Lakeland Boating November/December 2011

Shipwreck Survivor Tells All Choosing a Boatyard

Huron

|

Ontario

|

Michigan

|

Erie

|

Superior

Renovations BOAT

Cutwater 26 and 28

15 POPULAR PROJECTS

(28 PICTURED)

lakelandboating.com

November / December 2011 Display Until December 31, 2011

1,000’S

OF BOATS

FOR

SALE

BOAT SPOTLIGHT:

Jeanneau NC9

Lakeland Boating VEGA Winterizing Ad:Layout 1 8/3/2011 12:14 PM Page 1

The Best Solution for Winterizing!

Today’s ethanol gasoline needs more than just a stabilizer to help protect your engine over the winter from corrosion, phase separation and deposits and to make sure that it’s “ready-to-go” in the spring.

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Available At West Marine, MarineMax, Boating Store Dealers & Quality Marine Dealers Nationwide.

GO WIRELESS The new e7 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity

iPhone and iPad Connectivity

Wireless Audio Control

Steering Wheel Control

The e7’s built in Wi-Fi delivers charts,

Link with your smart phone’s MP3

The optional RCU-3 Bluetooth remote

sonar, radar, even thermal night vision

music and enjoy your favorite tunes

puts you in command of the e7 without

right to your iPhone or iPad

right from the helm

letting go of the wheel

Watch the e7 video at raymarine.com QUALIT Y

INNOVATION

TRUS T

in this issue

Features 20

Cutwater

28

Ready to Repurpose

30

Primed for Power

32

Don’t Hesitate to Renovate

42

Say Yes to the Yard

54

Fishing for Deals

56

Christmas at Sea

62

Sole Survivor

A pair of versatile, trailerable cruisers

Ohio’s Custom Marine tackles a tricky TV install Do your homework before repowering your engine Fifteen boat refit projects you won’t regret Expert advice on how to best tackle boat refits Save big on boating with online coupons The Christmas Tree Ship tradition continues

32

Dennis Hale tells his tale of survival at sea

PHOTO COURTESY OF BERGMANN MARINE

Departments

56 PHOTO COURTESY OF MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY & WISCONSIN MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNIS HALE

2 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

62

4 6 8 15 16 17 18 26 27 66 74

From the Helm Mail Call Scuttlebutt Gear Guru Electronics

76 77 80

Dining on Deck Classifieds Above the Waterline

On the Cover

Corke Board The Chandlery Boat Spotlights Ask an Expert Marina Watch Lakeshore Life

The Cutwater 28 (pictured) and 26 are a new brand of cruiser, each a contemporary interpretation of the classic downeast style.

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CUTWATER

The entry-level 195RX is priced to sell. It offers the highest quality, most fuel efficiency, and best performance in its class...and the best price!

Even though this boat is priced to get you out on the water, it still has more standard amenities than the competitors' similar entry-level models. It is also economical, clean and fuel-efficient, and comes standard with a catalyzed EFI four-stroke engine with power steering.

If you're comparing models, and we encourage you to do so, have a look at the 195RX before you purchase. We think you will be happy that you did!

Length

19' 6"

Beam

7' 7"

Weight (w/ M 3.0L MPI Catalyst) Speed at WOT Capacity Fuel Capacity Fuel Mileage (@ cruise)

2290 lbs 45 mph 8 ppl / 1470 lbs 21 gal 5.4 mph

195RX MSRP StingrayCash.com Discount 195RX Special Price Value Package* Trailer Freight Dealer Prep Total Package Price (in US dollars)

$21,995 - $6,499 $15,496 $999 $2115 $795 $590 $19,995

* Includes standup bimini top, transom tilt switch, 1100 gph automatic bilge pump, marine audio system with MP3 and USB inputs.

Price does not include tax, title, and tags. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

All prices shown are in US dollars. This offer is available only at participating Stingray Dealers on in-stock inventory.

FOR A LIS T OF S TAND ARD FE ATUR E S, V I SI T STI N G R AYB O ATS. CO M /1 9 5 R X

from the helm

The Spirit of Giving

November / December 2011 Volume LXV, No. 11 Publisher Walter “Bing” O’Meara editorial staff Editor: Lindsey Johnson Senior editor: Dave Mull Editors-at-large: Heather Steinberger & Roland Schultz Field editor: Tom Thompson Creative staff Art director/production manager: Brook Poplawski Creative consultant: Christy Tuttle Bauhs

M

ark your calendars for Friday, December 2, when the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, the new Christmas Tree Ship, arrives in Chicago bearing 1,200 Christmas trees that will be given to the less fortunate on Saturday, December 3, by volunteer groups including Sea Cadets, Sea Scouts, Venture Crews and young Marines.

The original Christmas Tree Ship, the Rouse Simmons, came to Chicago at the beginning of the holiday season for 30 years in the early 1900s.

It was a three-masted schooner easily recognized by the waiting crowds that gathered around her when folks saw the Christmas tree tied to her main mast, her decks loaded with Christmas trees for local families. This touching story of the original Rouse Simmons appears on page 56, nicely done by Lakeland contributor Elizabeth Altick.

The advent several years ago of heated winter storage has successfully transformed what was once considered unproductive “down time” into productive time for renovations and refit projects.

Capt. Frank Lanier, Lakeland’s resident “master toolman” has written an excellent feature (page 32) highlighting 15 projects for you or your trusted marine service facility to tackle this offseason.

Should you need help finding a trusted service facility, look no further than Heather Steinberger’s article on page 42. In it, she shares great tips and advice from some of the most successful and well-respected boatyards in the Great Lakes.

Finally, on a bittersweet note, long-time Lakeland Boating contributor and field editor Tom Thompson, who’s name and articles have graced the magazine’s pages for the last 20 years, has decided to retire.

Contributors Elizabeth Altick, Mark Corke, Jeremy Goldstein, Dennis Hale, Mike Harris, Paul Kemiel, Capt. Frank Lanier, Roger McAfee, Tom Mehringer, Lindy Moses, Ralph Polovich, Zuzana Prochazka, Marty Richardson, Richard Steinberger, Colleen H. Troupis, Dave Wallace business staff Advertising sales representative: Mark Conway Regional and classified sales manager: Kirsten Moxley Marketing director: Linda O’Meara editorial & advertising offiCe 727 South Dearborn | Suite 812 | Chicago, IL 60605 phone: 312-276-0610 | fax: 312-276-0619 email: staff@lakelandboating.com website: lakelandboating.com

Tom Thompson

After announcing his decision, Tom sent me a nice note. He and his wife, Ann, are giving up a life of deadlines for a future filled with freedom, travel and relaxation. I wish them the best. I’ll miss our annual Miami International Boat Show lunch at the News Café and all his informative contributions to the magazine.

Tom, you have always been the consummate professional, a gentleman and just an all around great guy. You will be missed.

May the holiday season be special, may you and yours stay well, and may 2012 be a safe and prosperous year for all of us!

notice to subscribers Lakeland Boating will only mail renewal notices; we will never contact you by phone. You can renew by calling 800-827-0289 or visit our website, lakelandboating.com, and click on the “Subscribe” tab. All renewals should be mailed back to: Lakeland Boating, PO Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-9991.

4 LAKELANDBOATING.COM n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 011

Classified advertising 727 South Dearborn | Suite 812 | Chicago, IL 60605 phone 800-331-0132, ext. 21 | fax 312-276-0619 subsCriPtions P.O. Box 15396 | North Hollywood | CA 91615-5396 Customer Service: 800-827-0289 O’Meara-Brown Publications Inc. Walter B. O’Meara, president Timothy Murtaugh, secretary Tracy Houren, controller Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194), copyright 2011, is published eleven times per year (except November) by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. Editorial and advertising offices are located at 727 S. Dearborn St., Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605; 312-2760610. Annual subscription rates: United States, $24.95 per year; International and Canadian, $36.95 per year (11 issues), includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. registration number 894095074-RT0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S. funds are accepted. Subscription correspondence should be addressed to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396 (U.S.), or call 800-827-0289.

Known office of publication: 727 South Dearborn Street, Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, please send all address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396. Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. Unsolicited work may be submitted at the author’s, photographer’s or artist’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.

Printed in the U.S.A

AUSTRALIAN FOR BOAT

COME SEE RIVIERA AT THE FT. LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW Throughout our long history we have produced many new vessels, but none has challenged traditions or questioned the assumptions on which boats are generally built quite like our Sport Yacht series. This is especially true of the Riviera 4400, a boat rich in innovations.

Revolutionary Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) features steerable drive units mounted under the hull with counter-rotating, forward-facing propellers. Rather than pushing the boat along, the boat is literally pulled forward through the water.

| OCTOBER 27-31, 2011

4400SY

IPS uses up to 30 percent less fuel than conventional drive systems.

You’ll be tempted to cruise far from the crowd, and with a 1,500-litre fuel tank, it’s certainly equipped to help you do just that.

Onekama Marine Inc. Lake Michigan Yacht Sales

801 Front St., Suite B, Bay Harbor, Michigan 49770 155 East Redwood St., Sturgeon Bay,

3282 Odgen’s Beach Rd.

Wisconsin 54235

Box 40 Midland, ON L4R 4K6

920-743-6526 | baymarine.net

888-446-4545 | northernyachtsales.com

231-439-2675 | lakemichiganyachtsales.com 4378 Crescent Beach Rd., Onekama, Michigan 49675

231-889-5000 | onekamamarine.com

Contact your local dealer today to schedule a private showing.

Begin your relationship at these Midwest Dealers

mail call

SPRING BROOK MARINA, INC. 623 W. River Drive Seneca, IL 61360 815-357-8666 —————— NORTH SHORE MARINA 18275 Berwyck Street Spring Lake, MI 49456 616-842-1488 ——————

Play “Name Game” and Win!

Home-made Houseboat These are photos of a DIY houseboat in the slip astern of ours at Saugatuck Yacht Basin in Saugatuck, Michigan. Over the course of a five-year period, Chris Carr, a high school teacher in Hartford, Michigan, built this boat in his driveway. Thought Lakeland Boating readers might be interested to learn about it. I obtained Chris’ permission to send the photos and make the inquiry (he’d be too humble to do it himself).

Nick Darien Saugatuck, MI

We’re always on the lookout for interesting and inventive boat names, and we welcome you to share yours with us! Send a short write-up, along with your name, your boat’s name, and your home city and state, as well as a high-resolution photo of your boat (at least 1 MB) to: staff@lakelandboating.com. Don’t forget to put “Name Game” in subject line. If we publish your Name Game submission in a 2012 issue of Lakeland Boating, you’ll receive a FREE Kanberra Gel gift basket valued at $99, courtesy of the folks at Kanberra. Made with all-natural ingredients like Australian tea tree oil, this semi-solid, biodegradeable gel dissipates when exposed to air, breaking down mildew, mold and viruses in a fragrant eucalyptus lemon scent.

Oops...in the October 2011 issue of Lakeland Boating, we mistakenly reported that Lac La Belle Lodge in the Keweenaw Peninsula offers diesel and pump-out services at their dock. They

SKIPPERBUD’S 6801 E Harbor Road Marblehead, OH 43440 419-732-2587 —————— SKIPPERBUD’S - QUARTERDECK MARINA 705 Quarterdeck Lane Sturgeon Bay, WI 54232 920-746-8200 —————— SKIPPERBUD’S - OSHKOSH 1351 Egg Harbour Lane Oshkosh, WI 54904 920-231-3200 —————— SKIPPERBUD’S - PEWAUKEE 1030 Silvernail Rd Pewaukee, WI 53072 262-544-1200

offer neither. Also, the charter fishing outfit that’s run out of Lac La Belle Lodge is called Hooked Up Charter Fishing, run by Capt. Steve Erbisch— not Sand Point Charters, as was reported in the story. For more information about Hooked Up Charter Fishing or to book a charter trip, visit hookedupcharter.com. — LB

Got something to say?

We love hearing from you! E-mail us at staff@lakelandboating.com, or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 727 South Dearborn St., Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605. The opinions expressed in Mail Call are not necessarily those of Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

6 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Visit our new factoryshowroom in Oconto, Wisconsin or go to CruisersYachts.com/lb

Kiss the status quo goodbye.

The new 41 Cantius.

The incredible new 41 Cantius was ergonomically designed to put everything within easy reach. Such as sumptuous food, lively conversation and interesting friends. Its revolutionary open-concept design was made for entertaining guests, by inviting interaction and keeping everyone onboard engaged in the conversation. Plus, it also features the most advanced technology and amenities to make your 41 Cantius the most happening venue in town. Your weekends, and your life will never be the same. To experience the extraordinary new 41 Cantius, visit your dealer or go to CruisersYachts.com/lb

Scan this QR code for behind-the-scenes video of the new 41 Cantius.

scuttlebutt

Fast and Furious

Race results from Michigan City’s Great Lakes Grand Prix. BY PAU L KE M I E L

A

n estimated 85,000 spectators lining the beachfront in Michigan City, Indiana, waited patiently after a one-and-a-half-hour delay for the morning rainstorm to pass. The distant roar from offshore boat engines leaving the wet pits gave way to wild enthusiasm and anticipation for the start of Michigan City’s 3rd Annual Super Boat Great Lakes Grand Prix, August 5-7. Fans were rewarded for their patience when dreary skies gave way to copius amounts of sunshine and two- to five-foot waves on the azure waters of Lake Michigan.

First to cross the finish line was Cintron, a 50-foot Mystic catamaran powered by a pair of 1400-hp Stotler Racing engines. Driver Hugh Fuller from Clearwater, Florida, and throttleman Rich Wyatt of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (pictured right), put on quite a show. “The speedometer read 145 miles per hour, so we ran the right setup for these choppy waters,” Wyatt said after the victory. “It felt like ocean racing out there.”

Cintron took home first place in the Superboat Unlimited class.

Top honors in the Superboat 850 class went to Page Motorsports and its 38-foot Skater catamaran. Owner/driver Steve Page, from Ft. Myers, Florida, along with throttleman Joey Gratton of University Park, Florida (pictured above), “walked” the cat over turbulent seas to win first place.

8 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

PHOTOS BY PAUL KEMIEL

scuttlebutt

GOING FOR GOLD DAVE VILLWOCK, 57, from Auburn, Washington (pictured wearing helmet), in his Spirit of Qatar Unlimited Hydroplane rewrote the history books by becoming The Air National Guard Hydroplane Series all-time winningest driver with 63 victories.

Villwock’s first-place finish was achieved at the 102nd running of the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Gold Cup Race in Detroit, Michigan, which took place July 8-10.

The 30-year-old record was previously held by Bill Muncey with 62 career wins. Villwock averaged 130.80 miles per hour on the Detroit River race course to earn his ninth Gold Cup victory.

The Gold Cup is the oldest trophy in all of motorsports. — P.K.

Leave your worries behind.

Your destination awaits you.

Cutwater® Boats feature an innovative hull design for comfortable and fuel-efficient cruising. Step aboard the new C26 and C28 to experience the Cutwater difference.

Standard features: • • • • •

Patented Keel Stepped Hull design Bow and stern thrusters Fuel-efficient diesel power Trailerable Yacht-size features

CutwaterBoats.com | 800.349.7198 9 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

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Operation Summaries From the 9th District U.S. Coast Guard.

The tour boat Pictured Rocks sits on the beach in Empire, Michigan, July 26, where the vessel’s captain intentionally grounded it the previous evening following damage in rough weather. The boat was carrying 59 passengers, the captain and first mate when a wave reportedly blew out a window, causing electronics to malfunction and the vessel to begin taking on water.

07/06 Man Rescued Bois Blanc Island, MI A boatcrew from USCG Station St. Ignace, Michigan, rescued a 54-year-old man after the 12-foot aluminum boat he was on capsized near Bois Blanc Island off Cheboygan, Michigan, in Lake Huron. A 50-year-old man, who also had been aboard the vessel, was able to swim ashore and used a cell phone to report the capsized vessel about 19:30. Boatcrews in a 25-foot Response Boat-Small and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from USCG Station St. Ignace immediately launched. When the RB-S arrived on scene, crew found the man clinging to the side of the overturned vessel. He was not wearing a life jacket. The RB-S crew recovered the man, who was suffering from hypothermia and shock, from the water and took him to shore in Cheboygan, where EMTs were waiting to transport him to a local hospital. The crew of the 47-foot MLB was able to lift the disabled vessel on the rear deck of their boat, removing the possible hazard to navigation. They transported the skiff to USCG Station St. Ignace. case closed 07/19 Woman Medevaced Following Collision Erie, PA A rescue boatcrew from USCG Station Erie, Pennsylvania, conducted a medevac of an injured woman after they responded to the scene of a collision between a 32-foot pleasure craft and a personal watercraft in Lake Erie near Beach 11 in Presque Isle State Park. The woman, who was operating the personal watercraft at the time of the collision, sustained a head laceration. USCG is not releasing the names of any individuals involved in the accident. There were no reported injuries to the individuals aboard the 32-foot pleasure craft.

Watchstanders at USCG Station Erie received a report of the collision from local 911 dispatch at about 17:52. The boatcrew launched aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small and recovered the woman before transferring her to EMS personnel. She was taken to Hamot Medical Center in Erie. The rescue boatcrew also reported that the pleasure craft had a 3-foot-long crack above the waterline. The vessel began taking on water, but installed pumps were able to keep up with the water intake. The vessel was taken out of the water at Bay Harbor West Marina. The personal watercraft also was towed to shore.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is currently conducting an investigation of the accident. case pends

10 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

PHOTO COURTESY OF USCG SECTOR FIELD OFFICE, GRAND HAVEN, MI

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GLCC Expands Online School New curriculum includes more than 30 courses.

F

ollowing last year’s successful launch, which drew more than 500 registrants, the Great Lakes Cruising Club (GLCC) School has expanded its webinar curriculum for 2011-12. Great Lakes boaters can now choose from 30-plus online tutorials conducted by accredited sail- or powerboating colleagues and specialists. Membership in the club is not required to participate.

Live, on-screen presentations with visual aids provide an opportunity for participants to interact with the instructor and each other, creating a “virtual classroom.” Sessions typically run from 60 to 90 minutes, and the only requirement is a computer with speakers, Internet browser and an Internet connection.

This year’s topics include introductions to several favored Great Lakes cruising areas,

navigation skills, negotiating locks, boat and engine maintenance, women’s forum, energy management, fiberglass repair basics, weather, writing for the boating market, the Trent-Severn Waterway, provisioning, cruising with pets, and marine photography, among others. A complete listing of classes is available at glccschool.com.

If you register for a class and miss a live presentation, you can access a recording of your webinar for up to six weeks.

The GLCC School is sponsored by the Great Lakes Cruising Club, a non-profit organization founded in 1934 with a membership base in excess of 2,500 U.S. and Canadian boaters.

For more information about GLCC, visit glcclub.com. To register for upcoming classes at the GLCC School, visit glccschool.com. r

NEW TiaraYachts Factory Hardtops Stylish & Timeless, Designed for Classic Models 31’ - 43’

For information call or email Evan Dufendach • 616-392-7163 • edufendach@tiarayachts.com — Also ask about the Tiara Yachts Restoration and Renovation Program — TIARA YACHTS TIARA R&R 2011 LAKELAND BOATING

1

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT LAKES CRUISING CLUB

725 EAST 40TH STREET

HOLLAND, MICHIGAN 49423

USA

9/26/11, 12:00 PM 11 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

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Must Buster

Say goodbye to mold and mildew with Kanberra Gel. by h eath e r ste i n b e rg e r

Kanberra Gel works its all-natural magic throughout the offseason, neutralizing microbial molds and mildews aboard a pilothouse yacht in winter storage at Bay Marine in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

12 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

I

f there’s a polar opposite to that appealing new-boat smell, it must be the musty, often cringe-worthy, closedup-over-the-winter smell. In fact, it’s probably safe to say that every boater who’s preparing to decommission his or her vessel for the winter is more than a little anxious about mold and mildew growth in the coming months.

So you clean your boat from stem to stern. You make sure she’s shining like a new penny before you shrink wrap her or tuck her away behind custom-fitted covers. But is that enough? You’d better get the arsenal of chemical cleaners ready for spring, just to be safe.

Or maybe there’s another way.

Last spring, Lakeland Boating introduced readers to a New York-based company called Indoor Air Professionals and its unique product, a natural airborne disinfectant called Kanberra Gel. Comprising pharmaceutical-grade Australian tea tree oil mixed with a rare, difficult-to-harvest lemon-scented tea tree oil, several polymers and water, the gel evaporates into the air. Once the water dissipates, the oils land on surrounding surfaces and eat away at mold, mildew, bacteria and fungus.

“We just took what Mother Nature gave us,” said David Levesque, product specialist for Indoor Air Professionals. “It’s a biological process, not a chemical one. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic ability. When the oils are mixed together, you get natural antimicrobial properties amplified 15 to 20 times.”

According to Levesque, the oils remain effective for weeks. And this is the absolutely salient point for boaters

who are about to put their vessels into storage: The gel can prevent the growth of all those microbial nasties.

“The gel is widely accepted for storage, because when you have a contained environment, the antiseptic oils are suspended in the air, kind of like a vapor,” he explained.

“They’ll seek out the mold, bacteria and fungus and eat them up. That ‘vapor’ will even penetrate upholstery and canvas.”

The first step is to make sure that your boat is going to be a properly contained environment. If you simply throw ill-fitting canvas over your boat, for example, there will be too much air movement for the gel to do its job.

“Whether you’re using inside heated or cold storage, make sure you’ve contained those living spaces somehow,” Levesque advised. “Use shrink wrap or covers that fit snugly. You can’t let the outside air dilute the inside air too much, as you have to maintain the concentration of the suspended oils.”

Likewise, you’ll need to make sure you haven’t sealed things up too tightly. Some air has to move over the container for the gel to work. “You need a little air,” Levesque said. “Just not too much.”

Once you have a good system for maintaining that contained environment, make sure you’ve cleaned your boat well before storing her. As Levesque pointed out, a boat that’s put away dirty will come out dirty, and the gel is certainly not a surface-cleaning application.

“If you don’t clean your boat, and you use the gel through the winter, you’ll still end up with mold,” he PHOTOS BY RICHARD STEINBERGER / STEINBERGERPHOTO.COM

scuttlebutt advised. “The mold growth may be neutralized, but it’s still there, and you still need to clean your boat!”

So now you’ve cleaned your boat, and you’re ready to put out the gel. Levesque recommends a 2-ounce canister for an 18- to 20-foot boat; 4 ounces for a boat up to 28 or 30 feet; and 8 ounces for a boat up to 40 feet. Sailboats might require less than powerboats of the same size, since their living quarters will be smaller.

“Put the canister in the lowest place so the vapor can move up and out,” Levesque said. “And be sure to leave your cabin doors open.”

You’ll also want to put the gel out before freezing temperatures arrive. The oils will neutralize molds, then they will freeze along with any leftover mold. When the late-winter or spring thaws occur, they’ll go right back to work, just as the shrink wrap begins to act like a greenhouse.

Now, just open the Kanberra Gel container, take off the clear plastic lid, and set the container down in your chosen location. The gel starts working as air moves over the container, and once it has neutralized any microbial invaders on hand, it will provide that all-important preventative care. In fact, even after the gel evaporates, users will benefit from a residual effect for up to 45 days.

While storage is a very popular application, many boaters also use the gel throughout the year in their boats’ bilges, heads, cabins and V-berths. Some also

Advantages of the DC Speed Control system: • Precise handling of the boat in all weather conditions • Run time is extended – at 50% of full power, close to continuous usage is possible • Plug & play S-Link “CAN” based control system • Easy installation • Built to the same high standards of quality and safety common to all Sidepower products • Perfect for new builds and refits

expand their usage to include their cars and homes, where it can provide asthma and allergy relief.

“Our goal has always been to provide indoor air-quality solutions that improve health,” Levesque said. “Kanberra Gel disinfects without putting chemicals into the air, which means you don’t have to worry about inhaling fumes that you really shouldn’t be breathing.”

Kanberra Gel is available at retailers around the country. To learn more, call 800-683-0021, e-mail davidl@ kanberragel.com, or visit kanberragel.com.

Speed Controlled DC Thrusters Today’s more powerful thrusters can push a boat too fast when conditions are calm, resulting in a lack of control by the user. The solution is Side-Power’s new Power Controlled DC thrusters – enabling proportional speed control of a DC electric thruster, for more precise control in any conditions.

The unique DC Speed Controller also extends the available run-time of the thruster due to reduced demand on power. The three main elements proportional control panel, power control unit, and DC electric thruster – are all tied together with the new S-Link Control Bus. It’s a whole new world of thruster control!

Contact Imtra for more information on the latest innovation in bow and stern thruster technology.

Visit www.imtra.com today.

Ph: 508.995.7000 www.imtra.com

13 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

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Calendar of Events Nov. 5 Holiday Gift Fair Bellaire, MI | bellairechamber.org Nov. 5 – Dec. 18 Holiday Art Show Vermilion, OH | vermilion.net Nov. 18 – 20 Christmas by the Bay Sturgeon Bay, WI | doorcounty.com Nov. 20 Folk Art Fair Sturgeon Bay, WI doorcountyymca.com Nov. 23 – Dec. 31 Country Christmas Pewaukee, WI thecountrychristmas.com Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Day Parade Jacksonport, WI | jacksonport.net

14 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Nov. 25 Christmas Craft Show/ Celebration Indian River, MI irchamber.com

Harbor Centre Holiday Celebration Sheboygan, WI visitsheboygan.com Nov. 25 – 26 Capture the Spirit Sister Bay, WI sisterbaytourism.com Holly Days Egg Harbor, WI eggharbordoorcounty.org Nov. 25 – 27 Harbour Town 1837 Christmas Walk Vermilion, OH vermilion.net

Nov. 26 Holiday Open House Bay Harbor, MI bayharbor.com Starry, Starry Night Grand Marais, MI grandmaraismichigan.com Dec. 3 Angel Ball Sturgeon Bay, WI sturgeonbay.net Christmas in the Village Ephraim, WI ephraim-doorcounty.com Christmas Parade Clayton, NY 1000islands-clayton.com Christmas Tree Ship Vermilion, OH | vermilion.net Harbor Centre Holiday Open House Sheboygan, WI visitsheboygan.com

Holiday Homes Tour Door County, WI | doorcancer.com Jewelry & Gift Extravaganza Show Waukesha, WI riversendgallery.com Dec. 4 Bed and Breakfast Walk Sturgeon Bay, WI | sturgeonbay.net Christmas at the Lighthouse Northport, MI grandtraverselighthouse.com Dec. 10 Christmas Tree Ship Celebration Manitowoc, WI wisconsinmaritime.org Nautical Christmas Crafts Sandusky, OH sanduskymaritime.org Dec. 11 Gingerbread Lighthouse Workshop Sandusky, OH sanduskymaritime.org

gear guru

Fast Fixes

Get cracking on offseason repairs and improvements. BY Z UZANA PROCHAZ KA <

PERKO FlushPro

Whether you’re winterizing or moving your boat between different bodies of water, you’ll need to flush the engine. You can flush a direct drive, V-drive, jet drive, inboard/outboard or heat exchange system with a regular garden hose by installing Perko’s FlushPro. The FlushPro is available for hose sizes 5/8-inch, 1-inch or 1-1/4-inch and is made of a heavy-duty transparent polymer with a stainless steel spring. It permanently installs in-line with your raw water pump. Just remove the FlushPro cap, attach a garden hose, turn on the water and start the engine.

FlushPro’s durable check valve system is activated by water pressure from the hose and automatically shuts off hull intake when pressure is applied. FlushPro is available as just the valve itself or as a kit that contains the check valve with hose clamps, a Perko water inlet fitting and seven feet of hose and fittings. The FlushPro works for flushing generators or air conditioning units. It retails at $110 for the valve or $190 for the kit. PERKO.COM

>

DOYLE MARINE Snake Mate Inspector Pro

You’d be hard pressed to find more cramped and awkward places to work than on a boat. So here’s something handy for those hard-to-reach places—Doyle Marine’s Snake Mate Inspector Pro waterproof borescope inspection camera. Find out what’s happening on the bottom of an engine hose connection, or see if the attach point behind the head is really secure. The Snake Mate is a gun grip instrument with a detachable color monitor to see (and record) in tight spaces. The monitor is a 3.5 TFT-LCD wireless display with a lithium-ion battery. A 2GB SD memory card is included, so you can look at images in detail on your PC. The camera and grip operate on 4 AA alkaline batteries, and a 110-volt charger is included. Extend your viewing reach from three feet with the standard shaft to six feet with the flexible extension. Optional extension shafts can get you up to 30 feet. Other standard features: A hook, mirror and magnet that you can attach to the shaft. You can even use the hook or magnet to retrieve lines, wires, nuts or missing parts from the bilge or other cramped, hard-to-reach spaces. The whole thing comes in a hard plastic case, and the camera and shaft are waterproof to IP67 standards. A recent upgrade includes a 9mm camera tip. The kit retails for $195. DOYLEMARINE.COM

< DAVIS

INSTRUMENTS Slick Seam

Everyone loves the look of a wooden boat, but those who own one know what a challenge it can be to keep up with the maintenance on these classic beauties. Here’s one product that will make easy work of messy caulking jobs, even if you don’t take your boat out of the water. Slick Seam from Davis Instruments is a versatile seam caulking compound that can be used under water and will adhere well, dry quickly, stick to oily surfaces and will not require mixing or priming. In 30 minutes, it cures enough to be painted if you’re working out of the water. Slick Seam is made of mineral products, waxes and silicate fibers and can be applied on wet surfaces. Slick Seam stays put even when wood works, flexes and swells, and it won’t harden or crack. This is an easy-to-use hull compound, not designed for use topsides. A 16-ounce container retails for $15. DAVIS.COM

ZUZANA PROCHAZKA is a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master with 20 years boating experience. Her work has appeared in numerous national boating magazines, and she authors a popular gear and boat review blog, TalkOfTheDock.com.

15 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

electronics

Generation GPS

Celebrating twenty years of technological advancements. BY TOM THOM PSON

I

t was 1989, about two years before I started writing for Lakeland Boating. The editor of a boating magazine I was freelancing for at the time assigned me to do a story about a neat new electronic gadget. It would turn out to be my introduction to the amazing world of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

I held the gadget in my hand, walking along and marveling at the numbers in the display changing as I moved. It was the Magellan NAV 1000, a handheld device about the size of a brick with a stubby antenna erupting from the top corner. By today’s standards, it was rather primitive. It didn’t do much more than the state-of-the-art LORAN receivers of the day, but it was the first commercially available GPS navigation receiver. More importantly, it was the harbinger of an incredible wave of change on the horizon.

GPS has had a profound effect on boating in the 20 years I’ve been a contributor to this magazine. We’ve gone from reading fuzzy numbers on a tiny screen that we had to interpolate on a paper chart, to big screen TV-like multifunction displays showing virtual reality images of our surroundings above and below the waterline.

First and foremost, the GPS era gave us electronic charting. Early chartplotters may not have displayed much detail, but wow, that little boat icon actually moved with you! This was gadgetry worthy of James Bond or Captain Kirk. Chartplotter images have since gone from black and white, to multiple levels of grayscale, to full color, to 3D; all while getting bigger and brighter. Chart packages now even include satellite imagery.

Not long after GPS began to make its mark on marine electronics, so did another

16 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

high-tech innovation: Networking. Devices started talking with each other, sharing data and improving the boating experience. LORAN had been able to send data to autopilots since the early 1980s, but with GPS, networking moved to the next level. Now with the touch of a button, you could save the location of the underwater structure that had a good-looking school of fish around it to your chartplotter database and return to it anytime using the autopilot. Combine engine performance and GPS data, and you can instantly know how far you can travel on what’s left in your fuel tank. Radar and satellite weather overlaid on your chart image gives you complete situational awareness, day or night.

Computers got onboard in the 1990s and took navigation to even higher levels. It started on megayachts, where helms are protected in air-conditioned comfort. Then, a few brave souls installed early nav software on their laptops and plugged in a GPS receiver. Point-and-click navigation was up and running. Next came marinized computers, and boats were firmly in the digital age.

You could even plan your voyages on the water in the comfort of your own home, then simply transfer the data at the dock.

But GPS didn’t sit still during this technology expansion, either. When GPS was first made available for public use, there were two levels of position accuracy: Military and civilian. Selective Availability (SA), as it was called, meant that you would be likely to find your target within about the length of a football field. SA was turned off in 1996. Later, with the introduction of WAAS, the Wide Area Augmentation System of ground-based reference stations, position accuracy was improved to about a boat length.

Today’s helm technology can seem light years ahead of what existed a mere two decades ago. In fact, it’s possible to outfit any small boat with electronic instruments that would make it the envy of a mid-20th century Navy admiral. GPS is the driving force behind it. All those fantastic capabilities would be useless, however, without good ol’ latitude and longitude; because if you don’t know where you are, you can’t know where you’re going.

corke board

Build-a-Boat

Kit boats are a great way to construct your own craft.

I

remember the first boat I ever built. Twelve-foot-long and bright orange, I constructed it when I was still in high school. Looking back now, it was pretty rough; but I had a lot of fun with that boat, and it obviously made a big impression on me. I’ve built several boats since.

That first boat was built from a set of plans, constructed of plywood and solid lumber. I recall transferring shapes to the expensive plywood, and creating the parts took an extraordinary amount of time. If only I’d started with a kit, things would’ve been so much easier.

Building from a kit makes a lot of sense. All the parts are cut out for you, often on a computer-controlled machine, so you know they’re going to fit; and provided you can follow some fairly simple instructions, I believe almost anyone can build an acceptable craft. The last kit boat I built was supplied by Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC). The kit included just about everything you’d need to build a complete boat, with the exception of the paint and varnish, not to mention the weekends and evenings necessary to build it. CLC kits, like many other kit boats, are built from marine plywood that’s glued together with epoxy resin. The pre cut panels are temporarily stitched together with copper wires and the seams are glued with resin, which, once dry, allow the stitches to be withdrawn and the boat completed.

Building a kit makes an ideal winter project. Lest you think that there’s a huge time commitment involved, I spent 40 hours building the Eastport pram from opening the box to completion. I then spent another 40 hours or so sanding, varnishing and painting. What they don’t tell you in the kit plans is how much satisfaction you get from building your own boat; until you’ve actually done it, it can be hard to describe.

Apart from the kit itself, you need space in which to build your boat. To construct a small dinghy or kayak, for example, a single car garage will work perfectly.

You’ll also need a few basic woodworking tools and the motivation to see the job through; that’s where the kit comes into its own. Because all the kit parts are pre-cut, you can begin actually assembling the boat on the first day right out of the box. Translation: Solid progress can be made the first weekend.

I know many builders personally who’ve started with a kayak and ended up building a much larger boat. Having been bitten by the boatbuilding bug, they seem to enjoy

O TT O I TAJROKECSOHRMKOEE / P H O T O C R E D I T PHO O SC RBEYDM MARY SMITH / PHOTO CREDIT JOE SHMOE

the building almost as much as the boating. I strongly believe almost anyone can build a kit boat. It makes a great winter project to build either alone or with the family; kids love to help, and the relative quickness of the endeavor means they’re not likely to get bored.

I have one final tip when it comes to building kit boats: Don’t take on a project that’s apt to overwhelm you. There are some truly impressive kits for boats measuring 30 feet-plus, and these are a major undertaking likely to take several years to complete.

If you’ve never built a boat and are unsure if you’ll enjoy the challenge, my advice is start small; if you like it, you can always progress to something larger for the next project.

Choosing which design to build is half the fun, and the Internet makes it a cinch to search for a suitable design. In years past, one would have to send off a self-addressed stamped envelope and wait with anticipation for the package to arrive on the doorstep.

Now, you can spend a pleasant evening looking at various websites and dreaming of the voyages and trips that you’ll take in your new craft. I remember that a few sketches and photos stapled to the wall kept me motivated when I’d had a gut-full of sanding.

Costs vary depending on the boat that you build and who supplies the kit. My Eastport pram, for example, cost just under $1,000 including shipping. If that’s out of your price range, however, a small kayak might be a less expensive starter option.

BY MAR K COR KE

Mark Corke is an accomplished journalist, author and sailor and creator of the popular blog onboardwithmarkcorke.com, focusing on various DIY boating projects.

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the chandlery

Get ’r Done

Don’t run short on weekend boating projects this offseason.

18 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

the chandlery < INTELLIGENT ILLUMINATION Cut power consumption on board by installing X-Beam LED replacement bulbs from Imtra. Good for use in most spots, including overhead fixtures.

The bulbs are compatible with popular G4-based dome fixtures from several manufacturers, including Scandvik, Perko, ABI and others. Color choices include Warm White for interiors (120 Lumens) or Cool White for exterior applications (150 Lumens). $18.99 DEFENDER.COM

>

SWIFT SWITCH

Eliminate problems associated with old-style float switches by installing SeaSense’s new 12-volt automatic bilge pump switch this offseason. The sensor activates automatically when water reaches a customer-preset level in the bilge.

The switch mounts easily, works in both fresh- and saltwater, and conserves

>

energy by running only when needed. $50 (approx.) SEASENSE.COM

LET THERE BE LIGHT

A new set of Hurley HID Trim Tab Lights is a great solution to last season’s darkness-below-the-waterline problem. Hurley’s streamlined design helps reduce drag while maintaining stability, and the brilliant white light is visible even through murky water. Lights are adjustable using your trim controls. All components are made from durable materials designed to stand up in the harsh marine environment. $2,195.95 (incl. four lights and two brackets). HURLEYMARINE.COM

< MEAN CLEAN No better time than the present to make sure your boat’s super clean and ready to ride out the winter months in storage. ZTuffStuff makes a powerful allpurpose cleaner that’s safe for use on vinyl, fiberglass and non-skid surfaces. Apply ZCleaner to fenders, inflatables, power cords, bilges and more. $10.99 (32-oz. spray bottle) DEFENDER.COM

OUTBOARD MOTOR

PROPELLER

> LOCKED UP Protect your boat during the winter months with anti-theft products from McGard. Secure your floating investment 24 hours a day, seven days a week with McGard’s line of anti-theft devices designed to safeguard sterndrives, outboard motors, propellers and trailer wheels. SHOP.MCGARD.COM

TRAILER

STERNDRIVE

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boat test

20 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

boat test

CUTWATER A versatile, trailerable cruiser in 26- and 28-foot packages. BY ROG E R MCAFE E

PHOTO COURTESY OF CUTWATER

21 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

T 22 LAKELANDBOATING.COM

The Washington State builder of the very successful Ranger Tug line of trawlers recently introduced two new boats, and if early response is any indicator, the new vessel will rapidly become as popular as its famous Tugs.

The new fiberglass sedan cruisers, 26 and 28 footers, are produced by the Livingston family, one of the most experienced boatbuilding groups in the United States.

The new cruisers are, like the Rangers, easily trailerable.

The Cutwater is a new boat from the keel up, and the major difference between it and most other boats in its class is what the company calls its “keel stepped hull.”

Most stepped hulls are built for high speed and therefore have no keel; but one of the features of the Cutwater is that is has a substantial keel aft of the hull bottom. This improves tracking and adds a bit of roll dampening while the boat’s at rest.

The bottom of this semi-displacement hull has been widened slightly at the engine space, allowing the engine to be mounted lower in the hull. This lowers the boat’s center of gravity and improves stability. These features, combined with a hull prop pocket, reduces the shaft down angle and allows for a more straight line application of power, improving fuel efficiency and reducing draft.

Our test boat was the 28-footer. It is smartly styled with a crisp, chiseled look, and bears no cosmetic similarities to its Ranger Tug stablemates. Fiberglass work on the Cutwater is excellent, without ripple, haze or print through, but this is to be expected from a boatbuilder of Livingston’s experience and expertise.

Vessel access is through a starboard transom door off the swim platform. An obvious feature in the transom is the reversible, comfortably padded seat that, in good

boat test

weather, makes the self-bailing cockpit an ideal place to congregate. The cockpit is most certainly fishingfriendly; no floor mounted cleats or other toe-stubbers to worry about.

While the cockpit sides are high enough to be safe and secure, that opening transom gate and large swim grid make landing a large fish easy. Should, by accident, an angler slip off the swim grid (something many serious anglers have done, or is it only me?), the built-in boarding ladder can be quickly deployed. Our test boat was equipped with the optional cockpit throttle and steering controls, useful while fishing, docking or close-quarter maneuvering through crowded marinas.

The cockpit includes a fresh water sink and shower, a space for a cooler and an optional barbeque. The electric/ hydraulic engine cover hatch in the cockpit sole, when PHOTOS COURTEST OF CUTWATER

opened, provides full, easy access to the machinery space.

The machinery space itself is neat and tidy, and routine engine service will present no problems.

The foredeck, accessed along narrow side decks with the help of roof-mounted grab rails, features substantial hand rails and a bow platform ladder that allows beach access over the bow.

Access to the deck house is through a metal framed, full-length glass door leading to a traditionally laid out main salon/galley, complete with a microwave/convection oven, double stainless sink and refrigerator/freezer along the port side and convertible settee/dinette along the starboard. Forward of the galley is a mate’s seat, and forward of the dinette is a double helm seat with wine cooler underneath. When the vessel is not underway, the backs of both these seats pivot forward to increase useable galley countertop and settee space. There also is a double berth under the dinette which, when not used as intended, provides great storage space.

The deckhouse of the new Cutwater contains more window glass than fiberglass, and that makes for a bright, cheery interior even on the dullest of days. The salon roof features four opening glass hatches that add to the natural light inside. The opening roof hatches also help

The Cutwater’s interior remains airy and bright, thanks to a plethora of glass surrounding the deckhouse. The salon roof adds to the boat’s cheerful disposition with a total of four opening glass hatches that flood the cabin with light on the gloomy days.

23 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

The Cutwater’s head is illuminated by an overhead frosted glass panel that acts as a skylight, ushering in light from the deckhouse (above). Our test boat featured the standard Yanmar 6BY2 260-hp engine, which performed well and ran both quiet and smooth (above, right). Because the Cutwater 26 and 28 are trailerable, it’s easy to load them up with gear to explore your favorite spots and trek overland to the nearest launch ramp for a day of cruising fun (right).

24 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

with ventilation. In fact, they are designed to be left open a crack and still be dogged down, allowing the boat to simultaneously ventilate and remain secure.

Forward and down two steps is the foc’s’le, with a few features unavailable on any other boat in this market segment. The first, and most obvious, is what Cutwater calls a “breakfast bar,” containing a stainless sink and microwave.

The forward double berth converts to seating for four around a hi/lo table that’s part of the berth base when the foc’s’le is set up as a master stateroom. A full standup head is complete with sink, hot and cold water shower and an electric flush toilet. An overhead frosted glass panel in the head acts as a skylight, allowing light from the deckhouse to flood down into the head. This is a nice touch; the only other new vessel currently incorporating this feature is much larger than the Cutwater and costs almost a million dollars.

We fired up the diesel main engine and, with a touch of the bow and stern thrusters (both standard equipment), eased away from the dock. The thrusters make docking and maneuvering the boat a cinch. The main engine, a Yanmar 6BY2 260-hp, started easily with no clatter or smoke. This 183-cubic-inch, 694-pound common rail engine ran smoothly and quietly on startup and performed well during our test.

We idled away from the dock at 670 RPM, making 3.9 knots and burning 0.3 gallons of diesel per hour. At 1000 RPM, we made 5.4 knots and sipped 0.6 gallons of fuel per hour. Even with the aft door wide open, the noise level only measured 67 decibels. As a comparison, normal conversation is about 70 decibels. At 2000 RPM, we burned 3 gallons per hour and made 9 knots. At 3000 RPM, we made 18.6 knots and burned 6.6 gph. At 3500 RPM, we were at 23.1 knots. At WOT—about 4080 RPM—we scooted along at 28.2 knots and burned 13.4 gph. All speeds were measured by an independent GPS,

boat test

and fuel consumption figures were generated by the engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s onboard computer.

The vessel tracked well and responded smartly and precisely to the helm at all speeds. Whether beam-on, close to a passing ferry wake, or pounding through the wake at speed, the vessel had no problem. In tight turns, the Cutwater 28 stuck well without skidding or skipping.

This is a solid vessel, made by a pedigree U.S. builder.

It handles well, is comfortable and very economical to operate. At 9 knots (10.3 mph), it gets 3 miles on a gallon of diesel. It has plenty of space inside, a good useable cockpit, and has the speed necessary to outrun the weather. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also Great Lakes friendly; being fully trailerable, it can easily, quickly and inexpensively be pulled out for the winter. The overhead hatches can be dogged, but still allow a small opening for winter ventilation, thereby helping to keep mold and mildew at bay over the layup. It is nicely styled and well fitted out.

And at a price of $169,937 for the 28 footer and $30,000 less for the 26-foot version, either is excellent value for money.

Cutwater 26 Specifications LOA molded: 25'7" LOA (swim step, pulpit): 30'1" Bridge clearance (mast folded): 9'1" Beam: 8'6" Draft: 2'4" Fuel: 80 gals.

Water: 40 gals.

Holding: 30 gals.

Weight (dry): 5,900 lbs.

Engine: Yanmar 6BY2 180 hp Base Price: $139,937

Reed Yacht Sales is the exclusive dealer for Cutwater in the Midwest. The dealership has three locations in Michigan.

For more information, contact Brent Reed at 616-402-0180 or visit reedyachtsales.com.

Cutwater 28 Optional Equipment

Aft canopy bimini top; aft side enclosures; aft steering station w/ electronic controls; air conditioning w/ reverse cycle 16,000-BTU heat; anchor package; autopilot; Coast Guard safety kit; cockpit carpet; Wallas diesel stove/ heater; Mase 2.7 KW generator; macerator discharge w/ Y-valve; Garmin navigation package; 135-watt solar panel w/ controller; thruster wireless remote; transom platform (swim step) rails w/ gate.

Specifications LOA molded: 28' LOA (rigged swim step, pulpit): 32'4" Bridge clearance (mast folded): 9'1" Beam: 8'6" Draft: 2'4" Fuel: 100 gals.

Water: 40 gals.

Holding: 30 gals.

Weight (dry): 6,400 lbs.

Engine: Yanmar 6BY2 260 hp Base Price: $169,937

cutwaterboats.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CUTWATER

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boat spotlight

Jeanneau NC9

True versatility in a diesel-powered 30-footer. BY DAVE M U LL

T

Specifications LOA: 30'11" Beam: 10'4" Draft: 2'11" Weight: 10,648 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 79 gals.

Water Capacity: 42 gals.

Power: Volvo Penta D4 260 hp I/O Base Price: Contact dealer jeanneau.com

26 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

he clean lines and immaculate styling of the new, French-made Jeanneau NC9 is the most apparent visual impression you get from a first look at this 30-footer. Just how innovative this boat really is, however, takes a little more inspection, and once you really have a good look, you’ll see how appropriate it is that the letters “NC” stand for “New Concept.”

“It’s a very versatile boat (along with its predecessor, the 36-foot NC11), where you really have a convertible solution,” says Laurent Fabre, vice president, Power Boats America for Jeanneau.

“You might open the windows on the sides and in the back and on the hardtop like on an express boat, so you can be in the cockpit and enjoy the life outside.

Or, if it gets chilly or too hot or it’s raining, you might enclose—a little bit or completely—the helm station and enjoy the large interior.”

More innovative convertibility of this boat becomes apparent when you see how you can have a little or a lot of swim platform.

Fabre explained that the whole aft bench seat module— basically the whole transom—can be manually slid forward to provide a lot of room behind it; or slide it back for more room in the cockpit. You literally slide the transom to the end of the swim platform, which, when you think about it, is pretty much wasted space while you’re underway.

“You have the ability to make the most of the space for whatever activity you want to do on the boat,” Fabre said.

This ability to expand the cockpit will no doubt make it an ideal boat, despite it’s shorter length, for entertaining at the marina.

With a forward V-berth and island bed as well as a midships portside cabin with a double bed, it’s perfectly suited for a couple heading out for a weekend on the water. Although the fuel tank seems rather small at just 79 gallons, that’s more than enough juice for hop-scotch cruising anywhere around the Great Lakes, especially when you consider the boat’s power is a fuel-sipping D4, 260-hp diesel sterndrive from Volvo Penta. Then consider the fact that at 10 feet, four inches wide, you’ll need a permit to tow it—but that beam is not so overly wide as to make towing a big production.

With it’s displacement of just over five tons, the right tow vehicle will allow the NC9 owner to take this boat to favorite destinations around the Great Lakes via interstates, opening up a world of possibilities for short vacation cruises.

The boat is so new that the first hull wasn’t scheduled for delivery to North America until January 2012, where one will be arriving in Toronto, Ontario, Fabre said. More boats will be available in the markets that Jeanneau feels are best for the NC-9s, namely the Great Lakes, Northeast and Pacific Northwest.

“It’s a boat for the more northern parts of the country,” Fabre said, including the Great Lakes.

ask an expert

Paint Like a Pro

Jim Seidel, assistant marketing manager for Interlux Yacht Finishes, gives advice on how to properly—and safely—paint a boat.

LB: How do owners know when they can paint a vessel themselves versus when it’s best to leave it to a yard?

Seidel: If you feel comfortable painting your kitchen, you can paint the bottom of your boat. If you paint your kitchen and your spouse is pleased, you can do small projects above the waterline. If your neighbor asks for the name of the contractor who painted your kitchen, you’re probably ready to paint the topside.

LB: How do you determine what kind of topside paint to use?

Seidel: There are two choices. One-part paints, like Interlux Brightside, are easy to apply, tolerant of weather conditions and have good color and gloss. Two-part paints, like Interlux Perfection, can be more challenging to apply, but they are more durable and last a lot longer.

LB: What about bottom paints?

Seidel: You have more choices depending on substrate, water conditions and how long a boat is moored.

Antifouling paints contain biocide and must be able to absorb and release water for the biocide to prevent growth.

LB: Some antifouling paints are banned. How does one know if the coating is safe?

Seidel: Regulations vary from state to state. In general, if the paint has an EPA registration number on the label, it is safe to use.

a piece of Plexiglas or acrylic next to the boat and apply paint to the test piece. If brush marks remain, add some of the recommended thinner.

LB: Any other ideas?

Seidel: The best finish is achieved by two people: One to apply the paint with a roller, and the other to smooth the finish with a brush.

Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and use a light touch. Always finish your brush stroke by lifting the brush off while it’s still moving.

LB: Should I pay attention to the weather?

Seidel: The best time to paint is on warm, dry mornings.

Never paint in direct sunlight.

CONTACT

LB: Is it okay to apply paint directly from the can?

Seidel: No, because the paint can become contaminated.

Pour paint into a separate container and immediately reseal the can.

2270 Morris Ave. Union, NJ 07083 908-686-1300 interluxtechnicalservice@akzonobel.com

LB: What safety precautions should you follow when painting?

Seidel: Wear gloves, a long sleeve shirt, long pants and a mask. If you are working inside, good ventilation is an absolute necessity. When painting the bottom of a boat, wear eye protection and a hat.

LB: What are your top tips for achieving professional results?

Seidel: A good paint job is 90 percent preparation and 10 percent application. Prepping a surface is not the easiest or most glamorous part of the job, but it pays off with a better-looking and longer-lasting finish. A “racing” finish may not be required, but the rougher the surface, the more effort it will take to push through the water. An uneven surface on the topsides will show through the final coats. Get the prep right, and the finish will look fantastic.

LB: How do I eliminate brush marks?

Seidel: Brush marks typically mean the paint isn’t flowing properly because the weather is too hot or windy, or possibly the wrong thinner was added. Set

Interlux Yacht Finishes is North America’s leading supplier of boat paint maintenance solutions to protect, beautify and improve your boat’s performance. If you need help, Interlux experts are available.

PHOTO COURTESY OF INTERLUX YACHT FINISHES

Interlux Yacht Finishes

yachtpaint.com

27 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

ReadyTO

REPURPOSE Ohio’s Custom Marine tackles a tricky TV install.

WHEN UPGRADING YOUR BOAT MEANS MAKING THINGS USEFUL, attractive and easy to maintain and fix, companies such as Custom Marine Inc. of Sandusky, Ohio, get the call.

Jeremy Goldstein, founder of Custom Marine, lives to make boats look nicer and become more functional.

A case in point is the entertainment center he and his co-workers installed this year on a 1991 50-foot Sea Ray. Instead of just relocating a flat screen television from its awkward perch atop the cabinet that came stock with the boat, Goldstein re-engineered the entire cabinet.

This not only made the TV look attractive in its new location, but also gave the cabinet additional storage.

Plus, the wiring behind it is now much easier to access in the event a repair or future electronics additions or upgrades are called for.

“The boat came with a microscopic 13-inch TV, and the owner had added a flat screen, but it was just temporarily screwed on top of the old cabinet,” Goldstein says. “He asked me to make it look like it belonged.” He said the owner also wanted a place for his computer, and wanted to use the space behind the cabinet for storage.

“Basically, we were repurposing a cabinet,” Goldstein explains. Starting the project in the spring with the boat still in winter storage, Custom Marine wrapped about 80 hours worth of work into getting the job done.

“One of the problems with the existing cabinet was that the way it was set up made it difficult to get to the electrical wiring behind the panel,” Goldstein says. Not so when the job was finished.

28 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

BY DAVE M U LL

“What I always do is make things easy to access for the boat owner, but also the repair guy, too,” he says, noting that few production boats are ever built with the idea that future access for repairs or maintenance will be needed. Job after job, Custom Marine builds all of its components and installs upgrades giving extra consideration to the idea of future accessibility of each and every component. It’s one of Goldstein’s core beliefs: That all work done at Custom Marine is first and foremost designed not only to fit owners’ desires, but also to be easily serviceable. Goldstein drew up the television plans, which met with immediate approval from the boat owner. The project incorporated the flat screen TV into a top-hinged cabinet face. Gas shocks help lift the cabinet face, now with the flat screen TV installed inside, to access the roomy storage space behind. There was a fair amount of extra space back there because in 1991 TVs still had tubes, and the cabinet needed to accommodate this cumbersome feature.

“Also, in sticking with my shop’s tradition of making things as functional and practical as they are beautiful, we reworked the entire cabinet to be serviceable by adding removable panels within the cabinet that appear like they’ve always been there, with a fit and finish not typically found in production boats,” Goldstein says. He said he didn’t have to replace any factory wiring, but he did change out some switches to match the updated look.

The project took awhile, he says, because among other things, he and his co-workers had to take apart much of the surrounding components and upholstery just to

Custom Marine’s install job resulted in a cabinet that offered a place to set up a computer and lots of storage behind the television (top right). Electrical wiring is covered by panels designed for easy removal (middle). Custom Marine prepares to add gas shocks to make lifting the TV a cinch (bottom).

remove the cabinet. Now, Goldstein says, “The TV just flips up, and you have lots of newly usable space behind it. The existing cabinet interior wasn’t finished; you were looking at the raw fiberglass of the inner hull side. We did some light bodywork and painting and also added carpeting, all in black, providing a clean, finished look. When we remade the shelving, we added a back so you’re not ever seeing or touching raw fiberglass. All of the components are removable—some are velcroed in, and some have a few fasteners. There’s nowhere you can’t have easy access now.”

As an aside that speaks to the “small world” of Great Lakes boating, Goldstein said the owner called him out of the blue because of a magazine ad.

“We used to dock at the same marina 15 years ago—he was a just a few piers away,” Goldstein says. “Turned out I had known him for a long time.”

The Sea Ray’s owner is already having Custom Marine bid a project to fix a deteriorated floor in one of the boat’s heads.

Custom Marine Inc. 7702 Milan Rd. Sandusky, OH 44870 419-621-1188 custommarine.biz PHOTOS BY JEREMY GOLDSTEIN

29 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Primed for Power Do your homework when considering an engine repower. by h eath e r ste i n b e rg e r

When he purchased a new Wellcraft Excalibur 45 from White Lake Moorings in Michigan, Australian stockbroker Roger Colman decided to repower the boat—for optimum power and torque in his desired cruising range, to improve fuel efficiency with a gas-to-diesel conversion, and to enhance the boat’s overall value.

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I

f you haven’t had to do it before, or if you don’t know anyone who’s done it, the word “repower” probably brings to mind a simple picture: You haul out your boat’s old engine and replace it with a new one.

How hard can it be, right?

As with most things, marine or otherwise, reality tends to be more complex than it seems on the surface. To start, if you’re hoping to repower your boat, you need to determine if you want to overhaul your engine, rebuild it or replace it. Then you’ll need to find a marine service center to do the work.

The majority of repower customers are interested in fully replacing their power plants, so if you’re a member of that club, you’ll also need to choose the right equipment.

It’s a lot to digest, so Lakeland Boating spoke with the owner of a Wellcraft Excalibur 45 that recently was repowered at White Lake Moorings in White Hall, Michigan, and with the service providers who supported him. This owner did an extraordinary amount of research, and his tips are worth sharing with all Great Lakes boaters. What makes his story even more interesting is that he’s Australian.

Stockbroker Roger Colman lives and works in Sydney.

Since 2007, he’d been spending his time on an outboardpowered Scarab 34; after ongoing maintenance problems

with the motors, however, he was ready for a different boat. Given the value of the U.S. dollar, he decided to make his purchase in the U.S. rather than in Europe or Asia.

And since he knew the value of a boat used only during short summer seasons, run only in fresh water and stored dry for the winter, he turned to the Great Lakes.

He found the perfect boat at White Lake Moorings, and he found a trustworthy broker in general manager Mike Swift. Working with Swift on repowering the Excalibur, Colman said, was a no-brainer.

“Mike proved meticulous during the purchase and also walked me through the decision-making,” he explained. “He owns a marina and service facility, has a mechanic and subcontractors he knows, and (he) offered a competitive price.”

First, Colman advised, a boater needs to determine the condition of the boat’s existing engines and analyze a repower’s return on investment. Compare the cost of a repower to the costs of overhaul and higher maintenance, also taking into account savings on gas or diesel fuel.

“The single greatest reason for repowering is new technology,” Swift said. “With the new technology comes efficiency, noise reduction, environmental cleanliness, range, warranties and increased worth of the vessel.”

Like Colman, Swift acknowledged the cost involved and stressed the importance of running the numbers.

“With the ever-increasing cost of fuel, there now is reasonable return on investment,” he said. “The three types of repowering we’re focusing on are gasoline to diesel, diesel to diesel and old-technology two-stroke outboards to new-technology two-stroke or four-strokes.”

“

sales and application manager for Konrad. “We want to know the boat’s size and weight, its hull shape and dimensions, horsepower, routine sea conditions, cargo, how fast you want to go... as much information as we can get, including specific preferences for engines. That way, we can choose engines you’ll be pleased with and that can be easily serviced in your area.”

The single greatest reason for repowering is new technology. With [it] comes efficiency, noise reduction, environmental cleanliness, range, warranties and increased worth of the vessel.

So you’ve done your homework and have decided that repowering will offer a significant return. Now you’ll want to start checking engine alternatives and prices.

In Colman’s case, the first decision was to go with diesel engines rather than gas. His research revealed he would save money on fuel, returns that would increase based on projected future fuel prices; he would have new engines with less required maintenance; and the diesel-powered vessel would have a better resale value.

“I think most people with larger gasoline-powered boats, those in the 34- to 42-foot range and especially the 18,000- to 20,000-pound boats, have considered going to diesel power,” Swift commented. “Diesel technology has become incredibly quiet, there is virtually no output of black, foul-smelling exhaust, and the size and weight of the new engines is comparable to that of large gasoline engines. And there is a direct correlation between fuel burn and return on investment, especially gas to diesel.”

Next, Colman had to choose the right engines. He determined that his mainstream diesel choices in the 370- to 480-horsepower range would be from Yanmar, Cummins and Volvo, and of these, Cummins would provide more power and torque in his desired 27- to 35-mile-per-hour cruising range.

Now for the challenge: What sterndrive could manage the engines’ torque without getting chewed to pieces?

“Of the duoprops, only the Konrad 600 series are rated for (that amount) of torque,” Colman reported. “There is no alternative once you start pulling more than 1,200 Newton meters of torque through a sterndrive.”

Hudson, Wisconsin-based Konrad Marine has an extensive checklist for a new repower customer, so experts can make the best recommendations on how to proceed.

“Our objective is to find out what your need is and how your boat will be used,” explained Fred Sparling,

Once you’ve chosen engines, the next decisions will involve transmission, ratios, drives and propellers. And you’ll provide measurements on Konrad’s information sheets.

“These determine where the engine needs to be placed and how connections between engine and props need to be made,” Sparling said.

Sparling has two important tips for potential repower customers.

The first is one that boat owner Roger Colman would agree with wholeheartedly: Think through the project before you begin.

“Negative results happen if a repower is not well thought out,” Sparling said. “If that center of gravity is too far forward or too far aft, you’ll make your boat’s performance worse.”

Boaters need to be realistic about how they use their vessels. Consider how many hours per year you’ll put on the boat. A recreational boat in the northern part of the country might run 40 to 50 hours per year, while that number could jump to 300 hours if you live in Florida.

“Match your system with the hours you expect to run, and make sure the system can handle it,” Sparling said. “That’s as true for engines as it is for sterndrives.”

It’s likely you’ll spend $60,000 to $150,000 on a diesel repower and $12,000 to $25,000 on an outboard repower.

And after that? How will your story end?

Much like Roger Colman’s. When your due diligence, manufacturers’ state-of-the-art equipment and marine service center’s expertise all come together, you’ll have a boat with a new lease on life.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHITE LAKE MOORINGS (OPPOSITE) AND KONRAD MARINE (ABOVE)

”

Roger Coleman’s greatest challenge with his repower was choosing a sterndrive that wouldn’t get chewed up. The Konrad 600 series, pictured here, were the only duoprops rated for the amount of torque generated by Colman’s new Cummins 380s.

31 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Don’t Hesitate to Fifteen tried and tested boat refit projects you won’t regret. BY CAPT . FRAN K LAN I E R In today’s soft economy, many boaters are looking for ways to extend the lives of their current boats while enhancing their time on the water. The problem is that all improvements are not created equal, and while some increase both enjoyment and resale value, others don’t live up to the hype. Here’s a look at 15 proven ways to breathe new life into your current dream boat.

Propellers

Boats with correctly tuned propellers can improve speed by anywhere from 2 to 3 knots and reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent, according to experts at NorthCoast Prop Tech.

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Propeller upgrades are a relatively inexpensive way to enhance your boat’s performance. Selecting the right propeller and keeping it correctly tuned can help improve most aspects of boat operation, be it increased pickup, higher top-end speeds, fuel efficiency or better load-carrying performance.

“Commonly, (boaters) ask us how their boats can run faster, smoother and more efficiently,” said Mitch Iwan of Holland Propeller in Holland, Michigan. He noted that fuel efficiency is really critical in these challenging economic times.

“For example, if you think of how much fuel a commercial vessel burns, the correct propeller can save

thousands of dollars in fuel,” he pointed out.

“Correctly tuned propellers often improve speed by 2 to 3 knots and reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent,” said Tom Wood of NorthCoast Prop Tech in Huron, Ohio. “This varies, of course, based on how badly the propellers were out of tune before the repair.”

Wood observed that most boaters seeking assistance are experiencing specific propeller-related problems, such as impact damage, trouble getting up on plane, poor cruising speed and vibration. And by correcting those problems, the customer usually finds that his or her boating experience is dramatically improved.

“After a tune-up of his propellers, one customer commented, ‘Remember that vibration I said I didn’t have? Well, it’s gone now,’” Wood recalled.

A number of characteristics determine how a new propeller will perform when installed on your particular boat; however, the primary factors to consider are construction material (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) diameter, pitch angle and the number of propeller blades. While focusing on one specific characteristic may make sense in some cases, keep in mind a propeller that maximizes one desirable attribute typically does so at the expense of other ones.

The owners of a 20-foot wakeboard boat may want a propeller that provides good pickup out of the hole, fuel efficiency at cruising speeds and maximum performance at top speed, but the only way they’ll maximize each is

“One of the most common mistakes is not paying attention to the gear ratio in the transmission,” he explained. “A slight variation in gear ratio can have a huge impact on prop size. Mistakes can be avoided by a complete engine, transmission and propeller analysis before you buy.”

But the good news is clear for boat owners: If you have the right team in your corner and pursue the best solution for your boat, your boating life is about to get much, much better.

Thrusters & Joysticks

to carry three different propellers. Most boaters will have to find a happy medium; one where a propeller improves the specific characteristic they want, but also delivers good overall performance.

Make sure you consult with the right specialists if you’re planning to purchase new propellers or tune your existing ones. According to Iwan, Holland Propeller brings together a network of experts to determine the best solution for a boat owner. These include the engine manufacturer, boat manufacturer, refit team at the owner’s preferred marine service center, gear box manufacturer and naval engineers. Together, these experts will not only choose the correct propeller, but they’ll also ensure that the remainder of the underwater gear—shafts, struts and rudders—will be complementary.

It’s a lengthy process, which makes the offseason a good time.

“Before the project starts, the team discusses the engines to be used,” Iwan said. “(Then we decide) what gear box reduction to use; this indicates how large of a propeller can be chosen. Next would be the calculations for how thick the shaft needs to be to withstand the power of the new motors. Once all that is out of the way, we would then look at choices for propellers.

“The best advice I can give is to have a good, qualified team on your side,” he added. “You might spend slightly more money upfront, but you’ll make up for it in the long run.”

Wood agreed, observing that costly mistakes can be made if due diligence is not observed.

Installation of a bow or stern thruster is a desirable upgrade, particularly for boaters who have to deal with gusty winds, strong currents or crowded docking spaces.

“Thrusters are offered by most builders now, either as standard [equipment] or as part of an option list,” explains Peter Nolet, Thruster Systems project manager for Imtra Corporation, “but boaters who already own a boat can have thrusters refit to almost any vessel—whether it be power or sail, monohull or catamaran.”

While, in theory, any thruster should work on any boat, selecting a unit that’s powerful enough to meet your performance requirements while matching the characteristics of your boat (type, size, shape, etc.) are crucial to getting the maximum benefit from a thruster installation. From a performance standpoint, boats don’t really care if you have a bow or stern thruster; however, there are some installation pros and cons to consider for each.

Stern thrusters are typically bolted or mounted to the hull or some other external attachment point (swim platforms, for example), while traditional bow thrusters require a tube or tunnel be installed through the hull below the waterline (which adds significantly to installation costs). The installation tube also has to be placed as far forward as possible, yet deep enough below the waterline to generate maximum thrust—two competing requirements that are not always possible on boats less than 30 to 35 feet.

One bow thruster alternative for smaller boats (or larger boat owners that cringe at cutting holes in their hull) is the Sideshift thruster.

“The Sideshift is an external thruster that can be attached to almost any type of boat ranging from 20 to 50 feet in length,” states Sideshift representative Mark Houle. “[It] allows boat owners to retrofit a bow thruster without cutting or drilling holes below the water line.

33 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

If the boat is new, installing a through-the-hull thruster will most likely void the hull warranty.”

Another option is Xenta Systems’ patented joystick vessel-control system, which automatically controls the transmissions of the main engines in conjunction with the bow thruster. The system also can control a stern thruster, the throttling function and the rudders. Such controls aren’t required, but they will give boaters quicker, more precise, tighter maneuvering.

The joystick system can be retrofitted onto almost any diesel-powered boat, and for boats already equipped with bow thrusters, there’s no need for haul-out to retrofit the joystick system. SkipperBud’s, headquartered in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, is the exclusive U. S. distributor for Xenta Systems and offers the Italian company’s products at all its service centers in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

When it’s time to sell, having a bow thruster, stern thruster or joystick system may make your boat more attractive than similar boats on the market.

“This is particularly true for new or less experienced boat owners, many of which may not be comfortable handling larger boats in less than ideal conditions and might otherwise stay at the dock more often,” says Douglas Bergmann of Bergmann Marine in Charlevoix, Michigan.

Bergmann also notes that unlike other major upgrades (engines, generators, etc.), most buyers don’t care how many hours a bow thruster has on it as long as it works.

Hull Paint & Fiberglass No other upgrade delivers the “wow” factor quite like a gleaming, freshly painted hull. Along those same lines, nothing gives away a boat’s real age quicker than a worn gelcoat or weathered paint job, along with the accumulation of dings and scratches that inevitably accompany them.

34 LAKELANDBOATING.COM n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 011

“A freshly painted topside is easier to clean and maintain,” says Tom Maellaro of Pettit Paints. “It also improves the value of your boat by showing a potential buyer you are, and have been, dedicated to its upkeep.”

Thanks to advances in modern coatings, a good quality paint job can last upwards of 10 to 15 years when properly maintained (washed regularly with soap and water, waxed annually, etc.). Some paints last longer and protect the hull even better than the original fiberglass gelcoat.

When choosing a paint, try to select one that allows easy paint matching during touch-ups and repairs; the last thing you want to face after a necessary repair is repainting the hull because it’s impossible to achieve an acceptable color match with the existing paint.

While many boat owners will tackle painting and fiberglass repairs on their own with the right equipment, others may feel more comfortable working with a boatyard or specialist. Performance Fiberglass, located at Pier 500 Marina in Wyandotte, Michigan, can take care of topside painting, bottom barrier coats, bottom painting and fiberglass repair. The company’s broad range of services also includes stringer, transom and deck repair or replacement.

Once the fiberglass is repaired and that shiny new coat of paint is dry, you may want to go the extra mile to make sure your boat stays looking like new. The best preventative measure? Think about refurbishing or replacing your dock system during the offseason.

Companies like Wellsburg, West Virginia-based Merco Marine can help you prepare for 2012, whether you need to replace entire dock sections or are simply looking for a few protective touches like dock rubrails, extra bumpers or pipe safety caps. Your boat will thank you for it.

Sanitation & Water Systems While other boat upgrades may be less obvious, replacing that ancient, temperamental marine toilet with a modern, efficient “seat of ease” will be noticed by everyone on board. Things have changed since the days of oaken buckets, particularly with regard to selection. Based on

space and vessel layout, today’s boater has a wide variety of marine toilet options, from gravity feed porta-potties and vacuum units, to those with built-in macerators or even composting models for the ultimate in “green” boating.

“As the amount of ‘No Discharge Zones’ continue to increase, it is especially important for boat owners to have a modern and efficient onboard toilet system,” says Dan White, Aftermarket Sales account manager for Dometic Marine.

Dometic manufactures a series of VacuFlush marine toilets and the multiple award-winning SailVac Vacuum Holding Tank, the world’s first specifically designed for small to medium-sized sailboats. Both the VacuFlush and SailVac systems use minimal amounts of water and electricity on board, not to mention keep odor permeation and pump-out stops to a bare minimum.

There’s no question that an upgraded sanitation system is going to improve the onboard experience for owners and guests alike. But if you plan to spend significant time on your boat, cruising or enjoying overnight getaways at the marina, you might want to go a step beyond sanitation— particularly if your area suffers from hard water.

Minerals in hard water can cause corrosion, rust stains and calcium deposits. They give your glassware those annoying spots, they make your clothes itchy, and you can feel them on your skin after a shower. If hard water is an issue at your marina or in your favorite ports of call, consider a SoftCell portable water softener from Recreational Water Systems in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. These types of comforts can enhance your boating life immeasurably.

Electronics Of all the equipment upgrades a boat owner can tackle, none provides the “bling-factor” of a new electronics suite. The downside is that few things change and evolve more rapidly than marine electronics. From advances in charting software to 3-D mapping, manufacturers continue to improve their products at an alarming rate, meaning today’s must-have gadget can quickly become the 8 track of tomorrow.

“A lot of times, upgrading electronics is a matter of personal choice,” explains Jim Hands, Raymarine’s director of marketing. “Early adopter-type folks will probably always want to plan on upgrading all the electronics so they can enjoy the latest cutting-edge features, while others who [are] a bit slower to move on changes in technology may be perfectly happy with a three- or four-year-old system in good working order.”

This doesn’t mean you should be afraid to enjoy

the benefits of cutting-edge electronics, but it does demonstrate you should purchase wisely to get the most from your investment.

One key feature to keep in mind is future compatibility.

For example, all major players in the marine electronics field manufacture NMEA-certified products, which ensures the various components of your electronics suite can “talk” to each other (even if they’re made by different manufacturers). It also means the electronics you purchase today will have a greater likelihood of being compatible with future models.

The best approach is to do your homework, select the new electronics that provide the features you’re looking for, then find a dealer or installer that can get the job done without trying to sell you extras you don’t want or need.

Batteries, Chargers & Inverters Installing a second battery for “house” use means you can crank up the stereo at anchor without fear of being stranded due to a dead starting battery.

Adding a second battery and selector switch or increasing the capacity of an existing house battery bank is a fairly simple upgrade that provides many benefits. One possible payoff for this increased battery reserve could be installation of an AC power inverter.

Often dubbed the “poor man’s generator,” inverters are an economical way to provide onboard AC power for operating anything from drills and laptops to coffee makers and microwaves. Operation is similar to a battery charger in reverse, with the inverter converting the 12-volt DC power stored in your battery to 120-volt AC. 35 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

can help you choose the right solution for your boat, and once you have the materials, you can work with your preferred local marine service center (see story on p. 42) to install your platform or, if you’re handy, install it on your own.

Dinghy Davits & Lifts

Because the inverter places such a huge drain on your battery, use of a separate house battery bank is highly recommended to safeguard against depleting your engine starting battery.

Many inverters also are battery chargers, which allows you to complete two upgrades with one project if your boat lacks a permanently installed charger. Most inverter/charger units also are “smart” in that they monitor battery condition and automatically switch to “charge” mode when AC shore power is available.

From ferrying people and supplies between boat and shore (a necessity for those who like anchoring out) to providing a means of exploring that neat creek across the harbor, dinghies enhance and add versatility to any boating experience. The problem is that many small to mid-size boats lack the means to stow, lift and launch them properly.

Davits allow you to both stow and transport your dinghy safely. They also provide easier access to your dinghy while increasing security (both from theft and accidental loss).

Transom-mounted davits are the most popular, and there are a number of different styles available, from traditional versions utilizing two arms to lift your dinghy out of the water, to units that mount on a swim platform and allow you to pivot or slide them up onto the swim platform.

Swim Platforms Installation of a swim platform is a relatively simple upgrade that provides a number of benefits. Swim platforms not only increase the amount of usable space for slipping on skis, fishing, swimming or sunning (sort of like adding a second room to your house), but they also can give your vessel a more modern look, which can, in turn, boost future resale value.

There are a number of safety benefits as well. Swim platforms make entering and exiting the water easier while providing an excellent platform to assist someone in trouble. As they extend beyond a vessel’s stern, they also help reduce the risk of contact with propellers and outdrives.

Safety, resale value and, most important of all, fun—all excellent reasons to consider adding a swim platform or upgrading to a custom extended version. If this is the season to tackle that particular refit project, a good resource is Phoenix, Arizona-based Swim Platforms Inc., also known as swimplatforms.com. The experts there 36 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Well-known in the marine industry for its variety of boating accessories, Escanaba, Michigan-based Hurley Marine has just announced the release of its new “H20” dinghy davit. This impressive, rugged, new davit system allows you to lift and pull your dinghy aboard for easy storage and simply push off for launching. Its low-profile storage position provides maximum stern visibility without the drag, and as an added plus, it can be installed

while your boat is in the water.

St. Croix Marine Products in Minneapolis also has a variety of options from which to choose, including removable, rotating and “TipUp” davits. Roll-on systems and removable cranes are available as well.

Then there’s Freedom Lift. This innovative lift system installs independently of your swim platform, has a lifting capacity of 800 pounds and provides wireless, hydraulic, remote-control operation. In addition, it’s the only lift on the market with easily removable arms.

Whether you choose a dinghy davit or another lifting system, your dinghy or watercraft will be ready to go… and we would be remiss if we didn’t point out that this might be a good time to revisit your dinghy situation.

After all, you might be tired of your aging inflatable or Grandpa’s dusty rowboat.

So, just for fun: Check out Dreamcatcher BoatWorks of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company specializes in custom-built, wood-covered, fiberglass watercraft that look classic yet incorporate contemporary techniques and products. The end result? You’ll have a lightweight, high-performance, tough little beauty on your transom that will turn more than a few heads.

And, if you already have a lovely little dink that simply needs some TLC, Dreamcatcher can restore that treasured special project for you.

Air Conditioning & Heating Boaters have to cope with a wide range of temperatures, and nothing improves your time on the water like being able to stay warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.

Installing an air conditioning system provides welcome relief from those Africa-hot summer days, while a heater lets you start boating earlier in the spring and keeps you toasty while extending the boating season well into the cooler days of fall.

There are a number of heating options available for use while docked and underway (electric, diesel, LPG, engine heat exchangers, etc.), but unless your boat is equipped with a generator, air conditioner use will be limited to time spent dockside. Even so, a permanently installed, self-contained heating and cooling unit adds value to your boat and can make a huge difference comfort-wise.

Dometic Marine manufactures several air conditioning units for various sized vessels. Boats 40 feet and under typically opt for the Innovation Award-winning Vector Turbo Self-Contained Series, a compact system engineered to harness and maximize performance of R-410A refrigerant, a proven and reliable “green gas” that complies with EPA standards and is used worldwide. For boats 40 feet and above, Dometic’s Emerald Split-Gas Series offers the same benefits as the Turbo, drawing fewer amps and running quieter than compatible onboard systems.

Another side benefit of air conditioners: They help guard against mold and mildew.

“They make excellent dehumidifiers,” comments Douglas Bergmann of Bergmann Marine. “Simply set the thermostat to 80 degrees so they’ll operate a couple of hours a day when temperatures are the hottest.”

Soft Goods Unlike the old days of bare wood bunk boards and sackcloth blankets, boating today doesn’t have to be void of the creature comforts you enjoy at home.

Look for ways to elevate your cruising time above a “camping on the water” experience. Simple upgrades can go a long way toward making an old interior look new. New upholstery and high-density foam cushions (or maybe even a custom mattress) can both modernize your interior and provide a good night’s sleep.

Heck, take it to the next level by investing in some good quality bedding, rather than the cast-off sheets, blankets and mismatched pillows from home that typically find their way on board.

Install new curtains or replace that worn carpet in the cockpit or interior with high-quality marine-grade carpeting. Unlike that factory installed green shag carpet, 37 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

modern brands are so luxurious your feet will think they’re in a fine hotel.

For design inspiration and ideas, visit qualitycustomlinens.com, braddandhall.com and sea-comfort.com.

Safety & Survival Equipment

also it’s less expensive to install, requires little to no maintenance and provides an environmentally conscious “green” alternative to natural teak.

Whether you’re adding a few non-skid strips to your swim platform or redoing the entire cockpit, new decking can enhance the look, value and safety of your boat.

While other topics discussed here can be categorized as “nice to have” investments in the enjoyment of your boat, none With all due respect to Thomas Edison, the incandescent offer the peace of mind and lifesaving light bulb may be a marvel of technology, but it’s not a potential of safety and survival particularly efficient one. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) equipment upgrades. have come of age, and boaters looking to capitalize on The beauty of safety-related their benefits have more choices than ever when upgrading upgrades is that they don’t have everything from navigation to interior lighting. to be prohibitively expensive “LEDs typically use 80 percent less power for equivalent to be effective. Something as light output as compared to halogen bulbs,” says Kinder simple as attaching emergency Woodcock, Lighting Product Development director for whistles and chem-lights to Imtra Corporation. “[They] emit no ‘radiated’ heat into each life jacket or upgrading the cabin, thus lowering cabin temps [and] resulting in to SOLAS-grade flares (which lower burden on air conditioning systems.” burn brighter and last longer) LEDs also provide a more consistent level of light can provide a huge safety boost. output throughout the operating range and can be Installation of carbon monoxide dimmed without changing the color of light produced and smoke detectors in vessels that (i.e. white becoming yellow). require them are another example With such great energy saving potential, it’s easy to of smart money spent. How about an see how replacing only a few incandescent bulbs can automatic fire extinguisher or fire port for the generate a noticeable reduction in power requirements. engine compartment? Another excellent upgrade LED replacements can be in the is replacing that older VHF radio with a modern unit form of new fixtures or LED equipped with DSC capabilities. bulb replacements to retrofit From waterproof flashlights to inflatable life jackets your existing ones. (that people will actually wear), the opportunities to outfit your boat with (before Flexiteek) equipment that can save yourself and those on board are almost endless.

Lighting

Decking While the addition of decorative teak decking can improve the look of most any boat, the cost of installation and time spent maintaining it can make it more liability than asset. Luckily, those that want the look and feel of a teak deck without the headaches and punch to the pocketbook can choose from a number of manmade alternatives.

From megayachts to runabouts, the use of synthetic, faux or fake teak decking—such as that offered by Flexiteek—has become much more prevalent over the last decade for a number of reasons. Not only is the look and feel similar to real teak, but 38 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

(after Flexiteek)

As with incandescent bulbs, however, not all LED lights are created equal. Before swapping out existing incandescent lights, make sure that the new LEDs are as bright as the factory-installed originals. This is especially crucial when replacing navigation lights; always ensure the ones you install have been tested to and comply with U.S. Coast Guard specifications.

LED accent lighting has likewise surged in popularity. SeaSense, for example, manufactures both a cup holder LED accent bezel (pictured above) and a fishing rod holder LED accent bezel to brighten up even the darkest little crevices on board. Both products are available with white, blue, red, green or amber LED lighting and allow owners to personalize their vessels while enjoying serious energy savings.

For a nice selection of additional marine LED lighting options, visit hurleymarine.com and seasense.com.

more support from an expert service provider.

“Our customers generally know what they’re looking for, and we strive to give them that,” he explained.

“But some are not sure even where to begin, and we’re happy to help them, too.”

Miller said a new customer will fill out a measuring sheet online, which contains all the information his team needs to build a hardtop that is custom-fit to the boat. A typical installation will take three to six hours; in most cases, a Bimini frame is already in place and no additional modifications will be needed.

“Try it,” Miller said of adding a hardtop to your boat.

“It’s easier than you think.”

ON AN EVEN KEEL

Hardtop & Canvas Installation Hardtop installations are sort of the “gateway drug” of upgrades. Not only do they generate immediate benefits (shade, protection from the elements, etc.), but they also provide a springboard for even more upgrades. With a hardtop in place, you can install that new electronics box above the helm. Add a full canvas enclosure, and you’ll be even more protected from the elements year round.

“One major upgrade we are excited to offer, after years of requests, is a lineup of stylish new factory hardtops for most prior Tiara models,” says Evan Dufendach, R&R (Restoration and Renovation) program director for Holland, Michigan-based Tiara Yachts. “Owners are ecstatic with the results, claiming the hardtop completely changes the look and feel of the boat.”

Depending on your boat, a hardtop can also provide additional deck space for lounging and sunning, another benefit that can increase both usable space and resale value.

According to Al Miller, chief executive officer of ASM Inc. and the designer behind the innovative Hard To Top system, most customers interested in a hardtop refit have canvas Biminis on their boats and are seeking a more permanent look and less maintenance while still using their existing canvas enclosure. While some customers know exactly what they need, others are looking for

For the ultimate in boating upgrades, how about installing a piece of equipment that eliminates boat roll and the seasickness it often causes?

Enter the M8000 Gyro Stabilization System from Seakeeper, an industry leader in internal gyro technology.

Equally suited to new builds or retrofit projects, the M8000 measures just 36.2 inches long by 39.2 inches wide by 27.7 inches high and weighs 1,155 pounds.

Multiple gyros can be installed on heavier craft, or instead opt for Seakeeper’s larger M21000 model.

Likened to “gravity in a bottle,” the spherical unit delivers 8,000 nms (Newton Meter Seconds) of righting force to stabilize any vessel with up to 35 tons displacement, whether at anchor, at the dock or underway. Roll reduction means that yacht owners can enjoy a leisurely lunch in rough seas, guests can stroll the deck safely and everyone can sleep in comfort.

For more information, visit seakeeper.com. — F.L.

39 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Good As New Transform your boat’s tired, outdated interior into a unique style that’s all your own.

You’re probably familiar with the catchphrase “Out with the old and in with the new.” But sometimes, when it comes to upgrading your boat, the smart move isn’t to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Many boat owners are opting to hold onto their older model boats (as opposed to trading up or buying new) and give them a new lease on life. Warren, Michigan-based Nautical Lumber recently completed what company owner Mike Stennett calls a “mild refit” aboard Playtime, a 1985 54-foot Bertram whose interior (pictured) was almost completely gutted and updated to suit her owner’s specific tastes and needs. Changes include three new heads and the associated cabinetry, teak flooring, installation of a flat screen TV and electric fireplace in the salon, new carpet, Corian countertops in the galley, and two new custom tables, designed and built by Nautical Lumber (a company specialty).

The Playtime project took about four months to complete, and Stennett says the end result was a success; the boat’s owner got exactly what he wanted, at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

“You can find boats that are five to 10 years old at half the cost [of a new boat], spend $30,000 to $40,000, and have the boat of your dreams,” he maintains.

For more information, contact Nautical Lumber at 586-777-1288 or visit nauticallumber.com.

40 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Engine Repower There are a number of pros and cons to consider when replacing a tired engine or upgrading from gasoline to diesel. In addition to possible benefits such as improved handling and performance, the biggest gain will be the engine itself and the innovations it employs.

“Modern diesel engines smoke less and provide greater fuel efficiency,” says Kent Lundgren of Volvo Penta of the Americas. “Access to this improved technology is a major benefit of repowering.”

Another benefit: Speed. “It’s quite common to increase cruise speed of the vessel due to the high available cruise horsepower from a diesel versus a gasoline engine,” explains Scott DuBrow, Marine Sales manager for Mack Boring & Parts Co. The major downside to repowering is cost, which, in some cases, can approach or even exceed an older boat’s value (particularly where diesel engines are concerned). In these situations, repowering is often driven by other factors: The boat is a sought-after model, has some unusual history behind it, or, more commonly, has sentimental value for the owner.

“If you love your boat and plan to keep it, a diesel repower is a great option,” DuBrow says.

Falling into the “labor of love” category is fine, but just be aware that in general, spending $20,000 to $30,000 to repower an older boat is not going to increase its value by that same amount. This is mitigated to a degree the longer you keep the boat, but if you repower and sell soon after, expect to lose the bulk of your investment.

41 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Say Yes to the Yard

Expert advice on how to best tackle boat refit projects. by h eath e r ste i n b e rg e r

F

or a Great Lakes boater, the offseason is perfect for tackling refit projects, as there’s plenty of time to get work done before that first warm spring weekend. And while some boaters may feel comfortable doing the refit work themselves, most will pursue refitting in a marine service center, where we can lean on the professionals we’ve come to know and trust.

The Great Lakes is home to a variety of world-class service facilities, so you won’t have trouble finding one.

And the majority of them are seeing increasing numbers of refit projects, so they won’t be surprised to see you.

“Renovations are becoming more popular, because in most cases, it’s more cost effective to upgrade and renovate a boat than to purchase a new boat,” said the service staff at Yacht Basin Marina in Holland, Michigan, which just recently completed extensive air-conditioning and sanitation upgrades to a customer’s boat. Yacht Basin’s

42 LAKELANDBOATING.COM n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 011

most common refits: Electronics, sanitation, boat lifts, engine repowering, electrical work, plumbing, fiberglass, graphics and buffing/waxing.

Mark and Matt Felhofer, owners of Bay Marine in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, said they’re seeing more people interested in repower projects, in particular.

Other common refit projects: Electronics, painting, davits, lifts and canvas.

“Our customer base has realized that it can definitely be more cost effective to repower/refit versus purchase something different,” the Felhofers said. “As our economy has stagnated, our customer base has become a lot more conservative in discretionary spending. They have decided to stick with their current boats and consider not only repowering, but also painting, remodeling, redecorating and the addition or replacement of all kinds of major accessories like thrusters, electronics and yacht controllers.”

Once you choose a marine service center, what can you do to make sure your refit projects go smoothly? First, give the center proper notice. Some projects have lengthy timeframes, so it’s best to give your service providers a head’s-up before you see them at haul-out.

“We like to have a 30-day advance (notice) if possible; however, depending on our workload, we can accommodate a shorter timeframe,” said Jerry Parsons, marina manager for Lakefront Marina in Port Clinton and Sandusky Harbor in Sandusky, Ohio, which specialize in engines, cabin reconfigurations, air-conditioning installation and bow thrusters. “The best tip for a smooth schedule is communication. It’s the key for keeping costs down, a smooth work flow and keeping (everyone) happy.”

John Booth, vice president/general manager, and Jeff Pulaski, service manager, at Irish Boat Shop in Harbor Springs, Michigan, said approximately 50 percent of the shop’s refit customers have a predetermined plan prior to haul-out, while the others see an article or find something at a boat show that piques their interest. They encouraged boat owners to give the service team as much notice as possible; Irish Boat Shop’s most common projects tend to be hull painting, varnish work, electronics, repowering, fiberglass and wooden boat repair and restoration.

“The largest factor in scheduling for projects through the winter is addressing situations where we might need the boat in the water to determine optimal mounting locations or the height of a new canvas structure,” Booth explained. “Knowing what kind of work a customer is interested in before hauling the boat will allow us to better position the boat in a storage building for access at a later date.”

That being said, don’t be afraid to approach your marine service center with a last-minute project. Most will continue to accept work orders throughout the offseason and will accommodate eleventh-hour requests if they are able to do so.

“If (our customers) are not able to schedule projects in advance, we try to stay flexible and will take work requests after the boat is in storage,” said Cory Holt, yard manager at Great Lakes Yacht Services in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. “We often find ourselves adding new work orders even as the spring launch season approaches.”

Holt estimated that 75 percent of the yard’s customers are seeking work beyond general maintenance, and GLYS technicians are proficient in all areas of refitting.

“Some work is necessary to keep the boat functioning— drive train repair, anchoring and winch systems, head and freshwater systems, hull repair,” he commented.

“There also are jobs we do to make the boats more user-friendly, like davits, bow and stern thrusters, rail and stainless fabrication, refrigeration, air conditioning, lighting upgrades (and) electronics upgrades.”

Next, you need to be clear with your team about your expectations and goals. At the same time, make sure you’re familiar with your center’s policies and processes. Get everyone together to discuss your project before it begins.

“We schedule a pre-service meeting to clarify all the customer’s expectations and to determine materials and timeline,” said Pam Poirier, administrator in marina operations at Jefferson Beach Marina in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Jefferson Beach handles just about everything in the refit world: Propellers, bow thrusters,

“

explained. “We see the best results when the customers can describe their requests through drawings, sketches or verbal details.”

According to Charlie Duray, service manager for Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Cheboygan, Michigan, boat shows are a good way to familiarize yourself with certain refit projects. And, he said, do your homework.

“Read and research on the Internet,” he advised.

“A small investment in time will pay off in big dividends later on. Also, write down any questions you can think of prior to your meeting.”

Duray said the most common refit requests

Customers should not be afraid to ask about a project, no matter how far out there they might think it is. electronics, hull paint and fiberglass, sanitation systems, batteries/inverters, swim platforms, boat lifts/davits, air conditioning/heating, soft goods, safety and survival equipment, flooring, lighting, hardtop/canvas installation and engine repowering.

As you iron out the details, remember: Be flexible.

“Have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish, but be open-minded (about the) different ways to get the job done,” the Felhofers suggested.

“Know what your budget will allow ahead of time, and plan for the possibility of those unexpected difficulties that might arise.”

In addition to determining the financial obligation for your refit project, Parsons also said it’s helpful to have a clear idea of what you want. Yacht Basin staff agreed.

“We suggest people think through their project and consider all their options versus (having) a knee-jerk reaction to get something done,” they explained. “We appreciate it when customers have organized their ideas.”

GLYS’ Holt also prefers to get detailed information from a customer.

“The small details of the job are very important,” he PHOTOS COURTESY OF IRISH BOAT SHOP

”

Walstrom receives are for electronic updates, including custom dashes; boat detailing; dinghy davits; thruster installations and stabilizers. Like its fellow marine service centers, Walstrom can accommodate requests in all areas of refitting.

There may be, however, a situation where you don’t have a complete picture for your refit project. Again, don’t be afraid to turn to your marine service center and to your team; they are your expert consultants.

“Pass on your ideas to us, let us know what you’re interested in, and let us do the rest,” said Jim Thorpe, president of Spring Brook Marina, a full-service marina in Seneca, Illinois. Thorpe said the most common projects his facility sees are electronics, underwater lights, satellite television and bow thrusters.

“Customers should not be afraid to ask about a project, no matter how far out there they might think it is,” Booth added. “If there’s something that will make their boating more enjoyable, it’s our job to help them make it happen. As for something to start the conversation, there is nothing magic.”

If you have an older boat, possible refit projects for the offseason can run the gamut— from repowering (opposite) to upgrading woodwork, decking, electrical systems and soft goods (above). The key is to not get in over your head. Consult with the experts at a marine service center, and remember to keep the lines of communication open.

43 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

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Schedule Winter Work Now for Best Discounts Paint Booth Space Available (Contact us for estimates) Re-Power Jobs Wanted! Our Certified Technicians are looking forward to serving YOU! Outboards, Stern Drives, Inboards, Pods, Gas or Diesel. We Do It All! Bay Marine Tech Squad Serving Greater Lake Michigan

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We offer a wide variety of pile guides that bolt to your floating dock to hold it in place using square and round piling. We have sizes ranging from as small as 2” all the way up to 20”. Below is a small portion of options available. We have more than 65 different types and sizes to choose from.

P-3 H-CR H-SM

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Build a wood dock using our hot dipped galvanized hardware. Over 100 different types of hardware available from light to heavy duty. Shown above and below is 1/4” hardware. Also available are: 3/16” homeowners and 3/8” heavy.

H-OCF $21.58 H-A $3.35 H-SF $12.55 H-IC $13.53 H-SM $8.96 H-CA $4.73 H-CR $13.81 H-OCM $18.16 P-3 $15.29 H-W $1.21 H-OCE $12.79

HP-BR6 6” $21.72 HP-BR8 8” $25.06 HP-BR11 11” $29.87 HP-BR12 12” $31.44 HP-BR14 14” $34.60

Open 7:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Thursday

HP-H8R 8” HP-H10R 10” HP-H12R 12” HP-H14R 14” HP-H16R 16” HP-H18R 18” HP-H20R 20”

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RR-5002 White - 10’ $22.89 Black - 10’ $18.08

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149 lbs 160 lbs 173 lbs 228 lbs 240 lbs 295 lbs

$365.70 $379.60 $449.30 $496.30 $531.60 $629.00

Model# Weight Buoyancy $59.00 Ups 2’ x 3’ x 12” 23 lbs 327 lbs $68.00 Ups 2’ x 3’ x 16” 27 lbs 442 lbs $73.00 Ups 2’ x 4’ x 12” 30 lbs 434 lbs $85.00 Ups 2’ x 4’ x 16” 36 lbs 598 lbs $107.00 Truck 3’ x 4’ x 12” 41 lbs 691 lbs $121.00 Truck 3’ x 4’ x 16” 49 lbs 905 lbs 3’ x 6’ x 12” 50 lbs 1059 lbs $158.00 Truck 3’ x 6’ x 16” 67 lbs 1359 lbs $187.00 Truck 4’ x 5’ x 12” 70 lbs 1190 lbs $170.00 Truck 4’ x 5’ x 16” 84 lbs 1552 lbs $192.00 Truck 4’ x 6’ x 12” 78 lbs 1406 lbs $195.00 Truck 4’ x 6’ x 16” 92 lbs 1863 lbs $228.00 Truck 4’ x 8’ x 12” 104 lbs 1834 lbs $260.00 Truck 4’ x 8’ x 16” 122 lbs 2475 lbs $298.00 Truck CALL FOR OTHER SIZES • 15 year warranty - best in the industry

RR-5001 White - 10’ $16.12 Black - 10’ $13.00

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Merco’s vinyl rubrail comes in 10’ and 25’ lengths, 3 colors, and 10 different styles. This is all heavy duty commercial rubrail. A number of other profiles such as flat, corner, and piling are available.

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Merco’s New vinyl corner bumpers are structurally designed to allow impact, but pliable enough so not to damage your boat. These bumpers are offered in white, gray, & black and have U.V. & fungicide protection. They offer excellent protection on any corner. $16.45

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New & Pre-owned Yachts or Call for current listings at 708-841-5660 19’ 24’ 28’ 29’ 32’ 32’ 33’ 33’ 34’ 35’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 37’ 37’ 37’ 38’ 38’

1956 Chris Craft Capri w/KBL engine with trailer .............................................. $27,499 1984 Bayliner Ciera 2450 Command Bridge, Volvo Penta gas engine, 225HP ... $3,995 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer, T-5.7L Mercs, Alpha I I/O’s, 260HP .................... $22,500 2003 Four Winns 298 Vista Cruiser, T-5.0 GXi/DP Volvos, 270HP ...................... $69,900 1988 Chris Craft 320 Amerosport, T-350 Crusaders, 270HP ............................... $21,000 1998 Wellcraft 3200 Martinique, T-Mercs, 260HP ............................................. $44,900 1996 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer, T-454 Mercs, 310HP ........................................... $49,900 1995 Tiara 3300 Open, T-454 Crusaders, 320HP ................................................. $84,900 2001 Formula 34 PC, T-7.4L MPI Mercs, 300HP ................................................. $89,000 1997 Carver 350 Mariner, T-350 Crusaders, 320HP ............................................ $74,900 1992 Four Winns 365 Express, T-Fords, 460HP ................................................... $59,900 2006 Carver 36 Mariner, T-Crusaders, 375HP ..................................................... $175,000 2001 Trojan 360 Express Cruiser, Twin Merc MX 6.2 MPI Horizons, 320HP ...... $95,000 2000 Doral 360 Express (SE), T-7.4L Mercs, 310HP ............................................ $119,000 2004 Larson Cabrio 370 Midcabin, T-8.1 High Output Mercs, 420HP ................ $139,900 1990 Chris Craft 372 Catalina Double Cabin, T-454 Crusaders, 330HP .............. $64,900 1997 Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser, T-7.4L MPI Mercs, 310HP ........................... $94,900 1999 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer, T-7.4L Mercs, 380HP .......................................... $122,900 2002 Regal 3860 Commodore, T-8.1 Gxi Volvos, 420HP ..................................... $139,000

39’ 40’ 40’ 41’ 42’ 42’ 44’ 45’ 46’ 46’ 46’ 46’ 50’ 53’ 54’ 56’ 58’ 63’ 67’

END OF SEASON SALES!

1987 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser, T-454 Mercs, 340HP ................................... $39,900 1999 Formula 400 SS Express Cruiser, T-502 MAG MPI Mercs, 415HP ............. $99,900 2008 Rinker 400 Express Cruiser, T-8.1 MAG Mercs w/Axius, 375HP ............... $219,000 1998 Maxum 4100 SCR, T-Diamond Series Cummins, 330HP ............................ $105,000 1990 Sea Ray 420 Sundancer, T-3208 Caterpillars, 375HP................................. $84,900 1990 Sea Ray 420 Sundancer, T-3208 Caterpillars, 375HP................................. $84,900 2008 Regal 4460 Commodore, T-600 series Volvos w/IPS, 500HP..................... $385,000 2007 Formula 45 Yacht, T-Volvos, 575HP ............................................................ $469,900 1985 Viking 46 Convertible, T-892 Detroit Diesels, 675HP ................................. $129,000 1979 Hatteras Sport Fisherman, T-8V71T1 Detroit Diesels, 425HP.................... $137,500 2004 Carver 466 Motor Yacht, T-75P TAMD EDC Volvo Diesels, 370HP ............ $279,000 1999 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer, T-Diamond Series Cummins, 450HP................... $185,000 2001 Cruisers 5000 Sport Sedan, T-74P TAMD Volvos, 480HP .......................... $359,000 1994 Ocean 53 Super Sport, T-8V92 Detroit Diesels, 760HP.............................. $395,000 1999 Sea Ray 540 Sundancer, T-3196 Caterpillars, 600HP ................................ $279,000 1999 Sea Ray 560 Sedan Bridge, T-3406 Caterpillars ........................................ $449,000 2000 Sea Ray 580 Super Sun Sport, T-3406 Caterpillars, 800HP ....................... $479,900 1991 Skipperliner 630 Motor Yacht, Charter boat, T-Mercs, 180HP................... $194,000 1989 Hatteras Cockpit Motor Yacht, T-12V71TA Detroit Diesels, 770HP ........... $595,000

For more information or to set up an appointment, contact Elite Yachts or Barbara Walsh

www.yachtworld.com/eliteyachtbrokerage | 630.887.1478 | Cell 630.235.0227 | yachts98@sbcglobal.net

Off-Season Service Engine Maintenance & Repair Our certified gas and diesel mechanics offer a range of services from routine maintenance to engine rebuilds, including transmission work.

There really is no better time than during the off season to have your vessel serviced. Whether you’re planning a project or servicing for spring, let the professionals at JBM/TBM provide the quality care your vessel deserves.

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Fishing for Deals Save big on boating with online coupons. by li n dy mos e s

T

he boating lifestyle is a gift. It creates memories that stick with you throughout your entire life. I learned starboard and port before left and right. My sister took her first steps aboard our 41-foot Sea Ray. The life of a boater is one of true beauty. But, really, it’s not exactly the cheapest hobby.

I still remember one particular boating trip when one of the engines on that exact Sea Ray broke down in the middle of Saginaw Bay. We slowly chugged our way back to the closest harbor on one prop. Once we were docked, my dad got to making call after call on the payphone for what seemed like hours trying to find the proper parts. We were stuck there for about three days waiting for the parts to arrive—a definite detour in the plans.

54 LAKELANDBOATING.COM n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 011

Although my parents kept the money side of things far away from us kids, I still somehow knew it would be an expensive addition to the boating budget for the year. Boating is extremely rewarding in many ways; however, inexpensive it is not. The last few years especially, it seems boaters are less inclined to take their boats abroad or make larger purchases because of budget restraints. Lucky for us in this day and age, help for our boating budget woes is only a few clicks away when you take advantage of online coupons.

When coupons go extreme For the past few years, online couponing has been making its way into the news—and into households— everywhere. The new show “Extreme Couponing” on TLC shows the more intense side of the coupon world.

Throughout the hour-long program, it follows the stories of bargain-hunters willing to dive into dumpsters for that elusive missed flyer, or stack coupons to buy 76 bottles of mustard for next to nothing, then stockpiling them in their garage.

What skipper needs 76 bottles of mustard? All boaters know you only need one, and that bottle better float!

Although this type of lifestyle has put couponing on the map, it definitely does not depict the norm when it comes to searching out a good deal on the Internet.

There are much easier ways to catch that discount.

So, how well do these coupons and online deals translate into life for the boater or angler? Truth be told: Better than you may think. And you don’t have to sift through your neighbors’ trash to pay less on your next order of life jackets.

An easy deal Most people know it only takes a few clicks or clips of the scissors, and you can instantly save $1 on a can of your favorite coffee or the newest look from Lands End, but many coupon outlets are now going beyond simple apparel and grocery deals.

With all the online coupon sites available on the web today, you can find pretty much anything for less, including online discounts to some of the most popular stores in boating and outdoor living. For example, fabuloussavings.com offers coupons for West Marine, Overton’s and BoatingWorld.com. The coupons are free and surprisingly easy to use, so even those without a technological background can navigate the site. Almost everything you’ll ever need at the local marine store is available at your fingertips—and probably for a better price than if you went to the traditional store.

When you use a site like fabuloussavings.com, you can easily find deals like free shipping and even get 10 percent off your order. And when you’re buying engine parts, 10 percent could mean a quick jaunt to the next port over during the weekend.

One of the best aspects of finding these deals online is accessibility while traveling. Most harbors are hooked up with WIFI, and many boaters now travel with their laptops within easy reach. Even if you’re docked, you can still order what you need right from your trusty laptop.

Not only does this save you the hassle of calling all over the countryside (possibly long distance) for what you need, but you also can source out the best deal rather than be stuck paying what the nearest store is offering—all from the comfort of your back deck.

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF FABU MARKETING

Is customer service sacrificed?

Not many in the general nautical community know about the easy availability and possible savings that these types of deals can offer. If they do, they’re fairly reluctant to use online coupons.

So, why are people sticking to the old routine? One thought is that there is something comforting about walking into a marine store and discussing your purchase needs with an actual person, face-to-face. It doesn’t take much effort for someone to buy a new DVD or pair of shoes over the web, but people tread lightly when it comes to buying bigger items over the computer.

Luckily, with technology rapidly changing and improving, using online coupons and online retailers offers as close to an organic shopping experience as possible. For example, most deal sites have customer service numbers. If you have any questions on how to go about using the coupons or the site in general, someone is there to help walk you through the process.

On the online retailer’s end, you can still view products in great detail. West Marine offers a full description of a product, specs and even reviews from customers. Almost all retail sites also have a customer service number.

Although the purchase process is done entirely over the Internet, you have a built-in support system, from using a coupon from a coupon site, to dealing with the actual online retailer. You’ll always be just a phone call or e-mail away from getting great customer support.

Some businesses are going above and beyond simple customer service numbers or e-mails. Example: The fabuloussavings.com Twitter account (@fabuloussavings) is manned most waking hours in the day and is entirely interactive. If you’re having issues using its coupons or finding a deal for the boating-related part or accessory you need, a real person is available to hunt it down for you—in real time. It’s almost like having a sales clerk right there with you.

And in this current economic climate, these have been words to live by for at least the past 3 to 5 years.

Boaters had to make some serious adjustments to their lifestyle and budgets to accommodate new economic restraints. Although the economy looks more promising with each passing year, every little bit helps when it comes to purchases. If a few minutes at the computer means saving big on marine supplies and angling needs, it can create gaps in the budget for those things that create memories: Stays in your favorite marina, a meal overlooking that picture-perfect port, or even a set of flashy new life jackets. r

“With all the

online coupon sites available on the web today, you can find pretty much anything for less, including online discounts to some of the most popular stores in boating and outdoor living.”

55 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 011

Christmas at Sea After more than 100 years, the Christmas Tree Ship tradition continues.

BY ELIZABETH ALTICK

At the turn of the last century, Chicago families would bundle up in late November and trudge down to the Clark Street docks on the Chicago River to greet a very special schooner. Laden with heaps of aromatic firs felled days before in Wisconsin or Michigan, the Christmas Tree Ship was a delightful tradition—except when the brave ships failed to arrive.

With a large German population, evergreens were in high demand for the holidays in the Upper Midwest. To meet the need and end their season with a profitable cargo, about two-dozen captains would brave the icy gales of November to deliver trees to grateful city-dwellers.

According to Glenn V. Longacre’s account on the National Archives website, “Electric lights were strung from the schooner’s bow to stern, and customers were invited to board the ship to choose their trees.” In addition to selling Christmas trees, many boat operators made and sold wreaths, garlands and other holiday decorations.

56 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

The most famous of the Christmas Tree Ships was the schooner Rouse Simmons, captained by Herman E. Schuenemann. The tale is the subject of a number of books, as well as an hour-long documentary produced

by The Weather Channel.

The story begins in Wisconsin’s German community of Ahnappe, now Algoma, a center of Great Lakes shipping and home to the Schuenemann family. Herman’s oldest brother, August, was the first of the children to make his living on the lake in the 1870s.

On November 9-10, 1898, August died while sailing the schooner S. Thal. The 52-ton ship, carrying a load of Christmas trees, broke up in a storm near Glencoe, Illinois. The Schuenemann family was devastated, but

Herman was determined to carry on the family’s precious, but dangerous, late-season Christmas tree runs.

Earlier, in 1868, the Rouse Simmons was launched from Milwaukee’s shipyards. Built by Allan, McClelland and Company, the schooner was named after a prominent Kenosha merchant whose family founded a mattress company.

“The Rouse Simmons was a workhorse,” according to Longacre. For roughly 20 years, she made almost weekly runs from Grand Haven, Michigan, to Chicago. Over the years, the schooner changed hands several times until Schuenemann, by then a veteran schooner master who hauled trees to Chicago for almost three decades, assumed an interest in the vessel in 1910. By then, time, the elements and hundreds of loads of lumber had taken their toll on the vessel’s seaworthiness.

On Friday, November 22, 1912, the Rouse Simmons, laden with a cargo of 3,000 to 5,000 Christmas trees in the hold and on deck, left Thompson, Michigan.

According to Longacre, eyewitnesses claimed the ship looked like a floating forest. Schuenemann’s departure was ill-advised, heading straight into a ferocious winter storm that claimed three other ships: The South Shore, Three Sisters and Two Brothers.

According to Longacre, gleaning facts from National Archives records, at 2:50 p.m. the following day, a surfman at the Life Saving Station in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, sighted a schooner flying its flag at half-mast, a universal sign of distress. The station keeper attempted to locate a gas tugboat to assist the schooner, but the vessel left earlier in the day. After a few minutes, crew lost sight of the ship.

At 3:10 p.m., the station keeper telephoned his colleague at Two Rivers, the next station south, to be on the lookout

for the endangered schooner.

Surfmen launched the station’s powerboat, which reached the schooner’s approximate position, but darkness and heavy snow obliterated any trace of the Rouse Simmons and her crew.

While Barbara Schuenemann and her daughters were concerned when the Rouse Simmons failed to arrive on schedule, it was not uncommon for a schooner to pull into a safe harbor to ride out a storm. All hope was dashed when, days later, no word of the vessel had been received.

Over the next few months, remnants of Christmas trees washed ashore along Wisconsin’s coastline.

After the gale blew itself out, according to William Rattigan’s “Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivors,” a message in a bottle from the Rouse Simmons washed onto the shore near Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It had been corked using a small piece of cut pine tree and, other than the occasional trees caught in fishing nets, was the only remains of the vessel discovered for many years.

The message, though accounts differ, read: “Friday. Everybody, good-bye. I guess we are all through.

Sea washed over our deck load Thursday. During the night, the small boat was washed over. Ingvald and Steve fell overboard Thursday. God help us.”

Following the tragedy, Barbara and her daughters

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY & WISCONSIN MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY (OPPOSITE) AND CHICAGO CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP / CHRISTMASSHIP.ORG (ABOVE)

The elegant but aged Rouse Simmons brought the Christmas spirit to Chicago in the early 1900s. Eventually, the schooner’s cargo of ice-covered firs took its toll (opposite). Today, the USCGC Mackinaw brings cheer to families on Chicago’s Navy Pier (above).

57 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

“Friday.

Everybody, good-bye.

I guess we are all through.

Sea washed over our deck load Thursday.

During the night, the small boat was washed over.

Ingvald and Steve fell overboard Thursday.

God help us.”

58 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

continued the family’s Christmas tree business, using schooners for several more years. Later, the women brought the evergreen trees to Chicago by train and sold them from the deck of a schooner. After Barbara’s death in 1933, her daughters sold trees from the family’s lot for a few more years.

Astonishingly, the lake continued to give up clues. In 1924, fishermen in Wisconsin hauled in their nets to discover a wallet wrapped in waterproof oilskin. Inside were the pristine contents, including a clearly treasured newspaper account of Schuenemann’s Christmas Ship and other Rouse Simmons documents.

“Schuenemann’s profits from selling Christmas trees had never made the family wealthy,” writes Longacre, “but his reputation for generosity was well established, and he delighted in presenting trees to many of the city’s residents.” The rest he sold for as little as a dollar.

“Schuenemann so enjoyed being Captain Santa that he proudly kept newspaper clippings about his role in his oilskin wallet,” Longacre continued.

In October 1971, Milwaukee scuba diver Gordon Kent Bellrichard was surveying the bottom of Lake Michigan off Two Rivers, searching for the Vernon, a 177-foot, 700-ton steamer that was lost in a storm in October 1887.

Following the directions of local fishermen who described an area where their nets regularly snagged, Bellrichard’s sonar made a promising contact. He descended to discover a well-preserved shipwreck resting upright in 172 feet of water. Bellrichard quickly realized he had not discovered the larger, propeller-driven Vernon, but the wreck of the elusive Rouse Simmons.

According to Longacre, “The loss of the Rouse Simmons signaled the beginning of the end for schooners hauling loads of evergreens to Chicago. By 1920, the practice of bringing trees to Chicago via schooner had ceased.

Just a few years later, the majority of the once-proud

schooners lay leaking and decaying, moored in their berths around the lake.

“Over the years,” writes Longacre, “the schooner’s disappearance spawned legends and tales that grew ever larger with the passage of time. Some Lake Michigan mariners claimed to have spotted the Rouse Simmons appearing out of nowhere. Visitors to the gravesite of Barbara Schuenemann in Chicago’s Acacia Park Cemetery claim there is the scent of evergreens present in the air.”

A more down-to-earth tribute to Captain Santa and his cohorts began in 2000, when the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago and members of the Chicago Maritime Society revived the Christmas Tree Ship tradition. The USCGC Mackinaw, the largest U. S. Coast Guard icebreaker on the Great Lakes, now docks every year at Navy Pier. This year the cutter, decorated with 9,000 lights, will bring 1,200 trees from Cheboygan, Michigan, to Chicago on the first weekend of December.

To read Longacre’s account of the Rouse Simmons, visit http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2006/ winter/christmas-tree.html.

To watch video of a dive on the Rouse Simmons, search “Wisconsin Shipwrecks: The Rouse Simmons” on YouTube.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHICAGO CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP / CHRISTMASSHIP.ORG

gift guide

Gift Guide Great holiday gifts for all the boaters on your list!

Makes a Great Gift!

59 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

gift guide

Help Find a Cure for Pancreatic Cancer 2012 calendars and apparel now available.

2012 Cruising for the Cure event will take place at Torch Lake near Bellaire, MI July 20-21, 2012.

Net proceeds go to the Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund, Inc. benefiting the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

•CALENDARS CALENDARS November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

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w w w.c r uis e forc u re. org

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Calendars are $17.75 each for regular shipping and $20.30 each for priority mail. Commemorative Posters are $18.25 each for regular shipping and $21.55 for priority mail.

If purchasing by credit card, please go to www.cruiseforcure.org and visit the e-shop page or you may send a check made payable to Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund, Inc, P. O. Box 370, Metamora, MI 48455.

The Jane H. Thie Memorial Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is considered a public charity under section 509 (a)(2), tax ID #80-0453866.

A Christmas Keepsake The Not-So-Perfect Christmas Tree

By long-time Lakeland contributor Fran Cruikshank

New

limited edition with more illustrations!

To order, call Fran at

585-271-2929

or email fcruiksh@rochester.rr.com 60 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

$12.95 Includes Shipping

Does the barbecue on your boat need a Cleaner Cook?

Call or visit our website for specials!

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Sole Survivor Dennis Hale recounts his harrowing tale of the night the Daniel J. Morrell went down.

by h eath e r ste i n b e rg e r

“Does anyone know where the love of God goes When the waves turn the minutes to hours?”

— Gordon Lightfoot, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976)

I

t’s a haunting song, one that has fueled a legend.

Twenty-nine men died aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald in November 1975, and on wicked fall days in the Great Lakes, we can only try to imagine what those men saw and felt as their ship sank beneath their feet.

Actually, we have a much better idea now, thanks to one man. Many people may not realize there is a gripping first-person account of midnight disaster aboard a lake freighter, one that sheds light on what all shipwrecked sailors must face—and what the survivors of such an

62 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

ordeal must confront when they are plucked to safety.

Just nine years before the Fitz went down on Lake Superior, the 600-foot bulk ore freighter Daniel J. Morrell broke up in a similarly vicious autumn storm on Lake Huron. Lightfoot’s “Witch of November” took 28 of the Morrell’s 29 crewmembers to the bottom on November 29, 1966.

Watchman Dennis Hale, 26, survived. He was rescued near Michigan’s Pointe Aux Barques lighthouse after nearly 40 hours adrift on a life raft, clad in just a life jacket, a peacoat and boxer shorts.

profile

The Morrell was on her last run of the season, carrying only ballast from Buffalo, New York, to Taconite Harbor, Minnesota, when she became ensnared in 70-mile-perhour winds and 20- to 25-foot seas. Steaming for the protection of Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay, she became fatally wounded around 2 a.m., breaking up so quickly that the crew never had a chance to call for help. Many were forced to jump into the icy water, while others tried to find a measure of safety aboard an open raft.

As Hale waited with his shipmates for the bow section to sink so the raft would float free, they saw the Morrell’s aft section, ablaze with light, steaming toward them.

The two sections collided, and the stern steamed off into the darkness.

Hale and three shipmates—20-year-old John Cleary, 41-year-old Art Stojek and 42-year-old Charles “Fuzzy” Fosbender—were hurtled through towering waves, gasping for air and agonizing in the frigid temperatures.

“As we break through the back side of the wave, I can hear... our screams as the wind hits us at 60 miles per hour, raking our bodies, hurting, burning and stinging our skin,” Hale writes in his new book, “Shipwrecked: Reflections of the Sole Survivor,” published last year. “It almost feels like my skin is being peeled off. I am very cold.”

Originally, Hale’s story was told in a book titled simply “Sole Survivor,” written by others and published in 1999.

Hale wasn’t satisfied with it. As it turned out, there was so much more he wanted to say.

“For the last 20 years, I’ve wanted to tell my own story,” he said. “It was very difficult for me. These were things I’d never talked about before. Then I realized, ‘Now’s the time,’ and I sat down and started to write.

It wasn’t just the shipwreck that troubled him, although certainly reliving the experience wasn’t going to be easy.

Hale wanted to address his childhood.

Through a series of well-executed flashbacks, “Shipwrecked: Reflections of the Sole Survivor” takes readers on a journey that stretches back to Hale’s 1940 birth in Cleveland, Ohio, and then brings us forward to the day he concluded writing in 2010. And that journey contains quite a few surprising twists and turns.

Naturally, readers will be eager to read about the wreck in Hale’s own words. And he doesn’t disappoint; his account of the Morrell’s breakup on stormy, violent, dark seas is a visceral one. Emotion trembles behind the words—disbelief, raw fear and then despair. And his account of nearly 40 hours on an open raft, clinging to life as three shipmates died in front of him, is harrowing.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DENNIS HALE BLACK AND WHITE PHOTO BY RALPH POLOVICH / PORT HURON TIMES HERALD

Watchman Dennis Hale served for three seasons aboard the bulk ore freighter Daniel J. Morrell (top), which broke up and sank in the wee hours of November 29, 1966 on Lake Huron. Rescued around 4 p.m. on November 30 near Michigan’s Pointe Aux Barques lighthouse (above), Hale said that holding the mooring line that attaches a dive buoy to the wreck (opposite) was a very emotional experience.

63 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

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“I would like to dedicate this book to my 28 shipmates and friends who lost their lives in the sinking of the Daniel J. Morrell on Lake Huron, November 29, 1966. You are forever in my heart and on my mind.” ~ Dennis Hale

The light isn’t coming on. Something’s got to be wrong. I’d better get up. I don’t recall the boat rolling or pitching a lot through the night.

I start to slide the curtains from around my bunk. Oh! Shit! Oh! It’s the general alarm. I can see small sparks as the hammer strikes the bell over and over again. Whew!

What’s going on? Oh, man. Maybe it’s just a stand-by or something.

After jumping out of bed, I reach overhead to find my life jacket and put it on.

Now I’m opening the door to the companionway. Stepping out and into the companionway, I turn left toward the opening to the deck. As I start down the companionway toward the opening, Al Wieme is coming out of his cabin. He is right in front of me as we race for the main deck. He stops at the entrance to the spar deck. He yells, “Oh my God!” I ask him, “What do you see? What’s happening?”

He doesn’t answer, just pushes past me and goes up the companionway and back into his room. I step out onto the deck, and I cannot see the rear of the boat. I can see where the deck ends. There are lights shining upward from where it ends. Now I see the stack starting to rise. The lights are illuminating it and giving it a creepy, eerie glow. I can’t believe this is happening!

I need more clothes. I wonder how much time I have? I have to go back to my room. It’s pitch black out. Walking back toward the starboard side, I reach the companionway that leads to my cabin. I wonder where Al Wieme is. I haven’t seen him come out of the companionway yet.

I walk to the rear of the companionway to my room in the darkness… I extend my right arm and count the doors until I come to my room. Once Ah, what the hell is that? A loud bang just woke inside my room, I feel my way around, looking me up. It must be the anchor bouncing on the for more clothing. I’ve never known this type of bow, I think. I’ll roll over to my right side and go darkness! Finally I find my Navy peacoat. Whew! back to sleep. After rolling over, almost at once, I My life jacket, my peacoat and boxer shorts is all I hear another loud bang. Whew! That sounded like have on. That is it. I can’t spend more time looking. a cannon going off.

I must hurry back to the raft!

Oh man! My books are falling off the shelf, and I leave my cabin and walk out to the spar deck that has never happened before. If it’s going to get and start walking toward the raft. Ah, shit! It’s cold that bad, I’d better get up. and it’s been snowing. I can feel the ice and snow I reach up to turn on my bunk light. Oh, damn! coming up between my toes as I walk down the

From “Shipwrecked: Reflections of the Sole Survivor”

64 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

deck to the raft… it doesn’t take long until most of the crew from the forward end is either on the raft or around it.

Oh, the noise! The noise! The engine is laboring. It sounds like it’s crying. I can hear it cry. I can hear the sound of steam escaping, and I can see it in the air. The wind is screeching through the wires, and I hear the crunching of steel… it’s so weird the way the ship is bending, the noise the engine is making, the wind, the lights in the back and none forward… there’s a look of disbelief on the faces of my shipmates.

What the hell was that? Oh shit! I’m looking over my left shoulder to the starboard side of the deck.

The spar deck is starting to tear at the starboard gunwale… that’s one-inch steel plate, and it’s tearing like a piece of paper! I can hear it scream, and I see sparks and puffs of smoke every once in awhile. That must be smoke or dust every time it hits a rivet. It’s screaming!

The deck is now tearing apart on the port side.

Soon the two sections will separate. The boat is separating into two sections, with the stern section still under power, and both sections still afloat.

Now, as I’m looking over my left shoulder, I’m looking into Lake Huron as it whips and dances below us. When I look straight ahead over the port side, I see the stern section of the Morrell coming straight for us while still under power. The water hasn’t reached the boilers yet, as there hasn’t been an explosion. The deck and cargo hold lights are still on, and I can see the cargo hold.

The wind wails as it throws frozen drops of water in our faces. It feels like needles hitting us.

It tears at our clothing as it whips past. I can hear someone far away talking: “Hang on, it won’t be long. It won’t be long now. Soon we’ll be in the water!”

I can hear another voice saying, “God help us.”

To order a signed, personalized copy of “Shipwrecked: Reflections of the Sole Survivor” ($19.95), contact Dennis Hale at P.O. Box 104, Rock Creek, OH 44084 or via e-mail at dennishale@windstream.net.

But it’s those flashbacks to a troubled childhood that strike a chord, as Hale reflects on the years of abuse and abandonment that forced him to grow up much faster than any child should—and that made him a survivor of a different sort.

“It was very difficult for me to face those days,” he said. “I would have to stop writing, wait until I was ready, and then start again. The book took four years.”

Hale also addressed the challenges he faced in the years following the sinking, when he wanted so much to be “just Dennis Hale.” But he found he couldn’t be that person, and not only because he was weighed down with the bizarre sort of celebrity that comes with a nationally publicized survival story. He couldn’t move forward because he was deeply burdened with his past.

The survival skills he taught himself as a child— the skills that were a vital form of self-protection and -preservation—might have helped to save his life on that exposed raft 45 years ago. Hale also suspected, however, that they tripped him up as he tried to form adult relationships and find happiness.

“I told myself I had to just get over it,” Hale said. “I still have anger within me, but I don’t feed on it. There’s nothing I can do to change it.”

In conjunction with his book’s 2010 publication, Hale decided to undertake a series of speaking engagements throughout the Great Lakes. The experience proved therapeutic, and he continues speaking publicly today.

“Through the process of writing and talking, I started to let down walls,” Hale explained. “Some subjects I don’t talk about, but I’ll answer questions about those topics if they come up. It’s very cathartic.”

He admitted that tender spots remain, such as the memory of picking ice off the hands of young John Cleary, who passed away during the first night on the raft.

“I remember looking at him,” Hale said softly. “He was such a nice kid.”

He said he’s always amazed at the number of people who return to hear him speak and think of him as someone they know.

“I remember when it happened, people tried to break into the hospital to talk to me,” Hale recalled. “It was so strange. I didn’t understand. I didn’t do anything spectacular; I just survived a sinking.

“For a long time, I didn’t want to be that person,” he commented. “But I am that person. And I’m never without the shipwreck. I’m always there, it’s always on my mind. I deal with survivor’s guilt on a daily basis— that never goes away. I mean, I shouldn’t have made it.”

Now retired, Hale lives in Ashtabula County, Ohio, with his wife, Barbara. His two daughters and three granddaughters live nearby to “keep an eye on the old man,” and he reported that he’s feeling better than ever.

That’s partially due to the improvement in his health; Hale suffered severe foot damage as a result of his long ordeal and has undergone many surgeries over the years, but he no longer has pain with every footstep.

It’s also due to making peace with his childhood and those who abused him, with being able to talk about his near-death experience on Lake Huron that he kept buried for so long, and with finding a mission for his future: Keeping the memory of his ship alive.

The U.S. Coast Guard found the Morrell’s stern section in 1967, sitting upright in 210 feet of water.

In 1979, wreck hunters found the bow five miles away, also upright at approximately 180 feet. Hale said he doesn’t mind divers visiting the wreck, with one caveat. “I don’t have a problem with it, as long as they carry away a thought of the people who died there,” he said. “As long as they remember what they went through. Those guys were the closest family I ever had. I think of them every day.”

Dennis Hale will be speaking at the Chicago Maritime Festival on February 25, 2012. For more information, visit chicagomaritimefestival.org.

UNDERWATER PHOTOS BY TOM MEHRINGER

65 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

marina watch

Sandusky Harbor Marina Sail away from it all at this Ohio marina. by colle e n h . trou pi s Sandusky Harbor Marina 1 Huron St. Sandusky, OH 44870 800-877-3625 sanduskyharbor.com

Amenities Transient slips: Y Pump-out: Y Gas: Y Diesel: Nearby Lifts: Y Launch ramp: Nearby Engine repair: Y Hull repair: Y Marine store: Nearby Restaurant: Nearby Showers: Y Laundry Facility: Y

66 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

W

ith a prime location on the south side of Sandusky Bay’s western basin, Sandusky Harbor Marina is great for boaters of all kinds.

For those looking to explore Lake Erie, the big lake is just a 20-minute boat ride. And for those with sailboats, the location doesn’t get any better.

“Since we’re in the western bay, we’re quiet,” says general manager Jerry Parsons. “It allows our customers to sail within the bay and not have to worry about the conditions out on the lake.”

Opened in 1988 on the grounds of an old factory, the 27-acre (including water) marina boasts 560 slips and is able to accommodate anything from a jet ski up to a 65-footer. “We have some 55-foot single-berth slips, which is unique,” Parsons says.

Typically the marina has around 25 slips available for transient boats, but advance reservations are recommended.

Over the years, the marina has strived for constant improvement, reconfiguring the docks, renovating the bathhouses and rebuilding the launching wells. About five years ago, a second 25,000-square-foot indoor heated storage building was added, bringing the total indoor heated storage square footage up to 50,000.

That’s in addition to 65,000 square feet of indoor cold storage, 6,400 square feet of covered storage, and 12 acres of outside storage.

The service department’s technicians, who are specifically trained in sailboat repair, boast a cumulative 150 years of experience. The facility is open year-round to continue servicing boats throughout the winter.

Sandusky Harbor Marina, which is part of the Marinas International family, prides itself on being family-oriented, with a children’s play area, pavilions with propane grills, and a 30-by-60-foot in-ground heated pool. “It’s elevated up out of the ground, so as you’re swimming you can see over the boats and to the bay itself,” explains Parsons.

Other amenities include free WIFI and laundry for all marina customers, as well as access to the beautiful community room, which is open around the clock and features satellite TV, couches and a small library.

The marina holds two to three events per month all boating season long. From service seminars to concerts to pool parties, there’s always something going on.

“I love this place,” says Parsons, who’s been at the marina for 14 years. “I think our location is the best, and we have an absolute dynamite crew that works incredibly hard.” r PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANDUSKY HARBOR MARINA

Reed Yacht Sales is a new Ranger Tugs dealer!

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CABO 44 HT EXPRESS 22’ 29’ 29’ 30’ 30’ 31’ 31’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 35’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 38’ 38’ 38’ 39’

2010 1995 2002 1996 2008 1995 2010 1996 2002 2005 2005 2007 1977 1986 1986 1986 1988 1989 2007 1988 2001 2008 1985

Andros Boats Permit 22 S-Yamaha 150hp Four Stroke ......................... $ Powerquest 290 Enticer FX w/Trl. T-Mercruiser 454 EFI Magnum...... $ Four Winns 298 Vista T-Volvo Penta 5.0, 270 hp ..................................... $ Pursuit 3000 Offshore T-Crusader 454, 320 hp ........................................ $ Tiara 3000 Open T-Crusader 6.0 MPI, 375 hp .......................................... $ Tiara 3100 Open - Hardtop T-Crusader 454 XLI, 320 hp ......................... $ Chaparral 310 Signature T-Mercruiser 5.0 L MPI DTS Axius ............... $ Regal 320 Commodore T-Mercruiser 7.4 ltr............................................. $ Four Winns 328 Vista T-Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI’s .............................. $ Sunsation 32 Mid Cabin T-MX 6.2 MPI, 320 hp ....................................... $ Tiara 3200 Open T-Crusader 8.1 ltr., 385 hp ............................................. $ CABO 32 Express T-Caterpillar C-7, 461 hp ............................................. $ Chris Craft 35 Catalina T-Chris Craft 327, 220 hp .................................... $ Trojan F-36 Convertible T-Crusader 350’s, 270 hp................................... $ Trojan F-36 Convertible T-Crusader 454’s, 350 hp................................... $ Hatteras 36 Sedan T-Crusader 7.4 ltr., 350 hp ......................................... $ Mainship 36 Double Cabin T-Crusader 350 5.7L, 270 hp........................ $ Tiara 3600 Convertible T-Crusader 350 hp ............................................... $ Meridian 368 Motor Yacht T-Mercruiser 8.1 ltr. HO, 385 hp ................. $ Hatteras 38 Convertible T-Detroit Diesels, 6V-71TI ............................... $ Tiara 3800 Open T-Caterpillar, 3208, 435 hp ............................................. $ Donzi 38 ZSF Walkaround Tri-Mercury Verado’s, 300 hp ...................... $ Sea Ray 390 Sedan Bridge T-Mercruiser 454, 340 hp ........................... $

32,499 32,500 59,900 59,900 169,900 79,900 174,900 44,900 64,900 89,995 179,900 259,900 24,900 39,900 44,900 59,900 39,900 64,900 209,900 149,900 229,900 199,900 39,900

HATTERAS 60 MY 39’ 40’ 43’ 43’ 43’ 44’ 44’ 45’ 48’ 48’ 48’ 48’ 48’ 49’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 52’ 58’ 85’ 92’

1986 2006 1975 1990 1995 1984 2006 2000 1981 1977 1988 1994 2004 2007 1988 1994 1997 2000 2001 1978 2006 2007

Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser T-Chevy 540, 275 hp ................................. $ 42,000 Int’l Standard 40 Mariner T-Cummins, 270 hp......................................... $ 289,900 Hatteras 43 Flybridge MY T-Cummins VT903, 320 hp............................. $ 99,900 Tiara 4300 Convertible T-Detroit Diesels 6V92’s, 535 hp........................ $ 179,900 Tiara 4300 Open T-Detroit Diesels 6V92’s, 550 hp................................... $ 199,900 Viking 44’ Motor Yacht T-Detroit Diesels 671, 450 hp ............................ $ 149,000 Tiara 4400 Sovran T-Caterpillar C-12, 715 hp .......................................... $ 449,900 Silverton 453 Motor Yacht T-Cummins QSM 11, 535 hp ........................ $ 229,900 Hatteras 48 Motor Yacht T-Detroit Diesel, 6V92’s, 425 hp..................... $ 229,900 Hatteras 48 Long Range Cruiser T-Detroit Diesel, 4-53, 122 hp ........... $ 299,900 Ocean 48 Super Sport T-Detroit Diesel 6-71’s, 485 hp ........................... Sale Pending Hatteras 48’ Cockpit MY T-Detroit Diesel 6V92, 535 hp ......................... $ 249,900 Silverton 48’ Convertible T-Caterpillar C-12, 700 hp............................... $ 449,000 Grand Banks 49 Eastbay SX T-Caterpillar C-12, 715 hp......................... Sale Pending Bertram 50’ Convertible T-Detroit Diesel 8V-92 735 hp ......................... $ 449,000 Hatteras 50’ Convertible T-Detroit Diesel 12V-71TA DDEC, 900 hp ..... $ 399,900 Hatteras 50’ Convertible T-Caterpillar 3408, 800 hp ............................... $ 550,000 Hatteras 50’ Convertible T-Caterpillar 3406E, 800 bhp........................... $ 565,000 Tiara 5000 Express/5200 Sovran T-Caterpillar 3406E, 800 bhp ............. $ 379,900 Hatteras 58’ Motor Yacht T-Detroit Diesel 8V92 TA’s, 550 hp ............... $ 299,900 Pacific Mariner 85’ Pacific Mariner T-MTU 10V2000, 1500 hp............. $ 3,999,000 Rayburn 92 Skylounge T-Caterpillar C30, 1550 hp .................................. $ 4,999,000

LASALLE, MI Paul Reed 419-304-4962 Tim Manton 419-509-6948 John Clark 734-755-5902 GRAND HAVEN, MI Brent Reed 616-402-0180 TRAVERSE CITY, MI Brad Thompson 231-668-9868

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46 Westcoast 2004 $339,500

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65.5 Skipperliner 1992 $239,000

65 Custom Trawler 1998 $565,000

42 Grand Banks 1993 $275,000

42 Grand Banks 1977 $99,000

40 Ocean Alexander 1983 39 Ocean Alexander 1991 $139,000 $99,900

42 Nordic Tug 2008 $649,500

42 Nordic Tug 2001 $339,000

42 Nordic Tug 1999 $299,000

41 President 1987 $120,000

41 Lindmark 1987 $64,900

40 T Mainship 2004 $239,000

40 Tollycraft 1986 $89,000

37 Custom Steel 1986 $99,000

36 Grand Banks 1973 $57,495

34 American Tug 2004 $279,750

34 American Tug 2001 $225,000

43 Saberline 1996 $340,000

34 Mainship 1978 $34,000

32 Nordic Tug 1991 $114,900

32 Albin 1989 $75,000

32 Grand Banks 1985 $99,000

32 Cheoy Lee 1983 $57,000

32 Island Gypsy 1983 $49,900

32 Vinette Steel 1977 $49,900

31 Camano 2001 $127,900

31 Blue Seas 1988 $79,900

28 Albin 2007 $105,000

27 Albin 1984 $29,900

26 Nordic Tug 1981 with trailer $75,000

*Please note the location of the brokerage trawler in the website listing: at Manitowoc or at the owner’s location

www.trawlersmidwest.com • 920-894-2632 • 866-375-1633

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CRUISERS 540 SC

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Windy City Yacht Brokerage, LLC

1988 55’ OCEAN SUPER SPORT 735HP DETROIT 8V92S, HEAVY RENOVATIONS. LOOKS GREAT $235,000

1991 44’ LEE WILBUR CUSTOM 375HP CAT 3208S, HULL BLUE AWLGRIP, SUPER STRUCTURE WHITE AWLGRIP, FANATICALLY MAINTAINED $239,000

FINALLY KNOT DREAMING This is a picture of our boat, Finally Knot Dreaming. It is a 2006 Four Winns 348 Vista, and it’s our first boat.

The name means that we’re no longer dreaming about owning a boat, and instead we’re finally dreaming about knots (and learning how to tie them).

Robert & Pamela Borgman Clarkson, MI

1986 36’ CARVER 3607 AFT CBN 350HP CRUSADERS, GEN 2 SRS, 2 HEADS, 2 HELMS GREAT PRICE FRESHWATER $37,900

1992 36’ BAYLINER 3688 200HP HINO DSLS, STRAIGHT DRIVES, VERY CLEAN, NEW UPGRADES FRESHWATER $79,000

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2003 32’ REGAL 3260 COMMODORE VOLVO 320HP 5.7L V DRIVES ONLY 240 HOURS, GENERATOR, FRESHWATER $78,000

2002 31’ SEA RAY 310 SUNDANCER T-6.2L MERCS W/BRAVO III 250 HRS, RADAR, ONE OWNER, FRESHWATER $69,900

NAZDROWIÉ I bought my new boat in June 1975 from Jefferson Beach Marina and had this name put on the transom.

It is a Polish saying that means “to our health.” I’ve had the name for 33 years now and never seen another one like it. Been all over Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point, Port Huron and Bayfield. We keep our boat at Belle Maer Harbor in Harrison Township, Michigan.

Leonard Michalowski Westland, MI

SISTER SHIP

2006 27’ SEA RAY 270 SELECT EX HIGH END BOW RIDER, SINGLE 350MAG W250HRS, BLACK HULL, ARCH, HEAD FRESHWATER $55,000

1997 21’ SEASWIRL 2150 STRIPER 250HP 5.7L VOLVO W/67 HRS, INCLUDES TANDEM TRAILER $9,900

BOAT OF THE MONTH 2005 59’ CARVER MARQUIS 825HP MTU’S W/370 HRS, LIFT, LWR HELM, BOW & STERN THURSTERS, FRESHWATER $895,000

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• 312-440-9500

Email: jeff@windycityyachts.com

www.WindyCityYachts.com 70 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

SKIPPER 26 What better way to indicate that an infantry officer has made the transition to boat captain than by naming a boat after my combat call sign. The call sign for Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during 1968-1969 was (Angry) Skipper. Using the abbreviated “Skipper” and adding the numbers 2 (for 2nd Platoon) and 6 (for the platoon leader), I created Skipper 26, which was my actual combat call sign.

Robert G. Babas Charlevoix, MI

Got a great name? Share it with us!

Send a short write-up, along with your name, your boat’s name, and your home city and state, as well as a high-resolution photo of your boat (at least 1 MB) to: staff@lakelandboating.com. Don’t forget to put “Name Game” in subject line. Your boat could wind up in the next Lakeland Boating!

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CANINE CREWMEMBER Our Shih Tzu, Millie, has been boating on our Carver 350 at Lake of the Ozarks all her life. She’s lovin’ life as long as she doesn’t have to go below deck, which only happens when we disembark. Millie is a passionate boater, so even though she never has a good hair day while cruising on the lake, she doesn’t care as long as she gets to be in her favorite place on the top deck. Coving out, munching snacks with friends, patrolling the dock and playing ball are all things she loves to do while living aboard Driftwood VI.

Bob & Stephanie Schultz | Osage Beach, MO

BOAT LOANS Lake Effect Financial Services, LLC William Otto, III 2907 S. Horseshoe Dr. Grandville, MI 49418

Ph: 616-538-5777 Fax: 866-530-6058 Cell: 216-577-1460 billotto3@gmail.com

Originating agent for:

POWER BOATS 26’ ‘87 Cruisers Vee Sport ........... 12,700 25’ ‘97 Proline 251 W/A ................ 27,500 26’ ‘87 Cruisers Vee Sport ........... 12,700 27’ ‘98 Four Winns 278 ................ 31,900 28’ ‘90 Cruisers 2870.................... 19,900 29’ ‘87 Cruisers Sea Devil........... 25,500 29’ ‘94 Baha Cruiser 299 ............. 24,900 29’ ‘94 Sea Ray 290 ...................... 28,900 31’ ‘97 Carver 310 EX ................... 44,900 32’ Wellcraft St.Tropez 3 starting@ 18,900 32’ ‘98 Pro Line 3250 ..................... 49,900 32’ ‘85 Carver 3207........................ 19,900 33’ ‘95 Sea Ray Sundancer ......... 59,500 34’ ‘92 Silverton 34X ..................... 49,900 34’ ‘01 Sea Ray 340 ....................... 95,500

35’ ‘94 Carver 350 Aft ................... 78,900 36’ ‘88 Sportcraft Pesca .............. 39,900 36’ ‘82 Carver 3607 Aft ................. 36,500 37’ ‘88 Chris Craft Amerosport ... 49,500 37’ ‘78 Vinette Steel Trawler ....... 49,900 37’ ‘95 Cruisers 3775..................... 84,900 38’ ‘82 PT Trawler ....................... 125,000 38’ ‘88 Chris Craft 381................... 69,200 38’ ‘04 Regal 3880 ....................... 189,900 39’ ‘88 Sea Ray 390 ....................... 61,900 40’ ‘04 Carver 404 CP/MY .......... 125,500 40’ ‘94 Mainship Sedan ............. 119,900 40’ ‘87 Hatteras Motor Yacht ... 139,500 42’ ‘87 Carver Aft .......................... 99,500 42’ ‘78 Grand Banks Classic ....... 98,500

5309 E. Wilder Rd. Bay City, MI 48706

Ph: 989-684-5010 • info@bayharborbaycity.com

SYSTEM

RE-USABLE

42’ ‘82 Bertram FBMY ................ 135,900 43’ ‘95 Wellcraft 4350 Portofino 145,000 44’ ‘86 Marine Trader Double Cabin 118,900 46’ ‘77 Bertam FBMY.................. 118,900 46’ ‘04 Craver 466........................ 229,900 50’ ‘92 Sea Ray 500 Sundancer 220,000 52’ ‘63 Chris Craft Connie ............ 39,500

SAIL BOATS

27’ ‘73 Catalina ................................ 8,750 27’ ‘74 Catalina ................................ 8,900 30’ ‘84 O’Day .................................. 24,900 30’ ‘79 S-2 9.2A .............................. 22,900 30’ ‘76 Catalina 30 ......................... 18,500 32’ ‘94 Sea Ward 32 Eagle........... 39,900 33’ ‘05 Hunter 33 ........................... 94,000 34’ ‘96 Gemini 105M ..................... 84,950 37’ ‘81 Hunter ................................ 34,500

Details on over 150 listings at

www.kellymarinesales.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF MORE FISH! Get your favorite angler hooked on Great Lakes Angler this holiday season!

A one-year subscription makes a great gift!

Only $14.95 for 9 issues.

Call 800-214-5558, or visit our website at glangler.com.

73 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

marine marketplace

Winter Tarps & Frame Systems

lakeshore life

Lake Linden, Michigan This Portage Lake home is move-in ready.

Specs Address: 43805 Bootjack Rd. Lake Linden, MI 49945 Bedrooms: 5 Baths: 2 Square Footage: 2,708 Shoreline: 192 feet Acres: 1.12 Price: $370,000

Contact Dick Walrath or Kevin Liimatta State Wide Real Estate of Houghton 906-482-6955 statewideofhoughton.com

74 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

S

by colle e n h . trou pi s

ituated on nearly 200 feet of gorgeous Portage Lake shoreline in a quiet lake home community, this home is the perfect blend of yesterday and today.

Originally constructed in 1923, the home received a complete facelift in 2005. “The owner essentially took the house down to the studs and then replaced and upgraded everything,” says Kevin Liimatta, associate broker with State Wide Real Estate of Houghton in Houghton, Michigan.

“In many respects, it rivals a brand new home.”

The five-bedroom, two-bath home does so while maintaining touches of years gone by, with wide baseboards, cove molding and soft finishes. And it was remodeled with entertaining in mind.

“It has an open kitchen and living room, which makes social gatherings easy and fun,” says Liimatta. “The focus is out the back of the home to the shore and lake.”

That open kitchen boasts painted cabinets, high-quality countertops and high-end appliances. Also on the first floor are dining and living areas, a bedroom and a bath.

Upstairs are four additional bedrooms and another bathroom.

Above the two-car garage is a nearly 400-square-foot

unfinished room ready for a new owner to make it into whatever he or she envisions—a master suite, exercise room, family room, studio or office, for example.

Outdoors there is a 1,600-square-foot wraparound deck. “It makes enjoying the outside and lake very easy,” Liimatta says. “And the exterior of the home was designed to minimize owner maintenance.”

The lot runs about 100 feet from the home to the edge of the lake, and the waterfront slopes gradually out toward deeper water. “It’s a great waterfront for swimming and enjoying the water,” he explains.

Boating is an option, too. While there is not currently a dock at the home, a roll-in dock would be easy to bring in. Liimatta says it’s likely a permanent dock could be installed as well, with the right permissions.

From the home, it’s about four miles by boat along the South Portage Entry Canal to South Portage Entry and Lake Superior.

And it’s all waiting just for you.

“The home is ready for a new owner to simply move their furnishings in and begin enjoying the setting immediately,” says Liimatta. r PHOTOS COURTESY OF STATE WIDE REAL ESTATE OF HOUGHTON

South Shore Lakeland Boating ad_Lakeland Ad 10/10/11 12:00 PM Page 1

lakeshore life

500 Shelden Avenue Houghton, MI 49931

CHARMING 1915-ERA COTTAGE ON LAKE MACATAWA

906-482-6955

The Keweenaw’s number one seller of vacant land. $749,000 1703 S. SHORE DR. HOLLAND, MI 49423 MLS# 11048341

YOU'LL LOVE THE VIEWS FROM THIS VINTAGE COTTAGE AND ITS LOCATION. Kept up very nicely, it will remind you of by gone days with it's lakeside front porch, the clapboard siding and wooden shutters.

Charming 1915-era Cottage on Lake Macatawa on the south shore near both the Lake Macatawa Bay Yacht Club and Eldeans Marina, close to the Piper Restaurant and the Holland Channel. Steel seawall but no dock. One can be added.

FOR MORE PHOTOS AND OTHER WATERFRONT PROPERTIES VISIT

Wa te rf ront - Luxu ry Hom es. co m

See all of the area’s listings at

616-355-6387

WOODLAND SCHMIDT

statewideofhoughton.com

466 E. 16th St., Holland, MI 49424 Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated.

ANDREA

WENDY

CROSSMAN

RYDER

KERSH RUHL

What Boaters Read To Find

lakeshore life

Their Dream

Bay Harbor, Michigan

A close-knit community feel in Lakeshore Village. by colle e n h . trou pi s

Homes!

OVER 54,000 BOATERS READ Specs address: Lakeshore Village Bay harbor, MI 49770 Bedrooms Range: 3 to 5 Baths Range: 3 to 5 square Footage Range: 3,500 to 5,000 Price Range: homes & Lots $205,000 to $1.59 million

Contact Wally Kidd Kidd & Leavy Real Estate 231-838-2700 lakeshore-village.com

66 LAKELANDBOATING.COM a u g u s t 2 011

L

ocated on the eastern edge of Bay Harbor, Michigan, on Little Traverse Bay, Lakeshore Village is a 36-home development that was created in the spirit of new urbanism.

“It’s probably a little different from the typical golf course resort community,” says Wally Kidd, broker/ owner of Kidd & Leavy Real Estate, representing Lakeshore Village. “There are sidewalks, streetlamps and front porches with swings, and you’re within walking distance to town.”

Living in Lakeshore Village, which has been around since 1999, also means great access to the Great Lakes.

Homes and lots are available on both the private Village Harbor and Lake Michigan itself, and each lot comes with a 35-foot dock.

“We consider Bay Harbor to be the nautical center of the Great Lakes,” Kidd says. “Here, your boat is at your back door. You can island hop, or head to towns like Mackinaw City.”

Of the 36 lots in Lakeshore Village, about half have homes already built on them. There are four unique floor plans to choose from, ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 square feet. The other lots are clean slates, ready for buyers to customize their dream home however they’d like.

The aesthetic of the development is “classically coastal,” and the homes, all of which include waterfront views, may have features including premium cedar shake, high-end kitchen and bath appliances and finishes, hickory wood floors, granite countertops and gas fireplaces. Also on site is a private sand beach.

Residents of Lakeshore Village enjoy great access to all that the vibrant downtown Bay Harbor community has to offer, from its dining and shopping options, to the membership opportunities available at the yacht club, golf club and swing and fitness clubs.

“Lakeshore Village is truly unique in that you can front Lake Michigan and have a boat at your back door,” Kidd says. “You can’t do that anywhere in the Great Lakes.” r

our Lakeshore department each month. Get your listing seen in Lakeland Boating magazine.

For rates contact Kirsten Moxley at 800-331-0132 ext. 21

PhOTOS By RIChARD hARTwELL / hARTwELL DIGITAL MED IA

ll_july11.indd 66 7/15/11 12:51 PM

www.lakelandboating.com 75 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

dining on deck

Pretzel-encrusted Whitefish The Great Lakes’ most valuable fish makes a fine meal. BY MARTY R ICHAR DSON

deep-bodied, with its coloration a greenish brown over the back, shading to silver on the sides and silvery-white below. Average-sized whitefish in the commercial catch measure 17 to 22 inches in length and weigh two to four pounds. The largest individual on record was a 41-pound heavyweight taken from Lake Superior in 1918.

Whitefish are fished commercially by means of trapnets and gillnets set during the open water season. While not noted as a game fish, in recent years the whitefish has been the object of an active sport fishery in many parts of the Great Lakes. Anglers catch it on a small hook, usually baited with a fish egg.

So catch your own, or go to a local fishery and try this recipe during your next Great Lakes cruise.

DIRECTIONS

H

aving lived in the Great Lakes region all my life, I was not prepared for a question from a South Carolina boater who was visiting Cheboygan, Michigan.

She was looking for a local restaurant recommendation, and as I was describing a particularly good option, she queried, “What is a whitefish?”

I had never thought about it, as the whitefish is an ever-present delicacy in these parts. Well, it’s “white,” but so are a lot of other fish. So I did some research and learned that the lake whitefish (coregonus clupeaformis) is the most economically valuable freshwater species in the Great Lakes. Locals are well aware of its exceptionally fine flavor, and the fish has been prized since the days of the early explorers. French adventurer Antoine Denis Raudot wrote in 1710, “Whitefish must be the best fish in the world, since all those who have eaten it say that they never grow tired of it and prefer it to all other meats that one could find.”

Closely related to salmon, trout and char, whitefish is

76 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

Place pretzels in food processor and process until powdery. (Pretzels also may be placed in a large plastic food-storage bag and crushed with a rolling pin.) Place powdered pretzels in a large plastic food-storage bag. In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk and beer (or club soda). Dip fillets in egg mixture, then shake in pretzel powder to coat. In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1/8-inch of oil over medium heat. Add fillets. Fry for 3 1/2 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown, turning over once. Drain on paper towel. Serve with lemon wedges.

PRETZEL-ENCRUSTED WHITEFISH 4 cups pretzel twists 2 eggs, beaten 1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk 3 tablespoons beer or club soda 2 ¼ lbs. whitefish filets, skin removed vegetable oil lemon wedges

PHOTO BY MARTY RICHARDSON

1987 SEA RAY 340 SPORT FISHERMAN. 34’, Low hours, twin 454s, freshwater only, heated storage in winter.

Includes Achilles 10’2” inflatable boat w/ 8HP. $39,500.

Ask for George 906-341-6955.

NOV11

ed!

Reduc

1999 TIARA 3500 OPEN, LOA 35’-6”, Beam 13’-3”, 7.4 Crusader Gas Engines 485 hrs., Canvas like new, Full electronics, Teak/holly sole, Air conditioning, Professionally maintained, Lake Erie boat, $128,900.00.

419-433-8071 or pewman@mac.com MAR12

1986 25.5 FT REGAL AMBASSADOR 255XL. Brand New Sunbrella bimini top in June 2011. Runs good. Trailer included. Call 269-209-1516.

JAN12

1972 GRAND BANKS 32' SEDAN. Wood, Ford Lehman 120 diesel. Completely restored 1999, new canvas 2010. $29,500. Make offer 218-525-4522.

NOV11

MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT.

Add color and a border.

2001 TIARA 3800 OPEN Plan A, Freshwater, One Owner, Low Hours, Excellent Condition, Teak Interior, Full Electronics, Hardtop, Loaded. Asking $229,900 Call Brent @ Reed Yacht Sales (616) 402-0180 RYS

For details, call 800-331-0132 ext. 21 1996 BAYLINER 2859 CIERA EXPRESS. $29,500 Great Condition 454 Mercruiser, Triaxle trailer $12,000-Extras Raymarine, Furuno, downriggers, etc.

989-429-1507 pier_101@hotmail.com NOV11

Reduc ed!

38’ 1995 CARVER SANTEGO, (2) 454 Crusaders, Mercruiser generator, 560 hours, Radar, GPS, dual air/heat, loaded, excellent condition, well maintained, heated storage.

Priced to sell $65,900 w/Pentwater slip thru 2012.

Call 616-490-3814 or e-mail dleep@pecopage.com. JAN12

Reduc ed!

31’ FOUR WINNS VISTA, 1988, excellent condition, T-5.7, sleeps 6, heat/air, windlass, newer full canvas, headliner, carpet. $18,900. 616-399-7382.

NOV11

32’ GRAND BANKS 1989 Cummins, 210HP, 1355HRS, Northern Lights Generator 5KW 1000HRS, Vetus Stern Thruster, Radar, Autopilot, Loaded w/Electronics, Top Condition. Stored in Great Lakes. $130,000.

231-228-5655.

NOV11

Reduc ed!

38’ 1986 CHRIS CRAFT CATALINA. Second owner 15 yrs.

Numerous upgrades. Finest 381 on the Great lakes. $64,900. Info & pics.

574-259-0465 or rgkucak@yahoo.com NOV11 U. S. Postal Service STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, & CIRCULATION

1995 TIARA 3100 OPEN Hardtop, Generator, Inverter, Newer Canvas, Newer Raymarine E Series electronics & Clarion Stereo system, Full Fishing Gear, New Fishhawk, Recent Survey. Asking $79,900.

Call Brent @ Reed Yacht Sales (616) 402-0180 RYS

2005 TIARA 32 OPEN. 8.1 Crusaders, E120 w/ digital sounder, autopilot, open array, pristine, $179,000.

Jeff 517-202-2123. NO BROKERS! MAR11

12. Tax Status. For completion by nonprofit organizations. N/A. 13. Publication Title: Lakeland Boating.

1. Title of publication: Lakeland Boating.

14. Issue date for circulation data below: Oct. 2010 – Sept. 2011

2. Publication No. 0744-9194.

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Avg. No. Copies Each Issue

3. Date of Filing: September 30, 2011.

During Preceding 12 Months, No. Copies of Single Issue Published

4. Frequency of Issue: eleven issues per year.

Nearest to Filing Date

5. No. of Issues Published Annually: eleven.

A. Total No. Copies 12,525, 12858

6. Annual Subscription Price: $24.95.

B1. Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions 9,548, 9,095

7. Mailing address of Known Office of Publication: O’Meara-Brown

B3. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors,

Publications, Inc., 727 S. Dearborn, Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605,

and Counter Sales 759, 666

Contact Person: Walter O’Meara 312-276-0610 x.10

B4. Other classes mailed through the USPS

8. Mailing Address of Headquarters or General business Offices of the

C. Total Paid Circulation 9,548, 9,095

Publisher: O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., 727 S. Dearborn, Suite

D1. Free Distribution by Mail 737, 903

812, Chicago, IL 60605.

D4. Free Distribution Outside the Mail 291, 219

9. Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor and

E. Total Free Distribution 1,028, 1,122

Managing Editor. Publisher: Walter B. O’Meara, 727 S. Dearborn, Suite

F. Total Distribution 10,576, 10,217

812, Chicago, IL 60605. Editor: Lindsey Johnson, 727 S. Dearborn, Suite

G. Copies Not Distributed 1,950, 2,641

812, Chicago, IL 60605.

H. Total 12,526, 12,858

10. Owner: Walter B. O’Meara, 727 S. Dearborn, Suite 812,

I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 90.28%, 89.02%

Chicago, IL 60605.

16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Nov/Dec 2011 issue

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders

of this publication.

Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds,

I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.

Mortgages, or Oth Securities: None.

Bing O’Meara, Circulation Director

77 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

classifieds: boats for sale

Ready for Great Lakes Salmon. TURNKEY 24' 1984 AQUASPORT OSPREY CC. 2000 Johnson 225hp (400 freshwater hours) and 2006 Mercury 15hp 4cycle trolling motor(5 hours). Includes two 5’ electric downriggers, planner boards, new electronics, all new fishing gear. Invested over $25,000. Must sell price (medical issues) $11,500. ($10,000 without trolling motor). 607-351-5999. JAN12

2000 TIARA 31 OPEN. T-320 HP Crusaders, gasoline. Teak/ holly sole. Pristine Condition. 490 hours. $109,900. bbuckingham@athens.com, 216-577-2976 FEB12

classifieds: boats for sale

Reduc ed!

2000 380 SEA RAY SUNDANCER 2000 SEA RAY 380 SUNDANCER T7.4 Merc. HorizonsGarmin. 2010 GPS, low hours (280). Excellent. Like new. Best offer. 315-469-1712 days, 315-476-3901 eve and weekends.

JAN12

47' CHRIS CRAFT COMMANDER 1972, Highly Customized!

FRESH WATER, repowered w/Cummins 370’s, 530hrs., Mathers, NEW fuel, water & holding tanks, canvas, cushions, interior, 3 staterooms, queen master, dinghy w/crane, same family 25yrs, 2 boat owner, Must Sell! $148,000 OBO ROB, 612-743-4192.

NOV11

1992 54’ STEEL, COI 43 passengers, Detroit Diesel 4-71, 3.5 gph @ 8.5 knot cruise. Also suitable for private use.

Located St. Clair River. $120,000 CDN. 519-892-3973 NOV11

2006 CRANCHI/MEDITERRANEE 47HT 40’ 1967 CHRIS CRAFT CORINTHIAN. Rare awesome award winner. Needs nothing. Nov ‘08 survey.

Please, serious inquiries only. 586-791-3744 eve., 248-588-4410 day.

JAN12

w/twin Volvo Penta D9 Diesel Power, Bow Thurster, Full Raytheon Electronics Package - “Style, Luxury with Performance” Call Today for More Info 800-213-3323, madaboutboating.com JAN12

2009 TIARA 5800 SOVRAN. Only 160 hrs. All fresh water and heated storage. Save 1/2 million from my cost new.

312-953-7937.

JAN12

ed!

Reduc

2000 CRUISERS YACHTS 4270 EXPRESS Low Hr. 430 Volvos New Radar+ Plotter Dinghy MTR Lift Underwater Lights $179,900. 219-741-0212.

JAN12

1990 JEFFERSON MARQUESSA 53' MOTORYACHT. Detroit 6V92s, 3 staterooms, 3 heads. Extensive 2001 upgrades. Custom Pilothouse. Zodiac. BEAUTIFUL. 612-850-2000. www.arkatie.com.

NOV11

1991 VIKING 66/CMY 1991 VIKING 66 Custom Cockpit Motoryacht, One Owner, Excellent Condition Freshwater Boat, Many Upgrades, Meticulously Maintained, Teak Interior, $550K Repower Twin 1200hp MAN (300hrs) 21/22kt Cruise. Trade Considered-Motivated Seller $495,000 with 80' slip.

800-213-3323 madaboutboating.com JAN12

1991 54’ BLUEWATER YACHT COASTAL CRUISER 2005 TIARA 4300 SOVRAN 100% Freshwater, One Owner, Low Hours, Excellent Condition, Full Raymarine E Series electronics. Priced to sell at $349,900 Call Brent @ Reed Yacht Sales, (616) 402-0180 RYS

1991 54’ BLUEWATER YACHT COASTAL CRUISER. Spacious interior, huge bridge! Three staterooms, meticulously maintained. Stored inside heated. More photos at www.ohiobluewater.com $124,900.

419-433-5798 sales@southshoremarine.com NOV11

DOCKOMINIUMS FOR SALE BAYLINER 4588 1988. 220 hp diesel 12.5 kw genset, 10ft boston whaler, freshwater, full canvas. Fully equipped. $200,000. For info michael.tallon@videotron.ca, 450-667-9976 FEB12 78 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

2005 OCEAN ALEXANDER. 54 LOA (2)500HP Yanmars330 hrs, dual stations, full Raymarine electronics,12KW gen, Air, Zodiac H/B, deluxe bridge. $585,000.

920-739-7668.

FEB12

40’, 60’, 88’ DOCKOMINIUMS FOR SALE at beautiful Duncan Bay Boat Club. Clubhouse, pool, floating docks, wifi & more. Straits of Mackinaw.

866-993-3625, sales@duncanbay.com FEB12

The Best Way to Sell Your Boat Fast!

MOVE YOUR BOAT WORRY FREE on our air ride hydraulic trailer. Free Quotes! Dave’s Marine Transport.

Toll Free: (866) 814-DAVE (3283) www.davesmarinetransport.com

Order online at www.lakelandboating.com or mail this form. All online orders will receive a free online listing!

RUC

Charters BAREBOAT CANADA’S FABULOUS NORTH CHANNEL, LAKE HURON. 25 power and sailboats, 27’-50’, cruise and learn, skippered. Canadian Yacht Charters, Gore Bay, Ontario. 800-565-0022. email: info@cycnorth.com, www.cycnorth.com RUC

Place my classified ad in the following issues:

Powerboat

Category: (only one per ad): ❏ Power

REDUCED AGAIN! ‘95 500 DA SEA RAY. Heated storage, T-550 Detroits. 502 hrs. Clean and equipped. Fresh water only. $235,000. ph: 216-469-7000 FEB12

20 words to include length, year, make, model, features, price, phone and email address.

“All my leads came from Lakeland Boating, and I sold it through Lakeland Boating.”

—Wayne Cannava of Gilman Yachts, former broker of a 1989 54’ Hatteras

❏ ❏

January August

❏ ❏

February ❏ March ❏ April ❏ May ❏ June ❏ July September ❏ October ❏ November/December

❏ Sail ❏ Other

Don’t forget your phone number!

Payment: We can accept Visa and MasterCard and checks ONLY for mail-in orders Name

Address

City

State

Day phone

Zip

Evening phone

Email

Visa/MasterCard number

Expiration date

Name as it appears on credit card

Amount enclosed

Deadlines:

Jan. issue is Nov. 16, Feb. issue is Dec. 9.

Ads received after deadline are automatically placed in the next issue.

SELL YOUR BOAT. Order your ad online at lakelandboating.com

4-Month Special 20 words with 1 photo: $250 Without photo: $150

Order online or mail this form to: Lakeland Boating Classifieds, 727 South Dearborn, Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605

Additional words are $1.50 each

Free online listing only applies to ads placed online. Sorry, no refunds once the ad is placed. Photos will be returned only if you enclose an SASE. Lakeland Boating reserves the right to edit copy for spelling, length, format, etc.

Monthly Rates 20 words with 1 photo: $90 Without photo: $40 Additional words are $1.50 each

Questions? Call 800-331-0132 x21 or email classifieds@lakelandboating.com.

79 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

classifieds: boats for sale

Yacht Delivery

above the waterline

Name That Boat

Swim through the sea of design options. BY DAVE WALLACE

I

have a young friend named Blaze. He’s one of those bright kids with great curiosity about many things, including boats. Since he lives in rural Michigan, he has no experience with the variety—and complexity—of Great Lakes boating. He had lots of questions for me last time we met. Before answering, I did some homework to refresh my own memory about what’s available out there today. I was shocked; even after eliminating all the inboard and outboard open boats, the liveaboard cruiser options are awesomely confusing to say the least.

Aft Cabin, Double Cabin, Tri-cabin, Bowrider, Classic, Coupe, Custom, Express, Express Bridge, Express Cruiser, Flybridge, Hardtop, Hardtop Express, Lobster Boat, Mariner, Open, Picnic Boat, Pilot, Pilothouse Sedan, Sedan Bridge, Sport Coupe, Sport Fish, Sport Sedan, Sun Deck, Sunsport, Trawler, Tug, Weekender, and Yacht… to name a few.

After sharing these options with my young friend, I could tell by the blank look on his face that I’d done nothing to clarify the topic for him—or me, for that matter. This is because boat classifications tend to be based on the image words of marketing rather than distinct design differences.

80 LAKELANDBOATING.COM N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 011

So, given the state of our mutual confusion, I switched gears and tried to describe Great Lakes cruising boats in terms of anticipated use rather than the significance of a name.

Former sailors who eventually grow tired of being victimized by changing wind conditions and single-digit cruising speeds typically move up to traditional powerboat designs like trawlers, tugs and lobster boats. These boats are generally roomy, seaworthy and comfortable, as long as you are willing to settle for “back of the pack” cruising speeds.

From these classics you can move on to just about any configuration that suits your fancy. So-called weekenders and picnic boats seem proud of the limitations suggested by their names, but would be well suited to cottagers or inland lake dwellers who want to goof around in something bigger and more comfortable than a speedboat (namely a boat with a cabin large enough to offer the convenience and privacy of a head).

The rest of the cruising fleet is made up of slick, sleek, fast and electronically sophisticated floating motor homes on steroids. Is cruising too rough for you without air conditioning, television, stereo, electric stoves, laundry rooms, dining areas, walk-in heads with separate showers, and actual beds instead of bunks? Welcome to the heart of the cruising boat world as it exists today.

“Are these considered yachts?” my friend asked. I had to admit that this classy definition is certainly implied and often used in marketing. But a true yacht should include a hired skipper with his own stateroom. A serious yacht is best identified by the owners’ private suite, plus separate crew quarters and guest staterooms. Visible class distinction features could be onboard storage for jet skis, an inboard powerboat as a dingy—not to mention a hoist-ready compact automobile for shore launching and a top-deck helicopter pad for VIP missions.

“So, what kind did you have?” he wondered.

I told him it was a trawler.

“You mean one of those slow boats?”

“Once we graduated to two heads and full-size separate beds, the rest seemed unimportant,” I admitted.

Now he thinks I’m more senile than salty.

True.

DAVE WALLACE has been boating in the

Great Lakes for more than 35 years. He’s written for Lakeland Boating since 1993 and helped develop the first edition of Lakeland Boating’s Ports o’ Call cruising guides.

ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE HARRIS

A great gift for your favorite boater!

49

$

.95

Lakeland Boating magazine, your guide to the Great Lakes, has compiled the definitive cruising resource for Great Lakes boaters.

With full-color aerial photography and harbor charts for every port on the lake, these guides are an indispensible source of information. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be privvy to the latest word on marinas, restaurants, attractions, activities and important boater amenities in each port, all presented in an attractive, well-organized design. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also get a feel for the personality of each harbor, making it easier to plan your next destination.

Nobody knows the Great Lakes like Lakeland Boating.

Aerial photos of each port on the lake Up-to-date marina listings Where to eat Things to do Cruising tips

To order, call

800-589-9491 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit lakelandboating.com

Other Great Lakes cruising guides are available!

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STINGRAY BOATS ARE SOLD AT THESE GREAT LAKES AREA DEALERS: USA DEALERS Anderson Boat Sales 6477 Highland Road Waterford MI 48327 248-666-9922 andersonboatsales.com

Buckeye Sports Center 4610 State Road Peninsula OH 44264 330-929-3366 buckeyesportscenter.com

Carl Stirns Marine 640 N Broadway Aurora IL 60505 630-896-3050 stirnsmarine.com

Evenson's Marine 590 County Road Z Nekoosa WI 54457 715-325-6100 evensonsmarine.com

Thomson Marine 5425 Racetrack Road Sheboygan WI 53081 920-457-8855 thomsonmarine.com

CANADA DEALERS

Bala Cove Marina 1021 Gordon Street Bala, Ontario 705-762-1553 balacovemarina.com

Brennan Marine Ltd 67 Mill Street Gananoque, Ontario 613-382-3137 brennanmarine.ca

Huntsville Marine 373 Highway 60 Huntsville, Ontario 705-789-5522 huntsvillemarine.com

Leisure Marine 5781 Highway 7 Woodbridge, Ontario 905-851-3903 leisuremarine.com

TO LOCATE A STINGRAY DEALER IN ANOTHER AREA, VISIT STINGRAYBOATS.COM/DEALERS

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CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION