Newsletter 1

COMMODORE’S CORNERBy Bob Buck

Boatless in Tacoma! I never thought this day would come but it has. Twenty-nine years of sailing and all of them on Catalinas. It has been a long and enjoyable adventure. My love of the sport will continue on my brother’s boat. I plan to stay in boating, and continue to be involved with all my friends in CATSS. I enjoy being your Commodore and will fulfill my obligation.

Let's not forget our monthly meeting this Thursday at the old watering hole. We moved it ahead a week to March 22nd

because of the presentation last Thursday at the Tacoma Yacht Club. It was very informative and we appreciate the invitation.

This weekend is an informal cruise to Blake Island. It is informal in that we don't have a host. Somehow I think we can still have as much fun as we usually do. Right now I know of two boats that will be there. Let's hope the weather gods will be kind and maybe we will see some more of you.

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CRUISE CHAIRMAN’S REPORTBy John Segerstrom

Vice-Commodore

Haven't been able to work on projects I had planned, from here in Palm Springs. The Internet has been extremely slow. It took me 3 hours the other day to send out an email with a couple of attachments.

As a result I haven't been able to work on the Google groups, and fixing the web site.

Thanks to the Lee's for hosting the February Cruise, even though it turned out to be a land cruise at a restaurant.

Looks like our next cruise is for Memorial weekend May 18th to the 20th at Port Orchard hosted by Laff'n Gecko - DeVere and Billie Lindh.

Still looking for Host Boats for March and April. If there are no volunteersthere is still an opportunity to cruise with CAPS to Kingston March 16th to the 18th and to Edmonds April 20th to the 22nd. Call their cruise chairman and let them

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MARCH MONTHLY MEETINGTHURSDAY THE 22ND FIFE BAR AND GRILL6:00PM

know you're coming. (Laura Clawson 206-595-4014)

It's just about time to take the winter wraps off our boats, clean the green slimy goop off and bend our sails back on. Cruising season is around the corner.

Within three hours of your home moorage what is your favorite location to anchor out? Let me know and I will schedule an unplanned cruise this summer.

Dreaming of the Caribbean? Me too...My Winter Cruise is spending the winter in the Palm Springs area. With the lack of water and boat, I now get around on foot.Hiking in the Southern California deserts can be challenging and rewarding. Some hikes are like walking on the beach in drifted sand and others are like walking up hill over shale and still others require climbing over huge boulders. The cactus and scrub brush start to bloom in March and give a beautiful color to the deserts brown and gray hue. There are hikes where you drop down off the hills and find an oasis with palm trees which is a pleasant surprise. There are canyons with majestic rock formations and when the sun shines on them they produce spectacular arrays of color. A hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is called The Slot. It is barely wide enough to get ones body through sideways and if one is claustrophobic this is a place you would not want to be. Check out their web site at: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/the-slot-anza-borrego-desert/. There are so many hikes around the Palm Springs area that it will take many years of hiking to see them all.

I hope that you are enjoying this winter as much as I am. See you on the water!

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CATSS FEBRUARY MEETINGThe February meeting was fairly small, but we had a great time discussing the upcoming boating season , the upcoming rendezvous and what went on at the boat show. The attached picture shows some who were in attendance.

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ARE YOUR BATTERIES READY FOR THE BOATING SEASON?

How old are your batteries? If you’re like most of your fellow boaters you probably don’t know. Many of us can find out by checking the boat’s maintenance log, and the rest of us don’t remember when we last changed them. Batteries are usually tucked away in some dark recess of the bilge, where they are all to frequently forgotten. Batteries are usually good for five years, although you can coax a few more years out of them by keeping them charged and keeping the water level in the cells at the correct level. Batteries can appear to work fine for a few hours, but if you try to discharge them below 25 percent of their capacity (the working range is normally between 50 and 100% of capacity), you may suddenly find a few issues. They can’t keep a high enough

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voltage to run appliances and they might not have enough cranking amps to start your engine. Old batteries may not hold their charge for long once the charging source is removed, resulting in a dead battery just when you need it. If you suspect your batteries are approaching old age, you can run a load test on them or check the specific gravity (specific density) of the fluid. Another sign of a battery nearing retirement is frequently needing to add water to one or more cells.

If you decide its time to replace your batteries you should replace all batteries in any bank having a bad battery. You have several options and each has it’s own set of problems. You can replace them with the same lead acid batteries you probably have or you can opt for newer technology storage batteries. In the intermediate technology arena there are absorbed glass-mat (AGM), thin plate pure lead (TPPL), and gel cell variations of the common lead acid battery. Going into the advanced technology area are lithium ion batteries like you find in hybrid and electric automobiles. Never use different chemistry types of batteries on your boat because of the different charging requirements of each group. Let’s take a look at each option.

Lets start with flooded cell lead acid batteries (FCLAB), the most common marine battery type. The first consideration is whether it is a starting battery or a deep cycle house battery. Deep cycle batteries are used for routine electrical power such as running the refrigerator, cabin lights, fans, etc. These battery types differ in the surface area of the lead plates in the battery and plate chemistry. To achieve the high current required for engine stating (50-200 amps), a large plate area is required. This is achieved by using a larger number of thinner plates. These thin plates are

relatively fragile in high-impact environments and do not tolerate deep discharges required by a house battery. Deep cycle house batteries have fewer, but much more robust plates capable of withstanding many discharge cycles without damage. Their plates are also made of lead containing a higher concentration of Antimony. Flooded cell lead acid batteries produce explosive Hydrogen gas during charging and must be vented. They must be kept upright to avoid spillage.

The AGM battery is a semi-sealed unit requiring little maintenance. It is constructed with fine, highly porous microfiber glass separators compressed tightly between the battery's positive and negative plates. This results in a fiber reinforced plate that is very durable. The glass is saturated with just enough acid electrolyte to activate the battery. The cells have a pressure relief valve to vent excess Hydrogen produced by over charging. Hydrogen produced under normal rates of charging on the positive plate is directed to the negative plate where it reacts with Oxygen generated there, producing water. The battery is sealed so it can be placed in any position. AGM batteries are sensitive to rate of charge and voltage, requiring programmable voltage regulators and battery chargers. Its main advantages are: Ability to accept a higher charge rate

than a flooded cell lead acid battery. Low maintenance Battery life Insensitive to mounting position

The thin plate pure lead battery (TPPL) is quite similar to the AGM, differing only in the purity of the lead used for plate material. It has the same advantages as the AGM but has a service life approaching 10 years and it’s charging sensitivity is similar to the flooded cell battery.

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The gel cell battery consists of lead plates separated by a viscous gel electrolyte. The "gel" is a combination of sulfuric acid, fumed silica, pure water and phosphoric acid. After mixing during manufacturing to a thin liquid form, it is sucked into each cell by vacuum pressure and once it is in place, the gel becomes quite viscous. The gel viscosity prevents leaks if the battery is inverted or the case is damaged. The cell is vented to release hydrogen gas generated during too rapid charging. The battery must be manufactured to very high standards of quality and consistency, since it is not possible to add water or gain access to the interior after sealing. The charging control requirements of the gel cell are much more stringent than for the AGM and it is difficult to find marine alternators capable of providing the voltage control required. This will change in the future to meet demand.

The Lithium battery’s main advantages are its current density, ability to recharge quickly, and greatly extended cycle life. A small battery provides a lot of storage capacity; several times that of a lead acid battery. It is also contains a very reactive metal, which should it contact seawater, can be explosive and presents a fire danger, which is very bad on a boat. Thermal runaway during charging can also cause a battery fire. Therefore charging requirements are quite stringent. Like the gel cell, it will require significant changes to the charging system, some of which is not readily available in marine equipment. It is currently quite costly as would be expected for a new technology.

The choice is now yours. The flooded cell lead acid battery is the cheapest. It requires no change to the charging system and it is tried and true. Increased battery life can be purchased at a price. More

expensive batteries such as the Rolls marine battery costing about three times that of an off-the-shelf lead acid battery and will have a life of about 10 years. The AGM is for you if increased charging rate and freedom from maintenance is a high priority. It will come at a penalty of requiring changes to the charging system. You can avoid the need to change your charging system and improve life by selecting the TPPL. The main problem with this conversion will be in your wallet. The gel cell and Lithium battery are probably not suitable for most conversion jobs unless you plan to redo the complete electrical system. They are probably better suited to a new boat with a factory installed system.

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FEBRUARY RENDEZVOUS REPORTThe February rendezvous turned out to be a weathered-out event. It was planned for Gig Harbor at Arabella’s Landing Marina. We had five boats signed-up and several land cruisers planning to attend. As the day drew near, not only did the wind increase to dangerous levels, but it was accompanied by sideways rain and snow. It wasn’t fit for man nor beast out on the water. The hosts, Jim and Debbie Lee decided to move things in doors to Harmons Brewery and Restaurant in Tacoma. The food was good and the camaraderie was greater still. The attached picture shows some of the members in attendance.

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Members in attendance at Harmons Brewery

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PORT ORCHARD RENDEZVOUSMAY 18TH THROUGH MAY 20TH

The May rendezvous is scheduled for Port Orchard Marina. The hosts, DeVere and Billie Lindh, have reserved 6 slips for our members. You need to call in to ensure your space. We will be located in slips 1-6. The reservation number is 18794. The plans are not firm yet, but we will definitely go out to dinner on Saturday evening. We have use of the shelter, barbecue and tables. We will plan to have horsd’oeuvres on Friday evening for those arriving early. We may have a continental breakfast on the dock on Sunday morning before we depart. PLEASE LET THE HOSTS KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AID IN PLANNING THE EVENTS.

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Jerk Chicken

Ingredients:

½ cup malt vinegar (or white vinegar)

2 Tbsp dark rum

2 Scotch Bonnet peppers (or habaneros), with seeds, chopped

1 red onion, chopped

4 green onion tops, chopped

1 Tbsp dried thyme or 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

4 teaspoons ground allspice

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

4 teaspoons ground nutmeg

4 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons molasses

1 (5 or 6 pound) roasting chicken, cut in half, lengthwise

½ cup lime juice

salt and pepper

Safety note: Scotch Bonnet and Habanero chile peppers are very hot and can cause extreme pain if they come in contact with your eyes. We strongly recommend wearing protective gloves while handling the chilies and the jerk paste.

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Method

1. Put vinegar, rum, hot peppers, onion, green onion tops, thyme, olive oil, salt, pepper, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and molasses into a blender. Pulse until mostly smooth

2. Place chicken in a large freezer bag, or in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour lime juice over the chicken and coat well. Add the jerk paste to the chicken pieces and coat well. Seal the bag or cover the chicken in the pan with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

3. When you are ready to cook the chicken, remove chicken from the marinade bag or pan. Put the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside to use as a basting sauce for the chicken. If you want you can reserve a little of the marinade (once boiled for 10 minutes since it has been in contact with raw chicken) to serve with the chicken or to mix with some ketchup and a dash of soy sauce for a serving sauce.

4. Grilling Method

Preheat grill to medium high. Sprinkle chicken halves with salt and pepper. Place chicken halves, skin side down on the grill grates. Cover. Cook for approximately one hour, keeping the internal grill temperature between 350º and 400ºF, turning the chickens occasionally and basting with marinade, until the chicken halves are cooked through. The chicken is done when the juices run clear (not pink) when a knife tip is inserted into both the chicken breast and thigh, about 165-170º for the breast and 180-185ºF for the thigh. Transfer chicken to

platter. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm and let stand 15 minutes.

Oven Method

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place chicken halves in a rimmed baking pan, skin side up. Roast until chicken halves are cooked through, about 50-60 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear (not pink) when a knife tip is inserted into both the chicken breast and thigh, about 165-170º for the breast and 180-185ºF for the thigh. Transfer chicken to platter. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm and let stand 15 minutes.

Cut chicken into pieces. Serve with black beans and rice.

Serves 6 to 8.

Recipe adapted from several sources, including Bon Appetit magazine.

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CATSS 2012 RENDEZVOUS SCHEDULE

Location Date Hosts

Blake Is. SP March TBD

Port Orchard May 18-20 Lindh’s

Boston Harbor

June 22-24 Turner’s

Long Branch July 28-29 Buck’s

Poulsbo August TBD

Penrose Point SP

Sept. 22-23 Segerstrom

Dockton Oct 27-28 Artman’s

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SIGN-UP A NEW MEMBER

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CATSS Membership ApplicationPlease fill out the form below and mail to:

Lyn Ward3506 North HudsonTacoma, WA 98407

Your Name: ___________________ Spouse: ______________________

Address: ______________________ Phone: ______________________

City: ________________________ State: _____ Zip: _________

Cell Phone: ( ) ____-- ______ Email Address: __________________

Type and Length of Boat: ______________________________________

Name of Boat: __________________________MMSI# ______________

Home Port: ___________________________City:___________________

First year membership: $46/year, General Membership: $40/year, Associate Membership: $25/year