Walstrom Docklines 2020

volume 42 | 2020

DOCKLINES Celebrating the Boating Lifestyle

DOCKLINES

30

th

ANNIVERSARY

Sea Ray Celebrates 60 Years

Performance, Innovation & Craftsmanship

Joy in Boating & Giving Gale & Anne Stephens

Interview with Winnebago CEO Mike Happe

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Dealer in the World

231.526.2141

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DOCKLINES Docklines is a publication of Walstrom Marine, Inc. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Ward Walstrom Jr, Tom Ervin, Brenda Andrews, Dan Kimball, Scott Way, Hi Stover, Rick Venner, Dave Lyle, Rober Rogier, Madeline Walstrom, Megan Nickerson, Scott Sutliff, Dwayne Stone, Sandy Frye, Heather Lake, Nikki Polan, Bob Walton, Kur Hartlieb HARBOR SPRINGS

Yacht Sales

500 Bay Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 231.526.2141 • boats@walstrom.com

Service, Parts & Storage

501 Bay Street, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 231.526.2141 • boats@walstrom.com TRAVERSE CITY

Yacht Sales

3536 N. US 31 S., Traverse City, MI 49684 231.526.2141 • boats@walstrom.com

Yacht Sales

12935 S. West Bay Shore Drive, Suite 125, Traverse City, MI 49684 231.526.2141 • boats@walstrom.com B AY H A R B O R

Yacht Sales

4197 Main Street, Bay Harbor, MI 49770 231.526.2141 • boats@walstrom.com CHEBOYGAN

Sales, Service, Storage & Parts

113 E. State Street, Cheboygan, MI 49721 231.526.2141 • boats@walstrom.com CHARLEVOIX

Yacht Sales

105 E. Clinton Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 231.526.2141 • boats@walstrom.com Designed, produced and printed by Mitchell Graphics, Inc. All requests related to editorial contributions, advertising information, or to be placed on our mailing list should be addressed to Walstrom Marine, Inc. at 231.526.2141 or marketing@walstrom.com.

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From the Wheelhouse

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2020 Event Calendar

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Employee Corner

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Signing Day

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Sea Ray: Performance, Innovation & Craftsmanship

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Bridge Etiquette

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Bay Harbor: Onward & Upward

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Twice as Nice in Traverse City

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Custom Line: A Division of Ferretti Group

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Navigation: Then & Now

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Chris-Craft: A Legend in Excellence

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Charlevoix: A Booming Boating Scene

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Bay Harbor Yacht Club: Building on Perfection

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Join the Club

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Pursuit of Happiness

38 Gale & Anne Stephens: Joy in Boating & Giving 40 Come Hell or High Water 45 A Lifetime of Boating: Tiara Yachts’ Unwavering Commitment 46

Port of Call: Duncan Bay Boat Club

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News from Rivertown

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Don’t Rock the Boat

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MBIA News: Detroit Boat Show

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Interview with Winnebago CEO Mike Happe

55 Women in Boating 58 Education on the Lakes: Inland Seas Education Association 60

New Models

62 Previously Owned Boats 65 Tips From Our Corporate Captain 66 Giving Back: Harbor Hall Breaks Ground for Clinic & Women’s Shelter

COVER PHOTO: LAKE CHARLEVOIX RAFT-UP, OYSTER BAY

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From the Wheelhouse

A

s I review all the happenings here at Walstrom Marine, I have to reflect on why we do what we do. Our Team at Walstrom Marine is committed to providing you and your family with the best boating experience possible. We are dedicated to helping you, as our customer and friend, maximize your enjoyment on the water.

We do this with the best-trained and most dedicated team in the industry. We also create many opportunities for you to have new boating experiences, from our trip to Door County Wisconsin, to the Women in Boating classes, to our raft up on Lake Charlevoix. Why do we do what we do?

Because like you, we love the water!

Why is it that we all share this love of water? Is it because this is where we find we can truly relax and disconnect? Is this the place where we can truly connect with family and friends without the distractions of the world? Is this where we get close

to nature and depend on our own skills, judgment, and seamanship?

As I have reflected on all these things, I started to think of my own experiences in boating and on the water. The recent passing of my good friend and father-inlaw, caused me to reminisce about my time on the water with him. We spent countless hours together, chasing walleye on Lake Erie or shuttling boats throughout the Great Lakes. During these many trips, I grew to respect and love this man, who taught me many things not just about fishing or boating, but about life and how to treat others. He and I always had our best discussions while fishing or boating and we always came home at the end of day having solved all the world’s problems!

In speaking with other boaters, there are four consistent reasons they like to spend time on the water, just like all of us.

It makes you happier. This should come as no surprise. Just walk the docks on a nice summer day, see the smiles and hear the laughter. Researchers have found that being near or on water can heighten our positive feelings and our happiness. One study found that people living within three miles of the water were more satisfied with their lives.

It makes you more creative. While on the water, we get a chance to clear our heads of all the clutter that interferes with our creativity. A boater once told me that boating “cleanses” the brain and helps

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him to think outside of the box. I certainly have shared some great ideas while sitting and enjoying the sunset or a fireworks display on the back of a boat.

It makes you feel more connected to the world while disconnecting. I am always amazed when I am on a boat trip with friends and customers how the kids, after a couple of days on the water, start to forget about their electronic devices. I think of my kids growing up and our jaunts in the dinghy in the North Channel on a bear watching adventure!

It can help you relax. This is consistently the number one reason I hear from boaters as to why they want to spend time on the water. Again, just walk the docks on a beautiful summer day and see all the people “doing nothing”. This is called relaxation. Nowhere to be, no time to be there, and no one looking for you.

If all these reasons do not convince you that you need more time on the water, look at our events calendar for the 2020 boating season. It is filled with events to not only get you out on the water, but to try something new or make some new boating friends. Still not sure that you MUST spend more time on the water? Just ask your kids, family, or friends and I am sure they will come up with many more reasons!

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See you on the lake,

Tom Ervin President Walstrom Marine

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Boating Made Easy Cheboygan Harbor Springs Bay Harbor Charlevoix

Traverse City

SALES | SERVICE | DOCKAGE | STORAGE PARTS | FUEL DOCK | RETAIL CLOTHING & GIFTS “Sharing your passion for boating since 1946” walstrom.com | 5

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231.526.8495 | searsarchitects.com

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May 23 SUMMER PREVIEW

2020

Event Calendar

January 8-12

Chicago Boat Show

January 18-26

Detroit Boat Show

February 13-17

Miami Boat Show

February 19-23

Grand Rapids Boat Show

February 28-March 1 March 13-15 March 22 March 26-29 May 16-17

Gaylord Boat Show Traverse City Boat Show Tiara Factory VIP Event, Holland Palm Beach International Boat Show Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Boat Show

May 23

Summer Preview, All Locations

May 30

Sea Ray Demo Day

June 18

Bay Harbor VIP Event

June 19-21

Blessing of the Fleet

June 27

Women in Boating, Charlevoix

(Tentative) July 2

Tiara VIP Showcase, Harbor Springs

July 11

Bridge Street Boat Show, Charlevoix

July 11

Women in Boating, Bay Harbor

July 18

Women in Boating, Harbor Springs

August 8 August 13 -14

LAKE CHARLEVOIX RAFT UP

Women in Boating, Traverse City Tiara VIP Event, Holland Bay Harbor Rendezvous

August 22

Lake Charlevoix Raft Up Labor Day Event, Harbor Springs

September 17-20

Metro Beach Boat Show

October 9-11

42nd Annual Apple Fest

October 28-November 1

August 22

Walstrom Cruise North Channel

August 16 September 5

NORTH CHANNEL CRUISE

Bay Harbor Boat Show

June 25

August 1-7

August 1-7

61st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show walstrom.com | 7

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By Brenda Andrews

EMPLOYEE CORNER

NEW HIRES BEN PEARSON Yacht Sales Associate

Ben Pearson was a new addition to our sales department in the spring of 2019.

Ben’s career with Walstrom Marine started in the parts department at our Cheboygan location during summers, completing his classes at Northwood, he just received his Bachelors of Business Administration. Ben has been learning about the sales department and is excited to be transitioning into a sales position.

BRIAN JOHNSON Marine Technician

Brian Johnson relocated with his family from southern Michigan to join our team as a marine technician in April of 2019. Brian brings 13 years of experience working as a lead marine technician for downstate marinas.

He works on everything from outboards to cruising boats.

SANDY SCHRECK

DAN KIMBALL

Sandy Schreck is semi-retired and joined the Walstrom team in February 2019 on a part time basis in the Accounting Department. Sandy is originally from Ohio and has lived in Petoskey since 1984. She worked for Tip of the Mitt Water Shed Council for 20 years as their office manager and brings with her an extensive background of secretarial and accounting work as well as a love of our beautiful lakes.

Dan Kimball joined the Walstrom team in January of 2019 after eight years of managing the Boathouse of Harbor Springs. Prior to that, he worked for a large sailboat manufacturer in South Carolina in a sales and marketing capacity. An avid boater, he has a vast knowledge of boating in Northern Michigan and beyond. Dan has been in the boat business since he started working as a dock hand in high school, and is honored to work for Walstrom Marine.

Accounting

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Yacht Sales Associate

KURT HARTLIEB Delivery Captain

Kurt Hartlieb joined our team as a delivery captain in the spring of 2019 bringing almost 20 years of marine industry with him. Previously working as a captain for Ferretti Group, Kurt has enjoyed sharing his knowledge with customers and making the buying experience even better by answering their questions and doing tutorials. Kurt relocated to the Petoskey area from Florida and we are happy to have him with us.

MIKE HARRISON Marine Technician

Mike Harrison is a fairly new addition to our crew. We brought Mike aboard during the fall of 2019 and he hit the ground running. He fits in with our team wonderfully.

Mike moved from Florida with his family three years ago and brings with him seven years of marine technician experience.

STAN HOWARD Paint Technician

Stan Howard joined our team in the spring of 2019 and brings with him 19 years of painting experience.

He grew up and resides in the Alanson area with his family.

Stan attended the Auto Body Collision Technology program at the Alpena Community College.

THIS COULD BE YOU! Walstrom Marine is always looking for enthusiastic, motivated marine professionals in all departments. Contact hr@walstrom.com for more information.

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MILESTONE Anniversaries STAN CARTER

Paint Firberglass and Gel Technician

30 years WAYNE PETERSON Service Leader and Warranty Manager

30 years HEIDI HAYNER Manager of Retail Operations

15 years HI STOVER Yacht Sales Associate

15 years MARGARET GROENEVELT Lead Yacht Detailer

15 years

SCOTT SUTTLIFF

RETIREMENTS

Dockmaster

5 years DAN PEARSON Yard Technician

5 years PATTY D’ANGELO Service Writer

5 years

CHARLIE DURAY

Since 1986, Charlie has been a valuable asset to the Walstrom company in too many ways to count. Fresh from crewing on yachts, Charlie started as a marine technician with a lot to offer. Moving up, he then became a service writer and general manager. Showing his true skill in managing and extensive marine knowledge, Charlie did great things when promoted to Cheboygan Manager. We are sad to see such a valued part of our family leave us, yet we know it won’t be too long before he’s back visiting with his newest bike.

RICK HEINY Parts Manager

5 years TIM WILSON Marine Technician

5 years JUSTIN DANN

Paint Technician

5 years

KATHY MOTSCHALL

Kathy joined into the Walstrom Team in 2011 as our CFO. After several interviews the decision was unanimous. With a great attitude and CPA certification, we knew Kathy would be a strong asset to our family. Having extensive knowledge in her field and a strong work ethic, she tightened the reins where needed and increased our organizational flow. We will miss Kathy’s smiling face in the office each morning, but we know that wherever she is, she will still be smiling as she enjoys her retirement. walstrom.com | 9

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By Brenda Andrews

Signing Day News from Human Resources

M

any of you don’t know me, as I sit in an office upstairs, working as Walstrom Marine’s Accounts Payable and Human Resources Administrator. As HR admin, I am continually looking for new employees to fill needed positions and better our company. This isn’t always easy as Marine Technician is a position that seems to be growing in demand, with little supply. After many unsuccessful job listing posts, I realized I needn’t look further than the employee break room for my answer.

Asking some of our technicians to share their stories about what got them interested in this career, Corey Geiger, one of our outboard marine techs, had the idea of creating an apprentice program to teach young adults valuable career skills, as well as skills specific to our company, to satisfy our need for new employees.

Upon contacting the Harbor Springs High School counselor about our idea, we got the ball rolling for an apprentice program at Walstrom Marine. A few weeks later, Corey and I were sitting in front of three young men who were about to graduate from Harbor Springs High School,

one of whom was Ryan MacGregor. Ryan attended an automotive class in Petoskey, which was part of the Career Tech to Careers initiative; a program designed by Char-Em Intermediate School District that gets high school graduates, particularly those interested in trades, entered into the workforce. The skills he learned made him a perfect candidate for Walstrom Marine’s new technician’s apprentice program. Ryan joined the Walstrom team in June of 2019, during a trial period for the summer. The purpose of the trial was to give Ryan an opportunity to see what our company is like, learn what the technicians do, and decide if it was an atmosphere in which Ryan he enjoyed working. I MacGregor am happy to say Ryan Marine shone brightly at our Technician company in many Apprentice different departments and we did not hesitate to add him to our full- time team. We are very excited to see him learn and grow in our company and we plan to extend this program to our Cheboygan and Traverse City locations.

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SEA RAY SUNDANCE 350 COUPE

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SEA RAY

SEA RAY SLX 400

Performance, Innovation & Craftsmanship

By Dan Kimball

When Walstrom Marine became the Sea Ray dealer for Northern Michigan in 2017, a great partnership was formed between two long-term marine industry icons. Since 1946, Walstrom Marine has been providing premier sales and service in Northern Michigan, featuring some of the top brands the boat business has to offer.

Since 1959, Sea Ray has been at the forefront of performance, innovation, and craftsmanship in the boating industry.

CELEBRATING In 2019, Sea Ray celebrated its 60th anniversary and currently offers an impressive lineup of boats that are perfect for the Great Lakes. Ranging from 19 to 40 feet, there is always something for everyone. Sea Ray has also embraced the outboard motor movement that has become so popular, offering numerous models in both stern drive and outboard power configurations.

One model had drawn particular interest, the SLX 400, of which Walstrom Marine has delivered several to Northern Michigan boaters. Offered with twin outdrive or triple outboard power, the SLX 400 is the ultimate dayboat, featuring a drop down side panel that creates a swim patio effect when not underway. The winner of a 2017 NMMA Innovation Award, the 400 SLX offers numerous amenities such as dual cockpit grills, open bow seating, optional joystick docking, and enough room in the cabin to spend the weekend onboard with the family.

SEA RAY SLX R 350

60

YEARS

Furthermore, the second-generation SLX 350 was introduced in 2019. With an optional “R� package that includes newly released Mercury Racing 450R engines. (Yes, you read that correctly! 450 horsepower outboard engines!) The 4.6 liter four-stroke engine is paired with a Mercury-exclusive supercharger to create 40 percent higher torque than the Mercury 400R outboard. In addition to the power package, the R package also includes carbon fiber accents, red underwater lights, and special edition shadow metallic gelcoat finish. It is quite the showstopper on the water!

Moving forward, Walstrom Marine and Sea Ray will look to build on the tradition of the past, while staying at the head of the pack to provide boaters with leading products and service. Stop by any of the Walstrom Marine locations to see what Sea Ray has to offer.

SEA RAY SLX 400

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Charlevoix

BRIDGE ETIQUETTE

By Scott Way

The city of Charlevoix is located between two bodies of water that hold unlimited beauty and boating experiences. Round Lake and the Pine River Channel link Lake Michigan to Lake Charlevoix’s pristine 17,200 acres, its 60 miles of shoreline, and perfectly protected anchorages. The biggest obstacle to navigating these incredible waters is the draw-bridge located in downtown Charlevoix.

The US 31 Bridge, a double leaf bascule lift bridge, opens to pleasure craft on the hour and half hour from 6am to 10pm and on demand through the nighttime hours.

It is manned 24 hours a day from April 1st until December 31st. Here are a few tips to ease the stress of navigating Charlevoix by water.

The bridge operator monitors channel 16 and will gladly assist you via radio to make your passage as smooth as possible.

While contacting the bridge operator is not required, any vessel that plans to pass through the open bridge must be visibly in the channel prior to the designated opening time to ensure that they are in sight of the operator. If there are no high profile boats in the channel, or adjacent to the bridge in Round Lake, the bridge will not open. Bridge clearance boards, a measurement in feet, are located on both sides of the bridge and indicate the very lowest clearance, or distance between the water and the lowest point of the bridge.

It is very important to know the height of your vessel. If you are a lower profile vessel awaiting an opening because of your antenna, please be considerate of the traffic on the waterway and lower antennas as needed to prevent an unnecessary opening. While all boats are welcome to

pass under the open bridge with other boat traffic, bridge operators are not mandated to open the bridge for vessels with antennas, fishing gear, or other apparatus capable of being lowered. While waiting for an opening, please safely position yourself close to the bridge in order to be ready to pass through as soon as clearance allows.

Also, keep in mind that for most all bridges and channels, you should pass directly in the middle of the opening unless otherwise marked or unless other boat traffic is present. It is recommended to consider the Pine River Channel a no wake zone because of the close proximity of other vessels. Following the boater’s right-of-way navigational rules in both the channel and in Round Lake, is an important thing to remember to ensure safety for everyone on the water. Note that the bridge will open on demand for commercial vessels or emergency situations.

Walstrom Marine’s Charlevoix office welcomes your questions about boating in our beautiful northern Michigan waters.

From navigating the bridge, to ports of call, to finding the best anchorages on the boat of your dreams, we’d love to help you enjoy all the beauty northern Michigan and our Great Lakes has to offer.

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231.526.9000 · Cottage-Company.com

ENJOY OUR POPULAR 2 FOR $48 3 Course Dinner 2 Salads, 2 Entrees, 1 Bottle of Wine, 2 Desserts Served Daily 4:30-6:00 PM

LIGHT BAR MENU AVAILABLE Brick Oven Pizzas • Burgers Raw Bar Oysters

DINNER HIGHLIGHTS Grey Gables

Bridge Street

Round Lake

Bridge Street Wine & Spirits

Grey Gables Belvedere

Belvedere

Round Lake

Bridge Street

TRAVEL WHERE YOU WANT WHEN YOU WANT THE WAY YOU WANT Olesons Plaza

Fresh Shucked East Coast Oysters John Cross Fisheries Whitefish Sea Scallops Homemade Mushroom Bisque Roasted Prime Rib Braised Lamb Shank Pan Roasted Norwegian Salmon

Bridge Street Wine & Spirits Olesons Plaza

Live Piano Player • Free Gem Car Shuttle From Downtown Celebrate your next birthday, anniversary or special occasion with us!

CHEF/OWNERS

Olesons Plaza

www.northcountryaviation.net

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(989)732-6192

Darren & Kelly Romano, Culinary Institute of America Graduates Grey Gables Round Lake

Belvedere

Belvedere

FLY WITH NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S PREMIER AVIATION CHARTER COMPANY. WITH A Grey Gables LARGE DIVERSE FLEET, HIGHLY QUALIFIED Round PILOTS, Lake AND THE ABILITY TO OPERATE Bridge Street TO GO, WE WILL GET ANYWHERE YOU NEED Wine & Spirits Bridge Street YOU THERE SAFELY AND COMFORTABLY.

Bridge Street

PREFERRED CATERING OF CASTLE FARMS OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Bridge Street Wine & Spirits Olesons Plaza

308 Belvedere Avenue, Charlevoix

231.547.9261

www.greygablesinn.com

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Bay Harbor Celebrates 25 Years

Ward Walstrom Jr. & Fred Walstrom at 1995 ground breaking of BHYC

A protected, deep water harbor along Little Traverse Bay

Save the Date!

Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show June 19-21, 2020

Seasonal & Transient Dockage Available

Steps from shopping, dining, boutique hotel, swim & fitness club and performing arts center

Reserve online

231-439-2544 bhlm@bayharbor.com bayharbor.com

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ONWARD UPWARD!

&

By Hi Stover

Bay Harbor celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2019 and as you look about the community, you discover something for everyone! Walstrom Marine has been at Bay Harbor from the beginning, being the first Harbormaster and then adding the Propellers lifestyle store.

Hi Stover is celebrating fifteen years in yacht sales at the Bay Harbor office and looking forward to many more.

The summer of 2019 saw the addition of Dan Kimball to the Walstrom Marine Bay Harbor yacht sales staff. Dan brings a wealth of experience with him to Bay Harbor, having been in the boating industry for many years and most recently having been general manager for The Boathouse of Harbor Springs for nine years. We’re elated to have Dan join the team and you will enjoy working with him as much as we do.

The Bay Harbor community continues to grow and evolve with the second year for the Great Lakes Center for the Arts having an amazing year. Programming is available all year with something for everyone. If you haven’t been to the GLCFA yet, go their website and you’ll find exciting entertainment options. We will see you there!

The Bay Harbor Yacht Club has been on a roll as well! The Club started its

expansion program during the Fall of 2019 and we look forward to many elements of the design. Check out the Club’s new membership opportunities, too. There is a fall, winter, spring option, that compliments the summer boater membership. A few Harbor Springs boaters have participated in the boater membership and are thoroughly enjoying their time at the BHYC. We look forward to the Winter 2020 boat show season and anticipate seeing you at one of the shows that we will be attending. As always, we are looking at the exceptional offerings from our existing manufacturers and are constantly being approached by other brands to represent them as well, not only at Bay Harbor, but throughout Northern Michigan. Stay tuned!

We have exciting things in store for you.

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Welcome Walstrom Boaters!

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO DOCK YOUR BOAT

You are invited to experience the award-winning Bay Harbor Yacht Club, the social center of the Great Lakes.

For up to seven days, stay on our premier Lake Michigan Yacht Docks and explore BHYC’s amenities, programs and events through our Dock & Discover Guest Program. Or enjoy full privileges with BHYC’s Boater Membership, our only summer seasonal membership opportunity available to new Yacht Dock purchasers or seasonal slip renters.

Don’t miss the boat on this limited time offering!

Learn more by inquiring to (231) 439-2112 or membership@bayharboryc.com

BAY HARBOR YACHT CLUB 45º21’39’N 85º1’49’W bayharboryc.com

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Introducing the new Gold Standard for private club membership: • State of the art Fitness Center with integrated wellness programs and services • Year-Round Indoor Casual Dining and Sports Bar • World-Class Relaxation Spa featuring a broad range of premier amenities and tailored services • Year-Round Youth Center to enhance an outstanding offering of Junior Programming • New Aquatic Center featuring adult, family and children’s amenities, ample deck seating, poolside food and beverage service, and outdoor hot tub and spa • Expanded outdoor dining and bar offering unparalled views of Lake Michigan • Main Floor Gathering Room for members, families and friends • Upscale Dining featuring a seasonally inspired menu, fine wines and specialty craft cocktails The award-winning Bay Harbor Yacht Club is Building on Perfection with these exciting enhancements set for completion in May 2021.

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Twice as Nice

in Traverse City

By Rick Venner

B

oating in the Traverse City region continues to gain popularity, as it should. From big water destinations to the many inland lakes, boating opportunities seem endless. Walstrom Marine’s team in Traverse City took advantage of not only delivering new boats from 19' to 49' this season, but personally enjoying much of the area’s boating landscape. Walstrom Marine was the volunteer fleet captain for Traverse City’s first half Ironman event.

We had twelve volunteer boats out on the swim course to help make this a safe and enjoyable time for participants and spectators. Staying true to our slogan “Sharing your passion for boating since 1946” our local sales team feels it is important to not only help our customers get on the water, but also share time with them, doing something we both love so much.

In that regard, our sales team spent many evenings cruising and enjoying memorable overnights anchored out in fantastic, protected bay anchorages around Grand

Traverse Bay and the Glen Lakes area.

Walstrom Marine loves our boating community and takes special pride in helping others to enjoy their time on the water whether that be in sales or service.

Frank Harden is the service technician at Walstrom Marine’s Traverse City location.

His primary goal is to keep our customers’ boats running smoothly, whether performing a repair, or simply helping by answering questions.

Walstrom Marine made a commitment

to Traverse City beginning in May of 2017. We have grown our business and added value to an already strong Northern Michigan presence for helping our boating friends. We are committed to continuing our growth in the region.

For 2019, we added a sales office at Center Pointe Marina (Suite 125), where Rick Venner is now located, in addition to our showroom and sales location at 3536 North US 31. We invite you to reach out anytime at 231-526-2141.

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CUSTOM LINE

A division of Ferretti Group 20 | walstrom.com

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CUSTOM LINE 106

By Tom Ervin

106

Custom Line, a division of Ferretti Group, is proud to introduce for 2020 the all-new Custom Line 106'. This new yacht features a planing hull with speeds up to 26 knots, a stunning profile, and over 2300 square feet of exterior deck space. The interior of the vessel does not disappoint, as huge windows and beautiful finishes invite you into the well-thought-out living areas.

The flybridge is located up a spacious port stairway, bringing back a revolutionary design. The starboard walkway leads to the cockpit, from which the flybridge can be reached using the port side stairway.

The transom folds down to create a yacht beach and opens the garage that houses the tender and water toys.

The interior of the yacht features wide-open spaces with exquisite wood details. The salon and dining areas feature over 425 square feet of open area with

supersized windows creating the sense of being one with the sea. Ferretti chose to incorporate only Italian leathers and finishes in order to enhance the elegant feel of the main deck.

Forward on the main deck is the fullbeam master cabin and suite. This cabin features a panoramic, fold-down terrace that opens the entire cabin to the fresh outdoors, leaving plenty of room to read a book at sunset or relax with your morning coffee. His and hers separate head areas complete this magnificent cabin.

Below deck are four guest cabins, each with a separate head and shared spacious foyer area. The crew quarters are located in the foredeck, consisting of a captain’s cabin with separate shower and two double crew cabins, each with its own head, accommodating five crew members.

Ferretti Group is the world leader in design and construction of yachts from 27' to over 300’. The group’s portfolio consists of the prestigious and exclusive brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, and Custom Line. Boasting an array of modern shipyards across Italy, Ferretti recognizes Walstrom Marine as it’s exclusive Great Lakes representative for all its brands. Walstrom Marine is proud to arrange a private showing of any yacht in this collection of Italian yachts. walstrom.com | 21

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NAVIGATION

By Dave Lyle

I

n September of 1972 I sailed out of South Haven, Michigan bound for Chicago, Illinois and different points down South. My good friend’s father had loaned his 28' Pearson Triton sloop to three 22 year olds, myself and his son included, for a year so we could get our bearings on life.

Three of us took the boat through the Illinois sanitary canal, down the muddy Mississippi to New Orleans. Next, we cruised along the Florida panhandle and then crossed the Gulf of Mexico to Clearwater, Florida. Then to Key West and the East coast of Florida before we transited the Gulf Stream to West End in the Bahamas. In the Bahamas we saw Bimini, The Berry Islands, Nassau, the Bahama Banks and the Exumas. Our most southerly port was Georgetown and Lee Stocking Island.

In the spring, we went back to Florida, up the Atlantic Coast to New York, and up the Hudson River to Albany. Here we grabbed the Erie Canal, and with our mast down, we went through 48 locks to Tonawanda on Lake Erie.

Back in freshwater, it was Lake Erie to Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron, through the Straits of Mackinac and into Lake Michigan, then a rest stop in Harbor Springs and a sprint back to South Haven, Michigan. It was then August of 1973 and we had completed almost a year at sea and had over 5,000 miles under our keel.

Today our trip may seem unremarkable.

The Great Loop Association recognizes boat loads of loopers making the voyage.

The difference was in 1972 there was no internet nor smartphone nor iPad. We left South Haven with a compass, charts, dividers, parallel rules, binoculars, a horn, and a lead line for depth. Our navigational style was “Dead Reckoning.” At the age of 22 we just didn’t know any better.

In navigation, “Dead Reckoning” is a

Then

& Now process of determining your position by knowing your previous position and advancing that position using the formula Distance = Rate X Time (D=RT). For example, let’s say you want to go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix.

On your chart, you draw a line from the end of Harbor Point to Big Rock Point, your first “leg.” Using a divider and the mileage scale on the chart, you record the distance of that line. Next, you place parallel bars on that line and on the chart’s compass rose to determine your magnetic heading. Choosing to travel at a constant known rate and observing the time of departure, you can calculate your travel time and more importantly, your time of arrival by solving D=RT. You calculate the next “leg” from Big Rock to Charlevoix in the same manner. This is called plotting your course and it’s wise to do it the night before.

Today seafarers have GPS navigation, AIS

VHF radios, digital depth sounders, sonars, color radar, night vision, satellite phones, satellite weather, digital color chart plotters, joystick boat handling, stabilizers, and smart cell phones. We had a compass and charts.

Since 1972 we’ve seen Loran A and Loran C, a hyperbolic radio positioning system come and go. MAFOR observations are no longer used. Monochrome plotters and radar are now in HD high res 3D color. Today we’re reading weather buoys with wind direction, wind speed, wave height, and temperature.

Our wonderful world of technology gives us amazing tools for navigation. What a great time to be boating!

Keep in mind when you’re on the hook up in McGregor Bay, and the sun is gently setting and you smell a distant campfire, no matter what chart you used for navigation, the fun is still the same.

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Northern Michigan Landmark Lodging & Waterfront Dining

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 Save the date

thurSday, June 25, 2020

Join the Harbor Springs community for the 8th Annual Blessing of the Fleet on the harbor and Summer’s Launch Party at the Walstrom Marine Showroom.

regiStrAtion & ticketS

231.526.9771 • HarborSpringsHistory.org Alanson • Charlevoix • Harbor Springs • Petoskey staffords.com

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society

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 Innovative design better than old-style platform lifts

See our dynamic video and digital portfolio on the web:

www.freedomlift.com

Call our Michigan Office: 616-784-8759 US Patent #6,474,256

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CHRIS-CRAFT BOATS CHRIS-CRAFT 23 LAUNCH

A Legend in Excellence

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CHRIS-CRAFT 27 LAUNCH

By Robert Rogier

T CHRIS-CRAFT 35GT Outboard

he more things change, the more they stay the same. What began in 1861 as young Christopher Smith building wooden skiffs in Algonac, Michigan developed into the Chris-Craft boat company. Chris-Craft is famous for building high-quality Cabin Cruisers, pioneering racing boats and beautiful Mahogany Runabouts. Walstrom Marine is proud to partner with Chris-Craft in their legacy of fine craftsmanship, high quality and exemplary service.

Today you can see Chris-Craft’s commitment to craftsmanship in their latest model, the Launch 35 GT, which blends mahogany accents with modern innovation. Fully customizable, this craft

is available in sterndrive or outboard propulsion with an option of a painted hardtop, including a SureShade which extends with the push of a button.

Boarding the boat is made easy through the dive-door or a walk-through transom, where you’ll find a large, rear sun pad, all of which are distinguishing features of the Launch GT line. Varnished mahogany can be found throughout the boat, displaying Chris-Craft’s strong devotion to its heritage of fine craftsmanship. Christopher’s commitment to quality and service is still evident in the nautical works of art that Chris-Craft builds today. Life is full of change. It’s nice to know the tradition of fine craftsmanship, quality, and excellent service are continued with Chris-Craft boats and Walstrom Marine.

The first Chris-Craft sold by Walstrom Marine was a 1947 40' Double Cabin Enclosed Bridge Cruiser sold to George Leblond.

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INTRODUCING THE LAUNCH 31 GT

www.chriscraft.com CORSAIR

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|

LAUNCH

| LAUNCH GT

|

CATALINA

|

CALYPSO

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OYSTER BAY RAFT UP

CHARLEVOIX

A

BOOMING Boating Scene

By Madeline Walstrom

Y

ear three for our Charlevoix location was one for the books! Upping our sales through out the lake as well as a packed events schedule, Walstrom Marine’s presence on Lake Charlevoix only continues to grow. Getting new boaters on the water and reacquainting ourselves with old friends alike, we have enjoyed this past year in Charlevoix helping get people boating no matter what their experience level.

Being one of the fastest growing towns in northern Michigan, we are seeing more boaters enjoying the calm protected waters of Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix for many reasons. With no shortage of events, Walstrom Marine participated in the Bridge Street Boat Show for the first time this year, being the first year that the Art Fair expanded to boats as well. We also hosted a Lake Charlevoix raft-up in Oyster Bay which was said to be one of the best events all year by multiple boaters and is sure to be repeated. Ending the season with a bang, our booth at the annual Apple Fest never disappoints. Being Charlevoix’s local Chris Craft, Pursuit, Tiara, Sea Ray and Ferretti dealer Walstrom Marine sets itself apart by making, sales, service and storage

CHARLEVOIX APPLE FEST! We had a great time!

the most personal and easy experience around. Having free boat pick up, dockside mobile service department, and a sales office in the heart of down town we are there for you whenever and wherever.

With secure anchorages for any wind direction, family events every weekend, multiple destinations, restaurants and beaches Lake Charlevoix is waiting for you to explore all it has to offer and Walstrom Marine is excited to be a part of it!

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Coming soon to BHYC

B AY H A R B O R YA C H T C L U B

AQUATICS CENTER Whether a big splash or relaxing float, there’s something for every member of the family at this exciting facility. Planned features: Children, family and adult areas, hot tub and spa, ample deck seating, poolside food and beverage service, gazebo seating, adult and family bathhouses, GEM and bicycle parking and elevator access between the upper deck and Promenade.

RELAXATION SPA Reset your mind and body with the ultimate relaxation experience at the Club’s luxurious new spa overlooking the Bay. Planned features: Indoor waterfall, aromatherapy showers, rainforest showers, men’s and women’s saunas, indoor whirlpools, massage rooms, on-call massage therapists, changing lockers and private corridor to the Club’s fitness facilities.

WELLNESS CENTER As members walk into the Club’s new Wellness Center, they will be welcomed into a space that boasts comprehensive fitness and treatment services, and other world-class amenities including cutting-edge fitness equipment and the latest in group exercise classes.

Planned features: 10,000 square foot state of the art fitness center, cardio, strength circuit and free weight equipment with functional training and flexibility, personal training, fitness evaluations and functional movement screens, live and virtual group classes, spin studio and golf simulator.

STILLWATER Formerly the Bay Room, the upscale Stillwater restaurant will be the centerpiece of gourmet dining at BHYC. Planned features: Rotunda Bar, Gathering Room, multiple fireplaces, outdoor seasonal dining, tapas lounge and private dining areas for special occasions.

THE SANDBAR Get-togethers at the Club are about to be more casual, sporty and fun with the addition of the club’s much anticipated year-round casual dining venue. Planned features: a diverse menu, numerous flat screen TVs broadcasting live and on-demand sports programming and covered terrace.

BUILDING on Perfection

By Megan Nickerson

Award winning services and amenities, quintessential Northern Michigan Hospitality, breathtaking views, friendly neighbors and so much more.

For over 20 years, Bay Harbor Yacht Club has welcomed residents and guests to its magical setting, nestled along Little Traverse Bay. This beautiful club offers a gorgeous deep-water marina with a wide variety of boating, sporting and recreational activities and year-round family programming for boaters and non-boaters alike.

The Yacht Club is the scene for incredible fun from concerts and cruises to annual celebrations and holiday festivities. The club’s multiple dining venues provide a broad variety of outstanding dining choices from casual to epicurean with indoor and outdoor environments offering stunning views overlooking sparkling Lake Michigan.

Extensive activity programming is available for the entire family – over 1,300 activities are scheduled throughout the year. Racquet sport lovers enjoy tennis, platform tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts. The silky sand private beach offers complimentary kayaks, paddle boards and sailboats as well as a swim platform and playground. A wide range of programs are offered for hobby enthusiasts including book, collectible car, cruise, crafting, Mah Jongg, bridge and wine clubs.

Exciting changes are coming to Bay Harbor Yacht Club as the club strives to meet the evolving needs of its members.

A new Wellness Center brings a sleek,

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state-of-the-art facility and integrated wellness programming, while the Aquatics Center will offer areas for kids, families and adults with ample deck seating to ensure everyone has a place by the pool.

BHYC is also expanding its multiple dining venues with a spacious new indoor casual restaurant and increased outdoor options.

The Club’s new, upscale dining space will offer a modern, sophisticated design balancing elegance with comfort, including a member gathering room and new Rotunda Bar with sweeping Lake Michigan views. Junior members can kick back and relax in the new kids center, The Zone.

There’s something new for everyone!

Bay Harbor Yacht Club will be launching this exciting project in January 2020, with completion of all construction phases May 2021. The Club will remain open for business during construction with as minimal member disruption as possible. All phases will enhance the member experience and attract new families to the Club.

WALSTROM BAY HARBOR VIP EVENT

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Service & Parts

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FUEL SAVINGS! ¢

25 off ¢ 25 off ¢ 50off

per gallon for DOCKING with us.

per gallon for STORING with us.

Welcome to the Walstrom Family

“ Thank you for all the interactions with Walstrom Marine. We love your marina and Harbor Springs area. We have put about 950 miles on our Tiara including the North Channel and Door County. We are already talking about how we can come back and stay with Walstrom Marine.”

Jody and Nikki Schmeisser

per gallon if you DOCK & STORE with us!

Walstrom Marine values its customers. Fuel discounts are one of our ways of saying thanks!

Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Clean all plants, animals, and mud from all equipment.

426 Bay Street Petoskey, MI 49770

(231) 347-1181

Drain all water from your boat, trailer, equipment, clothing, etc. before moving to a new location.

Dry everything thoroughly before transporting boat and gear to a different location.

www.WatershedCouncil.org/Clean-Boating 32 | walstrom.com

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Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes and waters of Northern Lower Michigan.

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JOIN the

CLUB

By Scott Sutliff & Madeline Walstrom

When staying at Walstrom Marine’s private docks, you will see our passion for boating reflected back into our facility and everything we do. Providing dockage, fuel, service, sales and storage, we can accommodate all of your boating needs while you enjoy some of the most luxurious facilities in the most pristine waters of the Great Lakes. With a remodeled boaters lounge, games for the kids, laundry facilities, showers, new docks and a 10,000 square-foot climatized showroom, we encourage you to make yourself at home

here. Updating every year, we are proud to provide a place not only nice enough for our boaters to call home, but also a place we like to spend our time after hours.

Continually pushing ourselves in all of our departments, we have recently updated

our paint booth, allowing us to do larger and higher quality jobs than ever before.

We send not only our service technicians for manufacturer updates but also our sales team, our parts team and our marketing team, because we feel it is important to weave the best boating practices through every thread of our company. So we invite you to come, join the club, and become part of the family.

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of Happiness

By Dwayne Stone Sales Manager, Walstrom Marine

Pursuit Boats are holding their own in Northern Michigan, even after the departure from S2 Yachts, based out of Holland, Michigan. Malibu Boats Inc., a manufacturer of recreational powerboats, purchased all the assets of the Ft. Pierce, Florida, based Pursuit Boats. Although over 1,300 miles apart, Pursuit Boats was always highly regarded as a premium brand by association with its sister company, Tiara Yachts (also owned by S2 Yachts). Pursuits have always had the little extra something, propelling the brand to that “best of breed” status, like the Tiara Yachts brand.

The two manufacturers shared vision, design and execution of craftsmanship, yet differed in their offerings to the consumer.

Pursuit Boats are in their 42nd year of business and they still continue to gain market share in sales and provide that sense of pride to their owners.

of their Pursuit Boats’ Florida plant, and additionally plan to invest upwards of $15 million dollars into the new development.

Increasing production and doubling their workforce will positively impact not only the company, but the immediate community, their suppliers and business partners as well. Taking it a step further they are also working to segregate some of their newly acquired land for the development of a nature preserve and bird sanctuary, securing land for indigenous wildlife and birds.

What does all this mean for their growing owners’ club and Walstrom Marine? Happiness all around! 2019 was a record year in sales for Walstrom Marine, and Pursuit was a huge reason why. From Cheboygan to Harbor Springs, to Traverse City and especially on Lake Charlevoix, Pursuits boats are the hottest boats out there! They make a wide portfolio of offerings, from 23' to over 40'.

From a sales perspective, the only issue we have had this season is not being able to get our hands on enough boats to supply the demand, selling out more than once. With the new plant expansion, planned vertical integration and enhancement of process flow, the company should be able to maximize their efficiency. The result will be the same “best of breed” boats for which they have always been

Check out Joe Backer and friends/family and his new S 408 Pursuit! recognized but there will be a greater supply.

Walstrom Marine plans to keep representing these boats locally and expand as far as the Grand Rapids and Chicago Boat Shows.

To think of Pursuit, is to think of pride in ownership, American Made, refined engineering with timeless design and innovative features. The boats are very comfortable and handle like a dream around the dock and out in open water. Speaking from experience, choosing a Pursuit boat, is ultimately choosing confidence. Each boat undergoes multiple layers of quality checks through out the build process, to verify that all components are functioning as designed, ensuring these boats are the best built on the market. By expanding into new territory and continuing with the same principals as founder, Leon Slickkers, this rebirth is quite promising and Walstrom Marine is proud to be affiliated with such an amazing brand. Pure joy, Pure happiness, Pure Pursuit!

PURSUIT DC266

Since the closing of the acquisition in October of 2018, Malibu Boats Inc., continues to grow to its full potential. Currently they are working on a 200,000-square-foot expansion 36 | walstrom.com

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PURSUIT S408

PURSUIT DC326

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| CUSTOMER PROFILE

Gale & Anne Stephens

JOY

in Boating and Giving

By Ward Walstrom Jr.

T

he Stephens and I gazed down at the harbor from their house on top of Bluff Drive. We imagined wives from widow watches gazing down many years ago, waiting for their husband’s boat to come in. From the second floor deck, the unencumbered eye can see the entire Little Traverse Bay from Petoskey State Park to Charlevoix. Gale and Anne Stephens spoke as if they were in a dream.

Gale recalls their boating life. “We started coming to Harbor Springs by car and then, boat. On one of the first times by boat, Anne insisted that we go for a walk on the bluff. She said to me, “What if we could live here on top of the bluff, and look down on our boat in the harbor?” It seemed like an impossible dream.

Gale was born in LaPorte, Indiana.

When his family moved to West Lake in Portage Michigan in l964, he was immediately hooked on the water, spending almost every summer day waterskiing. He mowed lawns and washed cars to pay for fuel and soon enough, all his friends would come to his house to ski. Anne was born in Chicago and moved to Portage, Michigan in 1962. The family rented a cottage on Gull Lake every summer, so Anne spent a lot of time on the water also. Anne met Gale working at Quality Air and soon their relationship blossomed. Gale and his exbrother-in-law would race sailboats in races like the Chicago to Mac race and many others. The wives were ground crew and had to drop their husbands off and chase them from port to port. For Anne, this worked for a short while but it wasn’t her passion.

In l986, they bought their first Lake Michigan powerboat, a Trojan 10 meter, cruising out of South Haven and

Saugatuck. Moving up, they went from a 38' to a 44' Ocean and then, a 50' Bertram.

While in Harbor Springs, they took a ride on a new 60' Hatteras at Walstrom Marine.

Anne said, “When I saw the look on Gale’s face, I knew we bought the boat. The 60' Hatteras was our favorite boat. Harbor Springs became our favorite port and we eventually became members in the Boathouse.”

Upon reflecting on their story, Gale and Anne talked about the “Why” in their boating. Gale relates, “We love the camaraderie with boating and developed a lot of lifelong friendships. Boating up and down the lake [...] we would always help a boater in need.” Gale continues, “Our 2nd favorite harbor is Leland because it has kept its charm like Harbor Springs.” Always feeling good to come back home, the Stephens keep their recently purchased 39' Tiara at the Boathouse.

When I think of the Stephens, I think of people who put others first. Gale says, “I have customers, employees, and business partners who count on me. There is an obligation to be a leader, a coach, and a mentor. In business and personally, we ask what can we do in the community.”

There are so many kids who don’t have control in their lives and people who can’t provide for their families. Supporting the backpack program out of Vicksburg Gale explains, “We teach young people to think ahead, don’t show up late, look neat and be courteous.” Additionally they support the Warm Kids program and have helped provide 300-400 books for children. Gale continues, “If I left Anne alone, she would be in a library reading books to kids or at a senior center listening to people.”

When Gale and Anne’s grandniece Lucy was born, she spent the first 64 days of her life in the hospital. She had many complications and went through many

operations. The doctors said she probably wouldn’t make it past a couple days and probably wouldn’t come out of the hospital.

She did get out and lived for almost four years. In that time, she made a huge impact on Gale and Anne, as well as other family members and friends.

Gale and Anne helped fund the installation of cameras on every crib in ICU, so now every parent can see their child in the critical care unit. Several cameras have Lucy’s name on them. Continuing, they supported the painting of murals in a pediatrics center and donated brand new cribs to the Bronson Hospital.

Gale and Anne explain, “Lucy was brought to us for a reason. She changed our lives. Sometimes, what we think is important, isn’t very important. It doesn’t matter how you give, if you don’t have money, you give time. If our team sees us do this, they will be inspired to do the same.

When we gave before, it was because we thought we should, but now it has a whole new meaning. It is the “Why” we give. We give because of the personal impact that became real to us. Lucy was here for a very short time and showed us we have a lot of work to do. Every day is precious. Lucy showed us never to quit. She was a fighter and taught us how to impact others’ lives.

Now, whenever we go to a hospital, we look for ways to make it better.”

I knew the Stephens were private about giving back. In our conversation, I had to pry, and not without tears in their eyes. Gale says, “It is with great joy that I now realize the “Why” of sharing and giving. Before, it was just what we did. Now it is the “Why.” It is so sad to lose someone dear to us, but Lucy is still bringing us joy.

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“We love the camaraderie with boating and developed a lot of lifelong friendships. �

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COME HELL or HIGH WATER

By Ward Walstrom Jr. & Madeline Walstrom

1953 HIGH WATER

1985

In August of 2019, Lake Michigan rose to over 580 feet above sea level resulting in shoreside homes flooding and trouble in our marinas. For those who weren’t around in the 80s, you were probably surprised at the high water this summer and wondered, what’s next?

The Great Lakes water levels depend on precipitation to gain water and evaporation to lose it in order to maintain their balance. Evaporation depends on water temperature, wind, amount of sunlight, ice cover and surface area, all of which vary a great deal with weather.

For example, a winter with a lot of precipitation and large ice cover melting late in the spring will raise our lake levels greatly. However, in the same location, our weather could instead be a warm, dry winter with little ice cover, resulting in lowering our water levels. Our levels will continue to change and do so more sporadically and with greater extremes.

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Great Lakes Water Levels (1918−2019) Monthly Mean Level

Long Term Average Annual

Lake Superior

Great Lakes Water Levels (1918−2019) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Monthly Mean Level Long Term Average Annual Great Lakes Water LevelsGreat (1918−2019) Lakes Water Levels (1918−2019) Lake Superior 183.80

meters

183.60

1918

1921 174.00

DATE 1924 1927 1930 RANGE

Lake Ontario 1918-1930 1918

75.50 75.00 74.50

175.00

meters

74.00

1921

1924

1953-1975 1975-1986

174.00

1986- l997

173.50

1997-2019

1921

5' 1930

1927

1930-1953 Lake Erie

174.50

1918

AMOUNT OF 1933 1936 1939 1942 FLUCTUATION

1924

1927

1930

1933

1936

1933

22

1936

5'

23

6'

22

3'

1939

4'

1942

1945

11

1948

11

1918

1921

1924

1927

meters

Lake Ontario 75.50 75.00

1933

1936

1948

1951

1954

1957

1960

1963

1966

1969

1924

1927

1930

1933

1936

1969

1972 1921

1975 1924

1978 1927

1957 1930

1963

1942

1945

1948

1951

1954

1957

1960

1963

1966

1969

1972

1975

174.00 1966

1933

1987 1936

1990 1939

1993 1942

1996 1945

1999 1948

2002 1951

2005 1954

2008 1957

2011 1960

2014 1963

1966

1969

1957

1963

1966

1945 1960

1948 174.50 173.50 174.00

19331960 1936

1963 1939

1966 1942 1945

1969 1948

19721954 1951

1975 1957

19781963 1960

1981 1966

19841972 1969

1987 1975

1957

1960

1972 1921

1975 1924

1978 1927

1981 1930

1984 1933

1987 1936

1990 1939

1993 1942

1996 1945

1999 1948

2002 1951

2005 1954

2008 1957

2011 1960

2014

1945

1972

1981

1963

1966

1969

580.71 579.07

1996 1990 1987

1921

1924

1927

1951 1969

1930

1933

1936

1939

1942

1945

1948

1951

1954

1957

1960

1963

1966

1969

1972

1975

1921

1975 1924

1924

1975

1978

1981

1984

1981

1957 1978 1927

1927

1930

1960 1981 1930

1933

1963 1984

1933

1966

1987 1936

1936

1939

1969

1990 1939

1942

1993 1942

1945

1972

1996 1945

1948

1975

1999 1948

1951

2002 1951

1954

1978 2005

1954

1957

2008 1957

1960

1963

1981 2011 1960

1966

1984 2014

1987

1963

1969

1987

570.87

1990

1993

1996

1966

1969

1972

1975

75.00

1972

1975

1978

1978

1981

1984

570.87

574.15 572.51

1981

1987

1939

1960

74.00 1963 74.50 1966

1969 1918

1972 1921

1975 1924

1978 1927

1981 1930

1984 1933

1987 1936

1990 1939

1993 1942

1996 1945

1999 1948

2002 1951

2005 1954

2008 1957

1948 1951average 1954 1963of water 1966 1969 located 1972 1975 1978 The monthly levels 1957 are based1960 on a network level gages around the lakes.

1918

1963

1921

1924

1927

1930

1933

1936

1939

1966

1969

1972

1975

1978

1981

1984

2019

1945

1942

1945

1987

1990

1948

SEICHES

1951

1954

1957

1960

1963

1966

Intense variations in water levels are 74.50 caused by a steep barometric gradient 74.00 between high and low pressure moving 1918 1921 1924 1927 1930 1933 1936 1939 1942 1945 across 1948 1957 1960 1963 1966 rapidly a1951 lake,1954 according to William C. Hoad, U of M professor of Civil The monthly average levels are based on a network of water level gages located around the lakes.

Elevations are referenced to the International Great Lakes Datum Engineering.

(1985).

This is called a seiche. Low pressure causes water to rise and vice versa. If the direction and rate of travel of the barometric wave corresponds roughly to the direction of the waves, the whole body of water is set in motion, swinging back and forth, and continuing for some time after the initial disturbance.

A line marked door in the Boathouse has a record of all the seiches in Harbor Springs beginning in 1953, just like heights of a growing child on a door jam. It is

1948

1951

1954

1957

1960

1963

2011 1960

1981 1966

2014 1963

2017 1966

1984

1969

1972

1969

1987

1975

1972

1975

1990

1978

1981

246.06

247.7

244.42

1978

1993

1984

1981

1996

1987

1993

1996

1999

2002

2005

2008

2011

2014

2017

1969

1972

1975

1978

1981

1984

1987

1990

here we see recorded the largest seich in Harbor history. On May 30, 1953 the water rose 39.5 inches above the main floor in the Boathouse. Charles Hollerith, 1972 1975 1978boater, 1981 reported 1984 1987a 1990 a1969 Walstrom Marine total rise of 55 inches during the seiche.

The barograph reported a steep climb of over two and one-half points, then a sudden fall to normal pressure at the same time of the fluctuation. The patrons at the Pier restaurant had to climb on top of their dining tables. Stored boats floated off timbers and tops of boats were crushed under the roof. On July 20, 2019, Madeline and I observed a seiche at 2:15 am with water rising 21" above the Boathouse floor.

1993

1996

1993

1996

Continued on next page walstrom.com | 41

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1990

75.00

Water levels have been coordinated through 2018. Values highlighted in gray are provisional.

1942

1984

569.23

74.50

242.78 1957

1990

2017

Lake Ontario

Elevations are referenced to the International Great Lakes Datum (1985).

1954

1984

572.51

Lake Ontario

1921

575.79 1978 574.15

1954 1972

1972 577.43

The monthly average levels are based on a network of water level gages located around the lakes.

Elevations are referenced to the International Great Lakes Datum (1985).

1951

1984

2017

Lake Erie

1918

74.00

1942

1993 1984

1990

577.43

75.50

75.50

19901981 1978

1987

582.35

175.00174.00

1942

1978

1978

601.05

2017

Lake Erie

174.50

1975

601.71

575.79 1969 1918

174.50

1984

1984

599.74 1984

Lake St. Clair

175.00

1981

1981

602.36

1939

Lake St. Clair 1951 19241954 1921 1927

1978

600.39

1981 1930

1972 603.02

feet

1921

1975

feet

Long Term Average Annual

1945

174.50

175.50

meters

1942

175.00

1918

1939

1939

feet

meters meters

meters

175.50

175.00 1918

23

1930

1948 1918

174.00

The monthly average levels are based on a network of water level gages located around the lakes.

Elevations are referenced to the International Great Lakes Datum (1985).

6'

175.50176.00

173.50

1954

1936

feet

meters

YEARS OF 1945 1948 1951 CYCLE

1933

feet

174.50

1930

Lake Michigan−Huron

1918

176.00

1960

1927

176.00

176.00

1957

1924

Lake Michigan−Huron

176.50

1945

Monthly Mean Level

1921

176.50

meters

174.00 173.50

meters

1942

meters

meters

174.50

177.00 1918

177.00 1966 1963 175.50

1960

176.00

175.00

meters

St. Clair The following chart shows the 175.50 fluctuations and time of cycle 175.00 for the last 100 years.

183.00

meters

meters

Lake Lake Erie

183.20

177.50

1957

Long Term Average Annual

1918

183.40

182.80177.50

183.80

183.20

183.00

183.60

meters

have recorded water levels from 1918183.602019. The extended annual average for 183.00 182.80 183.40Lake Michigan is 579 ft. above sea level. If 1918183.20 1921 1927 1930 1936 1939 1942 1945 1948 1951 1954 we1924analyze the1933long term cycle using this 183.00 Lake Michigan−Huron data, we can observe a 5-6ft. fluctuation 182.80 177.50 between cycles for Lake Michigan water 177.00 1918 1921 1924 1927 1930 1933 1936 1939 levels. The cycles between highs and lows 176.50 176.00 range fromMichigan−Huron 11-23 years, yet in just six Lake 177.50 175.50 years, we saw the level go from an all-time 1918 1921 1924 1927 1930 1933 1936 1939 1942 1945 1948 1951 1954 177.00low in 2013 and close to an all-time high Lake St. Clair 176.00 176.50in 2019. It is predictable that the water 175.50 level will go down. But when, is harder 176.00 175.00 to predict. In conclusion, our most recent 174.50 175.50 cycle shows more1927 extreme fluctuations 174.00 1918 1921 1924 1930 1933 1936 1939 than ever before.

1918 1921 1924 1927 1930 1933 1936 1939 1942 1945 1948 1951 1954 183.40

meters

meters meters meters

183.60

183.20

183.80182.80 Monthly Mean Level

NEXT CYCLE LakeTHE Superior In the the Corp of Engineers Lake chart, Superior

183.80

183.40

12/3/19 12:39 PM

1984 1990

COME HELL or HIGH WATER Continued CLIMATE CHANGE

Looking at the graphs of the drastic pressure and water level changes in the recent years, the looming question arises: Will climate change affect the Great Lakes? We see the increased growth of invasive vegetation as water temperatures increased on inland lakes. We also have seen fewer days of ice cover in the last several years, affecting evaporation and water temperatures, which in turn affect fish habitats. Denny Grinold, charter fisherman out of Grand Haven reports more windy days and more cancellations for his business. “The last two Augusts, from mid month through September and into October, you might get out one to three times in ten tries.”

It is no secret that much of the World’s fresh water supply is slipping into the ocean as the ice caps continue to melt.

As a result, our fresh water will become more desirable, putting pressure on the Great Lakes to provide water to the rest of the world. Another way climate change affects us on the Great Lakes is our share of Federal dollars from the Corp of Engineers. Remember hurricane Katrina?

More extreme weather causes flooding of major rivers like the Mississippi, and as if the effects of natural disasters are not bad enough, all those associated costs take a toll on the budget.

1952 Damaged boat by high water in 1953.

1. Robert Walton, Sept 5, 2019 article on Climate Change.

2. The Graphic Resorter, May 30th 1953 (citations)

2019 42 | walstrom.com

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LU X U RY S P O RT I N M OT I O N

SPORT, MEET STYLE. In power and beauty, the Tiara Sport 43 LS sets the new standard of luxury in sport. YamahaŽ power is perfectly balanced with aesthetically and aerodynamically pleasing lines, engineered for peak boating experience. Social zones have been rethought, expanded and well appointed; including around the spacious helm with seating and bolster, aft with a lounge that rotates 180°, and in the bow with chaise seating.

A stately glass cockpit offers high visibility and the latest in tech for ultimate pilot command, with range and speed to adventure with authority. Welcome aboard the Tiara Sport 43 LS and experience elegance in action.

Visit your local factory authorized dealer or TiaraSport.com to learn more.

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A LIFETIME OF BOATING

Tiara Yachts’ Unwavering Commitment

By Rick Venner

“We’ve committed ourselves to designing, engineering and manufacturing every Tiara to precise standards and specifications, giving our customers exactly what their hearts desire, without fail. Our products will be a source of pride, an exhilarating thrill on the water, and a lasting investment to their owners for years to come.”

Back in 1999, Tiara Yachts built the one hundredth 29' Coronet for Harbor Springs customer, Mike and Debbie Pulte. Working with Walstrom Marine, they had very specific ideas about what they wanted the boat to look like. When presented to Tiara Yachts, the Slikkers family coined it the Harbor Edition and used it in their brochure and advertising for the 29' Coronet.

Fast forward to 2019. Lifetime boater, Peter Sears decided he wasn’t done with the boating lifestyle and was on a mission to own another boat. He was very specific to his salesman Rick Venner that the boat had to be under 30' and it had to be a Tiara. Rick set out and came across a 29' Coronet which looked like it had been well cared for in the St. Clair Shores, Michigan area. Peter and Rick drove down to inspect the boat and found it to be all they had hoped for. Peter boarded the boat named, Yachts of Fun, and informed Rick that it was the original Harbor Edition owned by Mike and Debbie Pulte. Rick confirmed this with Sharon Mihalik, Mike and Debbie’s

daughter and current 39' Tiara owner.

She was excited to hear of her parent’s boat still floating and well cared for. After speaking with Mike about it he said he should have never sold that boat because he loved it. While aboard, Rick discovered a plaque on the bulkhead in the cabin with the statement “Pride of Ownership Begins with Pride in Workmanship” on it, mounted on varnished wood, with the signatures of several Tiara employees.

Peter proceeded to purchase the 29' Coronet, making it the tenth Tiara he has owned. She is now Water Wagon 10, and

back home at Walstrom Marine in Harbor Springs.

“A person sleeps better when they have a boat,” says Pete Sears.

Making sure our brands are paralleled with that of our standards, Walstrom Marine prides itself in providing its customers with boats so high quality they last through the decades. Tiara has always been one of those brands. Walstrom Marine was awarded the number two Tiara Yacht Dealer in the World and is honored to supply quality boats for this generation and those still to come. walstrom.com | 45

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| PORT OF CALL

Duncan Bay

BOAT CLUB

By Sandy Frye

Looking for a beautiful, quaint, conveniently-located and protected harbor?

Situated snugly within the Straits of Mackinac, Duncan Bay Boat Club is two miles east of Cheboygan and has a wide range of amenities.

Only 14 miles from Mackinac Island, 22 miles from the Les Cheneaux Islands, and just 34 miles from the North Channel, it is one of the closest lower-peninsula marinas to the North Channel.

Appealing to both large and small vessels alike, not only does the harborage offer a deep channel, it also has great facilities for long-term or shortterm cruising. Completely protected from wave action or surge, captains can sleep easy.

With a massive upgrade approved in 2016, the marina consists of 263 slips and large fairways. Amenities such as cable-TV, Wi-Fi, 110-volt or 220-volt power, dockside pump-outs and fresh water for drinking and wash down, all boaters feel right at home. Not to mention, the club also has a swimming pool, kayaks, bicycles, a playground, gas barbecues, and a picnic pavilion. The log clubhouse has lounge areas, laundry and bathroom/shower facilities. Duncan Bay Boat Club is a private marina, yet transient and seasonal dockage is available.

For history buffs, this town is at no loss. During Michigan's white pine logging era, the current marina site was a logging community of 500 people, known as Duncan City. The natural harbor allowed the lake's freighters to easily supply the community and haul away wood used to build throughout the Midwest.

When it comes to natural beauty, Duncan Bay is at no shortage.

Directly across the bay is Cheboygan State Park, featuring beautiful sand beaches, hiking trails and an historic lighthouse. The Inland Waterway begins just west of the bay and offers passage through a beautiful chain of lakes by way of the Cheboygan River.

The waters hold two marked wrecks for snorkeling and diving, as well as outstanding fishing.

Whether it be the safe portage, beautiful sights, luxurious amenities, or convenient location, you cannot go wrong with Duncan Bay Boat Club.

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NEWS From Rivertown

By Heather Lake

The Cheboygan Service Team had another industrious year with our technicians working diligently to complete winter work requested by our customers, commissioning and launching boats in the spring, performing summer maintenance and repairs, then decommissioning and hauling boats in the fall for storage.

It seemed that 2019 passed by quickly and one season blended into the next before we knew it. That happens when things are busy, and our energetic crew dedicated themselves to completing all tasks in a timely manner.

In addition to our seasonal dockage customers, we had an increase in transient customers this season. Many of our transient customers mentioned that they would be taking their boats through the 40-mile Inland Waterway, a chain of rivers and lakes comprised of the Cheboygan River, Mullett Lake, Indian River, Burt Lake, Crooked River and Crooked Lake. There are locks in the Cheboygan River and Crooked River, with various schedules, daily fees or seasonal fees.

For information about the Cheboygan River Lock, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks & Recreation Division Field Office in Cheboygan at 231-627-9011. For information about the Crooked River Lock, contact the Emmet County Parks & Recreation Office in Petoskey at 231-348-5479.

Our storage buildings were filled for the season earlier than ever and we continued to receive calls about the availability of storage into the fall. The fuel discount, offered as an incentive to customers who return signed contracts and a storage deposit by May 1st, was largely responsible for this. The remote-controlled Boat Lift trailer, purchased in 2018, allowed us to maximize our efficiency by placing boats more closely together than in the past, thereby permitting us to store and service more boats. To inquire about storage or dockage, contact our Office Manager, Heather Lake, at hlake@walstrom.com.

First time visitors to Walstrom Marine sometimes ask us when we shut down for the winter. When we tell them that we’re open all year, they seem surprised and ask us what we do during the winter. Winter is when our technicians fulfill the routine maintenance items, mechanical inspections, cosmetic, mechanical and electrical repairs, and special projects desired by our customers. There is no project too big or too small! A recent, labor-intensive job for our paint crew included sanding, priming and painting a 55' Grand Banks, and handling some fiberglass and gel repairs. This winter will find them repainting a 42' Florida Bay Coaster. Our technicians do a variety of jobs, from replacing AC wiring, breakers, and the shore cord inlet on a 68' Sea Ray to rebuilding and updating Mercruiser outboards. We custom-fit and installed a new swim platform on a 50' Californian and

preceded install a Sea Wise davit system on the boat. We also installed a Garmin Electronics Suite with a custom-built acrylic dash and have installed complete air conditioning systems. Our detailing crew can clean the interior and exterior of your boat prior to launching it, and on scheduled intervals thereafter if you’d like, and we can wax and polish the hull and topsides to make it shine. If you would like an estimate for any repair, maintenance, or update, we would be happy to oblige. Contact our Production Manager, Michelle Hartung, at mhartung@walstrom.com.

Our Parts Department has been very busy ordering numerous parts for all of our specialty and daily projects with most parts available next day from our many vendors.

Contact our Parts Manager, Dana Chapman, at dchapman@walstrom.com.

For all Cheboygan Departments call 231526-2141. We thank you for your continued patronage and look forward to serving you in 2020! walstrom.com | 47

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12/3/19 12:39 PM

Don’t Rock the Boat Baby!

By Madeline Walstrom

When discussing products revolutionizing the boating industry, SeaKeeper is on everyone’s lips. SeaKeeper, founded by John Adams and Shep McKenny, is a company that manufactures gyros that generate enough counterforce to keep a boat from rolling.

This is one of the only products installed on boats that benefit everyone on board, not just the captain, attracting new and old boaters alike.

Designed to eliminate boat roll on vessels from 27 feet to over 85 tons, SeaKeeper has blown the doors off of the boating market demographic. Catering to such a wide variety of boats, gives people

the opportunity to get out on the water who never thought they could. By taking the roll out of the boats, the gyro can not only reduce sea sickness but also provide safety for boaters in extremely rough conditions. Making it feel effortless, the technology behind the product is quite complex.

The gyro starts with a vacuum encapsulated flywheel spinning up to 557 mph generating a counter force that reduces up to 90% of the boat’s roll. Vacuum sealing the capsule allows it to reach speeds three times faster and cuts weight down by two-thirds, not to mention it halves the power consumption.

The “Active Control” feature uses smart technology to immediately react to the sea’s conditions and allows peak performance at all boat speeds.

These complex systems are no challenge for Walstrom Marine technician Mike Downey. With over 35 years of marine experience, he was the perfect person to handle our SeaKeeper installs. Certified

by SeaKeeper, Downey has installed the SeaKeeper 9 on a 53' Tiara and has

WALSTROM CUSTOMER REVIEWS “It stabilizes faster and better than anything I’ve used before, at anchor, five knots or up to 30 knots.”

“Works unbelievably well!”

maintained several dozen SeaKeepers for Walstrom Marine customers. “I am very excited to see what the future holds for this company and product.” Says Downey.

Walstrom Marine prides itself in selling products and boats that are at the forefront of Marine innovation. Seeing an increase in demand for aftermarket installation, manufacturers have already started redesigning interiors in order to better accommodate space for SeaKeepers.

We are not sure what the future holds for SeaKeeper but we can be sure that a company with this much intelligence and determination can make some waves in the boating industry. Stop by the Walstrom Parts department to check out the latest on what SeaKeeper has to offer.

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DETROIT BOAT SHOW

63rd Annual Detroit Boat Show moves to January in 2020 at TCF Center

By Nicki Polan MBIA Executive Director

I

n July of 2018, the North American International Auto Show announced its date change to June starting in 2020.

This opened the door for the Detroit Boat Show to move back to January dates, a goal for many years. Originally, the Detroit Boat Show had late January dates, similar to most boat shows around the country.

However, as the Auto Show grew bigger and bigger, the Detroit Boat Show got pushed further and further into February.

We are excited to announce, the 63rd Annual Detroit Boat Show will be January 18 – 26, 2020 at the newly-named TCF Center, previously Cobo Center. The earlier dates are a win-win for the consumer and more than 100 exhibitors at this event.

SOME OF THE REASONS INCLUDE: Kicking the winter sales season off a month early will help assure boats that are ordered and delivered in time for spring launch. Boats are manufactured differently

1

than cars and need more production time – the earlier the better.

Get an unbeatable deal by taking advantage of manufacturers’ desire to balance their production cycles.

Manufacturer incentives are larger when the demand is lighter, so you will see larger rebates at winter boat shows, which often disappear in the spring.

2

Design the boat of your dreams – get every option you want and in your choice of colors. If you wait, come spring, you may be limited to the remaining boats in stock at the dealership. If you want to customize, ordering earlier is always better.

3

More selection for used boat purchasers: Because the volume of boats sold at this event is so great, there will be a greater number of used boats going on the market at this time. Better selection and better pricing is always a good thing for those shopping for used boats.

4

5

Get top trade in values: Michigan has sales tax on the difference in place

JANUARY 18-26

which means, when you purchase a new boat from a dealer, you only pay sales tax on the difference between the cost of the new boat and the value of your trade in.

Trade in values are typically larger at winter boat shows to help motivate buyers, so the STOD savings is larger as well.

Avoid the lines: One-stop shopping at the Detroit Boat Show lets you get it all done ahead of time. Check off your to-do list everything from financing to boat registration renewals, from marina dockage to electronics, even beach and dock maintenance. Make it all happen early at the show to create a carefree start to the boating season.

6

These are all great reasons to mark your calendar for January 18 – 26 and make plans to head to the Detroit Boat Show.

Even if you are not in the market to buy a boat, it is a great place to see what is new, discover boating for the first time, bring the family, or meet up with boating friends for a blast of summer in the middle of winter.

See you at the show! www.DetroitBoatShow.net

50 | walstrom.com

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INTERVIEW with

WINNEBAGO CEO Mike Happe

By Tom Ervin

In June 2018, Winnebago Industries announced the acquisition of Chris-Craft.

This news rocked the boating industry as this is the first time that a company from the much larger recreational vehicle industry has entered the boating market. Over the past year, we have had the opportunity to meet and speak with Michael Happe, the CEO of Winnebago Industries. He clearly has a great interest

and passion for boating. We asked Mike to sit down with us and share with our readers a little about himself and his vision for Winnebago and Chris-Craft.

Can you share a little bit about your professional background and your family?

My wife Shannon and I live in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and have four children – three sons and a daughter, ages 21, 19, 16, and 13. The oldest two are in college and the youngest two are still at home. I am extremely blessed to have a tremendous life partner in Shannon who has done a fantastic job as a mother to our children, instilling great values and love into our home.

I have served as President and Chief Executive Officer for Winnebago Industries since January of 2016. I also am a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, joining seven other independent Directors. At Winnebago Industries, I am responsible for the overall vision and strategic direction of the Company, which must be supported by nurturing and strengthening a culture that cares deeply for its employees and customers. I am also accountable to our Directors and shareholders for the overall performance of the organization, financially and otherwise.

Prior to joining Winnebago Industries, I served as an Executive Officer and Group Vice President at The Toro Company. I joined Toro as an intern during graduate school at the University of Minnesota, and served 19 full-time years at Toro, holding a series of senior leadership positions across the firm’s domestic and international businesses.

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Tell our readers about your boating experience and where you like to boat currently.

I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa in the northwest corner of the state. While the mighty Missouri River borders Sioux City, my family did not boat on the river. As a youth, our time on the water was spent in the Okoboji/Spirit Lake area within Iowa on the freshwater lakes there, fishing and recreating with family and friends.

As adults, Shannon and I own a lake home in north-central Minnesota on Lake Hubert in the Nisswa area, and this is where we do most of our water activities. Hubert is a 1,300-acre lake that has strong fishing for traditional Minnesota species (walleye, northern pike, large and small mouth bass, bluegills, and crappies). It’s also fantastic for getting our kids and their friends out on the water for wakeboarding, tubing, skiing, cocktail cruises, etc.

The Brainerd Lakes region in Minnesota is one of the great waterways in North America, inviting families and sportsmen from the Upper Midwest to enjoy the lakes year-round. In late January every year, a neighboring body of water, Gull Lake, plays host to an ice fishing contest where more than 10,000 contestants participate at the same time. It’s truly a sight to take in.

Winnebago is new to the marine industry and why Chris-Craft specifically?

Upon arriving at Winnebago Industries in early 2016, our Board of Directors provided me with several strategic priorities to react to. One of their directives was to explore profitable growth through diversification. Our Board felt strongly that the Company could benefit from exploring diversification in various areas to both strengthen our revenue opportunities, but also protect profitability when downcycles hit our traditional Recreational Vehicle business.

Working with the leaders within Winnebago Industries at the time, we developed together a new vision/mission statement to serve as a “north star” to ensure each of our employees had clarity on the Company’s direction, purpose, and values. As part of that process, we decided to give ourselves the permission to grow into a trusted outdoor lifestyle leader,

and not solely describe ourselves as an RV company. Our purpose is to help our customers explore the outdoor lifestyle, enabling extraordinary experiences as they travel, live, work, and play. We are in the business of helping our customers create fantastic memories with families and friends in the outdoors, and that’s where the marine industry fits in so wonderfully.

We view the marine market as a logical adjacency within the broader outdoor lifestyle market and one where we can leverage our expertise in brand management, channel management, manufacturing, and customer service support. We think the marine market will benefit from many of the same secular trends that will drive other outdoor businesses to growth in the future.

We first began speaking with the leadership of Chris-Craft about design. Our team was impressed with their outstanding work on their own products and as a premium RV manufacturer, we were hoping to learn a thing or two from them about elegant and classic design. The more time we spent with the Chris-Craft team and around the marine industry, we began to gain a sense that this was an opportunity for our first diversification play into an exciting adjacency. We respect the iconic Chris-Craft brand, think highly of the leadership team and product direction unfolding, and believe with stronger support from a healthy parent that their best days as the luxury brand in marine are still ahead of them.

Do you see the opportunity for synergies between the RV industry and the marine industry from both the manufacturers’ and the consumers’ perspective?

The RV and marine industries are inherently emotional markets. At the core is an underlying theme of spending quality time in the outdoors with family and friends.

We strongly believe that today’s consumers are focused on collecting experiences versus only possessions. They want to embrace their outdoor environments and enjoy the journey. Because of this, we see significant overlap in how we work to understand our customers’ needs and wants in both markets. Not all RV customers own boats and not all marine customers own RVs, but they share much in common about what they want to experience outdoors.

Beyond that core shared set of consumer experiences, the rest of the value chain does have some similarities. There are manufacturing, supply chain, and marketing synergies to explore for sure. I am most excited about the design and technology side however. We will protect the core and essence of the Chris-Craft brand and design approach, but the various pieces of our portfolio can learn a lot from each other about user experience interfaces, connected product technology, and the challenge of blending elegance and comfort.

Continued on next page

CHRIS-CRAFT CATALINA 34

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INTERVIEW with

WINNEBAGO CEO Mike Happe Continued How does the culture of Chris-Craft align with the Winnebago culture?

This is the most important aspect of any acquisition process, deciding if and how the two respective cultures can fit together. If the cultures can’t mesh, then we won’t do the deal. In the case of Winnebago Industries acquiring Chris-Craft, we were confident of a strong strategic and cultural fit early on.

Chris-Craft shares many of the same values that Winnebago Industries does – customer centricity, trust, and qualityfocused to name just a few. The management teams of Winnebago Industries and ChrisCraft are passionate about many of the same things, around the areas of quality, innovation, and customer service. The ChrisCraft team is full of many hungry, humble, and smart employees who do the right thing every day for our customers and for the business. We also share an aspiration to grow profitably in the future.

What do you see in the future for Winnebago and Chris-Craft?

We strongly believe that we will be able to leverage Winnebago Industries’ financial and professional resources to accelerate growth at Chris-Craft. With our capital, and our knowledge of how to manage through cyclical times, we will carefully and intentionally invest capital into the ChrisCraft business to expand their product line-up. We will work very hard to maintain the differentiated and ultra-premium position of the Chris-Craft brand within the industry, while ensuring the brand can be and is present in some of the high-volume fiberglass categories that we may have skimmed in the past.

I also think the team at Chris-Craft can teach several of our other businesses within the Winnebago Industries portfolio a few tricks about design and branding. We will learn a great deal about the marine industry through our ownership of Chris-Craft and expand our own relationships with the key players within the marine industry.

This investment is a low-risk, high-reward entrance into an exciting new world.

What new products/innovations are coming from Chris-Craft?

Chris-Craft has a full and exciting new pipeline, for years to come. And this will accelerate, as market conditions allow, in the years to come. Over the past year, ChrisCraft has introduced an entire new product line, the Launch GT series, into the market.

This line is geared toward the modern boater while still maintaining the style, lines, and incredible attention to detail that make it uniquely Chris-Craft. The new Launch GT line ranges in size from 25, 28, 35, and soon 31 feet. Each of these models were designed with the customers’ needs in mind, offering both sterndrive and outboard propulsion, as well as multiple top options. Because each boating environment is unique depending on where and how you boat, we saw it as an imperative to provide several functionality options in a single line that caters to many markets, globally. I am also excited that several of our Chris-Craft models will begin utilizing wake surf technology to provide that exciting option for our customers. A bit untraditional for Chris-Craft, our boats will not only be the most beautiful on the water, but also the most fun.

How does Winnebago intend to preserve and build upon the Chris-Craft heritage?

The first sentence of Winnebago Industries’ guiding principles says the following: “We respect our roots and legacy of success; we do not rest on them.” While

originally penned in reference to the iconic Winnebago brand, this certainly also applies to the work we are doing at Chris-Craft.

We have a deep appreciation and respect for the 145+ year heritage of the brand.

In fact, we believe we have the best boatbuilder and brand now in our new marine portfolio – a great first investment in the space for us. Our challenge is to continue the same level of commitment to quality, detail and performance evident throughout Chris-Craft’s history and raise that bar to even greater heights. We will do everything in our power to continue to give Chris-Craft the resources it needs to be successful in the marketplace moving forward. I am personally committed to ensuring we maintain the special allure and character of the brand, but also balance that with our pursuit of relevance and access in the growing boat segments that customers can see the ChrisCraft brand in.

Tell us about the expansion plans for Chris-Craft in Sarasota.

During our Fiscal 2019 third quarter conference call in June, we announced that we had initiated proceedings to add a new multimillion-dollar manufacturing complex at the Chris-Craft facility in Sarasota, Florida.

This project will add 80,000 square feet of additional capacity on the Campus and will build upon its current 160,000 square feet.

We will monitor market conditions carefully to ensure that this investment remains the right choice, but the justification for it is driven by the exciting new product pipeline we have in place and the urging of many of our dealers. This is an exciting time for the Chris-Craft team, and we look to build on the success of the brand in the marketplace and launch several new products into the market in the years to come.

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WOMEN in BOATING

By Tom Ervin

2019 saw the 900th graduate from the Women in Boating class! Last year was the 14th year of the program, which helps women gain knowledge and confidence on the water.

The class is split into two sessions. The morning session is in a classroom setting and covers basic boating knowledge, including Rules of the Road, a review and operation of safety

equipment, how to work as a team when docking a boat, and basic knot tying. The afternoon session takes place on the water, where we really have some fun! There, the ladies are given personalized instruction in boat handling, which includes safe docking of the boat. These small group seminars are for women only and are designed to build confidence on the water and make some new friends along the way.

We were recently honored to have our Women in Boating class featured by WJR Radio in Detroit, on their program Women Who Lead. Our classes continue to grow as the word spreads. Reserve your spot today for the 2020 class at one of our four participating locations: Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Charlevoix, or Traverse City. This FREE program is open to all women.

To RSVP, please call 231-526-2141 or email boats@walstrom.com.

2020 SCHEDULE • CHARLEVOIX

June 27

• BAY HARBOR

July 11

• HARBOR SPRINGS July 18 • TRAVERSE CITY

August 8

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4110 4110Peninsula PeninsulaDrive, Drive,Bay BayHarbor Harbor

This This beautiful beautiful seven-bedroom seven-bedroom BayBay Harbor Harbor home home designed designed by by Alexander Alexander Bogaerts Bogaerts andand built built by by TSA TSA hashas so so much much to offer. to offer.

TheThe approximately approximately 10,000 10,000 sq.sq. ft. home ft. home includes includes a very a very well well planned planned outout custom custom kitchen kitchen by by Signature Signature Kitchens, Kitchens, divided divided intointo twotwo preparation preparation andand clean clean up up areas. areas.

It isIt perfect is perfect forfor everyday everyday living living as well as well as entertaining as entertaining large large groups groups of people. of people.

Also, Also, on on thethe main main level level youyou willwill findfind a living a living room room with with a floor a floor to ceiling to ceiling 2-way 2-way stone stone wood wood burning burning fireplace, fireplace, a sitting a sitting room room offoff thethe kitchen kitchen with with beautiful beautiful views views of Little of Little Traverse Traverse Bay, Bay, a formal a formal dining dining room room with with a dry a dry bar,bar, a private a private den\office den\office andand a master a master suite suite with with hishis andand herher bathrooms, bathrooms, custom custom closets closets andand French French doors doors leading leading to atostone a stone patio. patio.

TheThe second second floor floor of this of this home home offers offers four four bedroom bedroom suites, suites, all all of which of which have have water water views. views.

Also, Also, there there is aislarge a large entertaining entertaining deck deck where where youyou cancan enjoy enjoy thethe lake lake view. view.

TheThe third third floor floor includes includes twotwo more more bedrooms, bedrooms, a full a full bath bath andand a family a family room. room.

There There is an is an elevator elevator which which services services all all floors floors including including thethe lower lower level level where where youyou cancan enjoy enjoy a wood a wood burning burning fireplace fireplace in the in the family family room, room, a wet a wet barbar andand billiards billiards area. area.

TheThe lower lower level level alsoalso comes comes equipped equipped with with a beautiful a beautiful theater theater with with state-of-the-art state-of-the-art audio\video audio\video equipment equipment andand a private a private gym gym overlooking overlooking thethe lake. lake.

This This all all sitssits on on 131’ 131’ of Lake of Lake Michigan Michigan waterfront waterfront andand 130’ 130’ of Bay of Bay Harbor Harbor Lake Lake waterfront waterfront with with a private a private dock dock thatthat willwill hold hold a 120’ a 120’ yacht. yacht. www.4110peninsuladrive.com www.4110peninsuladrive.com $7.900,000 $7.900,000

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1221 1221Shores ShoresDrive, Drive,Bay BayHarbor Harbor

This This beautiful beautiful 6,442 6,442 square square footfoot family family residence residence cancan be be found found within within TheThe Shores Shores of Bay of Bay Harbor.

Harbor.

TheThe remarkable remarkable property property sitssits on on approximately approximately 110110 feetfeet of stunning of stunning water water frontage frontage andand includes includes a 45-foot a 45-foot dock dock on on BayBay Harbor Harbor Lake!

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This This modern modern home, home, completed completed in 2006, in 2006, waswas designed designed by by Frederick Frederick Crosley Crosley Ball Ball Associates Associates andand built built by by Birchwood Birchwood Construction.

Construction.

There There areare four four elegant elegant bedroom bedroom suites suites throughout throughout thethe home home to make to make your your family family or friends or friends comfortable. comfortable.

TheThe gracefully gracefully designed designed master master bedroom bedroom suite suite is found is found on on thethe main main level, level, while while thethe addition additional three-bedroom three bedroom suites suites are on arethe onupper the upper levellevel of the ofhome. the home.

The The house house contains contains five full five and full one and half one half baths, baths, including including a luxurious a luxurious shower shower on the on the lower lower level. level.

YouYou willwill alsoalso findfind a specialized a specialized wine wine room room in the in the lower lower level level, along along withwith a full a full kitchen, kitchen, andand a covered a covered patio patio withwith builtbuilt in gas in gas barbeque barbeque, perfect perfect for entertaining for entertaining family family andand friends. friends.

There There is also is also a recreation a recreation room room on on thethe lower lower level level with with a display a display area area forfor your your classic classic automobile, automobile, a pool a pool table table andand a 75 a 75 inch inch flatflat screen screen TVTV which which offers offers funfun forfor all all members members of your of your household. household.

TheThe main main level level includes includes a large a large dining dining room room with with enough enough seating seating forfor twelve, twelve, a large a large picture picture window window looking looking over over Lake Lake Michigan, Michigan, andand stunningly stunningly built built custom custom kitchen. kitchen.

Conveniently, Conveniently, laundry laundry rooms rooms areare found found on on both both thethe main main andand upper upper levels. levels.

In addition In addition to three-bedroom to three bedroom suites suites on on thethe higher higher level level, youyou willwill alsoalso findfind a a remarkable remarkable large large office office with with graceful graceful French French doors doors thatthat open open to atowalk a walk outout porch, porch, a lovely a lovely spot spot forfor relaxing relaxing with with your your favorite favorite book. book.

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Bay Harbor Boathouse | 1040 Vista Drive, Bay Harbor

This spectacular boathouse located in the heart of Bay Harbor is a boater’s dream! The interior boat well is 13’ x 50’ with a walkway all the way around. The exterior dock is 75’ long with two 30’ spurs perfect for all of your water toys and for your guests to visit by boat. The home offers six bedrooms, five and one half baths, approximately 7,400 Sq. Ft, wide plank Mahogany floors, Mahogany walls and ceiling on the third floor, two kitchens, two laundry rooms and an office overlooking the boat well. The exterior features a three car garage, 100’ of waterfront on Bay Harbor Lake, extensive professional landscaping including a waterfall and a spa on the sunporch outside the Master Suite where you can sit back and enjoy sunset views over the lake. Perfectly located just a short walk to the Bay Harbor Yacht Club where you can enjoy the first class amenities or walk to the Village for shopping, dining or a concert at the new Great Lakes Center for the Arts. Adjacent lot with an additional 90’ of waterfront also available to purchase. $4,490,000

Bay Harbor Waterfront | 3275 Village Harbor, Bay Harbor Gorgeous newer built home in the popular gated Lakeshore Village Community. No updating required!! This home is situated on double lots, accompanied by double private docks. This waterfront home boasts 159’ of sandy beach frontage. Your access to the Great Lakes awaits! This elegant home has 5000 square feet of architectural detail, demonstrating the finest craftsmanship. This 5 bedroom, 4 full and 2 half bath home has floor to ceiling custom cabinetry, crown moldings, built-in bunk room, walnut plank flooring, marble bathrooms and much, much more. This home features a first floor master, 3 car garage and a lower level walkout leading you to a beautiful quarry like setting. You will not be disappointed! Close to bike path and just a quick walk to the Inn at Bay Harbor, downtown shops and restaurants. Come see why Lakeshore Village is Bay Harbor’s best kept secret. $1,799,000 and much, much more. home features a first floor master, 3 car garage and a lower level walkout leading you to a beautiful quarry like setting. You will not be disappointed! Close to bike path and just a quick walk to the Inn at Bay Harbor, downtown shops and restaurants. Come see why Lakeshore Village is Bay Harbor’s best kept secret

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EDUCATION on THE LAKES

Inland Seas Education Association

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By Bob Walton

“The water is really clear. Isn’t that nice?” “Round Gobies are a terrible problem, right?” “There are no big rivers flowing into the Great Lakes. Where does all the water come from?”

Those of us who love the Great Lakes often wonder many things like those questions. We raise our children here and educate them in our schools and now, there is an additional resource in Suttons Bay that furthers that education focusing specifically on the Great Lakes: the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA).

Inland Seas presents multiple programs to educate towards fostering stewardship of our Great Lakes including: Schoolship, shoreside stream, ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) building and deployment, teacher professional development, and public Sail excursions.

Schoolship programs take busloads of school children aboard traditionally-rigged tall ship schooners. The students assume the role of a Great Lakes scientist as they explore the important topic of biodiversity within the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Specimens are collected and inspected by magnifier, microscope, or hands. The

species are identified, counted and logged.

When not assuming the role of scientist, the children help with crew work such as raising the anchor, and hoisting the sails.

The ROV program, a STEM (Science, Technology, Electronics, and Math) program, is specifically designed to inspire students to consider exciting careers in the STEM fields for the purpose of protecting our Great Lakes. The program provides students an opportunity to form a successful team of engineers to design and deploy a Remotely Operated Vehicle.

Volunteers acting as Engineering Guides encourage the teams to learn how to include ideas from all members of the team and work with focus towards the goal of building and testing the prototype.

Teacher professional development is an important focus area for Inland Seas. Inland Seas is proud to serve as a hub location for the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.

Inland Seas conducts its programs with the support of more than 200 dedicated volunteers and a highly professional staff.

Recently receiving a grant for extensive remodeling and expansion, Inland Seas Center can now cater to overnight school groups or interns from all over the state and even country. These individuals who are passionate about the Great Lakes teach others what it means to care for this important resource.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bob Walton is a retired engineer focused in the repair of analytical laboratory equipment who now volunteers at Inland Seas Education Association. Meeting as slip neighbors, he and Ward bonded over the common interest of Great Lakes stewardship and education of all ages.

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Pursuit DC326

Pursuit DC295

NEW MODELS

Riva 48 Dolceriva

Call 231-526-2141 for more information.

Ferretti Custom Line 106

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Chris-Craft 31 GT

Sea Ray 320 Sundancer Coupe OB

Chris-Craft 28 Launch GT

Chris-Craft 35 Launch GT

Sea Ray SLX350

Tiara Sport 43 LS

Tiara Sport 38 LX

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previously owned

boats

For a complete list of our new and previously owned boats, please visit www.walstrom.com

69' 1922 Tugboat American Girl

63' 2002 Hatteras 63 Motor Yacht

60' 2019 Princess S60 Sportbridge

59' 1998 Sea Ray 580SSS

53' 1975 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht

46' 2005 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer

44' 2019 Tiara 44 Coupe

44' 2017 Tiara C44 Coupe

44' 2015 Tiara C44

43' 1981 Hatteras 43 Convertible

43' 1978 Hatteras Double Cabin

42' 2008 Cruisers Yachts 420 Express

42' 2004 Tiara 4200 Open

42' 1996 420 Aft Cabin

40' 2016 Sea Ray 400 Sundancer

39' 2014 Tiara 3900 Coronet

39' 2008 Tiara 39' Sovran

39' 2000 Maxum 3700 SCR

38' 2004 Tiara 3800 Open

38' 2004 Regal Commodore 3860

38' 2000 Wellcraft 38 Excalibur

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38' 1974 Hatteras Double Cabin

36' 2019 Pursuit DC 365

36' 2008 Tiara 36 Open

35' 2018 Boston Whaler 350 Outrage

35' 2016 Four Winns H350

35' 2014 Cruisers Yachts 350 Express

35' 2001 Tiara 35 Open

35' 1995 Tiara 3500 Express

34' 2018 Chris-Craft Catilina 34

34' 2009 Formula 34 PC

32' 1989 Grand Banks 32 Sedan

31' 2015 Pursuit 310

31' 2013 Pursuit C 310 Center Console

29' 2006 Tiara 29 Coronet

29' 2004 Tiara Coronet

29' 2001 Tiara 2900 Coronet

28' 2008 Chris-Craft 28 Launch

28' 2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

27’' 1993 Tiara 270 Sportboat

25' 2017 Regal 2500 Bowrider

24' 2007 Sea Ray 240 Sundancer

22' 2017 Chris-Craft 22 Launch

22' 1993 Tiara 220 Sportboat

42' 1950’s Vintage Cabin Cruiser

Call 231-526-2141 for more information.

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There’s no time like the present to brighten the future.

When a client’s best interests come first, as they always do at Greenleaf Trust, the future appears brighter. We holistically integrate return on investment with estate planning, trusts, retirement, risk mitigation, tax planning, charitable giving, and so on. Thanks to our culture of honesty and honor, and doing the right thing first, always, we’ve achieved 99% client retention, and $14 billion in assets under advisement. Our clients have a future, and they want it to be bright. To learn more, call John Welch or visit greenleaftrust.com.

financial security from generation to generation

traverse city 231.7 78.00 50 | bay harbor 231.439.5016 | greenleaftrust.com 24323_Docklines2020.indd 64

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DOCKLINES Docklines is a publication of Walstrom Marine, Inc.

Index of Advertisers Bay Harbor Village/Marina ������������������������������������������ 16 Bay Harbor Yacht Club ������������������������������������������������ 18

Captain Kurt’s BOATING TIPS

Chris-Craft ������������������������������������������������������������������� 26

We have all been there, it’s mid July, the sun comes out, and suddenly we can’t get to the boat quickly enough. In all the hustle and bustle with the kids and the snacks and the toys, it can be easy to skip over some important details on your boat. Before jumping on and immediately firing up the engines, here are some simple, but important things to think about that could mean the difference between a fun day on the water or being stranded at the dock.

First Mate Yacht & Property Care �������������������������������48

SAFETY FIRST

Grey Gables Restaurant & Catering ����������������������������15

• Check that you have life jackets for each person on board and that children have a properly sized life jacket as well.

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society ����������������������23

• Make sure your flare kit is up to date. Flares are legal for a little over three years from their date of manufacture.

CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK • Sight, Sound, Smell…Three basic sensory checks that you can ask yourself when inspecting your engine right off the bat. Do I see anything out of the ordinary, smell anything funny or hear anything running?

• Perform a basic engine room/bilge check. Check your fluid levels and look around for any leaks. Also check if there is water in the bilge. A little bit of water is normal, but a lot could indicate a leak somewhere.

• When making long journeys, it is not a bad idea to do a second engine room check after having the boat at a higher rpm for a while. Sometimes everything seems to be working normal at the dock where the boat has been sitting safe and sound but not when running.

WEATHER IS KEY • Watch the forecast. Seems obvious, but the weather in Northern Michigan can turn quickly.

Clarkston State Bank ��������������������������������������������������� 48 Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors ������������������������������51 Cottage Company ��������������������������������������������������������� 15

Freedom Lift ���������������������������������������������������������������� 23 Global Marine Insurance Agency ���������������������������������68 Greenleaf Trust ������������������������������������������������������������ 64

Kidd & Leavy Real Estate, Pat Leavy ���������������������������56 North Country Aviation ���������������������������������������������� 15 Pursuit Boats ������������������������������������������������������������������ 2 Sea Ray ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Sears Architects �������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Merril Lynch Wealth Management ����������������������������43 Stafford’s Hospitality ��������������������������������������������������� 23 The Outfitter ���������������������������������������������������������������� 48 The Store - Cheboygan ������������������������������������������������ 48 Tiara Sport USA ������������������������������������������������������������ 44 Tiara Yachts ������������������������������������������������������������������ 67 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council ������������������������������32

A SPARE PAIR • Carry some spare parts on board. Items like fuel filters, impellers and extra fluids can make for quick fixes in sticky situations. walstrom.com | 65

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GIVING BACK Harbor Hall Breaks Ground for Clinic & Women’s Shelter

H

arbor Hall is an addiction treatment center in Petoskey, Michigan. Starting in 1973 in an old Victorian house on the corner of Emmet and Grove Streets, it provided up to 12 men a safe and sober environment. As demand for treatment increased, Harbor Hall increased its staff and added a variety of services. Larry Buhl,

a longtime Walstrom customer, became President in l987, remaining a director until 2014. By 2002, a gambling treatment program was implemented and by 2003, prevention programs in Cheboygan and Emmet Schools were being provided.

Continually growing, in 2016 a Women’s Family and Adolescent Center was opened.

Most recently in 2019, Harbor Hall became

services since 1974.

the first Opioid Treatment Center in the State. Strongly committed to training and advancement in the field of addiction, they are currently involved in addiction treatment studies through Cornell University, University of Georgia, and Washington State life in recovery.

University. Harbor Hall is involved in Local, Regional and State strategic planning to make sure substance use disorders are being heard. Over 75% of all admissions come from the Northern 21 counties of the lower peninsula of Michigan. lifestyle.

HARBOR HALL PROVIDES: Harbor Hall provides: • Residential treatment for adult males • Residential Treatment for adult males •

Withdrawal Management

• Outpatient services for males, females • and adolescents in Petoskey,• Charlevoix Transitional residence in Petoskey and Cheboygan • Sober Living /Transitional Housing in Petoskey • A range of clinical services encompassing many of the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) levels of care.

888-880-5511

• A Continuum of Care approach including prevention education, early intervention, withdrawal management and outpatient programs with variable lengths of stay.

Harbor Hall’s philosophy is based on the notion that substance use disorders are a chronic medical condition that, if left untreated, is fatal in most cases. The good news is, that the person suffering from this disease can put it into remission with a solid recovery program and ultimately lead a meaningful, happy life. Walstrom Marine is proud to support Harbor Hall in this worthy endeavor. For more information on how you can join us, please contact Pat McGinn at Harbor Hall at 231-347-5511.

66 | walstrom.com

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C49 C

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ELEGANCE IN EVOLUTION The 49 Coupe blends classic Tiara Yachts legacy with a contemporary balance of materials and improved layout, increasing social zones while maximizing seating and comfort. A single level salon offers unparalleled height, 360 degree visibility, cross conversational seating and a generous 48’’ wide helm seat. Accommodations for up to six guests await below deck. Continuing our longstanding partnerships with Volvo Penta® and Garmin® electronics, the C 49 offers glass cockpit, joystick control and current marine navigation technologies.

EXPERIENCE ELEGANCE IN EVOLUTION ABOARD THE NEWEST MODEL IN THE TIARA YACHTS COUPE LINEUP AT TIARAYACHTS.COM OR YOUR FACTORY AUTHORIZED TIARA YACHTS DEALER. IT’S MORE THAN PERFECTION. IT’S TIARA ELEGANCE IN EVOLUTION.

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