June 2024

GRADY-WHITE CANYON 386

One tough boat.

CRUISING WITH KIDS

STINGRAY

Speed machine.

Tips and tricks for making the most of your kid-friendly cruising adventures.

PORT OF CALL

Nipigon, ON: The northernmost Great Lakes community, Nipigon offers travel-worthy fishing and natural wonders.

SPOTLIGHTS

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

Features

30 Stingray 23 OSX Handles like a sportscar. By

Heather Steinberger

34 Grady-White Canyon 386 One tough boat that’s lasted the test of time. By Capt. Tom Serio

38 Grow Together on the Water Cruising with kids onboard can reignite the love for adventure. Story & photos by Allie Hoogerwerf

42 Port of Call: Nipigon, ON Far North Outpost: Change is on the horizon for the largest freshwater marine protected area in the world. The town of Nipigon, Ontario, on Lake Superior’s north shore, is a natural paradise offering world-class fishing, spectacular hiking and biking trails, and soon, it will be home to the new operations base and visitor reception area for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. By

Felicia Schneiderhan

The northernmost port on the Great Lakes.

Stingray’s brand-new 23 OSX is evidence that the company hasn’t just made the transition to outboard power — it has fully embraced it. The 23-footer offers a 70 mph top-speed, head-turning design and plenty of room to sit back, relax and race to your next adventure.

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

Departments

From the Helm 6

Dock Box 8

Calendar 10

Scuttle 14

Great Gear 20

Don’t Hesitate to Renovate 21

Tech Deck 22

Tackle’N Fish NEW COLUMN! 23

Beneath the Surface 24

Boat Spotlights: BRABUS, Crownline, HCB, Sirena 26

Lakeshore Life: Harbor Springs, MI 48

Marina Watch: Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales - Chicago 50

Marine Marketplace 53

Classifieds 67 Classic Craft 68

Sweet Summer

What’s your favorite way to spend time on the water? Is it heading out on a still, quiet morning to watch the sunrise over the lake? Or do you prefer packing the boat with friends and family, inflating a few tubes and seeking the thrill of watersports? There is no wrong way to enjoy the sweet summer months in the Great Lakes. I’m partial to anchoring by Michigan’s towering dunes to swim in the crisp water with our growing brood. And, to that point, contributor Allie Hoogerwerf offers up great tips on how to make your time aboard with young kids more manageable and enjoyable (p. 38).

Those who dream of boating but don’t want the hassle and expense of owning a boat can take advantage of alternatives to traditional ownership: Boat clubs, peer-to-peer sharing, boat rentals or even fractional ownership; this month’s “Beneath the Surface” column explores all four options (p. 24).

Check out our brand-new column by Dave Mull, “Tackle’N Fish,” which explores ways to easily transform your bowrider or cruiser into a bona fide fishing machine (p. 23).

And fishing is what you’ll want to do when visiting this month’s Port of Call — Nipigon, Ontario (p. 42). As the northernmost Great Lakes port and the largest freshwater marine protected area in the world, Nipigon offers visiting boaters a breath of fresh air, world-class fishing and stunning hiking trails.

See you on the water (most likely by the dunes)!

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

ALAN WENDT

Alan is a past president of Boating Writers International and co-chair of judging for the Innovation Awards at the Minneapolis and Miami Boat Shows and IBEX, the largest technical marine event in North America. Born in Cleveland, he is one of the chief architects of the Women on Water, Getaways! and Adventures cruising programs. Wendt is also a licensed pyrotechnician and choreographs fireworks shows for waterfront displays on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. HIS STORIES START ON P. 26

ALLIE HOOGERWERF

Allie is a freelance writer and an adventure enthusiast. She and her family are often found sailing, hiking and exploring the beautiful world around them.

READ HER STORY ON P. 38

FELICIA SCHNEIDERHAN

Felicia, her husband, Mark, and their three tsunamis explore Lake Superior aboard their 38-foot Marine

Trader trawler, Mazurka . Their early live-aboard adventures are detailed in her memoir “Newlyweds Afloat.” You can read more of her work at FELICIASCHNEIDERHAN.COM.

READ HER STORY ON P. 42

Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales - Chicago p. 50

Nipigon, ON p. 42

Harbor Springs, MI p. 48

Name Game

We’re always on the lookout for clever and interesting boat names! Send us a short write-up about why you chose your boat name, along with your name, your home city and state, and a high-res photo of your boat (at least 1 MB). Send to KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM and put “Name Game” in the subject line.

Lake Lens

We want to see the gorgeous Great Lakes from your point of view! Send a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) and a short write-up about that photo to KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM.

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

CANINE CREW

Whaler

Whaler Mackinac Murray of Charleston, South Carolina, and Les Cheneaux, Michigan, passed comfortably on March 19, 2024, after 14 years of complete bliss.

A sixth-generation member of the Murray family of Mackinac Island and Boston Whaler boating, he was beloved by all.

His history of riding in Boston Whalers of all sizes and swimming in the Straits of Mackinac will be exactly what he continues to do on the other side. Colleagues, friends and peers often called him “The Unsinkable Legend.”

As an accomplished and nationally ranked tennis ball seeker, one never went without getting snagged. There was never a taco Tuesday he didn’t enjoy while bringing complete love to every child and human he encountered.

Whaler was a member at several prominent clubs, including The Royal Irish YC (Dublin IRL), Chewy.com, Mackinac Island YC and the historic Inverness Club in Ohio where he loved to walk the golf paths in the winter, defying rules and decorum.

He is survived by his brother, Buoy, stepbrother, Harpoon, and parents, Shaun Michael and Emily J. Murray.

— Reinette P. Murray

Calling All Canine (and Feline) Crew!

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

Everyone Looks Great in a Lakeland Boating Hat!

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

� WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Email us at KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 1555 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. Opinions expressed in “Dock Box” are not necessarily those of the Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

JUNE 2024

VOLUME LXXVIII, NO. 6

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

Ned and Sharon Bromm, Glenn Hayes, Allie Hoogerwerf, Capt. Frank Lanier, Patti McCleery, Dave Mull, Felicia Schneiderhan, Heather Steinberger, Capt. Tom Serio, Alan Wendt

BUSINESS STAFF

National Sales: Mark Conway Director of Business Development: Joe D’Onofrio

Accounting: Diane Fairchild

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE

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

info@lakelandboating.com

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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

Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2024, by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. is published eleven times per year (except December) by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. / Business/Accounting and Editorial Offices: 1555 Sherman Ave. Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201, 312-276-0610. / Call 847-504-8475 to subscribe. Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (U.S.). Annual subscription rates: United States: $24.95 per year; International and Canadian: $39.95 per year, includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. 894095074-RT 0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S. funds are accepted. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. / POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. / Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Evanston, IL. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. / Unsolicited work may be submitted at the creator’s own risk. Lakeland Boating assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material. All submissions must be accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope with sufficient return postage. / All published photos are courtesy of the manufacturer, unless otherwise noted.

CALENDAR

MAY 30 – JUNE 2

Blue Mountain Film Festival Blue Mountains, ON BLUEMTNFILMFEST.CA

MAY 31 – JUNE 2

Grosse Ile Islandfest

Grosse Ile Township, MI

GROSSEILEISLANDFEST.COM

Northern Landscapes Festival Grand Marais, MN NORTHHOUSE.ORG

MAY 31 – JUNE 8

Bayfield in Bloom Bayfield, WI

BAYFIELD.ORG/BAYFIELD-IN-BLOOM

JUNE 1

1000 Islands Family Free Day Clayton, NY ABM.ORG

Empire Asparagus Festival Empire, MI EMPIRECHAMBER.COM

Lakefront Open House Sheboygan, WI SEASHEBOYGAN.ORG

Sandusky Solo Shakedown Sandusky, OH SOLOSAILORS.ORG

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

STCLAIRBEERANDWINEFEST.COM

Sturgeon Festival Port Huron, MI STURGEONFESTIVAL.COM

JUNE 1 – 2

Wisconsin Carp Championship Two Rivers, WI FACEBOOK.COM/ WISCONSINCARPCHAMPIONSHIP

JUNE 1 – 7

Great International Steamboat Flotilla Clayton, NY ABM.ORG

JUNE 2

Blessing of the Fleet Bayfield, WI BAYFIELD.ORG

Feet on the Street Whitehall, MI

WHITELAKE.ORG

Maritime Marathon Manitowoc, WI

MARITIMEMARATHON.ORG

JUNE 5, 12, 19, 26

1 Music on the Grand Grand Haven, MI

FACEBOOK.COM/ MUSICONTHEGRAND

JUNE 6 – 9

2 Chicago Blues Festival Chicago, IL FACEBOOK.COM/ CHICAGOBLUESFESTIVAL

JUNE 7 – 8

Lakefront Market Huron, OH HURONLAKEFRONTMARKET.COM

Taste of Muskegon Muskegon, MI TASTEOFMUSKEGON.ORG

JUNE 7 – 9

Charlevoix Area Trout Tournament Charlevoix, MI FISHCHARLEVOIX.COM

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

Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Fest Michigan City, IN MICHIGANCITYLAPORTE.COM

Spring Door County Lighthouse Fest Door County, WI DCMM.ORG

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

Sunshine Festival Orillia, ON ORILLIA.COM

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

Walleye Weekend Fond du Lac, WI WALLEYEWEEKEND.COM

JUNE 7 – 16

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

JUNE 8

4 Elk Rapids Marina Antique, Classic & Wooden Boat Show Elk Rapids, MI ACBS.ORG

Lake St. Clair Solo Shakedown Lake St. Clair, MI SOLOSAILORS.ORG

Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival Midland, ON MIDLAND.CA

Spring Lake Wooden & Classic Boat Show

Spring Lake, MI

FACEBOOK.COM/ SLWOODENBOATSHOW

Toast of Ohio Wine Heritage Festival Sandusky, OH MERRYGOROUND. HOMETOWNTICKETING.COM

JUNE 8 – 9

Pictured Rocks Days Munising, MI ALGERCOUNTYCHAMBER.COM/ PICTURED-ROCKS-DAYS

Torch Lake Whitefish Fest Alden, MI DANIELLESBLUERIBBONEVENTS.COM

JUNE 8 – 14

Spring Lake Heritage Festival Spring Lake, MI SLHERITAGEFESTIVAL.COM

JUNE 9

Benson Ford Shiphouse Tour Put-in-Bay, OH VISITPUTINBAY.COM

JUNE 12 – 16

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

JUNE 13 – 15

Three Rivers Water Fest Three River, MI TRCHAMBER.COM

JUNE 13 – 16

Sound of Music Festival Hamilton, ON SOUNDOFMUSIC.CA

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

JUNE 14 – 15 5 Harborfest South Haven, MI FACEBOOK.COM/SOHAHARBORFEST

Minocqua Antique & Classic Boat Show Minocqua, WI FACEBOOK.COM/ MINOCQUABOATSHOW

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

JUNE 14 – 16

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

Festival of the Fish Vermilion, OH VERMILIONCHAMBER.NET

Lakefront Festival of Art Milwaukee, WI MAM.ORG

JUNE 14 – 23

Cleveland Race Week Cleveland, OH CLEVELANDRACEWEEK.COM

JUNE 15

Antique & Classic Boat Show South Haven, MI MICHIGANMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG

Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival Buffalo, NY VISITBUFFALONIAGARA.COM

Door County Beer Festival Baileys Harbor, WI DOORCOUNTYBEERFESTIVAL.COM

CALENDAR

Fyr Bal Festival Ephraim, WI

EPHRAIM-DOORCOUNTY.COM

Peninsula Century Spring Classic Bike Ride

Baileys Harbor, WI PENINSULACENTURYSPRING CLASSIC.COM

JUNE 15 – 16

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

JUNE 20 – 22, JUNE 27 – 29; JULY 4 – 6

6 Summerfest Milwaukee, WI SUMMERFEST.COM

JUNE 21 – 22

7 Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Show Grand Marais, MN NORTHHOUSE.ORG

JUNE 21 – 23

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

JUNE 21 – 30

TD Toronto Jazz Festival Toronto, ON TORONTOJAZZ.COM

JUNE 22

50th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser South Haven, MI MICHIGANMARITIMEMUSEUM.ORG

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

Lyman Boat Cruise-In Lakeside Marblehead, OH FACEBOOK.COM/ MARBLEHEADESTATES

Mackinac Solo Challenge Mackinac Island, MI SOLOSAILORS.ORG

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

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

JUNE 25 – 28

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

JUNE 28

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

JUNE 28 – 30

Grand Haven Art Festival Grand Haven, MI GRANDHAVENCHAMBER.ORG

JUNE 29

8 1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance Clayton, NY ABM.ORG

International Bridge Walk Sault Ste. Marie, MI SAULTSTEMARIE.COM

JUNE 29 – 30

Lakeshore Art Festival Muskegon, MI LAKESHOREARTFESTIVAL.ORG

Summer Art Show Charlevoix, MI CHARLEVOIX.ORG

JUNE 29 – JULY 6

National Cherry Festival Traverse City, MI CHERRYFESTIVAL.ORG

� ADD YOUR EVENT! Email KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM to add your event to our Calendar page.

BOATS

Sailfish Boats Introduces 232 Center Console

Sailfish’s latest model, the 232 Center Console, boasts an array of innovative features designed to enhance your onwater boating experience. The boat features convenient port and starboard transom entry points, twin 10-gallon livewells tucked beneath the rear bench seat, an integrated full-height windshield built into the T-top frame and bow seating with a built-in chaise backrest. Head access is from the front of the console, complete with a standard porta-potti head and optional pump-out. And, of course, the boat features Sailfish’s innovative three-hulls-in-one VDS Hull design.

SCUTTLE

Tailor your 232 CC with options such as a reversible leaning post that can face aft, a single Garmin 1243 GPS screen, or the entertainment package, including a retractable ski tow pylon, fusion transom remote and Hella underwater lights. Standard power is 200 hp or choose the optional 250hp motor from Mercury or Yamaha. The new 232 Center Console will be in dealerships starting this summer.

Visit SAILFISHBOATS.COM.

The 2024 Antique & Classic Boat Society

Toronto Vintage Boat Show has been canceled. The ACBS says it plans to resume the show at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario, in 2025.

If you were excited about the April 2024 solar eclipse, you’re going to love the news that DarkSky International has formally recognized the 9,425.5-acre Michigan State Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It will be known as the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary and will be Michigan’s first certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Beaver Island, off the coast of Charlevoix, Michigan, is geographically isolated and accessible only by ferry or plane. The island hosts a broad variety of ecosystems, and a large portion of land is reserved for research purposes. Beaver Island’s dark sky landscape allows viewers the ability to see constellations, galaxies, the Milky Way, meteor showers, Northern Lights, the occasional comet and rare Zodiacal light.

To learn more, visit DARKSKY.ORG.

B&E’s Ron Bensz Posthumously Awarded at Sea Ray’s 65th Anniversary Meeting

Ronald Bensz from B&E Marine was honored posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award during Sea Ray’s 65th anniversary marine industry dealer meeting in April. The award was accepted on Ron’s behalf by his son and second-generation Sea Ray dealer, Rod Bensz.

“We are extremely grateful that our father, who passed this February at the age of 95, is being honored by Sea Ray with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” Bensz says. “Dad lived such a full life, was loved by everyone, had a major impact in our community and the boating industry. He was not only a dreamer; he was a doer! We were signed as a dealer in 1973 and have been proud to be a Sea Ray dealer now for over 50 of our 71 years in business.”

GREAT

Beaver Island Home to Newest Dark Sky Sanctuary

Great Lakes News Boats Must-Have Buzz Events Business BUZZ

Rod, Ron and Barry Bensz

Irish Boat Shop and Spring Brook Marine Partner to Offer Pardo Yachts

Irish Boat Shop has partnered with Spring Brook Marine in Chicago to make Pardo Yachts available in its Northern Michigan market. Irish Boat Shop has already received its first 38-foot Pardo, and has noticed the boat gaining attention in the area.

“Pardo Yachts are stylish Italian vessels that our customers have been seeking in recent years,” says Shae Cross, president of Irish Boat Shop. “Pardo models range from 38 to 75 feet and add a distinctive European flair to our popular U.S. lines like Boston Whaler, Chaparral and Nautique.”

A newly reconstructed fishing platform in Dunkirk, New York, has opened and features slip-resistant decking, two benches, solarpowered lighting and parking for eight cars. It replaces the previous platform damaged by a Lake Erie storm surge in 2020.

“We believed Irish Boat Shop was the perfect partner for us and Pardo,” says Kyle Stenzel from Spring Brook Marine. “The long-standing family company is well-known for its service and integrity. Our customers boat all over the Great Lakes and need to know they have a local, trustworthy dealer in Northern Michigan. Pardo Yachts has been very successful for us in Chicago and we are certain this deal with Irish Boat Shop will grow the Italian shipyard’s image throughout the Midwest.”

To learn more, visit IRISHBOATSHOP.COM and SPRINGBROOKMARINA.COM.

Announces New On-Water Training in Wisconsin and Michigan

BoatUS Foundation and Boat Safe Great Lakes have teamed up with Carefree Boat Club and Gull Lake Marine to offer a series of at-the-helm boating courses in Milwaukee and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and in South Haven, Michigan.

Designed for new boaters or boaters looking to grow their powerboat skills, courses are held aboard 21- to 26-foot single engine powerboats with a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed instructor. Classes are limited to four students per vessel and cost only $199. Courses follow a National Safe Boating Council modular curriculum and are held Mondays through Thursdays.

“Courses follow a sequential learning process that allows you to take the one you need, such as Introduction to Powerboating for beginners, or build upon your skills by continuing with Precision Docking & Boat Handling, OpenWater Boat Handling or Advanced Maneuvers,” says Alan Dennison, program supervisor for the BoatUS Foundation. Participants must be at least 16 years old to participate, and there is a two-person minimum per boat for the classes to take place. BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training programs are offered at 15 locations across the U.S. Visit BOATUS.ORG/ON-WATER.

The Inaugural Muskegon Boat Life Adelaide Pointe Boat Show

The brand-new Adelaide Pointe Marina in Muskegon, Michigan, will host the inaugural Muskegon Boat Life Adelaide Pointe Boat Show on August 16 – 18, 2024. This premier event will showcase leading industry dealers like Action Water Sports, Spring Brook Marine, Bay Marine, Freedom Boat Club, Keenan Marina, Lakeside Powersports, Lakeshore Marine Group, Sportfishermans Center, SkipperBud’s and many more. There will be over 40 in-water boats and additional display boats on-land. Muskegon Brewing Company will be serving up food all weekend, and the Adelaide Pointe Event Center will offer a lunch buffet and sunset dinner on Saturday as the Lights Boat Parade concludes the evening.

The boat show is free of charge and open to the public, allowing visitors a sneak peek of the new marina, the “million dollar yacht dock,” and many boats from sportboats to pontoons.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the inaugural Muskegon Boat Life Adelaide Pointe Boat Show! This isn’t just about showcasing boats — it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that ignites a passion for life on the water,” says Roger Zuidema, event coordinator. “Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting to dream of adventures on the lake, the Muskegon Boat Life Adelaide Pointe Boat Show offers something for everyone.”

Beyond the boats, the show will also offer live demonstrations, educational seminars, live music and engaging activities for the whole family.

For more information, visit MUSKEGONBOATSHOW.COM.

BoatUS

Tom Barry-Cotter has stepped down as managing director of Maritimo. Bill Barry-Cotter, owner of Maritimo, has returned to the active chairman position.

Historic Tawas Point Lighthouse Reopens

After extensive restoration work, the Tawas Point Lighthouse in East Tawas, Michigan, has reopened. The lighthouse’s grand reopening was held on May 2 — a fitting date that marks 147 years since a light first shone from the tower’s lantern room onto Tawas Bay and Lake Huron.

The restoration work, which started in February 2023, was made possible through $455,500 in federal COVID-19 relief funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Mihm Enterprise conducted the restoration, fixing the exterior deterioration of the tower as well as the lantern room and gallery. The team corrected ventilation and moisture issue to prevent future deterioration. The new exterior paint reflects what the lighthouse would have looked like in 1895.

“After many years, we are so excited to see the tower of Tawas Point Lighthouse return to the gleaming white beacon it was meant to be,” says Laurie Perkins, a Michigan History Center site historian for Tawas Point Lighthouse. “The crowning glory of the restoration project is the lantern room where the 1891 fourth order Frensel Lens still resides. As work progressed on the tower, an exciting color palette dating to the turn of the 20th century reappeared, adding even more to the historical authenticity of the lighthouse.”

Visit MICHIGAN.GOV/TAWASLIGHTHOUSE and TAWASLIGHTHOUSEFRIENDS.COM.

Bill Barry-Cotter

SCUTTLE

Hatteras Announces Three New Models

After teasing its new project during the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Hatteras has announced not one, not two, but three new models for 2024.

The Bimini Run 48' is the smallest of the three new models, followed by the Cat Cay 66' and the Chub Cay 77'. Not many details have been revealed yet apart from a few single images. The Bimini Run appears to be the only outboard-powered model of the three, while the Chub Cay 77' appears to have four staterooms with an amidships primary suite.

More information will be announced at HATTERASYACHTS.COM.

BUZZ

Gulf Harbour Marina Celebrates Grand Reopening

In March 2024, over 270 slip owners and yacht club members celebrated the completion of the $6 million repair and replacement of Gulf Harbour Marina located in Fort Myers, Florida.

The marina sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The hurricane destroyed four main docks and the fuel dock. The remaining five docks were badly damaged and not usable. Four boats sank. The marina lost power, pump-out and water to all slips.

Gulf Harbour Marina is one the first heavily damaged marinas to fully recover and “get up and running” following Hurricane Ian.

During the grand reopening celebration, guests were able to tour a number of boats provided by MarineMax.

For more information on Gulf Harbour, visit GULFHARBOURMARINA.COM.

1. BOTE Kids FlowRider Aero

Known as “on-the-water training wheels,” this hybrid kayak/stand-up paddleboard was tailor-made for young watersports enthusiasts. The 8-foot-long FlowRider Aero is the perfect introduction to on-water adventures. The board weighs 15 pounds and can accommodate up to 150 pounds. Made out of military-grade single-layer PVC, the hull of the FlowRider is durable and rigid once inflated. Purchase also includes a removable Aero seat, a paddle, a coiled leash, a removable 10-inch Aero center fin, a repair kit, a hand pump and a travel bag. $499 AT BOTEBOARD.COM

2. Kenyon SilKEN SV Grill

Grill up delicious meals onboard with the new SilKEN SV grill, specifically designed for sportboats, pontoons and deckboats. With its built-in post mount adapter, the grill easily mounts to a post that is 2¹ ₄" diameter. Features 360-degree swivel, a high-temperature silicone lid, cooking temperatures exceeding 550 degrees Fahrenheit and non-stick, dishwasher-safe grates. Made of marinegrade 304 stainless that’s passivated to be weather-resistant and rust-proof. $1,450 AT COOKWITHKENYON.COM

GREAT GEAR

Must-have goodies, gadgets and more for every boater

3. ScanStrut ATMOS Air Station

ScanStrut’s in-built air station maximizes quality time on the water by providing quick inflation and deflation of your paddleboards, towables and more. To use, simply set the target pressure and push the button, then sit back and let ATMOS do all the work. Compact and shallow, ATMOS fits into almost any panel onboard, such as seating, consoles or near the swim platform. Can inflate towables in about 3 minutes and deflate in 1 minute, and inflate a 10-foot SUP in 6-8 minutes and deflate in about 1 minute.

$344.99 AT DEFENDER.COM

4. SquidCup Non-Tipping Cup Holder

Add a cup holder onboard, no matter where you’re sitting. SquidCup is the only non-tipping cup holder with both vertical and horizontal holding power that won’t release. Twenty micro suction cups create a secure hold that repositions in seconds on any smooth, non-textured surface. The built-in stabilizers automatically adjust to securely hold most popular 12- and 30-ounce tumblers, insulated bottles and can cooler brands. Patent-pending design is made with premium-grade silicone rubber and BPA-free ABS plastic. $24.95 AT SQUIDCUP.COM

� ADD YOUR GEAR! Email KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM to add your company's new product to Great Gear.

5. GoSun Elcat Splash Electric Boat

An inflatable electric boat is the ideal entry into boating, as there’s no need to worry about trailering, launching the boat, winter storage or bumping into docks. Powered by an e-Propulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO electric motor and features a steering console for easy navigation. Carry the deflated boat in your car and easily launch without a trailer. Takes about 20 minutes to inflate. The boat is made of durable MSL double-wall, drop-stitch fusion technology that makes it as tough as carbon fiber but lighter. Can upgrade to a solar panel option to extend range. Sit anywhere you want, including the upper deck. Measures 14'8" long x 8' wide x 6'6" tall. $15,900 AT GOSUN.COM

6. Floating Flame Fire Pit

No need to beach the boat for a summer bonfire — bring the campfire onboard! The Floating Flame is a patent-pending portable firepit specifically designed to be used safely on boats. Its small size makes it portable yet large enough to give off heat. Features side cup holders, built-in sidepod coolers that can fit up to 12 cans per side, and built-in propane tank storage. The smokeless design is free of ashes, sparks and odor. Works with a standard 20-pound gas grill propane tank or 1-pound camping tank. Lasts 20-plus hours. $1,199 AT FLOATINGFLAME.COM

By Capt. Frank Lanier

The Right Way to Raft Up

Rules of etiquette to safely raft up on the water.

Rafting up is a great way to spend time on the water with family and boating friends both old and new. As with any social gathering, however, there are unwritten rules of etiquette to follow to keep a great day on the water from spiraling into disaster. Here’s how to be the hit of the next raft-up party.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of four large fenders. When it comes to fenders, bigger is better. More is also better, as you’ll never hear anyone complain they have too many oversized fenders during a raft-up. If storage is an issue, look into inflatable fenders such as those offered by Easystow (EASYSTOWFENDERS.COM) or AERÉ (AEREDOCKINGSOLUTIONS.COM).

• A bow line, stern line and at least two spring lines of suitable size and length. Line diameter is based on the size of your vessel, but ½-inch is pretty much the minimum. Each should be long enough to loop over your neighbor’s cleat and have the end returned and secured to your cleat.

• Anchor and rode. Your anchor must be “at the ready” for quick deployment at all times should trouble require the raft to break up unexpectedly.

Anchoring or mooring considerations

Typically, the largest boat (which will normally be the heaviest and carry the largest anchor) will be the anchor/host boat. If more than two boats are rafting up, the anchor boat should remain in the middle with the other (presumably smaller) boats alternating to port and starboard as they arrive. One big anchor with plenty of rode is sufficient for most typical raft-ups. Larger raft-ups may require more than one anchor boat or deployment of a stern anchor to prevent excess swinging; however, the single anchor configuration is a lot simpler and eliminates the possibility of tangled rodes. The anchor boat should always let out extra scope (at least 7:1) even in calm conditions. All chain rodes are a plus as well, due to their additional weight. If rafting up using a mooring ball, ensure the mooring is of sufficient size and strength to accommodate the added strain of multiple boats.

Pre-rafting preparations

When joining a raft-up, always ask for permission before coming alongside (even if you’ve been invited beforehand) while verifying which side they want

you to raft up to. Once you’ve received permission and know which side, standoff until your fenders are in position and your bow and stern lines are ready (one end attached to their respective cleats, the other coiled and ready to heave). Keep two spring lines at the ready in the cockpit or within easy reach on deck.

Doing the deed

Motor slowly towards the host boat, while approaching from the stern. Note the effects of wind and current and adjust accordingly. Steer parallel to the host boat until even and alongside, then bring your vessel to a stop and place the engine in neutral. At this point the bow line would be heaved to the host vessel’s foredeck, followed quickly by the stern. Once bow and stern lines are made fast, position and secure the spring lines and switch off the engine.

Make final line adjustments as needed so that your boat is straight and even alongside the host boat. Sailboats rafting up will want to position themselves so that their spreaders won’t crash into each other should the boats roll.

If you can’t do a parallel approach, steer towards the bow of the host boat at a 45-degree angle, toss over your bow line, then allow your boat to fall back and settle gently beside the host boat by using the wind or current. Never make a “T-bone” approach (i.e. bow aimed at the host boat’s side), and always keep your engine running and ready for instant use until secured alongside.

All tied up

Lines can be attached to cleats, winches or any deck hardware designed to take a side load. They should be snug enough to hold the boats close together with fenders positioned at the beamiest part of your boat to prevent hull-to-hull contact. Loose lines equate to excessive movement during wakes or waves. Check line tightness and fender placement regularly during your raft-up to prevent hull damage.

Departing

Boats departing from a raft-up should ideally take place in the reverse order of their arrival. First, start your engine, then when ready to depart remove lines in the opposite order they were attached: Spring lines first, followed by the stern line, then bow. If the host boat is leaving as well, stand by a bit to see if they need any help (raising the anchor, for example).

RAFT-UP ETIQUETTE

• Respect the privacy of the boats next to you.

• If you have to cross from one boat to the next, board amidships (or where it is easiest) but cross each boat over the bow, rather than the cockpit. For all power boat raft-ups, another option may be lining up the sterns so people can pass from vessel to vessel on the swim platforms.

• Avoid stepping on varnished brightwork — even with those fancy new deck shoes!

• Be considerate about music volume, bad language, or anything else that could annoy your neighbors.

• Bring enough food, beverages and appetizers to share!

• Lend a hand as boats arrive or leave.

CAPT. FRANK LANIER

Chart Out

TECH DECK

By Glenn Hayes

The latest in electronic charting from C-MAP.

New chartplotters and multifunction displays have more charting options than ever before. Many come pre-loaded with detail-packed cartography and can add stunning charts that make navigating and fishing much more enjoyable. Details such as 1-foot bathymetric charts, contour shading, high-resolution satellite imagery, and extensive points of interest lists take the guesswork out of navigating on the water.

Manufacturers like C-MAP, Navionics and Raymarine’s Lighthouse Charts, to name just a few, offer stunning new cartography for the recreational boater. Many offer similar levels of detail and chart imagery, each with unique nuances and features. It would take a lot more space than we have available to go over each brand in this article, so for the sake of brevity, we will focus on C-MAP’s offerings.

Vector

charts

C-MAP offers an array of electronic charts, including Discover Onboard, Discover, Reveal, Discover X, Reveal X and 4D. Each has unique features and capabilities. Discover Onboard is C-MAP’s cartography preloaded on specific Lowrance displays. These charts are fullfeatured vector charts rather than raster charts. A raster chart is a digitized version of a paper chart, such as those offered by NOAA (think of it as a digitized scan or photo of the paper chart). A vector chart takes it one step further by digitally tracing the chart, allowing for more details in the chart’s layers and providing better scaling at different zoom levels.

Vector charts take more time to create and are more technically advanced. Still, they can use less memory on the display and allow faster and more effective panning and zooming, with more detail available. For example, a channel marker on a raster chart grows as you zoom, but when the cursor is placed on a vector chart, it can give full details of the marker and will remain the same size no matter what scale the chart is zoomed to.

C-MAP’s Discover Onboard vector charts also offer high-resolution bathymetry, which is the highly detailed depth contour lines you see on specific charts. They also display custom-depth shading, tides and currents, harbor and approach details, detailed marine port plans and protected areas.

Extreme detail

C-MAP’s Discover and Reveal charts are also available for Lowrance, Simrad and B&G units. Discover charts

offer everything Discover Onboard offers, including subscription-free auto-routing, smooth and easy integration with the C-MAPs planning app, and a year’s worth of free updates. The Reveal charts add raster charts and satellite imagery, and the most visually impressive feature is an added shaded relief layer.

This feature alone is worth the upgrade, and when combined with the high-resolution satellite imagery, the chart shows you extreme detail in an easy-tointerpret format of the area you are boating in. The colors and shading in Reveal even make slight changes in depth or structure look stunningly clear — so much so that you can make out differences in a reef, with holes and ledges standing out. It almost appears as if you are looking down on a highly detailed 3D rendering of the bottom.

Add a layer of stunning, high-resolution satellite imagery, and you can see shallows, channels and even docks in incredible detail. This satellite imagery is much improved in resolution, replacing blurry images found on older charts. User-created bathymetric charts can also be viewed with the C-MAP’s Genesis system. It takes your and other users’ recordings and turns them into usable bathymetric information for your charts.

Next generation

For the ultimate chart experience, the Discover-X and Reveal-X charts are C-MAP’s top-of-the-line offerings for Navico units running its new software. These charts offer the same features as the Discover and Reveal versions but are the next generation of charts (working with Navico’s software going forward in new and upcoming models). They add excellent “best in class” day and night modes, making the charts incredibly clear and easy to view no matter the time of day. They also add a new map inspector tool. This tool will open a window with information about any object, such as a nav aid or points of interest, tide information, channels, and more when you click them on the screen. Currently, Discover-X and Reveal-X are only compatible with Simrad NSX, NSX Wide and B&G Zeus S models.

Of course, C-MAP is just one of several manufacturers of electronic charts, and others might be a better fit for your display. All you need to do is confirm what brand and version of the chart will work on your machine and decide which features and formats are must-haves for you.

C-Map’s Reveal charts offer users a visually impressive shaded relief layer.

GLENN HAYES

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

By Dave Mull

Pleasure Boat Fish Harvester

Convert your big lake ride into a trolling machine — and back.

The sight of charter boats heading offshore — their rocket launchers and gunnel rod holders bristling with 20 or more rods — might make Lakeland Boating readers think that a pile of gear is necessary to catch Great Lakes salmon, trout and walleye.

The fact is, you can troll up some fish with just a half-dozen rods. Plus, you can get your boat rigged and ready without compromising the beautiful lines of your cruiser or runabout. Gimbal-mount options and modern track-mount systems make it simple to remove rod holders and other gear when you’re done fishing. Let’s explore the essential gear and tackle that will let you try trolling without a huge investment.

Rod holders

Trolling — that is, dragging lures while motoring to cover water — is the best way to make fish contact on the Sweetwater Seas. Since your crew would soon tire of hanging onto rods while you search for fish, rod holders are essential. Start with six holders, three on each side of the boat. Companies such as Traxstech and Cisco Fishing Systems make rod holders that slide into tracks on top of posts that then slide into flush-mount, gimbal rod holders.

Another option are tracks screwed onto the side decks. You can slide rod holders as well as downriggers into these. When done fishing, remove the gear and slide in a customized piece of starboard to create a step pad.

Rods and reels

Now, rods and reels. You’ll want large, level wind reels with line counters to put on inexpensive fiberglass rods designed for Great Lakes trolling. While brand-new reels can be pricey, you can often find complete sets of second-hand combos on Facebook Marketplace.

You’ll want six 7- to 10-foot rods. Not all need to be the same length, but three matching pairs of rods and reels will make your trolling spread symmetrically on both sides of the boat and will help avoid tangles.

Delivery devices

Other trolling must-haves include three “delivery devices” to help get your lure in front of fish.

A Torpedo Diver is a lead weight shaped like a torpedo that becomes a poor man’s downrigger. This tool is misnamed a “diver” as it’s a super-efficient, hydrodynamic weight. The biggest, a 12-ouncer,

can take your lure deep where salmon and lake trout often lurk in the summer. It clips to your fishing line after you let out your lure behind the boat. As you reel in a fish, unclip the Torpedo from your line and fight the fish unimpeded. In this six-rod setup, Torpedo rods go in the rearmost rod holders and run lines closest to the boat.

The Luhr Jensen Dipsy Diver planes down and to the side of the boat. This will be the middle of the three lines. The lure, usually a spoon or flasher and fly, swims 6–12 feet behind the Dipsy. When a fish hits, the Dipsy’s release pops free, flattening the round disk for easy retrieval.

Church Tackle and Offshore Tackle make popular models of on-line planer boards, our third delivery device. These also clip to your line after you let a spoon or plug out behind the boat. As you troll forward, the smallish board planes to the side of the boat outside of the Torpedo and Dipsy. Like the Torpedo, when a fish hits a planer board line, you reel in the board and remove it before fighting the fish the rest of the way.

You can cover a lot of water both deep and wide with these three presentations, but deploying them tangle-free is not necessarily intuitive. As you get started, consider hiring a charter captain’s first mate to fish with you and show you the nuances of setting lines and lure selection.

Two more essentials: A landing net with a large hoop and a long handle will scoop your catch. Also, get a cooler big enough to ice down a few 20-pound king salmon or a bunch of walleye.

You are now ready for success! the

DAVE MULL

Diehard angler Dave of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has contributed boat tests and features to Lakeland Boating for three decades. His current goal is catching a 30-plus-pound Great Lakes denizen from his Old Town kayak.

Luhr Jensen Dipsy Diver

Offshore Tackle Planer Boards

Cisco Fishing System

BENEATH THE SURFACE

By Heather Steinberger

Boating Reimagined

Understanding the alternatives to traditional boat ownership.

Boating gets into your blood. There’s something incomparable about the purling of the water against the hull, the happy sounds of children splashing into the water off the swim platform, the crispness of the fresh lake air at sunrise and the whir of a fishing reel.

We all know this, whether we grew up in boating families or we recently discovered the boating lifestyle. Yet embracing this lifestyle isn’t always as simple or easy as just buying a boat.

These days, young adults are extremely intentional about how they spend their limited free time in a world with seemingly unlimited choices. Middle-aged parents are juggling hectic schedules and managing resources that are often stretched to the limit.

Retirees are downsizing.

Fortunately, entrepreneurs have filled in the gaps with attractive alternatives to traditional ownership: Boat rentals, boat clubs, peer-to-peer boat sharing and fractional ownership. These allow you to spend time on the water without more significant investments of time, money and maintenance.

No commitments

The first option, a straightforward boat rental, has been around for decades and caters to boaters seeking flexibility without commitment. Boat rental companies provide watercraft that are immediately available on demand, especially in popular boating areas.

This is ideal for tourists and occasional boaters who wish to enjoy a day or two on the water during their vacation. They can experience different types of boats and explore different locations; not only can this be fun and adventurous, but it might help inform purchasing decisions down the road.

Renting has downsides, of course. For one, if you

rent frequently, it can be more expensive per day than club memberships or fractional ownership.

In addition, rental operations offer limited instruction and support, which might not be ideal for a newer boater. If you plan to use this option and don’t have much experience, consider spending time with more experienced friends first — or take a boater education course.

Pro tip: Do your research ahead of time to make sure you are renting from a reputable operator with high-quality boats that are well-maintained. Read online reviews, and take advantage of local knowledge.

Join the club

Boat clubs, like Freedom Boat Club and Carefree Boat Club, have soared in popularity over the last 10 to 15 years — and rightfully so. For an initial membership fee and monthly dues, club members have access to a fleet of boats in multiple locations across the country and even worldwide.

It’s a simple model. Head for the dock, where your boat will be waiting and ready to go; the club handles fueling, maintenance, cleaning, launching, haul-out and storage. You don’t have to worry about dock fees, insurance or trailers, either.

That means more time spent on the water, and with such a wide variety of boats available, you can select just the right one for your needs on any given day. That might be a power cruiser, a sailboat or a fishing boat.

What’s more, clubs arrange social events for their members, and they provide hands-on training. This enhances accessibility and builds community.

The costs involved with club membership aren’t insignificant, but they are less than owning a boat. At peak times, there might be a wait, or limitations on how often you can use a boat. And, of course, you cannot customize a boat the way you would if you owned it.

That being said, boat club membership is an outstanding option if you want to spend time on the water regularly without the hassles of ownership. Just show up at the dock, and the club will take care of the rest.

Pro tip: Unique membership opportunities have popped up in the marketplace, and it’s worth taking a look. For example, Beneteau’s Your Boat Club offers its members pontoons, runabouts, ski boats, fishing boats and even Four Winns electric boats. Great Lakes locations include Minnesota,

Online and mobile platforms

like Getmyboat offer peerto-peer boat sharing.

Wisconsin and Illinois; the club also has locations in Florida and France.

Then there is Barton & Gray, which offers luxury boat memberships worldwide through its Barton & Gray Mariners Club. The only luxury day boating club in the world, it has a fleet of more than 70 captained B&G and Hinckley yachts in more than 30 locations, including Chicago and Harbor Springs, Michigan.

A community-driven pathway

A newer development in certain U.S. markets is peer-to-peer boat sharing, in which private owners make their boats available to renters. Popular platforms include Boatsetter, Getmyboat, RentABoat and SamBoat.

Like Airbnb and VRBO, these platforms leverage technology to facilitate bookings, payments and communication between owner and renter. They offer a diverse array of cost-effective choices, as well as the ability to negotiate flexible terms.

Pro tip: Connect with the boat owner to make sure you feel comfortable with the vessel you are renting, the gear it will have aboard, the terms of the agreement, and each other. If you’re concerned about your level of experience or familiarity with local waters, choose a rental that can include a professional captain.

Sharing the dream

Finally, there is fractional boat ownership, which allows you to split the cost of owning a boat with other individuals. Each owner will have allotted times to use the boat and share the costs associated with maintenance, repairs, docking, insurance and storage. By sharing these costs, you will spend less than if you owned the boat yourself. You also may find that joining together with your fellow owners will give you access to a higher quality or larger boat, for which you will not bear sole responsibility.

Of course, you will need to adhere to a schedule, which limits spontaneous decisions to hit the water when the weather is just right. You also must be able to navigate decision-making and even disputes among your ownership group.

Compared to rentals, boat clubs and boat sharing, fractional ownership is a longer-term commitment. Before you take the plunge, you’ll want to carefully weigh factors such as how often you plan to go boating, your budget, and the importance of flexibility versus an ownership stake in a vessel.

Pro tip: You and your fellow owners might consider enlisting the support of a management company, which can assist with handling launch, haul-out and storage, as well as detailing, service and repairs.

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

From boat clubs like Your Boat Club, Freedom Boat Club and Barton & Gray to peer-to-peer boat sharing like Boatsetter, there are so many options for boaters to get on the water without conventional boat ownership.

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 38'

Beam: 11'

Draft: 2'9"

Weight: 11,905 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 192 gals.

Power: 2 x 500 hp

MSRP: Starting at $725,000 BRABUS.COM

DEALER

Manitowoc Marina Manitowoc, WI; Traverse City, MI; Chicago, IL; Sandusky, OH; Marinette, WI MANITOWOC-MARINA.COM

BRABUS Shadow 1000 Black Ops Signature Edition A Great Lakes powerhouse.

The BRABUS Shadow 1000 Black Ops Signature Edition, with its highly polished graphite black hull and fine-grain leather upholstery package, accomplishes absolute individualism. Emanating European luxury, the new boat is powered by seriously impressive dual Mercury Racing 500 V8 supercharged outboard engines.

“The Shadow 1000 embodies elegance, luxury and blistering performance all in one stunning package,” says Brad Eckhardt, head of sales at Manitowoc Marina, who is just back from Mallorca where dealers got their first ride. “It's the ultimate choice for customers who demand the best on the water.”

BRABUS — Germany’s long-established, highperformance luxury automotive car producer — paired its talent with the award-winning Finnish boat builder Axopar Boats to produce a series of these over-the-top head-turners that are now available in

the U.S. With speeds up to 60 knots, custom-made high-performance calibrated engine brackets make the Shadow 1000 a Great Lakes powerhouse. Relying heavily on carbon fiber detailing, there are also optional upholstery colors each built around the BRABUS signature quilting process. Aft layout options include an open aft deck, wetbar package, multi storage and an aft cabin accommodation package. An intelligent steering module with integrated controls complements a 1st Mate Marine Safety and Security System. European emphasis on the environment is evident with a zeroemission power bank and an optional gas cooktop. Black Ops badging is evident throughout the vessel, which is stealthy at the dock thanks to a Side-Power Bow Thruster. Surprisingly light for a 38-footer, the boat weighs just over 11,000 pounds yet achieves a good ride thanks to a twin-stepped 20-degree V-sharp entry hull.

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

Crownline 270 CR

Family boating.

Memories of microwave brownies, Disney movie nights in the forward berth with Mom and Dad, the onboard board game bin, hours of UNO, and countless marina boat friends pretty much sums up a decade of our boating life with kids. That’s why models like the new Crownline 270 CR are popular.

As part of the brand's Cruisers line, the 270 CR offers great livability onboard. A well-appointed cabin with a galley, custom countertops, a ceramic-top electric stove, a fridge and more makes weekending so liveable. Standard features like air conditioning and heat, the newest digital high-tech monitors, an aluminum arch with Bimini top, a fully appointed head compartment and a dockside water receptacle ensure that the boat is well-equipped from the get-go.

“The 270 CR is the perfect pocket cruiser to sleep a family of four and head out of the home port for a weekend getaway, or a great on-water condo,” says Hall’s Sport Center’s Hayden Hall.

It's a trailerable cabin cruiser, so bring it to your favorite lake or body of water. A beautiful cockpit arrangement features a power swing-back lounge to catch all the sun in the stern, or throw on the bow cushion and catch the sun from the bow. A power radar arch, dual Garmin screens and a windlass anchor — these are all standard features that are usually a pricey option!

“Only a few manufacturers make cabin cruisers under 30 feet, however, none with as many standard options and features as the 270 CR does,” Hall adds.

Sterndrive power is still a popular propulsion choice on the Great Lakes. Owners seem to like the unobstructed full swim platform. From watching the kids splash in the water to sitting on the aft bench to toast one of those lingering northern sunsets, the seating arrangement is meant to bring you together for quality time and family conversations, all bundled in the luxuries of home.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 26'4"

Beam: 8'6"

Weight: 7,559 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 71 gals.

Std. Power: Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L w/ Bravo III 300-hp

Base Price: $179,995 CROWNLINE.COM

DEALER Hall’s Sport Center HALLSSPORTCENTER.COM

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 47'6"

Beam: 13'8"

Draft: 32"/44"

Weight: 32,300 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 800 gals.

Water Capacity: 80 gals.

Max Power: 4 x 600

Mercury; 4 x 450 Yamaha

MSRP: Contact dealer

HCBYACHTS.COM

DEALER

Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales

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

 WATCH THE VIDEO AT LAKELANDBOATING.COM

THCB 48 Campeón

Custom craftsmanship.

he epitome of an evolving definition of center console yachts, HCB introduces the 48 Campeón, blending luxury and sculpted muscle into a seamless statement of boldness. Fitted with a Seakeeper and powered by your choice of quad 600-hp Mercurys or quad 450-hp Yamahas, every element can be tailored to reflect the owner’s style.

An impressive row of elevated seating offers a skybox 360-degree view. Cascading air and heat ducts keep passengers comfortable during the ride out. The forward bow seating sports a fresh scalloped design of lounger backrests that break up prototypical walkways forward. HCB has reinvented the all-in-one table that lowers into a sunpad and eventually becomes one with the floor, transforming the space into a true open bow casting zone.

It’s here you’ll likely notice another one of the HCB calling cards: Multiple speakers and amps on steroids create a loud party machine.

Leading-edge digital touchscreens center the helm layout, with an overhead mix of task-specific digital readouts. Below the twin Garmins is a custom-sized vessel view monitor designed for a functional glance at system-wide performance readouts. HCB added a third massive Garmin digital readout facing the aft deck for those who want a view that answers the basics: Where are we and do you see any fish below?

The entrance to the cabin below is accessed adjacent to the helm. Elegance abounds, and all the necessary elements for an overnight or weekend stay are masterfully laid out.

“The 48 Campeón is a true fusion of luxury and performance with many features found only on larger yachts,” says Matt Huyge, sales professional at Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales. “With numerous custom build options and a best-in-class ride for boats under 50 feet, this HCB is the ultimate choice for those who demand the best boating experience.”

BOAT SPOTLIGHT

By Alan Wendt

Sirena 48

All about enjoying the water.

With the spotlight focused on individualism, Turkish yacht builder Sirena introduces the 48, its smallest model to date. Unlike previous models, owners are more likely to handle the Sirena 48’s trawler design by themselves as the vessel is equipped with both a main deck and flybridge helm stations.

The upper deck is seductive. A playpen lounge area is positioned in front of the helm and spans the width of the upper deck. Behind the helm is traditional wrap-around seating and convertible tables, a wetbar, a refreshment prep area and wide-open, unobstructed views.

Likewise, the main deck offers an optimized layout and spaces far exceeding comparably sized yachts. Built on a voluminous hull, ample interior space is evident below decks in a beam-wide primary suite and two VIP staterooms, along with an optional crew cabin. The Sirena 48 showcases high-quality finishes and classic styling.

“The 48 is targeted at the next generation of boaters to enter the industry who want the best of both worlds,” says Constantinos Constantinou, head of operations for Sirena in North America. “A semi-displacement hull permits fast planning performance (27 knots), as well as for longer bluewater cruising when guests are looking to escape from the stresses and strains of the day-to-day.”

The yacht’s cruising speed is 17–20 knots, with an economical cruising speed of 10 knots.

Guests can enjoy a large swimming platform able to carry a tender, jetski or other watertoys. The Sirena 48 is all about enjoying the water.

The company has already sold 13 units for the U.S. market since the boat’s debut at the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show. Sirena has also announced an exciting new hybrid variant of the Sirena 48, offering twin 213-kW/285-hp electric motors that deliver a speed of 14 knots.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 52'8"

Beam: 16'5"

Draft: 3'5"

Weight: 60,053 lbs.

Fuel (Diesel) Capacity: 502 gals.

Power: 2 x Cummins

QSB 6.7 550 hp

Base Price: Contact dealer

SIRENAYACHTS.COM

BOAT TEST

By Heather Steinberger

Stingray 23 osx

Visiting Stingray Boats in South Carolina’s rural Pee Dee countryside is always fun. It means spending quality time on sparkling Lake Robinson, playing with boats.

On this particular spring day, I arrived at the company’s lakefront property outside Hartsville fully prepared to hop aboard the latest model. I didn’t realize I was about to experience a morning filled with surprises.

Sportscar vibes

Drew Gantt, Stingray’s director of engineering, met me at the dock. Nearby, the new Stingray 23 OSX sat quietly; with its sleek, stylish lines and 300-hp Yamaha outboard, the sportboat looked like a bullet poised to exit the chamber.

The 23 OSX made its official debut at the 2024 Chicago Boat Show in January. Gantt says the buzz was immediate.

“This is something people haven’t seen from us, and they’ve been asking for it, especially in the Midwest and Northeast,” he explains. “We were well known as a sterndrive company, but we’re 100% outboard now.

“This model isn’t a sterndrive boat with an outboard bolted on,” he continues. “It is designed for outboard power from the ground up, but it’s still in keeping with our heritage.”

Long recognized for performance, the 45-year-old independent boat builder is leveling up that heritage and opening an exciting new chapter with the 23 OSX. This new flagship is evidence that the company hasn’t just made the transition to outboard power — it has fully embraced it.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 23'5" Beam: 8'4"

Max Draft: 13"

Weight (w/ 250-hp engine): 3,364 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 56 gals.

Max Power: 300 hp

Base Price: $82,939 (w/ Suzuki DF200)

Stingray 23 OSX �

An impressive list of standard features

All 316-grade stainless steel hardware, including through-hulls Transom shower

Hinged storage compartments — so user-friendly!

I would love to see a small, removable cockpit table for preparing/enjoying snacks or a light meal while dockside or on the hook. (Note: At press time, Stingray announced this will be an option for the 2025 model year.)

Climbing aboard, my first impression is that of a sportscar, starting with the attractive Italian steering wheel and clean, automotive-style dashboard. Our test boat featured the optional Garmin 743 electronics display with edge-to-edge touchscreen glass. This system incorporates high-resolution displays, digital switches, sonar, chartplotting and engine integration, and owners can manage operations from nearly anywhere. This, Gantt says, is necessary in today’s marketplace.

“Younger boaters are accustomed to having this type of experience with their cars, so they expect it with their boats,” he says. “Everything needs to be in one place and easy to use.”

The 23 OSX’s seating also provides an automotive experience, from the dual bucket seats with bolsters to the bow and cockpit seats with flip-down armrests and well-placed grab handles. I also noted the spacious deckboat-style cockpit, impressive aboard a 23-foot sportboat.

“We hand-built the molds from the old 225 SX molds, without CNC (computer numerical control) cutting,” Gantt says. “We made more room in the cockpit by putting the new seats forward of the old ones.”

Thoughtful design

No space is wasted aboard the 23 OSX. Bow and cockpit seats are hinged, lifting up to reveal storage lockers. The dual consoles also conceal sizable storage compartments, one of which accommodates a 25-quart removable Igloo cooler. A hinged, oversized door in the cockpit floor reveals additional storage large enough to accommodate waterskis, wakeboards and surfboards.

What’s more, the sportboat features a forward anchor locker with a slide-out, improving accessibility when you’re ready to drop the hook. Bilge access is easy, too.

Overall fit and finish is top-notch, including the stainless steel pop-up cleats and stainless steel through-hulls (instead of a fiberglass-plastic blend) in the self-bailing cockpit. As Gantt observes, such through-hulls are normally found on offshore boats more than 25 feet in length.

In fact, all hardware aboard the 23 OSX is 316-grade stainless steel, which has superior corrosion resistance compared to other grades. This includes the Stingray-fabricated tubing for the optional Bimini top.

Then there are standard amenities, such as the large cooler/ storage box with an overboard drain, the removable Igloo cooler,

2025 Sneak Peek

I had one final surprise during my morning with the Stingray Boats crew: The 23 OSX was not alone at the dock.

The Stingray design team has created a fraternal twin sister with a cuddy cabin. According to Bob vanVollenhoven, Stingray’s vice president of sales and marketing, this is an exciting development for the boating community.

“It fills a niche,” he says. “No one is really building anything like this with outboard power.”

Years ago, boat manufacturers produced a variety of small

cruisers with cuddy cabins and sterndrives. These disappeared as the industry shifted focus to outboard power and day cruising.

Cuddies are now poised to make a comeback. We can’t say too much yet, but imagine a sportboat with the same hull as the 23 OSX that also offers a comfortable double V-berth with an 18-inch hatch, sink, portable toilet, portable grill with removable stovetop, charging station and more.

This new sister will be part of the 2025 model lineup, debuting later this year. Stay tuned!

a bow filler cushion for sunbathing and a stainless steel swim ladder. I was astonished to see a transom shower; this will be deeply appreciated, especially for boaters in saltwater.

“This boat isn’t just for lakes,” Gantt advises. “It’s very capable in saltwater, and our customers are pretty evenly split between coastal and lake environments.”

One of my favorite things about Stingray Boats is the sheer number of standard features and amenities. So much is incorporated into the new 23 OSX, you won’t have many additional decisions to make.

You can select custom colors and styles for the hull and upholstery. If you come from a family of watersports enthusiasts, you’ll want the pop-up stainless steel ski pole. You could also choose to add the Bimini top, a taller windshield, a battery charger, LED docking lights, an amplifier for the stereo, and hydraulic or power-assist steering.

Sportscar performance

The only other major decision involves the engine. You’ve got three Suzuki and three Yamaha options ranging from 250 to 300 hp.

“With the 250-hp outboard, this boat is for everyone,” Gantt says. “With the 300, it’s for boaters who really know how to drive.”

As it turns out, pretty much everyone wants to try their hand at driving this boat. That became readily apparent during Stingray’s 2023 dealer meeting last September.

“We ran more than 150 miles in just one day, and this lake is only 3 miles long,” Gantt says, laughing. “Our Yamaha rep ran it for seven hours straight.”

Now it was my turn to see what all the fuss was about. We motored to the middle of the narrow lake, closed the walk-through windshield, settled into our bucket seats, and took off.

The acceleration was immediate, flattening us into our seats. We hit 40 mph, then 50, then 60.

Behind the protective, low-profile windshield, it certainly didn’t feel like we were going that fast. The 23 OSX was solid and steady, powerfully charging across the flat water.

The speedometer ticked past 65 mph. The boat lifted and started to walk a little, behaving more like a bass boat yet easier to manage. I trimmed the bow and pressed my feet against the base of the console as I held our course.

The lake’s far shore rapidly approached. We lightly kissed the 70-mph mark, then I dropped our speed and spun the wheel.

The boat dug in and hugged the corner tightly, tucking one rail and sending the other skyward — in a good way (I might have let out a loud whoop).

“With the 300, wide open is about 69-70 mph with two people onboard,” Gantt remarks. “You’ll get about 2.5 miles per gallon at that speed, but that jumps to 4 or 5 miles per gallon at a cruising speed of 30-40 mph.

“We might have been able to go even faster this time, but we’re full of fuel,” he adds with a grin.

An all-composite boat, the 23 OSX is quite light. It’s fuel-efficient, it’s fast, and it most definitely handles like a sportscar. The fact that everyone seems to want this boat with the higher horsepower engines should come as no surprise.

After all, a Porsche can tear up a race track, but that’s not how the average Porsche owner uses it. That same car is also a blast to drive to the movies, dinner and even the grocery store.

The same principle applies here. The Stingray 23 OSX delivers high-octane performance and head-turning design while also providing the versatility and comfort you need for making memories with family and friends.

BOAT TEST

By Capt. Tom Serio

CANYON 386 GRADY-WHITE

One tough boat that's lasted the test of time.

Grady-White Boats is a recognizable brand thanks to its rich history and longevity in the boat-building world. Nestled in Greenville, North Carolina, Grady-White was founded in 1959 by Glen Grady and Don White. These men started building lapstrake-style wooden boats, but by 1968, they had a tough time converting to the new-back-then fiberglass building processes. Mr. Grady and Mr. White ultimately sold the company to a young Eddie Smith who successfully changed the business, helping it thrive over the years to the present day. The rest is, well, history. With over 60 years of experience, Grady-White still builds elegant, tough offshore fishing boats. It’s a name that gets respect and notoriety. These boats get heads to turn. And Grady’s latest entry into the Canyon model line, the Canyon 386, will certainly get some looks. Introduced in late 2023, the Canyon 386 is a grown version of the former Canyon 376. It may not seem much of a jump in size, but the increase exponentially adds more space, more features, more performance and more fun.

ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM

With gleaming triple Yamaha XTO Offshore 450 5.6L outboards in classic white that matched the hull, these powerplants delivered blistering wide-open speed at 60.9 mph during our sea trial (average of reciprocal courses, and slightly better than Grady-White’s numbers).

You can’t run that speed all day, especially when the fuel burn rate is 117 gph. But dial it back to a more respectable cruise of 30 mph and you’ll sip only 30.3 gph. Enjoy a sunset cruise at 17.5 mph and the burn rate is 21.2 gph — much easier on the wallet. No matter what your need for speed is, these Yamahas deliver whatever you dial in.

Supporting these big engines is the exclusive SeaV² hull. Grady-White incorporates its water-impervious composite stringer system and transom into the hand-laid fiberglass hull, which is designed to maximize efficiency while offering a soft and stable ride. On the Canyon 386, the deadrise at the transom is 20 degrees. Moving forward, the deadrise progresses to a sharper V-style, tightening up at the bow. A sharp bow entry allows the boat to slice through waves and not just bounce over them. In calmer waters, the bow can lift, thanks to dual running strakes that extend from the bow aft, and the boat runs on the relatively flatter hull surface aft, increasing speed while maintaining control. Additionally, the hard chine gives stability and reduces side rolling. Bow flare throws bigger waves outward while adding lift, resulting in a very dry boat. Boaters don’t usually head out when conditions are rough, but when the weather changes, you know the hull is working to get you back to port safely.

Additional control comes from the bow thruster and stability from the standard Seakeeper 5 gyroscopic stabilization system.

CREATURE COMFORTS

Grady-Whites are meant to be fished, and they do it well. Port and starboard transom raw water livewells are 35 gallons each, insulated and with lights. Full column distribution is by 1,500gph pumps. Rod holders are seemingly everywhere, even on overhead storage racks and on the T-top. With the in-deck 149-quart fishboxes and 291-quart insulated transom box, your catch should keep. Add in the 18-foot carbon fiber outriggers and side cockpit doors for boarding people or fish. Walk-around single-level decking makes this a true full-access center console fishing machine, including a bow casting platform.

Named the “Deluxe Lean Bar,” the 386’s central station can be used as a rigging station thanks to the Corian counters, freshwater sink, knife/pliers holders and storage drawers all around. With the optional grill, you can cook your catch right there.

Tucked away across the transom is a cleverly hidden fold-out bench seat with cushion and backrest. Forward is an open bow with seating along the sides that includes electronically actuated backrests to convert the benches into lounge seats. A hi-low center table lowers to install a filler cushion, creating a large sunpad area.

On the front of the console is a two-person contoured, diamondstitched luxury lounge with a grabrail and three armrests. This may be the best seat in the house!

All around the boat is padded coaming that's about thigh high, perfect for leaning into a fish.

NAME GAME

As the name suggests, you might be running out to the canyons for deep-water fishing. When I boated out of Long Island, New York, the closest canyon was about 40 miles south, with Hudson Canyon an 80-mile stream. For rides like those, you want to be comfortable and not have the boat beat you up before you arrive at the grounds. Well, the 386 takes care of that with four (yes, I said four!) individual Command Elite helm seats, each with bolsters, plush cushions, armrests and footrests. The seats and helm are protected by the solidly framed T-top with lights and an aft SureShade retractable shade. A full-frame laminated glass windshield has an electric vent and port and starboard side frameless windows. This setup offers great protection from the elements.

My test boat was a demo model, so there were no electronics installed other than the Yamaha Vessel Monitoring System display for the outboards. Owners can choose their favorite electronics package and have that installed at the dealer.

DOWN BELOW

The real surprise is the lower cabin; it’s well appointed for a weekender, has ample headroom and AC. Starboard is a galley with an overhead microwave, glass shelving, a Corian countertop, a fridge and a stainless steel sink. Forward is a V-berth that converts into a dining area thanks to the dropin cherry table. A 24-inch LED TV is to port. Aft is the enclosed head with VacuFlush toilet and shower.

You can opt for hull color, canvas package-top underside color, electrical tables or a few other options. Either way, the Canyon 386 will deliver what it always has: Being a great, tough boat.

GRADY-WHITE CANYON 386

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 36'6"

Beam: 13'2"

Displacement (w/o engines): 14,950 lbs.

Draft (hull only): 2'4"

Fuel Capacity (gas/diesel for gen): 410 gals./23 gals.

Water Capacity: 44 gals.

Power: 3 x Yamaha XTO Offshore

450 hp 5.6L outboards

MSRP: Contact dealer GRADYWHITE.COM

DEALERS

South Shore Marine SOUTHSHOREMARINE.COM

Desmasdon’s Boat Works DESMASDONS.COM

Drummond Marine DRUMMONDMARINE.COM

Jerry’s Majestic Marine JERRYSMAJESTIC.COM

Mega Powersports & Marine MEGAPOWERSPORTS.COM

The Boat House BOATHOUSEH2O.COM

�

I really like the cabin features. The ride at wide-open is steady, true and fun to drive. There’s plenty of cockpit space for fighting fish.

Side boarding doors are a plus!

The machine space below the cockpit has easy access to filters, pumps, plumbing, etc.

The 5kW diesel generator is a plus — and a must.

�

Would benefit from an aft-facing seat to watch the lines.

GROW TOGETHER ON THE WATER

Cruising with kids onboard can reignite the love for adventure.

Each summer, my husband and I set aside a portion of time to cruise Lake Michigan on our C&C 30 MK II. What started as two of us has evolved into sharing our love of the water and boating with our two young boys, ages 5 and 2.

The kids have limited our coastal exploring, as long, slow passages by sail are still a bit hard for them. Nevertheless, we continue to explore in earnest, as the boat is one of our favorite places to be.

As the years have gone by, we often tell people that we no longer take vacations, but rather “trips with children.” Gone are the days of reading our books in the cockpit, long dinners out, and naps in the sun while silently cutting through glassy water.

Cruising with our kids adds some challenges but it also adds a remarkable new element of joy. Watching our boys grow up boating and seeing their confidence morph and change in and on the water reignites our love for adventure and the beautiful world all around us.

Cruising considerations

Each season of having babies and toddlers onboard has had its own unique set of challenges, but there are a few things that we’ve found to make every voyage more enjoyable.

In the summer of 2023, our crew headed north from our home port of Muskegon, Michigan. On this particular trip, the most helpful decision we made was to sail overnight to our first destination. It was a 12-hour stretch in our little boat. The conditions were right, the moon was full, and the kids were able to sleep peacefully and wake up to a new adventure. My husband and I were a bit more worn out after an overnight sail, but not having to play cruise director for 12 hours on the water is worth a few extra cups of coffee and just muddling through one day. If they sleep through the entire passage, they get the joy of waking up in a new port, and exploring can begin right away.

When planning for a trip, we give a lot of thought to choosing which ports we will stop in and how we will get around once there. If there are playgrounds, mini golf, a beach, a marina with a pool, or hiking trails within walking or biking distance we know we will have a good time. When the children are content it’s a pretty safe bet that the adults onboard are as well.

Getting creative

In so many ways, boats are made to be baby-proof. Initially, our kids could not open cabinet doors, the refrigerator, or the head because of the latches that keep things secured when we are underway. They couldn’t climb ladders, and the cabin was essentially a big playpen when they were babies. But when they cracked the code to opening and climbing, they grew a bit more menacing in the cabin and we had to get a bit more creative with activities.

There are a few things that we have found to make boating with kids not only more enjoyable but also more functional.

•• INSTACART: I cannot say enough good things about how wonderful grocery delivery services are when you are out cruising. Our personal preference is Instacart, but I’m sure any grocery delivery service would work well.

With a little note of instruction, we’ve found the delivery drivers are willing to bring the groceries

directly to the dock. When diapers are running low or the kid’s favorite snacks are eaten faster than anticipated, you can complete an order from the comfort of your boat and have it magically show up at your slip. No need to go wandering all around town — your favorite grocery stores are at your fingertips. This also helps keep us provisioned with healthy meals to make onboard. Going out to eat is often challenging when juggling an early bedtime or nap schedule, and having comfortable staple meals the kids enjoy helps to keep everyone smiling.

•• AUDIOBOOKS: Our 5-year-old is an enthusiastic and capable little member of our crew. He is eager to help and adores time on the water. However, while adults onboard can sit and watch the water go by for hours, he tends to get a bit bored. Audiobooks offer a great way to take in the scenery while also being entertained with captivating stories.

Sometimes my husband will read aloud from the old Arthur Ransome "Swallows and Amazons" series — many of which are about kids on boating adventures — and the whole family will listen together. But more often, my son will toss on his headphones, pop up on a perch seat and sit happily for a long, long time. He also has a fairly weak stomach and he frequently feels seasick when the waves build. With audiobooks, he gets lost in the stories and can take his mind off his turning stomach enough to enjoy the journey.

•• LIFE JACKETS AND TETHERS: When we feel that the kids are safe, we can relax enough to find delight on the water. A good life jacket is worth its weight in gold. My boys have jackets that they can wear for hours without being bothered. Having the flexibility to move around and be comfortable while also being safe is key.

We also use tethers at times while underway. I know there are different perspectives on tethers for kids on boats. While I think this topic warrants your own research and decisions about what is best and safest for your family, we have found that we have peace of mind knowing that they couldn’t go overboard if they make a wrong step. We are always very near to our kids on the water as they are such young crew members, but the tethers allow us to relax a bit and trust that as they watch the water they won’t accidentally lean too far. We keep a knife close to where we tether them in the unlikely event of a tragic accident and we need to free them from the boat. It gives us comfort to have one parent in the cockpit at the helm and one making lunches below, knowing that our 2-year-old won’t accidentally fall in.

•• ROCKS: Rocks are God’s gift to all young boaters. They keep us busy in two ways. First, collecting them in ports is an event. We bring buckets and hunt on

beaches, trails and parking lots to replenish our stash. On the next leg of our trip, the boys spend lots of time slowly plunking them in, one by one, while we are underway. They love to watch them hit the water. This is a no-cost activity that can keep them busy for a long time. There is something cathartic about watching the rocks hit the water and disappear.

•• COLLAPSIBLE LAUNDRY BASKET: Kids love sand and dirt and we love to let them play, explore and get wildly messy. But, sometimes, on longer cruises, the kids can’t go without a good scrub. I’ve wrestled soapy babies and toddlers in marina showers, and then we got smarter. A collapsible laundry basket folds small enough to store and pops up large enough to act as a bathtub for little ones. Everyone has more fun when the berths aren’t full of sand, and the boat stays a bit tidier.

•• KITES: The wind and the waves are a playground to us parents and there is no reason not to let them also be fun for the kids. We have flown kites off our stern on calm days. The forward motion of the boat is enough to keep the kites flying smoothly and they add an element of fun for the kids. It’s something to watch and hold, keeping them entertained.

•• NAPS: Naps are the very best thing during passages. A good lee cloth can make napping easier for small children. Our 5-year-old, who hasn’t napped at home since the day he turned 2, will often fall asleep on a passage. The motion of the boat combined with the way the sun saps your energy can make for perfect nap conditions. Time passes quickly and they arrive refreshed and reenergized. We often try to plan longer stretches during naptime to give ourselves a break partway through.

•• TOYS: We keep a lot of toys onboard that are just “boat toys.” These toys never come home with us, and this makes them far more entertaining and exciting in the times that they are onboard. Some of our favorite boat toys are kinetic sand, alphabet robots and 3-in-1 Lego creator sets.

★ BALANCE BIKES: We have found that our boys are much more content to go long distances once at a port if they can ride their balance bikes alongside us instead of just walking. Since these bikes are quite small, they are easy to bring along and add a lot of entertainment. We also always have a stroller onboard for the days their little legs are too tired or if they need a nap on the go.

Growth in the discomfort

These are just a few of the things we’ve found to be helpful. Every family is going to have its own set of tricks to make things work, as well as its own challenges and joys. The reality is that there are some days on the water that feel near perfect — the sunshine

glistens on the lake, the music is playing and everyone onboard is full of smiles. But there are just as many days where things do not go well — something breaks, the weather turns and plans change.

We have spent days wondering if it is worth raising kids on boats or if we should shift to simpler land-based activities. But we always come back to the fact that we like our kids to be witnesses to us handling adverse situations. We want to give them examples of how to navigate hard things. It is uncomfortable sometimes, but there is growth in the discomfort. The boys see us communicate, problem-solve and work as a team. And we hope this gives them a blueprint for how to respond under pressure, how to trust themselves, and to know that parents don’t always get it right.

All the tricks in the world won’t make it so that boating with kids is always easy, but there is value in it even when it's challenging. We grow together out on the water and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

PORT OF CALL

By Felicia Schneiderhan

FAR NORTH

Change is on the horizon for the largest freshwater marine protected area in the world. The town of NIPIGON, ONTARIO, on Lake Superior’s north shore, is a natural paradise offering world-class fishing, spectacular hiking and biking trails, and soon, it will be home to the new operations base and visitor reception area for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.

Nipigon River Bridge

OUTPOST

Boaters cruising into Nipigon, Ontario, earn some special credentials for coming into the far northern point of Lake Superior. Harbormaster Shane Hardy awards them with a special certificate that they’ve crossed the 49th parallel.

“It’s signed by the mayor and everything,” the Nipigon native says. “We get quite a few people who come in and ask about it.”

Bragging rights aside, Nipigon is well worth its spot on any adventure boater’s bucket list. This far-north outpost is home to world-class fishing, plus plenty of hiking, biking and climbing. The route to reach this outdoor playground takes boaters through the Nipigon Strait area and the many islands of the National Marine Conservation Area. Part of Canada’s national park system, it’s the largest freshwater marine protected area in the world. And there’s plenty of change on the horizon for this small community of 1,600 — which is good news for boaters and the region.

At the top of

the lake

First Nations may have come to the region as far back as 9,000 years ago, following caribou herds and hunting big game. The Red Rock area at the mouth of the Nipigon River was a sacred meeting ground of great importance. The first Aboriginals in the area were likely the Meramegs, an ancient tribe that later became part of the Ojibwe tribe. The rock was used for making highly polished peace pipes and other important objects. Historians believed visitors from far reaches came to the area to make important cultural contributions (see sidebar on p. 45).

The 1600s saw the arrival of Europeans and the French explorers Father Claude Allouez and Sieur du L’hut. The area took on an important role in the fur trade, as a fort and trading post for the North West Company and Hudson’s Bay Company. In the late 1800s, the Canadian Pacific Railway finished its section of the north shoreline here, and the town of Nipigon was officially established.

Today, Nipigon is home to about 1,600 people. The Nipigon Marina stands in the old spot of the Red Rock Trading Post of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The small marina is located on the west bank of the Nipigon River, just up from Red Rock and the river’s mouth. It normally has fewer than 20 boats docked; transient docking is always available, Hardy says. Currently, the marina offers basic services: Freshwater, pump-out, diesel fuel (not gas) and electricity. Boaters can find laundry facilities and more provisions in town within a half-mile of the marina, including Zechner’s Food Market. Locally owned and operated for more than 80 years, this market carries groceries, fresh flower bouquets, and has a large deli and produce section. For dining-in, the Edgeview at Sunnyside has views of the Nipigon River and serves fare like wraps, burgers, wings, pasta and ribs.

The call of the wild

It may come as no surprise to boaters that one of the prime reasons to visit Nipigon is the lure of world-class fishing. Fishing, tourism and forestry products make up its chief industries.

“The diversity of fish here is incredible. There are so many species in close proximity in the Nipigon River system alone,” Hardy says, as he quickly recites just a sample of the many kinds of salmon, trout, walleye, bass and perch in the area. “The world-record brook trout was caught in the Nipigon River.”

Just as quickly, Hardy lists off the fishing festivals and derbies all season long, from “tons of little derbies” to the Fall Fishing Festival in September. That event

Nipigon Marina

Nipigon

Lake Superior

Nipigon Bay

Nipigon River

Helen Lake Red Rock

includes a large baseball tournament, parade and great prizes. In winter, it’s a common sight to see anglers pulling their sleighs out on the frozen Nipigon Bay and neighboring Black Bay to catch jumbo perch.

“You can bring your own hut or there are a couple companies here who will rent you a hut,” Hardy says, adding that there’s always the opportunity to go fishing, just for the fun of it, right off a dock. “We’ve got docks out all over the place. You can always see a bunch of kids fishing. There are local bait stations. One has a fridge outside so it’s self-serve, anytime.”

And if festivals are your jam, you’ll want to hit the Nipigon Blueberry Blast Festival held every August. The 23rd annual event will be held August 17 – 18, 2024, and will offer music, vendors, activities and plenty of local cuisine celebrating that wild berry found all over the area.

BYOB

BYOB — bring your own bike, that is — because it’s unlikely you’ll be able to rent one in town, and you’ll definitely want a bike to explore the region. Bikes and the expansive trail system provide major access to the area and its

Boaters and kayakers coming into the Nipigon River can witness a wonder on the mountain face opposite the Red Rock township. Pictographs believed to be at least 2,000 years old can be seen in the rock, far above the surface of the water, where the Nipigon River flows into Lake Superior. These ancient pictographs and their style point to visitors from far reaches traveling to the area. Historians attribute these drawings to a Mayan influence. Weapons similar to those used by Mayans also were found in the area, unlike the weapons made by local native tribes who used flint in hatchets and arrowheads. For more info, visit REDROCKTOWNSHIP.COM/ COMMUNITY/HISTORY/IN-THE-BEGINNING.

Ancient pictographs

Bridgeview Lookout Tower

Zechner’s Food Market family

Nipigon Marina 807-887-3040

NIPIGON.NET/PLAY-EXPLORE/ FACILITIES/NIPIGON-MARINA

Township of Nipigon

807-887-3135

NIPIGON.NET

stunning vistas. (The region has few roads, though Highway 11/17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon has recently been widened.)

A few years back, Canadian National Railway pulled its tracks out, and today, the old railbeds are available for biking and hiking.

“You really get to see nature that way,” Hardy says. “No road, no highway, you’re in the back of nowhere. There’s a railway 150 feet up in the air. You can look down at the rivers below. It’s something.”

The views alone may be the reason you need to visit Nipigon.

“The views are what get me,” Hardy says. “Within five minutes, we’re out of town, and then we can go 100 kilometers (62 miles) in the bush without running into anybody.”

You don’t have to travel far for a jaw-dropping sight. Shorter mountain bike routes reward riders with incredible views. Like the Kama Cliff Trail, a short 5-kilometer (3-mile) moderate single-track ride with a few challenging rocky areas and a 90-meter (295-foot) climb that reveals Nipigon Bay and its islands in full glory. The Bald Spot Trail is another shortie that leads mountain bikers to an overview of Nipigon and the Nipigon River. Hikers will often travel this route, too.

Or you can try more extensive road and gravel riding, like the 40 kilometers (25 miles) up Highway 585, through dense forest, heading north from town and ending at Lake Nipigon. Alexander Falls Dam is a sweet view along the way.

There may be as many waterfalls in the region as there are hiking and biking trails. Hardy recommends the 25-meter (15.5-mile) Mazukama Falls with its hiking trail.

Bridgeview Lookout Tower is another popular hiking location, with its view of Lake Helen, the Nipigon River Bridge, the river and bay.

Maps for biking, hiking and ATV riding can be found in town and at the marina, as well as online. And the Nipigon locals will be happy to share their favorite routes, too.

Hardy says his ideal day in the area starts with camping: “We go up to a little lake down Cameron Falls Road called Fraser Lake; it’s got a nice, sandy beach. The fishing is unreal, especially the walleye. You can just go and jump on a side-by-side and take bikes and cruise the area, going down trails, going down old railbeds. It can be four or five hours before we come home — we’re just out exploring.”

Change on the horizon

In a couple of years, boaters coming into Nipigon are in for some exciting developments. This spring, ground broke on the shore to build Parks Canada’s landmark Administration and Visitor Centre. It’s the first Parks Canada building to seek Passive House Plus certification and net-zero carbon standards.

“They’ve been working on it for over 10 years to have it put in Nipigon,” Hardy says. “Ever since they made us a freshwater National Marine Conservation Area in 2015, they’ve been wanting to do more here.”

Edgeview at Sunnyside

Fall Fishing Festival parade

Blueberry Blast

Nipigon River fishing

It’s part of the Canadian government’s goal to make the protected area more accessible. It will serve as Parks Canada’s primary operations base and visitor reception area for Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, protecting the ecologically sustainable use and cultural heritage of the area.

The building is projected for completion in 2026. In the meantime, the marina is still open, though the adjacent campground will be closed.

Even with this new center, the town will keep its small community feel, says Hardy.

“This is definitely not city life here,” he says. “The closest city to us is Thunder Bay, about an hour away. Otherwise, everything is small — everything closes by 6 or 8 o’clock, and nothing is open on Sunday. This is a small town. People care. This is small town living in the best way.”

Mazukama Falls

Kama Cliff sunrise

LAKESHORE LIFE

By Abby Thorpe

ADDRESS

4050 S Lake Shore Dr., Harbor Springs, MI 49740

SPECS

Bedrooms: 6

Baths: 7.5

Square Footage: 5,842

Acreage: 1

Shoreline: 150 feet

Price: $4,995,000

CONTACT

Pat O’Brien

Pat O’Brien & Associates Real Estate

231-675-6677

PATOBRIEN.COM

NHarbor Springs, MI

A serene Cottage Company estate along the Tunnel of Trees.

estled inside a private gated entrance along a pristine stretch of Northern Michigan shoreline, this 5,842-square-foot home epitomizes beachfront living at its finest. Situated along the bluffs of the famous Tunnel of Trees between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, the area offers unparalleled access to sandy beaches, with all the serenity and privacy of an exclusive estate.

Crafted by the Cottage Company, the lovely home features six bedrooms and over seven bathrooms, with thoughtful, upscale finishes that offer a comfortable, luxurious place to relax and host. Multiple fireplaces throughout deliver comfort in any season, while expansive windows, a third-floor elevated lookout and multiple decks and terraces offer lakefront vistas.

A fully finished lower level features a kitchen and fitness area. Within a short walking distance from the back deck is 150 feet of private, sandy

Lake Michigan beachfront. A large 3.5-car garage provides space for vehicles and toys, along with a charming carriage house that is the perfect spot for additional guests — or a private studio retreat.

“Recent enhancements, including a new synthetic roof, an exterior refresh with paint and cedar shingles, elevate the home’s allure, ensuring a setting of unmatched sophistication and comfort,” says listing agent Pat O’Brien.

Luxuriate in the serenity of this peaceful stretch of Harbor Springs coastline, enjoy space to entertain in every season, and head out on a lake adventure. The town of Harbor Springs offers a charming downtown with restaurants, shops and several marinas on the deepest natural harbor in the Great Lakes.

“Experience the zenith of lakeside living, where every sunset over the lake is a masterpiece of its own,” O’Brien adds.

MARINA WATCH

By Abby Thorpe

JEFFERSON BEACH YACHT SALES

Marina City Towers

300 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60654

866-490-5297

JBYS.COM/OURLOCATIONS/CHICAGOOFFICE

AMENITIES

Transient Slips: Y (2)

Pump-out: N

Gas: N

Diesel: N

Lifts: Y

Launch Ramp: N

Engine Repair: Y

Hull Repair: Y

Marine Store: N

Restaurant: Nearby Showers: N

Laundry Facility: N

High-Speed Internet: N Pool: N

Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales - Chicago

The authority in luxury yacht sales.

Situated in the hub of downtown Chicago along the Chicago River, Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales (JBYS) has a small physical footprint, but manages to deliver the largest volume of any JBYS location in the country.

More than 50 years ago, the first JBYS dealership location was established in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, at Jefferson Beach Marina by Greg and Nancy Krueger. Today, JBYS has grown to seven Great Lakes locations, plus one in Naples, Florida. The company sells both new and pre-owned boats, specializing in luxury yachts.

Now run by Krueger children, Amy and Erik Krueger, JBYS continues its legacy as one of the most trusted dealerships to conduct business with. It currently maintains the distinction of being the oldest dealer in the world for Viking Yachts and Sunseeker, and is among the oldest Princess dealers in North America.

“At JBYS, our purpose is to make your boating pleasure a top priority,” says President Amy

Krueger. “We have over 900 years of combined industry experience across the team with goals to under-promise and over-deliver. Ron Silvia oversees the Chicago location and has led its growth and success by maintaining the highest standards of excellence while staying true to these core values.”

JBYS’ central location in downtown Chicago offers convenience for customers and allows for quick dispatch of technicians and brokers to surrounding areas. The dealership offers sales, service, storage and sea trials, with a world-leading brand lineup including Viking, Valhalla, Princess, Absolute, Sunseeker, HCB, SACS Rebel, Sailfish Boats, Williams Jet Tenders, Seabob, Lift eFoils and EZ Dock. In addition to new boat brands, JBYS offers brokerage services to clients looking to sell or purchase pre-owned boats.

The location has the added benefit of offering dockage in downtown Chicago, including hourly dockage and limited overnight availability.

26’

eepurl.com/byR_WX

• Volvo IPS 950 D11s, 725hp each

• IPS positioning with 3 joysticks

• Garmin Advanced Navigation

• 280 engine hours

• Seakeeper 9 gyro stabilizer

• Loaded with upgrades!

•

• Starlink Under Dome internet

• 3 staterooms, 3 heads

• Hydraulic swim platform

• Includes Williams 345 Jet Tender

• Located in Mackinaw City, MI

• Upgrading to larger boat, must sell!

Summer is Coming!

22' 2018 ZODIAC MEDLINE 660 Low hours and freshwater only! Excellent condition with Yamaha F175hp outboard on Aluminum Integrity bunk trailer. Custom all-welded T-Top with multi-color LED lighting. New 2023 Tubeset. Garmin color chartplotter/fishfinder/ depth. Ski pole. Cruise comfortably at 40 mph at 5000 RPM. Asking $65,000. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100 RYS

MALIBU WAKESETTER 23 LSV Single-owner, freshwater, in excellent condition. LOW HOURS (~170)! Lift-kept in season and heated storage off season. Malibu Monsoon M5Di motor and twin-axle custom Malibu trailer + spare, ready to tow to your favorite spot! Asking $107,900. Contact Joe today 414-793-0195 or joe@ centerpointeservice.com. CNT

23' 2022 NORTHCOAST 230 CENTER CONSOLE Almost new! Installed Jan. ’24: Garmin electronics package: GPSMAP 1243xsv (12" touchscreen); sounder with GT-23 TM transducer; and 215 VHF radio and antenna. Includes 2022 Integrity custom-welded bunk aluminum tandem axle 7,000 lb. trailer. 12-year transferable hull warranty, and 6-year Yamaha F250XB warranty. Asking $97,999. Call Matt @ 734-735-1948. RYS

TO ADVERTISE IN CLASSIFIEDS Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/CLASSIFIEDS for details and to submit your materials. Payments cannot be accepted online. We will contact you for payment once your ad proof is approved. Questions? Email Christy at CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM. Contact us by MAY 16

2022 WELDCRAFT 240 OCEAN KING Freshwater and low hours! Full hardtop, single engine outback bracket w/ bottom sheet and swim platform. Extruded toe rail, selfbailing recessed diamond tread deck and 29" safety rails. Options include 120-gallon fuel tank, aerated livewell, anchor pulpit and more. Plus $40,000 worth of customs including Garmin touch displays, transducer, hydraulic autopilot, dome radar and more. Custom-welded aluminum trailer included. Asking $165,000. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS

2022 PURSUIT S 288. Custom-ordered by her previous owners and tastefully upgraded. Equipped with joystick, autopilot, radar, hardtop-mounted rod holders and more! Her 200-hour service has just been completed and there are 2 years left on Yamaha warranty on the twin 300 Yamahas. This one will definitely not last long! Asking $289,000. Contact PJ Tamer for more information at pj@centerpointesales.com or 262-424-9627. CNT

2023 FOUR WINNS H260 Check out this almost-new Four Winns H260. Gray with Mercruiser 6.2L 350hp, only 10 hours on the engine. Tandem axle custom trailer, floor storage, anchor locker, head with sink, depth finder, docking lights, ski/wakeboard tower with Bimini top, JL Audio System, lots of under-seat storage, stainless steel cleats, swim platform, and much more! Asking $105,989. Contact Info: tom@ centerpointesales.com or 414-232-2955. CNT

25' 2022 JEANNEAU NC WEEKENDER 795 SERIES 2 Freshwater and many amenities! Only 155 hours on 200hp Yamaha engine. Heated storage. Garmin Echomap UHD Chartplotter/Sonar display Fusion Stereo, Dockside AC, bow thruster and new bottom epoxy barrier coat, plus VC17 anti-fouling paint in 2023. Includes twin-axle 7k lb. Venture trailer. Asking $127,500. Call Bob @ 616-843-1225. RYS

1987 CHRIS-CRAFT 362 T-270hp Crusaders, AC/ heat, generator, GPS/map, sum log, depth sounder, VHF, 2 staterooms, 2 heads/showers. Full Bimini enclosure, microwave, stove, refrigerator, boathouse kept. Asking $50,000. Call 419-366-4279. AUG24

2010 40' SABRE SEDAN Twin 380hp Cummins w/ Zeus pod drives. 1278 original hours. 3 Zone AC/heat. 9KW Gen. Inverter. Windlass. Starboard side cabin door. Full electronics. All equipment working. Freshwater since 2017. Motivated seller. Price reduced to $435,000. Contact Ted at lakeandbay@roadrunner.com or 419-656-0408. JUN24

2016 44' CRANCHI M 44 HT Low hours and fresh water only! Volvo Penta Diesel Stern Drives with joystick, bowthruster and hydraulic swim platform. Garmin electronics. Two stateroom and 2 head layout. Asking $525,000. Call Mark at 920-495-5567. JUN24

Bromm’s Lullaby

1987 36' Chris-Craft Aft Cabin.

In 1992, during a freak March blizzard, over 30 boathouses on Bimini Drive in Sandusky, Ohio, burned, as well as all the boats that were stored inside for the winter. We lost our beloved Silverton that had carried us on so many family adventures. We knew we would have to find another boat.

My wife, Sharon, had a few specifications for the next one: It needed a refrigerator with a good size freezer, steps to the bridge (no more ladders), and a full-size bed that she could walk around easily to make the bed. The hunt was on!

We finally found her — a beautiful 36-foot 1987 Chris-Craft aft cabin. It met all of Sharon’s criteria, plus many more. We decided to name her Bromm’s Lullaby She has been so reliable and comfortable over the years. We have traveled to each of the Great Lakes except Superior. Our favorite vacations have been to the North Channel, but a five-week trip to Lake Ontario and through the Rideau Canal was especially memorable.

Our family boating vacations each summer have allowed us to meet many new friends along the way, including from the Great Lakes Cruising Club. We continue to rendezvous with many of them. We love being in the outdoors in the beautiful Great Lakes and discovering new ports along the way. Occasionally there is a challenge when navigating that keeps things interesting. Of course, I like to “putz,” checking engines and other parts, cleaning, replacing and kibitzing with other captains working on their boats.

We realize we have been so fortunate. We are grateful and wish the same joy to others.

— Ned & Sharon Bromm, Sandusky, OH