Merri-Mar Yacht Basin's QUARTERDECK 3

From the Helm...

June 2023 |#3

We made it!

Summer Solstice 2023. The first day of summer, and the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest and northernmost point and appears to stand still in the sky… gracing us with its warmth and vitamin D for just a bit longer than usual. Can you feel it?

The yard is “a buzz” with all the comings and goings. Bottom paint, zincs & filters are flying out the Store’s doors and boats are on the move. Now that most boats have been launched, and projects are wrapping up, the conversations have shifted from “How was your winter?” to “Where are you heading?”. Cruising calendars are filling with trips Downeast, to the Isle of Shoals, and to the Cape and beyond. This is what it’s all about!

So, get your salty selves out there and recharge your spirits!

Wishing you and your families a safe season filled with lots of adventures

We’ll sea ya soon!

Ship’s Log

Hours

M-F 8 AM – 5 PM

Saturdays 8 AM - 2 PM

Brokerage by appointment

Dinghy Stickers

REMINDER

Dinghies need stickers. Please see Jenn in the Office to purchase yours. FREE for mooring folks/$100 for dockers.

Yahd Pahkin & Cah Keys

If you are off cruising & pahkin in the yahd for more than a day trip, please leave your car keys with the Office.

NEW Yard Guide

Stop by the Store and grab a FREE guide to yard life at MMYB.

Northeast Bluefin Showdown

July 8th - 15th, 2023

MMYB HOSTS

2nd Annual Tuna Tournie

Time is tickin'! We are about 2 weeks away from the Bluefin Showdown. Last year, the tournament had 77 participants, gave away $85,000 in prizes, and raised $26,000 for the for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund. So far there are 53 participants. The registration fee is $2,000. Click here to register & view the schedule: 2023 Northeast Bluefin Showdown

Did You Know?

HOW ABOUT THAT USGS BOUY?

Ah yes, the mighty Merrimack. There are many things that come to mind when you think of our beloved River. This 117-mile waterway with a watershed of 5,010 square miles, starts in NH’s White Mountains and flows both south and northeast before emptying into the Atlantic in Newburyport. It is the main supply of drinking water for about 600,000 residents in 5 MA communities, is home to shortnose sturgeon (endangered), and was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. We who spend a great deal of time on the River think most often of screaming tides, standing waves, the treacherous mouth, and of course what not to do on an outgoing tide with easterly winds. And then there is the water quality, which has been a hot local, state, and national topic for almost 2 centuries.

The Merrimack’s long, history of pollution began as a result of industrial growth in the mid-1800’s when hundreds of textile mills lined the River, spewing cocktails of paper and textile mill discharge, tannery sludge, and raw sewage. Roll the clock forward and finally, in 1972, growing public awareness of the critical conditions of water pollution throughout the country lead to what is now known as the Clean Waters Act (CWA)… just a few years after the Merrimack made the list of the top 10 most polluted waterways in the US. The CWA’s goal is to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity” of the US waters by regulating the discharge of pollutants and empowering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement pollution control programs and water quality standards for all surface waters (non-ocean).

In 2020, the U.S Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the MA Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), launched the Water-Quality Monitoring of the Merrimack River Watershed program. The three major objectives of the study are to provide water-quality data to MassDEP to help meet CWA requirements, to build a database for future nitrogen modeling, and to provide data on dissolved oxygen in marine and inland waters to use when making environmental-planning decisions. The program is in its 3rd year of collecting and monitoring water quality data in the lower portion of the Merrimack River basin (Shad Creek) via a tricked-out monitoring buoy that collects data near the surface and at the bottom. The monitoring includes collecting samples for nutrients (such as nitrogen) and metals (such as aluminum), as well as monitoring water temperature, pH, dissolved O2, and salinity in real-time.

So how does MMYB fit into all of this? As an environmentally conscious company, not only do we adopt eco-friendly practices whenever possible, but we consider ourselves stewards of the Merrimack. Our commitment to thoughtful land and water use is implemented on a daily basis. When MMYB was initially engaged in the monitoring program, we were brought on by the USGS to deploy and retrieve the buoy in May and November. In true MMYB form, we made structural modifications to the buoy’s setup by constructing a frame to support solar panels and make retrieval easier, and developed a prototype for other like devices for potential future use. MMYB has also provided maintenance, and consultation regarding repairs.

"Merri-Mar Yacht Basin (MMYB) has worked closely with the USGS to deploy and retrieve the USGS water-quality buoy in the Merrimack River Estuary. They also designed and fabricated a stainless-steel framework to support the buoy‘s solar panels, supplied parts and maintenance equipment, and provided off-season storage. The USGS is grateful for their assistance, expert advice, and 'can-do' attitude!" USGS Partners

The program ends in October 2024.

Click here to check out real-time buoy data: MR Real-Time Buoy Data

Jay's Way

Brain Pick’n w/the Boss

In's & Out's of Oil Analysis (Part II)

In the last edition of The QUARTERDECK, MMYB’s Engine Doc Jay shared his wisdom regarding the importance of oil analysis (OA). To recap, an OA, as with your own blood work, is most effective as a regular component of the preventative maintenance program for your equipment (engines, drivetrains, transmissions, hydraulics, compressors & turbines). You need to establish a baseline and have scheduled OAs over a span of time to have an informed picture of the condition of your fluids. When it comes to interpreting the OA results, we aren’t scientists, we are your service providers. OA results are an interpretive tool that helps us work with you to determine the best course of corrective action (if any), as part of your maintenance program, BEFORE the issue causes damage, costs you a fortune, and/or, (most importantly) presents safety risks when you are out at sea.

EXAMPLE: As a tool, OAs can detect critical early warning information indicative of fuel dilution, anti-freeze leaks, and water entry before it turns into a major problem. The viscosity of the oil as a lubricant is crucial for reducing friction between the moving components of the machine/equipment. If the properties are reduced to a weakened state or are too low to create a film (fuel dilution, anti-freeze leaks, water entry), the barrier is compromised and the amount of wear on everything can get you into a real mess, ultimately including total system failure.

OAs are an inexpensive practice to prevent potentially expensive problems. Oil Analysis testing kits are available in the Ship’s Store.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

OA Timing: Be sure to test your oil after there is time on it – it doesn’t make sense to test after an oil change. For new boat engines, OA #1 should be done after the break-in interval. For OA #2 and pre-owned maintenance, testing should happen every 100 hours or at regular service intervals.

Resale Value: If you think you might be selling your boat, a history of OAs and your commitment to preventative maintenance is an incredibly attractive asset to a prospective buyer.

Being Green: MMYB feels strongly about eco-friendly practices and is committed to supporting blue carbon solutions whenever possible. Proactive, preventative maintenance programs for machinery are a part of the “lube industry” conversation regarding waste reduction (oil use & extended component lifetimes) & reducing pollution (reducing oil spills and diesel greenhouse gas emissions).

Check out this 2022 article from Fluid Life, a well-established fluid analysis lab, referencing the role OA plays regarding environmental stewardship: Fluid Life's Article on OA & the Environment.

To further emphasize Engine Doc Jay’s message on a large scale, click here to check out Chevron’s LubeWatch® maintenance management system. It is a diagnostic, preventive maintenance tool that uses OA to monitor and evaluate lubricant and equipment conditions. RUN – BETTER – LONGER is the core premise of the program utilized by both industrial and individual users. Speaking of users, if you have not yet jumped on the OA bandwagon, testing kits are available in the Ship's Store. Mention this article & get 10% off.

Ship to Store

YOU'RE GONNA BE HOOKED

on our

NEW LINE!

XTRATUF® GEAR

IS ON Deck

XTRATUF® has been making commercial fishing boots for 60+ years.

These USA-made rugged deck boots are known as the "Alaskan Sneaker".

Check out this video on their history: About XTRATUF

XTRATUF's high-quality gear has evolved as fishing has evolved and cross-pollinated with watersports. Inventory will change often & we can place special orders on-demand.

MMYB Stands behind XTRATUF®

Kid's Ankle Deck Boots

Aren't they the cutest?

Women's Apre Fish Slide

Not Your Average Slide

Hooded & Hoodless Sun Shirts

In a Bunch of Colors

Sharkbyte Deck Shoes

For Everyone - So Comfy

Wheelhouse Deck Boots for All

Best Quality in Many Colors

Trucker Hats

Keep Your Lid On

We are offering below MAP pricing.

Get the deals while supplies last!

Around the Yard

wastewater filter & transfer pump

pressure washing over collection apron

shrink wrap dumpster

GREEN from the GET-GO!

Since our beginnings, MMYB has taken responsibility as an environmentally conscious member of our community very seriously. Whenever possible, we implement eco-friendly practices to maintain a clean working boatyard and support blue carbon solutions.

RECYCLING 3 WAYS!

FUEL

For more than 30 years, the Shop furnace (EPA-authorized), has been fueled by recycling waste fluids, keeping our workspace “toasty” year-round. We encourage everyone in the yard to dispose of engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant, with us on a regular basis.

WASTEWATER

Have you ever wondered what is in the little grey shed to the left of the Travelift? It's a custom-designed wastewater treatment system! In 2007, MMYB invested in this system is designed specifically for wastewater generated from boat bottom pressure washing. This closed-loop system captures, treats, filters, and recycles contaminated wash water preventing seepage into the water column and Merrimack River. Not only does this process virtually eliminate contamination, but minimizes water usage by continuously recycling 500 gallons at a time. This process has received accolades from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and is cited in their Guide to Selecting Pressure Washing Management Practices and Technologies/Supplement to the MA Clean Marina Guide.

SHRINK WRAP

Every spring, millions of pounds of shrink wrap used to winterize and protect boats winds up in landfills and contributes to marine debris in the oceans. We do our part to minimize the impact by providing a dumpster specifically for recycling shrink wrap, and palette “stations” for short & long strapping, and a regular dumpster for everything else. The shrink wrap dumpster is filled to the brim and outta here at the end of the month!

MMYB will continue to stay at the forefront of the best environmentally conscious practices in the marine industry. We are in this together. Thanks in advance for doing your part!

Let's Talk Boat Sales

Whether you are a first-time boat buyer, considering upsizing or downsizing, or simply looking to sell your boat, you can depend on the MMYB Team to keep your best interests first and foremost. Fueled by 6+ decades of industry insight, we are your in-house, on-site, “can-do” partners before, during, and after your closing. If you are buying, our service adds no additional costs to you. We are here to ensure that you will find the best boat for your cruising adventures, in the right condition, and within your budget. If you are selling, we will curate a marketing plan to maximize your listing’s exposure via the most robust online boat sales marketing outlets, print ads, social media, and direct email campaigns. In either case, buying or selling, we will handle all the leads, schedule showings, surveys, and haul-outs, handle the negotiations, and prepare all necessary documents to ensure a smooth closing.

Call, email, or stop by the Brokerage Office to start the conversation.

Reach out to Brandon or Cari

978.465.3022

brandon@merri-maryachtbasin.com ~ cari@merri-maryachtbasin.com

YES, we are looking for listings! In addition to the benefits of listing with us mentioned above, now that the yard is more open, we have plenty of PRIMO street-front drive-by "billboard" space on Merrimac Street. Thousands of cars pass by daily with a regular flow of walk-ins and call-ins triggered by the prominent street-front exposure.

FEATURED BOAT FOR SALE

PRICED TO SELL

Now asking $79,900

HOOKED - This classic 1997 Hatteras 42 Convertible was designed with saltwater sportfishing and luxury in mind. Powered by twin Detroit Diesel 671TI J&T's with 832 hours, she is equipped with a 2022 Garmin 8612 Phantom GPS/Sounder/Radar, 2 steering stations, heat/AC throughout, and remote control Maxwell anchor windless. HOOKED has a fully enclosed flybridge with new isinglass, a cockpit with a captain’s chair and seating, and night lighting on the flybridge and underwater.

The Main Salon is open with plenty of light, with an L-shaped couch that pulls out into a full-size bed, a teak chart table, a Vizio smart TV, and a 2022 fusion sound system. The Galley has a full-size fridge/freezer, a stainless steel sink, 3 burner electric stove, a toaster oven, and plenty of storage. There are two staterooms that adjoin a double-entry head with a vanity, sink, and separate shower. She comfortably sleeps 6. HOOKED is off-the-hook with fishing upgrades including a custom fish cleaning station & livewell, Lee outriggers, plenty of lure and gear storage, an electric davit, and a 10’ inflatable Caribe tender w/2 stroke engine.

HOOKED has been lovingly and professionally maintained by her owner who purchased her in 2014 and has already purchased his next boat. She is in the water and turn-key ready to go fishin’ for this summer. Don’t miss out!

Call today to schedule a showing or visit HOOKED - 1997 Hatteras 42 for more detail.