Glb jul aug 2015 web

WHERE

FRESHWATER

BOATERS

GO

FOR

NEWS

August 2015 • greatlakesboating.com

MARLOW-MAINSHIP 31E

MICHIGAN

BOATING PARADISE

In-Water Shows Display until Sept.15, 2015 $5.95 US $5.95 CAN

Marlow Duo:

Sail & Power GREEN DIESELS

EVERY BOAT NEEDS A PROTECTOR.

1.800.PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE.COM Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates.

SAFETY

Ground Fault Pedestal Marina Power Pedestal

POWER to Protect

Ground Fault Pedestal •

Smartest, safest, and most cost effective ground fault solution in the market

•

Helps prevent electric shock drownings in fresh water environments

•

Custom flash sequence provides immediate notification of any ground fault events (via red LED)

•

Utilizes Eaton brand UL receptacles, breakers, relays, switches, and lighting components

•

5mA & 30mA breaker options allow control to suit your needs

•

Exceeds NEC code requirements and complies with:

The Complete Solution All Eaton Marina Power & Lighting power pedestals and distribution equipment is UL listed. The UL certification provides industry leading level of product safety your customers demand and the peace of mind you expect from Eaton. In business for over 100 years, Eaton provides everything your marina needs for a safe, reliable and efficient electrical power system.

The Michael Cunningham Act (West Virginia) Samantha Chipley Act (Kentucky) Noah Dean & Nate Act (Tennessee)

SAFETY

Eaton Marina Power & Lighting

Ground Fault Notification

1-800-723-8009 www.marinapower.com

A single red light immediately lets you know that your equipment is protecting your customers.

A first class destination this beautiful safe deep water marina features exceptional amenities with superior customer service

“

“

...after a 3 year break from Reefpoint...We met the NEW operators...I have had a few requests and they really mean it when they ask if you need anything. We are back and here forever...most of our friends are still here and we couldn’t be happier! -Jeff Krueger, ReefPoint Boater Reefpoint Marina, Racine WI

Only a Short Walk to Historic Racine for Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Outdoor Heated Pool / Hot Tubs Newly Remodeled Restrooms Fuel Dock / Free Pump Outs New Onsite Restaurant New Boater’s Lounge Fish Cleaning Station Grills / Picnic Areas New Boater Store Free WiFi OWNED BY:

PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED BY:

SG MARINA

reefpointmarina.org 2 Christopher Columbus Causeway Racine, Wisconsin EMAIL reefpoint@goracine.org PHONE 262.633.7171

the ONLY Great Lakes Marina designated 1st CHOICE

by ActiveCaptain Conveniently located between Milwaukee & Chicago

Exclusive distributor for North America

Forward Ventures Group

email: info@forwardv.com phone: 1-­‐877-­‐500-­‐1686

PUBLISHER’S

NOTE

I hope you are enjoying the joys of summer boating as much as I am. The industry is experiencing a greater sense of cooperation and a more pervasive sense of fun and enjoyment.

There’s also a much stronger realization among all sectors of the recreational boating industry that the economy is stabilizing and that higher gas prices and financial mismanagement are gradually declining.

Our Marlow-Mainship 31E pictured on the cover and described in our feature beginning on page 10 highlights a significant change that’s occurring in boat manufacturing. Boat builders are now emphasizing the quality of their products over the quantity. The Marlow-Mainship boat line is a prime example of this new emphasis.

From the resins and gelcoat used on its trawler to the hardwood interiors of its sailboat, the Marlow line of boats stands for high-quality in both materials that are used in manufacturing and the hand-crafted excellence of its manufacturing process.

If the emphasis on quality is a new one, the idea of promoting cooperation over competition has been around for decades. Today, however, the concept of cooperative sharing is gaining a strong foothold in boating through Freedom Boat Club, which has several franchise operations around the Great Lakes, including major ones in Chicago and Cleveland.

In both of these operations, we see owners who emphasize the crucial importance of safety, while at the same time promoting the fun side of boating. If you only buy a boat or join a boat club to get on and off a boat, you’re missing half the joys of boating, which is the social interaction and camaraderie. This is what you get when you become a member of Freedom Boat Club.

The sharing relationship between the respective boat clubs and their local yacht clubs is also noteworthy. These are positive relationships

4 GLB | July/August 2015

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS

expanding the joys of boating to sometimes new and at other times experienced boaters.

Find out more by reading our story beginning on page 28.

Publisher & Editor in Chief F. Ned Dikmen Managing Editor Karen Malonis Associate Editor Jerome A. Koncel Contributing Writers Doug Jensen Emma Norton

Another positive indicator of boating’s resurgence is the increased attendance at local boat shows. In this issue, we alert you to two of the biggest and longest running in-water boat shows on the Great Lakes, i.e., the Progressive Insurance Michigan City Boat Show and the Progressive North American In-Water Boat Demo at Cedar Point.

Graphic Design Alex SanFaçon

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

You’ll find some of the latest and greatest boats at these shows, and you’ll even have the opportunity to take the boat of your dreams for a test ride. You can find information on these two outstanding shows on pages 22 and 24.

GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274)

And before I leave you, let me remind you of something old, something new, and something to toast with your favorite beverage. I’m referring specifically to our newly redesigned website: www.greatlakesboating.com; our celebration of 33 years of service to the region’s recreational boaters and sportsfishermen; and the 10th anniversary of the Great Lakes Boating Federation.

©

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

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

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

Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available online at greatlakesboating.com and at any of the distribution centers and newsstands in areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all

When we began this magazine 33 years ago, little did we know how much the world would change. Foremost among these changes is the advent and growth of the Internet combined with the proliferation of smart phones and the ubiquitousness of social media. We too must change with the times, and that’s why we’ve redesigned our website. Our redesign goal is to provide you with the accurate, relevant information you need to enhance your boating lifestyle.

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

Enjoy reading this issue and the rest of the summer.

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.

Sailing just took on a new dimension‌ The new Marlow-Hunter 31 is a masterpiece of engineering and workmanship. The latest design, inspired by David Marlow, represents the ultimate in sailing comfort marlow-hunter.com

and performance. Her generous 11-foot plus beam and voluminous interior space makes her a leader in her class.

The ease of sailing, fresh innovations, quality and value are assured as part of the Marlow legacy.

10

16

MARLOW-MAINSHIP 31E

FEATURES Features

LOA:........................................... 35’5” Beam:......................................... 10’6” Draft:............................................ 2’4” Water Capacity:..................... 90 Gal. Fuel Tank Capacity:............. 196 Gal.

•.MARLOW-HUNTER/MAINSHIP......... 10 •.TRAVERSE CITY.......................... 16 •.LEMTA IN-WATER BOAT SHOWS....... 22

SPOTLIGHTS Spotlight

•.CROWNLINE E4 & E6 XS............... 20 •.RAM TRUCKS ECO-DIESEL........... 26 •.FREEDOM BOAT CLUB.................. 28 •.GLB/GLBF ANNIVERSARY............. 32

THE NEWS InIN the News

•_GREAT LAKES................................. 34 •_FISHING..................................... 38 •_MARINAS................................... 40 •_NATIONAL.................................. 44 •_SAILING..................................... 46

28

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

The Marlow-Mainship 31E is the third model in the lineup of new boats built since David Marlow took over the former Mainship trawler line. A thorough look around the boat reveals that it comes with significant quality and design changes. Every aspect of the former boat building process has been reviewed, tested, and affected so that it answers the question, “How can we make this a better boat?”

Improvements with the Marlow-Mainship 31E began with its construction, specifically with the use of the highest quality gelcoat and resin. The next advancement was in selecting a new coring, “Nida Core,” which is a polypropylene honeycomb and stitched fiberglass material that provides multiple benefits, including increased strength and better water resistance. The builder has also upgraded the caulking and sealants, as well as brands of equipment.

The Marlow-Mainship 31E is called an “Express” because it has an open upper salon leading into the cockpit area. For those who boat in cooler or damper climates and want to close off the two sections, there is a clear full enclosure option available with a zippered door.

On the port side is a large, well-equipped galley that benefits from an openness overhead and natural lighting.

Ahead of the galley and also on the port side is a seating area. Across on the starboard side is a large bathroom with a sink and vanity area and a separate shower and toilet area. The forward cabin comes with a large bed on an innerspring mattress, a large hanging locker, along with plenty of extra drawer and storage space.

The MM 31E is powered by either the standard 180 hp Yanmar or the optional 220 hp, 260 hp, or 315 hp Yanmar.

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

www.mainship.com 6 GLB | July/August 2015

NEW BOATER DISCOUNT

25% off South Pier slips 45 feet and up and ALL North Pier slips

Located one hour north of Chicago, Waukegan Harbor has been the home of unsurpassed customer service for more than 50 years. Within easy walking distance, you will find the Metra Rail station, a bait shop, an ice cream parlor, and several restaurants.

COMPETITIVE RATES include: • All utilities • Dock boxes and carts • Satellite TV • Free parking • Free WiFi service • Free pump outs • Shuttle service from parking lot to boat

• Washroom/Shower facilities • Laundry room • Fish cleaning stations • Launch ramps • Fuel dock • Onsite security • Charter fishing fleet • Free access to municipal beach • Zip Cars available at Metra Station

WAUKEGAN HARBOR

www.waukegan-harbor.com

847.244.3133 • wkgnport@waukeganport.com

EDITORIALS

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION DRIVE There are a lot of competing interests dealing with the

•

Great Lakes, from commercial navigation to recreational fishermen, from municipalities using them for drinking

Native habitat protected and restored to sustain native species

•

Delist all geographic “areas of concern” (AOCs)

water to states promoting them for tourism. What needs to happen is for someone to propose a holistic vision of

Under GLRI Action Plan II, federal agencies hope to remove

the Great Lakes that promotes collaboration among all

34 more BUIs in the remaining 29 AOCs. These BUIs include

interested parties instead of competition. If there’s one

beach closings, restrictions on drinking water consumption,

shining example of how collaboration and cooperation can

nuisance algal blooms, restrictions on dredging, fish

work, it is the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

and wildlife deformities, restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.

GLRI was announced in 2009 as a way to restore the Great Lakes to its pristine condition. The first phase of its work

In other Action Plan II initiatives, the federal agencies will:

was announced in 2010 and was a five-year action plan calling for 11 federal agencies to work together to make

•

things happen. The five-year plan was so successful that in

greatest potential to adversely impact Great Lakes fish

2014, the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force (GLITF) laid out another five-year (2015-2019) action plan designed to

Further evaluate emerging contaminants that have the and wildlife.

•

Continue to prevent new invasive species from

protect water quality, control invasive species, and restore

establishing self-sustaining populations in the Great

habitat in the Great Lakes.

Lakes ecosystem.

•

Continue to restore sites degraded by aquatic, wetland,

“The new GLRI Action Plan lays out the steps we need

and terrestrial invasive species while also developing

to get us closer to the day when all Great Lakes fish will

and enhancing technologies to control Great Lakes

be safe to eat, all beaches will be safe for swimmers, and

invasive species.

harmful algal blooms will not threaten our drinking water

•

supplies,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, head of the GLITF.

Work to reduce nutrient runoff in watersheds targeted through the GLRI adaptive management process.

•

Implement watershed management and green infrastructure projects to reduce the impacts of polluted

During the first five years of GLRI, federal agencies and their

urban runoff on nearshore water quality at beaches and

partners removed 42 Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) in

in other coastal areas.

17 Areas of Concern (AOC), quadrupling the number of BUIs

•

removed in the preceding 22 years.

Implement protection, restoration, and enhancement projects focused on open water, nearshore, connecting channels, coastal wetlands, and other habitats in the

The long-term goals for the Great Lakes ecosystem are:

Great Lakes basin.

•

Develop “standardized climate resiliency criteria” that

•

Fish safe to eat

•

Water safe for recreation

•

Safe source of drinking water

If collaboration among federal agencies can achieve these

•

Harmful/nuisance algal blooms eliminated

significant results, we believe that collaboration among the

•

No new self-sustaining invasive species

eight Great Lakes states, and the federal government can

•

Existing invasive species controlled

achieve even more impressive results.

8 GLB | July/August 15

will be used to design and select GLRI projects.

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR RBFF At a time when our local, state, and federal governments

goes directly back to the states to help them in their

are being criticized for their inaction, unwillingness to

conservation and promotion efforts.

compromise, and inability to lead, we believe it is the right time to single out and give praise to an organization that is

In our last issue, we examined a relatively new effort by

doing just the opposite for the boating public.

RBFF to grow boating. We’re referring specifically to its efforts to bring Hispanics into boating, and we focused

We’re referring to the Recreational Boating and Fishing

particular attention on RBFF’s efforts (see pgs. 18-20,

Foundation, (RBFF), and we applaud them for the great

May/June issue). The organization’s five-year program to

job they do in promoting boating, looking at ways to bring

engage Hispanics has been noteworthy for its organized

boating to untapped markets, and working with state

approach, thorough marketing research efforts, and

agencies to bring back lapsed boaters.

specific concrete, practical programs.

RBFF got its start in 1998 when Congress passed

As with any organization’s successful efforts, it takes

the Sport Fishing and Boating Safety Act. It required

strong leaders to develop a vision and a dedicated team

the Secretary of the Interior to implement a national

to make it work. In this case, we want to give praise to

outreach and communication plan to address recreational

the work of Frank Peterson, who is RBFF’s president and

boating and fishing participation and aquatic resources

Chief Executive Officer. It is his tireless dedication to the

stewardship. The Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership

cause of recreational boating and sportfishing that has led

Council developed the Plan and RBFF was created to

to its resurgence in these troubled waters.

carry it out.

Peterson will tell you that no man is an island and no In the 17 years since it was formed, RBFF has developed a

association can achieve its goals without the help

wide variety of programs and products that make it easy for

and partnership from other similar and like-minded

people to get involved in recreational boating and fishing. At

associations. In this regard, RBFF partners with the

the top of this list is RBFF’s “Take Me Fishing” campaign.

American Sportfishing Association and American Flyfishing Trade Association to grow fishing. It partners

On a national scale, RBFF’s “Take Me Fishing” campaign

with the National Marine Manufacturers Association

appears everywhere. From public service announcements

to grow boating. In fact, it’s the collaboration, the

to youth participation efforts, RBFF spares no expense in

cooperation between these associations that has made

bringing the message of boating to the American public.

RBFF’s programs so successful.

TakeMeFishng.org is the key destination for individuals to learn, plan, and equip themselves for a day on the water.

As you enjoy your boat, your time on the water, and your family and friends, take time to offer a round of applause

On a regional scale, RBFF works with state agencies

and word of thanks to the Recreational Boating and

to create alliances that will bring back lapsed boaters.

Fishing Foundation and its efforts to grow, promote, and

Whether it’s through direct mail postcards or emails,

develop boating and fishing

RBFF works to get lapsed boaters to renew their state fishing licenses. The money garnered from these efforts

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

greatlakesboating.com | 9

MARLOW

HUNTER 31

T

he all-new Marlow-Hunter 31 has now arrived in dealerships, and the demand from discriminating sailors has been so great that the builder is delivering approximately one every week.

The Marlow-Hunter 31 uses a well-proven hull design to rival most 34-

tion sailing yacht field. The Marlow-Hunter 31 uses unidirection-

foot models. The 30-foot foot waterline outclasses most boats, and

al, purpose designed and highly engineered fabrics and resins,

when combined with her Henderson/Marlow chined hull, it offers off-

along with Space Age items, such as the Nida Core honey-

shore stability and performance that few can match. At low angles of

comb core that is reinforced by Dupont Kevlar ®.

heel and as the wind freshens, the Marlow/Henderson hull provides superior stability and performance.

In the hull and deck, advanced composite, stainless steel and marine alloy are found under highly loaded deck and

The Marlow-Hunter 31 has a beautiful and functional galley. In addition,

hull fittings. The MarGrid ® structural backbone is formed

it sleeps as many as board the sailboat. A separate shower keeps her

by a one-piece high section solid fiberglass grid that

large head compartment functional with a crowd on board, while the

extends the DuPont Kevlar ® ring frames and bottom

deck arrangement is far larger and more user friendly than one would

laminates to the chain plates, allowing her wide

expect. The available tacking helm makes the skipper’s view perfect in

spreader bases to triangulate all loads to a central

all conditions, and it moves aside to provide a very functional cockpit.

absorption and cancellation platform. Her hull to deck joint is strong and watertight combining the

All new Marlow-Hunter sailing yachts come with world-class wood-

world’s finest adhesives to engineered bolt pat-

work, high-end furnishings, and cutting-edge technology. Its stan-

terns. The Marguard® solid aluminum bolted

dard features and equipment can be paired with thoughtful options

cap receives an extruded PVC rub rail that is

from top-shelf suppliers such as Bose®, Raymarine, Garmin, Yanmar,

capped by a polished stainless steel striker

Dometic, and others. Buyers can also choose genuine Dupont Cori-

allowing the vessel to contact pilings and

an® and real hardwoods, such as teak and cherry.

other objects without scarring the beautiful topsides.

Below the hull, one can find the highest gloss retention gelcoats, along with the most advanced hull structure found in the produc-

10 GLB | July/August 15

www.marlow-hunter.com

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Length Overall.............................................. 32’4” Waterline Length.........................................29’8” Beam...........................................................11’10” Draft – Shoal.................................................. 4’5” Mast Height – Standard...........................46’6¾”

greatlakesboating.com | 11

T

he Marlow-Mainship 31E is the third model in the lineup of new boats built under owner David Marlow to the former Mainship trawler line. However, this is not the former Mainship. At first glance there are similarities to previous models, but a more thorough look around the boat reveals significant quality and design changes.

Every aspect of the former boat building process has been reviewed, tested, and affected so that it answers the question, “How can we make this a better boat?”

Initial efforts to improve the Marlow-Mainship 31E began with its construction, specifically with improvements to its gelcoat and resin quality. The next improvement was in a new coring, “Nida Core,” which is a polypropylene honeycomb and stitched fiberglass material that brought multiple benefits, including greater strength and better water resistance.

The combination of these materials coupled with better building processes have pro-

12 GLB | July/August 15

duced better glass-to-resin ratios, which equates to even more strength. Elements like caulking and sealants have been improved, as well as brands of equipment. The meticulous attention to detail reflects Marlow’s demand for qualit y over quantity in the production of a better-built boat.

The Marlow-Mainship 31E is called an “Express” because it is the first of the three models to have an open upper salon leading

into the cockpit area. Both the MM32 and MM37 have glass doors separating the upper salon and cockpit area. For those who boat in cooler or wetter climates and want to close off the two sections, there is a clear full enclosure option available with a zippered door.

One can spot the quality of the fit and finish below deck. Marlow-Mainship craftsmen with more than 20 years of experience handcraft all the teak furniture and floors.

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S LOA......................................................... 35’5” Beam.......................................................10’6” Draft.......................................................... 2’4” Water Capacity....................................90 Gal. Fuel Tank Capacity............................196 Gal.

MARLOW-MAINSHIP 31E On the port side is the well-equipped galley, which is very large for a boat of this size. One of the reasons it feels so large is the openness overhead and the natural lighting.

Ahead of the galley and also on the port side is a seating area perfect for reading or relaxing. Across on the starboard side is a large bathroom with a sink and vanity area and a separate shower and toilet area. Move all the way forward and you’ll find the forward cabin with a large bed on an innerspring mattress. This cabin has a large hanging locker and plenty of extra drawer and storage space.

The MM 31E is powered by either the standard 180 hp Yanmar or the optional 220 hp, 260 hp, or 315 hp Yanmar.

The Marlow-Mainships are built to Conformité Européenne (CE) standards at their CE certified factory in Alachua, Fla., where both the Marlow-Mainships and Marlow-Hunters also meet the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s certification using the American Boat and Yacht Council’s standards. The CE certification is required to export internationally, while NMMA and ABYC are voluntary standards that give customers the confidence and peace of mind that this is a well-built and safe boat.

Great Lakes Marlow-Mainship and Marlow-Hunter Dealers Manitowoc Marina – handles MarlowMainship trawlers Manitowoc, WI 920-682-5117 www.manitowoc-marina.com Racine Riverside- handles MarlowHunter sailboats Racine, WI 888-720-4783 www.sales@racineriverside.com

www.mainship.com

greatlakesboating.com | 13

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.

TRAVERSE R

E C

R

E

There is no quick or easy way to reach Traverse City, but that’s been a good thing.

Thanks to its tucked-away location on the northwest coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, travelers are just now discovering Traverse City.

Being “off the beaten path” has allowed Traverse City to develop its tourism infrastructure without damaging the natural beauty and small-town atmosphere that make it such a marvelous place.

This artsy resort community in America’s Great Lakes Region has been gradually transformed into a sophisticated small city whose streets, parks, and public spaces harmonize with the magnificent scenery that surrounds them.

C H A R AC T E R I S T IC S

If there’s a single feature that defines this town, it’s the inescapable presence of the

16 GLB | July/August 15

Great Outdoors. In every season of the year, Traverse City is home for a wide range of outdoor recreation. In spring, summer, and fall, much of that recreation is centered on Grand Traverse Bay, whose sheltered clear waters attract boaters, fishermen, and yachtsmen.

It even affects the local climate, creating the moderate weather that gives Traverse City its cool summers and temperate winters.

The area is home to two marinas that cater to boaters, anglers, and yachtsmen.

Traverse City’s Duncan L. Clinch Marina is open May 15 to Oct. 20 and is a favorite with visiting boaters because of its proximity to downtown shops and restaurants, as well

as the park, playground, and 1,500 feet of sandy beach just to the east. The cityowned marina has 65 seasonal slips and 54 rental slips, a boat launch, water, electricity (50 and 30 amp), restrooms and showers, gasoline and diesel, a pump-out station, 24hour security, grills and picnic tables, cable TV hookups and a laundry.

Just “around the corner” from Traverse City’s West Bay shore is the Elmwood Township Marina. Open from April 1 to Oct. 31, it has 150 seasonal slips and a minimum of 21 transient slips, as well as 17 in-harbor moorings and 11 additional moorings outside the harbor. There’s a nearby park and picnic

A

E CITY T

I O N

area, a boat launch, restrooms, showers and drinking water, electricity (50 and 30 amp) as well as cooking, grilling and laundry facilities, a pump-out station and WiFi access. One of its most popular benefits is long–term parking for boaters.

In addition to the marinas, the Grand Traverse area has long been considered one of the best places in the continental U.S. to indulge in fly fishing. In 2008, Field & Stream, one of the nation’s most respected outdoor publications, named Traverse City one of “America’s Best Fishing Towns.”

Within an hour of the city limits, anglers can find miles of blue ribbon trout streams like the Manistee, AuSable, and Pere Marquette. Anglers come to the area for the trout, steelhead, and salmon, but have also recently discovered “golden bonefish.”

Casting for carp along the rocky flats of Grand Traverse Bay has become almost as

J

E W

popular as wading the coastal sand flats of the Southeast for bonefish.

TWIN BAYS

Traverse City is nestled beside the twin arms of Grand Traverse Bay, two deep freshwater fiords of Lake Michigan. Calmer and more protected than the open Lake Michigan waters

E

L

near Sleeping Bear Dunes, they exhibit an uncanny clarity and intensity of color. This is one place where the expression “crystal clear” means exactly what it says; because you can look down into 30 or 40 feet of water and see every detail on the sandy bottom.

For generations, the bay was also Traverse City’s main link to the outside world, and tall

All photos Traverse City Tourism

greatlakesboating.com | 17

ships are deeply woven into the fabric of its history. A great way to experience these olden days is by taking a cruise aboard theh114foot Tall Ship Manitou, a working replica of a 19th-century schooner that makes three two-hour voyages across West Bay each day. The Manitou can accommodate 62 passengers; reservations are required. For more information call 800-968-8800 or log on at www.tallshipsailing.com.

Long ago, ancient glaciers carved the long deep lakes and roller-coaster hills that give Traverse City its splendid natural setting. A magnificent example of their ancient handiwork is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a breathtaking 64-mile curve of beaches, coves, islands, and dunes, some perched as high as 400 feet above the water, along the west coast of the nearby Leelanau Peninsula.

Part of the national park system since 1972, Sleeping Bear is one of America’s most profoundly beautiful landscapes. Its grandeur can be viewed from well-placed overlooks along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, but it’s even better to see the park “up close and personal” by visiting its museums, hiking its trails, or taking a ferryboat ride to the unspoiled Manitou Islands.

century. Its early inhabitants included Native Americans and missionaries, lumberjacks, and fishermen, mariners and farmers. Their imprints are found in the area’s lighthouses, humble mission churches, grand old hotels, quaint summer colonies, and the palatial homes of lumber barons.

At the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum near Northport, visitors can see how lighthouse keepers and their families lived in the early 1920s. One of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, the Grand Traverse Light has been in service for over 150 years and is located on the grounds of a spacious state park. For more information, call 231-386-7195 or visit the web site at www.grandtraverselighthouse.com.

In Traverse City’s central neighborhood historic district, the ornate homes of 19th century millionaires stand above the Boardman River, including the impressive 32-room house on “Silk Stocking Row” built by city founder Perry Hannah.

Across the street in the old Carnegie Library building is the History Center of Traverse City, with extensive displays of local artifacts and helpful, knowledgeable guides who will even conduct walking tours of the neighborhood. For more information call 231-995-0313 or visit www.traversehistory.org.

H ISTORY

C H E R RY C A PI TA L

SLEEPING BEA R

Founded only a few decades before the Civil War, Traverse City was a colorful frontier community for most of the 19th

18 GLB | July/August 15

Surrounded on three sides by deep Lake Michigan water, Traverse City enjoys a surprisingly moderate climate, warmer

in winter and cooler in summer than most areas in the same latitude. It’s a climate particularly well adapted for fruit growing, and this region still produces more than 70 percent of the world’s tart cherries. In fact, cherries are deeply embedded in the popular culture of the area, from the weeklong National Cherry Festival in July to the state-of-the-art Cherry Capital Airport.

Cherries aren’t the only good things growing in Traverse City, either. The same water-cradled slopes that make this a perfect place for fruit orchards are now producing some of the best wines in the country.

The Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas are dotted with some 40 vineyards and wineries that consistently bring home awards from regional, national, and international competitions.

The scenic Leelanau Peninsula, just north and west of Traverse City, is home to almost 30 wineries. A trip to this region can be combined with a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes and the scenic port villages of Leland, Suttons Bay, and Glen Arbor.

For visitors with limited time, an even better alternative is a jaunt to the narrow Old Mission Peninsula that divides East and West Bay. Home to eight wineries, the region can be toured in a morning or an afternoon, and can be combined with visits to the historic Old Mission Lighthouse and the town of Old Mission.

For more information on Traverse City tourism, visit the website: TraverseCity.com.

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E 6 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S LOA............................................................26’4” Beam..........................................................102” Max. Horsepower....................................... 430 Fuel Capacity....................................... 55 gal.

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C

rownline Boats is known for its customized approach, and this is clearly seen in its new Eclipse E4 XS and E6 XS models, which come with an outboard or as a sterndrive version. The E4 XS outboard has an overall length of 24’6”, while the E6 XS adds nearly two feet, at 26’4”. Both have a 102-inch beam.

ECLIPSE E4 XS

E 4 S P E C I F I C AT I O N S LOA............................................................24’6” Beam..........................................................102” Max. Horsepower....................................... 320 Fuel Capacity......................................... 55 gal.

All of the technological and innovative design philosophies of the sterndrive versions have been incorporated into these outboard models. Crownline’s proven F.A.S.T. Tab® hull design not only improves performance, but also adds a racy edge to the profile of the E4 XS and E6 XS. The unique style lines of these boats and their lustrous, high-gloss gelcoat finish further accentuate this look.

The tri-color platinum interior design features “hot tub” style seating in the bow area of each model, providing deep cushion comfort and substantial storage beneath each seat. The J-wrap cockpit seating features comfortable, ergonomically designed high seatbacks for optimum comfort.

The E6 XS has standard rear cockpit seating behind the driver or the buyer can request an optional

cockpit galley with stainless steel sink, solid surface top, faucet, and finished storage area. Driver and passenger bucket seats come standard with flip-up bolsters and stainless steel Crownline logo accents. The convertible aft seat comes with a removable cupholder set and can be adjusted all the way down for comfortable sunbathing.

The interior design of these E Series outboards is very spacious. Adding to their comfort, convenience, and safety are strategically placed stainless steel grab handles and stainless steel cupholders located throughout. The E4 XS offers two coolers (one 100+ quart integrated cooler and one carry on cooler). There are convenient swim platforms at the bow and stern of both models, each with stainless steel four-step boarding ladders. The walk through transom allows easy entry and exit.

There is a massive amount of storage for gear and water toys on the E4 XS and E6 XS. In addition to the areas already mentioned, the cockpit floor features storage with stainless steel shock assisted lids for wakeboards and skis. Convenient under helm storage can be accessed through a secondary door at the bow walk through, and there’s a large finished storage area beneath the hinged cockpit bench seat. If needed, the head compartment may be used as additional storage or buyers can add head cabinetry with a sink, solid surface counter top, porta potti or electric flush head as options.

As always, Crownline allows buyers to customize their boats to meet their specific needs. There is an abundant amount of optional equipment to choose from, including engines, gelcoat designs, upholstery, and more.

www.crownline.com

greatlakesboating.com | 21

21

LEMTA—I N -WATE R

BOAT

S H OWS

MICHIGAN CITY BOAT SHOW

F

or decades, the Progressive Michigan City (Ind.) In-water Boat Show has been a staple of the Great Lakes boating scene, and Ken Alvey, head of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), which produces the show, wants to keep it that way.

“This is the region’s biggest and longest running in-water show,” said Alvey. “The success of this show is due to the community involvement, the support of local dealers, and the family atmosphere.”

Although in recent years the show has moved up its dates to earlier in August, it still remains a strong place for Great Lakes recreational boaters to come together and see new boats, try out new products, and share some amazing fish stories.

The details The Progressive Insurance Michigan City In-Water Boat Show will be held Aug. 6-9 at Washington Park. The four-day event will showcase more than 100 boats and watercraft, including jet boats, cabin cruisers, pontoons, inflatable dinghies and more, and all are available for purchase.

In addition to the boats and watercraft, the show will host local and national vendors showcasing their latest accessories, offer new product demonstrations and daily seminars, and provide activities for kids of all ages.

22 GLB | July/August 2015

Whether you like fishing, cruising, skiing, watersports, or simply want to pick up parts and accessories for your existing vessel, this boat show is for you.

The show operates from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, and Friday, Aug. 7. It opens for business at 11:00 a.m. on both Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, closing at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for adults 60 and older. Children 12 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. LaPorte County residents will receive free admission to the show on Thursday, Aug. 6. All residents need to do is present a valid ID with a LaPorte County address at the box office.

The cost of admission does not include parking. A fee to the parking lots adjacent to Washington Park is collected by the Michigan City Parks Dept. Air-conditioned shuttles are available to take attendees from the parking lots to the show entrance during event hours.

The benefits While other organizations and municipalities have attempted to hold in-water boat shows on the Great Lakes, none have either the history or the breadth of exhibitors as Michigan City. Alvey said the continuing interest of the boating public in this show makes it one of the best on the Great Lakes.

www.michigancityboatshow.com

AUGUST 6-9

WASHINGTON PARK MICHIGAN CITY, IN

MichiganCityB oatShow. com

LEMTA

IN-WATER

BOAT

S H OWS

CEDAR POINT BOAT SHOW

T

he Progressive North American InWater Demo Show at Cedar Point (Ohio) is rapidly evolving into the premier demonstration boat show on the Great Lakes.

This year’s show runs from Aug. 27-30, and is one of the oldest and longest-running boat shows on the Great Lakes.

Ken Alvey, show manager, said this year’s show will be bigger than ever. “There’s no doubt we’ll be expanding the show footprint this year,” said Alvey. “The success of the Catawba Island Boat Show ... coupled with the fact that the boating industry is in full sales recovery, is generating requests from dealers for more dock space, especially in-water space.”

People come from all over to get out on the relatively calm water of the bay and test their favorite boats to see how their boats perform, said Alvey.

Alvey said that Western Lake Erie contains one of the densest concentrations of boaters in the United States. As a result, he’s forecasting a significant increase in attendance at this year’s show. “Last year, because we changed the show dates from after Labor Day to the weekend before Labor Day, lots of people were confused or didn’t get the message,” Alvey noted. As a result, attendance was down.

The change in dates was made to help show goers avoid the long traffic lines that occur when Cedar Point holds its very popular “HalloWeekends,” which begin immediately

24 GLB | July/August 15

after Labor Day. The show producers wanted to make it easier for boaters to get to and enjoy the show without the traffic hassles. “This year, we’re sure everyone will know the dates, and this should produce a marked increase in attendance,” said Alvey.

The Facts The Progressive North American In-Water Demo Show at Cedar Point will be held Aug. 27-30.

Its hours of operation are noon to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, and Friday, Aug. 28. On Saturday, the show will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., and it will be open for business from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30.

The admission price is $10, free for kids 12 and under accompanied by a paying adult, and $8 for seniors 60+. The show operators request that all attendees wear boat shoes and no pets are allowed on the premises.

The highlights of this year’s show, in addition to the more than 40 boats that are available for demo tests, are the introduction of the United States Power Squadron’s Virtual Trainer, 10 kayaks for use and demonstration, and free sailboat rides. In addition, anyone interested in purchasing a new boat at an affordable price should check out the Budget Boats for Sale pavilion. Here show goers will find boats for sale at prices under $15,000 and between $15,000 and $25,000.

www.cedarpointboatshow.com

AUGUST 27–30

CEDAR POINT, SANDUSKY, OHIO

CedarPointBoatShow.com

CLEAN DIESEL

COMES OF

26 GLB | July/August 15

AGE

T

he reality is that not only have diesel engine pickup trucks changed, but they have undergone a major makeover, and people are noticing these changes. Over the last five years, the number of new diesel trucks registered in the U.S. and Canada has increased 16 percent year over year. In addition, pickup manufacturers are combining diesel engines with new modern technology transforming those old dirty diesel engines into Eco-Clean ones. Nowhere is this more evident than in the 2015 Ram 1500 V-6 diesel, one of the top three pickup trucks used for trailering boats in the United States and Canada, and Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green Truck of the Year.

upgrades produced outstanding results in real-world driving.

The 2015 model

• Fuel Efficiency: In tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of model year pickup trucks, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel achieved this segment’s top fuel efficiency rating of 29 mpg on the highway.

This was 12 percent more than the next closest pickup. The combination of the turbo-diesel engine married to the TorqueFlight eight-speed transmission delivers best-in-class fuel economy.

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel exemplifies what a “green truck” should be, said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal.

Pickup buyers get the best of all worlds with the beefy torque and environmental performance offered by this full size and stylish pickup,” said Cogan.

The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel employs pioneering fuel-savings technology that delivers best in class fuel economy. Its new technologies include a TorqueFlight eight-speed transmission, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse width modulation, and active aerodynamics. The result is outstanding fuel efficiency, unsurpassed torque, and a surplus of towing capability.

“Fuel efficiency is at the top of truck buyers’ priorities, and Ram is now the recognized benchmark for the industry,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO—Ram Truck Brand. “Twenty-nine miles per gallon cuts through the clutter. Ram invested in powertrain technologies, and those are paying real dividends in the wallets of our customers.”

Light-duty pickup owners have long clamored for diesel technology that delivers clean, efficient performance, prodigious torque, and the promise of durability. The new 3.0-liter, 24-valve, dual-overhead-cam, EcoDiesel is a turbo-charged V-6 that generates 240 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. Boaters who tow their vessels no longer have to be concerned about the performance of diesel pickups because the Ram 1500 EcoDisesel delivers on the two most sought-after qualities: fuel economy and towing capability.

New Technologies Several of the new technologies that Ram incorporated into its diesel engine came from Robert Bosch LLC, a global supplier of technology and services. The goal was to boost fuel efficiency, reduce particulate emissions, and upgrade its performance. The new

The 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel’s V-6, 3.0-liter engine comes equipped with a Bosch common-rail diesel fuel-injected system. In addition to the fuel-injected system, it has a high-pressure pump, sensors, and a highly efficient and effective engine control unit and emission control system. While all of these are designed to provide a better driving experience for the customer, what are the benefits as opposed to the costs?

Here are the benefits of choosing a Ram 1500 V-6 EcoDiesel:

• Compared to a comparable gasoline engine, the EcoDiesel is even better, producing 30 percent better fuel consumption.

This means that boaters can go 40 percent further in their Ram 1500 EcoClean Diesel with a tank fill-up than in a gasoline-powered pickup.

• Power and acceleration: The 3.0 liter, V-6 engine on the Ram 1500 provides the necessary amount of torque so that boaters can easily trailer their boats. As noted earlier, tests showed that the V-6 EcoDiesel powertrain puts out 240 hp. at 3,600 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm.

• Environmental concerns: The Clean Diesel engine produces approximately 25 percent less CO2 emissions than a comparable gas engine. The engine’s MultiJet common rail fuel injection system, its stateof-the-art selective catalytic reduction and high-pressured cooled exhaust gas recirculation contribute to the EcoDiesel’s 50-state emissions compliance.

This diesel engine has almost no particulate emissions. And NOx emissions have been reduced by 98 percent in accord with emission legislation, making the engine meet any diesel NOx emission standards around the world.

If you thought that a diesel pickup might be for you, but were worried about its power and acceleration, put those worries aside.

The Ram 1500 provides smooth powerful acceleration no matter whether you’re towing a fishing boat or hauling that family-friendly pontoon boat.

greatlakesboating.com | 27

Free-at-Last Boating Arrives

By Jerome A. Koncel

A

lthough it’s been around for more than 25 years, Freedom Boat Club (FBC) has only recently begun setting up shop on the Great Lakes.

FBC promises to help people enjoy their time on the water at an affordable price and without the hassles of owning a boat.

To understand FBC’s presence on the Great Lakes, GLB interviewed John Giglio, the company’s CEO, and the operators of its two main operations in Chicago and Cleveland.

Chicago FBC started operating in Chicago at Montrose Harbor in 2013, growing from 16 members in 2014 to 46 today.

28 GLB | July/August 15

Mike Ginter is the franchise owner, and his enthusiasm for boating and emphasis on the camaraderie and social aspects of boating is infectious. It was these attributes that prompted Ginter to make sure that every person who became an FBC member is also a member of the local yacht club.

“By having every FBC member also be a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club, we’re giving our members the opportunity to experience not only the joys of boating, but also the fun of belonging to the boating community,” Ginter said.

For those thinking of buying a boat, FBC is a great way to experience what it’s like to own a boat without the expenses. Belonging to a yacht club is like icing on the cake

because it brings the prospective boater in contact with new friends and acquaintances to share the joys of boating. “If you’re only getting off and on a boat in Chicago, you’re missing half the fun of boating,” Ginter said. “The other half of boating is the social dimension.”

Ginter is a strong believer in the “boating community,” and Corinthian Yacht Club is the boating community at Montrose Harbor. Although the yacht club reduced membership fees the first year to entice FBC members to join, Ginter in 2015 opted to pay the first year dues for all his new members to ensure their membership and give them the opportunity to experience the boating lifestyle.

Asked what he emphasizes most about his business, Ginter responds: safety. He added the most accidents occur when docking a boat. “That’s why we have a staff person on the dock from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” Ginter said. He added that a comprehensive safety training course, hands-on training by a 100-ton captain, and continual messages about boating safety are crucial to his operation.

FBC opened operations in Huron, Ohio, giving members the opportunity to boat on the Huron River.

“Nearly 80 percent of our members are either young families or retirees,” Spreng said. He explained that families with young kids enjoy being on the water for short cruises or whenever the opportunity presents itself, but they don’t have the time for boat ownership and maintenance. FBC is the perfect option for them.

Many retirees have never owned a boat, but now they have the time and desire to experience boating. Others have owned a boat, but simply want to downsize, to enjoy the water without the responsibilities of boat ownership.

What about the other 20 percent of FBC members? They’re people who simply find FBC’s benefits and costs very worthwhile.

A typical example is a couple who lives in

FBC’s boats at Montrose are a little bigger than the 20-ft. to 26-ft. boats recommended by FBC, but that’s because of the more turbulent waters of Lake Michigan. “We like bigger boats because they are reliable and can withstand the heavier waves of Lake Michigan,” Ginter said.

As part of his emphasis on the social side of boating, FBC has built a 25-by-30-foot party dock for its members. “Socializing is such a big part of the boating scene in Chicago that we decided to build our own party place,” Ginter said.

Cleveland Jim Spreng is the COO of FBC at Lake Erie, and he’s been a member and now an owner of FBC franchises.

Spreng’s first FBC location was Catawba Island in Western Lake Erie. “We wanted to be on the Western side of Lake Erie, and we wanted to be close to existing yacht clubs, specifically the Catawba Island Club,” Spreng said. He added that the yacht club gave validity to his operations and created a social setting for FBC members.

While demographics were favorable, the weather on Lake Erie can be very volatile, changing very quickly. If bad weather arose and prevented members from boating on Lake Erie, FBC needed a port that provided members with another alternative. Thus, the expansion to Sandusky and the ability to boat in Sandusky Bay. “We located at Venetian Marina Yacht Club on Sandusky Bay, and it’s minutes from Lake Erie and Cedar Point,” Spreng said.

Two years ago, Spreng expanded FBC to the Cleveland area allowing members to experience fishing in another locale and at sites closer to downtown Cleveland. This year,

greatlakesboating.com | 29

tal and a proprietary sales model,” he said. He added that after 26 years in the business, FBC knows what works and what doesn’t.

The national concern funnels leads to owners/ operators and makes sure that the leads don’t go untouched. It also teaches franchise operators the importance of a well designed website, marketing and advertising, and closing tools.

When it comes to selecting the marina and boats that FBC offers its customer, FBC provides guidelines and offers direct purchase arrangements with boat manufacturers. “We don’t tell franchisers the type of boats to purchase, but our bread and butter are 18- to 26-foot boats,” Giglio noted.

Throughout all of its training, boat selections, and business operations, Giglio stresses the importance of safety to his franchise owners, and for good reason. Insurance is FBC’s biggest expense.

the Cleveland area during the summer and spends their winter months in Florida, Spreng said. “Our reciprocity agreement is exactly suited to their lifestyle,” he noted.

Like Ginter, Spreng said that safety permeates his operations. FBC at Lake Erie conducts 3-4 hour safety courses as part of its hands-on training for all members.

“We only allow members on a boat if we feel comfortable that they can operate that vessel in any weather condition,” Spreng said.

Asked about how he was able to develop such a successful business in such a relatively short time, Spreng points to the business model Giglio teaches each franchisee. “If you follow what John says in his business model, you’re sure to get positive results,” Spreng noted. “It’s that simple!”

30 GLB | July/August 15

The owner John Giglio has been with FBC since 2004, the last three as the owner. When asked how things are going, he replied, “We now have 89 franchises throughout the country, which is more than double the 40-45 franchises when I first came to the company,” Giglio said. He pointed out that FBC was one of the few companies that actually profited from financial recession of 2008-2010 because it “offered people a real cost-effective option to owning a boat, and people took advantage of it,” Giglio noted.

When asked how FBC was able to grow so rapidly, Giglio pointed to his business model that franchise owners/operators describe as “simple and rewarding.”

At the heart of Giglio’s business model is sales/ marketing. “We provide support and training to our franchise operators using a marketing por-

Giglio feels that he could have grown FBC a lot quicker, except he wanted to make sure every franchise owner had the knowledge and tools to succeed. This required an effective training model and emphasizing cooperation not competition among franchise owners/operators. “I’m very selective about the people I’m in business with, so when we award franchises, it’s done with my blessing,” Giglio said.

Second, Giglio wanted to control the things that were important to him. Although franchises were given the option about which boats to purchase, Giglio told them they had to be spotlessly clean, safe to operate, and durable. “My goal is to make every franchise a successful one,” he said.

Giglio explains that FBC only requires a onetime initiation fee and monthly dues. It has more locations than any boat club and allows reciprocal memberships, meaning that boaters can go from an FBC in Lake Erie to one in Venice, Fla., without paying another initiation fee.

Giglio said that Chicago and Cleveland will soon be expanding operations, and there are new FBC franchises starting up around the Great Lakes.

Cruise the 1000 Islands and experience a stunningly beautiful freshwater paradise with real-life castles, lighthouses and nearly 2,000 islands. Drop your anchor or dock at a waterfront village and enjoy fine dining, golfing, theatre, and authentic heritage attractions.

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M AG A ZINE Redesigned Website and Birthday Celebrations

other step forward in our development with our newly redesigned website, www.greatlakesboating.com.

There is nothing more exciting than the unveiling of something new and the celebration of something old. It’s with that mindset that we announce the unveiling of our newly redesigned website and the celebration of our 33rd year of service to the recreational boaters and sportsfishermen of the Great Lakes, and the 10th year for the Great Lakes Boating Federation.

Our new website is worthy of the name Great Lakes Boating. During the 33 years the magazine has been in existence, it has grown from a fledging enterprise into the premier resource for boaters and fishermen on the Great Lakes. The new website honors this tradition showcasing the news and issues that are relevant and important to recreational boaters and sportsfishermen on the Great Lakes.

Redesigned Website

W H E R E

F R E S H W A T E R

June 2015 • greatlakesboating.com

Engaging Hispanics

Navetta 58

Go to the “Brokerage” section of the website, and you’ll find boats for sale by individuals and well-respected dealers.

Here you’ll find the boat of your dreams at the price you can afford.

G O

F O R

N E W S

W H E R E

F R E S H W A T E R

B O A T E R S

Work on this website has been a collaborative venture, and we’re very proud of what we have accomplished. We urge you to visit www.greatlakesboating.com, look around the site, and send us your feedback.

G O

F O R

N E W S

February 2015 greatlakesboating.com

W H E R E

F R E S H W A T E R

B O A T E R S

G O

F O R

N E W S

December 2014 • greatlakesboating.com

DONZI’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

LET THERE BE LIGHT

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ASSOCIATIONS AID BOATING

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Display until July 15, 2015

Click on the “News” icon and the digital edition provides the latest news about current happenings on the Great Lakes.

This section is updated daily with information gathered from newspapers, radio and TV stations, and social media outlets.

Open up the digital edition and you’ll find every page, every picture, and every advertisement that appears in the current print edition. You’ll also find the in-depth features and strongly worded editorials that have made GLB a trusted resource for boaters and anglers.

When Great Lakes Boating (GLB) first hit the newsstands in 1982, few knew that it would quickly become the trusted information source for recreational boaters and anglers on the Great Lakes and the freshwater seas of inland America. It is with a great sense of pride that we announce anW H E R E F R E S H W A T E R B O A T E R S G O F O R N E W S

Check out our calendar of upcoming events and you’ll find the when and where for your favorite events, from local boat shows to international boating expos.

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32 GLB | July/August 15

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GREAT LAKES

B OAT I N G F E D E R AT I O N

The Federation Even as you peruse our new website, you’ll notice an icon for the Great Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF), the sister association to the magazine formed to deliver leadership in troubling times.

This year marks its 10th anniversary.

When it comes to listening to the voices of recreational boaters, identifying their needs and desires, and defending their rights, GLBF answers the call.

It is THE organization that speaks out and defends the pressing concerns of recreational boaters and sportsfishermen on the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes boaters have an annual economic impact of more than $9 billion.

These statistics show that recreational boaters and sportsfishermen are an economic force, but one that all too often has its needs, whether it be for more money to dredge harbors, improve marina infrastructures, or more fisheries, not heard or simply ignored.

GLBF stands up for Great Lakes boaters, urging actions to promote boating safety, control invasive species, and put money gathered from boat fuel and accessory taxes into boat-related areas, not into the local state’s general funds.

GLBF was created to insure that recreational boaters are being heard when decisions affecting their future and that of the Great Lakes are being made. Make no mistake about it, the recreational boaters of the Great Lakes are a powerful force both in terms of numbers and economic impact, yet it seems all too often that their needs are being neglected by either misinformed or misguided legislators.

One-third of all the boaters in the United States call the Great Lakes home. They represent 4.2 million registered boaters, and GLBF is committed to giving them a strong, unified voice. Three of the Top 10 states for registered boaters are on the Great Lakes, i.e., Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.

GLBF a discount center for all your boating needs.

So, stand up for your rights as a Great Lakes boater and fisherman by joining GLBF. All it takes is a $10 donation to GLBF, 1032 N. LaSalle Dr., Chicago, IL 60610, a phone call to 312266-8408, or a visit to the website: www.greatlakesboatingfederation.com.

Happy Birthday Birthdays mark the passage of time, and as such they recall fond memories and significant events. Our 33rd birthday brings back such memories for us as they recall a simpler time, when everyone wasn’t so busy and people took time out of their hectic schedules to spend more time on their boats on the waters of the Great Lakes.

There have been a lot of fond memories in our 33 years of publishing, but those that we hold dearest occurred when we met our readers and talked with them about boating, fishing, the Great Lakes, and our magazine.

And in the near future, GLBF members can look forward to new bonus with their membership: receiving discounts from a wide array of suppliers and vendors. GLBF is looking to bring in insurance companies, marine retailers, and accessory suppliers on board the Federation train. It’s the vision of GLBF’s founder to make

As we begin our 34th year, it is with a positive attitude, and the realization that boating is on the upswing. The economy is improving, gas prices are falling, and lake waters are rising. It is our firm belief that recreational boating and fishing are growing, and the importance of the Great Lakes as not just a regional, but also a national treasure, is increasing.

Thanks for being with us.

greatlakesboating.com | 33

ITN | GREAT LAKES

Great Lakes

MILWAUKEE HARBOR REDEVELOPMENT PROCEEDS An effort to redevelop the area near Milwaukee’s harbor, a project that could potentially be as large as the Menomonee Valley redevelopment, is proceeding with a newly formed public-private group, according to an article by Tom Daykin of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.

The city Redevelopment Authority board voted in late April to approve a cooperation agreement among the authority, the city and the new group, Harbor District Inc., which is obtaining public funds and foundation grants to pay for creating a redevelopment plan for the area, said David Misky, authority assistant executive director.

The nonprofit group will have board members from the city, the Board of Harbor Commissioners, and the private sector, Misky said.

Harbor District held its first board meeting in May, and the interim

executive director is Lilith Fowler, a former executive director of Menomonee Valley Partners Inc.—a similar nonprofit group that helped lead the valley’s redevelopment.

At press deadline, the Harbor District had received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, $90,000 from the state, and $50,000 from the city, Misky said. He added that Harbor District Inc. will oversee creation of a land and water use plan for the harbor area, a process that is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

The harbor area is home to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s $53 million School of Freshwater Resources, which opened in September 2014. Redeveloping the larger harbor area is considered a major challenge because it includes contaminated former industrial sites, Misky said.

AQUAPALOOZA RETURNS TO LAKE ST. CLAIR

Thousands of boaters are expected to rendezvous at AquaPalooza, an in-water concert, held in Harrison Township, July 25-26. Seven live acts, including country superstar Kelsea Ballerini, will entertain the crowds for the weekend for a celebration of the fun boating lifestyle Michigan offers to nearly four million boaters.

“This is our fourth year hosting AquaPalooza on Lake St. Clair,” said Peter Beauregard, president of Colony Marine. “It’s a huge on-water celebration of boating, families and friends on Lake St. Clair.”

AquaPalooza on Lake St. Clair is a registered event with Sea Ray Boats and is hosted by Colony Marine of St. Clair Shores. There are more than 100 locations around the world that also host AquaPalooza events.

The concert is free, but attendees can only view the show from the water. All are invited to come by boat, PWC, canoe, kayak or other water transportation to enjoy the music. The concert stage will be located at the lakefront of Bell Maer Harbor, just off Belvidere Bay, north of the mouth of the Clinton River and directly east of Selfridge airfield. Activities and concerts run from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 25 and 26.

For more information visit www.colonymarineaquapalooza.com.

BETTER ECONOMY BOOSTS BOAT SALES Boat dealers, marina operators, and marine-related businesses are seeing an uptick in sales due to the improved economy, according to a June 5 article by Bob Gross in the Port Huron Times Herald. More boats, both new and previously owned, along with kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are being sold.

Although boat dealers in the Port Huron area are seeing more people purchasing new boats, the high costs of these vessels is increasing the demand for pre-owned boats. Dave Sniezek of Lakecrest Marine Sales in New Baltimore, Mich., said that there’s a difference in the people coming in to buy a boat.

“The automotive people are coming back, along with truck people, housing people—we’re seeing a lot of buyers we haven’t seen in the past few years,” Sniezek said.

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Tom Patton, manager of Great Lakes Marine Outfitters in Port Huron, said he’s seeing a definite increase in the number of people coming through the doors. “I can’t say if people are confident in the economy or if it’s pent-up desire to buy stuff,” he said. “But they are careful about what they buy.”

In terms of new boat sales, the trend is to find more versatile boats, or crossover boats. Buyers are looking for one boat to take them fishing, cruising, or waterskiing.

“We see a lot of pontoon boats, a lot of center console boats,” said Mike Davenport, harbormaster at Port Huron Marina. “The way they’re built these days, you can go tubing, go fishing off them.”

ITN | GREAT LAKES

ROGERS NAMED WAUKEGAN PORT DIRECTOR Randy Rogers, a retired 21-year veteran of the U.S. Maritime Administration, has recently been named the new executive director of the Waukegan Port District, which oversees the Waukegan Marina, the Waukegan Commercial Harbor, and the Waukegan National Airport.

What prompted Rogers to make the move to Illinois was the diversity of his job responsibilities and the desire to make the Waukegan waterfront more appealing for both boaters and the community at large.

Rogers noted that one of the major challenges that he and the Port Authority faces is the need to bring more people to the waterfront. That’s why the Port Authority is increasing its sponsorship of various events and activities. “In September, for example, we’re going to hold the Waukegan Arts Festival on the waterfront, and we hope to draw many people,” Rogers said.

“Waukegan is one of the largest marinas on the Great Lakes, with 855 slips,” Rogers said, “and we are approving new

of the commercial harbor following the remnants of Superstorm Sandy, which

amenities, such as WiFi, to make the waterfront more appealing.” He added that he also looks forward to the reopening

actually shut down the harbor for two years so the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could dredge it.

On the marina side, Rogers said one of his biggest challenges is ongoing maintenance needed to keep the docks up and running.

“Winters can harsh on docks,” Rogers said, “and our biggest challenge is how to keep those docks safe and secure while fighting winter’s ice, cold, and snow.”

ODNR OFFERS DISCOUNTED STAYS TO BOATERS Ohio State Parks is offering discounted stays at state park lodges and state-operated campgrounds for Ohio boaters who participate in the vessel safety check program, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

ODNR officers are available to perform courtesy vessel safety checks scheduled at the convenience of boaters. The goal of the vessel safety checks is to help make boating as safe as possible for Ohio boaters, their families and friends, through education on the safety requirements of boating in Ohio.

Ohio boaters who wish to receive the discounts can contact a local field office to schedule a vessel safety check by calling during normal

business hours to find out when and where to schedule a safety check with an officer on evenings or weekends.

After participating in a free vessel safety check, boaters will be given a discount coupon that can be used at any Ohio State Park campground for 50 percent off a second night’s camping fee with the purchase of a first night. This discount is not valid on holiday weekends. This discount coupon can also be used at Ohio State Park lodges for staying two nights, Sunday through Thursday, and receive 25 percent off a lodge stay at Burr Oak, Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Punderson, Salt Fork or Shawnee lodges. Additionally, boaters with the discount coupon can save 10 percent off regular room rates at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (not valid on packages).

IDNR LAUNCHES WATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN A new program in Indiana, “Be Current Smart,” aims to reduce drownings at Great Lakes beaches through a public awareness campaign and the distribution of new safety equipment. The program emphasizes taking simple steps to ensure a fun, safe day in the water.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) oversees “Be Current Smart,” which is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Project partners include the IDNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program and other state coastal management programs,

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), the National Weather Service, and Sea Grant programs in Minnesota and Ohio.

and back to shore. Parents are reminded to keep a close eye on children while they’re in the water.

Since 2002, dangerous currents have killed more than 140 swimmers across the Great Lakes, with 82 fatalities in Lake Michigan alone. The currents are common near river mouths, along piers and breakwaters, and in high waves.

Through “Be Current Smart,” the Lake Michigan Coastal Management Program in Indiana and the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant have distributed beach safety equipment to the cities of Michigan City, Whiting, Beverly Shores, and Indiana Dunes State Park.

Local officials collaborated to tailor the equipment to meet community needs.

Equipment includes U.S. Coast Guardapproved ring buoys, life jackets, throw bags, and more.

Swimmers are encouraged not to jump off structures or enter the water when waves are high. If caught in a rip current, the best means of escape is to swim out at an angle

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ITN | GREAT LAKES

Great Lakes

PLATTSBURGH (N.Y.) UNVEILS NEW MARINA Plattsburgh (N.Y.) city leaders officially christened their new municipal marina on June 6, according to an article by Dan Heath on the PressRepublican website, www.pressrepublican.com.

Plattsburgh Mayor Jim Calnon said the marina marked the culmination of two years of development efforts. In the end, Calnon said, the efforts to build the marina moved forward very quickly thanks to the bold efforts of the city’s Common Council.

“I’m pleased that the result of this work is the quality of docks and building we have here,” said Calnon. He added that it was Common Council’s decisive actions that allowed the marina to open for this year’s boating season.

The marina is owned by the city, but operated by NavTours. Yanik Aube, the owner of NavYours, said the marina is an ideal location for their operation on Lake Champlain.

“There are not a lot of places on the lake with amenities like this,” said Aube. “The potential of this place is huge and the setup is great.”

The marina has 34 slips and 25 moorings for hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and season use. Its facilities, including showers and restrooms, are open to all members of the community from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, Recreation Dept. Director Steve Peters said that at press deadline, nine slips and 11 moorings were left for the boating season.

CANADA ESTABLISHES CONSERVATION AREA IN LAKE SUPERIOR The Canadian Federal Government has put forth legislation to formally establish the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.

Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and the Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, introduced the legislation in early June.

The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Act (NMCA) comprises more than 10,000 sq. km. of the lake and includes lakebed, islands, and north shorelands.

When formally established, this conservation

area will be one of the largest freshwater marine protected areas in the world.

First Nations, Metis, and local communities have demonstrated their common will to protect the rugged beauty of this extraordinary natural area, to maintain its use for recreational purposes, and to strengthen its contribution to the local economy. Parks Canada has responded by investing money in the region to support communities in the development and promotion of various tourism initiatives and infrastructure.

Establishing an NMCA in Lake Superior adds to Canada’s National Commission Plan of conserving Canada’s lands and waters while at the same time connecting Canadians to nature.

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, and the shores of the Lake Superior NMCA showcase the region’s geology, prominently displaying its volcanic origins, as well as evidence of a meteorite impact.

FRENCH TOURISTS STOP IN CLAYTON The MS St. Laurent, a luxury cruise ship sailing the Great Lakes from Montreal, made its initial stop in Clayton, N.Y., home of the Antique Boating Museum, and it was a thrill for the visitors as well as the locals, according to Julia Botero of NPR Radio.

Image © US EPA

More than 200 people were aboard the ship as it made its maiden voyage from Montreal throughout the Great Lakes.

Bertrand Figuier, a visitor on the ship and a travel writer who lives in Paris, said most of the people on the ship work in the travel industry in France and are in some way connected to the company that operates the cruise. “And they came to visit and taste the first cruise on the St. Laurent,” Figuier said. He said it was breathtaking when they 36 GLB | July/August 2015

entered the Thousand Islands. “…I think it will be surprising for all French. They can’t imagine what they can see in this place. The islands, the houses, the lights.”

At the Antique Boat Museum, Margret Hummel strapped wristbands onto a handful of passengers as they got off a bus. She said just like for every business in the village, every extra bit of attention helps. “You know, ten stops and with 140 passengers at every stop, that’s a lot of visitors who are guaranteed in a season,” Hummel said.

The MS St. Laurent’s final stop in Clayton will be Oct 10. Between then and now, more than 1,000 new visitors will tour the village of Clayton and the Thousand Islands.

ITN | FISHING

Fishing

WARMING CLIMATE COULD AFFECT WISCONSIN TROUT A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study recently disclosed that the annual average stream temperatures in the Trout Lake watershed of Wisconsin could increase from one to three degrees Celsius by the year 2100. If this occurs, it might negatively affect the population of coldwater fish like brook trout in these streams.

USGS recently modeled the effects of climate change on stream temperatures for three recreational fishing creeks near Eagle River, Wis., from 2000-2100: Stevenson Creek, North Creek, and Upper Allequash Creek. Findings suggest that daily mean stream temperatures in Stevenson Creek, the warmest of the three streams, could become too high to sustain a healthy trout population by the turn of the century.

“A persistent increase in daily mean stream temperature can affect the diversity of fish species in northern Wisconsin,” said USGS scientist

William Selbig. “This study can be used by managers to help make important conservation decisions in the Trout Lake watershed.”

Selbig’s research showed that summer stream temperature is the single most important factor influencing the distribution and production of some coldwater fishes. Streams that may currently be suitable as a coldwater sport fishery could become increasingly fragmented as fish seek refuge from warming water temperatures to less impacted areas.

Brook trout populations are most stable when temperatures do not exceed 19 degrees Celsius, or about 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Selbig found that the frequency at which daily mean stream temperatures exceeded ideal ranges for brook trout increased for Stevenson Creek and North Creek during the last five years of the study period, especially in July and August.

ANGLER INPUT SOUGHT ON BROOK TROUT RESEARCH The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources announced that select rivers across the Upper Peninsula will again be part of an angler survey effort during the 2015 inland trout season.

The survey is designed to help evaluate public response and potential biological effects of an experimental regulation that allows an additional five brook trout to be harvested in specified research areas. Survey information will be used to improve future brook trout management in the Upper Peninsula.

(Marquette and Dickinson counties), East Branch Huron River (Baraga and Marquette counties), East Branch Tahquamenon River (Chippewa County), East Branch Ontonagon River (Houghton and Iron counties), Dead River (Marquette County), Driggs River (Schoolcraft County), Presque Isle River and tributaries (Gogebic County) and Lower Rock River and tributaries (Alger County).

The regulation’s upstream/downstream boundaries on these rivers are depicted as online maps on the DNR website.

The experimental regulation originally went into effect April 1, 2013. Currently it applies to segments of Bryan Creek

Angler input is being sought through two methods. First, from self-addressed, postage paid survey cards that DNR staff distribute

at the selected rivers and also at other rivers chosen as experimental controls. The second method is through an online survey. Anglers are asked to fill out one card or online survey per person, per trip.

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO BOAT AND FISH The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and its Take Me Fishing campaign recently unveiled its 2015 list of the Top 100 FamilyFriendly Places to Boat and Fish, and Florida’s Everglades National Park was the No. 1 place to fish and boat in the U.S. “Fishing and boating are great ways to spend time with family and friends, and most people aren’t even aware that by participating in the sport they’re actually helping to conserve our environment,” said Frank Peterson, RBFF President and CEO, “We’re encouraging outdoor enthusiasts across the country to pick a park on our Top 100 list, get out on the water with family and friends, and create lifelong memories.”

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Here’s a list of the Top 10 spots: 1.) Everglades National Park, Fla. 2.) Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Fla. 3.) Blue Springs State Park, Orange City, Fla. 4.) Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales, Fla. 5.) Keystone State Park, Derry, Pa. 6.) Clear Lakes State Park, Kelseyville, Calif.

7.) Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, St. Petersburg, Fla. 8.) Galveston Island State Park, Galveston, Tex., 9.) Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa. 10.) Lackawanna State Park, North Abington, Pa.

ITN | FISHING

RESEARCH VESSELS BACK ON THE GREAT LAKES The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has put all four of its fisheries research vessels back into the water to conduct their annual surveys of Great Lakes fish populations.

Surveys conducted by these vessels are designed to examine and collect information on all aspects of the state’s Great Lakes fish community. This information is essential to supporting DNR’s mission to conserve, protect, and manage the billion-dollar Great Lakes fishery resource.

Fisheries assessment and evaluation work on Lake Superior is done by research vessel (R/V) Lake Char. The information collected is used to generate annual lake trout harvest quotas to ensure the continued health of these fish populations and on lake trout and sea lamprey wounding rates, a key mortality factor for this species.

© Michigan DNR R/V Steelhead

© Michigan DNR R/V Lake Char

R/V Chinook conducts Lake Huron fisheries assessments and evaluations. It focuses its work on assessing Lake Huron lake trout and walleye populations, as well as broader fisheries assessments in Saginaw Bay and the St. Marys River that evaluate fish community changes in these Great Lakes systems.

Assessment and evaluations of fish population in lakes St. Clair and Erie are entrusted to R/V Channel Cat. This vessel focuses its sampling on walleye, yellow perch, and lake sturgeon in these waters that

support the highest fishing concentration in Michigan’s Great Lakes waters.

R/V Steelhead conducts a variety of fisheries assessment and evaluation, including spring evaluations of adult yellow perch, whitefish, lake trout, and Chinook salmon populations.

Later in the summer, this vessel teams up with teams from the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate lake wide fish forage abundance, which is critical information for the proper management of trout and salmon.

WISCONSIN APPROVES NEW FISH RULES The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board recently approved a total fisheries package that includes three proposals to simplify trout fishing rules, boost panfish populations in Wisconsin lakes, and bring some consistency to fishing regulations on Wisconsin waters bordering Minnesota. The new rules will go into effect prior to the 2016-2017 fishing season.

The new trout regulations are designed to protect and enhance fish populations, while also creating some uniformity for anglers who fish on different trout streams and within small geographic areas.

Under the new system, anglers will note three different colored flags at their favorite trout fishing spots. A green flags means anglers are free to fish, with no length limit, a bag limit of five fish, and no bait restriction. Yellow means there is an eight-inch length limit, a bag limit of three fish, and no bait restrictions. Red means

that special regulations are in place and fishermen should find out what they are.

The panfish rules seek to increase the size of panfish in state lakes that show high growth, but aren’t meeting management goals.

The state will apply one of three regulations at 94 lakes and then evaluate them for biological and social effectiveness. Ultimately, the best regulation to address underperforming lakes will be selected and applied to these and other similar lakes.

The board also made muskellunge, lake sturgeon, and shovelnose sturgeon regulations on boundary waters consistent with those in Minnesota. The rules will allow catch-and-release angling for lake sturgeon on the St. Louis River and Mississippi River downstream of the Red Wing dam from June 16 through April 14.

ANGLERS CAN HELP CATALOG TROUT Trout Unlimited (TU), the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization, is relaunching its citizen science effort, Trout Blitz, which urges anglers to record their trout catches both in photos and via mapping coordinates.

TU’s science team will use this information to learn more about native trout waters, non-native trout proliferation, and the health of entire watersheds.

Anglers who participate regularly throughout the summer in Trout Blitz have the chance

to win fly boxes stuffed to the gills with fly patterns supplied by TU corporate partner Fly Assortments.

It’s easy for anglers to participate in Trout Blitz. They simply photograph the fish they catch and enter some very simple data through the Trout Blitz interface.

“We can use the data generated for countless conservation efforts aimed at protecting trout, salmon, and their watersheds,” said Jack Williams, TU Senior

Scientist. “We can identify waters where native trout persist, waters where it might be possible to reintroduce native trout, and large tracts of intact habitat that need to be protected in order to ensure healthy trout and salmon populations into the future.”

Williams and his team said the idea behind involving anglers in this research effort was to find ways to boost TU’s knowledge and understanding of where and how wild and native trout persisted, and how TU could help protect or restore important trout populations.

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Marina

ITN | MARINA

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT OPENS AT ILLINOIS MARINA RESORT The Red Dog Grill, a year-round harborside restaurant on the Ottawa River, is now open for business for boaters traversing the Great American Loop.

The restaurant has been completely refurbished and is re-opening with a fully redesigned interior as well as a fresh new menu and full-service bar. Heritage Harbor Hospitality will operate the Red Dog Grill under an entirely new staff, including general manager Israel Juarez, who was previously

part of the management team with a popular Chicago-area venue.

The Red Dog Grill will open daily at 11 a.m. with meals served until 9 p.m. and bar service continuing through extended late-night hours. The restaurant offers delivery service to residents of Heritage Harbor Ottawa Resort, guests in the rental cottages, and to boats docked in the Heritage Harbor Marina.

CAESAR CREEK MARINA PROJECT ON SCHEDULE After two decades of planning, numerous financial and environmental challenges, and even archeological concerns, Ohio’s newest public inland marina is being constructed at Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County.

Construction began in February and will be completed in phases. The Ohio Div. of Natural Resources (ODNR), which is overseeing the construction project, expects phase 1 to be completed in time for the 2016 boating season. ODNR is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ODNR Div. of Parks and Recreation, ODNR Div. of Wildlife, and

other state, federal, and local agencies to design and develop the marina.

ODNR’s Div. of Watercraft is using funds from the Waterway Safety Fund to build Phase 1 of the marina. These funds come from the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Thus, no tax dollars are being used to construct the Marina at Caesar Creek.

The long-term plan for the Marina at Caesar Creek calls for ODNR to offer management and operation of the facility

to a private sector company with ODNR providing oversight. The goal of the public/private partnership is to have the private sector develop a sustainable marina operation.

The marina will use wave attenuators instead of rubblemound breakwalls to protect the docks and watercraft. The wave attenuators are anchored by cable and straps and move up and down with the rise and fall of water levels. They provide both environmental benefits as well as cost advantages over the rubblemounds, according to ODNR.

SMALL BOAT HARBOR TO CHARGE FOR PARKING New York State’s biggest marina, the Small Boat Harbor in Buffalo, is now owned by the state parks system, which leases it to a private contractor, Safe Harbor Inc. of Tennessee.

With the switch comes a slew of promised changes: new docks by 2017, dredging the harbor, converting a restaurant into a marine store and offices, building a new restaurant, replacing electric and water hookups, and repaving the parking lot.

This bodes well for a boating community embracing the changes or at least withholding judgment. But the company running the marina is also trying to earn a buck. As a result, it is proposing a $5 parking fee that is scheduled to begin sometime this season for non-slipholders.

“It’s a marina now, not a public park,” said Darby Campbell, owner of Safe Harbor. “We’ll provide public access, but our task is to rebuild the marina.”

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Campbell said he realizes paying for parking will prove unpopular and he was reluctant to impose the $5 fee, but as a businessman, he sees no other choice. “I want to do the best I can for the folks of Buffalo.

That’s what I was brought in to do,” Campbell said. “But there has to be a return on the investment.”

Already, the owner of Dug’s Dive restaurant, Tucker Curtin, is fuming over the uncertainty with his new landlord. He said that Safe Harbor is open to dialog on the parking fees and is now working with him to secure more free parking spots, however he is disappointed over the lack of previous communication.

“Charging for parking is certainly going to deter people from coming down to the waterfront,” said Curtin. “Anything that diminishes access to a contiguous waterfront is a detriment to future generations. And taxpayers paid a lot of money for that infrastructure.”

ITN | MARINA

BARRIE MARINA EARNS BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION The city of Barrie (Ont.) Marina has earned Blue Flag certification, making it the first marina on Lake Simcoe to earn this eco-label, according to a news report on CTV Barrie.

of our greatest assets, and the Blue Flag represents our dedication to ensuring we protect the natural resources for future generations to enjoy.”

The Blue Flag award is an international certificate indicating that a beach or marina is clean, swimmable, and meets high safety and environmental standards. The Blue Flag award is administered in Canada by Environmental Defense and is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

There are 24 beaches and four marinas that have received the Blue Flag in Canada.

The other three marinas to fly the Blue Flag in the province of Ontario, Canada are: Bluewater Marina, Grand Banks Marina, and Port Franks Marina.

© City of Barrie

“This is a great accomplishment for our city,” said Jeff Lehman, Barrie’s mayor.

“Being a city by the bay, our water is one

REEFPOINT MARINA OFFERS FUN EVENTS Reefpoint Marina, Racine, Wis. is offering its boaters plenty of funfilled options this summer, ranging from delicious dining activities to music to Friday night movies.

The first Friday of every month takes boaters from their slips to downtown Racine, which is only a block away. Here they can listen to free live music, explore museums for free, see art exhibits, enjoy fabulous dining and much more.

Reefpoint Marina also features an abundance of activities and events that are fun for the whole family. For example, on Aug. 1, boaters will find a 20-foot inflatable screen visible throughout the entire marina.

For the best seats, however, Reefpoint encourages boaters to get in their dinghies and pull them right up to the Celebration Dock.

Popcorn, ice cream, and nachos are also available just steps away inside the Anchors Away Ship Store.

The most anticipated event of the boating season is Reefpoint’s Annual Boater Appreciation Day on Aug. 8. This day features a complimentary lunch buffet for all annual slip holders, competitive dinghy races, and concludes with Venetian Night. Creativity comes alive at dusk with decorated boats parading through Reefpoint Marina’s main channel and then through Racine’s Root River. This event gathers many area spectators and also features the ultimate grand prize for the winne—free seasonal dockage for the 2016 season.

Guest boaters are encouraged to visit Reefpoint Marina and partake in any and all of these events. Dockage specials can be found on the website: www.reefpointmarina.org and on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ReefpointMarina.

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED FOR LINESVILLE MARINA

Pennsylvania will spend $2.3 million to improve the 25-year old Linesville Marina at Pymatuning State Park. The major makeover at the most popular marina in the state park system will include dredging of the harbor, installation of new docks, improved lighting, and better handicap access.

The state said construction would begin this fall and continue throughout 2016. This will force the marina to close during 2016 and reopen in 2017.

said there were many available options. He noted that there are shoreline moorings around the lake. In addition, people can put their boats into the water along the shoreline.

Several local boat dealers offered their premises for storage during the boating season, while six local boat clubs said they had docks for lease. In addition, there are two other marinas in the park, in Espyville and Jamestown, and Bickel is trying to get space in these marinas for his displaced Linesville customers.

When asked where boaters who dock their boats at the marina will put their boats in 2016, Dan Bickel, the Park Superintendent,

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ITN | NATIONAL

National

BOATING FATALITIES ARE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2014 Recreational Boating Statistics, revealing that there were 610 boating fatalities last year, the second-lowest number of yearly boating fatalities on record.

The number of boating deaths increased from 560 to 610, an 8.9 percent increase, while injuries increased from 2,620 to 2,678, a 2.2 percent increase, and the total number of boating accidents went from 4,062 to 4,064, a 0.05 percent increase.

The fatality rate of 5.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels reflected a 10.6 percent increase from the previous year’s rate of 4.7 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.

The report states that alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Operator inattention, improper lookout,

operator inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol use ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

USCG said that 78 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned.

Of those drowning victims, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket.

Where boating instruction was known, 77 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instructions. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats. The vessel types with the highest number of fatalities were open motorboats, canoes, and kayaks.

USCG reminds all boaters to boat responsibly while on the water: wear a life jacket; take a boating safety course; get a free vessel safety check; and avoid alcohol or other impairing substance consumption.

DAM REMOVALS REVEAL RIVERS’ RESILIENCY More than 1,000 dams have been removed across the United States because of safety concerns, sediment buildup, inefficiency, or having otherwise outlived their usefulness.

After dams have been removed, the rivers have responded relatively quickly, according to a study paper published May 1, 2015 in Science.

Dam removal and the resulting river ecosystem restoration is being studied U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by scientists from several universities and government agencies, including the USGS and U.S. Forest Service, as part of a national effort to document the effects of removing dams. Studies show that most river channels stabilize within months or years, not decades, particularly when dams are removed rapidly.

“As existing dams age and outlive usefulness, dam removal is becoming more common, particularly where it can benefit riverine ecosystems,” said Gordon Grant, Forest Service hydrologist. “But it can be a complicated decision with significant economic and ecologic consequences.

Better understanding of outcomes enables better decisions about which dams might be good candidates for removal and what the river might look like as a result.”

Researchers have determined common patterns and controls affecting how rivers and their ecosystems respond to dam removal. Important factors include the size of the dam, the volume and type of sediment accumulated in the reservoir, and overall watershed characteristics and history.

NEW BOAT SALES UP 6.4 PERCENT IN 2014 Sales of new powerboats reached an estimated 171,500, an increase of 6.4 percent from 2013, according to statistics from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). NMMA anticipates that sales of new boats will continue to grow through 2015, with an increase of unit sales of as much as 5 to 7 percent.

The popular outboard segment, which includes pontoons, aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, and small fiberglass cruising boats, comprised 84.4 percent of the overall 44 GLB | July/August 2015

powerboat market, according to NMMA. Outboard boats were the most popular type of new powerboat sold in 2014.

Four Great Lakes’ states were among the top 10 in sales of new powerboats, motors, trailers and accessories. They were Michigan ($762.4 million), Minnesota ($601.5 million), New York ($597.8 million), and Wisconsin ($560.3 million).

NMMA reported that U.S expenditures on boats, engines, accessories and related

items totaled $35.4 billion in 2014. In addition, the recreational boating industry had an annual economic impact of more than $121.5 billion (this includes direct, indirect, and induced spending) supporting 650,015 direct and indirect American jobs and nearly 35,000 businesses.

There were an estimated 12 million registered boats in the United States in 2014, and 94.9 percent of the powerboats sold in the United States were made in the country.

ITN | NATIONAL

HOUSE INCREASES HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUNDS The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2016 (H.R. 2028), which included an amendment cosponsored by Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) to increase funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to the levels authorized by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA).

Rep. Miller said she was very pleased that the bill included a provision that seeks to appropriate 100 percent of the funds for actual port and harbor maintenance.

The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund was created in 1986 to provide a long-term source of funding to pay for maintenance costs for federally-maintained harbors. The concept was that taxes imposed on users of the water system, particularly shippers of goods passing through those harbors, would be placed in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund and used exclusively for harbor maintenance projects. However, over the years, funds from the Trust Fund have been repurposed and used for unrelated projects, creating a backlog of dredging projects in U.S. ports and harbors.

Last year, Rep. Miller was appointed to the House-Senate conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions of WRRDA. In her position, Miller strongly advocated for the inclusion of a provision that increased annual target appropriations for the Trust Fund and required that, by 2025, 100 percent of the taxes collected for the fund be used for harbor maintenance.

The target appropriation established by WRRDA for FY16 is 69 percent of the taxes collected in FY15, which are an estimated $1.81 billion.

COAST GUARD UNVEILS NEW BOATING SAFETY WEBSITE The Coast Guard’s Office of the Auxiliary and Boating Safety unveiled a redesigned boating safety website that will provide easier navigation for boat dealers and consumers. It will allow interested parties to locate information they need in an easy and convenient format.

This new design is the first enhancement in more than five years, according to Capt. F. Thomas Boross, chief of the Office of Boating Safety at Coast Guard headquarters. It offers users a more streamlined route to quickly find the content or information they seek with a minimum number of keystrokes and clicks.

Three main website sections each focus on information specific to recreational boaters, product manufacturers/dealers, and boating safety organizations. Drop-down menus for regulations, product defects and safety recalls, statistics, and other divisions

provide conduits to broader data selections, laws, grant information and imagery libraries. The website also includes information on the Coast Guard’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council.

Boross said the boating safety website is among the most heavily-visited for data and information concerning recreational boating safety. The website’s goal is to provide a premier compendium of information and assistance to the boating community.

Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard

To visit the new site, go to www.uscgboating.org.

SUBMERGED OBJECTS ARE LEADING CAUSE OF BOAT DAMAGES Submerged objects such as trees and rocks cause more damage to boats than marine mammals, according to State Farm Insurance.

Claims data from State Farm show that that the most common cause of identifiable boat damage is striking a submerged or floating object, representing 31 percent of all losses submitted to State Farm in the United States in 2014. Wind and hail damage was the second most common

cause of claims, accounting for 13 percent of the State Farm total in 2014. Collision with a fixed object, such as a dock, was third with nearly 8 percent. Collisions with another watercraft represented only a small percentage of losses.

To avoid these causes, State Farm recommends that boaters take a boat safety education course, wear a life jacket, and know the nautical “rules of the road,”

especially when meeting crossing, or overtaking another boat.

To help prevent boat damage both now and in the future, the Bloomington, Ill.-based insurer urged boaters to know the water and familiarize themselves with possible hazards; maintain their vessels with proper care and storage; and be extra careful when launching a boat.

greatlakesboating.com | 45

Sailing

ITN | SAILING

2015 SUPER MAC Bayview Yacht Club and Chicago Yacht Club will jointly host a ‘Super Mackinac’ Race in July of 2015.

The event will start in the waters of Lake Michigan off downtown Chicago on July 11.

Competitors will follow the traditional course to Mackinac Island before moving east past Bois Blanc Island and then south along the Michigan shore of Lake Huron, finishing offshore at the Port Huron Yacht

Club for a total rhumb line distance of 568 statute miles.

“This ‘Super Mac’ will be a true test of boat and crew alike, and we hope to make this event a highlight of the racing season,” said Matt Gallagher, Chairman of the 107th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. “It really was something the competitors asked for,” said Bayview Mackinac Race Chairman Peter Wenzler.

This year marks the 91st running of the Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race and the 107th running of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. This will be the first running of the Super Mackinac since 2009.

“Bayview and the Chicago Yacht Club look forward to hosting a safe and enjoyable event for all competitors who choose to take part in this one-of-a-kind opportunity in freshwater sailing,” said Wenzler.

INAUGURAL 2016 VX ONE CARIBBEAN CUP The St. Thomas International Regatta and BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival announced their partnership with VX One to host the first VX One Caribbean Cup in 2016.

The all-new VX One Caribbean Cup will give racers the opportunity to compete in a VX One one-design class in two of the Caribbean’s foremost regattas-St. Thomas International Regatta (March 25-27, 2016) and BVI Spring Regatta (April 1-3, 2016).

Currently, 12 boats from the VX One North American class association have committed to participate in this inaugural event, and the class expects continued interest. Each regatta event in the competition will be scored separately and winners will receive prizes. A perpetual trophy will be presented at the BVI Spring Regatta awards ceremony to the overall winner of both events.

WINDRIDER SUPPORTS ADAPTIVE SAILING IN SANDUSKY WindRider, a recreational sailing trimaran company, is supporting the efforts of Adaptive Adventures, who in conjunction with the Sandusky Sailing Club in Sandusky, Ohio, will be bringing a new Adaptive Sailing program to Sandusky Bay and the local region. The program, designed to make sailing accessible for children, adults, and veterans of all abilities, is modeled after the same highly successful program started by Adaptive Adventures in Denver, Colo.

The Adaptive Adventures program in Sandusky will be the first on Lake Erie, and a sister program is forecast to begin in the Chicago area soon.

The Sandusky Sailing Club will be home to three WindRider WR17 AS trimarans and a Corsair F28R that have all been donated to the program. The first two WR17 AS are already in Sandusky, and have logged hours of sailing introducing volunteer captains to the boats and training them for the Adaptive Adventures Sailing program, which begins this summer.

The program, which serves the Wounded Warrior project as well as many other veteran and nonveteran needs, has received a significant

46 GLB | July/August 2015

grant from the Veterans Administration. The Ohio Veterans Home is looking to schedule some events this summer and the Sandusky Sailing Club plans to offer their clients a weekly sailing experience. In the future, the program at Sandusky aims to transport boats to other lakes in the area as well.

The program model ranges from introductory sailing to racing and cruising for those wishing to become totally independent on the water. The US Sail Adaptive Sailing Program will be offered as the program expands.

For more information and to get involved, contact Larry Knauer at larry@adaptiveadventures.com or call 614-551-3118.

ITN | SAILING

ATLANTIC CUP ANNOUNCES 2016 DATES

Manuka Sports Event Management has announced Portland, Maine as the host city for the third and final leg of the 2016 Atlantic

Cup presented by 11th Hour Racing. The 5th edition of the race will start May 28, 2016 and will culminate the weekend of June 11 in Portland as part of Portland’s biggest annual music festival, the Old Port Festival.

to grow the audience for short-handed, offshore racing with hard fought competition and exciting shore-based events, while also being the most environmentally sustainable sailing race.

With more than 1,000nm of ocean racing, the Atlantic Cup is the longest offshore race in the Western Atlantic and also the only U.S. short-handed offshore race dedicated to the Class 40. The race was created and designed

The 2016 race will start in Charleston, South Carolina on May 28, stop in New York City from May 31 to June 4, before heading to Portland, Maine for the final in-shore series and shore-based activities from June 7 to 12.

51ST ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES For the past 51 years, many sailors have spent their summers racing, practicing, tweaking their boats and training their crew for the Big Boat Series, a marquee regatta held every September on San Francisco Bay. For 51 years, the Bay has served up sublime racing conditions while the St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) has rolled out the red carpet, providing top-end race management and an unbeatable post-race venue.

J/105s, which are hosting their North American Championships in conjunction with RBBS. The regatta is introducing a new PHRF sportboat class for 35- to 40-foot boats. At this point, the fleet of competitors also includes six boats over 50 feet and seven boats that are additionally registered for the Transpac Honolulu Race in July. There are entrants hailing from as far away as Hawaii and Mexico.

Judging by the larger-than-usual list of early entries, the 2015 Rolex Big Boat Series (RBBS), which will be held from Sept. 17 to 20, is on course for another fantastic year of racing.

Rolex will provide specially engraved timepieces to the winners of the regatta’s coveted perpetual trophies: the St. Francis, the City of San Francisco, the Richard Rheem, the Keefe-Kilborn, the Atlantic and the Commodore’s Cup, all of which remain on display at the St. Francis Yacht Club.

There will be at least four J/boat classes represented—J/125, J/120, J/111 and J/105—with a particularly strong presence from the

TRANSATLANTIC RACE 2015 Whether out to set records or tick another box on the bucket list, the 41 registered entries in the Transatlantic Race 2015 all have one thing in common: they will be undertaking the adventure of a lifetime as they sail a stretch of 2,800 nautical miles from Newport, Rhode Island’s Castle Hill Light to The Lizard, the most southerly point on mainland Great Britain.

Organized by the Royal Yacht Squadron, the New York Yacht Club, the Royal Ocean Racing

Club, and the Storm Trysail Club, the race features separate starts (June 28, July 1, and July 5) to accommodate the yachts of varying size and abilities, with a primary goal of having all boats arrive in England in close proximity to each other. The smaller vessels will take the first start with the expectation of finishing in 15 to 20 days. The final start will feature the speed demons that are racing to complete the passage in less than six days, 22 hours, eight minutes and two

seconds—the record-setting time established by George David’s Rambler 100 in 2011.

Prior to the race, the competitors will be feted at Harbor Court, the on-the-water clubhouse of New York Yacht Club. At the other end of the course, the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Cowes Castle clubhouse on the Isle of Wight will host the awards presentations on July 24.

greatlakesboating.com | 47

NEW PRODUCTS

BATTERY-POWERED GYRO Engineered for boats 30- to 40-ft. in length, the DC-powered gyro, Seakeeper 3DC, reduces resonant roll by up to 95 percent. It is now possible to achieve a safe, stable, and comfortable platform on the water, while underway or at rest, without the need for a generator.

The Seakeeper 3DC has a small footprint of 30” L x 30” W x 25” H and weighs 790 lbs. The unit has a modest electrical draw of between 500 to 1,000 watts, depending on sea state.

It requires no external appendages, is virtually silent, and can be installed off centerline if needed. $29,900 // 410-326-1590 // www.seakeeper.com

NEW PLATFORM FOR DISABLED USERS The PML platform, from PrestoMarine Lifts, is an accessory that can be attached onto lifts already installed on board yachts and allows easier access for users from the water. The platform is designed to be used as an extra step for disabled users, and can be positioned just under or just above the waterline. The step can also be lowered just below the waterline and used as a seat for children.

The PML platform along with the Presto L200F lift is available for under $10,000.

Under $10,000 // 844-292-1001 // www.prestomarine.com

TROLLING SPEED DEVICE The Happy Troller® from Davis Instruments is ideal for low-speed trolling. Mounted on an anti-cavitation plate, it allows the fine control of trolling speed.

Easily installed, the stainless steel and marine aluminum device is also simple to operate. A pull of the operating cable locks the plate in place behind the prop. The metal troller then blocks the blade’s propulsion to slow the boat’s speed, while the engine runs at the proper revolutions.

When locked in the up position while cruising, the plate acts as a stabilizer.

It smooths out rough rides, especially for bow-light boats, and reduces porpoising and cavitation.

From $79.99 to $139.99 // 510-732-9229 // www.davisnet.com

48 GLB | July/August 15

PULSE COMPRESSION RADAR The all-new Simrad HALO Pulse Compression Radar is a high-performance solid-state, open-array radar system with pulse compression technology. HALO combines the advantages of broadband radar and traditional pulse radar systems allowing boaters to monitor as close as 20 feet and as far as 72 nautical miles away. Its quiet system has a quick start up with low emission, produces the clearest targets, and can monitor two distance ranges simultaneously with independent display controls.

From $4,500 to $5,500 // 800-661-3983 // www.simrad-yachting.com

MARINE RECEIVER WITH COLOR SCREEN The Infinity by Harman PRV350 incorporates a 3.5-inch TFT color screen and offers AM/FM radio, Bluetooth audio streaming with ID tagging, and U.S. and European tuning. It’s also Sirius XM-ready.

Offering 4 x 50 watts, this receiver also provides three pairs of pre-outs including a separate subwoofer output. Wired and wireless remote ready, the INFPRV350 delivers USB input and control. It’s also capable of global favorite presets. A user’s favorite music can be quickly accessed from any mode. $289.95 // 843-849-9037 // www.prospecelectronics.com

greatlakesboating.com | 49

BOAT CARE & FEEDING

FUEL TREATMENT AND STABILIZER Briggs & Stratton’s Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer is a proprietary 5-in-1 formula created to stabilize fuel for up to three years, as well as protect against ethanol found in fuel.

This super-concentrated alcohol-free formula contains triple anti-oxidants to stabilize fuel, corrosion inhibitors and metal de-activators to protect the metal engine components from rust and corrosion, and a powerful detergent that cleans while the engine runs, preventing gumming and varnishing within the fuel system.

Available in 4-, 8-, and 16-ounce bottles. $6.55; $8.80; $12.60, respectively // 800-444-7774 // www.briggsandstratton.com

ONE-STEP DETAILER Serious Shine from Shurhold Industries is a one-step detailer for spot-free, sparkling surfaces.

Unsightly water spots can pockmark delicate gelcoat when the sun bakes in the mineral deposits. These marks and others are eradicated while Serious Shine cleans and polishes virtually any solid surface, including fiberglass, isinglass, and vinyl.

Without leaving any greasy residue, Serious Shine also contains UV inhibitors and anti-static properties to repel dust. It’s available in a 14-oz. aerosol can. $17.98 // 800-962-6241 // www.shurhold.com

NEW AIR HEATERS The Air Top Evo 40 and 55 from Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America offer greater heating capacity for various applications on boats and yachts.

These units incorporate an automatic cold-start system, providing up to 10 percent more heating power. They are quieter and have lower power consumption due to state-of-the-art modern controls and a new fuel pump design. Multiple units can be combined in a modular fashion for larger areas as needed.

The Air Top Evo 40 has a maximum heat output of 13,650 BTU/h, and the Air Top Evo 55 has a maximum heat output of 18,800 BTU/h.

Contact nearest dealer for best pricing // 800-215-7010 // www.webasto-marine.com

50 GLB | July/August 15

WOOD FINISH WITH UV-ABSORBING TECHNOLOGY Ceto® Marine with Next Wave™ UV-absorbing technology is a durable translucent protective wood finish for use above the waterline on interior and exterior woods.

Next Wave technology is the next generation of Cetol Marine from Sikkens with specialty resins and advanced UV absorbers that provide greater protection, durability, and longevity.

It provides a flexible breathable finish along with weather protection for teak and other hardwoods all with ease of application and maintenance.

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

PORTABLE JUMP STARTER Weego Jump Starter Battery+ is a compact and portable marine battery jump starter that can also charge phones, tablets, and other USB devices. Each of its three models has built-in circuitry protection, an auto-off feature, and jumper cables.

To start, boaters attach the clamps to the battery terminals, connect the cable to the Jump Starter Battery+, turn the power on and start the engine. A built-in LED flashlight assists in low-light situations and a strobe with SOS function draws on-the-water or roadside attention if needed. A 3-in-1 USB charging cord, eight laptop connectors, wall and car chargers, and a carrying case are included.

From 99.99 to $189.99 // 310-392-8460 // www.myweego.com

CLEANER & DEGREASER 303® Citrus Cleaner & Degreaser safely brightens and rejuvenates surfaces by removing dirt, grease, oil and much more. It also contains UVA/UVB blockers for maximum protection against harmful sun rays.

It is alcohol, ammonia and solvent free and safe for use on all water-safe materials, including: fiberglass, plastic, chrome and painted surfaces. Available in a 32-oz. bottle. $10.99 // 800-367-3245 // www.goldeagle.com

greatlakesboating.com | 51

EVENTS CALENDAR

July • August • September EVENTS ILLINOIS JULY 11-14

Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Chicago Yacht Club Chicago www.cycracetomackinac.com

JULY 25-26 Grafton Towboat Festival Grafton Harbor Grafton

JULY 25-26

Aquapalooza

MacRay Harbor/Belle Maer Harbor Harrison Township www.boatmichigan.org

AUGUST 27-30

Progressive Insurance North American DEMO Boat Show Cedar Point Marina Sandusky

www.cedarpointboatshow.com

AUGUST 1

Classic Boats on the Boardwalk Boardman River Traverse City

WISCONSIN JULY 10-12

www.wwcacbs.com

Submarine Fest

618-786-7678

SEPTEMBER 4-7

Wisconsin Maritime Museum Manitowoc

INDIANA

St. Joseph River Yacht Club St. Joseph

JULY 25

Family Fishing Time Marquette Park Lagoon Gary 219-395-1882

JULY 31 – AUGUST 2

Super Boat Great Lakes Grand Prix Washington Park Michigan City www.superboat.com/2015michigan-city-schedule/

AUGUST 6-9

Progressive Michigan City In-Water Boat Show Washington Park Michigan City www.michigancityboatshow.com

MICHIGAN JULY 16-19

Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament Lake Michigan Ludington www.ludingtontournament. com

JULY 18

Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race Bayview Yacht Club Detroit www.bycmack.com

JULY 24-26

St. Clair Riverfest Palmer Park St. Clair www.stclairriverfest.com

Tri-State Regatta www.sjryc.com

Racine Yacht Club Racine

Mackinac Island Yacht Club Mackinac Island

www.racineyachtclub.org/the_hook.htm

www.miyachtclub.com

JULY 17-19

SEPT. 17-20

Bayview Park Ashland

Boating & Outdoor Festival Lake St. Clair Metropark Harrison Township

www.boatingandoutdoorfest.com

MINNESOTA JULY 30 – AUGUST 2

Fisherman’s Picnic

Bay Days Festival 800-284-9484

JULY 17-19

Birchwood Bluegill Festival Downtown Birchwood 715-354-3411

Downtown Harbor Park Grand Marais

JULY 18

www.grandmaraislionsclub.com

Lakefront Port Washington

OHIO

JULY 11-12

Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival Maumee Bay State Park Oregon www.toledolighthouse.org

JULY 18

Fish Day

262-284-0900

JULY 23-26

Mishicot Riverfest Mishicot Village Park Mishicot 920-755-3411

Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta

JULY 31 – AUGUST 2

www.yourmetroparks.net

Multiple Venues Manitowoc

Voice of America Park West Chester

AUGUST 15-16

Lakeshore Weekend

www.lakeshoreweekend.org

Port of Toledo Wooden Boat Show

AUGUST 7-8

www.portoftoledo.org

SARA Park Sturgeon Bay

Port of Toledo Oregon

AUGUST 22-23

Multiple venues Grand Haven

www.ohiogovernorscupregatta.com

52 GLB | July/August 15

HOOK Race

Horns Bar Labor Day Regatta

Ohio Governor’s Cup Regatta

www.coastgurdfest.org

JULY 11

SEPTEMBER 6

JULY 24 – AUGUST 2

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

920-684-0218

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Celina

Classic & Wooden Boat Festival 715-356-5649

SEPTEMBER 5

Fish Boil

Town Hall Port Wing 715-774-3555

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Advertiser Index Absolute Yachts.......................................... 3 BoatU.S.................................................... 19 Cruzin....................................................... 31 Eaton Marina Power & Lighting.................. 1 Essex Credit.............................................BC GoBoatNY.com......................................... 31 Kasco Marine........................................... 49 Marlow-Hunter........................................... 5 NOPC....................................................... 14 Port Washington Marina........................... 37

GREAT LAKES

Progressive Insurance............................. IFC

BOATING FEDERATION

Progressive Michigan City Boat Show....... 23 Progressive North American In-Water Demo Show.............................................. 25

Reef Point Marina....................................... 2

IMPROVED MOBILE FRIENDLY!

SAMS....................................................... 42

GreatLakesBoatingFederation.com

RBFF........................................................ 15

NEW

SkipperBud’s...................................... 53, 56 Spring Brook Marina................................IBC Waukegan Harbor....................................... 7 Zodiac Marine/Reed Yacht Sales.............. 43

SELL YOUR BOAT on our new redesigned Classified Section at www.greatlakesboating.com

54 GLB | July/August 2015

For complete specs & photos of these boats visit:

SKIPPERBUDS.COM

B10956

2002

42’

AZIMUT

42 FLY

$229,900

B12698

2003

26’

SEA RAY

260 SUNDANCE

B13557

2006

43’

AZIMUT

43 S

$374,900

B13838

2002

27’

SEA RAY

270 SUNDECK

$39,995 $29,995

B13852

2008

62’

AZIMUT

62 S

$1,095,000

B13868

2005

27’

SEA RAY

270 AMBER JA

$48,900

B13631

2012

70’

AZIMUT

70 MOTOR YAC $2,950,000

B13209

2008

27’

SEA RAY

270 AMBER JA

$49,995

B13579

2013

27’

AZURE

279 CUDDY

$64,995

B13946

2003

28’

SEA RAY

280 SUNDANCE

$47,995

B13554

2007

28’

BAYLINER

285

$34,900

B13739

2005

28’

SEA RAY

280 SUNDANCE

$59,500

B12920

2008

32’

BAYLINER

320 EXPRESS

$85,000

SB0135A 2008

29’

SEA RAY

290 SUNDECK

$53,542

B13325

2006

33’

CARVER

33 SUPER SPO

$134,995

B13130

2004

30’

SEA RAY

300 SUNDANCE

$74,999

B12328

2006

35’

CARVER

35 SUPER SPO

$144,900

B13329

2001

31’

SEA RAY

310 SUNDANCE

$74,900

B13351

2003

36’

CARVER

360 SEDAN

$145,000

B12606

2003

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

$79,995

B13404

2004

56’

CARVER

56 VOYAGER

$519,000

B13282

2005

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

$79,900

B13759

2004

27’

CHAPARRAL

270 SIGNATUR

$49,995

B13826

2007

32’

SEA RAY

320 SUNDANCE

$129,500

P1305

2001

28’

CHAPARRAL

280 SIGNATUR

$42,995

B13394

2009

33’

SEA RAY

330 SUNDANCE

$174,995

B11231

2001

28’

CHAPARRAL

285 SSI

$29,900

B13747

2002

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$89,900

B11899

2007

43’

CRANCHI

43

$385,750

B7884

2005

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$179,995

B13778

2007

25’

CROWNLINE

250 CR

$52,900

B13746

2006

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$129,995

B13546

2004

44’

CRUISERS YACHTS

440 EC

$229,900

B13932

2008

34’

SEA RAY

340 SUNDANCE

$139,995

B13501

2005

44’

CRUISERS YACHTS

440 EC

$265,900

B11837

2003

36’

SEA RAY

360 SUNDANCE

$145,000

B12916

2005

44’

CRUISERS YACHTS

440 EC

$239,900

B13162

2001

38’

SEA RAY

380 SUNDANCE

$119,900

B12070

2003

54’

CRUISERS YACHTS

5470

$339,000

B12297

2001

38’

SEA RAY

380 SUNDANCE

$139,900

B13558

2007

26’

FORMULA

260 BOW RIDE

$64,900

B13637

2003

39’

SEA RAY

390 MOTOR YA

$169,995

B13816

2007

34’

FORMULA

34 PC

$144,999

B7169

2005

39’

SEA RAY

390 MOTOR YA

$385,000

B13727

2003

40’

FORMULA

40 PC

$189,900

B13389

2011

39’

SEA RAY

390 SUNDANCE

$319,000

B13095

2002

42’

FOUNTAIN

42 LIGHTNING

$99,900

B13153

2002

41’

SEA RAY

410 EXPRESS

$149,900

B13000

2011

24’

FOUR WINNS

240 HORIZON

$49,900

B12882

2002

41’

SEA RAY

410 SUNDANCE

$169,900

TY0092E 2001

26’

FOUR WINNS

268 VISTA

$19,871

B13247

2003

42’

SEA RAY

420 SUNDANCE

$239,900

B12875

2007

31’

FOUR WINNS

318 VISTA

$94,900

B13760

2004

42’

SEA RAY

42 SEDAN BRI

$299,000

B12599

2008

33’

FOUR WINNS

338 VISTA

$139,900

B13604

2007

44’

SEA RAY

44DA

$299,000

B12673

2005

34’

FOUR WINNS

348 VISTA

$139,900

B12880

2008

44’

SEA RAY

440 SUNDANCE

$439,000

B13866

2006

34’

FOUR WINNS

348 VISTA

$139,000

B8085

2005

46’

SEA RAY

460 SUNDANCE

$349,000

B13743

2011

35’

FOUR WINNS

355 VISTA

$199,000

R0024A

2011

47’

SEA RAY

470 SUNDANCE

$629,900

T3355A

2006

26’

LARSON

268 LXI

$30,995

B13458

2003

50’

SEA RAY

500 SUNDANCE

$399,000

B10545

2007

35’

LARSON

350 CABRIO

$119,900

B13350

2008

52’

SEA RAY

52 SUNDANCER $549,000

B13381

2012

50’

MARQUIS YACHTS

500 SB

$899,000

B10470

2008

55’

SEA RAY

550 SUNDANCE

$899,900

B13322

2003

34’

MERIDIAN YACHTS

341 SB

$94,900

B13909

2001

63’

SEA RAY

630 SSS

$449,000

B11266

2004

38’

MERIDIAN YACHTS

381

$159,000

B13235

2001

35’

Silverton

351 Converti

B13384

2007

39’

MERIDIAN YACHTS

391

$249,000

B13898

2003

35’

Silverton

35 MOTOR YAC

$124,900

B12709

2006

28’

MONTEREY

282 CRUISER

$58,900

B13366

2004

35’

Silverton

35 MOTOR YAC

$124,900

B13015

2012

24’

MOOMBA

2.5 MOJO

$52,900

B12946

2001

39’

Silverton

392 MOTOR YA

$119,900

HF0084A 2002

25’

Premier

250 SUNSATIO

$11,995

B11943

2005

43’

Silverton

43

$309,900

P1415

2002

26’

REGAL

2665

$26,995

B13411

2005

43’

Silverton

43 MOTOR YAC

P1744

2006

25’

RINKER

250 FIESTA V

$38,995

B13172

2006

82’

Sunseeker

82 Predator

B13749

2002

34’

RINKER

342 FIESTA V

$54,995

P1274

2007

25’

SUNTRACKER

25 PB

B11335

2007

35’

RINKER

350 FIESTA V

$125,000

B13059

2002

31’

TIARA YACHTS

3100 OPEN

B12848

2005

41’

RINKER

410

$125,000

B13045

2004

31’

TIARA YACHTS

3100 OPEN

$119,900

B13255

2007

42’

RINKER

420 EC

$189,000

B13804

2013

36’

TIARA YACHTS

3600 OPEN

$549,900

HF1195A 2003

25’

SANPAN

2500 RE

$17,995

B13217

2014

43’

TIARA YACHTS

4300 OPEN

$969,900

B13935

2006

26’

SANPAN

2600

$36,995

B11281

2011

24’

TIGE

24-RZ4

B13767

2010

24’

SEA RAY

240 SUNDANCE

$40,000

B13570

2003

50’

VIKING

50 SC FLYBRI

B13768

2002

26’

SEA RAY

260 SUNDANCE

$37,000

$79,900

$279,995 $1,595,000 $14,995 $119,900

$74,900 $389,000

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

Spring Brook Marina

See uS at the michigan cit y boat Show! aug. 6-9

exclusive prestige / Jeanneau powerBoat dealer for the great lakes

2015 Prestige 420S Express Located in Traverse City

2016 Jeanneau 36 Leader

See at the Michigan City Boat Show

2015 Prestige 550 Fly Bridge

See at the Michigan City Boat Show

2016 Prestige 450 Fly Bridge

See at the Michigan City Boat Show

lower lake michigan cruisers yachts and cruisers sport series dealer

2015 Cruisers Sport Series 328

See at the Michigan City Boat Show

2015 Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius

See at the Michigan City Boat Show

2015 Cruisers 390 Sports Coupe On Order, Trades Welcome

2014 Cruisers Sport 208 Bow Rider Call for Special In Stock Pricing

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

2005 Sea Ray 420 Sedan Bridge Trades Welcome, $249,900

2011 Cruisers Yachts 48 Cantius Garmin Elect., Sat TV, $639,900

2001 Doral SE Express Trades Welcome, $79,900

1995 Hatteras 54 Convertible In Water, Ready to Go, $289,900

2013 Cruisers 350 Express Axius Joystick, $239,000

2011 Cruisers Yachts 48 Cantius Trades Welcome, $599,900

2000 Sea Ray 400 Sundancer Twin Cat Diesels, $149,900

2008 Catalina Morgan 440 Every Option, $219,900

three great lakes locations to serve You et We glts! u s re your list ith w boat day! us to

seneca, illinois 623 W. River Road 866-418-6696

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

eastlake, ohio 105200 Forest Drive 866-418-6696

www.springbrookmarina.com | sales@springbrookmarina.com

DIVE IN TO A LOW-INTEREST BOAT LOAN.

Essex Credit, a division of Bank of the West, has

Loan Amount

APR* as low as

affordable boat loan options that can help you

$50,000+

4.12%

get out on the water quickly. Our experienced

$25,000–$49,999

4.79%

consultants make getting your loan easy and stress-free, so you can look forward to what’s really important — enjoying your boat.

Changing market conditions can affect rates, so act now to take advantage of our low APRs.

Refinance — New or Used Purchase From a Dealer or Individual Seller — Purchase Locally or Cross-Country

APR is fixed for the life of the loan. Lower rates with shorter loan terms are also available. Rates are accurate as of May 22, 2015. See our website for current rates and terms for financing Live-Aboards, older boats and loan amounts below $25,000.

Apply online today. www.essexcredit.com/greatlakes (866) 377-3948

NEW - USED - REFINANCE

WE ALSO OFFER: Live-Aboard financing | Loans for older boats (1919–1994) | Loans for part- and full-time charters *Estimated APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Subject to consumer loan program requirements and credit approval. Certain fees, closing costs, and restrictions may apply. APR applied to the loan is the APR in effect on the date the application is received and is valid until 30 days after the loan is approved. APRs may vary with loan term. Boat must be 1995 model year or newer and have a maximum loan-to-value of 90%. Maximum loan term based on model year, loan amount, loan type, and lender guidelines. Other rates with different loan terms are available. Example of a recreational use Boat loan: A 15 year fixed-rate $55,000 loan. Based on an APR of 4.12%, this loan has 144 monthly payments of $484.75 each.

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

© 2015 Bank of the West. NMLS ID# 19116