June 2022

Features

Boat Test: Riviera 46-Foot Showdown

Big enough to pack in a lot of accommodations but still easily handled by a couple, Riviera’s offerings of three new 46-foot cruisers are sure to be popular.

Boat Test: Summit 54 A stylish coastal cruiser from the builders of Kadey Krogen.

Houseboating: Where the Twain Does Meet Timelessness

comfort meld when you rent a houseboat on a wildlife-rich stretch of the Upper Mississippi.

Port of Call: Grand Marais, MI

Quirky Grand Marais: Nestled on a Lake Superior natural harbor of refuge, petite Grand Marais is known as the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but the scenic spot in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a destination in its own right.

Pictured on the cover are the Riviera 46 Sports Motor Yacht (top) and 4600 Sport Yacht (bottom), two of the three boats that we compare and contrast in this month’s Boat Test. Even though they are all the same length and have similar sounding names, they each boast distinct benefits and cater to different types of boating. So take a look and see which Riviera 46 works best for you and your family!

That First Blissful Cruise

We’re doing something a bit different in this issue, which you’ll quickly notice from our cover photograph. Rather than a standard Boat Test where we sea trial one boat and offer its pros and cons, we had contributor Arnie Hammerman climb aboard not one, not two, but three new 46-foot Rivieras to compare and contrast the yachts (p. 32). While the LOA is about the same on the 465 SUV, 4600 Sport Yacht and 46 Sports Motor Yacht, the layouts and function of each yacht varies. Take a read to decide which 46-footer you would choose!

We have finally made it to warmer weather and you’ve hopefully already had that first blissful cruise of the season. One port you will want to add to your cruising schedule is Grand Marais, Michigan (p. 44). This Upper Peninsula haven — most commonly known for its propinquity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — offers visitors access to stunning landscapes and waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, relaxing beaches and a packed summer events calender. Whether you enjoy water sports, spending time in nature or unwinding in a charming small town, there’s something here for everyone.

For an adventure further afield, contributor Kim Schneider takes us along on her Mississippi River houseboat adventure, exploring a slice of the river “Mark Twain-style with a decidedly modern twist” (p. 40). See what she gets up to aboard this 60-foot-long floating house.

See you on the water!

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

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

AREAS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE

CONTRIBUTORS

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.

Waukegan Harbor & Marina p. 52

Grand Marais, MI p. 44

Spring Lake, MI p. 50

KIM SCHNEIDER

Kim writes — and sails — from her home base in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The awardwinning author of “100 Things to do in Traverse City Before You Die” and contributor to multiple magazines, newspapers and websites is considered an expert on Midwestern travel and finds herself most at home on or near the water.

READ HER STORY ON P. 40

READ HIS STORIES ON P. 32 AND P. 36 HHH HHH

KATH USITALO

Bi-peninsular Kath grew up in Detroit and now enjoys life on Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula, where she writes about her home state, including three books about things to see and do in the U.P.

READ HER STORY ON P. 44

THE LUXURY OF SPACE

3 STATEROOMS WITH FULL-BEAM MASTER

RIVIERA 4600 SPORT YACHT

An advanced hull design and leading-edge boat building methods have given Riviera’s 4600 Sport Yacht many impressive features you’d expect on a much larger yacht. A contemporary new profile creates more volume offering a spacious cockpit, luxurious saloon and generous three stateroom accommodation deck boasting a full-beam master suite. An improved power-to-weight ratio means greater fuel efficiency reflecting Riviera’s legendary blue water performance. And being a Platinum Edition, the 4600 Sport Yacht comes with superior appointments and amenity; greater luxury, gleaming colour palettes and aesthetics guaranteed to stand out in any company. Discover more at RivieraAustralia.com

CANINE CREW

MARGOT

Margot loves to perch at the bow of my parent’s Chaparral while cruising the channel out to Lake Michigan.

—Editor Kate Bush

CALLING ALL CANINE (& FELINE) CREW!

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

Correction

In the May issue of Lakeland Boating, our Classic Craft feature (on p. 64) showed the incorrect boat in the inset photo. We regret the error. Pictured here is the correct Mister T III 1970 Streblow Sport Utility 23 mentioned in the feature.

PUBLISHER

Linda O’Meara

PUBLISHER IN MEMORIUM

Walter “Bing” O’Meara

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editorial Director: Kate Bush

Assistant Editor: Abby Thorpe

CREATIVE STAFF

Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs

CONTRIBUTORS

Helen Aitken, Arnie Hammerman, Glenn Hayes, Bryan Huntley, Ken Kreisler, Capt. Frank Lanier, Kim Schneider, Heather Steinberger, Kath Usitalo

BUSINESS STAFF

National Sales: Mark Conway

Regional Sales: Patti McCleery

Accounting: Diane Fairchild

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE

1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 / Fax: 312-276-0619

INFO@LAKELANDBOATING.COM

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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

President: Linda O’Meara

Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh

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 and Nantucket red. One size. $24.95 + S&H. To order, visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/STORE.

Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2023, 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.

MAY 31 – JUNE 4

Aldo Leopold Festival Hessel, MI ALDOLEOPOLDFESTIVAL.COM

JUNE 1 – 4

Blue Mountain Film Festival Blue Mountains, ON BLUEMTNFILMFEST.CA

JUNE 2 – 4

Grosse Ile Islandfest Grosse Ile Township, MI GROSSEILEISLANDFEST.COM

Northern Landscapes Festival Grand Marais, MN NORTHHOUSE.ORG

JUNE 3 1000 Islands Family Free Day Clayton, NY ABM.ORG

Empire Asparagus Festival Empire, MI EMPIRECHAMBER.COM

Sandusky Solo Shakedown Sandusky, OH SOLOSAILORS.ORG

St. Clair Beer & Wine Fest St. Clair, MI STCLAIRBEERANDWINEFEST.COM

Sturgeon Festival Port Huron, MI STURGEONFESTIVAL.COM

Taste of The 1000 Islands Festival Alexandria Bay, NY SWANBAYRESORT.COM

JUNE 3 – 4

Carp Fest & the Wisconsin Carp Championship Two Rivers, WI EXPLORETWORIVERS.COM

JUNE 3 – 9

Great International Steamboat Flotilla Clayton, NY ABM.ORG

JUNE 9 – 10

Taste of Muskegon Muskegon, MI TASTEOFMUSKEGON.ORG

JUNE 9 – 11

Door County Spring

Lighthouse Festival

Door County, WI DCMM.ORG

Founder’s Day Weekend Put-in-Bay, OH VISITPUTINBAY.ORG

South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous South Bass Island, OH SBIKAYAKRENDEZVOUS.COM

Spring Boat, Cottage and Green Technology Show Orillia, ON ORILLIA.COM

The Great NY State Food & Wine Festival Clayton, NY 1000ISLANDS-CLAYTON.COM

Toledo Yacht Club Mills Cup Toledo, OH to Put-in-Bay, OH VISITPUTINBAY.ORG

Trout Tournament 1 Charlevoix, MI FISHCHARLEVOIX.COM

JUNE 9 – 18

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival 2 Mackinac Island, MI MACKINACISLAND.ORG

JUNE 10

Lakefront Market Huron, OH HURONLAKEFRONTMARKET.COM

Leland Wine & Food Festival 3 Leland, MI LELANDMI.COM

Spring Lake Wooden & Classic Boat Show Spring Lake, MI FACEBOOK.COM/ SLWOODENBOATSHOW

JUNE 10 – 11

Pictured Rocks Days Munising, MI ALGERCOUNTYCHAMBER.COM

Torch Lake Whitefish Fest Alden, MI DANIELLESBLUERIBBONEVENTS.COM

JUNE 10 – 16

Spring Lake Heritage Festival Spring Lake, MI SLHERITAGEFESTIVAL.COM

JUNE 11

HFM Maritime Marathon Manitowoc, WI MARITIMEMARATHON.ORG

JUNE 13 – 17

North by Northeast (NXNE) Toronto, ON NXNE.COM

JUNE 15 – 18

Sound of Music Festival Hamilton, ON SOUNDOFMUSIC.CA

Splash-In on the Bay Grand Marais, MI GRANDMARAISMICHIGAN.COM

JUNE 16

Three Rivers Water Fest Three River, MI TRCHAMBER.COM

JUNE 16 – 17 Harborfest South Haven, MI SOUTHHAVEN.ORG/HARBORFEST-2023

Minocqua Antique & 4 Classic Boat Show Minocqua, WI GLACBS.ORG

Presque Isle Harbor Wooden Boat Show Presque Isle, MI PRESQUEISLEHARBORWOODEN BOATSHOW.COM

JUNE 16 – 18

Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show Bay Harbor, MI BAYHARBOR.COM

Festival of the Fish Vermilion, OH VERMILIONCHAMBER.NET

Taste of Randolph Chicago, IL TASTERANDOLPH.COM

Wooden Boat Show 5 Grand Marais, MN NORTHHOUSE.ORG

JUNE 16 – 25

Cleveland Race Week 6 Cleveland, OH CLEVELANDRACEWEEK.COM

JUNE 17

Antique & Classic Boat Show

South Haven, MI

MICHIGANMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG

Door County Beer Festival 7 Baileys Harbor, WI

DOORCOUNTYBEERFESTIVAL.COM

Fyr Bal Festival

Ephraim, WI

EPHRAIM-DOORCOUNTY.COM

Ohio’s Island Wine Festival Put-in-Bay, OH OHIOWINES.ORG

Peninsula Century Spring Classic Bike Ride Baileys Harbor, WI PENINSULACENTURYSPRING CLASSIC.COM

JUNE 17 – 18

White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival Whitehall, MI WHITELAKE.ORG

JUNE 22 – 24, JUNE 29 –

JULY 1 & JULY 6 – 8

Summerfest 8 Milwaukee, WI SUMMERFEST.COM

JUNE 23 – 25

Grand Haven Art Festival Grand Haven, MI GRANDHAVENCHAMBER.ORG

JUNE 23 – 26

Pirate Fest Put-in-Bay, OH VISITPUTINBAY.ORG

JUNE 23 – JULY 2

TD Toronto Jazz Festival Toronto, ON TORONTOJAZZ.COM

JUNE 24

1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance Clayton, NY ABM.ORG

38th Annual Algonac Antique/ Classic Boat Show Algonac, MI MICHACBS.COM

Christmas in June Orillia, ON ORILLIA.COM

Door County Wine Festival Baileys Harbor, WI DOORCOUNTYWINEFEST.COM

Mac Solo Challenge Mackinac Island, MI SOLOSAILORS.ORG

The Schooner Alliance Pier Party Suttons Bay, MI SCHOOLSHIP.ORG

Soo Locks Engineers Day Sault Ste. Marie, MI SAULTSTEMARIE.COM

Vintage Car & Boat Festival Bay Harbor, MI BAYHARBOR.COM

JUNE 24 – 25

Lakeshore Art Festival 9 Muskegon, MI LAKESHOREARTFESTIVAL.ORG

Summer Art Show Charlevoix, MI CHARLEVOIX.ORG

JUNE 27 – 29

Blessing of the Fleet - Fleet Week Harbor Springs, MI HARBORSPRINGSHISTORY.ORG

EVENTS

38th Annual Algonac Antique & Classic Boat Show

Don’t miss the “Where it All Began” 38th Annual Algonac Antique & Classic Boat Show on June 23 – 25, held at the Algonac Harbor Club — the original Chris-Craft plant. The show will begin with a Friday cruise on the South Channel, ending with dinner at the Harbour Club Marina. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday with activities for children, free boat rides, access to the ship’s store, museum tours and an awards ceremony. Take the free shuttle to visit the Algonac Clay Township Maritime Museum, which features exhibits on Chris-Craft, Gar Wood and other local builders. The show ends on Sunday with a cruise to the 150-year-old St. Clair Flats Hunting Fishing and Shooting Club.

To register for the Friday and Sunday activities, visit MICHACBS.COM.

SCUTTLE

The brand-new Maritimo Yacht

M75 Flybridge

Motor Yacht and S75 Sedan Motor

Yacht made their global debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May. The M75 and S75 are the largest motoryachts ever designed and built by Maritimo.

Three men from Northern Michigan are ready to complete their goal of crossing all five Great Lakes on a stand-up paddleboard, with their Lake Ontario voyage scheduled for June 7-14. Over the last eight years, Jeff Guy, Kwin Morris and Joe Lorenz have crossed Lakes Michigan (in 2015), Huron (2017), Superior (2018) and Erie (2019).

The crossings started as a challenge but have since morphed into the trio launching their own nonprofit — Stand Up for Great Lakes — and raising tens of thousands of dollars for nonprofits helping the Great Lakes. The money raised from this year’s crossing is going to Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research to support

its work protecting Lake Ontario from coastal flooding and water level issues. In the past, the trio has raised $10,000 for the Alliance for the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan), $7,000 for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Lake Huron), $15,000 for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Lake Superior), and $16,000 for the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (Lake Erie).

The 65-mile round-trip Lake Ontario journey is estimated to take 24 hours to complete. The trio will depart from Toronto, paddle across to Niagara-on-the-Lake/Fort Niagara in New York, and then return to Toronto.

For more info, visit STANDUPFORGREATLAKES.COM.

GREAT LAKES NEWS BOATS MUST-HAVE BUZZ EVENTS BUSINESS

Three Michiganders to SUP Across 5th and Final Great Lake

Sail Place Named True North Yachts Authorized Dealer

True North Yachts has named Sail Place, Inc. as an authorized dealer in the Great Lakes region. With locations in Muskegon, Michigan, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, Sail Place is an authorized Beneteau dealer and the longest running Catalina Yachts dealer in the U.S.

“We are excited to be one of the first dealers to represent True North Yachts, and to add a complementary powerboat line to our sailing brands,” says Sail Place’s Dave Fulbright. “As Catalina’s longest running dealer, we know that the quality and craftsmanship customers have come to expect in a Catalina sailboat will be replicated in each True North Yacht built.”

True North enters the growing market segment of Downeast-style powerboats with traditional style, great performance and Catalina craftsmanship.

“We are excited to work with Sail Place as we introduce True North Yachts to the Great Lakes region,” adds Sharon Day, president of Catalina and True North Yachts.

To learn more, visit SAILPLACE.COM.

“Voices of the Vessel” Podcast Dives Into History of SS Badger Ferry

To celebrate 70 years since its maiden voyage, the SS Badger carferry has released a brand-new podcast entitled “Voices of the Vessel,” in partnership with Pure Ludington and Visit Manitowoc. The weekly podcast highlights the people and voices from over the years who have made the Badger — the last remaining coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the U.S. — what she is today. These stories include the daughter of the ship’s first captain; the president and CEO of Interlake Maritime Services (the parent company of the Lake Michigan Carferry); as well as the director of tourism for Visit Manitowoc.

“Everyone seems to have a story about the Badger,” Shelby Soberalsk, the ship’s director of sales and marketing, told Shoreline Media. “Whether those stories pull at your heartstrings, or whether they are funny or sad stories. I love hearing them, in fact I can’t get enough of them… It’s the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on what we are doing but also what the future holds. We all know that the Badger has a storied history to her, but she also has a bright future.”

To learn more, visit SSBADGER.COM. To listen to the podcast, visit VOICESOFTHEVESSEL.BUZZSPROUT.COM.

Sign Up For Chicago’s New On-Water Powerboat Class

The Coast Guard Foundation announced that Crystal Sabol recently joined the Foundation’s fundraising team as regional director for the Great Lakes. Learn more at COASTGUARD FOUNDATION.ORG.

Lake Superior’s Largest Private Island Will Soon be Protected

Batchewana Island, Lake Superior’s largest privately owned island is on the verge of being protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), who has recently reached a purchase agreement with the current owners and is raising funds to finalize the sale. Boasting nearly 17 miles of pristine shoreline, Batchewana Island is home to intact old-growth forests, undisturbed wetlands and important species, including gray wolf, black bear, moose and more than 30 provincially significant bird species. Many fish, including endangered lake sturgeon, spawn in the shallows offshore. Once under its ownership, NCC will protect the island from future development.

“This is our best and possibly last chance to see this incredible island protected for the future,” says — Kaitlin Richardson, NCC program director. “The impact of conserving Lake Superior’s largest privately owned island cannot be understated. The communities of plants and animals that rely on Batchewana Island are unique and precious. I can’t wait for the day when we can say they get to stay that way forever.”

Visit NATURECONSERVANCY.CA/BATCHEWANA for more information.

Chicago boaters, start the season with a refresher course!

A new partnership between Boat Safe Chicago, Carefree Boat Club, and the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is launching a series of three-hour courses for beginner and experienced boat operators at the 31st Street Boat Harbor in Chicago. Courses are offered aboard 19- to 26-foot single-engine powerboats.

“You’ll get real hands-on experience, helping you learn how to safely maneuver a boat and build confidence,” says Alan Dennison, program supervisor for BoatUS Foundation. “These courses are great for those who just bought a boat, as well as anyone seeking to increase their boat handling skills.”

Class size is limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain certified to teach the National Safe Boating Council modular curriculum. All courses depart from Carefree Boat Club Chicago at 31st Street Harbor.

Sign-up at BOATUS.ORG/CHICAGO.

BUZZ

ISLAND PHOTO BY GARY MCGUFFIN; BOATUS PHOTO BY JON MEYER

Skipperi and Starcraft Expand Fleet on Lake Ontario

Ontario boaters in Hamilton, Pickering and Port Dalhousie will have a new boat rental option this summer. Skipperi, a Finland-based startup, announced it will launch new locations in these Ontario towns, in addition to its existing Toronto location, just in time for the new boating season. Rather than signing up for an annual subscription, Great Lakes boaters can enjoy a subscription from May-October, offering users access to a new, fully equipped, smart fleet of motorboats without the hassle of ownership. Skipperi has partnered with Starcraft Marine to provide users with more than 40 new fully equipped Starcraft SVX 171, 190, 191, 210 and 231 boats with Yamaha outboard engines. To use the platform, boaters purchase a seasonal membership, which starts at $475 per month (early bird pricing), and offers unlimited weekday access at all the Ontario harbors. You can also add on the Weekends package for $280 per month. On top of that, users only have to pay for fuel.

For more information, visit SKIPPERI.CA.

GLSHS Finds Two of Three Lost Vessels That Sank in 1914

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS), in partnership with Marine Sonic Technology, has announced the discovery of two vessels that sank in Lake Superior in 1914.

On November 18th, 1914, the Steamship C.F. Curtis was towing the schooner barges Selden E. Marvin and Annie M. Peterson from Baraga, Michigan, to Tonawanda, New York. The three ships got stuck in a storm and were never seen again. All 28 passengers aboard the three ships lost their lives that day.

In 2021, GLSHS located the Curtis, but was unable to find Marvin and Peterson. After a lot of searching, the shipwreck society located the Marvin in the summer of 2022.

“The combined losses of the C.F. Curtis, Selden E. Marvin and Annie M. Peterson have comprised one of the more tragic stories of shipwreck on the Great Lakes and certainly became one of Lake Superior’s enduring mysteries,” says GLSHS Executive Director Bruce Lynn. “To locate the Curtis and Marvin in a space of two years has been amazing. Now we just have to find the Peterson!”

Visit SHIPWRECKMUSEUM.COM.

Pearl Seas Cruises’ Pearl Mist Undergoes Complete Interior Redesign

In anticipation of the 2023 cruise season, Pearl Seas Cruises announced a major interior redesign of the Pearl Mist, a 210-passenger cruise boat that is the only fully stabilized all-balcony small ship cruising the Great Lakes. Pearl Seas, which has been offering personalized cruises in the Great Lakes, New England and Canada since 2014, has commissioned Miami-based Studio DADO with the redesign, which was revealed to guests on the first cruise of the season on May 6, departing from Portland, Maine.

The redesign features a fresh color palette, new luxurious textiles and linens, new furniture and carpets, with every space reimagined to highlight local historical, cultural and geographic influences of the regions Pearl Mist sails.

Pearl Seas Cruises’ Great Lakes season opened on May 28 with the Line’s 11-Night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay itinerary, followed by the shorter 7-Night Great Lakes itinerary departing June 8. Both Great Lakes itineraries operate all summer through the end of August.

To learn more, visit PEARLSEASCRUISES.COM.

GREAT LAKES NEWS

Modern Prefab Boathouse Designed for the Muskoka Region

Residential architecture firm Turkel Design has launched a modern take on boathouses with its Muskoka Cottage Boathouse.

The lake-filled Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada, has a long tradition as a summer retreat. The Muskoka Cottage Boathouse was designed as a recreational outbuilding for the modern summer cottage.

Turkel Design devised a prefab package that shelters equipment from the elements, but also includes a roof deck and an entertainment extension accessible through large sliding doors. The regionally appropriate Douglas fir wood that comprises the boathouse acquires a natural silver patina over time, allowing it to evolve with its environment. For more information, visit TURKELDESIGN.COM.

Two Wisconsin Shipwrecks Added to Register of Historic Places

Two shipwrecks discovered in the waters off Wisconsin — Advance and Emeline — have recently been added to the state’s Register of Historic Places.

Built in Milwaukee in 1853, schooner Advance shipped lumber and grain throughout the Great Lakes. In September of 1885, the vessel capsized southeast of Sheboygan. The ship sank within 200 feet of shore, with five lives lost. Today, the vessel sits upright and broken on the lake bottom with most of its hull components extant with artifacts located within the hull, including the vessel’s centerboard, windlass, bowsprit and jibboom. The Advance shipwreck provides historians and archaeologists the chance to study early schooner construction.

The remains of the wooden double centerboard schooner Emeline lie in about 18 feet of water near Baileys Harbor. Built in 1862, the ship spent most of its career carrying lumber throughout the Great Lakes region. In 1896, Emeline capsized after being caught in a squall.

For more info, visit WISCONSINHISTORY.ORG.

&

Rave Sports Big Easy Tube

Whether you’re on a thrilling ride behind the boat, or want to relax with some friends on the water, The Rave Sports Big Easy towable is your ticket for fun. Designed for up to four riders, the inflatable tube features two unique couch-style seats that face each other. When it’s time to relax, tie the tube to your boat, add a standard cooler to the tube’s center console and place your cold drinks in the four cup holders. Constructed with a heavyduty nylon UV-stabilized cover, reinforced seams and a durable 28-gauge PVC air bladder, and featuring neoprene seat pads and eight foam-filled handles. $799.99 AT RAVESPORTS.COM

GREAT GEAR

4Ocean Beach Chair

The 4Ocean Beach Chair is a stylish and sustainable beach accessory made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Features a rust-resistant aluminum frame and a durable, water-resistant fabric seat that offers five lounging positions. The chair also includes a cup holder, a carrying strap for easy transport, storage, a cooler for snacks and drinks, and even a towel drying rack. Best of all, each purchase of the 4Ocean Beach Chair helps fund the removal of one pound of trash from oceans and coastlines around the world. $89/ONE OR $150/FOUR AT 4OCEAN.COM

Vessi Boardwalk Slip-On Shoes

Stay dry while walking the dock or manning the deck with these slip-on shoes made with Dymatex 100% waterproof technology. Engineered with thousands of nano-sized pores that keep water out while letting sweat and heat escape. Sporting a classic silhouette, the lightweight, knit Boardwalk shoes have a grippy, non-marking outsole that provides excellent traction on wet and slippery surfaces. Made of all vegan materials. Available in four colors and in men’s and women’s sizes. $115 AT VESSI.COM

EcoStrong Marine Portable Pet Potty

Cruising for long distances with your pet? The Pet Potty is a convenient and eco-friendly solution for pet owners, allowing boaters to stay on the water longer without smelly pee pads or frequent stops. This compact system is made of recycled plastic and has a unique reusable design that allows for easy washing and waste disposal. Instead of covering the odor, the pad uses professional strength bio-enzymatic liquid (odor-eating natural microbes) to remove the smell altogether. Comes with two 24- by 36-inch pads and a 32-ounce Piddle Odor Eliminator.

$51.97 AT ECOSTRONG.COM

Stream Machine Sand-Off! Sand Wipe-Off Mitts

RovR KeepR Cooler Caddy

Level up your next day boating adventure with the KeepR Cooler Caddy. Easily pack snacks and drinks (up to four bottles of wine or spirits) in the caddy’s separate compartments, and keep everything cool with the included IceR Ice Container, which perfectly nests inside. Anchor at your favorite hotspot and head to the beach with your drinks — the Caddy can be easily transported with the pail-like carry handle. Made of leak-proof TPU and high-density foam to keep items cool and dry. Available in two colors. $149.99 AT ROVRPRODUCTS.COM

Nothing spoils a day at the beach more than carrying all that sand back with you to the boat, car or house, leaving a trail of sand wherever you go. With the SandOff! Sand Wipe-Off Mitts, leave the sand at the beach! These mitts allow you to easily sweep off any sand from your skin. The all-natural, talcum-free mitts are made of plush terry cloth that work well even on top of sunscreen and sweat. $11.99 AT WESTMARINE.COM

DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE

BY CAPT. FRANK LANIER

Water, Water Everywhere

Maintaining your vessel’s freshwater system.

If boaters were relegated to drinking only water while underway, the number of nasty, poorly maintained freshwater systems I see while surveying would drop to zero. Here’s how to transform the Hell’s broth of foul-tasting H2O that intermittently spews from your faucet into the maritime equivalent of a pure mountain stream.

Anatomy of a freshwater system

A basic pressurized system consists of a vented tank, an electric pump (typically a diaphragm model), a filter between tank and pump (to protect the pump from debris), possibly a water heater, and the various hoses, valves, faucets and connections that tie the system together.

Troubleshooting pressurized freshwater systems

Routine system inspections and maintenance is the key; it not only goes a long way towards heading off potential problems, but also ensures familiarity and faster troubleshooting when the time comes.

Barring pump troubles (which can often be traced to corroded or damaged electrical connections), most problems associated with pressurized water systems involve some form of leak. Leaks can introduce air into the system, resulting in continuous pump cycling and decreased water pressure. Here are some simple maintenance tips to keep things running smoothly.

• Inspect every connection for possible leaks. Start with the one at the tank and work your way through the entire system, checking fittings, tightening clamps and inspecting hoses for damage, sharp bends and other problem areas as you go along.

• Check the pump intake strainer for air leaks or debris.

• Check the pump mounting and electrical connections, ensuring each is tight and free of corrosion.

• Check the accumulator tank connections and mounting.

• Check the water heater for leaks.

• Check the tank vent hose for blockage (kinks, low spots that can trap water, insects, clogged screen vents, etc.). A blocked vent prevents airflow into the tank, which can drastically reduce system performance.

• Inspect the O-ring for the water tank fill cap. This seal is critical in preventing on-deck contaminants from entering the system: Sand, fuel or even sewage (if located near the deck pump-out for the sanitation system).

Passing the taste test

Other than limited use or the occasional guy who fills his water tanks with fuel (don’t laugh — it happens more than you think) bad-tasting water typically boils down to one of three causes:

1. Taking on poor quality water to begin with.

2. Chemical or plastic flavors imparted by materials used in the system.

3. The presence of algae, bacteria or other such organisms.

Questionable water is generally not a problem in urban areas, although it can be in rural or remote locations. In some cases, the water may be biologically safe, but retains some element that imparts a bad odor or aftertaste. The cure here is flushing the system thoroughly and replacing it with good water at the first opportunity. Even better, run some water into a glass and check for clarity and odor before filling up. If it smells bad, isn’t clear or has a strange taste, hold off on filling your tank until the next marina.

When dealing with bacteria or algae, the first step is opening and inspecting the tank. If it contains solids (like dirt or slime) it will have to be cleaned prior to starting any form of treatment.

After inspecting the tank, check the condition of all hoses. Good quality, reinforced portable water hoses will be opaque (rather than clear) to prevent algae growth. If old, brittle or severely fouled, the best course of action is replacement.

The next step is usually “shocking” the system, which involves flushing it with some type of critter-killing solution. Commercially available mixtures and purifying tablets are available, but bleach is cheap, widely available and works well. While the flushing process and suggested bleach to

PHOTOS BY CAPT. FRANK LANIER

Old, brittle or severely fouled water lines should be replaced. A goodquality water hose will be reinforced and opaque (rather than clear) to prevent algae growth.

Is it water or diesel? It only takes a second of uncertainty to ruin your boating day. Water inlets should be permanently and clearly marked to avoid confusion and costly mistakes.

water ratio varies depending on who you ask, I’ve used the following with good results:

1. Turn off the water heater (if so equipped) and let the water cool.

2. Fill the system, adding 1 cup of bleach for every 10 gallons of water. Dilute the bleach prior to adding: Fill the tank ¾ full, mix the bleach in a gallon jug of water (2 cups of bleach per jug), add the bleach/water solution to the tank, then continue filling. Note: As bleach can react with aluminum, those with aluminum freshwater tanks should skip the bleach altogether and use one of the commercially available treatments specifically designed for use in aluminum tanks.

DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE

BY CAPT. FRANK LANIER

Use of non-potable or “food-grade” materials (such as this garden hose) can impart unwanted flavors to your water. Missing hose clamps can introduce air into the system, resulting in excessive pump cycling and decreased water pressure.

3. Open each faucet one at a time until the bleach solution comes out (to ensure distribution throughout the entire system).

4. Let sit for 24 hours.

5. Completely drain the system. Flush the faucets for a few minutes each (using the system’s pump, not dockside pressure), after which you can remove the water tank plug to speed things up (provided your bilges are clean and free of oil, fuel, etc.).

6. Open the water heater and drain.

7. Close all valves and faucets. Reinstall drain plugs.

8. Fill and flush the entire system two times using a mixture of water and white vinegar (2 quarts of vinegar for every 10 gallons of tank capacity), letting the solution sit for 24 hours each time prior to draining and flushing.

9. Flush the system with clean freshwater until all bleach residue is gone.

10. Fill with freshwater and enjoy. ★

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

BY GLENN HAYES

AIS Explained

What is AIS and how can it keep boaters safe?

So, we have all heard the acronym AIS bantered around at some point. It may have been a feature of your new chartplotter or something mentioned on a YouTube video you watched. But what is it exactly, and why should you care?

What does AIS do?

AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is a navigation safety communication system designed to help marine traffic travel safely in busy areas by augmenting situational awareness. Combined with radar and an alert boater/mariner, it can help track vessels nearby and communicate more quickly and accurately with them, all helping to avoid collisions.

Designed to show on either a dedicated display or a chartplotter, nearby vessels transmit AIS signals with their position and other relevant information. When the screen’s cursor hovers over the image of the vessel transmitting its signals, data is displayed with information about that vessel.

AIS utilizes VHF transmissions through a dedicated transceiver to broadcast two different AIS messages. The first is a position report comprising the vessel’s location, position accuracy, course, speed and status. The second message includes data specific to the vessel, such as its name, dimensions, vessel type, destination and ETA. The transceivers broadcast and receive this information from VHF frequency transmissions within the transceiver’s range. There is also terrestrial-based AIS (T-AIS) used by port and maritime authorities, privately owned systems and satellite-based AIS (S-AIS). These satellite systems remove the limitation of the range found with other systems. You can even locate and track vessels all over the world with websites that utilize land- and satellite-based AIS transmissions, such as MARINEFINDER.COM, VESSELFINDER.COM and MARINETRAFFIC.COM.

Class B origins

AIS was first devised as a requirement for all commercial vessels over 300 gross tons and all passenger ships by the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The AIS equipment found on these vessels is known as Class A.

In 2014, the U.S. Coast Guard implemented legislation that requires most commercial vessels of

any size operating in U.S. waters to install and use a certified AIS transceiver. This legislation led to the popularity of Class B AIS, which is not only available for smaller commercial vessels but also recreational vessels that wish to broadcast their AIS information. These vessels now have a more economical way of doing so with the lower-cost Class B units.

Class B AIS units are available as standalone systems, such as those offered by Vesper and Icom, and many marine electronics manufacturers have their own units. These are designed to interface with their line of multifunction displays and can be displayed on chart and radar screens with features simplifying AIS target interpretation. Many comprise a black box or module that connects to the display and a splitter or dedicated VHF antenna for transmitting and receiving AIS signals.

A new class

There is also a third class of AIS that is the most common. It’s a receive-only AIS and can be found on many modern VHF radios. These units do not transmit any information but display AIS information and allow Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to an identified AIS vessel. Many receivers can display AIS targets nearby on their own screen or can transmit them via NMEA to a chartplotter, overlaying the information on the chart. This is a very economical way to have greater situational awareness, particularly in areas of heavy marine traffic. The downside to this class of AIS is that others are not necessarily aware of your vessel through AIS because you are not transmitting any information.

Having AIS aboard also helps in emergency situations with devices like ACR’s AISLINK MOB beacon. This device has integrated DSC and GPS. Should a crew member fall overboard, the AISLINK sends an alert message to all local vessels identifying the person in distress, and their location is shown as an AIS target on their screen. ACR recently introduced a PLB, the ResQLink AIS PLB, that also has an AIS transmitter, so the person overboard has both a satellite beacon and an AIS beacon in one small device.

No matter which form of AIS is being used, it’s a fact that they help any skipper with situational awareness and play a valuable role in safety at sea. ★

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 .

PHOTO BY GLENN HAYES

Global ship traffic on MarineTraffic.com

An AIS display on a Raymarine Axiom display.

Avoiding Boater Fatigue

Tips and tricks to recognize and prevent fatigue while on the water.

We’ve all experienced fatigue in the car driving long distances; it can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue is a documented phenomenon that appears as tiredness, impaired judgment, reduced reaction time and imbalance. It quickly affects the boat operator and passengers, contributing to many recreational boating accidents.

Regardless of age, experience or fitness level, fatigue affects us all. Stressors trigger fatigue, and as more stressors are added, fatigue becomes more pronounced. When the symptoms of fatigue appear, boaters can reduce the effects by taking the time to deal with them.

Stressors

Stressors are both natural and artificial. These include sunshine, wind, water, noise, vibration, boat movement, interactions with others, chemical ingestion and dehydration.

The eyes are affected by the sun’s rays and glare off waves or surfaces. Overexposure to sunlight causes sunburn, while wind dries out the eyes and dehydrates the skin. Even water spray can blur windshields, which strains the eyes.

Other factors include engine noise, vibrations, wave motion, people’s interactions, boat traffic and uncomfortable seating positions.

Medications and alcohol reduce reaction time, decrease coordination and produce slurred speech; when dehydrated, the blood alcohol content is higher. Even caffeine affects blood flow and respiration, yielding nervousness, inability to concentrate, headaches and dizziness.

Fatigue increases irritability, impairs physical and mental capabilities, and makes it more challenging to operate a boat safely. Fatigue can reduce concentration, observation and sensory recognition. Tiredness, stiffness and cramps also occur; dehydration can also cause these.

Fatigue is cumulative. Without intervention, it can lead to bad decision-making, mistakes or careless attitudes that jeopardize the safety and welfare of everyone onboard.

Symptoms

Although each person’s level of fatigue is different, watch for irritability, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, a change in balance and a slower reaction time.

Combat tactics

Know your own body. Be aware of fatigue symptoms and how you react to being on the water for short and long times and at different times of the day.

Dress appropriately, wear polarized sunglasses, a good hat and sunscreen (think SPF 50+).

Everyone should drink 1-3 liters of water per hour or every 20-30 minutes. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated or sugar drinks.

Take frequent breaks off the boat, from handling the boat or performing maintenance. Don’t pilot the vessel for more than two continuous hours. Stop and rest, or let someone else take over.

Allow more distance between you and other boats, and take each turn carefully. Stay on the right side of the lake and at least 200 feet away from the shoreline.

Be careful which medications you take, as some medications react negatively in the sunlight, producing skin irritation and sunburn.

Rest well before going on the boat, particularly for longer boat trips. Try to go out early to avoid strong sunshine, high heat, other boaters and docking congestion. Avoid boating during the middle or high heat of the day. Make frequent stops, take advantage of the shade, and take time to eat, rest, hydrate with water and reapply sunscreen.

When the engine runs for long periods of time, consider wearing earplugs.

Reduce the vibrations to your body by changing your operating position every 30 minutes. Alternate between standing and sitting, shifting your weight on each leg. At the helm, try using a cushion or small pillow at the small of your back.

Share physical tasks like raising and lowering anchors, throwing and handling lines, mooring, docking, hauling heavy coolers, fighting a big fish or dealing with towables. Away from the boat, maintain a regular workout routine and a balanced diet to better perform tasks with less strain.

If the operator is experiencing symptoms, the passengers likely are too, and it’s time to return to the dock before judgment is impaired.

Even if you aren’t experiencing fatigue, other boaters on the water might be, so watch out for the other guy. Safety First. ★

BY HELEN AITKEN

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. Her website is HELEN AITKENWRITER.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAFE BOATING COUNCIL

HEATHER STEINBERGER

To Catch a Fish

Pro angler Greg Yarbrough shares his journey

— and seven Great Lakes fishing hotspots.

Southern nature writer Harry Middleton once wrote, “Fishing is not an escape from life, but often a deeper immersion into it.” No one understands this better than Greg Yarbrough, whose boyhood passion transformed into both a career and a lifelong calling.

Yarbrough was born and raised in Gibraltar, Michigan, where the Detroit River spills into western Lake Erie. He says he grew up fishing with his grandparents — and he fell in love.

Going pro

When the fishing bug bit, it bit hard, and the young boy didn’t waste any time. At age 12, he bought a 13-foot utility boat for himself, and he earned his boating safety certificate the same year.

“I fished the Detroit River canals for perch, bluegill, walleye, bass and Northern pike,” he says. “I had a real passion for fishing, and I was boating through high school.”

That didn’t end when he went off to Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. The university’s location gave him easy access to places like the Manistee River, where he fished for salmon and steelhead, and Saginaw Bay and the Saginaw River, where he went after walleye.

Yarbrough’s focus at school was commercial and outdoor recreation, but as it turns out, his destiny did not lie with an Outward Bound-type program. Instead, he worked in the outdoor retail industry as a manager and traveled as often as he could to fishing destinations.

“My long-term goal was to be a pro angler,” he says. “I never thought I’d actually get to do it.”

The dream came true in 1999, when he joined

the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail. It was the largest organization on the world walleye circuit.

“They only selected five rookies per year out of 120 new applicants,” Yarbrough says. “I was one of them.”

Over the next 13 years, he also fished with the RCL (Ranger Crestliner Lund) Tour, the AIM (Anglers Insight Marketing) Pro Walleye Series, and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit and National Walleye Tour. He won the 2005 Grand National Walleye Cup, beating anglers from more than 30 states, and he was the 2008 Cabela’s Masters World Walleye Champion.

He became a pro in the recreational boating business as well. In 2006, he started working for Indiana-based SmokerCraft, a boat builder of freshwater fishing boats with roots going back to 1921.

Then, in 2015, he decided to take a break from pro angling.

“I had taken on new states to rep our SmokerCraft brands, so I was extremely busy,” he explains. “I also wanted to be involved with my kids’ activities.”

He says he always knew he’d get back into it, at some point. He is currently director of Team SmokerCraft. These pro staff anglers compete in dozens of events across North America each year.

Top seven fishing hotspots

Yarbrough considers himself lucky to be a longtime Great Lakes angler. For starters, the inland sweetwater seas offer a tremendous diversity of species. It’s also a place of incomparable beauty. When asked about his favorite Great Lakes destinations, Yarbrough doesn’t hesitate. He lists the hotspots that, in his view, have the most to offer.

1. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan: “The Soo has more freshwater species than anywhere in the world,” Yarbrough remarks. “Trout, walleye, small- and largemouth bass, pike, herring, smelt, perch, bluegill, salmon — you

Sault Ste. Marie

name it. Lake Superior is so cold and deep, and then you have the warmer coastal waters.”

2. Menominee to Gladstone, Michigan: Yarbrough is a big fan of Lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc, as well as its big brother, Big Bay de Noc, farther to the east. He also recommends a stretch of western Green Bay coastline from Menominee in the south to Escanaba in the north.

3. Door County, Wisconsin: “Oh my gosh, it’s just beautiful,” Yarbrough says. “And Green Bay is phenomenal for fishing, from Sturgeon Bay to Oconto. It’s full of walleye, musky and smallmouth bass.”

These target-rich waters are also known for perch, trout, salmon and whitefish.

4. Manistee to Ludington, Michigan: Along a roughly 30-mile stretch of coastline from Ludington north to Manistee, you’ll find Ludington State Park Beach. You’ll also be in the same beloved Lake Michigan waters where a young college-age Yarbrough chased his angling dreams years ago.

5. Rogers City to Alpena to Au Gres, Michigan: This section of Lake Huron’s western shore provides superb access to salmon, trout, walleye and smallmouth bass.

6. Port Clinton, Ohio: The Lake Erie Shores & Islands are Yarbrough’s backyard now. He makes his home on Catawba Island.

“This is the No. 1 walleye fishery in the world, and anglers come from all over the world,” he says. With a chuckle, he adds, “A 20-foot, 600-pound walleye named Wylie the Walleye drops on New Year’s Eve. You can’t see that anywhere else.”

7. Lewiston, New York: The Niagara River pours into Lake Ontario approximately 7 miles north of this river town. Offshore, you will find the Niagara Bar, a 5-mile sandbar that varies in depth from 15 to 80 feet. On the other side is a 150-foot drop-off.

“Here, too, you’ll find incredible diversity,” Yarbrough says. “You name it, you’ll find

it — trout, salmon, walleye, anything you want.”

Growing the sport

After an impressive career in pro angling and a lifetime as an enthusiast, Yarbrough says he enjoys bringing his expertise to his SmokerCraft job every day.

“I focus on fishing, since it’s my specialty,” he says. “Sixty-five or 70% of our customers are interested in fishing, whether they’re just considering it or they already think of themselves as anglers. The remainder are looking for a family style fishing and watersports combo. I want to help.”

What if you have a brand-new or new-to-you boat and no angling experience? Or what if you have some experience but you’re in unfamiliar waters?

“People have resources now that we didn’t have years ago,” Yarbrough observes. “Information is so accessible through YouTube, fishing websites and social media groups. When you do your research, you can ask questions and ask for recommendations.”

Yarbrough also advises seeking out local experts by phone or in person, because nothing beats a one-on-one conversation.

“Visit the local bait shop, and get the local scoop,” he says. “You also can check with a local marina.”

Booking a fishing charter is another way to get a feel for Great Lakes angling. Plus, you’ll gain hands-on experience with a seasoned charter captain.

“That’s important for your own comfort level, and it’s also a reminder that our Great Lakes are not the same as our inland lakes and rivers,” Yarbrough says. “This is big water.”

After a pause, he adds, “It’s like fishing in heaven.”

For fishing guidance and resources, visit TAKEMEFISHING.ORG. ★

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

STURGEON BAY

PHOTO BY DIRK DBQ; LUDINGTON

PHOTO BY CHRISTY BAUHS; PORT CLINTON PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTCLINTON.COM

Sturgeon Bay

Ludington

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 52'2"

Beam: 15'3"

Draft: 3'8"

Fuel Capacity: 528 gals.

Water Capacity: 158 gals.

Power: 2 x Volvo Penta

D6-IPS650

Base Price: $1,575,000 ABSOLUTEYACHTS.COM

DEALER

Jefferson Beach

Yacht Sales

Chicago, IL; St. Clair Shores, MI; Holland, MI; Grand Haven, MI; Charlevoix, MI; Spring Lake, MI; Marblehead, OH, Naples, FL JBYS.COM

Absolute Navetta 52 Absolute pleasure.

Blending a bold, contemporary design with the latest in engineering and sumptuous appointments, the Absolute Navetta 52 is a well-balanced cruising yacht. With wide open spaces both fore and aft, as well as topsides on the bridge deck, everyone aboard will travel in comfort while surrounded by the kind of elegance Absolute is known for.

Boarding is aft onto a large teak platform where a grill, fully astern there, is easily accessed via an opening hatch for a quick meal after watersports. Once aboard, the Absolute Navetta 52 presents the kind of layout and amenities found on much larger yachts.

Watch the video at LAKELANDBOATING.COM!

“The Navetta 52 is a special boat. She’s a proven performer for those looking for adventure and travel over long distances,” says Ron Silvia of Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales.

The cockpit offers transom seating, a dining table and access to the walk-around passageways

on both sides to the dual seating areas at the bow. Sliding glass doors lead to the well-appointed main salon with oversized windows, a fully found galley, comfortable seating areas, a starboard helm and access to the living accommodations on the centerline.

The three-stateroom, two-head layout presents a full-beam primary, a double berth and forepeak accommodations, all surrounded by fine fit and finish, luxurious appointments and plenty of storage room for extended times away.

Rounding things out is the spacious flybridge. With its lounge area, grill station, ample seating and centerline helm, it’s sure to be a favorite gathering place whether underway or at the dock.

“In the past two years I have enjoyed watching a particular client of mine put the 52’s abilities to the test. She is the perfect Loop boat, manageable in size, spacious in accommodations and efficient for traveling,” Silvia says. H

Crest Pontoon Classic DLX 220 SLC

Well-turned-out choice.

Combining the knowledge gathered from decades of boat building and design with state-of-the-art technology, Crest offers a practical and sensible family boat in the Classic DLX 220 SLC.

Since 1957, Crest has been in the forefront of pontoon construction. From the time it opened its doors at the Owosso, Michigan, location, the address has not changed as Crest continues to innovate in this sector of boat building.

“With deluxe features and upgrades, the Classic DLX has all the creature comforts needed for all-day adventures or simply enjoying the moment,” says Rod Bensz of B&E Marine.

The DLX 220 SLC offers the helm with tilting steering wheel and SeaStar Xtreme Steering, with an additional captain’s chair to port. Four lounges — two forward and two aft — complete the ample seating area with plenty of room to move around the deck in safety and comfort.

There are six primary panel colors to choose from. A matching Bimini top is standard, and options include powder-coated rails, an additional bow top and individual seat covers. Some furniture upgrades include an amidships three-drawer storage cabinet, entertainment table and bow filler seat.

“Keep the party going and never run out of battery with a wireless charging station at the helm,” Bensz adds. “The new wraparound design along with new helm trims will have you cruising in style.”

The standard 25-foot, two-tube configuration is designed for a 115-hp outboard, while the threetube upgrade can handle power up to 150 hp. The boat also can be optioned to hold up to 250 hp with the CPT DLX package. With a standard audio system, Bluetooth and four 150W, 6.5-inch RBG Fusion speakers, your time on the water will be that much more enjoyable. And for exciting watersports activity, add a ski tow bar aft. ★

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 21'4"

Beam: 8'6"

Fuel Capacity: 48 gals.

Max Power: 115 hp (twotube); 150 hp (three-tube)

Base MSRP: $45,984

CRESTPONTOONBOATS.COM

DEALERS

B&E Marine BEMARINE.COM

Colony Marine

COLONYMARINE.COM

Walstrom Marine WALSTROM.COM

Watch the video at LAKELANDBOATING.COM!

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 47'5"

Beam: 14'2"

Draft: 4'3"

Weight: 35,274 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 396 gals.

Water Capacity: 143 gals.

Power: 2 x Volvo Penta

D8 600-hp diesel inboards

MSRP: Contact dealer

GALEONYACHTS.US

DEALER

SkipperBud’s SKIPPERBUDS.COM

Galeon 470 SKY

Fine-looking traveler.

Asleek, exciting profile introduces the Galeon 470 SKY, which is as much a head-turner as it is a formidable contender in the mid-size cruising sector.

“The Galeon 470 SKY offers the transformative features of an express cruiser with the do-it-all spirit of a flybridge,” says Galeon Brand Manager Bob Burke.

To that point, the company has engineered and designed the boat with an arm’s-length list of items specifically intended to enhance your total on-water experience. There are expandable main decks aft, which, when deployed, widen her beam a good 4 extra feet at anchorage. Enhancing the “Beach Mode” experience are a pair of stools on the port side and a hinged bar with access to the galley. That galley is as good as it gets on a boat of this size with enough space and appliances for quick snacks or a sumptuous alfresco dinner.

Continuing with this theme is the transom seating and hi-low dining table, and a special

pull-out grill to starboard on the swim platform. Topsides, the open bridge deck features lots of seating and an electrically operated cover, which, when activated, closes off the entire area.

The glass door into the salon opens fully making the interior space one with the aft end. The expansive salon presents fine walnut finish — a hallmark of Galeon’s ability with fit and finish — ample seating areas, helm to starboard, and centerline stairs leading below. Here, a three-stateroom, two-head layout offers a VIP forward, over-under berths to starboard and a full-beam primary suite amidships, all surrounded by well-found décor and fine woodwork.

“This vessel employs all of Galeon’s hard-earned design experience and combines it with a forwardthinking ethos that makes this yacht unlike any other,” Burke says. “Meeting the demands for innovation and excellence, the result is unparalleled performance, seaworthiness and style.” H

Watch the video at LAKELANDBOATING.COM!

Godfrey Monaco Lounge 235 SFL

Family friendly.

With Polaris as its parent company, it’s no wonder Godfrey Pontoon Boats enjoys a special place among builders in this class. With the Monaco Lounge 235 SFL, the company presents a boat that is as comfortable cruising as she is participating in family watersports and lake fishing.

Pioneers in design and construction, Godfrey introduced the world’s first aluminum pontoon boat some 60 years ago. With its available lineup of numerous models and packages, Godfrey clearly illustrates how resourceful the company is.

The 235 SFL features the iMPACT+ 29-inch tube package, a three-tube configuration allowing for more stability underway. Together with SeaStar hydraulic steering and outboard power options ranging from 150-300 hp, you will be able to cruise in safety and comfort.

“With our history of innovation, we are able to add such useful items as special ‘toy box’ storage aft of the

starboard helm seat and a huge, single flip lounge seat,” says Al Visintainer of CenterPointe Yacht Services.

While backed by Godfrey’s strict attention to safety and robust construction techniques, she’s also a good-looking boat with six colors available, a matching Bimini, and optional seat coverings that include Sahara tan color plus quilted stitching. Forward are a pair of matching seating areas with additional seating to port and aft. Optional features include a ski tow bar, a built-in sink, a grill master, an upgraded stereo system, an electronics package, a bow cooler table and a color lighting package, among many others.

“Godfrey Marine has the resources and capital to consistently be the innovator in the pontoon industry,” Visintainer adds.

With its design heritage and quality firmly established, and a long list of standard and premium options, your Godfrey Monaco 235 SFL will more than satisfy all your boating needs. H

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 23'11"

Beam: 8'6"

Weight: 3,481 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 61 gals.

Power: 150-300 hp

Base MSRP: $58,695

GODFREYPONTOON BOATS.COM

DEALERS

CenterPointe Yacht Services

CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM

Grand Bay Marine

GRANDBAYMARINE.COM

The Boat House of Chicago

BOATHOUSEH2O.COM

RIVIERA’S 46-FOOT SHOWDOWN

BIG ENOUGH TO PACK IN A LOT OF ACCOMMODATIONS BUT STILL EASILY HANDLED BY A COUPLE, RIVIERA’S OFFERINGS OF THREE NEW 46-FOOT CRUISERS ARE SURE TO BE POPULAR.

by arnie hammerman

REMEMBER when you were a kid at the ice cream shop and all the flavors sounded wonderful? It was hard to pick one because you knew they all were good, but which was the best?

That is kind of how I felt when I found out that Riviera recently came out with not one, not two, but three new 46-footers. This is going to be a tough choice. Luckily, I was able to get on all three boats hoping to differentiate them to help you choose the boat best suited for your type of boating.

The Riviera 465 SUV and Riviera 46 Sports Motor Yacht (SMY) are sisters, as they have the same hull and basic configuration. The Riviera 4600 Sport Yacht (SY) is more of a sharp-looking cousin with a completely different hull and layout. All three of these boats are around 50 feet in length overall, are driven by Volvo Penta IPS pod drives, have three cabins and two heads, and are packed with features and accommodations sure to please a wide variety of boaters.

46 SMY 4600 SY

a flybridge that shines

I’ll start with the biggest and baddest of the bunch, the 46 SMY. This boat has all the cool features of the 465 SUV but with one major difference, a large open flybridge.

Riviera’s heritage is steeped in flybridge cruisers, and the 46 SMY pays homage to those great boats but adds modern touches like an internal staircase (not a ladder) that really make this new boat shine.

The flybridge is spacious at 15 feet, 4 inches long by 9 feet, 3 inches wide, delivering over 144 square feet of living space. In addition to the two plush Pompanette adjustable helm seats, there is a comfortable lounge ahead of the helm with a drop-down table, drink holders and stereo speakers. I like this setup because the helmsperson can easily communicate with people hanging in the sky lounge, and if children are onboard, they are in your sight. This area is great for drinks and appetizers, or lunch on the go, and a wetbar and fridge at the top of the stairs add convenience. The back cushion on the port lounge is perfectly angled to watch the scenery while underway or curl up with a book and relax. Lower the lounge table and add the filler cushion to create a bed ideal for stargazing. The entire flybridge is covered by a hardtop with hatches for access and fresh air and is

surrounded by clears for great visibility. Air conditioning vents that face both the helm chairs and forward toward the lounge worked well on the 85-degree day of our sea trial, but rolling up the clears to let the breeze in really felt great. Driving with the air flowing through is exhilarating and fun, and this flybridge that can be opened differentiates the 46 SMY from the other two 46s.

Both the 46 SMY and 465 SUV have similar deck layouts, but in the SUV the helm is in the main salon to starboard. Twin helm seats and controls replace a second inside lounge in that area on the SMY.

variety of accommodations

Below decks, both the 46 SMY and 465 SUV have the primary cabin forward with an island berth and ensuite head. The other two cabins under the main salon have standing headroom at their entrances that lowers a bit at the beds. Hull windows keep the cabins light, and there are nearly 3 feet above the beds, making them cozy and not claustrophobic. These staterooms can be configured with twin bunks, or one of both can be a double cabin, which gives you excellent versatility and no bunk beds. Alternatively, the 4600 SY features a fullbeam primary cabin under the salon with

an ensuite head, in addition to a VIP cabin forward that features a double island berth and ensuite head access. A third twin bunk cabin is an option on the 4600 SY or that area can be set up as a lower deck lounge. Either way you get two substantial double cabins and stacked bunk beds or the open lounge, which can be used for sleeping when needed.

options for entertaining

All three models have fully appointed galleys aft of the salon that feature solid surface countertops, stainless steel sinks, fridges, freezers, dishwashers and storage. The position of the galleys bridges the gap between the salon and exterior seating areas with glass and stainless doors and a pop-up window. The stairway of the flybridge boat conveniently lands in the galley.

Each model has a semi-enclosed aft seating area with a table ideal for entertaining, alfresco dining or simply lounging. This mezzanine lounge under the hardtop can be enclosed with clears and climate controlled, although the 4600 SY lends itself more to being open. On the 4600 SY there is a lounge opposite a vented electric BBQ, wetbar, fridge and icemaker. The 46 SMY and 465 SUV feature a mezzanine lounge connected by steps

to an open cockpit, perfect for fishing or entertaining. At 61 square feet, the cockpit has room to fish with rod holders and an optional lighted, windowed, recirculating bait tank. An electric BBQ, wetbar, fridge and icemaker are great for entertaining. Twin transom doors connect the swim platform. The 4600 SY has a stairwell leading to the aft deck and another to the port side-deck. A hydraulic lift capable of carrying a substantial RIB on the swim platform is available on all three models. Forward they all have centerline sunpads with bolstered backrests and drink holders.

performance and versatility

I was only able to drive one of these three boats, the Riviera 46 SMY, but observed the 4600 SY as she ran with us. The 4600 SY was fast and nimble as we maneuvered the boats side-by-side and looked stylish with her deep-V bow cleanly slicing through the short chop.

Aboard the 46 SMY, optional Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950s pushed us smoothly and rapidly as we jockeyed up alongside the 4600 SY. All controls were in easy reach of the helm, including the throttles and joystick, twin Garmin MFDs, C-Zone, engine monitors, Muir windlass remote, stereo controls and a compass. With only 6

RIVIERA 46 SMY 465 SUV 4600 SY

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 52'2" / 52'2" / 50'3"

Beam: 15'7" / 15'7" / 15'5"

Draft: 4'8" / 4'4" / 4'3"

Dry Weight: 48,325 lbs. / 48,336 lbs. / 42,329 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 660 gals. / 660 gals. / 555 gals.

Water Capacity: 132 gals. / 132 gals. / 164 gals.

Std. Power: 2 X Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950 / 2 X Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800 / 2 X Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800

MSRP: $1,660,500 / $1,583,800 / $1,650,500

RIVIERAAUSTRALIA.COM

DEALERS

Bay Marine

BAYMARINE.NET

Onekama Marine

ONEKAMAMARINE.COM

Lake Michigan Yacht Sales LAKEMICHIGANYACHTSALES.COM

degrees maximum bowrise, I could see over the bow fine even from the aft position helm.

After cruising alongside the 4600 SY for some photos, I peeled off, leaning the 46 SMY gently into some tight turns. An optional Seakeeper 6 was running during testing, which may have helped the Riviera feel solid and comfortable even when turning at speed. Our peak speed was 40.6 mph, and at a comfortable fast cruise of 32 mph we used 59.5 gph delivering a calculated range of 322 miles based on 90% of fuel capacity. Another sweet spot seemed to be around 2000 RPM where we cruised at 25 mph at 50 gph delivering a 300-mile range capable of long cruises and lake crossings.

The performance and versatility of all three of Riviera’s 46-footers makes choosing one tough. If driving from an open flybridge and that extra room on top matters, the 46 SMY really delivers. If the Great Loop is in your plans, you better opt for the 465 SUV or the 4600 SY with the bridge clearance needed. The other major differences other than styling are whether you need an open cockpit for fishing/entertaining and your preference of cabin configurations. The good news is that, just like when you were a kid in the ice cream shop, you can’t really go wrong with any one of Riviera’s 46-foot flavors. You just have to pick the one that looks the best to you. H

46 SMY has a large, comfortable flybridge with plenty of seating. Helm is aft so helmsperson can easily see and converse with others in the flybridge lounge when underway.

4600 SY has a full-beam primary stateroom in addition to a spacious VIP double stateroom forward.

46 SMY and 465 SUV feature additional space in an open cockpit, ideal for fishing or entertaining.

46 SMY and 465 SUV primary cabin is forward with a queen island bed, not fullbeam centerline.

46 SMY is too tall to get under some bridges on the Great Loop.

4600 SY lacks an additional cockpit aft of the covered but makes up for it with a larger mezzanine area than on the 46 SMY and 465 SUV.

Watch the videos at LAKELANDBOATING.COM!

Ihave long admired the Kadey-Krogen line of offshore cruising powerboats. The seaworthiness of their design and construction appeal to me, as someone who has completed numerous Great Lakes crossings and ocean passages. Like me, you may dream of setting a course for distant horizons, but too often life’s realities interfere. Built by Kadey-Krogen, Summit Motoryachts diverge from their brethren by combining fresh modern styling with the faster speeds coastal cruising necessitates. The Summit 54 is a great example, as the boat features the robust construction and fine finishes Kadey-Krogen is known for, in a boat designed for the types of cruising and faster speeds most of us enjoy. Getting aboard the new Summit 54 helped me understand what the boats are all about. The layout is inviting with an aft deck lounge accessed either from twin stairwells off the swim platform or convenient side doors. The covered aft deck with a U-shape lounge and table is perfect for open-air dining or simply hanging out. Twin bar stools and a counter with a pop-up window connect this area to the adjacent galley inside. A stairwell with substantial stainless handrails leads up to the flybridge above. Whether at the dock waiting to go or while running the boat up the coast, the gathering areas felt roomy and comfortable even with five adults and two kids onboard. Having two young kids and their grandparents with us during the sea trial gave the Summit a friendly family feel, although it’s equally suited for couples cruising.

Interior features

The galley on our test boat features Silestone counters atop optional high-gloss horizontal grain walnut drawers and cabinet faces. Amtico cabin soles look like teak and holly but are more durable and easier to maintain. The large central galley is equipped with a microwave/convection oven, a two-burner electric cooktop, and drawer-style fridges, freezers and dishwasher. Unique touches from its offshore cruisers include a deep stainless sink on centerline to limit splashing, locking storage shelves in the cabinets, and grabrails and handles for safety underway. A convenient garbage drawer pullout includes both trash and recycling bins. In the corner of the galley, where access is difficult, the counter lifts electrically

Summit 54

A stylish coastal cruiser from the builders of Kadey-Krogen.

BY ARNIE HAMMERMAN

revealing a hidden pantry that is both practical and fun. Storage is abundant throughout the galley and boat, where even small spaces open, providing stowage and access to service equipment.

Steps up from the galley is a comfortable lounge and the lower helm. Joinery is impeccable on the drawers and cabinets here that include a flat-screen TV on a lift. The gloss walnut panels are so shiny my laser tape measure lost its signal. The helm pod contains a compass, twin Garmin MFDs, VHF, autopilot, throttles and optional joystick, all within easy reach. The Northern Lights generator gauges, C-zone system, Seakeeper, Remote Maxwell windlass and Fusion stereo controls are in a separate panel to centerline. While this is beyond the reach of the helm, I don’t mind, as most of these don’t need to be tended much while driving.

The position of this utility panel at the top of the stairs is a bigger concern. With little kids like those onboard, I recommend a swing-out door to block the stairs while underway. Visibility from the helm is excellent with thin mullions in the curved windshield and good sightlines even in the danger zone. A door adjacent to the helm provides convenient access to the side deck and allows you to step outside and still reach the controls when docking.

Below deck accommodations include a full-beam primary stateroom with an athwartships king bed (optional) and a private ensuite head. Twin nightstands feature power for cellphone charging, switches and storage drawers. Accouterments include a wide-screen TV, an ample hanging locker, and a convenient seat for dressing or lounging, which alternatively can be a desk. A VIP cabin forward features a center island bed and a large overhead hatch. Thoughtful touches include bookcases, a small vanity, hanging lockers and ensuite head access. A third cabin with bunks can be included below, or the lower lounge on our test boat can be used for sleeping.

Designed to perform

Michael Peters, in conjunction with Kadey-Krogen’s design team, created this planing hull to perform, and our sea trial provided challenging conditions. As we ran up the coast of Florida, 3- to 4-foot following seas on our stern quarter were not ideal. The optional Seakeeper 9 Gyro certainly helped and the Zipwake Dynamic Trim-Control System probably would have, too, if it were set up.

Once settled in, we ran steadily, and steering was easy — even the autopilot was able to handle the conditions. It wasn’t the most comfortable angle to cruise at, but we were safe and in control. We made some maneuvers and the Summit

gently leaned into the turns, and when pointed into the wind sliced through the waves without fuss or excessive spray. Back on course we enjoyed the fresh breeze under the hardtop of the open flybridge. The adults conversed and the two kids wrestled on the forward sunpad like puppies till they fell asleep. It was nice having them up there as they were safely enclosed and you could keep an eye on them while driving.

On the cruise up the coast, we ran 24 mph at around 2950 RPM, which felt good and used 45 gph. This matched our reciprocal test runs in the St. Lucie River away from the wind and waves and provided a calculated range of 367 miles based on 90% of fuel capacity. Dropping the RPMs to 2750 slowed us to 21 mph and increased range to 411 miles. Bow rise never exceeded 4 degrees with trim tabs manually activated, and sound levels even at high speed were a reasonable 79dB at the helm.

Strong and solid

One thing I noticed during the cruise was how solid the Summit 54 felt. Built in the same yard, Asia Harbor in Taiwan, as all Kadey-Krogens, Summit yachts incorporate advanced composite technology. Solid glass hulls below the water use machine-cut precision cloth kits hand laid in multiple layers with water-resistant vinyl ester resin. Above the waterline, hull sides are vacuum bagged with Corecell foam for better strength to weight, and all hull penetrations are solid FRP. Hull panels use straight fibers that are stronger than woven matts and both biaxial and quadriaxial fibers as reinforcement. An extensive glassed-in stringer network creates a strong, rigid hull as does a keel with 13/16-inch solid fiberglass sides and bottom encapsulating a high-density closed-cell foam insert. Hull and deck are connected using a shoebox joint and fastened both mechanically (bolted) and with adhesives. A water-tight bulkhead at the aft end of the chain locker aids collision protection. High-quality materials are used throughout, including Armorflex 953 isophthalic gelcoat designed specifically for marine use. Summit Motoryachts are painstakingly constructed to ensure durability and longevity.

If you admire the quality finishes and impeccable construction of Kadey-Krogen but want contemporary styling and a faster boat perfect for coastal cruising, the Summit 54 delivers. The layout is ideal for families or couples, and includes plenty of room for entertainment. You can still dream of distant shores, but with the Summit 54, you can arrive a little sooner and have time to stay for the weekend. ★

Summit 54

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 58'5"

Beam: 15'10"

Draft: 3'7"

Weight (half load): 55,400 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 750 gals.

Water Capacity: 215 gals.

Std. Power: 2 X 542-hp

Cummins QSB 6.7s

MSRP: Price on request

SUMMITMOTORYACHTS.COM

CONTACT

Summit Motoryachts

772-286-0171

Has plenty of range for coastal cruising and, at trawler speeds, longer passages.

Planing hull that provides the speed needed for weekend cruising.

Stairway directly off forward landing of the salon requires caution. With a standard bridge clearance of 20'6" the boat is slightly too tall for the 19.6' (lowest bridge) on the Great Loop on the Illinois River. However, Summit can hinge the radar array to allow enough clearance to complete the Loop.

HOUSEBOATING: Where the Twain Does Meet

Timelessness and comfort meld when you rent a houseboat on a wildlife-rich stretch of the Upper Mississippi.

PHOTOS & STORY BY KIM SCHNEIDER

Sunrise from a Pool 9 river island.

River maps are key to watching for hazards — and great camping spots.

Houseboater Kevin Revolinski drives as Karl Schneider navigates.

Ablanket of mist hovers over the Mississippi River beyond this weathered marina deck. As first light inches toward dawn, the sky of gold transforms the rising steam from slate to a glowing coral that floats in wisps up the bluffs.

A distant pleasureboat zips through the scene, vanishing behind a treecovered island. A fish jumps, then another, the surprising splash the only sound on the docks of S&S Boat Rentals.

We don’t expect to hear anytime soon from the neighbors of our Party Top Sharpe II. They were last heard belting out the “Frozen” theme song “Let it Go” while offering shared beverages and navigation tips, since they’ve made this trip before.

But our crew of six is up before sunrise, anxious to start exploring Mark Twain-style with a decidedly modern twist. That would be the way we’ll take with our roomy four-bedroom home with full kitchen, showers, entertainment system and upper party deck. And the first step is a kick-off lesson in driving a 60-foot floating house in a way that hits no wing dams, damages no propellers and crashes into no cruise liners, tows or island beaches.

POOL 9

Blake and Amanda Schoh run S&S Boat Rentals, founded in 1960 in the classic river town of Lansing, Iowa. They offer a choice of roomy pontoons and decked-out houseboats. The live-aboard models are the most fun for Blake, he says, for the way they bring back memories growing up on houseboats his grandfather owned and a river history that goes back way further.

“Initially a houseboat was just a floating cabin on a boat hull lucky to be powered by an engine,” he says. “Cooking over a fire or grill was luxurious. Where we are today is unfathomable.”

Unfathomable, too, for those early navigators would be the Mississippi River itself. When one-time riverboat captain Mark Twain navigated these waters, he’d have to memorize some 1,000 miles of river, every depth, hazard, wreck, in every river stage. We are fortunate that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared the river of navigation hazards here in what’s known as Pool 9; we also learn that we still have to pay close attention. This is no cruise around a lake.

The biggest risk to propellers — and our deposit — is the rock dams located near the shore to help direct water flow and keep sediment from filling in the channel, due to today’s river conditions hidden under just 3 feet of water. Captain Scott Schoh, Blake’s father and an experienced boater, doesn’t just tell. He shows us how to navigate the Party Top Sharpe II, coaching our group’s appointed captain, Karl, as they jointly back the boat into the Mississippi and head north.

“You see how quickly it turns,” he notes, as Karl barely touches the wheel and the boat turns toward shore. “You’re running about 1,000 RPMs, there’s a little south wind. There’s a wing dam there. See the ripple effect in the water. You’ll want to hit reverse so you can stop your momentum. Hit neutral, and put that one motor into forward...”

While our captain absorbs these finer points, the rest of us try to remember at least the key commands to be the support crew: “If a barge is coming, get out of the way. Stay in the main channel. Don’t rush. Don’t panic.” Good advice, those later rules, for both boating and life.

HAKUNA MATATA

Our long weekend playground is the 32 miles between Lock and Dam 8 to our north and 9 to our south, Genoa Wisconsin down to Harpers Ferry, Iowa — a stunning bluff-lined region within the Upper Mississippi National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Within the stretch lies 30 sandbar campsites all maintained by the group Friends of Pool 9, of which owner Blake is vice president. The volunteer group

S&S owners Amanda Schoh and Blake Schoh (on dock) and Captain Scott Schoh (onboard) offer directions to the new renters.

S&S captain Scott Schoh shows houseboaters how to clear the propellers of stray vines that get entangled there.

First-time houseboaters Bob and Lisa McClintick (on left), and Kim and Karl Schneider (on right).

keeps the beaches cleaned, puts out fire rings and supports agencies that keep the ecosystem pristine. Blake notes there are 200 active eagle nests making this stretch one of the top three most concentrated spots in the U.S. (including Alaska) for spotting the impressive raptor that has become synonymous not just with America but with America’s river.

Fish splash and fishermen pass as we head to a nearby sandbar to learn how to anchor, then navigate north on our own through what’s known as the Driftless Region. This part of Wisconsin and Iowa was untouched by glaciers, leaving an original landscape of undulating hills, lush bluffs, even ancient sites like the National Park Service-run Effigy Mounds; the culture known today as the Effigy Moundbuilders lived in these bluffs, buried their dead in mounds shaped like bears, birds, bison and panthers.

The panic of operating on our own eventually subsides as we master the technique onboard friend Bob McClintick dubs micro-steering and begin to (quite literally) go with the flow.

“You’re on a beautiful stretch of water, you have an expansive view, even while in the captain’s chair, and the stress of workaday life is behind you,” he says. “You can just enjoy the moment.”

Come time to think about dinner, onboard charts and our own spotting help find us a roomy sandbar far from the lights of any town; sandbars and the docks of S&S are the only dockage options within the pool, and we’re not complaining. The stocked kitchen makes it easy to open our wine, craft a feast of butter-tender steaks picked up from the Lansing area’s City Meat Market, salad greens and potatoes from the town’s Farmer’s Market. A few in the group build a fire, others explore to spot a beaver swimming past, the shells of rare mussels, even the winding path of a snake that slithered before. Dusk brings a star show to mesmerize even this group of experienced nature travelers.

Wonders continue in a sky dawning in shades of coral and bright orange, so pretty we dub it worthy of a 21-gun salute. Unfortunately, we hear way more gunshots than that. You’ll want to time your rental to perhaps avoid our mistake of camping on opening day of duck hunting season. But we’ve dubbed this day Hakuna Matata — no worries.

IN THE HEART OF IT

Come time to start brewing the coffee, we couldn’t restart the generator, even with Amanda coaching us by phone. Potential complications like this are why houseboaters are limited to the space between locks; S&S Rentals can get to you quickly to make any needed repairs — and they do.

On our way, we find the river wider on this southern stretch, opening into backwaters that have us motoring past migrating white pelicans, trees dark with cormorants. We’re sharing the river with boaters, some hunting, some fishing, and (for our biggest navigational challenge) the barge Raymond Grant Eckstein. As it approaches closer, it gives us a single blast of the horn, telling us to move to our right. We make it to Lock and Dam 9, and for fun, we call the lockmaster to ask about “locking through.” No problem, he says, once the Eckstein and a barge coming from the other direction pass through. We opt instead to just watch as the barge heads in, the water sparkles, eagles dive. No worries.

We have snacks, we have friends, and we have a view of all the life of the Mississippi from the center of it. As our travel companion Lisa McClintick notes: “It’s so relaxing to feel part of this hub, knowing the river is making a 2,300 mile journey and you’re kind of along for part of it.” ★

For rental inquiries and information, visit SSBOATRENTALS.COM.

Gas stop at the S&S docks in Lansing.

Bob McClintick anchors the boat for the night, one task you want to get right.

A cruise ship passes the S&S docks in Lansing, Iowa.

Evening bonfires are easy; S&S provides the firewood, Friends of Pool 9 the fire rights.

The freighter Raymond Grant Eckstein heading toward the lock.

S&S houseboats come with party decks, swim slides and a view.

The scenic morning view from the S&S docks.

QUIRKYGrand Marais

Nestled on a Lake Superior natural harbor of refuge, petite Grand Marais is known as the eastern gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but the scenic spot in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a destination in its own right.

by Kath Usitalo

ong before 17th century French voyageurs Pierre Esprit Radisson, Medard Chouart and Sieur des Groseilliers traveled Lake Superior’s south shore, the Ojibwa called the region home. According to Radisson, the Native people respected the spirits they believed shaped the spectacularly carved and colored towering sandstone of the Pictured Rocks. Of their journey Radisson said, “We go along the coast, most delightful and wonderful. Nature has made it pleasant to the eye, the spirit and the belly.”

The French name Grand Marais translates to great marsh, but is interpreted here to reference the large, relatively shallow harbor. The natural resources of the area drew fur traders, including an outpost of John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company. By 1805, the Michigan Territory was established, and earnest exploration of the Upper Peninsula began.

It wasn’t until 1861 that the first permanent settlement, a trading post, was built. Fishing and lumber industries followed, with a

few mills shipping wood products and multiple fisheries sending a bounty of trout and whitefish around the lake. Grand Marais experienced modest growth until 1894, when the rail line arrived and logging camps were built to cut the area’s huge tracts of white pine.

It’s hard to imagine today, but in a short time there were 25 saloons, six churches, a dozen or more boarding houses, hotels, drugstores, general and specialty stores, an opera house, a hospital, a school and two newspapers serving the population of about 3,000. Large mills shipped tens of millions of feet of lumber each year. The good times came to an end in 1910, when the pine was exhausted and the logging operations and railway moved on.

With the rail service gone, a road was finally built for a means of reaching Grand Marais by land. The development of Michigan Highway 77 allowed travelers in their new-fangled motor cars to discover the lakeside village. Tourism, along with a resurgence in commercial fishing, became important to the revival of Grand Marais.

LGrand Marais Harbor of Refuge Inner Lighthouse and Lightkeeper’s House Museum

GRAND MARAIS, MI

Lake Superior Whitefish Point

Munising

PHOTO BY PAUL K. PETERSEN/PETERSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

ONLY IN GRAND MARAIS

Among the early summer residents of Grand Marais were Chicagoans William Donahey, an illustrator and creator of The Teenie Weenies cartoon strip, and Mary Dickerson Donahey, a children’s book author. William’s Chicago Tribune strip, widely syndicated over a span of 50-plus years, featured 2-inch-tall people who lived in human-sized objects, such as a pickle jar.

In 1926, the creative couple moved into a cottage on Grand Sable Lake that was a 16-foot-tall version of the pickle barrel featured in his popular stories. The cabin had a living room and kitchen on the first floor and bedroom upstairs. But after enduring a decade of fans invading their privacy to see the curiosity, the Donaheys gave up their retreat and the structure was moved into town, where it served as an ice cream stand and information booth. It has since been restored by the Grand Marais Historical Society as a museum, and a glimpse into The Teenie Weenies phenomenon.

The Historical Society also operates the Old Post Office Museum and Lightkeeper's House Museum, Heritage Center at the library, and beautiful iris and rose gardens.

ROCKIN’ ON

Aptly named Agate Beach, the stretch of Lake Superior shoreline in Grand Marais is a destination for rockhounds in search of the colorful, layered semi-precious gemstone. Karen Brzys, aka The Agate Lady, has written six books on minerals and operates the Agatelady Rock Shop, where she sells specimens and her stained glass art that incorporate slices of agates.

On Fridays throughout the summer months, Brzys delivers her lecture, “Understanding and Finding Agates,” and also conducts custom programs.

“My emphasis is on education,” she says, including a private class identifying different types of rocks and learning to “think like an agate,” with an excursion to the beach to find specimens.

Karen Brzys at Agate Beach PHOTO COURTESY OF (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): GRAND MARAIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY FACEBOOK; GREAT LAKES GAZETTE; KATHY EGERER; GRAND MARAIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY FACEBOOK

“The interest in rockhounding has gone up significantly,” Brzys says, attributing some of it to people searching for outdoor activities in the COVID era. Whether the pickings include agates or just pretty rocks, she believes the meditative time spent on the Lake Superior shore is time well spent.

Grand Marais is also a popular spot for nighttime hunting of fluorescent sodalite, an ordinary looking gray rock that glows when under a UV light. Local gem and mineral dealer Erik Rintimaki discovered the first specimens several years ago and dubbed them Yooperlites. He conducts guided excursions to help in the hunt. Note: Be sure when you’re hunting for stones that you’re in an area that allows you to take them home; otherwise, just enjoy the beauty of the rocks and thrill of the hunt, and then leave them where you find them.

SMALL TOWN, BIG WELCOME

For a hamlet of only about 300 residents and a summer population of four or five times that, Grand Marais offers a busy schedule of events and amenities. Lodging ranges from motels and cabins to bed and breakfasts. Woodland Campground is right in town and on Lake Superior, and there’s backcountry and rustic camping at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The Market Place sells the wares of local talent, as does Grand Marais Fisheries Farm & Mercantile, an eclectic shop a few miles out of town. Housed in a former fish smoking business, owner Toni Whaley strives to be “attainable and sustainable. We support our community with local artists and co-op foods.”

You’ll find fresh eggs, baked goods, a curated selection of beer and wine, gifts and antiques and vintage items.

After decades behind a desk at administrative jobs in Ann Arbor, Jeannie Kain was looking for an opportunity to move "Up North."

“I fell in love with Grand Marais Outfitter,” she says of her new business. Housed in a renovated 1890s building, it’s a year-round source for outdoor gear and supplies, and Michigan and U.P.-themed goods, including coffee and items by area artists.

When visitors ask for tips on must-sees, Kain recommends her top pick at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sable Falls. “Just a mile from downtown, this beautiful natural waterfall flows right into Lake Superior,” she says. It’s an easy hike to a peek at the falls, but for the best view, climb 168 steps to the bottom — and back up — with breathtaking views the entire way.

It’s also the starting point for the Grand Sable Dunes hiking trail. The massive, five-square-mile mountain of sand reaches about 300 feet above Lake Superior, and is one of the world’s best examples of perched dune systems.

Kain likes visitors to discover the area’s lumbering history at the Log Slide. “It’s a huge sand dune where the lumberjacks would literally roll the timber down to Lake Superior for processing at lumber mills or gathering to be placed on other means of transport,” she says.

The Pictured Rocks shoreline, with its 200-foot-high namesake walls and geologic formations like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock, stretches 42 miles from Grand Marais west to Munising. Beaches, dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, streams and forests fill

Chapel Loop Trail near Chapel Cove

PHOTO BY MITGIRL/ADOBE STOCK

2023 Calendar of Events

JUNE 16-18

Seaplanes Splash-In on the Bay

SEAPLANEPILOTSASSOCIATION.ORG

JULY 4

Fourth of July Celebration with Fireworks

GRANDMARAISMICHIGAN.COM

JULY 12-16

Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium

GREATLAKESSEAKAYAKSYMPOSIUM.NET

AUGUST 10-12

Grand Marais Music & Craft Festival

GRANDMARAISMICHIGAN.COM

Resources

Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce: GRANDMARAIS MICHIGAN.COM Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: NPS.GOV/PIRO

its 73,000 acres, making it a four-season destination for hikers, campers, snow sports enthusiasts and photographers.

“Up here it’s just so beautiful, no matter what the season,” Kain says.

PLAIN DIFFERENCE

In stark contrast, just south of the splendor of Pictured Rocks is the desolate landscape of Kingston Plains. For miles, jagged tree stumps dot the ground covered with lichens, shrubs and scrubby trees. Until the late 1800s, old-growth white pine forests filled the land, but by 1909, more than 3,000 acres had been cleared. Multiple fires cooked the sandy soil and destroyed chances for new growth.

On a still day, the eerie silence is as vast as the plains. Writer Jim Harrison, a Michigan native, would retreat to his cabin near Grand Marais and clear his mind by walking for hours across Kingston Plains. The ravaged landscape is central to his novel “True North,” about a timber family who grew wealthy on the white pine they depleted.

SEPTEMBER 9-10

Grand Marais Rock & Mineral Show

GRANDMARAISROCKAND MINERALSHOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 15

Munising Bay Cruisers Classic Car Show

FACEBOOK.COM/MUNISINGBAYCRUISERS

OCTOBER 7

Color Tour Craft Show

GRANDMARAISMICHIGAN.COM

NOVEMBER 24-25

Starry Starry Night

GRANDMARAISMICHIGAN.COM

Upper Peninsula Travel Information: UPTRAVEL.COM Burt Township Marina: BURTTOWNSHIP.COM

The writer was famous for regaling locals and visitors at the Dunes Saloon/Lake Superior Brewing Company, where you can sip a house brew or root beer with whitefish straight from Lake Superior. Locals like breakfast at the Breakwall, Grand Marais Tavern pizza, Sherpa Shack for ice cream and the Iron Fox Grill food truck. Ellen Airgood, a baker and writer of U.P.-based novels (and, with her husband the former owner of Archie’s West Bay Diner), has a new venture selling her sweets from an airstream trailer-turned Uglyfish Baking Company — worth the drive to Deer Park, east of Grand Marais.

Another female entrepreneur, Libby Whittington, serves coffee and baked goods from Stella, her 1966 Volkswagen bus. Her company, The Dream Bean Machine, includes a shop stocked with apparel, accessories and gifts, and she offers beach yoga classes in July and August.

“Grand Marais is beautiful and quiet most of the year. It’s a little piece of heaven, and not a lot of people are able to live here,” Whittington says, sounding a bit in awe of her own happy dream come true. ★

Sable Falls

Fourth of July parade

Music & Craft Festival Classic Car Show

Burt Township Marina

Sea Kayak Symposium

ADDRESS

19065 Elizabeth Ct.

Spring Lake, MI 49456

SPECS

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 5

Square Footage: 3,528 (above grade), 5,118 (total finished)

Acreage: 1.78

Price: $995,900

CONTACT

Sandi Gentry

The Sandi Gentry Team, RE/MAX Lakeshore

616-935-1150

SANDIGENTRY.COM

Spring Lake, MI

Executive estate with water access.

Michigan summers call for peace, quiet and room to unwind. Welcome to 19065 Elizabeth Court in Spring Lake, Michigan. Nestled amongst the woods with beautiful natural landscaping and an expansive deck and spacious patio, this 5,118-square-foot home has room for all your friends and family — and then some.

“Situated on nearly 2 acres, this executive home sits on a beautiful wooded setting with brick exterior and extra garage to store your boat and additional watercraft,” explains agent Sandi Gentry. “[It’s] located in the highly desirable Crystal Bay Woods neighborhood, with association access to Spring Lake with a boat dock.”

Two family rooms with fireplaces, a spacious open kitchen, dining room and dedicated office space on the main level provide a comfortable place for everyone to relax together or seek out some

privacy. Upstairs, four beds and three baths offer room for family and friends, including an owner’s suite that features a fireplace and generously sized bathroom and walk-in closet.

When it’s time to stay in and relax, head to the lower level for a full family room, theater room and wetbar, or enjoy the natural views from outside on the deck. Just down the street is access to the private marina on Spring Lake, from which you can reach Grand River and Lake Michigan beyond.

Built in its own peaceful enclave in the Crystal Bay Woods neighborhood, this home enjoys a natural, quiet setting with lake access nearby, yet is easily accessible to the larger communities of Spring Lake and Grand Haven, as well as the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. Welcome home to Pure Michigan at its finest — the summer is waiting! ★

SPRING LAKE MICHIGAN

16958 LANDING DRIVE • 5 bd • 4.5 bth • 3,555 sq ft • Veit’s

Landing waterfront condo. Spring Lake views and 20 x 40 boat dock. Hardwood flooring throughout, gourmet kitchen, and a 4-season room that you can enjoy year round!

MORE INFORMATION

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

55 South Harbor Pl. Waukegan, IL 60085 847-244-3133

WAUKEGANHARBOR.COM

AMENITIES

Transient slips: Y

Pump-out: Y

Gas: Y

Diesel: Y

Lifts: Y

Launch ramp: Y

Engine repair: Y (Bay Marine / Larsen Marine)

Hull repair: Y (Bristol Boat)

Marine store: Y (Bay Marine / Larsen Marine)

Restaurant: Y

Showers: Y

Laundry Facility: Y

Waukegan Harbor & Marina

Your home on the lake.

Roughly midway between Chicago and Milwaukee sits lively Waukegan Harbor & Marina. Developed and operated by the Waukegan Port District and managed by Founders 3 management group, the marina started construction in 1983 and has undergone several rebuilds and upgrades over the years. These improvements include the addition of floating docks to the south pier in 2007-2008, fuel pier reconstruction in 2009 and newly remodeled laundry facilities.

Nearly 700 pleasurecraft call Waukegan Harbor home, in addition to a large fleet of fishing vessels, bulk freighters and commercial craft in the north harbor. But Waukegan Harbor’s size is matched by its great customer service.

“Our customer service is our top priority,” says Operations Manager Robert Kutzler. “We have been awarded the Boaters’ Choice Award for five years in a row, since 2018!”

The full-service marina offers nearly 700 slips; marine sales and service with on-site Bay Marine, Bristol Boat Service, Perfect Imperfections and Canvas, and First Mate Yacht Cleaning Service; a launch dock that accommodates up to seven vessels at a time; the only ADA handicapped kayak launch between Chicago and Milwaukee; a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; high-speed Wi-Fi; and free ice.

Cruising through? Belly up to the bar for a refreshing drink, catch some tunes at the on-site music venue, stave off your cravings at Dockside Dogs, Dockside Ice Cream or Dockside Deli, or grab a courtesy bike and explore the area.

The marina welcomes boaters during its April through October season with a full list of events, including Art Wauk’s at the Marina Gallery, the Boating Member’s Fishing Tournament on June 10 and the July Dinghy Poker Run. It’s a fun time for everyone onboard! ★

2016 54’ BRACEWELL CUSTOM

Stay anchored for two weeks with Northern Lights generator, 300 gals water,150 gals waste, 600 gals diesel for twin Cummins 550 HP straight shaft with three joy sticks. 800 hrs on engines, new props and newer batteries.

Live on full time with four TVs, six ACs, including stand-up engine room and bridge with half bath and sliding panels. Washer, dryer in lazzerette with bike rack. Granite dining table and counter tops. Master is full width of 16’ beam. 3.5’ draft, stainless anchor and new windless motor and battery. Bamboo interior. Music in salon and bridge with fantastic visibility.Cruises at 10 mph with one gal/mile or 8 mph with two gal/mile. Will go 19 mph when need to get out of weather. REDUCED! $849,000 Located

2021 ZODIAC MEDLINE 6.8 NEO Loaded!

Second battery, box & dual charger, 6 amp, 120V inlet. Garmin 943xsv w/GT23 transducer. Rockford Fosgate stereo, 4 speakers. Custom canvas covers for helm, helm seat and aft lounge. Retractable roll bar Bimini fore and aft. Full EVA decking. Fold-up seat, ski mast. Handrail kit. Epoxy barrier coating and bottom Paint (new Spring 2022). Includes 2021 Integrity Trailer. Asking $89,900. Call Bob @ 616-842-1225. RYS

21.5' 2021 CHAPARRAL SS i 61 hours, heated storage, one owner, no accidents. Includes slip in Chicago. Many upgrades, cockpit cover. Asking $49,500. Contact 847-648-9755 or ronfohrman@ aol.com. JUN23

2019 NORTHCOAST 235 CABIN Freshwater only. Nice navy hull with Simrad radar chartplotter VHF radio speed and depth. Includes custom Integrity aluminum tandem axel trailer. Asking $98,900. Call Chuck @ 734-497-3721. RYS

2021 RANGER TUGS R-25 LUXURY EDITION

100% freshwater, one owner and only 96 hours

Yamaha F250 four stroke outboard. Midnight Blue hull, excellent condition. Luxury Edition package includes AC and many options. Additional options include a Garmin Radar and Autopilot. Includes custom 2021 Integrity welded bunk tandem axle trailer with twin 5,000 lb. axles. Asking $184,900. Call Brent @ 616-402-0189. RYS

2021

265 SS Just in! Beautiful trade-in, 50 hours. Matching tandem axle trailer and a pump-out head. Powered by a Mercruiser 6.2L 300-hp, plenty of power for watersports. Full sun bed with filler cushions included. Asking $129,900. Contact PJ Tamer 424-424-9627 or pj@ centerpointesales.com. CNT

2021 PURSUIT 368 S 100% freshwater, always heated indoor storage. Triple F300 Yamaha, less than 200 hours, all freshwater trolling, covers, wind/splash curtains, awning. $519,000. Complete list of options available. NO brokers. Contact pgorny001@gmail.com or 814-440-8064. JUL23

1986 SHAMROCK 26 CUDDY HARD TOP Freshwater only. 350 Crusader engine. Hull restored with blue topsides. Enclosed head. Located in the 1000 Islands. Asking $28,500. Email Gilbmworks@ aol.com or call 585-746-3568. JUN23

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. Asking $599,764. Contact Terry Godres at 920559-0730 or terry@centerpointesales.com. CNT

2018

307SSX Freshwater, one owner. With Axius Joystick, docking this boat is a breeze. The joystick also includes Skyhook and autopilot. 196 original hours on twin 430-hp 8.2s paired with Bravo 3 X drives. No trailer. Asking $199,999. Contact PJ Tamer 424-424-9627 or pj@centerpointesales.com. CNT

1967 CHRIS-CRAFT ROAMER 37-foot LOA, aluminum hull. 454 Crusaders repowered two years ago. Located in Cheboygan, MI. Asking $30,000. Call 810-955-4065.

CROWNLINE

CHAPARRAL

SEP23

An Updated Original

1973 23' Chris-Craft Lancer Inboard.

My family history is rich in boats. Both my grandfathers boated the waters of Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie many decades ago on Chris-Crafts. Those boats would now be considered vintage. My father and mother would take my brother, sister and me out on whatever boat my dad had at the time. We traveled Lake Erie, Lake Sinclair, Georgian Bay, across Florida and even trips to the Bahamas on chartered sailboats. Our adventures were on Lymans, Chris-Crafts, a 1936 46-foot and a 1959 42-foot Matthews. We also raced sailboats on Lake Erie, a sport my family still participates in today.

So it should be no surprise that when my passion for old boats began, that it would be in Chris-Crafts. My first restoration project was a 1957 26-foot Clipper. My second Chris-Craft was a 1958 35-foot Constellation that my wife, Julie, and I toured Lake Erie on for our honeymoon 22 years ago. While doing our teak decks one day, Julie asked me if they made these beautiful Chris-Crafts in fiberglass. My answer was, “yes,” so we made a move to a 1964 38-foot Commander Flybridge Express.

I think it is safe to say that all my boats turn heads wherever they go. The 38 Commander was awarded the Flagship for the 50th Anniversary Rendezvous. Our current Commander is a 1976 45-foot Tournament Fisherman. Taking the “45” out for a quick spin is the drawback of a boat that size, so we quickly learned why the word “runabout” was created.

One day, Julie asked me if they made a smaller Chris-Craft, and the search for a 23-foot Lancer began. We found a lot of I/O models locally, but I wanted the inboard model, so we went on the hunt. We found our 1973 Lancer hiding in the inland waters of Iowa I hired two young guys, Isaac and Jesse Zimmerman, to bring her back. She arrived in Sandusky on Father’s Day 2018. She was preserved to a degree, but not to my standards, so I embarked on a three-year restoration, starting with the gelcoat, bottom, bilges and interior. The restoration moved on to a complete revamp of the interior cushions, V bunks, engine, convertible top, bulkheads and chrome. All in all, she is very original and pretty much new throughout. We keep her undercover in a boathouse on Sandusky Bay. We love to watch the sailboat races on the bay, take her out for an evening spin, or run over to Kelly’s Island for dinner. We hope to show her at the Algonac show in June.

—Bryan Huntley, Sandusky, OH