Scuttle

BUZZ Escanaba Gets New Life Jacket Loaner Station Hurley Marine, a dinghy davit and marine parts manufacturer, has partnered with Sea Tow Foundation to bring a new Life Jacket Loaner Station to Escanaba, Michigan.

Local boaters may borrow the life jackets free of charge, which are located near the Escanaba Marina’s Harbormaster station. Life jacket sizes range from infant to adult XL. Boaters are asked to return the life jackets when they are finished using them for the day.

For more information, visit BOATINGSAFETY.COM.

SCUTTLE

GREAT LAKES NEWS BOATS MUST-HAVE BUZZ EVENTS BUSINESS

PEOPLE & PLACES

In July, the EPA awarded the city of Toledo with a $414,000 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Trash Free Waters grant, which will be used to install trash collection devices along the shorelines of rivers that drain into Lake Erie.

EPA.GOV/TRASHFREE-WATERS

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LAKELANDBOATING.COM

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BUZZ

“Saharan Dust” Descends Upon Lake Michigan

Nature’s latest event known as the “Saharan Dust” is a plume of massive cloud dust traveling from the Sahara Desert via tradewinds with its 5,000-mile journey to the United States. This phenomenon is known as the Saharan Air Layer, as dusty air forms over the Sahara Desert three to fi ve days from late spring to early fall. It extends 5,000 to 20,00 feet into the atmosphere.

Dust remnants descended over the Chicago and northern Indiana region during the weekend of June 27-28, 2020, producing hazy skies and colorenriched sunsets. This Lake Michigan sunset photo was captured on June 28 at Washington Park beach in Michigan City, Indiana. —Paul Kemiel

BUZZ

Volvo Penta Powers the New Invictus TT460

The Italian boatbuilder Invictus Yacht has launched its new TT460, which is powered by Volvo Penta’s latest D6 IPS package. At 46 feet, the TT460 has the power of a much larger vessel thanks to the twin D6 IPS 650 engines, which deliver great maneuverability through the joystick-controlled, steerable pods.

“The Volvo Penta IPS package flawlessly complements our new yacht,” says Christian Grande, designer at Invictus Yacht. “The new package is powerful and has excellent handling whilst still being compact, fuel-efficient and quiet. Additionally, the engine controls are designed to be high-tech and modern, which perfectly fits in our cockpit.”

For more information, visit INVICTUSYACHT.COM/TT460 and VOLVOPENTA.COM.

BOATS Highfield Boats Partners With Pure Watercraft Highfield Boats, manufacturer of aluminum-hull rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), has collaborated with electric marine propulsion system manufacturer Pure Watercraft to bring to market a new environmentally friendly series of all-electric-powered RIBs.

The first models in the new RIB line are the Pure Watercraft by Highfield Classic 360 and the Pure Watercraft by Highfield Classic Deluxe 380. Built with Highfield’s aluminum hulls and high-quality tubes, these RIBs are offered as complete boat systems incorporating the Pure Outboard electric propulsion package. The outboards produce the equivalent of 50 hp. Both RIBs boast a top speed of 25 mph with a range of 14 miles, and a range of 17 miles at a cruising speed of 16 mph. For more information, visit

PUREWATERCRAFT.COM.

Participate in the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach cleanups — while following federal, state and local COVID-19 guidelines! The organization’s new website makes it easier than ever to schedule and join a cleanup. ADOPT GREATLAKES.ORG

BOATS

Manitou Releases Two New 2021 Pontoon Models

Manitou has announced the addition of two new pontoon models to its fleet: The Manitou LX, which will replace the Legacy and X-Plode models, and the Aurora LE.

The LX offers a Barracuda nose design, lots of storage, power-assist steering, LED lighting throughout, and is available in 23- to 27-foot options. This model combines luxury and sports performance to serve those in search of extreme on-water fun.

The Aurora LE is 18 to 25 feet (your choice) and is the most accessible model Manitou offers. Virtually everything has been remodeled; it features a new 7-inch Garmin display, new furniture with foam padding, a new stereo system and more. With Manitou’s V-Toon technology upgrade, get up to 200-hp.

“We’ve modified our lineup to reflect what our customers are looking for,” says James Heintz, director of product management for BRP Marine Group. “The new Aurora LE now offers even more fun for the whole family, still at an affordable price. It’s the perfect pontoon to get you on the water. With the new LX, our customers get the best combination of performance and comfort, with no compromise.” To learn more about the two new Manitou models, visit MANITOU

PONTOONBOATS.COM.

BUZZ

Boatsetter Reports 270% Traffic Surge

As Americans look to find new ways to socially distance, the peer-topeer boat rental platform Boatsetter has announced a 270% increase in traffic. The company also reported its highest booking numbers in June 2020, with rentals increasing 74% from the same time last year, as well as a 40% increase in rental listings on the platform.

With more than 19,000 rental listings in more than 600 cities worldwide, Boatsetter allows new boaters to get on the water by connecting them with boat owners and licensed captains.

“For years, we have seen the demand for boat sharing services continue to increase, thanks to companies like Boatsetter making boat rentals more accessible and affordable than ever before,” says Jaclyn Baumgarten, Boatsetter CEO. “Now, after months of pent-up demand, we expect boating to continue to gain traction as a preferred recreational activity as consumers opt for a safe, unique and costeffective way to experience the outdoors with their families this summer.”

For more information or to book a rental, visit

BOATSETTER.COM.

BUSINESS Groupe Beneteau Will Drop Scarab and Glastron Brands In July, Groupe Beneteau announced its new five-year strategic plan, which features divesting four of its boat brands, including the Cadillac, Michigan-built Scarab and Glastron brands. The Groupe will move forward with its eight brands: Beneteau, Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon, Four Winns, Wellcraft, Delphia and Excess.

Groupe Beneteau’s plan includes building its strategy around the eight boat brands; improving operational efficiency for the product development teams and plants; and implementing a managerial reorganization around a more streamlined team.

The Groupe will seek partnerships for Scarab and Glastron so that they can continue to be built in Cadillac. For more information, visit

BENETEAU-GROUP.COM.