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STINGRAY 173 CC Versatility is the name of the game. p. 36
THE HUNT FOR LE GRIFFON
One Michigan couple has spent four decades searching for the Great Lakes’ oldest shipwreck. p. 40
LEON SLIKKERS RETIRES
Tiara Yachts’ founder and legendary boat builder retired in 2021 after 75 years in the industry. p. 44
PORT OF CALL
Niagara Falls, NY & ON: Straddling Canada and the U.S., the Niagara region has tons to offer boaters. p. 48
SPOTL I GHT S C H R I S - C R AF T ★ FO U R WI N N S ★ I GUA N A ★ M J M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features
Boat Test: Stingray 173 CC
Bigger than it looks. by Heather Steinberger .......................... 36
Deep Obsession
A Legacy of Innovation
Tiara Yachts founder Leon Slikkers retired in September 2021 following a remarkable 75-year career as one of the world’s most innovative boat builders. by Craig Ritchie ................... 44
Port of Call: Niagara Falls, Ontario & New York
Wine and Thunder: The Niagara region is special — full of history, charm and, of course, the roar of the falls. No matter what side of the border you are on, there is plenty to do. by Maggie Steiss ............................................................... 48
ON THE COVER
Though the smallest in Stingray’s center console lineup, the brand-new 173 CC packs a punch, delivering many features — like plenty of under-seat storage, a spacious center console with porta-potti, tons of fishing amenities and a selfbailing cockpit — that you’d expect to find on a much larger boat.
48 Departments
From the Helm......................................................................... 4 Dock Box................................................................................... 6
Calendar ................................................................................... 8 Scuttle............................................................................................10 Great Gear ........................................................................... 20 Don’t Hesitate to Renovate................................................. 22
@
lakelandboating.com
★ Shop boats for sale by owner ★ Place a classified ad ★ Peruse dozens of exciting destination stories ★ Check out our latest Boat Tests & Spotlights ★ Purchase our Great Lakes Cruising Guides and Lakeland Boating hats ★ Access past issues with our online magazine ★ Stay current on all the latest Great Lakes news ★ Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter ★ And much more!
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Electronics ............................................................................ 26 Safety First .............................................................................28
Beneath the Surface.............................................................30 Boat Spotlights: Chris-Craft, Four Winns, Iguana, MJM ..................................................................... 32
Boat Biz: Lands End Marine ................................................54 Lakeshore Life: Grand Haven, MI ......................................56
Marine Marketplace ............................................................. 57 Classifieds .............................................................................. 71 Classic Craft .......................................................................... 72
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F D E S T I N AT I O N N I AG A R A
One couple’s 42-year search for the Great Lakes’ oldest shipwreck. by Marty Richardson ........................................ 40
FROM THE HELM B Y K AT E B U S H
CONTRIBUTORS
A Passionate Bunch
T
here’s a common thread that links all boaters: Passion. Whether it’s a zeal for tinkering with a classic boat restoration, a devotion to finding the best anchorage or hidden fishing spot, or a dedication to improving your watersports performance, we’re a passionate bunch. Case in point, Steve and Kathie Libert. This couple has spent the last 42 years searching for the Great Lakes’ oldest known shipwreck, Le Griffon (p. 40); talk about dedication. The Liberts have finally narrowed down what they believe to be a location for Le Griffon’s resting place and have written a book, entitled “Our Story of Exploration & Discovery: Robert La Salle’s Le Griffon and the Huron Islands,” detailing their journey searching for the “original Ghost Ship.” Another passionate individual, Leon Slikkers — the founder of not only Tiara Yachts, but also Pursuit Boats, S2 Yachts and, before that, SlickCraft — has spent 75 years creating a lasting boat building legacy founded on passion and innovation (p. 44). As Leon’s son, Tom, says (on p. 47), “...he had a dream, and he had a vision, and he had a tremendous passion for building boats.” We recap Slikker’s contributions to the industry to celebrate his retirement at the age of 93. I hope this issue inspires you to lean into your boating passion and plot that next adventure. Think spring!
HEATHER STEINBERGER
Heather is an award-winning writer/editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 20 years. She grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and enjoys powerboating, sailing, and standup paddleboarding with her husband, professional photographer Richard Steinberger, and daughter, Johanna. READ HER STORY STARTING ON P. 36
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MARTY RICHARDSON
Marty has put more than 35,000 nautical miles under the keel of her latest boat, Monarch, a Halverson 52-foot raised pilothouse trawler, and completed three Great Loops — so far. READ HER STORY STARTING ON P. 40
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CRAIG RITCHIE
Do you have a story idea you’d like to suggest? Email me at kbush@lakelandboating.com to share your ideas. AREAS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
Born in Toronto, Craig named his first boat Bed in order to explain occasional absences from work. Whenever anyone asked, he would cough loudly and mumble about having spent the day in Bed. The key, he says, was to never forget the sunscreen. READ HIS STORY STARTING ON P. 44
Niagara Falls, ON & NY p. 48 Grand Haven, MI p. 56 Lands End Marine p. 54
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DOCK BOX
MARCH 2022 | VOLUME LXXVI, NO. 3
NAME GAME We’re always on the lookout for funny, clever and interesting boat names! Send us a short write-up about why you chose your boat name, along with your name, your home city and state, and a high-res photo of your boat (at least 1 MB). Please send to KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM and put “Name Game” in the subject line.
PUBLISHER Linda O’Meara PUBLISHER IN MEMORIUM Walter “Bing” O’Meara EDITORIAL STAFF Editorial Director: Kate Bush Assistant Editor: Abby Thorpe CREATIVE STAFF Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs CONTRIBUTORS Helen Aitken, Glenn Hayes, Kevin Koenig, Capt. Frank Lanier, Marty Richardson, Craig Ritchie, Roland Schultz, Heather Steinberger, Maggie Steiss BUSINESS STAFF National Sales: Mark Conway Regional Sales: Patti McCleery Accounting: Marguerite Wristen EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 / Fax: 312-276-0619 INFO@LAKELANDBOATING.COM LAKELANDBOATING.COM
NEW! LAKE LENS
We want to see the gorgeous Great Lakes from your point of view! Send a short write-up about the photo, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING.
Please put “Lake Lens” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat! COM.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 x. 24 / Fax: 312-276-0619 CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM
CALLING ALL CANINE (AND FELINE) CREW!
We want to learn about your furry friends onboard! Send a short write-up with your pet’s name and your home city, as well as a highresolution photo (at least 1 MB) to: KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM. Please put “Canine/Feline Crew” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!
Everyone Looks Great in a Lakeland Boating Hat! Need a gift for your favorite boater? Our Lakeland Boating hat is constructed from soft cotton twill for a great fit. Leather band adjustment in back with antiqued brass closure. Available in weathered navy, Nantucket red and khaki. One size. $24.95 + S&H. To order, visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/STORE.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Lakeland Boating P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847-504-8475 O’MEARA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC Vice President: Linda O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2022, by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. is published eleven times per year (except December) by O’MearaBrown Publications, Inc. • Business/Accounting and Editorial Offices: 1555 Sherman Ave. Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201, 312-276-0610. • Call 847-5048475 to subscribe. Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (U.S.). Annual subscription rates: United States: $24.95 per year; International and Canadian: $39.95 per year, includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. 894095074-RT 0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S. funds are accepted. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. • POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. • Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Evanston, IL. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. • Unsolicited work may be submitted at the creator’s own risk. Lakeland Boating assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material. All submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage. All published photos are courtesy of the manufacturer, unless otherwise noted.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
E-mail us at KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201. Opinions expressed in “Dock Box” are not necessarily those of Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEB 25 – 27
Suds & Snow 2 Traverse City, MI
RV & Boat Show Oshkosh, WI
RVBOATMAINEVENT.COM
Waukesha Art Crawl Waukesha, WI
Wisconsin Fishing Expo Madison, WI
WAUKESHAART.COM
WIFISHINGEXPO.COM
MAR 5 – 6
FEB 25 – MAR 6
2
TCSUDSANDSNOW.COM
Harbor Springs Restaurant Week and Then Some Harbor Springs, MI HARBORSPRINGSCHAMBER.COM
MAR 3 – 13
Kingston Canadian Film Festival 1 Kingston, ON KINGCANFILMFEST.COM
Ice-O-Rama Ashland, WI
VISITASHLAND.COM
MAR 10 – 13
Journal Sentinel Sports Show Milwaukee, WI JSSPORTSSHOW.COM
Spring Boating Expo Novi, MI
MAR 4 – 6
NOVIBOATSHOW.COM
Bayfield Winter Festival Bayfield, WI
The Slush Cup Mancelona, MI
SHANTYCREEK.COM
U.P. Health System Great Bear Chase Calumet, MI GREATBEARCHASE.COM
MAR 17 – 20
Cleveland Boat Show Cleveland, OH
CLEVELANDBOATSHOW.COM
MAR 18 – 20
Traverse City Boat Show Traverse City, MI
TRAVERSECITYBOATSHOW.COM
MAR 19
CopperDog 150 Calumet, MI
MAR 12
SANDUSKYMARITIME.ORG
MAR 5
EAA.ORG/HOPSPROPS
SHOWSPAN.COM/USG
Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/ GREAT-LAKES-EVENTS to add your event to our Calendar of Events page!
STURGEONBAY.NET
Ultimate Sport Show Grand Rapids, MI
RECREATIONANDFITNESS RESOURCES.ORG
ADD YOUR EVENT!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sturgeon Bay, WI
EAA Hops & Props Oshkosh, WI
COPPERDOG150.COM
Sleeping Giant Loppet Pass Lake, ON
Women of the Great Lakes Sandusky, OH
MAR 25 – 27
Cottage & Lakefront Living Show Grand Rapids, MI SHOWSPAN.COM/CLG
SLEEPINGGIANTLOPPET.CA
Sometimes, even the rescuers need to be rescued. www Because they watch over us. Because they give so much.
Give to the
Coast Guard Foundation RescueTheRescuers.org 8
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF 1. KINGSTON CANADIAN FILM FESTIVAL F L I C K R ; 2 . S U D S A N D S N OW FAC E BO O K
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DOUBLE-CHECK BEFORE YOU GO! Events are likely to change. Please watch event websites for updates.
BOATS
New Electric Pontoon From Pure Watercraft
Pure Watercraft recently unveiled its all-new electric pontoon boat, the first product to come out of the recent collaboration with General Motors. The 24-foot, 7-inch pontoon offers speeds up to 23 mph and fits up to 10 people while offering luxury, performance and low-maintenance at an affordable price. Outfitted with a single or twin Pure Outboard motor and a GM battery pack, the new electric pontoon is expected to start at $45,000. Pure Watercraft is now taking orders on its website, with deliveries expected in late 2022. “Pontoon boating is booming, because people want to get out on the water and socialize with family and friends in the great outdoors,” says Pure Watercraft. “This boat gives them a more enjoyable experience, free from engine noise and the hassles of fuel and maintenance, at a price comparable to that of a conventional pontoon boat. This unprecedented value is a result of our relentless focus on efficiency.” To learn more, visit PUREWATERCR AFT.COM.
SCUTTLE Want to spend two weeks in a historic lighthouse? The Michigan DNR is accepting applications for volunteers to stay in the Tawas Point Lighthouse. TAWASLIGHTHOUSE FRIENDS.COM/HOME
BOAT S
M U ST-HAV E
BUZZ
EV ENTS
BUSINESS
F I S H P H O T O B Y R Y A N H A G E R T Y/ U S F W S ; L I G H T H O U S E PHOTO BY GEORGE THOMAS
G R EAT L A K ES N E WS
Asian carp
Soo Locks GREAT LAKES NEWS
The Great Lakes Awarded $742M for Two Big Projects
ADD YOUR NEWS! Email KBUSH@
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
to add your company’s Great Lakes News to Scuttle!
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There’s some good news for the Great Lakes! The Biden administration has awarded $742 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for two of the Great Lakes most critical water infrastructure priorities: The Soo Locks and the Brandon Road Lock and Dam projects. Of the total awarded, $516.2 million will go to the Soo Locks project to fund the completion of a new replacement lock and the completion of major rehabilitation at the existing lock and dam, which will improve shipping times of industrial and agricultural products through the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Lock project in Illinois will receive $225.8 million, which will be used to fund the construction and deployment of state-of-the-art technologies and innovative programs that interrupt the movement of invasive Asian carp. This will protect the Great Lakes’ $7 billion fishing and $16 billion recreational boating industries.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
SCUTTLE
EVENTS
BOATS
Beneteau Announces New Swift Trawler 48
Designed by Andreani with clear Beneteau Trawler DNA, the brand-new Swift Trawler 48 is focused on easy living and long-range cruising. At 48 feet, 4 inches in length overall, the 48 is the largest in the Swift Trawler range. The aft cockpit can fit a table and two folding chairs together with a large transverse bench seat that seamlessly continues the indoor/outdoor living space. The transom double gate opens onto a large swim platform with an optional hydraulic lifting system. Up top, the flybridge offers a comfortable layout, backrests on either side of the pilot seat, as well as an optional flybridge T-top with an inset sliding soft-top. In the main salon, a large L-shaped galley is portside aft. Forward of the galley is a large raised U-shaped dinette providing plentiful seating for up to eight with great views all around. Down below, the forward owner’s cabin reveals a comfortable double berth and 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom. A port guest cabin has two single berths that convert into a double berth, and a starboard guest cabin has a transverse double berth. The Swift Trawler 48 is powered by a standard pair of Cummins QSB 6.7 liter 380-hp engines, providing a top speed of 23 knots. With the upgraded 425-hp engines, the boat can reach 26 knots. For more information, visit BENETEAU.COM.
New Race Launches in Kingston in August
A new sailing race is coming to Lake Ontario this summer! Kingston Yacht Club and Mimico Cruising Club have joined forces to co-host the new destination distance race, Race to Kingston. The event will kick off on August 12, 2022 at Mimico Cruising Club with drinks and food, and the race will begin the following morning, with racers ending in scenic Kingston, Ontario. The idea for the race came from long-time sailor and industry supporter Hugh Beaton. “Kingston is the perfect place to finish a distance race — downtown harbors within walking distance to restaurants and plenty of opportunity for competitors to mingle after the race,” he says. “As we see with the other Great Lakes classics, this is a winning formula.” “Joining western and eastern ends of the lake, racers and cruisers, families and friends, Race to Kingston is the perfect way to experience the City of Kingston and 1000 Islands,” adds Glenn Warner, vice commodore of Kingston Yacht Club. To keep up with the latest Race to Kingston news, follow along on Facebook (@racetokingston).
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
Mercury Introduces Joystick Piloting for Outboards for Single-Engine Pontoons GREAT LAKES NEWS
PHOTO COURTESY KRISTINE TYLER AND LAND CONSERVANCY OF WEST MICHIGAN
Dune Harbor Park in Muskegon to Open in March The first phase of Muskegon, Michigan’s Dune Harbor Park will open in March 2022, after Muskegon County announced it had purchased 214 acres of the Nugent Sand property, a former sand mine. The first phase to open to the public will allow visitors to hike the forested dunes, kayak on the man-made lake and enjoy 200 feet of Lake Michigan beach frontage. The park will prioritize access, recreation and conservation. The Dune Harbor Park is on the 377-acre Nugent Sand property, one of the largest, most unique natural landscapes in the region. The northern portion of the Nugent Sand property remains in private ownership and closed to the public for now. For more information, visit NATURENEARBY.ORG.
Mercury Marine recently announced Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) for Single-Engine Pontoons. For boaters driving a pontoon powered by a single 175- to 600-hp Mercury outboard with Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls, this new system provides the confidence of precise 360-degree control for low-speed docking and other close-quarters maneuvers. “For several years, pontoon boats have represented one of the fastest-growing segments in the market, but until now, only multi-engine boats were able to enjoy joystick capabilities,” says Tyler Mehrl, Mercury category manager for controls and rigging. “Mercury JPO for Single-Engine Pontoons opens up new opportunities for pontoon owners to glide effortlessly into a slip or ease up to a fuel dock without worry.” The new product is available in March 2022 on new boat builds, and is compatible with hydraulic or electro-hydraulic steering. It uses integrated bow and stern thrusters that are positioned under the deck, deploying and stowing as needed. Once deployed, the thrusters work in coordination with the boat’s single outboard to provide unprecedented control. This product will be available in two configurations: A Basic version, available on Mercury FourStroke, Pro XS and SeaPro outboards with DTS controls; and a Premium version that can be rigged with 250- to 600-hp Mercury Verado outboards. The Premium system can also be paired with a VesselView multifunction display. For more information, visit MERCURYMARINE.COM.
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
Yamaha Rightwaters Program Recycles 10,000 Pounds of Plastic
ULTRA-YACHT, a Florida chartering business, has introduced the first-ever all-electric Duffy Boat. The Bayshore 18 model now features a Solar Charging option and is an affordable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional combustion engine boats.
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The Yamaha Rightwaters plastics recycling pilot program was able to recycle 10,000 pounds of polyethylene and polypropylene sheet plastics from used boats and boat covers during 2021. Yamaha Rightwaters announced the program in August 2021 and continues to work with the Georgia-based companies Nexus and Tommy Nobis Enterprises to develop a larger national program intended to reduce plastic waste in America’s waterways. “Polyethylene and polypropylene constitute a substantial portion of the plastic in our oceans harming fish populations,” says Martin Peters, the government relations division manager for the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “This pilot program proves these plastics can be broken down in a cost-effective manner that Yamaha Rightwaters can potentially replicate on a national level. It also demonstrates that Yamaha builder and dealer partners are willing to become active participants in the program, further underscoring a marine industry commitment to conservation and sustainability.” Yamaha developed a reverse logistics program to return the protective covers from select boat builders, retail dealers and its three boat production facilities. The sheet plastic used in the pilot program comes from protective boat covers at Contender Boats, Regulator Marine, Xpress Boats, Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing (YJBM), Skeeter and G3 Boats. For more information, visit YAMAHABOATS.COM/ YAMAHA-RIGHTWATERS.
BOATS
Limestone Boat Company Debuts L-200R Runabout
BUZZ
Dockmate Launches Softdocking Technology Dockmate’s brand-new SoftDocking technology claims to revolutionize easy and stress-free docking. The newly patented SoftDocking is a wireless remote control docking system that has the ability to provide a measured and fully customizable engine response, eliminating the “kick” that boaters often dread when maneuvering in close quarters. Once SoftDocking is programmed by a certified Dockmate installer to the preferences of the boat owner, a quick tap of the keypad button or the joystick will initiate a pre-programmed fraction-of-a-second burst of the propeller. This completely removes the stress of engaging the throttle into gear. This functionality is now standard on all new Dockmate systems and can be retrofitted to existing systems for a service fee. “As a long-time boat owner, I had early frustrations docking, which led us to develop this technology in the first place,” says Dirk Illegems, president of Dockmate. “The Dockmate system is designed to eliminate the stress of docking by allowing you to get to a better vantage point than at the helm and control your boat from the rail with a line in your hand. Now with SoftDocking, we’re eliminating one more hurdle for boaters that will offer the easiest and most intuitive docking solution ever created.” For more information, visit DOCKMATE.US.
The Limestone Boat Company has announced the debut of its all-new L-200R Runabout. This is the second 20-foot model to debut in the Limestone lineup, following the L-200CC Center Console. The L-200R is a 20-foot runabout that features two generous back-to-back seats, a full bench with ample storage underneath and a portside synthetic teak swim platform with a telescoping boarding ladder. Additional standard features include a foredeck anchor locker, USB outlets, hydraulic tilt steering, under gunwale storage, an automatic electric bilge pump and a glass windshield with a painted frame and two opening side vents. The Limestone Boat Company also launched its Aquasport brand in the Canadian market during the virtual Toronto International Boat Show in January. “We are extremely excited for the opportunity to offer Aquasport Boats in the Canadian market,” says CEO Scott Hanson. “When we took on the Aquasport brand we recognized the importance of its history and how truly impactful the brand has been over the past 60-plus years, but we also had a plan for its future. Keeping in mind the refined ruggedness of the Aquasport hulls as well as its family friendly amenities, we wanted to elevate the brand in its current market as well as push it to all-new markets.” For more information, visit LIMESTONEBOATCOMPANY.COM.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
SCUTTLE
GREAT LAKES NEWS
Major Gift Advances Idema Explorers Camp at Ottawa Sands A $2.5 million gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation will help advance the Ottawa Sands Master Plan in West Michigan. Thanks to this gift, as well as other donor funding, the Ottawa Country Parks & Recreation has begun a $5.2 million effort to begin several stages of the master plan within the 345-acre Ottawa Sands County Park, which was acquired in 2019. The main focus is being placed on the Idema Explorers Camp — a unique camping experience with tent pads, a Tree House Village and a Yurt Village, located along the Grand River and accessible by bike and kayak. “Several studies of the [Grand River] Greenway and the water trails have highlighted the need for overnight accommodations to allow for 24-hour experiences of the river,” says Bobbi Jones Sabine, Ottawa County Parks Foundation president. “Knowing that Grand Rapids Whitewater will draw visitors from all over the country to this river, we want to ensure that welcoming public amenities and accommodations exist all along the river in West Michigan. Building the Idema Explorers Camp is a major step forward in supporting our local economy.” The Ottawa Sands Master Plan also includes site improvements and ecological restoration, reclamation and enhancements. To learn more, visit MIOTTAWA.ORG.
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SCUTTLE
BUZZ
Ontario Investing More Than $2.8M Towards Great Lakes Health
Niagara River
The Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million in 24 projects to protect the health of the Great Lakes. These projects focus on improving fish and wildlife health and habitats and rehabilitate historically degraded areas in the world’s largest freshwater lake system by studying and restoring streams, wetlands and aquatic habitats and completing environmental clean up efforts to return these areas to their former health. “Our government is proud to be delivering on our commitment to protect, conserve and restore the Great Lakes,” says David Piccini, minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “These 24 initiatives will not only have a positive impact on the water quality and ecosystem of the Great Lakes, but also on the well-being of the communities that rely on them now and for generations to come.” These projects include: $400,000 for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to continue ongoing collaborative work to improve water quality; and $75,000 to Niagara Parks Commission to conduct coastal wetland restoration projects to help restore fish habitat in a historically degraded area of the Niagara River. For more information, visit ONTARIO.CA.
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2022 Minneapolis Innovation Award Winners Announced
The NMMA and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced the winners of the 2022 Minneapolis Innovation Awards during the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show in January. This award ceremony recognizes ground-breaking new consumer marine products. In the aluminum fishing boat category, Lund Boats received the Innovation Award for the Renegade. In the fiberglass fishing category, Bass Cat Boats was honored with the Innovation Award for the Puma STS. In the pontoon boat category, BRP, Inc. was honored with the Innovation Award for the Sea-Doo Switch Pontoon. In the furnishings category, Premier Marine, Inc. received the Innovation Award for the Intrigue Rev with Mercury 600XL Verado. Brunswick Corporation received an honorable mention in the pontoon boat category for Mercury Marine’s Joystick Piloting for Single-Engine Pontoons. For more information, visit NMMA.ORG.
NIAGARA PHOTO COURTESY OF WONKANERD
GREAT LAKES NEWS
BOTE Zeppelin Aero 10 Kayak
The brand-new Zeppelin 10 is a recreational kayak that is big on features but small on size. BOTE took its 12′6″ tandem kayak (pictured right) and turned it into a singleseater, 10-foot version (pictured left) that packs down to an incredibly small footprint, so you can take the kayak anywhere. Purchase includes a 6-inch removable Aero center fin; Zeppelin Aero paddle seat; a pair of slide-in Aero Rac receivers; Aero repair kit; hand pump; and travel bag. Available in two color options. $1,049 AT BOTEBOARD.COM
GREAT GEAR MUST-HAVE GOODIES AND GADGETS FOR EVERY BOATER
Turtlebox GEN 2 Speaker
Create the perfect playlist for your day on the water, then blast the tunes through this rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker from Turtlebox. A big battery pack supplies 25-plus hours of music at easy listening volume or six-plus hours at max volume with one charge. Features include phone charging through USB-C output, an LED control pad, a five-step battery level LED indicator, tie-down anchors and an auxiliary output. Available in white, thunderhead gray and original green. PREORDER FOR $367 AT TURTLEBOX AUDIO.COM
Marinco Marine Surge & Safety Pigtail Adapter
Protect your boat against faulty pedestal wiring and electrical surges at the dock that can damage your sensitive electronics. This pigtail adapter’s integrated LEDs provide visual indication of several unsafe conditions such as open ground, open neutral and reverse polarity. Plus, built-in surge protection alerts that the adapter has been compromised. Adapter connects a 30 amp, 125V locking dock side (male plug) to a 30 amp, 125V locking boat side (female connector) with a sealing collar system. $69.99 AT DEFENDER.COM
Melin A-Game HYDRO Hat
ADD YOUR GEAR! Email KBUSH@
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
to add your company’s new product news to Great Gear!!
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Feel the wind on your face without the worry of losing your hat to the lake! The floatable, water-repellant Melin HYDRO unisex hat was engineered with a hydrophobic technology on the crown panels designed to bead away water and prevent absorption. A buoyant visor core keeps your hat from sinking to the bottom of the lake, and a hidden besom pocket allows you to stash your cash or other necessities. Comes in a variety of colors. $59 AT MELIN.COM
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Lowrance ActiveTarget Sonar
BAY DOG Fetch Ring Toy
This waterproof and buoyant toy is perfect for playing fetch with your canine crewmember! The attached rope works great for a game of tug-of-war. Made of durable ballistic nylon and a solid foam center that’s sturdy but gentle on your dog’s mouth. Available in blue and yellow. $17.75 AT WESTMARINE.COM
Watch high-resolution images of fish movements, tracking them as they swim in and around your boat with the ActiveTarget Live Sonar. This sonar provides three views from one transducer: Forward view ahead of your boat; down view below; and Scout view, an ultra-wide overhead view in front of your boat. This system is perfect for finding bait balls and big schools of fish. ActiveTarget is compatible with Lowrance HDS LIVE, HDS Carbon and Elite FS fishfinder/ chartplotters. $1,499.99 AT LOWR ANCE.COM
DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R
Life Raft Care
Inspection tips to help extend the life of your life raft.
Life raft 101 Valise rafts come packaged in a soft, flexible case designed for below-deck storage. Canister-style rafts are stowed within a rigid canister for mounting on deck. The valise style raft is popular due to its greater compactness, lighter weight and the additional protection offered by stowing it down below. This option both keeps the decks clear and the raft protected from weather and theft. Below-deck storage on smaller vessels can be problematic, however, as many lack sufficient space near the companionway to stow a bulky raft without impeding the normal flow of traffic. Another downside is the need to lug the raft on deck to deploy.
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Canisters (typically made of molded fiberglass) offer greater protection from physical damage and the elements than a fabric valise, allowing them to be mounted at most any suitable location above decks. The cons associated with canisters include being larger, heavier and more expensive than a valise container. Unless the vessel has a dedicated life raft storage area, they also require the installation of a cradle or mount for the container, which means drilling holes into the deck or wherever the raft will be located. This loss of deck space can be an issue, particularly for smaller craft. General inspections Routine owner life raft inspections will be limited to items such as inspection dates, container condition, installation and stowage. The only time a life raft would be inflated is during the recertification process. First, look at the inspection date. This is typically shown on the raft data tag, which will be prominently displayed on the exterior of the valise or canister. Inspection dates for valise rafts will often be handwritten in a space provided under the data tag, although some rafts may have a plastic view pouch containing an inspection tracking card. Canister units will generally have the dates engraved on the data placard, but they may also have a separate sticker from the inspection facility noting the next due date. Inspection cycles can vary, depending on the manufacturer and factors such as the type and age of the raft. Some life rafts require their first inspection after three years, while others may not require one until five years. For some rafts, the three-year interval may only apply to the first three years after purchase, after which they may require annual inspections. The costs for inspection and recertification can also vary. For example, repacking the same life raft at six years will typically cost more than the first inspection at three continued on p. 24
PHOTO COURTESY OF SWITLIK
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWITLIK
B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R
A canister-style raft is mounted to the boat’s foredeck.
years, as items inside (flares, batteries, food) will likely be expired and need replacing. Additional requirements, such as hydrostatic testing of the gas cylinder, can also add to the cost. Keep this in mind when purchasing a used raft, as the cost of that next inspection may well exceed the purchase price of that sweet find at the marine swap meet. Always have your life raft inspected at a service center that’s authorized by the manufacturer and, if possible, attend your inspection. This provides an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the raft, observe how it inflates, see what’s inside, etc. Depending on your location, timing your inspection for the off-season may also be a good idea, allowing you to avoid any “spring rush” backlog that may be associated with upcoming races or rallies. Canister life rafts have a Hydrostatic Release Unit (HRU) mechanism, which automatically releases the raft at a predetermined depth should the vessel sink. The HRU will also have an expiration date and should be replaced if expired or close to expiration.
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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Physical inspections After checking inspection dates, next up is a look for physical damage. Inspect valise cases for cuts, tears, rips, chafe damage or degradation of the material due to age or UV exposure. Check loops and carrying handles, as well as their attachment points and stitching for deterioration or failure.
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C A N I S T E R A N D E X P I R A T I O N P H O T O S B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R
Dedicated stern life raft stowage locker (top), and the Switlik OPR Offshore Passage Raft (right). The life raft below is due for an inspection.
Inspect canisters for damage such as dings, cracks, failure of the packing bands or sealing gasket, any of which could allow water entry. Although rafts are vacuum-packed prior to stowage in canisters (as well as valise cases) they should never be allowed to rest in water. If you find damage to the canister or suspect water entry, the raft will require immediate inspection. Verify the cradle is free from damage, such as corrosion or broken welds. Make sure all raft mounts and cradles are secured with sufficiently robust mounting hardware that is properly tightened. Inspect the wire or webbing straps securing the canister to the cradle for problems, as well as the life raft painter line (the “rip cord” that activates the raft) and its connection point to the vessel. ★
ELECTRONICS BY GLENN HAYES
Adding a Secondary Display
There are several ways to add a second MFD onboard your boat. here are times when one multifunction display just doesn’t fill your needs. You find yourself scrolling and zooming and switching screens constantly, all the while taking your eyes off the water. The good news is that adding a second display does not need to be difficult. There are several ways to add a second display onboard. The first and most common way is to network a fully functioning remote that is directly wired to the primary display and will repeat and share all information with the secondary display. Another option is to have a separate and independent display that creates its own information and screen displays. The final option is using a smart device, such as a tablet, to function as a remote display via an app. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks.
Top right: An NMEA 2000 and Ethernet connector are needed to connect a remote display. Top left: A Lowrance Elite FS is an excellent standalone or secondary display. Bottom left: An example of the necessary connections for a remote display.
GLENN HAYES is a marine writer and photographer whose background in the marine industry and in marine electronics spans almost three decades and many thousands of miles at sea traveling the world. He can be reached at HAYESSTUDIOS.COM .
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Networked displays Many boats will have dual or multiple displays that are networked together and share all information between all displays. Generally speaking, multifunction displays that are capable of this kind of networking tend to cost more than standalone displays. In order to be able to act as part of a network and display all the screens and information for others in the network, the display needs to have two connections or ports in the back of the display: An NMEA 2000 port and an Ethernet port of some form. Simply put, NMEA 2000 is a data protocol that was developed for marine electronics to share data. Through a multi-pin plug, the display can be tied into an NMEA 2000 backbone that distributes the information to other equipment and displays. This is the data-sharing cable and can distribute information such as depth, speed, GPS coordinates, fluid levels and more. The Ethernet connection allows distribution and sharing of video or images such as a depth sounder screen, radar image or electronic charting. While most displays these days have NMEA 2000 capability, fewer have the necessary Ethernet port. So, before you invest in a second display make sure yours can run a fully functioning remote. If you do have a display that is capable, it’s a simple process to add the second display. Just mount the display and run the appropriate NMEA 2000 and Ethernet cables and set up the displays through
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the internal software. Depending on your boat’s wiring, you may also need to invest in an NMEA 2000 starter kit made up of the components that will create the backbone needed to plug into. It may sound complicated but is actually very easy and can be described as “plug and play.” Secondary displays If your current display does not have networking capability and you don’t want to replace it, then consider getting a second standalone display. Doing so has its advantages. You have redundancy with two independent displays; should something happen to one you still have a second to utilize. You can run charting on one display and sounder information on the other. Many times, setting up dual displays like this also saves money as standalone displays tend to be less expensive. Some boaters who are not as concerned about aesthetics will also go this route picking different manufacturers. For example, one may have better charting while another may excel in sounder features. Of course, there are disadvantages. Charting and imagery cannot be shared, and waypoint and routes must be added individually. There is also some frustration in having to do the same operations on each display separately. However, some standalone displays do have NMEA capability so they can be wired to share some data. Remote displays The final option is to add a remote display via a manufacturer’s app and a smart device. Not all displays have this capability, so be sure to check. If available, it can be as simple as adding the app to your smart device and networking wirelessly with the main display. Most models that have this capability allow the smart device to be a full-functioning remote display. Obvious advantages include the wireless capability allowing you to take the remote display anywhere onboard. You can have full access in the salon, galley or berth. Disadvantages include limited power and recharging requirements. No matter how it’s accomplished, adding a second display does not need to be complicated, and can certainly improve your time on the water. It just becomes a matter of determining what you have and what you want to achieve. ★
PHOTOS BY MARIA HAYES
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SAFETY FIRST BY HELEN AITKEN
Fire Prevention Safety Quiz
Know how to protect your boat from a fire, and what to do in the worst-case scenario.
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ecently, some friends described two incidents where they had to come to the rescue of boaters whose boats were on fire. In both instances, the fire spread quickly, the boats were total losses, and there were injuries. One of the boaters could have put out his fire if he had a fire extinguisher onboard — he had to ask another boater to give him one. When the Coast Guard arrived, their pumps failed until the very end, and it was too late. The other boater had a coupler leading to a butane-fueled cook top that wasn’t attached properly; the gas leaked and pooled around the floor. Something ignited the gas, and within seconds, the galley fire was too much for a fire extinguisher to handle. But fires don’t just happen in the galley. There are electrical fires, paper fires, soaked oil and gas rags that combust, vapors can ignite, chemical fires, lightning strikes, static electric charged fires, combustible metals and more. For each type of fire, there is a way to extinguish them. Can you pass this fire safety quiz?
Answers
1-6: True 7: F 8: F 9: C 10: F 11-13: True 14: F. Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover enough. Add specialty insurance to keep you covered, especially from fire and a total loss.
HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and former science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is an America’s Boating Club member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway.
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True or False? __ 1. Fires need fuel, oxygen and enough heat to ignite the fuel. __ 2. More than ¼ of boat fires start while near other boat fires. __ 3. To extinguish fires, remove the fuel or oxygen. __ 4. When man-made materials melt/burn, they produce toxic fumes and high heat. __ 5. The best way to handle fires is prevention. __ 6. Mounted and charged A B C fire extinguishers are generally the best ones for a boat. Multiple Choice 7. What’s the best fire fighting advice? A. Passengers should know where the fire extinguishers are located. B. Pathways, walkways, gathering areas and doorways should be free of obstruction. C. Air conditioners, microwaves, refrigerators and other appliances increase the risk of electrical overload and fire. Use only marine-grade power cords with proper adapters. D. Direct the extinguisher with the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the fire, Squeeze the trigger, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
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E. None of the above. F. All of the above. 8. Which pre-boating tasks work to prevent boat fires? A. Inspect electrical wiring, battery connections and cords for condition and proper installation. B. When disconnecting the battery, photograph the cables, label the positive lug, reconnect everything and check the switches. C. In the engine, watch for clogging sediment and reduction of cooling water to keep it from overheating. D. Check the switches at the helm and to the bilge pump float. E. None of the above. F. All of the above. 9. Which pre-boating tasks do not work to reduce boat fires? A. Add smoke detectors in galleys and CO detectors in cabin areas, all with new batteries properly connected. B. Add a fire blanket in the galley and near electrical panels. C. Allow portable heaters to run when exiting the boat or while asleep. D. Know how to get help in the event of a fire. E. None of the above. F. All of the above.
10. What are some best practices for fire prevention? A. Electrical panels should be accessible without obstructions. B. Reduce the number of multi-plug adapters, chargers for personal electronic devices and extension cords. C. Practice fire drills to different exits. D. Before overnight or long trips, make regular inspections of areas that could potentially cause a fire, and remedy any problems. E. None of the above. F. All of the above True or False? __ 11. For overhead sprinklers, water hoses and the water pressure should be checked. Fire alarm panels and fire sprinklers need inspections and servicing every 12 months. __ 12. If you smoke, do so only in designated areas away from any fuel-filling areas or storage containers that could hold volatile materials. __ 13. At the dock, check power connections and fuel-filling areas for damage or improper hoses before docking. __ 14. Make sure you have enough homeowner’s insurance to protect your investment. ★
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BENEATH THE SURFACE B Y H E AT H E R S T E I N B E R G E R
Let’s Talk Dock Space
Dock Agents enters the sharing marketplace with its new online platform to connect boaters and private dock owners.
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hen I first started my career as a boating journalist more than 25 years ago, the world was a very different place. When we traveled, we stayed at hotels and resorts. If we wanted to get from place to place without a car, we took a taxi. And if we wanted to spend significant time on the water, we had to charter or buy a boat. Today, our vacations are filled with Airbnbs and VRBOs. Uber, Lyft, and Getaround give us plenty of options for land-based transportation. And companies like BoatSetter give us access to private boats and yachts. Yet it never occurred to me that another property asset was sitting there all along, perfectly positioned for the sharing marketplace. It’s not as sexy as a waterfront condo or a cruising boat, but it is highly prized among boaters in popular destinations. We’re talking dock space. The birth of an idea One morning, I received a message from a young man named Evan Morales with Floridabased Dock Agents, a business he called “the Airbnb of docks.” And I suddenly realized that online platforms to connect boaters and dock owners are a real thing. They’re a relatively new thing, too, with few players. Two of them, Snag-A-Slip and Dockwa, are dedicated to marinas and their available slips. The other two ventures, Dockshare and Dock Agents, focus on private dock owners. Dock Agents is the newest of the bunch. Curious about the young entrepreneurs behind this startup, I reached out to Morales. The son of a Cuban immigrant, Morales grew up in Fort Lauderdale. While attending fifth grade at St. Jerome’s Catholic School, he met Andy Linares, who became his best friend. “Andy was born in Cuba, like my father,” he says. “We went to St. Thomas Aquinas High School together. We both played baseball, and we were always boating and spending time on the water.” After graduating from high school, Morales attended Denison University in Granville,
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Ohio, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2017. Then he returned to South Florida where Linares had an idea for a dock-sharing platform. “We grew up in the yacht capital of the world,” Morales explains. “We were out on boats all the time, and we knew how difficult it is to book slips, especially in season or on holidays. Dock
BENEATH THE SURFACE
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOCK AGENTS
B Y H E AT H E R S T E I N B E R G E R
owners knew that too, even then, and we’d see signs to rent docks or reserve dock space at popular waterfront places like restaurants. We’d wonder, why do people have to rely on Facebook, Craigslist or referrals? Why can’t this be a more seamless process? We figured there must be more than a million unused docks out there.” Unfortunately, according to Morales, the timing wasn’t ideal. “Andy was still in university, and I had just graduated,” he says. “I didn’t have any capital to invest. I was just looking for a job.” During the pandemic-inflicted “pause” of 2020, however, the childhood friends revisited their fledgling business concept. Linares was ready to move forward as chief executive officer, and Morales climbed aboard as chief growth officer. It was time to bring their vision to life. Where there’s a will, there’s a way The duo soft-launched Dock Agents in August 2021, and six months later, they added a director of product and three interns who are responsible for building workflows and handling e-communications. Morales says the team was full-throttle by the fourth quarter. “We have two marinas on our platform already, but our real focus is on residential docks,” Morales says. “In less than a year, we’ve organically grown
to more than 190 listings in East Coast locations from Florida to New York. We also have available slips at a marina in Rockport, Illinois, right on the Mississippi River.” After setting up a free account and dock listing on the Dock Agents website, a private dock owner can start connecting with boaters, who also can set up free accounts through the online platform. Underutilized assets can start generating revenue right away, with Dock Agents taking a 3% commission on each transaction. “Everything we do is geared toward being relevant to our users, offering real value and building trust,” Morales says. “We encourage boaters and dock owners to visit our website, set up a profile and check out what we have to offer.” What’s next? Morales says the team is looking forward to launching a Dock Agents app in the not too distant future. Eventually, they also would like to include storage options on their platform, including boatyard and dry-stack spaces, as well as a houseboat available exclusively for dock owners to rent. “Dock Agents is our baby, and it’s awesome to see it grow,” he reflects. “My background is in technology, and I have a real love for tech and digital communications. It’s beautiful to be able to leverage that knowledge to provide a valuable service to others.” For more information, visit DOCK AGENTS.COM. ★
HEATHER STEINBERGER is an award-winning writer/editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 20 years.
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BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY KEVIN KOENIG
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 25’2” Beam: 8’6” Draft: 18” Dry Weight (w/ 300 hp engine): 5,905 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 117 gals. Water Capacity: 14 gals. Base Price: $205,990 CHRISCR AFT.COM
DEALERS Centerpointe Yacht Sales CENTERPOINTE SERVICE.COM
Walstrom Marine WALSTROM.COM
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Chris-Craft Calypso 24 Well crafted.
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hris-Craft brings yet another gem to the table with the stylish little Calypso 24, an outboard-powered bowrider that combines classic, low-profile lines with onboard space and amenities, making it equally adept in both saltwater and fresh. “This model debuted in late 2021 and we are very excited to get our first one this spring,” says Craig Duchow of Centerpointe Yacht Services in Wisconsin. “Many boats look great, but don’t perform well; this can do both. Chris-Craft builds the Calypso in Sarasota, Florida, for the rough sea conditions of the Gulf of Mexico and the ocean, as well as the harsh saltwater environment of Florida. Combine their high quality and craftsmanship with remarkable styling and design and the result is the pride of ownership that you only get with Chris-Craft.” Versatility is key to this model, and that means beyond just the places she can go. It also entails how she can be used when she gets to where she’s going.
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“Versatility, of course, is a major strength with this model,” Duchow continues. “The Calypso 24 can handle big water like larger boats, yet is easily trailerable, allowing you to boat in a variety of areas. My favorite features are the solid hardtop, large bow seating area and portside entry gate for easy boarding.” Other features on the Calypso include folding and convertible seating in the cockpit that can create various entertainment arrangements for different occasions. A wetbar to port is complemented by available rod holders, a slide-out Yeti cooler and a JL Audio speaker system, among other accoutrements. As a lake boat, the Calypso 24 is hard to beat. She has the amenities and all-around style to make her pop in any port, while a tried-and-true hull design and exciting power options offer big-time performance. This is truly a boat with something for everyone. H
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY KEVIN KOENIG
Four Winns H2 In it to Winn it.
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he H2 from Four Winns combines flashy style, usable features, and sporty performance into a package that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. “We are retooling our whole bowrider line,” says Doyle Vander Pol of Four Winns. “This boat has our new look, and you won’t see anything else like it anywhere. She’s beautiful and fun to drive too.” The H2 comes in both inboard and outboard iterations, though we prefer the latter for accessibility and service. With a single Mercury Verado 250, the little boat can scoot up on plane in less than four seconds, and from there it’s off to the races. The H2 can fly across the water at a reported top speed cresting an impressive 50 mph. But you can also have a blast on the H2 when she is simply standing still. She has a deep swim platform, as well as convertible sunpad seating aft. Up front, bow seating provides the perfect venue for a private chat or a cocktail at sundown.
The captain will be in the lap of luxury. “The helm is stunning,” Vander Pol says. “We use a lot of hand-stitched vinyl, which most don’t use, and the upholstery is so rich you need to see it to believe it.” Meanwhile, a Simrad GO7XS touchscreen can be complemented by a second Simrad navigation screen. The helm seat rotates easily to aid with onboard ergonomics, as well as docking. A wireless smartphone charger is within easy reach. The wheel is reported to have the requisite smooth control you’d expect from a boat with such a sporty bloodline. At the same time, the hull has a “Stable Vee” running surface that’s designed to slice through chop for a grippy, smooth ride. Vander Pol also points out the dual cockpit entry from the transom, which can be lifted to expose non-skid walkways on either side, or be propped up and used as backrests while lounging. The H2 from Four Winns packs a punch in a powerful little footprint. ★
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 22’ Beam: 8’5” Draft: 37”/20” Weight: 4,400 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 40 gals. Water Capacity: 12 gals. Max Power: 300 hp Base Price: $88,110 FOURWINNS.COM
DEALERS Hall’s Sports Center
HALLSSPORTSCENTER.COM
Onekama Marine/Lake Michigan Yacht Sales ONEK AMAMARINE.COM
SkipperBud’s
SKIPPERBUDS.COM
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BOAT SPOTLIGHT
P H O T O B Y K AT H L E E N W E I T S C H AT
BY KEVIN KOENIG
Pictured: Iguana Original
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 31′ Beam: 11′ Weight: 7,495 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 132 gals. Max Power: 600 hp MSRP: Contact dealer IGUANA-YACHTS.COM
DEALER Elk Rapids Marina 231-264-9500
ELKR APIDSMARINA.COM
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Iguana X100 White Edition Wanna Iguana.
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here are lots of ways to make a statement with a boat when it’s in the water. The more challenging task, however, is to make a statement when it’s out of the water too. Enter the Iguana X100 White Edition, a vessel that can do both with equal ease. A sheathable track system can pop out of the hull and take this boat up onto the beach, negating the need for a dock — or any other structure for that matter. Extra moving parts on boats sometimes give mariners pause, but with this vessel, they can take heart. That’s because the Iguana is built like a tank — literally. “The track system is a feature Iguana developed over the past few years, and it operates like a tank,” explains John Conrad of Michigan’s Elk Rapids Marina, the exclusive dealer for the Great Lakes. “They’re retractable, so the tracks don’t interfere with the hull at all. They’ve sold a bunch of these
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boats to the Navy and the Navy does not require any modifications to the track system at all. So you could say it’s literally a military-grade track system.” If that’s not impressive enough, Iguana also says that the boats can be driven safely and easily up onto any beach, even with 4-foot waves pounding the sand. “Picture a house on Lake Michigan,” Conrad says. “Million dollar views but you can’t have a dock because of all the large waves or storms. The Iguana is your solution. You can finally have a boat and a view.” This inventive little boat comes with a variety of outboard power packages, and can go up to a sizzling 50 mph. Constructed with the strongest materials, including Orca Hypalon 866 grade tubes, the X100’s durability is unmatched. With the X100 White Edition, there’s certainly a lot to like, wherever you may roam. ★
BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY KEVIN KOENIG
MJM 4z Magical MJM.
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t’s hard to find a boat builder with a pedigree as steeped in boating history as MJM. The brand was founded by the legendary Bob Johnstone, co-founder of J/Boats, and one of the industry’s true Wise Old Men. What Johnstone brought to his motorboats was a keen sense of seaworthiness coupled with clever, no-nonsense features that any boater regardless of experience would appreciate. The company is now run by his son, Peter Johnstone, who has done admirable work ensuring that the brand-new 4z is right in line with the family boat building philosophy. At 46 feet, 8 inches length overall, the 4z is just about perfect as a weekender. She has a galley-up layout — excellent for socializing — and four separate entertainment areas, which is a helpful attribute when entertaining larger crowds or when you just want a change of scene. The 4z also has multiple
outboard power setups and a blistering reported top-end speed of 43 knots. “It’s just a great boat — great for entertaining and great for speed and seaworthiness,” says Tom Ervin of northern Michigan’s Walstrom Marine. “It’s got the enclosure, so it’s excellent for the Great Lakes, plus a heated and cooled cockpit, which is also nice because we can get such a wide range of temperatures here.” Ervin is also impressed with some of the boat’s features, such as side-boarding doors, flip-out windshields and sliding side windows. “Some of the design elements we see on these boats, you don’t really see them anywhere else,” he says. “I truly believe that MJMs are some of the best boats out there, and that this 4z will be popular, and rightly so, on the Great Lakes.” Only time will tell of course, but if history is any teacher, the odds of Ervin being correct are looking pretty good. ★
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 46’8” Beam: 12’ Draft: 25.5”/36” Weight: 17,730 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 475 gals. Water Capacity: 110 gals. Std. Power: 3 x 300 hp Base Price: $1,295,000 MJMYACHTS.COM
DEALERS Vermilion Yacht Sales VERMILIONYACHT SALES.COM
Walstrom Marine WALSTROM.COM
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF STINGRAY
BOAT TEST
STINGRAY 173 CC Bigger than it looks. by heather steinberger
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A
s I drove into little Hartsville, South Carolina, on a quiet January morning, I felt grateful for the winter coat and wool hat
I’d tossed into the backseat. Temperatures hovered in the high 30s despite the sun, and I realized with amusement that this just might be the coldest boat test of my career. Never mind. I was eager to check out Stingray Boats’ new 17-footer before its debut at the Miami International Boat Show, and a winter day in the South wasn’t going to bother me. I’m from the Great Lakes — at least the water wasn’t hard.
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USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES Robert VanVollenhoven, Stingray’s vice president of sales and marketing, met me at the plant and introduced me to Drew Gantt, director of engineering. Together, they led me to an open side yard where the new 173 CC waited on its trailer. This sleek new model is the smallest in the company’s center console lineup. An entry-level boat, the 173 CC is designed for user-friendliness and accessibility. As I climbed up the stainless steel ladder to the swim platform, I was immediately struck by how much bigger this 17-footer looks and feels once you’re aboard. The high, wide gunnels, the broad beam carried forward, and the significant walk-around space belong to a larger boat, and Gantt says this was intentional. “The bow is a little more blunt than a Key West-style boat, for example, but that trade-off gives you more space, storage and stability,” he explains. “But it’s not a deckboat; it still has that deeper-V hull for a better ride.” In fact, the boat has both V and Z going for it. The Z refers to Stingray’s Z-plane hull design, and according to the boatbuilder, it produces a smoother flow of water. The prop will have better bite, which means better performance in terms of both speed and handling. I was looking forward to experiencing that, but first things first. We started our tour at the helm, which provides a stainless steel wheel with hydraulic steering, power trim and tilt, 12V plug and dual USB ports, and a cushioned leaning post with an optional seat back. There is plenty of dash space for the available gauges or digital electronics displays, depending on your choice of power, and I liked the removable windshield. “With the windshield off, this boat can fit into most garages,” VanVollenhoven advises. Next, I took note of the thoughtful storage plan. Not only does the boat feature a sizable cooler/ storage box with overboard drain, it also has storage underneath the bow seats. Anglers will appreciate the standard aerated livewell located between the collapsible aft seats, as well as an optional livewell forward of the center console. The real headline when it comes to storage, however, is the center console itself. It’s large enough to accommodate a porta-potti, and as I investigated this clever space, I realized it easily could double as a changing room. Pretty useful if you have kids onboard. 38
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Versatility is the name of the game these days. With the 173 CC, a boating family can easily experience all aspects of the on-water lifestyle — fishing, gunkholing, day cruising and, thanks to the available ski tow package, watersports too. Gantt agrees. “We designed this boat with new boaters and families in mind,” he says. Serious anglers won’t be disappointed, with the standard and optional livewells and the SS rod holders to port and starboard. Built in-house at Stingray, the fiberglass and stainless steel holders can accommodate 7-foot rods. Once again, I marveled at how big the 173 CC feels once you’re onboard: The roomy feel, those deep gunnels, and the all-stainless fixtures, from the popup cleats and rod holders to the steering wheel and swim ladder. It even has a self-bailing cockpit — a rarity in this size class. If I could put just one item on my wish list, it would be a grab handle at the top of the swim ladder. Then again, not everyone will be climbing aboard in winter clothing from a parking lot, so consider that an asterisk. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FUN After our tour, Stingray Boats President Barry Avent hitched the 173 CC to his truck, and we headed for 2,250-acre Lake Robinson. Nestled in the Pee Dee countryside northwest of Hartsville, this pretty little lake provides cooling for Duke Energy’s H.B. Robinson nuclear power plant. It’s also a popular boating spot. “We’ve had lake property here for 42 years, since the beginning,” Avent says. Stingray’s waterfront property incorporates a metal-roofed cabin with an expansive screened-in porch, a covered open-air pavilion, dock space for 16 boats and a private launch ramp. With the blue expanse of water and forested shoreline, it reminded me of family getaways in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. “The dealers love it too when we have our annual meetings here,” Avent says with a smile. “It’s relaxed, and it feels like vacation.” He launched the 173 CC quickly, and VanVollenhoven brought it around to the empty docks. The single 90-hp Yamaha purred while I climbed aboard “You can have Yamaha, Suzuki or Mercury power with this boat,” VanVollenhoven says. “We could put a 115 on it, but we prefer the 90. You get virtually the same performance, but with better fuel economy and affordability.”
Mercury’s official test data reports that the 173 CC has a top speed of 42.2 mph, with a sweet spot for cruising between 16.9 and 22 mph. At those speeds, the boat consumes 6.5 mpg, giving it a range of 136 miles. The data also notes that the boat will hit 20 mph in 4.4 seconds and 30 mph in 7.37 seconds. Yamaha’s test data was not available yet, but I was ready to see firsthand what the 173 and its Z-plane hull could do with this engine. Taking the wheel, I throttled up. The 173 CC immediately responded, sliding onto plane smoothly. Within seconds, we were charging down the lake at 41 mph. Local boaters evidently weren’t eager to be on the water that afternoon, so Lake Robinson was all ours. And it was flat calm, so we’d have to create our own sea conditions. I backed off a bit and spun through a few donuts and figure-eights. We crossed our wake again and again, and the 173 managed the chop effortlessly. Dropping to less than 20 mph, I noticed that the boat stayed on plane longer than I expected. Despite any necessary trade-offs for space and storage, the engineering team clearly designed this boat with performance in mind. The 173 CC is rock solid, responsive and, most of all, fun. Too soon, it was time to return to the dock. I hated to do it. All I needed now was the summer heat, the optional Bimini top, and a sheltered spot to drop the hook. If you’re planning to attend the spring shows, Stingray’s newest achievement is a must-see. It’s a well-rounded family boat for the price, and what’s more, it’s a sweet little performer. “I just talked to Drew, and he wanted to know if you liked it,” Avent says as we prepared to haul out. My grin and wind-blown hair probably said it all. I was having such a good time, I completely forgot the chill in the air. And my hat. ★
STINGRAY 173 CC SPE CI F I CAT I ON S LOA: 17’3” Beam: 7’6” Draft (up): 11.5” Dry Weight (w/ 90 hp engine): 2,100 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 30 gals. Max Power: 90 hp Base Price (w/out trailer): $37,400 STINGR AYBOATS.COM
DE ALE R S CenterPointe Yacht Sales
CENTERPOINTE SERVICE.COM
Grand Valley Marine GR ANDVALLEY MARINE.COM
Munson Marine
MUNSONMARINE.COM
Self-bailing cockpit. All stainless fixtures: Wheel, cleats, ladder, rod holders. Large center console with room for optional porta-potti. Outstanding features in a 17-foot boat!
Need a grab handle near the swim ladder.
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M
ariners love a good shipwreck mystery and have long speculated about — and sought the remains of — the original Great Lakes “Ghost Ship,” Le Griffon. This colonial-era wooden barque was the first European vessel to sail west of Niagara Falls and the first to be lost in these waters in 1679, the same year it was launched. Over the years, more than 20 treasure hunters of varying skills and bona fides have claimed to have located this larger-than-life wreck. Their claims have been disabused by features found only in more modern ships, like threaded bolts — and in one case an engine, which had yet to be invented! Now, the Great Lakes’ most enduring maritime mystery seems much closer to an answer, thanks to a Charlevoix, Michigan, couple’s obsession with Le Griffon. These modern-day treasure hunters, Steve and Kathie Libert, have dedicated untold hours over 42 years — and a significant portion of their personal assets — to research and pursue Le Griffon. Unlike wrecks located by treasure hunters such as Mel Fisher, Le Griffon is not a prize that will bring the Liberts riches. Gold ingots and coins were not on Le Griffon’s bill of lading, but rather the coin of New France’s realm, tons of furs which have long since rotted away beneath the waves. Steve notes, “The prize is the actual discovery of the oldest — and most elusive — European vessel wrecked in the Great Lakes.” Woodcut of Le Griffon.
Frames and stringers show how strongly this vessel was built
ONE COUPLE’S 42-YEAR SEARCH FOR THE GREAT LAKES’ OLDEST SHIPWRECK.
LIBERTS PHOTO BY MARTY RICHARDSON; ALL OTHERS PROVIDED BY THE LIBERTS
UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY
The story has deep roots in Steve’s childhood, where his eighth-grade history teacher’s lesson about the French explorer La Salle and his ship Le Griffon got a firm hold in Steve’s mind, along with the teacher’s comment as he rested his hand on Steve’s shoulder: “Who knows, maybe someone in this room will find it one of these days.” Steve and Kathie have pursued this elusive treasure as a team. Steve’s career as a senior intelligence analyst with U.S. Naval Operations made him particularly suited for the deep dive necessary to uncover historical records, documents, charts and real-time accounts from La Salle and contemporaries. Kathie’s creative bent complemented Steve’s methodical approach in what became their lifetime project. Pouring over information — laborious and in-person, as this was pre-internet — from the National Archives, Library of Congress, Milwaukee Library, Detroit Library and other sources, they began to form an idea of the general location of the wreck. Accounts documented that LaSalle sent a search party after the loss of Le Griffon, which found flotsam including pelts, breeches, the flag staff and a cabin door, washed up on a lee shore and assumed to have come from Le Griffon — but that was all. Using ship’s logs, historic charts and an understanding of now-outdated units of navigational measurement,
Steve and Kathie Libert at the Charlevoix Yacht Club on Lake Charlevoix
BY MARTY RICHARDSON
the Liberts were able to pinpoint the long-since renamed Huron Islands, Le Griffon’s last port of call. They sleuthed out that the Huron reference does not mean Lake Huron, but instead Huron encampments known to have been present on many islands in the Great Lakes. Le Griffon logs and other historic records enabled the Liberts to place the loss of Le Griffon in Lake Michigan and put Le Griffon’s final resting place as somewhere between the Garden Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin’s Washington Island.
DIVING THEY WENT
Steve’s expertise in underwater technology and wreck diving was put to good use starting with the first dive on September 10, 1983, with two like-minded diving friends, Jim and Tom Kucharsky, and Steve’s brother-in-law, Vance Skowronski, giving surface support. They spent every summer vacation diving in the area, which eventually led to the discovery of a bowsprit in 2001. That day, in 60 feet of murky water at the end of his last dive of the day, Steve bumped into a “post” which didn’t seem to be a natural feature, but was indeed a bowsprit. The following year they took infrared photos, and later completed side scan sonar and bottom mapping; each showed there might be a shipwreck in that location.
MODERN HURDLES TO JUMP
Not surprisingly, the State of Michigan has strict requirements and permitting processes for claiming or removing artifacts from lake bottomland within its jurisdiction. So, the Liberts formed the Great
The stem looking toward the knee, an angular piece of wood that holds timbers together.
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Lakes Exploration Group (GLX) to “preserve the scientific, cultural and historic values of the site, to enrich our understanding of Great Lakes marine history and culture.” Later, GLX initiated a historic partnership with the Republic of France (which has an original sovereign ownership claim to the vessel) and the State of Michigan, to allow access and assessment of the wreck. It’s complicated, as the effort also involved tribal governments and the federal government, which has jurisdiction over maritime admiralty. Further impeding the search was 12 years and thousands of dollars of litigation. Once legal matters were settled, the bowsprit was recovered in 2013 — with the appropriate permission — for preservation and examination by professional archeologists and scientists. Conclusions supported that the wreck could be Le Griffon.
THINK LIKE A MARINER
Kathie found one key to the location of the shipwreck. Most searchers had focused on deep water; the rationale was if it was in shallow waters, it would have been found long ago. But Kathie says, “I was convinced Le Griffon had been blown by that historically documented severe storm into shoal waters, foundered and sank.” The team’s chief underwater archeologist for France, Michel L’Hour, pointed out that when a ship of Le Griffon’s vintage goes down, the rigging — which attaches to the bowsprit — comes down first and the ship itself will likely sink within four miles downwind. There, you’ll find more of the ship. Kathie combined these two concepts to narrow down their search area.
A LITTLE HELP FROM GOOGLE EARTH
At this time, Steve experienced a period of ill health which prevented him from diving, but not from doing armchair research of a more modern variety. He started to study Google Earth images in the vicinity of where they theorized the wreck should have gone down. Amazingly, one screen shot showed a shape through the water that looked very much like a ship’s hull — about 3.8 miles from the site of the bowsprit, and in the downwind direction of the storm that took her down. Kathie was right! As soon as Steve got his health back, he was determined to be the first one to dive this new site. In August 2018, dive team readiness finally coincided with uncommonly calm wind and wave conditions. As they approached the area that Steve had located on Google Earth, the team could make out the visible outlines of the shipwreck beneath the calm water, exactly where Kathie had said it would be. On the next dive they found the keelson, the fore-and-aft timber that is attached to the keel, and later more of the bow section.
THE SHIPWRECK WHISPERER
Another Charlevoix resource for GLX was Allen Pertner, a technical diver, skilled naval architect and former submariner. Allen is now a professional shipwreck interpreter; locals call him the Shipwreck Whisperer. His extensive evaluation of the wreck and resulting report — while not guaranteeing it — supports the idea that this is Le Griffon.
IS IT REALLY LE GRIFFON?
As far as is known, Le Griffon had no ship
Round gripe plate (bottom right) attached to the keel and stem of the vessel.
blueprints, no definitive identification features (for instance, a ship’s inscribed bell, cannon or nameplate) and very limited records, so it will be a process of elimination rather than confirmation to establish the identity of this shipwreck. The wreck is of the right vintage, exhibits the unique construction techniques and design features of French-built ships of that era, and has the correct mast-step configuration. Le Griffon was the only French-built ship in the vicinity at that time; the next wooden European ship appeared in the Great Lakes 100 years later. Identification may never be 100%, but it is darn close.
WHY SPILL THE BEANS?
Shipwreck hunters typically closely guard the location of wrecks. Why are the Liberts revealing their secret in their new book “Le Griffon and the Huron Islands”? Steve and Kathie want to document that they are the intrepid explorers that discovered the wreck, and want governmental, educational and private authorities to step up to save the wreck from degradation. At age 68, Steve says: “It’s time for others to take up the torch. What Kathie and I would like to see happen next is for a recognized entity — perhaps a university’s marine archeology department — to take over the funding and recovery effort to protect and preserve the wreck for posterity.” And most of all, the Liberts want the book to lead readers on their own journey of exploration and discovery and draw their own conclusion that, indeed, this wreck is the Great Lakes first Ghost Ship, Le Griffon. ★
PURCHASE THE BOOK
“Our Story of Exploration & Discovery: Robert La Salle’s Le Griffon and the Huron Islands,” by Steve and Kathie Libert, is available for purchase on Amazon or at LASALLEGRIFFON.COM.
Steve examines the keelson and frames.
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Slikkers’ second company, S2 Yachts, built highperformance sailboats.
Slikkers received a Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2021, which was accepted by son, Tom.
in September 2021 following a remarkable 75-year career as one of the world’s most innovative boat builders.
by Craig Ritchie
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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F S L I K K E R S FA M I LY A N D T I A R A
Tiara Yachts founder Leon Slikkers retired
A Legacy of Innovation
B
oaters around the globe bid farewell to a boat building icon last fall, as Tiara Yachts founder Leon Slikkers officially retired from a 75-year career as one of America’s most respected yacht builders. Slikkers, 93, entered the boat building industry way back in 1946 when, as a fresh-faced 18-year-old, he left the family farm in Diamond Springs, Michigan, for the promise of a more exciting career building boats. Following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Slikkers found a job at the Chris-Craft boat factory in Holland, where he took up a position in the joinery department making components for cabin tops. Eager to learn, Slikkers soon found himself under the tutelage of senior craftsmen at the plant, who shared their vast knowledge of materials, engineering, and the art and science
of building boats. That rich expertise kept food on the family’s table in 1952, after a labor disruption saw the Chris-Craft employees walk out on strike and Slikkers left without a paycheck. With the confidence of youth, he continued to make ends meet by building his own boats in the family garage, completing and selling 10 outboard-powered runabouts by the time the strike was settled. While a subsequent return to full-time work at the Chris-Craft factory brought the security of regular wages once again, by that point the seed of enterprise had been sown. In January 1955, Slikkers left the steady job to start up his own company building boats of his own design, selling them under the name SlickCraft. To finance his dream, he sold the family home.
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fiberglass, nor did they want to invest the time or energy that would be required to figure it out. But Leon saw that as a way to differentiate and to grow his business. It was something that would give him a distinct advantage.” Boat buyers — eager to embrace the flood of new technologies coming to market in the roaring economy of post-war America — were more than receptive. Beyond being more modern looking and durable, SlickCraft fiberglass boats featured colored gelcoats that didn’t require annual repainting or revarnishing, a key feature that eliminated hours of tedious maintenance for buyers. It didn’t take long before sales of Slikkers’ new fiberglass boats exceeded even the company’s most optimistic forecasts. So successful were the new models that only two years later SlickCraft ceased production of wooden boats altogether in order to focus on fiberglass product alone.
Getting creative
Early pioneer
Top: The Slikkers family – (from left) Kelly, Alex, Leon, Tom, David, Tim and Bob. Center: Tom Slikkers succeeded his father as Tiara CEO in 2012. Bottom: A young Leon Slikkers.
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Slikkers’ first boats stood out in the market with their forward-thinking design and top-notch build quality. By the end of its first year, the fledgling company had built and sold a total of 35 boats — all 14-foot open models with formed plywood hulls. Although it was the industry standard at the time, plywood was a challenging material for a boat builder to work with, being inflexible and highly vulnerable to rot. A revolutionary modern synthetic called fiberglass seemed to offer all sorts of advantages, being much easier to work into complex shapes and, unlike wood, almost completely impervious to water. “Leon was an early pioneer who led that transition from wood to fiberglass,” notes son Tom Slikkers. “At that time, boats were all made from wood. No one was really interested in
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The company grew steadily through the 1960s, as North American families made the most of their greater purchasing power and increased leisure time. Sales figures for Slickcraft grew year after year, while one competitor after another followed Leon’s lead and introduced new fiberglass models of their own. Like any successful family business, it wasn’t long before SlickCraft attracted the attention of much larger conglomerates. One of them, bowling equipment manufacturer and Hatteras Yachts parent American Machine and Foundry (AMF), was particularly determined to acquire the SlickCraft business; in September 1969, AMF made Slikkers an offer that was just too good to refuse. Thinking of his family’s long-term financial interests, Leon Slikkers sold the company he founded to AMF, staying on as president. The happiness was short-lived, however, and it didn’t take long before Slikkers found himself at odds with the new owner’s approach to boat building. His contract around the sale of SlickCraft included a non-competition agreement, which would prevent Slikkers from leaving AMF and starting up another powerboat company for at least five years. But the non-compete clause said nothing about building sailboats. So, that’s exactly what he did. Slikkers left AMF and began building sailboats under the name S2 Yachts — the S representing Slikkers, and the 2 marking the fact it was his second boat company. Although Slikkers’ career had been confined to building powerboats, he hired the best marine
engineers he could find, and S2’s sailboat designs soon earned praise for their sea keeping and easy handling. A focus on high-quality construction and innovation through the implementation of new technology saw the business flourish. When Slikkers’ non-competition agreement with AMF expired in 1975, S2 Yachts promptly re-entered the powerboat market with the launch of its all-new Tiara division the following year.
The Tiara era
Like the headpiece worn by royalty, Slikkers envisioned Tiara Yachts as representing the highest standards of luxury and refinement, and something to be treasured by their owners. Once again leveraging the latest innovations in technology and engineering, the new marque quickly caught on with yacht buyers at the top of the market, and became highly sought-after by buyers both on the Great Lakes and in coastal markets. In a nod to the salmon fishing craze gripping the Great Lakes in the late 1970s, Slikkers even created a special fishing model called the Tiara Pursuit. That single model proved so popular that it eventually grew to become an entirely separate company — Pursuit Boats — with its own manufacturing plant in Florida. Tiara ultimately sold Pursuit to Malibu Boats in 2018, in order to focus on producing luxury yachts. Today, Tiara employs more than 600 people in Holland, who work in the comfort of a state-of-the-art, 800,000square-foot manufacturing facility. “You have to admire someone who has a passion for what they do that’s so deep-seated that they’re willing to sell their home, cash it all out and pursue the dream,” reflects Tom Slikkers, who succeeded his father as Tiara president and CEO in 2012. “When
my dad did that, he got $5,000. That’s it, $5,000. He didn’t have a place to live. He didn’t have a place to work. But he had a dream, and he had a vision, and he had a tremendous passion for building boats.” That remarkable legacy was honored in November 2021 when, before an international audience of boat builders and media, Leon Slikkers was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual METSTRADE marine equipment trade show in Amsterdam, Netherlands — the first American boat builder ever selected for the honor. “Without our father’s vision, passion and unwavering entrepreneurial drive over many decades, this company, its rich history, and all that’s been accomplished would not have been possible,” said Tom Slikkers, who traveled to Amsterdam to accept the award on his father’s behalf. “He has devoted his life to this business, and the Tiara brand will continue to carry on his legacy.” ★
Top: Leon and wife Delores test drive a classic SlickCraft model. Center: Leon’s design influence is still evident in Tiara’s new 48 LS. Bottom: Leon Slikkers changed the way boats are made.
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PORT OF CALL
SO UT H
Wine and Thunder Luna Island
Bridal Veil Falls
Cave of the Winds
American Falls
Niagara Observation Tower
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Horseshoe Falls Skylon Tower
UNITED STATES
CANADA
Niagaraon-the-Lake
Youngstown
Port Weller Port Dalhousie Queenston
of the falls. No matter what side of the
NIAGARA FALLS American & Horseshoe Bridal Veil Falls Falls
Welland C an
history, charm and, of course, the roar
al
The Niagara region is special — full of
Lewiston
border you are on, there is plenty to do. BY MAGGIE STEISS
NO RT H
Buffalo, NY
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HE HISTORY of Niagara goes back to the end of the last ice age when the waterfalls were formed by torrents of melting ice. It was soon after that indigenous peoples inhabited the area. Originally, the falls were where Lewiston, New York, is today, but thousands of years of erosion have pushed them back several miles to their current location. While Samuel De Champlain mentioned hearing about the falls, the first European to visit and document them was Father Louis Hennepin.
Enjoy the journey
On your way to Niagara Falls, make a stop in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, which is part of St. Catharines and the site of the first Welland Canal. There are several shops, including Thistle Bookshop and Café and Your Boutique. Long-time restaurants include Sportscard Harry’s and The Kilt and Clover. The Lakeside Park Carousel has been an inexpensive source of family fun for years. Speaking of Lakeside Park, remember the great Rush song by that name? This was their inspiration, and the late drummer Neil Peart has a pavilion named for him Farther along Lake Ontario, there is Port Weller, Ontario. Here you can dock at the St. Catharines Marina on the west side of the Welland Canal. If you are heading through the canal to Lake Erie, this is where you will begin your journey. The Welland Canal is a major landmark of the region. The canal stretches to Port Colborne on Lake Erie. At Lock 3, there is the St. Catharines Museum and viewing station for the ships that travel through the canal. No matter which direction you’re heading, Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm is a favorite with kids.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Once the capital of Ontario — or Upper Canada, as it was once known — Niagara-on-the-Lake
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(NOTL) is rich in history and charm. Quaint shops, excellent dining and the Shaw Festival are a must-see. If you dock at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club, most of the action is within walking distance. The club, established in the 1950s, is on the site of a former shipyard. Ship building was an important industry in the early days of settlement. Pre-COVID, it was a popular club with Americans, who make up about 20% of members. The Shaw Festival, named for playwright George Bernard Shaw, features numerous world-class plays of both the past and present, performed at three different theaters. Whether you take in a matinee or evening performance, plan to spend some time strolling along the main street browsing the numerous shops. For lovers of all things Christmas, check out Just Christmas. For French housewares, stop in at Serendipity. Need a hat? Try BeauChapeau. There are several women’s clothing stores including The Butterfly Gallery. For Celtic items, check out the Scottish Loft or Irish Design. Two well-known local artists with their own shops are Angie Strauss and Trisha Romance; both are particular favorites of mine. I was thrilled to receive a Trisha Romance print for Christmas this year. If you’re worn out from shopping or hungry after a performance, grab a bite at one of the many fine restaurants, such as the Irish Harp, Corks Wine Bar or Treadwell Cuisine. NOTL is not without its fair share of notorious ghosts. It is known as Canada’s most haunted town. One of the oldest hotels still in operation in Ontario is the Olde Angel Inn. Originally built around 1790, it was badly burned during the War of 1812 and was rebuilt in 1815. The inn is believed to have a resident ghost, Captain Colin Swayze. The story goes that, delayed from joining the British retreat in May 1813 because
of a rendezvous with a young woman, the officer hid in a barrel but was stabbed with a bayonet. If you dare, check out the ghost walks or the ghost tours of Fort George. Whether you go for a ghost tour, a re-enactment, or just a visit, Fort George will take you back in time, as will its American counterpart, Fort Niagara. Look out the ramparts and imagine cannonballs flying across the Niagara River. We weren’t always as friendly as we are now. A momentous time in Niagara history was the War of 1812. To learn about the history of this tragic period in our combined history, check out one of the many museums in this historic region on both sides of the border.
Wine country
NOTL is in the heart of the wine region. Many of the wineries have won international acclaim. Take a tour or dine at a winery. Many, such as Peller Estates, Trius Winery or Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. Davids, have excellent restaurants. Niagara has a strong agricultural base and these wineries, as well as many of the restaurants, feature farm to table dining. One of the best ways to check out multiple wineries is to take a tour. Some people do wine tours on bikes, which is a beautiful way to see the region, but a bit difficult for transporting wine. If you are a wine lover, check out the Grape and Wine Festival in St. Catharines at the end of September. You can dock at Port Dalhousie and use public transit to get downtown for the parade or other activities. While boaters don’t come to the marinas in the winter, if you do happen to be in the area, check out the ice wine festival in February. Niagara is particularly known for its ice wine. Most years have ideal growing conditions for this special wine known as liquid gold. Hot summers and cold sharp winters are what is
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F ( C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T ) : B I L L B A D Z O ; F R I E N D S O F L A K E S I D E PA R K C A R O U S E L FA C E B O O K ; A N G E L I N N W E B S I T E ; R O L P H ' S FA C E B O O K ; N I A G A R A - O N -T H E - L A K E S A I L I N G C L U B FA C E B O O K ; R A V I N E FA C E B O O K ; O L D F O R T N I A G A R A .O R G ; V I S I T N I A G A R A C A N A D A
T
The Olde Angel Inn
Port Dalhousie
Lakeside Park Carousel
Border Crossing & COVID-19 Restrictions The Rainbow Bridge between Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, is open 24/7 and is now open for tourism purposes. With the U.S./Canada border reopened, you may experience delays at the Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge border crossing. Plan accordingly and check border crossing times beforehand. Note: Travel to Canada by U.S. citizens requires proof of vaccination, and all persons aged five plus must provide a negative PCR antigen COVID test result obtained 72 hours prior to entering Canada. Travel to the U.S. from Canada requires proof of vaccination. —Information from ONTARIO.CA St. Catharines Museum Lock 3 viewing platform
Happy Rolph's Animal Farm
Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club
Fort Niagara
Ravine Vineyard
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More stops on the way to the falls
Across the water, at the mouth of the Niagara River, is Youngstown, New York, another charming spot. As you head south down the river, stop at the floating Smugglers Cove Marina Boat Club on the Canadian side and then head up to historic McFarland House for some tea on its patio. Head down the river or the Parkway to Queenston on the Canadian Side or Lewiston, New York, on the American; there is an international bridge that connects the two. Coming down the river on the Canadian side, tie up at Queenston Docks, also a popular fishing spot. It’s an easy walk to the Laura Secord Homestead to learn about the famous heroine of the War of 1812. For a spectacular view of the river, head up to Queenston Heights. Like a sentinel standing guard is the Brock monument. If you walk or ride from the river it is definitely a hike so you may want to refresh yourself at the Queenston Heights Restaurant. On the American side is the charming town of Lewiston. Learn about hydro power at the Niagara Power Vista, take a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour or visit the unique Art Park. Stroll through the town and check out the shops and restaurants. Heading south on the scenic Niagara Parkway, you will find the Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly Conservatory and The Floral Clock. Take a ride above the famous whirlpool on the Spanish
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Aero Car. And then you approach one of the wonders of the world, the Niagara Falls themselves.
Power of the falls
Niagara Falls is actually a group of three waterfalls, the largest of which is Horseshoe Falls straddling both countries. The smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the U.S. side. Many words have been used to describe the falls. Majestic, stunning and beautiful, to name a few. For me, the word is power. Standing near the falls, you can feel the power radiating from them. I often wonder what the first explorers to the region thought of these loud, rushing waterfalls in a vast wilderness. Much of what I have read of early accounts talks of the height and width but not of the feeling or the emotions that this powerful spot brings out. Emotional power is not the only type of power produced by the falls. They are well known for the production of hydroelectric power. Originally, the falls provided power for mills and factories, but the range was limited. Nicholas Tesla changed that with his discovery of alternating current, which greatly increased the range. Learn about the history of the falls over the last 10,000 years in 4D with Niagara’s Fury, or Journey Behind the Falls for a new perspective. To truly feel the power of this natural wonder, take a boat tour under the falls; both countries offer them. The American tours are still called Maid of the Mist, but the Canadians changed the name of its cruises to Niagara City Cruises, although I think most people still use the old name.
Going downtown
Now that you have experienced the power of the falls, it’s time for some unabashedly pure tourist fun. Stroll down Clifton Hill on the Canadian side and play in the arcades or the mini puts, take in a wax museum or
survive a zombie attack. Soar above the street on the Niagara Skywheel or race go-karts at the elevated Niagara Speedway. The American side has its amusements, too, with an amusement park and a Fun Center on Grand Island. Also popular is Goat Island and The Cave of the Winds. Both sides have a way to get a bird’s eye view of the falls: The Americans have the Niagara Observation Tower, and in Canada, we have the Skylon Tower. In addition to the observation deck, the Skylon is famous for its yellow bubble-like elevators that go up the outside of the building and its revolving restaurant. Other restaurants to view the falls from are Table Rock and Queen Victoria Place. If you or your kids like water parks, check out Great Wolf Lodge. The Americana on Lundy’s Lane also has a water park. If you’re hungry, there is a Boston Pizza inside the hotel. For more of a sports bar feel, there is Chip n Charlies just a short walk down the road. Strada West is another good spot. For Irish food and fun head to Doc Magilligan’s Pub in the Cairn Croft Hotel. One of my favorite wineries is also on Lundy’s Lane: Lundy Manor Wine Cellars. It was here I learned the proper way to open sparkling wine; I had been doing it wrong for years. Both sides of the border have casinos for those who like the risk of gambling. Even if you aren’t into games of chance, you can check out a show. The Niagara River extends past the speed bump that is Niagara Falls to Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York. Boating is popular on this stretch as well, with several marinas on both sides of the border, such as Niagara Parks Marina or Mid River Marina. There is so much to experience in the Niagara Region and so much to learn that one article just won’t cover everything. I have lived in several areas of Niagara and I still haven’t seen or done it all. Whether you are traveling by boat, car or bike, you are in for a special experience. H
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F ( C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P L E F T ) : N I A G A R A PA R K S ; N I A G A R A PA R K S ; W H I R L P O O L J E T B OAT S W E B S I T E ; N I AG A R A FA L L S T O U R I S M ; L U N D Y M A N O R FAC E B O O K ; N I AG A R A FA L L S T O U R I S M ; D E S T I N AT I O N N I AG A R A U S A ; D E S T I N AT I O N N I AG A R A U S A ; N I AG A R A FA L L S T O U R I S M
needed. Riesling and Vidal grapes are the varieties used and cannot be picked until the temperature drops to 17.6 Fahrenheit or below. The grapes are generally picked at night by skilled workers, one of the factors that accounts for the high price tag. The American side of the border is not without its wineries, as well as craft breweries. Check out Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, Bella Rose Vineyard or Black Willow Winery.
Queenston Heights and Brock Monument
McFarland House Tea Room Whirlpool Jet Boats
Spanish Aero Car
Maid of the Mist
Resources
Journey Behind the Falls
Niagara City Cruises
Destination Ontario DESTINATIONONTARIO.COM
Niagara Falls Canada NIAGARAFALLSTOURISM.COM
Niagara Falls USA NIAGAR AFALLSUSA.COM
Niagara Parks NIAGAR APARKS.COM
Niagara Skywheel
Lundy Manor Wine Cellars
Cave of the Winds
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BOAT BIZ
BY ABBY THORPE
MORE INFORMATION Lands End Marine 32895 S. River Rd. Harrison Township, MI 48045 586-465-5558 LANDSENDYACHTSALES.COM
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Lands End Marine
A new name, a new era and best-in-class marine services.
T
hirty-five years ago, Zinner Marine was purchased and renamed Lands End Marina. Today, the business once again gets a name change, though minor. Now Lands End Marine, the business was purchased by a new owner in January 2021 and is already making big changes to offer boaters the best possible service, sales and storage options on Lake St. Clair. Located in Harrison Township, Michigan, at the mouth of the Clinton River, Lands End Marine offers an ideal location for boaters to stop for supplies, service or even a new boat before they head out on the water. “Our easy-access location at the mouth of the Clinton River makes us a one stop shop for all your boating needs, yet [is] small enough to lend a personal connection feel for every one of our customers,” says Sales Manager Bryan Nelson. Lands End Marine now offers lines like SŌLACE by Dougherty, Trifecta tritoons, Century and BRIG, in addition to pre-owned boats, boat
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rentals and brokerage, financing and refinancing options. Its premium, full-service parts and service department is Yamaha and Mercury outboard authorized, and offers a variety of services boaters in the area might require, including electronics installations, fiberglass repair and bottom painting. “With new ownership, we are bringing Lands End Marine into a new era with the latest technology and amenities coupled with a new approach to customer service and supplier relationships,” Nelson explains. For those looking for storage options, Lands End Marine offers indoor, partially covered outdoor or open exposure rack storage with quick access to Lake St. Clair. Before you set off, fill up at the fuel dock and stock up on snacks, supplies and some cold ones at the marine store. “We’re excited for you to visit the new Lands End and join us as we strive to become the best marina on Lake St. Clair!” Nelson says. ★
LAKESHORE LIFE BY ABBY THORPE
ADDRESS 212 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven, MI 49417 GR ANDHAVENFLATS.COM
SPECS Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 5.5 Square Footage: 6,605 Price: $3,290,000 CONTACT Andrea Crossman Andrea Crossman Group, Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt 616-312-2237 ANDREACROSSMAN.COM
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Grand Haven, MI
Live, work and retreat in downtown Grand Haven.
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his three-story, mixed-use building situated right along the shores of Grand Haven’s Grand River includes a spacious, open-concept third floor living space. Epic views of the channel and Lake Michigan beyond greet you from expansive windows along the front and sides of the living area, while outside you can escape to a large 16- by 46-foot steel deck covered by sun sail shades. High-end finishes throughout the interior include custom walnut cabinetry, Anderson windows, Thermador appliances and automatic shades, with added extras like dual heat zones, a heated owner’s bath floor, a heated garage and complete AV amenities throughout. Entertain guests while you cook from the gourmet kitchen that opens into the living area, or relax in the cooler months by the two-sided fireplace. A short walk from downtown shopping, nightlife, beaches and marinas, the location can’t be beat.
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“Grand Haven is an awesome community with a great year-round calendar of downtown festivals and events,” explains current owner and co-listing agent Rick Grasman. Summertime deck parties, easy access to Lake Michigan, and spectacular views of the lighthouse, harbor and musical fountain are a few of his favorite perks of the location. Below the third story, two spacious floors offer long-term leased office spaces that generate over $83,000 a year in income for the property. This includes a 1,400-square-foot ground level office space with a kitchenette and bath, and a 1,850-square-foot second floor office space with a kitchen and two baths. The large lot provides ample parking and an opportunity to expand office or living spaces. Enjoy all that downtown Grand Haven has to offer in this stunning location designed for waterfront work and living. ★
MAR I N E MAR K ET PL AC E
ONEKAMA MARINE, INC.
LAKE MICHIGAN YACHT SALES
Onekama, MI • (231) 889-5000 www.onekamamarine.com
Bay Harbor, MI • (231) 439-2675 www.lakemichiganyachtsales.com
Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum ON ORDER!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
Four Winns HD3
Wellcraft 262 Fisherman
NEW & IN STOCK
ON ORDER
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SPRING DELIVERY | ONLY ONE OF EACH AVAILABLE | AVAILABLE SPRING 2022
Regal 42 Grande Coupe
Regal 38 Grande Coupe
Regal 38 SAV
Regal 36 Grande Coupe
Regal 36 LS Bowrider
Regal 2800
Regal 28 Express
Regal LS6
Regal LS6 Surf
Regal LS4 Surf
630-739-2272 CALL FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING | SCHEDULE A FACETIME WALK-THROUGH | STOP IN ANY TIME!
CHICAGO’S BIGGEST BOAT SHOW IS AT BASA’S! ONCE GONE, NOTHING UNTIL 2023 SEASON!
Cobia 201 CC
Cobia 220 CC
Cobia 220 DC
Cobia 240 CC
Cobia 240 DC (2 available)
Cobia 262 CC
Cobia 280 CC
Cobia 301 CC
Cobia 320 CC
BASASMARINE.COM MAIN LOCATION Basa’s Marine, 512 E. North Frontage Road, Bolingbrook, IL
MICHIGAN LOCATION Basa’s at Oselka Marina, 514 W. Water Street, New Buffalo, MI
F I V E L O C AT I O N S
BENETE AU P O W E R BO ATS AVAILABLE SPRING!
BLUE: C100 M70 AVAILABLE SPRING!
2022 ANTARES 11
2022 ANTARES 9
BENETEAU
AVAILABLE NOW!
AVAILABLE NOW!
2021 GRAN TURISMO 36
2022 FLYER 8 SPACEDECK
CHRIS-CRAFT BOATS
AVAILABLE SPRING!
AVAILABLE SPRING!
2022 FLYER 9 SUNDECK
2022 24 CALYPSO
AVAILABLE SPRING!
AVAILABLE NOW!
2022 25 GT LAUNCH
2022 31 GT LAUNCH
PURSUIT AVAILABLE SPRING!
AVAILABLE SPRING!
2022 DC 246
2022 DC 266
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 • 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
WWW.CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM OR CALL (888) 9-YACHTS
BROK E R AG E
1988 VANTARE 58 MY $224,500
1985 MAIORA 55 $139,000
2017 BENETEAU GT 46 $660,000
2021 REGAL 38 GRANDE COUPE $650,000
2021 NAUTICSTAR 2102 LEGACY $64,999
1992 OCEAN ALEXANDER 46 $229,900
2008 SEA RAY 330 $149,999
1989 MARINE TRADER 47 MY $129,995
2009 SABRE 386 $179,000
JOIN US AT THESE UPCOMING BOAT SHOWS! n Wisconsin Fishing Expo: February 25-27 n Milwaukee Sports Show: March 10-13
VISIT OUR VIRTUAL SHOWROOM:
360 VIRTUAL TOURS • FACETIME & SKYPE TOURS • WEEKLY FACEBOOK LIVE EVENTS • PRIVATE SHOWINGS _ TEXT (414) 273-0711 FOR MORE INFO! _
In Stock and Available!
2022 Riviera 66 Belize Daybridge
2022 Riviera 54 Belize Daybridge
2022 Riviera 505 SUV
2022 Sabre 45 Salon Express
INTRODUCING CREVALLE BOATS “Crevalle builds high-quality, reliable boats for families and fishing enthusiasts who enjoy the boating lifestyle. We achieve this by hiring, training and supporting builders who understand the importance of quality, reliability and customer satisfaction. We build every boat with two customers in mind: Our dealers and our buyers — and our sole intention is satisfying both every single day. We are dedicated to building boats our dealers are proud to represent and our customers are proud to own.”
2022 Crevalle 26 HBW
WWW.BAYMARINE.NET • SALES@BAYMARINE.NET
* Not all brands sold at all locations
NEW & USED INVENTORY 97 66 66 64 60 56 56 55 54 53 50 45 45 44 43 42 40 39 38 37 37 37 36 35 34 34 34 34 34 34 33 33 33 32 32
2001 2022 2021 1984 2017 1985 2002 1988 2022 1979 2022 2022 1995 1999 2015 2014 1996 2010 2009 1998 2016 2022 2001 2011 2001 2006 2022 2020 2019 2001 2022 1991 2014 2014 2022
Broward Motor Yacht ................................ $2,000,000 Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge .....................................call MCY 66............................................................................call Skipperliner .....................................................$699,000 Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht ......................... $2,800,000 Hatteras 56 MY............................................... $279,000 Viking 55 Convertible.................................... $874,999 Ocean Yachts 55 Super Sport ................... $289,999 Riviera Belize 54 Daybridge .....................................call Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman........................180,000 Riviera 505 SUV............................................................call Sabre 45 Salon Express.............................................call Bayliner 4587 Motoryacht .......................... $125,000 Baja 442............................................................ $115,000 Custom Houseboat ..........................................$49,000 Viking 42 Sport Coupe................................. $799,000 Tiara Yachts 4000 Express.......................... $200,000 Sea Ray 390 Sundancer.............................. $319,999 Fountain Sportfish CC................................... $224,000 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer.............................. $119,999 Formula 37 Cruiser........................................ $369,000 EdgeWater 370CC .......................................................call Carver 350 Mariner ..........................................$84,900 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer.............................. $215,500 Cruisers 3470 ....................................................$99,900 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer.............................. $144,999 Edgewater 340CC........................................................call Pursuit 325 Offshore .................................... $389,999 Grady-White Canyon 336 ...........................$445,000 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer.................................$90,000 Crevalle 33 CSF ............................................................call Tiara 3300 Open...............................................$74,900 Cobalt 336.........................................................$174,500 Chris Craft 32 Corsair.................................... $249,900 EdgeWater 320CC .......................................................call
31 30 28 28 31 28 26 26 26 24 24 24 24 23 22 22 21 21 21 20 20 20 20 20 18 18 17 16 15 13 13 12 11 11 10
2006 2005 2022 2022 2003 2017 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 1990 2022 2004 2022 2021 2009 2012 2022 2004 2020 2022 2022 2015 2022 2022 2021 2021 2022 2013 2022 2022
Formula 310 Sun Sport ............................... $130,000 Pursuit 3070 Offshore.....................................$89,999 EdgeWater 280CC .......................................................call EdgeWater 280CX........................................................call Sea Ray 280 Sundancer.................................$59,999 Axopar 28 T-Top.............................................. $129,999 EdgeWater 262CC .......................................................call Crevalle 26 HBW..........................................................call EdgeWater 262CX........................................................call EdgeWater 245CC .......................................................call Crevalle 24 HCO ..........................................................call EdgeWater 248CX........................................................call Qwest LS 824 ...............................................................call EdgeWater 230CC .......................................................call Pursuit 2100 CC................................................$12,900 Qwest LE 822 XRE CRUISE......................................call Boston Whaler 210 Outrage .........................$45,000 EdgeWater 208CC .......................................................call EdgeWater 208CC ............................................$74,995 Starcraft Aurora 2000 I/O..............................$36,000 Regal 2000 Bowrider.......................................$30,000 Qwest LS 820 RLS.......................................................call Ebbtide 200 ........................................................$24,500 Malibu 20VTX .................................................. $104,950 EdgeWater 188CC .......................................................call Qwest Edge 818 CTR .................................................call EdgeWater 170CC.............................................$36,900 Qwest Edge 816 CTR .................................................call EdgeWater 158CS.............................................$32,504 Boston Whaler 130SS .....................................$23,999 Novurania 400 DL............................................ $48,247 AB Inflatables Mares 12 VSX....................................call Walker Bay Generation 360...........................$17,999 AB Inflatables Mares 11 VSX....................................call AB Inflatables Mares 10 VSX.................................... call
BAY MARINE’S BROKERAGE TEAM
Ron Durchin Illinois 847-980-4975
Gentre Vartan Illinois 312-656-4470
Sara Osheroff Illinois 630-362-6317
DOOR COUNTY YACHTING CENTER STURGEON BAY, WI 920-743-6526
Matt Felhofer Illinois 920-495-7125
Chris DePrey Wisconsin 920-366-4320
Bill Carlson Wisconsin 906-202-0014
CHICAGO YACHTING CENTER WAUKEGAN, IL 847-336-2628
Mark Felhofer Wisconsin 920-495-5567
Kyle Mills Florida 941-391-4484
Danielle Harangody Florida 561-601-6870
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FORT MYERS, FL 239-295-4332
VISIT US IN GRAND RAPIDS! WELDCRAFT 20 ANGLER XT
GRAND RAPIDS BOAT SHOW FEBRUARY 16- 20 | DEVOS PLACE RANGER TUGS R-23
NORTHCOAST 255 CABIN HARDTOP
ZODIAC OPEN 6.5
NORTHCOAST 230 CC DV
ZODIAC YACHTLINE 360 DL
MAG BAY 42 HARDTOP EXPRESS
WELDCRAFT 202 REBEL HARDTOP
BROKERAGE BOATS 23’ 26’ 29’ 29’ 30’ 32’ 32’
1999 2003 2008 2018 1980 1985 1988
Bayliner 2452 Ciera...........................................................$19,900 Seaswirl Striper 2601 Walkaround I/O.................................$45,000 Hacker-Craft 29 Long Deck Gentleman’s Racer .................$139,900 Ranger Tugs R29 CB Luxury Edition..................................$285,900 Sabre 30...........................................................................$19,300 Carver 3207 .....................................................................$30,000 O’Day 322 ........................................................................$24,500
32’ 32’ 33’ 36’ 43’ 46’ 56’
2000 2011 1991 1984 2014 2002 1983
Cruisers Yachts 3075 Express ............................................$47,500 Legacy 32 MKIII...............................................................$165,000 Carver 33 Aft Cabin ...........................................................$43,900 Morgan 36........................................................................$26,900 Tiara Yachts 4300 Open...................................................$699,900 Hunter 466 sale pending .............................................$150,000 Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht ..................................................$299,900
FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF INVENTORY INCLUDING NEW, USED AND BROKERAGE BOATS AT WWW.REEDYACHTSALES.COM
GRAND HAVEN, MI • Brent Reed 616-402-0180 • Bob Lunt 616-843-1225 LASALLE, MI • Chuck Hutchins 734-497-3721 • Matthew Bolt 734-735-1948 RACINE, WI • Mark Derenne 414-651-3100
www.reedyachtsales.com
MAR I N E MAR K E T PL AC E
TR IDENT
FUNDING
Specialis t s in Marine Financ e
BOAT LOANS
SERVING BOAT BUYERS NATIONWIDE
• Purchase • Refinance
•
Pre-Approval • Low Rates
VINCENT LUZIETTI • JOSEPH CONNOLLY
888-386-3888 WWW.TRIDENTFUNDING.COM ADDED SAfEty At thE Dock & on thE wAtEr
great gifts!
Boarding Pole
Extra assistance boarding the boat. $79.99/$99.99
cAll Jim StEfAno
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
419-341-0432
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Burgee Holder wave that flag. $59.00
nautical cross
Quickly tie-off fenders and tenders. $79.99/$99.99
| www.nauticalcross.com
SUM NG! COMI
C L AS S I F I E D S
Advertise your boat, boat slip or property with us! MER IS Contact us by FEBRUARY 15 to get into our April, May, June and July 2022 issues!
2019 TIARA 38LS Triple 350 Yamaha, 200 hours, Helm Master and Seakeeper. Great condition. $629,000. Contact doubledproperties01@gmail.com. APR22
*N EW !*
2021 ZODIAC MEDLINE 580 New Medline 580 with a grey hull and deck. She has blue/teal cushions and black NEO tubes. The new Medline Series is one of our best sellers this year! Asking $47,900. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS
2021 NAUTICSTAR 2102 LEGACY This 2102 Legacy is a needle in a haystack... 130 freshwater hours on its Yamaha 200 outboard make it perfectly turn-key and water ready, with no ‘break in’ period necessary! $64,999 Contact Joe Moede at 414793-0195 or joe@centerpointesales.com. CNT
*R ED UC ED !*
1999 HATTERAS 48 SPORTFISH This Sportfish commands attention. She has been pampered in the Great Lakes for many years and shows extremely well. Her interior has been completely redone as well as recent replacement of the side view windows. $225,000. Contact Martin Kelsey at 920-559-0366 or martin@centerpointe sales.com. CNT 2006 WELLCRAFT 290 Outstanding opportunity to own a highly-desirable Wellcraft 290 Coastal Hardtop Walk Around. Full cabin with enclosed head, full marine electronics and twin Evinrude 250 hp outboards. Asking $89,000. Call Mark for all the details @ 414-651-3100. RYS
2008 SEA RAY 330 Fully loaded, clean, freshwater, two-owner boat since new. Camperback Bimini top redone only one year ago. Big block 496 engines, Axius joystick with Skyhook, generator, full teak flooring and electric cockpit grill. $149,999. Contact PJ Tamer at 262-424-9627 or pj@ centerpointesales.com. CNT
TO ADVERTISE IN CLASSIFIEDS:
2008 HACKER-CRAFT 29 LONG DECK GENTLEMAN’S RACER 100% freshwater, one owner in excellent condition! Powered by Crusader 8.1 ltr. gas engine. Always kept in indoor heated storage in winter and boat shed during summer. Includes 2017 Manning tandem axle paint steel trailer. Asking $139,900. Call Brent @ 616-842-8899. RYS
Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/ CLASSIFIEDS for details and to submit your materials. Payments cannot be accepted online. We will contact you for payment once your ad proof is approved. Questions? Email Christy at CBAUHS@ LAKELANDBOATING.COM.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
2021 WELDCRAFT 20 ANGLER XT New! Super-comfy seating for six people, reverse chine, extruded gunwale, welded downrigger brackets and convertible top with side curtains are all standard. Hydraulic Steering and Sport Interior Package are just a few of the options included! Call for details. Asking $58,945. Call Matt @ 734-735-1948. RYS
2003 SEASWIRL STRIPER 2601 WALKAROUND I/O Hardtop and enclosure added, plus fishing downriggers, Inverter, AC, GPS/ Chartplotter, Auto Pilot, Fish Finder, VHF, Volvo 5.7L I/O with 745 hours. 2002 Load-Rite roller trailer. Currently in paid heated indoor storage. Available to show by appointment only. Anglers get it now and be ready for spring action! Asking $45,000. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS
2014 SAILFISH 240CC Excellent condition. Full Raymarine electronics including autopilot, 300 hp Yamaha four stroke. Under 300 hrs. Located in Vermilion, OH. Asking $70,000. Email cblgolf62@gmail.com or call 440-864-2232 for more info. SEP21
FOR MORE INFO ON ADVERTISING IN LAKESHORE LIFE & MARINE MARKETPLACE Contact Patti McCleery 312-276-0610 x. 21 pmccleery@lakelandboating.com
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CLASSIC CRAFT
We’re Here
I have never considered the maintenance of a wooden boat extreme or expensive. The greatest hazard to any boat built of “dead trees” is an owner more interested in being a driver than recognizing all boats require maintenance, no matter their composition: Steel rusts, aluminum corrodes, fiberglass blisters and delaminates, and wood rots! Nothing withstands time without proper care. Left to the elements, the repair and restoration of any such craft can become a very ugly thing. My 57-foot 1967 Constellation, We’re Here, was one of the largest production boats built by Chris-Craft. When the line was up and running, Chris-Craft was turning out one a week. All of this came to an end, to the best of my knowledge, in 1969. A marine surveyor who I have used several times asked me, “Where do you find these things?” My reply: “I don’t — they find me!” After an extensive restoration, We’re Here was stored in a shed for 21 years and left untouched. After the owner ceased making payments during the last eight years of storage, the yard moved it out into the elements in late fall to make room for paying customers. Within weeks, I received several calls from various contacts notifying me of its existence. Going aboard for the first time was very much like entering a time capsule. The LORAN navigation was operational, but of course seeking a signal that no longer existed. A Sony wide-screen color TV, having a depth of 21 inches, required three men to toss it over the stern in order to clear the swim platform. A Magic Chef oven/range looked more like a country farmhouse cast iron stove. Over the past six years, the boat has had numerous upgrades and is once again a fully operational classic and maintaining its lineage. —Roland Schultz ADD YOUR BOAT! Email KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM if you have Classic Craft with a great story to share!
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P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F R O N A L D S C H U LT Z
1967 Chris-Craft Constellation
ADVE RTISE I N
CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION
