Talk Boaty

02/17/2026

Join us this Saturday for Ready to Sail: Winter Workshop a relaxed, in-class refresher focused on marine knot tying, safety skills, and the little things that make a big difference once you’re back on the water. If you can’t quite spot what’s wrong with the knot in this photo… this class is probably for you.

🗓 Saturday | 12–3 PM
📍 100 Bourbon Street, Havre de Grace — $35 per person

We’re keeping the group small so everyone gets hands-on time. A few spots remain — call or text 410-939-2869 to join us.

01/24/2026

⚓ Rare Freezing Spray Advisory on the Chesapeake Bay tonight

This isn’t something we see often, and conditions are setting up to be rough—especially for anyone thinking about being on the water.

From Sandy Point to North Beach and Eastern Bay, mariners are facing a triple threat:

-Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM
Northwest winds gusting up to 25 knots

-Gale Warning from 6 PM tonight to 6 AM Saturday
North winds 15–25 knots with gusts to 35 knots, waves 2–4 feet

🧊 Freezing Spray Advisory from 7 PM tonight to 6 AM Saturday
Moderate ice accumulation expected on vessels

⚠️ If you’re on the water tonight:
Ice buildup can disable electronics and mechanical systems, and accumulation on deck can impact vessel stability. Combined with strong winds and hazardous seas, these are not safe conditions.

Best advice tonight: stay docked and stay safe.

01/13/2026

If winter feels a little heavy, this is your reminder🌅

Longer days are returning to the Bay.
More light.
More calm evenings.
More time on the water.

Save this. Share it.
Brighter Bay days are coming⛵️

12/12/2025

Susquehanna Hose crews, along with multiple mutual aid assets, are currently operating a water rescue in the Susquehanna River near the Hatem Bridge.

One victim has been located and transported to Christiana Trauma via Harford County Department of Emergency Services Medic 53. The search continues for a reported second victim. Divers have entered the water and are operating in recovery mode.

For the safety of responders and the public, please avoid the Water Street boat ramp area until further notice.

12/12/2025

UPDATE | SOMERSET COUNTY WATERMAN

The Maryland Natural Resources Police has concluded the search for Gregg Allan Thomas, 65, of Princess Anne. Mr. Thomas was located deceased on Wednesday near South Marsh Island in Tangier Sound.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on December 11, NRP officers responded to the southwestern shore of South Marsh Island after flight crew members aboard the department’s helicopter, Natural 1, spotted a body during an aerial search.

Mr. Thomas’s 40-foot commercial oyster boat, Olivia Grace II, was discovered unmanned and still in gear around 4:30 p.m. on December 1 in the Holland Straits north of Smith Island. He had departed Deal Island earlier that morning to harvest oysters.

The search spanned 11 days and included assistance from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command, U.S. Coast Guard, Deal Island–Chance Volunteer Fire Company, Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department, Ewell Volunteer Fire Company, Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Company, along with local watermen and community members.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Thomas’s family, friends, and the tight-knit waterman community during this difficult time💙

12/02/2025

Maryland Natural Resources Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local agencies are continuing the search for a missing Somerset County commercial waterman near Deal Island.

Gregg Allan Thomas, 65, of Princess Anne, was reported overdue Monday afternoon. A short time later, his boat was located in the Holland Strait area, unoccupied and still in gear.

Search teams have been conducting both surface and sonar operations. Due to worsening weather conditions, efforts have been temporarily paused and will resume at first light tomorrow.

This incident remains under joint investigation by Maryland Natural Resources Police and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Thomas’ family, friends, and the local watermen community during this incredibly difficult time💙

11/14/2025

Make sure your boat is protected before the freeze🥶

Winterization Services:
•Gas Engine V8/V6 – $195
•Gas Engine 4-Cyl – $175
•Diesel Engine – $225
•Outboards – $150
•Fresh Water System – (price varies)
•Gas Generator: Winterize + Service – $185
•Generator Winterize Only – $125
•Outdrive: Winterize + Gear Oil Change – $125
•Ice Maker – $80
•A/C Units (Per Unit) – $95
•Extra Bathrooms / Washdowns / Fish Boxes – $60 each

Oil Changes (parts + labor included):
•Small Block V8 – $149.95
•454–502 / 8.1 – $169.95
•Diesel – Call for estimate

Travel:
HdG/North Bay – Free
Harford Co. – $50 • Cecil – $65 • Baltimore Co. – $80

10/31/2025

10/03/2025

Heads up, Maryland boaters! Starting Oct. 1, 2025, vessel title and registration fees will go up. It’s the first increase since 1983. 

Here’s what’s changing:
•Boat registration jumps from $24 every 2 years to $70 every 2 years. 
•A new optional $12 registration is available for non-motorized craft (canoes, kayaks) to help with identifying owners during flooding or other incidents. 
•Boats 16 ft or less with ≤7.5 hp motors now must pay a registration fee, whereas before they might have qualified for free registration. 
•CG-documented vessels will no longer receive a discounted registration decal. 

Why the increase? The Maryland DNR says these higher fees will help cover rising costs and bring funding in line with inflation — all to support boating access, registration operations, and natural resources enforcement. 

If you own a boat (or even a kayak), it’s a good idea to check the new rates, renewals, and registration requirements before they catch you off guard.
👉 For more details, read the full article from Chesapeake Bay Magazine

Oct. 1, 2025, marks the start of crisp fall temperatures, falling leaves, and higher boating title and registration fees in the state of Maryland. The