May/June_2012

WHERE

BOATERS

GO

FOR

NEWS

June 2012

CORSAIR 36

showcase

GLB’s 30th ANNIVERSARY

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

friendly facilities. They are certified and designated as Clean Marinas.

Although not every marina is a Clean Marina, boaters should work with and support those marinas that achieve this designation.

In this collector’s issue, you will be greeted with a story about the 30th anniversary of Great Lakes Boating. Throughout the years, the magazine has grown, evolved and transformed itself into the premier boating publication for those who cruise freshwater seas and inland waterways. Publishing a magazine that serves the needs of recreational boaters and anglers on the Great Lakes and beyond is no small task.

Doing so for three decades is a major accomplishment.

For all the time and effort that has gone into publishing magazines for three decades, I can honestly say it has been a labor of love that I would not exchange for anything. Over the years, you, the readers, have taught me what is readable and worth putting into GLB. The 4.3 million boaters that navigate the Great Lakes have provided me with a boatload of subject matter. Publishing this magazine has not made me rich in terms of dollars and cents, but my life has been enriched by the boaters I meet, greet and reach through this communications vehicle.

In this issue, we have a story on clean marinas. All marinas have a special responsibility to keep our waters clean and our fish and wildlife plentiful, but certain marinas will also undertake best management practices and implement policies and procedures to be environmentally

Our boating feature this issue focuses on Chris-Craft, a trademark company of crafted boats whose origins can be traced back to the Great Lakes. The long history of this boat manufacturer is highlighted by elegant boats that provide comfort, durability and fine aesthetic lines for the proud owner, and the new models continue this tradition.

We also have a story on boaters with disabilities. There are a number of organizations around the country that seek to introduce disabled people to the joys of sailing. The programs offered range from taking people for boat rides to those that teach the disabled how to sail and partake in competitive racing.

Great Lakes boaters are a varied lot, but they share certain common traits. There are many businesses designed to meet the specific needs, but there’s one boating business on the Great Lakes that is truly a one-stop shop for all your boating needs—SkipperBud’s. If you are in the market to buy a new or used boat, looking for a place to dock it in the summer, store it in the winter, and add any boating accessory, then stop by any of the SkipperBud’s businesses on the Great Lakes.

And as you finish reading this issue, pick up a libation and join me in celebrating our 30th anniversary.

Happy Birthday Great Lakes Boating!

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS READY visit us at

GREATLAKESBOATING.COM 04 GLB | May/June 12

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS Publisher & Editor in Chief F. Ned Dikmen Managing Editor Karen Malonis Associate Editor Jerome A. Koncel Contributing Writers Mike Baron Kerry Gruson

Graphic Design Mila Ryk Andrea Vasata Web Master Trent Tomanich

Advertising | Sales Inquiries Neil Dikmen p 312.266.8400 • f 312.266.8470 e info@greatlakesboating.com Michigan | Ohio M2Media Company Mark Moyer • p 248.840.0749 e m2mediaco@sbcglobal.net

GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) © 2012 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of Chicago Boating Publications, Inc., its publisher 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

For editorial inquiries, contact Great Lakes Boating Magazine at 1032 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610. p 312.266.8400 or e kmalonis@greatlakesboating.com Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available online at greatlakesboating.com and at any of the distribution centers and newsstands in areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all undelivered issues to Great Lakes Boating Magazine, 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forest Johnson Photography

16 OTC

CORSAIR 36

FEATURES

FEATURES • CHRIS CRAFT • CLEAN MARINAS • ADAPTIVE SAILING • SKIPPERBUD’S

38’2”

BEAM:

12’6”

WEIGHT: FUEL CAPACITY:

12 16 24 28

19,500 lbs.

286 gal.

DEADRISE:

20 degrees

DRAFT:

31”/20”

The all-new Corsair builds upon ChrisCraft’s reputation for crafting boats that

24

SPOTLIGHTS

SPOTLIGHTS • GLB 30TH ANNIVERSARY • SUMMER BOATING

LOA w/ swim platform :

make a statement and get noticed. The Corsair 36 is equipped for all seasons and is ready to take on offshore waters.

It features a new skylight that runs the entire length of the forward deck and is fl anked by teak appointments to allow the maximum natural light to shine in the forward salon. The vessel has a generous

20 32

aft seating area with an electric table that rises from the fl oor to cocktail height at the push of a button. Push another button, and the table will extend to full dining height. When boaters are finished using the table, it lowers electronically into the floor where it is virtually undetectable.

28

32

Key features of this model include an extended fiberglass swim platform with a three-step stainless steel swim ladder, a custom stainless steel windshield with walk-thru to the foredeck and an entertainment center with wet bar, cutting board and storage. There’s also a custom-

DEPARTMENTS

designed bimini top with concealed

DEPARTMENTS

storage below the aft hatch.

Based in Sarasota, Fla., Chris-Craft is a

IN THE NEWS

IN THE NEWS • GREAT LAKES • FISHING • MARINAS • CRUISING • NATIONAL • SAILING

36 40 42 44 46 48

• PUBLISHER’S NOTE • EDITORIALS • NEW PRODUCTS • MARINE MART • ADVERTISER INDEX • EVENTS CALENDAR

04 08 50 52 52 53

leading manufacturer of premium quality boats and motor yachts. With a tradition of excellence dating back to 1874, the Chris-Craft name represents quality craftsmanship, classic design elegance, total reliability and performance.

Chris-Craft 8161-15th Street East Sarasota, Florida 34243 (941) 351-4900 (800) 395-8858 chriscraft.com Cover Photo Forest Johnson Photography

06 GLB | May/June 12

EDITORIALS

LOVE THE BOAT YOU’RE WITH It wasn’t that long ago that buying a boat was an enjoyable task.

From marine electronics to navigation guide upgrades to

After seeing a particular boat in ads and at boat shows, it was

engine tuning, these are the things you need to give your boat

relatively easy to make the dream come true.

a new life.

In those days, the economy hummed. Financial statements

Those pessimists that don’t see a recovery remain shortsighted,

could not have looked any better—they were swollen with

not recognizing the positive aspects of the situation. Boating

net values of owned assets. If your last year of income was not

in America remains strong with some 12 million boat owners,

sterling, your accountant could help put your banker’s worries

most of whom own their boats free and clear, who could

to rest. Your present and future commissions, bonuses and

revitalize their vessels through quality upgrades.

stock market investments and assets had projected healthy yields. Adding an extra cushion of collateral to ease the banker’s concern was no problem. Finding ways and means to fi nance the boat was always within reach. Those were the happy days. In that strong economy we trusted.

No one ever imagined that this eternal good fortune would come to an end one day. Warnings did not come over PA loud speakers; swinging baseball bats did not crash down on those who would not listen. The happy music kept humming and boats kept selling.

Hiring professionals to give your boat a new paint job or a full interior rehab can rekindle that romance with your prized possession. Moreover, by refreshing these vessels, the boating community, with its millions of registered boaters, will be making a difference in the broad economy by creating new jobs.

Revamping the interior of your boat to give it a bright new look might not be as diffi cult or as expensive as one might imagine. One interior design expert we called on stated that reupholstering cushions and furniture throughout the entire

Then one day, suddenly and unexpectedly, the music stopped and the happy days of life we had come to rely on came to an end. A new dawn, dubbed The Recession, had descended on our nation and imprisoned us in a hellish dungeon.

The end of the Recession is in sight, but now comes skyrocketing fuel prices and worries about how you’re going to deal with them. How will this affect your next boating season? If you have been a boater for some time, which most folks are, the answer is clear and simple: You must adapt to high prices. You must give your boat a new life. One of the best

boat can make a world of difference.

Curtains around portholes could be another addition that can alter the entire look of your boat. And if you have a slip situated at the lakefront of an exciting coastal city, you have it made.

Living aboard your boat does not have to come at a heft y price.

For $3,500, a boater can secure dockage at one of Chicago’s magnificent harbors for a six-month duration. Even if your boating excursions are fewer this season than those in the past, there’s a spruced up lakefront condo you can run to in order to get away from the hustles and bustles of everyday chores.

ways is by improving the interior, the living quarters of your boat, so you can truly enjoy the luxury of a second home as a

As we start our next boating season, let’s make a difference.

live aboard.

Don’t let skyrocketing gas prices get you down. Love the boat you’re with and you’ll be helping yourself enjoy the boating

Marine experts and boat show aficionados report that even though new boat sales are slow, boating products are selling.

lifestyle, while at the same time helping the economy create new jobs.

Agree? Disagree? Want to Comment?

Email your thoughts to letters@greatlakesboating.com

8 GLB | May/June 12

Boaters’ Wish List To The National Ocean Council When the federal government’s National Ocean Council

boating are sustainable activities. FWS is doing a great job

submitted its Draft Implementation Plan proposing policies

of coordinating activities on our nation’s waterways and

and joint actions for our nation’s oceans, coasts and the Great

implementing boaters’ pay and benefit programs.

Lakes for public comment, little did interested parties and stakeholders realize that the council had failed to make any mention of recreational boaters and sportsfi shermen. Such a serious omission of major users of oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes prompted the Great Lakes Boating Federation to make comments on the Plan.

While pointing out that any proposed plan that does not include recreational boaters and sportsfi shermen in its discussion is totally unacceptable, our comments also made some serious recommendations on things the federal government can do to aid boaters and sportsfi shermen, a “boaters’ wish list.”

When it comes to specific recommendations, GLBF believes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can no longer overlook recreational boating harbors in its harbor dredging and maintenance efforts. The Corps must include more funds for recreational boating harbors in its annual budget proposals.

Moreover, it must work to make boating access to our nation’s oceans, coasts and waterways a top priority.

While noting the significant problems that algae blooms, plastics and other debris f loating in our oceans and along our coasts pose to the well-being of these natural resources, the NOC Draft Implementation Plan says nothing about the invasive species problem, specifically the pressing issue of the

At the top of the wish list is accurate data and factual

Asian carp. The federal government must do something to

information about recreational boating and sportsfi shing,

solve this problem, and it must do so immediately.

two major users of our nation’s oceans and freshwater lakes.

If the federal government is to develop policies and programs for our country’s coastlines, it must do so using factual information, not estimates and guesses. Thus, we recommend that the federal government undertake a national feasibility study that reveals accurate information about the economic and societal value of recreational boating and fi shing on our nation’s oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.

At a time of record high gas prices and the search for renewable energy sources, the Draft Implementation Plan makes no mention of how renewable energy sources can be used for the growth and development of recreational boating and sportsfi shing. Recreational boaters have depended on the Wallop-Breaux Amendments to the Highway Infrastructure Act to provide funds for the growth of boating. As the demand for fossil fuel dries up at marine fuel docks, the federal

The second wish is for the federal government is to

government must look at ways to make taxes on new energy

acknowledge the close relationship between boating and

resources be used to benefit boaters and sportsfi shermen.

fishing, and then develop programs that promote, grow and create a sustainable future for these sectors. Th is may sound like a major undertaking, but the federal government needs to look no further than the Dept. of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) if it wants to fi nd a good model of a government agency that is ensuring that fi shing and

The final wish is for the federal government to add a representative or two from the Great Lakes boating and sportsfi shing community to its National Ocean Council.

These members can provide the practical knowledge and experience needed to make the NOC Draft Implementation Plan one that is beneficial to all interested parties.

greatlakesboating.com | 09

JOIN

GREAT LAKES BOATING FEDERATION TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT BOATING To get your voice heard amidst the din and clatter of a dysfunctional government, boaters on the Great Lakes should join the Great Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF).

Here’s a checklist of reasons on why you should join GLBF: • There is only one recognized leader when it comes to advancing the rights, needs and interests of recreational boaters and sportsfishermen.

• In the face of harsh and undue regulations on the federal, state, and local levels, GLBF is the face of Great Lakes boaters.

• GLBF has been at the forefront of organizations calling for the reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act so that fishermen and boaters can gain more access to the waters.

• GLBF stopped the Coast Guard’s proposed live fi re zones on the Great Lakes.

When others did nothing to stop this dangerous activity, GLBF stepped up to stop it from happening.

• It has worked tirelessly to improve the dredging of small harbors and gain greater access to boat ramps at all harbors.

• It has sought to increase maintenance of navigational aids and breakwaters.

• It has sought to improve the fish populations of freshwater lakes and inland waterways.

• It has sought to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from spreading into the Great Lakes.

• It has been the most vocal advocate for recreational boaters in securing the fair use of fees and taxes levied on boaters.

GLBF is the voice for the 4.3 million boaters on the Great Lakes. It is the organization that boaters depend on in advocating and defending the rights of Great Lakes boaters.

For more information or to join the Great Lakes Boating Federation,

www.greatlakesboatingfederation.com, email: glbf@greatlakesboatingfederation.com visit

or call 312-266-8408.

10 GLB | May/June 12

F

rom its founding in 1874 to its inception in 1922 as Smith & Sons Boat Co. to its incorporation as Chris-Craft Boats in 1930, the Chris-Craft name has stood for design excellence, high-quality workmanship and craftsmanship, and aesthetically pleasing interiors. The two latest additions to the company’s boat line, the Launch 32 and the Corsair 36, continue the company’s long history and tradition of premium boats.

CORSAIR 36 LOA

w/swim platform

38’2”

Beam Max Weight 19,500 lbs Fuel Capacity 286 gal.

Deadrise 20 degrees Draft 31”/20” 12’6”

12 GLB | May/June 12

The Corsair 36 is equipped for all seasons and built to take on offshore waters. It features a new skylight that runs the entire length of the forward deck that allow the maximum natural light to shine in the forward salon. The vessel has a generous aft seating area with an electric table that rises from the floor to cocktail or dining height at the push of a

button. When boaters are finished using the table, it lowers electronically into the floor where it is virtually undetectable.

The aft stateroom is equipped with a double bed, full-function lighting, a carbon monoxide monitor, cedar-lined hanging locker and a privacy door and frame. The forward v-berth has built-in storage compartments, a cedar-lined hanging locker, stereo speakers, and hull-side storage cabinets.

Other notable features include an extended fiberglass swim platform with a three-step stainless steel swim ladder, a custom stainless steel windshield with Solex glass and walkthru to foredeck, and an entertainment center with wet bar, cutting board and storage.

Powered by Twin Mercury 8.2L (430 hp) DTS engines, the Corsair 36 can reach top speeds of approximately 46 to 48 mph@5,000 rpm.

All interior Corsair 36 photos by Dick Dickinson Photography. All other photos by Forest Johnson Photography

greatlakesboating.com | 13

CHRIS-CRAFT L AUNCH 32 The Launch 32 is the newest and largest in the Launch series of boats. It is the logical next step for the active boater who wants a bowrider, but also wants the option to overnight at a moment’s notice, according to Steve Heese, Christ-Craft’s president. The open bow boat offers an ample aft sunbed and even sleeping accommodations, along with a convenient enclosed head in the forward cabin. The vessel is powered by twin Volvo Penta 5.7L Gxi (320 hp) EVC engines with joystick steering.

Noteworthy features include a forward seating area, entertainment consoles with wet bar and storage, a cockpit refrigerator, and a pressure freshwater system with hot and cold water in the head as well as hot and cold water on demand in the transom shower. Factory options include snap-in carpet, bow LED docking lights, windlass with stainless steel anchor and line, and an electric driver’s helm seat.

The ease of use, sleek proportions, and practical configurations make the Launch 32 well-suited to long excursions as well as sunset cruises. chriscraft.com

LOA

w/swim platform

Beam Max Weight Fuel Capacity Deadrise Draft

14 GLB | May/June 12

34’3” 10’ 11,350 lbs 160 gal.

20 degrees 35”/22”

All Launch 32 photos by Forest Johnson Photography

greatlakesboating.com | 15

CLEAN MARINA: A Badge of Honor

Venetian Marina in Sandusky, Ohio, is one of Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clean Marinas

By Jerome A. Koncel Associate Editor

T

hroughout the Great Lakes and across the United

For the Great Lakes, home to more than 4.3 million boaters,

States, the number of marinas being certified as Clean

Clean Marinas is a guiding light that tells boaters which

Marinas is growing in both numbers and popularity

marinas are undertaking efforts to promote operational

and for good reason. There are currently 26 states that

and maintenance practices that will prevent pollution from

certify Clean Marinas, three (New York, Massachusetts, and

entering the waterways. A Clean Marina certification serves

Pennsylvania), including two on the Great Lakes, that provide

as a guidepost alerting boaters to businesses and facilities

Clean Marina handbooks, but do not officially certify facilities,

that take environmental stewardship to a new level, one that

and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which certifies marinas in

employs in some cases 100 BMPs to ensure clean water and

certain areas of certain states (46 reservoirs in 7 states).

clean facilities.

Clean Marinas is a voluntary program that encourages and calls on marinas, boatyards, and recreational boaters to

A

adopt measures that reduce pollution and keep waters clean,

Although the Clean Marinas program is a nationwide

while protecting fish, wildlife, and plants. Clean Marinas is

effort, it grew out of public concern about marinas and

generally a statewide program and is usually a collaborative

boatyards and their impact on our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterways. Public

effort that involves government agencies, businesses,

perception viewed marinas and boatyards as polluters of

and individuals.

the environment. Although this impression was false and

Clean Marina Programs provide information, guidance, and technical assistance to marinas/boatyards on how

JOINT PROGRAM

misleading, the industry needed to do something to change the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view.

to minimize their impacts on water quality and coastal

Over the years, marinas have asked their boating customers

resources. As part of the program, the states identify and

what they expect from their marinas and the top two factors

promote best management practices (BMPs) to assist

usually are cleanliness and safety/security. Beyond that,

marinas in reaching their goals.

customers are looking to put their boats into a harbor with

16 GLB | May/June 12

clean waters. All of these characteristics are the hallmarks

Harbor on May 30, and creates an annual economic impact

of the state Clean Marina Programs.

of around $32 billion per year.

In the Great Lakes area, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and

Designed to improve Chicago’s harbors, boatyards, and boats

Wisconsin are Clean Marina states, but this does not mean

by minimizing their impact on the waters, Sudimack said the

that the other states are not working to make their marinas

Green Marina Initiatives are very specifi c, encouraging

clean and green. For example, In Illinois, the Illinois Coastal

and asking both operators and boaters to follow operational

Management Program (ICMP) is collaborating with the

and maintenance practices that will prevent pollution from

Chicago Park District, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Friends of

entering the coastal waterways.

the Parks, Westrec Marinas, Chicago Yacht Club, Crowley’s Yacht Yard, and Lincoln Park Advisory Council to build a Clean Marina Program.

“CLEAN MARINA PROGRAMS

Although the Lake Michigan coastline is only 63 miles long

PROVIDE INFORMATION, GUIDANCE,

in Illinois, a fraction of the total 1,640 miles of total Lake Michigan shoreline, the area is home to more than half of the

AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO

state’s total population and the lake is the largest drinking

MARINAS/BOATYARDS ON HOW TO

water supply in the state, serving nearly 8.5 million people.

MINIMIZE THEIR IMPACTS ON WATER

For these two reasons alone, it is important to keep the waters of Lake Michigan clean. And, although marinas and harbors

”

QUALITY AND COASTAL RESOURCES.

and boatyards are not the leading source of pollution runoff into the lake, pollution from marinas and boatyards can have a significant impact on local water quality.

Building on the Green Marina Initiatives, the ICMP and its partners are working to develop the state’s Clean Marina

Rachel Sudimack, the state’s Green Marina Program

Program by currently developing a handbook of BMPs that

Coordinator, said the ICMP works with its partners to

it plans to send to every marina and boatyard in Northeast

introduce Green Marina Initiatives to Chicago’s harbors

Illinois. In addition, they are looking to expand their outreach

and boatyards. The emphasis on Chicago’s harbors and

and education efforts to marina industry professionals and

marinas is clearly understandable as the city has 9 harbors,

boaters alike. The ultimate goal is to produce consistent

offers more than 5,100 slips to boaters, with an additional

standards throughout all the Great Lakes, thereby creating

1,000 more coming online with the startup of the 31st Street

a Great Lakes Marina Network.

MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township, Mich., was one of the state’s first Clean Marinas.

greatlakesboating.com | 17

into proper receptacles, using pumpouts instead of dumping sewage into the waters, preventing gas spills at the fuel dock, and using nontoxic cleaners in cleaning their boats.

In addition, the Clean Marina program asks boaters to follow strict environmentally friendly practices in maintaining their vessels, especially with regards to sandblasting boat bottoms.

Although the requirements for becoming a Clean Marina vary from state to state, they share many common elements.

For example, once marinas gather information about the program, they are required to sign a voluntary Clean Marina pledge. The pledge tells boaters that the marina or boatyard is committed to doing everything in its power to keep the waterways clean.

The next step is for the marinas/boatyards to perform a selfevaluation. Based on this evaluation, marinas/boatyards will Washburn Marina in Washburn, Wis., is one of 19 Clean Marinas certified in the state.

then adapt and implement a checklist of Clean Marina BMPs and operations, have outside auditors inspect their facilities, and be recertified within a specified timeframe.

Among the Great Lakes states, the most recent Clean Marina program to hit the marketplace is Wisconsin’s. Jon Kukuk, owner and manager of NestEgg Marine in Marinette, Wis., is the chairman of Wisconsin’s Clean Marina program and the individual behind the program that has seen 19 marinas/

“THE MARINAS THAT ARE CLEAN MARINAS,

ON THE OTHER HAND,

boatyards certified as Clean Marinas within the association’s

BELIEVE THAT THIS DESIGNATION IS

first two years of existence.

A POSITIVE SIGN OF THEIR CONCERN

Asked to explain why the state has been so successful

FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR

in certifying Clean Marinas, Kukuk replied, “I think it’s a

CUSTOMERS.

question of time and effort. None of our marinas want their

”

boating customers to operate in dirty, polluted waters, so they take special care of their waters and natural habitats.”

Once certifi ed for Clean Marina status, the marinas and boatyards can proudly display a certifi cate and, in many

Southport Marina, Kenosha, Wis., was the latest marina to

states, fly a flag or burgee signifying their status as a Clean

be certified a Clean Marina in Wisconsin. (See the story on

Marina. They can also add this certification to their letterhead

page 43.)

and put it in their marketing and advertising efforts.

CHALLENGES

Most marinas that are not Clean Marinas believe the time, effort, and money involved in achieving certification prevents

Becoming a Clean Marina is a hard sell for most states.

them from achieving it. Others believe that the Clean Marina

The program takes some time, money, and effort, and not

program is some type of state program designed to regulate

necessarily in that order. Its value is difficult to quantify, and

their operations. The marinas that are Cleans Marinas, on the

few marinas have been able to directly attribute either the sale

other hand, believe that this designation is a positive sign of

or lease of a slip to being a Clean Marina. That being said,

their concern for the environment and their customers.

there is much to be said for the marinas that are certified as “Clean Marinas.”

Many states, due to the recession, are cutting back on their funds for Clean Marina programs, and this is having a

As participants in keeping our nations waters and harbors

negative effect on the number of new Clean Marinas, as well

clean, boaters should ask their marina owners, operators and

as those waiting to be recertified.

managers if their business is a Clean Marina? If not, why not? If yes, tell the marina “Thanks” for doing its part to be an environmental steward of our nation’s waterways.

Only one state in the country has its own Clean Marina program run by and for marinas—California. The state with the most Clean Marinas is Florida (248 at press deadline).

Boaters for their part are encouraged to follow Clean Marina

The state with the highest percentage of marinas certified

practices by recycling trash, putting waste oil and batteries

is Maryland (145 out of 619).

18 GLB | May/June 12

2002-2012 2002-2012

By Jerome A. Koncel, Associate Editor

T

hirty years ago, Ronald Reagan was president,

The format changed from a tabloid to a magazine to a four-

the Berlin Wall was still standing, and the Apple

color glossy publication by the mid-1990s. As the magazine

computer was in its infancy, so much so that people

grew, so too did the number of people it reached, as well

could hardly fathom the concept of putting the device

as the advertisers, along with the reporters and journalists

on a desk. At this same time, F. Ned Dikmen, the son of a

who wanted to get their names into the magazine by

Turkish small business owner who had been told as a child

writing articles.

that “boating was only for the rich,” embarked on a new publishing venture. This year marks 30 years since Dikmen started Chicago Boating, which has grown and evolved into today’s Great Lakes Boating, and the 30th Anniversary is an appropriate time to reflect on the magazine’s history and accomplishments.

The fi rst issue of Chicago Boating exhibited a spirit of accessibility and openness that has carried through to today.

Dikmen, the founder and still publisher of the magazine, has always been more interested in having people read the magazine than in making money off the subscription fees.

However, the rising costs of printing and paper, along with

The impetus for Chicago Boating, which morphed into

an increased number of pages, has prompted a heavier

Great Lakes Boating, was a problem all too common among

reliance on advertising revenue.

boaters—Dikmen wanted to sell his boat but couldn’t find a suitable place to place an ad except in the advertising section of the Chicago Tribune selling bicycles, furniture, and other odd equipment. Ever the adventurer, Dikmen saw this as an opportunity and decided to publish his own boat listings newspaper, an eight-page newsprint tabloid. He would make it free to all, and this would be the cornerstone of his publishing philosophy.

From those humble beginnings in 1982, the publication grew, evolved, and eventually found a new niche—as an information and news source for boaters in the Great Lakes.

20 GLB | May/June 12

For many years, Great Lakes Boating has been enlightening and educating boaters with news of the region and leading the push for needed improvements. One long-time reader has described the magazine as a staunch advocate for boaters. In the good times and bad, Great Lakes Boating has never lost sight of the changing needs of boaters.

Dikmen says there’s not an issue that goes out without his asking, “Will the boaters like this issue?” At the same time, he believes that the magazine has never wavered in being the voice of boaters. One of his most fond recollections is

1992-2001 1992-2001 of writing to readers about the ins and outs of the Great Lakes

came out against the city’s proposed 50 percent increase

Commission. As a member of the Commission representing

on moorings.” In both these instances, Malonis said, the

boaters, Dikmen said the magazine became the unoffi cial

magazine took a bold stance and had a profound influence

vehicle for describing and explaining how the Commission

on each of these activities as the voice of the boaters.

was working to improve life for boaters on the Great Lakes.

Boaters, marinas, boatyards, and dealers throughout the

Dikmen adds that his recent work as an appointee to the

region have recognized the magazine’s commitment to the

Sports Fishing and Boating Partnership Council has given

region and applauded its mission and goals. Scott Stevenson,

him a new appreciation of and admiration for the Dept. of

vice president, Westrec Marinas, which operates the 10

the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Services. “The appointment

Chicago Harbors for the Chicago Park District, congratulated

to this Council has given me enough information to keep the

Ned Dikmen and the staff at Great Lakes Boating for 30

magazine going for the next fi ve years,” Dikmen said. “It’s

years of service to the Great Lakes boating community. “We

also made me realize that Fish and Wildlife Services does

appreciate your professional approach to the reporting of

a terrific job of coordinating boating activities to make boating

boating issues, and we recognize your contribution to the

a sustainable entity.”

industry. Keep up the good work,” said Stevenson.

Karen Malonis, who serves as the magazine’s managing

David Suthard, general manager of North Point Marina in

editor and has been with the magazine nearly as long as

Winthrop Harbor, Ill., the largest marina on the Great Lakes,

Dikmen, said her strongest impression of the magazine is how

which has been advertising in the magazine for the last 20

far it reaches in terms of geography. “I’ve had people from as

years, is a big fan of the magazine. “It has been a big part of

far away as Florida and California call and tell me how much

our print marketing strategy, and it’s been quite successful,”

they enjoyed the publication,” she said.

said Suthard. He added that boaters often comment about

Of all the issues that have been published in the last 30 years, Malonis said two stand out. “I remember when the magazine

articles in the magazine, and he has seen the magazine’s quality continue to improve from one year to another.

got involved with the live round ammunition exercises the

Russell M. Davis, director of marketing-boat brands, for KCS

Coast Guard proposed for the Great Lakes,” commented

International, Oconto, Wis., the manufacturer of Cruiser Yachts,

Malonis. “And I can also recall one of our early issues that

Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, and the newly acquired Azure

greatlakesboating.com | 21

1982-1991 1982-1991 line of boats, echoes Suthard’s comments. “The magazine has

renew his efforts to organize boaters and unite a fragmented

done a good job of selling the boating lifestyle to boaters in the

industry that separates manufacturers, dealers, and boaters,

Great Lakes and beyond, and is one of the major magazines

as well as marinas, boatyards and associations, into

for our advertising efforts,” said Davis.

separate entities struggling to outdo one another in

Brion O’Dell, marina manager, Waukegan Port District, Waukegan, Ill., believes the magazine is an excellent source of information not just on boating, but also on legislative and political issues that affect the boating community in the Great Lakes and around the country. “Customers love it based on

getting a larger piece of the pie. He’s created the Great Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF) to be the voice of boaters to government and legislative agencies, as well as a way to have boaters acquire products and services at reduced rates.

the number of magazines that I give out,” said O’Dell. “It’s a

When asked to assess the past 30 years, Dikmen said,

high-quality magazine that reaches the people we’d like to

“My perseverance, coupled with a love for boating and

attract to our marina.”

sportfishing, has made Great Lakes Boating what it is today.

Although Dikmen describes his tireless and dedicated work for the magazine as “a labor of love,” anyone in the magazine publishing business knows that it has not been an easy task.

Establishing a high-quality magazine that meets the needs of advertisers and readers alike is not an overnight fl ing.

Of all the challenges he has faced in the past 30 years, Dikmen says the current recession has been the most troublesome. “With revenues drying up and costs increasing, I was forced to ask myself whether magazine publishing was a viable option,” said Dikmen. As you can see from reading this article, Dikmen has weathered this stormy time, but not without a few sleepless nights.

As might be expected from an entrepreneur like Dikmen, the magazine has prompted him to expand his horizons,

22 GLB | May/June 12

Getting a boating publication on the Great Lakes to last three decades has not been easy. Two things have made this possible: truthful news and strong editorials in defense of the rights of the 4.3 million Great Lakes boaters. I am very proud of the magazine.”

As for the future, Dikmen, Malonis, and the numerous people associated with Great Lakes Boating all seem to be “cautiously optimistic” about the upcoming boating season and beyond. As Dikmen noted, “The magazine has grown and developed way beyond my expectations.

At the same time, I acknowledge that there’s a lot more to do and accomplish.”

Pick up your favorite libation and offer a toast to Great Lakes Boating. Happy 30th Anniversary and many more!

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St. Paul Yacht Club St. Paul (651) 292-8964

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Ohio

Tower Marine Douglas (269) 857-2151

Harbor 9 Marina Saint Clair Shores (586) 776-5650

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OHIO

Ephraim Yacht Harbor Ephraim (920) 854-4014

Channel Park Marina Cleveland (216) 631-5000

The Shoreline Resort and Marina Gills Rock (920) 854-2606

Wildwood Yacht Club Cleveland (216) 531-9052

Eagle Pointe Harbor St. Joseph (616) 429-7400

Anchor Pointe Marina Curtice (419) 836-2455

Great Lakes Shores Marina Standish (989) 846-6065

Gallipolis Boat Club Gallipolis (740) 446-3262

Bayshore Marine Center Traverse City (231) 946-6060

Spitzer Harbor Walk Marina Lorain (800) 654-7706

Minnesota MINNESOTA

Spitzer Lakeside Marina Lorain (800) 321-3625

Hiddencove Marina at Seneca Yacht Club Seneca (815) 357-6869

Humbug Marina, Inc Gibraltar (734) 676-6633

Waukegan Harbor Waukegan (847) 244-3133

Crescent Shores Marina Holland (616) 392-9951

Indiana INDIANA

UK Sailmakers, Western Michigan Holland (616) 396-4935

Spirit Lake Marina Duluth (218) 628-3578

Leaders Marine Kalamazoo (269) 544-2628

Kings Cove Marina Hastings (651) 480-8900

L’Anse Marina L’Anse (906) 524-6116

River Heights Marina Inver Grove Heights (651) 455-4974

ZAP Custom Lure, Co Toledo (419) 475-2621

River Rat Dog Fishing Guides, LLC Laingsburg (517) 651-2616

Bill’s Bay Marina Red Wing (651) 388-0481

Bad Boy Bait, Tackle & More Vermilion (440) 967-2033

Linwood Beach Marina Linwood (989) 697-4415

Howard’s Point Marina Shorewood (952) 474-4464

Key Harbour Marina, Inc. Vermilion (440) 967-6993

UK Sailmakers, Detroit Clinton Township (586) 790-7500

Marine City Marine & Service Marine City (810) 420-5106

Rockvam Boatyards Spring Park (952) 471-9515

Vermilion Power Boats Yacht Club Vermilion (440) 967-4100

Gregory Boat Company Detroit (313) 823-1900

Menominee Marina Menominee (906) 863-8498

Watergate Marina St. Paul (651) 695-3780

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club Aurora (812) 926-4505 Marina Shores at Dune Harbor Portage (219) 762-5700 Michigan MICHIGAN Great Lakes Docks & Decks Algonac (810) 725-0009 Spring Lodge & Cottages Cedarville (800) 480-2282

Bayport Marina Association, Inc Bayport (651) 439-2040

Beaver Dam Bay Marina Beaver Dam (920) 319-4062

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Wisconsin WISCONSIN

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SAILING

By Kerry Gruson and others*

ailing is a wonderful sport in which everyone can

S

Independence 20s, the program’s workhorse, designed

participate, regardless of age or disability. Adaptive

specifically for disabled sailors. There are also 11 Sonars and

boating equipment makes it possible for even the most

four 2.4mR boats, respectively the three-person and one-

disabled person, such as quadriplegics with no movement

person Paralympic class boats. For more information, visit

below the neck, to sail a boat.

w w w.juddgoldmansailing.org .

By best estimates, there are about 30 sailing centers or yacht

Every August for the last 21 years, JGASF, together with the

clubs around the country that offer a sailing experience to the

Chicago Yacht Club, sponsors the North American Challenge

disabled, ranging from programs that take people with a wide

Cup, attracting the top sailors with disabilities from across

range of disabilities for a boat ride to those that teach the

the U.S. and Canada. The sailors compete in three fleets: the

disabled how to sail and race. For a complete list, visit U.S.

2.4mR, the Sonar and the Freedom Independence 20.

Sailing Association (USSA) at tinyurl.com/bljc5t9 .

GREAT LAKES

As a participant in the Challenge Cup, I have many very fond memories of the event. With my skipper Karen Mitchell, we

SAILING

placed first for three consecutive years. However, much more

The Great Lakes area boasts one of the largest adaptive

important than the competition is the opportunity to make

sailing programs in the nation: Chicago’s Judd Goldman

friends and exchange life stories with other disabled sailors,

Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF). This is a non-profi t

as well as able-bodied sailor volunteers. This year’s regatta

charitable foundation that supports learn-to-sail programs

takes place from August 3 to 6. For more information, visit

for the physically disabled and inner city youth. Founded in

w w w.chicagoyachtclub.org/nacc .

1990 in memory of Judd Goldman, a Chicago sailor with a disability, the JGASF is a public/private partnership with the Chicago Park District.

MILWAUKEE’S

EFFORT

Besides the Chicago Yacht Club’s effort, another adaptive

The JGASF’s boats, transfer benches and other equipment

sailing program in the Great Lakes region is the Milwaukee

are all designed to ensure the safety and comfort of the

Community Sailing Center (MCSC), Milwaukee, Wis., which

sailors. The JGASF also offers beginning to advanced

has featured adaptive programs for more than 30 years,

sailing classes. The equipment includes eight Freedom

making it one of the oldest such programs in the country.

24 GLB | May/June 12

Jonathan Gorczyca

ADAPTIVE

Jeff Goldman

This past winter, several members of the USSA’s Disabled Championship Committee unanimously endorsed the MCSC’s bid to host the U.S. Disabled Championship in 2013. I found their enthusiasm to support the event surmounted the drawback that they do not have any of the boats normally required for a disabled regatta at this level, i.e. the Paralympic boats. The MCSC has a fleet of Pearson Ensigns with a modified sail plan, which it is proposing for the Championship. I believe these boats, equipped with an adaptive seating system designed at Shake-A-Leg Miami (SALM)—of which more below—could work well for the purpose. The MCSC also has two Hoyer lifts for getting people on and off boats. It installed an ADA-compliant floating dock in 2006.

The Championship, which will be held September 5 to 8, 2013 was formerly known as the Independence Cup. It used to run concurrently with the NACC and sailed out of the Chicago Yacht Club as recently as 2005, when I last competed in these regattas.

The MCSC has individual programs and partners with Milwaukee County’s program for the disabled. It gives more than 1,500 people boat rides every summer. Every Friday at the MCSC is adaptive day, with volunteers giving rides to people with many different disabilities. The MCSC Web site is w w w.sailingcenter.org .

In its program for people with disabilities, the MCSC uses a 7-foot-6-inch long Access dinghy manufactured in Australia.

The Access dinghies were designed to appeal to that huge

it functions very well as a boat to introduce a disabled person

majority of the world who like to go sailing but find it difficult

to the joys of sailing.

to do so. Everyone can enjoy sailing and even racing this boat. However, its design—a single seat, joystick steering, a sail that is controlled by a single line and a long ballasted

MIAMI

dagger board making it almost impossible to capsize—means

One of the largest year-round adaptive sailing programs in the

PROGRAM

U.S. is SALM, a community boating center that also serves a broad spectrum of disabilities. The site includes 100 feet of Christie Denson

floating dock, a historic Coast Guard hangar and a three-story building with a deck that overlooks Biscayne Bay, one of the choicest sailing venues in the world.

A wide range of programs are offered here. On Saturdays, sailing classes are available to both able and disabled adults and children. SALM partners with the Miami Dade County Schools to provide art, marine science and other enrichment programs. Every January, it hosts Paralympic classes for the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta.

On Wednesdays, beginning in late spring and continuing through August, i.e., roughly during Daylight Savings Time, SALM hosts Wednesday Night Racing, a popular way to break up the week. All sailors, regardless of their sailing experience, are welcome to these races.

SALM schedules Moonlight Sails on the Saturday closest to

North Amerian Challenge Cup

the full moon. SALM also runs Discover Boating–Community

greatlakesboating.com | 25

Bay Days where the general public is treated to a free sail

impaired sailors to helm the boat while switching to the high

or powerboat ride. Veterans are offered fishing and SCUBA

side with every tack. Check out the TackMaster (TM) series

diving programs, which launch from the SALM facility.

at w w w.whyditot.com .

While there are many different systems around (see the U.S.

“CURBS

Sailing Association’s Council for Sailors with Disabilities page

AND STAIRS MAY HOLD ME BACK, BUT WIND AND WATER MOVES ME FORWARD.”

TM3, is both simple and inexpensive. In addition, it can function

Motto of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center’s

as an Ensign. It should be noted that any disabled sailor or

adaptive sailing program

sailing program can copy the TM3, but the royalties from the

http://racing.ussailing.org/Disabled_Sailing), the newest version, the

in the crew position, as well as fitting into both the power and sailboat cockpits of almost any size and configuration, such

manufacturing thereof will go to Shake-A-Leg Miami.

The organization’s fleets include 11 Freedom Independence 20s, a fl eet of Access dinghies, a 31-foot Beneteau and a 40-foot pontoon deck boat, as well as a 26-foot infl atable, both of which can be handled by a disabled person. There are plans to make it possible for a disabled person to helm, as well as crew, on the Beneteau. View the Shake a Leg

For those who are disabled and interested in sailing, but do not find a nearby program on the USSA’s list, go to a local sailing organization and ask if anyone will give you a ride.

Chances are a disabled sailor will belong to that club or a nearby one, or others will be able to refer you and/or provide you with the opportunity themselves.

Miami Web site at w w w.shakealegmiami.org.

Likewise, if you are looking to volunteer to help a disabled TeamParadise, a major provider of training for disabled sailors with a desire to compete at a high level, is located on the SALM campus. It is now also known as “The Paralympic

person get on the water, go to your local yacht or sailing club and offer to help. You will create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Sports Club of Miami.” Despite the new name, its fl eet of Sonars and 2.4mR boats is available for charter to anyone once their sailing skills are assessed. For more information

*****

visit w w w.teamparadise.org .

Kerry Gruson is Vice Chairman of Shake-A-Leg Miami’s Board of Directors. Nichole Rider, a disabled sailor who is the Commodore

ADVANCEMENTS

of the Windy Wyoming Sailing Club; Bill Nosher, Sales & Marketing Director for Forespar; and Peter Goldman, President of the Judd

Shake-A-Leg Miami’s Innovation Center has developed

Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, provided research assistance

a series of adaptive seating systems that allow mobility-

for this article.

Jonathan Gorczyca

Transfer bench at JGASF, Chicago

fishing boats

sport boats

marinas

yachts

One Stop Shopping on the Great Lakes

By Jerome A. Koncel Associate Editor

B

ecause boats and boaters come in all shapes and

that boaters preferred to talk with one person, deal with one

sizes, the idea of being a “one-stop shop” to fit all of

business to address all their boating needs.

a boater’s needs seems far-fetched. Building such a

business, particularly to serve the 4.3 million boaters on the Great Lakes, seems difficult, if not impossible. Fortunately, there’s at least one company with roots in the Great Lakes that is striving to be a one-stop shop for all your boating needs—SkipperBud’s.

Since its inception in 1966 and up to the present, SkipperBud’s has been a family owned and operated business. It is currently led by the second generation of the Pretasky family, Mike Pretasky Jr., who works tirelessly

The company formed Skipper Marine Development in 1987 as a way to share the knowledge, information and management services it had gained over the years to help boat dealers and marinas construct, startup, and operate their businesses.

During the 1990s, SkipperBud’s expanded its boat sales and service by opening dealerships throughout Wisconsin and in Illinois. In 1999, the company expanded into Michigan with the acquisition of the Brennan Marine dealerships in Eastern Michigan and a new highway location in Coopersville, Mich.

to fulfill his father’s vision of growing the boating lifestyle

In 2003, the company ventured into Northern Ohio with the

in the Midwest.

purchase of the Marina Del Isle facility in Port Clinton. The Ohio location had a marina, storage building and restaurant,

HISTORY

but no sales facility. The business now has a 20,000 sq. ft. dealer showroom.

Bud Pretasky founded SkipperBud’s in the mid-1960s, hence the name SkipperBud’s. After a short time in business in

In 2007, the next generation of Pretasky’s took on the

LaCrosse, Wis., Bud added a couple of business partners:

responsibility of leading the company and expanding the

his brothers Mike and Dave Pretasky. The company grew

SkipperBud’s brand. Mike Pretasky Jr. became president,

and moved to the Milwaukee area in the early 1970s, at which

and under his leadership, the company expanded its sales

time Bud left the company and turned over the reins to Mike

offerings to include inboard towboats, as well as pontoon and

and Dave.

fishing brands. In addition, he diversified the cruising models offered at various dealerships. During this time SkipperBud’s

Under Mike Pretasky’s leadership, the company grew into one of the premier service centers in the Midwest. He also put together an aggressive expansion plan built on the idea

28 GLB | May/June 12

also began to expand its Internet presence, offering all inventories—new and used—on its own Web site and at other major Web sites in the boating marketplace.

slips

pontoons

deck boats

service

With the current economy, the company’s expansion has

boats to luxury yachts. Among its offering are yachts, deck

slowed, but SkipperBud’s continues to seek out and develop

boats, family cruisers, runabouts, pontoons, tow boats and

viable business opportunities. While it’s true that companies

fishing boats.

need physical brick and mortar locations and equipment, the owners of SkipperBud’s were quick to realize that the growth, success and future of the company depends on their entire team of more than 300 employees that has brought the organization to where it is today. “SkipperBud’s wouldn’t be where it’s at today without a group of dedicated employees,” said Mike Pretasky Jr.

YACHT CENTERS Not all of SkipperBud’s sales and service facilities can handle yachts weighing up to 85 tons and standing 100 feet long and longer. To take care of these customers and their yachts, SkipperBud’s has five yacht centers in the Midwest.

The individual facilities are linked together under the Yacht

MANY

DIFFERENT LAYERS

Center umbrella because they have the Travelifts that can haul 85-foot to 100-foot long boats in and out of the water.

For more than 40 years, SkipperBud’s has been striving to be

The facilities are located in Grand Haven, Mich.; Marblehead,

a company that grows boating by listening to its customers.

Ohio; Milwaukee and Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; and Winthrop

“What do boaters want? What do they need?” From these

Harbor, Ill. Those yacht captains that cruise the waters of the

answers, SkipperBud’s has evolved into a company that sells

Great Lakes should feel secure knowing that they are never

boats, repairs them, and docks them. It has also sought to

too far from a SkipperBud’s facility that can take care of their

develop high-quality sales, service and management teams.

service, repair and storage needs.

With 22 locations consisting of numerous sales, service and marina facilities throughout the Midwest, SkipperBud’s would

BOATING SUPER CENTERS

appear to be in the bigger and better category of businesses,

The company designates some dealerships and repair

but the company has never lost its focus on growing the

facilities as Super Centers because they are full service

boating lifestyle. Knowing the needs and wants of boaters,

boating headquarters. These units have the capacity to

the company has always asked if its business ventures

maintain and repair almost any make of boat or engine

answer the question: “How do we grow the boating lifestyle?”

model. They also carry the toys that make boating so much fun, such as wakeboards, waterskis, tubes, ropes, vests,

BOAT

SALES

boots, bindings, wet/dry suites, plus boat lifts and hoists

Most boaters know of SkipperBud’s as the seller of

for those customers with lakefront property and backyard

premium boat brands and styles that range from fishing

dockage. They also offer on-site storage facilities that

greatlakesboating.com | 29

quarterdeck marina

yacht center

include summer in/out storage. They are the one-stop

normal tuneups on all engines, including outboard, inboard,

shops for today’s busy boaters.

and stern-drive, to simple prop repairs or replacement to complete detailing services, SkipperBud’s can handle it.

MANAGEMENT

SERVICES

Looking to replace those old electronics with the newest

As noted earlier, SkipperBud’s has offered private sector and

navigation aids, SkipperBud’s is the place. It will also repair

public sector professional marine management services since

fiberglass damage and perform special requests, such as

1987. The company has recently expanded its management

installing bow and stern thrusters, repairing trailers, and

offerings to include accounting and reporting, information

customizing interiors. It will transport your boat across the

technology, insurance consulting, branding and marketing,

road or across the country, by water or over the road, and

design, construction, and damage/rehab.

it will do so safely and expeditiously.

SKIPPERBUD’S MARINAS

STORAGE

When it comes to marinas, dry storage, and winter storage,

Indicative of how SkipperBud’s changes with the times are its

SkipperBud’s has more than 2,300 wet slips, 1,000 dry stack

storage facilities. “There is a strong demand by boaters for

spaces, and room for 3,300 boats in its storage facilities.

heated indoor storage facilities,” said Betsey Arvai, marketing

UNITS

director, SkipperBud’s, Winthrop Harbor, Ill. “As a result, we’re SkipperBud’s either owns and operates or manages marinas

building more heated spaces.”

across the country, including Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach. Fla.; Sardis Lake Marina, Sardis Miss.; Clinton Marina, Clinton, Iowa; and Scorpion Bay Marina, Peoria, Ariz. In

THE

Wisconsin, SkipperBud’s is associated with Harbour Centre

For SkipperBud’s the boating lifestyle offers values and

Marina in Sheboygan, Prairie Harbor Yacht Club in Kenosha,

opportunities that can be cherished by kids, adults, seniors,

Quarterdeck Marina and Harbor Club Marina in Sturgeon

families, and individuals. That being said, this lifestyle

Bay, SkipperBud’s Oshkosh, and SkipperBud’s Madison. In

is under fire these days and needs to be supported by all

Michigan, there’s SkipperBud’s Bay City and SkipperBud’s

segments of the industry and all future generations.

Fenton, while there is Port Clinton SkipperBud’s in Port Clinton, Ohio.

SKIPPERBUD’S SERVICE CENTERS

MESSAGE

It is imperative that manufacturers and dealers work together to create exciting products and sell the lifestyle so it can thrive into the future. For its part, SkipperBud’s is working to grow the boating lifestyle through its businesses and other

SkipperBud’s has built its reputation as a boat dealer, but its

activities. SkipperBud’s wants to get people out on the water,

core value is in being a boat dealer that services boats. The

using their boats and creating lasting family memories. Family

company performs mechanical and fiberglass repair, as well

members of all ages can get involved in boating and that

as parts and accessories sales. It believes that its 48 Mercury

makes for a way of life that can transcend the generations and

trained and certified technicians are capable of servicing any

bring families together both now and into the future.

boat and engine.

For SkipperBud’s, there is no request that is too big, too

skipperbuds.com

small, or too complicated for its service technicians. From

storage

winthrop harbor

Coast Guard/Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew S. Masaschi

SummerBoating

By Mike Baron U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division

T

he educated recreational boater who boats throughout

in many shapes and styles that are comfortable, cool,

the year knows to take those extra precautions that

and tan friendly.

come with boating during the off season, but summer adds some unique challenges.

To begin with, stressors like heat, sun glare, noise, engine vibration, and the motion of the boat can produce signs and symptoms that mimic those caused by ingesting alcoholic beverages. That’s because the impacts are synergistic, i.e., taken as a whole the effect is greater than the sum of each individual stressor. That’s also why we recommend that boaters avoid drinking alcohol while boating.

Hot weather can be deceiving. The days may be warm and sunny, but many U.S. waters are designated as cold waters for safety purposes throughout the year—Lake Tahoe, for example. A temperature of less than 65°F can adversely affect a person in the water. Consider the water temperature where you’ll be boating before you dive in.

Then there are the weekend and holiday hazards, such as an increased number of boats, people in the water, music, and fun activities onshore and off.

The 4th of July brings out record numbers of boaters to the nation’s lakes, rivers and bays to celebrate America’s birthday and enjoy an evening of fi reworks. But if you’re like some boaters, heading in after the festivities may be the only time all year that you’re navigating your boat in the dark. Make sure your vessel’s navigation lights are in proper working order.

Vessel navigation lights let other boaters know your vessel type, activity, and direction of travel, so you can both take the proper action to avoid a collision. Designate a lookout and operate at a speed that allows you to react appropriately under the prevailing conditions. Boating at night requires heightened awareness. Buoys, floating logs, sandbars, and

Hot weather also makes it tempting to remove your lifejacket—

unlighted piers are all much more difficult to see at night—as

but don’t. If you are still carrying the old “horse collar” type,

are you.

consider summer the perfect excuse to move up to an inflatable lifejacket for everyone on board. Inflatables come

32 GLB | May/June 12

Here are a few specific suggestions for keeping your summer boating safe, carefree, and fun.

DO

MIND THE TRAFFIC:

The number of

DON’T

FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES:

recreational boats on the water peaks in midsummer and

Not only do they provide UV protection for your eyes but they

so do boating accidents, rising more than fourfold from

also give you a clearer view of other boats and any hazards in

April to July, according to the most recent Coast Guard

the water by reducing glare.

data. Maintain a safe speed and stay alert to other boaters, swimmers, skiers, and other towed water sport participants, especially during holiday weekends when fi reworks and festivities compound the distraction.

STAY HYDRATED:

Dehydration can lead

should be water or other non-alcoholic liquids such as lemonade, fruit juice, or soft drinks.

DON’T

FORGET ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF CARBON MONOXIDE: Avoid high carbon monoxide risk behaviors, like hanging off the swim platform of a boat moving forward (known as “teak surfing”). Don’t linger near powerboats that are idling in close proximity. Once you launch, move off to a clear area.

DO

DO

to headaches and fatigue. In hot weather the drink of choice

TAKE ALONG INSECT REPELLENT:

DON’T

DRINK ALCOHOL AND BOAT:

Alcohol impairs judgment, accelerates dehydration, and intensifies the effects of other on-the-water stressors, such as heat, glare, and engine vibration. Early in the season, when air and water temperatures are still chilly, alcohol can accelerate hypothermia. Alcohol use also increases the risk of someone accidentally falling overboard. Be aware that operating a boat

Nothing ruins enjoyment of the outdoors like a swarm of biting

under the infl uence of alcohol (BUI) is illegal and in some

flies or mosquitoes, plus they could provide that momentary

states mirrors those penalties associated with driving under

distraction that leads to a collision.

the influence.

JUNE 22-24 Law enforcement officers

in partnership with the state boating agencies, the U.S. Coast

from local, state and federal

Guard and other partner organizations and is timed to give

boating agencies will be out

BUI enforcement high visibility before a holiday known for

in force June 22 to 24 for

drinking and boating, as well as deadly accidents.

Operation Dry Water 2012, an annual campaign focused

Boaters caught operating under the influence will find their

on the enforcement of drunk

voyages terminated and their vessels impounded. Additional

boating laws and raising

penalties can include arrest, fines, loss of boating privileges,

awareness among recreational

even loss of driving privileges. This year all 56 states, trusts

boaters that it is unsafe and

and territories are expected to participate.

illegal to operate a boat while Breathalyzer showing alcohol impairment.

under the influence of alcohol

With stepped up law enforcement comes a battery of sobriety

and/or drugs (BUI).

tests, validated just last year for use on the water, that allow marine patrol officers to test boaters in a seated position and

Nearly one in fi ve boating fatalities results from alcohol use,

apply a percentage of probability that the subject is impaired

and states have gotten tougher in recent years in enforcing

at .08 blood alcohol concentration or higher.

laws against this high-risk behavior. Operating a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is

“We want recreational boaters to have fun, but we intend to

against federal and most state laws.

exercise zero tolerance for BUI,” says John Fetterman, law enforcement director for NASBLA and national spokesperson

Held each year the weekend before the 4th of July holiday,

for Operation Dry Water.

Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)

operationdr y water.org

greatlakesboating.com | 33

U.S. Coast Guard

Summer can bring crowded waterways and a heightened need to stay alert.

DO

UPDATE YOUR MARINE FIRST AID KIT: Make sure it is fully stocked for emergencies

spot and keep everyone low in the center of the boat until the storm passes.

and appropriate for the distance you’ll be boating from shore. The farther you are from medical assistance, the more first aid you’ll need to render until help arrives.

DO

WEAR YOUR COAST GUARDAPPROVED LIFE JACKET and insist that everyone on board do the same, even those who know

DON’T

FORGET THE SUNSCREEN:

Be sure it combats both UVA and UVB rays and has a minimum SPF of 30. Summer sun and heat can lead to headaches, sunstroke, and sunburn. Apply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, and more often if you are swimming.

DO

KEEP A WEATHER EYE: Summer

how to swim. Remember that accidents can happen quickly, rendering people injured or unconscious and unable to save themselves from drowning. Wearing a lifejacket also dramatically improves the chances of surviving an inadvertent fall overboard into cold water and provides some protection against hypothermia until assistance arrives. No matter how skilled a mariner, a lifejacket is your backup plan. Wear it.

squalls can build quickly, depending on the local climate.

Know the signs of a threatening storm and monitor the

*****

forecast for your area on a marine VHF-FM radio. If a storm

The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat

threatens, head in. If caught in a storm, seek a sheltered

Responsibly!” For more tips on boating safet y, visit w w w.uscgboating.org.

US Coast Guard/Petty Officer 3rd Class Mike De Nyse

34 GLB | May/June 12

Great Lakes

NEW HOME FOR TALL SHIP

Things changed when the Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P) and Discovery Center Great Lakes (DCGL) entered the picture and proposed a new option. TCL&P had a space available at its coal dock and saw this as an opportunity to save this ship, which gives some 10,000 people each year a chance to experience sailing on the waters of Grand Traverse Bay. TCL&P entered into a license agreement with the Tall Ship Co., allowing them to rent a small portion of the coal dock to conduct operations.

When DCGL heard about TCP&L’s largess, it invited the Tall Ship Co. to set up a ticket booth and parking on Discovery Center grounds, directly across the street from Manitou’s new home.

After 25 years of operating in Traverse City, Mich., it looked as though the Traverse Tall Ship Company and

As one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes,

the schooner Manitou would be yet another victim of the

Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner.

wave of foreclosures plaguing the nation. As tenants of

A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, she

the dock and property owned by failed developer Westbay

measures 114 feet in length with more than 3,000 square

Partners, LLC, the Tall Ship Co. was served with an eviction

feet of sail.

notice in July 2011. With very limited berthing options, the To make reservations for any of the 2012 Manitou sailing

situation looked bleak.

adventures, call 800-678-0383. shipsailing.com

LELAND WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL The 27th Annual Leland Wine and Food Festival will be held Saturday, June 9, from noon to 6 p.m., next to the Leland Harbor with its new, fullservice marina. The event will feature offerings from 15 local wineries with their fine, award-winning wines, 10 local food purveyors and live music. Leland is a picturesque little village located on a sliver of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau on the Leelanau Peninsula in Northwest Michigan. lelandmi.com

COAST GUARD CHANGES FOG SIGNALS The Coast Guard has announced a change to the marine

in safer transit. Effective July 1, the channel used for this

radio frequency that mariners must use to activate fog signals

purpose is being changed to channel 83A (157.175 MHz).

on navigable waterways of the Great Lakes.

Mariners who wish to activate fog signals should key their

Until the change takes effect on July 1, mariners are advised

microphones on both channels until July 1, when they should

to use both the new and the old frequency.

only do so on channel 83A. This change is being made to

Since the 1990s, mariners encountering decreased visibility have been able to activate fog signals on certain aids-tonavigation by tuning their marine radios to VHF-FM channel

shift radio traffic from channel 79A, a commercial channel, to channel 83A, a frequency owned and operated by the Coast Guard.

79A (156.975 MHz) and keying their microphone fi ve times.

For more information, contact Doug Sharp, 9th Coast Guard

Doing so activates the fog signals, allowing mariners to locate

District Aids to Navigation, at 216-902-6070.

and identify the aids when they are hard to see, which results

36 GLB | May/June 12

100 YEARS OF SEA SCOUTS If you own a boat or share the joys of

The nautical program spread nationwide,

boating with others, you know that the

and in 1923 a Chicagoan, Cmdr.

“spirit of adventure” was probably acquired

Thomas J. Keane USN, was named

at an early age. For the past 100 years,

national director of the Sea Scouts.

the Sea Scouts have provided a training

He is considered the person most

and leadership program for youth.

responsible for the traditions, activities, advancement, and uniforms of Sea

The Sea Scout program is part of the Boy

Scouting, many of which are still in

Scouts of America for boys and since 1968

use today.

for girls, ages 14 to 20. Just as the Boy Scout program was founded by the British

There are currently 170 youth members

war hero, Robert Baden-Powell, so was the

utilizing seven Sea Scout ships registered

Sea Scout program. Robert Baden-Powell’s

in Chicago. Many major yacht clubs

brother Warrington was a British merchant

sponsor this program. Nationwide there are about 15,000 youth members in

seaman, yachtsman, and canoeist. Robert wrote: “a scout should be able to manage a boat …” and turned

America, and worldwide there are some 100 nations with

to his brother to write the manual, “Sea Scouting-Seamanship

Sea Scout programs for their youth.

for Boys” in 1911. The next year, Arthur Cory organized a troop

seascouts.us // seascout.org

aboard his schooner, Pioneer, in Waltham, Mass.

LAGARTO REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY A ceremony to honor those who served aboard Manitowoc-

Maritime Museum. The Lagarto Remembrance Ceremony

built World War II submarines, as well as the workers

eill be held on the deck of USS Cobia and is free and open

throughout Northeastern Wisconsin who constructed them,

to the public.

will be held May 25 to 26 in Manitowoc, Wis., at the Wisconsin

866-724-2356 // wisconsinmaritime.org

QUEST EXPRESS BOAT CLUB For those people who want to enjoy boating but don’t know if

Quest Express invites boaters and those persons without

they want to own a boat, Quest Watersports’ boat club, Quest

boating experience to join the boat club. While an initial

Express, offers a viable alternative.

boating orientation is scheduled for every member, further

Quest Watersports, with its home port in Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, Ill., launched the members-only Quest Express boat club in 2011. The club concept was well received as an alternative to boat ownership, according to Linda Johnson of Quest Watersports.

Here’s how the boat club works. Once members join Quest Express and pay an annual enrollment fee, they can visit an online reservation system where they can log in, view all the boats available and make a reservation. The fleet includes

training is always available. When members make a reservation, all they have to do is show up in the harbor — their reserved boat will be in a Heritage Harbor slip waiting for them, along with a Quest Watersports employee to greet and assist them.

Members don’t have to worry about routine maintenance, insurance, slip fees, cleaning, winterizing or storage. The only responsibility of members, aside from keeping the boat safe while in use, is to cover the cost of fuel they use.

anything from pontoons to sports boats, which opens the

Quest Express has boat

doors to a relaxing cruise, fishing, tubing or water skiing on

packages that start as low as

the Illinois River through Starved Rock Country.

$300 per month. Boat usage is from April 15 to Oct. 31. questwatersports.com

greatlakesboating.com | 37

Great Lakes COAST GUARD REPLACING SEASONAL AIDS TO NAVIGATION U.S. Coast Guard/Ens. Katharine Braynard

The 9th Coast Guard District

minimize damage caused by ice and inclement weather, and because of reduced vessel traffic.

Operation Spring Restore involves the verifi cation and placement of more than 1,270 ATON, including lighted and unlighted buoys, with an expected completion date of May 28.

To accomplish this mission, the 9th District utilizes six Coast Guard Cutters with ATON capabilities, fi ve ATON teams and fi ve small-boat stations that perform ATON

began restoring seasonal

duties. Lamplighters, a civilian group that manages ATON

Aids to Navigation (ATON)

in northern Minnesota, the Canadian Coast Guard, and

throughout the Great Lakes

the St. Lawrence Seaway Corporation also assist in the

and St. Lawrence Seaway

restoration project.

beginning on March 13.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary helps with the verifi cation of

Nearly half of the aids throughout the Great Lakes region

privately-owned ATON in the region.

are taken out of service during the winter months in order to

IDNR BUYS FAIRBANKS LANDING SITE Indiana DNR

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has secured a key piece of the Healthy Rivers INitiative by purchasing 3,475 acres of Fairbanks Landing Fish & Wildlife Area from Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and reaching an agreement to continue managing the rest of the site.

The IDNR Division of Fish & Wildlife has managed the site since 2005 under a lease agreement with I&M. The lease expired two years ago, and the utility company was considering selling a large portion of the property.

private enterprise partnership to preserve a natural habitat for wildlife and public recreation. The Nature Conservancy,

was launched nearly two

the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish

years ago with the goal of

and Wildlife Service and The Conservation Fund partnered

permanently protecting

with the IDNR on the purchase to ensure that Fairbanks

more than 43,000 acres

Landing remains open to the public.

along the Wabash River

In addition, a lease agreement between I&M and DNR to

and Sugar Creek.

manage the remaining 5,000-plus acres owned by I&M has

The IDNR Fish & Wildlife

been extended so the entire Fairbanks Landing FWA will

division has developed a fi ve-year management plan for

remain intact at more than 8,000 acres.

Fairbanks Landing that will focus on forested, wetland and

The agreement secures Fairbanks Landing as the southern anchor for the Healthy Rivers INitiative (HRI). The initiative

38 GLB | May/June 12

grassland habitats.

Indiana DNR

The recently completed deal is a model of a government-

DOGS MAKE A SEAWAY SPLASH Have you ever seen a dog jump more than 20 feet through

Competitions will run during the weekend of June 15 to 17.

the air and splash down into a pool of water? If you want to

Times and registration information will become available

do so this year, plan on coming to the second annual Sailing

in the near future. The competition is open to any dog and

Seaway Clayton festivities this June in Clayton, N.Y. As part

owner interested in participating.

of the festivities, visitors will see a dog jumping in the Seaway Splash event held on the former site of Frink America in downtown Clayton.

Sailing Seaway Clayton, presented by Davidson Auto Group and Lake Ontario Realty, will enter its second summer in 2012 and is set to feature the

DockDogs has become a hit among sportsmen and has

Canadian sail training

made its way onto national television networks, including

tall ship Fair Jeanne at

ABC and ESPN. In the past 10 years, the sport of dog jumping

the Thousand Islands

has grown across North America, resulting in hundreds

Regional Dock.

of competitions each year and nearly 30 organized dockdogs.com

affi liated clubs.

The Seaway Splash includes a 40-foot long by 20-foot wide pool, as well as a 40-foot long by 8-foot wide dock platform.

TASTE OF THE GREAT LAKES 2012 All are welcome to join the Alliance for the Great Lakes as it

their thirst with craft beers, wines, and signature cocktails.

celebrates the Great Lakes at its annual Taste of the Great

During the event, paticipants will enjoy listening to the

Lakes in Chicago, June 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“traditional blues with a unique sound” of Mississippi Heat,

This year’s annual benefit will be held on the decks of the Columbia Yacht Club, a lakefront setting in the heart of

a local blues band. The event will also include a live and a silent auction.

downtown Chicago at Monroe Harbor. Some of Chicago’s

To inquire about event sponsorship or auction donation,

top restaurants, including Shaw’s Crabhouse, will serve an

contact Bernadine Rolnicki at taste@greatlakes.org

array of Great Lakes fare. Visitors will be able to quench

or call 312-765-7733.

SKI SAFE BOAT INSURANCE As the days get hotter and longer, it’s time to get your boat

There’s even a discount if your boat is in storage during the

out of dry dock and into the water. It’s also time to think about

off-season. Coverage is provided for accidents or theft, as

boat insurance.

well as personal liability.

Many people make the mistake of just adding boat coverage

The expertise developed over the years allows SkiSafe to

on top of their car or home policy. This may be good for your

offer extremely low rates that only a specialist can provide.

insurance company—but not for you or your boat.

The company also stresses

That’s why more and more people are insuring their boats with

the importance of boat safety.

boat experts. The experts at SkiSafe Insurance understand

So if you have a history of

all different kinds of boats, waters, and special marine

safe boating or have taken a

insurance needs.

certifi ed safety course, you

For decades, this company has been insuring boats, jet skis and nothing else. Their exclusive focus is on insuring your

can save even more.

800-225-6560 // skisafe.com

investment on the water, on the road or wherever you store it.

greatlakesboating.com | 39

OHIO RIVER ANGLER SURVEY

Fishing

Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife

Surveys began in March and will continue through Oct. 20.

Creel clerks will be stationed at various fishing areas and boat ramps on both sides of the Ohio River from the Ohio-Indiana state border to the New Cumberland Lock and Dam. Anglers that encounter a creel clerk will be asked a series of questions relating to their current and previous fishing trips, fi shing habits and their attitudes and opinions about issues affecting Ohio River fisheries.

Understanding what anglers are catching and trying to catch is essential to the effective management of the Ohio River fi shery. Information collected by creel clerks will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of regulations, assess stocking

A river-wide creel survey of Ohio River anglers will be

and better understand why anglers fish the Ohio River and

conducted this summer and fall to determine the effort

what they expect from their fi shing experiences. ODNR,

anglers dedicate to fishing in the Ohio River, the types of

WVDNR and KDFWR will work together to complete this

fi sh the anglers are catching and the numbers of each

study to determine how to better meet the needs of Ohio

species that are caught and harvested.

River anglers.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division

Fisheries in the Ohio River along the Ohio border are

of Wildlife, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

managed cooperatively through agreements between

Resources (KDFWR) and West Virginia Division of Natural

Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Resources (WVDNR) are conducting the cooperative survey.

ohiodnr.com

MINNESOTA SEEKS COMMENTS ON NORTHERN PIKE RULES Comments on rules governing special regulations for

Other changes are technical in nature and are intended to

northern pike and other fishing regulation matters will

clarify and improve the consistency of regulations.

be accepted until Thursday, May 30, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Comments should be directed by mail to Linda EricksonEastwood, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4020;

To comply with a legislative change in state law, emergency

email at linda.erickson-eastwood@state.mn.us, or telephone

rules were enacted in November 2011 that reduced to 100

at 651-259-5200.

the number of lakes regulated for northern pike bag limits

http://tinyurl.com/76n5lyr

and catch-and-release. The current rule-making process will make those emergency rules permanent.

IDNR CERTIFIES NEW STATE RECORD WALLEYE The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division

walleye on March 12. IDNR Conservation Police Offi cer

of Fisheries has offi cially certifi ed the catch of a new state-

Dennis Frichtl assisted in the weigh-in and certification.

record walleyeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the second time the state record has been established this year.

On Jan. 7 of this year, 15-year-old Nick Tassoni of Rockford caught a 14 pound, 12 ounce walleye on the Pecatonica River

On March 11, 52-year-old James Zimmerman of Beloit, Wis.,

between Rockton and Harrison in Winnebago County. This

caught a 15.08-pound walleye on the Pecatonica River in

fish eclipsed the former state record 14-pound walleye caught

Winnebago County. The fish was measured at 31.5 inches

on the Kankakee River in 1961.

with a girth of 20.375 inches. IDNR Division of Fisheries Regional Administrator Dan Sallee certified the new record

40 GLB | May/June 12

ifishillinois.org

FREE FISHING WEEKEND Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources

Indiana has declared June 2-3 Free Fishing Weekend, meaning that all Indiana residents will not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish Indiana waters.

To help kids and adults celebrate Free Fishing Weekend, recreation areas located across Indiana are planning fun fishing derbies, knot tying demonstrations, casting clinics and fi sh cleaning and cooking classes. Some properties require pre-registration. Visit www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3598.htm for more information.

Individuals who need reasonable modifications for effective participation in Free Fishing Weekend events at Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties should

either contact the property at least 72 hours before the event or call the DNR ADA Coordinator at 317-232-4145.

ULTIMATE FISHING TOWN CONTEST WFN: World Fishing Network is set to announce this June

to sharing their stories and letting people choose WFN’s

the winners of its Ultimate Fishing Town contest that will

Ultimate Fishing Town,” said Mark Rubinstein, president

accept nominations until May 31. The winning towns, one in

and CEO of WFN.

the United States and one in Canada, will receive national recognition, a $25,000 community donation to be used towards fi shing-related causes, plus WFN will produce a feature on fishing in the town and air it on the network and WFN Website throughout the year.

The winners of this year’s contest will receive their prizes at ceremonies in the two winning communities that will be emceed by WFN’s Mariko Izumi, host of Hookin’ Up With Mariko Izumi. To enter the 2012 contest, st, visit www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.

“The search for WFN’s Ultimate Fishing Town offers towns all across Canada and the U.S. a great opportunity to show the world why their town is the best place to fish. We look forward

TWO ILLINOIS LAKES CLOSED TO FISHING The Hennipin and Hopper Lakes in Putnam County (Ill.)

Last year however, vegetation in the lake was decreasing.

will be closed to all public sportfishing in 2012, so that the

“The carp have begun to take over,” said Paul Botts, Initiative

Wetlands Initiative and the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources

executive director. “We could see the vegetation vanishing

(DNR) can try once again to remove the common carp from

before our eyes.”

the lakes.

The Initiative and DNR believe that enough common carp

The Wetlands Initiative, a nonprofi t organization, was created

survived the 2009-2010 eradication efforts, and as a result

to manage the Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge area

they are again taking over Hennepin and Hopper lakes.

at Hennepin and Hopper lakes. Since 2001, the Initiative

During the toxicant operation, it appears that some common

has been restoring the site to diverse native ecosystems,

carp took refuge in the active remnants of the tile system

including lakes, wetlands, and prairies. The DNR has

draining the lakes and survived. “We didn’t anticipate that

partnered with the Initiative in many areas, including fish

the carp could use the drain tiles because the tile lines are

hatcheries and monitoring the lake and marsh.

groundwater outlets and contain little oxygen,” said Wayne

In 2009, the Initiative pumped out water in the two lakes so that the DRN could apply a fish toxicant to remove the common carp. It appeared that the removal effort was

Herndon, DNR fishery biologist. Unfortunately, as the workers lifted the drain tile, they found live carp sliding out by the bucket load.

successful in the spring of 2010 as the healthy marsh

The closure of the two lakes will be done so that the Initiative

habitat returned, and DNR restocked the two lakes with

can directly address what remains of the drain tile system.

native and sport fish.

greatlakesboating.com | 41

Marinas

NEW MARINA OPENS IN KENTUCKY RiverPark Place Marina, a

After spending about $16 million on the marina and design,

149-slip marina on the Ohio

engineering, and site work for the other components of the

River in Louisville, Ken., is

project, River Partners had to abandon its plans in 2008 due

set to open for business

to the worldwide recession.

this summer. An integral part of a renovated park and new housing development project, the new marina was scheduled to receive it fi rst boats in April, said Steve Poe, the lead partner in the River Park Place project.

According to newspaper reports, the new marina is

Armed with new financing and federal and state tax credits amounting to $4.5 million, Poe resumed construction on the marina in November 2011. The new marina will contain 40-, 55-, and 70-foot slips. The fl oating docks will offer cable television, along with electric and water hookups.

The marina will have plenty of parking for slipholders.

In addition to the slips, the additional marina amenities include a ship’s store, laundry, shower and restroom facilities, and a restaurant.

expected to cost about $7 million when it is fully operational.

Newspaper reports claim that the marina will sell 30 of its

It will sit right at the edge of the riverfront park and include

slips outright for prices ranging from $40,000 to $80,000,

slips for purchase, as well as for lease.

although one report said that a special end-tie slip will be

Plans to develop the riverfront site were originally proposed in the 1980s, but they were eventually discarded. Poe and

set aside for a 100-foot berth. The remainder of the slips will be leased.

his development group, River Partners, LLC, were given the

riverparkplace.com

rights to develop the riverfront park property in 2004.

RACINE MARINA GETS A NEW MANAGER ReefPoint Marina, Racine, Wis., which was acquired by

$315,000 in revenue from operations, and the rest will go

Racine County earlier this year, has awarded a contract

to the county.

to Edgewater Resources of St. Joseph, Mich. to operate the marina. Under a contract approved by the county board in March, Edgewater Resources will receive

The county expects the company to send a dockmaster to live in Racine and operate the marina until the end of the year, according to county attorney John Lehman.

MICHIGAN MARINA SEEKS RENOVATION FUNDS Gladstone Municipal Marina, Gladstone, Mich., has filed

and have oulived their life expectancy. Utilities are in need

a $200,000 grant application with the Michigan Division

of repair, wood on the docks is rotting and twisting, and

of Waterways to be matched with local funds and allow

dock supports are rusted, she said. No matter how the grant

for renovation work on the marina’s docks to begin and

project turns out, Sanderson said that work on the docks

be completed, according to a March 14 news story on the

needs to be done due to safety concerns.

Web site: www.dailypress.net (published March 13 in the Daily Press).

As part of the renovation work, new wooden docks would be installed, slip occupancy would increase to 58 from 52,

Nicole Sanderson, the city’s parks and recreation director,

and the new slips would accommodate larger boats. The

filed the grant application stating that the city would match

$400,000 renovation project also include a $9,000 solar-

the Dept. of Natural Resurces grant funds with $100,000

powered de-icing system.

from its Downtown Development Authority and $100,000 from marina funds.

Prior to giving approval for the grant application, the city commission discussed creating a marina fund, which is a

Sanderson pointed out that renovation work is badly needed

Division of Waterways requirement for the city receiving

on the marina. The current docks were built 27 years go

the grant funds.

42 GLB | May/June 12

WISCONSIN’S LATEST CLEAN MARINA Southport Marina in Kenosha, Wis., has become certifi ed

implement practices that help cut costs through reducing

as Wisconsin’s latest Clean Marina. The recently renovated

waste disposal, conserving water, and attracting new

marina is the 19th Clean Marina in the state, which only

customers who appreciate an environmentally friendly

began its Clean Marina program two years ago.

operation,” said Kukuk.

Southport is a 400 slip, full-service marina that boasts an

Wisconsin’s marina industry contributes substantially to the

80,000 square foot. indoor heated storage building. It is the

state’s $13 billion a year tourism revenue. In addition, fishing

only marina certified in Kenosha.

generates $2.75 billion in economic impact and supports

To become certified as a Clean Marina, the business must

30,000 jobs.

have voluntarily adopted as many as 100 best management

For more information on the Clean Marina program, contact

practices (BMPs). The practices help the marina protect water

Kae DonLevy at: kdonlevey@aol.com.

quality, prevent pollution, and protect fi sh, wildlife, and public health.

Jon Kukuk, owner of Nestegg Marine in Marinette, Wis., and chair of the Wisconsin Marina Association, said that Wisconsin’s Clean Marinas are real leaders. “Clean Marinas

CLARKSVILLE MARINA PLANS JUNE OPENING Work is ongoing at the Clarksville Marina, which is expected

a subcontractor, over excavation work and Rust Kentucky

to open in June. The Clarksville, Tenn., marina project has

filed a wrongful termination suit. Then the original private

been a source of controversy since it was first proposed in

operator of the marina, Greg Batts, owner of a marina in

2008, but it now seems on track to open this summer.

Kentucky, filed for bankruptcy protection and terminated his

Work on the project resumed in April following the signing of a contract between the city and the marina developer and

lease with the city, prompting the city council to solicit bids for a new marina operator.

operator, Campbell Tellico Marina, LLC., and approval of the

At press deadline, work was continuing on the project with an

lease by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

expected completion in June, according to Daniel Binkley, the

The marina project got off to a rough start when TMC

city projects manager.

Contractors, LLC, terminated the contract of Rust Kentucky,

JOIN OHIO’S CLEAN MARINAS PROGRAM The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is looking to increase the

College Program, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources,

number of certifi ed marinas and recreational boaters who

the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association and other partners.

are working together in the Lake Erie region to promote water

It encourages marinas and boaters to use simple, innovative

quality stewardship.

solutions to keep Ohio’s coastal and inland waterway

At the end of 2011, the program had 37 certified Ohio Clean Marinas. In addition, 32 Lake Erie marina operators are presently working to attain their official Ohio Clean Marina Program certification. “We enjoyed a positive 2011 and are expecting to achieve more this year to increase awareness and participation throughout the Great Lakes,” said Sarah Orlando, extension educator with Ohio Sea Grant and coordinator of the Ohio Clean Marinas and Clean Boaters programs.

resources clean. The Ohio Clean Marinas and Ohio Clean Boaters programs work together to promote environmental stewardship by making marinas and boaters more aware of environmental laws, rules and jurisdictions, and best management practices so that more marinas can become designated as “Clean Marinas.” ohiocleanmarina.osu.edu

The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a proactive partnership developed in cooperation between the Ohio Sea Grant

greatlakesboating.com | 43

LAKE ERIE INTERCLUB CRUISE

Cruising

regattas on Lake Erie and features some of the most competitive sailboat racing one has ever experienced. With more than 60 boats competing in the five-day event between Canada and the USA, it offers skippers and crews a unique and challenging experience. Both the Racing and the new Rally Division for cruisers participate fully in the regatta and compete for awards within their own divisions.

The event starts in Erie, Pa., this year with registration on June 22 at the Erie Yacht Club. The first race will be the Erie Race Course on June 23, and on Sunday, the fleet will leave Erie for four days of racing in Canadian waters.

For registration and other information, including photos, visit www.erieinterclub.com.

The 55th Lake Erie Interclub Cruise will be held June 23 to 27.

This international event has become one of the premier

CORSAIR 2012 NATIONALS AND RENDEZVOUS The 2012 Corsair Nationals & Rendezvous will be hosted

The Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge offers some great

by the Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge from July 15 to 17

benefits for the Corsair Nationals. It offers the opportunity

at Solomons, Md.

to race in one of the biggest sailing precincts in the U.S.A. with a first-class racing committee.

The Corsair Nationals are held at different venues throughout

Organizers are hopeful that at least 50 Corsairs will attend.

the country to share the excitement of sailing Corsair trimarans with new people.

corsairmarine.com

FAMILY SAIL FROM STURGEON BAY TO MANITOWOC Chris Winters

Michigan to the Straits of Mackinac, the Manitou Islands, and the shores of Michigan State.

Passengers can be part of the crew and learn the skills and methods used by sailors of the past and present. During the sail, passengers can take the helm, set the sails, stand bow watch and more. There are also opportunities to learn the ecology of the lake, star gaze and study the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental complexity.

All accommodations will be provided: food, lodging,

The Denis Sullivan will sail along Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Schooner

beverages and snacks. (There is an additional charge for

Coast June, July and August and offer a variety of

land transport back to Sturgeon Bay). All children must

cruise opportunities.

be accompanied by at least one adult. The cruise can

On July 7, a family cruise will depart from Sturgeon Bay, Wis. With the winds as a guide, the Denis Sullivan will sail Lake

44 GLB | May/June 12

accommodate a maximum of 16 passengers. schoonercoast.com

GREAT LAKES CRUISING CLUB RENDEZVOUS In acknowledging of the unique beauty of the region, the United Nations recently designated the waterway, north and south of Parry Sound, as a world biosphere reserve, and went so far as to call Georgian Bay “the Sixth Great Lake.”

The town of Parry Sound will roll out the red carpet to welcome GLCC members to the Big Sound Marina and Town Dock. The business owners in town even have a special surprise for attendees on the first night at the dock.

The 2012 Rendezvous will have something for everyone, but space is limited. Whether attendees arrive by boat, According to Rear Commodore David G. Allen, this year’s Rendezvous at Parry Sound, Ontario, July 15 to 18, will provide Great Lakes Cruising Club (GLCC) members with a cruise of a lifetime. The trip in and out of Parry Sound will

recreational vehicle or car, there is an exciting program lined up, including participation by the Canadian Coast Guard, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and some GLCC members.

be a unique opportunity to see and experience fi rst-hand

glcc.com

the area known as the 30,000 Islands.

CONTENDER RENDEZVOUS Contender Boats will be holding its Contender Owners

the run from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to

Rendezvous at the Bimini Bay Resort on the Island of Bimini,

Bimini together.

Bahamas, July 12 to 15. Among the activities that are included in the Rendezvous are a one-day family fishing tournament and possibly a spear fi shing contest. There will be other land-based activities for family members who choose not to

For more details and to place your name on the list for this weekend, contact Vickie Tribuiani with Total Marine at 954-924-1688 or vtribuiani@totalmarine.com.

venture offshore for these events.

There will be a “Flotilla Style” crossing on Jul. 12 for all Contender owners who wish to participate and make

NORDIC TUGBOAT RENDEZVOUS Boats will begin arriving from ports as far away as Chicago and Cleveland on Thursday, June 21, and will depart on Sunday, June 24. The arrival of the tugs will coincide with the beginning of the Antiques on the Bay Classic & Vintage Car Show.

Have you heard of The Great Race? This is the world’s premiere old-car rally, a nine-day road race held in a different part of the country each year. On Saturday, June 23, the participants in this race will arrive in St. Ignace on the first stop of their trip. Be sure to check out the vehicles while they’re here. They will arrive at approximately 1:30 p.m. and will be parked in the downtown area for several hours before The Great Lakes Area NordicTug Owners Association (GLANTOA) will be holding its Nordic Tugboat Rendezvous at the St. Ignace Municipal Marina in St. Ignace, Mich.

departing for their next stop.

For more information, contact Jay at 866-941-5884 or email at jay@baybreezeyachtsales.com.

greatlakesboating.com | 45

BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL

National

New to the festival is the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II, which will be available for free tours throughout the weekend.

The event will again feature the Blackbeard children’s area, highlighting the Little Swashbuckler’s Stage. The stage will host performances and a variety of musical acts. Guests can visit Blackbeard’s Pirate Camp and learn how to use a cutlass, load a cannon, or sing a sea chantey at Pirate’s Cove.

Another highlight of Pirate’s Cove is the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, a recreation of Hampton’s original Bunch of Grapes Tavern from the 1700s.

Other amusements will include jugglers, musicians, a The 13th annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival will be held in Hampton, Va., beginning June 1.

The festivities will commence Friday night with the Grand Pirates Ball, a recreation of Blackbeard’s Party at Okracoke that will feature Caribbean food, adult beverages, live music and more.

pirate procession, street entertainers, and a pirate-themed Summer Street Fest. Saturday night will conclude with a fi reworks display.

Those looking for dock space during the festival should contact marinas located throughout the downtown area, including the Hampton Public Piers (757-727-1276), Customs House Marina (757-868-9375), Joy’s Marina (757-723-1022),

Saturday’s activities will include extemporized street

Bluewater Marina (757-723-6774), and Sunset Boating

skirmishes between pirates and militia (costumed

Center (757-722-3325).

interpreters), and a replica of Blackbeard’s pirate camp. blackbeardfestival.com

MARINE VHF DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING ONLINE SEMINAR Capt. Marti Brown and Cruising Companion Publications

VHF-FM radios are manufactured today with DSC that

have released the first in a series of online seminars geared

provides the mariner with an emergency feature that will

to boating safety entitled, “Safety at Sea With Marine VHF

send a distress signal with the vessel’s information and

Digital Selective Calling (DSC).”

Global Positioning System (GPS) location at the press of

As the Coast Guard’s marine radio network, Rescue 21,

a button.

becomes operational throughout the U.S., rescue centers

This course describes what DSC is, how DSC fits into the

will have the ability to receive instant distress alerts from

U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 Global Maritime Distress

commonly used DSC-capable VHF marine radios. However,

and Safety System, how to program a DSC capable VHF

approximately 90 percent of VHF DSC distress alerts received

radio and how to use its lifesaving and fun features. It can

by the Coast Guard do not contain position information, and

be viewed at the convenience of the student and is priced

approximately 60 percent do not contain a registered identity.

at $24.95.

The Coast Guard cannot effectively respond to a DSC distress alert sent from such a radio.

46 GLB | May/June 12

idiyachts.com/online_ seminars.htm

NAVIGATION RULES WEB SITE basic awareness in key areas, including responsible boat operations (the responsibility between vessels, proper lookout, and safe speed), overtaking, crossing and meeting head-on situations.

This site provides links to organizations that offer boating safety courses to recreational boaters in their area. There is also a link to SidekicksOnCourse.com—an additional feature that includes an activity book for sale by NSBC, focused on introducing the basic navigation rules to children in a fun and educational way The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has launched

by using the Boating Safety

BoatOnCourse.com to help recreational boaters become

“Sidekicks” characters.

more aware of the on-the-water navigation rules.

SidekicksOnCourse.com also

The site takes a practical approach to boating by relating

developed a free, printable

it to something boaters are already familiar with: the “rules

game board for children

of the road” when driving a car. These basic navigation

to learn more about the

rules are presented in a casual relaxed manner, introducing

navigation rules in any setting.

SEA TOW EXPANDS RADIO CHECK STATIONS Sea Tow Services International, Inc., now has 107 stations

boating area, visit http://tinyurl.com/7dpsc5g and enter the city,

transmitting its free Automated Radio Check service in

state or zip code. An interactive map will open, showing the

coastal and inland boating areas across the U.S.

Automated Radio Check stations in that region.

Automated Radio Check lets boaters quickly and easily check

Sea Tow is seeking volunteers to host new Automated Radio

if their vessel’s VHF radio is working. Boaters simply tune the

Check stations in areas that currently are not covered by the

radio to the local Automated Radio Check channel, key the

service. Any business can apply; all that’s needed is a place

mike, and ask for a radio check. They will hear an automated

to mount an antenna. Automated Radio Check transmitting

response and their request is played back to them, allowing

stations require only a controller box programmed with

them to confi rm the radio is operational and to assess

proprietary software developed by Sea Tow and MariTEL,

transmission strength.

a VHF radio, and a 30-foot antenna.

Automated Radio Check service is provided over VHF

For more details, e-mail ARC@seatow.com.

Channels 24 to 28. To find the right channel in a particular

LYNX FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN The Lynx Educational

The campaign is aimed at raising $200,000 between

Foundation, operators of

Apr. 14 and Oct. 31, a total of 200 days, in honor of the

‘America’s Privateer,’ War

200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

of 1812 replica tall ship Lynx, has announced a

The Lynx Educational Foundation will look to achieve this

capital campaign aimed

goal and share the funds raised with the Intrepid Fallen

at raising funds and

Heroes Fund. Lynx is scheduled to participate in various

awareness for both the

War of 1812 celebrations throughout the sailing season

Foundation and national armed forces charity, Intrepid Fallen

with multiple ports of call where visitors to the ship will

Heroes Fund.

have the ability to make a donation.

Contributions can also be made at privateerlynx.com.

greatlakesboating.com | 47

Sailing

FLORIDA SAILING & CRUISING SCHOOL RECEIVES HONORS

on the number of excellent evaluations from students who attended ASA-certifi ed sailing courses at Florida Sailing & Cruising School.

FS&CS, founded by Barb and Vic Hansen, conducts liveaboard sailing courses for up to four students at a time and has been ASA-accredited since shortly after it was founded in 1984. Florida Sailing & Cruising School offers two-and three-day live-aboard sailing courses including Basic Sailing (S-101), Basic Coastal Cruising (S-103), Bareboat Charter (S-104), and Advanced Coastal Cruising (S-106).

Capt. Christopher Day, Barb Hansen, FS&CS

Courses can be combined in various ways to suit the needs American Sailing Association (ASA) named Florida Sailing &

of the students. The ultimate course combination is a 12-day

Cruising School (FS&CS) to its honor roll of 2011 Outstanding

course called “The Offshore Adventure” that incorporates a

Schools, saluting it as one of its 20 best sailing instruction

major sailing expedition into the Gulf of Mexico.

programs in North America.

Most sailing courses are held aboard vessels from 29

The international accreditation organization also selected

to 34 feet at the school’s fleet based in Punta Gorda, Fla.

FS&CS Chief Captain Christopher Day as one of ASA’s 30

Liveaboard power yacht courses are held aboard vessels

top “Instructors of the Year.” Both awards were based

from 32 to 50 feet at Marinatown Marina in N. Fort Myers. flsailandcruiseschool.com // 800-262-7939

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB PREPARES FOR THE ARRIVAL OF ‘THE MONSTER’ Puma Ocean Racing

first monohull to cross the finish line. Thornton will retain the signature name for the boat ‘il Mostro’ and will berth her in a location yet to be determined in Chicago’s harbor system.

Il Mostro has a long history of success in world-class offshore sailboat races. She finished second in the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race. No stranger to Offshore Racing Rule (ORR) racing, Il Mostro fi nished second under ORR in the 2010 Newport-Bermuda Race. Her overall length is 70 feet, with an 18-foot beam. She draws 15 feet and displaces 30,000 lbs. With more than 7,200 square feet of sail area, the BotinCarkeek-designed boat can reach speeds of up to 40 knots

Chicago Yacht Club has received a request for invitation

(approximately 44 mph).

from the famous Volvo Ocean 70 PUMA Ocean Racing boat il Mostro (Italian for ‘the monster’). The 70-foot Goetz Custom Boats Volvo 70 was recently purchased by Chicago Yacht Club member Peter Thornton with the specific goal of bringing honors for the famous Royono Trophy back to Chicago Yacht Club. The Royono Trophy is awarded for the

48 GLB | May/June 12

The 104th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, presented

by Vueve Cliquot, will take place on July 21. Participation in the 333-mile race from Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac Island, Mich., is by invitation only. chicagoyachtclub.org

JUNIOR OLYMPIC SAILING sailing, maritime education and competition, and water safety.

The Foundation supports these activities though outreach programs, training activities, provision of sailing equipment and encouragement of participation in local, national and international nautical activities.

US SAILING’s Junior Olympic Sailing Program is a nationwide series of regattas for youth ages 8 to 21. Each event in this family of regattas is hosted by a different club or organization, but all events share a common goal: to promote the enjoyment of sailing and development of skills to young sailors, as well as provide an Olympic pathway for The Grosse Pointe Youth Nautical Education Foundation is

talented junior sailors.

once again sponsoring USA Junior Olympic Festival - Great Lakes, which will be held from July 6 to 8 at the Grosse Pointe

In 2012, there are 30 events planned in the continental United

Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe, Mich.

States and Hawaii and more than 4,500 sailors are expected to participate.

The Grosse Pointe Youth Nautical Education Foundation’s mission is to promote national and international amateur

http://racing.ussailing.org/Junior_Olympics.htm

MIDWEST WOMEN’S SAILING CONFERENCE The 2nd annual Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference will

from Nancy Erley, who has twice circumnavigated the world.

be held May 19, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Milwaukee

Following the keynote, the day will be divided into two

Community Sailing Center in Milwaukee, Wis. The full day of

morning and two afternoon workshop sessions with a brief

workshops and speakers will cover topics of seamanship with

break for lunch. Attendees will choose from six selections

special emphasis on women’s interest and participation in the

per time slot. Erley will be the presenter for two workshops.

sport of sailing. This concentrated event will give women an efficient and effective way to get started or to improve their boating skills at any level. Even experienced skippers will find much of interest.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m., and a continental breakfast will

The conference fee is $125 and includes classes, meals and the reception. The conference is limited to the first 100 paid registrations. For more details about the conference and full descriptions of classes, instructors and registration materials, call 414-530-6528 or visit www.womenssailing.org.

be available. The entire group will hear the keynote address

NORTHERN LIGHTS CUP CLINIC AND REGATTA This year will mark the 5th annual Northern Lights Cup taking

highest placed skipper not already invited will receive an

place in Sheboygan, Wis. The Northern Lights Cup is an ISAF

invitation to the Buddy Melges Challenge being sailed at

Grade 3 Women’s Match Regatta that will begin on June 20

the US Sailing Center Sheboygan from September 18 to 23.

with a 2-day clinic and will be followed by a 3-day regatta sailed in the 2012 Olympic Women’s Match Racing Boat, the Elliott 6m.

The event will consist of the following stages: a Double Round Robin, a Semi-Final Round, and a Petit/Final Round.

The winning skipper’s name will be engraved on a sculpture

The highest placing eligible skipper will receive an

designed by Chicago artist Richard Hunt specifically for the

invitation to the 2012 US SAILING Women’s Match Racing

event and dedicated by the Jacobson family in memory of

Championship, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San

sailing enthusiast, Frank Jacobson.

Francisco, Calif., from September 11 to 15. In addition, the

sailsheboygan.org

greatlakesboating.com | 49

NEW PRODUCTS

DECK KNIFE The key to the Gage Deck Knife’s versatile performance is an impact-resistant plastic sheath with two magnets that hold the knife securely in place. The sheath features a belt clip/clamp system that allows it to be be fastened to the suspenders of bib pants or waders with the handle facing down, or attached to the wearer’s waist belt positioned vertically or horizontally.

The 4-inch, high-carbon surgical stainless steel blade is serrated to provide quick, sure cuts. This precision blade is balanced with a large, ergonomically shaped handle that fits well in gloved or bare hands. $19.99 // 800 -323-7327 // grundens.com

SAND-FREE MAT The CGEAR Sand-Free Mat is a tarp that can be placed outside your boat to prevent sand and other dirt from being transferred onto the boat. Designed with a special double-layer mesh fabric, the Sand-Free Rug allows sand to pass through it without allowing it to seep back up.

The mat has D-rings positioned around its perimeter so it can be staked into the earth. It is available in three sizes, small (6' x 6'), medium (8' x 8') and large (10' x 10') and comes in two colors, blue or orange, at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores or online.

From $44.99 // 714-258- 0055 // cgear-sandfree.com

FOOD DEHYDRATOR The Excalibur Food Dehydrator is a popular choice for active boaters who love the outdoors and want the convenience of countertop use. This dehydrator contains five large polycarbonate trays with eight square feet of tray area. The unit boasts a builtin on/off switch, a convenient removable door, a timer and an adjustable thermostat, allowing temperatures from 85º to 145º F. The advantage? Convenience. Dehydrated foods can be easily taken on a boating trip.

Recipes for chili, spaghetti, camp scrambled eggs and more can be found at w w w.dr ying123.com . $199.95 // 800 -875-4254 // excaliburdehydrator.com

50 GLB | May/June 12

SONAR IMAGING SYSTEM A new sonar imaging system from Lowrance, the LSS-2 StructureScan速 HD, raises the bar in fi sh- and structurefinding technology. The new system delivers more side-to-side coverage, as well as greater target and bottom defi nition.

The StructureScan HD sonar-imaging module offers a new dimension in underwater, picture-like displays for more productive fishing, diving, and search and recovery.

StructureScan HD includes an enhanced transducer design that features three dedicated signals for crisp, clear views to the left, right, and directly beneath your boat. The full-panoramic, picture-like returns offer sharp images of structures, fi sh, thermoclines, and more. $599 // 800 -628-4487 // lowrance.com

HIGH-PERFORMANCE HYDROFOIL The Doel-Fin stabilizer maximizes lift, thereby helping boats plane quickly. Its efficient design can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent.

The Doel-Fin boasts a unique two-piece design and a true foil shape. Each high-strength plastic fin flexes independently to enhance stability and discourage propeller cavitation. It works on all outboards and outdrives with a cavitation plate and installs in as little as 15 minutes.

The hydrofoil decreases stern suction and bow rise, steadies the boat during turns, and improves control. $37.99 // 510 -732-9188 // davisnet.com

NIGHT VISION CAMERA The SeaWatch from OceanView Technologies combines a lowlux/color camera with an infrared illuminator that automatically switches from color to low-lux as lighting conditions change.

The SeaWatch operates on 9-32V DC and features a heater and windshield wiper to keep its lens clear. It draws 70 watts of power when the heater and infrared illuminator are in use or 20 watts when neither is in use.

Constructed of corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, it weighs 10.8 pounds and measures 7.5"W x 11.8"H x 9"D. It can be controlled with its standard joystick/keypad, on-screen mouse in the Xi version, or Furuno NavNet 3D or TZtouch system. $4,995 // 954-727-5139 // nightboating.com

greatlakesboating.com | 51

MARINE MART

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES POWERBOATS

MISCELLANEOUS

Carver 396ES: Aft Cabin: Twin Volvo 8.1, TV w/DVD players, sleeper sofa, wicker chairs and table aft deck, 2 cabins, 2 heads, hot/cold washdown on swim platform, oil change system, full Raymarine electronics C80 w/120 WASS antenna, 48 mile radar and DSC VHF radio. Asking $209,000 Call 815-293-1262

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A MARINA? CONTACT: Eddy A. Dingman, CNS 847-987-6626 COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL, NRT

NATIONAL GOLF AND MARINA PROPERTIES GROUP

MARINASANDTRANSPORT.COM

1998 400 Sea Ray S/B: Mint, loaded, twin cats with only 500 hours. 3 state L/O. New canvas, interior and upholstery. Best one on Lake Ontario. $129,900 (fi rm) Contact Gerry at 905-681-7555 (days) or 905-333-9024 (evenings).

Advertiser Index

Visit: http://golfcourseandmarinasales.com

NEW- AND PRE-OWNED MARINA EQUIPMENT Looking to buy or if you have equipment to sell. We also transport boats and offer overseas shipping.

CONTACT: Rob Lee Maritime boattransport@comcast.net 508-758-9409

TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT IN

GLB

PLEASE EMAIL:

Boat US Chicago Harbors/Westrec

5,23 1

Chicago In-Water Boat Show

27

Cruiser Yachts

BC

Elite Yachts

IBC

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Northport Bay

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Princecraft

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ads@greatlakesboating.com

Progressive Insurance

FREE ADS

Ski Safe Insurance

7 IFC

GOT A BOAT TO SELL? Complimentary 25-word classified boat advertisements and PHOTO in the July/August 2012 issue.

F

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(NO STRINGS ATTACHED!)

Email your text-only advertisement to: classifieds@greatlakesboating.com

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 July/August 2012 issue must be received

by June 1, 2012.

S

52 GLB| May/June 12

S

SkipperBud’s

11

Trawlers Midwest

56

ValvTect Petroleum

31

Waukegan Harbor

2

Windy City Yacht Brokerage

55

JUNE

JULY

ILLINOIS

JUNE 9-10

WALLED L AKE THUNDER

MINNESOTA

JUNE 7

Walled Lake

JUNE 22-24

TASTE

OF THE

G REAT L AKES

Columbia Yacht Club Chicago greatlakes.org

roostertails.net

North House Folk School JUNE 9-10

FREE FISHING WEEKEND

JUNE 7-10

Throughout state

1ST A NNUAL PROGRESSIVE I NSURANCE C HICAGO I N -WATER B OAT S HOW

michigan.gov/dnr

31st St. Harbor Chicago chicagoinwaterboatshow.com

INDIANA JUNE 2

M IDWEST D RAGON B OAT R ACING FESTIVAL Eagle Crest Lake Evansville funkinthecity.com

JUNE 11-12

JUNE 15-16

PRESQUE I SLE H ARBOR WOODEN B OAT S HOW Presque Isle Harbor Presque Isle presqueisleharborwoodenboatshow.com

JUNE 15-17

BAY H ARBOR I N -WATER B OAT S HOW

VIRGINIA JUNE 1-3

A NNUAL B LACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL Downtown/waterfront Hampton blackbeardfestival.com

WISCONSIN MAY 18-20

bayharbor.com

Wisconsin Maritime Museum Manitowoc

JUNE 20-24

920-686-3070

Six Mile Island/Ohio River Jeffersonville

Downtown New Baltimore New Baltimore

riverlorian.com

586-725-5148

JUNE 23

JUNE 22-24

IPFW R IVERFEST

A LGONAC A NTIQUE & C LASSIC B OAT S HOW

MICHIGAN

northhouse.org

M IDWESTERN M ODEL S HIPS & B OATS C ONTEST AND D ISPLAY

FISHFLY FEST

ipfwriverfest.org

Grand Marais

Bay Harbor Lake Marina Bay Harbor

R IVER C ONVOY

St. Joseph River/IPFW campus Fort Wayne

WOODEN B OAT S HOW

JUNE 10

B LESSING

OF THE

FLEET

Bayfield City Harbor Bayfield 800-447-4094

Algonac Harbour Club Marina Algonac

JUNE 12-14

michacbs.com

St. Germain Communty Center

B OATER’S SAFETY C LASS St. Germain 715-477-2118

JUNE 2

JUNE 30

S PRING L AKE WOODEN B OAT S HOW

L IGHT B RIGHT C RUISE PARADE

JUNE 30 - JULY 1

Muskegon Lake Muskegon

Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Mill Point Park Spring Lake springlakevillage.org

JUNE 8-10

M ARINA DAYS Muskegon Lake Muskegon lakeeffectboating.com

lakeeffectboating.com

R IVER R ENDEZVOUS Manitowoc 920-686-0218

JULY 13-15

B OYNE THUNDER Lake Charlevoix/Lake Michigan Boyne City

N ATIONAL FISHING & B OATING WEEK June 2-10

boynethunder.com

N ATIONAL M ARINA DAY June 9

greatlakesboating.com | 53

EVENTS CALENDAR

MAY

Kiss the status quo goodbye.

The new 41 Cantius.

The incredible new 41 Cantius was ergonomically designed to put everything within easy reach. Such as sumptuous food, lively conversation and interesting friends. Its revolutionary open-concept design was made for entertaining guests, by inviting interaction and keeping everyone onboard engaged in the conversation. Plus, it also features the most advanced technology and amenities to make your 41 Cantius the most happening venue in town. Your weekends, and your life will never be the same. To experience the extraordinary new 41 Cantius, visit your dealer or go to CruisersYachts.com/glb

Scan this QR code for video of the new 2012 models including the 41 Cantius.