, transportation, and even racing. Ranging in size and shape, smaller sailboats are called sailboards and larger sailboats are sailing ships.

For more information on boat types and brands, visit DiscoverBoating.com

What To Know When Renting A Boat - PoconoActionSports.com

 

Renting a boat in the summer is a wonderful way to spend a day on vacation or a day off from work. It allows you to spend time with your family while doing something different and exciting. You get to explore an area from a different perspective for an affordable cost. With all the boat types offered, there are some things you should take into account when you're ready to rent a boat.

• Where to rent from - There are numerous marinas situated around a single body of water. Lake Wallenpaupack has several locations to rent boats, with many different rental options. Research your options and choose the place that is the best fit for you.
• What boat to rent - With all the rental options available, such as ski boats, pontoon boats, and fishing boats, take into consideration how many people will be in your party, what activities you are planning on doing, and how much stuff you will be bringing along. Choose a boat that can accommodate all your needs.
• What is the rental agreement - Before signing a rental agreement, read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. Some marinas restrict the area in which you can travel with the boat. Many boats are not equipped for towables. Know the rules prior to renting.
• What are you covered for - Along with the rental agreement, you should know what you are liable for should there be damage to the rental equipment. It is common for a rental facility to offer a damage waiver. Inspect the boat with an employee before taking it out to ensure you both agree on it's condition.
•  Do you have a qualified driver - Regulations for operating a boat vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, you must have a Boater's Safety Certification to operate a boat if you were born in 1982 or later. Make sure you know the qualifications and have an adequate and knowledgeable member of your party operate the boat.
• Location and use of safety equipment - Commonly provided with the boat rental, safety equipment is required on a boat. Know where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it. Know where the Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are stored and make sure everyone has one that fits properly.

Pocono Action Sports, located at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack, offers various rental options. Visit us online at PoconoActionSports.com or call us at (570) 857-0779 for more information!

Rope Knots

With so many different rope knots for various uses, it's hard to remember how to create them all. It's even more challenging to remember which knot to use for what, like to tie an anchor to a rope, or to tie a rope to a cleat or a dock. With dozens of rope knots it's a good idea to keep a guide handy. The Pro-Knot App is a convenient way to have dozens of knots at your fingertips. 

Bald Eagles at Lake Wallenpaupack

 

For the past few years, PPL has closed Lake Wallenpaupack's Kipp Island to the public until the end of July in an effort to protect a bald eagle nesting area. The bald eagles have been returning to Kipp Island, which is located across from Lighthouse Harbor Marina, year after year to raise their eaglets and PPL tries to support secure and healthy habitats for these endangered birds of prey.

Bald eagles mate for life and a pair will often return to the same nesting spot every year to raise their young, working together to defend their territory from predators. Usually built in a tree, the nest is about five feet in diameter and built near water. The pair will rebuild nearby, or in the same spot, if something happens to their nest. If they feel threatened, they will likely build a new nest nearby in their nesting area which is around two square miles.

At around four or five years of age, an eagle will reach sexual maturity. However, they do not breed every year. Possibly due to weather, lack of a nesting area, or perhaps it is an instinctive decision, a pair may choose not to breed. Yet, they do have many years to breed since they can live up to 30 years in the wild.

Eggs are speckled off white or beige in color and are comparable in size to a baseball. The female will lay the first of two or three eggs about five to ten days after a successful copulation. A few days later, she will lay the second, and possibly a third after that. 

The female spends most of her time caring for the eggs but the duty is shared between both eagles and lasts approximately 35 days. Once ready to hatch, the eaglets emerge in the order they were laid and spend generally 11 to 13 weeks in the nest before venturing on their own.

The lake community is proud to have the bald eagles nesting in the area and look forward to them returning each year. Kipp Island reopened to the public on August 1st.

Naturally Preventing Skin Damage

 

While you are out on the water having fun this weekend you are probably not putting a whole lot of thought into your skin. Jumping in and out of the water, swimming, tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding are more prevalent on your mind than if you have reapplied your sun block. However, once that sunburn sets in you will be reminded that prevention would have been a better route to take. Lucky for you, we have put together a list of ways to avoid that sunburn and keep your skin healthy. Obviously, sun block and shade will help immensely, but there are other measures you can take before you are even on the water to prevent sun damage.

• Vitamin D – Your tolerance to the sun’s rays may increase if you take in more Vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in foods such as cheese, fatty fish like tuna and salmon, meats like salami and ham, and mushrooms. You can also get Vitamin D through oral supplements.
• Minerals – Sun rashes and photosensitivity can be caused by a deficiency in vital minerals such as zinc and magnesium. A good source of minerals can be found in whole grains, spinach, wheat bran, lima beans, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds.
• Astaxanthin – This compound is found in algae and the organisms that eat it like salmon and shrimp. Astaxanthin can be consumed or applied directly to the skin and has shown to be beneficial in preventing sunburn.
• Green Tea – A chemical found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is being revealed to prevent skin cancer. Not only is EGCG useful in preventing skin damage, it is being shown to reverse damage.

While in the sun for extended periods of time you should always protect with sun block and shade, but thinking ahead of time and preventing with natural alternatives may be a positive choice, too.