Complete| janfeb2014

W H ER E F R E S H WAT ER B OAT ER S G O FO R N E W S

February 2014

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Happy New Year!

This is a great time of the year, a time when we can reflect on the past, plan for the future, and live in the present, a gift for all of us.

I personally take this opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of my daily activities and reflect on the past year. I look at the magazine pondering on what we’ve done well, what we could have done better, and how we can improve our efforts in 2014.

Make no mistake about it, our mission this year is the same one as last year and for the past 31 years: we want to be the leading magazine for recreational boaters and sportsfishermen on the Great Lakes.

We want you to view this magazine as your premier source for news and information about the issues, people, products, services, and events of the Great Lakes.

When you receive this magazine, we hope that you will see our continuing efforts to enlighten, educate and inform you about leading boat brands, major issues affecting recreational boating and fishing, and important new products and services that will make your boating life easier and more enjoyable. Through well-researched feature articles, timely news stories, hard-hitting editorials, and new product announcements, you’ll find a magazine whose content is clear, concrete, and relevant to your boating needs.

My most recent reflections on recreational boating in the Great Lakes have been somewhat troubling as I see some puzzling trends. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that the economic recession of 2007-2009 has had a lingering effect on recreational boating. The loss of jobs, poor housing markets, and dwindling 401Ks have had a devastating effect on many sectors of our economy, including boating. As a result, we are seeing fewer boats on the waters and an ever-growing number of people are leaving boating because they view it as too expensive, too time-consuming.

People who sell boats tell me that the number of people coming into their dealerships to purchase new ones has

4 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

been steadily increasing this past year, but there are no huge gains. Professionals who manage marinas note that their waiting lists of a decade ago have long vanished, and they are working feverishly to fill their empty slips. Although this is not true for each and every dealership and marina, it seems that the industry is making a slow and steady recovery, but not at the pace many would like.

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS Publisher & Editor in Chief F. Ned Dikmen Managing Editor Karen Malonis

All these facts lead me to believe that recreational and sportsfishing is at a crossroads. Down one road is a declining number of boaters and anglers, a lack of younger people involved in boating, and a crying need for more affordable boats. On the other road are people and organizations striving to reverse this trend. We believe this latter effort is the way to go, and we especially encourage boatbuilders to make more affordable boats that have a more universal appeal, especially to emerging minorities. See the article on page 18.

I also want to alert you to some new and exciting things we are planning for the upcoming year. One thing you should note is that we’ve increased both the size and the number of pages in each issue. At a time when magazine publishing is under intense scrutiny as a viable communication vehicle, we want you to know that our magazine is both changing and growing.

We’re also undertaking some changes to the Great Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF). Not only is GLBF your resource for protecting the rights of the 4.3 million Great Lakes boaters and sportsfishermen, but in 2014 it will become a community website. It’s here where you will be able to purchase products and services at a discount from Federation vendors. So, check out the GLBF website, join the organization, and in doing so know that you are helping yourself and your fellow boaters and anglers.

If there’s one thing I would leave you with as we approach a New Year, it’s this: We need to pass along to young people and emerging minorities, such as Hispanics and African-Americans, the message that boating is affordable. Let others know that the costs of boating are reasonable considering the hours of enjoyment one experiences. In the coming year, let’s all expand our boating interests and deepen our appreciation of boating as a relaxing, hassle-free, fun activity!

Associate Editor Jerome A. Koncel Contributing Writers Tom Bingham Laurie Fullerton John Hutchinson Sonja Moseley Art Direction Steve Jones

Advertising | Sales Inquiries Neil Dikmen p 312.266.8400 • f 312.266.8470 e info@greatlakesboating.com

GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) ©

2014 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of Chicago

Boating Publications, Inc., its publisher, 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

For editorial inquiries, contact Great Lakes Boating Magazine at 1032 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610 p 312.266.8400 or e kmalonis@greatlakesboating.com.

Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available online at greatlakesboating.com and at any of the distribution centers and newsstands in areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all undelivered issues to Great Lakes Boating Magazine, 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

All manuscripts should be accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope. Great Lakes Boating Magazine is not responsible and will not be liable for non-solicited manuscripts, including photographs.

Great Lakes Boating Magazine does not assume liability or ensure accuracy of the content contained in its articles, editorials, new product releases and advertising. Inquiries may be directed to the authors through the editorial office. Products, services and advertisements appearing in Great Lakes Boating Magazine do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of their safety by Great Lakes Boating Magazine. Material in the publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Great Lakes Boating Magazine editorial and executive staff. Past copies may be purchased by sending a written request to the offices of Great Lakes Boating Magazine. For reprints contact: FosteReprints, p 800.382.0808 or f 219.879.8366.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

18 Features FEATURES

OTC

LOA:

• CARVER YACHTS ....................... 14 • IMPROVE BOATING .................... 18 • CHICAGO HARBORS LIFESTYLE ... 22 • DIVERSITY .................................... 26 • JAMAICA .................................... 30

SPOTLIGHTS Spotlight • CRUZIN .......................................... 34 • CERTIFIED DEALERSHIPS ........... 38 • DSC-EQUIPPED VHF ................... 40

In the News IN THE NEWS

• GREAT LAKES ..............................42 42 • FISHING .................................... 46 • MARINAS.................................. 48 • NATIONAL ................................. 50 • SAILING .................................... 52

w platform & gunnel molding

BEAM: DRAFT: BRIDGE CLEARANCE:

26

DEPARTMENTS Departments

• PUBLISHER’S NOTE...........................04 • EDITORIALS ........................................ 08 • LETTER TO THE EDITOR...................... 10 • NEW PRODUCTS ...............................54 • BOAT CARE AND FEEDING..................56 • EVENTS CALENDAR ..........................50 • MARINE MART..................................60 • ADVERTISER INDEX ..........................60

• READ •

GREAT LAKES BOATING

on your tablet or smartphone

visit: greatlakesboating.com

GLB NEWSLETTER

A L E RT !!!

Great Lakes Boating now offers boaters a free weekly digital newsletter to keep them informed about news, issues, and events of the Great Lakes.

Visit www.greatlakesboating.com and register by entering your email address into the appropriate box.

Sell your boat on our NEW redesigned Classified Section 6 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

CARVER C40

(w/standard equipment)

.................39’10” .................13’6” ................ 3’7” .................12’

The family-inspired, quality features of the C40, coupled with its remarkable affordability, provide boaters with homelike comfort, outstanding views, and limitless opportunities for recreation.

Its contemporary design features distinctive exterior styling and a spacious, low-profile command bridge. The bridge’s elevated deck not only provides the captain with an optimal vantage point from which to operate the vessel, but also includes seating and lounging space.

At deck level, the C40 is designed with an integrated swim platform, cockpit, salon and galley that create a unified living and social environment.

The interior includes a spacious master stateroom, head compartments, and a private guest cabin. Additional sleeping space is available by converting the salon lounge into a double berth, so the yacht can provide sleeping accommodations for six people.

The galley features built-in appliances, a ventilated cooktop, and generous storage areas.

The dependable, twin inboard propulsion delivers smooth rides and speeds up to 30 knots. Gasoline or diesel engines are available, as is a bow thruster to increase maneuverability.

CARVER YACHTS 790 Markham Drive Pulaski, WI 54162

920-822-3214 www.carveryachts.com

EDITORIALS

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Efforts to grow boating by reaching out to people and increasing their awareness of participation in the sport come in many different forms, but they all need money to succeed. Where do we get the funds to improve boating? The answer to this question will go a long way in determining the future success or failure of recreational boating and fishing.

When we look at sources of funds to promote, develop, and grow recreational boating and fishing, our immediate response is to turn to the big players in the industry, i.e., the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Great Lakes Boating Federation, and the individual state and regional marine trade associations, such as the Michigan Boating Industries Association, New York Marine Trade Association, and the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association.

One does not have to be a mind reader to know that these organizations and associations are all hurting. In fact, the “Great Recession” had a far more adverse effect on them and the boating industry than has been reported in the press.

The next area we turn to for funding and one of the most obvious sources is the federal government. We know that the government provides money to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dredging harbors, to specific marinas for pumpout equipment via the Clean Vessel Act, and to marinas for transient docking facilities. Funds for these latter two efforts come directly from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund that doles out approximately $450 million each year.

There are two important things to note. The fi rst is that each year 10 percent of the trust funds go for boating access, translating into the Boating Infrastructure Grant programs to build transient boating docks. The problem is that there are plenty of transient docks in the Great Lakes.

Because we don’t need any more docks, let’s use the money for more pressing and effective options, such as supporting the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s efforts to increase boating and fishing among Hispanics or Discover Boating’s efforts to att ract prospective boaters through TV advertising.

The second thing to note is that the Trust Fund money comes from boaters as a tax on gear and gas fuels and should go back to benefit the payers, i.e., the boaters. The problem is that the government never asks boaters how and where they would like to see the money spent to benefit the industry. Maybe this is too simple, but the answers might surprise the people who dole out the money.

One fi nal thought: The money from this trust fund has made a difference in boating. One of the main recipients of trust fund money is the U.S. Coast Guard, which uses the funds for its own boating safety and education programs and awards grants to states for boating safety education and training efforts. A look at the latest statistics on boating accidents and deaths reveals a hugely successful effort. In 2012, the boating industry recorded the fewest deaths since the USCG began keeping records.

The boating industry needs more fi nancial resources to be successful, and it should ask the federal government for funds. We must hold the federal government more accountable for the way it spends boaters’ tax dollars. Instead of ignoring recreational boaters and sportsfishermen, the federal government must listen to them and provide the money needed to maintain boating and fishing as two of our nation’s most favorite pastimes.

Agree? Disagree? Want to Comment?

EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS TO LET TERS@GREATLAKESBOATING.COM

8 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

NO TO ETHANOL

In early December, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a hearing on a proposal to reduce the total number of gallons of corn ethanol that would be blended into gas in 2014. While this is a laudable effort, the EPA should do the right thing and eliminate the mandate requiring increased amounts of ethanol in gasoline.

When Congress, in its infi nite wisdom (or lack thereof), passed the Renewable Fuel Source Act of 2007, it mandated that increased amounts of ethanol be blended into gasoline each year so that by 2022, 36 billion gallons of ethanol would be blended. The impetus for this legislation was a strong desire to make the United States more energy independent.

Over the years, we’ve seen that increasing the amount of ethanol in gasoline is good for the farmers who grow corn, the ethanol producers who make ethanol, but not so good for anyone else, including boaters and the American consumer. The concept of growing corn for fuel instead of for food has never made either economic or environmental sense. As John McKnight, Director, Environmental and Safety Compliance, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, told the EPA group meeting, “It’s unacceptable to virtually everyone...unless you’re one of the corn people making money on it.”

Well, times have changed, and the fact is that at the beginning of 2014, the U.S. is the world’s largest producer of oil. Instead of depending on foreign countries for our oil, we are a net exporter.

From a logical viewpoint, this dramatic change in our oil dependence means that we no longer need more ethanol. From an environmental standpoint, we need to return those millions of acres of grasslands that were set aside for ethanol into cornfields that will go to feed humans.

To be honest with our readers, the reason for EPA’s reduction is not common sense, but rather because the corn producers can’t produce enough corn that can be turned into ethanol for blending in gasoline.

In simple terms, now that the U.S. has become a net exporter, not importer of oil, the EPA can’t get enough ethanol to blend with the excess supply of gasoline expected in 2014.

JOIN US

The VOICE of 4.3 Million Boaters

Although we applaud EPA for showing some common sense in its “proposed reduction of ethanol in gasoline,” the reality is that this is not good enough. EPA’s proposal does not go far enough because it does not get rid of ethanol mandates.

As we noted earlier, when the law was originally passed in 2007, the motivation for increased amounts of ethanol was to reduce our energy dependence on foreign countries. In short, we wanted to be energy independent. When EPA fi rst proposed the Renewable Fuel Standard, it was seen as the best way in which the country could increase the amounts of ethanol in gasoline to increase our independence.

greatlakesboatingfederation.org greatlakesboating.com | 9

LET TERS TO THE EDITOR

HERE ARE SOME MORE CHALLENGES TO BOATING I just finished reading the article on “Boating’s Uncertain Future” in the December issue that I picked up at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show. The article had data in it that I had not read in similar pieces that had been written this year on the topic—in particular the limited funds of the Grow Boating Campaign.

In a previous job when I ran market research at West Marine, the demographic challenges to boating were very visible. In fact, they were part of the reason why I hopped over to tech in Silicon Valley because I was still early in my career and wanted an industry I could grow in.

I am wondering what are some of the items the magazine is going to promote as solution in the January issue. I had the opportunity in August to attend the International Sailing Summit (ISS) in San Francisco, and the theme there was similar, though in many ways more dire, as sailing has been in decline much longer than boating in general.

One of the things that was unique at ISS was that it ended the day with a panel answering the question “Would venture capitalists of Silicon Valley invest in the sailing industry?” The panel was made up of millennials, managing partners from venture capital firms.

One item that came up in the panel discussion, which mirrors the sections of the GLB article, is that the value/cost [of boating] needs to be rebalanced. The costs of boating when you measure it in the purchase, time of ownership, cleaning, and maintenance are very high. The millennials said that they want to be on the water, but the time pressures of their lives, work, friends, technology, create a challenge to the prospect of having the time to own a boat.

One of the things I keep seeing the industry do is focus on what it internally can do to “fix” the problem, and many of the meetings are filled with the same people who have been in the industry for decades. The conclusion of the ISS panel was that there needed to be a ZipCar/Airbnb of boats.

It was great to hear this as that is the goal of Boatbound, the company I work for. Our first summer’s worth of data showed that the business model got the younger people on the water, as 65 percent of the renters were under 45...we even had 25-year-olds renting trailer boats for a weekend of fun with their friends for their birthdays. They want to be on the water, but they are not ready for the costs and responsibilities that owning a boat entails.

We have been learning a lot from our friends at RelayRides (car sharing model) and if the car industry is already having a problem getting millennials to buy a car, there is little hope for boat ownership.

(For example: 46 percent of eligible drivers 18-24 would choose Internet access over car ownership.)

I hope the article next month [January/February 2014] includes some of the firsthand insight that younger people can provide on why they do not boat, and what it would take to get them out on the water again.

Let me know if there is anything we can do from our side to provide data, user stories to highlight a potential solution for the boating industry that is exciting and would get venture capitalists to at least be willing to invest in the boating industry.

Sara Swenson COO, Boatbound San Francisco, Calif.

10 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

F

or more than 60 years, Carver Yachts has been known for its spacious, ergonomic designs

that are logically designed to meet the demands of avid yachtsmen. This tradition continues on in the new generation of Carver yachts that are being introduced to Great Lakes boaters in 2014.

These boats will be defined from top to bottom by their sleek new lines, forward thinking naval architecture, and outstanding North American design, engineering, and craftsmanship.

Carver C40 The all-new Carver C40 is a family-inspired boat. Its high-quality features, coupled with its surprising affordability, make this yacht the perfect place to build memories and explore new places.

Specifications: LOA w/platform & gunnel molding....................................... 39’10” Beam .................................................................................... 13’6” Draft ..................................................................................... 3’7” Bridge Clearance (with standard equipment) .................................................. 12’ Boaters can easily board the C40 from dockside via its extra-wide

people can navigate the yacht. There’s plenty of lounging space,

swim platform. Once on board, they will find comfortable cockpit

and a multi-featured helm station that can handle a full array of

seating. If they want, passengers can walk to the foredeck using

navigation and communication electronics. The bridge alone has

the extra-wide side decks; take the home-like stairway to the

enough room for the entire crew—family and guests—to relax

elevated command bridge; or open the double-wide bulkhead

comfortably together.

doors to turn the cockpit, salon, galley and dinette into one unified, comfortable environment.

One of the more prominent exterior features of the C40 is its expansive low-profile command bridge. This elevated deck not only provides the captain with a great vantage point from which to operate the vessel, but also includes dual captain’s chairs so two 12 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

At deck level, the C40 is designed with an integrated swim platform, cockpit, salon and galley that create a unified living and social environment.

The inside of the yacht includes spacious master staterooms, head compartments and a private guest cabin. The luxurious master

www.carveryachts.com

stateroom contains an extra-wide island berth with recessed

sleeping accommodations for

and sconce lighting, along with multiple hanging and overhead

six people.

lockers. The private head compartment features a home-like stall shower. For those people who crave fresh air and natural light, the C40 has four 12-inch opening portlights with screens and a foredeck hatch with screen.

The C40’s guest stateroom has twin berths, standing headroom, generous storage for personal items and a locking door for privacy.

The galley is highly functional, with built-in appliances, ventilated cooktop, spacious countertops, and plenty of storage for kitchenware. Salon windows slide open for cross ventilation.

A pair of efficient and dependable inboard engines powers the new C40 propulsion system. The 6.7L 380 hp Cummins diesel engines allow the yacht to achieve a top speed

If boaters are looking for more living space, they can convert

of 30 knots. Gasoline or diesel engines are available as is a

the salon lounge into a double berth, so the yacht provides

bow thruster to increase maneuverability. greatlakesboating.com | 13

Carver C34 The new C34’s stunning exterior features an aggressive, raised sheer that complements the bold shape of the hull’s forward section and stem.

Boaters will note that the twin inboard engines that power the boat deliver outstanding performance, maneuverability, efficiency, and dependability while providing a smooth, quiet ride at all speeds.

The C34 is incredibly spacious, highly functional, very versatile, and a tremendous value when compared to the current offerings in this size range. The yacht’s design provides a roomy low-profile command bridge from which to navigate the vessel while underway or lounge at anchor. It comes with a fully equipped galley, two private staterooms, a home-like stall shower, and spacious areas for entertainment.

For admiring the scenery or just socializing, the C34 offers comfortable, cushioned wraparound seating with under-seat

www.carveryachts.com up” layout features lots of counter space, all essential cooking appliances and storage, and generous natural light.

storage. An expansive, cushioned, aft sun lounge is the ideal spot for

The forward stateroom features an extra-wide island berth with

sunbathing, while a Bimini-style suntop is available for cooling shade

easy access from both sides. Two hanging lockers and overhead

when desired.

compartments provide generous storage, and four portholes and

The cockpit has plenty of seats and numerous storage lockers for essential gear, such as fenders, dock lines and electrical cables.

large foredeck hatch open to let in fresh air and light. A wooden door with locking hatch assures privacy. If boaters need additional sleeping accommodations for two more guests, all they have to

By opening the two salon doors, the salon, galley, and cockpit

do is drop the dining table and use the filler cushion to create a

become one expansive and inclusive environment. The “galley

comfortable berth.

Skipperbud s’ : a leading Carver Dealer on the Great Lakes SkipperBud’s is a long-time industry leader that has served boaters for more than four decades, and during these decades of service to the boating marketplace, it has been proud to display the Carver Yachts product line as a staple model in its marinas and showroom displays.

SkipperBud’s knows that Carver’s cruising yachts are some of the best-built yachts in the world. They are constructed right here in the Midwest and all construction is done in-house by skilled craftsmen.

SkipperBud’s is able to take these attributes and turn them into valuable assets by bringing customers to the Carver manufacturing 14 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

plant in Pulaski, Wis., and showing prospective customers their yachts in production, SkipperBud’s has trained Carver specialists who can help match any boater up with the model that best suits their boating lifestyle.

These specialists have not only studied the product, but they have also been to the manufacturing plant to see first-hand how the product is made. By joining high-quality luxury cruising models to very knowledgeable specialists, SkipperBud’s is able to offer the customers value for their money.

Specifications: LOA with platform & gunnel molding................................. 35’6” Beam .................................................................................. 13’ Draft (full load)................................................................... 42” Bridge Clearance (full load) ............................................... 12’7”

ILLINOIS SKIPPERBUD’S - VOLO 31535 N. US Highway 12 Round Lake, IL 815-385-2720 SKIPPERBUD’S – NORTH POINT 215 North Point Drive Winthrop Harbor, IL 847-872-3200

MICHIGaN

SKIPPERBUD’S – BAY CITY 1809 South Water Street Bay City, MI 989-894-4181

SKIPPERBUD’S – LAKE FENTON 14016 Fenton Road Fenton, MI 810-714-3570 SKIPPERBUD’S – GRAND HAVEN 11 Harbor Island Drive Grand Haven, MI 616-997-2628 SKIPPERBUD’S – BELLE MAER 41700 Conger Bay Drive Harrison Township, MI 586-954-3100

OHIO MARINA DEL ISLE 6801 E. Harbor Road Marblehead, OH 419-732-2587

WISC ONSIN SKIPPERBUD’S – MADISON 5381 Westport Road Madison, WI 608-246-2628

SKIPPERBUD’S – OSHKOSH 1351 Egg Harbour Lane Oshkosh, WI 920-231-3200 SKIPPERBUD’S PEWAUKEE 1030 Silvernail Road Pewaukee, WI 262-544-1200 QUARTERDECK MARINA 705 Quarterdeck Lane Sturgeon Bay, WI 920-746-8200

greatlakesboating.com | 15

HELP IMPROVE

BOATING

While reading Fortune magazine, I spied a story about Wolfgang Puck, followed by one on four emerging trends for 2014. After reading the two articles, I was ready to yell out “Yes, this is what boating’s got to do to get better.” I now knew what it took to improve boating for 2014 and beyond.

The lessons

MIASF and RCC recently completed phase one of its work,

Wolfgang Puck made popular the concept of open restaurant

into engagement, and engagement into ownership. They

kitchens and introduced fine dinning to the masses via TV. The lesson here is that in Puck changed the way the public views restaurants and that’s precisely what boating must do.

which was to develop a framework for translating participation surveyed existing boaters to explore the different pathways of entry to boating that are most likely to result in long-term participation and eventual ownership, and determine the main

From the four emerging trends for 2014 came the suggestion:

obstacles to increasing boat ownership.

Join the sharing economy. It described the benefits of renting

Here are some of their major findings:

your homes through Airbnb and saving on auto costs via Zipcar.

Boating should copy these models, finding ways to maximize

*Relative to other recreational pursuits, boating compares quite

their assets.

favorably in terms of the percentage of the U.S. population

Today’s boating industry faces numerous challenges: declining

indicating they are boating participants.

numbers; failure to reach young people and emerging minorities;

*In reviewing the U.S. population’s growth rate and the growth

affordability; and developing sustainable business models.

rate of boat ownership, increases in population and participation

Although these challenges are daunting, they are hardly insurmountable. A review of current boating industry programs shows that recreational boating is up to the challenges. They are attending to all these problems, not necessarily all together,

do not positively correlate with gains in ownership, and “if ownership is the most meaningful metric for tracking industry success, then the disconnect is not consistent with achieving long-term growth.”

but enough so that they form a solid basis for current and future

*The potential market for boating varies by the criteria of

growth and development.

interest. Intensive research showed that only 3.2 percent of the adult population, or around 10 million individuals, were likely to be registered boat owners. Building this final number will

Here’s how to improve boating.

involve extremely targeted marketing efforts informed by primary

Growth models

In formulating growth strategies, MIASF and RCC concluded that

The prerequisite of any efforts to improve boating is great products, and a glimpse at the new boats featured in this issue and those in past issues shows that industry is delivering gorgeous boats. The next step is to formulate “Growth Models.”

A leader in this area is the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), which hired RRC Associates, a research

research, RCC concluded.

one of the most important strategies is leveraging the influence of existing boaters who are knowledgeable and passionate about boating. Encourage these boating advocates to share their views with many more people. “Leveraging their influence has great potential for growing boating participation among adult participants,” RCC concluded.

firm specializing in recreation and travel, to help it quantify the

RCC noted that if the industry does nothing to increase boating

industry’s potential over the next 10 to 15 years.

participation, the number of boats in the U.S. could decline by

18 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

U.S. Coast Guard

13.5 percent in 2030. On the other hand, if it capitalizes on the

RBFF and Lopez Negrete have mapped out a plan. It will be

points of leverage, the number of boats could grow by as much

a multi-channel outreach approach encompassing digital,

as 15.4 percent by 2030.

social, and traditional media, retail point-of-sale strategy, and

Broader Appeal While the boating industry may be showing steady signs of

engagement with state agencies. RBFF will pilot the program in 2014 in states that have a large number of Hispanic consumers, i.e., Florida, California, and Texas.

improvement, the pace of improvement must accelerate. To do

Preliminary research indicates that Hispanics are

this, it must face this simple fact: White males have the slowest

underrepresented in fishing and boating. Currently, only 1.675

population growth rate and the highest participation rate in

million of the 53 million Hispanics participate in boating and

boating. Hispanics have the highest population growth rate and

fishing. Peterson said that this is due to a lack of familiarity with

the lowest participation rate in boating.

the sport, knowledge of license requirements, and not being

For this fact to change, boating must change the way it’s seen

actively invited to join boating.

by the masses. It must broaden its appeal, specifically to the

“Based on these findings, we will focus heavily on awareness

Hispanic population, which is the fastest growing segment of

and education in the beginning years, and then will shift to drive

the U.S. population.

participation in years three to five,” said Peterson.

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has

One barrier the RBFF needs to overcome is cultural. “Fishing is

faced this challenge head on and is the leader here, embarking

a great recreational sport for Hispanic families,” says Ed Cantu,

on a five-year multi-million dollar outreach plan to rectify this

director of consumer insights at Lopez Negrete. “They just need

situation in conjunction with Lopez Negrete, a Houston-based

to know about it and be invited. There’s a really big opportunity

marketing services firm that is one of the largest U.S. firms

here and we’re excited about it.”

specializing in Hispanic consumer communications.

Why is RBFF targeting Hispanics? “This is largest segment of

Younger people

the population, expected to reach 67 million by 2020, and is

Getting young people on the water isn’t as easy as it first

growing exponentially,” said Frank Peterson, president of RBFF.

appears. Today’s millennials, recent college graduates, live a

He added that if one looks at the age breakdown of Hispanics, their baby-boom generation—which is equivalent in size to our

far different life than you, me, or their parents. If boating wants to engage them, they must adapt to their lifestyles.

post-World War II baby boom—is zero to 15 years old. “There

The lives of today’s young people revolve around their smart

is a tremendous opportunity to educate, inform and get those

phones. Sara Swenson, COO, Boatbound, San Francisco, a

kids involved so that when they get into their 20s, 30s and 40s

pier-to-pier boat rental business said, “If you had told me three

their size can create a tremendous ripple effect. Hispanics

years ago that I’d be using my smartphone for taking photos, I’d

have the potential to have the same impact on fishing and

say you were crazy, but that was then.”

boating and the economy as a whole as the baby boomers did,” said Peterson.

Here’s where the sharing economy makes sense. Young people want to be out on the water, but they don’t want to be saddled

greatlakesboating.com | 19

with the costs of ownership, maintenance, and repairs. Existing

Boating’s Facebook page is the third largest travel and leisure

boaters can take their prized possessions, which sit idle 351

page in the world.

days a year, and turn them into assets by sharing them with young people. A-Ha!

striving to create more and better content for interested

Time is another important factor for young people. Swenson

viewers. “We want to create our own content that’s designed

said that at the International Sailing Symposium last August, a

to reach highly qualified boating enthusiasts,” Carl Blackwell,

panel of Silicon Valley venture capitalists said that while they

president of Discover Boating Inc., said.

nearly all liked the idea of being out on the water, but their jobs, families, technology, and other recreational outlets prompted them to say boating costs too much, is too time-consuming, and isn’t worth the effort.

The emphasis on content is seen in Discover Boating’s collaborative efforts with RBFF in reaching Hispanics. “The goal of both organizations is to reach more Hispanics, but neither wants to make any mistakes with its message,” said

By sharing boats, younger people can get on their smartphone

Blackwell. “We only get one shot with our message, so it had

on a Friday, calls their friends for a Saturday afternoon of

better be the right one.”

sailing/boating, take a look at some boating options, select the boat of their dreams, go to the marina the next day to pickup the vessel, take it out on the water, return it, and be off to the next adventure. It’s short, simple, and benefits both boaters and renters.

The biggest challenges facing Discover Boating are time and money, said Blackwell. The time issue comes down to this: Everyone is busy, but we need to set time to do boating. The money is really an affordability issue. Boatbuilders need to design, engineer, and build more affordable boats. Discover

Content marketing

Boating believes there’s more to affordability than just costs.

So if builders make beautiful, more affordable boats; if boating

when compared to other recreational outlets.

broadens its appeal to young people and emerging minorities; if boating comes up with different sustainable business models, what’s left? The answer is to get the word out that boating is a great lifestyle, and this is where Discover Boating comes to the forefront.

20 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

For 2014, Discover Boating will emphasize content marketing,

It’s showing the value of boating as a “high-quality experience”

The next step The previous paragraphs highlight just a few of the positive efforts being undertaken by boating organizations and associations to grow and improve boating. The next step is

Statistics show that Discover Boating has done and is doing

to take these efforts, meld them into one holistic, cooperative

a great job of reaching people through advertisements, social

effort, and await the hoped for results, that is, a significant

media, Internet sites, and public relations. In 2013 alone,

increase in the number of women, young people and emerging

Discover Boating reached more than 10 million moviegoers

minorities who are participating in boating, as well as an influx

via commercials shown in 388 theaters in 20 states. Discover

in boat buyers.

HARBORS Choose the lifestyle

W

ith 10 harbors and nearly 6,000 slips, Chicago Harbors is one of the nation’s largest harbor and marina complexes.

The harbors and their customers had an enjoyable year in 2013, according to C. Scott Stevenson, manager of Chicago’s 10 harbors and executive vice president of Westrec Marinas, which took over management of the harbors in 1995.

By Jerome A. Koncel

22 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

Within the Chicago Harbors, boaters will find enthralling views of

For 2014, the Chicago Park District is not planning to increase slip

downtown Chicago and its magnificent skyline, along with a myriad of

rental rates. In fact, Stevenson noted, Chicago Harbors is initiating a

different boating communities to suit the boater’s lifestyle.

one-time rebate program to attract lapsed boaters or those that may

GLB recently interviewed Stevenson to get an accurate assessment

have left the harbors for other spots following the recession.

of how the Chicago Harbors fared in 2013, what’s new for 2014, and

Stevenson said that efforts to fill 31st Street Harbor, the most modern

what’s planned for the future.

of all 10 harbors, would take between 5 to 8 years. Although the 31st

Current Status

Street Harbor is not currently profitable, it will not be a drain on the

The past year (2013) has been an excellent one for Chicago’s Harbors

easily pay the debt service.

and Marinas, Stevenson said. He noted that occupancy rates have been stable for the past several years at the individual harbors and marinas. In addition, there have been a lot of good events taking place within the harbors, from regattas to the 31st Street in-water boat show to the visit of Tall Ships in August.” Our overall impression is that boaters had a good time in 2013,” said Stevenson.

city because the other harbors are profitable enough so that they can The 31st Street Harbor is Chicago’s “greenest, most environmentally friendly” marina where more time and effort was given to external factors than at most marinas, according to a cover story in Marina Dock Age (August/September 2013). MD. The magazine described the marina as “a mix of boater amenities and public park space along the waterfront, which rivals any along Diversey Harbor

Chicago’s 30-mile lakefront.” The story adds that “attention was paid to the environment in almost every aspect of the project.”

New for 2014 As part of the continuing efforts to upgrade its facilities and provide new and exciting things for its customers, the Park District has many plans, but as Stevenson noted, “the tricky part is determining when they will occur.”

One of the most encompassing projects the city is looking is updating and increasing WiFi services in all 10 harbors.

Stevenson said the proliferation of video and Internet resources has led to an exponential increase in the use of WiFi services in the city harbors. That’s why the Park District is planning to install a more robust backbone for increased WiFi services.

At Jackson Park, the city and Park District have hired an engineering firm to look at installing a new breakwater that would significantly reduce dredging costs. “We haven’t completed our planning on this, and we need to get the permits, but we think this is something that will take place in the near future,” said Stevenson.

“We’re also looking at hosting a new yacht race,” Stevenson said. The key here is the timing and the bringing together of partners to sponsor, organize, and run such an event.

What about the in-water boat show at 31st Street? Stevenson greatlakesboating.com | 23

replied that the show will go on again this year, with a new date,

Although Chicago’s boating season may be short, rest

about one week before Father’s Day. He said the 2013 show suffered

assured that boaters are saving up their recreational dollars

from bad weather, i.e., rain and winds, on the Saturday of the show,

to enjoy the boating lifestyle at any one of its 10 harbors. Just as

usually the busiest day, so it’s hard to get an accurate picture of the

communities have different personalities, so too do Chicago’s

show’s capabilities.

harbors. Its even possible to find different personalities within

Future Trends

the same harbor, with some boaters espousing the socializing

In assessing the status of the Chicago Harbors and the

companionship that occurs on the “party dock.”

that promotes family bonding and others enjoying the social

overall boating industry, Stevenson said that general economy plays a much bigger role in their success or failure than what boat builders, dealers, marinas, and other marine businesses do. “Where the local economies are thriving, so too is the boating industry,” said Stevenson.

He pointed to Westrec’s Florida marinas as a prime example. He explained that the Florida marinas are doing quite well because the state’s economy has made a big comeback in terms of travel, housing, and retail shopping. “Where there are strong regional economies you’ll also find a thriving boating business,” Stevenson noted.

Perhaps the fastest growing trend in the boating industry is the development of boatsharing models.

Stevenson said that Pinnacle Yachts (www.PinnacleYachts.com) is a good boat sharing model. He added that while the Chicago harbors can’t either endorse or promote one boat-sharing company or model over another, he does believe the concept is a good one for growing the industry.

“We’re also doing things to attract younger

Du Sable Harbor

boaters,” said Stevenson. Specifically, the harbors are working

Chicago Harbors

closely work with the Park District’s Sport and Social Club, which

Here’s a thumbnail sketch of Chicago’s 10 harbors.

contains thousands of young people, to get the word out about events and activities to attract young people to boating. One of the most popular attractions for these young people are the addition of personal watercraft, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals at the harbors.

On a professional note, Stevenson said the 31st Street Harbor has been certified as the first Clean Marina in Illinois. He added that he expects four other harbors to be certified as Clean Marinas within the coming year, and the goal is to have all of them

Montrose Harbor—Located on the northern edge of Lincoln Park, this harbor is home of the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club. This harbor has 679 slips, mooring cans, star docks, and available transient docking. Boaters can take advantage of free pumpout equipment. This harbor also provides winter storage for boats up to 45-feet long.

For more information, call 312–742–7527

be certified as soon as possible.

Belmont Harbor—Another harbor in Lincoln Park, this facility offers

Overview

harbor is home of the Chicago Yacht Club and the Belmont Yacht

733 slips, mooring cans, star docks, and transient boat slips. This

Stevenson believes that Chicago Harbors are among the

Club. It provides boaters with a fuel dock, ship’s store, and free

nation’s finest facilities for boaters. At the same time, he notes

pumpout equipment. In addition, customers can take advantage of a

that boating customers want more value for their money. That’s

mast stepping/unstepping facility that is found at the Harbor Building

why there has to be a direct connection between rental rates,

(reservations are required). Belmont Harbor has installed 108 new

safety and security, and customer enjoyment. Stevenson said the

slips and a floating washroom within the last two years.

relationship between boaters and marinas is the same: to enjoy a

For more information, call 312–742–7673

hassle-free boating experience, and that’s what he wants all boaters at Chicago Harbors to enjoy during the 2014 boating season.

24 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

31st Street Harbor

Diversey Harbor—Located in Lincoln Park, within walking distance of Lincoln Park Zoo, this harbor has 693 available slips, along with transient docks. In addition, Diversey Harbor offers a public boat launch ramp that has parking spaces for 67 vehicles.

The harbor’s fuel dock dispenses both gas and diesel fuels, and free pumpout equipment is available. Within the last two years, the harbor has installed 80 news slips and a floating washroom.

For more information, call 312–742–7762

slips include electric, water, complimentary cable TV and Internet access, and can accommodate boats from 35 -70 in length. A naturally insulated parking garage and harbor house provide indoor

DuSable Harbor—Opened in 2000, DuSable has 420 slips and offers

winter boat storage in the off-season. Transient docking is available,

transient boat docking. To get to DuSable Harbor, customers need

as is a fuel dock with gas and diesel service. Waste pumpout stations

to enter the Monroe Street Harbor entrance and travel past the stern

are also provided at no charge. The harbor has a three-lane boat

of the Columbia Yacht Club and into the harbor. DuSable Harbor

ramp with parking spaces for 14 trailers.

has a ship’s store, Asian restaurant, and makes pumpout equipment available free of charge.

For more information, call 312–742–3577

For more information, call 312–225 – 6464 59th Street Harbor—Located a short walk from Chicago’s worldfamous Museum of Science and Industry, this harbor is home of

Monroe Harbor—In the heart of downtown Chicago, Monroe Harbor

the Museum Shores Yacht Club. The harbor has 125 slips and

is home to the Chicago Yacht Club and the Columbia Yacht Club.

available transient docks. Waste pumpout equipment is available

It offers nearly1,000 mooring cans, along with transient boating

at no charge. Within the last few years, all of the washrooms have

facilities, along with free pumpout services. It provides a tender

undergone facelifts.

service that delivers customers to their boats and also picks them up for the return trip. The Harbor added five new tender boats within the last few years.

For more information, call 312–742–7643

For more information, call 312–747–7019 Jackson Park Inner Harbor—This harbor is home to the Southern Shore Yacht Club. It has 149 available docks, 40 of which were added just before the start of the 2011 boating season. A boat

Burnham Harbor—Located on the downtown Chicago Museum

launch ramp is available on the east side of the harbor with parking

Campus, this marina has 1,042 slips, mooring cans, star docks, and

spaces for approximately 40 vehicles. The harbor offers free pumpout

available transient docking. A launch ramp situated at the harbor has

equipment.

parking for approximately 42 vehicles. It also has an available fuel dock, ship’s store, and free pumpout services on site. Within the past two years, the harbor has installed a floating wave attenuator and two new floating restrooms.

For more information, call 312–747–7009.

For more information, call 773–288–7106 Jackson Park Outer Harbor—Situated in Jackson Park at the 63rd Street Beach, this harbor has 130 docks, mooring cans, star docks, and available transient docking. It offers customers a fuel dock and ship’s store. Waste pumpout equipment is available free of charge.

31st Street Harbor—Opened in 2012, the 31st Street Harbor is the

Within the last two years, the harbor has installed 40 new floating

newest addition to the Chicago harbor system. It has nerly 1,000 slips

docks, a wave attenuator, and a new floating washroom.

and a sustainable, eco-friendly design unrivaled in the industry. All

For more information, call 773–288–1065

greatlakesboating.com | 25

Nearly 90 percent of all the boat owners in the United States are Caucasian, and the vast majority of these Caucasians are male, and the vast majority of these male Caucasian boat owners are older than 50.

By Jerome A. Koncel

If

you’ve ever looked around at your fellow boaters, it’s like you’re looking in a mirror.

Although there’s nothing wrong with this profile of recreational boat

15 years, this number has remained very small and shows no signs

owners, the description leaves out significant demographic groups

of growing.

that must be included if recreational boating and sportfishing is to grow and develop in the future. Efforts must be made to include Hispanics, African-Americans, women, and youth, and here’s why:

So, let’s examine what’s being done to get more emerging minorities into boating so that the boating lifestyle can grow, develop, and thrive well into the future.

--By 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that non-Anglos (Hispanics) will outnumber the Anglo population in all age groupings under the age of 55. Within the next 36 years, the fastest growing

CURRENT STATUS

and largest sector of our population will be Hispanics, and fewer

THE

than two percent of them were boat owners in 2010 (1.63 percent to

The current number of Hispanics and African-Americans who

be exact).

participate in boating is a small fraction of their total number,

--Retail sales of new powerboats and sailboats increased 10.7% in 2012 to 163,245, demonstrating a post recession recovery for the industry. While this is true, it’s a misleading statistic because in its heyday (2004-2006), the boating industry sold about 300,000 new boats per year.

--To deal with the problems facing recreational boating, dealers, manufacturers and other boating-associated representatives came together in December 2011. The result was the creation of the Recreational Boating Leadership Council and the establishment of six priorities, including youth, diversity, and affordability. At presstime, the Leadership Council has not yet issued one concrete,

certainly less than 10 percent of each demographic group. The prevailing view is that the vast majority of these minority populations would say that “recreational boating is for rich white people.”

Although this response is inaccurate, it is the common perception of most minorities and in today’s world, perception is reality.

A review of industry efforts to increase minority participation in boating, especially among the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population (Hispanics), shows that they have been few and largely ineffectual. To be fair to boating, efforts to increase minority participation in other outdoor activities, specifically hunting, fishing, golfing, and RVing, have also been disappointing.

specific, action plan to increase the participation of non-Anglos in

Boating’s effort to include more minorities can be traced back to

boating and fishing.

2004, when ”Discover Boating” was announced and heralded as

--Ever since the economic recession of 2007-2009, the boating industry has made increased participation in boating a priority.

Despite this emphasis, boating has shown litle for its efforts.

a national marketing campaign that would increase the number of people in boating by increasing customer satisfaction and enticing greater participation. In the 10 years that have passed, “Discover Boating” has morphed into “Grow Boating” and “Welcome to the

All these statistics and events point to a vexing question: How to

Water,” but overall participation in boating has declined if the

include more diverse groups in boating and fishing? If boating is to

number of registered boats is the barometer, and there’s been no

grow and develop, it must increase the actual number of Hispanics

increase in the number of minority participants, and therein lies a

and African-Americans who are participating in boating. For the last

big problem.

26 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

THE

ISSUE

Although there’s been a lot of talk about the need to grow minority participation in recreational boating and fishing, the talk has not resulted in effective actions. Moreover, the plans to get more minorities, women, and young people involved in boating, have been

AN

ACTION

PLAN

The Grow Boating Program was formulated in 2004 to address the concerns of boaters about poor manufacturing quality, inconsistent repair service, and inadequate customer care. While it was touted as a way to get more people into boating, it was in reality a marketing

largely ineffectual.

campaign preaching to the choir.

The boating industry is aware of the diversity question and certainly

If one was to assess how “Grow Boating” performed in getting

concerned with rectifying it. As noted earlier, this was one of the six major priorities identified by the industrywide Leadership Summit held in December 2011. Unfortunately, nearly two years have passed

new boater participants, the result would be “poorly.” Sure, there’s the Black Boaters Club of America, and similar small clubs on the Hispanic side, but there’s little, if any, increase in the boating

since this Summit, and there’s nothing on the table.

participation of Hispanics, African-Americans, and youth. For the

One actual result of the Summit has been the creation of a steering

don’t even acknowledge the growing economic potential of African-

committee, the Recreational Boating Leadership Council, to guide

Americans and Hispanics. Moreover, these minorities stay away

efforts. It met in May at the American Boating Congress and

from boating and fishing in droves.

most part, it seems as though most dealers and manufacturers

delivered progress reports, but again didn’t deliver any definitive US Coast Guard

action plans.

This lack of action leads one to take a more in-depth look at why Hispanics and AfricanAmericans are more prone to spend their time and money on other outdoor recreational activities besides boating. It seems that one major reason is the fact that a growing number of minority youth are fully indoctrinated with the major sports, i.e., baseball, basketball, football, and soccer, when they are kids. The grade and high schools in the major cities of the U.S. offer opportunities to play these outdoor

Efforts to change this situation have been poorly formulated and

sports, but don’t offer boating instruction for gym or recess.

largely ineffectual. No industry leader, association, or organization

The sport role models for the urban Blacks and Hispanics are LeBron (James), Derrick (Rose), Carmelo (Anthony), Kobe (Bryant), and the soccer stars named Reynaldo, Beckham, and Messi to name just a few. Mention these single names among Black and Hispanic youngsters and nearly every one of them knows these sports figures. And what about fishing role models? Very few minority

has formulated an action plan that targets these populations with advertisements, public relations, and long-range marketing plans.

Oops, that changed this July when the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced that it was undertaking a five-year project targeting Hispanics in conjunction with a Hispanic marketing firm out of Houston.

youngster could name one leading angler, and if any could, they

C’mon now, one effort targeting Hispanics? Such a meager

would be the exception and not the rule.

response is appalling. It’s like the boating and fishing industry

This analysis only solidifies the argument on why it’s extremely important to get inner city kids at the grade and high school levels hooked on fishing and boating. Unfortunately boating and fishing seem to have missed this great opportunity. Now, what can they do?

ignores minorities at its own peril. It defies imagination how an industry that is slowly declining can’t spend more time, money, and effort to attract more people from the fastest growing segment of the United States (Hispanics) population, one that is forecast to be the majority segment of the U.S. population by 2050. greatlakesboating.com | 27

The boating industry cannot and should not be content with a slight improvement in the number of women, youth, and minorities participating in recreational boating and sportsfishing. It must significantly increase the number of minorities, specifically Hispanics, because incremental increases aren’t enough. To achieve these growth numbers. the industry must bring together the independent areas of public relations, marketing and communications, affordability, and sales into one unified whole aimed at increasing participation in boating.

The real core of a boating recovery rests with “Grow Boating” and “Welcome to the And what about RBFF’s effort? At first glance, the effort seems to be short on funding and needs more backing. This effort can’t just be RBFF. It needs to be an industry-wide effort, one that involves all segments of the marine industry that are concerned with affordability, youth, and education.

On the positive side, RBFF should be applauded for its effort targeting a specific demographic group and its five-year plan. This is a long-term commitment, one that grows and evolves with its successes and failures. Frank Peterson, RBFF’s president and CEO, said his organization’s effort is a numbers game. “Hispanics have the potential to have the same impact on fishing and boating and the economy as a whole as the baby boomers we all know of.”

As of this time, RBFF is the only marine organization undertaking a marketing program that seeks to grow the number of Hispanic boaters and fishermen. It still leaves the question,”Why not more?”

The

FUTURE

While the number of Hispanics and African-American participating in boating is very disappointing, the results should be a wakeup call and not a death knell.

George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “The mark of a truly educated man is to be moved by statistics.” For the boating industry, this means bringing the boating industry together, moving it forward as one, and achieving significant improvements in the number of boaters, specifically emerging minorities.

The industry needs to bring boating to grade and high schoolers. It must do this by investing significant amounts of time, money, and effort in a sustained and continuous effort.

28 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

Water Campaigns.” But these marketing efforts can’t be successful if they’re going it alone. They need more funding to get on the main avenues that reach women, minorities, and youth, i.e., social media, radio, television, and movies. They need a coordinated effort that develops products and services that appeal to these demographic groups.

As we enter 2014, the recreational boating industry needs to make headway in the battle to acquire more Hispanic, African-American, and young boaters. The window of opportunity is open for the taking, but fast closing and the choice is the industry’s. It can act now, achieve significant results or face a dire future. Which road do we choose?

Jamaica: n e v a H g n i t a o B A

W

GREAT LAKES REGION, BOATERS WILL TURN TO A PLACE WITH AZURE, GLISTENING WATERS; A PLACE WHERE THE SUN NEVER STOPS SHINING AND THE BREEZE IS LIGHT AND FRESH YEAR-ROUND: JAMAICA. HEN THE WATER TURNS A MURKY GRAY IN THE

Jamaica’s 350 miles of coastline transforms with every knot;

Located in Port Antonio, Jamaica, the world-class Errol Flynn

from magnificent cliffs and white-washed beaches to lush jungle

Marina is not only a place to enter the shores of Jamaica, but a

and peaceful enclaves. Jamaica is a remarkable island not only

destination of its own. Port Antonio’s natural wonders, exquisite

for boaters of all skill levels, but for adventure-seekers and

beaches, charming town, and wide variety of land excursions

easygoing vacationers.

make it a perfect yachting destination. In addition, Errol Flynn

Breathtakingly beautiful, Jamaica is a land of stunning waterfalls and mountains, dramatic coastlines, and spectacular beaches.

Marina has the distinction of being the only Caribbean marina capable of handling the largest yachts in the world.

The destination brims with adventure, sophistication and

Nearby is Blue Lagoon, which is an enchanting spot with deep

elegance, seasoned with an intriguing history that enriches the

blue water fed by a freshwater mineral spring. Made famous

island’s vibrant culture. The island invites boaters to leave their

by the Brooke Shields movie as well as Jacques Cousteau’s

bulky winter jackets at home and experience the glorious waters

famous dive, this freshwater hot spot welcomes divers, boaters

of the haven that is Jamaica.

and swimmers galore.

Boating

A visit to Port Antonio isn’t complete without the ultimate

Experiencing Jamaica by sea is an exciting and fun-filled way to get to learn about the destination. From the east in Port Antonio, to the capital city Kingston, to the tourist mecca in Montego Bay, boat enthusiasts can explore the island in style, comfort and privacy.

Port Antonio: Errol Flynn Marina “My dream of happiness: A quiet spot by the Jamaican seashore looking out at the activity in the ocean, hearing the wind sob with the beauty and the tragedy of everything. Looking out over nine miles of ocean, hearing some happy laughter nearby.

Sitting under an almond tree, with the leaf spread over me like an umbrella.”- Actor, Errol Flynn

30 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

treat—rafting on the Rio Grande. Dating from the 1950s when, Errol Flynn noticed banana farmers from the Blue Mountains strapping the fruits to bamboo rafts and floating them down the river to the wharf at Port Antonio, tourists can now enjoy a similar experience. The trip begins in the town of Berridale in the mountains and ends at Rafter’s Rest on the coast. The nearly two and a half hour journey down the Rio Grande winds through

rainforests and farmland on a 30-foot raft steered expertly by a local

The marina boasts an on-site restaurant and bar that offers

‘captain.’ Along the way, guests may stop for a quick swim, enjoy a

breakfast, lunch and dinner inside the dining room, alongside the

rum punch, or stop to chat with singing washerwomen and happy

marina swimming pool, on the veranda or available for take-out to

children. No matter what they decide, they’re in for an afternoon of

eat on board the boat. The on-site bar serves a variety of liquors—

luxury and natural tropical beauty that is unique to Jamaica.

including Jamaican rums—available at wholesale prices for

Kingston: Royal Jamaica Yacht Club

members and visitors to the marina.

Located in Port Royal, one of the oldest and most historic regions of

Montego Bay: Montego Bay Yacht Club

Jamaica, is the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club.

Boating lovers coming to the tourist capital of Montego Bay,

Established in 1884, the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club has a long history in Jamaica for catering to sailing enthusiasts. Today, the club claims to be one of the best marina facilities in Jamaica and accommodates 120 boats up to 150 feet in length. A modestly sized marina, The Royal Jamaica Yacht Club & Marina is located within Kingston Harbor and offers breathtaking views of the harbor and the famous Blue Mountains of Jamaica.

popularly called Mo-Bay, should contact the Montego Bay Yacht Club, located in this popular resort area. The Montego Bay Yacht Club is known for personalizing a visitor’s experience before they even step foot on the dock. Boaters can request boat rentals in advance, restaurant reservations and Montego Bay custom itineraries by emailing mbyc@cwjamaica.com.

Montego Bay offers more guestrooms than any other part of the island. The range is enormous, and includes five-star hotels offering European-plan rates (exclusive of meals), large hotel properties with sophisticated convention facilities, high-action all-inclusive resorts, small inns, guesthouses and some of the most luxurious private villas in the Caribbean. Many of the larger properties offer a wide range of on-site

greatlakesboating.com | 31

activities. Visitors can choose from an array of accommodations and

the Jamaica International Fishing Tournament and the Jamaica

excursions, one of five major championship golf courses, and more.

International Blue Marlin Team Tournament.

A must do in Montego Bay is a visit to the world renowned Doctor’s

For travelers looking for fishing excursions in other months, many

Cave Beach, founded in 1906. In the end of early 1920s, Sir Herbert

hotels on the island are home to deep-sea fishing facilities and have

Barker, a famous British osteopath visited the beach and later

many boat charter options, mostly on the island’s northern coast.

published an article declaring that its waters have curative powers

There are also several fishing tour operators that offer a variety of

and that he was restored to good health after bathing there. The

packages suited for the serious fishing excursion.

translucent water is known for its mineral content and its worldfamous white-sand beach is clean and inviting.

There are a plethora of activities in the active town of Montego Bay. Whether it is rafting on the Martha Brae, Jamaica’s premier rafting attraction or sailing the Luminous Lagoon, along the marshlands of Trelawny, these are adventures not to be missed. The Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and most brilliant of four in the world, a fact that continually attracts and awes visitors and scientists from around the world. Departing every night from the Glistening Waters Marina, tour boats take visitors on a ride around the lagoon. Visitors can jump out and swim, surrounded by the luminous green glow.

Deep-Sea Fishing

Meet Native Jamaican Boaters To offer visitors a chance to explore beyond the resort and experience the Jamaican way of life, the Jamaica Tourist Board created the Meet the People program, available at no cost to individuals and families. Visitors can meet with all kinds of professional Jamaicans, such as Jamaican sailors who can introduce visitors to the boating community in Jamaica. Avid boaters can sail alongside Jamaican boaters from marina to marina on the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

“Through authentic Meet the People experiences, travelers will bond with Jamaicans of similar interests, who will provide hands– on exposure to the Jamaican culture” said John Lynch, Director of

Deep-sea fishing is an ever popular activity for visitors to Jamaica,

Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “The value–added experience

home to some of the largest sport fish in the world.

is very accessible, as travelers can seamlessly incorporate it into

In Jamaica’s northern waters, travelers can often find an impressive number of fish, including mahi mahi, wahoo, blue and white marlin, sailfish, tarpon, barracuda and bonito. Near the island’s more shallow water, bonefish are quite popular, and can be caught from the beach or from a small boat. Deep sea and game fisherman in Jamaica can fish for a variety of deep-water fish off the shores with increased depth, up to a quarter mile away from land.

Travelers looking for a unique deep sea fishing experience can visit during the island’s two international fishing tournaments, including

32 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

their vacation. It’s easy and best of all, free for visitors.” Visitors can sign up online at VisitJamaica.com.

Airlift Travelers can find direct flights from Detroit, Mich. to Montego Bay, Jamaica through Delta Airlines and Apple Vacations. These airlines, as well as American Airlines, United Airlines and AirTran Airways fly to Montego Bay from Chicago, Ill. Visit the Jamaica Tourist Board’s web site at www.visitjamaica.com for more details on planning a Big Adventure!

CONNECTS BOAT OWNERS WITH RENTERS W

hen news about Cruzin, a fully-insured, peer-to-peer boat rental and charter marketplace, hit our desks, it piqued our interest. It promised a new business model, one that would bring fresh breezes to the boating industry.

By Jerome A. Koncel

Cruzin is different from boat owner clubs or fractional ownership.

Boat clubs work on a membership basis, meaning that members pay an annual fee and choose a boat from the existing inventory.

Cruzin.com has a large and constantly-growing selection of boats available in many convenient locations all across the country.

Creating listings or looking for boats is free on Cruzin.com.

There are no membership fees.

Fractional ownership has similar limitations. Parties pay a portion of the boat’s purchase price and maintenance costs, and can only use the boat at certain times. For owners participating in Cruzin, boat rentals help offset the cost of ownership, yet owners can use their boats whenever they want. For renters, the appeal is to choose from many types of boats, depending on the day’s activities, and to rent it only when they want to go boating.

Cruzin makes boat rental safe and simple. Renters sign up at www.

Jaclyn Baumgarten and Mark Harrison founded

cruzin.com for free. They complete a profile and submit their boating

Cruzin in October 2012, launching it nationwide

experience. All renters go through a two-part Experian screening for

in June 2013. Their business grew out of solid

identity verification and fraud prevention. If they’re qualified, they

research about the boating lifestyle.

can rent boats.

In 2011, statistics showed that there were more than 12 million registered boats in the U.S., and on average, most of them sat idle for 351 days a year. In addition, statistics showed that 38 percent of the people who gave up their boats in 2011 did so because the costs were too much to bear. Baumgarten thought that if she could give boat owners a way to offset ownership costs, they would likely jump at it. The result was Cruzin, an online marketplace where boat owners can rent their boats when not in use. Often just a day or two of renting can cover a month’s ownership costs.

Our search Like most boaters, we were interested in finding out more information about Cruzin, so we interviewed Baumgarten.

Q. HOW DOES CRUZIN WORK? A. Boat owners who are interested in renting their boats to pre-screened, qualified renters will list their vessels online at the Cruzin site. This is free, and boaters can put up as many photos of their boats as they would like. They will receive

Baumgarten’s boating business model followed that of other peer-to-

requests from pre-qualified Cruzin renters, and always have

peer marketplaces that have been highly successful, such as those

control over which requests they want to accept. They will meet

for homes (AirBnB) and vehicles (RelayRides), both of which are

renters at their slips on the specific outing date and send the

rentals of high-value personal assets. Cruzin is a similar business

renters on their way. When the renters return, the owners will

for boating, offering a wide range of cruisers, runabouts, sailboats,

greet them, check over the boat for damages, and write an online

pontoon boats and fishing vessels. Although this concept may not

review of their experience.

appeal to the owner of a $5 million custom sportfisher or to owners who never let even their friends drive their vessels, Baumgarten felt it would attract many others in the boating community who would like to get financial benefits from their boats.

34 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

Q. WHO DETERMINES THE RENTAL PRICE? A. The boat owners, and they also determine the rental amount for one day, several days, a week and a weekend.

Q: WHAT ABOUT RENTERS? A. The first thing to note is that renters have free access to our site--there is no charge. When a user chooses the boat they would like to rent, Cruzin pre-qualifies them with an Experian ID Verification and Fraud Prevention check. The insurer also checks out the renter’s insurance background in terms of accidents, prior insurance claims, and any liabilities.

The other integral part of Cruzin’s screening process is boating experience. Potential renters must verify they have two or more years of boating experience. Owners can get further peace of mind by taking the renter on a Cruzin-insured sea trial prior to handing over command of the boat. It also helps if the renter has certifications or licenses.

Q. WHO DRAWS UP AND CONTROLS THE RENTAL AGREEMENT? A. Cruzin has a standard agreement, and Cruzin puts complete control of the rental parameters in the owner’s hands. At any time in the transaction process, even at the launch ramp or dock, the owner can decide whether he or she wants the rental to continue.

The owner determines the rental fee, the length of the rental, specifies any usage of the boat, e.g., like no fishing or parties, and sets any associated conditions, such as cleanliness.

Q. WHO PAYS FOR THE FUEL? A. The renter. We typically ask the charterer to fuel the boat at the local fuel dock when returning the boat and pay for it while the owner is watching.

Q: ANY OTHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE RENTER? A. The person must be 25 years of age and will receive both an insurance card and towing card.

Q. THE BASIS OF THIS ARRANGEMENT IS TRUST. TELL ME MORE. A. Safety and security are the basic elements of trust between the two parties, and Cruzin makes sure this happens. We want boat owners with well-maintained vessels that are safe to operate. We also know that boat owners aren’t likely to give up their prized possessions to just anyone, so we pre-qualify the renters. And, we know that accidents do happen, so we’ve tried to cover all exigencies with the $1 million in hull and liability insurance, as well as towing by BoatUS. Q. HOW DO YOU KNOW THE INSURER IS RELIABLE AND COVERAGE IS INCLUSIVE? A. Good question. I knew that insurance would be the critical hurdle to overcome in setting up this arrangement, so it took eight to nine months of working with the world’s top insurance firms to develop the world’s first boater-to-boater rental policy. Our coverage is through the renowned Munich Re, an A+ superior rated firm and one of the world’s largest insurance companies.

It’s important to note that most standard boat owners insurance policies have a provision stating that liability and hull coverage are not in effect if the boat is rented. The Cruzin insurance takes over as primary and exclusive during the time of coverage.

Q. HOW ARE PAYMENTS HANDLED? A. For the security of both parties, we currently accept only credit cards for the payment of rentals. At the time the booking is finalized, a $1,000 security hold is authorized on the card to cover

Q: WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE RENTER?

small damages. This amount is just held on the card, and only

A. They’ll be able to select the perfect boat for their needs and

actually charged if there are small damages done by the renter.

specifications. Renters can find the perfect boat through www. cruzin.com using filters based on boat type, size, location and price, and recent reviews. Renters then request a boat and once accepted, meet the owner on the appointed day to take command of the boat. They’ll be able inspect the boat, go over safety equipment, the boat’s operation, and off they go. Pre-qualified renters find the boat of their dreams, and then take it on the water knowing they have $1 million in liability insurance and are covered by BoatUS towing services.

When the rental is completed, the owner is sent payment.

Q. HOW MUCH OF THE RENTAL COST DOES THE OWNER KEEP? A. The owner keeps 60 percent of the rental payment. The remaining 40% goes to cover insurance, ID Verification and Fraud Prevention checks, the marketing, the processing, and customer service. Transactions are processed through Cruzin.com, with payments sent directly to the owner.

greatlakesboating.com | 35

Q. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO CREATE A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH WESTREC MARINAS? A. When Westrec’s President Bill Anderson met with me in March of 2013, he saw the potential of Cruzin’s new approach to add tremendous value for their tens of thousands of tenants across the U.S. Westrec offered their flagship marina, Harbour Towne in Dania Beach, Fla., as the location for Cruzin’s pilot program. The

Q. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPANSION PLANS? A. We plan to continue to expand aggressively throughout the United States, and are looking to expand internationally.

Q. YOU MEAN CANADA, MEXICO, AND THE CARIBBEAN? A. Perhaps eventually, but at the moment our initial focus is on the Mediterranean countries, and Australia, and Asia.

pilot was a huge success with conversion rates by marina tenants 26 times higher than the general boating population of south Florida. As a result, we work at Westrec marinas all across the country and appreciate what Westrec Marinas brings Cruzin.

Q. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR BETA TESTING? A. One of the most interesting things we discovered is that boat owners like to rent other people’s boats. We discovered that 50 percent of the people who offered to rent their boats would also be interested in renting someone else’s vessel. They are interested in renting boats similar to their boats, different from theirs to get a new experience like waterskiing or sailing, or they just want try a boat a bit bigger than their own.

Q. ANYTHING ELSE? A. We were undecided about having reviews, but we felt that it was important for the owner and renter. So we give both parties the opportunity to write reviews and post them on our website.

At this juncture, we don’t have any stipulations about what can be written, but we’re playing this by ear and are ready to change as needed.

Q. WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO BRING CRUZIN TO THE GREAT LAKES? A. Our goal is to be up and running in the Great Lakes for the 2014 boating season. We’re looking at ways to educate boaters in the Great Lakes about our company and then to get them involved.

Q. DO YOU THINK CRUZIN WILL HELP TO GROW BOATING AND INCREASE PARTICIPATION? A. Yes, definitely. We are partnering with the boating industry’s top organizations, marina operators, manufacturers, and dealers.

We believe that together we are opening up an entirely new way of participating in boating that will get millions of new people out onto the water and help keep current boat owners in the boating lifestyle for years to come.

Q. HOW IS CRUZIN CONNECTED TO THE BOATING INDUSTRY? A. In addition to our strategic alliance with Westrec, Cruzin is a member of NMMA. Our marketing efforts support Discover Boating and the RBFF Take Me Fishing campaigns. Cruzin was a sponsor of the 2013 Summer Sailstice, which brought tens of thousands of sailors on the water together in June. Cruzin was a sponsor of Team Full Metal Jacket in the 2013 Red Bull

Overview Although Cruzin is still relatively new, we see the business as a real positive way for boat owners to offset their costs, renters to try all the different sides of boating, and overall for the industry to increase boating participation and grow boating.

Youth America’s Cup. And we are working with boat dealers and

For more information about the company, visit:

manufacturers, as well as marinas all across the country.

www.cruzin.com.

36 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

m o r f t a o b t x e n t a Buy th

r e l a e D d e i f i t r e C y r t s u d n I e a Marin

Buying a boat is a big decision, an investment that will provide you and your family years of enjoyment. Of all the questions that run through your head when considering a boat purchase, perhaps the most important (and sometimes most frustrating) is “How do I know I am getting a good deal?” This question is not simply answered by the lowest price.

By Sonja Moseley For the average boater, it may seem that all dealers are the same, but

continuous improvement across all departments, utilizing measurable

this is not true. If you really want the best deal when buying a boat,

processes and implementing procedures that consistently exceed

you want service you can count on before, during, and after the sale.

customer expectations.

You want to buy from a Marine Industry Certified Dealership (MICD).

Most people would like to know they are buying from a reputable

As part of an industry–wide effort to grow boating through improved

company. The MICD program provides that assurance. When boaters

customer satisfaction, the MICD program was created to recognize

walk into a certified dealership, they know they will be treated with

those dealers that commit to delivering an excellent consumer

respect and honesty. Moreover, they will find a Consumer Bill of

experience and are willing to make continuous improvements

Rights posted in the dealership, which spells out the fair and equal

to uphold that commitment. Buying from an MICD means that

treatment they can expect throughout their boat buying experience.

consumers can feel confident they are buying from a dealership that is driven by strong core values and the highest of standards.

Dealers who have reached the highest level of certification are considered Five Star Certified Dealers. They must demonstrate to

Many consumers have a preconceived notion that dealerships and

a third party reviewer that they meet or exceed the highest level of

the salesman that work for them only care about making the sale

program standards. Both certified and Five Star Certified Dealers

and moving on to the next customer. However, this stereotype is

are recertified at least on a biannual basis to ensure consistency

beginning to change, due largely in part to more sophisticated, more

of service.

informed, and better prepared consumers. As a result, dealerships have to work harder than ever to win the loyalty of today’s savvy shopper. If you consider yourself a savvy shopper who is looking for honesty, respect, and unmatched product knowledge, you are looking for an MICD.

Expectations When visiting MICDs, consumers should expect the following: Customer Friendly Facilities—When visiting a boat dealership,

What’s an MICD? Besides delivering above average results in metrics like the Consumer Satisfaction Index (CSI), an MICD undergoes an intensive certification program that utilizes industry best practices to drive excellence throughout the dealership.

The MICD program was founded in 2005 for U.S. and Canadian marine dealers. The program sets standards on customer service; sales, service, and follow-up processes; human resources and employee training; and facility upkeep. Achieving MICD status is a significant accomplishment reached by dealerships dedicated to 38 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

first impressions count, especially from the facility itself. MICDs are required to maintain customer friendly facilities to ensure an enjoyable experience for consumers shopping for a boat. Certified dealerships post appropriate, permanent signage for ease of recognition and parking. Once consumers walk through the doors, they will a find clean, organized showroom and uncluttered service areas.

Satisfied employees—The link between the boater and the dealership are the dealer’s employees. Everyone has encountered an unhappy employee with a lackluster performance or an overpowering salesperson. When visiting an MICD, boaters will find well-informed

and respectful employees who are guaranteed job descriptions, an

participate in continued education through a number of outlets on

employee handbook, regular reviews, and training.

topics such as leadership, management, sales, marketing, human

At the highest tier of certification (Five Star Certified), dealerships

resources and succession planning.

undergo Employee Satisfaction Surveys, an excellent resource for understanding employee wants and needs, what they value, and how to retain their loyalty. This proven tool compiles employee issues, their satisfaction with those issues, and makes key recommendations

Look for the MICD Logo Not all dealers are alike, so look for the MICD

on how to improve the dealership atmosphere.

logo when shopping for your next boat. It

Because higher employee satisfaction is linked to higher customer

unwavering commitment to excellence.

satisfaction, employees are a focal point of the MICD program.

When you see the MICD logo in a

Follow Up—MICDs follow up with 100 percent of their customers 100 percent of the time. When buying from a certified dealership, boaters will also receive service they can count on before, during, and after the sale.

Continuous Improvement—MICDs are never content with the status quo. Certified dealerships foster an atmosphere of continuous

is a powerful symbol that represents an

dealership, you can be assured that they are committed to helping you choose the right boat for your lifestyle and needs, as well as continued service after the sale.

To find a certified dealership, look for the Marine Industry Certified Dealership logo, or visit DiscoverBoating.com/certification.

improvement and strive to deliver the best boat buying experience possible. Their training is unmatched, with all employees receiving

________________________________________________________________

at least annual job training. Every year, technicians are trained on all products serviced at the dealership. Sales and service professionals

Sonja Moseley is Director of Certification & Benefits for the

are also trained on all products. Additionally, owners and managers

Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Minneapolis, Minn.

CONSUMER BILL OF RIGHTS

SERVICE:

Our dealership subscribes to the Marine Five Star Dealer Certification

• The explanation of maintenance/repair plans including estimated

standards established to insure that your boating experience is as enjoyable as possible. This includes adhering to a Consumer Bill of Rights. Should we fail to live up to any of these commitments, please let us know so that we can address the matter immediately. Our goal is to enhance your boating experience by providing trained, friendly employees, quality products, and reliable services.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: SALES: • The assistance of a capable and knowledgeable sales consultant • Advertising and representations that are truthful and factual • A written disclosure of all details associated with a purchase

repair time and cost • An itemized list of all charges (both warranty and retail) with thorough explanation • Prior approval of changes in repair costs or additional charges should they occur • Maintenance/repair work done right the first time by knowledgeable trained technicians • Maintenance/repair work completed when promised • Timely notice of changes in service delivery time if delays are experienced in repair completion • Inspect replaced/damaged components upon presentation of the invoice/work order

• An explanation of the proper usage and operation of products • Products properly prepared, inspected and tested before delivery

OPERATIONS:

• The delivery of new products as scheduled

• Fair, open and honest treatment without discrimination

• An explanation of all maintenance requirements and schedules

• Respectful, professional and accurate responses to all product

established for your product • An explanation and written copies of warranties on all products and major components

questions and requests • Privacy and confidentiality of customer records • Voice any concerns, directly with our management team, if we fail to fulfill our commitments or meet your expectations

greatlakesboating.com | 39

MAKE SURE THE

DSC-EQUIPPED VHF

WORKS PROPERLY W hen it comes to on the

* Connect the DSC-VHF to the GPS/Chartplotter. Although some

water emergencies,

of the newest handheld DSC-VHF radios have built-in GPS, most

time is of the essence,

fixed-mount DSC-equipped VHF radios must be connected to an

and most boaters know this. That’s why

external chartplotter to broadcast location information. So, boaters

the most recent report from the Boat

should check their DSC-equipped radios to make sure this single,

Owners Association of the United

critical wired connection is in place. It increases the individual’s

States (BoatUS), the recreational

margin of safety a thousand times over by allowing rescuers to

boating community’s leading membership organization, indicating that an incredible 80 percent of all “Mayday calls” were made from digital selective calling (DSC) VHF radios come without a vessel location. This lack of critical information for rescuers often delays them from providing help to those in need.

If boaters want to do themselves and their fellow boaters a big favor, they should make sure their DSC-equipped VHF radios comes with a vessel location, according to BoatUS. The organization urges all boaters to fix this important function, and there’s no time like the present to do this.

BoatUS said that now is a good time for boaters to either check and properly hookup their existing arrangement or maybe even install a new DSC-equipped VHF radio. Here’s what to do:

quickly find the boater.

Although some DIY boaters complain that they have difficulties finding a uniform, industry-wide plug-in connector, those individuals should realize that if they install the same brand radio and chartplotter that were manufactured within several years of each other, they will find it easy to make this connection.

The important first step for all DIY boaters in this situation it to take the time to open up both operating manuals and read the instructions, which are written in plain text, meaning that most boaters don’t need to know how to read a wiring diagram. Moreover, most electronics manufacturers also have customer support phone lines ready to help.

If boaters are still having trouble, they should call a professional electronics installer to do the job. Now calling a professional may

Those boaters who currently have a basic VHF radio on their vessels,

seem to be a slightly expensive proposition, but aren’t the lives of

they will need to check their connections for corrosion, inspect the

your family members worth a relatively small amount to have a pro do

antenna, and perform a simple radio check. This may be all that it

it right?

takes to insure the proper functioning of the radio and particularly its vessel location.

Those boaters that have a newer DSC/VHF radio should perhaps take this time to ensure that the radio’s life-saving, one-button “Mayday” feature is working properly. Boaters should check to make sure that anyone on the boat can simply press one button, and it will pinpoint the vessel’s location and provide identification information to rescuers. When time is of the essence, this simple step can greatly speed rescue times.

One important thing to remember about DSC functions on new radios: they only work if the boater or service person has entered a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (MMSI) into the radio. This sounds simple enough to perform, but the U.S. Coast Guard reports that approximately 80 percent of the one-button distress calls it gets each year coming from DSC-equipped VHF radios do not contain vessel

To find a nearby marine installer, ask for the name and number at the local West Marine store, marine electronics retailer, marina, or go online at: www.nmea.org/content/nmeatrained/nmeatrained.asp. * Get a free Maritime Mobile Service Identity number that identifies the boat. The MMSI number is a bit like a phone number for the boat. Having one helps verify an emergency, identifies to rescuers the specific boat in need of help, and cuts down on the instances of false alarms, thereby insuring that critical rescue resources will be available when boaters need them.

BoatUS offers free MMSI numbers for boaters who remain in U.S. waters at www.BoatUS.com/MMSI, along with an easy-to-download tutorial on DSC/VHF radios. The tutorial shows how this much improved technology is saving lives as a part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 system.

position information. As a result, life rescuers cannot effectively

Those boaters who venture into international waters, such as

respond to the call for help.

Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or abroad, need to get their MMSI

Boaters can take two simple steps to make sure their DSC radios will provide rescuers with the information they need to make a fast, efficient rescue, according to BoatUS:

40 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

from the Federal Communications Commission at: http://wireless.fcc,gov/uls.

Great Lakes

REP. MILLER FIGHTS FOR MORE DREDGING FUNDS U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.) is the lone Michigan

and shipping industry. She advocated new language that treats the

representative among a group of bipartisan lawmakers working on a

Great Lakes as a single navigation system instead of pitting its ports

compromise that would authorize long overdue dredging and harbor

against each other for federal funding.

restoration projects, according to a Dec. 2 article in the Detroit News.

The legislation would help shorten the dredging backlog in the Great

Miller co-sponsored the House version of the Water Resources

Lakes and better position harbors to compete for needed funding.

Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) that passed in October. The

They have been hampered by an estimated 18 million cubic yards of

Senate approved its version of the bill in May. The Congressional

sediment clogging Great Lakes ports and waterways.

Budget Office said the House version would cost $8.2 billion, while the Senate version would cost $12.2 billion over 10 years.

The Senate bill also includes key provisions to reduce the backlog of Great Lakes dredging projects. Michigan’s two senators—Levin and

Both the House and Senate version of WRRDA include provisions

Stabenow—fought for increased spending on harbor maintenance,

written by Michigan lawmakers directing that federal funds be used

priority funding for ports, and language to better ensure the Harbor

to end the backlog of Great Lakes dredging projects. Miller is one

Maintenance Trust Fund is spent on its intended purpose.

of three dozen lawmakers at the table working on compromise language, and her goal is to make sure the final version of the legislation includes money for Great Lakes dredging projects.

In compromise talks about the legislation, Miller highlighted the

Levin and Stabenow recently joined 11 other senators in sending a letter to House and Senate leaders calling for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to annually spend at least 15 percent of all money to support the Great Lakes navigation system.

importance of the Great Lakes to the nation’s drinking water supply

BUFFALO RIVER CLEANUP ENTERS SECOND PHASE Cleanup of sedimentation from the bottom of the Buffalo River and

removed 550,000 cu. yds. of contaminated sediment from the river.

restoration of fish habitats is moving forward, according to the Great

The current phase will remove another 488,000 cu. yds. of toxic mud

Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which is providing most of the

from the sides of the river.

$44 million needed for the cleanup project

Prior to this cleanup, the Buffalo River was a horribly polluted river nearly devoid of life as a result of local industries and municipalities treating the river as an open sewer for much of the 20th century. The river was designated a Great Lakes Area of Concern in 1987.

The current river cleanup is designed to

Once the dredging is completed, Brian Murphy, Anchor QEA LLC.

in western New York.

crews will restore fish and wildlife habitat in and along the river. The project is expected to be finished in 2015.

Already an effort to restore a 6.2-mile stretch of the river has produced significant improvements. Thirty species of fish now live in parts of the river that were once too

improve water quality, create new habitat for fish and wildlife, and

contaminated to support any fish, and an area of the river referred

improve navigation in the City Shipping Canal. In 2011-2012, crews

to as a “repulsive holding pond” is now home to marinas.

GREAT LAKES MARITIME MUSEUM SET TO OPEN APRIL 2014 Organizers said that most of the exhibits for a new maritime museum

The museum is expected to cost nearly $12.9 million, and almost

in Toledo, Ohio are now in place, and they are planning a grand

$10.5 million of that amount has been covered, including more than

opening for April 2014, according to a Nov. 3, 2013 article in the

$6 million in state grants and $1 million in private donations. Museum

Toledo Blade.

officials said the centerpiece of the museum is a 1911 vintage

Among the displays at the National Museum of the Great Lakes

freighter, the S.S. Col. James M. Schoonmaker.

is a 160-year-old life-saving boat believed to be the oldest Great

The organization that runs the museum estimates that its annual

Lakes boat to exist in its original condition. The boat was originally

budget will be about $1.2 million, which will be supported by

scheduled for display at the Great Lakes Historical Society’s museum

memberships, donations, and grants.

in Vermillion, Ohio, but it was too large.

42 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

GRAND HAVEN MARINA BEGINS RENOVATION WORK for design and construction

a $1.1 million project designed to

engineering. The remaining

improve the marina’s shoreline

amount—$918,850—is available Michigan Sea Grant

Grand Haven (Mich.) Marina began

protection system and protect its floating docks from storm damages, according to an article

by Alex Doty in the Nov. 11 Grand Haven Tribune.

for construction.

A Michigan Waterways Grant will cover 43 percent of the project’s cost, while the city’s Marina Fund will pay the remaining 57 percent.

The original plan called for costs to

The current project includes the construction of a new seawall, improvements in the storm sewer, a small amount of dredging and stone revetment removal, and a new energy-efficient ice suppression system. The scope of this project is slightly smaller than previously requested due to higher than expected costs.

be split equally between the two entities.

Julie Beaton, the city project manager, said that this work needs to be done if the city marina ever wants to increase the size of the boats that are using its floating docks. The current boat slips were downsized following a 2005 reconstruction project. As a result, they

Of the project’s budget, $15,150 will cover the state’s cost to

only allow boats up to 30 feet long to use the docks, down from a

administer the work, while $76,000 will go to the Abonmarche firm

previous maximum of 37 feet.

EPA COMPLETES WORK ON DEER LAKE AREA OF CONCERN The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the city

Susan Hedman, U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator/Great Lakes

of Ishpeming, Mich.

National Program Manager, said this Great Lakes Restoration

announced in November the

Initiative (GLRI) project has stopped the flow of mercury-

completion of an $8 million

contaminated water into Deer Lake and the southern Lake Superior

project to prevent mercury

watershed.

contamination from the Deer Lake “Area of Concern” on Lake Superior. The EPA, state of Michigan, and the city of Ishpeming are joining Susan Hedman, U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator, shakes hands with Ishpeming Mayor Michael Tall.

forces to get the Deer Lake Area of Concern delisted.

In 2010, EPA awarded a $2 million GLRI grant to the city of Ishpeming to divert Partridge Creek from abandoned mine works beneath the city, where mercury contaminated water flowed into Deer Lake. In 2012, EPA awarded an additional $6 million GLRI grant to the city to complete the project. The diversion project eliminated the last major source of mercury contamination and restored Partridge Creek, which will once again provide habitat for trout.

WATER LEVELS IN GREAT LAKES ARE CRITICALLY LOW Water levels in the Great Lakes are expected to rise over the next

Drew Gronewold, hydrologist at NOAA’s GLERB, explained that

six months, but will still remain critically low according to scientists

today’s current low water levels date back to the El Nino weather

with the watershed hydrology branch of the U.S. Corps of Engineers

pattern of 1998-99. Since then, the ice cover has decreased, the

(USACE) in Detroit and NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research

water temperatures have risen, and water levels have dropped 2 to 3

Laboratory (GLERB).

feet. Before the El Nino, water levels largely responded to long-term

The Great Lakes have experienced low levels for the last 14 years, reaching record low levels for Lakes Michigan/Huron in January 2013.

changes in precipitation because they were greater than changes in evaporation, Gronewold said.

Although USACE’s forecast for the next six months shows higher

The fact that low water levels on the Great Lakes have persisted for

water levels for all five Great Lakes, they will need several more years

a longer period than ever before in recorded history has raised the

of very wet weather, along with lower evaporation levels, to return

question of whether these low levels are now “the new normal.”

the region to normal, according to Keith Kompoltowicz, watershed hydrology branch chief, USACE.

greatlakesboating.com | 43

Great Lakes

MDNR FIGHTS FROG BIT

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Division is

Using the new State of Michigan’s Rapid Response Plan for Aquatic

leading response efforts to control a new aquatic invasive plant, the

Invasive Species, developed jointly by the DNR, DEQ and MDARD,

European frog-bit (Hydrocharis

these new reports were verified, an on-site assessment was

morsus-ranae). Recent

conducted, and a response plan was formulated. Control measures

statewide monitoring efforts

are underway, including physical removal (1,500 pounds removed

have detected this species

beginning in mid-September) and trial treatments with herbicides.

in Saginaw Bay, Alpena, and Munuscong Bay in Chippewa County.

with local stakeholders and partner groups. A complete outline of the EDRR program, including future stages, is defined in the newly

This new invasive species

revised SOM Aquatic Invasive Species State Management Plan at

was detected as a result of

www.michigan.gov/aquaticinvasives.

an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) pilot project Michigan DNR

Education, outreach, and future control activities are being planned

funded through a federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant. The project relies on collaboration with partners, including Michigan

State University and Cooperative Weed Management Area groups.

European frog-bit forms extremely dense vegetative mats that cover the available open water surface. Frog-bit shades out submerged native plants, reducing invertebrate and plant biodiversity, disrupts natural water flow, inhibits watercraft movement, and may adversely affect fish and wildlife habitat.

Report sightings to www.misin.msu.edu or to Matt Ankney, EDRR coordinator, at: ankneym2@michigan.gov or 517-641-4903.

INTERACTIVE MAP HIGHLIGHTS RESTORATION SUCCESSES A new interactive map from the Healing

Pennsylvania. The map can be viewed at:

“Great Lakes restoration is uniting people

Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition showed

http://healthylakes.org/map

and places across the region,” said Joel

the 100th restoration success story in the region indicating how federal restoration investments are helping to successfully clean up toxic hot spots in the lakes, restore wetlands, reduce runoff from cities and farms, and combat invasive species.

The map primarily features projects funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which has received $1.36 billion during its first four years. The program has funded the removal of more than 1 million cubic yards of toxic sediment from Great

The map pinpoints 100 successful Great

Lakes harbors, restored 20,000 acres of

Lakes restoration projects across the

wetlands, reduced polluted runoff, and

states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois,

bolstered efforts to keep Asian carp from

Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York and

invading the lakes.

Brammeier, president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes and cochair of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “With a single voice and targeted action, we can one day put an end to beach closings, fish consumption advisories, and other pernicious indicators of an unhealthy past.”

WILMETTE PARK DISTRICT EYES LOCAL YACHT CLUB LEASE The Wilmette Park District is looking to possibly take over the lease

building is too small for larger events. The yacht club building is on

the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club has with the Metropolitan Water

the lakefront, is much larger than the Lake View Center, and could

Reclamation District of Greater Chicago as part of the village’s

accommodate those larger events.

Lake Front Master Plan, according to a Oct. 29, 2013 article on the website: www.ChicagoTribune.com.

Chris Wright, a yacht club member and former commodore of the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club, said the club would not necessarily be

The Water Reclamation District owns the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club

opposed to losing its lease. The key is if the club can continue to

building and leases the building to Sheridan Shore. The yacht club’s

promote boating and sailing on the property.

lease does not expire until 2016, but the park district wanted to explore the possibility of taking over the lease

“We have a charter that says the most important thing we do is to promote boating and sailing on the North Shore,” said Wright. “If

The Wilmette Park District’s executive director, Steve Wilson said

that’s what the park district has in mind, if they were to take on the

that one of the reasons why it’s interested in securing the building’s

lease and promote that, we would be for it,” said Wright. “If it detracts

lease is that it gets many calls from people who want to rent out the

from that, we would be against it.”

district’s Lake View Center for weddings and other functions, but the 44 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

greatlakesboating.com | 45

Fishing

ASIAN CARP REPRODUCE IN GREAT LAKES WATERSHED The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the U.S.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife is actively engaged in discussions

Geological Survey (USGS) collaborated on a USGS study examining

with the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, U.S. Fish and

the origins of grass carp caught in the Lake Erie basin, and

Wildlife Service, USGS, Great Lakes states, as well as Fisheries and

concluded that they can reproduce in the Great Lakes watershed.

Oceans Canada and the province of Ontario about the next actions to

The study analyzed four grass carp provided by commercial fishermen to ODNR from Ohio’s Sandusky River and concluded through bone analysis that the fish were at least one year of age and likely produced through natural reproduction in the Lake Erie basin.

Grass carp eat aquatic vegetation, and there is concern that should

address knowledge gaps about the status of grass carp population in the Great Lakes. One suggestion would be to evaluate the risk from this species and the potential of various state and federal agencies to develop pest management strategies that would control the impacts of feral naturally reproducing grass carp.

the species spread, they could impact fish and waterfowl habitat

“Grass carp are considered an Asian carp, but should not be

through aquatic plant removal.

confused with bighead and silver Asian carp,” said Rich Carter, ODNR Division of Wildlife Fish Administrator.

MDNR ANNOUNCES CLINTON RIVER FISHING RESTRICTIONS The Michigan Department of Natural

Conservation officers have observed

Resources (MDNR) has announced new

unlawful fishing activity at this site for

hook-and-line fishing regulations for the

many years, the most obvious being

Clinton River cut-off channel in Macomb

when anglers were targeting species

County that will go into effect on April

during a closed season. This new

1, 2014. Special gear restrictions have

restrictive fishing regulation will help

been established to protect spawning

protect walleye, northern pike, and

populations of walleye and northern pike

muskellunge while still allowing anglers

and muskellunge at the Clinton River cut-

the opportunity to fish legally for yellow

off channel from the spillway weir to the

perch and panfish.

Harper Road Bridge.

For 2014, this regulation on the Clinton

This change comes following the Natural Resource Commission’s

River cut-off channel will be in effect April 1-25. For subsequent

approval of Fisheries Order 226, which was approved in September

years, the regulation will be in effect March 16 through the Friday

2013 and provides for Hook and Line Restrictions during walleye

before the last Saturday in April.

spawning runs.

LAKE WHITEFISH DISH WINS COMPETITION More than 285 people enjoyed sampling

won the People’s Choice Award. The

sauce. The grits

Lake Superior whitefish and lake herring

second place Superior Award of $750

were a nice touch

(cisco) during the recent Lake Superior

went to Chef Scott Garden with The

and the chow

Whitefish Classic—a chef cooking

New Scenic Café, Duluth, Minn.

chow on top

in Duluth, Minn. The event, co-sponsored by the Minnesota and Wisconsin Sea Grant programs, was designed to highlight Lake Superior’s sustainably managed fisheries.

VanderLaan’s dish was seared whitefish with creamy grits, sweet corn chow, and poached herring butter. Don Miller, from the University of Notre Dame and the competition’s

added a contrast Chris J. Benson

competition and public tasting event held

in flavor profiles.”

Miller said that the variety of cooking methods

For the first time in three competitions, the

lead judge, said Chef VanderLaan’s

displayed was

same entrée won the top award with both

dish won “because of the variety of

the clincher

the professional judges and the public. Chef

cooking methods used. The flavors

for the

Seth VanderLaan and his team from the

came together and were balanced.

Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee won

The seared whitefish was cooked perfectly.

but added that both the first and second

$1,500 for being the first place winner out of

The herring was smoked lightly and

place dishes “were both extremely good and

seven competing chefs, and the chef also

counterbalanced the creaminess of the

would be stars on any menu.”

46 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

winning dish,

OHIO REDUCES LIMITS ON YELLOW PERCH The Ohio Wildlife Council passed several

• The statewide yellow perch daily limit

• Language was added to clarify that it

rule changes at its Oct. 16, 2013, meeting,

was reduced to 30 from 40 to be more

is unlawful to operate a watercraft on

including lowering the statewide daily

consistent with Lake Erie daily limits and

any Ohio Department of Natural

limit for yellow perch in all waters except

help avoid confusion among anglers.

Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife

Lake Erie and authorizing additional bait inspections to help detect invasive species.

owned, controlled or administered lake

• Bait dealers are required to keep

All changes are effective Jan. 1, 2014.

in a manner that does not conform to

additional records and must allow

posted regulations.

inspections of bait containers, ponds

Among the rule changes approved by the

and tanks for the detection of invasive

Ohio Wildlife Council were the following:

species, particularly Asian carp.

• Boaters at Highlandtown Lake Wildlife Area can now use 10-horsepower motors.

MINNESOTA RESTORES RADIO TOWER BAY TO INCREASE FISH HABITAT Thousands of tons of wood waste are being removed

Restoration Initiative (GLRI). In 2013,

from Radio Tower Bay, a St. Louis River estuary in

NOAA awarded a $1.5 million grant to

St. Louis County, Minn, to restore fish habitat. The

continue the removal of wood waste.

river is a major tributary of Lake Superior, and its estuary is the largest coastal wetland in the Lake Superior basin. It is one of 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concern that were designated so in 1987.

Once the project is completed, the natural depth of the bay will be restored, 40 acres of fish and wildlife habitat will be restored, and public access to the

In the late 1800s, two sawmills located near the

bay will be improved. The completed

estuary dumped thousands of tons of wood waste

work will restore a prime habitat for

into Radio Tower Bay. The result of this unregulated

walleye, lake sturgeon, and other

practice was a layer of wood waste on the bottom of

fish species.

the bay that ranged from four- to eight-feet thick and the burying of fish habitat.

The Radio Tower Bay cleanup is part of a larger effort to restore 1,400 acres of

In 2012, cleanup of the bay began as workers

fish and wildlife habitat in the Lower

removed more than 150 tons of wood waste from the

St. Louis River. The ultimate goal is

river bottom as part of a $900,000 project, much of

to get the river delisted from the

which was funded by a grant from the Great Lakes

Great Lakes Areas of Concern.

DNR VIDEO PROVIDES TIPS TO ID JUVENILE ASIAN CARP Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources has developed a

This new video showcases five characteristics viewers can use to

video to assist individuals in identifying juvenile Asian carp. It was

distinguish between juvenile Asian carp (bighead and silver) and

produced in collaboration with Michigan Out of Doors Television.

common baitfish. These characteristics include color, scales, eyes,

The DNR is doing many things to prevent adult Asian carp (bighead

mouths, and keels.

and silver) from entering the Great Lakes, but many people don’t

The video can be viewed on the DNR’s Asian carp website at

realize that juvenile Asian carp pose a threat to the state’s waters as

www.michigan.gov/asiancarp and the national Asian carp website at

well. Juvenile Asian carp can be confused with common baitfish—

www.asiancarp.us.

such as gizzard shad, emerald shiner, spottail shiner or golden shiner. Because bait is often transported across state lines, including from areas with breeding populations of Asian carp, it would be easy for juvenile Asian carp to make their way into the bait supply.

The video also describes what anglers can do if they think they have a juvenile Asian carp in their bait bucket, or any odd fish for that matter. Anglers are encouraged to discard the fish in the trash or to contact the DNR to correctly identify the fish in question.

greatlakesboating.com | 47

Marinas

OHIO OPENS RENOVATED STATE PARK MARINA

The Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources said that its recent renovation of Shawnee State Park Marina, which is located near Portsmouth on the Ohio River, is now complete, and the marina is open for customers. The renovation project saw all existing 72 slips replaced with new wooden ones, and the marina said that it is now accepting leases for the 2014 boating season.

The total cost of the Shawnee State Park marina reconstruction project was $2,403,860, according to John Wiise, communications manager, Ohio DNR Dept. of Engineering/Construction. ODNR’s Division of Wildlife contributed $100,000; ODNR’s Division of Watercraft contributed $338,000; and ODNR’s Division of Parks & Recreation provided the balance of the funding.

The newly renovated marina can now accommodate boat lengths of 28, 36, and 50 feet. The 36-ft. and 50-ft. slips include water and electric service, while the 28-ft. slips do not have these utilities.

In addition to the new slips, the renovation project added a new courtesy dock that is compliant with all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. In addition, the state upgraded the existing restrooms to make them all ADAcompliant, improved the parking area, and dredged the harbor so that all boaters can safely navigate into and out of their slips.

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY MARINA BEGINS DREDGING PROJECT The Durocher Marine Div. of Kokosking Construction Co., which is

summer of 2012. Cheboygan County received state funds to dredge

based in Cheboygan, Mich., has begun dredging the Cheybogan

its marina harbor, and said the state’s funds will cover the total cost

County Marina harbor using funds received from the state

of engineering and dredging.

government’s Emergency Dredging Fund.

The dredging project includes only the marina harbor and not the

In early 2013, the governor and the state legislature approved $21

river channel. It is expected that the dredging project will remove

million in emergency funds that would be distributed to communities

approximately 15,000 cubic yards of sedimentation from the marina’s

across the state with recreational boating outlets to combat the

harbor. The work, according to the contract, is expected to be

low water levels of the Great Lakes caused by the drought and hot

completed by April 14, 2014.

COBOURG (ONT.) MARINA WILL ADD 152 SLIPS Cobourg (Ont.) Marina will add 152

The final two phases are estimated to

slips to its existing 197–slip marina in a

cost about $2.1 million, Gauthier said,

three-phase expansion project that will

and all three phases will be funded

begin sometime in 2014, according to

using debentures that will be paid

Paul Gauthier, manager for marina and

from existing marina operations. He

waterfront facilities, town of Cobourg.

noted that all of the new slips will be floating docks.

Funding for the first phase of the expansion project was approved in

Gauthier said that the marina

November, and work is expected to begin

will remain open during all three

at the beginning of the next boating

phases of the expansion project, and

season. It will include repositioning the F

there should be little disruption to

Dock from east to west to north to south

existing customers.

so that more space will be opened up to make improvements to the existing fuel dock and install 32 new slips. This phase of the expansion project is estimated to cost about $400,000, Gauthier said.

running water, and increasing the parking

Since 1995, more than 300 people

spaces available for boaters. Most of this

have put their names on a waiting list for

work will serve as infrastructure for Phase 3,

the marina. At press deadline, the marina

which will see the addition of 120 new slips.

had verified that 175 of these people still

“We’ll be adding a Marine Travelift to also

want their names to be on the waiting list,

Phase 2 will see the marina upgrading

help with hauling boats in and out of the

and it’s expected that another 75 to 100

its existing utilities, including electricity,

water and boat storage,” said Gauthier.

people will be added.

48 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

MARINALIFE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF BEST MARINA CONTEST MarinaLife announced that Saybrook Point Marina, Inn & Spa in Old Saybrook, Conn., and River Dunes in Oriental,

River Dunes was voted this year’s Best Customer Service Marina, offering boaters access to a protected harbor with world-class amenities. Visitors will be impressed with the exceptional

N.C., were voted the Best Marinas for

customer service this marina offers. They continuously go to

2013. Saybrook Point Marina won in

great lengths to ensure that each individual is treated only with

the category of best transient marina,

the highest quality service.

while River Dunes won for Best Customer Service.

Located at the mouth of the Connecticut River in the town of Old Saybrook, Saybrook Point Marina can accommodate vessels up to 200 feet. Boaters can take advantage of the amenities that Connecticut’s first Clean Marina offers, including indoor and outdoor pools, onsite restaurant and spa, and concierge service.

River Dunes Marina

Saybrook Point Marina

WORLD CLASS MARINA OPENS IN NOVA SCOTIA Nova Scotia got a big lift this summer when Ben Eoin Marina opened

of Structurmarine, a Montreal-based company specializing in marina

for business and was completely sold out after its long-awaited

design, engineering, and construction, to bring the marina to life.

opening. Robert Sampson, chairperson/president of the non-profit marina group that owns the facility, said the full house is testimony to the community group’s determination to creating a world-class facility.

Ben Eoin Marina lies on Bras D’Or Lake, the world’s largest inland body of salt water, and is nestled within the rolling hills of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island. Its protected coves and panoramic views attract

The marina has 82 slips, 72 of which are leased seasonally, with

sailors from around the globe.

the balance used for visiting yachts. The marina can accommodate

Sampson said his group did not have any experience with building or designing a marina, so it relied heavily on the support and assistance

boats 30- to 60-feet long, offering 15-, 20-, and 60-amp electrical hookup. In addition, the marina has a fuel dock, running water, and pumpout services.

ROGERS CITY MARINA REPORTS GOOD YEAR The summer boating season of 2013 was a

rentals for boats 25- and 26-ft. long brought

him to adjust prices so that he could attract

good one for Rogers City (Mich.) Municipal

in new customers, but low water levels kept

new boaters. Specifically, he noted the half-

Marina despite cooler weather and windy

some large sailboats out of the harbor.

season rental rates, which attracted some

days, according to a Nov. 1, 2013 Alpena News article by Jordan Travis.

The marina’s financial situation was also

new anglers.

very positive, according to Terri Koss, the

Wenzel said that dredging of the marina

From May 1 through Oct. 15, boaters

interim city manager. From Jan. 1 to Oct 15,

harbor will take place using funds provided

used the marina launch ramp 923 times,

the marina brought in $251,559 and spent

to Michigan marinas from a state emergency

not including launches by the 63 annual

$212,366. There’s still debt to be paid on the

dredging funds law approved in May. The

pass holders. Roger Wenzel, the marina

bonds issued for the marina, but its finances

city selected Dean Marine and Excavating of

harbormaster, said transient boaters reached

appear stable for now.

Mt. Clemons, Mich., to dredge the marina,

380 in 2013, down slightly from 2012, but seasonal slipholders reached 52, a slight increase. New rates for half-season slip

Wenzel credited the City Council and the

Koss said.

Harbor Advisory Committee for allowing greatlakesboating.com | 49

National FOUR BOAT BUILDERS LEND SUPPORT TO CENTER FOR COASTAL CONSERVATION Four boat builders: Grady-White, Maverick, Regulator, and Sea

organization is non-partisan and focuses on having an impact in the

Hunt Boats, have joined the Center for Coastal Conservation, Baton

national political arena, to promote a quality recreational fishery and

Rouse, La., as corporate sponsors.

improve angling and boating access.

The Center is a coalition of the leading advocates for marine

America’s 11 million marine recreational fishermen generate more

recreational fishing and boating and is dedicated to promoting sound

than $70 billion in economic output supporting more than 450,000

conservation and wise use of ocean resources. It supports federal

jobs. The Center’s membership includes individuals and the major

legislators through its political action committee, Center PAC. The

players in marine conservation and recreational boating and fishing.

GAO ISSUES REPORT ON GLRI EFFECTIVENESS The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), has issued a

some measures track specific actions that may not lead to the

100-page report on the effectiveness of the Great Lakes Restoration

desired GLRI goal.

Initiative (GLRI) and concluded that further measures are needed to assess GLRI’s future progress.

One example GAO cited was a measure that tracks a reduction in concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish as part

GAO recommends that EPA help ensure more comprehensive and

of a goal to lift all restrictions on consumption of Great Lakes fish.

useful GLRI progress assessments by including factors outside of

However, stakeholders reported that the measure is too narrow in

the Action Plan’s scope that may affect the GLRI’s long-term success.

citing only PCBs. Interested parties said that mercury and other

The report warns that threats outside the GLRI, such as climate

contaminants should also be addressed. Consequently, only

change and sewage overflows, can undermine GLRI progress if they

reducing PCB concentrations in fish is not likely to lead to the desired

are not properly addressed.

result of lifting all Great Lakes fish consumption restrictions.

In reviewing GLRI’s Action Plan, the GAO said that some goals and

GAO said that it is very difficult to quantify the progress in Great

objectives do not link to any measures and, as a result, it is unclear

Lakes restoration because the environmental conditions of each lake

how EPA will be able to assess progress toward them. In addition,

are unique.

RBFF’S MARKETING EFFORTS ADD MILLIONS TO STATE COFFERS The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced

It is estimated that participating state agencies will also benefit from

that its 2013 direct mail State Marketing Programs have brought in

an additional $1.3 million for both programs from the Sport Fish

$6.3 million to state agencies and conservation efforts. RBFF’s two

Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, in addition to the revenues

major efforts are a Fishing License Marketing Program and a Boating

gained through partnering with RBFF on the programs.

Registration Marketing Program.

Although each program is continually evolving to best connect

Forty states participated in the 2013 Fishing License Marketing

with anglers and boaters, RBFF’s main focus is on expanding

Program, now in its sixth year. Results reveal that 229,310 fishing

both programs in order to maximize results and continue to bring

licenses were sold as a result of this effort, producing more than $4.6

thousands of boaters and anglers back on the water.

million in gross program revenue.

In addition to the State Marketing Programs, RBFF drives consumers

Nineteen states participated in the second year of the Boat

to the license and registration pages on state agency websites. In

Registration Marketing Program. Through the program, 48,011 boat

FY13, TakeMeFishing.org drove more than 1.2 million referrals to

owners were drawn to re-register their boats, leading to nearly $1.7

state fishing license pages and nearly 110,000 referrals to state boat

million in gross program revenue.

registration pages.

50 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

WATERWAY BILL COULD BENEFIT BOATERS A bill that the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed

expenditures to waterway operation and maintenance costs for use at

with bipartisan support, H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform

these emerging harbors. Although these harbors and waterways may

and Development Act of 2013, has the BoatOwners Association

not carry the millions of tons of cargo of the bigger ports, they play a

of the United States (BoatUS) seeing many potential benefits for

vital role in supporting recreational boating and commercial fishing,

recreational boaters.

BoatUS said.

“We have national highway and air transportation systems,” said

The bill also takes innovative approaches to waterway development

David Kennedy, BoatUS Government Affairs Senior Program

policy, such as streamlining project studies and looking at all of

Coordinator. “This is the first time since 2007 that Congress is moving

the individually authorized projects in the Great Lakes Navigation

forward with a much needed transportation bill for our waterways,

System as a single comprehensive system that recognizes the

and boaters stand to gain from it.”

interdependence of the projects. Additionally, USACE is directed to

Recreational boaters will benefit from language in the bill that directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to target funding to emerging harbors or those that ship less than one million tons of

assess the maintenance needs of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, taking into account their benefits to recreation, commercial fishing, and navigation.

cargo annually. H.R. 3080 allocates 10 percent of the total amount of

NOAA STOPS PRINTING PAPER NAUTICAL CHARTS The federal government will no longer be

The decision to stop production is based

electronic navigational charts and raster

printing lithographic nautical charts effective

on several factors, including the declining

navigational charts are available for free

April 13, 2014, according to a press release

demand for lithographic charts, the

download from the Coast Survey website.

from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

increasing use of digital and electronic

Administration (NOAA) Office of Coast

charts, and federal budget realities.

Survey. The Office will continue to create and distribute other forms of nautical charts, including print-on-demand paper charts, as well as electronic and digital formats.

NOAA said that it also has a new product for users: full-scale PDF nautical charts that

NOAA will continue to create and maintain

are now available for free download on a

other forms of nautical charts, including the

trial basis.

print-on-demand charts. It added that NOAA’s

INDMAR MARINE ENGINES NOW BUILT FORD TOUGH Ford Motor Company is back in the business

heavy weight—which is exactly what

of time, research and development dollars to

of marine engines in an agreement with

today’s high-performance watercraft need,”

find an engine that will best fit the demands

Indmar Marine Engines to offer high-

said Chuck Rowe, president of Indmar

of watersports.”

performance boaters the 6.2-liter V8 engine,

Marine Engines.

which powers the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and F-Series Super Duty trucks. Indmar Marine Engines will offer three models of varying horsepower and torque that will have plenty of power to pull water-skiers and wake boarders.

“Our sport has evolved, and with heavier boats, bigger wakes and larger ballast and passenger capacity, the demand on the engine is even greater,” Rowe added. “We

“The 6.2-liter engine was specifically built for

looked at the total market,

a truck, providing the torque needed to tow

and have spent a great deal

ACCUWEATHER OFFERS MARINE WEATHER FORECASTS AccuWeather

information, water currents, radar, wind speed and direction, dew

now offers

point, air temperature, barometric pressure, weather maps, radar,

marine weather

sun and moon rise and set times, moon phase and transit, and sea

forecasts online and within a suite of mobile apps. For the first time,

surface temperatures. It is currently available in the Apple App Store

AccuWeather will provide mariners and other water hobbyists with

and Google Play markets and as a Web application.

important marine-related weather information useful for activities such as boating, fishing, sailing, and surfing.

The AccuWeather marine weather forecasts are available for the United States, Europe, and Australia. For the United States, Marine

Marine Weather™ by AccuWeather provides users with weather

Weather™ includes all coastal regions, including the Great Lakes,

information pertinent for water activities including buoy data, tide

Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. greatlakesboating.com | 51

Sailing

STEPHEN COLBERT JOINS NSHOF HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD The National Sailing Hall

It just drove me crazy. My mom felt so badly for me, that when I was

of Fame has announced

20, my doctor said, it’s healed enough—the thing that was wrong was

that Stephen Colbert

still wrong, but it was better—he said, “You can go out there now.” My

has joined the NSHOF

mom said, “OK, I’ll get you sailing lessons.” I said, “I don’t really want

Honorary Advisory Board.

to now.” Which, of course, really upset her, because to her I was still

The political satirist, writer, comedian, actor, and host of the

a little boy.”

television show The Colbert Report joins the Honorary Board’s other

He did a little sailing on and off until 2005, when a friend invited him

members, including its chair, actor and sailor Morgan Freeman, who

to crew in the Charleston to Bermuda race on board a 45-foot cat

filled the post left vacant by the late Walter Cronkite in 2009.

ketch. “I just loved it,” he said.

Stephen Colbert grew up on Charleston Harbor, right across from the

The National Sailing Hall of Fame honors those who have made

Carolina Yacht Club, a NSHOF Founding Member Club. According

outstanding contributions to American sailing, teaches math and

to a 2011 article in Sailing World, Mr. Colbert recalled, “the regattas

science through sailing to students, encourages sailing development,

were right outside my window. I wasn’t allowed to go sailing because

and works to provide inspiration for sailing enthusiasts.

I don’t have an eardrum in one ear and I couldn’t get water in my ear.

U.S. SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS APPROVED US Sailing’s Safety at Sea Committee has overhauled ISAF’s Offshore

• The number of race categories has been reduced from seven to

Special Regulations (OSR), which describe the gear required to be

three: Nearshore, Coastal, and Ocean. Race organizers can then

used on sailboats when racing in most local and offshore U.S. races.

add or delete gear requirements based on their individual races.

The U.S. Safety Equipment Requirements (USSER) document is intended to be used by race organizers, owners, and boat inspectors.

The 2014 Newport Bermuda Race will implement the USSERs. A US Sailing Safety at Sea Seminar that will provide details on the new requirements to prospective racers will take place March 15-16, 2014 in Newport, R.I. The key differences between the US Safety Equipment Requirements (USSER) and the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) OSRs are: • The requirements are easier for yacht owners and pre-race inspectors to understand.

• The requirements are more specific about certain pieces of gear that lacked definition in the OSRs. • The OSRs contained both recommendations and requirements that proved confusing to users, and which increased the size of the document. The recommendations have been removed from the new version.

• The requirements are more compact, and can easily be included in their entirety in a Notice of Race or on a yacht club website.

The USSERs will be modified over time. The new requirements can be downloaded at www.offshore.ussailing.org/SAS.htm.

• The requirements are self-contained and do not refer to any external documents.

AMERICA’S CUP AWARDED CLEAN REGATTA CERTIFICATION Since July 2011, Sailors for the Sea of Newport, R.I., has worked with

• Oil spill kits were placed

the America’s Cup Event Authority to support the vision and plan of

on every boat and

delivering a model sustainable sporting event.

stringent boat refueling

In recognition of its efforts, Sailors for the Sea has awarded the 34th America’s Cup its highest level Clean Regattas certification.

The key metrics include: • More than 85 percent of all event waste was recycled or composted • The 34th America’s Cup became the largest sporting event in the world to eliminate single-use plastic bottles. Free water stations at the America’s Cup venues poured 38,372 liters of water, equivalent to avoiding 76,744 500 mL single-use plastic bottles from entering the waste stream 52 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

practices were followed; education was provided to boat drivers about fuel-saving driving techniques, and fuelefficient race management boats were procured that reduced air emissions and fuel usage • America’s Cup race management used water only wash downs of race management boats and microfiber cleaning mitts to eliminate the use of soap • More than 800 volunteers removed approximately 18,000 lbs. of trash from the shores of San Francisco Bay at 24 beach cleanups.

Billy Black

2014 ATLANTIC CUP ANNOUNCED Manuka Sport

Held annually in May, the race travels the eastern seaboard stopping

Event Management

in Charleston, New York, and Newport. Since its inception, 11th Hour

has announced the

Racing has been the Atlantic Cup’s presenting sponsor helping to

fourth running of

grow it into the most sustainable sailing race in the U.S. In addition,

The Atlantic Cup,

Manuka Sports has announced the creation of Water Week NYC and

which will kick off

Bay Weekend Newport as land-based supporting events for the race

May 10, 2014 from

and its fans.

Charleston, S. C.

Since 2011, the Atlantic Cup has been a sustainable event. The

The Atlantic Cup

Atlantic Cup features boats eliminating the use of plastic water

is the only U.S.

bottles on board, utilizing hydro-generators and bio-diesel for fuel.

dedicated Class

Additionally, all on-site hospitality activities draw attention to the

40 race and is designed to grow the audience for short-handed,

race’s sustainability commitment with kid-based programs, shoreline

offshore racing with vigorous competition and shore-based events.

cleanups and evening events.

WIN THE ULTIMATE SAILING EXPERIENCE FROM OLD PULTENEY Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch, boat

found on the inside of the canister and

the globe in an 11-month-long marathon,

sponsor in the Clipper Round the World

answering five questions about Old Pulteney.

regardless of their sailing experience. Each

Yacht Race, has introduced a new promotion, giving U.S. fans the chance to win the “Ultimate Sailing Experience.” One lucky fan will join the Old Pulteney Clipper crew for a day sail on its newly designed, state-of-theart yacht.

Consumers who purchase a bottle of the Old Pulteney 12 Year Old promotional pack can enter at www.clipper-oldpulteney.com/ competition by submitting the unique code

Submissions will be accepted until Jan. 31, 2014. The winner and one guest will receive round trip air and a two-night stay to

boat has a fully qualified skipper who leads the crew around the world, facing the same challenges as would a pro racer.

San Francisco, Calif., during the month of

No previous sailing experience is required.

April 2014 when The Old Pulteney yacht will

The promotion is open to all residents of the

be docked between race legs six and seven.

United States and the District of Columbia

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race began in September 2013 and will finish in July 2014. The race invites the general public

who are 21 years of age or older at the time of entry. See the official rules at www. clipperoldpulteney.com/competition/us_ competition_ t_cs.

to join the adventure and circumnavigate

SELECTION PROCEDURES FOR 2014 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES US Sailing’s Olympic Sailing Committee (OSC) has released

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has allocated two

selection procedures for the upcoming Summer Youth Olympic

spots for American sailing athletes to compete in Nanjing, with four

Games, to be held in Nanjing, China, Aug. 16 to 28, 2014.

sailing events scheduled to take place: male and female windsurfing,

The Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing will showcase more than 3,500 athletes competing in 28 sports. Athletes eligible for the sailing events in Nanjing must have been born between Jan. 1, 1998 and Dec. 31, 1999.

The Youth Olympic Games is held every four years, and its featured sports mirror those of the Olympic Games. A unique aspect of the event is its focus on cultural enrichment and international relations, and in addition to world-class athletic competition, athletes will experience a special Culture and Education Programme (CEP), based around five main themes: Olympism, Social Responsibility, Skills

in addition to male and female dinghy racing. Windsurfing athletes in Nanjing will compete on Techno 293 boards, while dinghy sailors will use the Byte.

With two spots available for U.S, athletes in four possible events, a special US Sailing Youth Olympic Games Selection Committee has been formed to select two American team members from a pool of eligible athletes. The committee will include Josh Adams, Managing Director of U.S, Olympic Sailing; Andrew Campbell, 2008 Olympian and OSC member; and Ben Richardson, 2006 Pan American Games Team Member and Chairman of the OSC.

Development, Expression, Well-being and Healthy Lifestyles. greatlakesboating.com | 53

NEW PRODUCTS

TRAILER ALIGNMENT DEVICE Coupler Connect® eliminates the problems many people have with trying to hook up a trailer to a vehicle by locating the trailer coupling directly over the ball without the need of assistance.

Its unique mounting bracket (fits standard 1-inch diameter ball shanks) accommodates a wide range of couplers and ball mounts and allows for maximum turning radius. It comes with a mounting bracket and guide, which serves as a wheel chock when not in use.

$44.95 // 262-544-5615 // durasafelocks.com

TRACK BOATS FROM LAND The LoccaPhone combines five tracking technologies that can easily locate people and their boats. It can also be pre-programmed to call three phone numbers, one of which should be for a third-party emergency contact, as well as two others.

With a LoccaPhone on board, family and friends can use WiFi tracking from a smartphone app, tablet, or desktop on land to observe boaters’ whereabouts.

Safety zones can be set that will alert on-land users when the boat goes outside designated boating areas.

The Locca BuddyPack includes a LoccaPhone, docking station, Bluetooth headshot, two silicon cases, and six months of data service.

BuddyPack - $203 // locca.com

HEAVY-DUTY WIPER MOTOR The Heavy-Duty Waterproof Wiper Motor provides changeable self-parking to right or left and a sweep angle of 40° to 110º, adjustable in 10º increments. Wipers can be set to slow at 35 sweeps/min., or fast at 55 sweeps/min.

It is available in 12- and 24-V versions, with stainless and nickel-plated brass drive shafts in lengths of 1-, 2- or 3-inches. It can be used with arm and blade combinations of up to a 24-inch arm and a 24-inch blade. Measuring approximately 7-1/2” L x 4” W, its bolt holes match those of non-waterproof Ongaro and Bosch-type wiper motors.

From $160.65 // 866-724-6488 // www.schmittongaromarine.com

54 GLB | Jan/Feb 13

BOAT CARE & FEEDING

GELCOAT AND PAINT SCRATCH REPAIR Interlux MarineFilm is a specially developed microfilm designed to provide a temporary repair of small scratches in gelcoat and paint above the waterline.

Available in the 12 most popular gelcoat and Interlux topside paint colors, MarineFilm is easy to apply. Simply locate the scratch, clean the damaged area, and carefully apply the microfilm.

The ultra-thin and eco-friendly. Marinefilm provides an almost invisible, strong, season-long adhesion and is easily removable when the scratch is ready to be permanently repaired. www.yachtpaint.com or your nearest Interlux dealer

FUEL LINE CORROSION PROTECTION Designed to combat the corrosive properties of ethanol-blended fuels, STA-BIL 360° delivers comprehensive corrosion protection to the fuel line.

When added to fuel, STA-BIL 360° releases a vapor inside the fuel system that coats all metal parts including the fuel tank, fuel sending unit, valves, carburetor, fuel injectors, and intake manifold. It is safe and recommended for use in all types of gasoline from ethanol-free fuel to E85 blends.

STA-BIL 360° is recommended for use at every fill-up in all gasoline engines. Available in 12 ounce bottles, STA-BIL 360° treats up to 60 gallons of gasoline.

Approx. $25.99 / 800-367-3245 // www.sta-bil.com

NON-TOXIC BOAT SOAP GreenClean Boat Soap™ is safe, non-toxic, non-corrosive and 100 percent biodegradable in less than 28 days. It’s an efficient, concentrated solution (just one capful per gallon of water) that is tough on dirt, very effective on all boat surfaces, and leaves no residue—without the use of harsh chemicals.

The soap is fragrance-free, non-butyl based and contains no phosphates, dyes, or chlorinated ingredients.

It’s available in quart and gallon bottles. $17.79, $52.50 // 954-987-2722 // www.trac-online.com

56 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

COMPACT MANIFOLD The E-Valve helps stop fuel contamination, reduces engine wear caused by moistureladen fuel, and curtails bug growth in diesel fuel.

The device accomplishes diurnal emissions control by allowing air to freely exit the fuel vent line during refueling or when fuel expands in high temperatures. Then, it protects the engine by sealing the fuel system from moisture buildup whenever the boat is idle. This also ensures unrestricted airflow to the fuel system during engine operation.

The E-Valve features corrosion-resistant construction.

Designed for easy installation in-line with a 5/8 -inch ID fuel vent line, it can be mounted horizontally, vertically, or flat. $178.55 // 360-222-3106 // www.fuelspillprevention.com

TWO-PART TOPSIDE ENAMEL An innovative formula, EZ-Poxy2 from Pettit Marine Paint is a two-part, siliconeenhanced polyurethane paint that can be applied over any previously painted surface, gel coat or wood. Its combination of added gloss, wear resistance, and UV protection makes EZ-Poxy2 exceptionally durable helping to maintain a boat’s polished and pristine look. It is easily applied with a roller and brush. Extremely forgiving, the paint reduces the effects of brush strokes during application ensuring a clean finish equal to that of a spray.

EZ-Poxy2 is available in a wide variety of colors from marine supply stores and boatyards throughout the United States. $75 per quart // 800-221-4466 // www.pettitpaint.com

COOLING WATER FLOW DETECTOR A cooling water flow detector monitors the raw water flow to a boat’s engine and alerts operators to the blockage of flow.

Aqualarm’s new cooling water flow detector utilizes a paddle design with built-in barbed adapters, which makes installation quicker, easier and less expensive for the boater. A heavy-duty 3.0 amp switch is used for the electrical circuit, which will ensure longer life and fewer failures from excessive current draw. Models available for 1-, 11/4 -, 11/2 - and 2-inch hoses. $82 // 619-575-4011 // www.aqualarm.net

greatlakesboating.com | 57

EVENTS CALENDAR

FLORIDA

ILLINOIS

INDIANA

Stuart Boat Show

Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show®

Fort Wayne Boat Show

JANUARY 10-12 Multiple venues Stuart allsportsproductions.net

JANUARY 16-20

McCormick Place Chicago

FEBRUARY 6-9 Allen County Memorial Coliseum Fort Wayne fortwayneboatshow.com

chicagoboatshow.com

FEBRUARY 13-17

Progressive® Insurance Miami International Boat Show® Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center Miami

FEBRUARY 14-23 JANUARY 23-26

Progressive® Insurance Strictly Sail® Chicago Navy Pier Chicago

Indiana State Fairgrounds Indianapolis indianapolisboatsport

miamiboatshow.com

strictlysailchicago.com

FEBRUARY 13-17

FEBRUARY 21-23

MARCH 8-9

The Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach

The Boat Show in Springfield

East Side Marine’s Annual Open House and Boat Show

Indian Creek Waterway Miami Beach

Illinois State Fairgrounds, Richard Orr Bldg.

Springfield

showmanagement.com

theboatshowinspringfield.com

FEBRUARY 13-17

FEBRUARY 21-28

Progressive® Insurance Strictly Sail® Miami Miamarina at Bayside Miami strictlysailmiami.com

MARCH 13-15

Dania Marine Flea Market Mardi Gras Casino Hannandale daniamarinefleamarket.com

Silver Eagle Event Center Boat Show Silver Eagle Event Center East Dubuque frentresslake.com

MARCH 6-9

Lake Sara Marina Annual Boat Show Lake Sara Marina Effingham lsmboats.com

MARCH 20-23

Palm Beach International Boat Show Flagler Drive/waterfront Palm Beach showmanagement.com/palm-beachshow/event/

58 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show

andtravelshow.com

East Side Marine Evansville esmarine.com

IOWA

JANUARY 17-19

Des Moines Boat, Sports and Travel Show Iowa Events Center Des Moines desmoinesboatsportsandtravelshow. com

KANSAS

JANUARY 23-26

Overland Park Boat Show Overland Park Convention Center Overland Park lakeozarkboatdealers.com

KENTUCKY JANUARY 17-19

West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show CFSB Center Murray westkyboatshow.com

MINNESOTA JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 2

Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show® ®

Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis

OHIO

JANUARY 16-20

Progressive® MidAmerica Boat Show I-X Center Cleveland clevelandboatshow.com

minneapolisboatshow.com

JANUARY 22-26

Progressive® Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow® Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville louisvilleboatrvshow.com

FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 2

MISSOURI JANUARY 10-12

Springfield Boat and RV Show Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex Springfield rvmegashows.com/spgboatrv.html

FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 2

Owensboro Boat & Recreation Show Owensboro Convention Center Owensboro owensboroboatshow.com

Bud’s Marine Open House Bud’s Marine Russells Point budsmarine.com

WISCONSIN JANUARY 17-26

JANUARY 23-26

Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow® Bartle Hall Kansas City

Milwaukee Boat Show Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park Milwaukee showspan.com/mbs

kansascitysportshow.com

FEBRUARY 5-7

MICHIGAN

FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 2

Detroit Boat Show

Progressive Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow®

National Marine Electronics Association Educational Training

America’s Center & Edward Jones Dome St. Louis

nmea.org

FEBRUARY 15-23

Cobo Exhibition Center Detroit detroitboatshow.net

®

Radisson Pleasant Prairie Pleasant Prairie

stlouisboatshow.com

FEBRUARY 19-23

Grand Rapids Boat Show Devos Center Grand Rapids showspan.com

MARCH 6-9

St. Charles Boat Show

JANUARY 11-19

St. Charles Convention Center St. Charles

Toronto International Boat Show

lakeozarkboatdealers.com

Suburban Collection Showplace Novi springboatingexpo.net

Direct Energy Centre Toronto torontoboatshow.com

MARCH 13-16

Spring Boat Expo

CANADA

NEW YORK JANUARY 1-5

FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 2

Mid-Canada Boat Show

Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show®

Winnipeg Convention Center Winnipeg

Javits Center New York

midcanadaboatshow.com

nyboatshow.com

greatlakesboating.com | 59

MARINE MART

PRODUCTS & SERVICES FREE ADS GOT A BOAT TO SELL? Complimentary 25-word classified boat advertisements and PHOTO in the March/April 2014 issue.

(NO STRINGS ATTACHED!)

Email your text-only advertisement to:

classifieds@greatlakesboating.com

Advertiser Index Baja/Pro-Line ............................. 21/IBC

Free classified boat advertisement offer limited to one per reader.

All classified ads are subject to publisher’s approval. Space is limited.

Free ads will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Advertisements for the March/April 2014 issue must be received by Feb. 7, 2014.

Cruzin ................................................. BC Cicago Boat & RV Show ..................... 41 Detroit Boat Show .............................. 13 Essex Credit ....................................... 3 Honda Marine ..................................... 5 Marquis Yachts................................... 16 North Point Marina ............................. 1

SUBSCRIBE Online!

National Ocean Policy ........................ 33 Progressive ........................................ 2 Reef Point Marina Marina............................... 37

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

SAMS.................................................. 64

US Customers 1 yr $21.50 (6 issues) 2 yr $40.00 (12 issues)

SkipperBud’s

CANADA (USD) 1 yr $27.50 (6 issues) 2 yr $46.00 (12 issues)

VISIT:

GreatLakesBoating.com or CALL: 312.266.8400

60 GLB | Jan/Feb 14

29, 62

TakeMeFishing.org ............................. IFC Visit Sheboygan.................................. 45 Waukegan Harbor............................... 55 Westrec/Chicago Harbors .................. 7

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS BENEFITS TO VENDORS Become a preferred vendor and make your business available to Great Lakes boaters.

Greatlakesboatingfederation.com is a community-based meeting place for boaters and vendors of marine products and services.

BENEFITS TO BOATERS • Offers vigorous economic and political support to boaters on the Great Lakes and on the inland waterways from the Mississippi to the Atlantic Coast • Advances boaters’ rights, needs and interests on the federal, state and local levels in the face of harsh regulations • Forges partnerships with boating businesses to provide member discounts at the best providers of boating products and services