Newsletter

MAY 2013 NEWSLETTER

 

General Manager-Diane Schafer-Improvements!!!  All I can say is we are at it again and boy is everything looking great!  Boathouse construction, we removed a portion of the hill alongside the building and added a decorative landscaping wall.  This will create an area for staging our used boats as well as increase vehicle parking.  Marina construction, we removed the hillside under the Yacht Club building and added another beautiful landscaping wall.  The hillside along the launch area was also dug out and the wall was continued.  In that same area, we moved the vehicle parking access gate up closer to the boathouse to increase vehicle parking spaces for S dock and the upper end of the marina leaseholders.  The pool area also has undergone some major changes not only for visual appeal but more importantly increasing the overall grass areas available for lounging.  We are also working on completing the sidewalk and lighting along the Esplanade down through K dock. 

I want to express a big Thank You to all our Dock Masters and Volunteers who helped with this spring's dock swing.  This is a huge undertaking and they do a fantastic job every year.  Thank you all again!!

Please don't ever hesitate to email me or call me with any suggestions or concerns you may have.  I am always open to new ideas and feedback whether positive or not. 

Locks - have you heard!!  As of May 6^th, Allegheny Locks 2, 3 & 4 will be open 24 hrs and Lock 5 will be operate from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Locks more north of that will remain closed.

Saturday, May 18^th - Children Safety Seminar - Pittsburgh Power Squadron representatives Bob & Debbie McDonnell will be holding a safety seminar geared specifically to children of all ages.  The McDonnell's will not only be speaking to the children but will also be demonstrating proper safety techniques for on the water.  Event is Free!!  Seminar will be held at Baja Bar & Grill from 10:00 - 1:00 which will also include lunch.  Please RSVP to myself via email (diane@foxchapelmairne.com) or phone so I can be sure to have enough supplies and food for the children.   

Saturday, May 18^th - Ready Set Inflate Day - Pittsburgh Power Squadron is holding a demonstration for adults on the proper use of Inflatable Flotation Devices.  This event will be held at Baja Bar & Grill at 10:00.  All are welcomed!!

Sunday, May 19^th - Vessel Safety Inspections - Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 72 will be in the marina offering courtesy vessel safety inspections.  Take advantage of this offer to know your boat meets safety compliance or take this opportunity to get your boat up to safety compliance standards.   

Life Jacket Loaner Program - Boat US is sponsoring a program to encourage life jacket use by everyone regardless of their financial means. This would also be handy for anyone who may need a life vest for the day for that unexpected guest.  They are looking for locations and I signed us up.  This has been a multi stage process and currently I have made it through the past 2 stages.  Now I need your help - please go online and vote.  Please go to http://shout.lt/hs0f for web or mobile users or http://shout.lt/hs0k for Facebook users.  You may vote at each site once a day, they do monitor and will disallow multiple votes from same person in same day.  Voting has already begun and will expire on May 12^th, so please VOTE daily.  Thanks for your support!!!

Sales Crew - Ron Cook, Ed Steinhauser & Jay Sharer-Haven't checked out our inventory lately?   Nice weather is here and it's time for everyone to dust off that "Winter Layer" and walk through our new & used inventory.  Our inventory is ever changing and I'm sure there is one just right for you.  We have boats in stock ranging from small Run-Abouts to larger Cruisers.  The used market is picking up speed, so if you have been thinking about getting into another boat or just listing yours, now is the time!! 

On another note, if you are looking for a tender or just something small to runaround in, you should take another look at the Boston Whaler 130 SS.  This boat is priced right and along with your Costco discount you can be in this boat at a great price.  Just ask Rick & Sandy Beatty and they will attest to the performance and functionality of their 130.  Stop in and see us or visit us on the web.

Service Department-Roger Peterson-Spring launch is in full swing and if you haven't sent in your launch request form as of yet, please do so as soon as possible.  

Now is the time, before your boat goes into the water, for you to have one of our skilled techs go over your boat and look for any existing concerns or potential problems.  They will check over your batteries, bilge pumps, blowers, canvas, anodes, look for any nicks or gouges in the fiberglass, shift cables, bellows, engines and much more.  Give me a call so I can schedule this service for you and then go over in detail our findings. 

APRIL SERVICE SPECIALS - Touch-Up Bottom Paint and Anodes Installed Important Service Reminder-boats are especially susceptible to issues resulting from the use of Ethanol fuel, especially after sitting all winter long.  ValvTech marine fuels are designed to prevent problems caused by ethanol blend fuel by controlling the moisture to prevent phase separation and maintaining octane rating.  We already treat our fuel so when you purchase your fuel from us you are receiving the added benefits.  However, if you purchase your fuel elsewhere you will need to add this to your tank.  Our Ship Store stocks bottles of ValvTech Fuel Additive so you can keep some handy just in case.  Also, remember to change all fuel filters each spring and again at approximately every 50 hours to maintain top performance.

    Please do not drive or park inside the gated boat yard.  Please remember to clean up after yourselves and if removing your own shrink dispose of it properly.  If it becomes necessary for us to clean up and dispose of your trash, you will be charged accordingly. 

Rick Beatty is our Warranty Administrator and he is ready to help take care of those problems that sometimes arise with any new boat.  He will help get you through the problems as quickly as possible to turn your frown upside down. 

LED Specialist-LED lights are more energy efficient, last longer and are more reliable than any other lighting option. The life of an LED light bulb can be as long as 50,000 hours.  Plus, there are some really cool accents features you can do to your boat!!  We have replacement bulbs for almost any fixture, as well as an exciting selection of mood and safety lighting for interior and exterior applications.

Ship Store & Parts-Pat Taylor-Our store is so much more than just a pretty resort boutique.  We stock everything boaters want or need from accessories, like water skis and tubes, to maintenance supplies, repair items and upgraded items for all sizes of boats.  Especially now, during launch season, we are your one stop shop!!  Do it yourself boaters will appreciate our selection of bottom paint, impellers, fan belts, bilge pumps and switches.

Take a few minutes to inspect the condition of your dock lines, fenders and fender lines that protect your precious investment. Start the season off right and replace any stiff or frayed lines.  Remember, be kind to your First Mate and replace your tired lock line with our new soft double braided rope in either 3/8 or 1/2 inch.  It's easy on the hands and your crew will love it!!

APRIL STORE SPECIAL - Tuna Balls & Fenders

Stop in to our newly renovated Ship Store and pick up your free copy of the 2013 Marine Accessories Catalog. Shop 24/7 from the comfort of your home or office - call or email pat@foxchapelmarine.com. Thousands of discounted marine accessories can be available within a day or two with no shipping charges, or drop shipped to your home for a minimal shipping charge. And¿. if we have the exact part number already in stock we will happily match the lower price.

Fox Chapel Pool-Tracey Maxwell-As you may or may not have noticed the pool is under some major renovations.  We are always looking for ways to make it the best private pool around.  At $250.00 for a lease holder membership how can you go wrong? Again, I would like to remind you that we are allowing lease holders to add their Grandchildren 18 and younger to the membership. Wristbands will also be required to be worn by all members and photo I.D. will be required for purchasing guest passes and upon check in.  We hope you join the pool and enjoy the wonderful facility!!

Jay Sharer-Financing-What a great year it has been for financing!!  The variety of banks I am currently working with has proven to be a big success for me in getting people approved for purchases or refinances.  Rates are low and in some cases even lower than where they were from last year.  Recently, getting people into the boat of their dreams is no longer a dream it's a reality.  I work to keep your monthly payment right around what you are used to paying and you get to enjoy the boat you never thought you could afford.  

Whether your boat is still under the Manufacturer's warranty or is less than 7 years old, let me put together a great extended warranty package along with Brunswick Product Protection.  Unlike most other extended warranty programs, this is actually backed by the manufacturer of Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, and Mercury/MerCruiser.  I have lots of information on the programs and pricing. 

Stop in, email or call me to see what I can do for you!!

Boater's Meeting-A reminder that our 1^st Boater's Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 4^th at 10am at the Baja Bar & Grill.  You don't want to miss it!!  During the meeting, we will go over various items concerning the marina, safety issues, your comments or concerns as well as the beginning planning stages for Marina Day.  For any of you who are new to the marina or those of you who have been hiding under a rock, Marina Day is our largest free family event!!!  Stop by the meeting, and if not for the information and camaraderie, then how about for the free Coffee & Donuts!!! 

    The June meeting will be held on June 1^st same time and same place!  We will be discussing a new event, RiverFest, along with details for Marina Day!

Dockmasters-Luke Yialouris, Jeff Decker, Skip Divers- Hi Everyone!  The dock swing is now complete.  We want to ensure only our boaters are using the parking spaces allotted on the Esplanade, so please be sure we can see your rearview mirror tags.  As a reminder, please police your docks by keeping anything that does not belong there removed or stored in your dock box.  If installing a new dock box or moving your old one, make sure that it is screwed down to the dock.  We will not be responsible for dock boxes that move or get blown into the river.  Also, please be advised on the following:

·         Dock water leaks or repairs please notify Dock Master or main office ASAP

·         Fuel cans or fueling are not permitted on docks

·         No wooden steps or stools are permitted on docks, only pre-approved plastic or fiberglass

·         No clutter on main docks, store in dock box on your finger

·         No carpets/door mats on main dock, fingers only

·         Nothing nailed to main dock, only fingers

·         All garbage must be taken to the dumpsters, do not leave at the top of your dock ramp

Baja Bar & Grill-Jimmy & BimmyHey fellow boaters¿ The docks are in their summer position and we are getting excited about opening the outsie Deck Bar.  It's been great having a lot of the boaters taking a break from working on their boats and stopping in for a bite and a cold drink.  Now that the warmer weather is here, we are also starting to see some old friends here on the weekends taking advantage of the entertainment here at the Baja.  Please check out our website at www.bajabargrill.com.  You will find the most current information and your monthly calendar for the latest information on entertainment.  Also, don't forget to "Text:  BAJA To:  40518" for special offers and last minute information, and please "like" us on Facebook to keep tabs on what's new at the Marina.

Just a reminder we have been doing some great "private parties" in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.   We have been doing office parties, family celebrations, showers, and holiday parties.  So if you are thinking about a private party, let Baja help with planning your next big gala, or special occasion.  

We always welcome suggestions and comments, write to: baja@bajabargrill.com or call 412-963-0640.   See you at the bar!

Team Nutz Technology-April showers bring May flowers!!  Mother's Day is right around the corner, so don't forget to stop in and purchase your gift certificates.   You can never go wrong with a car detail or other great items for Mom!!  Also, be sure to stop in and check out our new marine speakers and radios.  Don't want be stuck out on the water with no tunes!  We still have remote starters on special; they are not just for winter, great for air conditioning too!!  One last thing, nothing says summer like a fresh new set of wheels!!

riseSUP¿                Lisa Volpe, founder of riseSUP, will be launching another great location for SUP and is excited to be welcomed at the Fox Chapel Yacht Club!!! 

riseSUP will be offering stand up paddle boarding lessons, rentals, moonlight paddle tours, SUP Fitness, youth SUP Academies and more this summer from Dock A. 

You can learn more about riseSUP and why stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world by visiting www.riseup-pittsburgh.com.  Or you can call Lisa Volpe at 412.965.9335 with any questions. 

Be sure to check out the Ship Store for riseSUP's board sales and/or SUP specials!

RiverQuest for RiverFest-Join this special event hosted by the Fox Chapel Yacht Club on Saturday, July 13, 2013.  Admission includes activity booths along the esplanade, science activities on board RiverQuest Explorer at the marina, RiverQuest Awards for students and teachers nominated for excellence in the area of science, and snacks and soft drinks by Baja Bar & Grill.            

Proceeds from the event benefit RiverQuest educational programs that serve up to 10,000 students a year. For more information, visit www.RiverQuest.org.

"CAPTAIN BUDDY'S CORNER"-Laying here in the green grass we can smell that boating season is right around the corner. We can't wait and are sure you can't either. Bella and I are looking forward to seeing all of our four legged friends and their owners. We are already planning our first boat trip and have our life jackets and water toys ready to go. If any of our furry pals need accessories for boating stop into the ship store and check out the pet section. If there is anything else you would like to see in the store for our friends, please let us know because pets are people too!!                         Captain Buddy & First Mate Bella