BMO Fall 2023 Newsletter

Black Friday / Small Business Saturday Sale Bookmark this location of the page.

Miss the crowds and join us Friday and Saturday, November 24-25 for our Black Friday / Small Business Sale, featuring 10% off full-priced boats, an additional 5% off marked down boats, and 15% off accessories. Lots of gift ideas for the paddlers on your list (or even for yourself!) Shop Small, Shop Local!

We hope to see you Black Friday & Small Business Saturday!

New Boats Arriving Soon Bookmark this location of the page.

Bonafide SKF117 Bookmark this location of the page.

A new hybrid fishing model from Bonafide. The SKF117 is a cross between a traditional sit-on-top and a stand-up board but with all the fishing add-ons that Bonafide is known for. At 11 feet, 7 inches long but only 9.5 inches deep, this is one of our lighter stand-up fishing kayaks at 78 lbs. While we aren't in mangrove territory, a boat designed after a skiff for shallow, flat water with an open deck could be just the ticket for fly fishermen. The traction pads front to back offer grip for casting and catching, and provides ample space for your furry friend to hang out.

Bonafide SKF117

Sit-on-top/Stand-up hybrid fishing kayak.

Bonafide PWR129 Bookmark this location of the page.

We're still trying to catch up with all the electronic components of kayak fishing, but in the meantime Bonafide has come out with a boat designed to easily attach motors, fish finders, and most any other gadget without drilling holes in the boat. Featuring their Springblade rudder with foot control for more hands-free fishing, at 12 foot, 9 inches long and 35 inches wide, it focuses on stability regardless of what's powering it. Both new Bonafide boats will be here in December to check out.

Bonafide PWR129

Outfitted for adding a motor and other fishing equipment.

Wilderness Systems iATAK Bookmark this location of the page.

Wilderness Systems is joining the inflatable kayak fishing trend with their new iATAK in digital camo. It features 4 universal mounting plates for accessories and their patented fish fin technology to help cut through the water and keep you from blowing off course in the wind. Jeff Little also had some initial ideas to motorize it when it was revealed at iCast. Watch the video here to see the features for yourselves Wilderness Systems iATAK

iATAK

Wilderness' new inflatable fishing kayak.

Not New, but Updated Bookmark this location of the page.

Titan X Series Bookmark this location of the page.

What does the X stand for in the updated Titan series from Native Watercraft? More accessory options, including built-in battery boxes and wire accesses throughout the hull, their time-tested Propel pedal drive, and their new PivotPro 360° swivel seat. We haven't stocked many Titans because of their size and they haven't gotten any lighter; the 12.5 foot comes in at a fully rigged weight of 172 lbs. We'll stock a Titan X 10.5 when available but will be happy to order the larger size, and have plenty of carts to help you get it to the water.

Titan X Propel 12

The New PivotPro Swivel Seat and several other features.

Recon 120 ACES Bookmark this location of the page.

Wilderness Systems has added a 360° seat, updating their Recon 120 & Recon 120 HD with the ACES seat system representing adjustability, comfort, ergonomics, and now swivel seat mobility. Not sure if you want a pedal drive right away? As always, the Recon 120 allows you to add one later if you change your mind.

Recon 120 HD

Now with ACES 360° degree swivel seat.

The End of an Era Bookmark this location of the page.

Current Designs will no longer be connected to Wenonah canoes in the boat building world. Their composite touring designs will be continued through another company, Sanford Canoes, but their classic Kestrel and Solara plastic boats will be discontinued altogether. Started in the 1970's, we'll miss recreational boats with the most durable plastic you could find. We still have a few discounted ones in stock if you're in the market.

New Accessories Bookmark this location of the page.

YakAttack is always improving their line for kayak fishing accessories. The latest is the new TracPak boxes to keep all your fishing needs as close to you as possible. Don't have a track in the right spot? Don't worry, you can always add that too.

YakAttak TracPak

Mount your TracPak, on your TracPak!

We'll also be carrying the YakAttack Leaderboard for tournament fishermen along with all the accessories to go with it. They offer a sheath for your BlackPak, Identifier Holders and Rotogrip Leaderboard holders for the ideal photo snapping spot on your boat.

YakAttack Leaderboard

For measuring your catch, with ID holders and more.

Aquabound is joining the composite, lightweight whitewater paddle game. The new Aerial blade features LamLok™ technology that includes aramid thread stitching around the edge of the blade for ultimate durability and delamination prevention. Available in carbon or fiberglass, straight or bent shaft, and Major and Minor size blades.

Aquabound Composite Paddles

With Lamlok™ technology.

West Systems Bookmark this location of the page.

These days we almost exclusively use West Systems products for our repairs. From G/Flex made specifically for high density polyethylene, aka plastic, or their 105 Resin and corresponding Hardener for composite boats. It's not just for boats though, we've had West Systems customers building fish tanks, finishing roller skating flooring, and household repairs on just about anything. Have any questions about it? Call or check out their detailed site Epoxy Works for advice and project ideas.

West Systems

G/Flex, Resins, Hardeners and more.

Annual Reminders Bookmark this location of the page.

Just a friendly reminder that November 1st marked the first day wearing your PFD is mandatory, but as always be safe and be prepared for water temps regardless of how calm the water is. For those that want even more peace of mind, we now carry outriggers (or stabilizers) for kayaks from YakGear, as well as Spring Creek stabilizers for canoes. Check out the PFBC's Cold Weather Life Jacket Regulations page on their website.

Many of you will have expired launch permits at the end of the year and remember that once upon a time we were allowed to sell them. Nowadays, you can obtain your new permit from huntfish.pa.gov. Just wait until the new year since they go by a calendar schedule.

Not Ready for the Season to End?

Maybe you've stored your boat for the winter already or know it's just around the corner. What's the next best thing? Talking about paddling! We suggest joining a local canoe club so your non-paddling friends can catch a break. Meetings and holiday parties throughout the winter months to share your stories can help you get to spring.

Many also have pool sessions around the state, which is a safe and warm way to practice your roll and other whitewater skills. Don't forget, if you become an official member, remind us when you stop in for 10% discount off accessories.

Assalot 2023 Bookmark this location of the page.

Our annual Staff Retreat was a success again this year with lots of friends, food, drinks, paddling, and music. Check out this morning sunrise! (And no, red sky at morning, sailors take warning didn't apply in this case.)

Photo by Jeff Allbrecht

New BMO Mascot? Bookmark this location of the page.

Obviously this chipmonk has good taste!

New BMO Front Door Bookmark this location of the page.

Our apologies to anyone who was inconvenienced during our recent door replacement, but we think it was worth it! Thanks to the folks at Vintage Millwork who replicated our original train station door with a new one. Also thanks to Perry County Economic Development Authority, who's Façade Grant Program is covering part of the cost!

Replicated by the folks at Vintage Millworks. Thanks!

Bird Sightings Bookmark this location of the page.

Unfortunately no pics, but an adult and juvenile yellow crested night heron and a loon were spotted here in Marysville on the Susquehanna in August. Always exciting to see birds we don't usually see here!

Latest Dougism (?) Bookmark this location of the page.

Doug's been enjoying his retirement (although he still stops by to keep us in line occasionally) but has been on loose ends. SO, on a whim he attended a real estate auction and ended up buying a church. What he's going to do with it nobody knows, but if you know anyone interested in purchasing a church let us know! In the meantime he IS an ordained minister; there's already been one wedding performed there!

An evangelical church near Marysville, PA.

Anchor Wizard Q&A Bookmark this location of the page.

We recently had a customer ask if the Anchor Wizard he was purchasing could be taken apart and reversed so he could run it from the LH side of the boat (he's left handed.) Kameron from Anchor Wizard suggested simply feeding the line through the small hole on the opposite side of the oblong one. So if any of you Southpaws have the same question, here you go!

Weird Things Found on the River Bookmark this location of the page.

Always thinking of something else to put in the newsletter; hence a new (recurring) topic:

Several years ago we sponsored a river cleanup on the Susquehanna that included a boy scout troop as part of the volunteers. One of the boys found a message in a bottle from a Penn DOT worker, begging someone to rescue him from his mean supervisor who was making him dangle, dangerously, over a bridge to fix it. Even though it was technically litter, it was amusing and was a nice break from the usual garbage we were collecting.

The other unusual find was a LOT more disturbing, especially when it was brought to me by a 10-year-old puzzled scout, who produced a corn cob with a condom stretched over it. EWEW! Thank goodness for protective gloves! Needless to say, I left the scout leader to explain that one (didn't hear the explanation and didn't want to!)

Sarah, Falcon Rescuer Bookmark this location of the page.

Sarah has volunteered for several years with Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection's Falcon Watch Project at the Rachael Carson building in Harrisburg. What exactly does a Falcon Watch volunteer do other than watch falcons? Rescue them of course, if they decide to test their wings when they aren't quite ready. She's rescued several and will more than likely keep it up!

Gear Advice Bookmark this location of the page.

Locking vs. Non-locking Carabiners

Simply put, the strongest and most secure carabiners to use while boating are locking carabiners. In any life-saving or rescue situation that requires carabiners, locking carabiners are the clear standard.

Non-locking carabiners were originally designed for racking climbing gear and clipping easily in and out of climbing systems and protection. The forces of moving water and boating hazards did not factor into the engineering of non-lockers. Suffice it to say, they can be problematic in high-risk instances such as capsizing, getting ensnared by a strainer, or being recycled in a hydraulic. But don't go retiring your non-lockers altogether. They are very useful and versatile for organizing equipment on land.

Personal preferences will likely determine if you choose to use an auto-locking carabiner or the more traditional screw-gate variety. Either will serve you well as long as they are used correctly. Be selective when it comes to ergonomics. Use carabiners that fit the shape of your hand and feel comfortable in your fingers when you manipulate the gate action. Anyone who wants to geek out on more information regarding carabiners, stop by the shop and talk to Jeff!

Moving on…Sarah Bookmark this location of the page.

In addition to doing repairs and outfitting in BMO's workshop, learning to do gasket repairs, and helping (a lot!) with orders, she's also written a good bit of this newsletter. Hmmm, maybe I (Mary) will be able to retire after all!

We hope to see you this Black Friday/Small Business Saturday!

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