BMO Spring 2023 Newsletter

  • Written By: Mary Gibson
  • Date Written:

Warming Up . . .

The weather's warming up, and the river's coming down. Welcome, Spring!

(I know, another sunrise pic. But it's too nice not to share! We are SO lucky to live by the river!)

Springtime Susquehanna Sunrise

Springtime Susquehanna Sunrise

Making Room Boat Sale

Trucks are unloading here faster than we can find room for the boats on them, SO we're having a “Making Room” sale until we clear out enough space for more. In stock boats only; check out our on-line inventory lists and give us a call for details! (Some restrictions apply)

New Boats for 2023

Dagger Vanguard

Dagger Vanguard

Dagger's White Water Racing Kayak.

Replacing the iconic Green Boat comes the Dagger Vanguard, 12'3" of FAST whitewater downriver kayak! Full Dagger Contour Ergo Creek outfitting for safety, control, and comfort. (We sold the first one the day it arrived!)

Liquid Logic Hot Whip and Sweet Ride

Two new Half Slice whitewater boats ready to hit the water; the Hot Whip (River Play) and Sweet Ride (River Runner). Graphics are unique (see pics); check out Liquid Logic's web page for specs. (Sold the first Hot Whip already, but more are on the way!)

Hot Whip & Sweet Ride

Liquid Logic's newest Half Slice WW Kayaks

Also new, a smaller version of the RMX 76 All Runner for smaller folks (80-180 lbs.) so now there's a size for everyone!

RMX 76

RMX 76

Perception Hangtime

Okay, we're on the fence with this one! We get it, kayaking can be relaxing, but a reclining seat with padded headrest? Really? BUT if that's your thing, you'll love this new “kick back and relax" sit-on-top featuring ample padded deck space with plenty of room to stretch and (of course!) multiple beverage holders. Let the party begin!

Perception Hangtime

Kick back & relax.

Northstar Pearl

Northstar Pearl

A tandem canoe that can easily be paddled as a solo.

For several years we've asked Northstar to consider making a tandem canoe that's shorter and more forgiving. This year they've introduced the Pearl, 15'9" long, 35" wide, and 2" of rocker both bow and stern, allowing it to be easily paddled solo as well as tandem. Optimum capacity is 225 to 525 lbs. depending on conditions, with various layups ranging from 29-58 lbs. What's not to like? Well to be honest, we're not too keen on the name. Apparently since the canoe is loosely based on the Chestnut Pal, Northstar was looking for something similar but didn't like Amigo or their other ideas, so settled on "Pearl". Our suggestions included "Koda" (Dakota for "friend"), "Cygnus" (The constellation for friendship), and "Obsidian" (if they really wanted to use a gem) but we were overruled. We wonder what's next? Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire? Guess we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, the boat looks like a winner!

Wenonah T-Formex Canoes

Not new, but back after a (too long) hiatus we're getting a limited shipment of Wenonah T-Formex canoes. Watch our website inventory listing for these and other boats in stock as they come in.

(Now if we could only see Mad River Canoe come back!)

New Gear for 2023

Have Boat, Will Travel (Easier)

Last fall we covered several new kayak carts, but didn't yet have the info. on two new ones coming from YakAttack. The TowNStow Bar Cart has a carrying capacity of 200 to 450 lbs. depending on the usage, and comes 98% assembled. With the push of a button or flip of a level the BarCart can be deployed, adjusted, or collapsed in seconds (translating to more time on the water), is compatible with multiple hull shapes, and has a lifetime warranty. $250

Yak Attack BarCart

Yak Attack BarCart

Also new this year from YakAttack, the Tow&Sto Bunkster, a simplified version of the Bar Cart, but with fixed bunks. $180

Yak Attack Bunkster

Yak Attack Bunkster

Yet More Purple Lizard Maps!

The Purple Lizard people have been busy lately! New are two maps of Shenandoah National Park (North and South areas); available along with the other Purple Lizard maps here at BMO!

Purple Lizard Shenandoah Maps

Purple Lizard Shenandoah Maps

Larger Size Clothing

NRS and Outdoor Research have both added clothing in larger sizes to accommodate more paddlers. Yay!

Sealect Designs Triple Threat Rod Holder

Sealect Designs has pulled out the stops with their new triple rod holder designed to fasten to the classic milk crate favored by so many kayak fishermen and women (or anything else you'd like to fasten it to!) The Rod holders are compatible with Bait Cast, Spinning or Fly Reel rods up to 1-3/4” diameter. Attachment screws are provided, along with holes for optional bungee attachments. Features include 16 Lure & Tackle Ports, Scent Bottle Storage, Multiple Tool and Knife Holders, Accessory Track Mountain System, and 4 Leash Attachment Points so your rods don't go AWOL. All this for only $24.95, here at BMO. And best of all, it's made in the good old USA using recycled plastic!

Triple Threat Rod Holder

Triple Threat Rod Holder

Favorite Customer Pics

Tom Hanks had “Wilson”; our customer Cecil Cooper discovered “Brunswick” while on one of our Susquehanna River trips. Thanks for sharing, Cecil!

[Brunswick]

Bring your Boat with You

Save a Trip; Bring your Boat with You

We know it might be a pain, but if you're looking for a sprayskirt, float bags, replacement seats, etc. for your canoe or kayak it's well worth the effort to load your boat and bring it along. It's easier for all of us than returning the item(s) and trying again!

Neighborhood News

Marysville recently opened the Railroaders Memorial Courtyard, dedicated to Marysville Railroad workers, past and present. (Check out the pump cart; reminds us of “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”)

Marysville Railroad Memorial

Marysville Railroad Memorial

Speaking of Marysville and railroaders, we have a celebrity railroader living in our community. Remember the movie “Unstoppable”? Jon Hosfeld was the real-life hero who stopped runaway train #8888 (nicknamed “Crazy Eights” carrying hazardous chemicals) before anyone was hurt.

More Neighborhood News

Can't tell how many times I've been asked if our town was named after me. (I know I'm getting older, but really, 163 years?) There is sort of a connection though; it was named in 1860 for the wife of railroad master Jeremiah Buzzard. In addition to being known as caretaker of the community, Mary was responsible for the building of the historic Marysville Subway, connecting the river section of Marysville to the newer upper section after several people lost their lives crossing the railroad tracks. Our customers now use the subway to walk to and from the river access. Thanks, Mary!

Fireside Reading

Recently started cleaning out years' worth of stuff Doug and I have collected and found a bunch of old books ranging from river guides, making your own outdoor gear, fixing your old outdoor gear, fixing your bike, (sorry, I kept the one about fixing your leaky faucet), how to paddle, how to pack, how to lead trips, and more. Most sell for a bargain at $2.00! So, if you're one of us who still likes to turn pages, come on in and check 'em out!

Used Books

Used books for sale.

What we Can and Can't Do

We really like to focus on all the great things we can do for you, but feel that at this point we need to point out some of the things we CAN'T do:

  • Launch Permits

    We are no longer able to provide non-powered boat launch permits. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has a website where they can be ordered: https://huntfish.pa.gov. (If you already get hunting or fishing licenses online it's the same site, and you already have an account.) If not, you will need to set up an account with them, however you will not need to answer all the questions (watch for the * showing the info. required.) You can also go to a Pennsylvania State Park office and purchase a use permit, which is reciprocal with the PFBC Launch Permit.

  • Powered Boat Registrations

    Same as above, but more info. required. (Not available at State Parks.)

  • Live Bait and Fishing Lures

    Sorry, I put my foot down when Doug suggested this; I don't count worms! Live bait is available at the beer distributor just down the road though, as well as at Riverfront Campground up the road (who also stock fishing supplies and lures.)

BUT things we DO offer!

  • Firewood

    cut, dried, and ready to burn (so you don’t have to watch for poison ivy while looking for it on the islands!)

  • Ice

    for your cooler

  • Fuel

    for your camp stove

  • Freeze Dried Food

    for you!

  • Lots of last-minute supplies

    you might have inadvertently left at home.

BMO Snack Bar

Why your boat is REALLY in the workshop! (Just kidding, this was in between jobs.)

BMO Snack Bar

BMO Snack Bar

Doug's Birthday Cake

How time flies! BMO legend Doug Gibson recently celebrated his birthday (correction, we celebrated his birthday; he refuses to acknowledge it anymore!) When our friend Carla asked me his favorite flavor so she could bake him a cake I had to reply “Labatts”. Thanks, Carla, and Happy Birthday, Doug!

Labatt Blue Birthday Cake

Thanks, Carla, and Happy Birthday, Doug!

The Legend of Suskie, the Susquehanna Seal

So what happens at BMO during the slow season? Often not enough! Sarah started researching paranormal creatures in PA and ran across an oft-repeated tale originating with the local Native Americans about a “monster” encountered in the Kettle Creek area on the West Branch of the Susquehanna. According to legend, the creature was in the habit of upsetting logging rafts, provoking huge boils in the water, and uttering loud howls and ominous roars. It was known variously as the Kettle Creek Monster, West Branch Dugong, and (our favorite) the Susquehanna Seal.

So, what did it look like? No one knows for sure, but reports described a marine animal or sea monster “the bulk of an ox or hippopotamus” that mostly stayed underwater. One theory is that it is a living Hyperpeton, a prehistoric creature that once existed in the area and was described as sort of a thick salamander with stubby legs and fingers and a flat, tadpole-like tail. One thing all agreed upon was that it was nothing you'd want to meet up with!

Where did it come from? The most accepted theory is that this prehistoric creature moved inland up the river system during a high flood, then became landlocked (waterlocked?) when flood waters receded. Is it still there? Again, no one knows, but we like to think that it made its way down the Susquehanna, finding a home in our own BMO back yard.

So be careful out there, and be sure to let us know if you catch sight of “Suskie”

If you haven’t already, unpack your boat(s) and gear, dust 'em off, and head out on the water. Hope to see you there!

- Mary and the BMO Crew
(Doug, Sarah, Greg & Jeff)

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