Skull Creek Marina

October 2008

South Carolina “Clean Marina” Designation

This month will be the first in a series devoted to Skull Creek Marina’s goal to obtain the S.C. “Clean Marina” designation.  The purpose of this program is to protect & improve local water quality for us as well as future generations.  We hope you will enjoy these topics and be proactive about helping us protect our fragile environment.  Please call us with your comments and suggestions.  This month’s topic is Gas & Oil. 

One quart of oil will create an oil slick over two acres in size!  One gallon of fuel can contaminate over a million gallons of water.  This can have a serious effect on the marine environment, including death of sea life & reduction of food supply.

Fueling Tips:  

1.      Fuel your boat slowly & carefully and only fill the tank to 90% as fuel expands.

2.      Use fuel bibs to catch drips and backsplash from fuel intake and vent overflow.

3.      Outboards: close tank fuel vent when boat is not in use to save vapor loss.

4.      Built in tanks: Install fuel/air separator in air vent line from tank to prevent spills.

5.      Buy new direct injected 2 & 4 stroke engines which consume all of their oil.

Bilges: are a major source of pollution since they collect oil, fuel, & transmission fluid.  When an automatic bilge pump is activated, these fluids are pumped overboard. 

Control oil in the bilge by:

1.      Place oil absorbent pads in the bilge or under the engine to catch oil.

2.      Keep the engine well tuned: no leaking seals, gaskets, or hoses.

3.      Change oil filters often. Slip a plastic bag over filter before removal to catch drips.

4.      Never discharge or pump any bilge water that appears oily- it is against the law.

5.      Install a bilge pump switch that leaves 1-2 inches of water in the bilge.  Or connect a

      bilge water filter to your vessel’s bilge pump.  Filters will remove oil & fuel from water.

6.      Do not use bilge cleaners when pumping to a waterbody – they simply spread the oil.

Handle Spills Appropriately

1.      If you have a spill, wipe it up with a rag.  Don’t hose it off into the water.

2.      If fuel is spilled into the water:  Don’t use soap or detergent to disperse it; this

     contaminates the water and harms marine life.  It is also against federal law.

3.      If a spill occurs notify marina management or call 1-800-OILS-911.

 Disposal of Waste Oil 

Skull Creek Marina no longer has a waste oil tank in the Boat Yard.  Anyone who changes their motor oil should transport it to the Recycling Facility located on Dillon Road (near the Hilton Head Airport) for responsible disposal.

Fishing News

It’s Oyster Season!  One of our most popular and nutritious local seafood, oysters are abundant in our area and may be harvested from September – May.  You need a marine recreational fisheries stamp, and may harvest two bushels per person per day from public and state shellfish harvesting areas.  Not only are oysters delicious, they also play an important environmental role.  As the oyster feeds by filtering food particles from surrounding water, a large oyster can pump as much as four gallons per hour, removing sediments from the water column and cleansing the water of pollutants.  If you don’t want to work for your oysters, purchase a bushel or two from the Bluffton Oyster Company.  It is the only remaining oyster factory in the entire state, and you can be sure they are fresh & tasty.

Cruising News

Skull Creek Marina has recently joined “The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net” at www.cruisersnet.net.  Check out this informative website before you embark on your next cruise.  You can submit news, ask questions, learn about bridges, anchorages, ICW conditions, get weather forecasts, galley recipes and learn about marina specials & discounts. Click on each state from Virginia to Western Florida to obtain regional information.  SCM will have a banner on the SC page and will offer monthly news stories.

Country Club of Hilton Head Guest Membership

As an added benefit to staying at Skull Creek Marina, we now have a special Visiting Yachtsman membership available for transients and guests.  Contact Cindy at the marina office for more information.

Other Marina News 

Monthly Cookouts Continue…

Make plans to attend one of our fun monthly cookouts!  Come meet your neighbors and bring your family, guests, pets – all are welcome!  Granville asks that you bring something to drink, something to eat, and something to share – charcoal and grills are provided.   The last cookout for 2008 is November 14.  We will resume again in March 2009.  Join us for cooler weather and great camaraderie!