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PUBLISHER’S

F

rom Christmas to New Year’s is but a week, but it’s a significant move, from one year to another, a passage of time that calls for us to reflect on the past, recall the present, and look forward to the future, and that’s what we have done in this issue.

If there ever was a town whose past, present, and future reflect three distinct times in its history, that city is Detroit.

Over the years, Detroit has become known as the prime example of what’s wrong with our American cities, from poor education to failing infrastructure to widespread crime and corruption.

Today, Detroit stands as testimony to what can happen when a city reinvigorates itself and takes advantage of its natural water resources. Nicki Polan, head of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, does a great job of telling Detroit’s transformation story beginning on page 14. It’s one of those success stories that was hard to imagine even five years ago as Detroit stood on the verge of bankruptcy, but now is a living reality.

And speaking of boats and boaters, this issue provides some views of how to enjoy the boating lifestyle in the Marlow-Pilot 34, the Marlow-Mainship 31, and the Marlow-Hunter 31 sailboat.

Wakeboarders and wakesurfers will go for the Malibu 25 LSV and the M235.

To enjoy the boating lifestyle requires financing, and our article on page 26 portrays a lending environment that is very favorable for both boaters and marine lenders. There are number of viable options out there to finance your new or used boat, so be sure to explore your options, including marine banks,

4 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

NOTE

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS

credit unions, and/or professional service companies.

Publisher & Editor in Chief F. Ned Dikmen

And as we live in the present, we ask some soul-searching questions about the future of boating. Specifically, how can the industry attract new customers, retain old ones, and maintain the loyalty of existing customers?

Baby Boomers, the major buyers of new boats, are retiring at the rate of 10,000 or more a day. Who will take their place?

The obvious answer is Millennials, but they are a diverse lot whose proclivities for education and large student loans, attraction to fleeting life experiences, and constant use of social media make one wonder if they are really interested in boating.

Managing Editor Karen Malonis Associate Editor Jerome A. Koncel Contributing Writers David Meeler Nicki Polan Editorial Intern Scott Guthrie Art Direction Alex SanFaçon Social Media Manager Neil Dikmen Advertising | Sales Inquiries Neil Dikmen p 312.266.8400 • f 312.266.8470 e info@greatlakesboating.com

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

2016 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of

Chicago Boating Publications, Inc., its publisher,

The Millennials are the future of boating and sportsfishing, and our article on page 22 details the boating industry’s efforts to recruit them, immerse them into the boating lifestyle, and ensure their commitment to boating for the rest of their lives.

On a final note, we want to remind you that the Great Lakes Boating Federation is the advocacy voice for the 4.3 million boaters on the Great Lakes. Please help it by going to www.greatlakesboatingfederation.com and joining. A deluxe membership includes a year’s subscription to Great Lakes Boating. In the days to come, the Federation will be an association that provides boaters with products and services at a discount.

We wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope that your boating experiences will be better than ever in 2016.

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.

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10

14 Marlow-Pilot 34 FEATURES Features

•.MARLOW-MAINSHIP/HUNTER....... 10 •_DETROIT............................................14 •_MILLENNIAL IMPERATIVE................22

SPOTLIGHTS Spotlight

•_MALIBU M235 & 25LSV....................18 •_BOAT FINANCING ........................... 26 •_LAKE LEVELS....................................30 •_PRODUCT INNOVATIONS..................32

THE NEWS InIN the News

•_GREAT LAKES................................. 34 •_FISHING..................................... 38 •_MARINAS................................... 40 •_NATIONAL.................................. 42 •_SAILING..................................... 44

BUY NOW

!

26

DEPARTMENTS Departments

•_PUBLISHER’S NOTE............................04 •_EDITORIALS............................................08 •_NEW PRODUCTS................................48 •_BOAT CARE AND FEEDING....................50 •_EVENTS CALENDAR............................52 •_MARINE MART...................................54 •_ADVERTISER INDEX............................54

• READ •

GREAT LAKES BOATING

on your tablet or smartphone

visit: greatlakesboating.com

Join the Great Lakes Boating Federation www.greatlakesboatingfederation.com

Specifications Length Overall................... 39’8” Beam...................................12’4” Fuel Capacity...............280 gals.

Water Capacity............105 gals.

Sleeping Capacity....................4

T

he Marlow-Pilot 34 (MP34) is the ideal vessel for cruisers wanting to participate in an active boating lifestyle with a boat that is economical and well designed.

Marlow’s entire building process has been re-evaluated and tested. As a result, the MP34 was constructed and enhanced with a higher quality gelcoat and resin, augmenting its water resistance. Using Nida-Core coring, Marlow has designed a more structurally sound hull producing better glass to resin ratios.

The MP34 has a roomy upper salon with twin tables and plenty of seating. Its helm area, just forward of the salon, has seats for the captain and first mate. The engine room can be accessed by the touch of a button, which electrically raises the upper salon floor. Stepping below into its cabin, the port side galley is awash in natural light, room to cook, and Corian ® countertops. The teak cabinets and flooring create a warm, comfortable living space with a divided vanity and shower areas on the starboard side. Also on the starboard side is a dinette area with a large table that converts to a bunk serving as an additional sleeping cabin. Its forward cabin v-berth has an inner spring mattress and generous storage space.

The MP34 is powered by the standard 320 hp Yanmar ® diesel engine with multiple optional engine configurations available.

Marlow-Hunter/Mainship P.O. Box 1030 Alachua, FL 32616 800-771-5556

www.marlow-mainship.com 6 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

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413.626.8120 I furina@danalevi.com I www.danalevi.com

EDITORIALS

THE FUTURE OF BOATING Have you ever wondered what recreational boating would look like 10 years from now? We’ve also wondered the same thing, and we’re ready to share our “futuristic” views with you.

Boaters—The world of boating will have a different makeup in 2026, just by the aging process proceeding on course. The number of Baby Boomers owning boats will drop considerably because they’re getting older and can’t live forever. Will the Millennials take their place? To see if there’s an answer to this vitally important question, check out our article on this demographic beginning on page 22.

Marketing—Will the Discover Boating marketing campaign currently being touted for its impressions and clicks produce more boat owners? Is this campaign strictly for the good of boat manufacturers, dealers, and service repair shops, or does it have enough substance behind it to revitalize recreational boating and sportsfishing?

What about getting new people into boating? Will the Hispanic initiative currently being undertaken by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) dramatically increase the number of Hispanics in boating and fishing in 2026?

Boats—This is a tough one to figure out, but it appears there will be more bigger boats (those longer than 42 feet), more smaller boats (those under 26 feet), and fewer in-between boats. This reflects what’s happening in society with the collapse of the middle class. Are you comfortable with this?

boats for a longer amount of time, and the industry’s current efforts to recruit new participants and retain existing ones may be too little and too late. How will this affect dealerships, service and repair facilities, marinas, and equipment and apparel businesses?

Marinas—The number of marinas throughout the Great Lakes will be fairly stagnant due mainly to an abundance of slips, and an environmental and construction permit process that is laborious, time-consuming, and in many instances, cost prohibitive. On the other hand, Great Lakes marinas face a more pressing problem that will change their composition and that is the need to repair, renovate, and even rebuild their facilities.

Fishing—Fish populations will be declining due to climate change, overfishing, and/or the introduction of more aquatic invasive species. At the same time, electronics will make the ability to catch fish much easier.

Is this something everyone wants?

Hopes—The year 2026 will mark the 15th anniversary of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The hope is that this initiative will restore the Great Lakes to their pristine beauty. What’s the reality?

As we ponder the future of recreational boating and sportsfishing in 2026, it seems fairly clear that there will be significant changes that will impact all boaters and recreational sportsfishermen. Although the exact nature and impact of these changes is unknown and may hold many surprises, the pervasive question facing recreational boaters and sportsfishermen on the Great Lakes in 2026 is the same one we face today: How will we adapt to change?

Sales—The number of new boats being purchased will be dropping because boaters are holding on to their

AGREE? DISAGREE? WANT TO COMMENT? EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS TO LET TERS@GREATLAKESBOATING.COM

8 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

ASIAN CARP: REAL OR IMAGINED THREAT? Sometimes there are issues that attract the public’s attention, receive a lot of publicity, but are simply just passing fads. This article seeks to determine whether the Asian carp is such an issue.

Four years ago, the Asian carp problem was spreading toward the Great Lakes. At that time, local and national politicians, federal agencies, and numerous environmental groups proclaimed the Asian carp as an immediate threat to the fishing industries of the Great Lakes. If something was not done to stop the spread of the Asian carp, it would destroy the fishing industries of the Great Lakes.

Although the White House had formed the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee to develop and implement ways to stop the spread of the Asian Carp, no one actually knew whether its stopgap measures would be successful.

There were cries to and from Congress for more permanent solutions to the problem.

Great Lakes governors, state attorneys general, association executives, and commercial fishermen were all raising their voices for help. They called on Congress to act to stop the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Failure to do so, they noted with great alarm, would have dire consequences for the fishing industry of the Great Lakes.

Congress heard the call of its constituents and in 2012 asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to come up with alternatives to prevent the spread of Asian Carp and 13 other aquatic nuisance species (ANS) from entering into the Great Lakes. Because the threat was likeliest to occur via the Chicago Area Waterway System, the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan Basins, Congress directed USACE to come up with alternatives to stop this from happening. Moreover, because of the urgency, Congress asked USACE to act “expeditiously.”

In response, USACE delivered to Congress the Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study Report (GLMRIS) in January 2014. The long-awaited study that was the product of hundreds of thousands of man-hours of research and meetings, but was roundly criticized before the ink was even dry. Critics complained that it did not

offer one method, but rather eight alternatives for preventing the spread of Asian carp and 12 other ANS from getting into the Great Lakes. Moreover, the different and seemingly contradictory opinions coming from interested stakeholders about these alternatives made reaching a consensus on the best way to stop the spread of Asian Carp nearly impossible.

Here’s the crux of the problem. The Asian carp threat was identified as real and imminent in 2014, but it really wasn’t. Second, the USACE option of a hydrological separation of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal from Lake Michigan, recommended by many, including national and local environmental groups and with an $18 billion price tag, was unrealistic.

In our March/April 2014 issue, we wrote about the GLMRIS study as being an appropriate response to the numerous people who described Asian carps’ entry into the Great Lakes as an extremely dire situation that would put our fisheries, waters, economy, and way of life at risk. “The cost of inaction would be devastating to the ecosystem and would change the economic and social dynamics of the Great Lakes,” said Jim Coburn, chairman of the Michigan Industries Boating Association (MBIA).

Nicki Polan, MBIA executive director, echoed Coburn’s words, and urged Congress to choose the hydrological separation alternative. “This would require $18 billion to fund, but is the only effective option.”

What’s happened since the report was issued? Not much!

At present, no one seems to be talking about Asian carp as a clear and present danger to the fishing industry of the Great Lakes. Even state and federal government agencies are pulling back on their calls for immediate action to stop this threat.

So, is the Asian carp a real or imagined threat to the $7 billion a year commercial fishing industry of the Great Lakes?

Whatever happened to the GLMRIS Report and has Congress acted on its recommendations? Is the Asian carp threat simply a fad?

greatlakesboating.com | 9

Marlow-Pilot 34 10 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016 2015

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Length overall...........................39’8” Beam......................................... 12’4” Draft............................................2’8” Fuel Capacity..................... 280 gals.

Water Capacity...................105 gals.

T

he Marlow-Pilot 34 (MP34) is the newest model to enter the Marlow line by owner David E. Marlow. It is the

result of more than 40 years of boat building experience combined with the latest engineering and technological advances to create a stronger, lighter, more fuel-efficient boat. It is the ideal vessel for cruisers wanting to participate in an active boating lifestyle with a boat that is economical and well designed.

In building the MP34, every aspect of Marlow’s building process has been re-evaluated and tested. As a result, it was constructed and enhanced with a higher quality gelcoat and resin, augmenting its water resistance. Using Nida-Core coring, Marlow has designed a more structurally sound hull producing better glass to resin ratios, further enriching hull strength and integrity.

The MP34 is the second open salon build for Marlow. It has a roomy upper salon for entertaining in comfort with twin tables, as well as plenty of seating.

Its helm area, just forward of the salon, has two helm seats for the captain and first mate. The engine room can be accessed by the touch of a button, which electrically raises the upper salon floor. Stepping below into its ample cabin, the port side galley is awash in natural light, room to cook, and genuine Corian® countertops. The teak cabinets and flooring create a warm, comfortable living space with a divided vanity and shower areas on the starboard side.

Also on the starboard side is a dinette area with a large finished table that converts to a bunk serving as an additional sleeping cabin. Its forward cabin v-berth with an inner spring mattress and generous storage creates a true bond with her larger sister ships.

The MP34 is powered by the standard 320 hp Yanmar ® diesel engine with multiple optional engine configurations available including twin 220s or 260s.

www.marlow-mainship.com greatlakesboating.com | 11

Marlow-Mainship 31

room with a sink, vanity area, separate shower, and toilet. The forward cabin has a large bed on an innerspring mat-

The Marlow-Mainship 31 (MM31) is

like caulking and sealants have been

tress. This cabin has a large hanging

the third model in the lineup of new

improved. The meticulous attention

locker and plenty of extra drawer and

boats built under owner David Marlow.

to detail reflects Marlow’s demand for

storage space.

While it is similar to previous Marlow

quality over quantity in the production

models, a thorough inspection reveals

of a better-built boat.

significant quality and design chang-

The MM31 is powered by either the standard 180 hp Yanmar ® or the optional

es. It also shows that every aspect of

The quality of the fit and finish are appar-

the former boat building process has

ent below deck. Here Marlow-Mainship

been reviewed, tested, and upgraded.

craftsmen handcrafted the teak furniture and floors. On the port side they

220 hp, 260 hp, or 315 hp Yanmar.

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

Efforts to improve the MM31 began

put in a well-equipped galley that is

Length overall...........................35’5”

with improvements to its gelcoat and

large for a boat of this size.

Beam.........................................10’6”

resin quality. The next improvement

Draft............................................ 2’4”

was adding Nida-Core, a new coring

Also on the port side is a seating

Fuel Capacity......................196 gals.

that created greater hull strength and

area perfect for reading or relaxing.

Water Capacity.................... 90 gals.

better

On the starboard side is a large bath-

water

resistance.

12 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2015 2016

Elements

Marlow-Hunter 31

Grid™ structural grid, giving a superior fit and finish. This eliminates potential sources for noise, hull stress, and

The Marlow-Hunter 31 (MH31) has

in conjunction with custom cut uni-

damage. The MH31’s galley showcases

arrived in dealerships worldwide and

directional fiberglass reinforced with

handcrafted cherry or teak woodwork,

showcases a technologically advanced

DuPont™ Kevlar®, to form one of the

genuine

design that reflects Marlow-Hunter’s

toughest hulls on the seas. Marlow’s

abundant natural lighting. Two state-

research and development prowess.

use of Nida-Core coring, instead of

rooms, combined with a large vanity

Unlike traditional 31-foot sailboats, it

balsa wood, makes its hulls impervious

with separate shower, offer ease of use

features a beam of 11 feet 10 inches,

to water infiltration and rot. The hull and

generally seen in larger sailing yachts.

giving it a roomy interior while retain-

deck components are joined using the

ing spirited performance.

Mar-Guard™ fastening system, pro-

Corian®

countertops,

and

www.marlow-hunter.com

ducing one of the strongest hull/deck

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

The MH31 has a Henderson/Marlow

joints in the industry. Capped with a

designed hull with bow hollow and hard

polished stainless steel striker, the joint

chine that is one of the most advanced

forms a durable rub rail, built to keep

Length Overall........................... 32’4”

hulls on the market. It allows the MH31

the MH31 looking good for years.

Beam....................................... 11’10”

to deliver more performance and better

Draft (shoal).................................4’5”

handling. Its design rivals most 34-foot

The interior features intelligent design

Fuel Capacity........................21 gals.

models for usable space. The hull is

and high-quality craftsmanship. It is

Water Capacity.................... 50 gals.

constructed with premium resins used

constructed using the proprietary Mar-

greatlakesboating.com | 13

MOTO BOATING RENAISSANCE

By Nicki Polan, Executive Director, Michigan Boating Industries Association

D

etroit’s resurgence is spreading far and wide, and because of its location on the banks of the Detroit River, it’s no wonder that boating and fishing are playing a significant role in this comeback. The list of improvements, developments, attractions, expansions, and events on the Detroit River is long and impressive. They’re an almost daily reminder to visit the city if you haven’t visited in a while.

Attractions Located almost dead-center in the 80-mile stretch between New Baltimore, Michigan, at the tip of Lake St. Clair, and Luna Pier, Michigan, on Lake Erie near the border with Ohio, Detroit serves as a great destination spot or an excellent starting point to visit many nearby ports. Realistically, however, there’s really no reason to travel far from Detroit because there’s so much to do and see right here.

The centerpiece of the city’s downtown skyline and its new “Riverwalk” is the GM Renaissance Center. Also new to the skyline is the newly renovated Cobo Center featuring a stunning three-story glass atrium that

14 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

opens up to the river. On the other side of the Detroit River is Windsor, Ontario, which adds to the fun of any scenic boat tour. The views from the water of both cities are spectacular both night and day.

The Riverwalk is a 3.5-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Detroit River and the city skyline. Recreational opportunities are limitless as the trail links numerous plazas and parks. The highlight of the trail is a path perfect for walkers, runners, rollerbladers, and bikers that stretches from Belle Isle to the city center. It includes spray parks, wetlands, a 63-foot-tall lighthouse at Milliken State Park, and many places to stop and

eat along the way. Spend the day and enjoy covered picnic areas, shoreline fishing, and great photo opportunities.

Midway through the the Riverwalk (at Atwater Street), visitors can make an easy connection to the Dequindre Cut Greenway, which heads north about a mile to Eastern Market, a commercial district centered around a popular six-block farmers market that has been in operation since 1891 and open on Saturdays.

On its western end, the Riverwalk features the Renaissance Center—a cluster of seven interconnected skyscrapers, including the

OWN General Motors world headquarters. The RenCen offers shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment. A block away from the RenCen, in Rivard Plaza, stands the beautiful, custom-made Cullen Family Carousel that features animals all native to the Detroit River, except of course the sea serpent and mermaid.

Detroit’s historic Belle Isle is located at the east end of the Riverwalk. The new staterun Belle Isle Park is the largest island park in the United States (985 acres) and the tenth largest municipal park in the country.

It has five miles of scenic shoreline and a multitude of attractions, including an arboretum, aquarium, golf course, boathouse, and the Detroit Yacht Club. Boaters may also enjoy the very impressive Dossin Great Lakes Museum.

Belle Isle and Dossin Great Lakes Museum are currently accessible only by car, but plans are in the works to add transient boat slips and a launch site on the island. The Museum is dedicated to showcasing the story

of the Great Lakes, with a special emphasis on Detroit’s role in regional and national maritime history. Visitors to this 16,000 sq. ft. museum will enjoy exhibits that tell the region’s rich maritime history of more than 300 years, from the shipping fleets that ruled the waterways to the varied roles that the Great Lakes and the Detroit River have played in the region’s industrial and social history.

Further west along the riverfront, across the street from the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, is the new DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC), which was developed to give visitors a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of the city. It features exciting outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits, and simulators, including a walk-behind-and-touch waterfall. Visitors can step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and do much more. At the OAC, you can climb the roots and explore the canopy of a massive bur oak tree, hop aboard a real airplane, and/ or see what’s swimming in the aquarium.

At nearby Atwater Street, the Chene Park Ampitheatre sits along the water’s edge.

This intimate showplace features a summer concert tour and was once ranked as one of the world’s Top 100 concert venues. Chene Park features 5,000 covered pavilion seats and 1,000 lawn spaces.

Boaters can enjoy “free” seats by simply dropping anchor along the Detroit River behind the stage during performances. Boaters get premier seating at many other events like the annual fireworks display over the water and the boat races.

Detroit River fishing is also fabulous in and around the “D.” The Great Lakes connecting waters—which include the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River—are home to countless fish species and present numerous angling opportunities. The many varieties of fish found in these waters vary by the season. In the spring, the most abundant and sought-after species include walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, and steelhead.

As spring eases into summer and, later, fall,

greatlakesboating.com | 15

All Photos - Vito Palmisano

the fishing focus changes to include a mix of

home to the world’s only floating post office,

at Cobo Center. The Detroit Boat Show is

warm-water kinds, such as smallmouth and

the J.W. Westcott II, which serves interna-

considered among the top shows in the

largemouth bass, white bass and the region’s

tional freighters on the Detroit River.

country for its size, sales, and attendance,

famed mega-sized muskies.

and Michigan is the third largest marine Boaters should visit year round, because

market in the country and third in boat reg-

there’s plenty to do in the offseason. For

istrations. This season’s Detroit Boat Show

Detroit’s downtown offers boaters plenty of

example, the North American International

takes place February 13-21, at the newly

places to fuel and dock, along with plenty of

Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of the nation’s

remodeled Cobo Center. Boaters will flock

things to see and do. They can dock at some

most prestigious, and Detroit, the Motor

to this show to see what is new in the in-

local Detroit marinas like Kean’s, Riverside,

City and home to all Big Three auto compa-

dustry and to get great deals on boats and

Sinbad’s, Milliken State Park and Harbor,

nies, has hosted it for more than 100 years.

all things boating. For more information,

and Gregory’s, and ask about a shuttle and/

NAIAS is one of the largest auto shows on

visit DetroitBoatShow.net.

or cab into town.

the continent and features both national and

The downtown

international dealers’ newest automotive

Detroit continues to be a comeback city

Once in town, visitors will find a vibrant city

innovations. This year’s event will be held

featuring more and more for both land-

full of great restaurants and a roster of at-

January 11-24.

lubbers and boaters to enjoy, and for that

tractions and things to do that include cars,

reason, not only do visitors and locals alike

culture, gaming, music, sports and a host of

Equally impressive is the Detroit Boat Show,

call Detroit “The Motor City,” they also call

other major attractions and events. It is even

celebrating 58 years in downtown Detroit

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16 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

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M235 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Length.................................................. 23’5” Beam.....................................................102” Draft........................................................32” Std Torque..................................575 ft.-lbs.

Fuel...................................................78 gals.

m

alibu’s new M235 was built in

The M235 is a perfect blend of beauty and

pulling the world’s best wakeboarders

the utmost secrecy and de-

power. To produce this extraordinary boat,

and surfers.

signed to be nothing less than

the company’s design, engineering, and

the most ultra-premium per-

athlete teams worked hand in hand to de-

Malibu’s M235 promises customers the

liver a seamless alignment of power, luxury,

finest, most advanced watersports tech-

innovation, and performance.

nology on the planet. No other manufac-

formance towboat the world has ever seen.

Given the opportunity to think outside

turer can offer anything like Malibu’s ex-

the box, Malibu’s design and engineering

Coming standard on the M235 is every-

clusive,

crews loaded this extra-deep, 23-foot-5-

thing an operator would want. This boat

II. This revolutionary hydraulic hydrofoil

inch machine with every single one of Mal-

was built to be fully loaded, an instant

works with its engineered hull designs,

ibu’s revolutionary innovations, including

classic

cus-

hydraulic Surf Gate, Quad Hard Tank Ballast,

the Integrated Surf Platform and the most

tomer who wants nothing but the best

Plug ‘n’ Play ballast, and Surf Band as part of

luxurious interior and advanced helm in

of the best. The result is a once-in-a-

Malibu’s peerless Integrated Surf Platform to

the industry.

lifetime boat, whether it’s at the dock or

give you the ultimate watersports experience.

18 GLB | November/ De cember 14

for

the

uncompromising

patent-protected

Power

Wedge

W

ith the unveiling of its all-new

room for everything else. Among its upgrades

Springer noted that the athletes who use

Wakesetter 25 LSV, Malibu

for 2016 are an Integrated Surf Platform (in-

Malibu equipment have been raving about

delivers the boat built to make

cluding the new Surf Band wrist remote), ac-

the boat. The final product is the culmination

the wakes and waves of your

tion-camera mounts on the transom, a pow-

of Malibu’s philosophy of building every new

dreams. Every Malibu athlete who’s shredded

er-adjustable helm seat, a reversible Wake

or redesigned boat from the hull up to be in-

behind the massive 25-footer says it kicks up

View rear bench, and a rear-view camera that

comparably versatile on the water and to de-

what are unmistakably the biggest, cleanest

allows the driver to easily watch what’s going

liver multisport capability at the highest level.

wakes and waves they’ve ever experienced.

on behind the boat.

The 25 LSV is incredibly agile on the water, de-

Malibu CEO Jack Springer is thrilled to launch

ter 25 LSV delivers the ultimate wake. In

spite its monstrous size, thanks to the work of

this incredible new performance towboat. “The

fact, Malibu riders Jeff Langley and Brian

Malibu’s design and engineering teams. This is

Wakesetter 25 LSV has been nothing but fun

Grubb laid claim to this towboat after their

the first time that a towboat this big has fea-

since the very first day we put it on the water,”

first day out and haven’t stopped raving

tured the performance to match its proportions.

said Springer. “It just blows people’s minds.

about it. Both agree that the 25 LSV handles

This is unquestionably the most versatile, high-

like a dream.

Brand new for 2016, the massive Wakeset-

The 25 LSV handles beautifully, and it can

est-performing 25-footer on the market, and it

easily haul up to 19 people, with plenty of

has everyone tremendously excited.”

www.malibuboats.com

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Length......................................................25’ Beam.....................................................102” Draft........................................................27” Power.......................410-575 ft.-lbs. torque Fuel...................................................77 gals.

25 LSV

greatlakesboating.com | 19

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THE

Imperative

By Scott Guthrie

t was 24 years ago that my dad took me out on our first father-son boating trip. We drove an hour from our suburban Kansas home to Lake Perry in southeast Missouri. While walking along the dock to our pontoon boat, we stopped at the bait shack to feed the carp, grab some worms, and stock up on ice cold Coca-Cola. We loaded up the boat, reversed out of the slip and hit the open water until the sun rested on the waves. I sat on my dad’s lap the entire time, helping him navigate to different coves where we would anchor, rig up some fishing rods, and wait for the catfish to bite. Driving home that day,

22 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

I remember thinking I would be a boater the rest of my life.

I am a 29-year-old Millennial and that is how I was first introduced to boating. From a young age, I was able to experience the boating lifestyle, along with the family and friendship bonds it can create.

Being exposed to boating early in life, however, makes me a minority among my generation.

Most Millennials (those between the ages of 1834) weren’t exposed to boating as youngsters, and still haven’t been today. This poses a vexing problem for the American boating industry.

The issue For decades, the recreational boating industry has relied on Baby Boomers (those born between 1946-1964), and their checkbooks to keep the industry afloat. It has depended on the members of America’s wealthiest generation to spend part of their discretionary income on boating and fishing. At present, Boomers still have the time and money to go boating, but this won’t last forever. As Boomers grow older, who will take their place?

Boating is hoping that Millennials (those between the ages of 18 to 34) are the answer.

123rf.com/Dolgachov

a more fundamental reason why Millennials are not buying boats: they’re simply not interested in recreational boating and sportsfishing.

That’s because a lot of Millennials have no history of boating to lead them to buy a boat, or even try boating. If Millennials aren’t exposed to boating, it appears they won’t put boat buying on their “to do” list when they reach their prime spending age.

The effort For boating to become relevant for Millennials, it must reach out to them and show them the value of recreational boating through strategic marketing. It must tell Millennials that boating is not a hassle, but rather a stress reliever. It must show them what it showed me all those years ago: that boating is a way to experience nature, socialize, and create lifelong memories with loved ones. In short, boating has to do a better job of promoting the boating lifestyle.

For decades, boating has relied on one generation to pass down the boating lifestyle to the next generation. That’s how I learned. But this won’t work for most Millennials, because the basic assumption for this model, that is, the traditional, stable family model of husband, wife, and kids has changed. Only 46 percent of kids under the age of 18 live in a home with two heterosexual parents in their first marriage, according to a 2014 Pew Research Study.

If the industry can’t rely on parents passing on their passion for and enjoyment of the boating lifestyle, how can Millennials be introduced to boating? The answers are not overwhelmingly obvious, but there are several out there.

They are America’s largest generation with an estimated population of 83.1 million and account for more than a quarter of the nation’s population, according to U.S. Census Bureau.

From a numbers standpoint, Millennials could easily fill the void Boomers will create, but that’s easier said than done.

Despite being on track to become the most educated generation in American history, (In 2013, 47 percent of adults ages 25-34, had a post-secondary degree according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors.) Millennials haven’t reaped the assumed economic advantages that come with advanced education.

In fact, it appears that just the opposite is true.

In 2013, total outstanding U.S. student debt surpassed $1 trillion. The number of college graduates returning home to live because they either can’t find a job or are in dire financial straits is staggering. According to the Census Bureau, the average annual income for Millennials is roughly $34,000, and nearly 20 percent of Millennials live in poverty. This is certainly not good news for an industry that is going to rely on Millennials to keep the industry thriving into the foreseeable future.

These financial burdens mean Millennials aren’t buying boats. That’s a problem, but there’s

Boat clubs are one answer. Most boat clubs operate as monthly membership based organizations that allow members access to a fleet of boats at any time. For a monthly fee, a member can take out a boat whenever he or she desires but doesn’t have to worry about incurring the additional costs of owning a boat.

Boats clubs are great ways to introduce boating to those who want to boat, but do not have the resources to buy a boat.

Boat rental companies (which offer one-time rentals) and peer-to-peer boating (owners renting their boat to interested parties) are also options. These types of “on-demand” rental programs are starting to appear around the country. These are an attractive option for Millennials, who value experiences over the ownership of goods.

greatlakesboating.com | 23

...the boating industry needs to spend more money and do a better job of spreading the word about the benefits of recreational boating to Millennials. association whose self-described focus is to keep recreational boating vital, is the logical leader in this area. It has established a “Discover Boating” campaign, but it needs to do more to entice Millenials into boating.

Valuing experiences over goods has led to Millennials being incorrectly labeled as frugal, but Millennials aren’t afraid to spend money.

Trust me, I am one of them. We spend money like it’s burning a hole in our pocket. Millennial spending in the U.S. accounts for $1.3 trillion, $430 billion of which is discretionary spending, according to a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

If boat companies want Millennials to buy their products, they need to make more affordable models, with features that satisfy their technological appetites, and desires for adventure. A few companies are starting to do this.

In September, Bryant Boats launched a new boat—the Wake Tractor—described as specifically designed for Millennials. The 18-foot boat with room for six and a price tag of $39,000 has WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities.

It is also driven from a smart tablet that has attachments for GoPro cameras.

Wakesurfing is also popular among Millennials. Boat manufacturers Tige and Malibu have taken notice. In September 2014, Tige released its Surf Link Remote. Using the remote, users can determine the size and shape of their wave. Nautique Boats has a similar remote wave control product. It has also released an app for the Pebble smart

24 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

watch. The app lets users control the music on the boat while they wake surf. Malibu unveiled a rearview camera in 2015, allowing the driver to track riders and dock more easily.

Assessment Boat clubs and rentals, as well as products geared toward Millennials do no good if Millennials don’t know they exist. The responsibility for this lies with boat manufacturers and national organizations, most notably the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). They need to rethink their traditional marketing strategies.

These organizations need to realize that sponsoring boat shows and conferences is not the best way to engage Millennials.

There are far more effective ways. They need to go where Millennials are. When was the last time you saw a boat company or national organization sponsor a music festival, visit a college, or storm a coffee shop and provide Millennials with an all inclusive day on the water?

From my Millennial viewpoint, the boating industry needs to spend more money and do a better job of spreading the word about the benefits of recreational boating to Millennials. The NMMA, the industry’s largest trade

The federal government could get more involved. The U.S. Senate recently reauthorized the Sport Fish Restoration Act for another six years. The act will reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is crucial for anglers and fishery resources. It delivers millions of dollars collected each year from boating fuel taxes to states’ fishing and boating programs. In this effort, the government must reexamine how this money is being spent and look at ways to aggressively promote boating and fishing to America’s younger generations.

Along similar lines, boating needs to target social groups instead of life stages. Because Millennials face such economic hardships, they have stronger ties to social identities rather than life stages, like buying a house or boat. According to marketing company SocialChorus, 95 percent of Millennials say their friends are the most credible source of product information. If brands can effectively market themselves to Millennials and make a positive impression, they will have a better chance of securing Millennials’ business later in life.

Recreational boating is a changing industry, but it doesn’t have to fade out along with the Baby Boomers. Boating needs to target and aggressively pursue its new customers. That includes Millennials, but also Hispanics, African Americans and other non-white sectors, those groups that might not have had the opportunity to experience boating as a child.

Millennials live for the type of social experiences boating can offer. Boating just needs to do a better job of making Millennials aware of it.

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F

By Jerome A. Koncel

or all the talk about the volatile stock market, a pending increase in interest rates, and declining job prospects, the lending marketplace for boaters who are either seeking to purchase new or used boats or refinance their existing loans couldn’t be better.

The interest rates on loans for recreational vessels are hovering near or at all-time lows. Forecasts from the National Marine Lenders Association (NMLA), whose membership includes retail marine lending banks, credit unions, finance companies, and service company providers, indicate that this positive pattern should continue into 2016. All this is good news for boaters, but it comes with a caveat: this loan environment won’t last forever. Take note

boat loans are readily available to consumers in the Great Lakes region, even as lenders have increased their scrutiny of credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and collateral evaluations.

more than two-thirds of all dealers offer finance and insurance programs. Moreover, many banks/credit unions desire to increase their consumer loan portfolios, and boat buyers are a desirable lot.

Coburn pointed out that as the quality of the lender portfolio improves, the credit guidelines for boat purchasers have eased a bit and new lenders have either entered or re-entered the boat loan financing

Other businesses known to offer loans are service companies or finance brokers.

These businesses can be beneficial to boat buyers. They often attend and display at boat shows and generally have solid lender

of these words of wisdom: “Now is a good time to finance your boat.”

space. He added that loan rates are very competitive and are actually operating at or near historic lows.

relations. Like dealers, Coburn notes, service companies often have excellent loan rates and financing programs. However, the majority of service companies also have minimum boat loans requirements in the $25,000 to $50,000 range.

GREAT LAKES LOANS James Coburn, president of Coburn & Associates and an NMLA director, said that

26 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

The first place consumers should look for financing is their dealers. It estimated that

boat lending and financing, believes that buyers who do their homework will find good financing options available in 2016.

What if interest rates go up? “It’s been my experience that buyers will tolerate higher loan rates, as long as they want the boat, and they trust the lender,” Otto said.

CONVENIENCE In regards to securing financing for your boat, new or used, speed and convenience are important. Boaters want to get their vessels as soon as possible and want to take them out on the water as quickly as possible. In today’s marketplace, most boaters are able to secure loan quotes within 24 hours of requesting them.

When it comes to getting a loan, boat buyers are much more knowledgeable today than they were a decade ago. “Make no mistake about it, today’s buyers are more knowledgeable about the process and the options from the Internet. What they want is a no hassle, no stress experience,” said Barron.

123rf.com/Udo Schotten

For the most part, the boating industry and its financial loan institutions try to make the loan process quick and easy. Many deliver free quotes in less than 24 hours, and without intense scrutiny. Essex Credit, for example, promises no stress, no hassles, and constant

communication and support for boaters every step of the way.

If boaters want to know how much money they are eligible for on a loan, they can use loan calculators on websites. In addition, they can go to the Discover Boating website, www.discoverboating.com/finance.

On this page, they can use a boat loan financing calculator to determine their variable and adjustable rate boat loans. Variations occur when it comes to the length of the loans, the amount of the loan, and the type of boat, e.g., fishing boat, houseboat, pontoon, yacht, and so forth.

A DESIRABLE CUSTOMER In today’s marketplace, boaters are very desirable customers. Today’s lenders are full of loan-lending data from the past 10 years, and this data tells them that people seeking boat loans generally have higher incomes, less debt, and better collateral than the average loan applicant. This makes them desirable clients.

Although not all banks offer boat loans, most notably Bank of America and J.P. Morgan Chase, there are many local, regional, and national banks that do offer boat loans directly to their customers. Competition among these banks is keen. They want your business and have

James Barron, president of Essex Credit and senior vice president of direct consumer lending for Bank of the West, Santa Barbara, California, described the financial marketplace in the Great Lakes region as “very competitive.” He added that the Great Lakes is a diversified marketplace with local, regional, and national companies all competing for the boater’s business.

What about loans for pre-owned or used boats? Coburn said most lenders offer preowned boat financing. He noted that some lenders base their pre-owned boat financing parameters on the age of the boat. The parameter limits may range from 5 model years old up to 20 model years, depending on the lender.

Coburn added that some pre-owned boat loan rates are slightly higher than for new boats, but it all depends on the lender’s finance program.

Bill Otto, originating agent of www.JustBoatLoans.com and a 40-year veteran of

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greatlakesboating.com | 27

boat-savvy staff on hand to address your needs, according to NMLA. In the present-day boat financing marketplace, the consumer who doesn’t examine the various available loan options is foolish. The options available to people seeking to finance their boats are numerous, including boat dealers and manufacturers. Many dealers have loan officers on their premises, and they are specialists who want to assist boat buyers with their purchases. They can assist the boaters with everything from filling out forms to securing loans.

Otto said that while some boaters may approach a bank or credit union saying, “I have an auto loan with you and would like to finance my boat. What type of loan rate can you give me?”—most lenders don’t offer any discounts. “It’s my experience that lenders don’t make loans based on other loan business,” Otto said.

THE PROCESS There are two basic types of boat loans: a typical collateral loan and a home equity loan. For each type of loan, there are advantages and disadvantages.

A collateral loan is similar to one that you would take out on a new auto. The loan is to buy the boat, and the boat itself is the collateral. If the client defaults on the loan,

28 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

the bank or financial institution will repossess the boat. This was a common occurrence during the Great Recession of 20082010, but it’s far less common these days.

Prior to 2008, many boat owners used a home equity loan to buy their vessels.

They would use the equity in their home to secure a line of credit for their vessels.

In those days, there were no or low down payments, and the loan payments were tax deductible. Today, these loans continue to be tax deductible and allow buyers to take advantage of today’s low rates on home loans, but they are harder to get.

Valuable resources for boaters looking to finance their boats can be found at the Discover Boating website, www.discoverboating.com, and the “For Boat Buyers” section of www.marinelenders.org, which contains some good information on financing, surveys, and boat loan basics. The latter notes that financing your purchase through an NMLA member offers some benefits, including lower down payments, faster credit decisions, longer financing terms, lower monthly payments, and more electronics and extras as part of your loan.

Boaters who purchase a boat with the intention of using it as a live aboard can deduct interest paid on the “second home.”

A boat qualifies as a second home if it has basic living accommodations, defined as sleeping quarters, a toilet, and cooking

facilities. For specific information on the tax implications involved in financing your boat as a second home, discuss the matter with your accountant before making any type of loan.

DON’T PROCRASTINATE Coburn said that based on current studies conducted by NMLA, the boat lending marketplace for 2015 will continue to improve. The reasons for this include, but are not limited to the following: an improved/ improving U.S. economy; a slow, but steady increase in boat sales; and the improved availability of credit (as measured since the beginning and end of the Great Recession).

The National Marine Manufacturers Association predicts that new powerboat unit sales will be up as much as 8 percent in 2015, and the industry will continue on this trajectory for 2016. If new boat sales continue on this upward trend, it is safe to say that the $3 billion a year marketplace for boat loans will be booming.

In today’s lending marketplace, boat dealers, banks, boat brokers financial institutions, and credit unions are all anxious to serve the boating customer by making the loan process quick, easy, and convenient. Today’s historical low interest rates are good news for the consumer, but they won’t be around forever, so BUY NOW!

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WATER LEVELS T O

S

H O L D

S T E A D Y

cientists from the National

ipated strong El Niño and other atmo-

ly at how atmospheric patterns affect

Oceanic and Atmospheric

spheric anomalies on the forecast are

water levels.

Administration (NOAA), the

difficult to predict, especially because

U.S. Army Corps of Engi-

the water levels on the Great Lakes have

neers,

always been dynamic.

and

Environment

Canada have issued a six-month fore-

CURRENT STATUS The primary drivers of seasonal water

cast predicting steady or above average

Beginning in the late 1990s, for exam-

level changes are precipitation, evapora-

water levels on lakes Michigan, Supe-

ple, water levels dropped nearly every

tion, and runoff. Part of the uncertainty

rior, Huron, and Erie into spring 2016.

year, culminating in the record low water

in making long-term future water level

They note that Lake Ontario water levels

levels for lakes Michigan and Huron in

projections stems from the challenge of

should remain close to monthly averag-

January 2013. Since then, an unprece-

predicting over-lake precipitation, runoff,

es for the six-month period.

dented rebound in water levels has oc-

and over-lake evaporation, while also in-

curred, resulting in above average levels

corporating the effects of large-scale cli-

In making this forecast, the scientists

on all the lakes by the fall of 2014. This

mate forces, such as this year’s El Niño

warned that the impacts of the antic-

has led hydrologists to look more close-

and 2014’s Polar Vortex anomaly.

30 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

In a recent forecast update, NOAA’s

of 1965-66 resulted in temperatures

Climate Prediction Center said that El

below average in much of the basin.

Niño will likely peak in the Northern

Other atmospheric anomalies can also

Hemisphere during the winter of 2015-

affect the region’s winter weather and

2016. It is expected to transition to a

can either enhance or diminish the im-

neutral period during the late spring or

pacts of a strong El Niño.

early summer of 2016. NOAA’s Winter Outlook (Dec.-Feb.,) favors warmer

Forecasts are only as good as the fore-

than normal temperatures for most of

casters, and NOAA and its partners

the Great Lakes region, with precipita-

collaborate extensively in forecasting

tion most likely to be below normal for

Great Lakes water levels every month.

the eastern half of the basin.

These forecasts are based on information from continuous operational

Warmer

temperatures

may

reduce

water level and meteorological moni-

total snowfall and ice cover in the

toring networks provided by U.S. and

Great Lakes in the winter, but not nec-

Canadian federal agencies, as well as

essarily. With the return of above av-

research-oriented monitoring stations

erage water levels to most of the

of partnering academic institutions.

lakes, there is the additional risk of localized flooding from severe storms and

The water levels stations maintained

wind events.

by

NOAA/National

Ocean

Service

Center for Operational Oceanograph-

Lake Michigan waves at Michigan City lighthouse following Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012. With above average levels on most of the lakes, there is added risk of localized flooding from severe storms and wind events. (NOAA)

ASSESSMENT

ic Products and Services provide one

El Niño’s impacts on the Great Lakes

ity hydrometeorological data sets in

region have varied over the years. The

North America. They have been offer-

1997-98 El Niño produced a very warm

ing recorded data since 1860.

of the longest running, highest qual-

winter across the basin (+5 degrees F. above normal), while the El Niño

Graphic created by the Illinois State Water Survey (with data from NOAA)

This article is provided by NOAA.

Water levels rose about 5 feet due to strong NNE wind on Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron on May 30, 2015. (T. Griggs)

greatlakesboating.com | 31

MARINE

ELECTRONICS

INNOVATIONS

FOCUS ON DATA SHARING

E

lectronics and electrical equipment manufacturers continue to generate new and innovative products for the marine industry. A good example of these marine innovations was the electronics

category in this year’s IBEX Innovation Awards, where a record 90 entries were received, according to a Sept. 17 article written by Chris Landry for Soundings Trade Only.

Many of the fast-paced tech advance-

to interface between a vessel’s NMEA 2000

uct manager of Power Products. “Of all

ments in the marine industry revolve

network and most cellular data services.

our new products, this one really reso-

around “connectivity”—technology that

nates because it solves a problem. Let’s

not only integrates marine electronics,

“It takes data from the vessel to the cloud

but also links them to the cloud and mo-

and then to devices off the boat, includ-

bile devices and computers.

ing mobile devices,” said Burke, whose

Although boaters might not see the value

business now offers Smart GPRS, which

of this product, many marine electricians

The idea of sharing data to make boat-

contains a cellular data modem and a re-

will find these nylon ties (which have a

ing easier and more enjoyable has long

movable SIM card to allow use on most

50-pound tensile strength) very useful. A

been a goal of marine manufacturers,

mobile networks, including AT&T’s new

stainless steel razor inside the tie’s re-

but it has now started to come to frui-

M2X data service, which offers a 10X re-

ceiving end plays the key role. After the

tion. IBEX’s Connected Boat Display il-

duction in monthly access charges.

tie has been pulled to its desired length

lustrated this technology. At least a dozen electronics, engine, and instrument

M2X (machine to cloud) is a product that

manufacturers participated with their

interfaces sensors directly to cloud ser-

products—an impressive demonstration

vices, such as Chetco’s HelmSmart.net

of multiple brand devices sharing data

data analytics website, with a monthly

across multiple networks.

access fee as low as $2 a device.

Simrad, Mastervolt, Honda, Faria, and

Jury-rigging gets easier

Antisense Marine Accessories were just some of the brands involved here.

One of the interesting new products at IBEX was a self-cutting cable tie from

Joe Burke, of Chetco Digital Instruments,

Ancor Marine, part of Power Products

designed the Connected Boat network for

LLC. “It makes wiring installations easier,

the second consecutive year. The big news

faster and more efficient—and requires

this year, according to Burke, is the ability

no tools,” said Matt Elsner, group prod-

32 GLB greatlakesboating.com | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y| 32 2016

face it, cutting cable ties is a hassle.”

or tightness, one simply twists the tail and

The electronic control panel, which has

the razor leaves a clean, flush cut without

LED lighting, fits flush in the side wall for

sharp edges. With no tool required, the

easy reach, and it has soft-touch buttons

risk of damaging whatever one is bundling

for power and temperature control that

is eliminated, Elsner added. The ties come

are easier to use than knobs.

in 8-, 11-, and 14-inch sizes.

Versatility also stands out as a strong In addition to the self-cutting cable tie,

point for the company’s new reverse-

Power Products presented severeal new

osmosis water purification machinery—

products across its seven brands—Park-

the XTC-ZTC Double Pass System. It

Power, Ancor, Mastervolt, BEP, Marinco,

marketing for FLIR and Raymarine. What

purifies feed water from any source—

ProMariner and Blue Sea Systems. Da-

is new, however, is that FLIR has augment-

salt water, brackish water, fresh water,

vid Johnson, the company’s senior vice

ed the capability of the engine room cam-

or dockside water. The first pass makes

president of marine and mobile of the

era with thermal imaging.

potable water and the second purifies it

Americas, listed some new electrical de-

further—so clean it leaves no spots after

vices from Blue Sea Systems, while his

Combining thermal and visible cameras

colleague, Danny Ascencio Hall, demon-

in a small package, the AX8 is integrated

it’s used to wash yachts, said Trigg.

strated how to install them by referring to

with Raymarine multifunction displays to

“Yacht crews might request their owners get

show installations.

send audible and visual alerts when the

this product for this very reason,” he said.

temperature of machine parts rise above Another product that Power Products

pre-set thresholds, said Hands.

offered to solve a problem is the Mini

Designing cooling products for the marine world is a challenge because it relies on

Add-A-Battery Plus that is sold with a

“It gives a boater that added confidence

the use of corrosive seawater. The Domet-

BatteryLink Charger and is capable of

in the safety and working order of the en-

ic Titan Low-Profile 60 is the first marine

juicing two batteries at or away from the

gine and its systems,” Hands added. The

chiller to use titanium in the condenser in-

dock. The Mini Add-A-Battery simplifies

product has been used in commercial ap-

stead of cupronickel, said Trigg. Titanium

switching between the two batteries. For

plications (mainly for monitoring industrial

fends off the punishment of saltwater and

the boater, this product virtually “elimi-

electrical panels) for about a year. Its rec-

invasive marine life, he said.

nates the risk of getting stranded with a

reational version retails for $1,199.

dead battery,” Johnson said.

Keeping it cool

In practice, two dual USB chargers—one

The future IBEX was a great opportunity for manu-

that fits a 12V charging receptacle—deliver

Dometic’s Ned Trigg, senior vice president

facturers to present their new products

4.8 amps of charging power and feature “in-

of global system sales, demonstrated the

and equipment for 2016. It was held in

telligent device recognition” (which optimiz-

company’s new CRX-50 built-in refrigera-

September 2015, but boaters can look

es charging for Apple and non-Apple devic-

tor with a slide-out freezer section. It can

for the new technology throughout all

es). It can be used with 12V or 24V systems.

quickly transform itself to a refrigerator

of 2016.

only or a freezer only.

The Mini OLED (organic light-emitting diode) DC Voltmeter monitors 12V and 24V systems with a bright waterproof daylight-readable screen.

Thermal imaging FLIR Systems launched its AX8 thermal monitoring camera for monitoring engines, exhaust manifolds, and shaft bearings.

“Cameras in engine rooms are not new, of course,” said Jim Hands, director of

greatlakesboating.com greatlakesboating.com | 33 | 33

ITN | GREAT LAKES

Great Lakes

OHIO FUNDS BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will fund local community boating safety education programs in Ohio through the 2016 Boating Safety Education Grant Program. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions at all levels, conservancy districts, state-supported school systems, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, and 501 C-3 certified nonprofit organizations.

By providing annual funding assistance through competitive grant programs, the ODNR Division of Watercraft is able to provide boating safety education programs across Ohio. The state expects to award more than $360,000 in 2016 for local community boating safety education programs. The grants require locals to provide a minimum local cost share of 25 percent

Individual grants provided through the ODNR Division of Watercraft’s Boating Safety Education Grant Program are funded by Ohio’s recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund. The fund is comprised of a share of state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Ohio law requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982 to be able to show proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they are to operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 hp. Many of the programs also focus on boating skill development and basic water safety.

BENEFICIAL USE FOUND FOR HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS Researchers at Wayne State University in Detroit have found that toxic algal blooms can be converted to hard carbon with a simple heat treatment. This hard carbon can be used directly in batteries without requiring any purification as high-capacity, low-cost electrodes for sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, according to the researchers’ recently published paper in Environmental Science & Technology.

Researchers said their “trash-to-treasure” approach paves the way for a promising and novel way for mitigating hazardous algal

blooms (HABs), as well as providing green electrodes for reversible sodium storage in Na-ion batteries.

While Na-ion batteries are still in their infancy, one of the major hurdles in their production and adoption is finding the right electrode material. Graphite once was considered a viable candidate because of its use in Li-ion batteries; however, the larger Na-ions do not fit as well into the graphite structure as the smaller Li-ions. That’s why graphite isn’t ideal for the electrode.

Researchers have already established that Naions fit better into hard carbon; however, the availability of hard carbon is another hurdle that needs to be overcome. Although hard carbon is most often derived from petroleum, it can also be made from biomass, researchers suggest.

In their study, the researchers proposed converting HABs, specifically blue-green algae, into carbon for Na-ion batteries. The researchers then showed how algal blooms can easily be converted into hard carbon by a simple heat treatment, without the need for purification or other additional processes.

IDNR NOW ACCEPTS FISHING TOURNAMENT APPLICATIONS Fishing tournament organizers can now apply directly to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for 2016 tournament permits.

Most fishing clubs and fishing tournament trail organizers can apply for tournament permits by utilizing their IDNR fishing tournament online accounts and applying for 2016 tournament dates at www.ifishillinois.org. Catch results from 2015 tournaments must be entered before fishing clubs and tournament trails will be allowed to request tournament dates for 2016.

Tournament organizers will see the words “post results” in their online tournament listing if 2015 results still need to be entered.

Tournament fishing is extremely popular in Illinois. In 2015, there were approximately 1,400 registered fishing tournaments on Illinois’ waters.

34 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

The catch data submitted by the angling clubs and tournament trails is vital information needed for the management of the waters they fish.

“Thanks to all tournament fishermen for being so conscientious in securing tournament permits, for posting the catch results afterward, and for being such good stewards of the fisheries resources in the state,” said Debbie Bruce, chief of the IDNR Division of Fisheries.

“Having catch data helps make our jobs as fisheries biologists easier and more effective.”

Fishing tournament organizers who do not yet have an IDNR online tournament account can apply for one at www.ifishillinois.org/ tournament/index.php. Paper applications will still be accepted; however, the IDNR prefers that tournament applications be completed online. All paper applications will be converted to online applications as the IDNR phases out paper forms.

ITN | GREAT LAKES

JOIN IN THE FUN AT REEFPOINT MARINA New services and a full event calendar are making Reefpoint Marina in Racine, Wisconsin the ultimate boating destination this summer.

General Manager Carrie VanDera takes pride in operating the marina similar to a 5-star resort and looks forward to another exciting season.

“Each season we put together an event calendar that includes everything from the ever popular Venetian Night, to cook-offs, wine-athons and dinghy drive-ins, but this season we are exploring even better ways to get boaters mingling on the docks,” VanDera said.

VanDera believes that connecting Reefpoint Marina boaters with boaters from other marinas for these events is necessary to keep camaraderie alive and well within the boating community.

Besides the countless events happening at Reefpoint Marina, the surrounding Racine area has much to offer. From a variety of restaurants and shops, to entertainment such as museums and beaches, Racine has something for everyone. One of the highlights of the Racine area is the close proximity of the marina to downtown.

Most everything is within walking distance, and if it’s not, a shuttle service is available.

The new services are becoming a big hit at the marina. After a long day on the lake, boaters can relax and wait for marinaprovided boat side delivery of goodies. Besides enjoying the leisure of delivery service, boaters can also take advantage of complimentary docking assistance, 24/7 ice delivery, boat side check in, and much more.

Whether it’s spending a full season docked or just a weekend away, Reefpoint Marina wants to invite all boaters from across the Great Lakes to join in the summer fun. Check out the 2016 Reefpoint Marina Calendar of Events at www.reefpointmarina.org and look for discounted guest slip specials. Check out its booth at the Milwaukee and Chicago Boat Shows for special pricing on annual slips.

B & E MARINE NAMED TO 2015 BOATING INDUSTRY TOP 100 LIST Boating Industry, the marine industry’s leading trade publication, has named B & E Marine one of the Top 100 dealers in North America. B & E owners, Barry and Rod Bensz, accepted the award in Orlando, Florida, during the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo on Nov. 18, 2015.

“There are thousands of boat dealers in the United States and Canada, and only the truly elite make the Top 100,” said Boating Industry Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Sweet.

“These dealers are the best in the industry, not only excelling at selling boats, but also at promoting the boating lifestyle.”

The Top 100 is an annual list of dealerships that are unsurpassed in business operations, professionalism, marketing tactics, and customer service. The Top 100 has recognized the top dealers in North America every year since 2005.

“As the Top 100 enters its second decade, the dealers on this year’s list are healthier than they have been in years,” Sweet said. “The 2015 Top 100 and Hall of Fame topped $2.5 billion in total sales – the highest total for the Top 100 since 2008. They sold more boats, grew profits, increased service efficiency and improved CSI scores.”

B & E Marine has been operating out of Michigan City, Indiana since 1953. Today B&E employs 35 full-time and a number of seasonal workers, expanding to 10 buildings covering 100,000 square feet, two hoists, two ramps, two fuel docks, and 70 permanent slips, according to its website.

“We accept this award on behalf of our customer-focused B & E Team. They are a great group of caring individuals who relentlessly serve our clients’ needs to make sure they have a great experience on the water,” Rod Bensz said.

WARMER WINTER PREDICTED FOR GREAT LAKES The Great Lakes region may see a relatively tolerable winter this year, with slightly milder temperatures and less snow, USA TODAY reports. The cause is an unusually strong El Niño—a natural warming of water in the Pacific Ocean that affects weather patterns around the world.

For the Great Lakes, the El Niño means that the region should also see a drier climate and less lake-effect snow than usual, Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said in a statement. But there will likely still be snowstorms and coldair outbreaks, and these predictions are all relative, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

As for the rest of the country, a strong El Niño will also bring cooler, wetter weather across the southern U.S., and beneficial rain and snow for much of drought-plagued California.

“While it is good news that drought improvement is predicted for California, one season of above-average rain and snow is unlikely to remove four years of drought,” Halpert said. “California would need close to twice its normal rainfall to get out of drought, and that’s unlikely.”

The winter forecast does not specify how much precipitation falls as rain, snow, or ice. Snow forecasts depend upon the strength and track of winter storms, which generally cannot be predicted more than a week in advance, the Climate Prediction Center said. greatlakesboating.com | 35

Great Lakes

ITN | GREAT LAKES

MICHIGAN FINDS NEW INVASIVE SPECIES New Zealand mud snails were found in the Pere Marquette River and are invading the Great Lakes region, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said in a story reported by the Capital News Service.

USFWS/Dan Gustafson

The agencies announced in September that the invasive New Zealand mud snails had been found near Baldwin in Lake County.

Measuring only 1/8 of an inch long, it’s easier for them than for larger native snails to “hitchhike” on waders and fishing gear, the departments said.

“We believe these snails have been introduced into the Pere Marquette River by recreational fisherman,” said Seth Herbst, an aquatic invasive species coordinator for the DNR’s Fisheries Division. “Being so small, they can latch onto boots, waders, and fishing equipment that wasn’t washed properly, or even washed at all.”

Once the snails were found, state experts took samples from 12 miles of the Pere Marquette River to get a better idea of their distribution.

Sarah LeSage, an aquatic invasive species coordinator for the DEQ, said, “Looking at the reach from Baldwin to downstream, we found the snails were more widely distributed than we thought, especially in connecting tributaries.”

According to LeSage, “The snails go undigested, making them non-nutritional for fish, compared to local insects that are already found in our rivers and streams.”

Warning signs are posted in nearby areas to remind the public to keep an eye out and to avoid contact and transfer of the organisms.

FISH FARMS ON THE GREAT LAKES ARE A POSSIBILITY Michigan is considering the prospect of commercially raising rainbow trout in net pens anchored in the Great Lakes after two companies in 2014 approached the state about trout farming in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, according to an article by Bob Gross on the Port Huron Times-Herald website, www.thetimesherald.com.

The state departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environmental Quality asked for reviews of the science, regulation, and economics of net-pen aquaculture. At press deadline, the state is not saying yea or nay to fish farming in the Great Lakes, said Tammy Newcomb, senior water policy adviser with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The three departments would share regulatory authority over any facility, Newcomb said: “The agriculture department would have to issue registration for a facility; the DEQ would have to issue a permit for bottomland construction and a National Pollutant

Discharge Elimination System permit; and the DNR would have to issue a permit for stocking fish into state waters.”

She said companies involved in fish farming would hatch and raise juvenile fish in a production facility, then take the fish to the netpen sites where they would spend a year growing and fattening for the market.

Two big issues facing those involved with fish farming are captive fish escaping from the pens and somehow introducing their genes into the wild population, and the feces and other waste beneath the nets.

According to the report on economic impact, the two proposed facilities would each be expected to eventually generate 1 million pounds of rainbow trout annually. With an assumed price of $2.75 per pound, the expected production of the two facilities would be a combined $5.5 million annually.

GORDY’S LAKEFRONT MARINA NAMED TOP DEALER For the second year in a row, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Fontana, Wisconsin, was named the “2015 Dealer of the Year” by Boating Industry magazine as part of its Top 100 Dealers program.

In addition to achieving the top spot, the company achieved the top CSI award for Cobalt Boats both regionally and worldwide for the second consecutive year. MasterCraft also honored the dealership as its Mastercraft Rookie of the Year for its first full year of selling the boat line.

As if these accolades weren’t enough, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2015, which also happened to be the most profitable year in the company’s history.

Boating Industry magazine’s Top 100 Dealers program is an editorialbased awards program designed to recognize and celebrate the best36 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

of-the-best among marine dealers and to share best practices and benchmarking data with marine dealers.

Gordy Whowell started the family-owned and operated business on Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva in 1955. Back then, it was a seasonal boat ride and rental operation that has now grown into a diversified operation that includes boat sales, service, storage, marina, and an awardwinning restaurant.

Instead of making acquisitions or expanding with multiple locations, growth has come from adding services to meet the needs of its existing customers. Besides one additional location in Fox Lake, Illinois, to serve the Chicago market that already provided many of its summer clients, the company has focused its expansion efforts on Lake Geneva.

Catch a memory you’ll never release. #FirstCatch First of the day, first of the season or first of a lifetime.

Follow @Take_Me_Fishing and show us your #FirstCatch.

ITN | FISHING

Fishing

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS ANGLERS FISHING HABITS Tranquil relaxation and exhilarating surges of adrenaline were cited as the two main reasons anglers keep returning to the sport, according to the latest research in a series of six studies undertaken by Southwick Associates for the American Sportfishing Association. The series of studies were designed to help improve the industry’s efforts to attract more anglers and keep them fishing.

The latest study, titled “The New Anglers—Who Are They? Why Did They Try? Will They Continue?” was produced in partnership with Responsive Management and focuses on those who are either new to the sport or trying it again after a long hiatus.

As the first report in the series uncovered, the overall number of fishing participants remains quite stable from year to year, about 46 million

(which takes into account youths 16 years old and younger). This stability is not due to the same number of anglers being out on the water each year. Rather it’s because about the same number of people join and leave the angling population each year.

Because that come-and-go contingent is a big portion of the 46 million, how to increase anglers’ loyalty to fishing is of great significance to the sportfishing community’s efforts to boost participation.

State fisheries agencies and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation are taking the lead to improve the sportfishing community’s efforts to boost participation, employing a strategy called “R3,” which includes targeted marketing efforts aimed at recruiting, retaining, and reactivating anglers.

ICE FISHING APPROVED FOR MILLE LACS LAKE Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources is allowing anglers to ice fish Mille Lacs Lake, but under strict restrictions. The department’s regulations will allow fishermen to keep one walleye and five northern pike this winter according to an article by Steve Karnowski in the Minneapolis Post.

Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs Lake was halted this summer due to overfishing of walleye, and there was concern that winter fishing would also be stopped. Instead, the DNR will allow Mille Lacs ice anglers to keep one walleye between

18 and 20 inches, or one longer than 28 inches.

However, if the walleye harvest appears likely to approach the 5,000-pound winter cap, the DNR will implement catch-and-release so that angling for other species can continue.

The DNR said its decision reflects a desire by its new advisory committee on Mille Lacs Lake to allow walleye fishing all winter. Dan Pereira, DNR fisheries chief, called it “a conservative regulation allowing fishing to continue through the winter without risk of closure.”

The winter walleye rules for Mille Lacs Lake will run through Feb. 28. The northern pike regulations will run through March 27.

As for northern pike, last year the DNR reduced the limit to five from 10, and this reduction remains in effect this year.

Anglers may keep one northern pike longer than 30 inches only if they first catch two pike shorter than 30 inches and keep both in their immediate possession.

SALMON SCARCE IN LAKE MICHIGAN The Chinook salmon has never been an easy catch on Lake Michigan, and now anglers may have an even harder time hooking the Great Lakes’ king sport fish.

Lake Michigan’s salmon population has decreased 75 percent since 2012, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The substantial decline in salmon is due to a decrease in natural resources, an increase in invasive species, and the DNR’s own efforts to stymie population growth to prevent a more permanent population crash.

Chinook salmon were reintroduced to the Great Lakes in 1966. The DNR has been reducing stocking rates since 1999 from 7 million to 2.5 million. The Lake Michigan salmon population is now roughly at the same level it was at in 1970, according to the DNR.

Mi.DNR/David Kenyon

The main cause may be the decrease in alewives, small silver fish that are the salmons’ primary food source. The alewife population has been harmed significantly by invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels.

38 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

Lake Huron experienced a salmon collapse nearly a decade ago when alewives were consumed by predators and invasive species at a faster rate than they could spawn. The lake is still trying to recover. The DNR, by reducing stocking levels, is trying to prevent such a collapse in Lake Michigan. Its goal is to try and reduce the number of salmon to be proportional to the number of alewives.

DNR officials say it could take years before salmon return to peak levels.

ITN | FISHING

RESEARCH HELPS SAFEGUARD LAKE ERIE’S FISHERIES Officials in charge of safeguarding Lake Erie fish populations are adjusting their monitoring practices based on research showing that the lake’s ‘dead zone’ is more dynamic than ever believed, according to an article in the spring issue of the Helm, a newsletter of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG).

“We were in awe when we looked at the data from the first season,” said Richard Kraus, a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center.

“Sometimes an area would switch from normal to hypoxic conditions in a matter of hours.”

Every summer, the bottom of Lake Erie loses so much oxygen due to natural conditions and algal blooms that fish and other aquatic wildlife are forced to flee or suffocate.

Kraus, along with researchers at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ohio State University, the U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office, and IISG, discovered the changing oxygen levels using a variety of sensors.

Scientists have long believed that the

The results have major repercussions for

hypoxic water spreads from the lake’s central basin. But a three-year investigation of dissolved oxygen levels suggests that dead zones can and do spring up across the lake and disappear just as quickly.

efforts to measure and maintain sustainable fish populations. Lake managers rely on population estimates to set annual limits on how many walleye, yellow perch, and other species can be fished from the lake. These

Ohio Sea Grant/Stone Lab

estimates are calculated using models that assume that the number of fish and the effectiveness of different fishing gear is similar throughout the lake and across seasons.

But dynamic dead zones mean inconsistency.

Fish and other aquatic wildlife cluster around the edges of hypoxic waters to avoid suffocation, turning the lake into an ever-changing patchwork of high- and low-density habitats.

MINNESOTA FISHING LICENSES EASY TO GET Getting a fishing license in Minnesota has never been easier. Anglers simply need to visit www.mndnr.giv/fishmn or call instant license at 888-665-4236. Either way allows people to purchase their license and start fishing today.

“Licenses being readily available online or by phone support the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) goal to make outdoor recreation more accessible to the public,” said Col. Ken Soring, DNR Enforcement Division director. “Buying a license can take place wherever the person has cell phone coverage and no longer requires a trip to town.”

From July 1-22, DNR conservation officers issued 89 citations for angling without a license, which carries a fine of about $185 plus restitution for any fish in possession and the fish will be forfeited.

To avoid those consequences and support fisheries and habitat management, individuals can purchase an angling license. The resident adult season license costs $22, or $10 for a 24-hour license. The nonresident adult season license is $45, or $12 for a 24-hour license.

WEB TOOL HELPS ANGLERS FIND LAKE MICHIGAN FISH Lake Michigan anglers can find the best spots to cast their lines by using the Lake Michigan Fish Catch Atlas, a new Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) web tool that reveals hotspots for some of the region’s most popular sport fish.

“Whether you live locally or are traveling from across the region, this easy-to-use tool can help you decide where to fish and which species to target,” said Tomas Hook, IISG associate director of research and one of the tool’s creators.

To create the tool, Hook used 20 years of charter boat data from the Department of Natural Resources in Illinois, Michigan,

month. Anglers can also delve deeper to see the number of fish caught in a single trip and per hour.

The tool allows visitors to toggle between different species, time periods, and catch measurements. And the color-coded map makes it possible to quickly identify near and offshore areas with high catch totals. and Wisconsin to show the total number of rainbow trout, lake trout, Chinook salmon, brown trout, and coho salmon caught in a

Visitors can use the interactive map to plan their summer fishing trip or zoom in to see which fish are biting at their favorite fishing hole.

greatlakesboating.com | 39

ITN | MARINA

Marina

ERIE ACCESS FUNDS COULD GO TO MARINAS The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) Erie Access Improvement Program could soon be using its funds for marinas and boat launches if a new state law is passed, according to an article by John Dudley on the Erie Times-News website: www.GoErie.com.

Senate Bill 605 would allow the program’s currently restricted funds to be used for projects that support public fishing in Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and their tributaries. It would also provide public access and habitat improvement and protection.

Since its inception in 2005, the improvement program has spent the majority of its nearly $4.1 million on property acquisition and easements to improve access for stream fishermen to Lake Erie’s tributaries. The current bill seeks to broaden the fund’s reach to include the addition of fish cleaning stations and infrastructure enhancements to make marinas safer for boaters.

at Walnut Creek. But boat anglers would like to see the money used for other specific purposes, such as boat launches and marina improvements.

At press deadline, approximately $3.1 million has been earmarked to restructure and stabilize the east and west walls of the channel at Walnut Creek, which would functionally widen the navigational water for entering and exiting the lake. Boaters and fishermen alike applaud this effort, but want more done to enhance their specific recreational activities.

Pa. Boat and Fish Commission

John Arway, PFBC executive director, said the commission uses improvement funds to maintain and enhance its marinas in North East and

IOWA MARINA RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA CERTIFICATION The Port of Dubuque (Iowa) Marina has been designated a Clean Marina by the Wisconsin Marine Association (WMA). It is the 21st clean marina designated by WMA, and the first to be designated outside the state of Wisconsin. It received the designation after undergoing a rigorous review of its greenmanagement practices.

Alden added that the city of Dubuque sits along the banks of the Mississippi River, a river that community members enjoy through boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling.

Obtaining the Clean Marina certification emphasizes the marina’s commitment to keeping the water and habitat along the river pristine and the people and wildlife safe.

“Obtaining a Clean Marina certification has been a goal of ours since opening the Port of Dubuque Marina in June of 2013,” said Ben Alden, facility supervisor. “After learning the state of Iowa had not developed a Clean Marina certification process, we joined the Wisconsin Marine Association, which offered us the opportunity to become Iowa’s first certified Clean Marina.”

The voluntary, industry-led Clean Marina Program ensures clean boating practices that benefit the environment and marinas alike. Best-management practices include preventing the release of water pollutants from boat fueling, petroleum storage, and vessel maintenance.

“Participating marinas and boatyards benefit in many ways, including cost savings from reduced hazardous waste disposal, fewer pollutant cleanups, and lower insurance rates,” said Vicky Harris, WMA’s Clean Marina program coordinator. “Designated marinas are safer and healthier facilities for employees and boaters while also protecting valuable public benefits like swimming, fishing, and drinking water.”

WINDSOR YACHT CLUB UNDERGOES RENOVATION After more than 50 years, the Windsor Yacht Club of Windsor, Ontario, is undergoing renovations that will accommodate the growing trend toward larger pleasure boats being docked at harbors, according to an article by Dave Battaglio that appeared on the Windsor Star’s website: www.windsorstar.com.

The $850,000 renovation project calls for rebuilding the entire East Harbor beginning with the removal of old docks and concluding with the installation of new ones prior to the start of the 2016 boating season.

Randy Moir, club commodore, said the largest boat the club could accommodate prior to the renovation was 30 feet. When the renovation is completed the yacht club will be able to house boats up to 60 feet.

Moir said that Windsor’s improving economy has played a large role in the club renovations. In the last two years, more than 100 new members have joined the club, according to Moir.

In addition to installing wider and longer docks, the yacht club will be adding new mechanical and electrical systems to the docks.

“This investment speaks highly of our plans moving into the future,” Moir said.

40 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

ITN | MARINA

PLANS FOR NEW TRIBAL MARINA MOVE FORWARD After many years, it appears that efforts by two local Indian tribes to build a marina for West Grand Traverse Bay may be moving forward, according to an Oct. 28 article by Carole Thompson on the Traverse City EagleRecord website.

In 2013, the Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved plans by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to build a 106-slip marina across from its tribal administration building. Tribal architect Steve Ferringa said the marina was meant to be a “destination spot” for visitors to the Peshawbestown and Leelanau Sands Casino.

“The gaming industry is saturated in Michigan, so we’re trying to create a nice, unique destination here and have another offer for people in the boating industry,” he said.

To achieve this, the tribes requested a 40-ft. wide pier for vessels that could someday carry people and cars between Peshawbestown and Beaver Island, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and East Bay. The DEQ denied the tribes’ request for this boat launch dock in July 2014.

would take, but for now it is proceeding with marina construction.

The tribes’ marina plans include many slips for boats longer than 30 feet, a harbor master building, restrooms, and an open space. The marina would have north and south breakwalls. Space between the breakwalls would be dredged to eight feet.

Current plans don’t include a boat launch.

Ferringa said that construction on the marina should begin in late winter.

Feringa said the tribe might appeal the DEQ decision, depending on how long the process

SARNIA BAY MAKING ROOM FOR BOAT LAUNCH Sarnia Bay Marina in Sarnia, Ontario, is in the process of expanding its current parking lot as it prepares for the city’s boat launch to be moved closer to the existing marina.

The city announced on Nov. 9, 2015 that it awarded Bre-Ex construction the $576,131 contract for the expansion project. Bre-Ex will lay fresh asphalt, construct new curbs and sidewalks, and install pole bases for light structures.

Weather permitting, the city hopes to have the parking lot completely renovated by the beginning of 2016.

Expanding the parking lot and relocating the boat ramp is part of the city’s plan to redesign, restore, and revitalize Centennial Park. Large portions of the park have been closed since 2012 when asbestos and other toxins were found in the soil.

The city also plans to demolish Dow People Place (an outdoor entertainment area), but will add a new playground and communal areas.

The beach area will be replaced by shoreline protection. The Sarnia City Council will offer tenders for these projects in the upcoming months.

Sarnia Bay Marina, located on Lake Huron, is a full service marina with more than 350 boat slips for both members and transient boaters.

AMBITIOUS REDESIGN FOR NIAGARA PARKS MARINA After years of aborted attempts to redevelop the Miller Creek Marina on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, the

The first of NPC’s three possible redevelopment scenarios includes little more than a slight redesign of

The final scenario would involve a complete overhaul of the existing marina, and considerable expansion into the open space

Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) unveiled three possible scenarios for improving the aging facility, according to an article by James Culic in the Fort Erie Post.

the docks and a small expansion. The slip count would be raised to 142, and accommodation for larger boats would be added.

to the south of Niagara Parkway. Boat slips would increase to 252, and would include 20 docks specifically for mega-yachts.

Miller’s Creek Marina is the only public marina on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. It contains 135 boat slips, but can’t accommodate boats larger than 32 feet.

The limited draft depth⎯about five feet⎯also means that most sailboats can’t use the facility. The marina’s onsite amenities, including a washroom, showers, snack bar, fuel dock, and boat launch are at the end of their lifespan, according to NPC.

The second scenario would involve considerable redesign of the dock and would bring the total slip count to 202.

The marina would be dredged to support larger vessels, and a two-lane boat ramp would be added. A publicly accessible pier and boardwalk would be installed, and the existing convenience building would be replaced with a new building. A cafe or welcome center also would be built.

A mix of three-story resort units and twostory townhouses would be constructed north of Cairns Crescent. The NPC estimates an initial 100 residential units would be put on the market during the initial sales period.

NPC has issued a formal request for information to potential developers and intends to select one of the scenarios next year. It expects to begin the bidding process for developers before the end of 2016.

greatlakesboating.com | 41

ITN | NATIONAL

National

NMMA ACQUIRES FOUR SPORTSFISHING SHOWS The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced in October that NMMA has acquired the rights to ASA’s four consumer shows: the Chicagoland Fishing Travel & Outdoor Expo, the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow, the World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, and Saltwater Fishing Expo.

“The ASA shows will make an outstanding addition to our lineup of consumer boat and sportshows,” said Ben Wold, NMMA’s vice president. “This partnership with ASA will bring together leaders from both recreational fishing and boating industries to create the strongest selling consumer shows for both recreational boating and fishing products.”

With the acquisition, NMMA will bring on two full-time employees from the ASA to run the new NMMA shows and maintain the former ASA

New Hampshire show office. Tod Alberto remains show manager, and Julia Bubar, assistant show manager.

In addition, the NMMA is also partnering with the ASA Consumer Show Committee. The committee will provide strategic direction to help expand the fishing component at NMMA shows, and help fishing tackle manufacturers sell more products. The NMMA will make an annual donation to Keep America Fishing for the next five years to help promote stronger engagement by anglers on important fishing advocacy issues.

“Our mission has always been to grow the recreational fishing industry, and we’re excited to join forces with the world’s leading producer in consumer boat and sportshows to achieve our mission,” said Mike Nussman, ASA president and CEO.

BOAT RENTALS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OWNERSHIP A panel of five non-traditional recreational boating businesses told attendees of the International BoatBuilders Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) held in September in Louisville, Kentucky that they could benefit the industry even though ownership is not part of their business model.

In a news story written by Theresa Nicholson for Soundings Trade Only, the five panelists representing alternatives to boat ownership had the same message: their businesses make boating affordable and accessible to a

greater number of people and can contribute to long-term boat ownership.

lifestyle everyone should have the opportunity to experience.

Jaclyn Baumgarten, CEO of peer-to-peer boat rental company Boatsetter, said its business model, in which a boat owner rents directly to another boater, allows more people to start and continue boating.

The benefits of these alternative businesses is not limited solely to them, said Andrew Sturmer, the president and CEO of Collaborative Boating. The benefits also extend to marinas in the form of increased fuel and marina product sales. Dealers, manufacturers, and marine insurers can also benefit as these companies develop partnerships and collaborations within the industry.

Chris Oetting, a member of the under-35 Marine Millennials Group and director of business development of Boatbound, a peerto-peer boat rental company, said boating is a

GETMYBOAT NOW OFFERS “SLEEP ABOARD” OPTION GetMyBoat, one of the world’s largest boat rental marketplaces, has added a “Sleep Aboard” option for boaters and vacationers worldwide.

GetMyBoat

Sleep Aboard is a boat-and-breakfast-type experience where travelers can stay aboard a privately owned boat without leaving the dock. For travelers, this is a new option for a good night’s sleep. For boat owners who are hesitant about lending out their boat, this opportunity lets them rent their boat in a controlled environment.

“The culture behind boating is incredible and diverse. Sleep Aboard is an opportunity for people worldwide to experience boating without ever leaving the docks,” said Bryan Petro, GetMyBoat chief information officer. “There are boating bed and breakfasts in Newport, Miami, and

42 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

San Francisco; houseboats on landlocked lakes where people want to stop and enjoy some fresh air. In Amsterdam, houseboats are popular, while in the United Kingdom canal boats are the norm.

What’s more, there is a Sleep Aboard for every budget. Some offer breakfast deliveries, while others offer a boat ride as an amenity.”

In the first two weeks after Sleep Aboard was announced, GetMyBoat reported that nearly 1,000 boats were added to the GetMyBoat marketplace.

With the addition of Sleep Aboard, GetMyBoat aims to provide additional accommodations during events like the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and even concerts and festivals that take over cities.

ITN | NATIONAL

STUDY: MANDATORY LIFE JACKETS WOULD REDUCE FATALITIES A recent study of the 2008-2011 U.S. Coast Guard Boating Accident Report Database concluded that mandatory life jackets would have saved 1,234 out of 2,185 drowning victims during the time period. The study also found that requiring recreational boaters to wear life jackets increases boat accident survival odds by 80 percent.

U.S. Coast Guard

life jacket use relative to other significant environmental and individual factors affecting fatalities. Ultimately, the authors concluded that life jacket use is one of the most important factors in determining whether boaters survive accidents.

The study, “An Empirical Analysis of Life Jacket Effectiveness in Recreational Boating,” was conducted by Christelle Viauroux of the University of Maryland-Baltimore’s County Department of Economics, and Ali Gungor of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Standard Evaluation

A primary objective of the study was to address the impact current life jacket policy has on the recreational boating fatality rate.

Viauroux and Gungor looked at fatalities,

Although watercraft are required by law to carry life jackets, boaters often fail to use them because they find them uncomfortable or believe wearing one suggests they are an inexperienced boater or swimmer. The issue of whether wearing life jackets should be mandatory for boaters has often focused on whether usage was effective. This study helps

and Analysis Division. The Society of Risk Analysis published the study results online.

as well as the variation of fatalities across different types of vessels. They compared

illustrate the importance and effectiveness of life jackets.

BOATUS OFFERS BOAT RENTERS INSURANCE BoatUS has announced a new insurance policy for boaters renting their vessels through Airbnb-like service companies such as Cruzin, Boatbound, and GetMyBoat.

Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Policy provides primary coverage during each rental period. The policy cost is included in the fee owners pay Boatbound for each rental.

The boat rental insurance policy is available for rentals through Boatbound, one of the nation’s fastest growing boat rental marketplaces. The new Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Policy covers the rental period and is designed specifically to meet the needs of this new and growing market.

The Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Policy is underwritten by Seaworthy Insurance Co. (rated A+ by AM Best) and will pay up to the actual cash value of the boat. The policy includes $300,000 liability coverage per person and up to $1 million total liability coverage per accident. Up to $854,400 in fuel spill coverage is also included, as is medical payment coverage of $25,000 per person/per accident, $100,000 in uninsured boater coverage, and full salvage coverage up to the boat’s actual cash value. Deductibles are based on boat value.

Boat owners wishing to rent their boats through Boatbound must have an underlying recreational boat insurance policy. Those with BoatUS or Seaworthy Insurance Co. policies will be eligible for fast-track approval.

Once a boat owner signs up at Boatbound.com and is approved, the

BOATSETTER AND CRUZIN MERGE COMPANIES Boatsetter and Cruzin, both companies in the peer-to-peer boat-sharing market, announced that they have merged their businesses. The combined venture carries the Boatsetter name with a unified brand that incorporates the Cruzin look and feel.

Jaclyn Baumgarten is the new CEO of Boatsetter, and Andrew Sturner will be the executive chairman. The company has headquarters in the boating capital of the world, South Florida, and the global technology epicenter, Silicon Valley.

The new Boatsetter offers increased capacity, capital, and presence. It has the largest network of marina partnerships in

the industry. Boatsetter offers thousands of boats across the U.S. and vets all boats, owners, captains, and renters. Its Captains Affiliate Network is the largest network of US Coast Guard licensed captains in the industry, and the companies together have increased their industry-leading network of marina partnerships.

digital marketing channels. They will also partner with other industry and recreation stakeholders to grow boating participation.

Younger audiences will especially be targeted.

Sixty percent of Cruzin.com’s visitors are under the age of 44.

In an unrelated matter, Cruzin and Rec Boat Holdings, LLC, part of Groupe Bénéteau, have formed a strategic partnership wherein the two companies will work together to grow boating participation and ownership.

As part of this strategic partnership, the companies will cross-promote with unified messaging through direct and

greatlakesboating.com | 43

ITN | SAILING

Sailing

NEW TROPHY FOR YOUNG SAILORS IN KEY WEST RACE WEEK As a gold-level sponsor of Quantum Key West Race Week 2016 that is being hosted by the Storm Trysail Club, Sailing World Magazine’s editorial team has announced the creation of a new trophy to recognize the most outstanding performance of the regatta’s youngest team.

The Sailing World Trophy will be awarded to the best-performing team in any class whose average age of all crewmembers is less than 30 years old. Selection will be made by the Organizing Authority in consultation with Sailing World based on the average scores for the week, average age of the crew, and the relative difficulty of the competition in the class.

John Fisher, chairman of Quantum Key West Race Week 2016 on behalf of the Storm Trysail Club, applauded the decisions by Sailing World to

encourage participation of up-and-coming sailors at the grand prix level.

“We are thrilled to introduce this new competition and thank Sailing World Magazine for sponsoring a special trophy that recognizes the best young team at Quantum Key West 2016,” Fisher said. “The Storm Trysail Club has always believed it is important to give young sailors an opportunity to race at the highest level. The ultimate goal is to grow sailboat racing and the best way to do that is by fostering a lifelong interest in the sport in young people.”

BVI SPRING REGATTA & SAILING FESTIVAL The 45th BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, which will be held from March 28 to April 3, at the Nanny Cay Marina in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, is one of the largest regattas in the Caribbean.

Eighteen classes and three race areas will allow all participants exclusive races depending on winds, waters, and conditions. Racing will be

conducted in three bodies of water: the main Sir Francis Drake Channel, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by more than 60 islands, the race committee has a variety of windward/leeward and around island race courses from which to choose.

There are also a number of bareboat charters as well as high-performance race boats

available for charter. Ratings offered are CSA, IRC, HPR, and new Multihull.

Whether racing, cruising, or just watching the action, there is something for everyone who attends. On land, all will be treated to nightly entertainment with dancing on the beach and food vendors at Nanny Cay Resort and Marina.

AMERICAN YACHT CLUB JOINS RANKS OF GOLD MEDAL PARTNER CLUBS For a second consecutive Olympic quadrennium, American Yacht Club of Rye, New York, has chosen to stand with the US Sailing Team Sperry as a Gold Medal Partner Club. This status is reserved for clubs that support the team with contributions of $100,000 or more. In September 2015, American Yacht Club organized and hosted the weekend-long Sail To Victory Regatta, Junior Clinic and Gala, which succeeded in raising more than $120,000 in team and athlete support funding.

“Our membership got a lot out of the weekend between the regatta, the event and the clinic,” said American Yacht Club Commodore Peter Duncan (Rye, N.Y.). “We are honored to be a Gold Medal Partner with the US Sailing Team Sperry, and we wish all the athletes great success in Rio 2016.”

Gold Medal Partner Clubs include St. Francis Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club, The Sailing Foundation of New York, and California Yacht Club. Now joined by American Yacht Club, these organizations have contributed in a significant way to the health and growth of highperformance Olympic and Paralympic sailing in the United States.

American Yacht Club’s connection with Olympic sailing goes back decades. Several members have competed at the games, and won medals for their country. Among the club’s many accomplished sailors is Atlanta 1996 sailing bronze medalist Courtenay Becker Dey. 44 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

US Sailing Team Sperry athletes race alongside American Yacht Club members and junior sailors at the Sailing To Victory Regatta, Junior Clinic and Gala

ITN | SAILING

SEVEN SAILORS INDUCTED INTO WORLD SAILING’S HALL OF FAME Dennis Connor, Alessandra Sensini, Harold Vanderbilt (1884-1970), Sir Peter Blake (1948-2001), Buddy Melges, Valentin Mankin (1938-2014 and Torben Grael were the most recent sailors inducted at the 2015 Annual Conference in Sanya, China.

Olin Stephens, Dame Ellen Macarthur, Paul Elvström, Barbara Kendall, Eric Tabarly and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston were all inducted in the first instance.

Created in 2007, the World Sailing Hall of Fame has inducted sailors on two occasions.

Sailors will be inducted into the Hall of Fame every third year of the Executive Committee’s tenure. The next induction will be in 2019.

ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK 2016 Antigua Sailing Week 2016, the Caribbean’s longest running regatta, will kick off with two long distance races, which are not part of the regatta series. The Guadeloupe to Antigua Race will be held on Friday, April 22, and the Pearns Point Round Antigua Race will take place on Saturday, April 23.

Racing at Antigua Sailing Week will begin

on Sunday, April 24 and conclude on Friday, April 29, with the Antigua Sailing Week Awards Ceremony & After Party at Nelson’s Dockyard.

be held on Tuesday evening followed by the recovery Lay Day Beach Party, featuring the Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge, on Pigeon Point.

Daily prizes will be awarded after racing, and participants will have the opportunity to meet fellow competitors. The Big Party Night will

Visit www.sailingweek.com for more information.

greatlakesboating.com | 45

ASK THEM TO

MATCH US! It’s haul-out season and once again we are switching about one marina a day! Now we hear the blue-painted-stand guys are in full panic mode and price matching our hot-dipped-stand price to try and keep a customer when challenged. Isn’t that unfair? To sell to you at $93 and to others at $46.61? So ask them to match us. If they can’t, why not give us a try?

New pricing

45% off retail!

SBS-3

MBS-2

$55.31 SBS-4

$46.61

SBS-0

MBS-4

$45.99 $73.96

MBS-0

$45.37 $55.31

Look who’s buying…

MarineMax Jarrett Bay Bradford Marine 70 West

Nanny Cay Jefferson

866-900-0983

NEW PRODUCTS

BOAT TRAILERS

 Phoenix Trailers are designed to provide maximum highway safety, ease of loading and unloading, and a weather-resistant finish to keep them looking great for years.

The company uses advanced computer-aided design programs to precisely locate bunks for consistent hull support. A strong one-piece frame and heavy-duty suspension work together to give a smooth ride and better handling during transport. The simple, self-centering design of the trailers makes loading and launching easy and convenient.

Every trailer is finished with color-matched, automotive-grade paint.

231-536-9760 // www.phoenixtrail.com

SHORE ANCHORAGE MADE EASY ShoreStop-n-Go is a simple, inexpensive device that will hold a boat securely to a tree on shore. When ready to depart, just pull in the retriever line to slip the ShoreStop-n-Go from its knot, releasing the boat from shore, allowing the lines to be hauled aboard.

The Enhanced Security model has a second stainless steel screw eye installed in the bottom of the device. This allows the user to tie the device into the shore knot. The ShoreStop-n-Go ES will stay in place even if the boat line becomes slack.

The units are made from high-density urethane tooling resin. $45-$50 plus $15 S&H // ShoreStop-n-Go@comcast.net

ELECTRIC OUTBOARDS

 Flover offers seven models of high-quality electric outboards, each with a broad selection of options.

These outboards range from 33 to 55 lbs. of thrust. Each lightweight unit features five forward and three reverse speeds, and runs on a standard 12volt marine battery. Options include a fixed or telescoping tiller, LED battery gauge, and a saltwater version for the larger models.

Flover electric outboards are CE certified, built to ISO standards, and come with a two-year factory warranty.

From $126 // 786-701-2054 // www.flovermotor.com

48 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

FISH SEEKER SETS TROLLING DEPTH Ideal for salt/freshwater fishing with a 6-to 25-lb. test line, Davis Instruments’ Fish Seeker enables users to choose their trolling depth from 5 to 80 ft. when at a speed of 2 mph.

Using the supplied chart, users attach their rod line snap swivel to a lettered hole and their leader snap swivel to a numbered hole. Then, they release the specified amount of line and Fish Seeker dives to the desired depth.

A good replacement for outriggers and lead ball sinkers, it is not for use with deep diving lures. This tool is offered in chartreuse, hot pink, or clear colors. $7.99 // 510-732-9229 // www.davisnet.com

SPITFIRE X7 PROPELLER Mercury Marine’s SpitFire X7 is the first propeller in the 75-115 hp engine class to be marketed with Mercury Marine’s proprietary X7 alloy, which the company claims is 30 percent stronger and four times more durable than conventional steel. Using the X7 alloy and building off design elements from the best-in-class aluminum SpitFire, the SpitFire X7 significantly improves acceleration, top speed, and holding ability compared to other stainless steel propellers in its class.

The new SpitFire X7 is available at Mercury dealers in 15-, 17-, 19-, and 21-inch pitches. $564 // 920-929-5000 // www.mercurymarine.com

TOP-MOUNTED GRAB RAIL Installing Schmitt & Ongaro Marine’s new 9-inch Top-Mounted Grab Rail is easy and requires no access to the underside of the mounting surface.

The unit is constructed of polished cast stainless steel with a black, Santoprene™ engineered rubber insert. Custom color matching is available for OEMs. It utilizes an ingenious flap in the insert, allowing access to the stainless steel cap screws. Once installed, the attachment hardware is completely hidden.

The grab rails are backed by a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel and three years on the grip. $54.95 // 866-724-6488 // www.schmittongaromarine.com

greatlakesboating.com | 49

BOAT CARE & FEEDING

HOLDING TANK DEODORIZER Eco Tank Pro™ is a powerful all-natural deodorizer and waste treatment that is completely safe for the environment and holding tanks.

Just add Eco Tank Pro™ granules to the holding tank and add water. The natural formula starts working immediately to control odor and break down solids in the waste tank. It also quickly liquefies paper eliminating the need for marine-grade toilet paper.

Eco Tank Pro™ may be added to any sink or head that uses the holding tank. The dosage can be repeated when odors return and the dosage may be increased to extend the time between dosages.

From $28.48 // 949-858-8820 // www.ecotankpro.com

DUAL ACTION POLISHER The Dual Action Polisher Pro features an extra-large 21 mm random orbit for a swirl-free shine. The machine is well balanced and powerful enough for an expert detailer, but easy enough for the novice to use.

It has a 900-watt motor and weighs only 6 lbs. The Pro features a 6-inch Quick Change Backing Plate, two ergonomic gripping styles, and EZ Change carbon brush ports. A thumb easily controls the variable speed dial. A locking button enables users to keep a steady pace without accidentally turning it off.

It comes with a detailed user guide and canvas storage bag. $315 // 800-962-6241 // www.shurhold.com

CIRCUIT TESTER Hubbell Marine’s new 30A/125V Twist-Lock® Circuit Tester is styled and sized like a standard Hubbell Twist-Lock Plug and specifically configured to fit all of those 30A/125V locking receptacles at the marina. Users simply plug it into the 30A outlet at the dock and the LED back panel immediately identifies if the connections are made correctly and in the accurate position. An easyto-read card is provided with the tester, helping users determine if the proper connections are being made.

This yellow tester is compact and can easily clip onto a tool belt. It’s UL and C-UL Listed. $89 // 475-882-4838 // www.hubbell-marine.com

50 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

WATER-BASED ABLATIVE ANTIFOULING The new, environmentally friendly, water-based Interlux® Aqua-One™ antifouling is cost effective and delivers strong ablative protection for power and sail boats in all waters. The ablative action wears away with use, minimizing build-up and avoiding heavy sanding between applications.

The innovative low VOC and low odor formula is compatible with most antifouling paints. Aqua-One can be applied both indoors and outdoors with a brush or roller and cleans up easily with soap and water. It is available in red, blue, black, and green in quarts, gallons, and three-gallon pails.

713-682-1711 // www.yachtpaint.com

DISPLAY & ELECTRONICS SCREEN CLEANER Visiclear® Display & Electronics Screen Cleaner, from CRC Industries, is a high-quality, natural water-based foam cleaner for all televisions, monitors, notebooks/laptops, camcorders, navigation systems, touch screens, PDSs, and scanners.

The foam clings to surfaces and will not drip from vertical surfaces. It works to remove dirt, dust, fingerprints, nicotine, and haze deposits. $9.99 // 800-556-5074 // www.crcindustries.com

FUEL MICROBICIDE Fuel Shock from Schaeffer Oil is a liquid oil-soluble and water-soluble broad spectrum microbicide that is designed to prevent and control bacterial and fungal growth in fuel.

Excess fuel in vessels placed in dry dock for winter storage can sometimes come into contact with water. Under these conditions, the growth of microorganisms can occur. As winter yields to warmer temperatures, these microorganisms can produce dense masses that are capable of clogging filters, pumps, and fuel lines. Microbes also release organic acids, which can accelerate corrosion of metals that can result in damage to storage tanks and fuel pumping equipment. $22.13/pint // 800-325-9962 // www.schaefferoil.com

greatlakesboating.com | 51

EVENTS CALENDAR

January • February EVENTS FLORIDA

KENTUCKY

MISSOURI

Stuart Boat Show Multiple venues Stuart

Progressive® Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville

Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow H. Roe Bartle Hall Kansas City

JANUARY 15-17

www.allsportsproductions.net

JANUARY 27-31

www.louisvilleboatshow.com

FEBRUARY 11-15 Progressive® Insurance Strictly Sail® Miami Miamarina at Bayside Miami www.strictlysailmiami.com

JANUARY 21-24

www.kansascitysportshow.com

FEBRUARY 24-28

MICHIGAN JANUARY 7-10

Ultimate Fishing Show Suburban Collection Showplace Novi www.ultimatefishingshow.com

FEBRUARY 13-21 Detroit Boat Show Cobo Center Detroit www.detroitboatshow.net

Progressive® Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow America’s Center & Edward Jones Dome St. Louis www.stlouisboatshow.com

WISCONSIN JANUARY 20-24

Milwaukee Boat Show Expo Center at State Fair Park West Allis www.showspan.com

FEBRUARY 11-15 Progressive® Insurance Miami International Boat Show Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin Miami www.miamiboatshow.com

ILLINOIS JANUARY 14-18

Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show McCormick Place - South Chicago www.chicagoboatshow.com

JANUARY 28-31 Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo Schaumburg Convention Center Schaumburg www.sportshows.com/chicago

FEBRUARY 19-21 Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show Indoor Sport Center Loves Park www.landroproductions.com

FEBRUARY 17-21 Grand Rapids Boat Show DeVos Place Grand Rapids www.showspan.com

FEBRUARY 25-28 Outdoorama Suburban Collection Showplace Novi www.outdoorama.com

MARCH 10-13 Spring Boat Expo Suburban Collection Showplace Novi www.springboatingexpo.com

MINNESOTA JANUARY 21-24

Progressive® Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis www.minneapolisboatshow.com

52 GLB | September/Oc tober 14

CANADA JANUARY 8-17

Toronto International Boat Show Direct Energy Centre Toronto www.torontoboatshow.com

FEBRUARY 4-7

Montreal Boat Show Place Bonaventure Montreal www.salondubateau.com

Visit us at space p1535 see our brokerage boats at space a100

Jan 14–18, 2016

Thu & FRI 11 - 9 | SaT 10 - 8 | Sun 10 - 7 | Mon 10 - 5 McCormick Place - South

For more information visit: chicagoboatshow.com

boats on display: 130 super sport | 170 Montuak | 170 dauntless | 210 dauntless | 220 outrage | 270 Vantage

b&e Marine is located 38 miles from chicago by water | Michigan City, In | 219-879-8301 | www.BEmarine.com

MARINE MART

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Advertiser Index GREAT LAKES

Absolute Yachts.................................. 29 B&E Marine......................................... 53 CleanDrainDry.org.............................. 45 Danalevi Powerboats............................7

BOATING FEDERATION

BOAT AUCTION & USED EQUIPMENT SALE Sail & Power. 8 Ft. and up.

June 4, 2016, 9 a.m.

See complete boat listing at maritimeheritagealliance.org

Detroit Boat Show...............................17

NEW

IMPROVED MOBILE FRIENDLY! GreatLakesBoatingFederation.com

Eaton Marina Power & Lighting......... BC Essex Credit...........................................5 GoBoatNY.com.................................... 20 Harbor Centre Marina............................2 Honda Marine........................................3 Kasco Marine...................................... 53 MJM Yachts....................................... IFC NOPC................................................... 55 North Point Marina..............................47 Progressive Insurance..........................1 RBFF.................................................... 37 Reef Point Marina..................................2 ScaffoldMart Boatstands................... 46 SkipperBud’s...................................... 56 Spring Brook Marina.........................IBC Waukegan Harbor............................... 25

54 GLB | Ja nua r y/ Febr ua r y 2016

4717 5TH AVE., KENOSHA, WI

HISTORIC 1894 QUEEN ANNE IN THE QUAINT HARBORSIDE AREA

NEWLY LISTED

This Lake Michigan waterfront home offers 112' of frontage which can accommodate multiple piers for a nice revenue stream, your personal watercraft and views of every amazing sunrise.

This is a must-see home on an unbelievable lot!

PAMELABRIGGS 262.206.6082 pbriggs@shorewest.com pamelabriggs.shorewest.com

MICHAELGNIOT

See it today!

Call or text our hotline for more information 262.814.1400 + PIN 35963

We are available to answer any questions you 262.748.0258 may have, big or small. Give us a call today!

mgniot@shorewest.com mgniot.shorewest.com

EHO

For complete specs & photos of these boats visit:

SKIPPERBUDS.COM

B14054

2006

26’

FOUR WINNS

260 HORIZON

$37,500

B13816

2007

34’

FORMULA

34 PC

B13915

2006

26’

FOUR WINNS

260 HORIZON

$34,900

B13932

2008

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$139,995

B12503

2009

26’

BAYLINER

265

$49,900

B12328

2006

35’

CARVER

35 SUPER SPO

$144,900

B14140

2012

26’

MONTEREY

264 FS

$57,900

B12883

2006

35’

REGAL

3560

$129,900

B13868

2005

27’

SEA RAY

270 AMBER JA

$48,900

TY0134B

2007

35’

FOUR WINNS

358 VISTA

$139,900

B13209

2008

27’

SEA RAY

270 AMBER JA

$49,995

B11335

2007

35’

RINKER

350 FIESTA V

$125,000

B12781

2008

27’

EBBTIDE

2700 CBR

$49,900

B10545

2007

35’

LARSON

350 CABRIO

$119,900

B13365

2009

27’

SEA RAY

270 SUNDANCE

$86,900

DP0095B 2011

35’

SEA RAY

350 SUNDANCE

$205,995

B13579

2013

27’

CRUISERS

279 CUDDY

$59,995

B13953

2013

35’

REGAL

35 SPORT COU

$239,000

BT0137A

2005

28’

SEA RAY

280 SUNDANCE

$64,995

B13847

2006

36’

TIARA

3600 SOVRAN

$199,000

B6700

2005

28’

FOUR WINNS

285 SUNDOWNE

$49,995

B13469

2013

36’

PURSUIT

365 SPORT CO

$339,900

B13739

2005

28’

SEA RAY

280 SUNDANCE

$59,500

B13804

2013

36’

TIARA

3600 OPEN

$549,900

B12709

2006

28’

MONTEREY

282 CRUISER

$58,900

E0365B

2006

37’

CRUISERS

370 EXPRESS

$169,900

B13752

2008

28’

SEA RAY

280 SUNDANCE

$79,900

B14060

2014

37’

CARVER

37 COUPE

$399,995

B14107

2008

28’

BAYLINER

285 CRUISER

BT0132A 2006

38’

CARVER

38 SUPER SPO

$159,900

B13602

2006

29’

TIARA

2900 OPEN

B14148

2007

38’

SEA RAY

380 SUNDANCE

$194,900

B13358

2006

30’

BOSTON WHALER 305 CONQUEST

B14121

2007

30’

BAYLINER

300

B13470

2005

39’

SEA RAY

390 MOTOR YA

$169,900

B12992

2012

30’

SEA RAY

300 SLX

B7169

2005

39’

SEA RAY

390 MOTOR YA

$385,000

B12875

2007

31’

FOUR WINNS

318 VISTA

B14071

2008

39’

TIARA

3900 SOVRAN

$349,900

B13927

2008

31’

FORMULA

31 PC

$137,900

B11623

2011

39’

TIARA

3900 OPEN

$589,000

B14019

2008

31’

SEA RAY

310 SUNDANCE

$129,900

B13389

2011

39’

SEA RAY

390 SUNDANCE

$319,000

B14130

2011

31’

RINKER

310 EC

$99,000

B14102

2006

40’

SEA RAY

400 SUNDANCE

$199,900

B14160

2012

31’

FORMULA

310 SS

$159,900

B13984

2007

40’

CABO YACHTS

40 EXPRESS

$575,000

B13282

2005

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

P1085

2012

41’

CRUISERS

41CANTIUS

$419,995

B13638

2005

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

$94,900

B13255

2007

42’

RINKER

420 EC

$189,000

B14108

2006

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

$129,900

B13411

2005

43’

SILVERTON

43 MOTOR YAC

$279,995

B13826

2007

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

$124,900

B10712

2006

43’

TIARA

4300 SOVRAN

$359,900

B10475

2007

32’

TIARA

3200 OPEN

$229,900

B12923

2007

43’

TIARA

43 SOVRAN

$409,900

B14020

2007

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

$129,900

B11899

2007

43’

CRANCHI

43

$385,750

B12920

2008

32’

BAYLINER

320 EXPRESS

B13217

2014

43’

TIARA

4300 OPEN

$929,900

B13325

2006

33’

CARVER

33 SUPER SPO

B13501

2005

44’

CRUISERS

440 EC

$265,900

B12916

2005

44’

CRUISERS

440 EC

$229,900

2007

44’

SEA RAY

44DA

$299,000

B14040

2008

33’

SILVERTON

33 CONVERTIB

$69,900 $109,900 $119,000 $59,900 $139,900 $94,900

$79,900

$85,000 $124,995 $169,000

$144,999

B13428

2008

33’

SEA RAY

330 SUNDANCE

$149,995

B13604

B13394

2009

33’

SEA RAY

330 SUNDANCE

$174,995

B13886

2008

44’

SEA RAY

440 SUNDANCE

$425,000

E0014A

2012

33’

BAYLINER

335

$139,900

B12880

2008

44’

SEA RAY

440 SUNDANCE

$439,000

B13518

2005

34’

RINKER

342

$95,000

B8085

2005

46’

SEA RAY

460 SUNDANCE

$349,000

2012

50’

MARQUIS

500 SB

$899,000 $499,000

B12311

2005

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$139,000

B13381

B14126

2005

34’

FORMULA

34 PC

$119,995

SB0165B 2007

52’

SEA RAY

520 SUNDANCE

B7884

2005

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$179,995

B13350

2008

52’

SEA RAY

52 SUNDANCER

B14030

2005

34’

MERIDIAN

341 SEDAN

$129,995

B13823

2012

52’

SEA RAY

520 SEDAN BR

B12673

2005

34’

FOUR WINNS

348 VISTA

$139,900

B10470

2008

55’

SEA RAY

550 SUNDANCE

B13578

2006

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$124,900

B13852

2008

62’

AZIMUT

62 S

$1,095,000

B14025

2006

34’

CRUISERS

340 EC

$89,500

B13631

2012

70’

AZIMUT

70 MOTOR YAC

$2,950,000

B13746

2006

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$129,995

B13172

2006

82’

SUNSEEKER

82 Predator

$1,595,000

B13866

2006

34’

FOUR WINNS

348 VISTA

$119,900

B14017

2006

84’

CHEOY LE

84 SMY

$2,599,000

$549,000 $1,090,000 $899,900

family owned and serving the Boaters of the great lakes for over 50 years

Spring Brook Marina

see us at the ChiCago boat show january 14-18, 2016

exclusive Prestige yachts dealer for the great lakes

2016 Prestige 680 Motor Yacht

Call for Special Pricing & Details

2015 Prestige 550 Flybridge

Immediate Delivery, Trades Welcome

2016 Prestige 500S Express

2016 Prestige 420S Express

See at the Chicago Boat Show

See at the Chicago Boat Show

exclusive jeanneau yachts dealer for the great lakes

2016 Jeanneau 46 Leader

On Order for Spring 2016 Delivery

2016 Jeanneau 40 Leader

On Order for Spring 2016 Delivery

2016 Jeanneau 36 Leader

2016 Jeanneau NC11

See at the Chicago Boat Show

See at the Chicago Boat Show

large selection of new, used & Brokerage Boats | Parts & service | dockage | storage

2002 Sea Ray 46 Sundancer Trades Welcome $259,900

2012 Prestige 440S Express

2011 Cruisers Yachts 48 Cantius Trades Welcome $569,900

Garmin Electronics, Sat TV $569,900

2007 Carver 41 CPMY

2005 Cruisers Yachts 500 Express

2004 Cruisers Yachts 540 Express

IPS Diesels, Trades Welcome $399,900

2008 Cruisers Yachts 330 Express Twin 6.2L Mercruisers $109,900

Bow Thruster $199,900

Well Maintained, $379,900

2011 Cruisers Yachts 48 Cantius

Very Well Maintained, $395,000

three great lakes locations to serve You seneca, illinois 623 W. River Road 866-418-6696

traverse city, Michigan 12935 West Bayshore Dr. Suite 105 866-418-6696

eastlake, ohio 200 Forest Drive 866-418-6696

www.springbrookmarina.com | sales@springbrookmarina.com

We resuget list y lts! boat our us to with day!

Most Popular

The Lighthouse has been in Eaton Marina Power and Lighting since 1991. This iconic product has over 150,000 units installed worldwide. Practicality and durability are just two reasons why the Lighthouse stands out from other pedestals throughout the industry. This is a power pedestal you can rely on.

Made in America

Legacy Eaton provides power to the harshest environments with the Lighthouse SS. Using a durable stainless steel enclosure, this power pedestal can stand up to the toughest of climates. It is highly customizable and can be found from sunny Florida to frozen Alaska.

Backed by Eaton Known as the leader in electrical control, power distribution, and industrial automation products and services. Eaton is a quality driven company that consistently looks for ways to provide enhanced products and service solutions for their customers. Eaton is a global diversified power management company.

Eaton Corporation Marina Power and Lighting 1-800-723-8009 marinasales@eaton.com www.marinapower.com