H U RO N
|
O N TA R I O
|
MICHIGAN
|
ERIE
|
S U P E R I OR
JUN E 202 2
RIVIERA 645 SUV
This yacht ticks a lot of boxes. p. 30
KADEY-KROGEN 52
CRUISING THE BENJAMINS
This couple sets off on a cruise through the North Channel to the famed Benjamin Islands. p. 42
A serious long-range cruiser. p. 34
100 YEARS OF WATERSKIING
In 1922, an 18-year-old daredevil invented the sport of waterskiing. One hundred years later, we’re still having fun on the water! p. 38
PORT OF CALL
Escanaba, MI: “Esky” — as this Michigan U.P. town is affectionately known — has it all! p. 44
SPOTL I GHT S FO U R WI N N S ★ I N V I C T U S P R ES T I GE ★ T I DE WAT E R
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F V I S I T E S C A N A B A .C O M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
44 Features
ON THE COVER
Boat Test: Riviera 645 SUV
The Riviera 645 SUV might just be the ideal Great Lakes cruising yacht. With versatile spaces, a single-level main deck and a layout that encourages socialization or spreading out, you’ll want this to be the next boat you take on a long-range cruise.
More can be better. by Arnie Hammerman ...........................30
Boat Test: Kadey-Krogen 52
Go anywhere you can dream of. by Arnie Hammerman .......... 34
The 100 Year Story of Waterskiing
The birth and evolution of waterskiing. by Zenon Bilas ......... 38
Cruising the Benjamin Islands
A cruise through the North Channel to the Benjamin Islands offers an unspoiled boating getaway. by Sandi Laucher Button .....42
Port of Call: Escanaba, MI
Escape to Escanaba: On the south shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Escanaba anchors Delta County’s 211 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other county in the U.S. can claim. Located on Lake Michigan’s Big and Little Bays de Noc, it’s a great base for exploring multiple islands and destinations within easy reach. by Kath Usitalo ............. 44
@
lakelandboating.com
★ Shop boats for sale by owner ★ Place a classified ad ★ Peruse dozens of exciting destination stories ★ Check out our latest Boat Tests & Spotlights ★ Purchase our Great Lakes Cruising Guides and Lakeland Boating hats ★ Access past issues with our online magazine ★ Stay current on all the latest Great Lakes news ★ Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter ★ And much more!
2
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Departments
From the Helm......................................................................... 4 Dock Box................................................................................... 6
Calendar ................................................................................... 8 Scuttle............................................................................................10 Great Gear ........................................................................... 20 Don’t Hesitate to Renovate................................................. 21 Electronics ............................................................................. 22 Safety First ............................................................................. 23
Beneath the Surface............................................................ 24 Boat Spotlights: Four Winns, Invictus, Prestige, Tidewater .......................................................... 26
Marina Watch: Irish Boat Shop - Harbor Springs ........... 50 Lakeshore Life: West Olive, MI .......................................... 52
Marine Marketplace ............................................................. 53 Classifieds ..............................................................................67
Classic Craft ......................................................................... 68
FROM THE HELM B Y K AT E B U S H
CONTRIBUTORS
Go Explore
KEVIN KOENIG
W
hat’s the best Great Lakes cruising adventure you’ve ever embarked on? One of my favorite cruises began in St. Ignace, Michigan, with a quick stop at Mackinac Island, and continued across Lake Huron to the remote and picturesque Drummond Island. On the days we traveled, Lake Huron showed off with calm, glass-like conditions, making our journey peaceful and one to remember. Contributor Sandi Laucher Button and her husband RJ took a memorable cruise from Charlevoix, Michigan, up through the North Channel to the famed Benjamin Islands (p. 42). Read about their journey “into the wild and beautiful North.” Escanaba, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is yet another cruising destination you should add to your 2022 calendar (p. 44). Located on Lake Michigan’s Big and Little Bays de Noc, this port has it all: Museums, a fantastic municipal marina, year-round events, and tons of independent shops and restaurants, including Hereford & Hops Restaurant and Swedish Pantry, known for its meatballs for breakfast. If reading that made you hungry, check out Heather Steinberger’s list of 13 Great Lakes “boat-in” restaurants (p. 24). From Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin’s Sonny’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria to Put-in-Bay, Ohio’s The Keys restaurant and bar, there’s no shortage of fun waterfront eateries around the Great Lakes. If you have a memorable Great Lakes cruising story you’d like to share, please write in! I’d love to hear from you. See you on the water!
Kevin is an awardwinning journalist living and working in Greenwich, Connecticut. His 12 years in the marine industry have helped him live a fulfilling and adventure-laden life thus far. At 39, he remains pretty much up for whatever. READ HIS STORIES FROM P. 26 –29
HHH
ARNIE HAMMERMAN
Arnie grew up on Lake Michigan and learned to boat cruising extensively with his family. At the age of 23, he got his first USCG Masters License and has run private yachts, charters and deliveries ever since. He has worked in marine publishing for over 20 years, touring factories, attending boat shows, and reviewing and testing vessels around the world. READ HIS STORIES ON P. 30 & P. 34
HHH
Do you have a story idea you’d like to suggest? Email me at kbush@lakelandboating.com to share your ideas.
ZENON BILAS
AREAS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
Benjamin Islands, ON p. 42 Escanaba, MI p. 44
Irish Boat Shop p. 50
Zenon is an nine-time USA barefoot waterski champion. As a coach, writer and speaker, Zenon promotes wakesports throughout the world. He continues to barefoot competitively and was recently inducted into the Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame. READ HIS STORY ON P. 38
West Olive, MI p. 52
4
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
DOCK BOX
JUNE 2022 | VOLUME LXXVI, NO. 6 PUBLISHER Linda O’Meara PUBLISHER IN MEMORIUM Walter “Bing” O’Meara
LAKE LENS
I live on Mona Lake in Norton Shores, Michigan, which has direct access to Lake Michigan. I have boated on Lake Michigan for 50 years, and after retiring, I finally completed a major boating trip from my bucket list. Last July, a friend and I took my new-to-me 2017 Four Winns H260 from Muskegon down to Michigan City, across to Chicago, up to Milwaukee, and then back across Lake Michigan, home to Muskegon. It was about a 340-mile round trip. We spent the day in Chicago going through the locks, tying up on the wall downtown and enjoying lunch, and swimming out in Lake Michigan on the north side of Navy Pier. It rates as one of the best boating days of my life and added to a very memorable trip. Here are a few pics from the trip. This year, I look forward to taking the boat up to Mackinac Island. Thanks for letting me share this great experience with you! —Ken Harris, Muskegon, MI NEW! LAKE LENS
CALLING ALL CANINE (AND FELINE) CREW!
We want to learn about your furry friends onboard! Send a short writeup with your pet’s name and your home city, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to: KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.
Please put “Canine/Feline Crew” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!
COM.
We want to see the gorgeous Great Lakes from your point of view! Send a short write-up about the photo, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM. Please put “Lake Lens” 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, Nantucket red and khaki. One size. $24.95 + S&H. To order, visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/STORE.
EDITORIAL STAFF Editorial Director: Kate Bush Assistant Editor: Abby Thorpe CREATIVE STAFF Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs CONTRIBUTORS Helen Aitken, Zenon Bilas, Sandi Laucher Button, Patrick and Sheila Chaps, Arnie Hammerman, Glenn Hayes, Kevin Koenig, Capt. Frank Lanier, Heather Steinberger, Kath Usitalo BUSINESS STAFF National Sales: Mark Conway Regional Sales: Patti McCleery Accounting: Marguerite Wristen EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 / Fax: 312-276-0619 INFO@LAKELANDBOATING.COM LAKELANDBOATING.COM
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 x. 24 / Fax: 312-276-0619 CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM
SUBSCRIPTIONS Lakeland Boating P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847-504-8475 O’MEARA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC Vice President: Linda O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2022, by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. is published eleven times per year (except December) by O’MearaBrown Publications, Inc. • Business/Accounting and Editorial Offices: 1555 Sherman Ave. Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201, 312-276-0610. • Call 847-5048475 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 self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage. All published photos are courtesy of the manufacturer, unless otherwise noted.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
E-mail us at KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201. Opinions expressed in “Dock Box” are not necessarily those of Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
6
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A
Protect your baby with a leader in boat insurance. 1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM
Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates.
Congrats, it’s a boat.
JUNE 1 – 5
Aldo Leopold Festival Hessel, MI
ALDOLEOPOLDFESTIVAL.COM
JUNE 3 – 5
Grosse Ile Islandfest Grosse Ile Township, MI
GROSSEILEISLANDFEST.COM
JUNE 3 – 10
Frankfort Elberta Restaurant Week Frankfort-Elberta, MI FRANKFORTELBERTARESTAURANT WEEK.COM
JUNE 3 – 12
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival 1 Mackinac Island, MI
MACKINACISLAND.ORG/ MACKINAC-ISLAND-LILAC-FESTIVAL
1
JUNE 4
1000 Islands Family Free Day Clayton, NY ABM.ORG
Blue Water Sturgeon Festival Port Huron, MI STURGEONFESTIVAL.COM
3
Pictured Rocks Days Munising, MI
ALGERCOUNTYCHAMBER.COM/ PICTURED-ROCKS-DAYS
Torch Lake Whitefish Fest Alden, MI
DANIELLESBLUERIBBONEVENTS.COM
JUNE 12
SOUNDOFMUSIC.CA
JUNE 15 – 26
Cleveland Race Week Cleveland, OH
CLEVELANDRACEWEEK.COM
Three Rivers Water Fest Three River, MI
Minocqua Antique & Classic Boat Show Minocqua, WI
DCMM.ORG
The Great NY State Food & Wine Fest Clayton, NY
1000ISLANDS-CLAYTON.COM
Toledo Yacht Club Mills Cup Toledo, OH to Put-in-Bay, OH VISITPUTINBAY.ORG
Trout Tournament 2 Charlevoix, MI
FISHCHARLEVOIX.COM
JUNE 11
Lakefront Market Huron, OH HURON.NET
Mona Lake Paddle Race Norton Shores, MI MUSKEGONLAKESHORE PADDLECLUB.ORG
Harborfest South Haven, MI
SOUTHHAVENHARBORFEST.COM
GLACBS.ORG
Presque Isle Harbor Wooden Boat Show Presque Isle, MI
PRESQUEISLEHARBORWOODEN BOATSHOW.COM
Splash-In on the Bay Grand Marais, MI
GRANDMARAISMICHIGAN.COM
JUNE 17 – 19
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
JUNE 19
Door County Beer Festival Baileys Harbor, WI
DOORCOUNTYBEERFESTIVAL.COM
Maritime Bay Classic Bicycle Race Manitowoc, WI MANITOWOC.INFO
Summerfest Milwaukee, WI
JUNE 24
Soo Locks Engineers Day 3 Sault Ste. Marie, MI SAULTSTEMARIE.COM
JUNE 24 – 26
Algonac Antique & Classic Boat Show: 100th Anniversary of Chris-Craft Celebration Algonac, MI MICHACBS.COM
Brockville Tall Ships Festival 4 Brockville, ON TALLSHIPSBROCKVILLE.COM
Pyrate Fest Put-in-Bay, OH
FACEBOOK.COM/PYRATEFEST
JUNE 24 – JULY 3
TD Toronto Jazz Festival Toronto, ON TORONTOJAZZ.COM
JUNE 25
1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance Clayton, NY ABM.ORG
Christmas in June Orillia, ON ORILLIA.COM
Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show Bay Harbor, MI
Door County Wine Festival Baileys Harbor, WI
Festival of the Fish Vermilion, OH
Uncork Summer Food, Wine & Music Festival Ellison Bay, WI
BAYHARBOR.COM
VERMILIONCHAMBER.NET
Taste of Randolph Chicago, IL
TASTERANDOLPH.COM
DOORCOUNTYWINEFEST.COM
UNCORKSUMMER.COM
Vintage Car & Boat Festival Bay Harbor, MI BAYHARBOR.COM
Wooden Boat Show Grand Marais, MN
JUNE 25 – 26
JUNE 18
GRANDMARAISMICHIGAN.COM
NORTHHOUSE.ORG
Antique & Classic Boat Show South Haven, MI
MICHIGANMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG
Fyr Bal Festival Ephraim, WI
EPHRAIM-DOORCOUNTY.COM
8
WASAGABEACH.COM
SUMMERFEST.COM
Sound of Music Festival Hamilton, ON
JUNE 10 – 12
Spring Door County Lighthouse Festival Door County, WI
Wasaga Beach Waterfront Festival Wasaga Beach, ON
JUNE 12 – 19
MARITIMEMARATHON.ORG
JUNE 17 – 18
ORILLIA.COM
SOLOSAILORS.ORG
JUNE 23 – 25, JUNE 30 – JULY 2 & JULY 7 – 9
Carp Fest & The Wisconsin Carp Championship Two Rivers, WI EXPLORETWORIVERS.COM
Mac Solo Challenge Mackinac Island, MI
HFM Maritime Marathon Manitowoc, WI
TRCHAMBER.COM
Spring Boat, Cottage and Green Technology Show Orillia, ON
Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/ GREAT-LAKES-EVENTS to add your event to our Calendar of Events page!
JUNE 11 – 12
JUNE 4 – 5
SBIKAYAKRENDEZVOUS.COM
ADD YOUR EVENT!
FACEBOOK.COM/ SLWOODENBOATSHOW
JUNE 16 – 18
South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous South Bass Island, OH
4
Spring Lake Wooden & Classic Boat Show Spring Lake, MI
D-Day Plus 75 Muskegon, MI
VISITMUSKEGON.ORG
2
DOUBLE-CHECK BEFORE YOU GO! Events are likely to change. Please watch event websites for updates.
Grand Marais Fishing Tournament Grand Marais, MI
JUNE 30
Blessing of the Fleet Harbor Springs, MI
HARBORSPRINGSHISTORY.ORG
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F 1 : M A C K I N A C I S L A N D T O U R I S M B U R E A U ; 2 : F I S H C H A R L E V O I X .C O M ; 3 : S A U LT S T E M A R I E .C O M ; 4 : B R O C K V I L L E TA L L S H I P S F E S T I V A L FA C E B O O K
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BUSINESS
Spring Brook Marine Opens New Chicago Office
Spring Brook Marine has opened a brand-new flagship yacht sales center right in the heart of Chicago. This new showroom and design studio is along the historic Ogden Slip section of the Chicago River and will have dockage, as well as office space and a design studio for boaters to spec out their dream boat with knowledgeable yachting consultants. The design studio will have fabrics, paint samples, upholstery options and examples of designs that customers have built. Spring Brook Marine is a family owned and operated marine facility specializing in all aspects of powerboats ranging from 18 to 75 feet, including Prestige Yachts, Pardo Yachts, Jeanneau Powerboats, Fairline Yachts, Sirena Yachts, Seven Seas Yachts and Barletta Pontoon Boats. For more information, visit SPRINGBROOKMARINA.COM.
SCUTTLE G R EAT L A K ES N E WS
BOAT S
M U ST-HAV E
BUZZ
EV ENTS
BUSINESS
EVENTS
The brand-new Shipwreck Creek Campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Two Harbors, Minnesota, will open on June 1 and will feature 46 electric drive-in sites, a shower building and nearby access to the Gitchi Gami State Trail, Superior Hiking Trail and Split Rock Wilds. Reserve a spot at MNDNR.GOV/ SPLITROCKLIGHTHOUSE.
ADD YOUR NEWS! Email KBUSH@
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
to add your company’s Great Lakes News to Scuttle!
10
J U N E 2022
|
Michigan Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Show Set for June
On June 25, the Michigan Chapter ACBS and the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club (CCABC) will host the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Chris-Craft, Michigan Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Show. The location is “Where It All Began” at the Algonac Harbour Club in Algonac, Michigan — home of the original Chris-Craft Plant. The boat show is free to the public and will feature a Chris-Craft historical tent, Miss America X on display, lots of activities for the kids including Tootsie the Clown, free boat rides, food, live music and, of course, lots of beautiful boats coming from near and far. The show’s special guest is Steve Lapkin, a well-known photographer and the editor of Brass Bell, the CCABC’s magazine. For more information, visit MICHACBS.COM. BOATS
World Cat Introduces Brand-New 260CC-X Center Console
Joining the World Cat center console lineup, the brand-new 260CC-X is a 25-foot, 6-inch model featuring a standard wraparound U-lounge bow seating area with a self-storing bow filler and casting deck. Also standard is a unique full transom with a fold-down 50-inch bench seat that converts into a flush, aft casting deck. “With the popularity of our ‘X’ series over the years… we maintained the hull design for optimum performance and styling while loading the model with features topside,” says World Cat Vice President of Sales & Marketing Chad Armstrong. “The convertible transom bench, combined with the rod holders in the gunwale and side console, fish boxes, livewell, tackle storage, as well as the leaning post with rocket launchers and 65-quart Yeti cooler also showcase the all-around fishability of this model.” The new 260CC-X boasts an approximate draft of 14 inches, allowing customers the ability to fish inshore, as well as having the performance, stability and safety offshore that World Cat models are known for. Find more information at WORLDCAT.COM.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
Volvo Assisted Docking Retrofit Has Arrived Volvo’s award-winning Assisted Docking system can now be retrofitted for Volvo Penta IPS-powered yachts from 2012 and onward. The Assisted Docking system allows boaters to have more control and confidence in the harbor when docking and maneuvering in tight spaces, providing safer and easier docking. The system is now available for D6-IPS, D8-IPS and D11-IPS packages from model year 2012 for EVC2 and EVCE. “Previously, this technology was only available for new boats,” explains Anders Thorin, product manager electronics at Volvo Penta. “But we want to ensure that our current customers are able to continually enhance their experience on the water as we continue to make boating more accessible, safer and stress free.” How Assisted Docking is retrofitted will be boat specific, ranging from a simple software update to full upgrade kits that also include the Joystick and Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), antenna and Glass Cockpit interface. Each customer can consult with an authorized Volvo Penta dealer to evaluate whether Assisted Docking is the ideal fit. Visit VOLVOPENTA.COM/ASSISTEDDOCKING. GREAT LAKES NEWS
Explore the New Great Lake Erie Birding Trail
Each year, thousands of warblers and songbirds flock to the northwest shores of Lake Erie to refuel before traveling over the Great Lakes. Now is your chance to see these birds! Destination Toledo has launched The Great Lake Erie Birding Trail, which takes visitors to birding hotspots throughout northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and even into Canada. To explore the new trail, birders can sign up for the free mobile passport and select the desired hotspot for more information. Once birders have checked in at all 15 locations — including the Howard March Metropark, Kelleys Island State Park and Point Pelee National Park — they will receive a Great Lake Erie Birding Trail limited edition pin. Sign up for the mobile passport at VISITTOLEDO.ORG/BIRDING.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
13
SCUTTLE
BUSINESS
Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry Announces New Name
The popular Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry has changed its name to Mackinac Island Ferry Company and introduced a new logo for the new brand. During this transition, the company will be referred to as Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company. The new name is designed to place all brand assets currently owned under the Mackinac Island Ferry Company umbrella of brands. Mackinac Island Ferry Company owns the Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry branded fleet of ferries, the former Arnold Line Ferry fleet and Mackinac Marine Services (MMS) shipyard. The company is best known for its highspeed hydro-jet rooster tail boats and its trips to and from Mackinac Island and underneath the Mackinac Bridge. “The new name is easily recognizable to our customers and, while our name will change, we continue to be committed to providing the same great service, enjoyable rides and on time arrivals and departures that our guests have become accustomed to,” says Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company. For more information, visit MACKINACFERRY.COM.
EVENTS
Georgian Bay Regatta
CA /COASTWATCHERS.
14
J U N E 2022
|
BUSINESS
Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons Moves Production to Indiana
Known for building luxury, innovative pontoons — as well as the only patented aft extended cockpit — Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons has announced it will be moving its production to a facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The boat builder is focused on developing and producing its 700 Series, a 27-foot twin engine luxury pontoon available in several configurations. Also in development is a new single engine 500 Series model. “Having been involved since the start of Vanderbilt Luxury Pontoons, I am elated that we have decided to build this amazing and elegant pontoon boat in Indiana,” says Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing David Hegel. “We’re excited about our 700 Series and have already had incredible response from customers and dealers alike.” Find more information at VANDERBILTPONTOONS.COM.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Festivities will begin with a Meet N’ Greet at Reef Boat Club in Meaford the evening of Wednesday, July 27 and end with an awards dinner in Wiarton on Sunday, July 31. Participants will enjoy a rafting party on the first night at anchor and a beach BBQ on the second night. Registration for the event opens on June 15, 2022. Visit GEORGIANBAYREGATTA.CA.
G E O R G I A N B AY P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F G E O R G I A N B AY R E G AT TA FAC E B O O K
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre is currently looking for more Coast Watcher volunteers for this summer. Coast Watchers collect data about what they observe along the shores of Lake Huron once a week, from May until October. The data collected includes plastic pollution, wildlife, algal blooms, storm damage, erosion, atmospheric conditions and human activities. Sign up at LAKEHURON.
Mark your calendars for the 36th annual Georgian Bay Regatta, hosted by the Georgian Bay Sailing Association, which will run from July 27 – 31. This four-day premier sailboat racing, cruising and social event will race through the west side of Georgian Bay to the Ontario ports of Meaford, Lions Head and Wiarton. There are six races in total and plenty of social activities to be enjoyed.
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
Garmin Boat Switch Offers All-in-One Digital Switching
Prestige Yachts has launched its brand-new M-Line of luxury power catamarans, starting with its first model in the lineup, the M48.
Garmin has announced its brand-new Garmin Boat Switch all-in-one digital switching solution that operates seamlessly with Garmin ECHOMAP and GPSMAP series chartplotters for easy control and operations of onboard functions. This digital switching system replaces the need for conventional two-element systems — fuse box and switches — and offers boaters a way to digitally manage a variety of onboard electrical functions right from the chartplotter. Offering control of up to 20 output circuits and seven sense inputs, boaters can manage lights, horns and livewell water pumps, and they can view data about their boat’s battery voltage, bilge pump operation and more. The Garmin Boat Switch can monitor up to four tanks, helping boaters regulate fuel levels and usage, or be mindful of when holding tanks should be emptied. The Boat switch retails for $999.99 and is available at GARMIN.COM.
Make a change that will impress and last PlasDECK is made in the USA. In fact, it is made completely in Ohio. This allows us to maintain quality from start to finish. We have the most color options. Designs from simple to intricate, plus logos. Trusted & Used by 50+ Boat Manufacturers
www.PlasDECK.com 16
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
•
800-320-1841
Made for the ocean; GREAT for the LAKES
Prestige 520S
ARRIVING SPRING 2022 AT COLONY MARINE
Prestige 590S
Serving Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and Lake St. Clair ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI | OAKLAND COUNTY, MI | ALGONAC, MI
WWW.COLONYMARINE.COM | (586) 772-1550
SCUTTLE
BUSINESS BUSINESS
Dr Shrink Celebrates 30 Years
Founded in 1992 by Mike and Jill Stenberg in Manistee, Michigan, shrinkwrap provider Dr. Shrink is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. What began as a two-person team has now expanded to a more than 20-employee corporation that distributes its products across the world. “Jill and I started Dr. Shrink in our home and distributed products out of our garage,” says Mike Stenberg. “Our initial vision for the company was to offer expert shrinkwrap installation advice, technical support, and provide excellent customer service… Today we couldn’t be more proud of this company, and the people we have on our team.” Dr. Shrink not only supplies its premium 100% virgin resin shrinkwrap, it has also been a leader and innovator inside the shrinkwrap industry the past 30 years. The company is responsible for many of the accessories and practices that are implemented by installers and distributors across the globe. Visit DR-SHRINK.COM.
18
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
BRP Expands Manufacturing, Adds Jobs at Manitou Plant in Michigan
BRP will nearly double its workforce in Michigan with the creation of almost 200 new jobs, thanks to an expansion of the existing Manitou pontoon boat plant in Lansing and an addition of more manufacturing and warehousing capacity in the St. Johns location.
“BRP’s continued investment in Michigan underscores our state’s manufacturing leadership, the strength of our business climate and talented workforce,” says Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and president and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. Manitou is actively recruiting candidates to positions in welding, assembly, and fabrication and engineering. To learn more about open positions, visit MANITOUPONTOONBOATS.COM.
GoSun Chill Electric Cooler
Finally a cooler that doesn’t need ice to stay cool. The Chill can keep food cold, frozen, dry and organized — no ice required. The included PowerBank (Power 144) lets you charge devices and will keep the Chill cool for 14 hours on an 80-degree day. Can also be powered by multiple sources, like DC, AC, 12V, solar, etc., so you have options when you need it. $699 AT GOSUN.CO
GREAT GEAR MUST-HAVE GOODIES AND GADGETS FOR EVERY BOATER
West Marine AL-290 Hypalon Inflatable Boat
Explore those remote coves and bays while cruising with the AL290 Hypalon Inflatable Boat, which is foldable, compact and easy to maintain. Made of durable Hypalon material that is exceptionally resistant to impact. Weighs 126 pounds and has a 1,100-pound weight capacity. Purchase includes oars, pump, repair kit, wooden seat and bag. $2,399.99 AT WESTMARINE.COM
Scanstrut ROKK Catch Wireless Charging Pad
Keep your phone in a safe place onboard while also wirelessly keeping a charge. Simply place your phone onto the center of the charging mat and instantly start wirelessly charging. Pad installs onto any flat surface — perfect for use on top of boat consoles. Edged bumpers stop your phone from sliding out, and the mat catches your phone from any angle. Closed-cell EVA foam construction provides great shock absorption and anti-vibration. Pad is extremely hard-wearing, waterproof and self-draining. $7 7.09 AT DEFENDER.COM
NoSweat Hat Liner
ADD YOUR GEAR! Email KBUSH@
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
to add your company’s new product news to Great Gear!!
20
J U N E 2022
|
Don’t sweat it! The NoSweat disposable moisture-wicking performance liner easily sticks inside any boating hat and keeps the sweat out of your eyes. The liner also keeps your hat stain- and odor-free. The liner is made of hypoallergenic materials that are lightweight and comfortable — you won’t even know it’s there! Made in Minnesota. Available in packs of three, six, 12 and 25 liners. $27.95 (12 PACK) AT NOSWEATCO.COM
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Esca Surf GLoFin Paddleboard Light Kit
Use your paddleboard at night with this rugged light kit fin, which attaches to any paddleboard with a screw-in or slide-in fin. The kit is waterproof, dustproof and the lights are MIL-spec rated. Light is 1600 lumens, and the battery lasts about 70 minutes on medium power. Kit includes GLoFin, two USB charging cables, a stainless steel toolless locking screw and light insert. $199.95 AT ESCASURF.COM
Hobie Hank Cherry Floating Polarized Sunglasses
Pro bass champion Hank Cherry has teamed up with Hobie Eyewear to design the ultimate polarized fishing sunglasses. Available in two models, the Bluefin and Mojo (pictured), these glasses were created with Hank’s colors, style and performance expectations in mind. Each pair comes with a choice of premium Hobie Polarized nylon lenses and, best of all, the ultra-light glasses float! Both frame styles feature the Hank Cherry logo on the inside of the temple. $99.99 AT HOBIEEYEWEAR.COM
DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R
You’re Grounded! Now What? T O P P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F T O W B O A T U S , L E F T P H O T O B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R
What to do in the event your boat is grounded.
Y
our actions immediately after grounding can mean the difference between an embarrassing footnote discussion at the yacht club Tiki bar and a harrowing tale on par with “The Poseidon Adventure.” While every grounding will have its own nuances to deal with, the following tips should help in most any situation. Have a grounding action plan in place Trying to decide what to do after running aground wastes time, which may be running out if the tide is falling or if other circumstances (weather, waves, etc.) can worsen your situation. When developing your plan, consider not only any extra items you may need (like an easily portable anchor and rode), but also the type of boat you have. A full keel sailboat, for example, is less susceptible to damage than a powerboat featuring exposed props and rudders. If your boat is more likely to experience damage when grounding (or while trying to unground it), your plan needs to take that into consideration. Grounding checklist 1. Check for damage: The very first thing to do after grounding is place the engine in neutral (or drop all sails) and inspect the bilges to see if your boat is taking on water. Next, try to determine if you’ve sustained damage to the hull or running gear. Even if there’s no apparent damage, monitor the bilges once ungrounded and while underway or back at the dock. 2. Check bottom type: Knowing what you’ve grounded on (rock, soft mud, hard sand, coral, etc.) will help determine the best course of action to free yourself. If you’re not sure, bottom information can be found on your charts or possibly determined by scooping up a sample with your anchor. 3. Verify the tide: When boating outside the Great Lakes, knowing the state of the tide is crucial after grounding. A soft grounding during a rising tide may mean the best option is simply waiting. Grounding on a falling tide means you’ll have less time to extricate yourself before the water level drops. 4. Locate deeper water: Don’t automatically assume deeper water is behind you. If you’ve grounded on a shoal or reef, the closest deep water may lie in front of you. In some areas you can read water depth by color, but in less clear waters, take soundings
around the boat using a lead line or maybe a long boat hook. You may also be able to use your dinghy to survey the water around your boat . Float your boat For a hard grounding where you’ve struck a reef or rocky bottom and sustained significant damage, staying put until professional help arrives is typically the best approach, as the vessel could sink once deeper water is reached. For soft groundings with little or no damage, the following tactics may help get you afloat. Powering off: If you gently slid up onto a shoal bow first, you may be able to power off in reverse (back the way you came) until reaching deeper water. Moving passengers from side to side or swinging the rudder from port to starboard while backing down may roll your boat enough to break free. Boats with twin engines can also alternate bursts of throttle between port and starboard engines while reversing to amplify this side-to-side motion. If your running gear extends below the keel or could be touching bottom in any of the above situations, you’ll want to try other tactics to minimize damage. Drop some pounds: If it’s safe, loading people or heavier items into the dinghy can often reduce your draft enough to free your boat. Other options include emptying water tanks or using your dinghy to ferry items ashore; sometimes simply launching the dinghy can make the difference. How about a lift? You may be able to use wave action or the wake from a passing boat to lift your boat clear enough to power into deeper water. The trick is timing bursts of the throttle in the right direction as the boat lifts clear of the bottom. For this to work you have to know where deeper water is and your running gear has to be clear of the bottom. This method should not be used if you are aground on a hard or rocky bottom. Kedging: Kedging involves setting an anchor in deeper water, then trying to winch the boat free, typically in conjunction with thrust from the engine. It’s easier with smaller boats (where you can easily throw a small anchor towards deeper water) but is more difficult for larger vessels with heavier ground tackle. In this case the safest deployment method is often using the dinghy to ferry out the anchor. Whatever your action plan, don’t hesitate to call for professional help if you need it! ★
CAPT. FRANK LANIER is an award-winning journalist, boat maintenance guru and owner of Capt F.K. Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants:
CAPTFKLANIER.COM.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
21
Left and middle: No matter what the boat size, there’s an appropriate TV antenna available. Right: Twin domes, with one being an empty dome for aesthetics.
ELECTRONICS BY GLENN HAYES
Turn on the TV
F
or some, television onboard is essential. Whether to keep up with the latest news or watch this week’s game, having television onboard is an option worth investing in. If you’re sitting at a dock in a marina that has cable hook up, you’re good to go. But, if you want to watch your favorite show while on the hook or underway, you will need some special equipment.
Top: Good installation of a KVH Tracvision antenna. Above: The inside to a KVH Tracvision UHD.
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 .
22
J U N E 2022
|
What do you need? If you are wanting to watch uninterrupted TV while on the move or at anchor, a tracking TV antenna is a must-have. Along with the antenna, you will also need an antenna controller that usually ships with the antenna, a receiver box for each TV specific to the provider, and in some cases, a multi switch that can send the signal from a single antenna and receiver to multiple locations. There are several manufacturers such as KVH and Intellian that make these antennas that will automatically search for and then lock onto a satellite signal. They are available to work with providers such as DIRECTV, Dish Network and Bell in Canada. These tracking satellite dishes can range anywhere from a minuscule 12.59-inch antenna to a larger 39.37-inch antenna. They need a clear view of the sky in order to find and lock onto the satellites broadcasting the desired shows, movies and games. The bulk of these satellites are in a geostationary location near the equator, so the farther your boat is from the equator, the larger the dish you may require. But that is not the only factor in selecting an antenna. Which one to get? When determining what antenna is right for your boat and application you need to ask several questions. The first and most obvious question is what kind of programming is important to you? Do you already have an account with Dish, DIRECTV or Bell? If you are happy with their programming and service, then you can just add another receiver or receivers to your existing account and use it/them with your selected onboard antenna. How many TVs do you want to have satellite reception from, and do you want to watch different shows/games on each at the same time? Determining what broadcast provider you want will also help narrow down your choices of antennas. Is
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
high-definition or 4K resolution important to you? If so, that too will determine what antenna you will need, and in some cases, which provider if you are restricted on antenna size on your vessel. If you only have smaller TVs onboard (under 40 inches) you may not notice a huge difference between SD (standard definition) and HD (high definition). If your TVs are 40 inches or larger, you will want HD service where available, as the images on the screen might appear a bit blurry with SD. Also look at the provider’s areas of coverage based on different antenna sizes and models. You may find that you do not necessarily need a larger antenna/ dome if you are looking for coverage in certain areas. Other things to consider Once you have determined the satellite service provider, you need to look at its coverage maps for each of its antennas. Doing so will narrow down which antenna would be your best option. If you are planning on boating in just one area or local coastal cruising, larger antennas costing more may not be necessary. However, if you are planning on traveling longer distances and need to switch between providers, larger antennas capable of switching to other providers along with appropriate receiver boxes may be needed. Even in smaller travel areas, some antennas need to have special configurations to be able to receive SD and HD from different bands from different satellites operated by the provider. One issue that can come up from time to time is local programming. It’s important to remember that you will only be able to receive your local programing if the account is set up in the zip code of your home port. Once you travel outside of your home area, local coverage will no longer be available. Of course, major network feeds will always be available regardless of where you are in the satellite’s zone. If you set up the account to have a home viewing area other than the area you are in, you will still be unable to receive local programming. For installation, using a qualified installer is always a good idea, and they can help in selecting the right system for you. Manufacturers such as KVH and Intellian also have excellent tech support and can assist in making sure you can watch your favorite show or game no matter where your boat takes you. ★
TOP PHOTOS BY GLENN HAYES; PHOTOS ON LEFT COURTESY OF KVH
Watch your favorite TV shows from the comfort of your boat.
SAFETY FIRST
BY HELEN AITKEN
Lines Matter
Take proper care of your docklines.
B
oat maintenance is an ongoing task. Even little things matter, like workable dockline. Simply put, if you take care of them, they’ll take care of you. Lines have multiple uses, so their composition, thickness and strength are first priorities. With proper care, the lines will help ensure the safety of your boat and passengers for years to come. Here are some dockline tips. Choose wisely Dockline comes in assorted colors and usually as nylon or polypropylene; however, white nylon line works best; it reflects UV radiation, is fade resistant and the material wears down slowly. It also shows dirt, mold and imperfections easily for repair and cleaning. Transient boat lines have straight ends. The length changes as it becomes a spring line, stern line or bow line. Spring lines should be about 1½ times the boat length, while stern and bow lines should be about the boat length. Ideally, you should have two of each so that you can double them up in rough weather. Some lines are specifically used for docking. These have one loop and a straight end, or a loop on both ends. The loop is about 12 inches long and enough to go around a cleat. Carry a few of these lines for destination docking to a cleat or pole. Line comes in different weaves: Three-strand, braided or double braided. They all look good and resist abrasion, but the three-strand line splices easiest, stretches the most, is the cheapest and may need replacing sooner. The double braided line is thicker, stretches the least, is the strongest but most expensive, and is the best choice. Line diameter is also important. Use at least ⅜-inch diameter line for a boat up to 27 feet and increase it ⅛ inch for every 9 feet of boat. Boats up to 45 feet in length use ⅝ inch, and boats up to 54 feet use ¾ inch. Large diameter line grips better and handles easier; switch it if preferred. Inspection and cleaning Wet lines are exposed to whatever lives in the water. Algae, microscopic animals and hitchhikers can attach to it, lay eggs on it, or be transported from one place to another. Before putting your line away or exposing it to another body of water, examine it for imperfections, dirt, debris and organisms. Use a soft brush over
the length and rinse it with freshwater. Over time, a thorough washing may be needed. When cleaning dockline, never use harsh chemicals. They may lessen material integrity, reduce stretch, and any residue may enter the water supply. Line can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle (a top loader works best). Place a loosely bound coil in a zippered pillowcase and add gentle detergent. To keep the line supple, put the coil in a large tub of water with several fabric softener sheets or liquid softener. Leave it for several minutes. Rinse lightly, and dry as usual. Wet line should air dry hanging up, stretched out straight, or in S-shaped curves to drain. This may take a day or two, so have a backup line at the ready. Appearance New line is smooth. If the line is frayed or feels jagged, its strength and integrity is lessened. Splicing new pieces into the old line can extend the life, but the more it frays, the less safe it becomes. To reduce line wear and tear, add snubbers and chafe guards in areas that are rubbed against more frequently. A line snubber resembles a wrench with a head at both ends and a smooth round pole in between. Line slips through the end and wraps around the center before going through the other end. It absorbs the force pulling against the line in rough sea conditions and reduces the stress against deck and dock cleats. Chafe guards prevent the abrasion that occurs when lines rub against the boat and even reduce the scraping noises. Commercial types include rubber tubing or padded denier ballistic nylon, yet homemade variations, like a length of garden hose or doubled-over jeans, also work well. Storage Rewrap clean line into bundles with the ends tucked underneath the wraps. Hang or stack them in a watertight area until needed. Permanent docklines should remain in a Flemish coil, which takes up less space and won’t be a tripping hazard. Always remove any knots to keep it strong. Even with the best and most expensive lines, they aren’t meant to last forever. When it’s time, cut off the good areas and use those for other projects; recycle the rest. And about every two to three years, splurge on new lines. ★
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.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
23
BENEATH THE SURFACE B Y H E AT H E R S T E I N B E R G E R
Lucky Thirteen
You can’t go wrong with these boat-in waterfront eateries, from Wisconsin to Ohio.
5 1
’ll never forget the thrill of motoring into a rollicking waterfront hotspot for the first time. My husband and I were living in rural Door County, Wisconsin, in those days; we had just purchased our first boat, and docking at SkipperBud’s Harbor Club Marina in Sturgeon Bay was No. 1 on our summer to-do list. At the time, the adjacent restaurant was an Applebee’s. Not particularly special, except it had a sun-drenched patio overlooking the bay and the historic Michigan Street bridge. We’d eyed it many times over the years, thinking how much fun it would be to tie up in one of the city’s most scenic locations, order appetizers, listen to live music and visit with other boaters. It was fun. Soon, we found ourselves researching other destinations with boat-in eateries, and we learned that the Great Lakes had options aplenty. Those options have only increased with time. Boaters are an enthusiastic and reliable lot, and waterfront businesses are booming, whether they are on urban rivers, in cruising ports of call or even in small towns on inland lakes. 1: Sonny’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria: Sturgeon Bay, WI The SkipperBud’s Harbor Club Marina is an even hotter destination today than it was in the early 2000s. Locals Jason and Laura Estes, who owned Sonny’s on the city’s west side, moved their business into the old Applebee’s building in 2014.
Three years later, they added a 252-square-foot addition to the outdoor patio, providing more outdoor seating, an outdoor fireplace and plenty of room for live music. This is the place for authentic Chicago- and Neapolitan-style pizzas, as well as an impressive lunch buffet. 2. The Beach Club: LaPointe, WI Madeline Island is the largest of Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands, and it’s the only one that is not part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Cruise 2.5 miles from the mainland dock in Bayfield to the island’s ferry dock and you’ll find the Beach Club. Established in 1936, this island staple offers first-come, first-served dockage that accommodates vessels drawing up to 4.5 feet, and its large patios offer unforgettable sunset views. 3. Gordy’s Boat House Bar & Restaurant: Fontana, WI Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake is home to several communities and has been a haven for city dwellers since 1871. The Boat House in Fontana — one of several communities on the lake, including Lake Geneva, Williams Bay and Delavan — is a must-visit. This laid-back establishment is celebrated for its Sunday Bloody Mary bar, Friday fish fry, large umbrellas, Adirondack chairs and lake views. Make sure to stop at Gordy’s Surf Shack next door for a scoop of old-fashioned ice cream. 4. Blue Bayou Inn: Manitowish Waters, WI Dock your boat here and savor a unique (and slightly upscale) “Up North” spin on classic Creole and Cajun food. This is the spot for crawfish étouffée, jambalaya and alligator bites. If you simply want to enjoy casual drinks and appetizers, relax on the lakeside deck or in the adjoining Steamboat Lounge. 5. Barnacle Buds: Milwaukee, WI South of downtown Milwaukee on the Kinnickinnic River (“the KK” to the locals) right before it doglegs around Jones Island and spills into Lake Michigan, you’ll find a little corner of Margaritaville. This unassuming seafood shack routinely makes the “Best of Milwaukee” lists, including Best Outdoor Dining and our own personal favorite — Best Restaurant in the Middle of Nowhere.
24
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
A L L P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F R E S TA U R A N T S
I
6. Lakefront Brewery: Milwaukee, WI Located on the Milwaukee River between the Brewers Hill and Lower East Side neighborhoods, the Lakefront Brewery makes its home in the former Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company’s coal-fired power plant. Not only is the brewery responsible for one of the most popular brewery tours in the country (they offer beer before, during and after the tour), its Beer Hall features a Friday night fish fry, a mouth-watering “sausage flight,” 18 Lakeside beers on tap and a maple root beer for the under-21 set. 7. City Winery at the Chicago Riverwalk: Chicago, IL A treasured amenity in the heart of downtown, the 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk has distinct districts and “coves” to explore. Dock your boat and wander along the river to find memorable restaurants, watering holes, shopping and performance venues. City Winery’s Chicago Riverwalk offers visitors a full dining menu with seasonal cocktails and local craft beers in its wine garden. During cooler months, the restaurant also offers “pods” to keep diners warm. 8. Pizzeria Portofino: Chicago, IL Located at the downtown docks, Pizzeria Portofino boasts an expansive, sun-drenched patio and serves hand-stretched pizzas, charcoal-grilled seafood, thoughtful antipasti and coastal wines right on the Chicago riverfront. With menu items such as cacio e pepe, Portuguese octopus, and king crab and asparagus pizza, this Riviera-inspired hotspot is one to remember. 9. The Boathouse Restaurant: Bowers Harbor, MI Thirty-two miles long and roughly 10 to 12 miles wide, Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay is divided into two arms by the Old Mission Peninsula, and it’s home to a thriving resort culture that has endured for more than a century. Northeast of Traverse City, at the peninsula’s Bowers Harbor Marina on West Bay, you’ll find the Boathouse Restaurant; it’s beloved among locals and visitors for its genteel
7 13 cottage atmosphere, farm-to-table menu, Sunday brunch and sunset views. 10. Apache Trout Grill: Traverse City, MI Northwest of downtown Traverse City, the Apache Trout Grill sits next to the Grand Traverse Yacht Club. Dock your boat, get settled in the lodge-style dining room (with nifty folding windows for an openair experience) or at one of the outdoor picnic tables, and take in the first-class views across West Bay to the Old Mission Peninsula. The grill is known for Tiki bar cocktails, BBQ ribs, rainbow trout and whitefish, but don’t forget about the Sunday buffet brunch. 11. Bay Harbor Inn: Cedar Point, OH Founded in 1870, Cedar Point Amusement Park is North America’s second oldest. Perched on a skinny peninsula extending into Lake Erie off Sandusky, the park has several marinas; the most popular, Cedar Point Marina, is one of the largest on the Great Lakes. Nearby you’ll find “elevated casual dining” at Bay Harbor Inn, where you can experience waterfront views with a rollercoaster soundtrack. Don’t miss the award-winning lobster bisque or the Lake Erie perch.
8 10
12. Dockside Café: Sandusky, OH Across the water on the mainland, in the city-owned Paper District Marina, is the Dockside Café. This outdoor concession is where you want to be for family friendly live entertainment on the weekends, uninterrupted views of Sandusky Bay and stunning Lake Erie sunsets — not to mention gourmet burgers, a full bar and the famous walleye tacos. 13. The Keys: Put-in-Bay, OH Put-in-Bay became a travel destination in 1864, and with more than 1 million visitors per year, it’s now one of Ohio’s top vacation spots. The downtown restaurants, pubs and marina docks pulse with a festive spirit that can only be described as, “This is where Mackinac Island meets Key West.” That is particularly true at The Keys, a restaurant and bar with water views from every seat. Enjoy Caribbean-style eats, Tiki Deck tunes, tropical vibes and the island’s only fire pit. ★
HEATHER STEINBERGER is an award-winning writer/editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 25 years.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
25
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY KEVIN KOENIG
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 20'1" Beam: 8'5" Weight: 3,300 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 32 gals. Passenger Capacity: 9 MSRP: $54,365 FOURWINNS.COM
DEALERS Hall’s Sports Center
HALLSPORTSCENTER.COM
Onekama Marine/Lake Michigan Yacht Sales ONEK AMAMARINE.COM
SkipperBud’s
SKIPPERBUDS.COM
Watch the video at
LAKELANDBOATING.COM!
26
J U N E 2022
|
Four Winns H1 OB Classic American runabout.
T
he Four Winns H1 is a nearly quintessential lake boat. She is all about fun, easy maintenance and sporty looks to boot. The H series is a modern overhaul of the Four Winns bowrider line, and the H1’s styling certainly fits the bill. Low-profile lines are complemented by a vertical stem at the boat’s bow, and the trademark C-shaped windshield with elongated side wings adds to the boat’s sleek appeal. The result is a classic American runabout with an unmistakable international twist. “I love the style,” says Doyle Vander Pol of Four Winns. “It is something new and totally different. You won’t find many boats out there that can compete with her in the looks department.” Vander Pol’s favorite part of the boat is far and away the cockpit. “For an outboard boat of this size, the space is just massive, as is the storage,” he says. “Plus it has a unique portside seat with a backrest that moves quickly and easily. I like to
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
tell people it’s about a person-and-a-half wide! The nice part is you can configure the seating arrangements. If you’re doing watersports, for example, you can face the seat aft if you’re the spotter, and it really works well in that regard.” The cockpit also features a removable cooler and lots of stainless steel cup holders, making it the perfect spot for entertaining. Turn on the stereo system, drop the anchor and enjoy the summer sun. The helm on this boat has a comfortable and secure bucket seat with a flip-up bolster and an adjustable and ergonomic steering wheel. The dash is hand-wrapped in rich vinyl and features lighted switches, a wireless phone holder/charger and a touch-screen display. The entry leading to the bow has optional glass doors with friction-reducing hinges for peace and quiet, and the bow seating is as comfortable as one would expect from a builder with such a storied history in the bowrider game. ★
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY KEVIN KOENIG
Invictus TT460 Dolce vita.
F
rom the town of Borgia in Catanzaro, Italy, comes the Invictus TT460, a chic dayboat that has a little something for everyone. Perhaps the two most striking things about this boat’s exterior aesthetics are her forward-thinking axe bow and her wide range of color schemes, which come in two tones. A carbon fiber T-top complements the low-profile design of the sheerline and also helps keep the boat’s center of gravity low for excellent seakeeping. The Invictus TT460 was dreamed up by renowned Italian designer Christian Grande, who imbued her with a no muss, no fuss personality that nevertheless does nothing to sacrifice elegance. Sunpads on the bow deck and at the transom make this boat’s place as a temple for sun worshippers patently clear. They are connected by a comfortable walkway, which is very helpful when docking. At the same time, an ergonomic helm with
excellent sightlines will make any captain smile. Top speed is 35.5 knots, while she cruises quite happily at 25 knots. Hardover at cruise, she can do a full about-face in about three boat lengths. Foldout terraces to either side of the cockpit make this boat’s outdoor entertainment spaces even larger than her 14-foot, 6-inch beam, which makes her an excellent choice for a day of waterborne fun anchored in your favorite cove. That cockpit has twin high-low tables and a small galley in the aft section of the console. The dining area can also convert into yet another lounge space. And when playtime is over, the boat has two sleeping areas down below, including a forepeak queen berth and twin berths amidships. That means she is big enough for a getaway with two couples — be it to the coast of Sardinia or Mackinac Island. ★
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 46'9" Beam: 14'6" Weight: 29,600 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 343 gals. Water Capacity: 87 gals. Passenger Capacity: 12 Base Power: IPS 2 x 650 hp Volvo MSRP: Contact Invictus INVICTUSYACHT.COM
Watch the video at
LAKELANDBOATING.COM!
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
27
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY KEVIN KOENIG
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 61'4" Beam: 15'11" Draft: 4'5" Weight (full load): 59,952 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 581 gals. Water Capacity: 201 gals Power: 2 x Cummins 8.3 - 600 hp Base Price: Contact dealer PRESTIGE-YACHTS.COM
DEALERS Colony Marine
COLONYMARINE.COM
Spring Brook Marina
SPRINGBROOKMARINA.COM
Watch the video at
LAKELANDBOATING.COM!
28
J U N E 2022
|
Prestige 590S French connection.
T
he Prestige 590S is a boat that can do it all, and do it in style, too. The model follows the recent trend of yachts that have the sleek lines of an express cruiser, yet also possess a “hidden” flybridge deck up top. The combination offers the best of both worlds: Pleasing aesthetics and extra room for entertaining. “We are extremely excited to get this boat in stock,” says David Giles, vice president of Michigan’s Colony Marine. “What’s really unique about this boat is, profile-wise, it looks like a sports coupe with understated lines, but it’s got a flybridge, so it’s also very versatile. It’s a wonderful boat for the Great Lakes area.” Giles is also enamored with the French builder’s engineering, in particular, the sound attenuation on this vessel. “It doesn’t matter if you have the 590S out on the water going 27 knots or if you’re at the dock with the air conditioner blasting,”
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
he says. “It’s an extremely quiet boat, and that’s a testament to the way it’s built.” Those 27-knot speeds, by the way, are complements of twin 600-hp Cummins 8.3 engines, offering not only throaty power, but expert maneuverability as well. The boat also maximizes its onboard space for when its owners are hosting a party. Three separate outdoor entertainment spaces, including a bow lounge with a massive sunpad, the aforementioned flybridge and its upper helm, and a cockpit shaded by the bridge deck overhang, offer guests a chance to unwind in an alfresco atmosphere. What’s more lovely than that during the summertime on the Great Lakes? Meanwhile, a salon boasting excellent sightlines, a full crew’s quarters and a three-stateroom layout down below make sure everyone stays well rested for the good times ahead. ★
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY KEVIN KOENIG
Tidewater 272 CC Center of attention.
F
ew types of vessels offer more thrills than a fast, solidly built center console. For wind-in-your-hair excitement, they are nearly impossible to beat. And the Tidewater 272 CC is an exceptional example of how wonderful these boats can be as Great Lakes cruisers. “The thing I might like most about these boats is that they are wide and they have a lot of flare,” says Matt Loew of Anchorage Yacht Sales in Holland, Michigan. “That flare carries back quite a ways, and coupled with a broken sheerline that drops down on the gunwale, it really makes for a dry ride. That’s super important to boaters up here, or at least it should be. If you’re in Florida, it’s one thing to get a little wet out on the water, but if you’re on Lake Michigan, it’s quite another. It’s definitely a lot more comfortable to have a dry ride up here, I’ll say that for sure.” Perhaps the boat’s flare-happy design should come
as no surprise, as Tidewater builds near Columbia, South Carolina, a hotbed for boat building talent and one influenced by the gnarly seas found in the mid-Atlantic. This boat is nothing if not seaworthy. She’s sporty as all get out too. Top speed clocks in at a sizzling 52 mph and outboard engine configurations nudge up to 500 hp. And it’s not just the captain who gets to have all the fun. This boat is fish ready, with in-sole fishboxes, multiple rocket launchers and rod holders, and a standard livewell. Inward-opening dive doors on the starboard side of the cockpit make for easy access to the water for swimmers and divers. Seating for guests abounds, with a fold-down bench seat at the transom, and a full lounge with forward-facing and U-shaped seating in the bow. The Tidewater 272 CC makes an excellent cocktail cruiser — albeit one with a penchant for something just a little more wild. ★
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 27'2" Beam: 9'8" Weight: 5,500 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 180 gals. Max Power: 500 hp MSRP: $139,400 TIDEWATERBOATS.COM
DEALERS Anchorage Yacht Sales ANCHORAGEYACHT SALES.COM
Olson Bros Marine
OLSONBROSMARINE.COM
Rose Marine Service
ROSEMARINESERVICE.COM
Watch the video at
LAKELANDBOATING.COM!
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
29
BOAT TEST
Riviera 645 S U V 30
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIVIERA
More can be be er. BY ARNIE HAMMERMAN
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
31
T
he new Riviera 645 SUV is big and bold, with the types of versatile spaces that allow for a host of entertaining options while also working perfectly as a family or couple’s cruiser. I’m a fan of the SUV series because they simply tick a lot of boxes.
Their single-level living areas work well and keep everyone together when the boat is underway. The helmsperson (which is often me) is not tucked away on a flybridge while everyone else lounges in the salon or makes lunch in the galley. Like the popular kitchen/great room in nearly every modern house, this layout has tremendous adaptability. The Riviera’s living areas are stylish and comfortable, and the scale of the spaces is impressive. The beauty of the layout is that accommodation spaces can be easily connected or separated. Entertaining and gathering areas can be adjusted to work best for different types and sizes of onboard groups and activities, both indoors and out.
Sit back and relax
The cockpit is nearly 100 square feet and is suited for fishing, although I personally prefer it as a dance floor, cocktail lounge (wetbar included), place to barbecue with the builtin grill, or perhaps a spot to enjoy a good cigar. Buyers can choose transom seating or a windowed, lighted livewell. Twin transom doors connect the cockpit to a large swim platform with a standard hydraulic lift that raises and lowers for tender launching or to create a wading area. A Williams 395 Jet Tender that the owner of my test boat chose was not yet onboard. I like the idea of slightly lowering the platform and setting up a folding table and chairs under the warm sunshine for lunch or some bubbly with your feet caressed by the water. Another great outdoor area is at the bow. Side decks with protected bulwarks and sturdy rails lead forward, and optional teak decks look and feel great. The port side has both a watertight door into the salon/galley and a pathway that cuts through into the bow lounge for easier access. Aside from abundant storage, an anchor locker with washdown, a MUIR vertical windlass, a recessed anchor and ground tackle, the foredeck is adorned with a comfortable lounge. This is not just a sunpad, although there is room to sunbathe. The deck is recessed ahead of the broad three-paneled windshield to accommodate a Sunbrella cushioned lounge complete with a removable table and a Fusion Apollo SRX400 stereo. An awning on carbon fiber poles provides relief when needed. At anchor or when Med moored, I picture quiet times here enjoying the breeze, separated from activities in the cabin or dockside. Yet this bow lounge easily connects to the rest of the boat and creates a great overflow area for larger parties. The mezzanine, or “alfresco deck” in Australian, is both inside and outside. Perched a few steps up from the cockpit, this is not a fishing mezzanine, it’s like the deck on your house, with comfortable seating, a folding teak table with integral bottle/glass holders, an ice maker, a stereo and a 32-inch folddown flat-screen. It’s covered by the coach top overhead and can be enclosed with Strataglass panels for separation, and can even be air conditioned. Or open the overhead sunroof and aft panels, pop up the window, slide the cabin door, and you have a vast amount of connected space. Inside the cabin, glossed walnut nicely contrasts the solid surface synthetic “pearl quartz” countertops that waterfall over the edges. The galley has abundant drawer-style fridges and freezers, and a long island counter ideal for meal prep and serving. A Miele three-burner electric cooktop, a combo microwave/convection oven and a deep stainless sink with a garbage disposal provide function. An L-shaped upholstered lounge with an ottoman faces the galley where a large flat-screen is housed on the island.
32
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Another option is to have the TV on a lift behind the helm, but on our test boat that cabinet is a brilliant glass display case. Riviera-embossed martini and wine glasses all neatly seated for protection underway are showcased here. The salon is the “Newport” option, which adds a clever bar with a removable stool, additional drawer fridges, bottle storage, sink and serving counters. I like how this allows you to separate the bar from galley food prep and serving. The entire salon/galley/bar connects easily through the side door to the bow lounge and aft to the mezzanine and cockpit; or close the doors, drop the motorized roller blinds and watch a movie in climate-controlled privacy. The helm station is accessed via a step from the salon and features three large electrically adjustable bucket seats that slide and recline. The centerline helm seat has great visibility forward and the triple Garmin MFD screens are within easy reach, as are most controls. USB chargers and VHF remote handset connection are set in a nice recessed pocket by the two companion seats, but I’d like to see them closer to the helm or perhaps a wireless charging pad for the helmsman’s phone. Throttles are ergonomically placed but are to the left of the helm seat, which can take getting used to. The Twin Disc joystick uses variable control of transmissions and thrusters for smooth and impressive maneuverability. Cockpit wing stations on both sides make docking easy.
Nimble performance
Now underway, we put the Riviera 645 SUV through her paces. Running the boat is really a joy as she handles well, taking tight, controlled turns without losing much speed. There is a light chop and some nearby boats so I try to pound through their wakes, but the Riviera is completely unfazed, slicing through any wave we can find without any rattle or fuss. We all marvel that a boat this size can handle like a runabout despite some serious accommodations. With optional MAN 1,550-hp V12s we hit a peak speed of 41.2 mph — amazing for a boat with a dry weight of 88,119 pounds. The Riviera 645 SUV accelerates smoothly, transitioning easily onto plane. Cruising at 2150 RPM, we travel 35.4 mph at 128 GPH yielding a range of 428 miles. The helm configuration gives us good visibility, and ample seating keeps everyone connected. The accommodation deck is spacious even on this four-cabin layout. A VIP forward has its own ensuite head. The side cabin twin berths that cross each other are 6 feet, 5 inches long, suitable for adults. Another guest cabin has side-by-side twin beds, which can push together into a double, and a connecting head that also exits to the foyer for general use. The owner’s cabin runs full beam with a king island berth and large hull windows providing natural light. The ensuite head has a large separate shower with a convenient bench. A door from the head leads to a hidden utility/crew room with a washer, a dryer, storage, an optional bunk, and head and engine room access. The Riviera 645 SUV delivers on its premise of connected living while also providing owners and guests the space to spread out. It’s also remarkably nimble and easy to handle for a boat with this size and quality of accommodations onboard. If you like the SUV concept and want more of it, the flagship 645 SUV delivers. H
RIVIERA 645 SUV SP ECIFI CATI O NS LOA: 69'8" Beam: 19'1" Draft: 5'4" Dry Weight: 88,119 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1,717 gals. Water Capacity: 198 gals. Power (as tested): 2 x MAN V12 1,550-hp w/ V-Drives MSRP: Contact dealer RIVIER A AUSTR ALIA.COM
D EA L ER S Bay Marine
BAYMARINE.NET
Onekama Marine
ONEK AMAMARINE.COM
Lake Michigan Yacht Sales
LAKEMICHIGANYACHTSALES.COM
Horizon Marina
HORIZONMARINA.COM
Unique mezzanine lounge provides indoor/outdoor feel. Foredeck lounge with seating, table and awning. Full-beam owner’s cabin and large ensuite head. Living spaces work together. Salon, galley, helm, mezzanine and foredeck easily connect. Centerline helm means you’re most likely using wing stations for docking. Throttles to the left of the helm seat take a little getting used to. If the utility room is used as a crew cabin, access is through the engine room. Watch the video at LAKELANDBOATING.COM!
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
33
BOAT TEST
B
eneath the sunshine, I walk out a long dock in Stuart, Florida, where the Krogen 52 awaits. Having previously tested Kadey-Krogen boats, I know the company builds them to exacting standards and uses quality materials. “The boats are designed to be serious long-range cruisers, but many owners also use them like second homes,” Bill Harris, one of Kadey-Krogen’s experienced yacht brokers, explains as we wander through the marina.
34
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
I admire the myriad of boats both sail and power lining the docks. A couple playfully washes down their boat. Reggae music fills the air as a man places an outrigger on sawhorses, which he has taken off a large sportfisher. The dock scene is pulling me in when we step up to the Krogen 52. My hectic week has already started to fade away. I don’t know if it's the Kadey-Krogen’s ship-like profile, the relaxed nautical atmosphere at the dock or both, but something feels different.
P H O T OS C O U R T E S Y O F K A D Y- K RO G E N
Kadey-Krogen 52
Go anywhere you can dream of. by ar ni e hamme r man
Get comfortable
Stepping aboard through a side door into the teak-decked cockpit, the boat is warm and inviting. I can almost hear the laughter of a small gathering in this porch-like space under the overhang with sun shining all around. Inside the salon is equally welcoming, with twin leather-covered recliners opposite a U-shaped lounge surrounding a gorgeous cherrywood high-low table with folding leaves. The galley
connects to the salon with a wide Corian counter ideal for meal prep, serving or staging appetizers when entertaining. The fully equipped galley has plenty of storage and household-size quality appliances like a JennAir three-door stainless steel fridge. A BlueStar propane range/oven is standard, but on this boat the owner chose a three-burner Wolf gas cooktop. The ambiance of the entire salon area is very comforting; it feels like the great room of a high-end home.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
35
The abundance of finely crafted, bookmatched American cherry is bright and airy with contrasting ceiling panels complete with recessed lighting and thoughtful nautical touches like wooden grabrails. I head up to the pilothouse where the centerline helm has a single Stidd chair and a large polished wooden wheel. Gauges and controls are within easy access of the helm with three large Furuno NavNet MFDs. One screen has a camera aft, but I walk through the watertight side doors to one of the conveniently located wing stations on both sides of the Portuguese bridge for more direct visibility. The twin John Deere engines quietly hum as we disconnect shore power and untie lines. As we ease out, Harris uses the thruster to move the bow slightly back and forth so I can hang our bow lines from the pilings — simple. Once we are clear, he uses both bow and stern thrusters to spin the boat on its axis, explaining that with twin keels protecting each prop aperture, 36
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
the hydraulic thrusters work better for this type of maneuver than jockeying the twin throttles. The two of us easily handle the boat as could any couple. There is no panic as our displacement keeps us steady, even at the dock, and the layout and multiple steering stations keep dockside management stress-free. I walk around and pull up fenders as we exit the marina. The side decks are wide, making it easy to maneuver around the boat. To starboard there are steps from the helm leading aft down to a covered side deck that goes all the way to the cockpit. Portside steps lead up to an open deck where port fenders, hanging from the rails, have long lines since the salon below is full beam. The boat deck has a Novurania 3.5 (11-foot, 10-inch) RIB with a 50-hp Honda outboard and a Steelhead ES-1000 crane davit for launching. There is additional open space, a barbecue, sink and substantial storage here. A few steps up, the flybridge helm is shaded by a hardtop. Two bucket helm seats with
footrests provide excellent visibility and access to steering and controls. A porthole conveniently leads to the pilothouse for easy communication. The cozy L-shaped seating area with a table seems an ideal place for an afternoon cocktail or a great place to relax in the breeze away from any dockside bustle.
Slow but steady
Back in the pilothouse, I sit on the raised lounge as Harris drives. The lounge has great visibility forward and allows guests to interact with the driver. Another beautifully crafted cherrywood table here provides an ideal spot to eat while underway. This table lowers to create a pilot berth for overnight passages. With doors closed, I measure decibels that reach 66dB at cruising speeds — remarkably quiet. The entire vessel is climate-controlled with heat and AC, but opening the doors lets a gentle breeze flow through. The Kadey-Krogen is not a fast boat — our top speed is 9.1 mph. I thought this
Kadey-Krogen 52
would bother me, but as I settle in at the wheel the appeal becomes apparent. I feel completely at home as we run at 8 mph (1750 RPM) using around 5.5 gallons per hour, which gives us a range of nearly 2,000 miles. The boat is so steady and comfortable I just want to keep traveling out the inlet and go! A 50-foot motoryacht zips by and we slip through the large wake like it doesn’t exist. The Kadey-Krogen exudes confidence, as it is designed to go anywhere safely and comfortably, which I now understand. I say to Harris, only half joking, that I am thinking of heading to the Caribbean. He reminds me that we only have a quarter tank of fuel but that barely deters me since that is still 500 miles of cruising. Reluctantly, I hand over the helm to Harris and explore the boat further, admiring the size, comfort and finish. Entering the accommodations deck there is a large desk that makes for a great onboard office and can double as a bar. A soundproof door leads to the engine
room with well laid out machinery and good access around the engines. Both cabins have queen beds, abundant cherry panels and cabinetry with impeccable joinery and ample storage. The forward centerline queen has an ensuite head. The other cabin’s head shares a door with the foyer, which also houses a full-size washer and dryer. Both heads have household-size sinks, generous medicine cabinets, storage and separate shower compartments. This Kadey-Krogen has got me rethinking retirement. From sailing in my youth on Lake Michigan to running boats back and forth to the islands, much of my boating was a bit like camping with some added adventure thrown in. The Krogen 52 combines all the comforts of home with the ability to go anywhere. I could be happy sitting at the dock or finding some faraway island cove to explore. If you are looking for a home on the water, or just need a touch of island attitude adjustment, Kadey-Krogen has the formula. H
S P E C I F I CAT I ON S LOA: 57'9" Beam: 17'3" Draft (w/ twin engines): 4'6" Weight (half load): 70,000 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1,400 gals. Water Capacity: 400 gals. Power (as tested): 2 x John Deere Tier III 4045TFM85 125-hp MSRP: Contact Kadey-Krogen K ADEYKROGEN.COM
Comfortable living with household style/size appliances. Steady and reliable cruising with ocean crossing range/capability. Easy to handle for a couple.
If you are in a hurry, don’t be. Side deck only on one side but worth the extra cabin space you gain.
Watch the video at LAKELANDBOATING.COM!
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
37
The 100 Year Story of Waterskiing
The birth and evolution of waterskiing. b y Ze n o n B i l a s Ralph Samuelson waterskiing behind a World War I-era Curtiss flying boat in 1925
Ralph Samuelson glides into shore on waterskis
In 1925, Ralph Samuelson was the first person to go over a waterski jump
38
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
W
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F U S A W AT E R S K I & W A K E S P O R T S F O U N DAT I O N
aterskiing was born 100 years ago, on July 2, 1922, thanks to 18-year-old daredevil Ralph Samuelson. In the winter, Ralph would ski on barrel staves down the snow-covered bluffs that lined Lake Pepin, a portion of the Mississippi River in Lake City, Minnesota. He reasoned that if you could ski on snow, you could do the same on water. He was followed by several other individuals in the 1920s who independently introduced the new sport. In June of that year, with his older brother, Ben, driving a 20-foot work boat powered by an inboard Saxon engine with a top-speed of 16 mph, Ralph made his initial attempts. He first experimented with using barrel staves and snow skis but neither attempt was successful. Next, he went to a lumber yard and purchased two 8-foot-long by 9-inch-wide pine wood planks. He shaped the tips to curve upward and attached straps of leather for crude bindings. On June 28, Ralph managed to ski once for a few 100 feet. He tried again four days later, one day before his 19th birthday. This time, when he started in the water, Ralph rocked back and brought the tips of the skis above the water. This technique worked and he got up on his skis several times. Ralph began promoting the sport by performing one-man shows. In Lake City, Ralph entertained local audiences by skiing at 80 mph behind a WWI Curtiss flying boat. He did his shows in Michigan and in Palm Beach, Florida. In 1925, he was also the first to go over a waterski jump. However, in 1937, a construction injury ended Samuelson’s waterski initiative. In 1924, unaware of Ralph Samuelson’s accomplishment, Fred Waller of Huntington, New York, made his own waterskis and patented them in 1925. Thus for decades Waller was considered the inventor of waterskiing. Then in 1928, on the West Coast, Don Ibsen of Bellevue, Washington — independently of Samuelson or Waller — created his own waterskis. The sport was beginning to blossom as Samuelson, Waller and Ibsen promoted the sport in different regions of the United States. By the late 1920s, the sport had spread across the ocean and was being enjoyed on the French Riviera.
Fred Waller, who patented the first waterski, shown here waterskiing with a film camera. Waller was a film pioneer who worked for Paramount and he invented Cinerama
Waterskiing in the spotlight As car engines became more powerful in the 1930s, so did the engines powering boats. This led to increased popularity of recreational boating. Boats such as Chris-Craft featuring inboard power were being used to tow waterskiers. Initially tow pylons did not exist, so waterskiers attached a line to the boat’s lifting ring near the stern, though this arrangement did not always allow the boat
Don Ibsen waterskiing while holding up a waterski that he created
to track well while pulling a skier. Waterskiers quickly advanced the sport, learning to ski on one ski and innovating new tricks on skis. Waterski shows at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier and at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair soon brought publicity to the sport. Newsreels shown in movie theaters also promoted waterskiing to a wider audience. Waterskiing became a competitive sport in 1939 with the formation of the American Water Ski Association (AWSA), now known as USA Water Ski and Wake Sports. The first USA National Championship was held in Jones Beach, New York, and consisted of slalom, tricks and jumping. However, the gas rationing made necessary during World War II slowed the growth of the sport for a while, and the USA National Championship was canceled from 1942 through 1944. Ironically, WWII
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
39
would also give a boost to the sport. In 1936, Dick Pope Sr. had built Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida, transforming swampland into magnificent botanical gardens. In 1943, when troops came to visit Cypress Gardens, Pope Sr.’s wife, Julie, decided to round up her son, Dick Pope Jr., and his friends to do a waterski show to entertain the troops. The impromptu show was a hit, and 800 troops came a week later for the next ski show. After WWII ended, the show became a daily presentation. Dick Pope Sr. used his marketing expertise to develop novel ways to promote waterskiing and Cypress Gardens. He used photography and newsreels, which he distributed to media outlets all over the world. Waterskiing and Cypress Gardens stars were featured on major TV shows such as “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “What’s My Line?” and “To Tell the Truth.” Other shows such as “Johnny Carson Discovers Cypress Gardens” were broadcast from Winter Haven, Florida. Celebrities, dignitaries and royalty came from all over the world to see the Cypress Gardens waterski show and sometimes to waterski themselves. Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Paul Newman, Jackie Kennedy, Burt Reynolds and the original Mercury astronauts were all avid waterskiers. In 1953, MGM filmed “Easy to Love,” starring Esther Williams, at Cypress Gardens. In the ’60s and ’70s, CBS, NBC and ABC all covered the major U.S. waterski competitions, such as the Masters, the Nationals and the World Championships. The era of innovation The media exposure fueled the growth of waterski shows, clubs and schools, attracting both recreational and competitive waterskiers. Manufacturers took notice and began developing products specifically for waterskiing. In 1959, Leo and Mary Bentz created the first fiberglass boat specifically for waterskiing. The inboard-powered boat featured a mirror, tow pylon and a hull designed to produce a wake conducive to waterskiing. They christened the boat the Ski Nautique. In 1961, Correct Craft purchased the Ski Nautique and began advancing ski boat design. Manufacturer MasterCraft followed suit in 1968, and the competition drove rapid innovations in ski boats and equipment. In the 1960s, flat-bottom slalom skis evolved to feature a concave bottom to better grip the 40
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
water when making slalom turns. In the late ’60s following the emerging technology, skis went from wood to fiberglass. These fiberglass skis were more durable, and the material allowed manufacturers to include performance-enhancing features into the bottom of the ski that included variations on the tunnel and shape of the ski. Also in the late 1950s, Jones and Yandell developed an Ensolite foam ski belt to provide flotation for skiers. This evolved into a form-fitting ski vest in the early 1960s, offering much-needed safety. New variations of tow sports began to emerge. Kneeboarding came on the scene in the late ’70s, and by the late ’80s, the Skurfer, featuring a sideways stance similar to a snowboard, was gaining popularity. The Skurfer evolved into the wakeboard in the early ’90s. The relatively easy learning curve for this sport would see an explosion of participants. Boat and accessory manufacturers began putting additional effort behind this popular pastime. MasterCraft added ballast to its boat in the mid ’90s to make the wake bigger for wakeboarding, while Correct Craft debuted the wakeboard tower on its Air Nautique in 1997. Boat engines became more powerful, and speed control was developed and became a requirement in competition. Today, ballast, wakeboard towers and speed control are found on a variety of recreational family boats. In the new century, manufacturers began designing boats specifically for each individual wakesport. Though surfing, or inland surfing, was done at Cypress Gardens in the early ’60s, Centurion began making boats specifically designed for wakesurfing in the 1990s. Wakesurfing is hugely popular today, due to the evolution of the wakesurf boat and smaller boards specifically made for the sport. Ralph Samuelson’s accomplishments were largely forgotten for many decades, until Margaret Crimmins, a journalist from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, discovered Samuelson’s waterskis in a boat house in 1963. Her subsequent research and the articles that followed gave him the recognition as the “Father of Water Skiing” and credited Lake City, Minnesota, as the birthplace of the sport. It’s interesting to ponder whether Ralph Samuelson envisioned 100 years ago what the sport would look like today. But we clearly owe him and those who followed gratitude for a century of fun behind our boats. ★
Scene from “Easy to Love,” filmed at Cypress Gardens
1959 Ski Nautique, manufactured by Leo Bentz
In 1961, Correct Craft purchased the Ski Nautique and began advancing its design
Carol Burnett at Cypress Gardens
Burt Reynolds at Cypress Gardens
Centennial Event calendar ■ JUNE 23 – 26: Water Ski Days — The birthplace of waterskiing, Lake City, Minnesota, celebrates the 100th anniversary of waterskiing during its 50th annual Water Ski Days. More info at LAKECITY.ORG.
■ JUNE 24 – JULY 31: Get on the Water — Free learn to waterski clinics being held across the country. Find a clinic and more info at SHARELIFEONTHE WATER.COM.
Johnny Carson at Cypress Gardens
1981 Ski Nautique
■ MAY – AUG: Adaptive Water Ski Clinics and Grant Program —USA Water Ski & Wake Sports will host 10 free learn to ski clinics for veterans and provide 10 veteran athletes with individual equipment grants to compete in the sport. These activities are funded by an Adaptive Sports Grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Find a clinic and more info at USAWATERSKI.ORG.
■ OCT 22 – 23: IWWF World Water Ski Show Tournament will take place in Winter Haven, Florida. WORLDWATERSKISHOW.COM
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
41
Cruising the
RJ Button secures the lines on “our rock.” Several rocks have pitons conveniently drilled into the rocks.
Sandi and Penny scout out the campfire site.
BY SANDI Laucher BUTTON
We rafted with the Parmelee’s boat, She Said No.
We enjoyed a campfire on “our rock.”
Bob Parmelee settles in for wine time.
42
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
SCRAPBOOK PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANDI BUTTON
A cruise through the North Channel to the Benjamin Islands offers an unspoiled boating getaway.
Benjamin Islands THE SEEDS FOR OUR VOYAGE to the North Channel and the Benjamin Islands were planted far back in February. The squares on the calendar were judiciously blocked off for the middle of July, to assure our escape was not postponed by other obligations. This obligation was only to us. When July 12 dawned, the wind laid down briefly — or so my husband, RJ, and I thought — for our passage in our Sea Ray, Resolution, from Charlevoix, Michigan, to Grays Reef, our turning point and entry into the wild and beautiful North. The North Channel has always been touted as a wonderful boating destination by power and sail boaters alike. The fresh, blue, crystalline waters of Lake Michigan, then Lake Huron, wields a magnetic pull stronger than any saline tide to those who seek pristine scenery, quaint, welcoming Canadian harbor towns and a respite from the cacophony of too much civilization.
The first leg
Our window of opportunity in an uncertain weather forecast bid us to quickly load the boat, pulling out of our Charlevoix harbor home a few minutes before 8 a.m. A quick call to the local fishermen of Ward Brothers Marine told us the waves were manageable but building, so off we went. Soon after the channel, we encountered 3– to 4-foot waves that later built to 4 to 6 feet, but a fair sky; the wind out of the SSW blew kindly off our port beam as we passed Good Hart and Cross Village. Soon the lighthouse at Grays Reef was visible, luring us on despite a little queasiness from the first mate. “Turn back?” offered my beloved captain. With an air of safe assurance, we chose to venture on, remembering the charm of the Canadian waters. I was not about to let a little seasickness spoil our adventure. At the turn near the abandoned lighthouse, the waves were on our stern, and soon the majestic Mackinac Bridge glistened over our bow: The gateway to Canada. The challenge of the first leg of our journey was worthwhile.
TOP PHOTO BY BRUAB T CIIJ
Gore Bay, an authentic harbor town
Our first stopping point was Gore Bay, located between Drummond Island and Little Current on Manitoulin Island. A threatening gray sky ushered us into this protective harbor. Neat, new floating docks and friendly assistance from Austin and other local students working the marina for the summer welcomed us into the harbor. The town of Gore Bay is basically one short street with a few local restaurants, a hardware store, a gift shop, a bakery and a post office — all that’s needed, really. Not a franchise or big box within sight to spoil this authentic harbor town. After breakfast on the boat, we rented bikes and pedaled to the top of the road, stopping at a few points along the way. The view from the crest of the hill yields a fine assessment of the water depths — varying hues of turquoise through navy blue, with shoals and passages to the town beyond clearly visible. A steady cool rain fell most of the night with more of the same forecast for the next day or so.
Resolution on our initial trip to
the Benjamins.
Fast current in Little Current
Plans were reconfigured for the Benjamins until another day. Our new destination: Little Current, the largest town on Manitoulin Island. A rough but passable two hours away, we headed northeast through the main passage, past the Benjamins, turning toward Little Current. A driving, cold rain met us at the wall, but so did Brian and his employees at Little Current Marina. They were undeterred by the rain and eager to help us achieve a tricky wall tie up with a fast current to negotiate. Saturday night in Little Current was quiet with a misty rain and a cool breeze most of the night. A warm dinner and an early night gave way to a sunny, blue sky on Sunday — our day of departure.
Worth the journey to the Benjamins
A no-rush breakfast, re-supply of groceries and water, and we set off for the Benjamin Islands. If ever there was a picture-perfect day, it had to look precisely like that Sunday. Within sight of land the entire way, we passed rocky vestiges of the glacier, trees and birds and only an occasional waterfront cottage. The hills in the distance of Manitoulin Island were green farmland or woods, so thick only glimpses of land peeked through the pines and hardwoods. What must this look like in the dead of a northern winter, I wondered? Deep fissures in solid rock told a story of very hard freezes, and bent over pines spoke of crushing winds. But today was a holiday in the Benjamins: Small groups of watercraft rafted together with friends and boats. Dinghies of all sorts held people of all ages exploring the coves and rocks. We easily found a ring on “our rock” on which to tie off with fenders, and we rafted our boat with friends Bob and Penny Parmelee. This cove — unnamed, as far as we know — was gently populated with boaters, all of whom seemed to respect each other’s space and desire for quiet in the evenings. No wild parties or noisy generators marred this clear, starry night. Far from lighted areas, the stars consumed the night sky with an uncommon brilliance. If you are looking for an unspoiled boating getaway, can navigate around rocks and can live without electricity and amenities for a few days, simplify your boating and drink in the refreshing experience of the Benjamin Islands. Plan your escape now. The Michigan promise of summers with blue skies and crystalline water awaits your own adventure, and this cruise will not disappoint. ★
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
43
PORT OF CALL
Escape to
On the south shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Escanaba anchors Delta County’s 211 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other county in the U.S. can claim. Located on Lake Michigan’s Big and Little Bays de Noc, it’s a great base for exploring multiple islands and destinations within easy reach.
by Kath Usitalo
44
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Escanaba
Little Bay de Noc
ichigan Lake M Noc
ESCANABA
Little Bay de
PHOTO COURTESY OF HURLEY MARINE
Big Bay de Noc
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
45
Ludington Park
Sand Point Lighthouse
46
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Shayne Sanville. With 165 slips and a wide range of services and amenities, “We get a lot of compliments about the harbor. It’s quiet, and within walking distance to places to eat and shop.” And, he notes, the marina has bicycles available for loan to help visitors who want to explore the area. Captain Todd Hurley praises the Escanaba facilities and the smaller marina in the neighboring City of Gladstone. Both sites have yacht clubs that welcome transients. The founder of Hurley Marine grew up in Escanaba and has spent his life on the water. In 2003, he was building boat trailers and someone asked if he would make a dinghy davit. It was a hit. “Next thing I know, I’m in a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility,” he says. In addition to several models of the innovative davits, his company makes breakthrough underwater lights and other boating accessories. And while his business is growing, he has no intention of leaving Escanaba. “I’m doing what I love in a place that I love,” Hurley says. “When people do come here, they’re awed by the beauty and the fact that we’re close to other destinations. It’s not like you have to travel across the lake to get somewhere.”
P H O T O S T H I S PA G E C O U R T E S Y O F V I S I T E S C A N A B A .C O M ; L I G H T H O U S E P H O T O B Y C M H 2 3 1 5 F L
I
f Gregg Bruff isn’t out on his 1977 Columbia 8.3-meter masthead sloop, Arcturus, the self-taught landscape artist may be in his studio. Or, you may find him working at Escanaba’s Canterbury Book Store to support, he says with a chuckle, his boating habit. After a career with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service that took him from Missouri to Wisconsin, California, Montana and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Bruff now calls Escanaba home. “Escanaba is a great place for two reasons,” he says, estimating that he spends about 45 days on the water between May and October on solo trips or with his wife, Mimi Klotz. “The marina is tremendous, the staff is terrific. And, it’s uniquely situated on Lake Michigan.” He ticks off at least a half-dozen destinations that are within easy reach, including Door County to the southwest, Beaver Island to the southeast and Snail Shell Harbor to the east, across Big Bay de Noc on the Garden Peninsula. The large, natural harbor and Escanaba Municipal Marina, located at the mile-long, 120-acre Ludington Park, win rave reviews from other locals as well as visitors, says Harbormaster
Stones Deli and Stone Cup Coffee House
P H O T O S T H I S P A G E C O U R T E S Y O F V I S I T E S C A N A B A . C O M ; U . P. S T E A M P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F U . S . S T E A M A N D G A S E N G I N E A S S O C I A T I O N
Fayette Historic State Park
Garden Peninsula
Industrious city
The area was first home to Native Americans who hunted, gathered and fished the teeming waters. The name “Escanaba” is an interpretation of an Ojibway word and means either “flat rock” or “the land of the red buck.” Locals refer to it as Esky. White settlers began to arrive in 1830, and by 1836 a lumber mill was operating. In 1863, Escanaba got its first ore docks and a railroad to haul ore from the iron range to the north in Negaunee. The port city grew with more railroads, shipping, lumbering, commercial fishing, and a pulp and paper industry. Sand Point Lighthouse was built in 1867 and still stands near the marina. It’s been fully restored, from the Fresnel fourth class lens to the keeper’s living quarters, and is open to visitors during the warmer months. Also in 1867, a town called Fayette with an iron smelting operation that turned out pig iron was constructed on neighboring Garden Peninsula; however, by 1891 it was closed and abandoned. Today, Fayette Historic State Park visitor center and 20 structures in various states of preservation offer a glimpse of life at the remote, gritty industrial townsite. There are also hiking
Waterfront Arts Festival
Rock the Dock
2022 Calendar of Events
■ JUNE 17 – 19: Great Lakes Area Traditional Pow Wow ■ JULY 30: Marina Fest
U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Show
■ AUGUST 6: Waterfront Art Festival ■ AUGUST 15 – 21: Upper Peninsula State Fair ■ SEPTEMBER 2 – 5: U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association Show ■ SEPTEMBER 3 – 5: Rock the Dock & Labor Day Parade ■ SEPTEMBER 18: Delta County Century Ride ■ OCTOBER 1: Fall Family Fun Day ■ DECEMBER 2 – 3: Christmas in the Village
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
47
Escanaba City Band
William Bonifas Fine Arts Center
trails, campsites and pretty Snail Shell Harbor, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Entrepreneurial inventor Webster Marble of Gladstone was a timber cruiser and surveyor whose work in the woods inspired him to create needed safe and efficient tools. At his home, he handcrafted a safety axe, waterproof match safe, hunting/camping knife and a compass that conveniently attached to a jacket, and launched a successful business. Marble went on to manufacture outdoor gear at a time when people — men, women and scouts — were starting to head outside, not just for chores, but for recreation. He was also a master marketer whose success extended to endorsements by Charles Lindbergh and Teddy Roosevelt. His inventions and life story are displayed at the Webster Marble: Inventing the Outdoors Museum in Escanaba. In the same building, the U.P. Military Museum honors service personnel through artifacts and exhibits that date to the Civil War. Nearby, the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association operates a small Agricultural Museum that showcases antique tools and equipment.
Arts & leisure
The William Bonifas Fine Arts Center is a multi-faceted hub of activity, with galleries for 48
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
changing exhibits and art studios for youth and adult classes and workshops. The Bonifas Center is also home to the Players de Noc, who have been putting on shows for all ages since 1965. Free concerts fill the air on summer evenings from about mid-June through mid-August: Escanaba’s Music Mondays and the municipally supported Escanaba City Band on Wednesdays at Ludington Park, and Gladstone’s Summer Concert Series at Van Cleve Park on Thursdays. Both Ludington Park and Van Cleve Park have sandy beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds for the kids and more outdoor fun. Don’t miss the folk art Native American figures at the waterfront in Gladstone. Independent shops, restaurants and other businesses line Ludington Street, the main artery between busy highway US-2 and Lake Michigan. Browse the treasures at Orange Cat Antiques and the works of more than 45 local artists at the East Ludington Gallery. Satisfy a sweet tooth with a U.P.-shaped Yooper bar at Sayklly’s Candies, an Esky original since 1906, and pick up a bag of beans at Up North Roast Coffee. Rebecca Bender
P H O T O S T H I S PA G E C O U R T E S Y O F V I S I T E S C A N A B A .C O M
Sayklly’s Candies
Freshwater Tavern
Leigh’s Garden Winery
Resources
Peninsula Point Lighthouse
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F ( C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T ) : F R E S H W AT E R TAV E R N ; K AT H U S I TA L O ; V I S I T E S C A N A B A .C O M ; V I S I T E S C A N A B A .C O M ; V I S I T E S C A N A B A .C O M
■ Escanaba Area Visitor Info
and Jesse Traub recently acquired the 50-year-old Canterbury Book Store, the only bookseller in town, and North Coast Apparel carries U.P. and Michigan hoodies and tees. Meatballs for breakfast? At the Swedish Pantry they’re a hot seller served with potato pancakes or Swedish pancakes and lingonberries. Hereford & Hops Restaurant and Brewpub has been pouring its house beers for 25 years. Select your cut of beef and grill it yourself or entrust it to the chef; there’s great pizza here, too. At Leigh’s Garden Winery & Tasting Room, wines are made from cold climate grapes in the basement of the 1884 building. Check the calendar for live music on Friday evenings. You may see plaid-shirted Escanaba Mayor Mark Ammel at the next table; he owns nearby Bobaloon’s sandwich shop. In Gladstone, “comfort food with a twist” comes with lake views at Freshwater Tavern in the freshly remodeled Terrace Bay Hotel. Other local favorites are cozy Delona’s for breakfast and Log Cabin on the Bay Grill and Bar. Worth the short drive is Upper Hand Brewery,
next to the Delta County Airport. Sample year-round, specialty and seasonal beers like Yooper Ale, Escanaba Black Beer and Deer Camp Amber Lager in a tasting room with a U.P. vibe. Island Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, features several dining options, live entertainment, Drift Spa, Splash Island indoor pool and waterpark, and two highly rated golf courses, both designed by Paul Albanese: Sweetgrass Golf Club and Sage Run Golf Club. Escanaba Country Club, Gladstone Golf Course and Highland Golf Club are some of the other favorite courses in the area.
It’s easy to like Esky
VISITESCANABA.COM
■ Escanaba Municipal Marina ESCANABA.ORG/MARINA
*In addition to the marina, the city offers the adjacent Aronson Island Boat Launch and the North Shore Boat Launch on the Escanaba River. ■ Gladstone Municipal Marina GLADSTONEMI.ORG
■ Snail Shell Harbor MIDNRRESERVATIONS.COM
Each summer, from August into September, thousands of Monarch butterflies migrate through the Stonington Peninsula en route to Mexico. If you miss the migration, you can still visit the Peninsula Point Lighthouse, climb the 40-foot tower (the keeper’s house was destroyed by fire) and take in the sweeping view of the bays. “This is a beautiful, understated area,” says Jesse Traub of Canterbury Book Store, citing Lake Michigan, hiking in the woods, swimming at Ludington Park and birding at Portage Marsh. “And we’re within an hour of other cool places. It’s easy to like Escanaba.” ★
■ Upper Peninsula Travel info UPTR AVEL.COM
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
49
MARINA WATCH
A E R I A L P H O T O S B Y C H A R L E S D A W L E Y/ U P N O R T H I M A G I N G ; I N T E R I O R PHOTOS BY DOUG BROWN/DR BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ABBY THORPE
IRISH BOAT SHOP HARBOR SPRINGS 400 East Bay St. Harbor Springs, MI 231-526-6225 IRISHBOATSHOP.COM
AMENITIES Transient slips: Y Pump-out: Y Gas: N Diesel: N Lifts: Y Launch ramp: Nearby Engine repair: Y Hull repair: Y Marine store: Y Restaurant: Nearby Showers: Y Laundry facility: Y
50
J U N E 2022
|
Irish Boat Shop - Harbor Springs
Let the good times roll at the newly remodeled Harbor Springs location.
I
n 1961, racing sailor Dave Irish turned his attention to caring for boats and started Irish Boat Shop in Harbor Springs, Michigan. The shop soon became the specialist in restoring, maintaining and building the iconic 32-foot Northern Michigan sloops, a favorite among the area’s racing sailors. Now, over 60 years later, the newly remodeled Harbor Springs marina and boat shop is one of three thriving locations, offering a full-service marina, new and used boat sales, a chandlery, dockage, storage and complete service for everything from paint and varnish repair to sailboat rigging and engine repair. “Irish Boat Shop is all about having fun with boats. We want our customers out on the water, spending time with friends and family on this beautiful harbor,” explains Michael Esposito, president of Irish Boat Shop. “People of all ages use our docks. Some of our customers grew up working here; now they are back with their own boats, introducing their kids and
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
grandkids to the sport. We do everything we can to make this a fun and friendly operation.” Following the ups and downs of the pandemic years, Esposito says Irish Boat Shop is excited to return to more normal operations this year, and welcomes the public to the newly remodeled waterfront building and sailing campus, completed in June 2021. The new facility includes a private boater’s lounge with showers and laundry, and the sailing campus on the west side of the property is open to the public. With customer input, the marina and boat shop have made a number of adjustments to provide an even better service experience, while providing a regular summer staff to continue doing what they do best: “Helping people play with their boats.” “We feel privileged to occupy this extraordinary place on the shores of the Little Traverse Bay, and cherish the opportunity to share it with you,” invites Esposito. H
LAKESHORE LIFE BY ABBY THORPE
ADDRESS 9999 Lakeshore Dr., West Olive, MI 49460 SPECS Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4 Square Footage: 3,122 Acreage: 4 Shoreline: 154 feet Price: $1,850,000 CONTACT Andrea Crossman Andrea Crossman Collection, Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt 616-312-2237 ANDREACROSSMAN.COM
52
J U N E 2022
|
West Olive, MI
Mid century charm with panoramic Lake Michigan views.
A
winding, tree-lined drive leads to this charming, mid century, Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired home built in 1963 and boasting epic lake views, four wooded acres and loads of natural light. Amid the lush, beautiful landscaping, stairs lead down to 154 feet of private Lake Michigan beach frontage. Inside the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, expansive windows deliver natural light to the open, airy living area as well as the bedrooms. The use of glass, stone and natural materials effortlessly blends the outdoors with the indoors. “It seems like there’s a resurgence of the mid century modern or Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home, and that’s what’s drawn a lot of people to [this home],” explains Realtor Andrea Crossman. “The other stand-out is the location is extremely popular; it’s actually located between Holland and Grand Haven, which is a corridor of great sandy beach.”
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
This idyllic lakefront retreat features beautiful lake vistas and sunsets from inside the home as well as from the charming viewing deck overlooking Lake Michigan. The basement has a bonus room and full bath, offering plenty of space for family and friends, and a detached double garage provides a parking spot for your vehicles and water toys. Grand Haven and Holland are just a short drive away, offering a channel, pier and various marinas from which to access Lake Michigan. Pigeon Lake is an even shorter drive away. Perfect as a family vacation retreat, a full-time or a seasonal home, this property can serve as a short-term rental, easily renting for $1,000 per night in high season, making it ideal for owners looking for passive income when not using the property. A charming retreat in a desirable location, this unique home is the perfect waterfront getaway for enjoying a Pure Michigan summer on the lake. H
MAR I N E MAR K ET PL AC E
ONEKAMA MARINE, INC.
LAKE MICHIGAN YACHT SALES
Onekama, MI • (231) 889-5000 www.onekamamarine.com
Bay Harbor, MI • (231) 439-2675 www.lakemichiganyachtsales.com
Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum ON ORDER!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
Four Winns HD3
Come see us at the B Harbor In-Way Boat Showater Father’s Da , y weekend, June 17-19
Wellcraft 262 Fisherman
NEW & IN STOCK
ON ORDER
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
J U N E 2022
53
CHECK OUT OUR NEW MARINA IN STURGEON BAY! OPENING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! 44.826N 87.276W
YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION! JUNE 17-19, 2022 Food/Refreshments • Live Music • Boat Show • Factory Reps on Site n Summer 2022: Space still available for seasonal and transient boaters n Dockage available for 35’ to over 100’ n Boaters Lounge n Bathrooms n Laundry n Private Boat Launch n Saltwater swimming pool n Nearby Yacht Club and Restaurants n Grilling and Social Areas n Fuel Dock & Lift Well n Ultra High-speed Wifi
WWW.BAYMARINE.NET • SALES@BAYMARINE.NET
* Not all brands sold at all locations
NEW & USED INVENTORY 97 66 66 64 58 54 54 53 50 45 45 44 43 42 40 39 38 38 37 37 37
2001 2022 2021 1984 2011 2018 2022 1979 2022 2022 1995 1999 2015 2014 1996 2010 2009 2010 2016 2006 1998
Broward Motor Yacht................$1,925,000 Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge ................... call MCY 66........................................................... call Skipperliner .....................................$699,000 Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht.............$875,000 Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht......... $1,575,000 Riviera Belize 54 Daybridge ................... call Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman.....$180,000 Riviera 505 SUV .......................................... call Sabre 45 Salon Express ........................... call Bayliner 4587 Motoryacht...........$109,000 Baja 442.............................................$115,000 Custom Houseboat ......................... $49,000 Viking 42 Sport Coupe.................$799,000 Tiara Yachts 4000 Express ..........$200,000 Sea Ray 390 Sundancer...............$319,999 Fountain Sportfish CC...................$234,000 Regal 3760 SportYacht.................$219,999 Formula 37 Cruiser........................$359,000 Cruisers Yachts 370 Express.......$149,000 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer...............$104,999
36 35 34 34 34 33 33 33 32 32 32 31 31 30 26 26 26 26 25 24 24
2001 2011 2016 2006 2001 1991 2006 2014 1995 2002 2014 2001 1989 2005 2021 2022 2022 2014 2006 2021 2022
Carver 350 Mariner.......................... $84,900 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer...............$215,500 Back Cove 34...................................$475,000 Silverton 34 Convertible..............$165,000 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer................. $90,000 Tiara 3300 Open............................... $64,900 Formula Sun Sport.........................$130,000 Cobalt 336 ........................................$154,900 Wellcraft Martinique 3200............ $34,999 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer................. $84,999 Chris Craft 32 Corsair....................$249,900 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer................. $49,900 Sea Ray 300 Sundancer..................$24,500 Pursuit 3070 Offshore .................... $89,999 EdgeWater 262CC..........................$239,000 Crevalle 26 HBW ........................................ call Crevalle 26 HCO ......................................... call Pursuit 260CC..................................$144,999 Pursuit 2570 Offshore .................... $49,950 Boston Whaler 2t40 Vantage.....$184,000 Qwest 824 LTZ............................................. call
24 24 23 22 21 21 21 20 20 20 19 18 17 16 13 13 12 11 11 10 8
2022 2022 2022 2022 2002 2004 2003 2009 2012 2004 2006 2022 1998 2022 2021 2021 2022 2022 2019 2022 2017
EdgeWater 245CC...................................... call Crevalle 24 HCO ......................................... call EdgeWater 230CC ...................................... call Qwest 822 Lanai ........................................ call Monterey Explorer Sport ................$10,500 Boston Whaler 210 Outrage ........ $45,000 Nautique Super Air 210................. $40,000 Starcraft Aurora 2000 I/O ............. $35,000 Regal 2000 Bowrider...................... $30,000 Ebbtide 200.........................................$24,500 Triton 195CC........................................$33,950 Qwest 818 XRE............................................ call Cape Horn 17CC................................$29,950 Qwest Edge 816 CTR................................ call Boston Whaler 130SS..................... $23,999 Novurania 400 DL.............................$48,247 AB Inflatables Mares 12 VSX.................. call AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX.................. call Zar Mini 11 HDL.................................$10,500 AB Inflatables Mares 10 VSX.................. call 2017 Gala F270.................................... $4,200
NEW! 33 Crevalle
2014 42 Viking Sport Coupe
NEW! 54 Belize
2018 Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht
2011 Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht
NEW! 66 Belize
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF BOATS AVAILABLE, VISIT WWW.BAYMARINE.NET DOOR COUNTY YACHTING CENTER STURGEON BAY, WI 920-743-6526
CHICAGO YACHTING CENTER WAUKEGAN, IL 847-336-2628
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FORT MYERS, FL 239-295-4332
ALL BOATS IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE NOW! IMMEDIATE DELIVERY!
JUST ARRIVED!
IN STOCK! REGAL 42 GRANDE COUPE
Regal 38 Grande Coupe
Regal 36 LS Bowrider
Regal 36 Grande Coupe
Regal 38 SAV
Regal LS6
630-739-2272 CALL FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING | SCHEDULE A FACETIME WALK-THROUGH | STOP IN ANY TIME!
SEE US AT THE CHICAGO YACHT CLUB TECH SHOW JUNE 3-4
ONCE GONE, NOTHING UNTIL 2023 SEASON!
Cobia 201 CC
Cobia 220 CC
Cobia 220 DC
Cobia 240 CC
Cobia 240 DC (2 available)
Cobia 262 CC
Cobia 280 CC
Cobia 301 CC
Cobia 320 CC
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
F I V E L O C AT I O N S
BENETE AU P O W E R BO ATS AVAILABLE SPRING!
BLUE: C100 M70
AVAILABLE NOW!
2022 ANTARES 11
2022 ANTARES 9
BENETEAU
AVAILABLE NOW!
AVAILABLE NOW!
2021 GRAN TURISMO 36
2022 FLYER 8 SPACEDECK
CHRIS-CRAFT BOATS
AVAILABLE NOW!
AVAILABLE SPRING!
2022 FLYER 9 SUNDECK
2022 CALYPSO 24
AVAILABLE JUNE!
AVAILABLE SPRING!
2022 LAUNCH 25 GT
2022 LAUNCH 35 GT
PURSUIT AVAILABLE SPRING!
AVAILABLE FALL!
2022 DC 246
2022 DC 326
MONTEREY BOATS
NAUTICSTAR
2022 28 XS
2022 278 SS
2022 298 SS
2022 378 SS
BROK E R AG E
2002 GRAND ALASKAN 64 $749,999
1988 VANTARE 58 MY $224,500
1985 MAIORA 55 $139,000
1990 HATTERAS 48 $225,000
1989 MARINE TRADER 47 MY $124,500
2017 BENETEAU GT 46 $660,000
1992 OCEAN ALEXANDER 46 $229,900
2009 SABRE 386 $179,000
2021 REGAL 38 GRANDE COUPE $650,000
1999 CARVER 370 VOYAGER $89,995
2008 SEA RAY 330 $149,999
2014 CRUISERS 310 EXPRESS $120,000
STURGEON BAY: South First Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI, (920) 746-1912 • Martin Kelsey: (920) 559-0366, Martin@centerpointesales.com • Terry Godres: (920) 559-0730, Terry@centerpointesales.com • Tony Peot: (920) 493-4747, Tony@centerpointesales.com • MILWAUKEE: 700 S. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, (888) 992-2487 • PJ Tamer: (262) 424-9627, Pj@centerpointesales.com • KENOSHA: 21-56th Street, Kenosha, WI, (888) 992-2487 • Mike Montilino: (612) 419-3772, Mike@centerpointesales.com
WWW.CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM OR CALL (888) 9-YACHTS
WELDCRAFT 20 ANGLER XT
RANGER TUGS R-43 COMMAND BRIDGE
NORTHCOAST 235 CABIN
ZODIAC OPEN 6.5
ZODIAC OPEN 4.2
NORTHCOAST 230 CC DV MAG BAY 42 HARDTOP EXPRESS
WELDCRAFT 202 REBEL HARDTOP
BROKERAGE BOATS 22’ 23’ 26’ 29’ 32’ 32’
1999 1999 2003 2006 1985 2011
Pursuit 2270 Center Console .............................................$35,000 Bayliner 2452 Ciera...........................................................$16,900 Seaswirl Striper 2601 Walkaround I/O.................................$45,000 Wellcraft 290 Coastal ........................................................$89,000 Carver 3207 .....................................................................$30,000 Legacy 32 MKIII...............................................................$165,000
33’ 36’ 37’ 40’ 43’ 56’
1976 1984 1994 1987 2014 1983
C&C 33.............................................................................$22,000 Morgan 36........................................................................$26,900 Silverton 37 Convertible .....................................................$45,000 Hatteras 40 Motor Yacht ....................................................$84,900 Tiara Yachts 4300 Open...................................................$674,900 Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht sale pending ................................$299,900
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
MAR I N E MAR K E T PL AC E
ENJOY YOUR OWN CLASSIC CRAFT
TR IDENT
FUNDING
BOAT LOANS Specialis t s in Marine Financ e
SERVING BOAT BUYERS NATIONWIDE
•
• Purchase • Refinance
Pre-Approval • Low Rates KRISTY DEBOER
57’ 1967 CHRIS CRAFT CONSTELLATION
kdeboer@tridentfunding.com
CALL (231) 933-5414
630-400-0615 WWW.TRIDENTFUNDING.COM
Twin 8-71 Detroit Diesels. New Generator, Custom Wet Bar, New Galley. Very Good Condition $119,000.
ADDED SAFETY AT THE DOCK & ON THE WATER
GREAT GIFTS!
BOARDING POLE
Extra assistance boarding the boat. $100
CALL JIM STEFANO
Wave that flag. $80
NAUTICAL CROSS
Quickly tie-off fenders and tenders. $100
| WWW.NAUTICALCROSS.COM
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
419-341-0432
BURGEE HOLDER
Dinghy Davit
Proudly Made in an! Michig
hurleymarine.com / (906) 553-6249
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
DEALER/BROKERAGE ADVERTISING CONTACT: PATTI MCCLEERY TELEPHONE: 312-276-0610 x.21 PMCCLEERY@LAKELANDBOATING.COM
66
J U N E 2022
|
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
2021 WELDCRAFT 20 ANGLER XT New! Super-comfy seating for six people, reverse chine, extruded gunwale, welded downrigger brackets and convertible top with side curtains are all standard. Hydraulic Steering and Sport Interior Package are just a few of the options included! Call for details. Asking $58,945. Call Matt @ 734-735-1948. RYS
1999 PURSUIT 2270 CENTER CONSOLE Fresh Water only! Yamaha 225hp 2-stroke outboard with 918 original hours, Newer Canvas covers, T-Top and Bow Dodger in Green Sunbrella. Aluminum Trailer included. Asking $35,000. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS
2019 TIARA 38LS Triple 350 Yamaha, 200 hours, Helm Master and Seakeeper. Great condition. $629,000. Contact doubledproperties01@gmail.com. MAY22
SOLD!
Contact us by MAY 16 to get into our July, August, September and October 2022
2006 WELLCRAFT 290 Outstanding opportunity to own a highly desirable Wellcraft 290 Coastal Hardtop Walk Around. Full cabin with enclosed head, full marine electronics and twin Evinrude 250 hp outboards. Asking $89,000. Call Mark for all the details @ 414-651-3100. RYS
2008 SEA RAY 330 Fully loaded, clean, freshwater, two-owner boat since new. Camperback Bimini top redone only one year ago. Big block 496 engines, Axius joystick with Skyhook, generator, full teak flooring and electric cockpit grill. $149,999. Contact PJ Tamer at 262-4249627 or pj@centerpointesales.com. CNT
2017 BENETEAU GRAN TURISMO 46 Redesigned main deck and cockpit, which includes two large electrically reclining seats. Offers the handling ease of Beneteau’s previous smaller model, while making use of many of the details found in her 49' big sister. Contact Terry Godres at 920-5590730 or terry@centerpointesales.com. CNT
1999 HATTERAS 48 SPORTFISH This Sportfish commands attention. She has been pampered in the Great Lakes for many years and shows extremely well. Her interior has been completely redone as well as recent replacement of the side view windows. $225,000. Contact Martin Kelsey at 920-559-0366 or martin@centerpointe sales.com. CNT
OUR DEALERS ARE RUNNING OUT OF PREOWNED BOATS!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
2003 SEASWIRL STRIPER 2601 WALKAROUND I/O Hardtop and enclosure added, plus fishing downriggers, Inverter, AC, GPS/Chartplotter, Auto Pilot, Fish Finder, VHF, Volvo 5.7L I/O with 745 hours. 2002 Load-Rite roller trailer. Currently in paid heated indoor storage. Available to show by appointment only. Anglers get it now and be ready for spring action! Asking $45,000. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS
C L AS S I F I E D S
SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!
Advertise your boat, slip or property with us!
SEE WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR YOURS!
Thinking about that dream boat? Need cash in these crazy times? NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL! List your boat with one of the many Great Lakes dealers found in the pages of our magazine. Or sell it yourself: Contact cbauhs@ lakelandboating . com to place a classified ad with Lakeland in print and online!
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
|
JUNE 2022
67
CLASSIC CRAFT
Hotsy Totsy
PHOTOS BY TOM MANN
1972 Chris-Craft 23' Lancer Custom
ADD YOUR BOAT! Email KBUSH@
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
if you have a Classic Craft with a great story to share!
68
J U N E 2022
|
Hotsy Totsy started out as a 1972 Chris-Craft 23-foot Lancer with a straight inboard. The rebuild began by removing the deck and entire interior, and by cutting down the sheerline. What remained was a hollowed-out fiberglass hull. My design for Hotsy Totsy evolved by integrating the cockpit layout from a 1940s John Hacker utility and the deck and color scheme from a Chris-Craft 19-foot red and white racing runabout. The actual build took three and a half years. The whole new deck and interior was built out of mahogany with every piece custom cut and fitted. All painted surfaces were covered with Awlgrip paint, and 15 coats of Pettit varnish were applied to all brightwork surfaces. Hotsy Totsy was finished in time for the 2018 Algonac Antique and Classic Boat Show. I am grateful for the many ACBS Michigan Chapter members who helped in the build process over time. To be sure, this finished boat would not have been possible without them! — Patrick and Sheila Chaps, St. Clair, MI
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
ADVERTISE IN
CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION
