August 6th 2011 Pirates/Reds Skyblast

[WiredLlama]

Hey, new to boating and I am trying to make plans to come out on the river on August 6th. Plan to get on the water in the morning for some general boating fun and then anchoring outside PNC for the Pirates/Reds game then the concert and skyblast. Just wondering if people had any tips about what time I need to get to the park to get a good spot or any tips on doing that in general since it will be my first time. I have a 19' runabout open bow. Is this enough boat for the river and to do what I am planning?

Another related question. Do people anchor to the bottom or moor off to the shore and then tie up to one another. When they show the river during games on TV it looks as though people are anchored but I can't be sure. If anchored, about how deep is the river in that area and how much anchor line do I need? People here seem friendly enough and I am hoping to get some good tips so I don't make the regulars angry and have an enjoyable time.

Thanks!
Jason

[snmpgh]

You should be fine in a 19ft runabout, but I will warn you Skyblast can be a LOOOONG night so have some plans made for "facilities". Not sure where you are coming from (are you launching for the day or do you dock somewhere?), but we come down the Allegheny from Millvale Marina so I can only speak to what we do. For starters, you will get moved above the Clemente bridge before the fireworks start and sometimes even above the 6th street if they are using the Clemente Bridge to shoot from so don't get too comfortable in your spot below there. A 19ft boat is going to be too low to safely tie to the city side wall but maybe you can find a buddy with a slighty larger boat to raft off of. If you are going to anchor, make sure your lights work, the Coast Guard and Fish Commission work the crowd before the fireworks start and they will be looking for safety violations.

Since we are normally on the city side of the river, we can never really hear the music well enough to enjoy it, but maybe it is better on the North Shore side.

Hope some of this helps.

Mike

[WiredLlama]

Definitely some good info there. I'll just be launching for the day. I have family in the city but don't live there myself.

Really appreciative of the help. Thanks

[JZelt]

17-20 ft of water. Depends on anchor type. We have a 15 lb mushroom and 4' chain with 100' of rope.

Stay outside the yellow bouys on the Heinz field side and you will be fine, but also pay attention to where the clipper and other fleet ships are on the wall as you can be in their way. Also, stay out of the middle of the river channel as that is navigated for the barge for the fireworks.

[WiredLlama]

Thanks! I have both a mushroom type and a danforth anchor. I know in the boating handbook it says the anchor line should be 7-10 times the depth of water. Just wanted to make sure I had enough line. Thanks for the tips on where to locate as well. Really looking forward to getting out there and having some fun, maybe meeting some people.