November/December 2023

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 3

STINGRAY 253CC A lot to like. p. 38

p. 25

2024

SURPRISING SWITCH

Exploring central Florida aboard the Sea-Doo Switch. p. 42

PORT OF CALL

Monroe County, MI: Stretching 30 miles along Lake Erie, this county is a launchpad for boating adventures. p. 46

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features ON THE COVER

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

The brand-new Stingray 253CC center console packs a lot in its 25-foot, 3-inch LOA. As writer John Wooldridge synopsizes, the boat is “a rich collection of ideas for families who like to fish occasionally or enjoy running in open water with safety.”

What’s new in boats for next year! ......................................... 25

Stingray 253CC

Further offshore. by John Wooldridge .................................... 38

Expect the Unexpected

A central Florida day trip aboard a Sea-Doo Switch Cruise 21 is full of delightful surprises. Story by Heather Steinberger / Photos by Richard Steinberger ...............................................42

Port of Call: Monroe County, Michigan

Pleasurecraft Playground: As Michigan’s most southeastern county — and the only one on Lake Erie — Monroe County is jam-packed with boating facilities, first-rate fishing, stunning wildlife and fascinating history.

by Susan R. Pollack ............................................................ 48

@ lakelandboating.com ★ Stay current on all the latest Great Lakes news

Dock Box................................................................................... 6

Calendar ................................................................................... 8 Scuttle............................................................................................10 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ...................................................... 16

Don’t Hesitate to Renovate................................................. 18 Safety First ............................................................................. 21 Beneath the Surface............................................................. 22

★ Check out our latest Boat Tests & Spotlights

Lakeshore Life: Spring Lake, MI ......................................... 52

★ Place a classified ad ★ Shop boats for sale by owner ★ Purchase our Great Lakes Cruising Guides and Lakeland Boating hats ★ Access past issues with our online magazine ★ Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter ★ And much more!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

From the Helm......................................................................... 4

Electronics ............................................................................ 20

★ Peruse dozens of exciting destination stories

2

Departments

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Boat Biz: Reed Yacht Sales - Racine, WI ...........................54 Marine Marketplace .............................................................56 Classifieds ..............................................................................67

Classic Craft ......................................................................... 68

PHOTO BY SUSAN R. POLLACK

48

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Happy Holidays!

A

s we carefully tuck away our boats for their long winter sleep, it’s the perfect time to focus our attention on the holidays and all the new marine accessories you can subtly ask for, plotting your 2024 boating adventures, planning future renovation projects or researching your next new boat.

To help with gifting inspiration — for you or your favorite boater — we’ve rounded up some of the coolest nautical gear and apparel, Great Lakes-themed presents, canine crew accessories and more in our Gift Guide (p. 16). And if you’re on the hunt for a new boat, our Boat Buyer’s Guide is a great place to start (p. 25)!

Take a mental break from the cold and read all about Heather Steinberger’s adventures aboard the Sea-Doo Switch Cruise 21 as she navigates Florida’s Orange County’s Butler Chain of Lakes for the day (p. 42). With the boat’s intuitive, user-friendly operation, even Heather’s 14-year-old daughter confidently captained the Sea-Doo Switch!

For a destination a little closer to home, check out Monroe County, Michigan (p.

48). Located in the most southeastern corner of Michigan, Monroe County has a ton to offer, including an abundance of marinas for transient boaters, 30 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, excellent fishing and a laid-back atmosphere. Cruise on over.

The staff at Lakeland Boating and I wish you all Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year! See you in 2024!

HEATHER STEINBERGER

Heather is an awardwinning writer/editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 25 years.

She grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and enjoys powerboating, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding with her husband, professional photographer Richard Steinberger, and daughter, Johanna.

READ HER STORIES ON P. 22 AND P. 42

HHH

JOHN WOOLDRIDGE

John is a lifelong boater who began writing and photographing boats professionally in 1977. He is a former Lakeland Boating editor, and is co-editor for the 68th and 69th editions of “Chapman Piloting and Seamanship.” He holds a U.S. Coast Guard OUPV 50-Ton license.

READ HIS STORY ON P. 38

HHH

SUSAN R. POLLACK

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

Award-winning travel journalist Susan R. Pollack has covered travel for 35 years, visiting scores of countries on five continents, 49 states, six Canadian provinces and hundreds of cities, islands and outposts along the way. Her award-winning stories and photos have appeared in major publications including The Detroit News, Toronto Star, Dallas News, Chicago Sun Times, Delta Sky, CRUISECRITIC.COM, THEWINEBUZZ.COM, DETROITNEWS.COM/ TR AVELBLOG and more.

Spring Lake, MI p. 52 Reed Yacht Sales Racine, WI p. 54

4

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

Monroe County, MI p. 46

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

READ HER STORY ON P. 46

ADVENTURE AWAITS The flagship of our Luxury Express series, the 48 LE is the perfect blend of entertaining comforts and adventure amenities. The galley and dining area welcomes you with robust features to starboard and dining accommodations to port while the aft bulkhead and salon doors open to blend the galley and cockpit zones for the ultimate entertaining area onboard. Exterior, the rotating lounge module has power actuation allowing the seat to be positioned towards the terrace, aft, and anywhere in between.

Below deck, sleeping accommodations for four include a forward queen pedestal berth and aft twin berths that conveniently convert to a queen, in addition to two heads.

TIARAYACHTS.COM

DOCK BOX

LAKE LENS

NOV/DEC 2023 | VOLUME LXXVII, NO. 11 PUBLISHER Linda O’Meara PUBLISHER IN MEMORIUM Walter “Bing” O’Meara EDITORIAL STAFF Editorial Director: Kate Bush Assistant Editor: Abby Thorpe CREATIVE STAFF Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs

CALLING ALL CANINE (AND FELINE) CREW!

We want to learn about your furry friends onboard!

Send a short writeup with your pet’s name and your home city, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to: KBUSH@ LAKELANDBOATING. COM. Please put

“Canine/Feline Crew” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!

CONTRIBUTORS Helen Aitken, Glenn Hayes, Capt. Frank Lanier, Patti McCleery, Susan R. Pollack, Heather Steinberger, Richard Steinberger, John Wooldridge

Waking up to a beautiful calm morning while anchored at The Pool in Baie Fine, Canada.

—James Bujouves

BUSINESS STAFF National Sales: Mark Conway Director of Business Development: Joe D’Onofrio Accounting: Diane Fairchild

Correction

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

In the September 2023 issue of the magazine, we listed the outdated name of the tourism organization in our Huron, Ohio, Port of Call (p. 47). Instead of Lake Erie Shores & Islands, it should read Shores & Islands Ohio, as the regional tourism organization was rebranded in 2022. We sincerely regret the error.

More information about Shores & Islands Ohio can be found at SHORESANDISLANDS.COM.

Everyone Looks Great in a Lakeland Boating Hat! Need a gift for your favorite boater? Our Lakeland Boating hat is constructed from soft cotton twill for a great fit.

Leather band adjustment in back with antiqued brass closure. Available in weathered navy or Nantucket red (khaki sold out). One size. $24.95 + S&H. To order, visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/STORE.

INFO@LAKELANDBOATING.COM LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS Lakeland Boating P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847-504-8475 O’MEARA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC President: Linda O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2023,

by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. is published eleven times per year (except December) by O’MearaBrown Publications, Inc. • Business/Accounting and Editorial Offices: 1555 Sherman Ave. Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201, 312-276-0610. • Call 847-5048475 to subscribe. Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (U.S.). Annual subscription rates: United States: $24.95 per year; International and Canadian: $39.95 per year, includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. 894095074-RT 0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada.

Only U.S. funds are accepted. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

• POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 386, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. • Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Evanston, IL. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. • Unsolicited work may be submitted at the creator’s own risk. Lakeland Boating assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material. All submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage. All published photos are courtesy of the manufacturer, unless otherwise noted.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

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

6

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. No. 1 rating based on 2021 boat market share. Data is sourced from Ratefilings.com.

Time flies, but so do you.

Protect your watercraft.

Insure every moment with America’s #1 boat insurer.

1- 800 -PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE .COM

Get a quote in as little as 4 minutes

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOV 3 – 5

Owl Fest Kelleys Island, OH

KELLEYSISLANDCHAMBER.COM

NOV 3 – 5, NOV 10 – 12 Toast the Season Leelanau, MI

2

LPWINES.COM

1

NOV 4

NOV 24 – 25

NOV 10

SISTERBAY.COM

MTASHWABAY.ORG

Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service Paradise, MI SHIPWRECKMUSEUM.COM

NOV 10 – 17

Traverse City Beer Week Traverse City, MI

TRAVERSECITY.COM/TCBW

NOV 12 – FEB 20

Winter Festival of Lights Niagara Falls, ON WFOL.COM

WISCONSINMARITIME.ORG

Huron Winter Fest Huron, OH

Holly Days Egg Harbor, WI

CITYOFHURON.ORG

EGGHARBORDOORCOUNTY.ORG

NOV 24 – 26; DEC 1 – 3; DEC 8 – 10 Christkindlmarkt Sister Bay, WI

3

DOORCOUNTYCHRISTMAS MARKET.COM

NOV 25

NOV 17

Holly Berry Arts & Craft Fair Frankfort, MI

STCLAIRONTHERIVER.COM

Holiday Gift & Craft Show Green Bay, WI

Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting St. Clair, MI

3

Christmas Tree Ship Celebration Manitowoc, WI

Capture the Spirit Sister Bay, WI

FRANKFORT-ELBERTA.COM

HOLIDAYGIFTANDCRAFTSHOW.COM

Luminary Festival 1 St. Joseph, MI STJOETODAY.COM

NOV 17 – 19

DEC 1 – 2

NOV 17 – DEC 24

DEC 1 – 3

CHRISTKINDLMARKET.COM

STJOETODAY.COM

Christkindlmarket Chicago Chicago, IL

CITYOFHOLLAND.COM

DEC 2

Merrytime Christmas Marine City, MI

VISITMARINECITY.COM

Santa Hustle 5k 4 Chicago, IL

SANTAHUSTLE.COM/CHICAGO

DEC 2 – 3

Julebyen Knife River, MN JULEBYEN.ORG

Yuletide Celebration and Christmas Stroll Sackets Harbor, NY

VISITSACKETSHARBOR.COM

DEC 2 – 11

Old World Christmas Market Sheboygan, WI OSTHOFF.COM

DEC 9

A Colonial Christmas Mackinaw City, MI

MACKINACPARKS.COM

DEC 16

River Santa Festival Alexandria Bay, NY VISITALEXBAY.ORG

DEC 31

Lakeshore Holiday Parade Manitowoc, WI

Christmas in the Village Ephraim, WI

New Year’s Eve Celebration and Cherry Drop Sister Bay, WI

NOV 24

Christmas Tree Ship Chicago, IL

KERSTMARKT.WORDPRESS.COM

NOV 22

MANITOWOC.ORG

|

Magic at the Mill Holland, MI

BELLAIRECHAMBER.ORG

Christmas in Clayton & Christmas Parade Clayton, NY

Kerstmarkt Holiday Market Holland, MI

VISITCHARLEVOIX.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Merry & Bright Weekend St. Joseph, MI

SHIPWRECKSANDSCUBA.COM

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Charlevoix, MI

8

UPSTEAMANDGASENGINE.ORG

DEC 1 – 16

NOV 18 – DEC 16

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

Christmas in the Village Escanaba, MI

NOV 18

Shipwrecks & Scuba Sandusky, OH

ADD YOUR EVENT!

PETOSKEYDOWNTOWN.COM

Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay & Christmas by the Bay Weekend 2 Sturgeon Bay, WI STURGEONBAY.NET

4

Holiday Open House Petoskey, MI

Light Up the Night & Soup Cook Off Bellaire, MI

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

1000ISLANDS-CLAYTON.COM

EPHRAIM-DOORCOUNTY.COM

New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop Port Clinton, OH

WYLIEWALLEYEFOUNDATION.COM

SISTERBAY.COM

CHRISTMASSHIP.ORG

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

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : 1 . S T. J O S E P H T O D A Y ; 2 . D E S T I N A T I O N S T U R G E O N B A Y, W I S C O N S I N ; 3 . S I S T E R B AY H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y; 4 . S A N TA H U S T L E C H I C A G O

Mt. Ashwabay Ski & Snowboard Swap Bayfield, WI

BOATS

Meet the New Formula 457 Center Console Fish and Sport

Debuting at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, the 457 Center Console Fish and Sport models are built to your preference, from a hardcore fishing machine to an upscale sport cruiser. Triple Mercury 600 Verados power the 45-foot, 7-inch center consoles. The boats have many features, including a triple 22-inch monitor dash, an air-conditioned helm, AC in the second row of seating, and 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom below. Opt for foldaway aft seating, pressurized baitwells, a sculpted aft lounge or a spacious swim platform.

Below is a full aircraft galley with microwave, fridge, sink and abundant counter and cabinet space, as well as U-lounge seating with a table that converts into a two-person berth. A well-appointed, spacious head features a separate, stand-up shower.

Visit FORMULABOATS.COM.

G R EAT L A K ES N E WS

The historic 136-year-old Tawas Point Lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park will reopen to the public in 2024 following a $455,000 restoration.

BOAT S

M U ST-HAV E

BUZZ

ADD YOUR NEWS! LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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

10

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

BUSINESS

EVENTS

2023 IBEX Innovation Awards Winners Announced

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) awarded 13 winners of the 2023 IBEX Innovation Awards Program, as well as four honorable mentions. The awards are managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI). Visit IBEXSHOW.COM. n Boat Care and Maintenance: PowerTech!

Propellers, Seascour by PowerTech!/Hendry; Honorable Mention: SeaWide Distribution, Hempel Silic One

n Electrical Systems: ARCO Marine, Zeus High Energy Alternator Regulator; Honorable Mention: Navico Group, Mastervolt Mac Plus 48V

n Boatbuilding Methods and Materials (DUAL WINNERS): beSpline, Shaped Foam Kit; Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl, Infinity Grip

n Furnishings and Interior Parts: Roswell Marine, Auto-Rolling Fabric System

n Boatyard and Marina Hardware and Software: VoltSafe, VoltSafe Marine; Honorable Mention: Sunstream Boat Lifts, Sunstream Power System (SPS) Email KBUSH@

EV ENTS

n Deck Equipment and Hardware: Lippert, Lewmar Venta Pontoon Winch n Electric Motor/Battery Powered Propulsion/ Hybrids: TEMO, TEMO 450

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

n Entertainment: Hertz Marine, HTX 8H S-FL-G

n Mechanical Systems: Scanstrut, ATMOS 12V Integrated Airstation n OEM Electronics: Garmin USA, GPSMAP 9227 with Garmin BlueNet; Honorable Mention: Syntec Industries, Murano Multifunction Display n Propulsion Parts, Propellers: Volvo Penta, Joystick Driving n Safety Equipment: WIF-Pro, WIF-Pro

LIGHTHOUSE PHOTO COURTESY OF MIHM ENTERPRISES, INC.

SCUTTLE

BUZZ

Polaris Previews Two High-Horsepower Electric Concept Demonstrator Pontoons Polaris Marine unveiled two concept pontoons under the Bennington and Godfrey Pontoon brands as testbed capability demonstrators for future development of high-horsepower electric propulsion watercraft.

“As a leader in the pontoon market, Polaris Marine is staying at the forefront of new and emerging technologies, like electrification,” says Ben Duke, president of Polaris Marine. “Working closely with high-horsepower electric propulsion OEMs, Bennington and Godfrey are

using concept vessels, such as the ones we shared with dealers, as testbeds for future development. As electrification technology rapidly advances, we will continue to test, learn and best understand how we use it to deliver incredible performance and create the best experiences for our customers.”

The test boats — a 2024 Bennington L-Series Bowrider and 2023 Godfrey Monaco 235 — were equipped with a 150-hp electric outboard motor from Forza X1. The pontoons were selected due to the ability to place the batteries in a central

location. The Bennington and Godfrey demonstrators reached a top speed of 25 mph and 28 mph, respectively.

Visit BENNINGTONMARINE.COM and GODFREYPONTOONBOATS.COM to learn more.

BUSINESS

BUSINESS

Work With the MBIA to Help Grow Michigan’s Marine Workforce!

The Michigan Boating Industry Association (MBIA) is looking for a great candidate to help grow and support the marine workforce in Michigan. The primary role of MBIA’s open Workforce Development/Membership Coordinator position is to develop a capable short- and long-term workforce for the state’s boating industry by creating, promoting and supporting industry training and education programs within Michigan.

The Workforce Development/Membership Coordinator will act as a liaison and representative for Michigan’s recreational boating industry, and will seek grant funding to support workforce development and career awareness for the boating industry in Michigan.

To apply, visit BOATMICHIGAN.ORG/CAREERS.

The Kadey-Krogen Group Adds New Great Lakes Dealer

The Kadey-Krogen Group is expanding its network into the Great Lakes and Midwest region with the addition of Schwartz & Co. Yacht Sales of Chicago to its dealer network. Schwartz & Co. Yacht Sales will now serve as a new and used dealer for models of Kadey-Krogen and Summit yachts, and will continue to represent American Tug. “This fits in perfectly with who we are and who we serve,” says Michael Schwartz, managing director of Schwartz & Co. Yacht Sales. “We are highly soughtafter from buyers as advisors in the acquisition of unique cruising and sailing vessels capable of reaching picturesque anchorages on distant shores of the Great Lakes region. We work closely with boaters seeking suitable vessels for America’s Great Loop cruising grounds, and we also represent manufacturers whose vessels are uniquely suited for the Great Loop.”

To learn more, visit K ADEYKROGEN.COM and SCHWARTZYACHTS.COM.

BUSINESS

Cruisers Yachts to Expand Wisconsin Facility

Cruisers Yachts has partnered with Alliance Construction on a 56,000-square-foot expansion to its Pulaski, Wisconsin, facility, with a completion date of January 2024.

“One of our core values is to look to the long term, and this expansion project is a testament to that belief,” says Mark Pedersen, president of Cruisers Yachts. “...This expansion provides us with a facility that aligns with our New Product Development plans for the next five years.”

The new facility will house a brand-new 10,893-square-foot production line with increased ceiling heights, enabling the assembly of larger yachts; an expanded upholstery line; an extended metal/maintenance line; a 25,749-square-foot warehouse with new loading docks; a 1,200-square-foot chemical storage building; as well as expanded outdoor cold storage.

This expansion will introduce two new production lines that can accommodate yachts of up to 75 feet in any style. The Pulaski plant will now boast four production lines, empowering the company to build up to five distinct models.

For more information, visit CRUISERSYACHTS.COM.

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

11

SCUTTLE

BUZZ

Sea Tow Celebrates 40 Years

BOATS

Sea Ray Adds SLX 280 to Premium SLX Line

Joining Sea Ray’s premium SLX line, and complementing the SLX 280 Outboard, is the brand-new SLX 280.

Like the SLX 280 Outboard, the stylish SLX 280 features a luxurious interior, effortless performance, improved seating, convenient storage and innovative technologies for an elevated on-water experience.

“Earlier this year, we released the SLX 280 Outboard, which was met with positive reviews from our dealers, media and boaters,” says Keith Yunger, Sea Ray president. “Now with the launch of the SLX 280, we’re excited to introduce consumers to the sterndrive variant of this new model, as we continue to expand and develop the next generation of the SLX Series.”

The yacht-certified SLX 280 has an overall length of 28 feet, 8 inches, an expansive cockpit, a transom locker and floor compartment that can be used to store inflatables and gear, a broad transom sunpad, a swim platform with an optional submersible step, and an optional Power Tower that can be electrically lowered or raised.

The SLX 280 is propelled by a 350-hp Mercury MerCruiser 6.2L MPI ECT engine with a Bravo Three drive, SmartCraft technology and Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls.

Visit SEAR AY.COM.

BUSINESS

Two Great Lakes hotels were awarded USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Best Historic Hotels: Mackinac Island’s The Island House (No. 10); and Milvwaukee, Wisconsin’s The Pfister Hotel (No. 6).

Manitowoc Marina Named Axopar’s “Best International Dealer” During the Axopar Global Dealer Days event in Cannes, France, Great Lakes dealer Manitowoc Marina was awarded Axopar Boats’ “Best International Dealer.” The award comes just one year after the company was named “Best New Dealer” in 2022. This year’s award recognizes and distinguishes Manitowoc Marina from the entire Axopar global dealer network.

“Axopar has become a central part of our company’s DNA,” says Rich Larsen, president of Manitowoc Marina.

“Through our commitment to exemplifying the brand across our operations, we’ve been able to significantly expand Axopar’s market share on the Great Lakes and beyond.

This recognition is a testament to the work of our team, our partnership with Axopar, and the resonance of their incredible boats across our market.”

For more information, visit MANITOWOC-MARINA.COM.

12

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Sea Tow, the nation’s leading on-water marine assistance provider, is marking its 40th anniversary in business in 2023.

In 1983, the late Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer Jr. established the company in Southold, New York, when Congress enacted a law that directed the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard to make full use of all available and qualified resources in rendering aid in non-emergency boating calls. Sea Tow had just two boats back then.

Today, Sea Tow is the premier provider of non-emergency on-water assistance including towing, fuel delivery, battery jumps and ungroundings, as well as salvage and recovery services, including response to catastrophic events and marine spill response. Sea Tow has more than 500 ports nationwide, more than 500 boats, and more than 700 captains and crew.

The second-generation, family-owned company is led by Captain Frohnhoefer’s son, CEO Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer III, and daughter, President Kristen Frohnhoefer.

“Forty years ago, our father founded Sea Tow to break barriers and pioneer an ‘industry’ that did not previously exist,” Kristen says. “What hasn’t changed in that time is a Sea Tow member having peace of mind by receiving priority service and knowing that a Sea Tow captain in a distinctive yellow Sea Tow boat is coming to assist them.”

Visit SEATOW.COM to learn more.

SCUTTLE

BOATS

Brunswick Debuts Newest Boat Brand, Navan by Quicksilver

MUST-HAVE

Honda Marine Debuts All-New BF350 Outboard Honda Marine has launched its all-new BF350 high-power outboard, the first Honda V8 motor to be available commercially. The BF350 5-liter V8 outboard delivers 350 hp at the propeller shaft while operating on 86-octane unleaded gasoline.

The Honda BF350 integrates a host of exclusive, technologically innovative features, including Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), which produces a broader, flatter torque curve and smooth power; as well as the Boosted Low Speed Torque System (BLAST), which provides improved performance and acceleration.

The sleek BF350 offers 25-foot-plus boats improved ergonomic controls; excellent fuel efficiency; greater reliability; and ease of use, maintenance and ownership.

For more info, visit MARINE.HONDA.COM.

Brunswick has acquired eFoiling technology company Flightboard.

Established in 2016, Fliteboard combines advanced hydrofoils and electric propulsion on the water. FLITEBOARD.COM

14

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

MUST-HAVE

Garmin Releases Largest 4K Chartplotter

The new GPSMAP 9000 Series from Garmin delivers an all-in-one chartplotter powered by a processor seven times faster than previous generations, with premium multifunction displays. The new Garmin BlueNet gigabit network delivers comprehensive connectivity with faster networking speeds, allowing the GPSMAP 9000 to link with multiple chartplotters, cameras, radars, sonars and more.

“For decades, mariners have been relying on Garmin’s GPSMAPs to help them navigate waters all over the world. Building on that success, we’re thrilled to unveil the 9000 series with bigger, best-in-class displays, lightning-fast processing speeds and the ultimate connected boating experience on the new Garmin BlueNet network,” says Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales.

Available in 19-, 22-, 24- and 27-inch touchscreen displays, the GPSMAP 9000 maximizes glass design with 4K resolution, delivering Garmin’s fastest map drawing, Auto Guidance and routing, along with enhanced multimedia streaming and seamless video integration.

Pricing for the GPSMAP 9000 series starts at $9,999.99.

To learn more, visit GARMIN.COM.

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Brunswick unveiled its new Navan

by Quicksilver brand, along with two of its models, at the Cannes International Boat Show in September. Built on twin step hulls for speed and efficiency, the Navan C33 and S30 both offer a forward cabin double berth with storage, an electric flushing toilet and a pressured hot water shower.

Standard are a Simrad NSX GPS and chartplotter, C-Zone operating system, and options for various Mercury outboard engines. Additional features include an air conditioner system with a dedicated battery bank for dock usage, premium upholstery, a large bow featuring a sun lounge, a symmetrical cabin and console with deep port and starboard walkways.

The C30 sports an enclosed cabin with an aft salon flip-up window open to the cockpit, an interior galley and dual helm, and an opening XXL hardtop roof hatch. The S30 delivers a fiberglass T-top with integrated acrylic windows and rocket launcher rod holders. Pivoting cockpit seating with a full galley underneath and a two-way convertible cockpit complete the package. Visit NAVAN-BOATS.COM. BOATS

Grand Craft Unveils New Model, The Clybourn

Grand Craft Boats has announced the launch of a brand-new model, The Clybourn, designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design. The Clybourn is a 32-foot boat that combines the craftsmanship and character of a wooden boat with a mahogany deck, with the convenience and benefits of a fiberglass hull.

The hybrid wood and fiberglass Clybourn will feature a concealed and motorized canvas Bimini, a mini fridge, a below-deck head, a humidor, a premier sound system, an under-seat cooler, an insertable second cockpit table, as well as a Volvo Penta twin V8 430-hp sterndrive engine and Seakeeper 2 gyro stabilizer.

This is the first model built under the new Grand Craft ownership. The manufacturing facility is located in Genoa City, Wisconsin, near Lake Geneva.

For more information, visit GR ANDCR AFT.COM.

SCUTTLE

BUSINESS

S W F Y P H O T O B Y K AT E B U S H

Southwest Florida Yachts Reopens Southwest Florida Yachts (SWFY) has reopened more than a year after Hurricane Ian devastated the Tarpon Point Marina and Cape Coral, Florida, area. The company is now accepting reservations for power charters and classes.

“It’s been more than a year since Hurricane Ian devastated our area of Florida and forced us to close,” says SWFY Co-Owner Barb Hansen. “Thanks to the support, thoughts and prayers from our cruising family, we have been able to rebuild our company.”

SWFY is now booking the Fairlane 46 motoryacht Eidolon and a Silverton 43 Motor Yacht starting March 1, 2024. SWFY’s 40th Anniversary Sail-A-Bration has also begun; through December 31, 2025, customers will receive one free day with a charter of three days or longer. For more information, visit SWFYACHTS.COM .

BUSINESS

Highfield Boats Partners With Nuova Jolly

Leading rigid inflatable boat (RIB) builder Highfield Boats is the new North American partner for Italian luxury RIB brand Nuova Jolly, forming Nuova Jolly North America, LLC. The partnership launched at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with the U.S. debut of the Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC. “We are excited to represent the Nuova Jolly line of high-end performance RIBS from 28 to 50 feet in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. These large, highquality RIBS — many of which offer cruising accommodations as well as luxury outdoor living spaces — make the perfect complement to the Highfield line of aluminum-hull RIBS and tenders from 6 to 29 feet,” says Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA and Nuova Jolly North America.

The Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC features a fiberglass hull with a 25-degree deep-V designed for a smooth ride in rough offshore conditions.

Its wide, 11-foot beam and neoprene-hypalon tubes ensure higher stability than traditional center console boats. Up to 12 passengers can enjoy the ride. A bow thruster is standard, along with a Raymarine Axiom 12+ RV chartplotter and Ray5 VHF. For overnighting, there is a convertible V-berth and separate wet head with sink and marine toilet inside the console.

For more information, visit NUOVAJOLLYUSA.COM.

ExtEnd Your Boating PlEasurE

Swim Platforms Inc. is the world leader in aftermarket fiberglass swim platforms, with thousands shipped to satisfied customers.

We provide boaters with superior products and outstanding customer service. once you order one of our Swim Platforms, you will not only enjoy all the benefits of having the extended space on your boat — you will be the envy of every boater at the dock!

swim Platforms inc.

3220 S. 38th Street Phoenix, AZ 85040 602-431-8225

swimPlatforms.com LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

15

Holiday

Gadgets, gifts and gear for your favorite boater at every price point!

$25 & UNDER Beagle Bay Knot Works Sunglass Lanyard Add a bit of “knotical” flare to your sunglasses or eyeglasses with Beagle Bay Knot Works’ hand-twisted and whipped cotton lanyards.

Made with 100% cotton cord and adjustable grippers, these attach easily but securely to your glasses. The sliding wooden accent bead customizes the hanging length for when your glasses are not on your nose. Available in several colors. $12 AT BEAGLEBAYKNOTWORKS.COM

$25 to $50

To the Nines Great Lakes Puzzle

Sweet Paws Microfiber Portable Dog Towel Keep your pet dry and your boat clean with the Sweet Paws portable towel! It’s lightweight and clips directly onto your leash or boat bag. The towel dries quickly, and the case has ventilation holes to keep the towel aerated when you’re on the go. The Little Paws towel case measures 2.2 by 2.8 inches and the towel unfolds to a 15.7-inch square. Available in three colors. $9.99 AT SWEETPAWSPUP.COM

Seabags Belted Cow Dog Collar For when your canine crew needs a new stylish accessory, the Belted Cow dog collars are made to last. Made in Maine, these collars were field-tested on dogs that swim, traverse the wilderness and play in the snow, so they are built with tough materials like nylon webbing to avoid fraying and cast brass rings to prevent rust and corrosion. The collar is 1.25 inches wide and adjusts from 18 to 22 inches in length. Available in deep red, hunter green, blue and multicolor. $34 AT SEABAGS.COM

Great Lakes Collection 5-Panel Captain’s Hat Don’t worry about your favorite hat sinking to the bottom of the lake when you hit the throttle. The Great Lakes Collection Captain’s Hat is made with a lightweight, breathable and water-resistant polyester that will stay afloat. The hat features an adjustable snap closure, raised Great Lakes embroidery and woven rope. “Life is better at the lake” is printed on the inside of the hat. Available in navy and white. $30 AT GREATLAKESCOLLECTION.COM

16

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Great Lakes, great times!

This 500-piece puzzle by artist Liga Teodosiu shows that lake life is nothing short of legendary.

The completed puzzle measures 24 by 18 inches and features iconic graphics that the Great Lakes are known for, from the Grand Hotel and Sleeping Bear Dunes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Split Rock Lighthouse. Made in the USA. $25 AT NINESMW.COM

$50 to $100 Line + Cleat Children’s Life Jacket Finally, a line of children’s life jackets that are as fashionable as they are safe! Line + Cleat launched a line of children’s Coast Guardapproved life jackets offered in elegantly subtle colorways, constructed with durable straps and buttons, and covered in sleek, soft Evoprene fabric. The life jackets are offered in 0- to 30-pound and 30- to 50-pound sizing in blue, green and pink.

Line + Cleat is a life jacket and sun protection apparel brand based in the Chicagoland area, and is proudly woman and independently owned. $84 AT LINEANDCLEAT.COM

Gift Guide $100 to $250 Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame Give the gift of memories with Aura's top-selling Wi-Fi-connected digital picture frame. Send photos from your phone directly to the frame and relive all your favorite moments on the 10.1-inch landscape display. The frame will also intelligently pair complementary portrait photos side-by-side. Add unlimited photos and videos, and invite all your loved ones to fill the frame using the free Aura app. $149 AT AUR AFR AMES.COM

Duke & Dexter Commando Med Leather Boat Shoe The dock is your runway with these fashionable boat shoes. With Italian leather both inside and out pulled together using hand-cut leather laces and D+D branded eyelets, the Commando Boat Shoe will be the envy of the marina. Stitched by hand and available in seven colorways. $240 AT DUKEANDDEXTER.COM

Faribault Mill Great Lakes Map Towel Nothing’s better than wrapping up in a warm towel, and Faribault Mill’s new cotton towels will leave you feeling cozy whether you are at home or at the beach. This company knows a thing or two about coziness — the Minnesotabased mill has been making woolen goods since 1865.

Towel measures 34 by 70 inches. $79 AT FARIBAULTMILL.COM

Great Lakes Mint Speedboat Sweatshirt For those crisp nights on the boat or beach, Spartina 449’s comfy Peruvian cotton Great Lakes sweatshirt is the warm way to chill. This classic crewneck with a graphic of a speeding powerboat will be your new favorite sweatshirt. Spartina 449 began in 2009 on the small South Carolina island of Daufuskie, known for its eclectic charm, natural beauty and unique history.

The company’s products are designed to honor the island’s unique heritage, boasting colorful patterns. $78 AT SPARTINA449.COM

$250 or more SAVA E1-B Electric Surfboard Skim across the water at speeds up to 37 mph with the brand-new E1-B Electric Surfboard. Made of carbon fiber and producing 18kW of peak power, the E1-B will become your new favorite watersport product. Removable carbon fiber fins and adjustable foot bindings allow riders to carve tight lines. Runs for up to 75 minutes on a single charge. Powered by a 60V/60Ah Samsung battery and PMSM electric motor. Comes with a wireless, waterproof handheld remote with a trigger throttle and digital display. Pre-order for $100 to receive your delivery

by January 2024. $7,499 AT SAVAUSA.COM

Dog-DOK Inflatable Dog Ramp When your dog needs a leg up, the Dog-DOK is the ultimate solution for providing your furry friend with safe and easy access to water. Made with military-grade PVC, drop-stitch construction and exclusive EVA foam DOK-Deck, the ramp allows your dog to play all day without slipping or sliding. The heavy-duty mesh construction keeps the ramp submerged, while the high-contrast black and white sides make it highly visible to dogs. $339.99 AT DOKFAMILY.COM

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2023

17

DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE

Onboard Essentials What every new boat needs aboard.

Y

ou’ve purchased your first boat and are eager to hit the water, but while you may be ready, is your boat? From basic essentials to safety gear, proper outfitting is the key to a safe, enjoyable day on the water. Here’s the lowdown on what every new (or new to you) boat needs.

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

Check out his new YouTube channel “Everything Boats with Capt Frank Lanier.”

CAPTFKLANIER.COM.

18

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Required safety equipment A great place to start is with the required safety equipment. Safety equipment is based on a number of factors, from vessel length to the number of people onboard. You’ll want to verify the requirements for your particular vessel, location and situation, but here’s a good starting point.

Personal Floatation Device (PFD): All recreational boats must carry a Coast Guard-approved, wearable PFD (Type I, II, III or V) for each person onboard, as well as one approved Type IV throwable device (such as a throwable cushion or life ring).

Portable fire extinguishers: The number of portable fire extinguishers your boat requires is based on factors such as boat length, whether it has an enclosed engine compartment and if there is a fixed or permanent extinguishing system installed.

New U.S. Coast Guard regulations (2022) call for extinguishers that use UL (Underwriters Laboratories) designations, a number/letter combination that indicates the square footage of the fire the extinguisher can put out, and the type of fire it is effective against.

Vessels less than 26 feet are required to carry at least one 5-B portable fire extinguisher. Vessels 26 feet or more, but less than 40 feet, must carry two 5-B units (or one 5-B unit if a fixed fire extinguisher is installed in the engine compartment). Boats 40 feet to 65 feet are required to carry three 5-B units (two if a fixed extinguisher is installed). A single 20-B portable fire extinguisher can be substituted for two 5-B units.

Visual distress signaling devices: Boats smaller than 16 feet are required to carry nighttime distress signaling devices when operating between sunset and sunrise, while boats 16 feet and larger must carry visual signals for both day and nighttime use at all times. The exact carriage requirements can vary based on whether the boat is on state or federally controlled waters; however, follow the above and you’ll be good to go wherever you boat.

The following are examples of the variety and

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

combination of devices that can be carried in order to meet the minimal requirements: • Three handheld red flares (day and night) • Three combination day/night red flares; handheld, meteor or parachute type • One distress flag (day) and one electric distress light (night only) Sound signaling device: Vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length are required to carry an “efficient” sound-producing device, such as a bell, air horn or whistle. Vessels 12 meters or more in length must carry both a whistle and a bell. The minimum audibility range for a whistle/horn required for a vessel 20 meters (65.6 feet), but less than 75 meters (246 feet) in length is 1 nautical mile. The minimum range for a vessel 12 meters (39.4 feet), but less than 20 meters is .5 nautical miles.

Operational outfitting Now that you have the required safety equipment, let’s take a look at the outfitting required for proper operation of your new boat.

VHF radio: Cellphones have their uses, but if you want to communicate on the water directly to other boats or marine rescue organizations, a VHF radio is a necessity. A VHF radio with a properly registered Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and GPS data is invaluable in the event of an emergency.

Anchor and rode: Every boat should have some means of anchoring. Anchor selection is based on a number of considerations, from the size and style of watercraft you own to the type of bottom you’ll be anchoring in, as well as water depth, wind and water conditions you expect to encounter.

Dock lines and fenders: Each boat should carry a minimum of three lines for tying alongside a dock: A bow line, a stern line and a spring line.

You should also have a minimum of two fenders to protect your boat when docked. Don’t forget that you’ll also need lines to hang the fenders in place.

A few more ideas Other great items to have onboard include: A first aid kit; sunblock; bug spray; a bailer or bucket to remove water; paddles or oars; a waterproof flashlight; a rustproof knife; a floating key chain; and a toolbox with any special tools required for your boat. ★

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

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

ELECTRONICS

BY GLENN HAYES

High-Tech Holiday

1.

Gift ideas for techie boaters.

I 2.

3.

4.

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 .

20

t’s that time of year again when you want to gift the boater in your life something they will truly cherish. So, what exactly do you give the boater who has it all? Below are just a few items representing the latest boating technology that anyone would enjoy on the water.

1. Lowrance Active Target 2 Live Sonar The Lowrance Active Target 2 Live Sonar is today’s epitome of live sonar technology. With this module and transducer, an angler can view the structure and fish around their boat in incredible detail in real time.

This latest technology comes in the form of a module and a multi-element transducer. The module is compatible with HDS LIVE, HDS Carbon, Elite FS, and the latest multifunction display from Lowrance, the HDS Pro. The module connects to one of these MFDs and the transducer typically mounts to a trolling motor shaft. The transducer can scan in three different configurations depending on how it’s set on the easily adjusted mount. Set in one position, the transducer will display a forward view showing what’s in front of the boat, allowing users to scan for fish and structure to perfect their cast. Set in a different configuration, the transducer will scan in a down view displaying what is underneath the boat. Set in a third configuration, the transducer can work in a scout view that allows a wide and overhead view in front of the boat to discover structures and schools of fish.

If your angler doesn’t have a compatible Lowrance display, you can always add a Lowrance HDS PRO to the gift list, enabling some of the best live-view images possible. With this display, they can opt for a second Active Target 2 system, enabling two simultaneous yet different views.

The sonar costs $1,649 (LOWR ANCE.COM).

2. Reliefband If the boater in your life loves being on the water but suffers from motion sickness, there is a device available that can truly improve their time on the water. Reliefband has a line of wrist-worn devices that can eliminate motion sickness, are drug-free and do not have any side effects. These FDA-cleared devices work by stimulating the underside of the wrist. These pulses then travel via the nervous system to the specific part of the brain that controls nausea.

The brain will then instruct the stomach to reduce

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

nausea and provide relief from motion sickness.

These devices are so effective at reducing nausea that they are used not only for motion sickness but also for cancer patients experiencing nausea from medication, post-operative medication and morning sickness. It even helps with nausea from hangovers (don’t ask me how I know).

The company has a line of bands ranging from basic models to sleek and rechargeable wrist devices and even bands that attach to your smartwatch. With a 14-day money-back guarantee, the company is confident you will find its devices work well. Prices start at $99 for this truly feel-good holiday gift (RELIEFBAND.COM).

3. iPhone 14/15 Another gift idea that could prove very helpful to the boater in your life is a cellphone with satellite emergency communications. While not a replacement for an EPIRB or PLB, Apple offers a useful feature on its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 PRO and all-new iPhone 15 and 15 PRO models. With these phone models, the user can text via satellite in life-threatening situations when out of cell range.

It’s very simple and intuitive to use. Tap Emergency SOS on the phone and follow directions to lock into an overhead satellite. Once connected, you can communicate with emergency services and get help at your location quickly and efficiently, all while maintaining communication via satellite text. The service is free for the first two years of ownership but is only available to owners of the above-listed models. The iPhone 14 starts at $699 (APPLE.COM).

4. Fell Marine MOB+ The MOB+ base pack from Fell Marine is an ingenious little device that replaces the annoying kill switch cord that’s always getting in the way with a wireless fob that can be worn on a lanyard, in a wrist strap or attached to a life jacket. Multiple fobs can be added to the system; even the family dog can be protected if they fall overboard.

This wireless kill switch and man overboard system can be easily installed and custom configured to your vessel and people onboard with individual fobs and accessories purchased separately. The base pack sells for around $219 (FELLMARINE.COM). ★

SAFETY FIRST

BY HELEN AITKEN

Safety Stocking Stuffers Seven boating gifts with safety in mind.

T

here’s no better gift for your favorite boater than boating accessories with safety in mind. From inexpensive stocking stuffers to moderately priced items, these recommended items have been boater-approved and will look great under the tree.

5.

1.

3.

2.

1. FORESPAR Sta-Plug Mini Emergency Plugs These are form-fitting plugs that grip round or irregularly shaped holes or leaks, from hoses to those in the hull. They won’t swell, mold or mildew like wood plugs, and they’re great to use for routine maintenance. $23.95 (TWO-PACK) AT FORESPAR.COM.

2. Gull-Cat Bird Deterrent Cat Decoy Don’t laugh! This works great to keep birds and animals away from the boat or the dock. The decoy simulates a predator as the head moves in the wind. It’s made of plastic with fake fur and weighs 1.8 pounds. Secure it to the boat or dock with a rope or zip ties. Available in brown or black. $54 AT AMAZON.COM.

3. YETI LoadOut GoBox 30 This gear case is a boater’s dream: It’s nearly unbreakable, waterproof, handles impact well, and features a carry strap, handles and strong latches.

It works great for storage, as a tackle box, a first aid kit and more. It features a removable tray and divider for organization and is designed for stacking. $250 AT YETI.COM 4. Avigap Boat Trash Can Easily carried, installed and cleaned, 100% odor-proof, leak-resistant and portable — this trash can does it all. Inside snaps hold a 13gallon garbage bag (or you can use it without

4.

6.

one); the side pocket stores extra bags. The top lid closes, with two straps securing it to a grabrail or Bimini pole. $40 AT AMAZON.COM. 5. Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket This is a must-have for the galley. Measuring 40 by 40 inches, hang this handy towel on the wall and simply pull it out to extinguish liquid or grease fires. With two layers of woven fiberglass fabric and an inner layer of fire-retardant film, it can be used as a thermal/heat shield for isolating temperatures up to 1076 degrees Fahrenheit.

7.

$29.99 AT PREPAREDHERO.COM.

6. The Boat Galley Ship’s Log This comprehensive tab-sectioned, 8- by 10-inch spiral book has five separate logs: A watch log; cruising log; fluid changes and fills; maintenance, repairs and upgrades; as well as vessel and spares inventory. This book is 164 pages and has a waterproof cover (interior pages are not waterproof). $41.34 AT PRODUCTS.THEBOATGALLEY.COM.

7. Boating classes Don’t forget the gift of safe boating with classes like America’s Boating Course from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or America’s Boating Club. This provides the basics for safe boating, meeting most state’s boating education requirements, and will even result in a discount on boating insurance. AVAILABLE AT AMERICASBOATINGCLUB.ORG OR CGAUX.ORG. ★

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

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.

Her website is HELEN AITKENWRITER.COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

21

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

Great Lakes Library

Here are a few books about the Great Lakes to add to your reading list.

W

hen I was growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, there were few things I loved more than curling up with a good book. Shipwreck stories were a particular favorite after I learned the Titanic song on the school bus (“Oh they built the ship Titanic, to sail the ocean blue…”) and then got my hands on Walter Lord’s “A Night to Remember.”

At some point, I realized that the big lake just outside our front door held its own powerful stories.

And in my parents’ bookshelves, I discovered a book I would grow to love as much as Lord’s classic: William Ratigan’s “Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals.”

I’ve been reading Great Lakes tales for more than 40 years now, both fiction and nonfiction. I relish the opportunity to read new ones, and I’ve returned to treasured old friends time and again.

As snowflakes fly and ice locks up the lakes, it’s the perfect time to find just the right book for your own cozy evenings, or for a loved one’s holiday gift. There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than to celebrate this unique place in the heart of America.

Speaking of old friends, here are a few of mine.

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

22

“Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals”

by William Ratigan “[Great] ships sail Great Lakes that can swallow them in one black moment without a trace,” Ratigan writes. “Storms exploding across hundreds of miles of open water pile up mountainous seas that strike swifter, and more often, than the deadliest waves on any ocean.”

In his hefty 1960 book, the author shares unforgettable stories of tragedy, miracles and heroism. In its pages, I learned about the steamer Phoenix, which burned to the waterline on November 21, 1847, roughly seven miles off the coast of Sheboygan, Wisconsin — just south of my childhood home.

Then there was the side-wheel steamer Lady Elgin, rammed and sunk by the schooner Augusta on September 8, 1860, as she carried passengers from Chicago to Milwaukee. Approximately 300 people died, making this the greatest loss of life on open water in Great Lakes history.

The greatest loss of life, period, occurred when the SS Eastland suddenly rolled over at her Chicago River dock on July 24, 1915; 844 passengers and crew perished. Her story is within these pages as well, along

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

with those of the ill-fated Carl D. Bradley, which sank on Lake Michigan on November 18, 1958; Daniel J. Morrell, which sank on Lake Huron on November 29, 1966; Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975; and so many others.

“Shipwrecked: Reflections of the Sole Survivor” by Dennis Hale There is a detailed first-person account of a midnight disaster aboard a lake freighter, one that sheds light on what all shipwrecked sailors must face. Its author is Dennis Hale, who was a 26-year-old watchman on the 600-foot bulk ore carrier Daniel J. Morrell when it broke up in a vicious storm on Lake Huron.

The “Witch of November” — the term for strong winds that blow over the Great Lakes in the autumn months — took 28 of the freighter’s 29 crew members to the bottom on November 29, 1966. Hale, the sole survivor, was rescued near Michigan’s Pointe aux Barques lighthouse after nearly 40 hours adrift on a life raft. He was clad in just a life jacket, pea coat and boxer shorts.

“For the last 20 years, I’ve wanted to tell my own story,” he told me prior to his death in 2015. “It was very difficult for me. These were things I’d never talked about before. Then I realized, ‘Now’s the time,’ and I sat down and started to write.”

“Ashes Under Water” by Michael McCarthy When the SS Eastland capsized on July 24, 1915, it was the worst maritime disaster in Great Lakes history. Yet many people haven’t heard of it, perhaps due to the sinking of the RMS Lusitania earlier that year or the dawn of World War I. “I had lived in Chicago for years,” author Michael McCarthy told me in 2015. “One day I was having lunch on the river, and a friend mentioned that a ship had sunk there. So many people died, and I wondered, how could I never have heard of this?”

It took McCarthy 12 years to write his book, which tells the Eastland’s story and recounts the legal drama that shook the Midwest after she capsized. It also sheds new light on what really happened that day.

“Thousands of descendants deserve to know the true story of how their family members perished,” he said. “This tragedy changed the architecture of entire family trees; it’s a large event in American

history that has more or less disappeared. It’s worth it to come back and bear witness through documentary evidence.”

“Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Michael Schumacher Decades later, lakeboat men still speak somberly of the night the Fitzgerald went down. These men know what it means when, in songwriter Gordon Lightfoot’s words, “The waves turn the minutes to hours.”

Thanks to Lightfoot’s celebrated “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” most people are familiar with the details: On November 10, 1975, the Fitzgerald faced a violent Lake Superior storm and started taking on water. Before she could reach the relative safety of Whitefish Bay, she disappeared from radar without even a single call for help. No one survived.

But there is so much more to learn. Schumacher’s book is an impressively detailed account of the ship’s storied life and death, as well as the wreck’s aftermath.

In addition, through strong imagery and colorful descriptions, you will become acquainted with Lake Superior itself. You will learn about the taconite industry, careers aboard the “lakers,” and Great Lakes weather. You also will get to know the crew: 29 real men with plans, hopes, dreams and families who loved them.

“Fatal Crossing: The Mysterious Disappearance of NWA Flight 2501 and the Quest for Answers” by Valerie Van Heest In this suspenseful book, author Valerie Van Heest recreates the last hours of Northwest (Orient) Airlines Flight 2501, which left New York’s LaGuardia Airport at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time on June 23, 1950, bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul. Carrying 55 passengers and three crew, the DC-4 propliner disappeared from radar over Lake Michigan.

According to Van Heest’s research, Capt.

Robert Lind asked Air Route Traffic Control for clearance to drop to 4,000 feet. At 10:49 p.m.

Eastern, ATC allowed him to descend; 40 minutes later, it directed Lind to drop to 3,500 feet.

Flight 2501 was flying in airway “Red 57” from Battle Creek, Michigan, to Milwaukee. A nasty squall line was in its way.

At 12:13 a.m. Eastern on June 24, Capt.

Lind asked to drop to 2,500 feet. It was his last communication.

“My contention is that the squall changed direction very suddenly,” Van Heest told me in 2018. “It’s a tough one because the plane was flying at 180 mph, we don’t have a last position or exact time, and everyone died.”

Based on limited debris and human remains, Flight 2501 either had a devastating midair explosion or disintegrated on impact with the water. At the time, it was the worst accident in commercial aviation history.

The wreckage has never been found.

“The Death and Life of the Great Lakes”

by Dan Egan For us kids, Lake Michigan was as much a part of our lives as breathing. Its rhythms punctuated the seasons of our childhoods.

The springtime smelt run meant sizzling smelt fries. In summer, the Coho derby had us running to join the festivities, while the alewife die-off sent us scurrying home, holding our noses. Fall and winter brought the storms, and we’d take photos of inches-thick ice on our front windows — particularly during the high-water years in the mid-1980s.

I never realized that smelt, salmon and alewives are non-native species. I didn’t know that the lake’s fluctuating water levels might someday swing even more widely, putting coastal communities at risk.

I certainly didn’t understand that our five massive lakes, which hold 20% of the world’s supply of surface freshwater, are actually quite fragile, vulnerable to ecological catastrophe. Then along came an award-winning reporter named Dan Egan, and this epic book.

“The Death and Life of the Great Lakes” is a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and J. Anthony Lukas Award.

Robert Moor with the New York Times Book Review writes that the author “nimbly splices together history, science, reporting and personal experiences into a taut and cautiously hopeful narrative… Egan’s book is bursting with life (and yes, death).” ★

HONORABLE MENTIONS

“Grand Traverse: The Civil War Era” by John C. Mitchell Although this book is not about ships, wrecks or even the water in particular, it is a pageturner that reveals the realities of the Civil War through a distinctly Great Lakes lens.

The author had first access to a new primary source, the Rev. George Smith’s diaries.

Thanks to those diaries and the Grand Traverse Herald editor’s prolific writings, he is able to provide a remarkable window into the conflict that shattered our nation.

“Wicked River: The Mississippi When It Last Ran Wild” by Lee Sandlin Its velvety nights seethed with pirates. Its waterfront districts were a colorful riot of lawlessness. It saw gunfire, siege and starvation during wartime, and its muddy belly still holds the remains of countless ships sunk in its often treacherous waters.

One of the Great Lakes? Try the Mississippi River, before and during the Civil War. Although the 21st-century river is now a tamed network of dams, levees and dredged channels, its earlier incarnation still runs wild through Sandlin’s thrilling book.

The author said he was drawn to the Mississippi as a child and has been in its grip ever since. “If you grow up in the Midwest,’ he said, “you’re always aware of the Mississippi as a presence.”

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

23

Have you been good this year?

Lakeland Boating is the perfect holiday gift for your favorite boater.

Call 800-827-0289 or visit lakelandboating.com to order a gift subscription TODAY!

2024

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

ASPEN CARBON CAT

FROM THE TEAM at Aspen Power Catamarans comes an innovative series of new tenders with a patentin-progress hull design. Aspen Carbon Cats are fast, lightweight, ultra-stable, hard-bottom dinghies that will last for years. Aspen combines a unique design and modern materials like carbon fiber to deliver a rigid tender with a stable, fast, dry and comfortable ride.

The Carbon Cat’s hybrid design starts with a deep singleentry forefoot that smoothly cleaves through waves for improved tracking and spray resistance. The hull contour then gently widens aft and at the stern resembles a modified catamaran hull, which provides lateral stability and lift. This unique hull form not only improves performance and stability underway but is unbelievably stable when loading.

Even a full-grown adult can step onboard the flat SeaDekcovered deck, and then into the dinghy itself without excessive rolling or pitching. The dockside stability is truly remarkable.

Lightweight construction includes carbon fiber and S-glass with a Divinycell core to achieve higher strengthto-weight ratios. This makes a dramatic difference in the strength and stiffness of the structure while keeping the

overall weight down. There are three models — from 9 feet, 2 inches to 11 feet, 2 inches — all sporting a 5-foot, 4-inch beam. The light weight of the boats makes them ideal for using davit systems to keep them onboard, or for pulling them up and down the beach with their optional Beachmaster folding wheels. The approximate finished weights of the boats are 148 pounds for the T9, 161 pounds for the T10 and 187 pounds for the T11.

SeaDek HD foam decking is comfortable and safe to stand and sit on and adds durability by eliminating scratches and abrasions. The hull sides have thick pads so you can pull up to other boats’ hulls or docks even without fenders. A convenient SeaDek-topped moveable cube provides a helm seat that can be positioned for motoring or rowing.

The amazing Carbon Cat construction and design means that the power requirements are up to 35% less than typical inflatables due to the hard bottom and hybrid cat hull shape.

In real-world cruising conditions, the T10 with a 9.9-hp Yamaha outboard hit 21 mph. The T11 with a 15-hp outboard and one person onboard peaked at 24 mph. Both boats deliver over a 40-mile range using a standard 3-gallon fuel tank.

ASPEN CARBON CAT aspencarboncat.com

26

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

ACHILLES

FOR OVER 40 YEARS, Achilles has been setting the standard for inflatable boat fabric using its customized formula combining tough and airtight elastomer coatings over a heavy-duty Nylon or Polyester core fabric.

Today, Achilles Fabric continues to set the standard by using an exterior coating of chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM) for its unsurpassed durability and two interior layers of chloroprene for its remarkable air tightness. With so many fabric claims made by inflatable boat manufacturers, it is important to recognize that Achilles Fabric has been proven where it counts most — on the water.

Many types of fabric have come and gone under many different names, but none have ever been proven more effective than Achilles Fabric. Trust your next inflatable boat to the proven name in fabric reliability, durability and toughness — Achilles.

You can find your next Achilles inflatable at Defender, the largest Achilles dealer in North America. In addition to a vast selection of inflatable boats and outboard motors, Defender offers a wide variety of boating accessories and gear to outfit your boat just the way you want it. From bilge pumps and life jackets to dock lines and electronics, they have everything you need to maximize your time on the water.

ISOTHERM

ISOTHERM PROVIDES an unrivaled range of marine refrigeration solutions whose energy efficiency, quality and design features are highly valued by the marine industry worldwide.

The New Clean Touch Drawer Series features improved cooling performance and reduced power consumption due to the new BD 1.4F VSD SECOP variable speed micro compressor.

It also includes 304 Clean Touch Stainless Steel door panels, a new electronic thermostat, and an integrated smart function to overcool when a surplus of energy is available. Also, the large evaporator plate allows for more freezer usability.

The Isotherm Compact Classic Model 2501 is an air-cooled refrigeration system that can cool as a refrigerator or as a

freezer. The maximum freezer capacity is 2.3 cubic feet, and the maximum refrigerator capacity is 7.1 cubic feet. It’s a fancooled compressor unit designed for simple installation in existing top or side-loaded refrigerator boxes. All Isotherm Compact Systems come complete and pre-charged. Each system is rated to refrigerate or freeze a specific volume, so there’s no guessing what will work best for your boat.

Isotherm products can be purchased at Defender.com along with inflatable boats, outboard motors and many other quality marine supplies. Defender's mission is to make boating more accessible for everyone with competitive prices on the brands you trust.

defender.com

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

27

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

FORMULA 457 CENTER CONSOLE

THE FORMULA 457 CENTER CONSOLE will be your offshore adventure destination! Coming soon to the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, the 457 Center Console Fish and Sport models will again push the boundaries of design, engineering and construction in the offshore center console world. The boats will challenge and surpass the finish and amenities of Formula’s renewed entry into the center console market.

Formula’s recent introduction of the 387 Center Console Fish and Sport models proves the company’s commitment to consumer satisfaction by researching, designing and executing the ultimate in performance, ergonomics and amenities to the center console market. With a 45-foot, 7-inch LOA and a 13-foot, 9-inch beam, and powered by triple Mercury 600 Verados, the Formula 457 will impress all comers.

Built to your preference, from hardcore fish to upscale sport cruising, or a little of both, the 457 will match your boating style. Opt for foldaway aft seating and pressurized baitwells for a fishing battlewagon or a sculpted aft lounge and

spacious swim platform for sporting adventures — Formula will build a boat to suit your wants and needs.

Fish or Sport, you will love the triple 22-inch monitor dash and air-conditioned three-position helm.

You can add AC to the second row and aftfacing seating for total crew comfort. Choose the entertainment-ready cockpit galley or bait station/wetbar for your needs. All will enjoy the highly styled bow seating with an elevated sun lounge and wraparound seating with a power-adjust table.

Below, the cabin brings 7 feet of headroom with a full aircraft galley complete with a microwave, a fridge, a sink and abundant counter and cabinet space, as well as U-lounge seating with a table for dining or entertaining, which also converts into a two-person berth. A well-appointed, spacious head features a separate stand-up shower.

Join Formula Boats at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to learn more about this elite gamechanger. Then, make plans to climb aboard the first 457 in Miami come February. You will love what you see!

FORMULA BOATS forumulaboats.com

28

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

MARLOW YACHTS

MARLOW YACHTS HAS been leading the pack for over two decades with the revolutionary launch of the first Marlow Explorer 65C in 2001.

Marlow Yachts has redefined cutting-edge yacht manufacturing with advanced research, refinement and rethinking the yachting experience through innovation, design and testing of advanced materials and technology. Never being content with the status quo, Marlow Yachts has pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship, materials science and seaworthiness in the entire line of Marlow Explorers (53E - 88E) and Marlow Voyagers (76V – 100V) available today.

When the yacht is a Marlow, the expectations are HIGH! Marlow’s hull and interior bulkhead design utilize the best of aviation, military and civilian severe-duty engineering principles to provide maximum interior volume, comfort and performance under all conditions. Interior finishes are as unique as each owner, with highly skilled craftsmen demonstrating their art in joinery, metal work, composite construction techniques and impeccable stonework.

The vast majority of the artesian built-for-life “heirloom” components begin in Marlow’s own factory as raw plate, tube and billet of the highest specification and quality.

Timber products are produced from whole logs hand-selected and rendered by Marlow’s own master craftsmen. The final product is a yacht of unparalleled beauty, performance and

seaworthiness, with an exceptional resale record 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 a semidisplacement hull provide superior tracking, positive fuel efficiency and impressive cruising comfort regardless of conditions. The extensive use of Kevlar, carbon fiber, Corecell 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 and can be air conditioned, enabling both easier access and greater comfort for general maintenance tasks.

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 and passion, be it the Great Loop, the Bahamas, or the many other cruising adventures obtainable utilizing her long range cruising capabilities, your adventure awaits! Arrive at your yachting destination in a Marlow and you will completely understand why a “Marlow is the envy of the yachting world!”. Want to learn more? Marlow’s experts are standing by, ready to assist you when you are ready for your next yachting adventure. 800-362-2657 or Sales@ MarlowMarine.com

MARLOW YACHTS marlowyachts

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

29

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

NIMBUS WEEKENDER 11

SWEDISH BOAT BUILDER Nimbus Group has a rich heritage dating back to 1968, and its commitment to smart functionality, comfort, safety and Scandinavian design remains evident today in its impressive offering of powerboats. Its latest creation, the Nimbus Weekender 11 (W11), is the epitome of a weekend cruiser designed for those with active lifestyles who wish to maximize their time on the water with loved ones.

At just over 40 feet, the W11 boasts a highly optimized design, offering an abundance of space and onboard features. A vast aft lounge area welcomes you with adjustable seating configurations, multiple sunbeds for lounging in the sun, an outdoor galley, and ample storage for all your gear and water toys. The expansive deck area ensures unrestricted freedom of movement, and gyro stabilization guarantees a smooth and comfortable journey, even on rough waters.

“The W11 is tailored to meet the needs of boaters who want to make the most of their extended weekends or short trips.

Whether you’re looking to entertain guests or spend time with family, the W11 has you covered,” says Nimbus Brand Manager Jonas Göthberg.

The essence of Nimbus’ design philosophy is brilliantly

illuminated in the W11, which features the award-winning Nimbus sidewalk design, ensuring efficient use of interior space and easy, safe movement onboard. The deck layout features multifunctional seating arrangements, perfect for lounging, dining or sunbathing.

The W11 also introduces innovative features, such as optional folding side balconies for expanded space and versatility when anchored, and an optional hydraulic swim platform, allowing guests to get closer to the water. The cockpit, akin to the W9, offers superior protection with a large windscreen, and multiple sunshade options, such as electric sun-top or easily mountable sun canopies.

Below deck, you’ll find overnight accommodation for four with two spacious berths. A well-appointed bathroom with a toilet and shower enhances the boat’s versatility, making it suitable for both day trips and overnight stays.

The W11 shares the same well-balanced stepped hull as its siblings, the T11 and C11, ensuring exceptional high-speed performance and a low planing threshold. Power options include twin Mercury V10 outboard engines (400 hp) or twin V8 engines (300 hp), offering speeds above 50 mph.

NIMBUS nimbus.se

30

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

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

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

31

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

RIVIERA 585 SUV

THE EXCEPTIONAL NEW 585 SUV from Riviera, Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder, is the pinnacle of 10 years of evolution and the launch of more than 220 SUV yachts from 39 to 64 feet in length since the SUV concept was launched with the 445 model in 2012.

Offering supreme luxury, elegant styling and exhilarating performance, the Riviera 585 SUV combines the proven blue water hull pedigree and sporting cockpit of the lauded Riviera Sports Motor Yachts with the single-level living features so enjoyed by Sport Yacht owners.

The 585 is a significant addition to the SUV collection with welcoming spaces from stem to stern and enhanced indoor/ outdoor lifestyle features that make the SUV models so popular.

The Riviera design team’s clever use of space has created a superb design, including three large staterooms and three bathrooms, as well as a versatile space aft of the full-beam midship primary suite that can be configured as a utility room, laundry, crew quarters or additional accommodation with its own bathroom.

The 585 SUV offers the latest generation SUV design qualities, including an expansive watersports space where the cockpit opens out to the boarding platform, a semi-

enclosed alfresco deck and an inviting foredeck entertaining space with a comfortable wraparound lounge.

The luxurious salon connects seamlessly with the alfresco deck through a stainless steel sliding glass door and large awning window. A nicely equipped U-shaped gourmet galley is aft along the port side. Forward is a water-tight side door giving easy access to the port side deck and the foredeck lounge or for line handling or anchoring.

The starboard side of the salon features a wetbar in the aft corner, an electric-lift TV built into the cabinetry beside the bar and a long lounge with a concealed foldout timber dining table for when you wish to dine inside or have additional guests aboard.

The portside helm provides two leather helm seats. The inboard helm faces the comprehensive systems controls and includes a joystick, navigation, engine monitoring and CZone digital switching control screens.

A forward central stairway leads from the salon to the lightfilled and substantial accommodation deck Power for the adventurous new 585 SUV is provided by twin Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1200s, rated at 900 hp (662 kW) each, or twin Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350s, rated at 1,000 hp (735kW). Both options deliver exceptional power-to-weight performance.

RIVIERA

rivierauaustralia.com

32

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

SCOUT 530 LXF

THE SCOUT 530 LXF is the latest addition to Scout’s LXF Collection, which is comprised of luxury sportfish models showcasing a unique blending of high-performance fish boats with high-end cruisers. The cross between these two popular recreational marine mainstays allows boaters to enjoy amenities normally only found on much larger sportfishers.

The 53-foot model is built on Scout’s epoxy-infused, double-stepped, fuel-efficient hull, made with a carbon/E-glass process. The Epoxy-infusion process is utilized in the 670, 530, 425, 400 and 377 LXF models (a process used frequently in the aerospace industry), and provides a Class A finish, with more stability in the hull while reducing the overall weight in the boat — countering the long-term ideology that a larger boat must be heavy to perform. The beam is extended to an even wider 17 feet, 6 inches when the electronically actuated dual beach platforms are engaged port and starboard.

Scout has created a “yacht-like-center console” on so many levels — one that not only looks stunning but one where the consumer can choose their multi-engine configuration based on

individual performance appetite. Working with both Yamaha and Mercury, Scout has been able to successfully reach incredible cruise and top-end speeds with either four or five engines.

Standard features on the model include a Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer; a unique glass helm enclosure with electronically sliding windows port and starboard; a smartly designed cockpit island with a forward-facing bench seat; aft-facing bar stools that retract and stow out of the way; a cooler, sink and cutting board with granite countertop; a Fischer Panda 15kW generator; 16,000 BTU air conditioner/heaters in both the cabin and helm area; an electric sliding sunroof; and heated helm seats and seat backs port and starboard.

Customers can also now order an alternate leaning post configuration on the 530 LXF. It reverses the layout and puts the entertainment station facing forward in the console, with the bench seat facing aft in the cockpit. It’s a great choice of layout depending on how you want to best utilize your 530 out on the water.

Visit your local dealer to learn more about the Scout 530 LXF.

SCOUT BOATS scoutboats.com

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

33

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

STINGRAY 211DC

ARE YOU READY for a day of fun out on the water without sacrificing comfort? Stingray’s 211DC Dual Console has everything you are looking for. This delightful dayboat has magnificent comfort, exceptional versatility and thrilling performance in a sporty, yet elegant design.

The 211DC comes standard with dual bucket seats with bolsters, a 25-quart removable Igloo cooler, a stainless steel multi-step ladder, a rear recirculating livewell, and so much more. The wide sport deck design creates plenty of interior space, with a large bow and aft seating with filler options, a freshwater sink in the head compartment, and a cockpit table with side mounts to make a day on the water with your crew a breeze.

Additional options on this model include a stainless steel pop-up ski pole for watersports, an upgradeable teak cockpit table for friends and family to gather around, and pressurized water with a bow and transom shower.

The 211DC exudes the excellence of Stingray quality, innovation, and loyalty to its customers’ growing needs.

Stingray’s exclusive Z-Plane (zp) hulls act as horizontal planing faces when submerged, and when very near the water’s surface the outside edge of the Z-plane acts as a spray release. This revolutionary design passes through the water with no bubbles or vortices formed by the hull shape.

Developed on the CAD (Computer Aided Design) system, the use of planar lines has caused the hull to be dip-free from whatever angle it is viewed, and the smooth flow of water generated by this design allows the propeller better bite during both straight-line speed and hard cornering maneuvers. The Z-Plane design allows for increased performance and dollars saved at the pump.

Visit your local dealer today to check out the new 211DC, as well as the rest of the Stingray lineup. To find a dealer in your area, visit Stingray’s website.

STINGRAY BOATS stingrayboats.com

34

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

TIARA YACHTS 48 LE

THE FLAGSHIP OF Tiara Yachts’ Luxury Express series, the 48 LE is the perfect blend of entertaining comforts and adventure amenities.

The aft cockpit features a rotating lounge module with power actuation, allowing the seat to be positioned towards the terrace, aft and anywhere in between. A high-gloss teak table complements the seating while an electric grill and countertop are located on the aft of the seat. Deploy the portside terrace to expand your access to the water with an integrated swimming ladder. The custom hardtop-integrated Makefast powered sunshade provides full cockpit coverage to elevate comfort, while JL Audio speakers, a remote control pad

by Fusion and an optional cockpit TV, concealed in the hardtop when not in use, ensure there are entertainment options for everyone onboard.

Walk up to the bow to enjoy the recessed chaise lounge sunpad with adjustable backrests and drink holders, along with additional speakers and a remote control pad.

Inside, the galley and dining area welcomes you with robust features to starboard and dining accommodations

to port. The aft bulkhead and salon doors open to blend the galley and aft cockpit zones for the ultimate entertaining area onboard. The well-appointed galley includes a two-burner induction cooktop, a microwave-convection oven, an undermount sink, a dualdraw refrigerator, a freezer and ample storage.

Expand dining seating by converting the companion helm seat. The high-gloss teak table adjusts to convert into a berth and provides additional sleeping accommodations. The salon TV is mounted in the starboard galley on a hi-low actuator.

Below deck, sleeping accommodations for four include a forward queen pedestal berth and aft twin berths that conveniently convert into a queen, in addition to two heads.

The 48 LE is built for Mercury power with triple 600 V12 Verado engines. The Verado engine package delivers the ultimate outboard driving experience with sound-dampening technology and advancements in steering and control, including joystick piloting with integrated autopilot. The electronics package features instinctive Garmin Marine Navigation Systems providing the latest piloting technology.

TIARA YACHTS tiarayachts.com

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

35

Boat Buyer ’s Guide 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION

WORLD CAT 260DC-X

IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET for a 26-foot reliable, versatile boat then the World Cat 260DC-X dual console is for you. Designed for both a day of fishing or cruising, World Cat’s newest power catamaran goes beyond optimizing — it revolutionizes the use of space, storage, comfort amenities and boating experience for true innovation.

Features on this model include a swivel 45-quart cooler seat with a cushion that stows in a locked position underneath the captain’s helm seat, while also swinging out for a convenient and comfortable starboard side seat.

The 260DC-X is also equipped with a full transom folddown 50-inch bench seat, a helm seat with an aft drink box, a Corian bar/prep center with tackle storage, and a 3-in-1 portside seating design for: Forward seating, aft leaning post or rear-facing chaise lounge.

Optional features on the all-new 260DC-X include an additional Garmin GSPMAP 8612 display, a Gemlux cockpit flyshade, a Gemlux deluxe outrigger system with 18-inch collapsible hybrid holes, a marine head with an 8-gallon holding

tank and overboard discharge, four quick release fender holders, a bow casting deck filler cushion, and so much more.

With outboard-powered center and dual console catamaran models ranging from 23 to 40 feet, most people know World Cat’s reputation for quality-built boats and a smoother ride. But did you know a smoother ride is only the beginning? There are countless advantages to owning a World Cat, such as a shallower draft for traveling in skinny waters, greater load-bearing capabilities, more usable deck space, minimum bow rise for greater visibility and greater fuel economy.

If you’re a boater, you know about the pounding, slapping, exhausting ride that some monohull boats can subject you to.

World Cat catamarans provide a smoother, more stable ride for you, your family and friends, and the all-new 260DC-X is no different. World Cat believes a better boating experience begins with a better boat. To experience the World Cat advantages for yourself, visit the website to find your local dealer and book a sea trial today.

WORLD CAT BOATS worldcat.com

36

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

The ULTIMATE Tender Lift Solution The freedom to use your watercraft where and when you want with just the touch of a button!

FreedomLift® is the ideal solution for transporting your tender or PWC. n Installs independent of your swim platform n The ONLY lift with easily removable Lift Arms n Features wireless, hydraulic remote control operation n Lifting capacity of 800+ lbs. n NEW optional Carbon Fiber Lift Arms

www.freedomlift.com • 866-543-8669

US Patent #6,474,256

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

37

t

he new Stingray 253 Center Console is the company’s second entry into the open-water family fishing and cruising market — a worthy sibling to the 273CC introduced just last year.

Like the larger 27-footer, the 253CC has more freeboard, more flare forward, and a deeper-V bottom shape to deal with larger waves and higher speeds.

Starting with a nicely raked stem, the deep-V hull has 55 degrees of deadrise forward that changes smoothly to 35

38

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

degrees amidships and 21 degrees at the transom, offering a soft reentry in rough water conditions. There’s a significant spray rail above the waterline forward that forces spray downward, then curves down to the waterline and widens as it flows aft, forming a significant chine that helps to produce smoother turns and also helps minimize roll resistance at slower speeds. Under the water, the company’s exclusive Z-Plane lifting strakes are precision-placed to minimize bow rise and maximize fuel mileage.

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

P H O T OS C O U R T E S Y S T I N G R AY

BOAT TEST

STINGRAY 253CC Further offshore. by John Wooldridge

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

39

No flaws

Recently, I had a chance to tour and run the new 253CC with Stingray’s Drew Gantt, director of engineering, and Robert Lyew, senior design engineer.

From the shape of the boat to the critical decisions on build and equipment specifications, they have both been deeply involved in the design and creation of this new 25-footer.

Like so many of Stingray’s boats, virtually everything aboard was produced in-house.

“The company built almost everything you see on the boat, with the exception of the powder-coated T-top structure, the pre-shaped acrylic windshield, wire harnesses and some of the canvas,” Gantt tells me.

From the comfort and quality of the upholstery to the storage locker doors and the overall fit and finish, I could find no flaws — only a rich collection of ideas for families who like to fish occasionally or enjoy running in open water with safety.

For instance, the self-draining walkaround cockpit is over 20 feet of fiberglass sole with molded non-skid, with room on both sides of the console for an adult to walk fore and aft without being cramped. Cockpit depth at the helm is 3 feet, 6 inches, providing security for smaller family members and active fishermen alike.

Stainless steel grabrails are abundant and well-placed for moving safely about when the boat is underway.

There’s seating for 11 people, starting with a fold-down transom bench, two seats atop the cooler with headrest cushions, two helm seats, two seats ahead of the console, and a pair of bench seats with 40

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

removable backrests that form forward-facing lounges.

For long days on the water, the center console has a human-sized space inside for changing, even when equipped with the optional Dometic porcelain head with a holding tank and pump out.

Fishing features are well thought out, starting with a 25-gallon livewell to port at the top of the transom, twin fishboxes beneath the aft sole (equipped with drains and diaphragm pumps), and a plethora of factory-installed drained rod holders in gunwales.

In the back of the helm seating, Stingray included multiple storage drawers for fishing tackle and tools, under-gunwale storage for gaffs, nets and rods, and tubular stainless steel toekicks for fishermen needing sure footing when leaning up against coaming pads.

Those coaming pads, by the way, extend well forward to cushion guests from possible bruises when walking alongside the console underway.

Another notable feature: A through-stem anchor roller for a 14-pound Delta plow anchor, and a below-deck Lewmar v700 windlass for a chain and rope rode.

Sweet spot

The helm console in the boat I tested had a Garmin 1243 Touch multifunction display, with plenty of room for a second 1243 screen. An Airmar B150M Chirp is standard and upgradable to an Airmar B175M for more serious fishing features. An option to consider is the Garmin Fantom 18 radar.

There was a twin-engine Yamaha binnacle and optional joystick for easy maneuvering

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

around the docks on the boat I tested. Sliding seats with flip-up bolsters and a tilting stainless wheel made steering from a sitting or standing position very comfortable.

When testing the 253CC, equipped with a pair of 200-hp Yamahas, the boat rises onto plane in 3 to 4 seconds with minimal bow rise — virtually none. It reached 30 mph in 6 seconds, which was its most efficient sweet spot. At 3500 RPM, the boat ran at an indicated 28 mph, burning a combined 9.9 gph, and achieving 2.8 mpg. The Yamaha EX steering was flawless, carving turns as comfortable or as tight as I wished. The boat handled both the wake-induced waves and the windblown chop with aplomb.

In terms of build, the hull sides and the running surface in between the lifting strakes are a cored structure. The transom is reinforced with 2 inches of sturdy, rot-proof Coosa Composites board bonded to large stringers that extend under the swim platform and splashwell. Where structures like the T-top are attached, there are Durabond marine panels for optimal mechanical fastening strength. I didn’t hear a squeak once from the T-Top, and didn’t expect to, knowing about Stingray’s warranties: 1-Year Limited General; 3-Year Limited Osmotic Hull Blister; and 10-Year Limited Lifetime Transferable (for up to five years) Structural Hull.

There’s a lot more to like about the new Stingray 253CC, but to realize that, I’d urge you to find one at the next available boat show or through your local dealer. Get a test ride if you can.

It’s proof positive that this center console checks all the boxes. ★

STINGRAY 253CC S P E CI F I CAT I ON S LOA (w/ swim platform): 25'3" Beam: 9'3" Draft (up): 1'6" Weight (w/ engines): 5,600 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 128 gals.

Water Capacity: 13 gals.

Power (as tested): 2 x 200-hp Yamaha FourStroke Base Price: Contact dealer STINGR AYBOATS.COM

DE ALE R S Visit

STINGR AYBOATS.COM

to find your local dealer

The deep-V ride is admirable.

The space inside feels human-sized, not at all cramped.

The fit and finish are superb.

It would be good if the removable backrests for the forward seating had a dedicated storage space.

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

41

Expect the

Unexpected

STORY BY HEATHER STEINBERGER / PHOTOS BY RICHARD STEINBERGER

O

rlando traffic is suffocating at the best of times, and morning rush hour on I-4 is no joke.

As we inched forward in a twinkling sea of brake lights, I marveled at the urban sprawl that has gotten exponentially worse since I lived here more than 20 years ago.

In the years since, I’ve returned to the city with my family for the usual reasons. When our daughter was small, we visited Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and of course, we returned to explore Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter when she was old enough to attend Hogwarts. Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, after all.

This would be a different sort of visit for our family. For the first time, we were headed into Orange County’s Butler Chain of Lakes for a day of boating — just 15 miles west of downtown.

Orlando to the Butler Chain of Lakes

The Orlando area was primarily known for cotton plantations and cattle ranching until the early 1860s. When the Civil War put an end to the plantations, newcomers replanted the cotton fields with citrus groves.

By the late 1800s, central Florida was also the center of the state’s citrus industry. The Great Freeze of 1894-’95 shut down the smaller growers, giving larger outfits an opportunity to buy up their land and expand operations south to Lake Wales.

The railroad arrived in 1880, and by the early 20th century, the area was also a popular resort destination for those with means. Even so, by mid-century, Orlando had a population of just 50,000 people.

Then came the House of Mouse.

When Walt Disney World opened its doors in 1971 at Lake Buena Vista, 17 miles south of the city, growth exploded. Today, more than 2 million people make their homes in the metro area.

Still, as we exited the interstate at Conroy Windermere Road and approached the 1887 town of Windermere, I felt the densely packed suburbs slowly releasing their grip. With the first flashes of blue water between the trees, I knew we had entered the Butler Chain of Lakes.

The chain comprises 13 interconnected lakes that flow toward Reedy Creek, the Kissimmee

42

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

A central Florida day trip aboard a Sea-Doo Switch Cruise 21 is full of delightful surprises.

River, Lake Okeechobee and, ultimately, the Everglades. Prized for its crystal-clear water, lush vegetation and flourishing wildlife, it was the first lake system in Florida to receive the “Outstanding Florida Waters” designation.

With a combined 5,000 acres of surface water and 32 navigable channels, the lakes are a playground for boaters, anglers and watersports enthusiasts. In the last couple of decades, they also have been a magnet for celebrities seeking privacy at lavish waterfront homes.

Among them are Tiger Woods, Shaquille O’Neal, Grant Hill, Ken Griffey Jr., Vince Carter, Wesley Snipes, Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake and Larry the Cable Guy. In fact, you can find an online brochure for your very own self-guided boating tour of celebrities’ current and former homes.

That was our plan for today, and I imagined a shoreline putt-putt cruise to see the estates, along the lines of what one does in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Then again, we were about to board a SeaDoo Switch, and I knew from experience that with Sea-Doo, I should expect the unexpected.

An ultramodern tri-hull

Designed to appeal to beginners, Sea-Doo introduced the Switch in fall 2021 with a formal show introduction in Minneapolis in early 2022. It’s an eye-opener. Imagine a boat for eight to 10 people that has the user-friendly, playful heart of a personal watercraft.

We pulled into RD Keene Park and wound our way to the boat ramp, one of two public access points on the Butler Chain of Lakes (and the only one with parking — the other is primarily for homeowners to splash their boats). Fortunately, our Switch Cruise 21 was still on its trailer, giving me an opportunity to explore the vessel above and below the waterline.

At first glance, the Switch looks like an ultramodern pontoon boat. It features durable clear-view side panels around the decks rather than railings for greater visibility, and much of the craft is constructed of scratch- and impact-resistant Polytec.

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

43

This is both robust and easy to repair, and thanks to the vessel’s modular construction, certain components can be easily replaced.

The Switch is manufactured in sections to create vessels of different lengths; the bow and stern are always the same across the model lineup.

Looking more closely, I noticed that the boat really isn’t a pontoon boat at all. It’s more like a tri-hull. The deeper center sponson is inspired by and shares some characteristics of a GTI-model Sea-Doo PWC, and the outer sponsons provide stability.

Climbing aboard, I immediately took note of the helm, with its familiar PWC handlebars, the 7-inch Garmin GPS that comes standard with the 230-hp Rotax engine, which is the largest currently available (the Switch Cruise is also available with a 170-hp engine). I noticed the 100-watt, waterproof, Bluetooth-capable BRP audio system as well.

The boat has an impressive amount of seating and storage, a full swim platform, and an array of LinQ attachment points for accessories. If you’re not familiar with LinQ, it’s a clever plug-and-play system that allows you to swap out a variety of nifty add-ons; there are more than 40 options, including a cooler, retractable ski pylon, watertight bag, fuel caddy, quick-attach rod holder, storage bin and more.

Then there is that Rotax 1630 ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency) engine.

Designed specifically for marine use, these engines provide quicker acceleration,

44

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

higher top speed, more precise engine calibration and better fuel economy.

With every passing moment, the SeaDoo Switch Cruise was becoming less like a pontoon boat and more like a sportscar.

An inland lake playground

Clearing the dock and gliding into Lake Palmer was simple with the Switch’s Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) technology, which allows you to start in neutral, and the intuitive handlebar steering. We motored across the lake and entered a long, narrow canal to Lake Louise — where we were joined by one other boat.

At 151 acres, Louise isn’t a large body of water, but we learned that she can accommodate a wakesurfing party. As our heavily ballasted neighbor cruised its preferred line up and down the lake, rolling waves bathtubbed from shoreline to shoreline.

This created perfect conditions for an impromptu sea trial. I increased our speed and charged across the deep wakes. The Switch handled them with ease, and the tooth-jarring bangs I half-expected never came. Instead, the ride felt smooth and soft, and the boat smartly dug into every turn rather than skittering and slapping through it.

We entered another canal, cruising beneath Chase Road, which turns into Windermere’s Main Street. As we approached the bridge, we quickly collapsed the aluminum-frame

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Bimini top; while this task took just seconds for two people, a solo boater could also manage it easily.

Entering massive Lake Butler, we motored toward an island along the lake’s east shore.

There, we put the Switch in neutral and, thanks to the innovative tile system, rearranged the seating layout on the modular deck. Instead of a traditional livingroom-style arrangement, we now had a cozy forward-facing playpen.

With 1,700 acres available to us on Lake Butler, now was the time to throttle up the supercharged Rotax and see what the Switch could do.

In a matter of seconds, we were rocketing across the lake in a distinctly un-pontoonlike fashion. The jet-propulsion system provided jaw-dropping acceleration, while the responsive trim system allowed me to adjust the jet nozzle and fine-tune our ride.

The Switch held its course firmly, and on command it carved its turns without any fuss. This performance and maneuverability are due to the larger, deeper center hull and stability from the outer sponsons.

I also appreciated the cruise control, as I didn’t have to keep my hand on the throttle.

While we reached the upper 30s on our lake crossing, the Switch Cruise 21 with this particular engine is capable of hitting the 40s.

And don’t worry about that Bimini top; it can handle speeds up to a whopping 50 mph.

At the northwest shoreline, I turned us

around for the return to lakes Louise and Palmer, and then turned the handlebars over to my 14-year-old daughter, Johanna. She admitted she felt a little nervous, but on a weekday, there was virtually no boat traffic.

She had plenty of sea room to play and learn.

The learning curve was short, as it turned out. Like a PWC, the Switch is simple and easy for new boaters. By the time we reached the canal on the south shore, she was grinning from ear to ear.

An empowering stop

Instead of returning to the boat ramp in Lake Palmer, we pointed our nose to the long canal along its south shore. Entering Lake Tibet, we turned to port. Then, keeping Bay Hill to starboard, we motored into Lake Chase, underneath Osprey Isle Lane, and into a winding canal toward Lake Blanche.

This canal was different. Instead of thick vegetation and dragonflies, it carried us past shoulder-to-shoulder homes with backyards that swept downward to a hodgepodge of boathouses and docks. It was tight.

It got tighter still on the return from Lake Blanche. As we approached the Osprey Isle Lane bridge, I spotted the wakesurfing boat, just cruising now with its load of cheerful passengers. They had already entered the canal, so I needed to move to the side, stop, and wait for them to pass.

But boats don’t behave like cars, and my knuckles turned white on the handlebars.

Then I learned some boats can behave

like cars if they have Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR). This is the world’s only on-water braking system, and with just a squeeze of a lever, I brought the Switch to an almost immediate stop against the brush to starboard as the wakesurfing party passed just inches to port with merry waves.

The iBR system is a blessing. Not only will it stop the boat sooner if and when necessary, but it also simplifies the docking and handling process. More good news for new boaters.

A return to old Florida

Returning to Lake Tibet, we cruised past Bay Point Drive and through a large bay into a tiny basin that is home to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge. The 27 available holes of golf include 18 designed

by Dick Wilson in 1961, and collectively they are considered one of his masterpieces.

The property was owned by Arnold Palmer from 1974 until his death in 2016, and it remains in the family.

From there, we tucked into a watery version of a cul de sac to see Justin Timberlake’s former home (sold in 2005), and then continued south into Lake Sheen and little Pocket Lake.

Pocket Lake was my favorite, hands down. Here, between the mansions, we caught glimpses of seemingly forgotten cottages tucked into the trees. They sat quietly with their low roof lines, broad porches and old wooden docks, patiently

waiting for their families to return for a day of angling and a sizzling bluegill fish fry.

I was thrilled to see these remnants of old Florida just a stone’s throw from Disney Springs to the south. I loved the cottages more than the mega-mansions, and as I gazed toward the pristine wilds of Cypress Creek to the west, childhood memories of Wisconsin’s North Woods bubbled to the surface.

Simply unforgettable

Turning the helm over to my photographer husband, Richard, we blasted across Lake Tibet and entered the canal to Lake Palmer. For one last time, I marveled at the otherworldliness of these navigable channels — you enter a tunnel of green and blue, splotched with lily pads and whirring with life.

The Butler Chain of Lakes is a world away from today’s Orlando, offering an echo of what central Florida used to be. It’s a hidden gem, and it was just the right spot to experience the revolutionary Switch, which makes boating even more accessible and oh-so-much fun.

This is the part of the story where the writer usually says, “This isn’t your grandpa’s pontoon boat.” But that comparison doesn’t really work. The Switch is not a pontoon boat any more than the Butler Chain of Lakes is part of the theme park megalopolis down the road. They’re both simply unforgettable.

In addition, for full transparency, the Switch Cruise 21 with a 230-hp engine and trailer starts at $43,699 for model year 2024. For more information, visit SEA-DOO.COM. H

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

45

PORT OF CALL

u o r g y a l P S A E L P

View from Detroit Beach Boat Club

46

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

T F A R C E R U

d un

As Michigan’s most southeastern county — and the only one on Lake Erie — Monroe County is jam-packed with boating facilities, first-rate fishing, stunning wildlife and fascinating history. by Susan R. Pollack Detroit

Lake St. Clair

Lake Erie

MONROE COUNTY, MI Toledo

PHOTO

BY MIKE BRESLIN

Cleveland

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

47

American lotus flowers

River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation’s Clipper

Monroe Concert in the Park

ew ports of call have as interesting and eclectic a mix of attractions as Monroe County, which borders Ohio and stretches along nearly 30 miles of Lake Erie shoreline in the far southeastern corner of Michigan. The city of Monroe’s deep-water port — Michigan’s only port on Lake Erie — is 35 miles south of Detroit and 17 miles north of Toledo. It’s truly a pleasurecraft playground.

Monroe County has tons to offer, including: Primo perch and walleye fishing; frequent eagle and wildlife sightings; a late-summer abundance of threatened American lotus flowers; and the historic River Raisin National Battlefield Park showcasing the War of 1812. The area offers a laid-back, relatively affordable getaway for boaters, whether on day trips or longer adventures.

Something for everyone The Clamdigger

Bolles Harbor fishing

River Raisin Marina & Campground

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

48

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

With the cooling towers of the Fermi 2 nuclear power plant looming over Monroe’s maritime landscape, boats ply both Lake Erie and the River Raisin, with the option of docking in either.

Whether arriving by sail or powerboat, few visitors leave Monroe without tying up dockside on the river at The Clamdigger and sampling its near-legendary mashed potato pizza, washed down with a Clamato bloody mary. And it’s hard to miss tributes in local parks and museums to hometown hero General George Armstrong Custer, who, despite Civil War success, is best known for his infamous “Last Stand” at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Given its reputation for phenomenal fishing — Lake Erie’s western basin is known as “the Walleye Capital of the World” — Monroe County is chock full of charter boat services that welcome anglers from near and far, including many from international locales. Visitors typically catch their limit and leave with memories of both the hot fishing action and lovely Lake Erie sunrises.

On the city’s south side, Bolles Harbor is a state-maintained Harbor of Refuge with a busy public boat launch. It’s a focal point in the sprawling, semi-rural county whose shoreline is dotted with nearly 30 marinas and boat clubs. From mom-and-pop operations with a handful of docks to the full-service Safe Harbor Toledo Beach Marina that’s part of a national network, the old cliché, “there’s something for everyone,” rings true in Monroe County.

With 286 slips and a 400-foot-long side-tie transient dock, Toledo Beach Marina is a top destination, with amenities ranging from a heated pool and Amazon locker to horseshoes, beach volleyball and seasonal live entertainment. The SandBar and Grille is an appealing waterside spot

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F ( C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P ) : L U N A P I E R FA C E B O O K ; C I T Y O F M O N R O E PA R K S & R E C FA C E B O O K ; C L A M D I G G E R FA C E B O O K ; R I V E R R A I S I N M A R I N A & C A M P G R O U N D ; PA R K FA C E B O O K ; T O M H A W L E Y; W I K I ; B AT T L E F I E L D PA R K F O U N D AT I O N FA C E B O O K

F

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F ( C L O C K W I S E F R O M T O P ) : B E A’ S P H O T O S ; B I G D A D D Y ’ S F A C E B O O K ; M I C H I G A N D N R ; G R E Y H E R O N F A C E B O O K ; S A N D B A R F A C E B O O K

for alfresco dining. Friendly bartenders serve up creative cocktails (try the frozen orange creamsicle) with appetizers, tacos, pizza, perch and walleye.

In protected Bolles Harbor, a cluster of marinas, service centers, bait shops and restaurants include Trout’s Yacht Basin, owned by the same family for 68 years, complete with hoist, mechanics, fuel, ice and a handful of transient docks; and Big Daddy’s Boat Yard, run by Terry Gerin, known in professional wrestling circles as Rhyno, who says he accommodates transient boats when there’s room.

Next to Trout’s, Monroe Boat Club reserves at least eight guest spaces for affiliated yacht club members only (Associated Yacht Clubs and Inter-Lake Yachting Association), according to Commodore Carl Butler. Describing the club as “nothing fancy [but] very friendly,” Butler says it holds Tuesday night summer sailing races and various other events.

Chip Harrington, the owner of Harbor Marine, a large rack and launch operation with guest boat docks, touts Bolles Harbor as a convenient jumping-off point.

“This location is really neat nautically,” he says.

“You can get to a lot of cool places in a very short amount of time. It’s 30 miles to Put-In-Bay (on Ohio’s South Bass Island), a seven-mile ride to the Toledo docks and restaurants and 13 miles to the Detroit River.”

Across the street, Grey Heron Grille & Spirits, with outdoor seating overlooking the water, is known for its tasty seafood bisque and shaved prime rib French dip.

Nearby, Sterling State Park, Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie, is a favorite destination thanks to its public boat launch, beach campground and cottages, mile-long sandy beach with swimming and fishing areas, grills and fish cleaning station.

It’s adjacent to a segment of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, a protected marshland for wildlife, waterfowl and migratory birds, as well as miles of walking and biking trails, including a new connector to the nearby River Raisin National Battlefield Park and its renovated visitor center.

Chris Milliron, captain of Detroit-based Blast N Cast Guide Service, is among boaters who use Sterling State Park’s boat launch for easy access to Lake Erie fishing.

“People flock to the western basin of Lake Erie from all over the country,” he says, adding that the fishery has thrived in the wake of industry cleanup efforts, though potential algal blooms are still a late summer/fall concern. “Just last year, in early April, I had customers come from Germany to fish Lake

Sterling State Park pedestrian bridge

Sterling State Park beach

Erie. They got their limit of fish in a little over an hour,” then switched to catch and release.

Milliron is president of Vets with Nets, a Monroe area organization whose 2024 free fishing outing for military veterans is June 7 – 8. Based at the Detroit Beach Boat Club in Monroe, it’s a two-day affair with a fish fry, pig roast, prizes, DJ, band and military-jet flyover. This year’s event, the fifth annual, drew 300 vets on 150 boats, with boat captains from 17 states, he says.

With a shaded balcony deck, the Detroit Beach Boat Club is a great place to watch boat traffic heading to and from Lake Erie, and has a guest dock for affiliated yacht club members, according to Vilija Telycenas, commodore. This season, the club-sponsored poker runs along with its annual post Labor Day regatta and steak roast.

Grey Heron Grille & Spirits

River with grapes

Back in Bolles Harbor, 80-slip Anglers Cove Marina and bait shop offers fish cleaning, grills and eight transient docks, according to manager Nick Miller, a local history buff.

“There were American Indian tribes all over the shoreline around here. It’s crazy to think that a battle was fought right across the street from Wind

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

49

Downtown Monroe

docks, 100 tent and RV campsites, and ample space for transients, boasts a prime location across from Monroe’s deep-water port. Boaters enjoy watching the action in the port’s 1,500-foot Turning Basin that accommodates ocean-going and lake freighters loaded with everything from liquid asphalt to giant wind towers.

The marina offers easy access to nearby Sterling State Park, the wildlife refuge and the National Battlefield Park via the River Raisin Heritage Trail system, which also connects to downtown Monroe’s eateries, boutiques and bars. Photographers are drawn to the wildlife and lotus ponds, especially during the late-summer bloom season, according to the marina’s co-owner, Veronica Meyers.

Luna Pier

Rose (Rack & Launch), our other marina on the river,” he says, citing the Battles of Frenchtown, also known as the Battle of River Raisin, which is detailed at the admission-free River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center nearby.

The bloody battles, a sequence of military actions during the War of 1812, concluded with the so-called River Raisin massacre when British-allied Native Americans returned on the third day, in January 1813, and killed dozens of wounded American soldier-prisoners. It was the biggest massacre of the War of 1812 and spawned one of America’s great rallying cries, “Remember the Raisin!”

Interestingly, it was early French explorers who named the waterway: They called it La Rivière aux Raisins (“The River with Grapes”) because of the wild grapes growing along its banks.

Located on the river next to The Clamdigger, Wind Rose Marina reserves a handful of slips for transients in its newly expanded dock space; there’s also a full-time mechanic, fuel and a pump-out station.

Just down the river, the rustic River Raisin Marina & Campground, with 80 deep-water 50

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Indeed, there’s no shortage of activities for boaters in Monroe County. Highlighted by the state park’s July 4 fireworks extravaganza, the region’s nautical calendar is packed all summer long with marina and boat club events including regattas, fishing tournaments, poker runs, burger nights, taco Tuesdays, live entertainment, luaus and pig roasts.

And if pot is something that floats your boat, Monroe is home to more than a dozen recreational marijuana dispensaries — all legal. Many are concentrated along the aptly named main road, Laplaisance (loosely translated to “pleasure boating”), which leads to Bolles Harbor.

For sailing buffs, North Cape Yacht Club, near Toledo Beach Marina in La Salle, offers a full agenda of sail regattas and race events, such as “Full Moon” and “Round the Buoys,” plus sailing lessons for adults, teens and kids. North Cape can accommodate three affiliated guest sailboats up to 50 feet, according to manager David Disbennett.

To the north, Swan Boat Club in Newport hosts a Feather Party on the third Saturday in October, auctioning baskets of donated food — originally chickens, turkeys and ducks (hence the name), but now also including steaks, roasts and ribs, according to Chris and Diane Wright, the husband/wife commodores. The club has space for 10 transients — up to 40-foot powerboats — from affiliated yacht clubs, they say.

Also in Newport, Brest Bay Marina’s new owners are upgrading everything, including the rack and launch building, according to office manager Erin Jacobs, citing ample dock space for transients.

“We have a big private beach that’s a huge hit with everyone, with chairs, firepits and picnic tables,” she says, adding that the fish cleaning station is also popular.

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F ( F R O M T O P ) : M I C H I G A N M U N I C I PA L L E A G U E ; C I T Y O F L U N A P I E R

Jam-packed calendar

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B R E S T B AY W E B S I T E

Near the far southern end of Monroe County, just over the Ohio line, Lost Peninsula Marina, with 721 boat slips and 30 campsites, offers temporary dock space only for transient boaters visiting its new restaurant, COTL. Owner Jill Tabbert notes that the marina’s Michigan location was established in the Toledo War, an 1835 boundary dispute.

“They just took pen and paper and went ‘swish’ and this little point went into Michigan instead of staying in Ohio,” she says, explaining the marina’s name.

Six miles north of the Ohio border, the city of

Luna Pier boasts a popular beach, fishing pier and several restaurants, including Chateau Louise with a one-pound Chateau burger, perch and live music. But shallow waters make Luna Pier a difficult destination for boats, according to Mayor James Gardner.

However, the Luna Pier Harbor Club, a 10-minute walk from the beach, is accessible and keeps 30 of 400 slips for transient powerboats, says marina owner Mike Briskey.

“I tell people if they just come up to my gas dock, I’ll find them a spot,” he says. “If they come to Monroe County, we’re gonna take care of ‘em.” ★

RESOURCES

Brest Bay Marina

MARINAS AND BOAT CLUBS • Anglers Cove Marina (New Baltimore), 734-241-4757 • Big Daddy’s Boat Yard (Monroe), 734-772-5376 • Bolles Harbor Boat Launch (Monroe), MICHIGANDNR.COM • Brest Bay Marina (Newport), 734-289-1234, BRESTBAYMARINA.COM • Detroit Beach Boat Club (Monroe), 734-289-3222, DETROITBEACHBOATCLUB.COM • Harbor Marine (Monroe), 734-241-2833 • Luna Pier Harbor Club (Luna Pier), 734-848-8777 • Monroe Boat Club (Monroe), 734-243-8935, MONROEBOATCLUB.ORG

• North Cape Yacht Club (La Salle), 734-242-5081, NCYC.NET • River Raisin Marina & Campground (Monroe), 313-575-4367,

A dream combination: The City of Monroe’s only Campground & Marina!

RIVER RAISIN MARINA & CAMPGROUND

RIVERR AISINMARINA ANDCAMPGROUND.COM

• Safe Harbor Toledo Beach Marina (La Salle), 734-243-3800, SHMARINAS.COM/LOCATIONS/SAFE-HARBOR-TOLEDO-BEACH

• Swan Boat Club (Newport), 734-586-2002, SWANBOATCLUB.COM

• Trout’s Yacht Basin (Monroe), 734-242-5545, TROUTSYACHTBASIN.COM

• Wind Rose Rack & Launch Marina (Monroe), 734-242-0737, WINDROSER ACK.COM

RESTAURANTS • Chateau Louise (Luna Pier), 734-848-4758, CHATEAULOUISELUNAPIER.COM

• The Clamdigger (Monroe), 734-243-2800, FACEBOOK.COM/CLAMDIGGERMONROE

• COTL/Lost Peninsula Marina (Erie), 734-723-7466,

• Perfect location at the end of the NO WAKE ZONE. Less than a mile from Lake Erie and 29 miles to Put In Bay.

• Full hookup campground, seasonal and short-term for both campers and tents, City Sewer, City Water, 30 & 50 AMP Hookups

• Deep Water, Direct Access ‘Floating’ Docks with Electric & Water Hookups for Boats up to 45’ on Port of Monroe Turning Basin, No Height or Depth restrictions.

• RV/Tent Full Hookup Waterfront Sites

• State-of-the-art boat pump-out.

• Bring your bicycles, bike the River Raisin Heritage Trail System, which connects to Downtown Historic Monroe, Sterling State Park and the National Battlefield Park.

• Plenty of Parking for Cars and Boat Trailers

LPMARINA.COM

• Modern bath house with handicap access • Park-like setting, plenty of shade

• Grey Heron Grille & Spirits (Monroe), 734-682-5183, GREYHERONGRILLEANDSPIRITS.COM

ATTRACTIONS • Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, 800-344-9453 • River Raisin National Battlefield Park (Monroe),

t

NPS.GOV/RIR A

• Sterling State Park (Monroe), 734-289-2715 • Vets With Nets (Chris Milliron/Detroit Beach Boat Club, Monroe), 734-289-3222

2502 E. Elm Ave, Monroe, MI 48162 • Call or text: 313-575-4367

RIVERRAISINMARINAANDCAMPGROUND.COM

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

51

LAKESHORE LIFE

BY ABBY THORPE

ADDRESS 18201 N. Fruitport Rd., Spring Lake, MI 49456 SPECS Bedrooms: 6 Baths: 3 full, 1 half Square Footage: 4,624 Acreage: 2.32 Shoreline: 95 feet Price: $3,250,000 CONTACT Sandi Gentry RE/MAX Lakeshore 616-935-1150 SANDIGENTRY.COM

52

Spring Lake, MI Waterfront living at its best.

W

elcome to 18201 N. Fruitport Road, a stunning 4,624-square-foot home situated on Spring Lake that offers idyllic lakeside living with space for friends and family. Located on nearly 2.5 acres, the charming home features expansive deck space overlooking the lake, with 95 feet of water frontage, a sandy beach and a boat dock delivering plenty of waterside fun, stunning views and private lake access.

“Step outside onto the lakeside patio with fireplace or take advantage of the boat dock and sandy beach area for endless days of fun,” says the listing from Sandy Gentry of RE/MAX Lakeshore.

Inside, soaring cathedral ceilings in the openconcept main level and plenty of windows carry the views inside, while a spacious gourmet kitchen boasts a large center island, a walk-in pantry and professional-grade stainless steel appliances. Nearby are the half bath, mudroom and laundry room. Cozy

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

up by the gas-log fireplace during the cooler months and enjoy the privacy, peace and stunning vistas.

The second-floor primary suite features its own private deck with a spacious ensuite bathroom and closet, while two additional beds and a bath upstairs, a main-floor bedroom/flex room and two more bedrooms on the walkout floor provide plenty of room for guests. A large family room and wetbar on the lower level offer space to play games, watch your favorite show or relax after a fun day on the water.

Five garage stalls complete the spacious home, with a beautifully landscaped yard and back lawn situated along a private stretch of Fruitport Road.

When it comes to enjoying Spring Lake in comfort and privacy, with the water out your back door, this home delivers the perfect setting. Plus the towns of Spring Lake and Grand Haven are just 10 minutes away, and there’s easy Lake Michigan access for those long-range boating trips. Welcome home! H

BOAT BIZ

BY ABBY THORPE

MORE INFORMATION Reed Yacht Sales Racine, Wisconsin 811 Ontario St., Racine, WI 53402 414-651-3100 REEDYACHTSALES.COM

54

Reed Yacht Sales - Racine, WI New location, same great service.

“W

e are excited to bring our sales, service and industry experience to our existing and new customers at our location in Racine, Wisconsin,” says Mark Derenne, sales manager for Reed Yacht Sales’ Racine location.

Started in July 2009 by Paul and Brent Reed, Reed Yacht Sales now has offices in Grand Haven, Michigan; Lasalle, Michigan; and Racine, Wisconsin.

The new Racine location offers an on-water sales office and showroom on the Root River, as well as an off-site storage building that provides additional space.

The well-respected boat dealership, owned by Brent and Lesley Reed, offers new boat sales as well as professional pre-owned yacht brokerage services.

“We handle some very unique boat brands in both the fishing and cruising boat segments,” Derenne adds.

The company offers the same brands at all three locations: Ranger Tugs, Zodiac Boats, Mag Bay Yachts, Weldcraft Marine and NorthCoast Boats,

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

and is the only dealer offering these brands in the region. Along with being the largest Zodiac dealer, it was awarded a Top 5 Ranger Tugs dealer for three years in a row (2021, 2022 and 2023), as well as No. 1 dealer for Weldcraft Boats in 2021 and 2022.

Its newest location in Racine is located within a marina, allowing boaters to take advantage of storage, service facilities, dockage with electric and water, along with indoor heated and cold storage options. While its new facilities allow for additional growth, the company’s mission remains the same: Friendly, professional sales assistance with exceptional after-the-sale service.

During the fall, winter and spring months, boaters can further explore Reed Yacht Sales’ offerings and meet the team at the Metro Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids and Detroit Boat Shows — the perfect opportunity to seek out your next ride come summer. ★

MAR I N E MAR K E T PL AC E

ONEKAMA MARINE, INC.

LAKE MICHIGAN YACHT SALES

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

Riviera 4600 Sport Yacht

Check out our pre-owned, Riviera and Belize yachts TODAY! PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

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

Celebrating

6o

ON ORDER!

Years!

Four Winns H2 OB

Four Winns HD3

IN STOCK!

56

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

IN STOCK!

WHY WAIT FOR SPRING YAMAHA OUTBOARDS SALES EVENT GOING ON UNTIL 12/15!

WELDCRAFT 210 REVOLUTION PARTIAL HARDTOP

RANGER TUGS R-27

NORTHCOAST 315 CABIN

WELDCRAFT 18 ANGLER SPORT

ON SALE! $94,999

ZODIAC MEDLINE 7.5

ON SALE $127,999

NORTHCOAST 235 CABIN MAG BAY 43 CENTER CONSOLE

WELDCRAFT 240 OCEAN KING

BROKERAGE BOATS 16’ 2022 21’ 2018 23’ 2012 26’ 2022 28’ 2014 28’ 2018 30’ 1992 30’ 2006 31’ 1998

Zodiac Yachtline 490 DL ....................................................$39,900 Zodiac Medline 660...........................................................$69,900 Striper 2301 Walkaround I/O..............................................$55,000 Weldcraft 240 Ocean King ...............................................$169,000 Cutwater 28....................................................................$144,900 Zodiac Medline 850.........................................................$139,900 Catalina 30 Tall Rig............................................................$30,500 Hunter 326 .......................................................................$44,900 Sea Ray 310 Sundancer ....................................................$39,000

32’ 1987 32’ 2012 32’ 1992 33’ 1985 34’ 1989 35’ 2004 36’ 2004 44’ 1995

Carver 3207 Aft Cabin .......................................................$17,900 Beneteau First 30..............................................................$84,900 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer ....................................................$32,400 Nauticat 33 .......................................................................$64,900 Sea Ray Express................................................................$18,900 Tiara Yachts 3500 Open...................................................$215,000 Corsair 36.......................................................................$155,000 Carver 440 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht.....................................$159,000

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

v

Explore Our NEW BOAT Collections Available Now!

BACK COVE 34O

EDGEWATER 248CX CREVALLE 33 CSF

FORMULA 350 CBR

RIVIERA 4600 SPORT YACHT PLATINUM

WWW.BAYMARINE.NET

EDITION

SABRE 48

SALES@BAYMARINE.NET

* Not all brands sold at all locations

New & Used Inventory 62 2005 Neptunus 62 Flybridge .................... $889,999 56 2002 Viking 55 Convertible....................... $679,999 54 2021 Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht ............ $1,895,000 54 2018 Belize 54 Sedan .............................. $1,390,000 52 2006 Sea Ray 52 Sedan Bridge ............... $549,999 51 2008 Navigator 5100 ................................... $599,000 48 2024 Sabre 48 Salon Express ...............................Call 48 2018 Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht ............. $1,175,000 48 2018 Sabre 48 Salon Express .............. $1,395,000 48 2017 Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht ................ $975,000 47 2013 Sea Ray 470 Sundancer.................. $438,999 46 2024 Riviera 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Ed. ......Call 46 2024 Riviera 465 SUV ...............................................Call 45 2024 Sabre 45 Salon Express ...............................Call 45 2020 Grady-White Canyon 456 ............... $929,888 45 2000 Wellcraft 45 Excalibur....................... $124,900 45 1973 Hatteras 45 Convertible.....................$69,900 44 2021 Riviera 445 SUV .................................. $895,000 44 2016 Cranchi M 44 HT................................. $525,000 44 1999 Baja 442 ...................................................$115,000 43 2024 Sabre 43 Salon Express ...............................Call 41 2021 Intrepid 410 Evolution ........................$891,111 40 2002 Formula 40 PC..................................... $129,999 40 2001 Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge ............ $194,900 40 1991 Hatteras 40 Motor Yacht ................. $149,000 39 2021 Yellowfin 39........................................... $685,000 39 2010 Sea Ray 390 Sundancer.................. $249,999 39 2004 Sea Ray 390 Motor Yacht ............... $239,900 38 2024 Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover .....Call 38 2007 Regal 376 0 Sportyacht................... $139,000 37 2013 Boston Whaler 370 Outrage.......... $299,000 37 2010 Regal 3760 Sportyacht.................... $189,999 37 1993 Sea Ray 1993 Sundancer 370.........$48,000 36 2024 Yellowfin 36 Center Console ......................Call 36 2020 Cobalt A36 ............................................ $419,000 35 2024 Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider ............Call 35 2019 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer.................. $390,000 35 1999 Cruisers Yachts 3575 Express ........$75,000 35 1997 Cruisers Yachts 3575 Esprit.............$59,900 35 1987 S2 35 Center Cockpit..........................$39,900 34 2024 Yellowfin 34........................................................Call 34 2023 Back Cove 34O ................................................Call 34 2023 Edgewater 340CC ..........................................Call 34 2005 Formula 34 Cruiser.............................$119,000 34 2004 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer.................. $134,900 34 1998 Rinker 33 Fiesta Vee ............................$57,500 33 2024 Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider ............Call 33 2023 Crevalle 33 CSF ...............................................Call 33 2019 Regal 33 Express................................ $285,000

33 2007 Four Winns 338 Vista ........................$110,000 33 2007 Monterey 330 Sport Yacht ................$79,999 33 1987 Cruisers Yachts 3370 Esprit.............$20,000 32 2023 Edgewater 325CC ..........................................Call 32 2003 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer.....................$74,999 31 2024 Formula 310 Bowrider...................................Call 31 2023 Sailfish 316 DC.................................... $299,000 31 2013 Pursuit ST 310 Sport ........................ $187,000 31 2004 Chaparral 310 Signature....................$89,900 31 2004 Rampage 30 Offshore...................... $105,000 31 2003 Rampage 30 Express ..........................$67,900 30 2020 Scout 300 LXF..................................... $264,995 29 2024 Formula 290 Bowrider...................................Call 29 1999 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer.....................$36,900 28 2023 Edgewater 280 CX..........................................Call 28 2023 Edgewater 285CC ..........................................Call 28 2010 Chris-Craft 28 Corsair...................... $104,900 28 2005 Pursuit 2870......................................... $109,000 27 2024 Formula 270 Bowrider...................................Call 27 2023 Sailfish 272 CC.................................... $205,000 27 2023 Sailfish 276 DC.................................... $224,900 27 2001 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer.....................$27,900 27 2000 Rinker 270 Fiesta Vee..........................$24,999 27 1996 Monterey 276 Cruiser .........................$19,900 27 1989 Sea Ray 270 Amberjack..................... $14,900 26 2023 Crevalle 26 HBW..............................................Call 26 2023 Crevalle 26 HCO ..............................................Call 26 2023 Edgewater 262CX...........................................Call 26 2017 Edgewater 262CC ............................. $179,900 26 2012 Four Winns H260...................................$59,900 26 2006 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer.....................$55,900 26 2003 Four Winns 268 Vista ..........................$24,900 26 2003 Sea Ray 260.............................................$47,800 26 2000 Sea Ray 260 Signature .......................$24,000 25 2023 Tidewater 256 CC Adventure ....... $145,000 25 2020 Ranger 2510 Bay Ranger.................$118,900 25 2019 Cobalt R5............................................... $124,999 25 2018 Avalon Catalina 2585 EL ....................$43,900 25 2018 Harris FloteBote 250 Grand Mariner...$69,900 25 2017 Tidewater 2500 Custom ....................$79,000 25 2015 Bennington 25........................................$64,900 25 2013 Harris FloteBote Grand Mariner 250...$49,900 25 1999 Four Winns 258 Vista .......................... $17,900 25 1999 Four Winns 258 Vista ..........................$19,900 24 2006 MasterCraft X-45...................................$59,900 24 2024 Formula 240 Bowrider...................................Call 24 2023 Crevalle 24 HCO ..............................................Call 24 2023 Edgewater 245CC ..........................................Call

24 2023 Edgewater 248 CX..........................................Call 24 2023 Sailfish 241 CC.................................... $139,900 24 2023 Sailfish 245 DC.................................... $154,900 24 2022 Crevalle 24 HCO ..............................................Call 24 2022 Edgewater 245CC ..........................................Call 24 2015 Formula 240 Bowrider.........................$79,900 24 2008 Sea Ray 240 Sundancer.....................$39,900 24 2000 Maxum 2400 SCR ....................................$9,900 23 2024 Nautique Super Air G23...............................Call 23 2023 Edgewater 230CC ..........................................Call 23 2020 Premier 230 Solaris RL .......................$74,900 23 2016 Everglades 230 DC...............................$89,000 23 2016 Nautique Super Air Nautique G23 ...$115,000 23 2011 Cheetah Marine Shadow 23 ..............$29,999 23 2007 Azure AZ238 ...........................................$39,000 23 2005 Boston Whaler 235 Conquest .........$49,900 23 2003 Ebbtide 2300 Mystique ......................$25,500 22 2023 Angler Qwest 8522 All Sport............$69,995 22 2023 Angler Qwest 8522 Family Fish.......$62,950 22 2023 Qwest 822 Lanai LTZ ...........................$65,500 22 2021 Axis T22 ....................................................$88,500 22 2020 Four Winns HD220 ...............................$69,000 22 2012 Bennington 22 SSL ..............................$22,500 22 1994 Grady-White Seafarer 22 ...................$21,900 21 2018 Nautique Super Air Nautique G21..$115,000 21 2002 Rinker 212 Captiva Bowrider............$13,900 21 1996 Wellcraft Excel 21 SL..............................$6,900 21 1966 Century Coronado 21’ ........................$19,900 20 2023 Edgewater 208CC ..........................................Call 20 2023 Qwest 820 XRE Cruise........................$57,999 20 2014 Sea Hunt 202 TRITON .........................$34,995 20 2004 Bennington 205 L.....................................$9,000 20 1991 Bayliner 2002..........................................$14,000 19 2020 Boston Whaler 190 Montauk ...........$58,000 19 1987 Century 19 Arabian ..............................$14,900 18 2023 Edgewater 188CC ..........................................Call 17 2023 Edgewater 170CC ..........................................Call 17 2001 Misty Harbor Stealth 170C ..................$8,900 14 2022 AB Inflatables Nautilus 14 DLX........$39,171 13 2016 Mercury Inflatables 400 .....................$14,999 12 2022 AB Inflatables Mares 12 VSX............$15,999 12 2015 Yamaha WaveRunner 6CR....................$8,900 12 2019 Walker Bay Generation 360 DLX ....$22,900 12 2023 Highfield SP330.....................................$20,990 11 2022 Achilles HB-335 AX.................................$6,495 11 2023 AB Inflatables ABJET 330 ...........................Call 10 2022 Achilles HB-310 AX.................................$5,495 10 2007 Caribe C-10X .............................................$4,900 10 2023 AB Inflatables ABJET 290 ...........................Call

For a complete list of available boats, visit www.baymarine.net DOOR COUNTY STURGEON BAY, WI 920-743-6526

CHICAGO WAUKEGAN, IL 847-336-2628

SW FLORIDA FORT MYERS, FL 239-295-4332

SW MICHIGAN SPRING LAKE, MI 616-604-0234

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

NEW BOATS IN-STOCK OR ARRIVING SOON! BLUE: C100 M70

BENETE AU

2023 BENETEAU ANTARES 8

2024 BENETEAU GT 36

2024 BENETEAU SWIFT TRAWLER 48

CHRIS - CR AF T

2023 CHRIS-CRAFT 24 CALYPSO

2023 CHRIS-CRAFT 25 LAUNCH GT

2024 CHRIS-CRAFT 31 LAUNCH GT

NIMBUS

2023 NIMBUS W9

2024 NIMBUS T11

2024 NIMBUS C9

MJM

2024 MJM 3

2024 MJM 35

2024 MJM 4

PUR SUI T

2023 PURSUIT DC 246

2024 PURSUIT DC 266

2023 PURSUIT S 288 SPORT

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

MAR I N E MAR K ET PL AC E

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

65

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

MAR I N E MAR K E T PL AC E

FOR SALE: 2006 52’ SEA RAY SUNDANCER Beautiful! Impeccably maintained, full loaded and Captain-operated.

One of Sea Ray’s most popular models!

FEATURES: MAN 700HP diesel engine upgrade which provides a 30K cruise, Bow thruster, Hurley underwater lights, Cockpit AC, HD Tracvision DSS, Teak cockpit, Hydraulic marine lift, Washer/dryer, New canvas. Approx. 1000 hours, 13.5 kW Onan, and flat screens everywhere!

MARKETING DIRECTOR, ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI (location preferred but negotiable)

Summary: The Marketing Director will lead our marketing efforts, manage our online presence, and ensure consistent brand messaging across all channels. Play an instrumental role in the creation, management, and analysis of our marketing strategies.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY! 906-280-8633 or 906-553-6249 • todd@hurleymarine.com

ADDED SAFETY AT THE DOCK & ON THE WATER

GREAT GIFTS!

BOARDING POLE

Extra assistance boarding the boat. $100

BURGEE HOLDER Wave that flag. $80

NAUTICAL CROSS

Quickly tie-off fenders and tenders. $100

WWW.NAUTICALCROSS.COM

TR IDENT

FUNDING

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or related field with proven marketing experience, preferably in the yachting or luxury sectors. Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Strong proficiency in digital marketing, analytics, and social media platforms along with Adobe, Microsoft, and Google products is preferred, and knowledge of ClickDimensions and WordPress is a plus.

For full job description, go to jbys.com/careers About Us: Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales is a Great Lakes-based dealership with eight locations specializing in larger vessels, selling new and used and offering facilities in brokerage, service, finance, and insurance. We are an award-winning leader in the boating community, with over 900 years of combined industry experience across the team, serving customers with excellence and representing the finest quality brands.

SEND RESUME AND PORTFOLIO TO BDUEWEKE@JBYS.COM CALL 866-490-5297 WITH QUESTIONS.

ADVERTISE WITH

BOAT LOANS Specialis t s in Marine Financ e

SERVING BOAT BUYERS NATIONWIDE PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

• Purchase • Refinance

• Pre-Approval • Low Rates KRISTY DEBOER

kdeboer@tridentfunding.com

630-400-0615 WWW.TRIDENTFUNDING.COM 66

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

NATIONAL SALES Mark Conway: 847-867-3269, mconway@lakelandboating.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Joe D’Onofrio: 201-906-2586, jdonofrio@lakelandboating.com

C L AS S I F I E D S

Advertise your boat, slip or property with us!

Contact us by NOVEMBER 15 to get into our JANUARY 2024 issue and beyond!

WINTER STORAGE NEEDED! Looking for in-water winter storage for a 75' Hatteras Panacera with a 21' beam and height of 31'5". Flexible on locations close to Detroit, Michigan, but would be open to Michigan, Ohio and Canada. Call 313-724-1551. MAR24 2022 WELDCRAFT 240 OCEAN KING Freshwater and low hours! Full hardtop, single engine outback bracket w/bottom sheet and swim platform.

Extruded toe rail, self-bailing recessed diamond tread deck and 29" safety rails. Options include 120-gallon fuel tank, aerated livewell, anchor pulpit and more. Plus $40,000 worth of customs including Garmin touch displays, transducer, hydraulic autopilot, dome radar and more. Custom-welded aluminum trailer included.

Asking $169,000. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS

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

Contact Info: tom@centerpointesales.com or 414-232-2955. CNT

2018 ZODIAC MEDLINE 850 One owner, 100% freshwater, great condition. Twin Yamaha F250XCAs with digital controls, 270 engine hours. Customizations include: Aluminum T-top with LEDs, 150-gallon fuel tank, windlass, power assist steering, step down head, faux teak decking, custom ski mast, triple batteries and bottom paint. She also has Garmin electronics with chartplotter, sounder, radar, autopilot and VHF radio and antenna. Asking $139,900. Call Brent @ 616-842-8899. RYS

2002 SILVERTON 43 MOTORYACHT One owner and freshwater, this Silverton will not disappoint! Low hours on twin 8.3L Cummins with a bow thruster. All service records are on file. Dinghy lift added with a dinghy available for an additional cost. Asking $274,999. Contact PJ Tamer 424-4249627 or pj@centerpointesales.com. CNT

1967 CHRIS-CRAFT ROAMER 37-foot LOA, aluminum hull. 454 Crusaders repowered two years ago. Located in Cheboygan, MI. Asking $30,000. Call 810-955-4065. NOV23

2019 BENETEAU GRAN TURISMO 49 One of Beneteau’s best layouts, this Gran Turismo is clean and ready for a new owner. Low hours (330) and always freshwater. Well equipped with all the latest gadgets, TracVision, FLIR camera, upgraded dinghy davits, and more. Asking $599,995. Contact PJ Tamer 424424-9627 or pj@centerpointesales.com. CNT

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, 2023 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: Linda 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. 2022 – Sept. 2023 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 3,912; 3,925 B1. Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions 2,225; 2,128 B2. Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions 0;0 B3. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales 71; 63 B4. Other classes mailed through the USPS 0; 0 C. Total Paid Distribution 2,296; 2,191 D1. Free Distribution by Mail 880; 869 D4. Free Distribution Outside the Mail 175; 173 E. Total Free Distribution 1,055; 1,042 F. Total Distribution 3,351; 3,233 G. Copies Not Distributed 560; 692 H. Total 3,912; 3,925 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 68.51%; 67.77% 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 2023 issue of this publication.

18. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete. Linda O’Meara, Owner

2000 42 SILVERTON CONVERTIBLE Excellent condition, all freshwater, with many updates and maintenance items with records (call for list). Cummins 8.3-M3 430hp (658 hrs) and new electronics. Kohler generator (323 hrs), oil changer, block heaters, dripless shafts. Asking $169,995. Contact Mike 612-419-3772 or mike@ centerpointesales.com. CNT

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

2014 CUTWATER 28 LOW HOURS! Midnight blue hull with full canvas enclosure. Bottom paint, air conditioning with reverse cycle heat, anchor package.

Navigation includes Garmin 7212, 4kw Radar dome, GPS antenna, transducer, Garmin Autopilot with remote. Galley included combo Cuisinart microwave/ convection oven, 2-burner propane cooktop. Solar panel, remote thruster and more! Asking $149,900 Call Chuck @ 734-497-3721. RYS

TO ADVERTISE IN CLASSIFIEDS Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/ CLASSIFIEDS for details and to submit

your materials. Payments cannot be accepted online. We will contact you for payment once your ad proof is approved. Questions? Email Christy at CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM.

RE DU CE D! 2023 RIVIERA 6000 PLATINUM EDITION Gyro, jet tender, Starlink. Details on boattrader. com. Moving to larger vessel. Find video tour and details on YouTube: BIT.LY/GRONORIV6000.

Asking $2,499,000. Call Steve at 810-599-5147. MAR24

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

|

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

67

CLASSIC CRAFT

Candy Bag

ADD YOUR BOAT! Email KBUSH@

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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

68

The story of Candy Bag goes back to 1970 when I was 14 years old. My mom drove me to neighboring Vermilion, Ohio, to load the then-white-and-redstriped skiff into her station wagon. I paid $75 for her.

My dad took me to the local Johnson dealer to buy a used 1965 6-hp Sea Horse engine, and I was off and running. That set me back another $150 of my hardearned money but, alas, I had my first boat.

Candy Bag took me all over Sandusky Bay as a kid with my cousin and friends. This fast little skiff also traveled with us north into Lake St. Clair on family boating trips. When I graduated into my 13-foot Sandusky boat with a Merc 40-hp motor, little Candy Bag was left behind. She sat in the boathouse for many years and was eventually stolen and lost for a period of time. I received a call months later that Candy Bag was found sunk in a neighboring slip. We recovered her, and the story continued. The 9-foot StarCraft skiff is a flat-bottom aluminum boat and was holed by the thieves. My restoration spirit was already alive and well with the Sandusky boat and a 1939 Interlake project, so the restoration began.

I patched the hole and used Candy Bag for a few more years, eventually storing her in a more secure spot. Fast forward 10 years and I made the decision to get her out and finish her. Candy Bag received a fresh coat of maroon urethane on the hull to match my racing sailboat InfraRed, as well as a fresh coat of Imron inside. I added a rope gunwale, new transom wood inside and out, and a fresh custom name and Ohio numbers. Truly unique for her size. I secured a dinghy rack at the local sailing club and used Candy

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

|

LAKELANDBOATING.COM

Bag for a couple more years before she went into storage again at the family business for another period of inactivity.

The latest chapter in the 53-year history of ownership for me and this little gem was when I was at a local restoration shop and another “old boat” enthusiast was building a Chris-Craft kit boat. This inspired me. I decided to get old Candy Bag out of the rack where she sat for over 20 years. The boat was so dirty from sitting so long that she was unrecognizable as maroon, but was rather a dull brown. After some serious cleaning and buffing, she was starting to look like something. I bought a kit trailer for trailering to shows. New oars, fuel lines, a custom StarCraft nameplate and the same old 6-hp Johnson I retained in my basement for all those years and Candy Bag was back, good as new.

I have taken Candy Bag to numerous shows at Lakeside and Huron Boat Basin where she was discovered.

— Bryan Huntley, Sandusky, OH

P H O T OS C O U R T E S Y O F B RYA N H U N T L E Y

1964 StarCraft 9' skiff

ADVERTISE IN

CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION