Comments

Re: New boating service available at Catalina Island (Jan. 27 – Feb. 9 issue)

Time constraints put on Triton won’t benefit boaters

I would challenge council member Sampson to provide any data that backs up his claim that in-water hull cleaning activities introduce chemicals into the water that are hazardous to swimmers. What the City Council members fail to understand is that anti-fouling paints leach their (typically) copper biocide into the water 24/7/365, whether the boats are cleaned or not.

Do in-water hull cleaning activities contribute to copper loading in the marina? Yes. But the amount is miniscule, regardless of the source. And again, there is no evidence that any of this is hazardous to swimmers. Sampson’s statement was made in ignorance.

In-water hull cleaning is an important part of regular boat maintenance and thousands of boat bottoms are cleaned every day in California marinas. The ridiculous time constraints the council has put on Triton Yacht Services use of the pumpout dock means that very few boats will be able to take advantage of this necessary service.

Matt Peterson

FastBottoms Hull Diving

 Don’t clean those boat hulls in my harbor

NIMBY AFLOAT! While Marinas on the Mainland are trying to stop hull cleaning due to “the release of toxins and other bio-hazards,” I find it a little awkward that Avalon would allow hull cleaning inside the harbor.

I started my working career on the water cleaning hulls, so don’t get me wrong. I know that it is a vital segment of maintenance for any vessel.

What I find disturbing is that the operators want to use a float inside the harbor where tidal circulation is reduced by the arms of the two protective groins that now protect the harbor. I remember seeing the aftermath and photos of what a north-eastern wind could do to the boats and structures in Avalon.

Perhaps the operators could be encouraged to conduct the hull cleaning activity outside the outer line of buoys at Descanso Bay. This would free up the inner float for other activities while at the same time providing a virtual “free buffet” feeding station for the bait-fish that eat the debris and growth that is removed from the vessels and falls through the water column and attract other species such as albacore, dorado and yellowtail.

I sincerely hope that the operators of the cleaning service consider that option and accept the two-fold benefit of a location with greater water circulation- I wish them every success!

Mary K. Riewer

 

Re: Avalon to solicit vendors for Casino Dock Café construction (Jan. 27 – Feb. 9 issue)

Stay strong Armstrongs

We are frequent boating visitors to Catalina, and this was always such a great spot for boaters specifically. Would LOVE to see the Armstrongs prevail in getting it built.

Philip C.

 

Re: Lease terms for Redondo Beach’s Waterfront project raises questions (Jan. 13 – 26 issue)

Take a look at other proposed public boat launch sites

“Plans to include a public boat launch ramp have been a major source of controversy in recent months, with boating interests and city leadership at odds of where to build the venue.”

The major objection to the public boat launch is due to its unsafe locations. The city’s own prior studies designated the site they now back as the least desirable. All harbor safety officials are against the newly chosen location based on safety concerns.

The only reason this unsafe location was chosen was so the shopping center developer could have priority in siting retail stores.

This ill-considered decision leaves the city, and probably the state of California too, open to litigation when the accidents that are predictable at this unsafe location occur.

A more in-depth look at the various proposed public boat launch sites would probably be of interest to your readers. I expect many of them would be interested in a King Harbor option to launch boats, since King Harbor offers direct access to the open ocean and fish-rich Redondo Canyon upwelling in 10 minutes. They can see the Harbor Drive access road that their boat trailers will share with autos going to the shopping mall, bicycles on the coastal bike path, pedestrians and other boaters going to adjacent marinas and beach-goers. It’s a traffic nightmare.             Also relevant is the fact that this boat launch site will eliminate existing boat slips in King Harbor, reducing recreational usage of the harbor in favor of retail stores and a movie theatre.

Sara Burns

 

Re: Assembling and updating onboard medical kits (Jan. 13 – 26 issue)

Be prepared for broken bones

I would urge for the inclusion of a versatile splint and an ice pack in any comprehensive medical kit. Broken bones can occur during rough weather, and the inability to immobilize the break could be unpleasant at least, or disastrous at worst.

Dean A West

 

 Re: Opening up a dialogue about opening up docks to tie up boats (Dec. 2 – 15 issue)

Seaport Village should have public docks

I agree with you, Seaport Village should have public docking. After all, where is all that boating funding monies going?

Mark

 

 Re: Anglers speak in favor of Helgren’s remaining in Oceanside Harbor (Oct. 7 – 20 issue)

Not a fan of this sportfishing landing

That landing has been mismanaged far too long since the founder died. The wife and children have destroyed that place – they need to go.

Tony

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