june 1963 boating issue - Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE PLANS FOR SUMMER CRUISE
• * >'ou are thinking about doing some outboard cruis-
. § tn is summer, you'll have more fun if you take the
,'. me to plan. Often, it's the little extras that make the
S difference jn the SUCCess of the cruise.
\y . r nrst consideration should be your equipment.
"''e almost any outboard boat is suitable for cruising
n
selected waterways, it doesn't make sense to cruise
'^sheltered offshore waters in a 15-foot runabout. But
j " 1 that same small boat you can have all kinds of
1111 c
niising protected inland waterways, such as a river.
Ti
'Hak
s
P°t so far away that most of your time will be spent
° n the road getting to and from the cruise area. There
. re < Probably several excellent areas located within a
y s u
ne is another consideration. Unless you want to
e
it a combination automobile-boat trip, don't select
drive of vour home.
0 '"ce you have picked the general area, select the
^cifjc waters you want to cover. But don't restrict
5'oUrself wjth a schedule that is too tight. You will find
Cr
nisi ng is more fun if you allow enough leeway for
niak :i
»g frequent stops at various points of interest. No
cl<
' u ht you'll find plenty of them.
J fNE-1963
OUTBOARD CRUISING is a favorite family pastime. Your
boat need not be large to enjoy cruising on inland waterways.
When youngsters are aboard, keep them occupied by explaining
points of interest along the shore line.
Try to obtain detailed charts of your cruise area before
leaving home. Mark the spots you want to visit.
Check for fuel and supply stops. If navigation locks will
lie encountered, allow extra time for locking through. If
you plan to sleep aboard or set up camp on the shore,
you need not be concerned with lodging facilities. Otherwise,
check for the availability of suitable water front
motels or cabins along the route.
Don't forget the kids. They can get pretty rambunctious
on a long cruise if they do not have something
to occupy their time. Keep them interested by pointing
out scenery and wildlife. Explain the significance of
marker buoys, locks, bridges and commercial vessels as
they are encountered. Take along a few of their favorite
games. Of course, youngsters are always eager to take
a turn at the wheel. And remember, when kids are
aboard, frequent stops are a must.
An outboard cruise, whether it be an extended twoweek
trip or a weekend jaunt, is an enjoyable and rewarding
break from routine living as well as a refreshing
experience. A little bit of advance planning can
make it even better.
y