January 2024

HURON

O N TA R I O

MICHIGAN

ERIE

SUPERIOR

JANUARY 2024

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RIVIERA 585 SUV Made to explore.

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ON A ROLL

Bennington adds new 2024 models and features to its everpopular pontoon lineup.

LEARN & SAIL

The Inland Seas Education Association instills a passion for the Great Lakes.

SPOTLIGHTS Cruisers

G-Force

PORT OF CALL

Bayfield, WI: Although known as “Wisconsin’s Smallest City,” Bayfield is big on adventure.

Highfield

Wellcraft

CONTENTS

40 Features

28 Riviera 585 SUV

Designed to be able to do what you want — and then some.

By Capt. Tom Serio

32 Not Slowing Down

While pontoons have exploded in popularity, Bennington propels the segment forward with its new range of 2024 models.

By Chuck Warren

ADOBE STOCK

Bayfield is a small town with big charm.

ON THE COVER

After Capt. Tom Serio completed a sea trial on the brand-new Riviera 585 SUV, he gave the boat a nearly perfect score. “The SUV models bring sportiness, speed, handling and exceptional cruising accommodation — features that aren’t typically found on yachts of this range,” he writes.

36 Water is Life

Artistic Elegance & Hometown Hospitality: Bayfield, Wisconsin, pairs a unique combination for visitors by water and by land.

By Felicia Schneiderhan

2 JANUARY 2024

From the Helm 4 Dock Box 6 Calendar 8 Scuttle 10 Great Gear 16

@LAKELANDBOATING.COM Don’t Hesitate to Renovate 18

Inland Seas Education Association: Inspiring passion for the Great Lakes.

By Kathy Gibbons

40 Port of Call: Bayfield, WI

Departments

Tech Deck 20 Safety First 21 Stay current on all the latest Great Lakes news Peruse dozens of exciting destination stories Check out our latest Boat Tests & Spotlights Place a classified ad Shop boats for sale by owner Purchase our Great Lakes Cruising Guides and Lakeland Boating hats Access past issues with our online magazine Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and more!

Beneath the Surface 22 Boat Spotlights: Cruisers, G-Force, Highfield and Wellcraft 24 Lakeshore Life: Fennville, MI 48 Boat Biz: Parma Marine 50 Marine Marketplace 51 Classifieds 63 Classic Craft 64

FROM THE HELM

Happy New Year!

D

id you notice the big (yet subtle) change on our cover this month? Yes, we got a logo face-lift for the New Year! As you flip through the pages of this issue, you’ll observe several design updates, as well as other changes like a new column title for “Electronics,” now named “Tech Deck.”

If you were at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show back in November, you may have met the newest Lakeland Boating crewmember, our director of business development, Joe D’Onofrio. If you see him at the next show, please give him a warm welcome!

Also new for 2024, Bennington launched a redesigned series of pontoons. Contributor Chuck Warren went down to Indiana to check out the new models and report on the stand-out features he discovered (p. 32).

If you live near Suttons Bay, Michigan, you may see the Inland Seas Education Association’s schooner sailing around the Grand Traverse Bay (p. 36). This organization offers more than just a fun experience on the water — its program provides young people a chance to learn about sailing and develop a passion for the Great Lakes.

Our Port of Call for this month — Bayfield, Wisconsin — has a lot of accolades under its belt (p.

40). Known as the “Gateway to the Apostle Islands,” Bayfield was named one of “The 23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023” by Conde Nast Traveler and was voted among the “10 Best Coastal Small Towns” and “Best Midwestern Small Towns in 2023” by USA Today’s Top 10Best Readers’ Choice. One visit here and you’ll see what all the fuss is about!

Enjoy the issue and let us know what you think of the design updates!

Do you have a story idea you’d like to suggest?

Email me at kbush@lakelandboating.com to share your ideas.

AREAS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

Bayfield, WI p. 40

HEATHER STEINBERGER Heather is an awardwinning writer/editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 25 years. She grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and enjoys powerboating, sailing and standup paddleboarding with her husband, professional photographer Richard Steinberger, and daughter, Johanna.

READ HER STORY ON P. 22

KATHY GIBBONS Kathy is a longtime editor and writer who lives in Traverse City, Michigan, where both of her children participated in Inland Seas Education Association schoolship programs.

READ HER STORY ON P. 36

FELICIA SCHNEIDERHAN Felicia, her husband, Mark, and their three tsunamis explore Lake Superior aboard their 38-foot Marine Trader trawler, Mazurka. Their early live-aboard adventures are detailed in her memoir “Newlyweds Afloat.” You can read more of her work at FELICIASCHNEIDERHAN.COM. READ HER STORY ON P. 40

Inland Seas Education Association p. 36

Fennville, MI p. 48 Parma Marine p. 50

4 JANUARY 2024

CONTRIBUTORS

DOCK BOX JANUARY 2024 VOLUME LXXVIII, NO. 1

Canine Crew Lakeland Boating has added a new canine crewmember to the team! Meet Wally, Editor Kate Bush’s new puppy. This sweet 5-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog/Australian Shepherd mix is very much looking forward to his first boating season this upcoming summer!

PUBLISHER Linda O’Meara PUBLISHER IN MEMORIUM Walter “Bing” O’Meara EDITORIAL STAFF Editorial Director: Kate Bush Assistant Editor: Abby Thorpe CREATIVE STAFF Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs CONTRIBUTORS Helen Aitken, Jim Dishneau, Kathy Gibbons, Glenn Hayes, Capt. Frank Lanier, Patti McCleery, Felicia Schneiderhan, Capt. Tom Serio, Heather Steinberger, Chuck Warren, Alan Wendt

Lake Lens We want to see the gorgeous Great Lakes from your point of view!

Send a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) and a short write-up about that photo to KBUSH@

BUSINESS STAFF National Sales: Mark Conway Director of Business Development: Joe D’Onofrio Accounting: Diane Fairchild EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 / Fax: 312-276-0619 info@lakelandboating.com

LAKELANDBOATING.COM.

Please put “Lake Lens” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 x. 24 / Fax: 312-276-0619 CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Calling All Canine (and Feline) Crew!

We want to learn about your furry friends onboard!

Send a short write-up with your pet’s name and your home city, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to: KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM. Please put “Canine/Feline Crew” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!

Everyone Looks Great in a Lakeland Boating Hat! Need a gift for your favorite boater? Our Lakeland Boating hat is constructed from soft cotton twill for a great fit. Leather band adjustment in back with antiqued brass closure. Available in weathered navy or Nantucket red (khaki sold out). One size. $24.95 + S&H. To order, visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/STORE.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Lakeland Boating P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847-504-8475 O’MEARA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC President: Linda O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2024, by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. is published eleven times per year (except December) by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. / Business/Accounting and Editorial Offices: 1555 Sherman Ave. Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201, 312-276-0610. / Call 847-504-8475 to subscribe. Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (U.S.).

Annual subscription rates: United States: $24.95 per year; International and Canadian: $39.95 per year, includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. 894095074-RT 0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S. funds are accepted. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. / POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. / Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Evanston, IL. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. / Unsolicited work may be submitted at the creator’s own risk. Lakeland Boating assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material. All submissions must be accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope with sufficient return postage. / All published photos are courtesy of the company, unless otherwise noted.

� WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Email us at KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 1555 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Opinions expressed in “Dock Box” are not necessarily those of the Lakeland Boating.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

6 JANUARY 2024

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A

CALENDAR JAN 1

JAN 18 – 21

EGGHARBORDOORCOUNTY.ORG

SHOWSPAN.COM/GRV

1 Polar Bear Swim Jacksonport, WI

JACKSONPORTPOLAR BEARCLUB.COM

2

JAN 5 – 6

SISU Ski Fest Ironwood, MI

SISUSKIFEST.COM

JAN 5 – 7

Norpine Fat Bike Classic Lutsen, MN

NORTHSHOREVISITOR.COM

3

JAN 5 – 14

Ohio RV and Boat Show Columbus, OH

OHIORVANDBOATSHOW.COM

JAN 10 – 14

2 Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show Chicago, IL CHICAGOBOATSHOW.COM

JAN 11 – 14

4

8 JANUARY 2024

Ultimate Fishing Show Detroit Novi, MI SHOWSPAN.COM/UFD

3 Camper, Travel & RV Show Grand Rapids, MI Discover Boating Cleveland Boat Show Cleveland, OH

CLEVELANDBOATSHOW.COM

Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show Minneapolis, MN

MINNEAPOLISBOATSHOW.COM

JAN 19 – 21 & 24 – 28 Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show Cincinnati, OH

CINCINNATIBOATSHOW.COM

Milwaukee Boat Show West Allis, WI SHOWSPAN.COM/MBS

JAN 19 – 28

Toronto International Boat Show Toronto, ON TORONTOBOATSHOW.COM

1 JAN 25 – 28

4 Grand Haven Winterfest Grand Haven, MI

GRANDHAVENWINTERFEST.ORG

Green Bay RV & Camping Expo Green Bay, WI RESCHCOMPLEX.COM

JAN 26 – 27

Lake Superior Ice Festival Superior, WI

LAKESUPERIORICEFESTIVAL.COM

Noquemanon Ski Marathon Marquette, MI NOQUEMANON.COM

JAN 27

Pure Ludington BRRRewfest Ludington, MI PURELUDINGTON.COM

� ADD YOUR EVENT!

Email KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM to add your event to our Calendar page.

St. Joe Winter Beer Fest St. Joseph, MI STJOETODAY.COM

1. JACKSONPORT POLAR BEAR CLUB LTD. FACEB O O K; 2. CH ICAG O B OAT SH OW; 3. CAMPER, TRAVEL & R V SH OW; 4. WIN TER F EST FACEB O O K

New Year’s Day Parade Egg Harbor, WI

BUSINESS

Lake Michigan Yacht Sales Named Riviera’s 2023 Dealer of the Year Bay Harbor, Michigan-based Lake Michigan Yacht Sales has been named the 2023 “Dealer of the Year” by Riviera Yachts. This honor recognizes Lake Michigan Yacht Sales’ “outstanding commitment to excellence, exceptional customer service and a strong dedication to the boating industry.”

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from Riviera Yachts,” says Matt Mrozinski, president at Lake Michigan Yacht Sales. “It is a testament to the dedication of our team, our passion for the yachting industry, and the trust our clients have placed in us. We are grateful for our partnership with Riviera Yachts, and we look forward Buzz Events Business to continuing to provide top-tier service to boating enthusiasts in the years to come.”

For more information, visit LAKEMIYACHTSALES.COM.

SCUTTLE

Great Lakes News

In October 2023, the historic Manitoulin Island ferry, the S.S. Norisle — which was in operation from 1946 to 1974 and later functioned as a museum in Manitowaning — was towed to and recycled at the Marine Recycling Corporation in Port Colborne, Ontario.

� ADD YOUR NEWS!

Email KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM to add your company's news to Scuttle.

10 JANUARY 2024

Boats

Must-Have

BUZZ

Navy Pier Marina Project Gets Green Light The long-awaited Navy Pier Marina is expected to break ground in the coming months, after it received a green light from the City of Chicago to allow the finalization of construction plans. The marina is expected to open by early summer 2025.

The marina will offer approximately 6,400 lineal feet of broadside transient mooring for vessels up to 130 feet. The marina will also offer limited space for fishing, sailing and diving charters, as well as potential seasonal mooring for boat clubs and other recreational boating commercial uses. Lunch and dinner stops, as well as overnight stays, will be offered by reservation upon opening of the marina.

“The marina is a catalyst for positive change for Chicago and its citizens as it brings the central core of the city closer to the lakefront,” says Randy D. Podolsky, developer and manager of Navy Pier Marina. “Navy Pier is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the central United States, but the lack of a functioning marina has prevented waterborne tourists from accessing and enjoying what it has to offer. We are eagerly anticipating the finalization of our plans to usher in a new era of maritime enjoyment for locals and tourists alike!”

Visit NAVYPIERMARINA.COM for more information.

BOATS

HURONTON PHOTO GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK HISTORICAL SOCIET Y

Tiara Yachts Announces New Fishing Package for Outboard Models

Tiara Yachts is breaking into the outboard fishing market with the addition of optional fishing modules and equipment packages available for outboard models in its Luxury Sport (LS) and Luxury Express (LE) series.

“Throughout our history, you’ve experienced inboard-powered Tiara Yachts with robust fishing amenities. Now, it’s time for our next adventure as we announce our outboard products are available with fish modules and options,” says Tom Slikkers, CEO of Tiara Yachts. “These features let you customize your new outboard Tiara Yacht with the amenities, rod holders and rocket launchers you need for an amazing offshore adventure with your family and friends on your outboard Tiara Yacht.”

Visit TIARAYACHTS.COM.

BUSINESS

Colony Marine Named Newest Fairline Dealer Fairline Americas has announced that Michiganbased Colony Marine will join its dealer network.

Colony Marine boasts locations in St. Clair Shores, Algonac and Oakland County, and will operate as Fairline Great Lakes.

Colony Marine was started in 1958 and is now in its third generation of the Beauregard family. Between its three locations, Colony Marine offers sales, state-of-the-art service functions, deep-water marinas with over 950 summer boat slips, as well as over 250,000 square feet of indoor heated winter storage.

“Colony Marine and Fairline Yachts have a common passion and a deep-rooted heritage in the marine industry,” says Dave Giles, VP of the Yacht Group at Colony Marine. “Fairline’s current and future models are in perfect alignment with our Yacht Group.

We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the brand.”

For more information about Fairline, visit FAIRLINE-AMERICAS.COM.

GREAT LAKES NEWS

Shipwreck Society Discovers a WWI-Era Steel Bulk Freighter

BUZZ

Hot Tub Down the Chicago River!

Even though the temperatures have dropped, Chicago boaters can still get out on the water, thanks to Chicago Electric Boat Company’s new offering: Hot Tub Boats and heated Duffy Boats. Take in the sights of the Windy City while floating on the Chicago River in a warm, bubbly hot tub. And if you’re looking to stay warm but dry, try the new heated Duffy boats, now equipped with a built-in heater.

The Hot Tub Boats, which can accommodate six passengers, will depart from Electric Boat Company’s Marina City location and will be available for 90-minute reservations. The boats are equipped with underwater lights, floating cup holders and coolers, so just bring your drinks and relax.

To learn more, visit CHICAGOELECTRICBOATS.COM.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) has discovered the steel bulk freighter Huronton 100 years after sinking more than 800 feet to the bottom of Lake Superior.

On October 11, 1923, the 238-foot-long Huronton collided with the 416-foot-long bulk freighter Cetus.

The bow of the Cetus ripped a huge hole in the port side of the Huronton, momentarily locking the two ships together. The entire crew of Huronton was able to board the Cetus before the ship sank.

“Finding any shipwreck is exciting. But to think that we’re the first human eyes to look at this vessel 100 years after it sank, not many people have the opportunity to do that,” says GLSHS Executive Director Bruce Lynn. “I think about some of the more interesting aspects of what we do as an organization, but the searching for, discovery and documentation of shipwrecks — especially if it’s a vessel that sank 100 years ago — is pretty exciting because it’s truly a part of our past.”

Visit SHIPWRECKMUSEUM.COM.

The oldest remaining Titanic-era steamliner in the world, the SS Keewatin, will now be a permanent waterfront exhibit at the Great Lakes Museum in Kingston, Ontario. Visit MARMUSEUM.CA.

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

11

SCUTTLE

Aquila

Azimut

Edgewater

EVENTS

2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Recap

More than 100,000 visitors descended upon Fort Lauderdale for the 2023 edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which featured more than 1,000 exhibiting brands and over 1,300 boats on display. This year’s iteration brought about a lot of exciting new boats, marine equipment and accessories. Here are a few standout debuts.

Axopar

Chris-Craft

AQUILA POWER CATAMARANS debuted its new Aquila 47 Molokai Power Catamaran, which is purpose-built for serious offshore fishing.

The brand-new AXOPAR 45 Sun Top, which had its global debut in Cannes, made its American debut at FLIBS.

Epropulsion

The BENETEAU Antares 12 has three outdoor social spaces to relax and enjoy the sun.

The AZIMUT Verve 48, powered by three 600-hp Mercury outboards, made its North America debut at the show.

Formula

CHRIS-CRAFT debuted its all-new Catalina 28 center console with a roomy interior and ample forward and aft social zones.

EDGEWATER BOATS’ 340CC made its world premiere, featuring a second station with all the same components of the lower helm

Grady White

EPROPULSION’S X40 Electric Outboard launched at the show — a 40 kW electric outboard motor that’s clean, quiet and compact.

FORMULA teased its new 457 Center Console Sport and the 457 Center Console Fish in model-form, which will make their in-water debuts at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show.

Nuovo Jolly

Galeon

Maritimo

GALEON’S brand-new 450 HTC features the signature Galeon Beach Mode, an optional hydraulic swim platform and a two-cabin layout.

GRADY-WHITE showed off its new Canyon 386, a center console with a full wraparound windshield and a weekend cabin with separate head area.

HIGHFIELD BOATS debuted its new Sport 800, available with up to twin 150-hp outboard power, and the ZeroJet 330, its first RIB with electric propulsion.

Sea Ray

Riviera

The MARITIMO M60 Flybridge Motoryacht made its Americas debut, featuring a completely new deck and flybridge superstructure.

The Italian luxury RIB brand NUOVA JOLLY is not only new to the U.S. market, but it also showed off its new Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC at the show.

RIVIERA had the premiere of its new 585 SUV (see more on this model on p. 28).

Solara

SEA RAY’S new SPX 210 Outboard joins the SPX line, offering an outboard-powered option for the 210 model.

SIRENA YACHTS’ 78 had its U.S. debut, featuring an open-plan main deck, a versatile flybridge and spacious accommodations.

SOLARA’S new model, the S-310 Sport Coupe, made its FLIBS debut. This boat is designed to host, stay, fish and play.

12 JANUARY 2024

Sirena

BOATS

Cruisers Yachts Announces Launch of Flybridge Series GREAT LAKES NEWS

Sustain Our Great Lakes Partnership Announces $17.6 Million in Conservation Grants The Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) partnership has announced $17.6 million in competitive grant funding for 43 projects that will restore key habitats for wildlife, improve water quality and enhance urban greenspace throughout the Great Lakes basin. The grants awarded represent the largest single grant slate ever awarded by the SOGL program.

This year’s SOGL grants will support projects in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Collectively, the 43 projects will: Restore more than 8 miles of stream and riparian habitat; reconnect 111 miles of river for fish passage; restore 7,300 acres of wetland habitat; prevent more than 39 tons of sediment from entering waterways annually; and more.

Three Great Lakes Visit NFWF.ORG.

14 JANUARY 2024

MUST-HAVE BUZZ

SS Badger Expected to Resume Service in 2024 Lake Michigan Carferry, owner of the SS Badger carferry, has announced that the Badger will likely resume service for the 2024 season. It has received the final permit required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to start rebuilding the dock infrastructure necessary to operate the ferry.

In 2023, the SS Badger’s 70th season of transporting cars and passengers from Ludington, Michigan, to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was cut short due to a failure of its ramp system.

“With the season ending unexpectedly this year, we cannot wait to welcome everyone back in the spring of 2024,” says Sara Spore, general manager of the Lake Michigan Carferry.

Visit SSBADGER.COM.

Torqeedo Launches New Line of Electric Outboards

Torqeedo introduces its all-new Travel family of electric outboards, which feature a modular, flexible and customizable design. Within the Travel family, there are four packages to choose from: The Adventure Package, the Essential Package, the Range Package and the Power Package.

Once the package is selected, several charging, propeller and accessory options allow boaters to build their perfect electric Travel companion. The flagship of the series, the Travel XP, is part of the power package and is a 1,600 W direct-drive outboard.

“These innovative outboards are designed to be ultraeasy to use, transport and stow, and the click-and-play battery means no more cables to connect. Once the battery is removed with a click and the tiller is folded, the compact and lightweight motor is easy to hand up and down to the dinghy, fits easily in a lazarette, and won’t leak fuel and oil while stored,” says Thomas Wiedemann, senior vice president of Torqeedo’s global program management.

For more information, visit TORQEEDO.COM.

B ADGER P HOTO LUDINGTON AREA CVB

states made it to the top five states with the most registered boats for 2022 — Minnesota, Michigan and Ohio — according to NMMA’s 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract.

The Great Lakes region accounted for 34.1% of all state boat registration.

Cruisers Yachts is building on its popular Cruisers Cantius line with an all-new groundbreaking Flybridge series that will include three new yachts, starting with the launch of the 55 Fly. The 55 Fly features an interior created in collaboration with renowned superyacht designer Luiz Debasto of Debasto Designs that blends organic shapes in earth and ocean tones.

The official launch of the 55 Fly is set for spring 2024, with another model following shortly after in 2025.

“This extraordinary series will propel the Cruisers Yachts brand into the future, helping to set a new standard in design, performance and luxury. We are proud to introduce our brand-new Flybridge series; this symbolizes our enduring dedication to creating exceptional vessels for our customers to always be in awe of,” says Mark Pederson, president of Cruisers Yachts.

For more information, visit CRUISERSYACHTS.COM.

SO G L PH OTO N FWF.O RG

SCUTTLE

2 1 3

GREAT GEAR

4

Must-have goodies, gadgets and more for every boater

6 5

1. Drop N Fill

3. TekTITE SOSeFLARE Solar Flare Kit

5. Wavy Flag Dock Tie Bungee Cords

Are you sick of lugging a heavy gas can down your dock, only to struggle getting the gas into your boat’s fuel tank? The Drop N Fill is a self-supporting fuel transfer system that allows users to easily refuel without spilling a drop of gas, and best of all, it’s hands-free!

With a long hose to put into the tank, and cross support cones to hold the gas can at the ideal angle, this product saves users time and money. Includes 44-inch hose. $149.99 AT

Say goodbye to outdated flares! Utilizing the latest, brightest LED, TekTITE’s fifthgeneration SOSeFLARE kit is a USCGcompliant distress light and signal kit. The kit fulfills night, day and audible distress signal requirements. Family safe, easy to use (no burning flame) and made in the USA. The kit comes with SOSeFLARE, USCG/SOLAScompliant distress flag, USCG/SOLAS-compliant audible whistle signal, mounting bracket and batteries. $65.95 AT TEK-TITE.COM

Tying up your boat at the dock just got easier with these heavy-duty bungee cords. The cord stretches about 50% longer than its normal length to absorb shock, so it’s great for wavy days. A loop at the end of the cord makes it simple to quickly place around a cleat and then be on your way! Made of a proprietary marine-grade blend designed to be in the water and not break down. A 1-inch nylon tubular webbing UV protective cover keeps the ties shielded from sun damage. Manufactured in Ohio. $42 (2-PACK) AT WAVYFLAG.NET

DROPNFILL.COM

2. Taylor Made KW-Series Flagpole Mount Show off your style on the water! The Taylor Made KW Series Flagpole Mount makes it easy to hang your favorite flag proudly and safely with minimal installation. The unique two-legged shape is designed to leave the tow pylon accessible to pull skiers and tubers with no interruptions. This versatile mount can not only display most marine flagpole sizes, but the adjustable receptor also fits fishing rods or spotlights. Designed with a universal clamp with included mounting hardware, it installs on most pontoon tow bars with no tools or drilling holes. Flag and flagpole not included. $99.95 AT STORE.LCI1.COM 16 JANUARY 2024

4. AkzoNobel Toplac Plus Make your boat shine with AkzoNobel’s brandnew Toplac Plus topside paint, which is so easy to use, even a DIYer can apply. Toplac Plus, a one-part silicone alkyd finish, provides a best-in-class high-gloss finish that is available in a full range of vibrant colors. The new and advanced formula (replacing Brightside) offers enhanced UV protection, providing long-term shine and color retention. Easily apply with a roller, and no need for sanding or tipping. AT INTERLUX.COM � ADD YOUR GEAR!

Email KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM to add your company's new product to Great Gear.

6. TACO Marine ShadeFin Mini Find some shade with the new ShadeFin Mini, designed to provide convenient and easy-to-use shade with virtually unlimited angle adjustment. The shade is designed for any boat with limited-to-no coverage from the sun, like kayaks and pontoons. With a variety of mounting options, ShadeFin Mini is simple to set up wherever you need extra protection from the sun. The shade is available as a kit with either a Swivel Seat Mount, Round Rail Mount, Square Rail Mount or Kayak Mount. Height adjusts from 36 to 52 inches. STARTING AT $649.99 AT TACOMARINE.COM

DON'T HESITATE TO RENOVATE

By Capt. Frank Lanier

Going Green

Bridging the gap between fossil and renewable fuels.

PurFuels ethanol-free reformulated gasoline

CAPT. FRANK LANIER is an award-winner journalist, boat maintenance guru and owner of Capt. F.K. Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants. Check out his YouTube channel "Everything Boats with Capt. Frank Lanier."

CAPTFKLANIER.NET

18 JANUARY 2024

HYPERFUELS recently announced that it is marketing PurFuels ethanol-free gasoline to petroleum distributors and gas station convenience stores in 12 states, including Illinois and New York.

“We can show any petroleum distributor, with access to gasoline blendstocks or E0, how to create ethanol-free gasoline and at the same time improve octane. Our program allows any dealer to start selling premium ethanol-free gasoline,” said Jess Hewitt,

president of Houston-based HYPERFUELS, in the above-mentioned NMMA press release.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel

Neste MY Renewable Diesel (R99 diesel) is a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) drop-in option that is chemically identical to and performs like fossil diesel, meaning it can be used at any ratio (blended or non-blended).

Made from 100% sustainably sourced renewable raw materials, R99 diesel meets ASTM D975 and EN 15490 specifications, meaning it is 100% compatible with all diesel engines without the need for modification. The company further states that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% (compared to fossil diesel) and provides reliable cold weather performance while being free of sulfur, oxygen and aromatic compounds.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is currently available on the West Coast of the U.S. and meets California Low Carbon Fuel Standard requirements.

VP Racing EcoGen fuel

“VP Racing is excited to showcase our new EcoGen fuel, which is a drop-in fuel for gasoline-powered boats,” says Mark Walls, director of R&D, fuel technology and quality at VP Racing. “EcoGen delivers the same performance and range as current fuels, but adds 10% renewable content to reduce the carbon footprint of the recreational marine industry.”

EcoGen is a non-alcohol alternative to ethanol and butanol-based fuels that helps meet the demand for higher-octane, cleaner burning fuels for the recreational marine and off-road markets.

The benefits of EcoGen include improved fuel economy (higher energy content than standard pump gas), low water affinity (a plus for marine use), reduced carbon and tailpipe pollutant emissions, and no ethanol corrosion of fuel system components.

EcoGen fuel is currently available at limited locations in Texas; however, the company states it has plans to expand into the southern Gulf states and Florida by next year (2024).

While renewable fuels may not be the end goal with regards to a complete transition from fossil fuels, the improvements and increased availability of more eco-friendly drop-in fuel options provide an easier option for greener boating.

NESTE WORLDWIDE / FANNY H AG A

W

hile many recreational boat owners would like to “boat green” and lessen environmental impact, the problem with all this “greenness” is that it currently costs a lot of green, and not everyone has the desire or pocketbook to purchase a new hybrid or electric vessel.

The trick to making the transition from fossil fuels to eco-friendly alternatives more attractive to the average boater is providing a suitable bridge between the two — one that allows boat owners to start upon the path towards electric or completely renewable fuels without the need for new boats or major modifications to existing engines.

That’s where the benefits of the new sustainable marine fuels showcased at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show really shine.

“With a focus on sustainability, marine fuel advancements in reducing emissions are one of several ways the marine industry is working to lower CO2 emissions,” said Jeff Wasil, director of environment, health and safety compliance at the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), in a recent press release. “There is no one-sizefits-all approach, so we are focused on providing boaters with access to a variety of technologies and products that make it easy and affordable for them to do their part to minimize CO2 emissions, including fueling your boat with sustainable marine fuel.”

The three fuels highlighted by NMMA — PurFuels ethanol-free reformulated gasoline, Neste MY Renewable Diesel and EcoGen ethanol-free gasoline — are “drop-in” fuels, meaning they can be used in current craft without modification to the engines. The benefit of this approach is that it gives boaters an opportunity to start green boating now with their current boat, rather than having to wait for that newer boat or engine.

Here’s a look at each option and what they offer.

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TECH DECK

By Glenn Hayes

The Bigger, the Better

Garmin’s brand-new GPSMAP 9000 MFD series is its biggest yet.

I

n the world of navigation and multifunction displays (MFDs), bigger is almost always better. The larger the display, the greater the clarity and volume of information that can be presented. Garmin has brought this to fruition by introducing its all-new GPSMAP 9000 series of displays. These new, larger displays are significant and represent the future of marine displays.

Utilizing the latest technology, networking and built-in capabilities, the clarity and performance of the 9000 series make them worth considering.

Size up

As screen technology has improved and larger and clearer displays are hitting the market, boat builders are creating more helm space to fit these new larger screens. Like other top-line electronics manufacturers, Garmin now offers a full range of screen sizes. Gone are the days when 9-, 10- or even 12-inch displays were considered large. With edge-to-edge all-glass displays available in 19-, 22-, 24- and 27-inch sizes, these sleek displays will quickly fill any helm.

Crystal clear

GLENN HAYES

is a marine writer and photographer whose background in the marine industry and in marine electronics spans almost three decades and many thousands of miles at sea traveling the world.

He can be reached at HAYESSTUDIOS.COM

20 JANUARY 2024

Boasting 4K resolution, these touchscreens are crisp and clear. With a whopping 3840 x 2160 pixels, the MFDs allow stunning detail. That’s many more pixels than the already impressive Garmin GPSMAP 8000 series chartplotters at 1920 x 1200 pixels. This exceptional clarity is true with charts, video input and sounder images. When looking at a standard sonar view, the advantages of a CHIRP transducer can be even more apparent by discerning subtle differences in sonar readings.

With the 9000 series displays, the difference in clarity is easily recognizable when used in conjunction with a GSD sonar module, a Pantopix system or Garmin’s LiveScope sonar system. The displays are visible from a wide angle and can be seen clearly when wearing polarized sunglasses.

But the clarity of these displays is not their only selling point. They are also incredibly fast. The processors in these displays are seven times faster than previous displays. The speed makes moving around a chart seamless, with imperceivable lag around high-detail and resolution charts. Zooming in and out

is instantaneous; if you have layers on your charting or radar overlay, there is no slowdown. The incredible speed is evident when creating Auto Guidance+ routing, with results popping up faster than ever. Just click your endpoint, and with the display preloaded with your boat specifics, a safe route is created almost instantaneously and displayed with clarity on the high-resolution screen.

Quickly connected

The new 9000 series multifunction displays network between themselves with incredible speed. This is due to Garmin’s new proprietary BlueNet gigabit network operating at 10 times faster networking speeds than previous units. The new networking cabling allows for a much smaller connector that is easier to run throughout the boat than the traditional Ethernet connector of prior models. These small-diameter BlueNet connectors look similar in size to NMEA 2000 connectors but have more pins.

The good news is that even with this new connector and its faster networking speeds, you can still link the new displays to previous models through an adapter hub, the Garmin BlueNet 30 Gateway. Networking is as simple as connecting to one of the five blue network plugs in the back of the display. If more connections are needed, you can feed one of those five plugs into the Garmin BlueNet 20 switch, allowing for a more extensive network of displays, cameras and sensors.

Of course, the new 9000 series also has NMEA 2000 capability and connectivity to NMEA 0183, so they can connect to a full array of marine electronics.

These all-glass in-plane switching (IPS) touchscreen displays can act as the vessel’s command center by integrating engine monitoring and gauges. They can also operate OneHelm integrated digital switching (and other third-party digital switching systems) and control compatible audio and onboard camera systems.

For the first time, video can be seen and heard on multiple Garmin networked displays throughout the boat, thanks to the built-in HDCP (high bandwidth digital content protection). These stunning displays can also be controlled via voice commands through a headset, and can be customized by boat builders for an impressive brand-oriented home screen.

Garmin’s new GPSMAP 9000 series displays are significantly larger, faster and more capable than previous displays but are also the gateway into future offerings from Garmin.

SAFETY FIRST

By Helen Aitken

Rules of the Road Refresher

Brush up on your boating navigation and maneuvering knowledge.

M

aneuvering a boat is unlike driving a car — there are no highways, seat belts, stop lights or airbags.

Instead, U.S. boaters are guided by 38 intricate “Rules of the Road” that provide practical information and boating standards for all boats in U.S. bays, Great Lakes, inlets, rivers and sea-connected waterways.

The “Navigation Rules & Regulations Handbook,” maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, covers vessel maneuverability with diagrams, navigation aids, lights, visibility, avoiding collisions and more. Additionally, each state has boater operation requirements, and all boats over 39 feet must carry the Rules onboard.

Boat owners, captains and crew are responsible for operating vessels properly. Chartplotters, depth finders and sonar help to anticipate and react to changing situations; however, using the “Rules of the Road” trains boaters to navigate the water safely and courteously in conjunction with electronics.

Signs and lights

Inside the handbook, universal and specialty signs are explained, including No Wake Zone, Danger, Rocks and No Mooring, while beacons and markers direct navigation, chart position and more.

Flags are always displayed until sunset. From sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility, lights go on. Power-driven vessels require forward and masthead lights, sidelights and stern lights.

Longer vessels may require more lights like towing, all-round and flashing lights. Additionally, Great Lakes vessels must use all-round white lights.

Approaching, passing and overtaking

Vessels use a “give-way” hierarchy in order of decreasing importance: Vessels not under command or restricted maneuverability, vessels with constrained draft, fishing boats, sailing vessels, power-driven vessels and seaplanes. Sailboats with a portside wind should get out of the way of an approaching sailboat.

Any vessel overtaking another one steers away from it. Powerboats meeting head-on move to starboard, passing to port.

The vessel approaching your starboard side is the stand-on boat with the right of way and maintains course and speed. Your boat is the give-way vessel that adjusts course and speed as necessary. If two powerboats are on a potential crossing collision, the vessel having the boat on

its starboard side must keep out of the way, trying not to cross ahead of the vehicle, acting quickly.

Sounding off

According to the handbook, recreational vessels must use sound-signaling devices like a horn or whistle when meeting, crossing or overtaking another vessel, as well as in reduced visibility or at anchor.

Vessels meeting head-on pass on the port side, blasting once and two blasts on the starboard. Three blasts indicate astern propulsion or a reversing action.

Five or more short blasts indicate not understanding another boater’s intentions or to avoid a collision.

When overtaking a vessel on their port side, give two blasts — then the overtaken vessel blasts twice.

A starboard side passing uses one short blast — then the overtaken vessel blasts once. Overtaken vessels maintain course and speed, responding with a blast.

Inland water and channels alerts

Navigational aids are the water’s billboards to maneuver from one area to another. Lateral aids mark channel sides with square dayboards, buoys, cans and nuns.

Green aids with odd numbers proceed downstream toward open water (seaward), while red aids and even numbers move from open water upstream.

Watch for crossing lanes, commercial traffic, closed-off areas and more. A downbound boat has the right-of-way over upbound boats, signaling with sound. On the Great Lakes, western rivers, or designated waters, a vessel crossing the river gives way to powerboats descending or ascending the river.

In narrow channels, pass to port, moving as far right of the centerline as safe and practical. Small-draft boats stay as far starboard as possible, while deeper-draft boats move closer to the centerline. Tacking sailboats not maintaining starboard positions must not impede a boat in the channel that can safely navigate there.

Vessels must not cross a narrow channel if it impedes another boat constrained within the channel, and fishing boats give way to other boats.

The “Rules of the Road” can be intimidating, but the more a boater uses them, the easier it becomes and the safer it is for all vessels on the water.

Download a copy at NAVCEN.USCG.GOV or learn more at BOATUS.ORG/STUDY-GUIDE/NAVIGATION/RULES. More importantly, practice these guidelines on the water so it becomes second nature. Safety First.

Crossing Situations

Give-way Vessel Give way, 1 short blast

Stand-on Vessel Hold course and speed, 1 short blast

Head-on Encounters Vessels generally pass port to port.

1 short blast 1 short blast

Overtaking Situations Stand-on Vessel Overtaken

2 short blasts

1 short blast

Give-way Vessel Overtaking

HELEN AITKEN

is a boating writer, photographer and former science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is an America's Boating Club member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway.

HELENAITKENWRITER.COM

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

21

BENEATH THE SURFACE

By Heather Steinberger

Cruising Into 2024 WINTER BOAT SHOWS: GREAT LAKES Ohio RV & Boat Show January 5 – 14 OHIORVANDBOAT SHOW.COM

Chicago Boat Show January 10 – 14

CHICAGOBOATSHOW.COM

Minneapolis Boat Show January 18 – 21 MINNEAPOLIS BOATSHOW.COM

Cleveland Boat Show January 18 – 21

S

ometimes, when you start researching an article, the story takes you in a direction you didn’t anticipate.

That’s exactly what happened with this month’s column.

Originally, I was planning a piece that would explore the ways to get into boating that wouldn’t require the purchase of a brand-new boat. As an older boater, I instinctively had pre-owned boats in mind — but I was operating under some assumptions that are no longer accurate in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

I definitely uncovered a few interesting tidbits about purchasing a new boat. I also learned that chartering is still a great alternative if you’re not quite ready to take that leap.

CLEVELAND BOATSHOW.COM

Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show January 19 – 21, 24 – 28

CINCINNATIBOATSPORT ANDTRAVELSHOW.COM

Milwaukee Boat Show January 19 – 21 SHOWSPAN.COM/MBS

Chicago Boat Show

Toronto International Boat Show January 19 – 28

Winter show incentives

TORONTOBOATSHOW.COM

New York Boat Show January 24 – 28 NYBOATSHOW.COM

Detroit Boat Show January 27 – February 4 BOATMICHIGAN.ORG/ DETROIT-BOAT-SHOW

Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show February 2 – 4

ROCKFORDBOATSHOW.COM

Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show February 16 – 18, 21 – 25 INDIANAPOLISBOAT SPORTANDTRAVEL SHOW.COM

22 JANUARY 2024

As we all know, the boating business boomed during the pandemic. Demand soared, supply was limited and prices went through the roof.

“Both prices and demand peaked during 2021-22, and with the lack of inventory on the market, many boaters couldn’t find their next step,” says Craig Duchow, general manager of CenterPointe Yacht Sales, which has four locations in Wisconsin. “That changed in the last year, with the supply chain fully recovered and demand falling, prices and inventory are now more in line with a normal market.”

Supply is up as we head into 2024. Dealers have replenished their inventory, including new models introduced for 2024, and according to Duchow, it’s worth taking a look.

“The real deals are going to be in new boats,” he says. “Freight costs are back in line. Manufacturers are getting the parts and materials they need.

Margins have fallen off their peak. You’re going to see the best new boat deals this year than you have seen in the last three years.”

That means plenty of rebates and incentives at the winter boat shows, including extended warranty packages from engine companies.

As far as pre-owned boats are concerned, the market remains strong. Buyers with money to spend still see the value in a solution that allows them to get out on the water while holding onto more cash.

If you’re one of those potential buyers, however, be sure to take financing terms into account.

“Interest rates for late-model pre-owned boats and new boats will be higher than during the recent past, but just as with the inverted yield curve in Treasury bonds, it should be temporary,” Duchow observes.

“The financial markets are betting that higher short-term interest rates will come down soon. When they do, buyers can take advantage of great deals buying new boats in 2024 and then refinance their loan and take advantage of lower rates in the future.”

Interestingly, the supply of pre-owned boats is not where industry insiders thought it would be at this point.

The majority of newbies who decided to give boating a try in 2020 are still boating.

“We thought we’d see a flood of used boats on the market, but it hasn’t happened,” Duchow says. “We have not seen a mass exodus. In fact, we’re seeing an uptick in people who are upgrading or changing their boating lifestyle. After owning their first boat for a couple years, some are now looking for more boat or have figured out that what they really want is a different type of boat.”

First-timers continued to enter the recreational boating world throughout 2023, which bodes well for an energetic and successful boat show circuit in the early months of the new year.

“In early 2023, our Chicago and Milwaukee shows were the best we’ve had in years,” Duchow says. With a laugh, he adds, “Who knows what will happen in 2024, but the pendulum has swung back to a buyer’s market again.”

Charting your own adventure

As always, chartering remains a popular way to spend time on the water in different types of boats, and in exotic locations to boot. In that sense, it’s the perfect blend of sea trial and vacation.

The charter business boomed during the pandemic, according to Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager for The Moorings and Sunsail. As with the demand for boats themselves, demand for charter vacations skyrocketed as experienced boaters sought the ideal socially distanced vacation and newbies found a viable alternative to a cruise ship.

CHICAGO BOAT SHOW

New developments in boat sales and chartering bode well for the New Year.

TH E M O O R I N G S

RESOURCES CenterPointe Yacht Services

CENTERPOINTE SERVICE.COM

The Moorings

MOORINGS.COM

Sunsail

SUNSAIL.COM

That boom continues.

“For The Moorings and Sunsail, 2023 was a record year,” Pedersen reports. “Sixty percent of our customers are first-time charterers.”

The most popular destinations won’t be a surprise to longtime boaters, as they’ve been at the top of various “favorite” lists for years. They include the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands close to home, and more distant locales such as Croatia, Greece and Tahiti.

If you’re looking for deals and availability, it’s worth looking into destinations such as Belize, St. Martin, St. Lucia and Thailand. As Pedersen notes, they generally see less charter traffic but are no less beautiful or adventurous.

If you’ve never chartered a boat before, you might be operating under some misconceptions. For starters, you might assume that chartering is for sailors, but power charters are definitely a thing.

“Roughly 70% of our charters are bareboat sailing charters,” Pedersen acknowledges. “This is the core product within the global, private charter industry.

However, our power catamarans are the fastestgrowing segment of the business, and they are increasing in popularity every year.”

You also might envision celebrities’ luxury yacht charters, as captured in the pages of People magazine, and assume chartering is only for the rich and famous. The truth is that chartering can be affordable and realistic for a family, even if you’re inexperienced and would like to hire a captain for the boat.

“Hiring a captain, or even a whole crew including a chef, is very easy,” Pedersen says. “It allows people with no (or limited) boating experience to enjoy a charter vacation too. Plus, charter vacations generally stay close to shore, and you’re doing short

island hops each day in protected waters. This is very manageable for even novice boaters.”

Pedersen offers a few tips for those who are considering a charter vacation in the new year.

First, do not overestimate your own abilities.

“These are large, live-aboard vessels, and they can be very different from the 20- to 30-foot runabouts many people are used to,” he advises. “Do your research, brush up on your skills, and ensure you and the members of your crew are experienced enough to manage the yacht properly.”

Next, pick a destination that is right for you, based on those abilities and skill levels. Some charter destinations feature those short island hops in calm sheltered waters; others include multiple-hour, open-water crossings.

“Do your research in advance to match your destination with the type of experiences you are looking for — and that matches up with your level of boating experience,” Pedersen says.

And, most of all: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When organizing a charter vacation, you’ll find a smorgasbord of options from which to choose, including the option to hire a captain and even additional crew.

Charter companies like The Moorings and Sunsail can provide valuable guidance about destinations, provisioning, travel arrangements and if a skipper might be necessary based on your experience level. The beauty of a charter vacation, Pedersen says, is its flexibility, giving you the opportunity to customize your trip appropriately.

“Our team of vacation planners has more than 100 years of combined charter experience to help you every step of the way,” he says. “Rely on the experts to provide a helping hand, and [they will] help guide you on this journey to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

HEATHER STEINBERGER

is an award-winning writer/editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 25 years.

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

23

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 55'6" Beam: 16'5" Draft: 4'4" Fuel Capacity: 611 gals.

Power: 2 x 725-hp Volvo Penta IPS950 Base Price: Contact dealer CRUISERSYACHTS.COM

DEALERS SkipperBud’s SKIPPERBUDS.COM

Crate's Lake Country Boats CRATESBOATS.COM

24 JANUARY 2024

Cruisers Yachts Cantius 55 Fly

E

Back to the future.

ver since the boating industry shortened Flybridge to Fly, the movie “Back to the Future” comes to mind. Designers of Cruisers Yachts’ all-new Flybridge series admitted as much with the launch of the 55 Fly — an extraordinary fusion of technology and nature.

The exterior is futuristic. Sleek, smooth lines embrace a hull reminiscent of a spaceship gliding on the water. Wrapped in glass windows, the nighttime effect with digital lighting emanating along the waterline and in the entertainment zones is dazzling. The 55 Fly promises to be more than a yacht; it’s an engineering masterpiece designed for your summer vacation on the Great Lakes or long weekends in the marina away from the office.

Unmatched features promise to be a game changer in the luxury yachting world.

Inside, the design theme, “Back to Nature in a Tech World,” is the result of a collaboration between Cruisers and renowned superyacht designer

Luiz Debasto. Organic shapes in earth and ocean tones and blends of natural fibers combine to soothe life’s stresses. Nearly everything is digital and fully integrated with your smartphone or tablet, keeping control at your fingertips. The 55 Fly boasts a superior flybridge entertaining space and a fresh interior design direction.

Twin Volvo Penta IPS950 drives (725 hp each) propel the 55 Fly in directions you only dreamed of.

With a 611-gallon diesel tank, why limit your time travels to the same old crowded ports? Expand your horizons and bring along family or friends. With sleeping accommodations for six, plus a berth for a skipper, sharing the future will be easier than ever.

Two more yachts of this caliber are on the drawing board at Cruisers Yachts as the Cantius DNA takes a futuristic evolutionary turn. Proudly built in Wisconsin, the 55 Fly launches in the spring, with the next model debuting in early 2025.

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

G-Force 10

I

Built tough.

nnovation doesn’t come from playing by the rules.

Calculated risks, out-of-the-box ideas and team collaboration helps redefine what often becomes standard features on new boat models. G-Force is one of those ever-evolving companies. Pushing limits not because they want to, rather because they have to. Built by Greenbay Marine Ltd. in Finland, a fast glance at rocky archipelagoes and the whitecap-dotted Baltic Sea dictate that only the toughest of boats are welcome here.

That’s why the new G-Force 10 is a rather satisfying oxymoron; a pleasure boat built for professionals. An extremely strong yet lightweight body combines with the clever construction of the cabin and deck to offer livability, high speed and low fuel consumption.

Inside the G-Force 10, the main cabin and helm are independently suspended on rubber elements.

The helm and navigator have robust Recaro seats with air suspension. The result is a smooth, silent

and vibration-free ride. An innovative L-sofa in the cabin pulls double-duty by converting into a full-length extra bed with foldout mattress. A front cabin with a bed for two is an option, as is a separate bathroom with electric flush toilet.

Welcome touches include a 16-inch Raymarine chartplotter, bow thruster, electric steering, sound system, cabin heat, a home-like galley and a roof with an electrically opening panorama skylight.

Rich Larsen of Manitowoc Marina LLC, the exclusive North American dealer, says the boat is not only built by accomplished tradesmen in a storied part of Finland, “but the materials used are sourced with care, like the ocean-grade aluminum that ensures an impressive lifespan in an environmentally friendly manner.”

Powered by a single Volvo Penta D6 six cylinder or twin Mercury diesels, in 380 to 540 hp, G-Force 10 cruises at 30 knots and boasts a fuel consumption of 1.81 gallons per nautical mile.

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 35' Beam: 10'9" Fuel Capacity: 211 gals.

Std. Power: 380 hp Base Price: Contact dealer GREENBAYMARINE.COM

DEALER Manitowoc Marina MANITOWOC-MARINA.COM

WATCH THE VIDEO AT LAKELANDBOATING.COM

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

25

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 26'8" Beam: 9'6" Weight: 2,469 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 66 gals.

Passenger Capacity: 15 Power: 2 x 200-hp outboards Base Price: Contact dealer HIGHFIELDBOATS.COM

DEALERS CenterPointe Yacht Sales

CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM

Coral Gables Yachts

CORALGABLESYACHTS.COM

Erie Marine

ERIEMARINE.COM

Offshore Marine

OFFSHORE-CHICAGO.COM

WATCH THE VIDEO AT

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

26 JANUARY 2024

Highfield Sport 800

S

Durability, lightweight and luxury.

pine-tingling adventure comes to mind previewing the Sport 800, the newest rigid inflatable boat (RIB) offering from Highfield. At 26 feet and equipped with twin 200-hp outboards, this dayboat has the performance and durability to handle the Great Lakes and take you places you can only go in a RIB. “Our new Sport 800 RIB is like the Land Rover of the water,” notes Michael Carroll, marketing and business development director for Highfield Boats.

With adaptive seating to make multiple configurations, there are many features to please families and promote relaxation and adventure. The hard T-top option provides respite from rough weather.

For sunny days, an additional sunshade extension offers protection from the rays. Toss in LED lighting and speakers to dial in the mood to match the marina.

An onboard fridge keeps the sandwiches and beverages cool, and a table is standard, along with a tow post and a shower kit for those who enjoy a

quick dip. Two swim ladders make reboarding easy, and anchoring is effortless with a windlass — a feature you wouldn’t expect on a RIB. The new Sport 800 even has room for an optional portable toilet.

Construction-wise, Highfield Boats makes one of the best-selling lines in North America. ORCA-brand Hypalon tubes, flush-mount non-return valves, and a high tensile chromated and power-coated aluminum hull indicate this boat is made for more than just play. With a 26-degree deadrise hull, families have the confidence to safely navigate offshore.

At the helm, the captain will find a carbon dash for the console and an electrical pack to keep the party going for hours. A four-seater aft bench converts into a huge sundeck, and there is an additional sundeck forward.

The thrill of racing over the chop, the rush of fresh air and the sports car feel of tight turns really pumps up the excitement on the new-for-2024 Sport 800.

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

Wellcraft 263 Fisherman

W

Built to last.

ellcraft’s new motto, “Built for Purpose, Built to Last,” is evident with a fresh selection of models for 2024, including the 263 Fisherman center console. The 263 is powered by single or twin Mercury or Yamaha outboards tuned to push the offshore limits.

A reengineered, fully bonded glass windshield with a power-operated vent are all beneath a fiberglass T-top, and the support legs of the structure are recessed into the center console. This creates more space for passengers to maneuver around the deck and makes the head accessible with a lateral opening door.

Wellcraft is quite in tune with buyers’ desire for extra helm space to incorporate additional screens.

The reworked helm will accommodate Garmin's GPS plotter combo depth sounder that links to the entire boats’ digital systems readouts.

One standout feature is a portside dive door that swings inward, adjacent to a livewell. An entire row of rod holders runs from the length of the transom

to the aft door for additional boarding access from the swim platform. Landing a fish just got easier.

Bait prep and storage are neatly packaged behind the dual upholstered helm seats. In this central location, Wellcraft has a feature dubbed the “Cooler Cave” to store coolers.

Forward are two hull-hugging bow seats that double as recliners, a feature that lets the 263 shine as a family cruiser for days when fishing doesn’t dominate the agenda. An optional fiberglass table easily sides into the forward bow. Further forward is a chain-rope combination windless, with secure locker storage for the rode and a wand sprayer to knock off pesky sand and mud.

To sweeten the deal, Wellcraft will include a one-year subscription to SeaNapps with the purchase of this model, allowing users to track engine hours and recommended maintenance intervals right from their cellphone.

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 26'4" Beam: 9' Draft: 37" Weight: 5,550 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 158 gals.

Max Power: 500 hp Base MSRP: $193,000 WELLCRAFT.COM

DEALERS Aqua-Mania

AQUA-MANIA.COM

Bridgeport Marine

BRIDGEPORTMARINE.COM

Hall’s Sport Center

HALLSSPORTCENTER.COM

Schneider’s Motorsports and Marine SCHNEIDERS MOTORSPORTS.COM

Onekama Marine

ONEKAMAMARINE.COM

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

27

BOAT TEST

By Capt. Tom Serio

RIVIERA RIVIE RA

RIVIERA PHOTOS

585 SUV

28 JANUARY 2024

Designed to be able to do what you want — and then some.

I

t’s a risk — potentially a big risk — when a yacht builder introduces a new model. Without the proper research, analysis of market needs, current and previous owner input, and a plethora of other key indicating factors, a new model can make or break a builder. Everything must come together to make it work. And the yacht better be appealing to the masses.

Enter the Riviera 585 SUV. DOING THE HOMEWORK Riviera has taken its wealth of knowledge from selling more than 200 SUV yachts (ranging from 39 to 64 feet) over 10 years, copious amounts of user/owner input and its own R&D modifications to deliver this “pièce de resistance” of the SUV line.

The proof is in the numbers: Riviera already has more than 50 orders for this new model, which was just introduced to the U.S. market at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

What differentiates the 585 SUV from others in the size range is its versatility, ease of function and stout bones. The low profile makes it a perfect cruiser for the Great Loop, while the finely tuned hull offers impressive speed to beat the waves.

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

29

LAY IT OUT

RIVIERA 585 SUV SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 65' Beam: 18'7" Weight: 67,946 lbs.

Draft: 5'5" Fuel Capacity: 1,189 gals.

Water Capacity: 211 gals.

Power: 2 x Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1200 MSRP: Contact dealer RIVIERAAUSTRALIA.COM

DEALERS Bay Marine BAYMARINE.NET

Lake Michigan Yacht Sales LAKEMICHIGANYACHTSALES.COM

Onekama Marine ONEKAMAMARINE.COM

�

WATCH THE VIDEO AT LAKELANDBOATING.COM

�

The mezzanine deck is a winner!

CZone controllers manage all of the yacht’s functions.

Large salon sunroof.

Aft cockpit control station.

Ample space in the engine room.

�

If you want one, get on the list — this is a hot yacht!

30 JANUARY 2024

Exploring the layout, it’s evident that Riviera designed the 585 from an operator’s point of view. At the console, twin helm seats allow for a cruising couple, an extra set of eyes or captain guidance, ensuring the operator is never lonely.

Riviera wants to keep the crowd together and has included a large settee lounge starboard of the helm. It’s a perfect place to relax or take in the view.

Midship to starboard is a plush L-shape sofa. But looking around I didn’t see a dining table. That’s because Riviera performed a little magic and designed the dining table to store within the sofa. To access, remove the cushions, flip out the table, and replace the cushions.

This setup allows for double duty of the sofa, from dining seating to casual lounging. Full salon windows offer great views, and 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom adds to the airiness. There’s a view to the aft pop-up TV. Designing the galley to utilize both port and starboard areas is a clever concept. To port you have a U-shape galley with all necessary appliances including a flat cooktop, an oven, a stainless steel sink, a fridge and freezer drawers.

Across are two additional fridge/ freezer drawers, perfect for chilling the day’s cocktails without interrupting the chef. It’s also great for additional provisions for extended cruising. Too many times, storage of extra provisions is an afterthought, thereby utilizing odd spaces or additional coolers on deck. Riviera’s engineers figured it out for you.

DECKED OUT As part of the “SUV” nomenclature, the 585 is very utilitarian, as evident by the mezzanine or patio deck. In my opinion, this has to be one of the best functional areas onboard — and there are

a number of them. Not only does the large salon glass door slide sideways, but the aft window flips up on a gas piston and securely latches, opening up the mezzanine deck to the salon.

The key to the mezzanine deck is that it can be an openair oasis but also protected by the extended hardtop and side curtains. Plumb in some AC/ heat ducts and you can now be boating year-round. An L-settee with a table to starboard complements the lounge sofa to port. Alfresco dining anyone?

Down four steps is a 91-square-foot cockpit, complete with a grill station, a sink, twin gates to access the 60-square-foot swim platform (the hydraulic platform is 81.8 square feet) and oodles of storage. The 585 encourages recreational fishing and having fun with the water toys.

Two cool things here are the canvas overhang that protrudes from the hardtop (a signature Riviera feature) and the railings for the swim platform, making this usable space for more fishing or extra real estate for guests.

HEAD NORTH Looking for another onboard oasis? Head to the bow that includes an L-shape settee, a port lounge that unfolds into a sunpad, a stowable canvas awning that covers the entire area and a drop-in table. If I may add my opinion again, this is probably the best-designed bow lounge I have ever seen. The function is there, it blends well with the overall design and it maximizes the available space.

When worn out from all of the relaxing during the day there are three staterooms below to add comfort. The primary is midship, full beam and boasts 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom. Adding to the special feel are a walk-in closet, a side nook for a coffee

machine, a hi-rise table with two seats nested at the port window for morning coffee or computer use, and a well-sized ensuite head.

A guest room to port has twin berths that can be joined at the press of a button to create a queen berth. Forward is the VIP with a center berth and ensuite. There is a third head for the guest stateroom that also acts as the day head.

If considering crew, a living quarter can be located aft of the primary. Or make this a utility room or laundry instead. Running the 585 by an owner-operator is easy so you may want to delete the crew cabin.

WHAT WAVES? Bucking a fresh NW wind that produced a 3-plus-foot chop in the bay, it was stay-home conditions for others — but not us. Even with full fuel tanks, the twin Volvo Penta IPS 1200 powerplants delivered impressive performance at 33.2 knots wide open (reciprocal average) burning 82 gph (total). The bigger point is that the wind didn’t blow us all over. Response from the throttles and joystick was instant and smooth. Spinning at 1800 RPM, we saw 21.5 knots with 52 gph.

The ride was comfortable, and the hull did its job without slamming.

Another highlight is how quiet the 585 ran. Conversation was normal — engines gave off a gentle purr when pressed into action.

Riviera builds boats with a purpose. The SUV models bring sportiness, speed, handling and exceptional cruising accommodation — features that aren’t typically found on yachts of this range. It’s made to explore.

Add in your customizing ideas that may include exotic leathers, fine hardwoods, plush upholstery and comfortable carpeting along with your favorite colors and splashes, and the 585 SUV becomes something special to you. Make it all come together with the Riviera 585 SUV.

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FEATURE

By Chuck Warren

BENNINGTON PHOTOS

NOT SLOWING DOWN

32 JANUARY 2024

A

s epic makeovers go, the pontoon boat has pulled off one of the greatest image upgrades in history. For a decade or more, pontoons have been evolving from their original image as a slow, utilitarian “floating front porch,” to become fast, luxurious, aquatic entertainment platforms equally suited for wakeboarding, fishing or an evening cruise complete with fine wine and cheeses.

The pontoon boat went into a phone booth wearing a suit and black framed glasses and emerged in blue tights, red boots and a flowing cape.

Today, pontoon boats account for more than 20% of all new model sales in the recreational boating market. Driven by industry innovations, technological advancements and dramatic improvements in comfort and performance, pontoon boats have become a versatile option for anyone looking for a multi-use boat that can handle almost any task.

Although many new brand names have appeared in the pontoon boat industry in recent years, a few boat builders have stayed firmly anchored at the top of the list.

Widely recognized for building versatile models with high-quality construction and innovative designs, Bennington has developed a following that brings repeat buyers, enthusiastic recommendations and overwhelmingly positive reviews.

WHILE PONTOONS HAVE EXPLODED IN POPULARITY, BENNINGTON PROPELS THE SEGMENT FORWARD WITH ITS NEW RANGE OF 2024 MODELS. L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

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BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION

Founded in 1997, Bennington set out to create the best luxury pontoon boats on the market. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, the company prides itself on its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

Once buyers have owned their first Bennington, they rarely purchase any other pontoon brand.

For the 2024 model year, Bennington has introduced new models, new features and cuttingedge technologies that make it obvious the company is committed to maintaining its position at the top of the pontoon food chain.

“We are not going to slow down,” says Michael Shedivy, Bennington’s general manager. “We 34 JANUARY 2024

continue to try and build the next generation of performance luxury pontoon boats.”

Bennington’s 2024 models are built to appeal to everyone, from first-time or entry-level buyers up to customers looking to upgrade to a more luxurious boat.

With the S series, Bennington offers a variety of lower-priced or entry-level models that make it easy for any boater to purchase a high-quality pontoon. However, lower cost does not translate to reduced quality or fewer features.

S series models, which include the SV, S and SX lines, each offer a mixture of creature comforts and customizable styling that allows buyers to build the boat that matches their own unique lifestyle and personal branding.

Models in the L series offer more luxurious materials and styling while maintaining a lower price point. The L series offers more comfort and floorplan choices along with a wider variety of customizable colors and accents.

With the R series, luxury and performance come together in single- or twin-engine packages that can easily pull wakeboards and tubes or just get out to the sandbar in a hurry. However, higher performance does not displace comfort.

At the top of the model line, Bennington’s flagship Q series offers the very best in luxury and style in a variety of highly customizable sizes, floorplans and hull configurations. Bennington’s Q models are perfectly suited for a day at the beach in swimsuits and sunglasses or an evening cruise ferrying tuxedoed passengers to the opera.

MORE THAN JUST A FACE-LIFT

For the new model year, the company has added lots of value from bow to stern. Instead of just giving a face-lift to old designs, 2024 models offer distinctive colors, new upholstery choices, convenient options and lots of new standard features that stand out from Bennington’s previous generations.

New model and floorplan choices also make it easy for boat buyers to build a pontoon that meets all of their needs. Bennington builds models designed for fishing and other specific activities such as wakeboarding and skiing, but simple seating and feature changes allow boaters to build a single pontoon boat that’s perfect for fishing in the morning, wakeboarding during the day, and a comfortable sunset cruise around the harbor in the evening.

For 2024, Bennington has also dramatically redesigned its SV and S series entry models.

Features and options now include full-height panels, new lighting packages and usable choices like a locking glovebox, USB ports and a wireless phone charger.

Bennington’s 2024 SV and S series models also include a completely redesigned helm with a better focus on ergonomics and comfort. With the newly redesigned S series models, there is no trade-off between price and comfort or style.

Feature, design and material changes have increased Bennington’s luxury and style options throughout most of the 2024 product line. New upholstery options like Simtex and Soft Touch create a luxurious ride, but the most surprising new comfort feature might be dark upholstery options that stay cool in direct sunlight.

On Bennington’s higher-end models, a new option known as Permacool will allow buyers to match black upholstery with bright colors like red. Black Permacool soft touch vinyl stays comfortable to the touch on sunny days and also creates a visually striking package when matched with orange accents.

NO BARRIER TO ENTRY

Many of the standard features found on today’s pontoons have been improved. New technology can be seen throughout the industry, and Bennington has driven more than its fair share of the pontoon market’s innovation.

Although pontoon boats have traditionally been a simpler choice for less experienced boaters, new options have made even the bigger, faster pontoon boats with twin engines easier to handle.

Now available on some Bennington models, joystick controls can make docking and maneuvering in tight quarters easy, even for beginners. Offered by many bigger boat manufacturers, joystick controls

use computer-driven commands to shift and turn twin outboards independently of each other.

The result is a boat that can go wherever you point the joystick — including sideways.

Also torn from the bigger boat playbook, Bennington is working hard to add bow thruster technology to tritoon boats. Driven by a fan in the center tube, nozzles angled slightly downward direct thrust below the outboard pontoons but provide enough thrust to easily move the boat side-to-side.

“It’s just to get folks comfortable around the dock,” said Bennington President Ben Duke. “It’s really just the last 50 to 100 feet of docking that we’re trying to help folks with.”

Matched with a joystick, Bennington pontoons would leave little to no “barrier to entry” for new boaters.

With so much focus on electrification, it should be no surprise that Bennington is working closely with some engine manufacturers to develop an all-electric tritoon.

Although it may not launch with the 2024 line-up, advancements in electric motor and battery design are making electric Bennington pontoons a genuine possibility for the near future.

“The next step for electrification is continuing to invest in running surface chassis and battery solutions,” says Mclean Potts, Bennington’s program manager for new product development. “We’re also looking at unique floor plans that electrification can bring to the table.”

Over the last three decades, Bennington has become one of the most trusted and respected names in the boating world, providing a wide range of models that cater to every type of boater.

With its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, it’s no surprise that Bennington continues to dominate the still-growing pontoon boat market.

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FEATURE

RIGHT PHOTO JORDAN IR VING

ALL PHOTOS ISEA, UNLES S OTHERWISE NOTED

By Kathy Gibbons

Microplastic sampling

36 JANUARY 2024

Benthos sampling

Sailing

Inland Seas Education Association: Inspiring passion for the Great Lakes.

ruce Ross is almost evangelistic in his drive to give Detroit’s young people a chance to get to know their city’s namesake river. The Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) coming to town and docking along the Detroit River for a few weeks annually over the last three years with its 77-foot, two-masted Inland Seas schooner has only fanned his zeal.

Setting up at the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor downtown, Inland Seas offers half-day schoolship programs that give young people a chance to come aboard, take a sail on the river and conduct experiments. The organization has also offered excursions to give a select group of teens an opportunity to sail the ship between its home base in Suttons Bay and Detroit over the course of about five days.

“A lot of these kids rarely get out of their neighborhood,” Ross says. “And this experience of getting on a schooner and coming back home to Detroit and being part of a crew and working as a team, it was so important.

“We had a debriefing meeting with the kids and the one thing they said is, ‘I don’t believe I did this. Since I’ve done this, I can do anything I put my mind to,’” Ross continues.

Schooner Inland Seas

“People protect what they love, they love what they understand and they understand what they are taught.”

– Jacques-Yves Cousteau

All about the water

Founded as a nonprofit in 1989 to nurture curiosity, stewardship and passion for the Great Lakes in people of all ages, ISEA started out offering its schoolship programs aboard a chartered schooner out of Traverse City, Michigan. Local teachers would bring students to learn about Great Lakes ecology as they assumed the role of a scientist and assisted volunteer instructors with collecting and analyzing water samples while sailing for a few hours.

“The idea behind Inland Seas kind of started in the sense that under the theory of Jacques Cousteau, ‘People protect what they love,’” says Fred Sitkins, ISEA executive director. “The idea of a schoolship program is to educate youth in a way that helps them to develop a passion and care for the Great Lakes.

“That happens by positive associations, by a unique experience,” he continues. “That’s why we use these tall ship schooners — it’s a unique experience that puts students in a place where they’re more receptive to education and learning.”

During schoolship adventures, students may get to sail the ship, from helping handle sails to steering the boat. Programs are typically available to third through 12th-graders, though lower elementary programs are offered too.

They learn about things like invasive species, microplastics, water chemistry and fish. ISEA acquired its own schooner, Inland L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

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Maggie Oudsema

PRO F ES SO R D R. CAR L R U E T Z

Seas, in 1994, with a dock for it built in 1996 in Suttons Bay, Michigan. That’s where the organization has been based since and where its Inland Seas Education Center is located. After that, it began offering three-day overnight STEM-themed (science, technology, engineering, math) adventures.

“These unique experiences connect individuals to the water,” Sitkins says. It’s also about opening young eyes to career possibilities. Many Inland Seas interns were once among schoolship program participants as children, with some going on to careers in a related science.

Maggie Oudsema did. She first came aboard Inland Seas as a high school student. “I was deciding between video production and biology, and being aboard Inland Seas basically sealed the deal that I wanted to be a biologist,” she says.

Oudsema returned to ISEA as a college intern for two seasons.

“It helped me home in on the fact that there’s a bigger picture out there in regard not only to doing real science but also communicating to community members [to] look at these giant lakes you can’t even see the other side of — there’s things going on underneath the waves.”

What education should look like

ISEA’s program in Chicago

38 JANUARY 2024

The last 10 years

That momentum has only continued as demand for Inland Seas programs skyrocketed to the point that it was having to turn more people away than it was able to serve, Sitkins says.

“The difference in the organization over these last 10 years is that we really set out on kind of a Great Lakes-wide approach in wanting to spread beyond the Suttons Bay region, and a big portion of that desire is that there are so many underserved regions around the Great Lakes,” he explains. That led to outreach programs in Detroit, Chicago and rural Lake Superior areas.

Cyd Archer, vice president of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, says ISEA designed a STEM-themed program that sends up to 10 Chicago high school girls at a time on a working tall ship excursion. Girls must write an essay about overcoming challenges in their lives to qualify and are recruited from what Archer described as underserved populations.

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB FOUNDATION

Water quality station

Sitkins has had a long association with Inland Seas, actually working as a deckhand aboard the schooner the organization used to charter back in 1991-’92 before it acquired its own boat.

“I was a kid who didn’t like school,” he says. “As I watched this program happening over a couple of years, I thought, I wished education looked like this when I was a kid.”

That experience motivated Sitkins to earn a teaching degree, and he worked in public education for 20 years. When longtime Executive Director and Founder Tom Kelly retired in 2013, Sitkins took the helm.

“I’ve been glad to come back and serve the organization that gave me direction in my life,” he says.

He found that the organization had matured and grown.

“It was an established organization — they had a vessel of their own at that point and a really nice education facility here in Suttons Bay,” he says. “There had been quite a bit of expansion from when I was here before.”

At first, the young women traveled on the boat from Detroit to Suttons Bay. Then the foundation transported the participants to Suttons Bay so they could sail the ship back home.

“Many times these girls have never been away from home,” Archer says. “[ISEA] teaches them how to sail the boat. They teach them leadership skills. They teach them to eat better — there’s a cook onboard. They do experiments. They have to sit watch at night, and can see the stars and Northern Lights, which they can’t see in Chicago because of all the ambient city lights.”

Upon docking back in Chicago, the schooner stayed for about 10 days to conduct half-day STEM cruises for Chicago-area middle schoolers.

“We’re just trying to get kids on the water… to see the possibilities out there for careers and life experiences they might not have known about,” Archer says.

To help accommodate the growing demand, ISEA launched a $1 million fundraising campaign that enabled the purchase of a second schooner, the three-masted Alliance. It arrived in Traverse City in 2023 and has been undergoing a retrofit to make it more functional for overnight journeys in 2024.

“The Alliance is going to come close to doubling our capacity,” Sitkins says. “In a typical year, we’re in the 5,000- to 6,000-student mark. We anticipate it will be more along the lines of 10,000 participants with the addition of Alliance.”

Groups that come share a portion of the cost to participate.

ISEA is mostly donor-funded through foundations and individuals, with grant money also available. For example, a class of 30 might pay about one-third of the actual cost of a schoolship program, with ISEA subsidizing the rest.

With a full-time staff of 11 and seasonal staff to help crew the ships and intern as summer educators, ISEA is heavily dependent on its approximately 100 volunteers. Among them is Kathy Schaeffer, a volunteer instructor and ISEA board member. A lifelong Chicagoan who relocated near Traverse City in 2017, she loves working with students.

“When they ask questions and they get really engaged, it’s just so fun,” she says. “It’s also fun to be on the ship.”

Kathy Schaeffer

Alliance

All aboard

ISEA’s next big push is to continue moving in the direction of providing year-round opportunities for kids to learn.

“Typically what we want to be able to do is provide these educational programs throughout the year and not just in the sailing months, so when the boats aren’t able to sail in the cold months of the year, we focus on the land-water connection with students,” Sitkins says.

ISEA already conducts programs on land that help familiarize participants with the watershed and how actions there affect the Great Lakes as a whole.

“We can bring students into wetlands that typically are not as accessible in the summer because they’re either too wet or buggy,” he says.

In fact, the organization has been piloting a broad range of programs in recent years to gauge which make the most sense, Sitkins notes, adding, “We’re casting a really wide net right now to look through issues and try to land on which programs have the most effect.

Plankton cup ROV Engineer and Explore Program student group

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PORT OF CALL

By Felicia Schneiderhan

Artistic Elegance

Bayfield, Wisconsin, pairs a unique

40 JANUARY 2024

Hometown Hospitality

ADOBE STOCK

combination for visitors by water and by land.

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MARINA WEBSITE PARADE AND STORES: BAYFIELD CHAMBER & VISITOR S

Apostle Islands Marina

Apple Fest

Honest Dog Books and other shops

O

ur first visit to the Bayfield harbor came with an emergency when our son was just two weeks old.

My husband, Mark, and I were home in Duluth with a new baby and lots of time at the height of summer. Our 38-foot Marine Trader trawler, Mazurka, sat idly in the Knife River Marina. We looked at each other and said: “Hey, we could sit out our new baby leave here on land, or we could venture into the Apostles. Why not make our happy family nest a floating one?”

We packed up our new little guy, Rafael, a supply of food for us, diapers and blankets for him, and away we went.

We were new parents aboard our vessel. We had a little Moses basket we tucked onto the shelf beside our bed and draped mosquito netting over the top. It was lovely cruising, lovely weather, swinging around a hook in calm waters just off Sand Island, with early sunrises and late sunsets, time to be together and nowhere to be.

42 JANUARY 2024

BAYFIELD CHAMBER & VISITOR S

Apostle Islands sea caves

Until we ran out of diapers.

If you’ve ever had a baby onboard, you know this constitutes a dire emergency.

At home, we were using cloth diapers. But on a boat, I didn’t want to deal with washing them. I packed a box of disposables I assumed would last us for longer than a day. I mean, seriously — how many diapers can a baby go through?

We joked about just holding him over the side of the boat. Then we decided to suck it up and enter civilization.

Our diaper emergency brought us to Bayfield.

We pulled up to the Apostle Islands Marina gas dock and explained our situation to the harbormaster. “We used to make beer runs,” I said. “Now we make diaper runs.”

He smiled wide as he took our line. “The store’s right around the corner,” he said. “Take all the time you need.”

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B AY F I E L D CH AM B E R & V I SI TO R S

Turns out, we wanted more time than a quick diaper run — Bayfield had that much to offer. We spent a few days there, and for the past 14 years, it’s kept us coming back for more.

As our son grew older, and we added two more crewmembers, our family of five has returned to Bayfield many times, drawn to its artistic elegance and down-to-earth hospitality. The slower pace and natural beauty of the rolling hills and Lake Superior waterfront, plus its creative, vibrant spirit, make it a unique hub of craftspeople and artisans with endless boating opportunities.

There really is no place quite like Bayfield. It’s well worth the trip either by boat or by land.

MADELINE ISLAND FERRY FACEBOOK

Concerts by the Lake

Bayfield Ferry

Lollipops

44 JANUARY 2024

The area is significant to the Anishinaabe — the Ojibwe/Chippewa First Nation — as their traditional home. A few miles north of Bayfield is the Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. Europeans came in the early 19th century, drawn to the natural resources of fishing and lumber. The town’s location on Lake Superior made it a useful harbor for exporting and importing goods, particularly after the Soo locks opened in 1855. Boats ran until Chequamegon Bay froze over in winter, and then ice boats would carry people between Madeline Island and the mainland. (Today, if the bay freezes over, an ice road is created.) By 1883, railroads came to town, bringing tourists and carrying the brownstone that was quarried nearby. Bayfield grew to 500 people, with churches, schools, hotels and lodges.

Today, Bayfield is not much bigger. Its population, just under 600, makes it one of the smallest towns in Wisconsin. Tourism still plays a large part of its industry.

Its location, beauty, culture and history make it a popular place to visit, especially from May until the famed Apple Fest in October. It’s

FELIC IA S CHNEIDERHAN

In the middle of the action

B AY F I E L D CH AM B E R & V I SI TO R S JA MEY P ENNEY- RI T TER

ARTISTS GUILD AND HERITAGE AS SOCIATION

Apostle Island Cruises

also the harbor where you can jump on the Madeline Island Ferry to go to Madeline Island, with Big Bay State Park and the town of La Pointe.

Because of its protected position on Lake Superior, it offers a number of marinas. Besides the Apostle Islands Marina downtown, boaters may also find transient slips at the Bayfield City Dock, Blackhawk Marina, Pike’s Bay Marina and Port Superior Marina. Most are full-service marinas, with water, power, fuel and pump-out available.

The Apostle Islands Marina right downtown was a favorite with our kids because it put us in the middle of the action. Most of Bayfield’s action is centrally located within walking distance of the waterfront right downtown. Our kids especially liked the enormous play structure built beside the marina in the last few years. The shops downtown also got them walking the hills without much complaint, particularly to visit the candy or ice cream shops.

In Bayfield, they found lollipops literally as big as their faces — one of their all-time favorite boating memories.

We often explored the Bayfield Maritime Museum right next to the marina, too. Free and open every day from May to September, we could spend all day there and still not absorb everything the knowledgeable, devoted volunteers had to tell us about ships, equipment, history and, best of all, the shipwrecks.

Just up the road — across from the Bayfield Carnegie Library — we found more history at the Bayfield Heritage Association, with displays of a traditional Anishinaabe Wiigwaasi-Jiimaan (Birchbark canoe), a model of the Bayfield Railroad, the life-size Bayfield jail and a community barbershop.

The area’s beauty and diversity attract exceptional artists of many mediums, and their work is visible all over town. The Bayfield Artists Guild offers a central gallery and retail store exhibiting the work of many area artists working in painting,

Bayfield Artists Guild

Anishinaabe Wiigwaasi-Jiimaan

VISIT THE BIG TOP No visit to Bayfield is complete without taking in a show at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. You’ll need a ride from the waterfront, but luckily shuttles come right downtown to pick you up. Since 1986, this 900seat outdoor theater — literally under canvas like a circus — has hosted some incredible musicians from around the world.

From June to September, it brings regional favorites, worldrenowned musicians and its own spectacular house band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra, to this beautiful setting at the base of rolling hills. The shows I’ve attended at Big Top are among the best I’ve ever seen. I think the musicians really love performing at this unique venue for a local audience who is passionate about supporting culture and art.

To get a feel for the place, check out its weekly broadcast Tent Show Radio, hosted by New York Times bestselling author Michael Perry, available at BIGTOP.ORG/TENTSHOWRADIO.HTML.

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F EL ICIA SCH N EID ER H AN

Fishing from Mazurka

Art Escape

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WinterFest: March 1 – 3, 2024 This event offers many opportunities Blessing of the Fleet to get outside and enjoy the snow, including the annual Jack Beagan Memorial Polar Plunge.

Art Escape: September 7 – 15, 2024 Art Escape” is a nine-day celebration of all things art across Bayfield County and Madeline Island.

Festival of Arts: September Bayfield’s two-day Festival of Arts highlights the artists who are inspired by the Big Lake. Visitors will find a unique selection of pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture, glassworks, wood carvings, photography and more.

Apple Festival: October 4 – 6 (see below) Celebrate the fall harvest with various apple orchard events and tours, live music, food and craft vendors, and the Spectrum Carnival.

Santa Arrives in Bayfield: December Meet Santa Claus and his elf as they make a memorable appearance in Bayfield on the Madeline Island Ferry.

WinterFest

photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, glasswork and handmade items like soaps and candles. There are many individual galleries as well, showing pottery, paintings and driftwood art. For unique, handmade jewelry, Silverwaves and Grace Hogan Jewelry are my personal favorites — they capture the feel of Lake Superior in unique pieces I’ve never seen anywhere else.

Since I’m a huge reader, Bayfield is one of my favorite towns to visit because they have not one but two outstanding, independently owned, and curated bookstores: Apostle Islands Booksellers and Honest Dog Books. Both are within walking distance of the marina, with their own personalities and tastes, and celebrate and support regional writers and artists. The owners and staff are well-read and quick to recommend just the right fit for anyone who comes in the doors. They also host regular events and readings.

Search for adventure

JOIN THE APPLE FEST Bayfield has become a Midwest utopia for apple pickers in the fall.

Apple Fest is like a northern Mardi Gras, with a parade, carnival, tours of many local orchards and, of course, food. But if you’re not up for big festivals, you can always visit the orchards and farms at any time in September and October, when you’ll find honeycrisps and Cortlands just waiting for you — already picked and bagged, or ready on the trees for you and your family to capture some historic family memories. Don’t forget the caramel apples and pies! Some popular orchards include Bayfield Apple Company, Blue Vista Farm and Hauser’s Superior View Farm.

46 JANUARY 2024

The search for adventure is a big draw to Bayfield. Besides being a mecca for sailing and boating, the area has outstanding hiking, biking and swimming opportunities, too. Kayaking is popular in the islands, and there are a number of outfitters and guides who will get you the gear you need and take you out to explore the sea caves first-hand. The same goes for seeing shipwrecks; expert divers and guides in town are available for excursions to get you up close with historic wrecks that are well-preserved in the cold water.

For land-based outings, Howl Adventure Center is a great resource. You can rent or buy all kinds of outdoor gear and mountain bikes. They’re glad to share their insider intel on where to hike and bike. Or you can sit back on their grounds and enjoy

GIRLS : J.D. BAS S; DA NCER S: BAYFIELD CHAMBER & VISITOR S

Blessing of the Fleet: June History comes to life with the traditional Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony as commercial fishing boats, tugs, powerboats, sailboats, kayaks and rowboats parade through Bayfield’s City Harbor.

ART ESCAPE, BLES SINGS AND WINTER FEST: BAYFIELD CHAMBER & VISITOR S

Concerts by the Lake: Tuesdays & Thursdays, June to August Visit Memorial Park for a night of local music and entertainment.

H OW L FACE B O O K TRAVEL WISCONSIN

PORT S UP ERI OR FACEBOOK

BAYFIELD CHAMBER & VISITOR S

Howl Adventure Center

local beer and tacos. Golfers will love the view from the Apostle Highlands Golf Course, a par 72, 18-hole championship golf course with some jaw-dropping views of the greatest Great Lake.

And, of course, there’s the fishing. Anglers from all over come to Bayfield to fish for lake trout and salmon. It’s advisable to hire a charter captain, who can take you to the exact locations where the water temperature and terrain attract the biggest catch. And if you love to eat fish without hooking them, Red Cliff Fish Company and Bodin Fisheries are two long-standing local businesses that sell fresh-caught Lake Superior fish every day, bringing it directly to market, raw or smoked.

Adventure can come on a smaller scale, too. On days when the weather wasn’t at its finest and when we were all feeling cooped up, we’d take the kids to the Bayfield Recreation Center to swim indoors. It was a great way to experience the community and camaraderie of this close neighborhood.

We first met Bayfield in the summer, and we learned to love this sweet Chequamegon Bay town in the warmer months, but over the years we’ve kept coming back year-round for all the seasonal gifts it has to offer. We return each year in October to pick apples.

Even in the winter months, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking and exploring the ice caves from the frozen lake are just a few ways we’ve learned to love this town in the quiet, peaceful off-months.

Whether at the height of boating season when the town is alive and buzzing with energy and activity, or in the quieter winter months when things settle down into a more private groove, Bayfield’s elegant creativity and hometown hospitality are hard to beat.

Apostle Islands Marina

MARINAS Apostle Islands Marina

APOSTLEISLANDS MARINA.COM

Bayfield City Dock

CITYOFBAYFIELD.COM/CITY-DOCK

Pike’s Bay Marina

Port Superior Marina

Port Superior Marina

PIKESBAYMARINA.COM

PORTSUPERIOR.COM

RESOURCES Bayfield Maritime Museum BAYFIELDMARITIME MUSEUM.ORG

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore NPS.GOV/APIS

Apostle Islands Cruises Bayfield Chamber of Commerce BAYFIELD.ORG

Bayfield Heritage Association

APOSTLEISLAND.COM

Madeline Island Ferry MADFERRY.COM

BAYFIELDHERITAGE.ORG

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

47

LAKESHORE LIFE

By Abby Thorpe

ADDRESS 2297 Lakeshore Dr., Fennville, MI 49408

SPECS Bedrooms: 5 Baths: 6 full, 1 half Square Footage: 8,812 finished; 6,562 above grade Acreage: 1.98 Shoreline: 200 feet Price: $2,897,000

CONTACT Andrea Crossman Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt 616-218-0267 ANDREA-CROSSMAN. CBGREATLAKES.COM

48 JANUARY 2024

Fennville, MI

Scenic Lake Michigan views just waiting to welcome friends and family.

S

oak up the Michigan seasons at this immaculate lakeside estate overlooking Lake Michigan to the west, and backing up to a creek and a 70-plus-acre arboretum with trails and bridges. Located in Fennville between South Haven and Saugatuck-Douglas, this charming home is perfectly equipped to welcome friends and family for a summer vacation, with five beds, six and a half baths, and 8,812 finished square feet of space, including a kitchen on each level.

Take in views from expansive decks, cozy up in the sunroom with heated floors or by the large gas fireplace in the living room, or head outdoors to explore the miles of trails and enjoy 200 feet of low bluff private sandy beach frontage. An outdoor shower and plenty of entertaining space make this an ideal Michigan lake home.

“What I love most about my home are the sunsets that paint the sky in a different masterpiece every evening, and where cherished memories are made

amidst the endless scenic views,” says current owner Diane. “I love the spaciousness of the home where there is a place for everyone to find joy, be it in the theater room, the cozy family room or the serene sunroom. Our home is a haven where sunsets, spaces and hospitality come together, creating warmth and togetherness.”

During the colder seasons, a billiards room, movie theater room, rec room and office make it easy to stay in and entertain, work from home or relax, surrounded by quality custom finishes, white oak flooring and thoughtful additions like a second laundry room for guests. The chef’s kitchen on the main level is a gourmet’s heaven, while the primary bedroom features a spacious bath with heated floors and two walk-in closets.

Enjoy stunning views from every room and a private, serene setting that is still close to the conveniences of town. This home is equipped with all of the details — inside and out — that make for the ideal lakeside getaway year-round.

BOAT BIZ

By Abby Thorpe

MORE INFORMATION Parma Marine 2327 Brookpark Rd., Parma, OH 44134 216-661-2104 PARMAMARINE.COM

50 JANUARY 2024

Parma Marine

I

A new era for Ohio’s Extreme experts.

n 1954, Western Auto Store transitioned into a boating supply store selling Evinrude outboard motors, and Parma Marine was born. The Parma, Ohio-based company has sold a variety of outboards and boats over the years but has always served northeast Ohio with a service-centered approach, often taking on custom projects that other shops turn away.

In this spirit of enterprise, in 2019 the company became the first U.S. boat dealer to offer the premium alloy plate boats from New Zealand, Extreme Boats, a range of fishing trailer boats ranging from 18 to 38 feet. Parma Marine also offers Legacy Motor Yachts, and has a robust service and parts department, allowing the company to import the aluminum boats and then finish and customize them in Ohio.

“The boats arrive at the facility as blank hulls, and get transformed into some of the best-looking and best-performing fishing boats anywhere,” says Ryan Evans of Parma Marine.

With the growth in business, the company recognized a need to expand its operations. A new manufacturing facility called Extreme Boats Distributing, LLC is set to open in January 2024 in Brookpark, Ohio. While the original Parma location’s parts, service and brokerage will remain, the new facility will allow the next phase of Extreme Boats to kick off.

“Our leadership team is excited to see what we can achieve in the coming years,” says Owner Joel Morrison. “We never set out to customize, fit out and distribute boats, but when we took on Extreme Boats, we knew we were bringing in a product that is among the best in the business. We always say, ‘We go out while others are coming in,’ and that’s a testament to the quality of the boats we are sending out into often unpredictable conditions.”

Stop into Parma Marine, celebrating its 70th year, and discover the kind of service, expertise and product that sets it apart.

MARINE MARKETPLACE

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COME SEE US AT THE CHICAGO BOAT SHOW

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REGAL LS 36

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630-739-2272 CALL FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING | SCHEDULE A FACETIME WALK-THROUGH | STOP IN ANY TIME!

JANUARY 10-14 @ McCORMICK PLACE! CHICAGOLAND’S BOATING SUPERSTORE ONLY A FEW 2023s LEFT • DEEPLY DISCOUNTED • CALL FOR DETAILS!

2023 BENNINGTON 24 LXSB

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BASASMARINE.COM MAIN LOCATION Basa’s Marine, 512 E. North Frontage Road, Bolingbrook, IL

MICHIGAN LOCATION Basa’s at Oselka Marina, 514 W. Water Street, New Buffalo, MI

FIND US AT:

JANUARY 10-14, 2024

JANUARY 18-21, 2024

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Explore Our NEW BOAT Collections Available Now!

BACK COVE 34O

EDGEWATER 248CX CREVALLE 33 CSF

FORMULA 350 CBR

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SALES@BAYMARINE.NET

* Not all brands sold at all locations

New & Used Inventory 62’ 2005 Neptunus 62 Flybridge .................... $889,999 56’ 2002 Viking 55 Convertible....................... $679,999 54’ 2021 Riviera 5400 SY Platinum............ $1,895,000 54’ 2018 Belize 54 Sedan .............................. $1,390,000 54’ 2020 Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius........ $1,399,999 52’ 2006 Sea Ray 52 Sedan Bridge ............... $549,999 51’ 2008 Navigator 5100 ................................... $599,000 48’ 2024 Sabre 48 Salon Express ...............................Call 48’ 2019 Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht ................ $989,000 48’ 2018 Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht ............ $1,050,000 48’ 2017 Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht ................ $925,000 47’ 2013 Sea Ray 470 Sundancer.................. $469,999 46’ 2024 Riviera 4600 SY Platinum Edition..............Call 46’ 2024 Riviera 465 SUV ...............................................Call 45’ 2024 Sabre 45 Salon Express ...............................Call 45’ 2020 Grady-White Canyon 456 ............... $899,995 45’ 2000 Wellcraft 45 Excalibur....................... $124,900 45’ 1973 Hatteras 45 Convertible.....................$69,900 44’ 2021 Riviera 445 SUV .................................. $895,000 44’ 2016 Cranchi M 44 HT................................. $525,000 44’ 1999 Baja 442 ................................................. $115,000 43’ 2024 Sabre 43 Salon Express ...............................Call 41’ 2021 Intrepid 410 Evolution ...................... $888,888 40’ 2002 Formula 40 PC..................................... $129,999 40’ 2001 Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge ............ $194,900 40’ 1991 Hatteras 40 Motor Yacht ................. $149,000 39’ 2021 Yellowfin 39........................................... $685,000 39’ 2010 Sea Ray 390 Sundancer.................. $249,999 39’ 2004 Sea Ray 390 Motor Yacht ............... $239,900 38’ 2024 Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover........ Call 38’ 2007 Regal 3760 Sportyacht.................... $139,000 37’ 2024 Edgewater 370CC ..........................................Call 37’ 2013 Boston Whaler 370 Outrage.......... $299,000 37’ 2010 Regal 3760 Sportyacht.................... $189,999 37’ 1993 Sea Ray Sundancer 370.....................$48,000 36’ 2024 Yellowfin 36 Center Console ......................Call 36’ 2020 Cobalt A36 ............................................ $419,000 35’ 2024 Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider ............Call 35’ 2019 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer.................. $390,000 35’ 1999 Cruisers Yachts 3575 Express ........$75,000 35’ 1997 Cruisers Yachts 3575 Esprit.............$59,900 35’ 1987 S2 35 Center Cockpit..........................$39,900 34’ 2024 Edgewater 340CC ..........................................Call 34’ 2024 Yellowfin 34........................................................Call 34’ 2023 Back Cove 34O ................................................Call 34’ 2023 Edgewater 340CC ..........................................Call 34’ 2005 Formula 34 Cruiser............................ $119,000 34’ 2004 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer.................. $134,900 34’ 1998 Rinker 33 Fiesta Vee ............................$57,500 33’ 2024 Crevalle 33 CSF ...............................................Call 33’ 2024 Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider ............Call

33’ 2023 Crevalle 33 CSF .................................. $429,999 33’ 2019 Regal 33 Express................................ $285,000 33’ 2007 Monterey 330 Sport Yacht ................$79,999 33’ 1987 Cruisers Yachts 3370 Esprit.............$20,000 32’ 2023 Edgewater 325CC ..........................................Call 32’ 2003 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer.....................$74,999 31’ 2024 Formula 310 Bowrider...................................Call 31’ 2023 Sailfish 316 DC.................................... $289,500 31’ 2013 Pursuit ST 310 Sport ........................ $187,000 31’ 2004 Chaparral 310 Signature....................$89,900 31’ 2004 Rampage 30 Offshore...................... $105,000 31’ 2003 Rampage 30 Express ..........................$67,900 30’ 2020 Scout 300 LXF..................................... $266,666 29’ 2024 Formula 290 Bowrider...................................Call 29’ 1999 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer.....................$36,900 28’ 2023 Edgewater 280 CX..........................................Call 28’ 2023 Edgewater 285CC ..........................................Call 28’ 2010 Chris-Craft 28 Corsair...................... $104,900 28’ 2005 Pursuit 2870......................................... $109,000 27’ 2024 Formula 270 Bowrider...................................Call 27’ 2023 Sailfish 272 CC.................................... $192,500 27’ 2023 Sailfish 276 DC.................................... $213,500 27’ 2001 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer.....................$27,900 27’ 2000 Rinker 270 Fiesta Vee..........................$24,999 27’ 1996 Monterey 276 Cruiser .........................$19,900 27’ 1989 Sea Ray 270 Amberjack.....................$14,900 26’ 2024 Crevalle 26 HCO ..............................................Call 26’ 2024 Edgewater 262 CX..........................................Call 26’ 2023 Crevalle 26 HBW..............................................Call 26’ 2023 Crevalle 26 HCO ..............................................Call 26’ 2023 Crevalle 26 HCO ..............................................Call 26’ 2017 Edgewater 262CC ............................. $179,900 26’ 2012 Four Winns H260...................................$59,900 26’ 2006 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer.....................$55,900 26’ 2003 Four Winns 268 Vista ..........................$24,900 26’ 2003 Sea Ray 260.............................................$47,800 26’ 2000 Sea Ray 260 Signature .......................$24,000 25’ 2023 Tidewater 256 CC Adventure ....... $145,000 25’ 2020 Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger................ $108,000 25’ 2019 Cobalt R5............................................... $124,999 25’ 2018 Avalon Catalina 2585 EL ....................$43,900 25’ 2018 Harris FloteBote 250 Grand Mariner...$69,900 25’ 2017 Tidewater 2500 Custom ....................$78,000 25’ 2015 Bennington 25........................................$64,900 25’ 2013 Harris FloteBote 250 Grand Mariner..$49,900 25’ 1999 Four Winns 258 Vista ..........................$17,900 25’ 1999 Four Winns 258 Vista ..........................$19,900 24’ 2024 Edgewater 248 CX..........................................Call 24’ 2024 Formula 240 Bowrider...................................Call 24’ 2023 Crevalle 24 HCO ..............................................Call

24’ 2023 Edgewater 245CC ..........................................Call 24’ 2023 Edgewater 248 CX..........................................Call 24’ 2023 Sailfish 241 CC.................................... $134,900 24’ 2023 Sailfish 245 DC.................................... $144,900 24’ 2015 Formula 240 Bowrider.........................$79,900 24’ 2008 Sea Ray 240 Sundancer.....................$39,900 24’ 2006 MasterCraft X-45...................................$59,900 24’ 2000 Maxum 2400 SCR ....................................$9,900 23’ 2024 Nautique Super Air G23...............................Call 23’ 2023 Edgewater 230CC ..........................................Call 23’ 2020 Premier 230 Solaris RL .......................$74,900 23’ 2016 Everglades 230 DC...............................$89,000 23’ 2016 Nautique Super Air Nautique G23....$115,000 23’ 2011 Cheetah Marine Shadow 23 OB......$29,999 23’ 2007 Azure AZ238 ...........................................$39,000 23’ 2005 Boston Whaler 235 Conquest .........$49,900 23’ 2003 Ebbtide 2300 Mystique ......................$25,500 22’ 2024 Nautique GS22.................................................Call 22’ 2023 Angler Qwest 8522 All Sport............$67,995 22’ 2023 Angler Qwest 8522 Family Fish.......$59,995 22’ 2023 Qwest 822 Lanai LTZ ...........................$62,500 22’ 2021 Axis T22 ....................................................$88,500 22’ 2020 Four Winns HD220 ...............................$69,000 22’ 2012 Bennington 22 SSL ..............................$22,500 22’ 2004 C-Dory 22 Cruiser.................................$34,999 22’ 1994 Grady-White Seafarer 22 ...................$21,900 21’ 2018 Nautique Super Air Nautique G21... $109,950 21’ 2002 Rinker 212 Captiva Bowrider............$13,900 21’ 1996 Wellcraft Excel 21 SL..............................$6,900 21’ 1966 Century Coronado 21’ ........................$19,900 20’ 2023 Edgewater 208CC ..........................................Call 20’ 2023 Qwest 820 XRE Cruise........................$55,999 20’ 2014 Sea Hunt 202 Triton .............................$34,995 20’ 2004 Bennington 205 L.....................................$9,000 20’ 1991 Bayliner 2002..........................................$14,000 19’ 2020 Boston Whaler 190 Montauk ...........$58,000 19’ 1987 Century 19 Arabian ..............................$14,900 18’ 2023 Edgewater 188CC ..........................................Call 17’ 2023 Edgewater 170CC ..........................................Call 17’ 2001 Misty Harbor Stealth 170C ..................$8,900 14’ 2022 AB Inflatables Nautilus 14 DLX........$39,171 13’ 2016 Mercury Inflatables 400 .....................$14,999 12’ 2022 AB Inflatables Mares 12 VSX............$15,999 12’ 2015 Yamaha WaveRunner 6CR....................$8,900 11’ 2019 Walker Bay Generation 360 DLX.......$22,900 11’ 2023 Highfield SP330......................................$20,990 11’ 2022 Achilles HB-335 AX.................................$6,495 10’ 2023 AB Inflatables ABJET 330 ...........................Call 10’ 2022 Achilles HB-310 AX.................................$5,495 10’ 2007 Caribe C-10X .............................................$4,900 9’ 2023 AB Inflatables ABJET 290 ...........................Call

For a complete list of available boats, visit www.baymarine.net DOOR COUNTY STURGEON BAY, WI 920-743-6526

CHICAGO WAUKEGAN, IL 847-336-2628

SW FLORIDA FORT MYERS, FL 239-295-4332

SW MICHIGAN SPRING LAKE, MI 616-604-0234

AR Y E ow R U E Sh O TH at D F o 4 N O o B -1 FI LS cag y 10 EA hi r D e C nu a ST th Ja BE @

F I V E L O C AT I O N S

NEW BOATS IN-STOCK OR ARRIVING SOON! BLUE: C100 M70

BENETE AU

2023 BENETEAU ANTARES 8

2024 BENETEAU GT 36

2024 BENETEAU SWIFT TRAWLER 41

CHRIS - CR AF T

2023 CHRIS-CRAFT 24 CALYPSO

2023 CHRIS-CRAFT 25 LAUNCH GT

2024 CHRIS-CRAFT 31 LAUNCH GT

NIMBUS

2023 NIMBUS W9

2024 NIMBUS T11

2024 NIMBUS C9

MJM

2024 MJM 3

2024 MJM 35

2024 MJM 4

PUR SUI T

2023 PURSUIT DC 246

2024 PURSUIT DC 266

2023 PURSUIT DC 365

WWW.CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM OR CALL (888) 9-YACHTS

SEE YOU AT THE SHOWS!

MILWAUKEE BOAT SHOW: January 19-21 & 24-28, 2024 at Expo Center DETROIT BOAT SHOW: January 27 – February 4, 2024 at Huntington Place GRAND RAPIDS BOAT SHOW: February 14-18, 2024 at Devos Place

WELDCRAFT 210 REVOLUTION PARTIAL HARDTOP

NORTHCOAST 315 CABIN

ON SALE! $92,499

RANGER TUGS R-27

ZODIAC YACHTLINE SERIES 360-490

ZODIAC MEDLINE SERIES 5.8 - 9

NORTHCOAST 235 CABIN MAG BAY 43 CENTER CONSOLE

WELDCRAFT 240 OCEAN KING

BROKERAGE BOATS 16’ 2022 21’ 2018 23’ 2012 26’ 2016 27’ 2014 27’ 2017 26’ 2022 28’ 2014 28’ 2018 29’ 2018

Zodiac Yachtline 490 DL .......................................................... $39,900 Zodiac Medline 660................................................................. $69,900 Striper 2301 Walkaround I/O.................................................... $55,000 Pursuit 265 Dual Console ...................................................... $159,900 Ranger Tugs R-27 ................................................................. $154,900 Ranger Tugs R-27 ................................................................. $185,000 Weldcraft 240 Ocean King ..................................................... $169,000 Cutwater 28.......................................................................... $144,900 Zodiac Medline 850............................................................... $139,900 Ranger Tugs R-29S ............................................................... $199,999

30’ 2006 31’ 1998 32’ 1987 32’ 2012 32’ 1992 33’ 1985 34’ 1989 35’ 2004 36’ 2004 44’ 1995

Hunter 326 ............................................................................. $44,900 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer .......................................................... $39,000 Carver 3207 Aft Cabin ............................................................. $17,900 Beneteau First 30.................................................................... $84,900 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer .......................................................... $32,400 Nauticat 33............................................................................. $64,900 Sea Ray Express...................................................................... $18,900 Tiara Yachts 3500 Open......................................................... $215,000 Corsair 36............................................................................. $155,000 Carver 440 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht........................................... $159,000

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF INVENTORY INCLUDING NEW, USED AND BROKERAGE BOATS AT WWW.REEDYACHTSALES.COM

GRAND HAVEN, MI • Brent Reed 616-402-0180 • Bob Lunt 616-843-1225 LASALLE, MI • Chuck Hutchins 734-497-3721 • Matthew Bolt 734-735-1948 RACINE, WI • Mark Derenne 414-651-3100

www.reedyachtsales.com

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ADDED SAFETY AT THE DOCK & ON THE WATER

GREAT GIFTS!

BOARDING POLE

Extra assistance boarding the boat. $100

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CLASSIFIEDS

Advertise your boat, slip or property with us!

Contact us by DECEMBER 15 to get into our FEBRUARY 2024 issue and beyond!

WINTER STORAGE NEEDED! Looking for in-water winter storage for a 75' Hatteras Panacera with a 21' beam and height of 31'5". Flexible on locations close to Detroit, Michigan, but would be open to Michigan, Ohio and Canada.

Call 313-724-1551. MAR24

MALIBU WAKESETTER 23 LSV Just listed! Singleowner, freshwater, in excellent condition. LOW HOURS (~170)! Lift-kept in season and heated storage off season.

Malibu Monsoon M5Di motor and twin-axle custom Malibu trailer + spare, ready to tow to your favorite spot!

Asking $129,000. Contact Joe today 414-793-0195 or joe@centerpointeservice.com. CNT

2023 FOUR WINNS H260 Check out this almost-new Four Winns H260. Gray with Mercruiser 6.2L 350hp, only 10 hours on the engine. Tandem axle custom trailer, floor storage, anchor locker, head with sink, depth finder, docking lights, ski/wakeboard tower with Bimini top, JL Audio System, lots of under-seat storage, stainless steel cleats, swim platform, and much more! Asking $105,989.

Contact Info: tom@centerpointesales.com or 414-232-2955. CNT

TO ADVERTISE IN CLASSIFIEDS Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/ CLASSIFIEDS for details and to submit your materials. Payments cannot be accepted online. We will contact you for payment once your ad proof is approved. Questions? Email Christy at CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM.

RE DU CE D!

2014 CUTWATER 28 LOW HOURS! Midnight blue hull with full canvas enclosure. Bottom paint, air conditioning with reverse cycle heat, anchor package. Navigation includes Garmin 7212, 4kw Radar dome, GPS antenna, transducer, Garmin Autopilot with remote. Galley included combo Cuisinart microwave/convection oven, 2-burner propane cooktop. Solar panel, remote thruster and more!

Asking $144,900 Call Chuck @ 734-497-3721. RYS

1987 CHRIS-CRAFT 362 T-270hp Crusaders, AC/ heat, generator, GPS/map, sum log, depth sounder, VHF, 2 staterooms, 2 heads/showers. Full Bimini enclosure, microwave, stove, refrigerator, boathouse kept. Asking $50,000. Call 419-366-4279. APR24

2004 TIARA YACHTS 3500 OPEN A rare Great Lakesonly Tiara 35 Open now available, includes a factory hardtop and a recently installed bow thruster. This boat is very well maintained and is in turnkey condition. Twin Crusader engines, Raymarine electronics, Westerbeke generator (32 hours), Maxwell anchor windlass, new backdrop canvas and much more! Asking $205,000. Call Chuck at 734-497-3721. RYS

2000 42 SILVERTON CONVERTIBLE Excellent condition, all freshwater, with many updates and maintenance items with records (call for list). Cummins 8.3-M3 430hp (658 hrs) and new electronics. Kohler generator (323 hrs), oil changer, block heaters, dripless shafts. Asking $169,995. Contact Mike 612-419-3772 or mike@centerpointesales.com. CNT

2002 SILVERTON 43 MOTORYACHT One owner and freshwater, this Silverton will not disappoint! Low hours on twin 8.3L Cummins with a bow thruster. All service records are on file. Dinghy lift added with a dinghy available for an additional cost. Asking $274,999. Contact PJ Tamer 424424-9627 or pj@centerpointesales.com. CNT

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2022 WELDCRAFT 240 OCEAN KING Freshwater and low hours! Full hardtop, single engine outback bracket w/ bottom sheet and swim platform. Extruded toe rail, selfbailing recessed diamond tread deck and 29" safety rails.

Options include 120-gallon fuel tank, aerated livewell, anchor pulpit and more. Plus $40,000 worth of customs including Garmin touch displays, transducer, hydraulic autopilot, dome radar and more. Custom-welded aluminum trailer included.

Asking $169,000. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS

2018 ZODIAC MEDLINE 850 One owner, 100% freshwater, great condition. Twin Yamaha F250XCAs with digital controls, 270 engine hours. Customizations include: Aluminum T-top with LEDs, 150-gallon fuel tank, windlass, power assist steering, step down head, faux teak decking, custom ski mast, triple batteries and bottom paint. She also has Garmin electronics with chartplotter, sounder, radar, autopilot and VHF radio and antenna. Asking $139,900. Call Brent @ 616-842-8899. RYS

RE DU CE D! 2023 RIVIERA 6000 PLATINUM EDITION Gyro, jet tender, Starlink. Details on boattrader.com. Moving to larger vessel. Find video tour and details on YouTube: BIT.LY/GRONORIV6000. Asking $2,499,000. Call Steve at 810-599-5147. MAR24

L AKEL ANDBOATING.COM

63

CLASSIC CRAFT

Barchetta I found Barchetta for sale at a dock in Charlevoix, Michigan. It’s a 25-foot Lyman Sleeper. I wasn’t looking for another wood boat, but it had good bones and it appeared to have been well taken care of. The 350 Chevy motor was pretty much toast so I bartered with the owner, bought the boat and moved it to my place in Grosse Ile, Michigan. It came with a beautiful trailer. The motor was removed, rebuilt and then reinstalled. After lots of Captain’s Varnish, it was ready for a trip to the All Classics Boat Show in Huron, Ohio. I’ve since acquired another wooden boat, so Barchetta could be up for grabs soon!

— Jim Dishneau, Grosse Ile, MI � ADD YOUR BOAT!

Email KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM if you have a great story about a Classic Craft to share.

64 JANUARY 2024

JIM DISHNEAU

25' Lyman Sleeper.

T H E F O R M U L A 3 8 0 S U P E R S P O R T C R O S S OV E R I S YO U R D E S T I N AT I O N for bold adventures! Surpassing all others in its class, the 380 SSC boasts dual 600 outboards or triples from 300 to 500 hp, pushing speeds into the upper 60’s, and is also available in sterndrive power. The 380 continues Formula’s open-bow, full-cabin Crossover legacy, now seven models strong, from the 330 CBR to the 500 SSC. The 380’s bloodline is evident in its SmartZone™ design that utilizes every square inch for a variety of entertainment options.

The single level deck offers a seamless transition to the bow from the full-width hardtop with top-to-bottom windshield and sliding walk-thru windshield panel. Triple command seating, two distinct lounge areas aft plus the outdoor kitchen bring the full Formula experience, from exhilarating ride to easy conversation. For relaxing at the sandbar or cove, head aft to the convertible rear-facing sun lounge and roomy swim platform with available entertainment table or sport rail.

The 380 cabin provides a completely residential experience with a convertible dinette/sleeping berth plus aft stateroom bed, stand-up head compartment and kitchen with sink, fridge, microwave and plenty of storage.

The 380 SSC incorporates FAS3Tech® multi-step hull technology with a molded structural grid to deliver the sure-footed performance that is a Formula hallmark. No other 38-foot full cabin bowrider can boast a full-width cockpit experience with true overnight capabilities for four. Everything you want in performance and adventure awaits you in the Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover!

THE 380 SUPER SPORT CROSSOVER –

Make it Your Destiny!

•

2200 West Monroe St. PO Box 1003

•

Decatur, IN 46733 800.736.7685

www.formulaboats.com

ADVERTISE IN

CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION