Great Lakes Boating Nov/Dec. 13

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

December 2013

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS

the Caribbean who’s looking for neat

Publisher & Editor in Chief F. Ned Dikmen

spots to dock your boat and discover reefs and beaches or a seasoned

While we’re very excited about

traveler who wants to continue

Managing Editor Karen Malonis

enjoying natural beauty, the U.S.

Associate Editor Jerome A. Koncel

Virgin Islands is your destination.

publishing this issue, we want to begin

St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas

by extending our heartfelt “Thanks” to

comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands, and

all our readers and advertisers for your

while they’re all very beautiful, they’re

continued support and encouragement

also very distinct.

this past year. We also want to wish all of you a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season.

villages full of chandleries, restaurants, and interesting fishing spots. St. John is a must-see destination for boaters

recreational anglers while there’s still

offering some of the most spectacular

time, we offer our “Holiday Gift Guide”

beaches anywhere in the world. One of

beginning on page 30. In this section,

the top places to visit in St. Thomas is

you’ll find a selection of gifts that are

historic Charlotte Amalie, the capital of

practical, affordable, and even utterly

the U.S. Virgin Islands and home to one

extravagant to meet your loved one’s

the world’s most spectacular harbors.

happy recipient.

Art Direction Steve Jones

and bustling towns, that are really small

for their beloved boaters, sailors and

these gifts and you’re certain to have a

Editorial Intern Shawn Conner

St. Croix is known for its vast beaches

For those looking to purchase gifts

maritime needs. Choose any one of

Contributing Writers Tom Bingham Laurie Fullerton John Hutchingson

While these idyllic spots are worth your perusal, the more usual activities for area boaters at this

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

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

2013 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of Chicago

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

And speaking of good times, our cover

time of the year are hauling their

For editorial inquiries, contact Great Lakes Boating

story on the four Baja Marine Inc. boat

boats out of the water and putting

Magazine at 1032 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610

lines is a real “feel good” story. The

them up for the winter. This simple

p 312.266.8400 or e kmalonis@greatlakesboating.com.

four lines that makeup Baja today are

process requires proper planning and Tom Bingham, a certified mechanic,

Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available online at

individually and collectively well known and well admired. But like all of us,

describes the six steps boaters should

centers and newsstands in areas surrounding

they’ve gone through some traumatic

take for proper winterization.

the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all

ups and downs, a series of trials and tribulations that are worthy of books and movies, but through it all they’ve emerged as a far better concern for having worked everything out.

And our end-of-the-year issue has a lengthy piece written by our

All manuscripts should be accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope. Great Lakes Boating

headed by assessing the industry’s

Magazine is not responsible and will not be liable for

that are worthy of their brand names

His analysis reveals a major upheaval

and is introducing them to Great Lakes

in the boating industry and a strategic

boaters and fishermen. The company

failure on the part of the industry to

is led by a core group of experienced

bring in women, emerging minorities,

leaders who are working together,

and youth as active participants

forming a close-knit team that is

and thereby creating a sustainable

manufacturing powerboats worthy of

business model. You’ll find his analysis

the names Baja, Donzi, Fountain, and

both informative and enlightening.

Pro-Line.

Moreover, in our next issue, he’ll offer

boating horizons, then we’ve got the spot for you: the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Whether you’re a first time visitor to

04 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

takes a look at where the industry is current status and how we got here.

lines to the test while expanding your

undelivered issues to Great Lakes Boating Magazine,

associate editor Jerry Koncel. He

Today, Baja Marine is building vessels

If you want to put these different boat

greatlakesboating.com and at any of the distribution

some constructive ideas on how to rectify our current situation.

non-solicited manuscripts, including photographs.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

22 Features FEATURES

OTC

• BAJA MARINE ........................ 12 • BOATING’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE . 18 • JEWELS OF THE CARIBBEAN ........ 22

SPOTLIGHTS Spotlight

• BOATING EDUCATION .................... 26 • SIX STEPS ................................ 28 • GIFT GUIDE ............................... 30

In the News IN THE NEWS

• GREAT LAKES ..............................34 • MARINAS.................................. 38 • FISHING .................................... 40 • NATIONAL ................................. 42 • SAILING .................................... 44

26

DEPARTMENTS Departments

• PUBLISHER’S NOTE.................... 04 • EDITORIALS ................................. 08 • NEW PRODUCTS ........................ 46 • BOAT CARE AND FEEDING........... 48 • EVENTS CALENDAR ................... 50 • MARINE MART........................... 52 • ADVERTISER INDEX ................... 52

• READ • GREAT LAKES BOATING on your tablet or smartphone visit: greatlakesboating.com

GLB NEWSLETTER AL E RT !!!

Great Lakes Boating now offers boaters a free weekly digital

newsletter to keep them informed about news, issues, and events of the Great Lakes.

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

06 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

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EDITORIALS

Decaying Marina Infrastructures If you were to board a plane and fly over the Great Lakes,

dollars on projects the federal government should handle. As

you’d be in awe at the countless boats and marinas that dot

a result, they avoid the dredging problem, calling it a federal

the coastlines of the bordering states. You’d see what can best

responsibility, and this inaction has led to a vexing issue.

be described as “jumbo marinas,” that is, those having 200

Marinas need water to keep their business operations alive, and

or more slips, and you’d be impressed with both the number

without it they will go out of business. When water levels get

and size of the boats docked at these facilities. For all their

too low, marinas start to fret. They can’t manufacture rain or

beauty and grandeur, these beautiful pictures are hiding some

snow, so they ask USACE to dredge their harbors to keep them

underlying problems. Beneath the waters beat the ravages of

open for their boating customers. When USACE refuses, the

time that are undermining our boat and fi shing activities.

marinas have no choice but to do the dredging themselves, let

The current holiday season may put us in a good mood, but

the problem get worse, or close up shop.

there’s a perennial problem that’s dampening our spirits and

The key variable in this scenario is the weather. Last year,

it’s called “a decaying infrastructure.” On the ground, it doesn’t

Mother Nature brought a winter of litt le precipitation and a

take long before recreational boaters and sportfi shermen can

summer-long drought. The resulting record low water levels

spot the problem: crumbling breakwaters, worn out docks,

on the Great Lakes prompted marina operators to ask: “How

overgrown landscapes. “What do we do?”

will these low water levels affect our boating customers?” The

The simple answer is to fi x the infrastructure problem, but

answer was: “Very, very badly.”

the reality is that this can’t be done without help from local,

So as we look forward to a happy and joyous holiday season,

state, and federal governments. When it comes to repairing

we’re reminded that our infrastructure is in a frightful state,

our breakwaters, replacing our decrepit docks, and dredging

putt ing us into a worrisome plight. We ask Santa Claus (the

our silted and nearly dry harbors, boaters, marinas, and

federal government) to drop off gift s of money so that we can

municipalities look to the government for help, and that’s the

install new docks, replace aging breakwaters, and dredge our

rub. Government doesn’t exist to help recreational boaters and

harbors, but all we’re fi nding is lumps of coal. So, make this

sportsfi shermen. It’s as if we don’t matter.

your Christmas wish:

Let’s take a look at dredging as a good example. Boaters

Write or call your congressmen and remind them that the

and anglers alike note that marinas and municipalities turn

Great Lakes are a national treasure containing more than

to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dredging. USACE,

20 percent of all the fresh water in the world. Tell them that

which is mandated by Congress to help keep harbors open

recreational boating on the Great Lakes is a $10 billion a year

and operational, says it can do litt le dredging of recreational

business that should not be ignored. Tell them recreational

harbors because Congress hasn’t allocated enough funds.

boaters are facing a decaying infrastructure, and that now is the

It has to prioritize activities, and it deems commercial harbors

time to fi x it by appropriating the necessary funds to keep our

more important.

breakwaters from crumbling, our docks from falling apart, and

Why don’t states step in? Because state governments have

our harbors from becoming impassable.

limited funds, and they don’t want to spend their precious

Agree? Disagree? Want to Comment?

EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS TO LETTERS@GREATLAKESBOATING.COM

08 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

BECOME A BOATING ADVOCATE At this time of the year when people are taking time out of

a few, countering the popular argument that boating is too

their busy lives to give thanks for their many blessings and

expensive to enjoy. These people would point out that for the

share gift s with one another, we’d like to take this opportunity

cost of a mid-size automobile, individuals can purchase a boat,

to encourage you to be generous and become true advocates of

add an outboard motor and trailer, or dock it at a marina.

recreational boating and sportfi shing.

Advocates would point out that recreational boating and

Webster’s defi nes an advocate as “a person who publicly

fi shing is more than just a nice outdoor activity. It’s a vital

supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.”

cog in our nation’s economy. Recreational boating adds $121

Boating advocates are people who are truly passionate about

billion to the economy each year, supports 964,000 American

their activities on the water, including cruising, fi shing,

jobs, and drives $83 billion a year in annual spending on boats

wakeboarding, and other water sports. There are more than 12

and accessories.

million registered boaters in the U.S., more than 1.6 million anglers in the fresh waters, and the industry needs to convert these “members of the choir” into advocates.

Boaters and fi shermen are more than willing to pay for the opportunity to recreate on our waters. In fact, boaters do this every time they fi ll up their tanks, while anglers do this

Nearly all boating and fi shing enthusiasts believe that these

whenever they purchase fi shing licenses, gear, and accessories.

are great outdoor activities that should endure and be passed

Either part or all of the money involved in these transactions

on from one generation to another. They’re people who head

goes to support fi sh habitat, conserve fi sh species, and improve

down to the harbor on Friday nights to enjoy the water and

the marine infrastructure.

the friendship of their fellow boaters and fi shermen and then return home on Sunday evening.

In words and actions, advocates show their friends that boating is for individuals, couples, and families. At a time

There’s nothing wrong with these lifestyles, but the industry

when the American family is under intense pressure, boating

would really benefit from boaters who are advocates. If this

is one activity that bonds family members together. No matter

occurs, the silent majority would suddenly become very visible

if it’s sailing the Great Lakes, fi shing the inland lakes and

and vocal. There would be millions of people, instead of just

harbors, or wakeboarding on any of the region’s numerous waterways, boating is one activity that all members of the

JOIN US

The he VOICE of 4.3 Million Boaters

family, whether kids or parents, can enjoy. The freedom, joy, and exhilaration they all experience when being on the water is just not a wonderful time, it’s truly a priceless gift .

Recreational boating and fi shing advocates are well aware of the obstacles and challenges that hinder the enjoyment of there pastimes. At the same time, they acknowledge that nothing good comes easy. Thus, they persist in communicating their wants and desires to their elected officials when none of them seems to be listening. They persevere in espousing their causes when everyone seems to be ignoring them. And they support each other by joining the

greatlakesboatingfederation.org

Great Lakes Boating Federation, which turns their wants and desires into clear, concrete, practical results.

greatlakesboating.com | 09

LET TERS TO THE EDITOR

ABOUT A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Your September/October editorial (“Changing Boating’s Unsustainable Path”) stated, “Further, not enough is being done to stem the tide of aging boat buyers.” At age 66 I’m really sorry about that! Perhaps we can be culled during bow-hunting season.

Now to your very valid point. It turns out that the price of a small boat is not really the problem. It is the price of what I will call “Everything Else.” This includes housing, student loans, health care, child care, transportation, food, insurance, and on and on.

I have owned boats for some time, and the price of a small boat is really not the issue. I ran the numbers. In 1988, I bought a brand new 20-ft. Sea Ray bowrider with trailer for about $15,500. It was a fair price. If we adjust this price for inflation from 1988 to 2013, I believe it comes to about $30,600. If we add $3,000 to $5,000 to recognize 25 years of safety/environmental/durability improvements since 1988, we reach a price of around $35,000 for a similar-size Sea Ray and trailer, which I believe is right about what it sells for today from the dealer.

For the last 20 years, I have owned a bigger boat and only recently have begun looking at smaller boats because I want to downsize. I find lots of boats that prove that it is no more expensive to buy a small boat (21- or 22-feet) today than it was 25 years ago, but there is another factor—better stewardship of our waters—that adds to the price.

I have sons who are married and who love boating. So do their wives. My video collection includes videos of them learning to waterski, kneeboard, tube, etc. We are blessed with another generation who can learn about boating, but I wonder if they’ll ever be boaters.

In today’s world, it’s the “Everything Else” that makes boating’s path unsustainable at the level of small-boat-ownership. (As an aside, this does not apply to the big boat buyers.)

We need to look at housing costs, health care costs, food, taxes, schooling, transportation costs, utilities, child care and on and on as the reasons for boating’s “unsustainable path.”

For many of today’s young families, the 600-pound gorilla in their lives is the massive student loan debt they incurred just to eventually reach the ranks of the “middle class.” It was this class that used to buy small boats like the 20-ft. bowrider I bought in 1988. Today, it’s out of their price range.

Mike Kaplan Buffalo, N.Y.

CORRECTION The prices and website of the GOST® NT-Evolution 2.0 Wireless Global Security and Monitoring System that appeared on page 47 of the September/ October issue were incorrectly listed. The correct retail price of the security and monitoring package is $4,999 and the NT-Evolution 2.0 system alone is $2,999, not the $99.99 that appeared with the product description. More information can be found at www.gostglobal.com.. We apologize to the manufacturer and our readers for this error and any inconveniences it may have caused.

10 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

he parent company of Baja, Donzi, Fountain, and Pro-Line is expanding the presence of these performance boat brands in the Great Lakes region.

T

Baja, Donzi, Fountain, and Pro-Line are four iconic performance boat brands well known not only in America,

STORIED BEGINNINGS

but also around the world. A few years ago, one couldn’t

Baja actually got its start in Bucyrus, Ohio, not far from

go out on a lake or river in the Midwest without seeing one

Lake Erie. Its founder, Doug Smith, and his partners built

or more of these boats—a Baja anchored off a beach with

their first boat in an abandoned roller rink in 1971, then

the owners and their kids in the water; a Pro-Line stalking

went on to create popular models such as the classic

fish in a quiet backwater; or a Donzi or Fountain going

Baja CT 150 race boat, establishing a reputation as an

head-to-head in a Lake Michigan poker run.

innovative performance boat manufacturer. Among the

Recent recessionary times have hurt distribution for these boat brands and many others in the Midwest. As a result, one is more apt to find these boats for sale in coastal cities and other saltwater ports. But change happens quickly,

most successful Baja models are the Outlaw performance boat line with its comfortable cabins and the family friendly Islander open-bow series. Today, Baja still builds Outlaws and Islanders ranging from 23 to 35 feet.

and Baja Marine, Inc., their new parent company, has

Donzi was founded in Florida in 1964 by boating industry

mounted a campaign to bring Baja, Donzi, Fountain, and

legend Don Aronow. Starting boat companies was habit-

Pro-Line back to prominence in the Great Lakes region.

forming for the famous boat racer, who also created

12 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

greatlakesboating.com | 13

Baja 278 Performance

Baja 26 Outlaw Interior

Pro-Line 35 Super Sport

Cigarette, Formula and Magnum. As the story goes, Donzi got its name from Aronow’s secretary who nicknamed him: “Donzi Baby.”

A multifaceted brand featuring high-tech hull technology, Donzi’s models range from the retro 16 Classic—known as the “Sweet Sixteen”—to the fishfinding ZF and ZFX outboard fishboat series to the speed demon ZR line of offshore high performance boats that go up to 43 feet in length.

Fountain is another fire-breathing brand, founded in 1972 by tunnel-hull boat racer Reggie Fountain. Headquartered in Washington, N.C., the company set out with single-minded determination to build the smoothest handling, fastest performance boat on the market.

Over the years, Fountain the boat brand has broken every world V-bottom hull race boat speed record—in fact, it has broken its own speed record nine times! In addition to performance sportboats ranging from 35 to 47 feet, Fountain also builds a line of highly competitive fish boats that have won more Southern Kingfish Association Championships than any other brand.

Father-and-son team Ray and Dan Atwood started Pro-Line Boats in Homosassa Springs, Fla., in 1968. Their fishing boat line, built by serious anglers for serious anglers, soon “hooked” fishermen across the country and ultimately became one of the best-known brands in the world. Built with top quality construction, components and rigging, Pro-Line Boats gained a sterling reputation for durability and fishability. The line has expanded to include more than 15 models ranging from 20 to 35 feet, including center consoles, dual consoles, open Sport, Super Sport and Grand Sport fish

14 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

Fountain 35

Baja 26 Outlaw

boats, and full-cabin express cruisers.

Donzi 38ZFX

Fountain 34CC

Fountain SVL Absolutely Not in New York by Lucididee Fast Boats

UNDER ONE ROOF Over the years, different corporate owners acquired these four boat companies, but they never lost their brand identities. In 1994, American Marine Holdings, then-owner of Pro-Line Boats, purchased Donzi. This ultimately brought the performance boat builder under the purview of Johnny Walker, then Pro-Line Boats vice president of manufacturing. Walker, who had begun his career and honed his skills at Sea Ray, spent more than 15 years streamlining and modernizing production at Pro-Line and Donzi, as well as enhancing the quality, innovation, longevity, and durability of both brands.

In 2009, the people behind Walker heard opportunity knock when Baja and Fountain came on the market. They

Donzi 38ZSF

quickly acquired the two brands and began manufacturing their boats at Fountain’s state-of-the-art factory in Washington, N.C. Two years later, in early 2011, Donzi and Pro-Line also moved into the North Carolina facility.

Finally, in October 2012, the assets of all four boat brands were officially placed under the Baja Marine, Inc. umbrella.

“It’s great to have all of the brands together under the same roof,” said Walker, now CEO of Baja Marine, Inc. “It allows us to draw on the talents and experience of our many long-time employees who have been designing, building, and marketing these performance boats for more than a quarter of a century.”

Walker’s veteran team includes Nick Miller, who joined Pro-Line Boats in 1986 and is now Baja Marine, Inc. Vice President; Carol Price, who was with Fountain for more than 25 years and is now Vice President of Administration; and Dave Hardison, head engineer, who along with many more employees at Baja Marine, Inc. has been in boatbuilding for more than a quarter-of-a-century.

Walker enjoys working with these people. “Building these legendary performance boat

Absolutely Not in New York

by Lucididee Fast Boats

brands is not just a job for them; it’s their life and their passion,” Walker said.

greatlakesboating.com | 15

Nick Miller VP

Johnny Walker CEO

Baja 247 Islander

NEW BOAT INTRODUCTIONS

MIDWEST EXPANSION

Today, innovation is in the air at the new factory with all four

Miller and Walker are hard at work on establishing

brands in various stages of building for the 2014 model year.

a network of dealer partners for Baja Marine, Inc.’s four

The company is scheduled to debut two new models in early

boat brands throughout the Midwest. “We are taking our time

November, including the very first Baja Outlaw ever built

because we only want to work with dealers who are willing to

with outboard power: the Baja 26 Outlaw Outboard. What’s

be in it for the long term—as our partners for life,” Miller said.

more, this new propulsion configuration soon will be available

Happy Days Boating, a new Pro-Line dealer in Port Clinton,

throughout the entire Baja Outlaw line.

Ohio, is a good example of what Miller wants. “Our goal in

“Outboard-powered Baja performance boats are perfect for the type of boating that people like to do in the Great Lakes region,” said Miller. “The introduction of this new series is

partnering with only truly committed dealers is to ensure the highest level of customer service for everyone who buys our boats.”

perfectly timed to complement our push to re-introduce our

Baja Marine, Inc. also operates an elite boat service center

four boat brands in the Midwest.”

and custom race boat shop at the factory in North Carolina.

Another exciting new model introduction is the Pro-Line 23 Sport Hemingway Edition, the first boat in an exclusive series designed in conjunction with the family of famous writer and sportsman Ernest Hemingway. Along with graphics inspired

by Hemingway’s own boat, Pilar, these boats will be loaded with upscale features and amenities.

This summer, proving that the racing shop still has what it takes to build a highly competitive boat, Fountain Powerboats delivered the ultra-fast, smooth-running Fountain 30-foot Lightning SVL Absolutely Not to team owner and driver Mark Gibbons of Long Island, N.Y. Fountain’s in-house team fabricated the boat’s hull, deck, and cockpit, and designed the graphics in collaboration with Gibbons.

“This is another example of the strategic alliance marketing

In early September, Absolutely Not won the Superboat Vee

we have formed over the years with high-profile companies

Class in the 23rd Annual New York Super Boat Grand Prix.

such as Universal Studios, Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson, Wendy’s, and many others,” said Miller. “We also have a great relationship with Hollywood. Look for the Fountain 42 in the movie ‘Machete II’ in theaters right now.”

“Our team here at Baja Marine, Inc. has really jelled. There are no divas, just a bunch of creative people working together toward a common goal: To build the best Baja, Donzi, Fountain, and Pro-Line boats ever,” Walker said. “We are looking forward to the day when our brands are back

16 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

Fountain 38TE

Baja Marine, Inc. Factory

Baja 26 Outlaw

on all the lakes and rivers of the Midwest.”

By Jerome A. Koncel

It

was 25 years ago that Bobby McFerrin introduced the world to his No. 1 hit song,

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” and that song's title aptly describes boating’s

In the quarter century since McFerrin’s song, the world of boating and fishing has changed dramatically. It wasn’t that long ago when boating was known as the favorite family sport, offering a lifestyle that would carry us through to the golden days of retirement. It was tourism’s best friend.

Municipalities and tourism bureaus embraced boating as one of the best ways to keep discretionary funds in the home market. Billboards on the outskirts of coastal municipalities showed wakeboard boats whizzing by with children

idealistic image. The image of people

waterskiing behind. A wait of three to five years was the

taking their boats out on the waters

norm for getting a coveted mooring spot at the local marina.

to avoid stress and enjoy freedom

What happened to all that? Where are we now and what’s our future?

and exhilaration is very compelling, but it belies a declining pastime, an industry with an uncertain future.

CURRENT STATUS A careful review of today’s boating industry reveals a great upheaval. The halcyon days of the 1990s when there were more than 16 million registered boaters, boat and accessory manufacturers couldn’t keep up with soaring demand, and marinas were being built bigger and better than ever are long gone. Replacing them are staggering drop-offs in boat production and sales, empty slips at marinas, and unsuccessful attempts to market the sport.

18 GLB | Nov/ De c 13

Of particular concern is the decrease in both new boat sales

surcharge on every new boat and motor sold by dealers. This

and the lack of younger participants. These significant drop-

effort failed because not every boat and engine manufacturer

offs are neither new nor earth-shattering, and they did not

believed in the program, dealers weren’t diligent in passing

happen overnight. Even as the industry was growing in the

along the fee as a surcharge to customers, and the recession

early years of the 2000s, leaders of the boating industry saw

meant a drop-off in funds.

some underlying structural problems that would undermine efforts to grow boating.

The second flaw was not as obvious, but may be more telling.

Boating has always had a good story to sell to the public,

In 2003 and 2004, industry leaders came together to discuss

but it seems that we haven’t done a good job of telling it. The

a growing dissatisfaction with customer service from the

telltale signs were readily apparent. Ask boaters about the two

people who bought new boats and a lack of young people,

best days of their lives, and they’d reply. “When we bought the

women, and emerging minorities who were participating

boat and when we sold it!” Ask the “Average Joes,” walking

in boating. Led by GE Capital, the National Marine

down the street what percentage of all boats are 40 feet and

Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and leading boat and

longer and most would respond, “20-25 percent, and maybe

motor manufacturers, industry leaders decided it was time to

even more.” Ask non-boaters what percentage of boats in

attack these nagging problems. It created the “Grow Boating”

the U.S. are under 20 feet, and they’ll reply, “About half.” That

program, a nationwide industry effort designed to grow

these answers are so far off the actual figures can only be

boating participation and increase customer satisfaction.

attributable to poor communications with John Q. Public.

While efforts to improve customer satisfaction were quite

The “Grow Boating” program had laudable goals, but suffered

successful, the lack of success in selling the boating lifestyle

from a recession, a poorly defined strategy and inadequate

to minorities and younger generations led to disastrous

funding. Today, boat manufacturers, dealers, and other

consequences when the economic recession rocked America

marine organizations still rally behind “Discover Boating,”

in 2007-2010. As the economy stumbled, financial markets

an industrywide initiative to grow participation and create a

tumbled, and the middle class contracted, sales of new

positive boating experience. It strives to attract non-boaters

boats plummeted from 291,000 in 2006 to around 139,000

by showing the fun of the boating lifestyle through a national

in 2010, according to NMMA. During this period, numerous

public relations and marketing campaign called “Welcome to

manufacturers closed plants, reduced production, or simply

the Water.”

went out of business. New boat and engine production dropped 80 percent in 2009 alone, and between 35 to 40 percent of all boat dealers who were in business when 2008 began were no longer in existence by 2010.

What happened to “Grow Boating”? The program showed

While it appeared to many people that Grow Boating and Discover Boating were making headway in attracting new boat buyers, younger families, and kids to boating, it was more of a pacifier. Between 2007 and 2010, new boat sales dropped by more than 50 percent, boat repossessions soared, the number

glimmers of hope when first announced, but ultimately failed

of people leaving boating seemed to equal those entering,

because of two major flaws. The first and most immediate one

and the industry faced a leadership vacuum. In short, the

was a lack of funding. The main funding mechanism was a

industry was in a free fall.

greatlakesboating.com | 19

Over the last two years, the industry has stemmed the steep

All this is to say that the current increase in boat sales

drop-off in sales, reporting even a slight increase, but this has

and accessories is real, but it’s fleeting at best. It is not a

been an uneven growth. The number of people purchasing

sustainable business model. Recent news reports revealed

larger boats, that is, yachts, megayachts, and superyachts,

that the number of 35-39 year olds purchasing new boats

has either remained the same or actually shown a slight

dropped to 6 percent in 2012 from 14 percent only 15

increase. The number of people purchasing smaller boats,

years ago. Moreover, while the desire to bring in younger

that is, under 20 feet, has also increased, but neither of these

boaters, get more kids involved in boating and fishing, and

sectors could offset the huge drop-off in sales of news boats

substantially increase the number of women, Hispanics,

of 20-38 feet, vessels that were typically purchased by the

and African-Americans participating in boating is strong,

middle class.

the impetus is sorely lacking.

When individuals who have left boating are asked why,

One cannot grow a declining industry and create a

they point to high costs, other outdoor options, and time

sustainable future without getting a commitment of time

constraints. In fairness, it should be pointed out that when

and money from all the interested parties. The boating

boating costs are compared to other outdoor recreational

industry does not do well in either of these categories.

sports, such as hunting, hiking, and golf, boating fares quite well. However, there is a stigma attached to recreational boating—it’s seen as the lifestyle of the rich. This viewpoint is only solidified when people read stories about the America's Cup, hear news headlines announcing that the head of the Arab Emirates recently took possession of a 519-foot superyacht, and see photos of big, luxurious boats.

One final note: nearly 60 percent of the people who now own boats are 55 years of age and older. What’s startling about this statistic is that young people with kids have not embraced boating. This is not a good sign for an industry that wants to grow, develop, and thrive well into the future.

When it comes to funding, the industry proudly acknowledges that it expects to receive $6.5-7 million for its “Discover Boating” initiative, which is a drop of water in a 55-gallon drum when compared to the tens of millions of dollars the United States Golf Association and related golf organizations spend each year promoting their sport. Money doesn’t cure everything, but without the proper funding, very little will be accomplished.

And what about the time commitment? The need to bring all sectors of the marine industry together to join together and solve boating’s problems is urgent. It was precisely this message that prompted the NMMA to gather more than 150 industry leaders from all sectors of the boating industry

CHANGE EFFORTS At the beginning of 2013, industry analysts said that boat sales rose in 2012, and would increase more in 2013. While this has occurred, the major reason for this increase is not because more women, Hispanics, African-Americans, younger families, and Generation X and Y individuals are purchasing them but rather because the country is seeing a record number of retirees. Each day, more than 10,000 “baby boomers” retire, and they are looking for something to do with their time and wealth. They’re moving to the coasts and warmer climates, to lakes and rivers, seeking peace and calm, which means purchasing boats to go fishing and cruising.

20 GLB | Nov/ De c 13

ranging from manufacturers to marinas to the Sea Scouts, in December 2011 for a “Leadership Summit.”

At this meeting, the attendees agreed that the industry was at a crucial time in its history. Something must be done to stem the tide of poor sales and declining participation. There was need to change boating from a decaying industry to one of growth and development. This would not happen overnight, but everyone must be involved now for this to occur by 2020.

A leadership core emerged from this summit and advanced six core areas as worthy of the group’s attention, but two years later, nothing specific has emerged. The urgency and positive momentum of the Leadership Summit has evaporated.

Moreover, the concrete goals and strategies expected to achieve a sustainable, growing and developing industry by the year 2020 are “still to be determined.”

ASSESSMENT

the image of boating as an enjoyable outdoor sport that

To the outside observer, it seems that the strategies needed to increase participation in boating may be clearly defined, but are not achieving results. Boating participation among diverse audiences is hardly growing. The fastest growing segments of the American population, Hispanics and minorities, are either unaware of boating and fishing or simply ignoring it in favor of

emphasizes freedom, fun, and exhilaration, encourages family participation, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg may be real, but it’s not the one most nonparticipants have of the boating industry. They view boating as a sport for the rich and famous, one where large, magnificent cruisers and yachts owned by the one percenters are the norm.

other outdoor pursuits.

If you want to know what’s wrong with boating, ask

THE FUTURE

yourself these questions. Who speaks

At present, boating has declined

for and represents boaters? Where will boating get the tens of millions of dollars needed to successfully market this outdoor recreational activity? How come there aren’t more Hispanics and African-Americans involved in boating? Why aren’t more youngsters involved in boating

dramatically and lost participants,

The NEED to bring all sectors of the marine industry together to JOIN TOGETHER and SOLVE boating’s problems is urgent.

History tells us that those persons who don’t learn from the past will repeat the same actions in the future. This is certainly true of the boating industry, which never saw any advantages in joining together in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, and so today remains a series of individualistic businesses and services that don’t join together for the common good. Moreover, the idea that what’s good for one sector of the industry is good for all sectors is an anomaly.

there has been a significant drop-off, it is important to note that recreational boating and sportsfishing is still an important cog in the nation’s economy. Recreational

economic impact is more than $121

football, baseball, and bands? Why don’t viable option for their time and money?

RVing, hunting, and golf. While

boating and sportfishing’s

and fishing instead of basketball, more families with young kids see boating as a

but the same can be said of

billion a year, according to NMMA, and it supports nearly a million jobs and more than 34,000 businesses. All this is to say that recreational boating and fishing won’t disappear any time soon.

The scary part about today is that the industry has not changed much since the Great Financial Recession struck the United States five years ago. While other industries and recreational sectors have acknowledged how society has changed, the recreational boating industry seems to ignore this fact. The industry seems mired in days of old, but if it is to grow and survive, the industry must be bold in developing

The picture that emerges today of recreational boating and

future-looking programs and projects that attract a younger,

sportsfishing is not very clear. We can all name the top three

more diverse audience.

auto manufacturers in the U.S., but can you name the top 10 boat builders? Top five engine manufacturers? And here’s something else to ponder: Does it make a difference to you to know that your boat builder was certified by NMMA? That you purchased your boat from a certified dealer? And that it was repaired at a certified Five-Star dealership?

The United States is still the most lucrative boating market in the world, so efforts will continue to be made to appeal to the millions of recreational boaters and sportfishermen.

As far as the future of boating is concerned, it’s still to be determined. We got ourselves into this mess, and we’ll get ourselves out of it so that boating and fishing can once again

It is quite accurate to say that the boating industry has a

be growing and thriving. Check with us next issue to see how

good story to tell, but does a poor job of telling it. As a result,

this can be done.

greatlakesboating.com | 21

The

Jewels ofthe Caribbean —St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John

By Laurie Fullerton

IN

the 1970s, Graham Nash wrote a terrific song (The Lee Shore) about his experiences cruising the Caribbean Islands. In his song, Nash penned these wonderful words, “From here to Venezuela, nothing more to see—than a hundred thousand islands, flung like jewels upon the sea.”

Nash’s lyrical description aptly describes the

school holidays to enjoy the beauty here. Also, boaters here

U.S. Virgin Islands, the crown jewel and the beginning

can travel to the British Virgin Islands to see nearby islands

of a boater’s journey to the Caribbean. This U.S. territory

like Jost Van Dyke and Tortola. So, ideally, a power boater

shares both an American and Danish heritage, as well as

can travel between different cultures, visit different countries,

unique island identities. The region is made up of three

and experience different characteristics during one visit.

islands—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Each one is

The Region

spectacular in its own right, and together they make up a wonderful array of choices for boaters.

Although the Virgin Islands have been a sailing and

What is noteworthy to boaters visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands

have an abundance of marinas. which makes it somewhat

is their proximity and connection to the islands of Puerto

easier for sailors to get around because they do not have to

Rico—where boaters come on holiday weekends or during

rely solely on fuel.

22 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

chartering destination for about 40 years, the region does not

The Virgin Islands are a mariner’s paradise where the

of a gateway to St. John, where the National Park and the

popularity of boating and fishing has surpassed sailing

beaches along the north shore are great destinations.

in recent years. There are ample marine facilities in ports like Red Hook on St. Thomas and St. Croix and plenty of information for anyone who wants to spend time on the water here. Sailors know the waters well here and the region is well charted. In addition, boating and fishing around the U.S. Virgin Islands has become a local pastime, and is something that visitors can do while in the islands.

In St. Thomas, the best place for boaters to visit is the small village of Red Hook on the east end of the island.

Red Hook is a bustling small harbor town where the ferries depart regularly to beautiful St. John. It is full of restaurants and small chandleries and has fuel docks for boaters and information about fishing and places to go. While in Red Hook, check out the American Yacht Harbor which is a

Visits to the islands of St. Thomas and St. John work nicely

modern, full-service St. Thomas marina featuring 105 fixed

because of their proximity to each other, while the island of

slips with accommodations for vessels up to 110 feet. At Red

St. Croix is a short day trip away. St. Croix is known for its

Hook, visitors can easily cross over to St. John by private

vast beaches and busy towns, while St. Thomas is something

boat or by ferry.

greatlakesboating.com | 23

The

Jewels ofthe Caribbean

Photos| U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

For boaters venturing to St. Croix, the Bunkers of

it has camping facilities, as well as good anchorages

St. Croix is the ideal place to fuel up for the return trip.

and coves, near many of the beaches particularly along

En route to St. John or St. Croix, the waters off Red Hook

Cinnamon Bay.

are a natural preserve and offer some of the richest sea life and unspoiled coral in the Caribbean. On land, “Coral World” is an underwater marine park and observatory that beckons boaters to don dive helmets and take a supervised walk on the sea floor and observe the marine life up close and personal.

ST. John

St. John is a must-see destination for boaters.

The National Park Service owns two-thirds of St. John, so most of the island is undeveloped. The most spectacular beaches are along the north shore including Trunk Bay, which was voted one of the Ten Best Beaches in the World

by Condé Nast Traveler.

Although Trunk Bay beach is private, the north shore of St. John has many public beaches that are equally beautiful.

What is ideal about the national park system here is that

24 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

The North Shore beaches are spectacular and rustic, but they are a must-do experience for boaters particularly because the reefs near St. John’s beaches are also worldfamous for their snorkeling. In some areas, such as Trunk Bay and nearby Cinnamon Bay, the National Park Service has placed signs identifying various marine flora and fauna among the many offshore coral reefs to assist visitors.

On St. John, there are also sailing and fishing charters available from town that tour the island, as well as some that tour the British Virgin Islands. Boats are available at Gallows Point, Connections, or The Guide Booth in Mongoose Junction.

St. John’s is very welcoming, and the town is ideal for walking or renting a bicycle. The atmosphere is idyllic and St. John offers a great opportunity to shop and dine for lunch or dinner at some exquisite boutique restaurants and cafes.

ST. Croix

From Red Hook, the islands of Jost Van Dyke and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands are not far away. Red Hook is also a good place to start a crossing to St. Croix, which is a short day trip from St. Thomas by power boat, longer by sail of course, but it is less explored and worth seeing.

of boating activity. Charlotte Amalie is a spectacular deepwater harbor that could shelter many a privateer and pirate ship back in the olden days. It is a natural amphitheater as its high hills circle a safe harbor making it a highly coveted prize. Over the centuries, different countries have fought over possession of the island simply because of this harbor. To this day, it remains one of the most spectacular harbors in the

On the east end of St. Croix, check out Green Cay Marina,

world. One of the best ways to see Charlotte Amalie is via the

which is a safe harbor three miles east of Christiansted,

Sky Ride cable car (700 feet above sea level) or the ‘99 Steps

the main town on the island. Green Cay Marina has been

of Charlotte Amalie.’

recognized as a Blue Flag Marina for its exceptional environmental management, education, safety, services, and water quality. There are also wonderful places to eat and shop in this area.

For those who love history and architecture, walking the streets of Charlotte Amalie’s historic district—which also houses many duty free shops—is a must. Take a rest break at the Hebrew Congregation, the second oldest synagogue

St. Croix’s beaches are its best-kept secret. Miles of secluded

in the Western Hemisphere and a lovely spot for quiet

spots can be found along St. Croix’s shores. In fact, many

reflection. Also of interest is Fort Christian—the childhood

beaches on St. Croix are continuous with different segments

home of Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro. While in the

having different names. Guidebooks put the tally at 23

U.S. Virgin Islands, everyone should try the local cuisine,

different beaches stretching all around the island.

including a delicious fruit punch or banana daiquiri.

ST. Thomas

Whether it is the bustle of Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie, the

U.S. Virgin Islands—does see visiting cruise ships and a lot

visitors should not miss a chance to experience these jewels

Back on St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie—the capital of the

natural preserves of St. John, or the beaches of St. Croix, and the best way to do this is by water.

greatlakesboating.com | 25

Get a Jumpon with

Spring Boating

Winter Education

By John Hutchinson,

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division

W

hile winter white may not put you in the mood for water sports, winter is a great time to prepare for boating season by taking a boating safety course or a specialty skills course such as coastal piloting or how to use a GPS device.

boaters take a National Association of Boating Law

Find a Convenient Boating Class

Administrators (NASBLA)-approved boating safety course.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: http://cgaux.org/boatinged/

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational

The basic NASBLA course provides rules and regulations, emergency procedures, and the navigational skills necessary for a beginner. There are many options available to successfully complete a boating safety course, including the traditional classroom course, web-based instruction, and a home study course offered in some states.

There are easily accessible classes available for new and

The site includes a Public Education Zip Code Course Finder to help you locate convenient classes. It also describes Auxiliary boating courses, including Boating Safety, Navigation with GPS, How to Read a Nautical Chart, Boating Skills and Seamanship for Power Boating, and more.

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

experienced boaters alike—and education designed for

The site offers online and classroom versions of America’s

boaters of every age. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S.

Boating Course, as well as a wide selection of online boating

Power Squadrons, and many state boating agencies sponsor a

education seminars, including Boat Handling, Rules of the

variety of classes.

Road, Anchoring, How to Read a Chart, Onboard Weather

For new boaters, basic courses generally have 6 to 13 lessons

Forecasting and more.

and provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction.

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators:

These classes cover the boat and required equipment, trip

http://www.nasbla.net/courseListing.php

planning, safe boat operations, emergency procedures, state specific requirements, and other water activities such as water skiing, towed devices and wake sports.

26 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

The Association site provides an online directory of NASBLAapproved state courses.

Boat U.S. Foundation Online Learning Center: http://www. boatus.org/onlinecourse/default.asp The site features a free interactive course approved by NASBLA, which meets the Coast Guard requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

Boatsafe: http://www.boatsafe.com/

Boating Safety Tips for Hunters Winter hunting trips mean cold water, extra gear, dogs, and guns—plus the possibility of seasonal storms. They call for extra precautions and careful planning: Inspect your boat, your outboard, and all your safety equipment before your outing. File a float plan. If you use a

The site offers an online NASBLA-approved Basic Boating

paddleboat or kayak, make sure it is labeled, along with your

Certification Course and a Coastal Navigation Course.

paddles, oars, and other equipment. Check local weather

The U.S. Coast Guard website also provides more resources

reports regularly—and keep an eye out for sudden storms.

for Boating Safety Courses at www.uscgboating.org/safety/

Be familiar with your route, take current charts with you,

boating_ safety _courses.aspx.

and stay close to shore. Make sure you have appropriate navigation lights to display before sunrise, after sunset, or in the event of fog or heavy rain.

Make sure you have the right equipment—including bailer, the proper anchor, all required safety equipment, and one or more reliable means of communication—a cellphone in a watertight and buoyant container, VHF marine radio, EPIRB, and/or PLB. Load weight evenly in the boat, keep the center of gravity low—and don’t overload the boat. Capacity limits are calculated based on 150 pounds per person—factoring in the weight of hunting gear, heavy clothing, dogs, etc., is a must.

Alcoholic beverages are particularly dangerous on a hunting trip—greatly increasing risks of accidents and susceptibility to hyperthermia. Drink warm non-alcoholic beverages to help

Photos| U.S. Coast Guard

maintain body heat.

Ensure everyone on board wears a well-fitted USCG-

Benefits of Boating Education

approved life jacket in good condition; a USCG-approved flotation coat can also be a good option.

Keep yourself and your passengers safe. Knowing how to

Hypothermia is the biggest single danger. Dress for cold

operate, navigate, and communicate effectively on the

water—wool, polypropylene, or synthetic fleece can help

water is essential to accident prevention. Knowing and

retain body heat; an immersion or survival suit is even better,

understanding emergency equipment and procedures

or dry suits with thermal layers beneath if you intend to go in

can be life saving.

the water.

Protect your investment. Boating education costs a tiny

Many experts suggest NOT wearing waders or hip boots on

fraction of the initial investment in your boat—and there are

the boat. They are particularly dangerous if a hunter who is

great free options. You might also qualify for an insurance

not wearing a life jacket goes overboard—air trapped in the

discount that more than pays for your training.

boots cause the legs to float—making it harder to keep the

Get to your destination quicker and easier by honing your navigational skills.

Increase your boating confidence—and your fun. Every year, people give up on boating because they lack the skills to enjoy it.

upper body and head up. If a life jacket and boots/waders are worn, maintaining a seated position in the water with knees bent can take advantage of the buoyancy.

Practice good habits to avoid going into the water. Avoid standing in the boat—shoot from a seated or kneeling position. Be aware that a dog’s sudden movements can pose

Stay on the right side of the law. Many states require boating

risks. Avoid leaning over to place or retrieve decoys or fowl—

certification for some or all boaters. Boating education also

use a boat hook or landing net.

helps ensure you are up to date on federal and state laws pertaining to boating.

If you do go overboard, float rather than trying to swim to retain body heat longer. Stay with the boat if at all possible. If a group is in the water, huddle together to retain heat.

greatlakesboating.com | 27

BY T OM

WITH BI NG

HAM

fall in th e air , m an y G hav e a r ea t lr ead y L a ke s pull ed wa t e r r esid e th eir b nts and a r o a t s ou t o e p r e par ing dur ing f th e to s to th e co r e th e ld mon m t h s ah e ad .

Pr o p er w i n te r prot iz a t i e c t in on is g on sur v es se e’s p ey c nt ial r ize d ondu that to m c te d poss 97 p a in t a by a erc e es si in t h inin g o n. A nt of m ajo e of f and boat r nat - sea re c e w he er s k son iona n n the t nat io w ill h l ma n ow y’re nea r nal n e t u f ac take hat p lp t h l y 75 ture r n ou ese rop e perc va r i o t of s ve s s f r o l ent o y us p und s to r i to r a g els r roble f res aren ng th un a e in pond ’t t ak ms w t e t o i he s r boa p t im in g t ent s he n p r ing al pe ts he a to t h t a k in . At t ppro r form e su g the h priat r e anc e v ir b o e s a y m e s te s at s o a id t e t im ps w h ey u t of e, he n enc o s to r a s to r i u n te ge — ng th r ed w hic em i h me n the a n first s the plac y e.

PLAN AHE Bef ore AD e ve n st a fe

a r t in wh our g th s in f rom ew the i i n te t wo r r iz a d ay t o fiv boa t ion . Pr e ho te r s op e pro ur s sho ces r pr dep epa s, b uld end o a te rat io f o ll o in g rs s w th n a on t nd s hou ese he s ld p to r a si x s i la n ge o z e te p s a a he n fab d co : ad a oat n di t nd b can ion loc k take of o of f ne’s a ny w he ve s s e l. re W he n re ad y ,

28 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

1

1.

2 2.

Remove Exterior Debris: Clean the boat inside and outside. It’s important to make sure all residue and dirt are removed from the boat so it doesn’t sit all winter long and cause further deterioration. Be sure to use a fabric

3 3.

Cooling System and Lubrication Maintenance: There are too many different cooling system winterizing procedures to cover in this limited space, so check the owner’s manual for proper storage instructions. Don’t forget to change

and vinyl cleaner that will remove residue that could cause

the oil in 4-cycle engines because over the course of the

permanent stains if it was left to remain through the winter.

boating season, acids, water, and debris can build up in

Also, be sure to apply a surface/fabric protectant to help

the oil. That’s why it’s always best to store the engine with

keep vinyl and leather from cracking in low temperatures.

fresh clean oil and a new filter.

Protect Your Fuel System: More than ever, boaters need to protect their fuel systems. Outboard engine manufacturers are quick to point out that fuel system problems are the single biggest problem among boat owners. With ethanol being mixed into every gallon of gasoline, boat owners face a greater chance of corrosion in their fuel systems unless they take proper action.

To avoid potential problems come spring, it’s imperative that

4 5 6 4.

Charge Your Battery: Now is the time to properly charge the battery so that it isn’t a dead battery come spring.

Boaters that plan to leave their batteries in their boats should be sure it has at least a small charge. And don’t forget to check the engine and charger manuals to make sure everything is being done correctly.

5.

Cover Up: Owners can do this themselves, hire someone else to do it, or store it inside a building, but

boaters fill their gas tanks 95 percent full of fresh fuel and then

they must be sure the top and interior of their vessels are

add a stabilizer, such as the Marine Formula STA-BIL Ethanol

properly covered to keep out the natural elements during

Fuel Treatment and Stabilizer. Gas sitting in a fuel tank that is neither fresh nor treated with a fuel stabilizer can go bad in as little as 30 days. And once the weather turns warm, do not top off the tank because the gas may expand and spill out.

By stabilizing the fuel, boaters will protect their fuel system against corrosion, gum, and varnish build-up and help clean

winter. It’s also a good idea to cover the propeller as well to avoid damage.

6.

Ready, Set, Store: Now that the storage preparation is complete, boaters are ready to store their vessels, and it should be a dry, covered place if possible. Inside winter storage used to be a luxury, but not any more. Inside

the fuel system. Once boaters have filled their tanks and

storage will keep any eroding elements away from the boat

added a stabilizer (recommended mixture: 1 oz. to every 5

and leave it in good shape until it’s ready to be taken out

gal. of gasoline), boaters should run their engines for a few

next spring.

minutes to make sure the stabilized fuel infiltrates into the carburetor and injectors.

YOUR INPUT

N.B.: There is confusion among some boat owners who

When it comes to winterization, everyone seems to have

think that simply draining their fuel tanks at the end of the

a different experience. Some boaters do all the prep work

boating season will protect their engines from damages.

themselves while other have someone else do it for them.

Boaters should know that it’s impossible to fully drain their

To help those who have questions or comments about the

fuel systems. The remaining tiny droplets of fuel can be easily

winterization process, post questions or comments on our

attacked by the air and turn into gum and varnish. If this

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STABILBrand, and I’ll

happens in the wrong place, it can literally stop the engine and

gladly respond.

leave the boat dead in the water.

And speaking of water, the empty sides of a fuel tank are a perfect place for water from the air to condense. When this occurs, this moisture causes corrosion and build-up that can lead to fuel tank leaks, engine damage, or even complete engine failure come springtime.

TOM BINGHAM is director of marketing at Gold Eagle Co., the maker of STA-BIL® and 303® Products protectants and cleaners, in Chicago. A certified mechanic and power industry equipment expert, Bingham spearheads the company’s outreach efforts to educate and inform consumers on how best to protect and preserve their boats.

greatlakesboating.com | 29

Two-Way Radios The Motorola Talkabout MS350R Radios are ideal for use when out of cell phone range. They feature reliable two-way communications, up to a 35-mile range, flashlight, hands-free capability, NOAA weather channels and they are WATERPROOF and FLOAT providing protection from wet weather conditions. $99.99 // www.motorola.com

Vented Fishing Shirt Fishouflage’s Vented Fishing Shirt is constructed of lightweight performance ripstop and enhanced with advanced moisture-wicking properties. The weave ensures that should a hook snag the garment, the puncture is limited to the point of impact and won’t run.

Other fishing-features include roll-up sleeves with securing loops and a Velcro® rod holder loop. The shirt has a UPF 40+ rating and is also anti-microbial.

The shirt has swatches of Fishouflage in Bass or Redfish paired with Moss, Stone or Black. Sizes M to 2XL. $59.95 // www.fishouflage.com

30 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

Action Camera The new JVC GC-XA2 camera is water-, shock-, dust- and freezeproof, has built-in LCD and Wi-Fi, and needs no external housing.

Key features include 1920 x 1080 60p/50p recording, and 1280 x 720 high-speed recording at 120fps/100fps for 4x slow-motion playback. Other upgrades include a wider-angle optical lens, improved image stabilization, a higher audio bit rate and better noise reduction.

Individuals can also use the camera as an access point for streaming live to a smartphone or to USTREAM, uploading to YouTube, and still image transfer. $299.95 // www.jvc.com

Sealegs Luxury Powerboats With Wheels A Sealegs boat is an ideal, over-the-top gift for anyone who loves boating. These crafts avoid a lot of the hassles of boating, because they can motor down a driveway, across all kinds of terrain*, and into the water—no towing and no docks are necessary. Enjoy water skiing, wake boarding, diving and fishing with this speedboat. *Not designed for use on public roads

From $159,000 // www.sealegs.com

PFD for Sailors The new freestyle-inspired YTV pfd from Astral is simple by design, but addresses specific needs of sailors. This versatile lightweight vest is fast drying and reduces raw materials and waste while the Torso-Lock™ foam platform eliminates ride up and reduces bulk. Additional features include a knife tab and two zippered pockets for essentials.

MSRP $119.95 // astraldesigns.com

Nautical Chocolates Each red and gold Seaside Gift Assortment box contains a collection of this chocolate maker’s Sweet Sloops®, an almond butter crunch sailboat floating in dark chocolate, plus favorite classics in dark and milk chocolate.

30 pcs - $28; 20 pcs - $19.50 // www.harborsweets.com

greatlakesboating.com | 31

Waterproof Smartphone Cases Seidio’s OBEX cases for the iPhone 5S/5C and the Samsung Galaxy S4/S3 smartphones safeguard them against drops, dust, dirt, and water while maintaining screen sensitivity and sound clarity.

The two-stage protection system ensures all critical points of entry are sealed tight. Rubber silicone stoppers protect headphone and USB ports, and the screen protector sits flush with the screen so it does not leave behind watermarks. The cases offer protection against complete submersion for 30 minutes in water as deep as two meters. $79.95 (Combo: $89.95) // seidioonline.com

Wireless Wind Meter Vaavud is a durable wireless wind meter that connects to most smartphones by way of two small magnets in the rotor. The phones’ built-in magnetic field sensor detects when they rotate, and converts the rotations to precise and reliable measurements of wind speeds. Its design contains absolutely no electronics.

The easy-to-use unit can measure wind speeds from 1 m/s to 25 m/s, and it’s also resistant to water, sand, and dirt.

It is compatible with all iOS devices, Samsung Galaxy SII and SIII. $49.99 // www.bitemyapple.co

Sailing Watches and Timer Ronstan’s Clear Start™ Race Timer and Watches feature large buttons, easy-to-read displays and advanced intuitive programming designed specifically with the racing sailor in mind.

Available in three color combinations, the new watches feature smooth contours so lines won’t get caught on the watch face, while the versatile large faced Race Timer can be worn as a watch or mounted remotely for viewing by crew. $84.95-watches; $119.95 - timer// www.ronstan.us

32 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

Great Lakes

LAKE MICHIGAN’S CHANGING ECOSYSTEM EXAMINED IN FREE PODCASTS To help the thousands of Wisconsin

and Pottawatomi state parks, to the University of Wisconsin-

residents who recreate in and

Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences in the south.

around Lake Michigan deepen their appreciation of and familiarity with the world’s fifth largest lake, Wisconsin Sea Grant has produced a new, free audio podcast series.

Of particular note is the podcast that describes the 25year work of Vicky Harris, a long-time Water Quality and Restoration Specialist, who has been trying to restore barrier islands in Green Bay, called the Cat Island Chain. As a result of her effort, the islands are returning to the bay, providing

Chris Bocast, an audio specialist with the Wisconsin Sea

a place to store 2.5 million cubic yards of dredged harbor

Grant program, produced the 10 episodes of the series

material, and recreating 1,400 acres of wildlife habitat.

entitled “Sea Grant and Lake Michigan, Waters in Transition.”

The podcasts range between 10 and 20 minutes each.

Structured as a travelogue with Bocast and his trusty dog

Individuals can download them for free from the audio

companion, the podcast series takes listeners from the lake’s

section of Wisconsin Sea Grant’s website, seagrant.wisc.edu/

northern end in Door County, with stops at Whitefish Dunes

podcasts, or from I Tunes U.

U-M WATER CENTER AWARDS $2.9 MILLION FOR EIGHT RESTORATION PROJECTS • $434,768 to J. Val Klump, University of WisconsinMilwaukee, for “Restoring the health of the Green Bay ecosystem under a changing climate: modeling land use, management and future outcomes.”

• $327,840 to Sandra McLellan, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, for “Urban pollution footprints in the Great Lakes.”

• $391,100 to Tom Langen, Clarkson University, for “Environmental and socioeconomic factors associated with public-private partnership watershed restoration projects benefiting wildlife in the Great Lakes watershed.”

The University of Michigan Water Center awarded eight

• $413,234 to David Karpovich, Saginaw Valley State

research grants in September to support Great Lakes

University, for “Saginaw Bay optimization tool: linking

restoration and protection efforts. The Water Center, which

management actions to multiple ecological benefits via

was formed in October 2012, has now given more than $3.4

integrated modeling.”

million in research funds all devoted to improving restoration outcomes on the Great Lakes.

• $155,358 to Sheila Christopher, University of Notre Dame, for “Watershed-scale assessment of stacked drainage

The latest two-year grants were given to teams of researchers

practices in the Western Lake Erie Basin to improve

working at universities in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin,

water quality.”

Minnesota, and New York. The eight winners were selected from 90 proposals.

The eight grant winners are: • $357,853 to Peter McIntyre, University of Wisconsin,

• $338,037 to David Allan, University of Michigan, for “Great Lakes Environmental Assessment and Mapping Project (GLEAM): Phase II.” • $458,290 to Lucinda Johnson, University of

for “Restoring native fish migration while controlling

Minnesota-Duluth, for “A comprehensive stressor-response

invasive species: an optimization approach to support

model to inform ecosystem restorations across the Great

decision making.”

Lakes Basin.”

34 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

CANADIAN BOATYARDS UPSET WITH FEDERAL TARIFF Several Canadian boatyards have expressed their displeasure

While the legislation governing the importation of foreign-

with the federal government’s taxes and duty on U.S. boats

owned vessels and storage thereof has been on the books

stored at their businesses during the winter, according to

for years, the tariff requirements have never been enforced.

news reports from Canada.

Consequently, a large number of Americans have always left

Cape Breton Boatyard in Cape Breton, N.S. is just one of several boatyards that were quoted in newspapers as being

their boats in Canada for repairs and winter storage. They have never been charged extra for this storage.

troubled by the federal government’s actions. The boatyard

The Canadian customs service had assured Henry Fuller,

has made the winter storage and maintenance of U.S. yachts

the owner of the boatyard, in early June that no enforcement

part of its core business. Now it faces the prospect of losing

changes were planned for this winter. At the very end of the

several U.S. customers because the Canadian Border Service

boating season, however, the agency changed its mind and

is unexpectedly enforcing a 15 percent tariff on the appraised

said it would enforce the letter of the law.

value of any U.S. vessel stored on Canadian soil.

If this decision is allowed to stand, Cape Breton Boatyard will be facing the prospect of going out of business.

PENNSYLVANIA EXPANDS MENTORED YOUTH FISHING DAY season in 18

Fish and Boating

southcentral

Ted Walke, PFBC

The Pennsylvania Commission Dave Miko, PFBC

(PFBC) unveiled plans to expand its popular Mentored

and southeast counties. The second one will be held on approximately

Youth Fishing Day program across the

two dozen waters on April 5, the weekend before the

state in 2014.

traditional statewide opening day of trout season.

Launched this past spring as a pilot program on the Saturday

In related action, PFBC adopted a change in its boating

preceding the regional opening day of trout season, Mentored

regulations intended to provide additional safety to

Youth Fishing Day was an immediate hit with adult anglers

passengers when a motorboat is operating at greater than

and the kids in their lives. More than 3,700 adult anglers

slow, no-wake speeds. In these instances, the regulation

registered 5,110 kids for the fishing opportunity.

prohibits individuals from riding outside the passenger

For the 2014 fishing season, the first Mentored Youth Fishing Day will be held on approximately a dozen waters on March 22, the Saturday before the regional opening day of trout

carrying area or from riding on bow decking, gunwales, transoms or motor covers. The amendment becomes effective Jan. 1, 2014.

GREAT LAKES WATER LEVELS ARE RISING A year ago, boaters, marinas, boatyards, and boat dealers

to a significant increase in snow buildup last winter and an

were all bemoaning the low water levels on the Great Lakes.

incredibly wet spring.

But that attitude changed dramatically this past boating season as the Great Lakes have experienced a greater seasonal rise in water levels than a year ago.

Other Great Lakes also rose this past boating season. Lake Superior, for example, which typically experiences a one foot rise in water levels, rose 20 inches this boating season. And

Between January of this year, when lakes Michigan and Huron

Lake Erie, which experienced almost no seasonal rise last

hit all-time record low water levels, and now, water levels on

year, saw its water level increase almost 24 inches this year.

the Great Lakes have made a nice recovery. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which tracks water levels in the Great Lake, lakes Michigan and Huron have risen 20 inches since reaching their all-time record lows due

Each of the Great Lakes is still well below its long-term average. Representatives from USACE estimate that it would take six consecutive months of above average precipitation to bring the lakes back to their normal long-term averages.

greatlakesboating.com | 35

Great Lakes

REAL STORIES IN RESEARCH

The first of the Science Institute for Educators’ 2013/14

This year’s Science Institute for Educators partnership

six-part workshop series, Real Stories in Research: The

involves the Great Lakes Aquarium, Minnesota Department

Lake Superior Edition, will take place at the Wolf Ridge

of Natural Resources MinnAqua Program, Wolf Ridge

Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minn., starting on

Environmental Learning Center, and Minnesota Sea Grant.

Nov. 15, noon to 4:30 p.m.

This project was funded in part by the Coastal Zone

This workshop series is offered through the Great Lakes Aquarium’s Science Institute for Educators partnership.

The series is geared for people working with grades K-12

Management Act, NOAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, in cooperation with Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program.

in formal, informal, and non-formal settings who want

To access the Real Stories in Research schedule and the

to incorporate Great Lakes science into their lessons.

program’s flier, and to view lesson plans from previous

Participants that attend at least five of the six workshops

Science Institute for Educators presentations, visit:

will be eligible to shadow a scientist in the field.

http://glaquarium.org/education-programs/teacherworkshops.

The workshop will also include access to teaching kits, lesson plans and activities.

ABM ANNOUNCES WINTER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) of Clayton, N.Y., has announced its fall/winter dates of operation and

EVENT SCHEDULE Week of November 4 November 9 November 15

November 16

season into December. The fall/winter calendar began on Oct. 14 (Columbus Day) and

Teen Night: a combined evening

Clayton’s Holiday Shoppers Poker Run (ABM Store Participating)

history, ABM will extend its operating

Basic Joinery Course

with TI Arts Center

event schedule.

For the first in its

B is for Boat Education Programs

Week of December 2

B is for Boat Education Programs

(Note: dates and events subject to change)

will extend through Dec. 20, when the Museum and Museum

Thus far in 2013, the ABM has seen a nearly 10 percent

Store close for the season.

increase in attendance, including a 24 percent boost in the

New this fall is the “B is for Boat” event, an education-based program featuring nautical-related books and crafts for

month of August. In addition, the annual antique boat show saw more than 6,000 visitors.

kids pre-school age through grade 5. Plus, the Teen Night program returned on Oct. 25 and will run once a month through April, excluding December.

The winter admission rates are $8 for adults, $6.50 for kids (under 6 are free), and free admission for active military and their families.

36 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

To ADVERTISE in GLB please email: ads@greatlakesboating.com

NEW YORK PASSES BOATING SAFETY COURSE LAW Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed a bill on Sept. 27

The New York law gives

requiring powerboat operators to pass a safety course,

the state Office of Parks,

but some advocates are already working to get a tougher

Recreation and Historic

law passed next year, according to a Sept. 28, 2013 story in

Preservation the option

the New York Times.

of letting people take the course online in addition

Many boating groups and officials praised the state law,

to classrooms. It also

passed after several well-publicized fatal accidents on Long

allows people to rent a

Island and upstate waters last year. But critics say the marine

boat for up to 60 days

safety law doesn’t go far enough.

without taking a course.

Critics note that because the law will cover only those

The gradual phase-in

persons 18 years old and younger when it takes effect in May

in the present bill came

2014, it will be decades before it covers all power boaters.

after discussions with the

The bill requires operators born on or after May 1, 1996, to

parks agency, which used a similar gradual implementation

have a certificate showing completion of a course. First-time

scheme that worked well when the legislature required all

violators will face fines ranging from $100 to $250.

water scooter operators to take a safety class.

CONGRESS GRAPPLES WITH GLRI FUNDING FOR 2014 At press deadline, representatives from the U.S. House

Miller, a long-time sailor of the Great Lakes, said that

of Representatives and the U.S. Senate were meeting in

Republicans on the subcommittee had demonstrated

conference to determine how much funding will be allocated

misdirected priorities in pursuit of fiscal responsibility. The

to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in FY 2014.

subcommittee rollbacks were part of a broader spending bill

Conservation groups and others were asking their members

that would implement the second year of “sequestration” cuts

to call their elected officials and request $300 million.

required after Congress failed to agree on a 2013 budget.

During the summer, a House subcommittee proposed a

“The Great Lakes are an environmental treasure to both our

bill calling for a drastic reduction in GLRI funding, to only

economy and natural resources; protecting them is of the

$60 million in FY 2014 from the $285 million received in

utmost importance,” said Miller, co-chair of the House Great

2013. In response, six Great Lakes Representatives, led by

Lakes Task Force. “As legislators, we must continue to move

Sander Levin and Candice Miller of Michigan, teamed up in a

forward vital Great Lakes restoration projects and programs

bipartisan effort to defeat the House plan. “Congress needs

aimed at sustaining the natural habitats and protecting

to do more, not less, to protect the Great Lakes and provide

against invasive species and pollutants.”

resources for their full restoration,” said Levin.

IJC ISSUES WATER QUALITY REPORT The International Joint Commission (IJC) issued its 16th

indicate that there has been either a leveling off or even a

Annual Biennial report on Great Lakes Water Quality,

reversal in certain toxic chemicals, such as mercury.

concluding that while significant achievements have been reached over the last 25 years, sustained investment and action are still needed to improve water quality.

Five biological indicators showed mixed results. The report said that 24 non-native invasive species became established in the Great Lakes between 1987 and 2008, mostly from

The IJC Report focused on 16 indicators of the chemical,

ballast water discharges from ocean-going vessels. On a

physical, and biological integrity of the lakes.

positive note, the report stated that no new invasive species

Seven of the chemical indicators showed either favorable or stable results. Since 1987, IJC reported, concentrations of

have been reported in the Great Lakes as a result of ballast water discharges since 2006.

toxic chemicals have dropped in herring gulls, fish, sediments,

Surface water and ice cover both showed a warming trend

and mussels. At the same time, phosphorous loading from

in the lakes, which suggests that climate change is affecting

sources such as sewer overflows in Lake Erie have led to the

the lakes. The remaining two indicators covered in the report

reemergence of large scale algal blooms. Some data also

showed mixed results.

greatlakesboating.com | 37

Marinas

WISCONSIN ADDS TWO NEW CLEAN MARINAS Wisconsin has added two new marinas to its Clean Marinas Program: Milwaukee Yacht Club in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Yacht Club

and Reefpoint Marina in Racine. These marinas now join 18 other certified marinas in the state that implement practices to protect water quality, prevent pollution, and protect fish, wildlife and public health.

To become Clean Marinas, the two marinas underwent a thorough evaluation of their operations by the Wisconsin Clean Marina technical team. Todd Giese, manager of

Wisconsin’s Clean Marinas voluntarily adopt best

Milwaukee Yacht Club, and Carrie Neubecker, manager of

management practices (BMPs) to become a certified marina.

Reefpoint Marina, are proud of this accomplishment because

Depending on the size of the marina, they may need to adhere

it promotes their commitment to sustainability, while offering

to up to 100 practices, including the offering of recycling

a healthy, clean environment for their customers.

programs, efforts to manage stormwater, and procedures to prevent and clean-up gas spills, as well as improve vessel maintenance practices.

The Clean Marina Program is a project of the Wisconsin Marine Association (WMA), in partnership with the UW Sea Grant Institute and the UW Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, with financial support coming from Reefpoint Marina

the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. “The Clean Marina Program provides technical assistance and training for marina managers and recognizes marinas that are good stewards of Wisconsin’s environment,” said Mike Friis, manager of the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program.

L’ANSE MARINA EXPANSION IS MOVING FORWARD A proposed expansion of L’Anse Marina, L’Anse, Mich.,

and its Downtown Development Authority in December. If the

is moving forward. At press deadline, Greg Kingstrom of

council approves an expansion option, LaFave said he would

U.P. Engineers and Architects was working to complete a

then present it to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state

feasibility study on the expansion of the marina. He expected

Department of Natural Resources for their comments. “Once

to complete the study by the beginning of December.

that phase of the project is completed, we’ll be able to go after

Based on the design proposals from U.P. Engineers and

construction dollars,” said LaFave.

Architects, Bob LaFave, the village manager, expects to

Among the potential issues facing LaFave and the village

present some marina expansion options to the village council

are two major ones: how to handle adjacent wetlands next to the area that will be dredged for an expansion and what to do with a 100-year-old sunken vessel that remains near the marina.

LaFave said that the marina hopes to add more transient slips and make them large enough so that they could accommodate bigger boats. The marina currently has five transient slips, but the biggest boat it can accommodate is 30-feet long.

Even if all the deadlines are met for completing the study, council agreement on one expansion option, and USACE and DNR approvals, LaFave said that work on the marina expansion project would not begin until sometime in 2014.

38 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

MENOMINEE MARINA STARTS DREDGING PROJECT Dredging of the Menominee Marina using emergency

Marina and city officials thought about dredging the harbor

funds from the state of Michigan began in mid-October

before the beginning of the past boating season, but the cost

and is expected to be completed in December, according

was prohibitive. Moreover, Menominee wasn’t the only marina

to news reports.

in the state that sought dredging to solve sedimentation and

At this time last year, the marina reported that record low water levels on Lake Michigan had posed a navigation threat to the large boats in the marina. While the marina notes that sediment naturally collects on the marina bottom every boating season, it usually does not pose any problems for the

silt problems. In response to the many marinas in the state that needed to dredge their harbors to stay viable, the state of Michigan approve $21 million in emergency funding for 58 projects in the state, including a $1.2 million waterways grant to the city of Menominee.

boats docked at the marina. In 2012, however, Lake Michigan’s

The ongoing dredging project is using the state funds and

low water levels reduced the harbor’s waters so much that

began in mid-October.

many of the marina’s larger boats reported hitting bottom.

NORTH TONAWANDA APPROVES LAST PHASE OF PROJECT The project will add transient slips to one of the three bays at the marina that was recently dredged as part of the initial improvement work at the marina. It will also convert a small building that was used as a garage into handicap accessible restrooms and extend a walkway already in place so that it can be used by transient boaters, according to Michael Zimmerman, planning and development coordinator, Lumber City Development Corp., the city’s economic development arm.

The first phase of the marina improvement project saw an old clubhouse transformed into a restaurant with a new parking lot, lights, and other amenities added. It also saw the shoreline reinforced with steel bulkheads, new finger docks installed, and dock pedestals with electricity and running water added.

Work on the final phase of a $1.3 million improvement project

To pay for the marina improvement project, North Tonawanda

at Gratwick Riverside Park Marina, North Tonawanda, N.Y.,

issued $361,350 in bonds, has received $686,619 in federal

is nearly complete now that the North Tonawanda Common

boating infrastructure grant funding, and got $300,000 from

Council has approved a $255,369 bid.

the Niagara River Greenway Commission.

LUDINGTON MARINA LOSES SOME SLIPS Ludington’s city council accepted a recommendation from

The DNR met with city officials and private marina owners

the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) that it reduce

to reach a compromise on the matter. As a result, the DNR

the number of charter boat slips at its municipal marina to

recommended that the Waterways Commission reduce the

8 from 12.

number of charter slips at the municipal marina.

The Michigan Waterways Commission allowed the municipal

City manager John Shay said the marina currently has

marina to set aside 12 slips for charter boats. In its most

approval for 12 charter boat slips, but there are only eight

recent action, Michigan DNR recommended that the number

charter boats docked in the marina.

be cut to eight slips after receiving complaints from private marinas in the area.

In response to the private marinas, Shay said the municipal marina does not have an unfair advantage. He said the city

The private marinas had requested that the municipal marina

charges charter boats significantly higher rates to dock at

totally eliminate all charter boat slips because they felt that

the municipal marina and some of the larger boats only do

the city had an unfair advantage over their businesses.

so because they cannot be accommodated at the private marinas’ smaller docks.

greatlakesboating.com | 39

Fishing

FREE WISCONSIN FISH IDENTIFICATION TOOLS NOW AVAILABLE Wisconsin Sea Grant has produced a free mobile Android or

mobile site loads with ease, and

iOS app and a mobile website that can help users identify any

they offer finger friendly searching.

of the 174 fish found in Wisconsin’s lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. For fishermen, this app can be loaded so that they can flip through a comprehensive set of search characteristics and solve the mystery of what’s on the other end of the line, according to Titus Seilheimer, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant fisheries specialist.

The mobile site and apps feature thousands of photos snapped by John Lyon, a Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist.

The overall project is a partnership between the DNR, Wisconsin

Anglers can search by fish name, similar fish in the family, or

Sea Grant, and the University of

physical features, such as shape, distinctive features, pattern

WIsconsin-Madison Center for Linology.

and type of fins, mouth, scales, spine, tail or coloring. Each entry depicts the fish and provides a short write-up on the fish features. Those using tablet devices will be able to access the

Visit seagrant.wisc.edu/fishid to obtain the free app or find the appropriate mobile site.

MICHIGAN HIKES FEES FOR FISHING LICENSES Michigan lawmakers approved the first significant increase in

fees would be reinvested in the state and would be “a positive

fishing license fees since 1997, and passed it on to Gov. Rick

return on investment.”

Snyder, who signed it into law on Sept. 17. The state Dept. of Natural Resources said the hike is likely to raise an additional $18 million each year, which Gov. Snyder pointed out will be used to improve fisheries and habitat programs.

The new fee structure will take effect on March 1, 2014, and will make it much easier for anglers looking for fishing licenses. It will now cost Michigan residents $26 for a standard, year-long, all species fishing license. Non-residents

In signing the legislation, Gov. Snyder said that it is not a tax

will have to pay $76 for the same license. The cost of a

increase, noting that it had received widespread support from

24-hour fishing license goes from $7 to $10. Seniors and

fishing groups. He said that the money raised by the new

members of the military will qualify for discounted fee rates for various licenses.

DNR WARNS ANGLERS AGAINST SPREADING ASIAN CARP The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has

DNR fears that some anglers may think they have caught

issued a warning to people fishing in the tailwaters below the

gizzard shad but instead actually have caught silver carp,

dam at Lake Monroe near Bloomington, Ind., hoping that the

one of the species of Asian fish that have been spreading into

fishermen will help stop the spread of Asian carp into the lake.

Indiana rivers and streams.

At press deadline, state biologists don’t think Asian carp have

Silver and bighead carp, both invasive species of Asian carp,

been introduced into Lake Monroe. At the same time, they

can now be found all the way up to the dam at Lake Monroe.

have received reports that some anglers in the tailwater area have been catching live gizzard shad and then using them as bait in Lake Monroe.

If silver and bighead carp are introduced into Lake Monroe, they would hinder the fish that have already been stocked in the lake. The carp could possibly eat the food that sustains many desirable fish species.

Anglers are warned not to dump bait bucket water into Lake Monroe or any other body of water and dispose of leftover bait by placing them in the trash. Bait buckets should be drained before moving them to another body of water.

Signs and posters near fishing areas ask fishermen to drain live wells and bilges on boats before leaving the lake or river.

That’s because Asian carp eggs could be floating in the water in those areas.

40 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

CABELLA’S ANNOUNCES 2014 WALLEYE TOUR SCHEDULE Cabella’s National Walleye

season-ending chamionship will take place in September on

Tour (NWT) recently unveiled

Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh, Wis.

its 2014 schedule that includes three regular season events and a championship final. All events are nationally televised.

The 2014 tour will receive unprecedented television and media coverage, allowing a national audience to watch the action unfold from each event. The NWT will be seen on the World

The regular season kicks off April 25-26, 2014 at Trenton,

Fishing Network, Pursuit Channel, as well as on the new NBC

Mich., which is on the Detroit River. On June 27-28, the NWT

Sports Nework.

will visit Lake Oahe in Sobridge, S.D. The final event takes place August 29-30 on Bays De Noc in Escanaba, Mich. The

612-424-0708 // www.nationalwalleyetour.com

FIRST-TIME ANGLERS MORE LIKELY TO RELAPSE First-time anglers are two times more likely to lapse out of

First-time anglers are more likely than repeat anglers to

fishing than repeat anglers, according to new research from

be younger, female, Hispanic, live in metro and urban

the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF). The

communities, and have families with young children.

analysis, which was conducted in partnership with Southwick Associates, looked at license sales data in 36 states.

“There are a significant number of people who lapse out of fishing each year,” said Frank Peterson, RBFF President and CEO. “We took a close look at both first-time and repeat anglers to identify and characterize their differences, so we can better target our messaging to these audiences.”

Among the report’s key findings are the following: First-time anglers are two times more likely to lapse than repeat anglers, with renewal rates of 31 percent and 68

Nearly 80 percent of first-time anglers purchased an annual fishing license in 2012.

On average, repeat anglers spend 47 percent more annually on fishing licenses, tags, and permits than do first-time fishermen.

“If we can convert first-time anglers into repeat anglers, we can have a significant impact on fishing license sales and revenue for state conservation and wildlife management efforts,” added Peterson.

The full report is available at: TakeMeFishing.org/corporate.

percent respectively.

SECTIONS OF MICHIGAN FISHING GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH Sections of this year’s Michigan

The document includes the following excerpts from the

Fishing Guide are now available

2013 Michigan Fishing Guide:

in Spanish for interested anglers.

*Fishing license requirements and special provisions

Entitled “Extractos de la Guía de

*Purchasing a fishing license

Pesca en Michigan” the four-page

*Qualifying for a resident fishing license

document is available online at

*Hook-and-line fishing

www.michigan.gov/fishing or in a

*Free Fishing Weekend

printed format. To obtain a copy,

*Weekly Fishing Report

visit www.michigan.gov/fishing or

*License types and fees

call the DNR’s Fisheries Division at

*Species and season dates

517-373-1280.

*General hook-and-line regulations

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed this document for Spanish-speaking individuals who may

*Fish identification “ We’re now working with various community organizations

otherwise have a difficult time understanding Michigan’s

that serve the state’s Hispanic populations to help get this

fishing rules and regulations. It is an integral part of DNR’s

document in the hands of the people that need it,” said

efforts to expand outreach to those of diverse backgrounds.

Tami Pattison, department manager with the DNR’s Fisheries Division. greatlakesboating.com | 41

BOATERS’ BEST GETAWAY

National

A tiny panhandle

Rusty Gardner, President of Florida By Water, stated that he

fishing town has

chose the community because it is truly a boater’s paradise.

received this year’s

There are no big chains in this small town, only local

Florida By Water

accommodations (all reasonably priced), some of Florida’s

“Boaters’ Best

best seafood, and water access to such popular boating

Getaway” award.

destinations as Dog Island, St. George Island, and the Gulf of

Each year, Florida

Mexico, as well as the Carrabelle River.

By Water selects one city to receive this award based on criteria that include, but are not limited to, boat ramp access, water accessible accommodations, dockside dining, boating locations/activities and marina availability. This year’s award goes to Carrabelle, Fla., and was presented to Sheila Hauser of Southern Breeze Media and Suzanne Zimmerman, Executive Director-Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce, on Sept. 28.

When boaters leave the water, this quaint fishing village offers plenty to do, Gardner said. He added that each museum volunteer is more colorful than the next. Their stories come to life as they guide visitors through the history of World War II, the Town of Carrabelle, or the Carrabelle Lighthouse.

These people are friendly, and the history of the town is about boating and fishing. Apart from these two activities in Carabelle, there’s not a lot that matters. That’s why Carrabelle is the perfect getaway for boaters.

FUN2RENT DOUBLES LISTINGS Fun2Rent.com, a peer-

The organization is based in San Jose, Calif., and provides a

to-peer powerboats and

secure environment in which owners can rent out their vessels

sports rental company,

and trailers to qualified renters, thereby lowering the cost

said that it has doubled

of ownership. Shawn Gardner, the company founder, notes

the number of owner listings and rental clients in the summer

that consumers have grown comfortable with the “rental by

of 2013. The no-fee nationwide company attributes this

owner” concept and have increased confidence in proven

significant increase to an improving economy and a greater

online platforms such as Fun2Rent. The company qualifies all

public awareness of its presence.

renters for eligibility and includes insurance with every rental.

Fun2Rent is a rental marketplace that enables owners of boats, personal watercraft, and other vehicles to profit on their

This creates a trusted power sports community centered on sharing, saving, and earning.

equipment through renting with no upfront costs. It qualifies

Fun2Rent plans to expand the existing platform through a

potential renters and provides more than $1 million in liability

mobile site, accommodating rental companies, many of which

and collision insurance.

cannot provide their renters with insurance.

EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR DIESEL ENGINES Volvo Penta of the Americas

A boat owner may purchase Extended Coverage from an

announced a new Extended

authorized Volvo Penta dealer at the time of engine purchase,

Coverage program for

boat delivery, or up to three months from the date of

its leisure marine diesel engines and transmissions that

commissioning and delivery. Throughout the limited warranty

began Oct. 1, 2013. The new Extended Coverage program

and Extended Coverage periods, the owner must follow the

supplements the expanded and strengthened limited warranty

Volvo Penta recommended maintenance schedule.

for diesel engines, which now includes three extra years of major component coverage for diesel engines and IPS drives.

Extended Coverage is fully backed and administered by Volvo Penta. Trained and experienced Volvo Penta employees

Boaters now have the option of purchasing Extended

will answer calls, provide qualified technical answers, and

Coverage for their Volvo Penta engines and transmissions.

expedite Genuine Volvo Penta parts if a covered repair is

The plan provides boaters with full engine and transmission

necessary during the Limited Warranty or Extended Coverage

protection, covering repair or replacement of defective parts

periods—all at no cost to the boater. No deductibles apply

after expiration of the company’s limited warranty for up to five

during the coverage period, and time remaining in Extended

years of factory protection.

Coverage is fully transferrable to a subsequent owner.

42 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

WFN PARTNERS WITH NPCA TO RESTORE WATERWAYS World Fishing Network (WFN) has partnered with the National

Among the initiatives of America’s Great Waters

Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) in a year-round effort

are the following:

to raise awareness of the great waterways of North America.

• Increasing recreational access sites and minimizing

NPCA’s America’s Great Waters program was founded in 2009

pollution threats to the Chesapeake Bay, such as storm

to support a larger national effort to protect, preserve, and

water runoff from fertilizer, chemicals and sediments;

restore our nation’s most iconic waterways.

municipal wastewater and industrial waste; airborne

NPCA partners with more than 60 conservation organizations across North America in the America’s Great Waters Coalition, which NPCA co-chairs along with the National Wildlife

nitrogen and toxic mercury from power plants and motor vehicles.

• Supporting the restoration of the Everglades by advancing

Federation and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Other members

projects that remove levees, fill in canals, reduce agricultural

include Audubon, Trout Unlimited, American Rivers, Restore

and urban runoff, and improve wildlife habitat.

America’s Estuaries, and the Izaak Walton League.

• Securing more than $1 billion for the Great Lakes

WFN will work directly with NPCA to create a program that

Restoration Initiative.This effort seeks to reduce the

will tell the stories behind these invaluable resources, raise

impact and establishment of invasive species and protect

awareness about the issues facing them, and promote

shorelines from severe landscape changes due to logging,

opportunities to improve their health.

agriculture, and urban development.

LATEST REPORT ON FISHING AND BOATING Nearly 800,000 more people went fishing in 2012 than in 2011,

The total number of female anglers

bringing the total number of anglers to 47 million, according to

has now reached 34.4 percent of all

the 2013 Special Report on Fishing and Boating published by

fishermen. Female participation in

the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation in conjunction

fishing has grown twice as fast as

with the Outdoor Foundation.

male participation over the past five

Freshwater fishing remained the most popular type of fishing, accounting for 667 million of the 1 billion outings to our

years, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

nation’s lakes, ponds, and rivers. Saltwater fishing is the

Among America’s youth, fishing participation rates are highest

second most popular with 200 million outings, followed by fly

among those kids six to 12 years old or 6.4 million children.

fishing with 94 million outings.

Boating participation is also on the rise. In 2012, more than

Seventy-eight percent of fishing participants are Caucasian,

88 million Americans participated in boating, according to

with the remainder split among African Americans (8.2

the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Additionally,

percent), Hispanics (5.6 percent) and Asians (4 percent).

fishing from a boat remains the most popular activity while boating. It’s the highest it’s been in eight years, with 63 percent of people angling from their vessels.

FWS OPENS UP WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expanding fishing and

National wildlife refuges generate important benefits from

hunting opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge

the conservation of wildlife and habitat through spending

System by opening up new hunting programs on six refuges

and employment for local economies. According to the

and expanding existing hunting and fishing programs on

National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated

another 20 refuges.

Recreation, more than 90 million Americans, or 41 percent

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service can permit hunting and fishing along with four other types of wildlife-dependent recreation where they are compatible with the refuge’s purpose and mission.

Hunting is permitted on more than 329 wildlife refuges, while

of the United States’ population age 16 and older, pursued wildlife-related recreation in 2011. They spent more than $144 billion that year on those activities. Nearly 72 million people observed wildlife, while more than 33 million fished and more than 13 million hunted.

fishing is permitted on more than 271 wildlife refuges.

greatlakesboating.com | 43

Sailing

REGATTA TO CELEBRATE 25TH RUNNING US Sailing’s premier event—the ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami—is set to return to Miami, Fla., for top-level Olympic and Paralympic class racing. Scheduled for Jan. 25-Feb. 1, the regatta will mark its 25th anniversary of delivering elitelevel competition in the sailing events selected for the Olympic

Walter Cooper US Sailing

and Paralympic Games. Event organizers have posted the Notice of Race on the event website: http://mocr.ussailing.org.

Online registration for competitors and coaches will open on Nov. 16 and close on Jan. 7, 2014.

ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami is the only North American regatta to be included in the International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) 2013-14 Sailing World Cup series.

Competitors in the Paralympic classes will have five days of fleet racing (Monday-Friday) and no medal race. ISAF medals will be awarded to the top three boats in each Olympic and Paralympic class on Feb. 1.

Grove section of Miami, Fla. Event organizers have partnered with the City of Miami to provide world-class venues for competition. Additional hosts for the event include Miami Rowing Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, and Shake-a-Leg Miami. These sailing organizations host classes onshore, as

Regatta Headquarters will be located at the US Sailing Center

well as help run the on-the-water racing. The Coral Reef Yacht

Miami, an official Olympic training center, in the Coconut

Club hosts the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

DISCOVER THE CARIBBEAN The Ponce Yacht and Fishing Club will host the 24th Discover the Caribbean Regatta from Nov. 7-10 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. There will be three days of racing on the southern coast of the island, which range from a buoy course to a “Let’s Go Around Coffin Island” race.

Classes competing in the regatta include Racing, Cruising, Jib & Main, J/24, IC/24s, Chalanas and Hobie Cats.

In addition to the regatta, there will be a festival with live music and activities for families. www.ponceyachtandfishingclub.com

11TH ANNUAL MEDSAIL 2014 MedSail 2014 “Medicine for Mariners and Safety at Sea

Sail aboard a Moorings Signature crewed yacht with two

Conference” will be held at The Moorings from Jan. 25 to

other couples participating in the MedSail 2014 Conference or

Feb. 1, 2014, in the British Virgin Islands aboard sailing

captain your own boat, choosing from The Moorings’ fleet of

and power yachts. Designed for medical professionals,

more than 200 bareboats, ranging in size from 37 to 54 feet,

the Wilderness Medical Society designates this continuing

monohulls or catamarans.

education with 16.5, Category 1 CMEs. It’s a chance to gain powerful insight into a critical aspect of sailing and safety— while enjoying a coveted vacation destination.

Each morning a two-hour seminar will be held ashore, followed by a sail to a different anchorage each day, with stops along the way for snorkeling, hiking, shopping or just

Accredited by the Wilderness Medical Society, medical

relaxing. Participants will meet up at the next anchorage for a

professionals will earn 16.5, category 1 CME credits. However,

late afternoon one-hour workshop.

attendees do not need to be medical professionals to join

www.moorings.com

MedSail 2014. This event is open to any sailor who wants to feel safer and more knowledgeable on the water.

44 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

SKIPPER BEGINS SOLO CIRCUMNAVIGATION Launching from Newport, R.I. on Oct. 2, David Rearick, skipper of Class 40 racing sailboat Bodacious Dream, began a solo nine-month 30,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe.

The circumnavigation will be an adventure in learning and discovery, with Rearick introducing the wonders of the ocean and the many demands of sailing and sailcraft through regular story and media updates—all part of a new initiative called Bodacious Dreams Expeditions that is designed to bring to digital life Rearick’s daily experiences while on his journey.

The solo expedition can be viewed online (www.bodaciousdreamexpeditions.com) and all can learn with Dave and his network of teachers, scientists and organizations such as his partners at Earthwatch Institute

our study materials as well as with direct interaction, so that

and Hurricane Island Outward Bound School through videos

younger minds can visually and experientially participate in

and the accompanying “Explorer Guides,” which include

our expeditions and so learn to apply that to more traditional

fun and engaging worksheets with specific questions,

education methods,” said Rearick.

facts and details on specific subjects and regions through which he sails.

Rearick left Newport for Cape Town, South Africa, then onto Wellington, New Zealand, followed by Cape Horn, South

“Believing that some of the most valuable learning

Georgia Island, the mouth of the Amazon and back to Newport

follows from sharing engaging experiences, we will be

with some additional remote stops along the way.

complementing our real-life journey and reports en route with

greatlakesboating.com | 45

NEW PRODUCTS

INDOOR TV ANTENNA The ultra-thin indoor 2060 Marine TV Antenna is an HD-ready, multidirectional UHF/VHF antenna that works with any television equipped with an ATSC tuner.

It includes an 18.5-ft. mini coaxial cable and 3-ft. USB cable, allowing users to power the unit directly through the USB port of a television. It also comes with 12V and 110V wall adapters to accommodate alternate sources of power.

Measuring 13” x 12” x .02”, it attaches to a window with two quick-release suction cups, or it can be mounted on the back of a TV set. $79.99 // 803-227-1590 // www.shakespeare-marine.com

ELECTRONICS MOUNTS Chartplotters, fish finders, and small electronics can be installed virtually anywhere on board with Scanpod Rail Pod or ROKK mounts from Scanstrut®.

Scanstrut Rail Pods for standard instruments or 7-inch displays and multiposition ROKK mounts will easily mount small instruments, chartplotters, and fish finders onto any rail or surface. Simply lock into place with universal fittings and reposition as needed. Plus, the display can be angled for the optimal viewing position.

Rail Pods from $169 to $419; ROKK mounts, $49 // 800-343-8294 // scanstrut.com

HANDHELD GPS The small, compact, water-resistant handheld Bad Elf GPS Pro wirelessly connects (via Bluetooth® wireless technology) up to five users of an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad to share real time, direct satellite GPS data for display on digital charts and other compatible marine apps on board via satellite.

The unit includes a high-performance satellite receiver and antenna that receives data directly from the GPS satellites. Locking on to as many as 15 satellites, a Bad Elf unit supplies GPS data up to 10 times a second that can be accurate to within 9 feet (2.5 meters). $179.99 // 860-233-1526 // www.bad-elf.com

46 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

LIFTING EYES Accon Marine’s Lifting Eyes, available in round and oval models, can lift up to 4,000 lbs. Both models are constructed from 316 stainless steel parts, while the lifting hardware is made from 304 stainless steel.

The small and compact 201 model can be equipped with a drain or sealed watertight. Its hub pivots two ways to overcome any slight misalignment at installation.

Only a 2 3/8 -inch hole is required to install the 203 Round Lifting Eye. Both models fasten to the deck with four #10 screws. Standard rod length is 12 inches, but the rod length can be customized when ordering. $256.21; $255.32, respectively // 727-572-9202 // www.acconmarine.com

WATER-RESISTANT DOCK LINES Canada Metal (Pacific) offers dock lines made from a low-stretch polypropylene material with a water-resistant coating.

Pre-spliced Titan dock lines stay balanced and torque-free. High-twist yarns and strands create a dense, round rope resistant to abrasion and snags. Threestrand dock line delivers superior wet and dry abrasion resistance. Stronger than a comparable three-strand line, the softer double-braided version is easier to handle, cleat, and coil.

Three-strand and double-braided dock line choices include 3/8 -inch to 3/4 -inch diameters, 10- to 35-ft. lengths, and strength ratings from 3,600 to 13,500 lbs. Color choices vary, including white, white/black, white/gold, black, red, blue, navy and teal.

From $17.99 // 604-940-2010 // www.canmet.com

SPACE-SAVING SPEAKER The new 3-inch speaker from Aquatic AVÂŽ needs just 56mm mounting depth, but will deliver the same crystal-clear sound as a speaker needing much more space on board.

The fully waterproof, UV and salt-resistant speaker (model number AQSPK3.0-4S) is rated at 60 watts maximum power output (30 watts RMS) with a frequency response of 125Hz-20,000Hz. It is capable of stand-alone operation, delivering full range output, or can used to compliment larger speakers already installed in a boat stereo system. $20.00 // 877-579-2782 // www.aquaticav.com

greatlakesboating.com | 47

BOAT CARE & FEEDING

ETHANOL FUEL TREATMENT Volvo Penta of the Americas now offers an alcohol-free fuel additive to protect marine engines from the harmful effects of fuels containing ethanol.

Volvo Penta Ethanol Fuel Treatment is suitable for any outboard or sterndrive system and is recommended for use every time the fuel tank is filled.

The additive contains special antioxidants to combat fuel breakdown and also contains chemical corrosion inhibitors that form a protective barrier on fuel system components. It prevents fuel degradation and keeps marine engines running smoother and more efficient. It also helps enable easier starting, maximum power output, and optimal fuel economy. $6.99, 12-oz. bottle // 757-436-2800 // www.volvopenta.com/us

ANTIFOULING PAINT Hydrocoat Eco incorporates Pettit’s self-polishing, water-based, ablative technology with an organic biocide to create a bottom paint that provides multiseason protection. This formula is easy to apply, cleans up with soap and water, and has no solvent smell.

The paint film wears away with use, eliminating paint build up and the need for sanding. It is also copper-free, making it compatible over almost all bottom paints, and is ideal for use with bronze IPS and jet drives, outdrives, and outboard motors.

Hydrocoat Eco is available in five colors: white, blue, red, green, and black, and is sold in quarts and gallons. $249.99 // 800-221-4466 // www.pettitpaint.com

VINYL UPHOLSTERY PROTECTION The Strapping Protector, from Dr. Shrink, is designed to keep the woven cord strapping that holds shrink wrap in place from leaving dents and permanent depressions on a boat’s vinyl upholstery after the winter storage season.

It can also be used as a corner guard to keep shrink wrap and strapping from being cut on sharp edges. The Strapping Protector is notched on all four sides for easy attachment to strapping. $1.90 // 800-968-5147 // www.dr-shrink.com

48 GLB | Nov/Dec 13

PROPELLER BLADES PROTECTION The Prop Sox system includes three plastic covers that fit most propeller blades. They keep propeller blades safe from dings and dents while the boat is out of the water.

The socks slip over each propeller blade and are held in place with a rubber shock cord strap.

Reflective hot dots alert drivers following too closely behind. The Prop Sox also help prevent personal injury to those walking near the prop by covering any sharp edges.

For use when a boat is out of the water only, the covers come with shock cord straps and three reflector hot dots. $9.99 // 510-732-9229 // www.davisnet.com

FUEL SPILL GUARD The Herrington Marine Fuel Spill Guard stops fuel spills by alerting the user with light and sound as the tank nears capacity.

The unit installs inline between the overboard vent fitting and the fuel tank.

Model FSG2-058 has a 2-qt., marine-grade, aluminum tank with sensor for most standard horizontal installations. For sailboats or craft with vertical fuel lines, model RS-058-BL is constructed of fuel-resistant reinforced plastic.

Both versions work on either gasoline or diesel fuel systems. All Fuel Spill Guard kits include a stainless steel deck plate with LED indicator light, audible alarm buzzer and mounting hardware.

Model FSG2-058: $156; model RS-058-BL: $130 // 360-222-3106 // www.fuelspillprevention.com

BUFFER PADS CLEANER Serious Pad Cleaner, from Shurhold Industries, is a scientifically formulated, biodegradable powdered cleaner for rejuvenating buffing pads.

When mixed with water, this cleaner dissolves compounds and waxes from wool, foam, and blended buffing pads. The cleaner also works on microfiber and cotton bonnets.

Pads should be cleaned immediately after use. The buffing pads should soak in the mixture for 15 minutes. Extremely soiled pads can soak for longer. Then, users should agitate the pads, brush them lightly and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Pads should be left to air dry. $14.98 // 800-962-6241 // www.shurhold.com

greatlakesboating.com | 49

EVENTS CALENDAR

NOVEMBER – JANUARY FLORIDA

MICHIGAN

Fort Myers Boat Show

Ultimate Fishing Show – Detroit

Various venues Fort Myers

Suburban Collection Showplace Novi

swfmia.com

ultimatefishingshow.com

NOVEMBER 15-17

JANUARY 23-26

Ladies Let’s Go Fishing

Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show

NOVEMBER 14-17

BPOE Elks Tavernier ladiesletsgofishing.com

JANUARY 9-12

DeVos Place Grand Rapids

Various venues St. Petersburg showmanagement.com

JANUARY 10-12

Stuart Boat Show Various venues Stuart allsportsproductions.net

JANUARY 16-19

Charlotte County Boat Show Charlotte County Fairgrounds Port Charlotte

McCormick Place Chicago chicagoboatshow.com

PENNSYLVANIA NOVEMBER 16

Erie Yacht Club Erie

All Canada Show

ings/rsps.htm

JANUARY 3-5

training.ussailing.org/training_events_ meet-

St. Charles Convention Center St. Charles allcanadashow.com

JANUARY 9-12

St. Louis RV Vacation and Travel Show America’s Center & Edward Jones Dome St. Louis stlrv.com

JANUARY 1-5

Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show

hartproductions.com

MISSOURI

NEW YORK JANUARY 16-20

Duke Energy Cincinnati Convention Center Cincinnati

Midwest Regional Sailing Programs Symposium

swfmia.com

ILLINOIS

Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show

showspan.com

DECEMBER 5-8

St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show

JANUARY 17-19

Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show Jacob Javits Convention Center New York nyboatshow.com

OHIO

WISCONSIN DECEMBER 31

Carp Fest LaRiviere Park Prairie du Chien droppingoftheccarp.blogspot.com

JANUARY 13-15

All Canada Show Resilience Neighborhood Center Madison allcanadashow.com

JANUARY 17-26

Milwaukee Boat Show Wisconsin Expo Center at State Fair Park Milwaukee showspan.com

DECEMBER 31

Walleye Madness

IOWA

JANUARY 17-19

Quad City Boat, RV & Vacation Show River Center Convention Center Davenport iowashows.com

Perry/Madison Streets Port Clinton walleyemadness.com

JANUARY 16-20

Progressive Insurance MidAmerica Boat & Fishing Show I-X Center Cleveland clevelandboatshow.com

50 GLB| Nov/Dec 13

CANADA

JANUARY 11-19

Toronto International Boat Show Direct Energy Centre Toronto torontoboatshow.com

MARINE MART

PRODUCTS & SERVICES FREE ADS GOT A BOAT TO SELL? Complimentary 25-word classified boat advertisements and PHOTO in the January/February 2014 issue.

(NO STRINGS ATTACHED!)

Email your text-only advertisement to:

classifieds@greatlakesboating.com

Advertiser Index 1000 Islands .............................. 55

Free classified boat advertisement offer limited to one per reader.

All classified ads are subject to publisher’s approval. Space is limited.

Free ads will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Advertisements for the January/February 2014 issue must be received by Dec. 7, 2013.

Baja/Pro-Line ............................ 33 Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show .. 5 Essex Credit .............................. BC Grady-White Boats ........................ 2 Hagerty Insurance ..................... 45 MarinaLife .................................. 11 North Point Marina ........................ 7

SUBSCRIBE Online!

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Reef Point Marina...................... 56 SAMS.......................................... 51 Sabre Yachts ................................. 1

US Customers 1 yr $21.50 (6 issues) 2 yr $40.00 (12 issues)

SkipperBud’s ............................. 54

CANADA (USD) 1 yr $27.50 (6 issues) 2 yr $46.00 (12 issues)

Visit Sheboygan....................... IBC

TakeMeFishing.org ..................... 17

Waukegan Harbor.......................... 3 Westrec/Chicago Harbors ........ IFC

VISIT:

GreatLakesBoating.com or CALL: 312.266.8400

52 GLB| Nov/Dec 13

19’ 1956 Chris Craft Continental: Solid mahogany, wooden hull in excellent condition. All metal trim rechromed, on custom 4-wheel trailer, needs seats and motor box. Garaged in Indianapolis. Call: 317-440-6255. $8,200/obo.

20’ 1978 Vintage Slickcraft SS 200 Bowrider: Closed bow, 305 V-8 Chevy (5.0 liter), Mercruiser 228 I/O—engine does not run. One owner, interior reconditioned. Overall good condition. Muskegon, Mich.

Call: 616-453-5513; email: davefi sh1@sbcglobal.net.

52’ Watercraft Houseboat: 3/16 aluminum hull, twin 225 hp, runs great, needs cosmetic work. Boat is documented.

Call Capt. Sip: 304-639-8045. $25,000/obo.

1991 56’ Ocean: 3 stateroom w/full baths, lg salon and flybridge living areas. Excellent live aboard/entertaining yacht. Many recent upgrades. Great Lakes vessel, Ontario.

Call: 416-571-8147; email: chris@chrisrichie.com.

FOR SALE: Turn-key business, Marina & Yacht Club, Ideal Downtown Chicago Illinois Location, 780 Foot Long x 8 Foot Wide Galvanized Floating Dock, Assignable Leases, Water and Power Pedestals, 780 Feet of Frontage on the Chicago River. Seller: Centrum Partners LLC / Broker Arthur Slaven/Inquiries

MARINE MART

POWERBOAT

to: 312-925-2727 (see photo below)

$249,900. (see photo below)

$1,800/obo. (see photo below)

V ISIT NOW!

1981 Chris Craft Catalina 281: Great Condition, Sleeps 6. Light airy cabin with 6.4’ headroom. Marine Power 305s with 900 hours. Camper top, full beam bench seat, Fox Lake, Ill. Call: 815-578-0605.

1989 280 Baja Sport: Good entry level performance boat. Twin 454s, trailer included. Located Southeast Michigan.

Call Chuck at 419-356-4522.

Asking $21,900 obo. (see photo below)

$13,000. (see photo below)

1987 Phoenix 29 Flybridge: Twin 350 Crusaders, 2004 Raymarine package, downriggers, 2 owners, well built, well maintained, on Lake Michigan. Call Phil: 989-727-2561. $19,900/obo. (see photo below)

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A MARINA? CONTACT: Eddy A. Dingman, CNS Lic: Marina Realestate/Business Broker

847-987-6626

Edingman@cbcworldwide.com COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL, NRT NATIONAL MARINA PROPERTIES GROUP

GREAT LAKES

BOATING FEDERATION

NEW

IMPROVED MOBILE FRIENDLY!

Financing available to qualified buyers.

Visit: http://golfcourseandmarinasales.com

GreatLakesBoatingFederation.com

greatlakesboating.com | 53

MARINE MART

For complete specs & photos of these boats visit:

SKIPPERBUDS.COM

B11846

2009

55’

AZIMUT

$899,900

B12186

2009

33’

SEA RAY

$215,000

A0021R

2011

58’

AZIMUT

$1,450,000

B7921

2006

34’

SEA RAY

$179,900

B9579

2007

62’

AZIMUT

$1,099,000

B11406

2006

34’

SEA RAY

$157,500

B11681

2006

32’

BAYLINER

$74,500

B11775

2006

34’

SEA RAY

$114,900

B11603

2006

42’

CARVER

$289,000

B11991

2006

34’

SEA RAY

$149,900

B11672

2013

43’

CARVER

$0

B12199

2008

34’

SEA RAY

$149,000

B11639

2013

44’

CARVER

$0

B11258

2008

35’

SEA RAY

$199,000

B11612

2013

47’

CARVER

$0

B12197

2006

38’

SEA RAY

$169,000

B11899

2007

43’

CRANCHI

$415,000

B7169

2005

39’

SEA RAY

$385,000

B12097

2008

34’

CROWNLINE

$155,000

B10663

2005

39’

SEA RAY

$289,000

B10350

2008

39’

CRUISERS

$235,000

2005

39’

SEA RAY

$205,000

B11941

2012

39’

CRUISERS

$339,900

B10882

2006

40’

SEA RAY

$259,900

B11557

2006

42’

CRUISERS

$234,995

B11773

2006

40’

SEA RAY

$279,000

B11418

2008

46’

CRUISERS

$349,995

B12248

2006

40’

SEA RAY

$234,900 $239,000

B11411

2008

52’

CRUISERS

$450,000

B11199

2007

40’

SEA RAY

B11126

2008

56’

CRUISERS

$599,000

B12101

2005

42’

SEA RAY

$299,900

B11962

2005

34’

FORMULA

$139,995

B10776

2006

44’

SEA RAY

$250,000

B11319

2005

40’

FORMULA

$189,000

B12183

2006

44’

SEA RAY

$319,995

B11551

2009

45’

FORMULA

$479,900

B8085

2005

46’

SEA RAY

$375,000

B11613

2010

48’

FOUNTAIN

$698,740

B12166

2007

48’

SEA RAY

$469,000

E0283A

2006

34’

FOUR WINNS

$129,900

B12247

2007

48’

SEA RAY

$510,000

B10511

2006

37’

FOUR WINNS

$149,995

B10470

2008

55’

SEA RAY

$1,099,000

B11398

2006

37’

FOUR WINNS

$134,995

B12205

2006

58’

SEA RAY

$749,000

F1021R

2011

37’

FOUR WINNS

$219,971

B11330

2007

58’

SEA RAY

$875,000

B10545

2007

35’

LARSON

$129,000

B11325

2007

33’6

SEA RAY

$119,900

B12169

2006

34’

MAINSHIP

$209,900

B11943

2005

43’

SILVERTON

$309,900

B11766

2012

42’

MARQUIS

$0

B10652

2007

50’

SILVERTON

$589,000

B11768

2013

42’

MARQUIS

$0

B11703

2008

53’

SUNSEEKER

$969,000

B11610

2013

50’

MARQUIS

$0

B10475

2007

32’

TIARA

$229,900

B11602

2013

56’

MARQUIS

$0

B10818

2007

32’

TIARA

$329,900

B11590

2013

72’

MARQUIS

$0

B11444

2005

36’

TIARA

$199,900

B11985

2006

36’

MERIDIAN

$169,000

B12172

2006

36’

TIARA

$239,900

B11057

2005

48’

MERIDIAN

$250,000

TY0083A 2007

36’

TIARA

$214,900

B12043

2006

38’

REGAL

$168,000

B12208

2013

36’

TIARA

$449,900

B9837

2008

32’

RINKER

$109,995

B11095

2009

39’

TIARA

$529,900

B11335

2007

35’

RINKER

$165,000

B11623

2011

39’

TIARA

$649,900

B10708

2006

36’

RINKER

$129,000

B10712

2006

43’

TIARA

$399,900

B11988

2006

32’

SEA RAY

$119,900

TY0013A 2013

35’

TIARA

$419,900

B12203

2006

32’

SEA RAY

$119,900

B11847

2005

68’

TWIN ANC

$189,000

B11798

2007

32’

SEA RAY

$129,500

B11589

2013

131’

WESTSHIP

$0

54 GLB| Nov/Dec 13