February 1, 2010
Regarding your article on Peterson Fuel ["Peterson Fuel gets 'reprieve' to continue fueling one more year," January 2010, page B5], why is it that the government is never happy unless it is regulating something?
If the only complaint is the view, what's next? A ban on ugly boats? Ft. Lauderdale city commissioners need not worry about Peterson's having a competitive advantage; this is what the American system of free enterprise is all about.
A better question to ask is why the fuel is so high at marinas and why sales tax is included in some of the advertised prices and not in others. Marine diesel is dyed red to indicate that certain taxes have not been paid. People with road vehicles who purchase dyed fuel can be fined for avoiding the payment of taxes. I would like to know who in their right mind will fill up their truck at Pier 66? The fuel price at most marinas is as much or more than at a gas station.
The story about Merrill-Stevens ["Merrill-Stevens lays off its employees," January 2010, page A1] should send a message to our state and county governments. We need to be promoting the boating industry.
Broward County in the past several years has limited the addition of new docks and penalized the existing docks with a manatee fee, and now they want to limit the availability of cheaper fuel.
Bob E Sherman
Waterfront News columnist
Ft. Lauderdale
More links to content about Peterson Fuel:
- Peterson Fuel gets ‘reprieve’ to continue fueling one more year
- Fool-proof fueling: Crew call fuel ships convenient, dependable, cheaper
From The Sun - Sentinel:
TowBoatU.S. earns a big thumbs-up
I just had to write to say thanks for putting me in touch with Capt. Mike [Knecht] from TowBoatUS Ft. Lauderdale when I needed a tow on the New River. After that, we bought a top-of-the-line TowBoatUS membership and I have used it several times.
While planning a trip recently, I called TowBoatUS in Naples (Fla.) and got an amazing amount of free information from one of the skippers, Smithy.
They are dredging the channel there so the markers are off station and the channel is shoaling. Apparently, it's very easy to go in there "blind" and get into real trouble. He wants me to call two days before we head over for an update and then again before we make the entrance for any last-minute help I need.
The stuff Smithy told me was/is priceless. He will be getting a generous handshake, as well as an after-work brew. Super nice guy.
If you are a TowBoatUS member, just call any of them and ask for help. They’re more than happy; just take care of them at the end. So thank for putting me in touch with Capt. Mike.
Capt. Craig Jones
M/Y Current Issue
Merrill Stevens closure no surprise
I had to write in regarding your story about Merrill-Stevens. ["Merrill-Stevens lays off its employees," January 2010, page A1.] I took my sport fisherman there two years ago for what should have been simple work -- a bottom job and a handful of simple repairs. The work was shoddy, the repairs were not done right and the boat came back in worse shape.
They were inattentive to the problems. I would never go back. I am not surprised. I am sorry for their people but if my experience is representative of the work they were doing, then it was time to restart and rethink what kind of service they were delivering.
John Scarbrough
Yacht owner
Helicopter article ‘wonderful’
Thank you for the well prepared and highly informative article regarding helicopters and yachts. ["Helicopter training for crew up in air," January 2010, page A1.] Outstanding information. This topic deserves special attention to this young industry and I hope it brings light to crew members seeking higher education and training.
Having spent several years flying and guiding passengers on and off these machines, I can tell you firsthand the many hazards that accompany being around all those moving parts. Low visibility is another concern that always requires eye-to-eye contact with the pilot.
A truly epic day at sea or in the air can only come after everyone has arrived to their destination. Safety never takes a holiday, and I thank you kindly for this wonderful article.
Mark E. Campion
Warm Water Windows
St. John, U.S. Virgin Isles
