13 Questions (sponsored content

Brett Densé, Jerry Timmer, Dave Silverstein, Jordan Luth, and Jim Stanley

Boaters are in absolute heaven in northern Michigan. And at the center of it all is Action Water Sports, showcasing the best pontoon, ski boats, and bowriders around. Having been in business for over 30 years, they believe family time is best spent on the water and strive to bring that passion to customers. We met with Jerry Timmer to get the inside scoop on the industry, his tips on today’s most popular boats, and more.

1 > Seriously. Selling these amazing boats, completely

surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful lakes. It’s a good life!

Yes, we’re very fortunate. Nothing like speeding up Lake Leelanau toward Leland, or having a leisurely July afternoon on Walloon or Mullett Lake with family. Our sales team was out at a boat show in Denver a few months ago, and when people heard where they were from, all people there could talk about was how we live in the holy grail of boating. 2 > We saw so many peoples’ habits change almost

overnight with COVID. Boating seems like it got a lot more popular.

As soon as COVID hit, people really just wanted to be outside. They weren’t travelling as much, so families just stuck together and realized it was a perfect time to have fun out on the water.

3 > I saw that first-time boat buyers hit an all-time high. We’ve seen that, yes. People walking in who have never owned a boat before, really getting hooked. Which makes it fun for us, because we become a part of memories that will last a lifetime.

4 > OK, convince us we need a boat. Well, once people get a look at the boats in our showroom or better yet get out on the water in one of them, they pretty much sell themselves! They’re comfortable, easy to transport, there are lakes of all kinds everywhere nearby, and we have really flexible financing options now. Plus, there’s a variety of ways to use them. You can do water sports, entertain, lounge and cruise...the possibilities are endless. There is no better way to spend summer in Northern Michigan than on a boat. 5 > Sold! Any trends you’re seeing these days? Definitely. One would be luxury. Boat manufacturers taking their cues from the RV industry and really making these furniture and interior packages really lush. And then on the more fun side, we’re really seeing wake surfing take off in popularity. It has a lower impact than skiing or wakeboarding, which makes it easier on the body, and anyone can do it, regardless of age or ability. 6 > What types of boats are really popular these days? Definitely the pontoon, which has come a very long way since what many people were used to even a decade ago. They are no longer your “grandparents' pontoon”. You’re bringing your living room on the water, but now with tri-toons, you’re also getting high performance and high speed. And on the other end of the spectrum, people can’t get enough of the 30-35- foot open bow day boat from Cobalt. Just sheer fun and perfect for the bay. 7 > I know you’re a big MasterCraft dealer. That is one

incredible boat. The best, really.

They really are incredible. MasterCraft does a great job at making it very easy for the owner. At the push of a button, you can be surfing, skiing, or wakeboarding. Plus, not only do they look fantastic on the water, they are a ton of fun to drive! 8 > And pontoons? You mentioned comfort. What’s the

best of the best?

{ 13 Questions } On The Water With The Action Water Sports’ Crew

Barletta is really setting a new standard. The craftsmanship is second to none, and there are so many configurations and options to make it your perfect experience for the family. They’ve even thought of our furry friends with standard doggie bowls – a great feature! 9 > But with all the crazy demand, are there even boats

available?

We have boats in the showroom and on our lots ready to go today. It’s true there’s a lot of demand, and if you need to order precisely what you want, it could take a while. But if you can be a little flexible on that color or an option or two, we have several right now for you to choose from. 10 > And are there any deals? How can I make myself

feel a little better about affording a shiny new boat?

There’s really never a bad time to buy a boat! The advantage of buying now is you can hit the water this summer. If that isn’t a concern, Fall is a great time to buy as well. You have plenty of time to order a boat with your colors, your options and our used boat inventory begins to replenish. 11 > Lots of boat dealers and shops up here. What

makes Action different?

We take pride in being a one-stop-shop. Whether it’s sales, service, dock and lift, proshop – we have you covered. We also make convivence for the customer the highest priority. We want to keep you on the water with your family as much as possible. That’s why we offer services like dockside service, pickup and delivery, storage etc. Plus, with four locations and over 30 years of experience, we have the resources to service you at the highest level. 12 > You’re obviously right here in Traverse City and

you have other locations downstate, but what about a potential customer in Cadillac? Or Harbor Springs?

We love our customers in both of those places! And Cheboygan. And Gaylord. And the U.P.! We have a dedicated driving team travelling around to service those customers. You can visit us, or we will bring the boat to you. The nice thing about living in Northern Michigan is that the drive is always beautiful! 13 > It does seem like you and your team are passionate

about this stuff.

Life is too short not to love what you do. Boating is our passion and there is no greater joy than getting people on the water. Whether it’s buying their first boat, coaching someone how to drop the rope wakesurfing, or dropping the boat in for the first time all season, we live for those moments and can’t wait to see what this summer has in store.