H U RO N | O N TA R I O | M I C H I G A N | E R I E | S U P E R I OR
MARCH 2018
SEA RAY FLY 520 BRIGHT AND AIRY BRIDGE. p. 36
DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 31, 2018
MONTEREY 385SE Load up the family for a day of fun on this spacious Super Express. p. 40
SUNKEN SHIPS Explore 15 of the most notable Great Lakes shipwrecks. p. 48
SAFE AND SECURE Innovative marine security products help deter would-be thieves. p. 44
PORT OF CALL St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, MI: Bluffs, beaches and plenty of fish! p. 52
SPOTLIGHTS AZIMUT ★ CARVER ★ CONTENDER ★ SAILFISH
Inspired interiors crafted with pride.
A
Marlow Explorer® interior is the perfect blending of old world craftsmanship with space age materials to create an environment that is inspirational and distinct to Marlow.
In an effort to preserve our valuable teak forests throughout the world each Explorer interior is crafted from a single teak log. This ensures that the grain is all cross-matched and each yacht is consistent in appearance. Taking a note from the aviation industry, the use of honey-combed core material saves weight and provides a strong and durable base for many of our surfaces which don’t require solid wood or stone fabrication. A simple drawer tells the story of the pride our craftsmen take in their efforts; dovetail joints, a solid wood bottom and not a single razor blades width seam visible anywhere. Next, examine the finish in either gloss or matte, perfectly applied and sanded to a glass smooth surface on the wood. In a word… Perfect. Visit us at www.marlowyachts.com to learn more.
Marlow Explorer® yachts are the envy of the yachting world.
“Our consuming attention to detail and improving the yachting experience drives us forward.” – David Marlow, Chairman Marlow Yachts LTD
MARCH 22 - 25, 2018
Visit the sales staff for Marlow Marine. Contact us to schedule your personal tour of these fine yachts today.
North American and International Inquiries www.marlowyachts.com • sales @ marlowyachts.com Marlow Marine Sales, Inc. USA/Canada: 800.362.2657 • International: +1.941.729.3370
MarlowExplorer ® 49E | 53E | 58E | 62E | 66E | 70E | 75E | 80E | 88E | 97E
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features
ON T H E COV E R
Boat Test: Sea Ray Fly 520 Fly me to the moon. by Alan Wendt .......................................................
One spin in the Sea Ray Fly 520 and you’ll quickly see what the “Light Effect” is all about. With a spacious, airy bridge, seating that maximizes the interior layout, a unique “Stairway to the Sea” swim platform feature and plenty of windows, the Fly 520 is — as tester Alan Wendt claims — “Sea Ray’s best bridge boat to date.”
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Boat Test: Monterey 385SE Getting from point A to B has never been easier. Or more exciting. by Ken Kreisler .........................................................................................
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Peace of Mind Today’s boat security systems protect your pride and joy against theft, accidents and even angry birds. by Craig Ritchie ........................................................................................
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Treasures Beneath the Lakes These 15 Great Lakes shipwrecks will make any scuba diver’s bucket list, with a dive site for every skill level. by Heather Steinberger ..............................................................................
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Port of Call: St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Michigan A Great Lake and Two Rivers: St. Joseph and Benton Harbor — both quaint and charming southwest Michigan towns — offer boaters a fun mix of fishing, food and a PGA golf tournament.. by Jane Simon Ammeson ............................................................................
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@ lakelandboating.com ★ Shop boats for sale by owner ★ Place a classified ad to sell your boat ★ Peruse dozens of exciting destination stories ★ Check out our most recent Boat Tests & Spotlights ★ Purchase our Great Lakes Cruising Guides ★ Access past issues with our online magazine ★ Stay current on all the latest Great Lakes news ★ And much more!
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Departments
4 Dock Box ............................................................................................. 6 Calendar .............................................................................................. 8 Scuttle......................................................................................................... 10 Great Gear........................................................................................ 22 Shoreleave: Dog Sledding .........................................................24 Don’t Hesitate to Renovate .......................................................26 Beneath the Surface .................................................................... 28 Electronics .......................................................................................30 Safety First .......................................................................................31 Boat Spotlights: Azimut, Carver, Contender, Sailfish ........ 32 Lakeshore Life: Holland, Michigan ......................................... 60 Boat Biz: Basa's Marine...............................................................62 Marine Marketplace ...................................................................... 63 Classifieds ........................................................................................ 83 Classic Craft ................................................................................... 84 From the Helm ..................................................................................
PHOTO BY JOSH NOWICKI
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Fish & Cruise The 206CC is part of the STINGRAY deck boat line, but the versatility of this center console model has many labeling it as the ultimate fish and cruise package.
With seating for up to nine passengers, storage throughout, and a changing compartment that can be upgraded with an optional porta potti, the 206CC is ready for a full day of fun with family and friends! 206CC Deck Boat 20’ 1” | 100” beam | 2700 lbs (w/ popular engine) | 46 gal fuel capacity | 9 ppl, 2400 lbs VISIT STINGRAYBOATS.COM /206CC FOR MORE INFORMATION
FROM THE HELM
CONTRIBUTORS
BY KAT E B U S H
What's your least favorite spring cleaning chore? Jane Simon Ammeson It's either hauling canvas bags filled with vinyl cushions up from the hold where they're stored for the winter, laying them out on the cold deck on an early spring day and scrubbing them to remove the mold and mildew. Yuck! Another least favorite chore is crawling into the forward sleeping compartments on our 23-foot sailboat and scrubbing them clean. I wish they'd come up with a self-cleaning boat!
Think Spring I
have vivid memories of walking into my garage as a young child and being recruited to help my mom washdown our green, 20-foot Sea Ray. It was always a struggle and usually ended with all four of us kids one-by-one sneaking back inside the house. Getting a boat ready for summer is not always glamorous. But it sure is worth it come that first weekend out on the water. This issue is packed with tips on how to prep your boat, from outfitting it with a new anchor (p. 26); DIY installation tips for electronics (p. 30); and even getting your furry friend ready for the summer (p. 31). If you want to up your boat's security, check out our feature on innovative security systems, featuring products like trailer locks, remote monitoring systems, and even an alarm system that emits fog like something straight out of a James Bond movie (p. 44). The twin cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan are the perfect places to drop anchor that new anchor when it finally gets warm (p. 52). These charming towns offer pristine beaches, downtown shopping, year-round festivals and more. If you're looking for an underwater adventure, read "Treasures Beneath the Lakes," which lists 15 of the best Great Lakes shipwrecks to explore (p. 48). There's a dive site for every skill level. Clean that boat and think spring!
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
HHH
Heather Steinberger I dislike cleaning bathrooms. Just because you’re calling it a head doesn’t make any part of the process more charming. In the end, you’re still scrubbing a toilet — with the added joy of dewinterizing the system. HHH
Ken Kreisler As we're Northeast boaters and put our 47foot power catamaran up on the hard for the winter, hands down, I do not look forward to donning the coveralls, wearing a mask, pulling a "watch cap" over my head, and going through a new box of latex gloves as I muck out and degrease the bilge areas. But then again, I get to commission the head systems as well. HHH
Lynda Wheatley
Holland, MI p. 60
Bolingbrook, IL p. 62
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St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, MI p. 52
I live in fear of window cleaning. Eighteen months ago, when I was six months pregnant, we moved into a new house. Turns out, the house is full of natural light, which you only get when you have a lot of windows. I ignored cleaning them then because, hey, six months pregnant! Well, my son is now a year old; the windows are near opaque. But I think it might actually be easier to have another child than attempt cleaning them now.
DOCK BOX PORT OF CALL
Comeback City Cruising the
Detroit
Lake St. Clair
Windsor
Lake Erie
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ada Can States ted Uni
PHOTO BY VITO PALMISANO/ VISITDETROIT.COM PHOTO COURTESY OF
Comeback City I just had a chance to read the Detroit article in the February issue (“Cruising the Comeback City”) and I have to say it was really well done and the photos were amazing! It’s so nice to get the positive press that we so deserve in this great boating state! Now everyone will hopefully realize how wonderful it is in Detroit... and Michigan! —Deb DeBusscher, St. Clair Shores, MI
MARCH 2018 | VOLUME LXXII, NO. 3
PUBLISHER Walter “Bing” O’Meara
Visiting Detroit, Michigan by boat is a unique way to see this resurgent city. Starting at the riverfront — as the settlers did more than three earliest centuries ago — provides a great opportunity to explore a batch of new breweries, trendy restaurants, museums, eye-catching world-class architecture and bustling public spaces. From their riverside playground — Detroit’s dynamic front-door — Motor City residents warmly welcome boaters and are eager to show off the city they call “The D.” BY SUSAN R. POLLACK
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Chilly New Year Happy New Year! Negative 13.5 degrees and wind chill of negative 35 degrees on the Illinois River (what river? It’s a solid skating rink!). —William Lander, Wilmington, IL
Photo taken January 1, 2018
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EDITORIAL STAFF Editorial Director: Kate Bush Assistant Editor: Sarah Kollmorgen CREATIVE STAFF Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs CONTRIBUTORS Helen Aitken, Jane Simon Ammeson, Glenn Hayes, Ken Kreisler, Capt. Frank Lanier, Craig Ritchie, Joshua Nowicki, Karl Roth, Capt. Tom Serio, Heather Steinberger, Alan Wendt, Lynda Wheatley BUSINESS STAFF National Sales: Mark Conway Regional Sales: Patti McCleery Marketing Director: Linda O’Meara Accounting: Marguerite Wristen EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 630 Davis St. / Suite 301 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 / Fax: 312-276-0619
CANINE CREW
STAFF@LAKELANDBOATING.COM LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Coby This is a photo of our 8-month-old dog, Coby. He likes to take boat rides on our 2016 dual console Robalo. We keep our boat at the south end of Lake Michigan at the Calumet Yacht Club. The ride to downtown Chicago is about 13 miles. Coby enjoys seeing people and other boats. Hope to see you on the water! —Ann and Doug Jorgensen, Munster, IN
Harvey & Rowdy Meet Harvey and Rowdy, our rescue golden retrievers, just waiting to head out on Lake Erie. We call them the “E Dock greeters” at our marina in Sandusky, Ohio, as they welcome guests aboard our 3773 Cruisers aptly named It’s About Time II. —Steve and Michele Frisch, Sandusky, OH
Calling All Canine/Feline Crew! We want to learn about your furry friends on-board! Send us a short write-up with your pet’s name and home city, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to: staff@ lakelandboating.com. Please put “Canine/Feline Crew” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! E-mail us at staff@lakelandboating.com or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 630 Davis St., Suite 301, Evanston, IL 60201. Opinions expressed in “Dock Box” are not necessarily those of Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 630 Davis St. / Suite 301 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 x. 24 / Fax: 312-276-0619 CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM
SUBSCRIPTIONS P.O. Box 15396 North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396 800-827-0289 O’MEARA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC. President: Walter B. O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2018, 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: 630 Davis Street, Suite 301, Evanston, IL, 312-276-0610. • Call 800-827-0289 to subscribe. Subscription correspondence should be addressed to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615 (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. 894095074RT 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 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396. • Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Evanston, IL. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. • Unsolicited work may be submitted at the creator’s own risk. Lakeland Boating assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material. All submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage. All published photos are courtesy of the manufacturer, unless otherwise noted.
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1
MAR 3
EAA Hops & Props Oshkosh, WI
EAA.ORG/HOPSPROPS
Marquette Brewski Marquette, MI
MARQUETTE365.COM
MAR 11
Sleeping Giant Loppet 1 Pass Lake, ON
Michigan Cup Relays Grayling, MI
The Slush Cup Mancelona, MI
MAR 15 – 18
SLEEPINGGIANTLOPPET.CA
SHANTYCREEK.COM
GRAYLING-MI.COM/EVENTS
Spring Boating Expo Novi, MI
NOVIBOATSHOW.COM
Waukesha Art Crawl Waukesha, WI
WAUKESHAART.COM
Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids, MI
SHOWSPAN.COM/USG
MAR 7 – 11
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show Milwaukee, WI
WBAY Home & Garden Show Green Bay, WI
MAR 9
MAR 17
DOORCOUNTYWINEANDCHEESE.COM
VISITMUSKEGON.ORG
JSSPORTSSHOW.COM
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MAR 1 – 4
Kingston Canadian Film Festival Kingston, ON KINGCANFILMFEST.COM
MAR 2 – 3
U.P. Ice Golf Scramble St. Ignace, MI STIGNACE.COM
MAR 2 – 4
Bayfield Winter Festival Bayfield, WI
BAYFIELDWINTERFESTIVAL.COM
CopperDog 150 Calumet, MI
COPPERDOG150.COM
Greater Hamilton Home & Garden Show Hamilton, ON THEHOMESHOW.CA
Orillia Winter Carnival Orillia, ON
ORILLIAWINTERCARNIVAL.CA
Progressive Akron Boat & Water Sports Show Akron, OH AKRONBOATSHOW.COM
MAR 2 – 11
Harbor Springs Restaurant Week and Then Some Harbor Springs, MI HARBORSPRINGSCHAMBER.COM
ADD YOUR EVENT
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Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/GREAT-LAKES-EVENTS to add your event to our Calendar of Events page!
MARCH 2018
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HOMEANDGARDENSHOWGB.COM
Door County Wine & Cheese Gala Sturgeon Bay, WI
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Muskegon, MI
MAR 9 – 10
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sturgeon Bay, WI
Brew-Ski Festival Harbor Springs, MI BOYNE.COM
MAR 9 – 11
Mid-Michigan Outdoor & Boat Show Birch Run, MI FRANKENMUTHCUEVENTCENTER.COM
MAR 9 – 18
Canada Blooms: The Flower and Garden Festival Toronto, ON CANADABLOOMS.COM
MAR 10
Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon 2 Calumet, MI GREATBEARCHASE.COM
3
STURGEONBAY.NET
MAR 17 – 18
Sweetheart Harvest Fest Midland, ON WYEMARSH.COM
MAR 22 – 25
Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow Minneapolis, MN
3
NORTHWESTSPORTSHOW.COM
MAR 23 – 25
Cottage & Lakefront Living Show Grand Rapids, MI SHOWSPAN.COM/CLG
1: PHOTO COURTESY OF IMAGINE FILMS FACEBOOK; 2. PHOTO COURTESY OF BROCKIT INC; 3. PHOTO COURTE SY OF N ORTHWE ST S P ORTS HOW FAC E B OOK
BY KAT E B U S H
MUST-HAVE
Yamaha Adds V MAX SHO 90 to Lineup
Yamaha Marine is beefing up its line of V MAX SHO outboard motors with the new V MAX SHO 90. This 90-hp outboard is both the smallest and most recent in the SHO line. The company says it leads its class in torque and top speed. “The new V MAX SHO 90 is the perfect power solution for boaters looking to replace an older two-stroke 90-hp outboard with the clean, quiet efficiency of a four-stroke,” says Ben Speciale, president of Yamaha Marine Group. Yamaha kept anglers in mind by making the engine quieter than previous models. Pair it with propellers that use Yamaha’s Shift Dampener System for an extra-quiet experience. Anglers will also find the outboard is compatible with Yamaha’s variable trolling RPM switch (VTS) for slow, controlled trolling. Learn more at YAMAHAOUTBOARDS.COM.
SCUTTLE GREAT LAKES NEWS
KS Associates has promoted Mark P. Cencer, P.E. to director of coastal engineering services. In his new role, Cencer will help provide planning, design, and construction engineering services for all types of waterfront infrastructure, with a focus on projects along the Great Lakes and inland bodies of water throughout Ohio.
ADD YOUR NEWS
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EVENTS
Michigan ACBS 2018 Boat Shows Mark your calendars: A number of Antique & Classic Boat Shows will be coming to Michigan this summer, with the first scheduled for June. The 33rd annual “Where it All Began” Boat Show will take place June 22 to 24 at the Algonac Harbour Club (the original Chris-Craft plant) in Algonac. The public show will be June 23, with water events on June 22 and 24.
On July 14, boaters can head to the Lexington Boat show at Public Harbor before trekking to the Port Sanilac Municipal Marina for the Port Sanilac Boat Show August 17 to 18. Closing out the season is the ACBS International Boat Show, “Boat the Blue,” which will be held September 9 to 15 in Port Huron. For more information, visit ACBS.ORG.
BOATS
Marlow 75E Debuts at Miami Show
Marlow Yachts unveiled its newest model, the Marlow Explorer 75E, at the Miami International Boat Show in February. The enclosed command bridge model is built for comfort, style and entertainment flexibility while on-board. The spacious salon features satin finish teak and holly flooring, double ultra leather settees and an elegant, teak built-in bar. Forward of the galley is a large custom-designed dining area. With four staterooms and crew quarters, there are no crowded spaces. A teak stairway leads to the pilothouse where you'll find a spacious enclosed command bridge. The custom settee and dining table offer yet another option to dine, read or relax while your captain steers to your next port of call. A convenient day head has been custom-designed for this area. On the upper aft deck, sunsets will be enjoyed from the custom built-in bar and settee. Email kbush@lakelandboating.com to add your company’s Great Lakes news to Scuttle! For more information, visit MARLOWYACHTS.COM.
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SCUTTLE
BUZZ BUZZ
Furuno Signs Deal with Canadian Coast Guard
The Canadian Coast Guard’s boats just got a nice upgrade thanks to Furuno. The electronics manufacturer has signed a deal with the Canadian Coast Guard to outfit the new Bay class of search-andrescue boats with a Furuno multistation NavNet TZtouch network with radar and depth sounder. The systems feature dual NavNet TZtouch Black Box processors and 19-inch touch-screen displays, plus a 14-inch NavNet TZtouch at the upper helm. The 55-foot CCGS Pennant Bay and Baie De Plaisance are the first of 12 vessels ordered by the Canadian Coast Guard. For more information, visit FURUNO.COM.
Both the Progressive Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show and the Toronto International Boat Show saw bigger crowds this year, with 48,644 and 77,493 in attendance, respectively. Chicago’s show was up 4 percent from last year, while Toronto's two-week show was up 1 percent.
BUZZ
Great Lakes Marina Open to the Public Located on Lake Michigan at the Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago, Great Lakes Marina is open to the general public. The 96-acre, full-service marina has 30-foot piers with utilities, linear wall spaces, moorings and dry storage space. The marina has a boat yard for winter storage, as well as winterizing services including shrink-wrapping.
Great Lakes Marina’s amenities include plenty of parking, a launch ramp, a family beach area, a beach house with restrooms and showers, and a fuel dock and pump-out station. Plus, there are boat rentals (both sail and power) and courses, including U.S. Sailing (basic and intermediate) and U.S. Safe Powerboating Instruction. The large harbor areas are excellent for paddling activities, such as kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. For more information, contact Harbormaster Doug Derginer at 847-688-5417 or DOUG.F.DERGINER@NAVY.MIL.
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Weems & Plath Celebrates 90th Anniversary Weems & Plath, one of the nation’s oldest manufacturer of nautical, safety and navigation products, celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2018. In 1928, Captain Philip Van Horn Weems and Margaret Thackray Weems opened what was then named Weems System of Navigation. The early days of Weems & Plath were dedicated to navigation and weather instruments. Always with an eye toward innovation, Weems & Plath has continuously added products to its line while staying true to its roots of traditional navigation. Today, the company offers more than 400 products, including a new line dedicated to boating safety. Over the course of 2018, Weems & Plath will sponsor a trivia contest on their website and will launch a photo contest in the spring asking customers to submit photos of any past or present Weems & Plath products they own Weems & Plath President Peter Trogdon says: “We are very grateful to our customers who have remained loyal and have helped us reach this milestone. I believe that our longevity is due to the fact that our customers know that we love boating and want to create products that will make boating more enjoyable and safe.” For more information, visit WEEMS-PLATH.COM. BUZZ
Inn at Harbor Shores Adds New Art Exhibit
Paintings by Michael Rippey will be featured at the Inn at Harbor Shores from January 19 to May 7. “I have always had an interest in oil painting,” Rippey says. “I would say my paintings now generally fall somewhere between impressionism and realism, but my style of painting is still evolving. I hope visitors to The Inn find my paintings interesting and evocative of pleasant scenes and experiences in Michigan. This a great place to live and a great place to paint.” The Inn at Harbor Shores will host a reception for the artist on March 22 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit HARBORSHORESLIFE . COM or INNATHARBORSHORES.COM.
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
Charlevoix Yacht Club To Relocate
Big news for boaters who are soccer fans: Sunseeker International is an official partner for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 tournament in Russia. For more information, visit SUNSEEKER.COM.
The Board of Directors of the Charlevoix Yacht Club have voted unanimously to relocate the present yacht club facility (located at 209 Ferry Avenue in Charlevoix, Michigan) to a new location at 206 Ferry Avenue. The new facility will be funded through an internal effort by the members of the Charlevoix Yacht Club. The facility is expected to break ground in 2018 and should be complete in 2020. The new clubhouse will provide unparalleled views of Lake Charlevoix. A new partnership with the Charlevoix Mariners — a 501(c)(3) organization promoting youth and adult sailing educational programs — and a members-only area on the top level of the almost 6,000-square-foot facility will be located directly on the Lake Charlevoix waterfront. “Above all, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with the next generation and build a long-term legacy for our members and their families like we’ve never had before,” Commodore Noel Smolenyak said in a statement. The Charlevoix Yacht Club was founded in 1970, with a current membership of more than 170 households and individual members. For further information, please contact Commodore Noel Smolenyak at 231-547-9170.
BOATS
Fairline Squadron 64
Say hello to Fairline’s newest design, the Squadron 64, which will launch in 2019. Built on the same Vripack wide-chine hull as the Targa 63 GTO, the 64 features contemporary styling by Alberto Mancini. The yacht has an aft-facing galley, a singlelevel salon, and multiple flybridge, main deck and accommodation configurations. Available with three or four cabins and an optional twin-bed aft crew cabin, the boat is powered by a choice of twin Caterpillar C18 1150 diesel engines (standard) or twin MAN V8 1200 engines. For more information, visit FAIRLINE .COM. BOATS
Heyday Introduces WT-SURF
BOATS
Galeon Yachts Debuts 640 FLY at Miami Show
Galeon Yachts' game-changing, allnew 640 FLY debuted at February’s Miami International Boat Show. The 640 FLY is a transformer yacht with an innovative layout. Outside, the aft cockpit dining area holds eight people who can enjoy an entertainment system with a TV sliding up from the aft galley, all while protected from the elements by the electric aft sunshade. The bow deck area can be approached by the revolutionary, electric front window entrance revealing two separate movable sofas with integrated convertible tables. Inside, a three full-beam cabin layout or fourcabin layout are available. For more information, visit GALEONYACHTS.US.
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Heyday Wake Boats’ largest model yet is here. The 25foot WT-SURF features Heyday’s signature hull that’s specifically engineered to create a clean, powerful wake for boarding and surfing — without relying on expensive tabs and other wake-shaping devices. With a 17-person capacity, the boat’s dual-console arrangement creates distinct areas for socializing in the bow, cockpit and stern. The WT-SURF comes as a complete boat, motor and trailer package with a starting price of just $54,499. “We listen to boaters’ wants and needs, and we keep innovating new ways to deliver,” says Heyday President Keith Yunger. “They want a wake boat that gets the job done for the riders, and is also comfortable for friends and family to spend the day on. And they want it for tens of thousands less than the competition.” For more information, visit HEYDAYWAKEBOATS.COM.
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
Slide Anchor Joins Fight Against Invasive Species
BUZZ
Nautique Adds Interactive Boat Builder to Website
Giving boaters the ability to put together their dream boat from the comfort of their couch is the latest trend with boat manufacturers, with Nautique unveiling its own interactive boat builder, “Design Your Nautique.” This new web feature allows boaters to pick and choose from a number of color and design options. Indecisive boaters are in luck: “Design Your Nautique” allows you to save multiple versions of your dream boat for better comparison. The program also features updated renderings, two views per model and a number of scenic background to fantasize driving your boat around. Custom boat designs are also printable, so boaters can consult with friends and family. For more information, visit NAUTIQUE .COM.
Joining the effort to prevent the spread of quagga mussels throughout freshwater lakes and rivers in the United States, Slide Anchor is adding “Clean, Drain and Dry” stickers to its products. The manufacturer’s patented and popular Box Anchor will now display an engraved metal label, reminding boaters to clean the anchor whenever leaving or entering a body of water. This will help prevent the spread of quagga mussels. “I’m confident that this investment in quagga mussel education will contribute to better boating for everyone in the future. If a little label like this is an effective reminder to boaters to do the right thing,” says Ryan Dvorak, founder and president of Slide Anchor. “I hope other companies will join the ‘clean, drain and dry’ movement and help keep our waterways free of aquatic invasive species.” For more information, visit SLIDEANCHOR.COM. BUSINESS
Sirocco Marine-Lake Erie in Port Clinton, Ohio, is the newest dealer for Brig Boats. Sirocco Marine-Lake Erie will carry the full lineup of Brig’s RIBs and Sirocco tenders as the builder’s exclusive dealer in Ohio and the Detroit metropolitan area. Visit SIROCCOMARINE.COM and BRIGBOATS.COM.
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Onekama Marine Newest Wellcraft Dealer BUSINESS
Onekama Marine, located on Portage Lake, and Lake Michigan Yacht Sales, located in Bay Harbor, Michigan, are the newest Wellcraft Boats dealers in the Midwest.
Navico Acquires Yacht Defined and Invests in HOC Yachts Marine electronics powerhouse, Navico, has added a new company to its portfolio: Yacht Defined Sweden AB. Yacht Defined is a modern and user-friendly technology platform that offers boaters an intuitive user interface for driving, living aboard and owning a boat. The platform provides deep-system integration that delivers navigation display data optimization, remote control of onboard systems and entertainment, and vessel-wide over-the-air system updates, to name a few. Navico has also made an investment in HOC Yachts AB, a start-up, high-tech custom boat designer that will be used to showcase and validate Navico and Yacht Defined’s developments in marine electronics, digital switching, boat integration and connectivity. For more information on Yacht Defined and HOC Yachts, visit YACHTDEFINED.COM and HOCYACHTS.COM, respectively.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Wellcraft is an iconic name in the boating industry. With a focus on both family boating and fishing, they are an ideal fit for Michigan boaters. Built in Cadillac, Michigan, customers are able to easily visit the factory. The all-new Wellcraft 182, 202, and 262 Fishermen have already proven to be a huge success with Michigan boaters. Visit ONEK AMAMARINE .COM for more information.
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
JBYS Becomes Exclusive Contender Dealer
La
ad bef k ve ore eL nt p a ur la n Br e nn d ow or in bo s bu g y a e yin ou ti g r n nG yo ex ur t .C ne cru om xt isi bo ng at !
Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales (JBYS) is now the exclusive Contender Boats dealer for the Great Lakes region. Founded in 1984, Contenders are built for unparalleled fishability, comfort, range and speed. “In all boating segments, there’s always a couple brands that serve as benchmarks by which others are measured,” says Erik Krueger, JBYS vice president. “In the center-console performance market, Contender definitely serves as one of those benchmarks. We are very excited to add Contender to our diverse line-up of industry-leading brands.” Contender offers high-performance models ranging from 22 to 39 feet. For more information, visit JBYS.COM.
MasterCraft XT25
Go big or go home with MasterCraft’s new XT25 — its largest multi-purpose crossover model yet. The XT25 is the final, fifth and largest in the XT line. This model has a new interior layout that can fit up to 18 people. More convertible rear-facing seating ensures there’s plenty of room for socializing and watching wakeboarders. The XT25’s new crossover hull bottom pairs perfectly with the optional Gen 2 Surf System, which creates the perfect wake for wakeboarding, tubing and skiing alike. Standard features on the XT25 include Klipsch Audio, a 4.5-in touch-screen dash and a folding, gas shock assisted ZFT2 tower. General Motors engines power this feisty model. For more information, visit MASTERCRAFT.COM.
“Do you love the Great Lakes as much as I do?” We know you love the Great Lakes as much as adorable Charlie.
CharLie Photo By Joe Johnson
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BOATS
Keep up with all the scuttle at LakeLandboatinG.Com: Don’t miss the latest Great Lakes news and events, the coolest Ports of Call to explore, and boats for sale by owner. See you there!
MARCH 2018
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SCUTTLE
BOATS
Melges Power 26
Melges, a 75-yearold Wisconsin-based boatbuilder known for its high performance sailboats, is embracing change in 2018 with the Melges Power 26, a powerboat the company has spent years developing. The Melges Power 26 features a simplistic, sleek design with a deep-V forward section that blends into “inverted bell” aft sections for a smooth ride that cuts through chop. Melges used an epoxy-infused foamcored laminate to create a lightweight, efficient hull. The Power 26 is built for fishing, cruising, watersports, relaxing and anything else you can think of. The Melges Power 26 accommodates 12 people and a number of engine and electronics options. For more info, visit MELGESPOWER.COM.
GREAT LAKES NEWS
Marblehead Peninsula Known as "Sandbar" Now Protected A popular peninsula off the coast of Marblehead, Ohio will now be protected. The 68-acre Bay Point property along the Lake Erie shore, known locally as the “Sandbar,” has been acquired by Western Reserve Land Conservancy. The property contains some of the last remaining, undisturbed coastal wetlands of the historic Great Black Swamp. “The rarity and quality of Bay Point’s 34-acre freshwater coastal wetland habitat and nearly 2.5 miles of undisturbed Lake Erie shoreline make this coastal ecosystem a nationally significant conservation priority,” says Rich Cochran, president and CEO of the Land Conservancy. “We are extremely proud to preserve such an extraordinary landscape.” For more information, visit WRLANDCONSERVANCY.ORG.
The ULTIMATE Tender Lift Solution The freedom to use your watercraft where and when you want with just the touch of a button! FreedomLift® is the ideal solution for transporting your tender or PWC. n Installs independent of your swim platform n The ONLY lift with easily removable lift arms n Features wireless, hydraulic remote control operation n Lifting capacity of 800+ lbs. n Innovative design better than old-style platform lifts
www.freedomlift.com • 866-543-8669 20
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US Patent #6,474,256
Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.
BoatUS.com/insurance | 800-283-2883 See how much you could save on boat insurance. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2018 GEICO
Simrad NSO evo3 Navigation System When you need to see everything at once, the all-new Simrad NSO evo3 navigation system has your back. The integrated display solution for larger cruising and sportfishing boats connects to Simrad premium network modules, GPS, autopilot, keypad controllers and other accessories. Includes a high-def display, touch-screen interface and supports up to a six-panel split-screen layout. Can connect with smart devices and internet hotspots. Available in 16-, 19- and 24-inch integrated displays. FROM $7,699–$10,999 AT SIMRAD -YACHTING.COM
GREAT GEAR MUST-HAVE GOODIES AND GADGETS FOR EVERY BOATER .
GoPro Fusion Capture the whole picture with 360-degree, spherical videos and photos. The GoPro Fusion allows users to create virtual reality videos that are shockingly smooth, stabile and sharp (5.2k resolution at 30fps). Camera is waterproof down to 16 feet, and hands-free controls are possible thanks to voice commands. Preview, playback shots, edit videos and share them on the spot with the GoPro app. $699.99 AT SHOP.GOPRO.COM
Onyx A/M-24 Inflatable Life Jacket Float’n Thang Float, paddle and lounge in total comfort with the Float’n & Boat’n Thang — the MacGyver of personal floatation. Made of solid-color Aqua Cell PVC foam, this floatation device is soft, doesn’t leak, doesn’t require inflation and doesn't fade with sunlight. Best of all, the Float’n Thang has built-in beverage holders and can be used in and out of the water as a backrest, a floatation device or even as a quick fix for a boat bumper. $99 AT PFDTHANG.COM ADD YOUR GEAR
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Stay safe in style. The Onyx manual/automatic inflatable life jacket features a lightweight, low-profile design and soft, extended neoprene neckline for all-day comfort. It has automatic inflation in the event of an emergency, but also can be manually activated via a pull-cord and oral inflator tube. Durable 400 Denier nylon fabric outer cover resists tears and punctures, and the reflective material provides increased visibility. Not recommended for use on PWCs or for towsports. Available in blue or pink. $97.99 AT DEFENDER.COM
Shakespeare WebWatch Internet Hotspot Wave goodbye to expensive satellite antennas and data plans. WebWatch provides low-cost marine internet access for coastal and inland boaters. This all-in-one Wi-Fi hotspot and HDTV antenna is engineered for long-range reception and delivers fast (speeds up to 4G), reliable internet access for up to 32 devices. WebWatch is managed using Shakespeare’s free smartphone app and/ or built-in web browser page. Comes with a 25-foot power cord, Ethernet cable and coax TV cable. $699.95–$899.95 AT SHAKESPEARE- CE .COM/MARINE
CrewWatcher MOB Beacon Meet the CrewWatcher, the fastest man-overboard recovery system. This small beacon attaches to a life jacket (or pet collar), connects with a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, and alerts the captain if submerged in water or separated from the boat. The MOB compass visually guides you back to the point of loss. Thirty times faster than AIS and one-third the cost, and no cell service is required. Perfect for children, pets or dinghies. $89.99–$169.99 AT CREWWATCHER.COM
SHORELEAVE BY LY N DA W H E AT L E Y
Running With the Big Dogs
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Hands-on fun... There’s no doubt that feeling is why dog sledding excursions have become increasingly popular among the general public in recent years. Dale says that since she started at Wolfsong 10 years ago, she’s seen “a significant increase” in visitor trips. (More than half that demand, it’s worth noting, is made up of repeat customers.) While Wolfsong’s busiest time used to be focused around Christmas and the New Year, these days, the tour group runs different packs of dogs five days a week, starting the week before Christmas and running until the snow is gone. Depending on the year, that can be as late as April. Like many guide services, Wolfsong doesn’t limit guests to riding inside the sled. It also teaches them to drive (or mush) the dogs, as well as learn and perform all that goes with it: Harnessing, hooking up, commanding, connecting with and even feeding the dogs. “This is a major focus of our trips: Being as hands-on as possible,” says Dale. “We make sure everyone feels ready to drive their own team.” Ed and Tasha Stielstra, owners of Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Racing and Adventures, have expanded right alongside the interest in the sport. Since opening in McMillan, Michigan in 2002, they’ve gone from fewer than 50 dogs offering day trips and rides, to 160 dogs, a staff of guides from all over the world, and many ride and mush options, including photography tours and on- and off-site overnight treks. This winter, they opened their own Musher’s Village. There, overnight guests — after instruction and a 20-mile mushing through the snowy Upper Peninsula woods — can unwind with a hearty dinner around the campfire, dip into a hot sauna, and then cozy up in a heated, six-person yurt or cabin before a post-breakfast mush home in the morning. If you have any doubts about your ability to mush, just look to the Stielstra’s tiniest mushers: Their 8-year-old son, Nate, and 6-year-old daughter, Fern, both of whom drive their own four-dog and two-dog teams. (Note: Visiting kids must be 10 years old to drive their own team.) Ed Stielstra is a seven-time Iditarod finisher, and he and Tasha have each won Marquette’s storied U.P. 200 Sled Dog Race. But if you’re really looking to hobnob with some legendary beasts, you’ll do well to head to Husky Haven in Shingleton, Michigan, where all but three of
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATURE'S KENNEL
nothing like the excitement of the setup, how loud it can be, and then suddenly it’s all silent and all you hear is the swooshing of the sled runners. I have a hard time looking at our beautiful wooded trails because watching the dogs run in sync is just mesmerizing — like a wave.”
PH OTO COURTESY OF DC SLEDDING
ome folks flee to the beaches of Mexico or Florida for their winter getaway. But others — lots, in fact — hightail it to the woods of Bayfield County, Wisconsin, where the Siberian huskies of Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing await, yipping, howling and jumping at the chance to pull visitors into the winter adventure of a lifetime: A long weekend of dog sledding that includes skiing, snowshoeing, ice caves, and a nighttime mushing under the moonlight. Think driving a team of purebred Siberian huskies is something only a cold-blooded daredevil can do? Think again. “Any trip is great for a first-timer. Kids can handle any length of trip, as well,” says Jen Dale, a guide who has worked at Wolfsong for the last decade. “If the conditions are really cold, we can fully outfit. Much of this season has been temps below zero, and we have not had a single guest get cold.” That’s a far cry from the historic event that made dog sledding famous: The valiant 1926 Great Race of Mercy, in which more than 20 mushers and dozens of sled dogs relayed across 674 miles to deliver a critical diphtheria antitoxin to the people of Nome, Alaska. And it’s certainly less hazardous than today’s annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, also in Alaska, renowned for its more than 1,100 miles of blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and gale-force winds. Warmer, shorter, and certainly less deathdefying, a guided dog sledding trip — even for newbies — is no less romantic, exciting or exhilarating. “The feeling that you get from dog sledding is so amazing and also nearly impossible to rightly describe,” says Dale, just back from a 20-mile training run she admits having wished wouldn’t end. “It’s super addictive. There’s just
PH OTO COU RTESY OF NATU RE'S KENNEL
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Arctic adventures around the Great Lakes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATURE'S KENNEL
Book it Kim Darst’s 50 Alaskan huskies have descended from the lines of exalted, four-time Iditarod winner (and longtime record holder for speed) Susan Butcher. Darst is no slouch herself. In 2009, she and her dogs were the first team from New Jersey to qualify for and run in the Iditarod. She was also, for years, the youngest licensed pilot in the world. An active pilot and musher still today, Darst post-Iditarod moved operations to the snowy outpost where she and her dogs had trained: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Today, she offers 8- to 10-mile trail rides for kids and adults of all ages. ...No matter the season If the thought of a miles-long mush or ride seems a bit too extreme for your tastes, know that you can often find tinier tour options at resorts all around the Great Lakes. Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Michigan offers a short loop ride for kids less than 100 pounds on Saturdays and holidays through winter. And when the famed Jones Masterpiece Golf Course at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan is blanketed by snow, it’s open up for two-mile mushing experiences for kids and adults on several weekends. Don’t fret if you miss peak season; many kennels are open in summer for tours. Some, like Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures in Tapiola, Michigan, also add to their summer tours and winter mushing adventures a fall color tour on a wheeled cart pulled by pure dog power. One summer stop is a must for boaters, however: Door County Sled Dogs Education and Discovery Center, which is open Memorial Day through September. Just a quick jaunt from the many marinas ringing the peninsula, the non-profit husky rescue organization’s facility showcases dog sledding’s fascinating history, a scavenger hunt, and — hands-down a crowd favorite — the chance to mix, mingle, and love on up to 25 of the 37 dogs in the rescue’s sanctuary, many of which are former racers. Co-founder Bonnie Ulrich says she understands why people love to see and hear about sled dog racing: “It’s very seductive. It has this mystique about it,” she says. But she’s quick to point out that she, her husband, and their team of volunteers aren’t racers, but a recreational mushing team that does what she calls “dog-powered racing sports” for fun — and for the dogs’ benefit. But, she says, that’s important, too: “We connect with the average person. Our dogs lie on the [center’s] couch, they hang out with people at the picnic tables outside, they even ride a bus.” It’s certainly a dog’s life. And whether you’re into mushing, riding, or simply learning about sled dog racing, it can be a darn good dog’s life for you, too — if only for a mile or two. H
n Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing 4-hour morning run, $299+; 2.5hour afternoon run, $249+; long weekend, $929+. 715-779-5561; WOLFSONGADVENTURES.COM
n Husky Haven 8- to 10-mile day trips, $125 per person. 906-452-6014; HUSKYHAVENKENNELS.COM
n Nature’s Kennel 10-mile day trips, $200+; 20-mile overnights, $350+. 906-748-0513; NATURESKENNEL .COM
n Shanty Creek Resorts Short rides for kids weighing under 100 pounds. 866-695-5010 x 3690; SHANTYCREEK.COM
n Treetops Resort Two-mile rides, $50 for one person, $65 for two; 866-695-5010 x3690; TREETOPS.COM
n Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures Dog 3- or 6-mile rides, $50+; half-day mushing adventures, $125; overnight camping, $425+; custom trips and more; call for rates. 906-334-3005 n Door County Sled Dogs Education & Discovery Center 920-854-LOVE; DOORCOUNTYSLEDDOGS.COM
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DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE BY C A P T. F R A N K L A N IE R
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Anchors Aweigh
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Selecting the right anchor for your boat. C
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hether you’re a fisherman trying to stay over your favorite spot or a ‘toon commander seeking that perfect anchorage for a swim, having the proper ground tackle on-board is an indispensable part of boating. Even if you typically don’t anchor, having one ready to deploy in the event of an emergency is not only crucial, but also just plain good seamanship. Here’s a look at common anchor types and how to choose the one that’s right for your boat.
Buying Tips Anchor manufacturers publish tables to help select the correct size anchor for your boat, but a common rule of thumb is roughly 1 pound of anchor weight for every foot of vessel. When buying your anchor, avoid imitations and stick with the name brands. You’ll pay more initially, but a quality anchor will pay for itself many times over in security and peace of mind.
CAPT. FRANK LANIER is an award-winning journalist, boat maintenance guru and owner of Capt F.K. Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants: CAPTFKLANIER.COM.
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Anchor types Anchor selection is based on a number of factors: The type of bottom you’re anchoring in (mud, grass, sand, rock, etc.); windage of the boat; as well as wind and water conditions. Anchors come in a number of styles; however, they’re all designed to hold your boat by either using the weight of the anchor, hooking the bottom, burying into the bottom, or a combination of all three techniques. While an anchor’s weight is important, even more so is its holding power: How well the anchor digs in and holds. A modern, well designed, lightweight anchor can provide significantly more holding power than a heavier, older model that relies more on weight. Here’s a list of common anchor types, as well as a few of the pros and cons associated with each. A Fluke: Traditional Danforth anchors and the newer Fortress Marine anchors are popular examples of fluke anchors. Their large flukes hold well in clay, mud and sand, but are less effective in rock and grass. A pipe-like stock keeps the anchor from twisting and pulling out as the boat shifts, but if the direction of pull goes past 180 degrees, the anchor will most likely break free (and will usually reset itself in the new direction). Although its lighter design is attractive, the Danforth can be awkward to stow; it also has a lot of angles to snag lines and toes alike. As such, fluke anchors are a popular choice for boats with a dedicated anchor locker. B Plow: The plow is a stockless, single point anchor named because of its shape, which resembles plows used in farming. Popular examples include the CQR (a name derived from “secure”), Rocna, Delta and the Manson Supreme anchor. Plow anchors perform well in sand, stiff mud, grass and shell bottoms, but less so in soft mud or clay. The plow is considered by many boaters to be the ideal overall anchor for vessels longer than 30 feet; while it may not be the best in any one type of bottom, it holds well in all of them. Plow anchors, which are typically heavier and bulkier than Danforth anchors, are easiest to stow and deploy on boats with a bow roller and dedicated anchor locker. C Claw: Although similar to the plow, claw anchors have a scoop design instead of single point penetration. The Bruce and the Lewmar Claw are good examples of
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this type. Claw anchors perform well in a wide variety of bottom types (sand, mud, grass, etc.), but are not ideal for rocky bottoms. Like the plow, they’re easily stowed and deployed on boats with a bow roller and dedicated anchor locker. D Grapnel: Grapnel anchors are similar to those nifty, clawed hooks ninja assassins use to climb a palace wall in the dead of night. They typically have at least four large arms or flukes and work best on rocky or weedy bottoms where their arms can hook something. Grapnels are particularly useful in heavy vegetation where one or more flukes can penetrate the bottom, while the outside ones can hook into the surface vegetation. Although they excel in rock and weeds, they should be considered a temporary anchoring solution in most cases and are poor performers on other types of bottoms (sand, mud, etc.). Grapnel anchors are a popular choice for smaller craft (like dinghies, kayaks, PWCs) due to their light weight and ease of stowing. Most have folding arms and can be tucked away in a surprisingly small space. Spike or “grabber’'anchors are a variation of the grapnel anchor, but typically have five or more shorter, fixed spikes or prongs attached to a centrally weighed shaft or base. They have more heft than a similarly sized grapnel, but can be a pain to stow as the arms are fixed. E Mushroom: Mushroom anchors are named for their shape, which resembles an upside-down mushroom. Their holding power comes from their weight and the bottom suction generated once buried, which is why they are often used as mooring anchors. Many models will have holes or slits in the circular bowl or “cap” area to help release this suction and make retrieval easier. Ideal for canoes and other small craft, mushroom anchors work best in silt or muddy bottoms, but not areas where they will have trouble burying themselves (rock, weeds, etc.). Rode Most anchors utilize a combination rode, which consists of a short length of chain and a long nylon line or rode. The chain adds weight to the rode, increasing its horizontal pull and helping the anchor remain set. The chain also protects the rope rode from chafe and wear. Threestrand nylon is a popular choice because it’s durable and stretches, allowing the rode to absorb the sudden loads and jerks of a boat bouncing around in the waves. ★
BENEATH THE SURFACE BY HE AT H E R ST E IN B E R GER
Spring (Commissioning) Fever The experts have a few pro tips that mean more peace of mind come spring. pring is near, which means boaters are already thinking about the first cruise of the season and adding eagerly-anticipated launch dates to their calendars. But, first things first. Before you head for the launch ramp or book your slot with the local boat hoist, you need to build your spring commissioning to-do list, take care of any necessary maintenance or repair work, and be sure that both you and your boat are ready for what’s to come. Boatyard professionals have seen it all, and they have a few tips to help make this season better than ever. Stay on top of routine maintenance Most common commissioning mistakes involve maintenance oversights, such as missing oil, fluid and filter changes. They’re simple things, yet if not done on schedule, they can ruin the trip you’ve been planning all winter. Impellers are an important piece of the maintenance puzzle, says Kevin Dyer, service manager at Northport Bay Boat Yard in Northport, Michigan. In the Great Lakes, Dyer says, they should be changed every two years. “Impellers pump water to the engine,” Dyer explains. “If they dry out, they can’t cool the engine — and if an engine overheats, that can cause a lot of damage. You might be down to one engine or completely stranded out there.” Craig Duchow, principal and general manager at Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based CenterPointe Yacht Services, agrees. “Changing the impellers every two years is critical,” he says. “You might only use your boat for five months, but the impellers have seven months to dry out during layup. People don’t think about overheating until it happens, and engine shutdown doesn’t always prevent damage. You might be in the middle of anchoring or drifting into rocks.” Checking batteries should be on your maintenance checklist as well, even if they were fine when you put them away last fall. If one is failing, you should consider replacing them all. “People like to go in and change just one battery, but that’s not a good idea,” Dyer says. “The others are likely to be close behind.” Duchow adds that boaters should avoid replacing the batteries in the fall, and remember that their life spans might not match your expectations. “A lot of boaters assume the batteries will be good for five years, but the average life is about two years,” he says. “Each spring, check and test each one.”
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Visually inspect your boat It’s always wise to inspect your boat from stem to stern to see if other areas might need attention, such as bottom paint. Gelcoat absorbs moisture, which can lead to delamination and blistering. “You’ll definitely want to keep an eye on your bottom paint,” Duchow says. “If it hasn’t been redone in years, it’s no longer retarding algae growth. That will affect your performance and fuel economy.” Next, see if your boat’s topsides need a fresh coat of wax. It’s worth the time and effort, as the wax will protect the above-waterline hull and deck areas. Finally, be sure to inspect your shafts and propellers. You don’t want to see wear in the cutlass bearings or any changes in alignment. “With inboard boats, you’ll want to have your propellers tuned every three or four years if you’re actively cruising — less if you use the boat more as a dockside condo,” Duchow says. “More people than ever are going cruising due to the new joystick/pod systems and new navigation technology, so this is more important than ever.” Create a pre-cruise checklist Both Dyer and Duchow advise taking extra time to get to know every aspect of your boat. Novice boaters might not realize how much they don’t know, and longtime boaters might not fully appreciate that their new boats could be very different from their old ones. “Boats aren’t like cars,” Dyer says. “Each is unique and carries many types of equipment. Read all the manuals and understand how all the systems work before you leave the dock.” Then create a comprehensive pre-cruise checklist so you won’t forget important tasks, such as checking the engine oil and fluid levels, visually inspecting the engines, and making sure that all systems are operational before heading out. Peace of mind is worth the extra effort. Check equipment (and don’t forget safety gear) Part of knowing your boat is knowing what gear is essential. For example, you should always have lines, fenders, boat hooks and anchors on-board. “I’ve seen people pull up to the fuel dock without a single line on-board,” Dyer says. “That means helpers on the dock can’t control the boat coming in. So, have the gear — and know how to use it correctly.” Don’t forget safety equipment, such as flares, signals, flashlights, PFDs, life rings, and extra food and water. Take U.S. Coast Guard requirements seriously. “Some folks come to the Great Lakes from small inland
PH OTOS COURTESY OF CENTERPOINTE YACH T SERVICES LLC FACEBOO K
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lakes and don’t realize they’re facing a whole new scenario,” Dyer says. “They have to be prepared. Mother Nature is unpredictable out there, and the conditions can change dramatically for your return trip. Or, in five minutes.” Duchow notes that onboard safety gear should also include extras, like quarts of oil and spare filters. If a problem arises, you just might find a short-term solution that prevents being stranded on the water. “If you’re losing oil, for example, you can keep adding more until you get to a service facility,” Duchow explains. “Work with your regular boatyard on this. They can look in their records to find the right equipment and get it for you. You won’t have to research it yourself, and you’ll have what you need on hand. You won’t be scrambling to find the pieces when something goes wrong.” Practice vital skills and procedures in advance You don’t want your first experience leaving the launch ramp or the dock to take place on a crazy holiday weekend. If possible, choose a quiet midweek day to practice procedures and etiquette. You’ll likely find willing assistance, and you won’t have delighted crowds judging your every move. “It can get harrowing on a busy weekend,” Dyer says with a chuckle. “I’ve seen it. Take the time to learn to do it correctly.” Duchow says the same advice applies to other vital skills,
such as anchoring, man-overboard drills, and learning to use the VHF radio and navigational electronics. “Everyone needs to know these things, not just the captain,” he says. “Just in case of an emergency.” Duchow advises also learning how to read a chart and how to plot the boat’s position using dead reckoning; such old-school skills will come in handy if you lose your electronics. DIYer? Have the right tools and training It’s rewarding to tackle routine maintenance and necessary repairs on your own. Indeed, many boaters pride themselves on being able to work on their boats. Unfortunately, not everyone has the right tools or training to do the job correctly. “Owners can get in over their heads and create more work than if they’d brought the boat to me in the first place,” Dyer says. “I run 700 to 1,000 boats each year, and it can be scary. Some of the owners have accidentally created a safety situation; I wouldn’t want to be out there in bad weather or rough seas.” If you are interested in going the DIY route, Dyer has a couple of suggestions. First, work with your boatyard; get consultations for your boat and its systems, and ask for expert recommendations. Also, sign up for a class through a local boatyard or dealership, an engine manufacturer or distributor, or a national organization like the BoatU.S. Foundation. “I encourage people to come talk to me,” Dyer says. “I’m happy to make recommendations.” ★
HEATHER STEINBERGER is an award-winning writer/ editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 20 years. Visit her website at WRITEONLLC.COM.
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ELECTRONICS BY G L E N N H AY E S
Do-it-Yourself or Hire a Pro? Tips for installing marine electronics.
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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 trave ling the world. He can be reached at HAYESSTUDIOS.COM .
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Where to start: DIYers Take a good look at the installation instructions for equipment you are contemplating to give you a solid understanding of what’s required for installation. These instructions often can be found on the manufacturer’s website. It’ also important to remember that even a “simple” installation, such as a chartplotter, can get more involved if you want to interface it with other equipment, like your VHF. With newer equipment that outputs and is capable of receiving NMEA 2000 (a data sharing protocol adopted by most marine electronics manufacturers), interfacing is much easier. Instead of having to hardwire multiple wires, you can now install a backbone, simply add T-connectors and plug data sharing cables to interface equipment. Installation using NMEA 2000 is much easier than in the past but still requires a good understanding of the installation requirements and processes. If you still feel like it's a project you can tackle yourself after looking at the installation instructions, make sure you have everything you need and take your time. Resources such as YouTube can prove valuable if you are uncertain.
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Most major manufacturers have excellent tech support lines with experts ready to help. Before reaching out to them, always read the installation instructions and the owner’s manual thoroughly; many times, the answers are there for you and will save you time on hold. Time to hire a pro If you decide it would be prudent to hire an installer, make sure you are getting someone who knows what he or she is doing and is familiar with the equipment you are contemplating. Look for a company or individual that specializes in marine electronics installations. Check their qualifications and training, and get references if you can. The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has an excellent training and certification system in place for technicians. The NMEA can train and test for various levels of installation qualifications. Finding a company and technicians that are certified will give you some level of assurance. You can find certified techs and companies through NMEA’s website at NMEA.ORG. Check to see if your tech is certified by the equipment manufacturer. In some cases, if they’re certified and they complete the installation, the manufacturer will offer extended onboard warranties or service options not otherwise available. These same qualified techs can also design the installation so you will know exactly what will be needed, including all cables, connectors and accessories that will make the installation a success with no surprises or added costs. Although marine electronics have become easier to network, they are ever more sophisticated. Having knowledge and an understanding of how your boat’s electronics fit together, and being confident in cutting or drilling into your boat, will determine whether you or a qualified tech should complete the project. ★
PHOTO BY G LENN H AYES
hen equipping a boat with new electronics, the question that often arises is: Should it be userinstalled or should a professional be hired? The answer to this depends on the specific equipment being installed and the capabilities of the boat owner. Although much equipment is touted as “plug and play,” that may not actually be the case. Knowing your abilities may save money in the long run. If you’re simply looking to add a single piece of equipment to the boat — such as a fishfinder and chartplotter combination unit — and you have some mechanical and electrical aptitude, then hiring a professional technician may not be required. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that if you are planning to do even a simple project like this, you will be pulling wires through the boat’s wire chases and drilling into your hull to mount a transducer. For some, this is enough to start a search for a technician or installation company. Others might welcome the challenge. If you are looking to add a whole new multi-display system or electronics with added features, such as an autopilot (requiring hydraulic plumbing and system interfacing) and radar (requiring heading and bearing alignments, etc.), then hiring a qualified installer might be the prudent choice.
SAFETY FIRST BY HEL EN A I T K EN
Canine Sailor Safety How to keep your dog safe aboard a boat.
M
y last two dogs were Weimaraners — like the grey "Sesame Street" A-B-C dogs — whose favorite sport was chasing seagulls along the beach. Duke, the larger brother, would try to swim to China following bird migrations; he loved the water. His neurotic, polar opposite, Kaiser, didn’t like his feet wet and would bark at Duke to get out. Unfortunately, neither dog was a good boating companion — my loss. Humans and dogs are similar around the water. Though some dogs may not swim, they do get seasick, sunburned, dehydrated and need to wear a life jacket. Creating a good experience for everyone on-board, including your pets, takes some preparation.
KOAL PHOTO COU RTESY OF H UNTER MCNAMARA
Training Some breeds are better suited for swimming. Portuguese water dogs have coats that repel and resist cold water, while short-snouted dogs like Pekingese are more comfortable on land. Nevertheless, good training and the right gear may allow most dogs to venture aboard a boat. Hunter McNamara, a sergeant in the North Carolina National Guard, is an avid duck hunter, fisherman, scuba diver and boater who takes his black Lab, Koal, on one-day adventures. “It’s important that I have complete control before taking him on the water,” McNamara says. Koal mastered his commands without a leash; however, a collar and leash may be necessary in dock areas, especially around people. Before Koal was allowed to ride in the boat, he was introduced to walking on the boat, maneuvering steps, and getting used to the boat moving up and down in the water at the dock. McNamara says it took about one year for Koal to master the basics: “Once he understands the commands, the treats stop.” Jackets and ramps Dogs instinctively paddle but may not swim well or stay afloat. Even good swimmers can tire easily, are susceptible to drowning, and are no match for swift currents, boat wakes and exhaustion. Koal weighs about 50 pounds and is heavier when wet. He wears a dog vest (a life jacket equivalent) made of 5-mm neoprene for protection and floatation. It fits over the head and front legs, has soft material under the body, and is held together with a zipper and Velcro. Koal's vest also has a handle on the back to lift or assist him on-board. “Vests are designed to fit the neck and chest area, so measure carefully," McNamara says. "Try it on so that the dog has good
range of motion — not too tight or loose. You don’t want the dog to develop chafing or blisters from it rubbing.” The vests have reflective strips to locate the dog easily in water. Never leave any dog unsupervised. “When Koal is in the water a long time, I use the boat swim platform, a ladder or ramp, and the handles on his vest to get him on-board,” McNamara explains. “A panicked or exhausted dog is strong enough to drown a person in the water, so coax and help the dog into the boat with a calm voice.” Keep in mind that aging dogs don’t see as well and exhaust easily. Safety advice Koal is fed at night and never on-board. “Once he drank pond water and had terrible diarrhea on the boat,” McNamara says. “Since then, he only drinks the freshwater I give him. Even on the hottest days, he gets cool water to drink.” Dogs pant to keep cool in high temperatures and humidity. Some breeds are more susceptible to heat stroke than others, so provide shade. In contrast, hypothermia is as dangerous to dogs as it is to humans; if the water is cold to you, it’s cold to the dog. Short-haired dogs and those with light-colored skin may sunburn, blister or develop skin cancer. Use Zinc oxide or dog-specific sunscreens, and keep the dog from licking it off. Koal once cut his feet on oyster shells and it took days for them to heal. Obstacles like rocks, loose gravel, hot pavement and snow are better traversed in dog boots, like the Trail Tracker Boots from WOOF.DOGGLES.COM for $40. First aid kits Commercial pet first aid kits begin at $25. Add other items like prescriptions and emergency care instructions. On the container, write in permanent marker the ASPCA poisoncontrol center number (800-426-4435) and VETLOCATOR. COM to find an emergency veterinarian on the go. In a watertight bag, include a copy of shot records, a list of medical conditions with treatment information and the dog’s current photo in case he gets lost. Lastly, consider taking a dog CPR class; ask your veterinarian how you can do this. If Duke and Kaiser had become canine sailors, the preparation and training would have given my family a wagging good boating adventure. Safe canine sailors are great crewmembers. ★
HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is a U.S. Power Squadron member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway. Visit her website at HELENAITKEN.COM.
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BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY C A P T. TO M SE R IO
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 45'6" Beam: 13'11"
Explore the seas.
Draft: 3'7" Weight (dry): 10,787 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 237 gals. Water Capacity: 92 gals. Power: Volvo Penta D6 400-hp Base Price: Contact dealer AZIMUTYACHTS.COM
DEALERS Executive Yacht EXECUTIVEYACHT CANADA .COM
888-237-1647 MarineMax MARINEMAX.COM
419-797-4492
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Azimut Atlantis 43
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he word “Atlantis” probably conjures thoughts of the sea. So it’s apt that Azimut has a line of mid-size yachts that are ready to explore the seas (and the Great Lakes). Case in point: the Azimut Atlantis 43. Styled as an express yacht, the Atlantis 43 has ample headroom on the main deck and below, accentuating the open concept all around. With a retractable skylight, opening starboard window and open aft, Azimut has created a yacht that emphasizes the open water experience. On the main deck, there are two large lounge areas. A forward sunpad is perfect for enjoying the sights. Aft is a large sunpad lounge with a backrest that flips fore/aft, doubling as the backrest for the aft section of the U-shaped settee in the cockpit. The settee with table is opposite a wetbar with sink, faucet and fridge, providing an oasis for relaxing with friends. Forward to starboard is the helm, complete with twin displays for engine functions, levels, speed and sounder. Electric steering makes maneuvering effortless, and the tilt leather-wrapped wheel makes it comfortable. Twin Volvo 400-hp engines get the Atlantis 43 cruising at 30 knots and wide open at 35 knots.
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To port is a doublewide lounge seat, keeping guests and the captain together. It’s easy to take the party from one level to the next; below is a dinette to port with a U-shaped settee and a large hullside window with opening porthole. Azimut doesn’t skimp below, as furnishings include striped walnut stairs, stainless handrails, varnished cabinets and a striped walnut table. Across is the galley with microwave, fridge/freezer, two-burner cooktop and stainless steel sink. The master stateroom is forward, complete with a double locker, hullside windows, double centerline berth and upholstered headboard. A private master head includes an electric toilet system and a shower stall with striped walnut flooring and a seat. A guest stateroom is midship with twin single beds that can be joined to make a double berth (you can opt for a third bed). You’ll find a full head with separate shower here as well. “The Azimut Atlantis 43 is a pure joy to pilot, as well as to overnight with family or friends,” says Keith Teynor, general manager at MarineMax. “[This boat has] beautiful Italian design backed up with outstanding MarineMax customer support.” Explore the seas on the Azimut Atlantis 43. ★
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY CA PT. TOM SERI O
Carver C34 Coupe
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 34' Beam: 11'6"
A family cruiser.
P
sst! Over here. Have I got a family cruiser for you. Carver Yachts has been doing some wonderful things with its line of coupes and just introduced the C34 Coupe. This new model is a great entry-level boat and can be single-handed by someone moving up from a bowrider. The C34 Coupe has all the features, amenities, space utility, quality, craftsmanship and affordability for which Carver is known. From the exterior, the C34 is a stout craft with a high freeboard, a plumb bow, and generous hull and salon windows. Side and foredecks are ringed by high rails, allowing for safe transit. An L-shaped settee in the cockpit offers a relaxing spot to watch the kids play in the water off the swim platform. Storage for fenders and gear is underneath the seating. With the press of a button, the settee backrest lays flat, creating a nice sunpad. Outfit the cockpit with an optional SureShade, a cocktail table, a power cooler or a grill. Inside, the galley to starboard has a microwave, stove, fridge, drawers and cabinets. In the salon, a hi-low table flanks a long, L-shaped sofa. Lower the table and drop in
Draft: 3'4"/3'1" Weight: 17,300 lbs.
the cushions for an extra sleeping berth. Above is a skylight with shade and an optional electric sunroof. Forward to starboard is the helm, in close proximity to all the action. The single helm seat is bolstered and has great visibility. There’s sufficient dash space for your preferred electronics package. Understand that headroom on the main deck is 6 feet, 8 inches, with 6 feet, 5 inches down below. That’s impressive for a boat of this size. Accommodations below include a forward master with a kitty-corner berth, shelving, an overhead hatch and locker. Midship is a sofa lounge — a perfect area for the kids to hang or just relax with a book. The lounge converts into a full-size berth for overnight guests, and a privacy bulkhead can be added to make it a stateroom. One notable feature is the separate shower stall, so you can say goodbye to a wet head. During a tour of the C34 Coupe, Kelly Kraning, national sales manager for Carver Yachts, says that the main deck “has a nice, spacious layout inside with great visibility. We are real excited about it. It’s a nice family boat.” Take a look at the Carver C34 Coupe. Your family will thank you. ★
Fuel Capacity: 200 gals. Water Capacity: 78 gals. Power: T-MerCruiser 4.5L 250-hp sterndrives Base Price: Contact dealer CARVERYACHTS.COM
DEALERS CenterPointe Yacht Services CENTERPOINTESERVICE. COM
Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales
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JBYS.COM
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BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY C A P T. TO M S E R IO
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 32'7" Beam: 9'8"
Fish on!
Draft: 1'8" Weight: 5,850 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 310 gals. Power: T-Yamaha 300hp (V6 four-stroke) Base Price: Contact dealer CONTENDERBOATS.COM
DEALER Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales St. Clair Shores, MI; Holland, MI; Grand Haven, MI; Charlevoix, MI; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Catawba Island, OH; Ontario, Canada JBYS.COM
866-490-5297
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Contender 32 ST
S
ome boats are built for a very specific reason. Contender Boats are built to fish, and to fish well. This includes one of its offerings: The Contender 32 Stepped Hull (32 ST). Like all Contender Boats, the 32 ST is built tough for the fight. The fiberglass hull is made up of three pieces — hull, liner and deck — and has foam cored stringers and foam flotation for weight reduction and safety. Actual fishing is just part of the story — you need to get to the grounds and back. The stepped hull configuration acts like individual hulls, with a sharper deadrise forward for lower speeds and head seas, and a flatter deadrise aft. As the boat’s speed increases and comes on plane, the hull lifts out of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed and efficiency. There are many ways to configure the 32 ST. With full walkaround capability and a broad range of custom options, this center console is suitable for any and all types of Great Lakes fishing and rough-water riding. Forward is a 130-gallon insulated fish box, and aft are two 96-gallon insulated deck boxes and a 40-gallon transom livewell. Secure gear in the two forward deck rod lockers.
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Forward seating includes stitched and well-padded U-shaped bench seats with backrests for forward lounging. Another seat is centerline in front of the console, and a beefy bench seat is positioned along the transom. The T-top hardtop is nicely styled into the boat’s lines. Trick out the hardtop with rod holders, spreader lights and outriggers. Let the power assist hydraulic steering give you the command and put the 32 ST through her paces. The helm console is large enough for dual multi-screen plotters, VHF, switches and other electronics. Inside the console is a head with toilet. A tackle drawer, storage space and secured cooler are all found in the back of the helm seat cabinet. “The Contender 32 ST is solid,” says Jim Stefano, sales and brokerage professional at Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales. “Positioned as a fishing machine, this vessel will also accommodate all your comfort needs for entertaining and island hopping, and she can undoubtedly stand up to the toughest seas.” Go chase ’em up on the Contender 32 ST. ★
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY CA PT. TOM SERI O
Sailfish 241CC
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 24' Beam: 8'6"
Fishing and family fun.
S
ailfish Boats builds fishing boats that promise the best in quality and the latest innovations. With the new 241 Center Console (241CC), Sailfish keeps yet another promise: To make its boats family friendly. Thanks to the exclusive VDS (Variable Degree Stepped) hull, the 241CC runs on three distinct running surfaces, providing a smooth, efficient and fast ride. When matched with a Yamaha or Mercury outboard (up to 300-hp), the 22- to 24-degree deadrise will slice any sea. Kevlar and carbon fiber construction adds strength, while foam-filled stringers add safety. On the water, Sailfish knows it’s fish or family time. Twin insulated 120-quart bow fish boxes, a 30-gallon baitwell with LED lights, rigging tubes, non-skid flooring, rod holders galore, a padded leaning post, a tackle organizer, and outriggers all add to the fishing experience. For the family, there’s great seating all around. The bow has deep seating, cushioned bottoms, padded combing and a drop-in center table. Drop-in backrests allow for forward seating. A seat with a built-in 27-quart cooler is in front of the console, offering the perfect spot to chill the catch or
Draft: 1'6" Weight: 5,000 lbs.
drinks. A center bench seat with bolster and a port jump seat are across the transom. The commanding helm has a lot going on. There’s a twoperson seat on a frame, or upgrade to the fiberglass seat cabinet that contains split seats, tackle storage and a livewell. Room abounds in the dash for a built-in Garmin multi-function display, a 4-inch VesselView engine monitoring display, a VHF, a Fusion stereo, switches, trim tabs, power assist steering and more. The integrated hardtop adds storage capacity, protection from the sun, overhead lighting and additional grab points. The console contains a step-down, stand-up head with a freshwater sink and shower — a must for those long days on the water. Secure all the gear in the console-top storage box, underseat storage areas, footrest locker or forward in-deck storage; there’s storage everywhere you look. “Like all Sailfish center consoles, the 241CC is fishing focused and family friendly,” says Howard Libin, business development director for Sailfish. “Whether you’re looking to go inshore or offshore, the versatile 241CC is set-up for your perfect day on the water.” ★
Fuel Capacity: 108 gals. Water Capacity: 14 gals. Power: Single Yamaha/ Mercury (up to 300-hp) Base Price: (w/Yamaha 200 XB outboard): $79,900 SAILFISHBOATS.COM
DEALERS MarineMax MARINEMAX.COM
419-797-4492 North Shore Marina NORTHSHOREMARINA . COM
616-842-1488 KAM Yacht Sales K AMMARINE .COM
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
248-770-1366
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BOAT TEST
Sea Ray
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Fly 520
me to t
PHOTOS COU RTESY OF SEA RAY
he moon.
Fly
BY ALAN WENDT
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H
ollywood couldn’t have scripted a better night to fall in love. Tender, tropical air, a galvanizing Gulf Coast sunset, waves frolicking against our toes. Life’s hectic pace slowed during Sea Ray’s winter testing at the South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island, away from concrete and steel, emails and emojis. On this night, the second act in a trilogy of supermoons — 30,000 miles closer to earth than normal and 16 percent brighter than an average full moon — was a seductive backdrop for the unveiling of Sea Ray’s newest bridge model: The Fly 520. A widening golden ribbon of moonlight danced across the water like a warm spotlight complementing, not competing with, the soft blue backlit accents that traced the Fly 520’s silhouette. “‘Light Effect,’ day or night, is the vision for this model,” says Ron Berman, Sea Ray’s vice president of product portfolio. “Every door, window and seat placement connects the inside and outside, maximizing views. Our interior designers blended imaginative design trends and high-gloss walnut matching grain cabinetry with smart, functional layouts to create a relaxing and soothing interior — one that evokes an emotional connection.” Sea Ray optimizes structural integrity with newer composites that require less fiberglass and has unleashed creative design, moving from square and rectangular windows to geometric window shapes that bring light above and below deck.
Party in the back
Board the Fly 520 from the swim platform or from dedicated starboard and portside teak steps into the cockpit, which eliminate the need to step on a vinyl cushion. The hydraulic platform incorporates steps that lower into the water for effortless entry and exit; this feature is cleverly named the “Stairway to the Sea.” Equally mesmerizing is the aft lounge seat with convertible backrest that travels forward and aft to create multiple seating configurations: Facing forward into the cockpit or facing aft to overlook the swim platform. The power-actuated table lowers to the floor during repositioning. Just inside the salon, the aft galley features premium stainless steel, drawer-style refrigerator/freezers, a Keurig coffee maker, a Cuisinart microwave, optional 21-bottle, two-zone Whynter wine storage and a two-burner Kenyon stove top. My favorite touches are clever compartments to securely hold china place settings and a drawer-within-adrawer for securing stemware and coffee cups. Sea Ray added strips of highly reflective stainless toe kicks beneath the galley cabinets and step-up salon to create an illusion that the floor is floating. Opposite-facing salon seating provides a delightful conversation area. At the push of a button, up pops a 50-inch TV connected to Blu-ray or optional satellite receiver.
Man the controls
On 100-foot-plus yachts, a glass enclosed staircase to the bridge is fairly common. Not so on a 52-foot yacht. Sea Ray deftly designed open risers allowing light to flow through the steps, cohesively connecting the staircase to the rest of the yacht. The accession is secure and protected by stainless railings that surround the staircase. Up on the flybridge, three-across forward seating,
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a portside helm and a generous aft seating area offer an entirely different level of enjoyment while cruising or entertaining at the marina. A large, hinged table provides ample room for dining. The open air hardtop is standard, and an extended hardtop with full enclosure is also available as an option. You’re likely to operate the vessel from the lower helm station on most mornings. Be sure to peek behind the dash, as the wiring panel is meticulously labeled and assembled with a precision that speaks volumes to the boat's quality. Dual 12-inch Raymarine Axiom multi-function displays offer up every bit of navigational knowledge needed. Twin diesel Cummins Zeus 600-hp drives are standard. Joystick controls take all the worry out of maneuvering. I found the boat reached cruise speed of 28 mph quietly and effortlessly, hit top speed of 34 mph, handled tight turns flawlessly, and just as quickly calmed down. Built on a new hull, a variable deadrise expands backward to accommodate the tunnel geometry of the pods. This produces more planning area first verified by countless computational fluid dynamics models that allowed Sea Ray to experiment with various loads and find the optimal balance. An added bonus was the sculpting of the upper deck that brings more fresh air aft and reduces back spray that other boats experience.
Peace and quiet
One thing missing on this yacht is rattling and white noise. The upper deck is molded as a single part. No caulk lines, cracks or joints to secure means there's no leakage. Superb sound abatement between the deck and engine room never once interfered with normal conversation levels during my trial. The engine room is very well lit, spaciously laid out for typical maintenance requirements and has room left over for my milk crate full of spare oil, cleaners and other junk that has followed me around during my 30-plus years of boating. Berman pointed out three separate air handlers running refrigerant, not water-cooled, each strategically placed to pull warm air from the ceiling. The shorter duct runs eliminate BTU-robbing twists and turns and the annoying rush of air that a single compressor system produces. Quiet is most appreciated at night. Three staterooms await you below deck: The typical forward VIP suite; a mid stateroom with convertible twin beds; and a full-beam master with a queen-size innerspring mattress. The master provides my Monty Hall moment. Behind door No. 1, you’ll find a private head and shower, door No. 2 has a washer/dryer combo and behind door No. 3, a cordless Dyson stands guard over an optional built-in safe for your valuables. This is Sea Ray’s best bridge boat to date. Embrace the vessel by day, return for an encore at twilight; maybe have a glass of wine on-board, dial up Sirius XM 71 and escape into the night. With a little luck, Ol’ Blue Eyes will be singing, “Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars.” ★
Sea Ray Fly 520 SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 52'6" Beam: 15'2" Draft (Zeus drives): 52" Weight (dry): 50,250 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 525 gals. Water Capacity: 130 gals. Base Price: Contact dealer SEARAY.COM
DEALERS B&E Marine
BEMARINE .COM
219-879-8301 MarineMax MARINEMAX.COM
419-797-449 SkipperBud's SKIPPERBUDS.COM
847-201-4040 Walstrom Marine WALSTROM.COM
231-526-2141
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BOAT TEST
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONTEREY BOATS
MONTEREY 385SE
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Getting from point A to B has never been easier. Or more exciting. by ken kreisler
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“W “I am a firm believer that should my hand reach for a hold, there should be a grab right there, and Monterey had a sturdy and robust one waiting.”
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ould you like to take the wheel?” asks Chris Murray, test engineer for Monterey Boats, as we leave the no-wake zone along the Intracoastal Waterway outside of the Marina One facility in Deerfield Beach, Florida. “You bet,” I say. I effortlessly slide the Mercury-equipped controls forward and our Monterey 385 Super Express (385SE) test boat is up on plane, humming along at about 52 mph. I remembered to turn my favorite cap around, bill backward, so as not to lose it. The frayed edges and sun-faded color had seen me through way too many memories, and I was taking proper precautions in keeping it from flying off my head. I quickly checked the symmetrical wake left by the triple Mercury Verado 300s and then scanned the helm instruments before settling in — one hand on the wheel, the other holding onto the black anodized window frame to starboard — for a very exhilarating ride.
Getting around Being aboard the 385SE is comfortable, whether you’re out for a family day trip, a quick overnight visit, a stop at that special gunkhole, or even living aboard (with its convenient accommodation spaces) for an extended time. To enhance your time aboard, there’s an optional 6.5kW Westerbeke generator and a 16,000 BTU air conditioning/ reverse heat system. The 385SE is an easy boat to traverse. Given her walkthrough design from bow to stern, I found it quite comfortable and safe to get back and forth while Murray was at the wheel. With that in mind, I am a firm believer that should my hand reach for a hold, there should be a grab right there, and Monterey had a sturdy and robust one waiting. I found a proper anchor locker, both in size and function, up in the bow, which also contains a washdown, the windlass and its controls (which are conveniently repeated at the helm). Access to equipment is easy if any servicing is needed. A large
LAKE LANDBOATING.COM
cooler neatly fits and is tucked away in the top of the bow vee. A filler cushion easily slides in on top of the cooler, creating one large lounge space. I found ample storage underneath both port and starboard side seats, as well as in the sole. “Given the deep, well-like design, this is a great spot for the kids to be safe,” Murray says. “We also offer — for those wanting to stay out of the sun — a bow shade, including a pair of fiberglass poles that easily slides into side sockets to support a canvas that goes all the way back into the hardtop.” Deploy a portable table here and the area becomes a dining space. If you are looking for cup holders, the forward, helm area and aft sections are loaded with them. Just past the vee, on the forward port side, is the stand-up head compartment complete with a sink and a pull-out shower. “We make the most use of every space aboard, especially [in the head] and opposite in the private berth/lounge,” Murray says. The berth/lounge features a queen aft sleeper; sofa seating that also pulls out for sleeping; a bulkheadmounted, 40-inch flat-screen television; a microwave; and a stereo unit with Blue-ray player and soundbar. Hullside windows and pull-down shades make this space feel airy and open. The electronic panel is located here, and I found several convenient storage spaces, as well. The tasteful, modern décor boasts vibrant colors, as well as upgraded hardware and fittings. The transom/cockpit aft section is quite comfortable, and the spacious seating easily converts into a large lounge. A big boom stereo system complete with a subwoofer and a 32-inch LED television is available for this area. As I found everywhere aboard, there is ample storage space here for dock lines, as well as the dockside television and electrical hook up. An optional electric cockpit grill and standard table are among other notable features. “In addition, there is a camper top that encloses the aft
section of the boat,” Murray says. “We offer an electrically operated SureShade option here as well.” With the outboard configuration, the former engine room space usually occupied by inboards is now a spacious area housing additional storage, the aforementioned Westerbeke generator and access to the batteries. The hatch is electrically operated, and I found ample room in which to do servicing or to check vital oil and coolant levels.
At the helm The starboard helm features a stylish design with leather trim and flush-mounted electronics, including a Raymarine chartplotter with a handy remote control. As I discovered during my time at the wheel, all switches and controls were within easy reach, whether I was seated or standing. The electrically operated captain’s seat offers fold-down bolsters. A co-pilot’s seat is to port with a wetbar, sink, wine rack, and refrigerator console just forward. Just how did we ever exist at the wheel of an outboardpowered boat without the excellent Mercury Active Trim System; the flawless joystick control; the amazing Skyhook GPS digital anchoring; the informative and intuitive VesselView displays covering all engine parameters; or the SmartCraft DTS and its ability to provide exact handling and control? When equipped on the Monterey 385SE, this outstanding technology allows even the most novice boaters — with proper instruction and wheel time — to get comfortable very quickly, even with the triple 300-hp outboard configuration. “The prospective owner who’s looking to get into a boat of this size is no longer afraid to do so,” Murray says. One of the really nice things about Mercury power is how quiet the engines are. Murray and I could easily converse, even at WOT and flirting with 6,400 rpm (with 200 gallons of fuel and 49 gallons of water), as well as when I brought the engines down to 4,500 rpm with a respectable 36 mph turn of speed
(noting a 45 gph total for the triple Mercs). Other outstanding performance observations continued during my time at the wheel; while knocking 500 rpm off of that run, I was able to maintain an average of 30 mph with a 36 gph burn, as well as a leisurely 13 mph relaxed and laid back run at 3,000 rpm. Thanks to Monterey’s superior, well-balanced hull design and Mercury’s joystick, my turns, straight and true tracking runs, and docking maneuvers were spot-on and immediate. Due to her solid fiberglass construction built to the company’s exacting standards, you can feel the solidness of this boat under your command. There is absolutely no flexing in the sole. No matter where you look, you’ll notice the care that went into her build, including the smooth finish on the underside of the hatches. “We offer this particular boat in an inboard model as well — the 378SE with either 380- or 430-hp Volvo or Mercury engines — for those who still want the size and floorplan but with the more traditional power,” Murray says.
Monterey 385SE SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 37' w/swim platform Beam: 11' Draft: 26" Weight: 16,000 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 250 gals. Water Capacity: 49 gals. Power: 3/300-hp Mercury Verado Outboards Base Price: Contact dealer MONTEREYBOATS.COM
DEALERS
Wrapping things up The 385SE is the current flagship of the eight other sistership models in the Super Sports lineup from this notable builder. With 30-plus years of boat design and construction under its belt, Monterey, located in Williston, Florida, operates a pair of state-of-the-art facilities with one dedicated to its sport boats while the other houses the sport yachts and cruiser lines. This comfortable, family-oriented boat has striking good looks and a definite performance edge that’s sure to please both those wishing to move into something a bit larger or boaters who are in the market for downsizing. Should a boat like this be up on your radar, you owe it to yourself to set-up a sea trial. You won’t be disappointed. Just make sure you hold on to your favorite cap when you hit those throttles. H
Grand Pointe Marina GRANDPOINTEMARINA.COM
877-330-0550 Great Lakes Yachts Sales GLYSINC.COM
262-654-0207 Pier 53 Marine PIER53MARINE .COM
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419-797-2300
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Today’s boat security systems protect your pride and joy against theft, accidents and even angry birds.
PeAcE oF nce upon a time, it took nothing more than a couple of sturdy ropes and a few good knots to ensure your boat would remain safely at the dock until you returned. Today... not so much. The sad reality is that we now live in a less innocent world where boats, like anything else of value, may attract unwanted attention from thieves. Some aim to steal the boat, others, only its contents. In either case, it’s the owner that’s left to file the insurance claim and deal with the loss. Little wonder then that many Great Lakes boaters have begun to show greater interest in boat security systems. “The vast majority of boats don’t have any kind of security system at all,” says Rich Carroll, director for the special investigative unit (SIU) at BoatU.S. “We secure our homes and we secure our cars, but maybe the relaxed nature of boating bleeds over; as a whole, we tend to not secure boats the same way we do other valuables. And thieves know this.” The rapid development of marine security systems has been fueled partly by need and partly by opportunity. Today, with the advent of the internet and the proliferation of digital technology, anyone can pull out a smartphone and instantly see what’s going on aboard their boat, at any time and from anywhere in the world. In addition to protecting a boat from theft, today’s systems can keep watch over a variety of potential threats and immediately report any trouble straight to your smartphone or a security service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if you keep your boat in a highly secure marina where theft is unlikely, today’s surveillance systems let you monitor everything from water levels in the bilge to shore power connections and more. And not just monitor but also control. Forget to turn off a light? No problem — there’s an app for that. This enhanced connectivity is what has allowed simple boat alarms to morph into much more sophisticated boat security systems, guarding your pride and joy against just about any peril imaginable. Choosing the one that’s best for you comes down to how much you want to spend and exactly what you want it to do. “When we think of boat security, we tend to think of someone driving Outboard engines are a particularly attractive target for thieves (top) who often abandon the rest of the boat. Stolen boats may be used in smuggling activities (middle), or simply stripped of their valuable electronics (lower). Systems with proximity sensors can also alert you to damage should your boat be struck by another (opposite).
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TOP 2 PH OTOS COURTESY OF G OST; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF BOATUS
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away with the boat,” says Brian Kane, chief technology officer at Fort Lauderdale-based Global Ocean Security Technologies (GOST). “But a bigger problem is people boarding the boat to steal electronics or big-screen TVs, or to steal liquor and have a party. Sometimes boats are broken into over the winter and used as housing. Without some kind of security system, the owner has no idea until they come back in the spring and find their boat is a mess after being used as a flop house all winter. If it’s not humans, it’s animals: Birds and raccoons can do a huge amount of damage if they move into a boat. Security systems are meant to guard against all of these things, and give the owner peace of mind when they’re not personally on-board.”
PHOTOS COU RTESY OF GOST
Local alarms
If your primary interest is in guarding against theft or house-hunting wildlife, a local alarm may be all you need. The original anti-theft device, local alarms use a variety of sensors to determine when someone (or something) steps aboard. Failure to enter the cancel code within a specified period of time activates the alarm. Much like a car alarm, these systems alert other people nearby that an intrusion is in progress. Accordingly, local alarms work best in areas where there will always be someone there to respond, such as a marina with a full-time security guard. The main attraction of local alarms is their comparatively low cost. Aqualarm (AQUALARM. NET) sells a wireless boat security system for about $300 complete with a keypad, two sensors for mounting on doors or hatches, and a remote-control key fob. Its 110-dB siren is built into the control panel for easy installation. Flagship Marine Security (BOATALARM.COM) sells a similar system that also provides the option of adding canvas sensors. The challenge with local alarms is that they rely on someone else to respond on your behalf whenever you’re not around. What if an intrusion takes place when there’s no one else within earshot, such as when boats are left in remote locations during winter storage? Newer theft deterrence alarms deal with that scenario by taking things up a notch. So-called acoustic barrier alarms, like those offered by GOST (GOSTGLOBAL.COM), don’t just make a loud noise, they emit an unbearable racket that immobilizes would-be thieves by targeting the inner ear, disorienting the sensitive otolith organs and the semicircular canal. The result is near-instant dizziness, nausea and vertigo, compounded by an inability to determine the source of the sound. Acoustic barriers literally stop thieves in their tracks and can effectively protect areas of up to 750 square feet. Cloaking (also offered by GOST) is another form of theft deterrence that makes it impossible for thieves to continue their work. Like something out of a James Bond film, the cloaking device immediately floods the boat with a super-thick, pea soup fog that’s created by vaporizing a specially-formulated glycol solution. In seconds, visibility drops to mere inches, making LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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it impossible for would-be thieves to see anything at all — much less steal it. The fog is completely harmless to your gear on-board, including sensitive electronics. Used alone or in conjunction with an acoustic barrier, it too stops thieves in their tracks.
Remote communication alarms
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Fully-monitored alarms
While it’s great to have your boat alert you when something goes wrong, what if you’re not available to respond? Email notifications received while you sleep do nothing to stop a thief, and that’s precisely why fully-monitored alarm systems represent the ultimate in boat security. The range of options is limitless, and pricing varies widely depending on what capabilities you choose. Marine Guard (MARINEGUARD.NET) uses a variety of sensors, including contact switches mounted to hatches and doors, pressure
PH OTOS COURTESY OF G OST
Say cheese! Security systems can not only alert you if someone breaks onto your boat, but can also gather critical evidence that can be later used in court to identify suspects.
While local alarms are effective at deterring theft and warding off intruders, systems that offer a remote communication capability are even better. Once activated, these devices alert the boat owner to any alarms with a text, voice or email notification that’s sent over either a cellular- or satellite-based network. Siren Marine (SIRENMARINE .COM) offers cellular-based intrusion alarm systems starting at about $500 that allow remote monitoring via a companion smartphone app. The system can also control the sensors on your boat and allows optional upgrades for features like high water and low-battery alarms, along with GPS tracking and eco-fence capabilities. The Spot Trace (FINDMESPOT.COM) is a popular and compact remote communication alarm system. This $100 GPS device mounts in the boat and sends you email alerts if it detects unauthorized movement. You can even track the boat’s progress on Google Maps. The basic communication service costs $99 per year. Spot also offers an enhanced system called Spot Hug, which tracks your boat’s position and reports the activity to a monitoring center. Spot Hug can work with additional sensors, such as high-water bilge alarms and smoke detectors, for more protection. C-Pod (C-POD.COM) offers a similar system that can track your boat’s location by GPS and send text alarms to your smartphone if your ride starts heading off without you. The system can be configured to work with sensors to detect intrusion, high bilge water and smoke, and is two-way compatible so you can use it to activate the bilge pumps or fire up appliances like heaters, air conditioners or refrigerators before you even leave for the marina. The compact, $80 IZon View remote camera (IZONCAM.COM) sends motion and noise alerts to your smartphone, along with live-streamed video with full-color images in daylight and infrared images at night. Similar to a baby monitor, the system includes free video storage for up to 100 events and will send up to 25 advisories per day. Best of all, once you buy the camera, the ongoing service is free. The Boat Command (BOATCOMMAND.COM) is a full-featured remote system that can report everything from unauthorized entry to low battery voltage, low or high interior temperatures, or shore power disconnections via its companion app. The unit itself is about $300, while the app subscription is $8.99 a month. GP Link (GPLINK.COM) sends SMS or email notifications when it detects a range of alarms, such as unauthorized movement (with GPS tracking), low battery levels, high bilge level, smoke detection and more. Owners can monitor a variety of parameters via a laptop, tablet or smartphone, including a range of engine alarms.
sensors on the deck, and infrared motion sensors to detect onboard intrusion. If the boat starts moving, the system will track it with GPS in real time, reporting its location to a 24/7 monitoring service. The system can also track the boat’s use via GPS independent of its alarm function, allowing you to know exactly where the kids have been wandering off to. EyeOnBoard (EYEONBOARD.COM) is a camera-based system that uses wireless technology to simplify installation and eliminate the need to thread wires through bulkheads. The unit uses an onboard PC to connect to a marina’s Wi-Fi network for monitoring, and provides bonus internet access when you’re on-board. There’s no smartphone or tablet app, but onboard equipment can be controlled remotely via the company’s website. Yacht Protector (YACHTPROTECTOR.COM) offers remote monitoring systems that detect intrusion or water in the bilge, control the boat's temperate, and monitor mooring positions with an instant GeoFence. You can even connect a Yacht Tag portable sensor to water toys and tenders to alert you when they are removed from the boat. GOST offers a wide variety of monitoring system packages that can include one or more high-definition cameras, a digital video recorder to store security footage, and even a separate system for tenders that can immobilize an outboard engine. Rather than cellular or Wi-Fi, GOST communicates using the Inmarsat Isat M2M satellite service, so it works even during power outages.
Safe and secure
Whether it’s protection from thieves or just a band of homeless raccoons, marine security systems provide boaters with tremendous peace of mind. Beyond safeguarding against uninvited guests, their ability to remotely monitor bilge levels, battery levels and more can help prevent potential trouble that has nothing to do with theft. Plus, the option to fire up equipment like air conditioners or refrigerators while you make your way to the boat brings even greater levels of enjoyment. ★
Uninvited joyriders can cause tremendous damage to boats. This Jupiter was broken into and driven into a bridge.
Location, Location, Location The best way to keep thieves away from your boat is to keep it in places they find unattractive, such as behind a locked gate or in a well-lit space that can be easily monitored. During the season, choose a marina that has security gates that restrict dock access to key holders only. Facilities that also have 24-hour security patrols or liveaboard boaters are even less attractive to criminals. Winter storage can be a little more complex, says BoatU.S. SIU Director Rich Carroll. Locked, secure indoor storage arranged through the marina is typically more secure than simply parking the boat on a trailer at a commercial storage yard. For smaller boats, stacked storage is even better, since few thieves will go through the trouble of first stealing a forklift to simply gain access to your boat.
“It’s important to secure the boat properly for winter storage, to have it properly covered, and to have it shrinkwrapped so it’s more difficult for bad things to happen,” Carroll says. “Offseason security efforts have to be a little better developed strategically, whether you talk about making it difficult for the thieves to get to the boat or simply think about ensuring the security system’s power supply can’t be tampered with to prevent it from triggering.” If you have to store the boat on its trailer, make it hard to steal by removing the wheels, removing the coupler, or chaining it to other boats. McGard offers trailer wheel locks to protect your trailer from getting stolen (MCGARD.COM). These security locks function like regular lug nuts, but require a special key to remove.
The best storage, says Carroll, is in a locked indoor facility with a 24-hour security presence. Otherwise, do anything you can do to make your boat more trouble than it’s worth, so thieves won’t bother.
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W IN DIATE PH OTO COU RTESY STEVE SELLERS/ NOAA
SS America
GET CERTIFIED Scuba diving is accessible to nearly everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. To get started on your underwater adventure: ■ Sign up for an Open Water certification course at your nearest dive shop or YMCA facility. This will include approximately 30 hours of classroom study, pool dives and open-water dives. ■ Take a course at a seaside resort that features an on-site dive operator; that way, you’ll experience your first open-water dives in a subtropical or tropical ocean environment. ■ To get just a small taste of scuba, consider a short introductory resort course or limited certification course that allows you to descend to a lesser depth accompanied by an instructor. (The latter is credited toward full Open Water certification.) Once you’ve earned your Open Water credentials, you can pursue Advanced Open Rouse Simmons Water certification and a variety tree skeletons of specialty courses, including drysuit diving, wreck diving, under underwater photography/video, cave diving, technical diving and much more. You might even choose to become a divemaster, rescue diver or instructor. To learn more, visit NAUI.ORG, PADI.COM and DIVESSI.COM.
PH OTOS THIS PAG E COU RTESY OF SEAWOLF COMMUNICATIONS INC
Rouse Simmons
■ Advanced Open Water: The SS America is perfect for newbie and intermediate divers alike, as she rests from 2 to 85 feet off Isle Royale National Park. “Her bow [is] ghostly gray but visible through clear, green water,” Kohl says. In the early 1900s, this 182-foot, steel-hulled steamer plied Lake Superior’s north shore from Duluth to Thunder Bay. The steamer ran aground in 1928 with no loss of life (other than, allegedly, a dog tied at the stern). ■ Technical: Kohl calls the John Osborne, located at 170 feet, about 6 miles west-northwest of Whitefish Point, a deep but interesting wreck. Built in 1882, this 178-foot wooden steamer collided with the Canadian steamer Alberta, which held in place until surviving Osborne crewmembers could climb aboard (four Osborne crew and one from the Alberta perished in the accident). The Osborne sits upright and is in excellent
condition; divers can see her intact engine and even penetrate the coal bunker, which is still full.
LAKE MICHIGAN
■ Open Water: Built in 1929, the 239-foot, steel-hulled barge Material Service had a unique design that allowed the motorized, self-unloading vessel to fit underneath Chicago’s bridges. She sank during a 1936 storm just off the city, with a loss of 15 lives. She now rests east of the Calumet Harbor breakwall’s north end in 30 feet of water, where she is considered a south-shore staple. Divers will see eight open hatches, with views of the self-unloading mechanism, twin rudders and propellers. ■ Advanced Open Water: The pre-Civil War brig Sandusky, built in 1848, is the oldest known shipwreck in the Straits of Mackinac
Shipwreck Preserve. She sank in a September gale just eight years later, and lost all hands. Five miles west of the Mackinac Bridge at 83 feet, divers will find her standing upright. Highlights include her centerboard winch, bilge pumps and windlass. Note: The figurehead is a replica. The original is now in the Straits Shipwreck Museum in Mackinaw City. ■ Technical: The Rouse Simmons, Captain Herman Schuenemann’s celebrated Christmas Tree Ship, was lost with all hands in November 1912 when a violent storm raked Lake Michigan. Discovered in 1971, the three-masted schooner’s grave lies at 180 feet off Wisconsin’s Rawley Point Light (near Two Rivers). She sits upright, with the evergreen trees she was carrying from the North Woods to eager families in Chicago on what should have been her final run of the year still visible in her holds. LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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DIVE SPOTLIGHT: DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN Many scuba historians and enthusiasts consider Wisconsin’s Door County to be the birthplace of Great Lakes wreck diving. According to Capt. Jim Robinson of Shoreline Scenic Cruises & Charters in Gills Rock, the first dedicated divers’ lodge was built on the peninsula in the early 1960s. “I’ve been diving up here for 50 years now,” Robinson says. “I started before there was any national certification program, and I became a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) instructor early on.” Although his business now focuses on lighthouse and shipwreck cruises rather than dive charters, Robinson is still happy to recommend his favorite wreck sites. They all lie within recreational diving limits.
Sweepstakes
Sweepstakes windlass
Fleetwing
Fleetwing: Built in 1867, this 135-foot schooner sank in 1888 in Garrett Bay, near Gills Rock. Her wreckage lies from 2 to 20 feet deep. “It’s a great wreck for snorkelers or beginning divers,” Robinson says. “And [it’s] the site of the first Maritime Trail sign in Wisconsin. My tour boat goes over the wreck, and passengers can see a piece of the hull with the railing still on it.”
Frank O’Connor: Two miles off North Bay, in 70 feet of water, lies the Frank O’Connor. Built in 1892, this 301-foot steamer burned and sank in 1919. “[Open Water divers] can work their way down from the top of the engine at 40 feet to the lower bilge deck at 60 to 65 feet,” Robinson says. Highlights include two large boilers, a 12-foot prop with shaft, rudder and steering quadrant, and anchors with chain and windlass. E.R. Williams: Two miles north of Saint Martin Island, part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is the wreck of the 135-foot schooner E.R. Williams, which sank in 1895. She was found in the late 1990s by Bob Duchrow, a friend of Robinson’s. The schooner sits upright at 105 feet; her deck is at 90 to 95 feet, and she’s largely intact. Artifacts include a stove, china, windlass, anchors, chain, masts with huge pulleys, wringer washer and much more. “Cris Kohl rates this as one of the top five wrecks in the Great Lakes, and it’s one of my favorite wrecks,” Robinson notes. Due to its remote location and depth, this is an Advanced Open Water dive.
■ Open Water: Lake Huron’s greatest concentration of shipwrecks lies near Michigan’s Thunder Bay in Fathom Five National Marine Park. Here, one of the most popular dives is the well-preserved, 119-foot Canadian schooner Sweepstakes, which sank in 1885. Roughly 50 yards from the head of Big Tub Harbour in just 15 feet of water, the 1867 schooner is almost completely intact and is easily accessible by divers, snorkelers, kayakers, glass-bottom boat tours and even swimmers. “[She] is the most visited submerged shipwreck in the world,” Kohl says. ■ Advanced Open Water: In western Lake Huron, the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve boasts at least 16 shipwrecks that lie above 120 feet, within reach of recreational divers. One is the 62-foot Mary Alice B., a
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completely intact and upright tugboat that sank in 1975 with no lives lost. She sits at 92 feet. Divers can enter her wheelhouse, with the wheel still in place, as well as other areas of her interior. Note: Only trained wreck divers should attempt penetrating a wreck, where silting can destroy visibility in a heartbeat. ■ Technical: The 136-foot, three-masted schooner Cornelia B. Windiate became trapped in ice and sank off Presque Isle, losing all nine hands during a November 1875 storm. Supposedly lost in Lake Michigan en route from Milwaukee to Buffalo, divers discovered her final resting place in 1987. Her 190-foot depth in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has protected her; she’s in excellent condition, with her masts, yardarms and wire rigging still intact.
LAKE ERIE
■ Open Water: Built in 1854 for freight service between Buffalo and Chicago, the 191-foot wooden steamer Sun was working as a lumber hooker (carrying her own load and towing barges) when she sank in an 1874 storm. Divers will find her in 60 feet of water roughly 10 miles off Ontario’s Rondeau Bay. “[She] features large components — engine, boiler, anchor — and many smaller ones, in an area of usually reliable underwater visibility,” Kohl notes. ■ Advanced Open Water: “The Willis is the best-preserved shipwreck in the western end of Lake Erie,” Kohl says. “She was new… lost in her first year.” The three-masted schooner was built in Manitowoc in early 1872. Sadly, the grain carrier collided with the bark Elizabeth Jones in November and
SWEEPSTA KE S PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEAWOLF COMMU NICATIONS INC; F LEETWING PH OTOS COURTESY OF CAPT. JIM ROBINSON
LAKE HURON
Comet
BE PREPARED 1. Think warm. You’ll need a thick, full wetsuit and boots for Great Lakes diving; if water temperatures are in the 50s or below, you might want to consider a hood and gloves as well. Or, get your drysuit certification. 2. Trust the experts. Book a dive charter to visit your chosen wreck sites. Or, if you are planning to visit with your own boat, spend a little time with a local dive operator to get recommendations and advice. Local knowledge goes a long way. 3. Mind the anchor. If the site doesn’t have any mooring buoys, be very careful when dropping the hook. You don’t want to cause lasting damage to an underwater treasure. 4. Take only pictures. Thanks to the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act, states hold title to all historic wrecks in their waters — an important move to protect these valuable sites from looting. So, remember: Taking artifacts is not only inconsiderate, it will land you in hot water with the authorities, not to mention the local dive community.
COMET PH OTOS COURTESY OF SEAWOLF COMMUNICATIONS INC; W IL LIS PAINTING BY PETER RINDLISBACH ER
Willis painting by Peter Rindlisbacher
sank off Point Pelee. Fortunately, no lives were lost; however, the court case against the Jones dragged out for 14 years (the bark was at fault). “The Willis sits upright in 60 to 73 feet of water, with intact artifacts and an upright bowsprit,” Kohl says. ■ Technical: Fifteen crewmembers perished when a 1930 storm swamped the 220-foot steel steamer George Whelan. She rolled over and sank, coming to rest on the lake bed at 150 feet, where she wouldn’t be discovered until October 2005. She lies on her port side, and divers will have exceptional views of her propeller, rudders, lanterns, life rings, anchor, doors, hatches, stairs and railings. Once again, only trained technical divers should embark on interior exploration; depth, darkness, silt and wreckage can be a dangerous combination.
LAKE ONTARIO
■ Open Water: Built in Buffalo in 1881, the wooden barge Atlasco worked first as a package freighter and later as a bulk freight barge. She sank during a 1921 storm near Point Traverse, an area known as the graveyard of Lake Ontario. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, as all hands escaped in a lifeboat. The wreck “is only in 43 feet of water and is famous for its vast cargo of huge coils of wire, several anchors and the ship’s wheel,” Kohl says. ■ Advanced Open Water: The 174-foot, 1848 sidewheel passenger steamer Comet was on her first voyage of the season in May 1861 when she ran into a storm and collided with the schooner Exchange. Comet ran for shore but was unable to reach Simcoe Island. Three people died, and the once elegant steamer now
sits in 90 feet of water roughly 1.5 miles off the island. According to Kohl, her massive paddlewheels remain upright, although much of her top decking has collapsed. ■ Technical: The little two-masted schooner Etta Belle was discovered in fall 2003, 130 years after the calm September day in 1873 that sent her to the bottom. She was en route from Little Sodus to Toronto with a full load of coal when she foundered; fortunately, the crew was able to row 8 miles to shore in a small yawl. She lies at 180 feet near Sodus Point, New York. She’s upright and remarkably intact, Kohl says, “with railings, bowsprit, on-deck pump and ship’s wheel.” For recent shipwreck news and events updates, and to order copies of Kohl and Forsberg’s books, DVDs, maps and postcards, visit SEAWOLFCOMMUNICATIONS.COM. ★ LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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PORT OF CALL
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A Great Lake and Two Rivers St. Joseph and Benton Harbor — both quaint and charming southwest Michigan towns — offer boaters a fun mix of fishing, food and a PGA golf tournament.
PH OTOS BY JOSHUA NOWICKI
BY JANE SIMON AMMESON
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Maids of the Mist
Silver Beach
Lake Michigan
Jean Klock Park
Paw Paw River
Tiscornia Park Silver Beach County Park
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round 1780, William Burnett built a trading post on a bluff overlooking the St. Joseph River as it flowed into Lake Michigan; the mouth of this waterway was an important point of Native American travel and commerce. By 1825, a mail route — albeit a very slow and sporadic one — existed between what would later become St. Joseph, Michigan and Chicago. Fast forward a few decades, when fur trading gave way to an abundance of local orchards and farms, and ships carried cargo to other ports large and small on the Great Lakes. Today, we have trucks and trains to do just that; however, boats — sail and motor — still arrive at this port city where red brick streets are lined with wonderfully restored Queen Anne and Victorian-era homes, and turn-of-the-century commercial buildings filled with shops and restaurants. St. Joseph, like Burnett’s trading post, sits on a hillside overlooking the St. Joseph River, the shores
of Lake Michigan and the neighboring town of Benton Harbor. St. Joseph is fronted by Lake Bluff Park: A wide, green expanse of mature trees, small garden areas, statuary, benches, a seasonal hot dog cart and the wonderfully elaborate Maids of the Mist Fountain built in 1872. The park is a common gathering place with free concerts at the band shell overlooking the harbor, a busy farmers market on Saturdays and a plethora of events, including vintage car, craft and antique shows, and the juried Krasl Art Fair, which draws artists from all over the country. A free horse-drawn trolley travels along the bluff and down State Street, the downtown’s main thoroughfare.
Sand, sun and blue waters
The St. Joseph River and its historic lighthouses separate a string of public white sand beaches. South of the piers, follow the shoreline to Lions Park Beach and the more active Silver Beach
PH OTOS BY JOSHUA NOWICKI
Farmers Market
St. Joseph River Yacht Club
Keep on Shining
F ISHING PHOTO COURTESY ORIGINATOR; ALL OTHER PH OTOS BY JOSHUA NOWICKI
John and Dede Howard Family Recreation Trail
County Park, where you’re sure to find a volleyball game in play, an entertainment pavilion and access to the piers. Running parallel to the beach is the John and Dede Howard Family Recreation Trail, which winds through a wooden glen. North of the lighthouse, the 16-acre, familyoriented Tiscornia Park continues on past beachfront homes to the 2,950-acre Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor. There are yoga classes in the pavilion against a backdrop of waves and tall dunes. Other features of this park include walking paths through the Jack Nicklaus-designed Harbor Shores Golf Course, a boardwalk, volleyball courts, an observation tower, a playground and a picnic shelter. Embrace your inner water spirit by indulging in a variety of watersports. Rentals are available at Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals and Third Coast Paddling: Paw Paw River Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals. Pontoon boats are available at Anchor’s Way Marina.
A river runs through it ` and so do the fish
The St. Joseph River joins with the Paw Paw River and divides two cities: St. Joseph on the south bank and Benton Harbor on the north. Both rivers have marinas and public launches, and restaurants line their banks. West Basin Marina offers 100 slips (10 transient), showers, laundry facilities, pump-out service, a fuel dock and a ship store. The Marina at Harbor Shores is home to Freedom Boat Club, which provides a great alternative to boat ownership. Two long breakwaters run along both sides of the river providing walkways and public parks. It’s not unusual to see people fishing by flashlight at night along the piers when the fishing is good. There’s even a short smelt season (about three weeks) in the spring where these tiny, lively lake creatures can be easily scooped up in nets. “Fishing is a pretty important part of this community,” says Jerry Link, owner of Originator
Fame is fleeting, even if you’re a lighthouse featured on a U.S. postage stamp, can trace your history back to 1832 and, when covered in layers of ice and snow, appeared on the front page of the New York Times. But, alas, none of these accomplishments mattered when the federal government declared the St. Joseph North Pier lighthouses surplus. No longer needed for navigation, they were goners. That is, until devoted friends stepped in, forming the Lighthouse Forever Fund in 2014. The goal was to raise $2 million to preserve and restore the lights and catwalk. Before 2014 was over, the Lighthouse Forever Fund had already raised $1.65 million. Renovations were completed and it’s now open for tours. Visit LIGHTHOUSEFOREVERFUND.ORG for more information.
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View of Silver Beach
Silver Beach Carousel
Silver Beach, named after the silvery light cast by the moon, is an award-winning beach chosen as one of the top 10 family beaches by Parents magazine. But, from 1891 to 1971, it was also home to the Silver Beach Amusement Park and Silver Beach Carousel, a wonderful whirl of handcarved, hand-painted carousel animals and three band organs. The carousel was dismantled; the animals and band organs sold. However, with the same public dedication and support that restored the lighthouses, the carousel rides again and is now part of the Silver Beach Center, located on Silver Beach below the city’s bluff. The 1911 Herschell Spillman Company band organ that was part of the original carousel was repurchased and donated by a local resident. Other modern-day Silver Beach activities include the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone: An interactive children’s museum with a garden growing on its roof. In season, the interactive Whirlpool Compass Fountain shoots water 35 feet into the air on the hour and half hour from 10 a.m. to dusk.
Plank's Tavern
Sport Fishing Charters in St. Joseph. “People come from all over the country to fish here.” So, what are they catching? Link, who operates river charters during the cold season aboard his heated, enclosed boat, says that it’s largely a variety of trout (brown, lake and steelhead) and salmon (Coho and king) with some yellow perch and walleye, as well. “As soon as the weather breaks, I start doing charters on my boat designed for Lake Michigan,” he says. “Last year we were out in March.”
From lake to land
Going from ship to shore is easy to do. “About a half-mile away, there are restaurants like Azul Tequila, Zoup and Biggby Coffee,” says Katie Alti of Anchor’s Way Marina in St. Joseph. “Just a few blocks farther, there’s the downtown with lots of restaurants and stores. You can easily walk to all of them; plus we have Uber now, too.”
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Tie up along the south embankment located at the Margaret Upton Arboretum in the city’s downtown and you have easy access to all that downtown has to offer. “The Arboretum has a pretty riverwalk that leads down to Silver Beach,” says Kathy Myers, owner of Pier 1000 Marina in Benton Harbor. “On the River Tavern has several docks where small boats can tie up, and Plank’s Tavern on the Water at the Inn at Harbor Shores also has docks for tying up and dining.” Myers says they’re expecting a lot of boaters this year, as they have in the past, for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. “Our marina is just a short walk away from the Harbor Shores Golf Course where it’s held every other year,” Myers says. “Restaurants like Bread+Bar and Babe’s Lounge are practically just across the road, and across the river is Clementine’s,” says Jamie Miller
PLANK'S PHOTO COURTESY PLANK'S FACEBOOK PAGE, ALL OTHERS BY JOSHUA NOWICKY
Horses on the Move Again
Krasl Art Center
BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass
Calendar of Events
PH OTOS BY JOSHUA NOWICKI
of Pier 1000. “When people stop by for fuel or marine services, they can grab beer, wine and ice. We also have a café which serves sandwiches, hot dogs and pretzels.” Joe Mara, manager and bartender at Babe’s Lounge & Restaurant on the St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor, points out that the Benton Harbor public boat launch is only a short distance from the restaurant, so people launching there can walk over for lunch, dinner and late-night drinks.
Downtown St. Joseph
English toffee, fudge and caramel apples are just a few of the many sweet things available at both Kilwin’s Chocolate Fudge & Ice Cream Shoppe and the Chocolate Café & Museum on State Street. Like to read? Check out Forever Books. Oenophiles can sample and nibble at both the Lazy Ballerina Winery and White Pine Winery. If you enjoy olives more than grapes, there’s high
quality extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars at the Olive Cart. It’s the real deal — squeaky wood floors and all — at G&M Variety, an old-fashioned five and 10 cent store, which opened in 1939. For kids, the Toy Company stocks educational and creative toys. Fido won’t feel left out at FuzzyButz Pet Bakery, where you can peruse the wide range of all things animal-centric. Caffeinate at Caffe Tosi’s (and try some of the award-winning Bit of Swiss Bakery goodies they sell there), or try the freshly-made New York-style bagels and java at Broad Street Café. Take time to enjoy the Touch Tone Art & Culture and other walking tours that highlight the town's sculptures and memorials, some of which date back more than a century: There are war monuments, a cannon, a gazebo with stairs leading down to Silver Beach, and a memorial to the firefighters who lost their lives saving
■ March 18: Majestic Mahler, performance by the Southwest Symphony Orchestra ■ April (date to be determined): Free horse-drawn carriage rides begin ■ April 1: Easter Brunch at Fernwood ■ April 4: Artisan Market at Journeyman Distillery ■ April 14: Mutts Gone Nuts ■ April 29: SMSO Presents Latin Rhythms ■ May 6: Antiques on the Bluff ■ May 13: Mother’s Day at Domaine Berrien Cellars ■ May 18-19: Sidewalk Sale Downtown St. Joseph ■ May 19: BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass: A Taste of Michigan ■ May 22-27: 2018 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship ■ May 25: Memorial Day Parade ■ May 26-27: Lemon Creek Art & Wine Festival ■ May 26-27: Round Barn Island Spirit Party ■ June 2: Lake Bluff Artisan Faire ■ June 17: Lemon Creek Winery’s 34th Annual Father’s Day Festival ■ June 22-August 22: Wednesday Brown Bag Concert ■ June 23-24: Lest We Forget Reenactment & Watercraft and ‘Copter Rides ■ July 7: Mike Yore Memorial Car Show ■ July 14: Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff
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St. Joseph horse-drawn trolley
Harbor Shores nature trail
others when the Yore Opera House burned down in 1896. The Krasl Art Center, with its elaborate Chihuly glass sculpture in the entryway, is free and open to the public. The center’s beautiful outdoor patio has wonderful seating amidst statuary and a view of the lake.
The Livery
Benton Harbor
The burgeoning Benton Harbor Arts District has become a hotspot for art galleries, and dance, music and yoga studios. There’s a waiting list to purchase the urban lofts redeveloped from former manufacturing buildings. The district has lots to offer, including eateries like Mason Jar, known for its organic, local fare; Piggin’ and Grinnin’, whose owner has won major barbecue contests; and The Livery, a brewery fashioned out of a 19th century — you guessed it — livery.
Lake to plate
Whether it’s from a streetside café, such as Schu’s Grill & Bar or Caffe Tosi’s, the second-floor porch at the Bistro on the Boulevard or rooftop
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PH OTOS BY JOSHUA NOWICKI
Benton Harbor Arts District
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANCHOR'S WAY
tables at Ryebelle’s, Buck Burgers & Brew or 221 Main Street; dining in downtown St. Joseph often comes with a view of the water and cityscape. Fresh fish from Lake Michigan are what’s cooking at several area restaurants as part of Michigan’s Catch & Cook, a program designed so clients aboard fishing charters can enjoy their freshly caught catch almost as soon as they disembark, without any fuss or preparation. “A lot of people don’t want to mess with the fish or they’re not going home right away, so we filet and clean it, put it in a Ziploc bag and call one of the participating restaurants to let them know it’s coming so they can be ready to cook it,” Link says. Mara says Babe's Lounge and Restaurant has been participating in the Catch & Cook program since it was introduced about five years ago. “We’ll usually cook [the fish] whatever way the guest wants — such as grilled, Cajun, sautéed — except if the catch is huge. One night we had several charters bring in 60 steelhead; those we fried,” Mara says. Myers, of Pier 1000 Marina, says, “I like to say people come here because the boating is wonderful, and they come back because of our town." ★
Marine Facilities ■ Anchor's Way Marina 143 Anchors Way, St. Joseph 269-982-0812; ANCHORSWAY.COM
■ Freedom Boat Club 800 Whitwam Dr., St. Joseph 815-272-1092; FREEDOMBOATCLUB.COM
■ Brian’s Marina 285 Anchors Ct., St. Joseph 269-983-BOAT; BRIANSMARINA .COM
■ Pier 1000 Marina 1000 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor 269-927-4471; PIER1000.COM
■ Eagle Point Marina 2351 Niles Rd., St. Joseph 269-429-7400; LAKEMICHIGANMARINA .COM
■ Pier 33 250 Anchors Way, St. Joseph 269-932-9127; PIER33.COM
Anchor's Way
■ The Marina at Harbor Shores 800 Whitwam Dr., St. Joseph 239-404-7176 INNATHARBORSHORES.COM
■ West Basin Marina 273 Marina Drive, St. Joseph 269-983-5432 SJCITY.COM/LIVE-HERE/MARINA
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LAKESHORE LIFE BY KAT E B U SH
MORE INFORMATION
Lake Michigan home offers a view from above.
Address 6702 Kelly Creek Dr. Holland, MI 49423 Specs Bedrooms: 6 Baths: 5 full, 2 half Square Footage: 7,936 Acreage: 18 Water Frontage: 100 feet Price: $3,495,900 Contact Sandi Gentry The Sandi Gentry Team/RE/MAX Lakeshore 616-935-1150 SANDIGENTRY.COM
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t’s hard to find a five-story home perched on Lake Michigan’s dunes that offers unobstructed views of the lake. But back in 1990, when the Haworth family designed and had this six-bedroom home built 100 feet above Lake Michigan, state restrictions for building on dunes were not as rigid. With 421 feet of private frontage, northerly views of the beloved “Big Red” lighthouse and nearly 18 acres of woodland and coveted dunes, this contemporary marvel takes full advantage of Michigan’s lakefront landscape. When viewing the 8,000-square-foot home from the back end, you’re greeted with five stories of soaring glass, resembling the profile of a yacht. A separate drive leads up to the front entrance of the home. A stately foyer leads into the great room, which features vaulted, beamed ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and a stone fireplace that anchors the room. Entertaining is easy, as the timeless, French-style kitchen is open to the great room. Boasting lava stone countertops with a ceramic glaze, luxury integrated appliances, checkered stone floors
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
and remote blinds, the kitchen is a chef’s dream. And it will also be your pooch’s favorite room of the house, as the teak island has built-in dog bowls. Opposite the kitchen is the hearth room with a brick fireplace, so you can chop veggies while watching the glow of a fire. One of the six spacious bedrooms is the master retreat, which has a sitting area, yet another fireplace, a closet that is fit for the stars, a private laundry room conveniently located inside the closet and a steam shower attached to the laundry room. The master spa bath features separate vanities with marble countertops and a soaking tub. Other selling points of the home are a fitness room, an elevator connecting all five floors and a game room, which is where you'll likely find the grandkids. A four-season patio with nearly panoramic views leads to the outdoor pergola. Stroll the walkway to the charming gazebo on the edge of the dune, which has front-row seats to Michigan’s finest sunrises and sunsets. And if you want to dip your toes in the water, an electric chair rail escorts you down gracefully. ★
BOAT BIZ BY SA R A H KO L L M O R GEN
LOCATIONS Bolingbrook 512 E. North Frontage Rd. Bolingbrook, IL 60440 630-739-2272 New Buffalo Oselka Marina 514 W. Water St. New Buffalo, MI 49117 269-469-2600 Woodstock - Lake Marine & RV 2050 SE Wood Dr. Woodstock, IL 60098 815-679-5300 Chicago Burnham Harbor 1559 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605 Slip J34 BASASMARINE .COM
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Basa’s Marine Illinois boating superstore offers sales, service and accessories.
T
he side of a landlocked highway in the middle of suburban Illinois might seem like an odd place to open a marine dealership, let alone a massive, 40,000-square-foot boating superstore. However, Rich Gotlund, owner of Basa’s Marine, has found that there’s no better location. “Here, we’re busy nonstop,” Gotlund says. Basa’s Marine is located in Bolingbrook, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Gotlund estimates that thousands of people pass his store everyday driving to and from the city. While waterfront marine dealerships often attract people that already own boats, a highway-side location attracts more new and potential boaters. “It’s where the people live,” Gotlund says. After working for the company for three decades, Gotlund and his wife Jody became the owners of Basa’s Marine last year. Rather than mess with a proven formula, Gotlund says he’s running things at Basa’s much like they have since 1974. He says the dealership is maintaining its reputation for keeping a great service department and a huge inventory of just about everything, including a range of boats, a number of accessories and the latest marine electronics.
LAKE LANDBOATING.COM
“That’s our niche,” Gotlund says. “We do a lot of high volume sales and we have everything in stock.” This massive inventory ensures that boaters new and old are sure to find what they’re looking for at Basa’s Marine. The company prides itself on carrying everything from a dinghy to a yacht. Boaters will find models by Crestliner, Regal, Bennington and now Cobia. A 2,000-square-foot ship store has everything from life jackets to gelcoat materials. The service department is also known for being able to handle anything from the run-of-the-mill tune-up to more extensive rebuilds. “If you walk into the store, you can buy the boat, finance it, then we can deliver it and service it,” Gotlund says. Boaters who can’t make it to Bolingbrook for an open house can most likely find Basa’s at a boat show. The company sent more than 30 boat models to the Chicago Boat Show this year and attends a number of shows in the region. With the success of the showroom and store in Bolingbrook the past three decades, Basa’s Marine is expanding. There is also a sales office in New Buffalo, Michigan, and a few more in the works. ★
Lakeshore Life
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
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Experience the Marlow difference… MARCH 22 - 25, 2018
Visit the sales staff for Marlow Marine. Contact us to schedule your personal tour of these fine yachts today.
2014 Marlow Explorer 97E-CB
2017 Nordhavn 63
2007 Marlow Explorer 72E-CB
2016 Marlow Explorer 58E
2006 Marlow Explorer 70E-CB
2004 Marlow Explorer 70E
2006 Marlow Explorer 72-LR
2005 Marlow Explorer 53C
2003 Marlow Explorer 57C
2005 Symbol 68 Raised Pilothouse
2016 Marlow Explorer 49E
2011 Regal 42 Sport Coupe
2005 Cruisers 400 Express
2014 Hinckley Talaria 48
2010 Azimut 47
“Miss BHaven” a long-range cruiser at speeds from 9kn to 24kn. She features a salon, five staterooms plus crew quarters. This yacht is powered by twin 1800hp CAT C-32s and ready to cruise.
“Megusta” is a very well-equipped 58E offering a three stateroom, three head configuration and crew quarters. Powered by the popular 715hp Cummins® QSM 11s and ready to fulfill your dreams.
“Gratitude” is a ONE-OF-A-KIND yacht that was designed for long range cruising. Her 1015hp CAT C-18’s can offer a 3000 plus mile range at 9.5 knots or cruise at 16 to 18 knots. Please call for details.
“Good Answer” is a well-equipped and well-cared for 68 Raised Pilothouse powered by the popular 800hp CAT 3406s. She is ready to provide luxury to her new owner. Please call for details.
“Paradocs” is very well equipped and maintained. Powered by twin 370hp Volvo® engines with IPS drives she is fuel efficient and very easy to maneuver with a joystick.
“Bluewater” is a well designed and constructed world cruiser outfitted with the very best equipment. Powered by the John Deere 6081AFM with a M3 rating of 330hp. Call right away..
“White Lightning,” is a highly customized yacht. This beautiful threestateroom yacht has a stunning high gloss interior. Powered by twin 1015hp CAT C-18’s she is ready to move in style. Call for details.
“Tom Foolery” is an ideal luxury cruiser with a full complement of state-of-the-art equipment. She offers three staterooms and is powered by twin 700hp CAT C-12’s. Please contact us for more details.
“Jen Em”, a well equipped yacht features many upgrades. Offering 2 full staterooms, ensuite heads plus a separate single third berth. Powered by twin 715hp Cummins® QSM 11’s and ready to cruise.
“Magic 2” is owned by an experienced yachtsman who has owned many Hinckley’s and is building a new, larger Marlow Explorer. This vessel is equipped with the new IPS pod drive option. A must see.
“Cinnamon Girl” offers four staterooms plus full crew quarters. Powered by 1400hp CAT 3412’s for both long range capabilities as well as speed for cruising versatility. Please call for details.
“Sand Piper”, has three spacious staterooms and features a private entrance from the salon to the master stateroom. Powered by CAT 800hp 3406E’s you can fulfill your cruising dreams.
“Bayflower” is a three stateroom yacht that offers exquisite craftmanship and design. Powered by twin 800hp CAT 3406’s and ready to whisk you away.
“Amazing Grace II” offers speed, style, and Volvo diesel power perfect combo for any boater. The generous two stateroom, two head layout with spacious salon and galley make her the perfect cruiser. Call today.
“Seeker” features a modern, stylish design and generous interior volume that makes this yacht a pleasure to be aboard. Located at our facility on Florida’s west coast, she is ready for her next adventure.
personall y. 2016 Marlow Explorer 80E-CB
“Gracie” is a traditional pilothouse motor yacht. Her spacious salon includes a generous wet bar, below, are her four staterooms and crew quarters. Powered by twin Caterpillar® C-32, 1800hp engines she is ready to cruise at 22-24 knots!
2014 Marlow Explorer 70E
“Exitus” is an exquisite Marlow Explorer 70E. The spacious layout offers three large staterooms plus crew quarters. Powered by Caterpillar® 1150hp C-18’s this beautiful yacht can swiftly transport you to your favorite ports of call.
2006 Marlow Explorer 70E
2015 Cruisers Yachts 48 “Cloud 9”
2015 Fleming 55 “Spirit”
Now open seven days a week to better serve our clients.
Marlow Marine SaleS, inC. ®
Phone 800.362.2657 • Fax 941.729.4955 • Web www.marlowmarine.com
Co Un nt de ra r ct
Co Un nt de ra r ct
Co Un nt de ra r ct
“Casamar” is a stunning example of the popular 70E. She has three staterooms with en suite heads plus crew quarters. Powered by Caterpillar® 1015hp C-18’s you can cruise comfortably at 20 knots or voyage long range at 9 knots.
2005 Mainship 400 Trawler “Summerland II”
2010 Outer Reef 65 “De ‘Onions”
WE BELIEVE IN THE ESCAPE, THE ADVENTURE, THE LIFESTYLE.
2015 Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht Contact Matt Felhofer: 920-495-7125
2004 Marquis 59 Contact Mark Felhofer: 920-495-5567
2013 Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht Contact Chris DePrey: 920-366-4320
2007 Cruisers Yachts 520 Express Contact Chris DePrey: 920-366-4320
2007 Grand Banks 47 Europa Contact Mark Felhofer: 920-495-5567
2017 Riviera 445 SUV Contact Mark Felhofer: 920-495-5567
2013 Regal 42 Coupe Contact Kevin McNally: 815-403-8718
1984 Bertraam 42 Motor Yacht Contact Jon Kruse: 920-883-9058
1993 Carver 390 CPMY Contact Kevin McNally: 815-403-8718
1996 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer Contact Chris DePrey: 920-366-4320
2017 Back Cove 37 Downeast Contact Mark Felhofer: 920-495-5567
1995 Cruisers Yachts 3570 Express Contact Bob Krohn: 920-493-1534
2011 Nordic Tug 34 Contact Chris DePrey: 920-366-4320
1997 Cruisers Yachts 3375 Express Contact Bob Krohn: 920-493-1534
2002 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer Contact Kevin McNally: 815-403-8718
2002 Cruisers Yachts 3075 – Diesels Contact Bob Krohn: 920-493-1534
2008 Regal 3060 Window Express Contact Chris DePrey: 920-366-4320
2001 Maxum 2700 SCR Contact Kevin McNally: 815-403-8718
2013 Chaparral 257 SSX Contact Chris DePrey: 920-366-4320
2011 Cobalt 210 Bow Rider Contact Mark Felhofer: 920-495-5567
DOOR COUNTY YACHTING CENTER, WI 920-743-6526
SALES@BAYMARINE.NET
CHICAGO YACHTING CENTER, IL 847-336-2628
Marine Services Corp.
TWO GREAT COMPANIES, ONE DEDICATED FAMILY.
AZIMUT & GALEON SALES AND SERVICE SERVICES • Seakeeper Sales, Installation & Warranty for Lake Michigan • Sale & Installation of Bow & Stern Thruster • Sale & Installation of Underwater Lights & Electronics • Gas & Diesel Engine Repairs by Certified Technicians • Buff & Wax • Fiberglass Repairs • Boat Transportation by Licensed Captains • Custom Work • Complete Boat Painting • Fully Stocked Parts Department • Ability to lift 150,000 lbs.
Marine Services is Chicagoland’s Premier Service and Storage Facility, located just 20 minutes south of Chicago in Dolton, IL. Our Certified Service Technicians can provide expert mechanical service for your engines, drives and auxiliary systems. Our paint and fiberglass shop can accommodate yachts up to 70 ft., serving both sailboats and powerboat enthusiasts.We share your passion for boating and can perform top quality hull and topside repairs. Call us for estimates on your repairs! Ph: 708.841.5660 • www.marineservicescorp.com
Elite Yachts: Your Local AZIMUT and GALEON Rep
Southern Lake Michigan’s SEAKEEPER Dealer 70’ 67’ 61’ 59’ 58’ 58’ 56’ 55’ 54’ 53’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 48’ 48’
Azimut S7 Hatteras Cockpit MY Sunseeker 61 Predator Marquis 59 Azimut 58 Flybridge Azimut 58 Fly Carver 56 Voyager Azimut 55S Sea Ray 540 Sundancer Hatteras MY Azimut 50 Fly Azimut 50 Atlantis Azimut 50 Atlantis Sea Ray 500 Express Sea Ray 500 Sea Ray 480 Sundancer Sea Ray 48 Sundancer Carver Californian 48
2018 1989 2002 2004 2011 2011 2006 2018 1998 1977 2018 2016 2015 2000 1992 1991 2006 1989
Call for Price $289,900 $559,000 $649,000 $1,089,000 $995,000 $499,900 Call for Price $289,900 $399,000 Call for Price $1,100,000 $1,300,000 $235,000 $165,000 $109,000 $485,000 $149,000
ALL NEW 2018 Azimut Atlantis 43 Florida Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL New York Indiana Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Ohio Chicago, IL Missouri Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL
45’ 45’ 44’ 44’ 43’ 43’ 43’ 43’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 41’ 40’ 39’ 38’ 38’
Formula 45 Yacht Carver 455 Aft Cabin Trojan 440 Express Sea Ray 440 Exp. Bridge Azimut 43 Atlantis Galeon 430 Skydeck Bayliner 4387 Aft Hatteras Double Cabin Galeon 420 Fly Cruisers 415 Express MY Carver 420 Mariner diesels Carver Cockpit MY Meridian 408my Sea Ray Express 390 Cruisers 3870 w/diesels Cruisers 3870 Express
2007 1997 2001 1997 2018 2016 1990 1982 2018 2008 2004 2005 2006 1986 2001 2003
$318,000 $149,000 $179,900 $119,900 Call for Price $580,000 $59,900 $89,000 Call for Price $215,000 $224,900 $159,900 $225,000 $27,500 $129,000 $124,900
37’ Formula 37 PC Diesel
2009 $269,900
37’ Carver 370 Voyager
1994 $49,500
Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Hammond, IN
37’ 36’ 35’ 34’ 33’
Sea Ray 370 Exp. Cruiser Chris-Craft 360 Carver 3697 Mariner Carver C-34 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer
1992 1992 1988 2013 1997
$39,900 $29,900 $39,900 $288,900 $44,900
32’ Chris-Craft Amerosport 31’ Sea Ray 310 Sundancer
1988 $29,900 2008 $119,900
31’ 29’ 29’ 28’ 28’ 27’ 27’ 27’ 26’ 22’ 17’
1999 2007 1999 2003 1991 2007 2000 1994 2017 2004 2006
Bayliner 3055 Larson 290 Cabrio Sea Ray 290 Monterey 282 Carver 2828 Cmnd Brdge Rinker 270 Rinker 270 Sea Ray 270 Cobalt R5 Surf Crownline 220 CCR Glastron MX 175
$30,000 $54,900 $42,900 $30,400 $19,900 $45,600 $23,500 $14,900 $119,900 $21,000 $9,995
Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Chicago, IL
For more information or to list your yacht, contact our Sales Team at: 708.841.5660 or BW@eliteyachtschicago.com, KS@eliteyachtschicago.com or MW@eliteyachtschicago.com WWW.
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF BOATS FOR SALE, PLEASE VISIT ELITEYACHTSCHICAGO.COM • WWW. GALEON.PL • WWW. AZIMUTYACHTS.COM
Anchorage Yacht Sales
NEW AND IN STOCK!
BROKERS FOR POWER & SAIL
Lake Michigan’s Exclusive Tidewater Dealer
TIDEWATER
CENTER CONSOLE BOATS
2018 TIDEWATER 232 LXF CENTER CONSOLE Yamaha F250, Awesome Seating! Windlass! Trailer!
2018 TIDEWATER 252 LXF CENTER CONSOLE WITH T-YAMAHA 150s AND TRAILER
2014 TIDEWATER 180 CENTER CONSOLE Yamaha 115hp, T-Top, Trailer, Low Hours. Asking $29,000
2001 CARVER 506 MOTOR YACHT T-Volvo TAMD74, Thruster, Fully Enclosed. Asking $319,000
1999 MAXUM 4600 SCB T-Cummins 6BTA, Updated Electronics, Nice! Asking $149,000
1998 CARVER 445 AFT CABIN T-Cummins 6CTA, Hard Top, Best Example to Be Found! Asking $199,000
2006 HUNTER 44 DECK SALON Yanmar 54hp Diesel, Air/Heat, Pilot, Loaded! Asking $161,000
2003 CARVER 444 COCKPIT MOTOR YACHT T- Volvo TAMD 63P, Bow Thruster, SAT TV, Loaded! Asking $199,000
1985 HATTERAS 43 MOTOR YACHT T-Detroit 6-71, All New Stamoid, Super Clean! Asking $119,000
1987 VIKING 41 CONVERTIBLE T- Detroit 6-71, Cleanest you will find! Many Customs! Asking $109,000
1996 TIARA 4000 EXPRESS T- Cummins 6CTA, Newer Stamoid, Thruster, Electronics, Clean! Asking $169,000
1994 SEA RAY 370 SUNDANCER T-Merc 7.4L, Barrier Coated, Air/Heat, Pilot, Radar. Asking $49,000
VARIOUS MODELS IN STOCK BUT ALWAYS CHANGING, CALL US FOR MODEL AVAILABILITY 1815 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI 49424 • 616-399-6304
ANCHORAGEYACHTSALES.COM
F I V E L O C AT I O N S
C ARV E R YAC HTS NEW MODEL BLUE: C100 M70
2018 C37 COUPE
2018 C43 COUPE
2018 C52 COUPE
BE NE TE AU P O W ER BO ATS
2018 GRAN TURISMO 40
2017 GRAN TURISMO 46 $649,000
RE G A L BO AT S
2018 CARVER C34 COUPE
P URS UI T BO ATS
2017 PURSUIT 280 SPORT
2017 PURSUIT C238
C HR I S - C R AF T BOATS
2018 REGAL 35 SPORT COUPE 2018 REGAL 42 GRAND COUPE
2017 26 CALYPSO
2017 32 LAUNCH
P R E - O W N E D BO ATS
2015 32 REGAL $199,000
2004 35 REGAL $89,000
2018 CARVER C52 COUPE $1,289,000
2015 BENETEAU GRAN TURISMO 49, $699,000
STURGEON BAY: South First Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI, (920) 746-1912 • Martin Kelsey: (920) 559-0366, Martin@centerpointesales.com • Terry Godres: (920) 559- 0730, Terry@centerpointesales.com • Tony Peot: (920) 493-4747, Tony@centerpointesales.com • MILWAUKEE: 700 S. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, (888) 992-2487 • John Niemann: (262) 309-9579, John@centerpointesales.com • Tyler Wilkins: (414) 248-9668, Tyler@centerpointesales.com • KENOSHA: 21-56th Street, Kenosha, WI, (888) 992-2487 • Mike Montilino: (612) 419-3772, Mike@centerpointesales.com • WEST MICHIGAN: 2150 South Shore Dr., Holland, MI • Brandon Ricci: (616) 405-1715, Brandon@centerpointesales.com
WWW.CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM OR CALL (888) 9-YACHTS
Southport Marina is a public marina that is privately owned and operated, located just north of the Illinois state line, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Our marina is surrounded by several new developments, like the Kenosha Harbor Market, antique trolley car system, Harbor Place Housing development and numerous restaurants and pubs are within walking distance to the marina. Come join us and see what fun boating can be!
H AdjAcent to KenoshA’s FAmous hArbor mArKet H WAlKing distAnce to KenoshA’s hottest restAurAnts And pubs H Free pool, hot tub And indoor jAcuzzi H Free WiFi H Free pump-outs
Fitness rooms privAte security convenient pArKing lAundry FAcilities premiere indoor storAge FAcility And outdoor storAge H 75-ton trAvel liFt H Full-service repAir depArtment H H H H H
21 – 56th Street, KenoSha, WI 53140 • 262-657-5565
WWW.SPMARINA.NET
One Of tHe largeSt POWer and SaIlbOat dealerS In tHe cOuntry: F I V E L O C AT I O N S
T OF OU E K LIN TS EC W O A CH NE IA B R B OU CO
Huge selection of new, used and brokerage boats VISIT BASASMARINE.COM
SAT TV, JOYSTICK, AUTO PILOT, LOADED $239,000
CLOSEOUT!
JUST IN ON TRADE!
2015 Regal 35 Sport Coupe
2017 29’ Regal OBX 2018 Benningtons
1900 Regal ESX 2017 Closeout; two 2018s in stock
25’ Regal 2500 2018 in stock
ON DISPLAY IN SHOWROOM IN STOCK, READY FOR DELIVERY
Cobia 280 DC 2018 in stock
CHAIN AREA LOCATION Basa’s at Lake Marine 2050 S. Eastwood Drive Woodstock, IL 60098
Cobia 277 CC 2018 in stock
MAIN LOCATION Basa’s Marine 512 East Frontage Road Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Crestliner 1850 Fish Hawk
MICHIGAN LOCATION Basa’s at Oselka Marina 514 Water Street New Buffalo, MI 49117
630-739-2272 • BASASMARINE.COM
VISIT OU PACKEDR SHOWRO OM! All 2017s o clearance!n
DON’T MISS THE NOVI BOAT SHOW, MARCH 15-18, 2018
BROKERAGE BOATS 16’ 19’ 21’ 21’ 21’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 25’ 26’ 27’ 27’ 28’ 28’ 28’ 28’ 30’ 30’ 30’ 30’ 30’ 30’ 31’ 31’ 31’
1994 2015 2010 2014 2016 1984 1984 1987 2007 2014 1957 1987 2006 1980 1981 2003 2015 1978 1979 1983 1986 1988 2000 1979 1987 1995
Donzi 16 ...............................................$16,250 Zodiac Medline 580 ..............................$38,900 Scout 210 XSF SALE PENDING ....................$34,900 Zodiac Pro Open 650 NEO & trailer ........$45,900 Zodiac Medline 660 NEO F175 + trailer ..$52,900 Catalina 25 .............................................$9,600 Catalina 25 Pop Top ................................$5,500 Bayliner 2560 .......................................$10,000 ProKat 2560 Dual Console .....................$49,900 Zodiac N-ZO 760 NEO 300hp DEC T-Top .... $109,900 Chris-Craft Sea Skiff ..............................$24,900 O’Day 272 ..............................................$8,900 Hunter 27 .............................................$33,000 O’Day 28 ................................................$9,900 Cape Dory 28........................................$22,000 Four Winns 285 Sundowner ...................$34,900 Cutwater 28 ........................................$179,900 Hunter Cherubini 30 ..............................$10,900 C&C 30 ................................................$15,500 Catalina 30 ...........................................$17,200 S2 Yachts 9.2 ......................................$20,900 O’Day 302 ............................................$19,900 Bayliner 3055 Ciera...............................$41,900 Bombay Clipper 31................................$12,000 Blue Seas 31 SALE PENDING ......................$49,500 Mainship 31 Sedan Bridge .....................$35,900
31’ 31’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 33’ 33’ 34’ 34’ 36’ 37’ 38’ 38’ 39’ 40’ 40’ 42’ 43’ 44’ 45’ 45’ 47’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 56’
2013 2015 1977 1986 1991 2003 2008 1983 1986 2010 1994 1985 1992 2011 1993 1993 1972 2003 1977 1996 1997 2005 1981 1990 1994 1983
Ranger Tugs R-31 Command Bridge.....$274,900 Ranger Tugs 31 Sedan ........................$269,000 Islander 32 ...........................................$22,000 Wellcraft St. Tropez ................................$15,900 Wellcraft 3200 LXC ...............................$26,900 Formula 330 Sun Sport .........................$73,500 Rinker 330 Express Cruiser SALE PENDING....$89,900 S2 Yachts 10.3 .....................................$24,900 Catalina 34 ...........................................$39,500 Sabre Spirit .........................................$250,000 Carver 370 Voyager...............................$57,500 Chris-Craft 381 Catalina ........................$39,950 Sea Ray 380 Sun Sport .........................$39,900 Hunter 39 ...........................................$165,000 Sea Ray 400 Express Cruiser .................$63,900 Hunter 40.5 ..........................................$81,000 Allied 42 XL ..........................................$65,000 Silverton 43 Motor Yacht ......................$189,900 Trojan 44 Motor Yacht............................$49,900 Sea Ray 450 .......................................$133,000 Ocean Yachts 45 Super Sport...............$175,000 Beneteau 473 .....................................$219,900 Gulfstar 50’ Ketch ...............................$119,000 Viking 50 Motor Yacht..........................$249,000 Hatteras 50’ Convertible ......................$259,900 Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht ......................$299,900
Visit www.reedyachtsales.com to see all of our Boat Show Specials and Boat Show Calendar. Reed Yacht Sales is now the exclusive Great Lakes dealer for Weldcraft Marine. Founded in 1968, Weldcraft Marine builds heavy gauge aluminum fishing boats from 16’-30’, with 29 models and multiple configurations to choose from. Features include hardtops, soft tops, open boats and full cabin layouts in multiple sizes. Visit our website for more information and models available.
Visit WWW.WELDCRAFTMARINE.COM for more information
GRAND HAVEN, MI • Brent Reed 616-402-0180 • Bob Lunt 616-843-1225 LASALLE, MI • Paul Reed 419-304-4405 • Chuck Hutchins 734-497-3721 • Matthew Bolt 734-735-1948 RACINE, WI • Mark Derenne 414-651-3100
www.reedyachtsales.com
H Family-owned and
H Large selection of new,
servicing the boaters of the Great Lakes for over 55 years
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2018 Prestige 460 Flybridge
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Immediate Delivery,Trades Welcome
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USED & BROKERAGE BOATS
2012 Prestige 60 Flybridge Well Maintained $999,000
2004 Silverton 39 Motor Yacht Trades Welcome $164,900
2015 Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Trades Welcome $399,000
2013 Cruisers Yachts 41 Cantius Ideal Condition $429,000
Find these boats and much more at www.springbrookmarina.com H
FIVE GREAT LAKES LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Chicago, IL: 1559 S. Lakeshore Drive, 866-418-6696 Seneca, IL: 623 W. River Road, 866-418-6696 Traverse City, MI: 12935 W. Bayshore Dr. Suite 105, 866-418-6696 Eastlake, OH: 200 Forest Drive, 866-418-6696 Fish Creek, WI: 3957 Main St., Unit 1, 920-868-5044
www.springbrookmarina.com
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sales@springbrookmarina.com
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ONEKAMA MARINE, INC. Onekama, MI • (231) 889-5000 www.onekamamarine.com
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MARINA
NEW MODEL, NOW IN STOCK 2018 24’ Sailfish 245DC
YEAR ROUND, FULL SERVICE MARINA
OR E
821 W. Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456 Sales: 616-604-0234 / Marina: 616-842-1488 www.northshoremarina.com
ALL IN-STOCK NEW YAMAHA OUTBOARDS CLEARANCE PRICED, CALL FOR DETAILS!
LAST AVAILABLE New 2017 36’ Yellowfin
SELECT PRE-OWNED / BROKERAGE / REPOSSESSIONS / CALL FOR COMPLETE LIST 16’ 21’ 22’ 22’ 23’ 24’ 24’ 25’ 26’ 26’ 26’ 28’ 29’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 35’ 36’ 36’ 37’ 38’ 39’ 40’ 40’ 45’ 46’ 47’
‘12 ‘04 ‘13 ‘07 ‘12 ‘17 ‘06 ‘03 ‘08 ‘06 ‘97 ‘06 ‘13 ‘04 ‘99 ‘98 ‘99 ‘17 ‘86 ‘87 ’88 ‘86 ‘98 ‘89 ‘90 ‘99 ‘98
Glastron GT160, Evinrude E-Tec 115HP, trailer, full cover, stereo/CD, 55th Anniversary Edition .......................$15,900 Rinker Captiva BR, 5.0L Merc, bow & cockpit covers, bimini, trailer.....................................................................$19,900 Cobalt 220 BR, 5.0L Volvo DP, bow & cockpit covers, bimini, low hours, trailer...................................................$47,900 Hydra Sports CC, 250HP e-tec, FBG t-top, GPS/Fish Finder, trailer, clean.............................................................$44,900 Crest Tri-toon, 225HP Mercury, full cover, bimini, ski tow, super clean ................................................................$39,900 Yellowfin 24 Bay CE, 300HP Yamaha, I-Pilot Minn-Kota trolling motor, trailer, NEW ...............................................CALL Bayliner Ciera, 5.7L Merc, full canvas, VHF, stereo, trailer......................................................................................$19,900 Rinker 250 Fiesta Vee, 350 Mag BIII, camper canvas, depth, trailer ......................................................................$24,900 Four Winns SL262, 496 Merc BIII, GPS, trim tabs, custom graphics, trailer .........................................................$47,900 Four Winns 260 Horizon, Volvo 5,7L Gxi 300HP, only 71 hours, bow & cockpit covers, enclosed head, trailer............$36,900 Carver Express, 5.7L Merc BIII, low hours, camper canvas, depth & VHF, clean ...............................................$18,900 Alerion Express Sailboat, Volvo diesel, jib & main sails, depth, autopilot, cradle, extremely clean, well maintained.......$79,900 Chaparral Signature, T-4.3L Mercs, arch, camper top, air/heat, l ow hours.....................................................................................$109,000 Cruisers 320 Express, T-320HP Volvo VD, air/heat, windlass, radar, camper, clean............................................$64,900 Monterey express, T-5.7L Mercs, low hours, air/heat, full canvas, shows well ..................................................$39,900 Trojan Express, T-350 Mercs, V-drives, air/heat, GPS, camper canvas, low hours .........................................................................$39,900 Carver 356 Aft, T-7.4L Mercs, air, Genset, bridge enclosure, full electr ................................................................$79,900 Yellowfin CC, Triple 300HP Yamahas, hardtop, outriggers, FusionStereo, trailer, NEW ..........................................CALL Mainship Double Cabin , T-5.7L, air/heat, Genset, windlass,GPS/chart, clean..................................................................................$39,900 Silverton Convertible, T-7.4L, air/heat, GPS, one owner, super clean ...................................................................................................$39,900 Bayliner 3818, T-175HP Hino Diesels, air/heat, Genset, lower station, windlass .................................................$49,900 Sea Ray Express, T-340 Mercs, air/heat, Genset, full electr, many updates, clean.............................................$39,900 Sea Ray Sundancer, T-7.4L Mercs, full electronics, air/heat, Genset, 680 hours, full canvas, clean .......................$114,900 Luhrs Convertible, T-7.4L Crusaders, air, Genset, full electr. and rigged for fishing ............................................$39,900 Californian MY, Cat 3208s, ONLY 295 hours, full electronics, lower station, Genset, loaded ...........................$127,500 Sea Ray Sundancer, T-370HP Cummins, low hours, Genset, air, loaded .............................................................$169,900 Bayliner 4788 Motor Yacht, T-330HP Cummins, low hours ....................................................................................$239,000
Yellowfin Yachts EXCLUSIVE Great Lakes Dealer Quality Used Boats Needed! PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED BROKERS, WE NEED LISTINGS!
You CAN take it with you.
Fresh Water Power! 57’ ‘68 45’ ‘69 44’ ‘85 38’ ‘11 33’ ‘13 33’ ‘77 32’ ‘70 29’ ‘97 29’ ‘88 27’ ‘85 26’ ‘99 25’ ‘08 25’ ‘86
Chris Craft Connie .................. $75,000 Matthews ............................... $60,000 Gulfstar Motor Yacht ............ $119,000 Regal 38 Express ................. $205,000 Eco-Trawler .......................... $199,000 Egg Harbor ............................. $24,900 Downeaster ........................... $34,500 Sea Ray Sundancer ................ $33,900 Blackfin .................................. $34,500 Sea Ray Sundancer twin I/Os ..... $8,900 Checkmate Convincor ............ $24,900 Ranger Tug .............................$89,000 Botnia Targa ........................... $34,000
FEATURED LISTING
1985 Gulfstar Motor Yacht, $119,000
harborviewyachtsales.com
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Ronco Plastics
25
holding & water tanks
ng Celebratirs 26 yea ss e in busin
established in 1976, Ronco Plastics has made holding tanks for the auto, marine and RV industries for 40 years. The company, based out of Tustin, California, currently offers more than 500 tanks to the marine industry.
Ronco-Plastics.com 714-259-1385
“Specia ing in Larger Yliz achts”
Lake & Bay
Y A C H T
Marine tanks are available in capacities of 3 to 280 gallons. Ronco’s complete mold shop is available for custom tooling and prototype work, including custom molds or O.E.M tanks for almost any boat or recreational vehicle. Holding and Water Tanks New Systems Auxiliary Systems Replacement tanks for Powerboats, Sailboats and Houseboats Made of non-corrosive polyethylene One-piece seamless construction Heavy wall density construction One-year limited warranty
2018 28' Buddy Davis IN STOCK! Twin 300hp Yamahas
ICK TED PATR
Ronco is dedicated to providing fast, friendly service and ensuring their customers are provided with exactly the tank they need. All tanks are made in the U.S and made of non-toxic, FDA accepted, high-density polyethylene.
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PARTIAL LISTING BELOW Visit us on the web for more! 09 98 95 04 94 03 16 94 85 88 86
70' Davis Sportfisherman T-1825hp DSL...$2,799,000 50' Viking Convertible T-820hp DSL ............$410,000 50' Hatteras Convertible T-750hp DSL .......$299,000 44' Cruisers 440 Express T-480hp DSL .......$199,900 44' Carver 440 Motor Yacht T-420hp DSL ...$118,500 43' Linssen Trawler T-145hp DSL.................$279,900 41' Silverton 4100 Coupe T-380hp DSL.......$599,900 41' Silverton Motor Yacht T-502s...................$79,900 38' Bayliner 3880 Explorer T-250hp DSL ......$54,900 37' Egg Harbor Conv. T-340hp ........................$69,900 37' Egg Harbor Convertible T-350hp .............$64,900
14 10 18 88 10 92 89 98 18 06 68
36' Silverton Convertible T-315hp DSL .......$399,000 35' Predator Express T-IPS600 DSL............$399,000 34' Buddy Davis..................................................ORDER 34' Silverton Convertible T-350hp..................$32,500 33' Topaz Express T-440hp DSL ...................$279,900 33' Sea Ray Express T-5.7....................................CALL 33' Egg Harbor Conv T-340hp .........................$39,900 31' Silverton 310 Exp T-300hp .........................$39,900 28' Buddy Davis Center Console T-300hp....IN STOCK 27' Sea Ray 270 Sundeck 6.2L ........................$39,900 26' Lyman Sleeper W/Trl S-210hp .................$25,000
www.yachtworld.com/lakeandbay 9454 Park Row | Lakeside/Marblehead, Ohio 43440 | lakeandbay@roadrunner.com Phone/Fax: 419-798-8511
Trident Funding
Boat Loans Serving Boat Buyers Nationwide
1-888-386-3888 Vincent Luzietti Robert Dunford, Jr.
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Purchase Refinance Pre Approval Low Rates
WE’RE HIRING SERVICE TEAM MEMBERS! Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales (JBYS) is seeking full-time service technicians and service project managers. Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications: n Marine experience including boat handling n Work well independently n Knowledge in electrical, plumbing, diesel/gas and overall marine systems n Experience with warranty processing n Marine certifications preferred n Ability to use technology across various devices and programs n Project manager will have excellent communication skills and experience managing others WILL CONSIDER DRIVEN, HARD-WORKING AND LOYAL CANDIDATES WHO MAY REQUIRE TRAINING. JBYS HAS SIX GREAT LAKES LOCATIONS, EXACT LOCATION OF EMPLOYMENT CAN BE FLEXIBLE DEPENDING ON LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE.
INTERESTED PARTIES, PLEASE CONTACT: Dave Ottenhoff, VP of Service, Service Manager/Partner (866) 490-5297 x157 or dottenhoff@jbys.com
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Lakeshore Life
BEST KEPT SECRET!
Open to the General Public! n Great Lakes Marina at Naval Station Great Lakes on beautiful Lake Michigan
n 96-acre full-service historic marina offers the best in amenities at a great value!
n Quiet and serene environment with natural beauty abounding!
Call today for a tour! Book a slip or mooring now, and get FREE storage of your boat trailer/cradle for the 2018 season! CONTACT HARBORMASTER DOUG DERGINER TODAY: 847-688-5417 or DOUG.F.DERGINER@NAVY.MIL
ADDED SAfEty At thE Dock & on thE wAtEr
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Proudly Made in an! Michig
Extra assistance boarding the boat. $79.99/$99.99
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BERGMANN MARINE
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Charlevoix, MI 49720 • Phone 231/547-3957
www.bergmannmarine.com 22’ 26’ 27’ 28’ 29’ 30’ 33’ 33’
1976 1998 2007 1990 1987 1978 2005 1998
Herreshoff Eagle ................ $9,900 Pro-line 2610 ..................... $32,000 Sea Ray Amberjack ......... $49,000 Chaparral Signature ...........$15,500 Wellcraft 2900 Express ... $10,900 O’Day Sailboat .................. $15,900 True North........................... $175,000 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer...... CALL
Fiberglass – Woodworking Storage – Heated Storage
Selene
33’ 36’ 39’ 41’ 42’ 43’ 46’ 52’
1980 2002 1983 1975 1976 2007 1999 2002
Bertram Flybridge ............ $19,900 Sea Ray 360 Sundancer...... CALL Lindmark Trawler 39 ........ $60,000 Chris-Craft 410 M/Y.......... $33,000 Hatteras Convertible ....... $99,000 Azimut 43S ............................ SOLD Beneteau Oceanis 461 ....$169,900 Ocean 52SS .......................... SOLD
Complete Mechanical Electrical Rigging – Haulout
Chitwood Charters
• Sarasota, Florida • Florida’s Beautiful West Coast • White Sand Beaches • Marina Jack Docks • Investment Tax Shelter FOR SALE: Selene 2001 50’ & 53’ Twins; Grand Banks 36’ Single & 42’ Twin MTY
Grand Banks
68’ 1958 Trumpy
For sale or charter
800-769-1399 • www.chitwood-charters.com 82
MARCH 2018
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Classifieds
Warmth is coming... Place your classified online!
Place your classified advertisement at lakelandboating.com by MARCH 15, 2018 to get into our April, May, June and July 2018 issues.
2006 CHRIS-CRAFT 43 ROAMER Rarely offered Hunt designed masterpiece. All amenities. Bow and stern thrusters. Beautiful fit and finish. Freshwater only, extensive equipment list. Asking $299,900. Call 262-654-0207. GLYS
2015 FAIRLINE TARGA 50 GT An absolute beauty loaded with all options! Xenta Joystick, upgraded electronics, teak flooring , 218 hours , original owner, fresh water, 2x Volvo D11-725 hp. Asking $1,095,000. Call 231-499-5820. JUN18 2014 ZODIAC PRO OPEN 650 & TRAILER Yamaha F150 with 120 hours, 100% freshwater, stereo, Garmin plotter/sender, loaded with custom features! Asking $45,900. Call Brent @ 616-402-0180 RYS
2002 31' FORMULA PC31 Twin 6.2 MPI MerCrusiers. Asking $68,000. Contact 231-9335414 or info@harborviewyachtsales.com. HV
$475,000
ed! Reduc
$449,000
51' 1999 OCEAN ALEXANDER Custom aft-cabin w/cockpit. Ed Monk Jr. design, commissioned by a knowledgeable yachtsman, 2/370hp, luggers, stabilizers, bow & stern thrusters, outstanding condition. Asking $449,000. Contact terry@ centerpointesales.com, 920-559-0730 MAR18 2014 FOUR WINNS 275 VISTA Only 12 hours on Volvo 320HP DP, AC/heat, genset, cockpit table, dinette table, full galley, head, full warranty, LOADED! MSRP $175K, asking only $99,000. Call 262-654-0207 or sales@glysinc.com GLYS
1993 31 SILVERTON MIDCABIN Updated interior, new Stamoid Bimini with 40mil Strataglass bridge enclosure. AC/heat, windless. Asking $35,400. Contact 330-328-5295 or ursettaa@aim.com. APR17
2015 REGAL 53 SPORT COUPE Immaculate boat, only 60 hours. Every amenity imaginable. Never been lived aboard. Twin Cummins Zeus Pods. Truly luxurious, highest level of comfort and the latest in technology. Freshwater only. Call 231-409-1792 or email tammie.cornell@grandbaymarine.com. MAY18
1999 32' NORDIC TUG Freshwater, 220 HP Cummins. Asking $148,000. Contact 231-933-5414 or info@harborviewyachtsales.com. HV
2003 54' CRUISERS YACHTS 5470 Freshwater, twin Volvo diesels. Asking $399,900. Contact 231933-5414 or info@harborviewyachtsales.com. HV
EMPLOYMENT
ed! Reduc
2013 RANGER TUGS R-31 COMMAND BRIDGE. 100% freshwater, 290 hours. Loaded with amenities! Asking $269,000. Call Brent @ 616-402-0180 RYS
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2015 RANGER TUGS R31 Very versatile vessel that incorporates all the comforts of a larger boat. She is rugged, dependable and simple to operate single handedly. The Lucky Lucy is currently owned by true boaters that have kept her to a superior standard! Diesel engine. Come take a look! Asking $279,900. Call Chuck @ 734-497-3721 RYS
HELP WANTED: Experienced boat salesperson and technicians needed. The sooner the better! Please call: 630-330-5333. BAS 2000 42' CARVER 404 COCKPIT MOTOR YACHT 850 hrs. Twin gas 350 MerCruiser. Well maintained. Lots of new upgrades, including large Garmin touchscreen GPS/navigation. ICOM ship to shore. Recently replaced all Eisenglass. New carpet. Great stereo. Sleeps up to 8. Great family boat. Always fresh water. Asking $119,000. Call 313-3206851 or email davidgfry1@yahoo.com. MAR18
BOAT WANTED BOAT NEEDED! One week August 2018. Would like to rent 40'–50' yacht, complete w/cook & crew member to cruise Wisconsin coast. I am an experienced captain w/Coast Guard credentials. Please email garyhuge1@gmail.com. MAR18
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CLASSIC CRAFT BY KAT E B U S H
Perfect Lady
ADD YOUR BOAT
84
As the proud owner of a 53-foot 1983 Hatteras Motor Yacht, Perfect Lady, I have always been impressed with the quality of the vessel and the thoughtfulness that went into its design. However, there was one missing piece that bothered me: The lack of helm seating. Perfect Lady has two pieces of interesting furniture in the main salon, right behind the open pilot station. The wood is tambour, painted a very an attractive crackle finish with a granite top. I first decided to try to create another piece of furniture to match the existing decor, but was unable to locate a craftsman who could recreate the existing painted finish. Also, I had a limited space available and my design, which started as a simple cabinet, now needed to encompass seating for two adults, be portable, and blend with existing cabinetry and teak interior. I used materials from 15 different vendors, a local metal fabricating shop and a granite company to create this cabinet. It rests on four lockable casters, which are adjustable for height so the cabinet/helm seat can be moved in front of the helm when the seating is required, and back to its space next to an L-shaped sofa when in the “closed” position. There are also four screw-down adjustable legs for stability. The granite top flips up 180 degrees to reveal the helm seats underneath. The rollover system is accomplished with a 1-inch stainless tube rotating on sleeve bearings. The seats themselves are mounted on stainless tubing and slides, which make the seatbacks adjustable. A separate carpeted footrest stored inside the cabinet completes the package. The cabinet is veneered in tambour that’s stained a rich Mahogany color. Extensive use was made of the West System adhesive distributed by Gougeon Brothers, which is headquartered here in my hometown of Bay City, Michigan. Email kbush@lakelandboating.com if you have a —Karl Roth, Bay City, MI Classic Craft with a good story to share!
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Adding to the perfection.
STINGRAY BOATS ARE AVAILABLE AT THESE GREAT LAKES AREA DEALERS USA DEALERS Anderson Boat Sales 6477 Highland Road Waterford MI 248-666-9922 andersonsboatsales.com
Boat Guys 104 W Lake Road Maryville NY 716-753-3913 chautauquamarina.com
CenterPointe Boat Svcs 400 Sussex Street Pewaukee WI 262-333-0700 centerpointeservice.com
Frank's Marine 17530 W Akron Canfield Rd Berlin Center OH 330-547-3688 franksmarine.com
Glen Harbor Marina 517 E 4th Street Watkins Glen NY 607-535-2751 glenharbormarina.com
Grand Valley Marine 3711 28th Street SW Grandville MI 616-538-2460 grandvalleymarine.com
R C Congel Boats 8575 Brewerton Road Cicero NY 315-699-2144 rccongel.com
CANADA DEALERS Haliburton Outdoor 4355 Kennisis Lake Rd RR 1 Haliburton, Ontario 705-754-9262 haliburtonoutdoorequipment.ca
Leisure Marine 5781 Highway 7 Woodbridge, Ontario 905-851-3903 leisuremarine.com
Mobile Marine Services 261 Hunter Road Grimsby, Ontario 905-730-4722 mobilemarineservices.net
North Country Marine 4201 Perth Road Kingston Inverary, Ontario 613-353-1577 northcountrymarine.com
Pirate Cove Marina 4304 Rideau River Rd Kemptville, Ontario 613-258-2325 piratecovemarina.com
Rosseau Road Powersports 25 Blackstone & Crane Lk Rd Seguin, Ontario 705-378-5217 rosseauroad.ca
TO LOCATE A STINGRAY DEALER IN ANOTHER AREA, VISIT STINGRAYBOATS.COM/DEALERS
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CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION