November/December 2021 by Lakeland Boating Magazine

H U RO N

O N TA R I O

MICHIGAN

ERIE

S U P E R I OR

N OVE MBE R / DE CE MBE R 202 1

PURSUIT S 358

Sporty center console that does it all. p. 42

years

Sleek exterior lines, stunning performance and YEARS p. 46 a whole lot of fun. 1946

2021

75 years LAKELAND BOATING

LAKELAND BOATING TURNS 75! 1946

2021

YEARS

We round out our 75th anniversary with a roundup of memories. p. 50

2022

GODFREY SANPAN 2700 ULW TWIN

BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

PORT OF CALL

Marquette, MI: Nature shows off in this U.P. destination that boasts equally as impressive amenities and attractions. p. 56

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features 2022 BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

p. 31

Boat Test: Pursuit S 358

Down to the last detail. by Alan Wendt ...............................42

Boat Test: Godfrey Sanpan 2700 ULW Twin

Seize the day. by Chuck Warren .......................................... 46 We celebrate 75 years of inspiring boaters and exploring the Great Lakes, while paying tribute to our late publisher, Bing O’Meara. by Lakeland Boating staff .................................. 50

Port of Call: Marquette, Michigan

Northern Exposure: Marquette, Michigan, on Lake Superior’s south shore, captivates with its mix of culture, creature comforts, the great outdoors and a chance to see the Northern Lights. by Kath Usitalo ..................................................................56

ON THE COVER

Filling the center slot for Pursuit’s Sport family portfolio, the brand-new S 358 is an impressive 35-foot center console with all the bells and whistles that today’s boaters want: Joystick piloting, an enclosed head and shower, standout bow seating, fishing amenities galore — you name it!

56 Departments

From the Helm......................................................................... 4 Dock Box................................................................................... 6

Calendar ................................................................................... 8 Scuttle .................................................................................... 10

lakelandboating.com

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

NOV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

Holiday Gift Guide ............................................................... 22

Don’t Hesitate to Renovate................................................ 26 Safety First ............................................................................. 27

Beneath the Surface.............................................................28

Electronics .............................................................................30 Lakeshore Life: Fruitport, MI ............................................. 62

Boat Biz: NorthCoast Prop Tech....................................... 64 Marine Marketplace .............................................................65 Classifieds ..............................................................................79

Classic Craft ......................................................................... 80

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

PHOTO BY MAX BENDER

“Get Out There and Enjoy Some Adventures!”

FROM THE HELM B Y K AT E B U S H

CONTRIBUTORS

A Legend Lost

t is with the heaviest of hearts that I share our beloved publisher, Walter “Bing” O’Meara, has passed away at the age of 81, after a long fight with Alzheimer’s. He brought joy and laughter into every room, always enthralling listeners of his bountiful cruising adventures. He was a wonderful storyteller. Bing’s passion for the magazine and for boating was palpable. He is truly missed by all. When I joined Lakeland Boating in 2014, Bing took me under his wing, introducing me to everyone he knew in the industry, encouraging all my ideas, and instilled in me a deep love for boats and the publishing world. His knowledge and kindness has had a profound influence on my career, and his absence is deeply felt. Thank you to all who have reached out to share your condolences and fond memories of Bing. We truly appreciate the kind notes. Please keep them coming! We hope that you enjoy this issue of the magazine capping our 75th anniversary celebration, carrying on the legacy that Bing so earnestly built (p. 50). Happy Holidays and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2022. As Bing last wrote in the magazine two years ago, “Get out there and enjoy some adventures!” Cheers,

Do you have a story idea you’d like to suggest? Email me at kbush@lakelandboating.com to share your ideas. AREAS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

P H O T O B Y PA U L K E M I E L

ALAN WENDT

Alan is a past president of Boating Writers International and co-chair of judging for the Innovation Awards at the Minneapolis and Miami Boat Shows and IBEX, the largest technical marine event in North America. Born in Cleveland, he is one of the chief architects of the Women on Water, Getaways! and Adventures cruising programs. Wendt is also a licensed pyrotechnician and choreographs fireworks shows for waterfront displays on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. READ HIS STORY ON P. 42

HHH

CHUCK WARREN

Chuck is a lifelong boater with experience on the waters of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and the Great Lakes. During his 25-year marine industry career he has been an offshore powerboat racing team driver, chief engineer aboard a research vessel and captain of a sunset cruise. Currently a captain for hire in Holland, Michigan, Chuck lives on his 40-foot Sea Ray in the summer, while winters are split between the West Michigan lakeshore and wherever his 33-foot motorhome takes him. READ HIS STORY ON P. 46

HHH

Marquette, MI p. 56

KATH USITALO

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

Fruitport, MI p. 62 NorthCoast Prop Tech p. 64

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

READ HER STORY ON P. 56

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Accidents happen.

DOCK BOX

years NEW! Send us your Lake Lens submissions! Fall boating on Lake St. Clair, Michigan, near Fords Cove, the estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. —Dave Giles

NOV/DEC 2021 | VOLUME LXXV, NO. 11 PUBLISHER Walter “Bing” O’Meara 1946

2021

Y EA RS

1946

2021

EDITORIAL STAFF Editorial Director: Kate Bush EA RS AssistantY Editor: Abby Thorpe

CREATIVE STAFF Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs

CONTRIBUTORS Helen Aitken, Glenn Hayes, Paul Kemiel, Dave & April Kucko, Capt. Frank Lanier, Heather years Steinberger, Kath Usitalo, Chuck Warren, Alan Wendt LAKELAND BOATING BUSINESS STAFF National Sales: Mark Conway Regional Sales: Patti McCleery Marketing Director: Linda O’Meara Accounting: Marguerite Wristen

NEW! LAKE LENS

We want to see the gorgeous Great Lakes from your point of view! Send a short write-up about the photo, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to KBUSH@L AKELAND BOATING . COM. Please put “Lake Lens” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!

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

E-mail us at KBUSH@LAKELANDBOATING.COM or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201. Opinions expressed in “Dock Box” are not necessarily those of Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 x. 24 / Fax: 312-276-0619 CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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O’MEARA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC President: Walter B. O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2021, by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. is published eleven times per year (except December) by O’MearaBrown Publications, Inc. • Business/Accounting and Editorial Offices: 1555 Sherman Ave. Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201, 312-276-0610. • Call 847-5048475 to subscribe. Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (U.S.). Annual subscription rates: United States: $24.95 per year; International and Canadian: $39.95 per year, includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. 894095074-RT 0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S. funds are accepted. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. • POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. • Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Evanston, IL. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. • Unsolicited work may be submitted at the creator’s own risk. Lakeland Boating assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material. All submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage. All published photos are courtesy of the manufacturer, unless otherwise noted.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOV 5 – 7

Owl Fest Kelleys Island, OH

KELLEYSISLANDCHAMBER.COM

NOV 5 – 7, NOV 12 – 14 Toast the Season Leelanau, MI LPWINES.COM

NOV 6

Ashwabay Ski & Snowboard Swap Bayfield, WI

MTASHWABAY.ORG

NOV 12 – 19

Traverse City Beer Week Traverse City, MI

TRAVERSECITY.COM/TCBW

NOV 13

Shipwrecks & Scuba Sandusky, OH SHIPWRECKSAND SCUBA.COM

NOV 13 – FEB 21

Winter Festival of Lights 1 Niagara Falls, ON WFOL.COM

NOV 17 – DEC 17 Festival of Trees Clayton, NY

TIMUSEUM.ORG/EVENTS

NOV 19

Luminary Festival St. Joseph, MI

STJOETODAY.COM

NOV 19 – 21

Christmas by the Bay Sturgeon Bay, WI STURGEONBAY.NET

NOV 19 – DEC 31

Christkindlmarket Chicago 2 Chicago, IL CHRISTKINDLMARKET.COM

NOV 20 – DEC 11

ADD YOUR EVENT!

Dutch Winterfest Kerstmarkt Holland, MI

Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/ GREAT-LAKES-EVENTS to add your event to our Calendar of Events page!

HOLLAND.ORG

NOV 24 – DEC 5 Festival of Wreaths Muskegon, MI

MUSKEGONARTMUSEUM.ORG

NOV 26

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Charlevoix, MI VISITCHARLEVOIX.COM

NOV 26 – 27 Holly Days Egg Harbor, WI

EGGHARBORDOORCOUNTY.ORG

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

NOV 26 – 28; DEC 3 – 5; DEC 10 – 12 Christkindlmarkt Sister Bay, WI SISTERBAY.COM

NOV 27

Holly Berry Arts & Craft Fair Frankfort, MI FRANKFORT-ELBERTA.COM

Stafford’s Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade Petoskey, MI PETOSKEYAREA.COM

DEC 3

Holiday Open House Petoskey, MI

PETOSKEYDOWNTOWN.COM

Sinterklaas Eve Holland, MI

HOLLANDMUSEUM.ORG

DEC 3 – 4

Christmas in the Village Escanaba, MI

UPSTEAMANDGASENGINE.ORG

DEC 3 – 12

Old World Christmas Market 3 Sheboygan, WI

CHRISTMASMARKETATOSTHOFF.COM

DEC 4

Christmas in the Village Ephraim, WI

EPHRAIM-DOORCOUNTY.COM

Christmas Tree Ship Chicago, IL

CHRISTMASSHIP.ORG

Christmas Tree Ship Celebration Manitowoc, WI WISCONSINMARITIME.ORG

Light Up the Night & Soup Cook Off Bellaire, MI BELLAIRECHAMBER.ORG

Santa Hustle 5K 4 Chicago, IL

SANTAHUSTLE.COM/CHICAGO

DEC 5

Sault Handmade Christmas Market Sault Ste. Marie, ON ALGOMACOUNTRY.COM

DEC 11

A Colonial Christmas Mackinaw City, MI

MACKINACPARKS.COM

DEC 31

New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop Port Clinton, OH

WYLIEWALLEYEFOUNDATION.COM

New Years Eve Fireworks and Cherry Drop Sister Bay, WI COMETOSISTERBAY.COM

Traverse City New Year’s Eve Cherry T Ball Drop Traverse City, MI CHERRYTBALLDROP.ORG

PHOTOS COURTESY OF 1: WKOL; 2. TRUE SHOT STUDIOS; 3. O S T H O F F. C O M ; 4 . S A N T A H U S T L E S E R I E S

DOUBLE-CHECK BEFORE YOU GO! Events are likely to change. Please watch event websites for updates.

The Right Boat For Any Adventure

Smooth Stable Ride • Easy to Maneuver • Patented Hull Design Unparalleled fuel efficiency • Cruise farther while using less fuel

POWER CATAMARANS Family owned and operated • Proudly built in North America aspenpowercatamarans.com | 360-668-4347

BUSINESS

Walstrom Marine is Newest MJM Yachts Dealer

The Northern Michigan dealer Walstrom Marine is the newest dealership to offer MJM Yachts. “MJM has an outstanding reputation in the marine industry, which can be seen in the quality of their product that we know for certain our clients will appreciate and love,” says Walstrom Marine President Tom Ervin. “As Walstrom Marine celebrates 75 years of service this year, we couldn’t be more excited to partner with a family owned company with the same values and standards that have been pillars of our brand for the better part of a century.” To learn more, visit WALSTROM.COM.

SCUTTLE G R EAT L A K ES N E WS

BOAT S

M U ST-HAV E

BUZZ

EV ENTS

BUSINESS

Leon Slikkers Retires From Tiara Yachts After 75-Year Career

The Navy Pier Marina has sued the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Transportation for denying a harbor permit for construction on the project. The marina was supposed to be completed in 2021, but due to COVID setbacks and permit delays, the opening is now set for 2022.

ADD YOUR NEWS! Email KBUSH@

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

to add your company’s Great Lakes News to Scuttle!

GREAT LAKES NEWS

Perry’s Victory Seawall to be Restored After years of deterioration caused by waves and ice, two seawalls at Put-in-Bay, Ohio’s Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial have seen better days, but come 2023, they will be like-new. The National Park Service has awarded a construction contract for the restoration of the seawalls to begin in the spring of 2022, with an expected completion date of the end of 2023. ES Wagner Company of Oregon, Ohio will complete the restoration of 3,340 linear feet of seawalls. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. The Memorial, a Doric column, rises 352 feet over Lake Erie. For more information, visit NPS.GOV/PEVI.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Since the time he first started in the boatbuilding industry in the 1940s, Leon Slikkers has created a legacy of innovation, pushing the boundaries of design and engineering to create multiple successful brands that have become ubiquitous with quality and innovation. Over the years, he’s been said to have built more quality boats than anyone in the history of the industry. Now, after 75 years in the business, he is handing over the reins to the next generation. Slikkers began his career as a carpenter for Chris-Craft in 1946, later starting his own company manufacturing mahogany runabouts called Slickcraft Boat Building Company. In the 1970s, he began S2, which became the foundation of Tiara Yachts and Pursuit sport fishing boats. “This company, its rich history and all that it has accomplished wouldn’t have been possible if not for the vision, passion and unyielding entrepreneurial drive that our father has demonstrated for a lot of decades,” says Tom Slikkers, CEO and president of Tiara Yachts. “His dedication to excellence and the translation of his passion for boatbuilding across three generations will be a lasting legacy as we continue to provide exceptional customer service and highly specialized products.” To learn more, visit TIAR AYACHTS.COM.

Introducing Sorrento 7.50

Introducing Fratelli Aprea Sorrento 1890 USA. Handbuilt by generations of master craftsmen in the heart of the Mediterranean. Create your own private Italian island for delivery in North America.

P.O. Box B Boyne City, MI 49712 +1.313.908.3818 www.FratelliApreaUSA.com

• 7.50 Open Cruise Sport/ Semi-Cabinato • 7.80 Traditional Gozzo • 32’ Open Cruise Sport Semi-Cabinato/Cabinato/Hard Top • 36’ Open Cruise Sport Semi-Cabinato/Cabinato/Hard Top • 50’ Lusso

SCUTTLE

BOATS

Groupe Beneteau Announces Several New 2022 Models For the 2022 model year, Groupe Beneteau has announced 12 new power models over five brands. These models include: Jeanneau Merry Fisher 795 Sport Série2; Jeanneau Cap Camarat 7.5 CC Série3 and Cap Camarat 7.5 WA Série3; Beneteau Antares 8; Four Winns Horizon H4; Beneteau Grand Trawler 62, Gran Turismo 41 and Gran Turismo 45; Prestige 690 and X60; Jeanneau DB/43; as well as a Delphia model from the new brand, which will be unveiled in January 2022. To learn more, visit BENETEAU-GROUP.COM.

Four Winns H4

Prestige X60

BUZZ

Garmin’s Surround View Offers 360-Degree Bird’s-Eye View

The world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer is making docking easier than ever with the introduction of the new Garmin Surround View Camera System. Taking video guidance for recreational boating to a new level, the system utilizes six through-hull mounted cameras to provide a live 360-degree view on all sides of the boat. “Our innovative Surround View brings the comforts and conveniences our customers rely on in their vehicles to the helm of their yacht to help captains see as much of their environment as possible for easier maneuvering on the water,” says Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Until now, no other marine camera technology has offered a true 360-degree bird’s-eye view, a vantage point that can help reduce the stress of docking and navigating marinas, narrow causeways and busy channels by giving captains a live look at their surroundings.” The camera system maximizes visibility from the helm, and when engaged provides a full overhead stitched-together image, as well as views of one or two cameras simultaneously, and even zooms in on points of interest. The system displays on compatible Garmin chartplotters or multifunction helm displays, and includes augmented reality features like a visual bumper and distance markers to increase situational awareness. To learn more, visit GARMIN.COM. BUSINESS

Grand Banks Launches GB Marine Group Following a successful financial year for Grand Banks Yachts, the company — along with its sister brands Palm Beach Motor Yachts and Eastbay Yachts — has formed the GB Marine Group. The three world-class brands will all adopt the proprietary V-Warp Hull design that’s exclusive to GB Marine Group and was first used on the Palm Beach 38, which was launched in 1998. “Due to the amazing performance characteristics of our V-Warp technology, we have incorporated the same ethos across all the GB Marine Group brands,” says CEO Mark Richards. “The decision to do this was based on our experience with the platform, and our dedication to build and deliver the highest quality, and best performing motor yachts in the industry.” The V-Warp hull design combines minimal drag and maximum lift to provide a combination of seaworthy stability and fuel efficiency. The result is an increased cruising range with less power required to move the boat through the water, and a low center of gravity for remarkable performance. For more information, visit GR ANDBANKS.COM. 12

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

SCUTTLE

BOATS

Invictus Capoforte SX200 Debuts at Cannes During the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival, Invictus debuted its brand-new SX200, the first model in the Capoforte collection, which includes models from 19 to 28 feet (previously grouped under the letter X). The Capoforte SX200 is a versatile 20-footer. The bow and stern areas can be used as sundecks or lounges, either separately or configured as a single large space. The layout with an off-center console permits a convenient direct passage between bow and stern, leaving space for a grill. The SX200 is powered by a 150-hp outboard, which reaches top speeds of over 30 knots. This model is outfitted in the Capoforte collection colors and styles, including ivory and cognac colors in the cockpit, and a matte rose gold console. Four hull colors are available: Blue Whale, Personal White, Dark Shadow and Attack Grey. For more info, visit INVICTUSYACHT.COM.

GREAT LAKES NEWS

Bootleg Wildfire Causes Brilliant Sunset Over Lake Michigan

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Honda Debuts New App, Plus Upgraded and New Outboard Engines

During the 2021 International BoatBuilders Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), Honda Marina unveiled a new, integrated smartphone application called HondaLink Marine. This app provides owners with complete, remote monitoring capability and ownership information for boats anytime from anywhere. Honda Marine is the first marine outboard manufacturer to offer its own comprehensive, connected services boat management app that’s usable, compatible and customizable with any boat powered by NMEA 2000 certified engines. HondaLink Marine will be available in early 2022. During the event, Honda announced the redesign and upgrade of two of its most popular high-power outboard motors: The Honda BF115 and Honda BF150. The company also introduced the all-new Honda BF140, which replaces the BF135 outboard. All three Honda Marine outboard motors feature multiple rigging options for a customized experience; choices include both Intelligent Shift and Throttle (iST) and mechanical control options. Plus, all can fully interface with the HondaLink Marine app. For more information, visit MARINE.HONDA.COM.

Enhanced sunset colors from the haze from the Oregon “Bootleg” wildfires cast its spell over Lake Michigan near Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana, on July 25, 2021. —Paul Kemiel

BUSINESS

MarineMax Acquires Intrepid Powerboats The world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, MarineMax, has acquired custom powerboat manufacturer Intrepid Powerboats. This is MarineMax’s second acquisition in 2021, after having purchased Cruisers Yachts in May. “The strategic acquisition of Intrepid Powerboats allows us to provide Intrepid with additional resources to expand and to enhance how it serves their extremely loyal customer base,” says W. Brett McGill, CEO and president of MarineMax. “We believe we can help grow the Intrepid brand by leveraging our digital technologies, capital and other resources.” For more information, visit MARINEMA X.COM.

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

P H O T O B Y PA U L K E M I E L

The Limestone Boat Company has shipped the first two test models to Vision Marine Technologies for fitting of Vision’s E-Motion 180-hp fully electric outboard motor.

BUZZ

Illinois Performance Boats THE NEW ILLINOIS DEALER FOR FOUNTAIN & DONZI

FOUNTAIN 38SC

• Choose 3 or 4 Engines • She will do 100mph with four Merc 450Rs • Cruises at 54mph, burning only 40gph • Ultra high-quality fabrics • Multiple stunning paint options

DONZI 22 CLASSIC

BOATS 34’ - 47’

BOATS 22’ - 41’

• All-new center consoles

• The classic performance boat

• Walk around with abundant bow seating

• Single engine (300 hp - 560 hp) • Vivid color options

• Complete entertainment center: wet bar, refrigerator, grill

• Celebrating 55 years of boat building

• Stand-up cabin: double berth, galley, enclosed head

• Put the throttle down and leave the gawkers behind

HEADQUARTERED AT

Crowley’s Yacht Yard Lakeside LLC 3434 E. 95TH STREET, CHICAGO IL 60617 40 years in business • Five minutes from Lake Michigan • Trained mechanics for Mercury Racing Outboards • Travel lift and fork lifts for quick in/out • Inside heated storage

WWW.IPBOATS.COM CHICAGO Jeff Pierce 630-240-0409 jeff@ipboats.com

FOX LAKE Jack Irvin 847-587-0100 jack@ipboats.com

SCUTTLE

MUST-HAVE

BOATS

Sunseeker Debuts Several New Models at Cannes Sunseeker International debuted five new models at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival. These models include the Predator 55 EVO all-new Predator 55 EVO, Manhattan 55, 65 Sport Yacht, 88 Yacht and 90 Ocean. The Predator 55 EVO enjoys state-of-the-art Hydro-Pack technology, which utilizes a fly-by-wire steering system for exceptional agility, allowing owners to cut through the water effortlessly. Available with twin Volvo Penta D11-725 engines on shafts, the Predator 55 EVO can reach a top speed of 32 knots. The Manhattan 55 is crafted to enhance comfort and cruising while providing owners with an array of social spaces from the vast flybridge to the generous salon. A key feature that sets the Manhattan 55 apart from its peers is the innovative powered glass cockpit/galley window that can be lowered at the touch of a button. The 65 Sport Yacht has a sculptured exterior design, innovative helm concept and stylish interior appointments. Owners can specify a revolutionary SkyHelm; featuring twin bolstered seats set very low on either side of a central console, the instrumentation is courtesy of a state-ofthe-art glass bridge plotter complete with retro chrome dials housing LED displays. To learn more, visit SUNSEEKER.COM. Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales is the exclusive Great Lakes Sunseeker dealer. For more information, visit JBYS.COM.

New AkzoNobel Products Deliver More Shine in Less Time AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings has introduced a new, easier to apply topside system with two new products in its high performance International range: One UP (Undercoat and Primer) and Toplac Plus. One UP is a versatile undercoat and primer in one that offers boaters a faster application time. The new silicone alkyd premium gloss topcoat, Toplac Plus, stays glossy for longer and is available in 24 bright colors. UV filters in Toplac Plus help keep colors glossier for longer. The topcoat can be applied with a brush or roller, reducing application time. “This system requires fewer products and coats, while delivering an excellent, high-quality finish, while its expanded range of colors is in direct response to what we know our customers want,” says Matt Anzardo, AkzoNobel global yacht segment manager. “Fewer coats, high-quality finishes means that boaters spend less time working on the boat and more time enjoying it.” For more information, visit INTERNATIONALYACHTPAINT.COM.

BUZZ

Sirius Signal Reveals New Supplemental Alert System (SAS) Sirius Signal — the company that created the world’s first U.S. Coast Guard-approved two-color SOS marine distress light — is excited to announce the first SOS distress signal incorporated within standard navigation lights. All boats must have the ability to display the required navigation lights while operating at night or in reduced visibility. “Due to the increased popularity of recreational boating as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, water rescues and fatalities have increased,” says Steven Caldero, Sirius Signal vice president. “Our solution is simply to provide superior technology and products that make boating at night safe.” The SAS (Supplemental Alert System) is similar to a car’s hazard light system. American cars since 1967 have mandated emergency flashers as standard equipment. “Why not recreational boats, too?” asked Anthony Covelli, Sirius Signal CEO. A simple toggle of the standard navigation light switch transforms an all-around white mast light to a two-color distress light, flashing SOS in red-orange/cyan. An infrared LED also flashes SOS for night vision aerial assets. No new wiring or switches are required; the Sirius Signal SAS system replaces a boat’s standard all-around white light. For more information, visit SIRIUSSIGNAL.COM. 16

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

SCUTTLE

BUZZ

Yamaha Debuts HARMO Electric Outboard Motor

Meet the next generation of boat maneuvering, the Yamaha HARMO. This electric propulsion unit is paired with a steering control system to provide high thrust and maneuverability while remaining whisper-quiet and environmentally conscious. “HARMO is the perfect system for horsepower or internal-combustion restricted waterways,” says Ben Speciale, president of Yamaha Marine U.S. business unit. With an innovative rim-drive electric motor that turns a large impeller, HARMO features Helm Master EX system controls (including the joystick) for simple, intuitive operation. While rim drive motors have been deployed for thrusters and other marine applications, this is the first application in an outboard motor. Available in single or twin configurations, the HARMO motor unit weighs 121 pounds and the system can effectively maneuver boats up to 32 feet in most conditions. HARMO is available through boatbuilders only. For more information, visit YAMAHA-MOTOR.COM.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

BOATS

Hinckley 35 Debuts at Newport Boat Show Hinckley Yachts and world-renowned yacht designer Michael Peters have teamed up on the brand-new Hinckley 35, which made its public debut at the Newport International Boat Show in September. The Hinckley 35 is a family oriented, outboardpowered vessel that combines exhilarating performance with the highly refined craftsmanship Hinckley is known for. Powered by twin Mercury Verado or Yamaha outboards, the Hinckley 35 can reach top speeds of 48 mph. Features of the model include a single-pane ClearView windshield, joystick controls, a varnished teak helm station, an open-air cockpit and cozy salon settee. “With Michael Peters’ help, we have created an exclusive, heirloom quality boat that enthusiasts of the yachting lifestyle will want to keep in their family forever,’” says Scott Bryant, vice president of sales and marketing for Hinckley Yachts. For more information, visit HINCKLEY YACHTS.COM.

SCUTTLE

BOAT SHOW NEWS The Progressive Cleveland Boat Show & Fishing Expo will return to the I-X Center on January 13-17, 2022, marking the reopening of the convention center after being closed for over a year due to the pandemic. The Detroit Boat Show, originally planned for January 2022, has been postponed to 2023 due to “inventory shortages, COVID concerns and a commitment to customer satisfaction.”

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

BOATS

Zodiac Launches New Electric eOPEN Range of RIBs

Powered by Torqeedo’s electric engine, Zodiac’s new line of eOPEN 100% electric boats provide an environmentally conscious, quiet, easy to use RIB option. “We have designed this range for today’s and tomorrow’s consumers,” explains Fanny RevertCiavattini, product marketing manager. “These two new models meet the new needs of customers: No maintenance, no noise, no servicing, less pollution, simple and responsive driving, and an affordable price.” Available in two sizes, 3.1 with four seats and 3.4 with six seats, the eOPEN is paired with a complete Torqeedo drive system, including motor, batteries and charger. For more information, visit ZODIAC-NAUTIC.COM.

Spread the joy of boating this holiday season Lakeland Boating is the perfect gift for your favorite boater! Call 800-827-0289 or visit lakelandboating.com to order a gift subscription TODAY!

GADGETS, GIFTS AND GEAR AT EVERY PRICE POINT FOR YOUR FAVORITE BOATER!

Holiday

$10-$25 Great Lakes Board Book

IGLOO Playmate Elite Decorated Cooler

Take your kid on a tour through the Great Lakes region with this 22-page “seek and find” board book. Explore the five Great Lakes, as well as interesting stops along the way, such as Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, Chicago and Traverse City. Features colorful illustrations of the region. $10 AT LUCYDARLING.COM

Patricia’s Chocolate Gift Set

Everyone loves chocolate! Pick and choose six flavors from the ganache and caramel collection of Grand Haven, Michigan-based Patricia’s Chocolate. The chocolatier creates classic flavors like chocolate caramel creme and Michigan cherry, as well as more unique creations like blue cheese & fig, habanero & chipotle, and lemon basil. $16.50 (SIX-PIECE PACK AGE) AT PATRICIASCHOCOLATE.COM

America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Hat

Celebrate the Looper in your life by gifting them an America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association hat. This 6,000-mile route is a counterclockwise journey through the Great Lakes, the inland rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the New York State Canals and the Canadian Canals. You can even add a custom boat name for $6. Available in natural and navy. $15 AT EASTCOASTEMBROIDERY.COM

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$25-$50

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For toting around drinks, lunch or a fresh-caught trout, this personal 16-quart cooler does the job. Top push-button allows you to open this cooler with one hand. Lid swings to either side and a tent-shaped locking design prevents spills. Cooler is able to hold 30 cans plus ice. $39.99 AT WESTMARINE.COM

Anchor Pullover Sweater

Get cozy while boasting some serious seaside flair with this soft open weave crew-neck sweater, created exclusively for The Paper Store by Mia & Tess. Features a bright white woven anchor detail against navy blue. Available in women’s sizes S-XL, and runs true to size. $39.99 AT THEPAPERSTORE.COM

Charlevoix Harbor Shirt

Charlevoix, Michigan was the Grand Winner of the US Harbor’s 2021 “Best Harbor” in the U.S. contest. Commemorate this designation by sporting a comfy, classic unisex short sleeve tee that shows off Charlevoix’s nautical chart. Made of soft cotton with ribbed knit collar. Available in turquoise, black, red, navy and white, and in sizes S to 3XL. $30-35 AT USHARBORS.MYBIGCOMMERCE.COM

Gift Guide $25-$50 Lake Letters Book

Lake Letters is a 152-page collection of poetry, essays and photography by Mae Stier, all inspired by Lake Michigan. This softcover book is a celebration of the seasons along the Great Lake, featuring 36 poems and four essays accompanied by original imagery of Lake Michigan. $25 AT

LETTERSTOLAKEMICHIGAN.COM

Revelshine Wines

Enjoy a boatfriendly bottle of vino on your next sunset cruise. Don’t worry about shattering a glass bottle on your boat’s deck; this unbreakable aluminum bottle provides three standard pours of wine. Enjoy three delicious varietals from small family farmers across California: A 2019 Red, 2020 Rosé and a 2020 White. And at a price point of $15 per bottle, the wines are not only convenient but also affordable. $45 (SET OF 3) AT REVELSHINEWINES.COM

$50-$100 Dock & Bay XL Sand-Resistant Beach Towels

Enjoy a day at the beach without the mess of sand making its way back onboard. These quick-drying, super absorbent XL towels are sand-resistant — sand slides right off. An elastic hook allows you to hang-dry towel, and a handy pouch makes it easily portable. Bundle comes with four cabana towels in blue, green, coral and yellow colors. $97 AT US.DOCK ANDBAY.COM

Floafers Shoes

Blending the classic loafer style with functional EVA foam, these shoes are your new boating must-have. Floafers are made of environmentally friendly closed-cell EVA foam that’s lightweight, waterproof, antimicrobial and scuff-proof, so it doesn’t matter if the shoes get wet or fall into the water. Massagepod foot bed with enhanced arch support means they’re extremely comfortable to wear. Available in a wide variety of colors and prints in men’s, women’s and even kid’s sizes. $59.99 AT FLOAFERS.COM

Native Northern Michigan Fish Print

Celebrate wild Northern Michigan with this native fish print featuring the brook trout, Arctic grayling and lake trout. This 11- by 14-inch watercolor illustration is professionally printed on textured matte paper. Each print is numbered and signed by Michigan artist Dani Knoph. Print is packaged on a rigid backboard in a clear sleeve, and ships in a protective flat mailer. $58 AT DANI-KNOPH.MYSHOPIFY.COM

Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 69th Edition

Give the gift of boating 101 with the 69th edition of “Chapman Piloting & Seamanship” — a comprehensive resource boaters at all levels of experience trust for everything they need to know. Along with 1,500 color photos, charts and drawings, this edition includes info on anchoring; trailer boating; using radar and communicating by radio; sharing the water; handling lines; and so much more. $63.30 AT AMAZON.COM

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$100-$250 Ombraz Polarized Sunglasses

Finally a pair of sunglasses that fit perfectly on your head. Ombraz armless glasses feature a custom-woven 100% recycled Japanese nylon adjustable cord that won’t slip down your nose, fall off and, best of all, won’t break. The buttery-soft cord fits all head sizes. Lenses are made of scratch-proof polyamide optics and frames have refined nose pads. Available in three frame styles, three frame colors, three polarized lens colors, and in regular and narrow frame sizes — all at the same price. $140 AT OMBR AZ.COM

GoPro HERO10 Black

The popular HERO10 Black has been upgraded with a new GP2 Processor, offering twice the performance and making it the most powerful GoPro to date. The camera shoots 5.3K video, 23MP photos, enhanced low-light performance and HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization. It’s also waterproof up to 33 feet and cloud-connected, so your footage is automatically uploaded to the cloud. Features a front and rear LCD touchscreen. $399.98 AT GOPRO.COM

Lazy Dog Lounger

Every good boy and good girl deserves a cozy raft to float on. Enter the Lazy Dog Lounger. This heavy-duty, puncture-resistant float is made of durable fabric filled with recycled foam inserts rather than air; no air means that dog’s nails won’t pop the lounger. The float is semi-submersible so dogs will be able to cool their belly in the water. Features easy on and off design. Available in sizes small (up to 25 pounds) and large (up to 110 pounds), and in red, pink, camo and royal blue. $124.99 -

Standard Horizon HX890 VHF

This top-of-the-line handheld, floating VHF/ GPS has some prominent features built in, including two scrambler systems for secure communications and an FM receiver for those times when you want to kick back and listen to some tunes rather than chatter. Other notable features include: Switchable daytime or nighttime mode; waypoint and route navigation; and group monitor function utilizing DSC Group position call. Available in navy blue or black. $199.99 AT DEFENDER.COM

$149.99 AT LAZYDOGLOUNGERS.COM

ReliefBand Sport

Fight seasickness with the brand-new Reliefband Sport, an IPX7-designated waterproof, wearable therapeutic device that prevents and treats nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Features a builtin rechargeable battery that will last 30 hours (on medium intensity); six intensity levels; and smart sensing technology that will turn the device off if it’s not being worn. Can be used either before or after nausea starts. $229.99 AT RELIEFBAND.COM

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Faribault Mill Great Lakes Map Wool Throw Wrap up in this cozy wool throw featuring a map of the Great Lakes. Designed and crafted in Faribault, Minnesota, since 1865, the Faribault Woolen Mill is one of the last vertical woolen mills in America, employing five generations of craftspeople. Made of 85% wool and 15% cotton. Measures 42 by 65 inches. Dry clean or handwash cold. $195 AT FARIBAULTMILL.COM

$250-$500 Sea Bags Chebeague Weekender

Pack for a weekend aboard with this spacious recycled sailcloth bag. Features premium leather handles, navy canvas bottom and embossed leather Sea Bags logo patch. Three outside pockets store travel documents or other necessities. With a detachable navy shoulder strap, it’s designed for hand or shoulder carry. Handcrafted from recycled sailcloth on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine. Measures 13 inches tall, 20 inches wide and 8 inches deep. $275 AT

Deeper CHIRP Smart Sonar

Meet the world‘s first castable, Wi-Fi-enabled fishfinder that utilizes CHIRP technology. The three beam frequencies, crisp clarity and extreme depth accuracy makes it ideal for quickly locating target species, holding spots, pinpointing fish and fishing in extreme depths. It’s perfect for casting, trolling, shore and ice fishing. To use, simply pair the Deeper CHIRP with your smartphone, then cast out and reel in to scan the water. Features 330-foot casting and scanning distance. $299 AT DEEPERSONAR.COM

SEABAGS.COM

$500+ Bote LONO Aero Inflatable Kayak

For the person who wants speed, portability, versatility, durability and a pedal-driven option, the LONO Aero Inflatable Kayak paired with the APEX Pedal Drive (sold separately) delivers. Use the LONO Aero by itself as a kayak or SUP, or add in the APEX Pedal Drive to take things to the next level. This model features the MAGNEPOD magnetic base, which makes securing your BOTE drinkware a snap. Available in four color combinations. Measures 12 feet, 6 inches long. $1,499 AT BOTEBOARD.COM

Shore Boards Wakesurf Board Get your watersports lover the perfect custom gift this season. The Shore Boards’ Cruiser Explorer Light board — handcrafted in Anoka, Minnesota — is a one-of-a-kind wakesurf board. These lightweight boards not only provide a great surf, they are also works of art. Available with single or tri fins, and in lengths from 46 to 56 inches. Can also be customized with logos. $995 AT SHORE-BOARDS.COM

RAVE Sports O-Zone Plus Inflatable Bouncer + Slide

Turn the lake into a playground that’s fun for both kids and adults! This large water bounce platform is combined with an exciting slide so you double your dimension of fun. The O-Zone Plus features a 7-foot action center bouncer with a handy 48-inch boarding platform with vinyl handles. Maximum total user capacity is 240 pounds. $574.99 AT R AVESPORTS.COM

Montague Bikes M-E1

Stay active while cruising the Great Lakes with this foldable electric bike, designed for boaters. The M-E1 is a full-size e-bike that folds in seconds with a single quick release, making it incredibly portable. The patentpending aluminum frame and waterproof Shimano STEPS motor deliver true trekking performance with powerful pedal assist. $3,699 AT MONTAGUEBIKES.COM

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DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R

Bow Thruster Maintenance How to keep this handy device in ship shape.

ow thrusters are silent crewmembers that make our time on the water safer. As with any boating equipment, however, proper maintenance is key when it comes to reliability. Here’s how to ensure your thruster is always ready to lend a hand.

(Above) Wireless thruster controls provide even more convenience, allowing you to operate them from most anywhere about the decks. (Top right) Access and inspect the thruster at least twice a year.

CAPT. FRANK LANIER is an award-winning journalist, boat maintenance guru and owner of Capt F.K. Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants: CAPTFKLANIER.COM.

What is a bow thruster? A bow thruster is simply a propulsion device that provides lateral (port and starboard) thrust, making a vessel more maneuverable. Bow thrusters will be either electric or hydraulic. Electric units can be further divided into 12 or 24 VDC types, or even the occasional AC-powered unit. Hydraulic thrusters are commonly found on larger vessels, particularly those that have additional hydraulic systems onboard. A typical electric thruster installation involves either running cables of sufficient size from an existing battery bank, or installing a dedicated battery in the vicinity of the thruster (along with a method of charging it). A third option is piggy-backing off of an electric windlass circuit. From an installation standpoint, your bow thruster will be either a traditional tunnel/tube-mounted drive or an externally mounted unit. Maintenance planning Maintenance requirements are determined by the type of thruster. Different models have different requirements, so the first place to look when compiling your maintenance list is the owner’s manual. While you’ll want to follow the specific maintenance items provided by the manufacturer, here are some generic tips that are applicable to most installations. 1. Access the thruster space at least twice a year and inspect the thruster compartment for excessive moisture levels, standing water or leaks. Inspect the thruster tube ends where glassed to the hull for leaks or cracks. Another place to check for leaking is the gasket at the thruster saddle (the bracket where the motor mounts to the thruster tube). 2. Inspect the motor and all thruster components for corrosion. Rust, flaking paint or (in the case of aluminum) a white, powdery substance are all indications of corrosion and should be addressed immediately. Many manufacturers recommend removal of the motor annually for inspection. This provides an opportunity to check motor brushes,

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grease couplers and inspect shear pins. It also allows you to check the condition of the sealing gasket and ensure all mounting hardware is tight. 3. Secure power to the thruster, then inspect and clean all electrical connections. Inspect both ends of the battery cables for loose hardware and corrosion. Remove and clean terminals where corrosion is noted. Check all other thruster system electrical connections and components, including battery switches, fuse holders and solenoid connections. 4. Check the gear oil level. Some units are sealed (meaning their oil level never needs checking); however, others require periodic topping-up and changing at regular intervals. 5. If your thruster is powered by a dedicated battery, check battery condition and installation, and condition at least twice a year. 6. Don’t forget the helm control panel and joystick during your inspection, checking each for looseness, damage or corrosion. Verify proper operation of the controls at each helm position, and if you have a wireless remote, now’s a good time to install fresh batteries if applicable. During haul-out 1. Clean the thruster drive, propeller(s) and tunnel of marine growth, inspecting each for issues, such as cracks or dings. Inspect the drive for corrosion or other problems and the propeller for damage and looseness. Oil in the tunnel beneath the propeller indicates a leaking seal, which will need to be replaced. 2. Check the condition of the sacrificial anode (zinc). Although some units have composite gear assemblies and don’t require them, most thrusters will have at least one zinc installed. These should be checked and renewed annually — or more often, depending on your vessel’s location and other conditions. Thruster zincs should always be checked when you have your other zincs inspected. As some thruster zincs are specialty items and may not be readily available locally, it’s a good idea to carry plenty of spares should they need replacing. 3. Apply appropriate antifoulant to the thruster tunnel and drive. Metal drives, such as aluminum, may require a specific type of antifouling paint, so be sure to follow whatever is recommended in your owner’s manual. ★

P H O T O S B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R

SAFETY FIRST BY HELEN AITKEN

Seasonal Safety Selections Great gifts for the safe boaters in your life.

inding the perfect gift for the boater in your life doesn’t have to be difficult. Little things can be just as important as the more expensive items. Here’s a list of great ideas with safety in mind. 1. ABC: Give the gift of boating knowledge with America’s Boating Course — an online boating safety course, boating license test and certification created by the United States Power Squadrons. This is a U.S. Coast Guard- and NASBLA-recognized class for obtaining a state boating card and learning or honing boating skills. $39.95 in most states at AMERICASBOATINGCOURSE.COM.

2. SearocK Baby Seat: This is a great family solution while anchored. It’s designed to securely hold children from six to 48 months old above the deck and high enough to be seen away from the boat. It has no weight limit and, if needed, two seats can be secured side by side. Like an at-home baby seat, it reclines to reduce neck strain, and is made from durable marine-grade plastic. The cushion is covered in marine fabric, with a five-point web harness and chest plate. The tray holds snacks, toys, and is great for watching videos on a phone or tablet. It has a three-point line attachment with a stabilizer under the seat to reduce excess rocking. Stainless steel hooks and line attach to T-tops or newer Bimini style tops. $150 at BABYSEAROCK.COM. 3. Pura Marine Spill Bib: Avoid a fuel spill and save your gelcoat simultaneously. Made from plant-based, non-toxic materials, these environmentally friendly pads absorb 14 times their weight and can be squeezed out in a reclamation container, then reused multiple times. The bibs repel water, inhibit bacteria and mold growth, and are odor free. $7.49 (two-pack) at PUR AMARINE.COM. 4. West Marine Oil Absorbent Sheets: For small spills, these are better than paper towels. The package has five 15- by 19-inch sheets that soak up gasoline and oil but repel water. They absorb 13-25 times their weight in No. 2 oil. Use them by the fuel area to catch any drips, when changing the oil, spraying lubricants, or for bilges and engine rooms. Use proper waste containers for disposal. $8.99 (five-pack) at WESTMARINE.COM. 5. Buffalo Oil Spill Kit: For larger spills, especially away from the dock, this large refillable and resealable bucket contains basic materials for quickly containing oil spills. Each kit comes

with goggles, gloves and quick-absorbing surface oil materials, including four 4-inch socks, a 10-inch sock, 25 woven polypropylene sheets and two disposable bags. $234.99 (20-gallon container) at

WESTMARINE.COM.

6. Slime Emergency Tire Sealant: No one likes a flat tire on their vehicle, especially on 5 a trailer hauling a boat or PWC. This sealant closes punctures up to ¼ inch (6mm). Escaping air forces unique particles in the Slime to build up and intertwine, forming a flexible, long-lasting plug. No jacks needed; the valve core removal tool is under the cap. Safe for emergency use (even to -35°F), for highway use up to three days or 100 miles before removing the tire, and it’s TPMS-compatible. $10.79 (16 ounces) at SHOP.SLIME.COM. 7. Impact Boat Fenders: These fenders are different! They’re tough, punctureresistant and lightweight, but designed to lay flat without rolling off on impact. Impact fenders store easily and won’t scratch the gelcoat. They’re made of PVC-coated polyester with heat-welded seams for maximum protection without ripping apart. Medium sizes are for boats 14-25 feet and large ones for boats 25-60 feet, plus they’re available in different colors. Starting at $119.99 at IMPACTFENDERS.COM. 8. Boat Gadget 10-in-1 Boating Tool: Handy and perfect for the toolbox, this multifunction, 6.8-inch stainless steel tool is easy to use. The tool includes the following: A boat bottle opener, corkscrew wine opener, square drain plug wrench, survival whistle, deck boat gas cap key, flip top gas cap, flat top drain plug tool, canvas snap opener, molded notched for 6-inch deck plate, fishing line cutter and T-Bar drain plug hole crank. An attached clip stores it out of the way. $32.95 at BOATGADGET.COM. ★

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HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and former science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is an America’s Boating Club member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway.

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BENEATH THE SURFACE B Y H E AT H E R S T E I N B E R G E R

Cool Running

Got a need for speed this winter? Just hoist the sails.

The best feeling ever Modern iceboats, which include the International DN and Skeeter classes, are sailboats with three skates, or runners, that can reach powerboatracing speeds under the right conditions. With high-tech materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar, plus expert handling, they are wicked fast. The International DN is the most popular iceboat in the world. Designed and built in the Motor City during the winter of 1936-37 (it was

named for the Detroit News), this 12-footer boasts an 8-foot cross plank, a flexible 16-foot mast and 60 square feet of sail area. Operated by a single skipper, it’s capable of hitting 60 knots. “In that boat, you’ll be going 70 mph with 1 inch of clearance with the plank bending,” DN racer Griffin Sherry told me a few years ago. “It’s the best feeling ever.” The Skeeter, known as the “Formula One iceboat,” was also born in the 1930s. It hails from Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva, and with its 75 square feet of sail area, this single-hander can exceed a blistering 100 knots. It’s considered to be the fastest boat on ice. “I’m addicted to speed,” said DN and Skeeter racer Steve Orlebeke in 2019. “It’s pretty cool. I love that this allows you to sail all winter. I love the adventure of it, how the ice is dynamic and always changing. Another aspect I enjoy is that we build a lot of our own stuff: Hulls, runners, runner blanks. And the people are adventurous and fun to hang out with. We’re competitors, but we’re also good friends, and we share information. It’s unique.” Finding the perfect ice Although you can find iceboating in Canada, Europe and in the U.S., from the Midwest to the East Coast, south-central Wisconsin is ground zero for world-class iceboating. This is due to its latitude, prevailing weather patterns, and availability of destinations such as Lake Winnebago, Lake Geneva, Green Lake, and the cluster of lakes in and around the state capital. In fact, Madison is home to the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, one of the most active iceboat clubs in North America. Here, enthusiasts have been building and racing iceboats for more than 100 years. This region draws iceboaters from across

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOUR L AKES ICE YACHT CLUB

grew up on Lake Michigan. Fishing boats, dinghies, racing sailboats, trawlers, ski boats, power cruisers, our family and friends did it all. That is, we did it all between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It never occurred to us that winter weather could be just right for boating… if you’ve got a serious need for speed and don’t mind wearing layers. In my career as a boating journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a few serious adventurers who actively seek hard water when the temperatures go down and the wind pipes up. Winter weather has most Great Lakes residents curled up in their cozy homes, dreaming of warm summer afternoons, yet these folks are hurtling toward any inland lake that offers smooth, stable, snow-free ice. They are iceboaters, and their sport isn’t for the faint of heart.

the country and overseas. Racers converge on Wisconsin only to find themselves awaiting just the right mix of weather conditions: Warm temperatures and perhaps a little rain to melt any measurable snow, followed by a cool-down. Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club’s Deb Whitehorse calls this “the big Zamboni;” if Mother Nature cooperates, the lakes will be skating-rink slick. The wait affects everyone. DN racers have three major events on each annual calendar: The North American, European and World championships. The dates are always fixed, but participants usually don’t know where the championships will take place until roughly 48 hours beforehand. “The North Americans, for example, could be anywhere from Minnesota to the East Coast,” Orlebeke told me. “You have to be flexible and willing to travel at the drop of a hat.” Like Madison’s Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, the Skeeter Ice Boat Club at Lake Geneva also plays an important role for iceboaters in the region. Since approximately half of its membership hails from the Chicago area, the club is dedicated to monitoring ice and weather conditions. For example, if it’s below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, races are canceled. High winds can be an issue as well. And then, of course, there are the ice conditions. Clear, smooth ice can take higher wind velocities than sticky or slushy ice can, and scouts are always on the lookout for pressure ridges, seams and weak ice. Scouting can be a tricky business. The ice might be 3 feet thick in one spot and just ½ inch thick somewhere else. Iceboats need at least 4 to 5 inches at a minimum, and some of the large stern-steerers need at least a foot. Out-of-towners should speak with those who are intimately familiar with the ice conditions, such as local iceboaters and fishermen, before venturing onto any of the area lakes. Contacting

the nearest iceboat club is always a good idea, especially if you’re a newbie seeking opportunities to take up this unique sport. Iceboaters head for the race course knowing they must not only be prepared to deal with high speeds, they must also be vigilant about the air temperature (extreme wind chills can damage the lungs) and changing ice conditions. Obstructions and cracks can destroy boats and injure operators. If conditions go pear-shaped? It happens, and even the hardiest iceboaters know when to call it. That just means it’s time to start looking for the next stretch of perfect ice. For more information, visit the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club at ICEBOAT.ORG and DN North America at IDNIYR A.ORG. ★

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HEATHER STEINBERGER is an award-winning writer/editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 20 years.

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ELECTRONICS BY GLENN HAYES

Holiday Boating Tech Gifts Give the gift of technology this season.

he holiday season is upon us and with it comes the dilemma of selecting gifts for the boater who has it all. What gifts can you get that are not only interesting but will get used and be appreciated? Continue reading for some of the latest technology that any boater would want.

GLENN HAYES is a marine writer and photographer whose background in the marine industry and in marine electronics spans almost three decades and many thousands of miles at sea traveling the world. He can be reached at HAYESSTUDIOS.COM .

1. ACR Bivy Stick The ACR Bivy Stick, touted as one of the smallest two-way satellite communicators, is a tiny device that allows two-way texting globally via satellite. The clever Bivy Stick can also download weather reports and act as a means of summoning help in an emergency with the push of a button. Paired with an app on your smartphone and a data plan, you can text and receive texts from anyone, anywhere via satellite — no cell coverage needed. Weighing just 3.35 ounces, this tiny device has numerous mounting capabilities. It can be attached either via a ¼-20 threaded slot or it can be easily clipped to a life jacket, belt or pack via an included carabiner. The internal rechargeable 1,500mAh battery lasts several days between charges based on normal use. It’s also waterproof with an IP-67 rating. The required monthly data plans are reasonably priced and do not require an annual contract. Monthly plans start at $17.99 a month. The Bivy Stick is $349.99 at ACRARTEX.COM or BIVYSTICK.COM. 2. Clear Water AR Another unique gift idea is an all-new offering from a collaboration between StrikeLines and Clear Water AR. Through an annual subscription to the Clear Water app, you will be able to see StrikeLines and NOAA charting information overlaid via augmented reality through your glasses or the camera on your smartphone. Using augmented reality technology found in games such as Pokémon Go and applying it to boating and fishing, you can now see depth contours, hazards and waypoints in real time around you. When you look down with smart glasses/sunglasses on or point your smartphone looking down, you will see a traditional interpretation of a bathymetric chart. Look up and around you and the bathymetric lines and navigation points are overlaid on the scene you are looking at. The Clear Water smartphone app

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costs $99 per year and a bundle with Smart Glasses included will be offered at $1,199 at CLEARWATER.AR. 3. Garmin LiveScope Ice Fishing Bundle Garmin recently announced its all new LiveScope Ice Fishing Bundle. Powered by a very light lithium battery, this combination chartplotter and fishfinder gives ice fishing anglers the advantage of LiveScope real-time live scanning sonar. The all-in-one bundled transducer is capable of LiveScope forward sonar and LiveScope Down sonar. Anglers can now look for and track fish below the ice real time and even watch the fish react to bait and lures presented to them. The new lightweight lithium battery makes this unit easily portable and can power the display with 65% more battery life at a third of the weight of a traditional battery. The bundle includes an Echomap UHD 93SV touchscreen display with preloaded, highly detailed LakeVu g3 maps, a Pantopix LiveScope System with transducer, a swivel pole transducer mount, battery charger and lithium battery, and an easy-access portable bag to keep it all in. There is even a LiveScope Boat Kit that can transition the bundle to a boat during summer months. Bundle MSRP is $2,999 at GARMIN.COM.

4. Lowrance Elite FS If you want to give that special boater in your life a chartplotter and fishfinder that has cutting edge technology, then you’ll want to consider the Lowrance Elite FS display. This multifunction display has a variety of built-in fish-finding features, along with extremely capable charting and networking abilities. You can also add radar, multiple displays, live sonar, Active Imaging 3-D sonar and NMEA 2000 devices. It can even control Power Pole anchors and Ghost Trolling motors. Featuring a high-resolution touchscreen display, it can run C-map and Navionics charting, and it also has autorouting capability. The Lowrance Elite FS display comes with a Navico-exclusive Fish Reveal sounding technology and is preloaded with C-Map Contour+ with 1-foot contours on 15,000 U.S. lakes and 9,400 Canadian lakes. These units come in 7- and 9-inch versions, both available with or without transducers. MSRP starts at $899 at LOWR ANCE.COM. ★

PHOTO 4 BY GLENN HAYES

2022

BOAT BUYER’S GUIDE

BOAT BUYER'S GUIDE 2022

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

ASPEN POWER CATAMARANS C108

ASPEN POWER CATAMARANS recently launched its new C108 35-foot Outboard Powered Proa Catamaran. Expanding on the company’s patented hull design, the Aspen C108 features both non-symmetrical hulls and power that provide exceptional eﬃciency, tracking and performance in all sea conditions. The C108 was inspired in part by current adventure-seeking Aspen owners who wanted the maximum in an eco-friendly cruiser that could also be easily moved to new cruising grounds. By increasing the beam to 10 feet, 8 inches, they kept the overall length under 40 feet, which greatly expanded the interior accommodation space while still allowing the boat to be trailered. A combined boat and trailer towing weight of approximately 12,500 pounds (aluminum trailer) means the C108 can be easily towed by a standard 3/4-ton or larger pickup truck. This versatility is perfect for the Great Lakes, allowing land transport of the vessel to new and diﬀerent cruising areas. The flexibility of being able to trailer a boat with this much accommodation space is ideal, whether you’re simply hauling out at the end of the season or taking the C108 south for the winter.

Aspen has created an expansive layout for the new C108. The large salon is finished with fine teak by Aspen’s experienced craftsmen and has 30% more livable space than previous Aspen models. Full-height wraparound Solar Guard windows provide exceptional visibility from the five-person C-shaped dinette and the twin Bentley helm seats, which keep both owners and guests comfortable. The 12-foot-long galley includes an oven-stove combo, microwave, stainless steel sink and multiple Burmese teak drawers. The cabin space is unparalleled for a boat this size and includes three private cabins. Multiple hatches and portholes bring in ventilation and light when not running heat or AC. An expansive head with shower, and an owner's suite complete with a king-size bed provide owners and their guests with accommodations typically found on much larger vessels. Opening doors and a pop-up window connect the salon aft to the cockpit, which is perfect for relaxing, entertaining or fishing. The swim platform has a removable dinghy rack that can hold an inflatable tender above and between the outboards for easy access while cruising.

ASPEN POWER CATAMARANS Nick Graf: 360-668-4347 | info@aspencats.com | aspenpowercatamarans.com

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FORMULA 500 SSC

THE FORMULA 500 SUPER SPORT CROSSOVER is a 50-foot answer to your private escape, combining a commanding oﬀshore ride with amenities and luxury to be enjoyed by your group of friends and family. The 500 SSC oﬀers the proven, surefooted FAS3TECH stable and speedy ride with the Formula Crossover heritage of a wide-open, single level bowrider that invites open station-to-station wandering. You’ll find your every need satisfied in the 500 SSC, from the enclosed coupe-top salon to the aft lounge bar, a true evolution and culmination of the Formula SmartZone concept. From the full bow lounge forward through the sliding-glass walkthrough to the expansive, extended swim platform aft with dual fold-down swim ladders, you will find air-conditioned comfort and innovation everywhere in between. Below the hardtop with sun and moon roofs, you’ll find an adjustable triple helm and the latest electronics with digital switching controls, a full cockpit galley and bar. Across the way is a large lounge with table and tip-out barstools, with entertainment features ranging from top-end audio to the 65-inch power-lift LED TV with Bose soundbar. A full-width motorized glass bulkhead allows you to choose your degree of separation or shared fun with the aft cockpit lounges and bar areas.

The 500 SSC amenities below offer a respite from the outside world with a true cabin experience. A full galley with microwave, coffee maker, AC/DC refrigerator and stainless steel sink is handy at the cabin entry stairs, flowing into a large convertible U-lounge forward. Storage is abundant at the backrests and under the lounge, and a dual USB charging port is conveniently located nearby. A full head with Corian accents and surfacing, a full vanity and sink, and a spacious shower adds to the residential feel. Slip aft to find a separate stateroom with a full queen-size berth, sofa and full entertainment suite. The double-step FAS3TECH hull will take your complement of guests to dinner across the bay or on far-flung offshore journeys in speed and comfort with the confidence of Mercury Racing outboard power. You can be sure the 500 SSC ride will be comfortable, with Seakeeper 9 gyro stabilization and 16 kw generator house power. The horizons are limitless in your 500 Super Sport Crossover!

FORMULA BOATS formulaboats.com LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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BOAT BUYER'S GUIDE 2022

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DO I NEED BOAT INSURANCE?

YOU’RE PROBABLY NOT REQUIRED by law to have boat insurance, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need it. Even if your state does not require you to carry boat insurance, your bank will if you have a loan on the boat. Also, most marinas require proof of liability insurance before they will accept a contract for a slip or a mooring. If you’re required to carry boat insurance, your homeowner policy will generally not be acceptable to them because homeowners policies are usually limited to boats under a certain size or value, and they don’t have the necessary provisions to cover the types of losses that may occur with a boat. Look for “All Risk” policies, which provide coverage for a broad array of calamities that could befall your boat, including theft, vandalism, lightning, fire, grounding or sinking, and lost or stolen belongings. Look for options that will protect your personal items, such as watersports equipment and fishing gear, as well as provide towing coverage in the unfortunate event of a breakdown. Many companies also give you the option for an inexpensive policy that does not insure physical damage to your boat at all, but only provides a specified amount of coverage for your liability to others in the event of an accident, as well as protection from uninsured boaters. Even if you are not otherwise required to have insurance and your boat is not worth very much, you should still consider insuring it. A collision with a small powerboat can cause serious injuries, and even if you are not found liable for those injuries, you could end up spending a significant amount of money in legal fees to defend yourself. Get a quote on several diﬀerent policies so you can make an informed decision based on the coverages versus the cost. The more your boat is worth, the more important insurance becomes to protect yourself from financial loss.

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GEICO BOATU.S. geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Oﬃce

BOAT BUYER'S GUIDE 2022

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PHOTOS BY CAPT. TOM SERIO

MARLOW YACHTS EXPLORER

IT HAS BEEN 21 YEARS since the groundbreaking launch of the first Marlow Explorer 65C. Marlow Yachts has continued to research, refine and redefine the yachting experience through innovation, design and testing of advanced materials and technology. Never content with the status quo, Marlow Yachts has pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship, materials science and seaworthiness with the entire line of Marlow Explorers available today. When the yacht is a Marlow, the expectations are high. Marlow’s hulls and interior bulkhead designs utilize both aviation, military and civilian, with severe duty oﬀshore marine engineering principals to provide maximum interior volume and performance under all conditions. Interior finishes are as individual as each owner, with highly skilled craftsmen demonstrating the art in joinery, metal work, composites construction techniques and impeccable stonework. The vast majority of the artistic and built for life components begin in Marlow’s own factory as raw plate, tube and billet of the highest specification. Timber products are produced from whole logs hand-selected and rendered

by Marlow’s own artisans. The final product is a yacht of unparalleled beauty, performance and seaworthiness, with an established resale record for the past 21 years to be significantly higher than that of competing brands. Marlow Explorers are constructed utilizing a proprietary Strut Keel, designed to protect vital running gear from grounding or debris damage. The twin struts combined with semi-displacement hulls provide superior tracking, positive fuel eﬃciency and impressive cruising comfort regardless of conditions. The extensive use of Dupont Kevlar, carbon fiber, Corecel and specifically engineered virgin run reinforcement fabrics combined with proprietary resins and the Full-Stack Infusion process produce inherently stronger and more durable hulls. All engine rooms are full height across the entire line of yachts, enabling easier access for general maintenance. Experiencing a Marlow Yacht for the first time is to fall in love with a yacht unlike any other. Designed and built to explore your world, from the Great Loop to a full circumnavigation of the globe. Arrive at your destination and know why “A Marlow Explorer is the envy of the yachting world!”

MARLOW YACHTS marlowyachts.com LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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WITH GREAT BOATING COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

THE WATER IS AN excellent place to escape to — it’s generally peaceful and inviting. But what if the unthinkable happens: You collide with another boat, or hit someone’s wake and your passenger is injured? “Boat insurance might not be top-ofmind when you purchase a boat or personal watercraft, but it should be,” says Rick Stern, boat product manager at Progressive Insurance. “No matter the size or value of your boat, it’s important to be covered. Accidents happen, and when they do, our customers are glad that they had insurance.” Whether or not they’re aware, boaters who remain uninsured are choosing to pay for any damage or injuries related to their boat and passengers out-of-pocket. Sometimes those who opt to not have insurance have a relatively inexpensive watercraft and may figure they’ll take the financial hit if their watercraft sinks or is stolen. No big deal, right? But, say their 16-footer sinks at someone’s dock; it can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to refloat and remove it. Or if your boat breaks loose from its dock and drifts into your neighbor’s wakeboat? The cost to repair your neighbor’s boat might run into the thousands of dollars, and you may be personally liable for that cost if you don’t have insurance. Another factor to consider is personal injury liability. Boat

liability insurance means you’re protected from accidents that injure someone on your boat or another boat. Without insurance, these situations may put the boater and their loved ones at financial risk. If your boat is struck by an uninsured watercraft, injuring you or your passengers, all parties may be on their own and accountable for medical costs unless you have a boat insurance policy with Uninsured Boater coverage. Uninsured Boater coverage is designed to cover injuries caused to you and your passengers by an uninsured boater. These unexpected scenarios are seen far too often. By purchasing a boat insurance policy that includes Liability and Uninsured Boater coverage, you’re protected from the financial burdens of these incidents. The cost? Coverage at Progressive can be had for as little as $100 per year! Progressive Insurance insures more than 1 million watercraft. To learn more about Progressive’s Boat Insurance, visit PROGRESSIVE . COM / BOAT or call 855-347-3939.

PROGRESSIVE BOAT INSURANCE progressive.com/boat | 855-347-3939

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PURSUIT DC 246

SINCE 1977, PURSUIT BOATS has been building highquality, luxury fishing and cruising boats using a holistic engineering and production processes championed by the Pursuit family of employees. Built with integrity, the boats provide both unrelenting performance and a distinct refinement not typically found on fishing boats. The ever-growing company offers 14 models in the Sport, Center Console, Dual Console and Offshore series ranging in size from 23 to 43 feet. And now, Pursuit’s award-winning Dual Console series, which has been perfected by Pursuit Boats, has expanded to include the new DC 246. The DC 246, with an LOA of 25 feet, 8 inches, features forward seating with an optional removable sunpad and ample insulated storage in the forward lounge seats on the bow. Offering a multitude of seating configurations, including fold-away transom seating, cockpit extendable lounge seating and companion seating, everyone will find their favorite spot. An integrated hardtop, tempered glass windshield with center opening and a security latch create a comfortable

cockpit while running and protection from inclement weather. The adjustable helm seat with flip-up bolster to create a leaning post allows for convenient access to the instrumentation and controls as well as the optional Garmin electronics. The sizable fiberglass portside head door opens inboard and features an easy latching and locking system and wood shelving built into the inside face. The attractive interior comes complete with an optional electric toilet and freshwater sink with pullout shower and Corian countertop. An optional wetbar package consists of cupholders, a sink with faucet and cooler to support the fun dockside. Fold away the cockpit seating and the boat is instantly fish ready, with gunwale-mounted rod holders, a 15-gallon recirculating livewell and a 31-gallon insulated fishbox in the transom. The DC 246 comes complete with the new Yamaha F300 pearlescent white engine with integrated digital electronic control, and cruises comfortably at 33.6 mph at 4500 RPMs, with a top speed of 45 mph. With increased cockpit size and functionality, the DC 246 adapts to a family’s preferred pastimes: Competitive and lively or reflective and tranquil. It’s your choice, you only need to take the helm.

PURSUIT BOATS pursuitboats.com LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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RIVIERA 645 SUV

THE NEW 645 SUV is the largest and most sophisticated model in Riviera’s six-model SUV collection. She combines the blue water hull pedigree of the acclaimed Sports Motor Yachts with the single-level living attributes so favored by Sport Yacht owners. The 645 is available in two editions: The Classic and the Newport. The Classic features elegant interior furnishings, a versatile foredeck entertaining space and four-stateroom accommodation. The Newport includes a distinctive Tungsten silver hardtop, a massive foredeck sunpad, avantgarde salon features and three-cabin accommodation with a lower deck atrium lounge. The 645 SUV’s teak-laid cockpit includes an optional three-seater transom lounge or live baitwell. A dual-plate electric barbecue center is forward, protected by a solid lid. Just up from the cockpit is the 645 SUV’s entertainment and living epicenter — a semi-enclosed alfresco deck oﬀering a plush lounge to port that converts into a double daybed. An L-shaped lounge to starboard surrounds a generous drop-leaf teak dining table. The foredeck zone provides lounge seating for up to 10 people. The Newport Edition includes a large sunpad. In the salon, a gourmet galley is along the port side, equipped with a three-burner induction cooktop, two drawer fridges, two

drawer freezers, an oven/microwave and a dishwasher under the benchtop. A generous island bench provides additional food preparation space or perfect servery when entertaining. Salon dining is introduced through an innovative feature. A walnut table, located behind the lounge, can be deployed simply by moving away four cushions and lifting the table up and out. The helm, forward on the centerline, oﬀers the option of two or three luxurious leather helm seats facing three 24-inch screens and comprehensive system controls. On the accommodation deck, the full-beam owner’s stateroom is bathed in light and fresh air from large hull windows with integrated portholes. It features a central queen-sized bed, chaise lounge, cedar-lined wardrobe and a generous aft ensuite bathroom. A space beside the ensuite can be personalized to suit an owner’s needs either as a laundry, crew cabin or watersports equipment storage. The VIP guest stateroom forward includes a full queen-sized bed and ensuite bathroom. The second guest stateroom to port has two single berths and has ensuite access to the day head. Opposite, a fourth stateroom has twin crossover berths. Riviera engineers have selected a choice of Twin MAN V8 1300 (956 kW) or MAN V12 1550 (1,140 kW) diesels that oﬀer exceptional power-to-weight performance.

RIVIERA AUSTRALIA rivieraaustralia.com

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PHOTOS BY POZITIF STUDIO

SIRENA 68

SIRENA YACHTS’ NEW 68 debuted — and impressed — at Cannes Yachting Festival 2021. Like all Sirenas, the 68 is built on a hull that seamlessly marries eﬃciency and performance thanks to the innovative semi-displacement hull lines by German Frers, which delivers comfortable cruising and worldclass range at displacement speeds. The 68 has a fresh and contemporary interior, thanks to design by Cor D Rover, and three color and material combinations are available. “The Sirena 68 brings together all the qualities that experienced owners would seek in a new yacht — essentially an upgrade in comfort and confidence in all areas,” says Sirena’s Chief Commercial Oﬃcer Ali Onger. “The vibe of the Sirena 68 starts with the details. When each person steps aboard, their eyes come to rest on a facet or a fabric, an accent or an angle, some hint that lets them know they’re welcome in a way that is somehow simultaneously familiar and new.” The salon welcomes those entering from the aft deck, where a dining area and open-concept galley awaits them.

Immediately noticeable is the play of light in this bright and dynamic space, from the large windows that draw the eye to the ever-changing views. Forward of the galley is a large U-shaped sofa where family and friends can congregate while sharing their time with an owner-operator who does not feel excluded from the company onboard. On the lower deck, the main stateroom is amidships to take advantage of the full beam of almost 20 feet. Again, large hull windows admit plenty of natural light, and the stateroom is served by a his-and-hers head arrangement. The guest accommodation is completed with a twin single guest cabin and a VIP cabin in the bow, both with ensuite bathrooms. On deck, the forward area has been arranged for sunbathing and a relaxed life at sea. There is an enclosed version of the ample bridge deck available for colder climates with direct access to the main salon below. There is also a generous fly deck that is set up for relaxing and dining under the protective shade of the hardtop.

SIRENA YACHTS sirenayachts.com LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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BOAT BUYER'S GUIDE 2022

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STINGRAY 269DC

HAVE YOU BEEN ITCHING to get out on the water? Ready for fishing or a day of watersports with the family? Stingray’s new 269DC has you covered! This 27-foot dual console is the perfect combination of function, performance and value. The swim platform and transom walk-through door allow for ease of boarding, as well as watersports and line handling with an optional pop-up ski pole. Equipped with a standard hardtop, oversized rod and cup holders throughout and an insulated fish/storage box (aft), this model offers something for everyone. The enclosed, lighted head offers a porta-potti, or can be upgraded with dockside pump-out or even a porcelain head with holding tank and pump-out. This yacht-certified dual console offers spacious seating throughout, allowing you to invite the entire family for a day out on the water. The standard ZipWake interceptors auto ride leveling makes for the smooth, fuel economy ride Stingray is known for. Stingray Boats began over 40 years ago with two molds, a few skilled craftsmen and a passion to build great performing

boats. That passion has endured and continues today. Stingray is a privately owned, family run company that focuses on building quality, not quantity. The company also provides its customers with the assurance that they are getting the most boat for the best price. This has been the driving force of Stingray, which has created two-time, threetime and even four-time Stingray boat owners. Stingray knows that its customers lead busy lives and want to make the most of their free time and money on the water. With that in mind, Stingray takes advantage of its performance history and the current market trends and combines that with its passion for building great boats. Stingray’s motto is performance, quality and value at a price more people can aﬀord. Stingray builds models ranging from 17 to 27 feet with outboard and sterndrive engine options, including center consoles, dual consoles, deckboats, sport decks and sportboats. To find local Stingray dealers in your area, visit the dealer locator at STINGRAYBOATS . COM .

STINGRAY BOATS stingrayboats.com

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TIARA YACHTS 48 LS

THE LARGEST OUTBOARD-POWERED Tiara Yacht ever built, the 48 LS builds on the legacy of the LS series. Luxury is amplified from bow to stern through unexpected details and refined yacht aesthetics. Social zones, a key area of focus in every LS model, allow for guests to choose their preferred relaxation zone. Forward, the bow features wraparound seating and a chaise lounge with an electric footrest. Aft, the innovative rotating lounge boasts multiple locking positions and electrically adjustable backrests. Deploy the terrace and expand the cockpit in addition to improving access to the water. At the helm, sliding doors provide a welcome retreat from the elements. Below deck you’ll find a forward pedestal berth and private head in addition to the aft stateroom that features dual twin berths. The berths may be converted for more comfortable adult sleeping accommodations. Ultraleather

and teak blended with a mix of stainless steel, detailed accent stitching and solid surfaces elevate and amplify the elegance of every amenity onboard. In partnership with Mercury, the 48 LS boasts the all-new Verado V12 600-hp engines. Triple V12s oﬀer control and performance, combined with the Tiara Yachts integrated electronics package including Garmin Marine navigation. Furthering the legacy of the Verado engine family, Mercury reimagined outboard performance to deliver the ultimate luxury boating experience. With the unwavering strength of a V12 powerhead, the 600-hp Verado outboard delivers extraordinary range and power to take your boating adventures to new destinations. An innovative steerable gearcase enhances handling and control, particularly at low speeds, and provides a smoother, more refined driving experience. The two-speed automatic transmission doles out torque and acceleration in first gear to get boats on plane quickly, then silently shifts to second for eﬃcient cruising and an impressive top speed. Combined with the most sophisticated digital controls and unmatched sound-dampening technology, the features of the 600-hp Verado outboard elevate the standards of premium design and engineering.

TIARA YACHTS tiarayachts.com LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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BOAT TEST

S PEC IFICAT IO NS LOA (w/ extensions): 37’4” Beam: 11’4” Draft: 3’3” Weight (as tested): 19,600 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 343 gals. Water Capacity: 36 gals. Base Price: $528,760 PURSUITBOATS.COM

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DEALERS Centerpointe Yacht Services

CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM

South Shore Marine

SOUTHSHOREMARINE.COM

Retractable seating, easy to operate, comfortable backrests. Enclosed head with porcelain toilet. Test ride was too short. The Bahamas were only two hours away.

Walstrom Marine WALSTROM.COM

Watch the video at LAKELANDBOATING.COM!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PURSUIT

PURSUIT S 358

wo boating seasons into this persistent pandemic and manufacturers like Pursuit are finding a rush of first-time boaters eager to escape crowds and reassess how they spend quality time with loved ones. During the debut of the much-awaited S 358, Pursuit’s first ever 35-foot center console, company president Bruce Thompson noted that new buyers have helped lower the average age of boat owners from the mid 50s to mid 40s. Twelve percent of Pursuit sales are with first-time boaters, and that’s consistent with the global uptick in new boaters. In fact, data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association showing 415,000 first-time boat buyers entered the market last year alone. Not only are these new buyers averaging younger, but they are also 1.5 times more likely to be women than other buyer groups. Inspired by these statistics, Pursuit has introduced a flurry of new models in the past two years. The new S 358 fills the center slot in Pursuit’s ever-growing Sport family portfolio.

Nothing overlooked

Pursuit S 358 Down to the last detail. BY ALAN WENDT

Joystick piloting to make docking easy — got it. Enclosed head and shower, along with overnight accommodations — competitive advantage! The most aft cockpit seating and social zone configurations — check. Seakeeper 2 to smooth out the seas — an option that nearly all new boaters opt for. “In true Pursuit design tradition, nothing has been overlooked,” says Thompson as he introduced director of brand management Mark Taiclet, who guided me out of the harbor at Ft. Pierce, Florida, for our test ride. Fall weather at Pursuit’s plant is a mix of everything the Great Lakes has except the cold. Instead we had oppressive humidity and a growing line of sea breeze-generated showers. Fear not, as an oversized fiberglass integrated hardtop and tempered safety glass windshield envelope three helm chairs and permit entry below through a yacht-style cabin entry door. Both areas are cooled or heated by separate HVAC units — a rare find on a 35-footer. For fresh air ventilation and access to the rooftop-mounted antenna

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array, Pursuit has designed a large glass hatch that slides forward. This eliminates awkward standing and leaning on the gunnels to lower or raise antennas and outriggers or to clean. Rehydrating is a must, and a refrigerator loaded with chilled water was easily accessible from the cockpit, along with a sink and cooler tub, electric grill, tackle storage and trash receptacle that make up the multifunction entertainment center and wetbar. “We purposely designed the mezzanine seating with 60/40 dual fold-out seats,” Taiclet says, demonstrating the wide-open cockpit that lets a crewmember use the grill without displacing seated passengers. “These seats are more comfortable. They used to take up 6 inches in the fold-up cavity, but we added 3 additional inches for thicker padding and a flip-up backrest.”

But wait, there’s more

That same forethought applies to the forward-facing folding aft seat, resulting in the largest open aft cockpit space in class. For landing fish, there is a 44

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2021

hullside door that opens inward and aft up against the 32-gallon livewell with Oceana Blue tub and a clear lid, aimed at better bait-keeping. This configuration precisely offers the right amount of space for aft cockpit coaming rod storage. In-floor insulated fishboxes on both sides of the boat are configured with independent diaphragm pumps rather than macerators. I asked why, since many competitors favor macerators. Taiclet, who is a pretty solid angler himself, says they learned from experience that errant hooks and similar debris clogged and jammed macerators, whereas the diaphragm did not. As a fishing machine, the S 358 is a tight, neat package. An optional hardtop rod rack six pack, Taco 18-foot extending outriggers with gunwale-mounted line tensioners, and multiple fresh and raw water washdowns at the transom, midship, and anchor locker makes for a very complete offering. In the spirit of the holiday season and the famous Ginsu knife, “but wait, there’s more!” The bow area seating is a standalone

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social zone. Adjustable console seating becomes a lounger; electrically actuated backrests swing inward to double the number of comfortable lounges with under-seat insulated storage tubs. A custom fiberglass table with synthetic teak inlay that rests flush in the bow can be raised and lowered by an electric actuator and functions as a table, sunpad or footrest. Inside the cabin is an enclosed head, a true rarity on a 35-footer, L-shaped seating that converts into a large, two-person berth, and you probably want the standard 28-inch TV and microwave for that morning cup of joe. I like the steps leading down. They are wider and deeper than others. You don’t have to stop and think, “which foot do I lead with?” They were also thinking of skippers whose beer belly interferes with the steering wheel movement. An extra couple of inches in the center helm seat is much appreciated. Take a good look at the triple cockpit seats. Each one has independent armrests. No sharing. Maybe the airlines could take a design tip for that dreaded center seat.

Engineering marvels

In a nutshell, that’s the walk-through. What you don’t see is reassuring from a naval architect viewpoint. The S 358 is a deep-V, 22-degree hull bottom with a rather aggressive bow entry and reverse chine. This gives you a dry ride and handles a less forgiving sea while you seek the call for adventure. Below the cockpit sole is a freshly designed structural grid with a bit of forward thinking. If you decide on adding a factory-installed Seakeeper Gyro, the helm area mechanical space is designed to accommodate the unit with easy access for maintenance. Another hidden engineering gem are the independent drain channels for all the water that keeps the mechanical bay dry. It’s here where the battery banks and chargers reside, again easily accessible for service. Pursuit has every feature engineered to yacht-caliber standards and provides a yacht-like delivery. Because they have Garmin engineers working in its factory installing all aspects of the electronics package, new owners qualify for a free two-hour, one-on-one session with

a Garmin rep. Those of us who have enjoyed the excitement of new boat ownership understand that on the first day, first week or two, you can’t think of every question to ask, especially on the feature-rich electronic integration of today’s boats. Pursuit recommends waiting a couple of weeks to gather your questions, then make the Garmin connection. At the Pursuit-sponsored owners’ rendezvous, hands-on training is available, especially for the families who, for decades, realize that spouses are lousy teachers when it comes to docking.

Test ride

Twin Yamaha 425 XTO engines power the S 358. Lately, the industry has shifted to triple engine power for a boat of this size. This twin engine package has more than enough horsepower, is controlled by a joystick when docking, and delivers an acceptable fuel economy at cruise. Aside from the heat, the seas were nothing more than a washboard during our test. We easily cruised at 31 mph, turning 4000 RPMs. A readout on the twin

16-inch Garmin multifunction displays at the helm calculated fuel burn of a gallon a mile with a range of 327 miles. For grins we did a WOT run with the GPS fluctuating between 50 and 51 mph. A fellow boat journalist on my run turned off one engine, tilted it out of the water and then simulated a limp home under single power. It would be a long ride, but at least you are getting back to shore. Both engines sit in a well with optimized platform extensions. The motor well is flat, making it possible to cross between the two easily, no hoses or cables to snag a line, and certainly enough room to change a propeller without getting in the water. Pursuit’s S 358 has powerful good looks with a classic sheerline and a through-stem anchor system. A word of advice: With so many new boaters coming into the recreational lifestyle and established boaters looking to trade up, I wouldn’t wait for the spring boat shows to secure a production slot. The worldwide supply chain is only adding to backlogs and inflation, and this is going to be a popular boat. H

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BOAT TEST

GODFREY SANPAN 2700 ULW TWIN BY CHUCK WARREN

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THE PONTOON BOAT MARKET has exploded over the last decade, with more sales recorded in 2020 than in any of the 15 years before. With so many evolutionary leaps in design and performance, modern pontoon boats allow captain and crew to enjoy a great day of fishing, entertaining or fun while wakeboarding. Based in northern Indiana, Godfrey Pontoon Boats released the first all-aluminum pontoon boat, the Sanpan, in 1958. With more than 60 years in pontoon boat manufacturing, Godfrey is well- known for its quality builds and innovative designs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GODFREY

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With that kind of history and experience behind them, Godfrey’s models are perfect examples of the first-rate, great performing pontoon boats on the water today, so I was excited to run down to Indiana’s Lake Wawasee to see the new triple tube, twin engine 2022 Godfrey Sanpan 2700 ULW Twin. As I pulled into the boat launch to meet Melissa and Chuck from Godfrey, the boat was waiting at the dock. Sharply dressed in black and gray and featuring white upholstery with red accents, the boat attracted envious looks from the other people launching their bowriders and bass boats. Onboard, the boat feels extremely solid and well-built. Godfrey uses throughbolted construction in its boats instead of the screwed together components for extra strength. The driver and passenger helm seats each sit on fiberglass pads, which also double as the boat’s port and starboard consoles. Both console bases are finished with Marine Mat on top, which makes a nicely padded, non-skid surface. Bow and stern seating is soft and extremely comfortable, with plenty of storage hidden below. All of the seats are constructed with captive cushions, allowing easy, hinged access to the space below without the possibility of lost seat cushions.

GEAR UP

Sometimes it’s the little things that set a boat apart. In Godfrey’s case, there are lots of little things on the Sanpan providing comfort and convenience for both captain and crew. Even better, many of these are standard features, such as the triple battery system, ski pylon and docking lights. The boat has cupholders conveniently placed everywhere you look, and the boat also has USB adapters within easy reach of the seating areas, which include the new USB-C connectors. The captain gets an additional convenience with a non-skid inductive charging pad placed below the controls. The Sanpan 2700 ULW Twin features a standard, sturdy and nicely designed swim ladder placed in the center of the transom between the two outboards. Unlike many pontoon swim ladders, this is not a little telescoping metal frame just big enough to claw your way back to the deck. The Sanpan 2700 ULW’s ladder provides skiers and swimmers with a truly easy way to climb back onboard.

HIT THE KEY

At the helm, the Sanpan 2700 ULW Twin features a standard 12-inch Garmin touchscreen control center, which operates the RGB lighting found throughout the boat (including in the cupholders and underwater) and music pumped through the Fusion audio system. The Garmin also gives the captain important information while underway, such as engine RPMs, speed and, of course, navigation. Twin RPM gauges

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contain digital readouts, which can be customized if you want to show something other than the fuel level in the impressive 121-gallon tank.

HANG ON TIGHT

Getting ready for our test run, I was perched comfortably in the passenger helm seat when I realized both of the big Merc engines were running and I hadn’t noticed. Also absent was any structural noise like rattles or squeaks from doors, seats or other components. Godfrey’s build quality is impressive. As we nosed out onto the lake, engine noise was surprisingly quiet — a welcome trait when a bunch of guests are chatting in the aft seats. The new 27-foot pontoon boat sits on Godfrey’s innovative 29-inch iIMPACT+ hull design, which stands for Innovative, Improved, Integrated Marine Power & Control Technology. The triple tube design includes full-length lifting strakes and other features that provide higher strength and impressive performance. These design innovations are obvious when you mash the throttles. Pushed by twin Mercury Verado 300s, our test boat jumped right out of the water and up on plane. The boat took off like a rocket hitting a top end of just about 60 mph across Lake Wawasee’s light chop. Planing time was impressive and there was little to no bow rise, but the Sanpan 2700 ULW Twin really stood out from the crowd when the wheel was cranked hard over while running hard. Even at higher speeds, the boat dug into the turn and hooked around like it was on rails. I’ve said before that running at 50 mph or more in a pontoon boat can feel like sitting on your front porch in a hurricane. However, the full, walk-through windshield on the Sanpan 2700 ULW Twin makes the ride as comfortable as it is fun. As we pulled back in toward the ramp, the early fall wind was gusting just hard enough to make things interesting but the added maneuverability provided by the second engine made docking a breeze.

SEIZE THE DAY!

Back on the dock, I couldn’t help thinking about the pontoon boat my grandfather purchased in 1985. With little more than some hard bench seats and a 15-hp engine, that boat looked more like a utility vessel than a pleasure craft. The sleek, black pontoon boat floating in front of me had very little in common with that old boat aside from the word “pontoon.” With enough horsepower and a sturdy pylon to pull wakeboards and tubes, comfortable seating and a removable table for entertaining, and enough room to enjoy any floating activity desired, the 2022 Godfrey Sanpan 2700 ULW Twin is the perfect boat from which to cast off from the dock and seize the day! ★

GODFREY SANPAN 2700 ULW TWIN S P E C I F I CAT I ON S LOA: 27’4” Beam: 8’6” Weight: 4,900 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 121 gals. Power (as tested): 2 x Mercury Verado 300s Base Price: $199,559 GODFREYPONTOONBOATS.COM

DEALERS CenterPointe Yacht Services CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM

Munson Marine

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Well-built, sturdy swim ladder makes climbing aboard easy. Standard 12-inch Garmin touchscreen. 121-gallon fuel tank provides fewer top-offs and a long range.

A sink would be a great addition.

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“Get Out There and Enjoy Some Adventures!” We celebrate 75 years of inspiring boaters and exploring the Great Lakes, while paying tribute to our late publisher, Bing O’Meara. by Lakeland Boating staff

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F L A K E L A N D B OAT I N G O R C O N T R I B U T O R

n 1946, a young Milwaukeean named Vic Schoen, eager to share his passion for boats, sold his beloved 36-foot Burger, Sea Toy II, for $1,300, which was just enough capital to launch the first-ever issue of Lakeland Yachting and Motorboating. Back then, an annual subscription to the magazine was $1.50 and a single copy was a mere 15 cents. All of the columnists from the early days — Clovia Hitchings, Anker Hansen and Sam Seacock — were pseudonyms for Schoen himself; he wrote nearly all the copy in the original issues and sold all the ads for the first few years of publication. For a little over 10 years, the magazine went by the Lakeland Yachting banner, until 1957, when it was renamed to what we know now: Lakeland Boating. The magazine changed hands over the years and moved all around the Great Lakes; in fact, it has operated out of more than eight cities, including: Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Adrian, Michigan; and Port Clinton, Ohio. We’ve covered a lot of ground. In 1983, when Walter “Bing” O’Meara purchased Lakeland Boating, the magazine moved to the Chicago area, where it remains today. For 75 years, Lakeland Boating has aimed to inspire readers, explore every nook and cranny of the Great Lakes, mine the latest and greatest in boating news, and continue Schoen’s original goal of sharing the passion for boating. To celebrate this momentous milestone, we’ve compiled some Lakeland Boating reader stories and memories from the past seven and a half decades.

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What Lakeland Boating means to me

I grew up in Michigan in the 1960s, boating and visiting the marinas on the Great Lakes each summer with family and friends, every trip a fun-filled new adventure. After moving away for college and work, those exciting times became a distant memory until about 20 years ago while visiting Toronto, I found a copy of Lakeland Boating. I could not put it down, reliving childhood memories on the water, exploring new places. In every issue, there are articles and photographs still familiar decades later. “From the Helm,” Bing O’Meara’s uncanny ability to communicate his wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for boating was like having a fireside chat. Lakeland Boating’s glossy pages and beautiful photos bring back to life the carefree summers of fun on the water. Bing found a niche no one else did and in a way that made me anticipate each new issue. His talent and business acumen, his ability to absorb the reader in every article and photo, exciting and fun as it is informative. Lakeland Boating brought back something important in my life: The wonderful days on the Great Lakes with family and friends. —Russell Higley, White Plains, NY

“I have torn out articles to show many of my other boating friends and family over the years.”

My love of the magazine

I’ve been boating since I was a child and found your magazine about 20 years ago or so. My wife, Julie, and I keep our 40-foot Sea Ray Express Cruiser on Lake St. Clair on the Clinton River. I’m an avid reader of Lakeland Boating and have torn out articles to show many of my other boating friends and family over the years — getting many of them to subscribe as well. I’ve always been interested in the specific areas (Port of Call) visited each month. We are planning a trip around the state of Michigan in 2022 and I’ve been keeping all the reviews of ports that we may stop at along the way in Lake Huron, Superior and Michigan. I’ve used the ones you have provided for Lake Erie in the past as we go down that way every other year to visit Put-in-Bay and/or Cedar Point. We love the magazine — please continue with the Port of Call reviews! —Ken Sobolewski

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Midwest comfort

“Midwest comfort” — that’s how I view my friends at Lakeland Boating magazine. I say friends because that’s what we are. This Florida-based ole boy transplanted from New York (“LawnGuyland” to be exact) writing for a middle country boating magazine, how would that work out?! Well, it did, and for almost 10 years. From my first assignment of a sea trial on a Cabo 44 in February 2012 to being the “go-to” guy” for the Marlow Yachts reviews and photo shoots, it has been nothing short of a fabulous experience bringing the best boats to the readers in the Midwest region from the best team. From my early days with editor Lindsey Johnson to spending quality time with current editor Kate Bush (quality time being me apologizing for missing a deadline, maybe once, okay twice), it really has been a comfort working with the entire team. I will note that I always looked forward to seeing Bing and Mark Conway at the boat shows. Bing always had a hearty “Hello!” and firm handshake for me, like any good Midwestern gentleman. That’s what the magazine felt like, and that’s what made Lakeland a special publication to write for. —Capt. Tom Serio

The start of a tradition

Little did we know when we first subscribed to Lakeland Boating magazine that our family would greatly benefit from the informative and appealing articles on the ports of the Great Lakes. One particular feature on Harbor Springs, Michigan, truly captivated us with the engaging description of its crystal clear waters, beautiful harbor and picturesque town. Within a few days and after a few phone calls, my wife and I planned a quick trip to this destination to see for ourselves. The result? We found a place exactly as described in your wonderful magazine and a memorable family tradition was born. For the past nine years, our family of children and grandchildren eagerly look forward to making an annual trip to Harbor Springs for a week-long vacation of swimming, boating, golfing and horseback riding. We thought you’d want to know how your words inspired us. —Bill and Mary Buckingham, Rocky River, OH

Happy 75th anniversary!

We have had a subscription for over 15 years and even had our dog published on the “Canine Crew” page in February 2019. When we were working, we really enjoyed the featured places to visit and dreamed of going ourselves. Lakeland Boating actually shaped our retirement plans. First we had to find the right boat. We wanted to be able to trailer but also sleep aboard. We purchased a 25.5-foot C-Dory TomCat and have enjoyed traveling with it ever since. We save all our Lakeland Boating issues for ideas for the future. Keep up the good work. —Gail and Tom Allard, LeClaire, IA

Staple of our home

Congratulations on Lakeland Boating’s 75th anniversary. Your magazine has been a staple in our home and on our boat for years (actually decades). It’s a magazine my wife and I look forward to getting our hands on as soon as it arrives. The first point of mutual interest is the Port of Call. Is it a destination we’ve traveled to? Is it one we’d like to visit? Either way it’s read with great interest. The next stop is divided: I head to the reviews and how-tos and she heads for Lakeshore Life. Lakeland Boating is all about being on or near the water. It’s the perfect blend between too technical and pure advertising fluff. Best wishes for another 75 years! Sadly, it’s bittersweet as Bing is not with us to enjoy it. Over the years my wife and I have gotten to know Bing and Linda and a more beautiful couple you could never meet. Eight Bells to you my friend. Your infectious smile and wonderful storytelling will be forever missed. —Dan Marchetto

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C A P T. F R E D K A U F H O L D

Thank you, Lakeland Boating

After reading Arnie Hammerman’s delivery article in the September 2021 issue of Lakeland Boating, I found myself pausing to reminisce about our own delivery adventures, which led naturally into our association with Lakeland Boating and Bing and Linda O’Meara. We met Bing and Linda in Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island where we were wintering over. We were living aboard our sailboat, Dream Weaver, and Bing had just taken delivery of his Grand Banks 49, Summer Issue. We both had dogs and spent many happy hours walking the dogs and talking boats. It turns out that we had similar ideas of what constituted a “good” boat design. When spring arrived, our thoughts turned to the impending boating season and Bing asked us to deliver Summer Issue to Chicago. After a successful delivery, Bing wanted us to consider writing about our delivery adventures, especially as they related to the Great Lakes area, and submit them to the magazine for publication. Although my wife, Stephanie, and I are experienced boaters, we are not experienced writers; however, with the patience and encouragement of the Lakeland Boating staff, we gave it a try. And thus began a more than 10-year relationship with the magazine and the wonders of cruising the Great Lakes. Had Lakeland Boating not opened this door for us, we never would have been aware of this fabulous cruising area. The cruising was delightful, but the memory that puts this period at the top of our cruising hit parade was the relationship we formed with the folks at Lakeland Boating and the interaction that developed between us and the magazine’s enthusiastic readers. We often had the privilege of meeting readers that were following our cruise on the website and recognized our Downeast lobster boat, River Runner. We also enjoyed responding to inquiries in the “Mail Call” section of the magazine, even after leaving the area. We are still cruising and look forward each month to our copy of Lakeland Boating. It reminds us of that wonderful time in our lives when we called ourselves Lakeland Boaters. So, thank you, Lakeland Boating, and all the folks we met while cruising in the Great Lakes. We salute you and your 75 productive and informative years. —Capt. Fred and Stephanie Kaufhold

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In Memory of Bing

In September of this year, we said goodbye to Walter “Bing” O’Meara — our spirited, jubilant, earnest publisher —who passed away at the age of 81 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. We miss him more than we can say. He touched the lives of so many people, both in the boating industry and outside of it. Bing steered the magazine through several recessions and many moves, attended nearly every boat show he could, and was always eager to set out on an adventurous assignment for the magazine. Lakeland Boating was his passion in life, and being onboard a boat turned him into a kid on Christmas morning. Bing started his marine industry career back in the early 1970s, when he accepted a sales position with Motor Boating & Sailing. From there, he moved on to Petersen Publishing’s marine group in 1979, and later purchased Lakeland Boating from Petersen in 1983. Over the 38 years behind the helm of Lakeland Boating, he undertook the ambitious project of creating “Ports of Call Cruise Guides” for each Great Lake, and his monthly “From the Helm” column — where he heralded readers with his cruising adventures and wise words — was beloved by many. One of the last notes Bing wrote was in his November/December 2019 “From the Helm” column: “My advice to all of you would be to not put off anything you really want to do in life. Work at sneaking in some things on your bucket list before you retire. None of us can foresee the future. I treasure all the memories Linda and I have of cruising and the wonderful people we met along the way... Get out there and enjoy some adventures!” For those who wish, contributions in Bing’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.ORG/DONATE or call 800-272-3900) or MBIA Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation for scholarships benefiting Michigan’s marine industry (MBIA.ORG/DONATIONS) ... Or buy a friend a flower, fill out an organ donation card or do a good deed and think of Bing. Here are just a few fond memories that long-time subscribers, friends of Bing, Lakeland Boating contributors and more have shared with us.

Bing has been my close friend going back to 1953 when we were high school freshmen in New Jersey. Over the ensuing decades, even though Bing had moved to Chicago 50 years ago, we stayed in continuous touch. Bing stayed with us in Florida when he was at the Miami Boat Show. I crewed for him on the Legacy for two weeks in the 1998 “Going South” trip from Chicago to Venice, Florida, on a variety of inland rivers, which was documented in Lakeland Boating at that time. In our high school years, I would sometimes hang-out at Bing’s house. His father was the senior lighting director at NBC, and in the late ’50s, the O’Meara’s had a color television. He was the oldest of five children — four boys and one girl; I knew them all well. In 1980, Bing left his work in the food service industry where he sold advertising and worked in boat magazine sales. When presented with an opportunity, Bing acquired what was then a troubled magazine and built the very successful Lakeland Boating. As publisher, this decision allowed him to pursue his passion of spending as much time as possible on the water. Sail on my friend with smooth seas and a gentle following wind. — Bob Soudant

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A good friend lost

Bing O’Meara was a very special person. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I had the privilege of working with him for over 20 years at Lakeland Boating, first as a freelance contributor and later as a field editor and electronics editor. Living in South Florida, I had few opportunities to meet with him in Chicago, but we communicated often. Bing always came down for the Fort Lauderdale and Miami Boat shows, as well as boat company dealer meetings in the state each summer. We had a tradition every year of meeting for lunch at the News Cafe on Miami Beach before the Miami show. I have many fond memories of those special get-togethers. Bing was the consummate professional, a gentleman, and just an all around great guy. He will be missed — that is for certain. —Tom Thompson

YOUNG BING PHOTO BY BOB SOUDANT

Sail on my friend

PHOTO BY CRAIG RITCHIE

Bing’s awesomeness

I have received your magazine annually for the last 25 years. Thanks for letting the boating public know of Bings’ passing. He was an awesome man. I met him many times at boat shows and events. He was always a super guy to talk to you about boats, places and his passion. His love of boats and commitment to the magazine and the readers comes through in every issue. —Nick Gagliano

Legacy lives on

Meeting Bing

Shortly after I began writing for Lakeland Boating, I was asked to travel to South Carolina and prepare a couple of boat tests on some new Stingray models. Joining me would be publisher Bing O’Meara. I had never met Bing and, since he’s the big boss and I was just the new writer, I was eager to make a good impression and appear as polished and professional as I could. Arriving on site, I left the dock early in order to capture the day’s best light, and was midway through photographing my test boat’s interior when I heard the sound of an approaching engine — and a voice over top of it screaming “whoooo!!” like a kid on a roller coaster. I looked up just in time to witness a big white Stingray rocket past, Bing behind the wheel sporting the biggest, most genuine grin I’ve ever seen. As I wrapped up my photography — to the chorus of several more “wheeeees!” and “yaaaas!” in the distance — Bing pulled alongside and introduced himself. Later in the morning, as I was photographing a second boat, the same thing happened again. This time he had a load of kids with him, all of them screaming “whooooo!!” as he zig-zagged down the lake. That was when I really felt at home with Lakeland Boating, because it was clear that if anyone truly got it and really understood what boating is all about, it was this guy. To this day I’ve still never met anyone who was happier to be behind the wheel of a boat. —Craig Ritchie

As a nearly 30-year subscriber to Lakeland Boating magazine and as a first-edition buyer of several of the Great Lakes cruising guides (that were a great ancillary endeavor under Bing O’Meara’s publishing leadership, by the way), I wanted to pass along condolences to all who knew and worked with Bing. I met him only once, at the Chicago Boat show one year, but his editorials and editorial direction of the magazine have forever shaped my love of cruising and adventure exploring the Great Lakes, and boating in general. Thanks to the magazine’s inspiration, in the early 1990s I piloted my 21-foot Four Winns 215 Sundowner by water from Waukegan, Illinois, to Mackinac Island, with stops along the way at many ports in Michigan and Wisconsin. Navigation was by paper charts, compass and a handheld GPS, which only stored 50 waypoints of latitude and longitude. The cruising guide put me into the harbor entrances and Marge Beaver’s aerial photos helped identify landmarks to places I had never before been. In the years since, I’ve repeated visits to all of those harbors, and many more, in a larger and more capable boat equipped with a chartplotter, radar, autopilot and air conditioning. All trips were memorable and enhanced by knowledge gained from Lakeland Boating. Bing’s legacy lives on in the next generation of boaters, and I think he is resting well knowing now that he did a good job here to make sure that continues for many more years. —Jerry Koedoot, Cape Coral, FL

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“To this day I’ve still never met anyone who was happier to be behind the wheel of a boat.”

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PORT OF CALL

northern

MARQUETTE ke La |

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rio

Lower Harbor

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PHOTO BY AARON PETERSON

Upper Harbor

exposure

Marquette, Michigan, on Lake Superior’s south shore, captivates with its mix of culture, creature comforts, the great outdoors and a chance to see the Northern Lights. BY KATH USITALO (Docks from left to right) Lower Harbor Ore Dock, Marquette Dock Association (private), Marquette Fish Producers, Marquette Yacht Club

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Shopping

ntil Shawn Malone moved from Chicago to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Aurora Borealis had never displayed its mesmerizing dance in the sky above Lake Superior. Of course, it only seems the Northern Lights were “discovered” when her photos of the phenomenon started earning international attention, notably in her Smithsonian award-winning time-lapse video in 2013. Now, the U.P.’s largest city is a magnet for aurora-chasers who make

2022 EVENTS JANUARY 21-23: Noquemanon Marathon: Cross-country ski event with races from 1K to 50K. FEBRUARY 17-21: UP 200, Midnight Run & Jack Pine 30 Sled Dog Races: Exciting competitions for 12-, eight- and sixdog teams. 18-22: Meijer State Games of Michigan: Skiing, curling, figure skating, luge, hockey and more. JUNE 20-25: Marquette Art Week: Studio tours, exhibits, street performers and an evening art stroll. JULY 22-24: Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival: Live performances and workshops in roots music. 30-31: Art on the Rocks: Juried fine arts show at the Lake Superior waterfront. SEPTEMBER 10: U.P. Fall Beer Festival: More than 80 Michigan breweries pour samples.

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the trek to what Malone considers one of the best places in the U.S. for viewing the elusive, colorful sky shows. The owner of Lake Superior Photo Gallery in downtown Marquette doesn’t take credit for the explosion of interest in seeing — and photographing — the aurora. “It has to do with timing,” Malone says. “I was doing it before everyone had a camera.” With film, there was no way of getting instant feedback on photos, but the proliferation of digital has made shooting the night sky a hot pastime — as evidenced by Malone’s sold-out photo workshops and customized private classes, offered on location across the U.P. Susan Estler, executive director of Travel Marquette, says that the aurora is definitely a draw for visitors. Fall through the winter is the prime viewing period, but catching a glimpse can be difficult because of cloud cover and other factors. “It’s all up to Mother Nature,” she says. “We make no guarantees.” Cool, salubrious air Mother Nature does guarantee a fourseason playground in a spectacular setting of woods and water that satisfies hardcore mountain bikers and casual hikers, cross-country skiers and kayakers. And while ice climbing and winter surfing Lake Superior have their devotees, “The majority of people who visit come for soft adventure,” Estler says. “They’re looking for the natural beauty that we have, along with good restaurants and nice places to stay.” The modern comforts, she adds, “are five minutes from any outdoor activity you can think of.” According to a description from 1878 (on p. 59), Marquette’s charms — “the rugged hills, the rocky gorges, the impenetrable glens, the picturesque lakes and beautiful waterfalls” — are just as appreciated today. A Travel Marquette map highlights a dozen of the area’s 70 waterfalls that are within fairly easy

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Lake view from downtown

reach. Hikers head up Sugarloaf (easy-tomoderate) and Hogback (strenuous) mountains, and follow an accessible path to Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook for views that stretch for miles. Beloved Presque Isle (almost island) Park is a 323-acre destination for a picnic, a sunset, or a stroll on the paved perimeter road or wooded trail through the park’s interior. Jumping from the rugged shore’s billion-year-old Black Rocks into Lake Superior is a rite of passage despite the risks of the 15-foot plunge into the chilly water. Most of the park is undeveloped, just as Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York City’s Central Park, recommended in 1891 when he turned down the opportunity to put his stamp on it. Calling Presque Isle “exceedingly interesting, beautiful and picturesque;” it should not, he said, be “marred by the intrusion of artificial objects.” Past is present A statue of Father Jacques Marquette, a 17th century French explorer and Jesuit priest, overlooks his namesake city and the defunct Lower Harbor Ore Dock. The settlement was built on iron ore, which was discovered in nearby Negaunee in 1844. With its natural harbor, Marquette became a shipping center that still handles about 10 million tons of ore each year from the 1,250-foot-long Presque Isle Dock at the Upper Harbor. Clark Lambros Beach Park is a comfortable spot for watching the freighters being loaded. The out-of-commission ore dock that dominates the waterfront at Mattson Lower Harbor Park is an imposing reminder of the industry whose wealth built handsome homes of the Arch and Ridge Streets Historic District and stunning, red sandstone buildings that dot downtown. The story of Marquette, its people and industries unfold at the Regional History

T O P F O U R P H O T OS B Y A A RO N P E T E R S O N ; S L E D D O G P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F E V E N T FAC E BO O K

Jumping off the Black Rocks

Marquette Described in the 1870s “The excellent hotels afford ample accommodations for travelers and sojourners. The cool, salubrious air brings health and vigor to the enervated frame. The speckled denizens of the mountain brooks tempt to piscatorial wanderings and gratify the epicurean appetite; while everywhere abound unbroken forest, the rugged hills, the rocky gorges, the impenetrable glens, the picturesque lakes and beautiful waterfalls, to delight the artist and, in the fullest measure afford to the lover of nature, in her wildest aspects, the enjoyment which he seeks.” —Annual Report of the Commissioner of Mineral Statistics for the State of Michigan 1877-78

PP H HO O TT O O SC TOHUI RS TPEASG Y EOC F OXU XR XT X EX SX YX XOXFX XT RXAXVX EX LX XMXAX RX Q X XUXE T T E

Sugarloaf Mountain

Harbor Lighthouse

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Washington Street

Bridge near CR 510 in Negaunee Township

Blackrocks Brewery

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O P P O S I T E PA G E P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F M A X B E N D E R ; B U S I N E S S FA C E B O O K PA G E S . T H I S PA G E ( L E F T- R I G H T ) : I N T E G R AT E D D E S I G N S , B U S I N E S S FA C E B O O K PA G E S ( 3 ) ; M A R I N A P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F M A R Q U E T T E M I .G O V

Regional History Museum

Museum and its guided walking tours, the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Cliffs Mine Shaft Museum, Marquette Maritime Museum and its cheery red lighthouse, and Beaumier Upper Peninsula Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University. Nancy Hamilton Musser, who I spoke to following a U.P. lighthouse tour, was impressed with the Maritime Museum and loved the beacons at Marquette and Big Bay Point. The 1896 Big Bay light, about 35 miles north of Marquette, is a year-round bed & breakfast. Guests can climb the tower for the view from 120 feet above Lake Superior. Big Bay was the crime scene that influenced a novel by local attorney and judge John Voelker (pen name Robert Traver). “Anatomy of a Murder” became a 1959 movie starring James Stewart, Lee Remick, George C. Scott, Eve Arden and Ben Gazzara. Director Otto Preminger filmed largely on location; a free brochure from Travel Marquette has a self-guided tour to film sites, including the Marquette County Courthouse. Culture on tap For a city of fewer than 21,000, Marquette offers plenty of culture, coffee, culinary surprises and a growing beer community. The Vierling, known for its local whitefish served in an 1880s saloon, was the area’s first brewpub, followed by more than a half-dozen breweries and counting. Janet Pitrone Kasic, who I spoke to after a summertime visit of Marquette, especially enjoyed Blackrocks Brewery’s live music, energy and vibe on the spacious outdoor patio. Marquette’s must-try traditional foods include pasties, the meat and root vegetable pies of miners, and Italian cudighi sausage, which is scarce outside of this region. The foodie scene also dishes farm-to-table takes on American classics, Vango’s time-tested

Lake Superior Theater

Lakenenland

pizza, house-smoked brisket, BBQ and international flavors. Historic Donckers is a sweet shop with an old-fashioned soda fountain and family friendly menu, while Zephyr Wine Bar specializes in small plates and charcuterie. The coffee is always on at a variety of java joints and cafes, each with a different ambiance, from rustic and warm BabyCakes Muffin Company to the sleek and modern 231 West Patisserie and colorful, eclectic Midwest Bakery & Cafe. The historic Delft Theater, which opened in 1914 and thrilled visitors with on-screen performances, continues to entertain guests with its new-American menu featuring local ingredients. Try the popular cheese curds, poutine and The Feature Burger, all while watching a movie on the big-screen TV. Independent shops in the walkable downtown and the Third Street neighborhood feature local art, home goods, handcrafted jewelry, clothing, imports and books. Each month, from June through October, about a dozen studios and galleries are open for Marquette’s First Thursdays Art Walk. Public art is popping up around town in murals on themes of Native Anishinaabe heritage, cooperation and nature. At DeVos Art Museum on the campus of NMU, the collection includes Native American artifacts, Japanese wood block prints and contemporary works. The Marquette Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 25th season, and in summer months the Lake Superior Theatre presents plays and concerts in a 1926 boathouse. Wacky aspects of U.P. culture are the theme of Da Yoopers Tourist Trap roadside attraction, and at Lakenenland, where welder Tom Lakenen created a free park to share more than 100 sculptures he’s made from scrap metal. It’s just a short drive from his “junkyard art” to Munising and the 42-mile long, nature-painted Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

“From the biggest city in the U.P. you can be in wilderness, lost in the woods, in 15 minutes,” Malone says. It’s that combination of nature and convenience of Marquette that make it so desirable. ★

Cinder Pond Marina

RESOURCES TOURISM Travel Marquette TRAVELMARQUETTE.COM

MARINAS Cinder Pond Marina Open May 1 to October 31 City of Marquette marina with 102 seasonal and transient slips and boat launch in the Lower Harbor. Fuel and other amenities. Make reservations at MIDNRRESERVATIONS.COM or call 906228-0469; MARQUETTEMI.GOV Presque Isle Marina Open May 1 to October 31 City of Marquette marina with 37 seasonal and transient slips and boat launch adjacent to Presque Isle Park. Fuel and other amenities. Make reservations at MIDNRRESERVATONS.COM or call 906-228-0469; MARQUETTEMI.GOV Big Bay Harbor of Refuge (Big Bay) Ten seasonal and transient slips and a boat launch operated by Marquette County. Gasoline and other amenities. No reservations. 906-345-9353; CO.MARQUETTE.MI.US

LODGING Major chain properties include the lakefront Hampton Inn and new Fairfield Inn & Suites. Pet-friendly options include My Place Hotel and locally owned Cedar Motor Inn. Nestledown Scandinavian Bed & Breakfast exudes Nordic hospitality in décor, menu and sauna. The gracious, renovated Landmark Inn first welcomed guests in 1930.

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LAKESHORE LIFE BY ABBY THORPE

ADDRESS 7 Circle Dr. Fruitport, MI 49415 SPECS Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 4 Square Footage: 3,766 Acreage: 1.40 Shoreline: 140 feet Price: $1,350,000 CONTACT Sandi Gentry RE/MAX Lakeshore 616-935-1150 SANDIGENTRY.COM

Fruitport, MI

Prime waterfront with classic family comfort.

ituated on the northeastern tip of Spring Lake, within easy reach of Lake Michigan, this home provides a premier lakefront setting with all of the amenities you look for in a private retreat. With three bedrooms and four baths, there is plenty of space for the entire family to enjoy all that Fruitport and Spring Lake have to offer. “This home has 140 feet of prime water frontage; it also has absolutely beautiful wildlife views,” explains agent Sandi Gentry. “It has a boathouse, which is one of the few on Spring Lake, and is the best seat in the house for the fireworks.” Beautiful landscaping, a large 48-foot PermaFloat dock, a 12- by 20-foot boathouse with MonoRail and boat lift, and a large accessory building to house all of your personal watercraft make this a boater’s dream property. Indoors, the spacious, custom-built home has all of the modern amenities, with large windows

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looking out to breathtaking lake views. Beautiful woodwork adds character to the space, while a large deck provides the perfect spot for entertaining. The main floor includes a spacious living room, owner’s suite and beautiful kitchen. Upstairs, a large loft area is a great place to work remotely, with two beds and a bath for additional family or guests. Cozy up by the large floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in the hearth room, or escape downstairs to the finished walkout lower level, which offers an entertainment and family room, a full bath, and a walkout patio to enjoy the peaceful setting alongside the no-wake portion of Spring Lake. This home is truly a relaxing paradise made for enjoying time on the lake. At almost 3,800 square feet, it’s spacious enough for entertaining guests, while still maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere. Appreciate epic views from the many living spaces, or head outside to enjoy the water. ★

BOAT BIZ

BY ABBY THORPE

MORE INFORMATION NorthCoast Prop Tech 2401 Sawmill Parkway, Suite 1 Huron, OH 44839 419-433-9550 NORTHCOASTPROP TECH.COM

NorthCoast Prop Tech

The cutting edge of propeller service and repair.

“J

ust as your tires are important for a comfortable and safe ride in your car, your props perform the same service for your boat,” explains Raymond Treudler, owner of NorthCoast Prop Tech. “Most boat owners assume vibrations are a natural part of boating but having your props tuned by a reliable, trustworthy and NMPA-certified company can lead to many years of vibration-free boating.” Situated in Huron, Ohio, NorthCoast was established in 2003 and specializes in analyzing and repairing a wide variety of propellers. Unlike traditional propeller repair shops that hammer a propeller to the shape of a preformed pitch block, NorthCoast uses Prop Scan to customize propeller repair. The precise computerized scanning system measures propellers and utilizes ISO standards derived from military research to create a quiet, non-vibrating prop. The result? Improved performance, increased speed and reduced fuel consumption.

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“Our goal is to provide first-in-class quality service and repair of propellers and all underwater running gear to get you back into the water quickly,” Treudler says. The company services all propeller makes and models, from small recreational boats to large yachts, and even works with commercial ferries and Coast Guard vessels on the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and beyond. While propellers are made of strong metals, over time, use can cause reduced pitch and performance. For this reason, Treudler recommends propellers be evaluated for accurate pitch every five years and that boaters check propellers annually. NorthCoast even offers free Prop Scan analysis of your propeller and is happy to walk you through the process. “Educating boaters is vitally important and we welcome you to view the free computer analysis of your propeller in person,” Treudler says. ★

L AK ES HOR E LI F E

ONEKAMA MARINE, INC.

LAKE MICHIGAN YACHT SALES

Onekama, MI • (231) 889-5000 www.onekamamarine.com

Bay Harbor, MI • (231) 439-2675 www.lakemichiganyachtsales.com

Riviera 505 SUV ON ORDER!

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Four Winns HD3

Wellcraft 262 Fisherman

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F I V E L O C AT I O N S

BENETE AU P O W E R BO ATS AVAILABLE WINTER!

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2022 ANTARES 11

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2022 S288

2022 DC326

STURGEON BAY: South First Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI, (920) 746-1912 • Martin Kelsey: (920) 559-0366, Martin@centerpointesales.com • Terry Godres: (920) 559-0730, Terry@centerpointesales.com • Tony Peot: (920) 493-4747, Tony@centerpointesales.com • MILWAUKEE: 700 S. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, (888) 992-2487 • Tyler Wilkins: (414) 248-9668, Tyler@centerpointesales.com • KENOSHA: 21-56th Street, Kenosha, WI, (888) 992-2487 • Mike Montilino: (612) 419-3772, Mike@centerpointesales.com • WEST MICHIGAN: 430 W. 23rd St, Holland, MI • Brandon Ricci: (616) 405-1715, Brandon@centerpointesales.com

WWW.CENTERPOINTESERVICE.COM OR CALL (888) 9-YACHTS

BROK E R AG E

1988 VANTARE 58 MY $224,500

1985 MAIORA 55 $139,000

2006 JEFFERSON 52 PILOT HOUSE, $399,000

2019 BENTEAU GT 50 $910,000

2013 CRUISERS 48 CANTIUS $565,000

1992 OCEAN ALEXANDER 46 $229,900

1989 CARVER 440 $129,000

1988 GRAND BANKS 42 $139,500

2009 SABRE 386 $199,000

1995 MAINSHIP 370 MY $84,995

1997 MARINE TRADER 34 $59,500

2002 SEA RAY AMBERJACK 29 $46,500

VISIT OUR VIRTUAL SHOWROOM:

360 VIRTUAL TOURS • FACETIME & SKYPE TOURS • WEEKLY FACEBOOK LIVE EVENTS • PRIVATE SHOWINGS _ TEXT (414) 273-0711 FOR MORE INFO! _

Visit Bay Marine at these boat shows to check out these boats! January 12-16, 2022 McCormick Place - South

2022 CREVALLE

2022 CREVALLE 2022 EDGEWATER

2021 SABRE

2022 EDGEWATER

WWW.BAYMARINE.NET • SALES@BAYMARINE.NET

* Not all brands sold at all locations

NEW & USED INVENTORY 97 66 64 60 56 53 51 50 46 46 45 45 44 42 40 38 38 38 36 35 34 34 34 34 33 32 32 31 31 31 30

2001 2021 1984 2012 1985 1979 1997 2003 2011 2003 2022 1995 1999 2003 1996 2000 2014 2009 1996 2011 2006 2001 1994 2001 2022 2014 2005 2016 2017 2018 2005

Broward Motor Yacht.....................$2,000,000 MCY 66 ............................................................... call Skipperliner ......................................... $699,000 Prestige 60 Flybridge........................ $830,000 Hatteras 56 MY .................................. $299,000 Hatteras Yacht Fisherman................$180,000 Sunseeker Camargue....................... $289,000 Sea Ray 500 Sundancer ................. $389,999 Regal 46 Super Coupe .....................$379,000 Cruisers 4370 ......................................$199,000 Sabre 45 Salon Express ................................ call Bayliner 4587 Motoryacht...............$125,000 Baja 442 ................................................$115,000 Sea Ray 420 Sundancer ................. $244,999 Tiara Yachts 4000 Express ............. $200,000 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer .................... $99,999 Cruisers Yachts 380 Express ........ $280,000 Fountain Sportfish CC ...................... $264,999 Cruisers 3650 Aft Cabin..................... $79,500 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer ..................$219,900 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer ..................$129,999 Cruisers 3470 ....................................... $99,900 Silverton 34 Express ............................ $54,900 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer .................... $90,000 Crevalle 33 CSF................................................ call Chris Craft 32 Corsair........................$229,900 Cruisers 320 Express........................... $99,000 Airship 310............................................$124,900 Chaparral 307 SSX .............................$149,999 Chris Craft 32 Catalina..................... $269,990 Pursuit 3070 Offshore ........................ $98,999

28 28 28 27 27 27 26 26 25 24 24 24 24 23 23 23 22 22 22 22 21 21 20 20 20 20 20 18 17 16

2017 2022 2000 2018 2006 1990 2022 2008 1992 2022 2022 2007 2022 2007 2022 1997 2022 1990 2013 1998 2004 2000 2012 2022 1974 2016 2007 2022 2015 2022

Axopar 28 T-Top ..................................$139,999 EdgeWater 280CC........................................... call Boston Whaler 28 Conquest............ $79,900 Crownline 275 SS................................. $99,999 Sea Ray 270 Sundeck......................... $54,999 Celebrity 270 SC......................................$8,900 Crevalle 26 HBW ............................................. call Sea Ray 260 Sundancer .................... $49,999 Alumaweld 25 Custom ...................... $29,900 Qwest LS 824................................................... call Crevalle 24 HCO.............................................. call Larson 248 LXI ...................................... $26,900 EdgeWater 245CC........................................... call Cobalt 232 Bowrider............................$47,999 EdgeWater 230CC........................................... call Donzi 22ZX ............................................. $23,900 Qwest LE 822 XRE CRUISE ......................... call Pursuit 2100 CC.................................... $12,900 Pathfinder 2200 TRS............................$57,000 Bayliner 2252 Ciera Express............. $22,000 Bostin Whaler 210 Outrage .............. $45,000 Sea Ray 215 EC .................................... $15,000 Regal 2000 Bowrider .......................... $30,000 Qwest LS 820 RLS .......................................... call Mako 20 CC............................................ $44,000 Pioneer 197 Islander........................... $59,000 Lund 1950 Tyee Gran Sport............. $34,900 Qwest Edge 818 CTR..................................... call EdgeWater 170CC ................................ $36,900 Qwest Edge 816 CTR..................................... call

BAY MARINE’S BROKERAGE TEAM

Ron Durchin Illinois 847-980-4975

Gentre Vartan Illinois 312-656-4470

Sara Osheroff Illinois 630-362-6317

DOOR COUNTY YACHTING CENTER STURGEON BAY, WI 920-743-6526

Matt Felhofer Illinois 920-495-7125

Chris DePrey Wisconsin 920-366-4320

Bill Carlson Wisconsin 906-202-0014

CHICAGO YACHTING CENTER WAUKEGAN, IL 847-336-2628

Mark Felhofer Wisconsin 920-495-5567

Kyle Mills Florida 941-391-4484

Danielle Harangody Florida 561-601-6870

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FORT MYERS, FL 239-295-4332

WELDCRAFT 20 ANGLER XT

RANGER TUGS R-27

NORTHCOAST 315 CABIN

ZODIAC OPEN 7

NORTHCOAST 230 CC DV

ZODIAC YACHTLINE 360 DL

MAG BAY 42 HARDTOP EXPRESS

WELDCRAFT 220 MAVERICK

BROKERAGE BOATS 11’ 15’ 21’ 22’ 23’ 29’ 31’ 32’ 32’ 32’

2020 2013 2008 2021 1999 2008 2014 1985 1988 2000

Zodiac 2020 360 Yachtline DL NEO............................................................$23,999 Zodiac Bayrunner 500 sale pending ........................................................$19,500 Ranger Tugs 21 EC sale pending .............................................................$44,000 Zodiac Open 7 NEO T-Top 250hp ...............................................................$94,900 Bayliner 2452 Ciera...................................................................................$19,900 Hacker-Craft 29 Long Deck Gentleman’s Racer .........................................$139,900 Ranger Tugs 31 S sale pending .............................................................$235,000 Carver 3207 .............................................................................................$30,000 O’Day 322 ................................................................................................$24,500 Cruisers Yachts 3075 Express ....................................................................$47,500

32’ 33’ 34’ 35’ 35’ 40’ 41’ 43’ 46’ 56’

2011 1991 1986 1988 1999 1994 1971 2014 2002 1983

Legacy 32 MKIII ......................................................................................$165,000 Carver 33 Aft Cabin ...................................................................................$43,900 Catalina 34 Tall Rig sale pending .............................................................$39,000 O’Day 35 sale pending ...........................................................................$26,000 Tiara Yachts 3500 Open sale pending ....................................................$184,900 Hunter40.5 sale pending ........................................................................$84,900 Hatteras 41 Twin Cabin sale pending .......................................................$60,000 Tiara 4300 Open .....................................................................................$699,900 Hunter 466 .............................................................................................$150,000 Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht ..........................................................................$299,900

FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF INVENTORY INCLUDING NEW, USED AND BROKERAGE BOATS AT WWW.REEDYACHTSALES.COM

GRAND HAVEN, MI • Brent Reed 616-402-0180 • Bob Lunt 616-843-1225 LASALLE, MI • Chuck Hutchins 734-497-3721 • Matthew Bolt 734-735-1948 RACINE, WI • Mark Derenne 414-651-3100

www.reedyachtsales.com

CALL FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING | SCHEDULE A FACETIME WALK-THROUGH OR STOP IN ANY TIME! | VISIT BASASMARINE.COM

THIS YEAR, CHICAGO’S BIGGEST BOAT SHOW IS AT BASA’S MARINE!

ONE OF EACH AVAILABLE FOR SPRING 2022 BOATING SEASON — DON’T WAIT!

PREORDER NOW! Regal 36 Grande Coupe

SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR USED BOAT LISTINGS! CALL FOR WINTER STORAGE SPECIALS, FILLING UP FAST! Regal 36 LS Bowrider

MAIN LOCATION Basa’s Marine, 512 E. North Frontage Road, Bolingbrook, IL

MICHIGAN LOCATION Basa’s at Oselka Marina, 514 W. Water Street, New Buffalo, MI

630-739-2272 • BASASMARINE.COM

MAR I N E MAR K ET PL AC E

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ADDED SAfEty At thE Dock & on thE wAtEr

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OUR DEALERS ARE RUNNING OUT OF PREOWNED BOATS! SEE WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR YOURS!

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nautical cross

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Burgee Holder

Thinking about that dream boat? Need cash in these crazy times? NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL! List your boat with one of the many Great Lakes dealers found in the pages of our magazine. Or sell it yourself: Contact cbauhs@lakelandboating.com to place a classified ad with Lakeland in print and online!

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C L AS S I F I E D S

Advertise your boat, boat slip or property with us! Contact us by NOVEMBER 12 to get into our January, February, March and April 2022 issues!

*N EW !*

2021 ZODIAC MEDLINE 580 New Medline 580 with a grey hull and deck. She has blue/teal cushions and black NEO tubes. The new Medline Series is one of our best sellers this year! Asking $47,900. Call Matt @ 734-735-1948. RYS

2011 LEGACY 32 MKIII Full displacement pilothouse trawler. Custom-built in the USA, freshwater, one owner. Very well maintained. Asking $165,000. Call Matt @ 734-735-1948. RYS

2014 SAILFISH 240CC Excellent condition. Full Raymarine electronics including autopilot, 300 hp Yamaha four stroke. Under 300 hrs. Located in Vermilion, OH. Asking $70,000. Email cblgolf62@gmail.com or call 440-864-2232 for more info. SEP21

*R ED UC ED !*

2008 HACKER-CRAFT 29 LONG DECK GENTLEMAN’S RACER 100% freshwater, one owner in excellent condition! Powered by Crusader 8.1 ltr. gas engine. Always kept in indoor heated storage in winter, and boat shed during summer. Includes 2017 Manning tandem axle paint steel trailer. Asking $139,900. Call Brent @ 616-842-8899. RYS

1995 MAINSHIP 370 MY Champ is a freshwater yacht with 377 hrs on big block 370-hp Marine Power inboards. Spacious interior with two private heads, master cabin head has a separate shower. Asking $84.995. Contact Mike Montilino at 612419-3772 or mike@centerpointesales.com. CNT

1999 HATTERAS 48 SPORTFISH This sportfish commands attention. She has been pampered in the Great Lakes for many years and shows extremely well. Her interior has been completely redone as well as recent replacement of the side view windows. $225,000 Contact Martin Kelsey at 920-559-0366 or martin@centerpointesales.com. CNT

Owner found this boat in a Lakeland Boating classified ad almost 50 years ago!

U.S. Postal Service STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION 1. Title of publication: Lakeland Boating 2. Publication No. PE53-2090 3. Date of Filing: October 1, 2021 4. Frequency of Issue: monthly except Nov/Dec issue 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 11 6. Annual Subscription Price: $24.95 7. Mailing address of Known Office of Publication: O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201 Contact Person: Linda O’Meara 312-276-0610 x. 22 8. Mailing Address of Headquarters or General business Offices of the Publisher: O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201 9. Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor. Publisher: O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201. Editor: Kate Bush, O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201. Managing Editor: Linda O'Meara, 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201 10. Owner: Walter B. O’Meara, O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None.

12. Tax Status. For completion by nonprofit organizations. Has Not Changed During Proceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: Lakeland Boating 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Oct. 2020 – Sept. 2021 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Avg. No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date A. Total No. Copies 4,415; 4,146 B1. Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions 2,529; 2,462 B2. Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions 0;0 B3. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales 76; 76 B4. Other classes mailed through the USPS 0; 0 C. Total Paid Distribution 2,605; 2,538 D1. Free Distribution by Mail 882; 923 D4. Free Distribution Outside the Mail 192; 193 E. Total Free Distribution 1,074; 1,116 F. Total Distribution 3,679; 3,654 G. Copies Not Distributed 736; 492 H. Total 4,415; 4,146 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 70.80%; 69.46% 16. I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price. 17. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Nov/Dec 2021 issue of this publication. 18. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete. Walter B. O’Meara, Owner

1969 38’ CHRIS-CRAFT ROAMER Classic Chris-Craft Roamer. Aluminum hull, twin 427s, 6.5 gen. Asking $45,000. Leave message at 269-4693849 will return all calls, or email beachfrontii @aol.com. NOV21

2019 BENETEAU GRAN TURSIMO 50 Freshwater, good as new. Low hours, never slept on. 2021 yacht controller added, three staterooms. Trades welcome. Asking $910,000. Contact Terry Godres at 920559-0730 or terry@centerpointesales.com. CNT

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1988 O’DAY 322 The O’Day is a very capable sailor thanks to her large cockpit and selftailing winches. All halyards are led aft, and with the autopilot you can spend your time doing other things. Spacious interior with two large cabins. The Silver Lining has spent her life here on the Great Lakes. Asking $24,500. Call Chuck @ 734-497-3721. RYS

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

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

CLASSIC CRAFT

Duces Wild

ADD YOUR BOAT! Email KBUSH@

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

if you have a Classic Craft with a great story to share!

Duces Wild is a one-family owned boat since new and is one of only about six twin outboard Lymans known still to be in existence. Lyman records are unclear as to how many twin outboards were built through the years but it was pretty minimal compared to the high volume output of some of its other models. My father special ordered it from the factory sometime in 1959, and at the time he purchased two new 1958 Evinrude Lark 35-hp engines that have only one serial number between them. The boat was ordered with most upgrade items that were available at the time, like the heavy-duty transom, vented windshield, special seating package, complete cushion set, and full camping and mooring covers. Dad wanted the twin setup for both pulling waterskiers and for the redundancy factor, given that much of his boating was done on Lake Erie. Duces Wild is 100% original, never having any wood replaced on it. All the original canvas and cushions are still in the boat and in excellent shape. It has been repainted several times and the typical revarnish has been done twice. While the engines had a cosmetic rebuild (new paint on lower units and some new seals) the powerheads have never been disassembled and they both still run as if they were brand-new. In 2019, while attending the Lyman Boat Owners Association All Classics Festival in Huron, Ohio, Duces Wild earned the Participants Choice award and also had four generations of the Kucko family onboard at one time. I have kept all of the boat’s original paperwork through the years, including the original bill of sale and photos throughout its lifetime. Duces Wild has always been stored indoors (currently in Atlanta) for its entire life and continues to live in a climate-controlled environment until it can be passed onto the next generation of the family for further caretaking as the Kucko family heirloom. —Dave & April Kucko, Akron, OH

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE & APRIL KUCKO

1960 18’ Lyman.

Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance. Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started.

geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO. 21_660726485

Formula introduces the new twin Mercury 600 Verado outboards on its popular 380 Super Sport Crossover! Live it now as you experience this revolutionary pairing that surpasses all others in its class. The 380 also offers triple outboards in 350, 400 and 450 horsepower, as well as twin sterndrive. The 380 continues Formula’s open-bow, full-cabin Crossover legacy, now seven models strong, from the 330 CBR to the 500 SSC. The 380’s bloodline is evident in its SmartZone™ design that utilizes every square inch for a variety of entertainment possibilities. The single level deck offers a seamless transition to the bow from the full-width hardtop with top-to-bottom windshield and sliding walk-thru windshield panel. Triple command seating, two distinct lounge areas aft plus the outdoor kitchen bring the full Formula experience, from exhilarating ride to easy conversation. For relaxing at the sandbar or cove, head aft to the convertible rear-facing sun lounge and roomy swim platform with available entertainment table or sport rail.

The 380 cabin provides a completely residential experience with convertible dinette/sleeping berth plus aft stateroom bed, stand-up head compartment and lower kitchen with sink, fridge and microwave. The 380 SSC incorporates FAS3Tech® multi-step hull technology with a molded structural grid to deliver the sure-footed ride that is a Formula hallmark. No other 38-foot full-cabin bowrider can boast a full-width cockpit experience with true overnight capabilities for four. Everything you want in performance and adventure awaits you in the versatile Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover!

The Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover – LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE NOW!

2200 West Monroe St. • PO Box 1003 Decatur, IN 46733 • 800.736.7685

www.formulaboats.com

ADVE RTISE I N

CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION