Future of I-787. The end of the Boating Season. Question of the Month. Nominations Month, Celebrating Octoberfest. Your Engine’s Chillin’ - Winterizing your boat.

Albany Yacht Club

November 2024

Future of I-787: Proposed Changes and Community Input

In October, members of our community gathered for a Membership Meeting where an important presentation took place. A representative from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) discussed exciting proposals regarding the future of Interstate 787 (I-787). This major roadway plays a vital role in connecting various parts of our region, and the NYS DOT is exploring several options to improve it.

The proposals presented by the NYS DOT range from simple repairs to more extensive changes. One option is to repair the current configuration of ramps and the roadway. This could help ensure safety and improve traffic flow without making major alterations to the existing structure. Repairs can be crucial in maintaining the road's functionality and making it safer for drivers.

Another proposal includes moving the Dunn Memorial Bridge. This bridge is a significant structure that connects different areas, and relocating it could potentially enhance traffic patterns and reduce congestion. However, moving such a large structure would require careful planning and consideration of its impact on the surrounding environment and community.

In addition to repairs and relocating the bridge, the NYS DOT is also considering the creation of boulevards. Boulevards could provide a more aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian-friendly environment. This would not only improve the look of the area but also encourage walking and biking, promoting a healthier lifestyle for residents.

Moreover, one of the most ambitious ideas is to build a tunnel. A tunnel could greatly reduce surface traffic and noise, making the area more enjoyable for both residents and visitors. This option, while potentially expensive and complex, could lead to a significant transformation of how people travel in and around the region.

The NYS DOT is eager to hear from the community about these proposals. Public input is essential in shaping the future of I-787. AYC members are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the options presented. Feedback can help the NYS DOT make informed decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the community.

For more information about the proposals and to submit comments, you can visit the website for Reimagining I-787. This site contains a wealth of information about the plans and offers a platform for community members to engage in the discussion.

"Public input is essential in shaping the future of I-787. AYC members are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the options presented."

• Question of the Month
• Nominations Month
• End of Boating Season at the AYC
• Celebrating Oktoberfest
• Your Engine’s Chillin’ - Winterizing your boat

Member meeting minutes are available online by clicking this link here.

Question of the Month:

The term kayak comes from the word ‘qayaq’ meaning ‘small boat of skins’ from the language of the Eskimos of which extremely large island?

Answer in the December's AYC Newsletter

The Golden Rule in docking is simple: never approach anything faster than you'd be willing to hit it. Reduce your speed, putting your boat in reverse as you get close to the dock to slow things down further. Let the water and forward momentum take you the final way into the dock — no extra horsepower needed!

AYC Nominations Month

November is an important time for the AYC as it marks the beginning of the nominations process for Officers and Board Members for the upcoming year. During the November Membership Meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 p.m., Regular Members can nominate candidates for various Officer positions, including Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Secretary, and Treasurer, all of which are elected annually. Additionally, there are three Board Member positions 

available, with Board Members serving two-year terms. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be present at the meeting or submit a written statement indicating their willingness to serve if they cannot attend. The election of these positions will take place at the December meeting. Participating in these roles is an excellent opportunity for members to contribute to the growth and success of the Club, emphasizing the vital role of member involvement for AYC's future.

Photos courtesy of Sean O'Neill

End of the Boating Season at the AYC

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves change, the Albany Yacht Club undergoes a transformative shift. On a foggy and cool morning on October 19th, the boating season officially came to an end, signaling the start of a new chapter for this vibrant community.

All club members gathered to remove the docks from the water and prepare the facility for the winter season. While the boats have been carefully winterized and stored away, the social life at the Albany Yacht Club continues to thrive. Though the waters may be still, the club's spirit remains lively and engaged.

The club's calendar will be filled with various events and gatherings throughout the winter months. Members can look forward to delightful dinners, engaging social activities, and the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts. The off-season allows the club to come together in new and exciting ways, fostering a sense of community that transcends the boundaries of the summer months.

This transition from the bustling boating season to the quieter yet equally captivating winter months is a testament to the Albany Yacht Club's adaptability and resilience. Its members have embraced the changing seasons, recognizing that the off-season holds its unique charm and camaraderie opportunities.

As the leaves continue to fall and the temperature drops, the Albany Yacht Club is a shining example of how a community can thrive year-round, regardless of the weather or the activities on the water. The club's unwavering spirit and dedication to fostering connections among its members inspire all who visit, reminding us that the true essence of a community lies not only in its physical spaces but also in the bonds that unite its people.

Celebrating Oktoberfest: A Feast of Tradition and Music

Foto. Tony Chromczak

On Friday, October 25, members of the community gathered to celebrate Oktoberfest, a lively festival that honors German culture and traditions. The event was made even more special with the enchanting sounds of live accordion music performed by the talented John Chupka, known for his magical fingers on the instrument. This combination of music, food, and fellowship created an atmosphere filled with joy and celebration.

The highlight of the evening was the delicious dinner featuring German pork schnitzel, a dish made from tenderized meat that is breaded and fried to golden perfection. This savory main course was accompanied by an array of traditional sides that represent the rich culinary heritage of Germany. Guests enjoyed German potato salad, a dish known for its tangy flavor, and crispy potato pancakes that offered a delightful crunch. Fried sauerkraut, which is fermented cabbage, added a unique taste that complemented the schnitzel perfectly, while the sweet and tangy red cabbage provided a colorful addition to the plate. To honor the Polish influence in the area, Polish pierogi were also served, which are dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or meats, offering a comforting and hearty option for all guests.

Dessert was a treat to remember, with homemade delicacies that satisfied every sweet tooth. Guests indulged in rich dark chocolate cake, its decadent layers bringing smiles to the faces of dessert lovers. Apple strudel, a traditional pastry filled with spiced apples and wrapped in flaky dough, was another favorite that evoked the warmth of home and family gatherings.

The success of this festive occasion was made possible through the hard work and collaboration of many individuals. Liz Skaarup, Cheri Noey, Barb Liccardi, and Tony & Kitty Chromczak joined forces to prepare the meal, showcasing their culinary skills and dedication to making the event memorable for everyone involved. Their teamwork exemplified the spirit of community that Oktoberfest embodies.

Overall, this Oktoberfest celebration was more than just a meal; it was an opportunity for members to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories. The combination of delicious food and lively music fostered a sense of belonging and appreciation for cultural traditions. As the evening came to a close, attendees left with full bellies and happy hearts, eagerly anticipating the next gathering where such wonderful moments could be shared once again.

Your Engine’s Chillin’

It's that time of year again. Before the mercury dips below freezing, you need to winterize your engine or risk missing next year’s boating season

By Beth A. Leonard

Fresh water expands in volume by about nine percent when it freezes and can push outward with a force of tens of thousands of pounds per square inch. An analysis of 10 years of freeze claims from the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance claim files found that more than three-quarters involved cracks in the engine block or the exhaust manifolds because water remained in the engine or cooling system during a hard freeze. Those claims come from all over the country, not just from the states that get snow every year. Unless you’re located in Hawaii or the Florida Keys, BoatU.S. recommends winterizing your engine if you’ll be laying up the boat for even a few weeks. It will minimize the chances that a sudden freeze will put you out of commission next season.

Engine Winterizing 101

At its most basic, winterizing means draining any water aboard or replacing it with enough of the right kind of antifreeze to protect against the lowest temperatures your boat might experience. No matter what kind of engine you have, there are four essential winterizing steps:

• Change the oil and oil filter. Residual acids and moisture left in the crankcase over the winter can pit bearings and other vital engine parts, so it's important to change the oil just before laying up the boat. For best results, run the engine for a few minutes to lower the oil's viscosity and pick up impurities. Shut off the engine, change the oil, and replace the filter. Restart the engine and run for about a minute to circulate the fresh oil to internal parts. While it's running, check to make sure the oil filter isn't leaking.
• Change the fuel filter and stabilize the fuel. Running the engine after this step ensures stabilized fuel reaches critical fuel system components. Replace the primary and secondary fuel filter(s) and/or change the fuel filter canisters. Like the oil filter, the fuel filter should be checked for leaks while the engine is still running. If your boat runs on gasoline and your gasoline has ethanol in it (E10), the ethanol will absorb moisture over the winter. If it absorbs enough water, the ethanol can separate from the gasoline, creating a caustic mixture at the bottom of your tank that can damage the engine. This process, called phase separation, can only be completely prevented by emptying the tank. If that isn't practical, add stabilizer to keep the gas from oxidizing over the winter, then fill the tank to 95-percent full to allow for expansion. A tank that's almost full has less "lung capacity" to breath in moist air, so the ethanol should not be able to absorb enough moisture to separate.
• Diesel tanks should also be left full over the winter to minimize condensation and algae growth.
• Drain the water from the engine or use antifreeze. This is the part that seems most often to confuse owners, and mistakes in this step lead to the vast majority of the freeze claims in the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance files. Exactly how this is done varies from one type of engine to another, as described below.

TIP: The oil will be much easier to remove if you let the engine warm up to operating temperature first.

Winterizing An Inboard

Most boat engines these days are fresh-water-cooled. That means there are actually two systems – a raw-water side and a closed-loop system that contains a coolant/water mixture. The raw-water side cools the coolant/water mixture, which in turn cools the engine.

Winterizing the fresh-water side simply involves making sure its year-round permanent coolant is an adequate mixture of mixture to meet the manufacturer's recommendations for your locality, typically a 50/50 mix with water. The coolant you use in the fresh-water system is not the same as what you’ll use on the raw-water side of the engine - ethylene glycol is effective but highly toxic. With the engine at room temperature, slowly remove the cap on the expansion tank and check the mixture with an antifreeze hydrometer. If the coolant is rusty or dirty, it needs to be drained and replaced with a fresh mixture. (Resist the temptation to use more than 50-percent coolant. An overly rich mixture will congeal, with 100-percent antifreeze turning to a solid gel at -8 degrees F.)

The preferred technique for winterizing the raw-water cooling side of a fresh-water-cooled engine, circulating nontoxic antifreeze (propylene glycol) throughout the cooling system, protects the engine better than draining it and, assuming that the antifreeze you use also contains rust inhibitors, can actually extend engine life. It also is far less likely to result in freeze damage, as long as the engine is run long enough to circulate the antifreeze to every part of the cooling system. On some boats, it can be difficult to reach the intake hose for the engine, or to get it off the seacock. A variety of products have been designed to make getting antifreeze into the engine possible without undoing that hose. These include three-way valves that attach to the seacock or the sea strainer, funnels that fit inside the sea strainer, and reservoirs with hoses that can be run to the raw-water intake. Google "boat winterizing products" and you'll find a selection. If you choose to use one of these, just be certain that the antifreeze reaches everything downstream of where you're adding it, not just upstream. To winterize the engine with antifreeze the old-fashioned way, you'll need a five-gallon bucket and enough antifreeze for your engine and related plumbing (at least two gallons). If your engine takes a lot of antifreeze, you might also need a helper to add antifreeze to the bucket as needed. Note that in raw-water-cooled engines a thermostat blocks water flow in some cooling passages until the engine heats up. To be thoroughly protected, raw-water-cooled engines must reach operating temperature and the thermostat must be open before adding the antifreeze. One method is to remove the thermostat, a simple job on most engines. It can be left out for the winter, but don’t forget to reinstall it in the spring along with a new gasket.

To circulate antifreeze through the engine:

1. If the boat is in the water, close the intake seacock.

2. Fill a five-gallon bucket with antifreeze. Have additional antifreeze handy if you know your boat takes more than that, or if you've never winterized before. You can use any leftovers in the boat's plumbing systems.

3. Remove the raw-water intake hose from the seacock (this is sometimes difficult, as hose clamps and hoses may be mechanically frozen in place) and insert the end in the bucket.

4. Start the engine and run at idle until antifreeze discharges from the exhaust outlet for 30 seconds or more.

5. For gasoline engines, fog the cylinders (see below).

6. Shut off the engine and secure the intake hose back on the seacock.

In addition to the bucket and the antifreeze, for gasoline engines you'll also need a can of engine fogging fluid or light motor oil, some plastic sheeting, and duct tape.

If a fuel valve is installed, turn it off about halfway through the process to run the carburetor dry. For the last 10 seconds or so of engine operation, spray the fogging fluid into the flame arrester on the carburetor. Light oil can be trickled down the carburetor if fogging fluid isn’t available. This may stall the engine, which is OK. Finally, wrap duct tape around the flame arrester and cover the top of the engine with plastic after it has cooled. This helps prevent corrosion from forming on internal engine parts. Attach a tag somewhere as a reminder about the duct tape, which will prevent the engine from starting next spring. Note that diesel engines don’t need to be fogged.

TIP: Use only nontoxic antifreeze (propylene glycol) everywhere except in the fresh-water side of the engine.

Winterizing Sterndrives

There are different types of sterndrives, so check your manual for winterizing specifics. Some inboard/outboard (I/O) engines take in cooling water from a thru-hull in the engine compartment, and some take it in through the outdrive. With I/Os that use a thru-hull, the outdrive will be protected once the engine has had antifreeze run through it because the antifreeze also runs through the outdrive. Other models may require the use of “muffs” to first flush and then run antifreeze through the drive. For those drives, warm up the engine with the muffs, then use a five-gallon bucket of antifreeze plumbed to the muffs and run the engine until it’s all been run through. Afterward, all outdrives should be stored in the down position to prevent water from entering the exhaust hub of the propeller. In cold weather, any accumulated water in the outdrive can freeze and ice may expand and crack the housing.

While not technically necessary for winterizing, it makes sense to drain and fill the outdrive oil now. It’s not difficult and will protect your outdrive from the effects of worn-out lube over the winter while letting you hit the water faster in the spring. Lower the outdrive as far as possible, and drain the oil by removing the lube drain/fill screw at the bottom and the vent plug screw at the top. Keep in mind that refilling your outdrive oil is counterintuitive: New oil must be pumped UP into the outdrive; never refill from the top port or vent hole. Pump fresh oil into the drive from the drain hole at the bottom until fluid appears out the vent hole at the top. Install the vent screw, which slows the lube from coming back out the drain, and then replace the drain/fill screw quickly. It’s a good idea to put new gaskets on the plugs. If your boat has a reservoir in the engine compartment, fill it also.

Outdrives are expensive and have become a frequent target for thieves. Even if the boat is kept in your driveway, consider taking the outdrive off and storing it in your garage or basement for the winter.

TIP: Heaters are not a good alternative to winterizing – if the electricity goes out, your engine is left unprotected, and a fault in the heater, cord, or electrical system could cause a fire.

This article was reprinted with permission from BoatU.S. Magazine, flagship publication of the membership organization Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.). For more expert articles and videos to make your boating, sailing, or fishing better, visit BoatUS.com.

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