The Great Lakes Mariner Magazine - October 2011 Issue by The Great Lakes Mariner Magazine

The Great Lakes Mariner

CoverCatalina and Glossary Photograph 2012 26 by Forest Johnson

2012 Launch 22

We finish our look at the 2012 Chris Craft line with the Catalina 29 Sun Tender - Pg. 26

A Quick Look: The Cutwater 26 - Pg. 9 Shrink Wrap 101 - DIY and Save Pg. 34 The advertising deadline for the next issue is November 23, 2011. 2

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Mutt of the Month - Pg. 5 What's Up Dock - Pg. 24 State by State - Pg. 50 Classifieds - Pg. 58

Fall Boating Family Fun

Cedar Points HalloWeekends - Pg. 13

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Mut t of the Month

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BoatU.S. is Keeping Kids Safe with their Kid's Life Jacket Loaner Program

Kids need the right-sized life jacket and a program from the BoatUS Foundation offers to loan them for free for an afternoon, day or weekend.

ANNAPOLIS, Md., August 25, 2011 – “Everyone got a life jacket?” It’s a simple question boat owners often ask when heading out on the water. However, for younger guests who require the right-sized life jacket that answer isn’t always “yes.” There may be only adult-size life jackets on board, kids may have simply outgrown their life jacket, or perhaps some younger guests joined the outing at the last minute. To help get kids in right-sized life jackets, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety’s Kid's Life Jacket Loaner Program now offers over 530 locations across the country – marinas, boat clubs, waterfront businesses and even fire houses – where kid’s life jackets in various sizes (up to 90 pounds) can be borrowed at no cost for the afternoon, day or weekend. Over 40 new loaner locations have been added this year. 6

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“Kids wearing an adult life vest provides a false sense of security because they can easily slip out once they hit the water,” said BoatUS Foundation Program Manager Alanna Keating. “It’s better to make a pit stop at one of our loaner locations and grab one that fits. All you have to do is sign it out and return it when you are done. It’s that simple.” To find a location near you, go to www.BoatUS. com/Foundation/LJLP/map. Across the country the program on average loans out over 90,000 life jackets each year, and at least three children’s lives have been saved since it began in 1997. For more information on the program or the life jacket laws in your state, please visit www. BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP. The program is largely funded by the half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States.

Big boating suppliers have made it easier to shop on the go............

he next time you’re standing dockside holding a newly broken piece of your boat, wondering just how much it’s going to set you back, you can breathe a slight sigh of relief knowing that you won’t add to your frustration by trying to price the part using your smartphone on a website designed for your home computer. West Marine has introduced a new mobile website that makes it easier for the smartphone shopper to search for and purchase West Marine’s products. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still be aggravated that you have to spend your money, but at least now the process of ordering the replacement part won’t add to it.

Smartphone users must still use the full site in order to shop online at Boater’s World, but the people at Boater’s World have at least made it easier for iPhone users to take advantage of their “Deal of the Day.” With the new Boater’s World iPhone app, you can easily check on and purchase the “Deal of the Day” right from the app on your iPhone. This convenience hasn’t been extended to the 10 million or so Droid users just yet, but somehow I’ve got the feeling that they are working on that. 8

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A Quick Look: The Cutwater 26

omebody must have mentioned to the designers and engineers at Cutwater boats just how important first impressions are, because their first two models sure have made a positive one. Cutwater is a new division of Fluid Motion LLC, the maker of Ranger Tugs, so you know quality standards are high. I got a chance to take a first-hand look at the Cutwater line at the North American In-Water Boat Show in Sandusky, Ohio, and was very impressed; I have a feeling that you will be too. In the next issue of The Great Lakes Mariner we're going to take a deeper look at the Cutwater 26, a compact cabin-cruiser that not only provides an open feeling for its occupants and is packed full of amenities, but it is also trailerable. The Great Lakes Mariner

Volvo Penta says "See you later, carburetor."

kay, so they didn’t actually say, “See you later Carburetor” but that is what they’ve done.

In July Volvo Penta announced that they will no longer produce carbureted stern-drive motors. According to Clint Moore, President and CEO of Volvo Penta of the Americas: “Our decision to exit the low horsepower, carbureted engine market allowed our engineers to focus their energy on creating state of the art propulsion packages designed to deliver great boating experiences even at the entry level,” Clint Moore stated. “For many years, a low horsepower engine was a boater’s first experience with a stern-drive boat. Times have changed. As with today’s car buyers, a new boater is more knowledgeable than ever before with understandably high expectations. We believe those expectations are only met by higher horsepower, more technically sophisticated engines. We build the engines that are designed to keep people in boating.” Sounds like great news for boaters, maybe not so good news for back yard boat mechanics. The New Generation Volvo Penta's 4.3 Gi

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Need to program a way-point and don't know the coordinates? The Great Lakes Mariner has got you covered. TheGreatLakesMariner.com's newest feature is a grid coordinate plotter that gives you a latitude and longitude simply by moving a map to the location you plan on navigating to. Click Here to try it out for yourself.

The Great Lakes Mariner wishes to thank the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard for putting their lives on the line to protect all of us.

Cedar Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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A Fun Family Destination for Fall Boating By Kevin Counts

fter the bathing suits get packed away, but before the shrink wrap engulfs our boat for yet another winter slumber, we find ourselves in a period of boating limbo and aching for a boating destination to vent our marine passions. Thankfully, for those of us in the eastern end of the Great Lakes, there is a place out there that will allow the entire family to get their boating fix all the way to the end of boating season - Cedar Point. Many of us are aware of Cedar Point as a great family-friendly summer boating destination but most of us, me included, tend to forget that Cedar Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities run well into fall and culminate with an interesting and exciting time known as HalloWeekends. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not familiar with Cedar Point, this time of year is a great time to remedy that issue. The heat is not overwhelming, the crowds tend to be a little lighter and the marina and hotel accommodations also tend to be a little less crowded. Granted, the water rides will be closed but the addition of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins may help to offset that loss. My family and I recently scouted out the Cedar Point grounds, lodging, and marina and can assure you that you, and more importantly your kids, will not regret the adventure. The Marina Upon our arrival in the marina we moored off and prepared for our day of G-forces and steep drops. But prior to our family adventure we decided to The Great Lakes Mariner

Cedar Point’s - HalloWeekends give ourselves a quick tour of the marina and its grounds. Near the end of our dock was a somewhat large brick building that housed one set of the marina’s showers and restrooms, a marina store, the Marina Office, and a Famous Dave’s restaurant. Of all the items in the building the showers and restrooms are, depending on your boat size, the most essential and important This building contains one of the marin feature. This area was functional but, in a restrooms, a a's well-stocked s to M re a r , park that is so unbelievably meticulously ina Office, a the nd a Famous D ave's. maintained, I would expect this area to be a little more aesthetically pleasing and maintained to a higher level than what we were greeted with. This area felt as if we were walking into a utility area of the park; the restrooms and showers, which are restricted to marina guests only, were clean but left a lot to be desired. The marina store was very nice and offered all of the conveniences and items that a boater could hope

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Left: The marina is spacious and, as is evident from the photo, is a short enough walk from the park to allow guests to go to and from their boats for meals and breaks without a significant interruption of their day. Above: Rides like Maxair, which is still up and running for the HalloWeekends activities, offers guests thrills that are as scary as any zombie wandering the grounds. The Great Lakes Mariner

for in a marina store. The marina office was also nice, as were the employees that greeted us and explained everything that we needed to know about the marina and answered all of our questions about Cedar Point in general. When planning your stay at the marina there are a couple of things to keep in mind. One is that if you plan on leaving after you’ve spent the day enjoying the park be prepared to pay for another full day in the marina. Check out time is 11:00am and they aren’t kidding and they’re not extending you. But, one of the marina staff explained that for just $15 we could move our boat to the seawall in front of the marina office and stay for an additional 3 hours, that got us through to 2:00pm and that was enough to satisfy the kid’s need to ride everything that moved and my need to get us underway at a reasonable hour. Boaters should also be aware that any boats without 50amp power that are staying in the larger slips will need an adaptor to bring the supplied power down to 30 amps. They will rent you one for a flat fee of $20 but if this is a trip that you think you’ll make again investing $100 or so and bringing your own may be an investment worth considering. A couple of other nice perks that the marina offers its guests is a laundry facility and, for those that enjoy traveling with Fido, a Pet Check station. The Pet Check isn’t a day at the doggy spa though. According to the employee at the Pet Check that my wife spoke with they provide cages for the animals and 16

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Cedar Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - HalloWeekends

Above: The marina has a fuel station with multiple fuel docks and pump-outs. Right: Newer and more thrilling rides like the Top Thrill Dragster often have very long lines; being able to enter the park early as a marina guest is a great opportunity to ride them before the long lines form. Below: A view of Hotel Breakers and its beach; just one of the many accommodations offered.

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Cedar Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - HalloWeekends that is all, if you want your dog to go for a walk then you have to come and walk it; just something to be aware of when planning your trip. During those chilly fall nights some boaters may prefer to dock their boat in the marina and dock themselves in a hotel. Cedar Point is ready to accommodate you. Hotel Breakers Although we chose to rough it on our boat (we were only receiving two channels on the TV - I call that roughing it!) I was provided a guided tour of Hotel Breakers by Robin Innes, the Director of Public Relations for Cedar Point.

A view of Hotel Breaker's indoor pool. Parents of little ones should note the lifeguard present.

I can only say that this hotel and its amenities are absolutely beautiful. The lobby and building still carry the charm of the original construction from 1905 even though the hotel has received some additions and modernization over the years. The hotel features an indoor pool (the exterior pools are closed after Labor Day), arcade, T.G.I.Fridays, laundry facility Above: The Jitney Arcade. Employees like and a gift shop. And, although swimming Ryan from the Jitney Arcade, who went at the beach may not be an option this out of his way to resolve a minor issue time of the year the expansive beach that with a game experienced by my family, Hotel Breakers overlooks is still beautiful and Matthew from guest services, who and worthy of a barefoot walk in the sand. toted me all around Sandusky with a smile when I threw my back out and required a brief trip to the hospital, really make Cedar Whether you decide to stay in the marina or at one of Cedar Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other Point an exceptional family experience. The Great Lakes Mariner

Cedar Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - HalloWeekends accommodations there are other perks to be aware of such as early park entry and reduced price tickets. Guests of the marina and hotels are allowed to enter the park one hour prior to the general public. This may not sound significant but if your kids are bound and determined to ride the Top Thrill Dragster youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you got in line early. Marina and hotel guests also get significantly discounted tickets: a one day adult ticket to Cedar Point for marina guests purchased at the Marina Office will run you $31 as opposed to the $49.99 that you would pay if you purchased them from the gate. What to Do After Labor Day Soak City goes dormant for the year, as do the water rides such as Snake River and Thunder Canyon, but the area of the park that hosts these rides does not become a ghost town, it is instead converted to a haunted and spooky region where scary fun abounds (I guess on second thought it is a ghost town after all!) This year even more haunted and spooky areas, like Blood on the Bayou and Maniacal Mechanical Screamworks, are being added to accommodate HalloWeekends growing fan base. In addition to the seasonal spooky fun the remaining rides are still as scary as any ghost or goblin. Rides like the Top

Above: Boo Hill. A place for the little ones to experience just a little scariness. Right: New areas such as Blood on the Bayou will satisfy the older and braver among us.

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Thrill Dragster, Wicked Twister, and classics like the Gemini and Corkscrew are still ready to scare their riders just as they did on the warm summer days. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let all this talk of ghouls and goblins scare away you parents of little ones. HalloWeekends tempers the scariness in areas of the park and during the daytime so even the littlest roller coaster daredevils will not be too frightened to enjoy the festivities. But, when the sun sets, you may want to shuffle the little ones back to the boat or you may end up with an unplanned diaper change. Keep in mind that we will soon be looking at snow covered shrink wrap, so if you and your family are in need of one more boating adventure for the year, and would like to make it memorable, HalloWeekends may be just what the Witch Doctor ordered. Above: If the rides such as the Windseeker (Scarier than I thought it would be) and the Maveric Coaster aren't freaky enough, maybe you can run in to one of the HalloWeekends Greeters (above right.) The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner Your Guide to Boating Products, Ports, and Safe Adventure

Marinas - readers could have been clicking on a link to see your inventory............ No printing cost, low delivery cost, equals incredibly inexpensive ads!

www.TheGreatLakesMariner.com and click on the Advertising tab 22

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Your Marina Logo

Will provide a brief description for each listed boat with a link to the website

Click C l i c ktoHSee e ra e Here to See All of Complete List Our Cur rent ofI nOur Current ven tory Inventory

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Ph. 1-800-555-1234 / Fax (800) 555-2345

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up Dock? New products and exciting innovations in boating gear! ReadyCleat Sometimes docks or other boats don't line up quite where we would like them; that's where ReadyCleat comes in handy. Simply place ReadyCleat into an empty rod holder and you can place your fender right where you need it. Available at Overton's for $19.99

Tempress 1323 Cam Tackle Hatch

Tempress has just expanded its line of built in tackle centers. The NEW 13x23 size Tackle hatch uses PlanoÂŽ 3700 boxes, and can be mounted both horizontally and vertically. These tackle centers are strong enough to be walked on, and are available in a variety of colors. Available from Tempress for $219.95

Wet Steps

All aluminum construction makes Wet Steps light, easy to lift from the water, and durable. The angled design makes getting in and out of the water easy. Available in 4, 5, & 6 step models starting at $549 24

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Water Buoy

Never go swimming after your keys again with this little gadget. The Water Buoy is water activated and illuminated so no matter what time of day you're getting on or off the boat you'll be sure to retrieve your keys after the splashdown. Available from Yacht Innovations for $12.95

The Liquid Lite

The Liquid Light effectively illuminates the waters surrounding your boat so you can make a night swim a little safer or just keep your eyes open for fish. It installs by simply replacing your boats existing drain plug and running a couple of wires. Available in either a 3 or 6 LED model starting at $199

GAS SHOK and DESL SHOK

They treat and prevent water issues in blended fuels, stabilize fuel for 12-18 months, are designed to assist fuel in absorbing oxygen so it burns cleaner and adds significant MPG's., and contain added lubrication. These fuel treatments have just begun to work their way up to us from the south and are available in the Great Lakes Region at Tibbels Marina in Marblehead, Ohio. If you have a new product that you would like featured in Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up Dock? Please email us at: whatsupdock@thegreatlakesmariner.com

Chris Craft’s

Photo by Forrest Johnson

Catalina 29 Sun Tender W

e’re going to wrap up our look at Chris Craft’s 2012 line-up with the Catalina 29 Sun Tender. I guess the best way to let someone know how I felt about this boat is by saying that If I were forced to pick just one boat out of the field of superb boats displayed at this year’s Chris Craft event the Catalina 29 Sun Tender would be the one. Although similar in handling and feel to its little sister, the Catalina 26, the Catalina 29 Sun Tender’s added length, beam, and power are just the right finishing touches to make this boat an absolute pleasure to operate and to make it ideal for an all day cruise with friends and to handle some pretty tough conditions . As a tender this boat provides everything that even the most finicky yacht owner could desire. Its relatively wide beam coupled with its hull design provide plenty of stability for a smooth trip to shore or to another awaiting yacht. Now to address the concerns of the other 99.9% of people reading this: The Catalina 29 Sun Tender is an ideal primary boat for any day-cruiser. Chris Craft has ensured

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that you will travel in style and comfort by providing large plush seating areas and multiple sun shade options that will afford you the comfort of a yacht even if you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t traveling to one. Added amenities include a relatively large head, that is accessible by lifting the front console seat, and a refrigerator that is ingeniously tucked away beneath the helm passenger seat. Two features that are sure to be appreciated by a boater that considers this to be there one and only pride and joy. Like all the Chris Crafts that I have had the pleasure of inspecting, this boat has durable features such as 316 Stainless cleats, through-hulls, and other details, as well as

Top: The center console has ample space to flushmount a wide array of electronics. Above: The ample aft seating area features a removable table that stores away neatly on the back of the leaning post. In addition, to make this area even more enjoyable, the Bimini top features an ingenious slide out to keep everyone cool and comfortable.(Right)

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Chris Craft's - Catalina 29 Sun Tender thick French seamed upholstery that is designed to be durable and to prevent moisture build up and damage. This boat, like others in Chris Craftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line-up, also has styling that is reminiscent of Chris Craftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history while stating clearly and unequivocally that this is not a retread of an old design. Not surprisingly the Catalina 29 Sun Tender that was provided for my test drive was well equipped and included the beautiful teak accents of the Heritage Edition, the gunnel mounted sun shade with extendable aft pull-out shade, and a padded Sea Grass floor covering which ensures comfortable standing and that maintenance and clean-up will be

Above: The companion helm seat flips up to reveal a refrigerator. Right: The front console seat lifts to reveal a spacious head complete with a solid-surface counter-top. Below: The recessed anchor and LED docking lights are both cosmetically pleasing and very useful.

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A beautiful roof is an essential part of a beautiful home. Call the company that has ser ved Sout heastern Michigan for over 24 years.

Chris Craft's - Catalina 29 Sun Tender

achieved with ease. The boat was propelled swiftly through the water by the standard 4-stroke Mercury Verado 250â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s but, to suit their individual buyers preferences, Chris Craft does offer other options by Yamaha. Clearly the Catalina 29 Sun Tender was an absolute dream to operate and ranks at the top of my list for boaters seeking a tender or day-cruiser that has it all. Above-left: Two Mercury Verado 250 motors come stock with the 29 Sun Tender. Above-right: The seats are constructed to release moisture and the heavy stitching is both sturdy and cosmetically pleasing. Left: Burmese teak and stainless steel make even the utility access points look aesthetically pleasing.

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More Wisdom Comes to Print......

uthor and The Great Lakes Mariner contributor Paul Esterle (Capt'n Pauley) has just released his latest book titled Cooking Aboard a Small Boat. Capt'n Pauley clearly explains to his readers how to make do, or dare I say live with a little luxury, aboard a small boat. Cooking Aboard a Small Boat includes explanations of cooking instruments, techniques, and philosophies that have guided Capt’n Pauley’s family’s maritime diet for decades. The book also includes photos and drawings, storage plans and designs, and over 50 pages of easy to prepare recipes. If you spend even a modest amount of time aboard a small boat, this is an investment worth considering. Cooking Aboard a Small Boat and Capt'n Pauley's previous books are available in either a print edition (great for easy reference and frequent use aboard the boat) or e-versions for immediate download. Click here to check them out for yourself.

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Ready or not, here it comes!

Shrink Wrap -101

very year at about this time, despite our repeated denial, all of us boaters are faced with the realization that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to winterize our boats. Not only is this unpleasant because we have to accept the reality that boating season is over for another year, but it can also be a significant blow to our wallets. If we top off our fuel tanks like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re told we should, and then pay to have someone winterize our water system and engine(s), we can easily be out of pocket hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Then to add insult to injury the shrink wrap guy comes around and takes us for another $500 or so. Not so fast Shrink Wrap Guy! This is an area where the average boater can fight back. At the end of last boating season I called out several shrink wrap companies to give me estimates for shrink-wrapping my money-pit; their estimates ranged from $450 to $650. Despite being perpetually pressed for

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time, I decided that this was just too much to pay for something that I was going to tear off in six months and throw into a pile for the recycling company; nope, this year was going to be different. After a quick internet search I located Shrink Link Inc., a local company that had every supply I would need and an owner that was friendly enough to give me a quick lesson. I bought two yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of supplies that totaled just over $400 (that included a large door that could be re-used for several seasons.) When figured per year thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less than half the price of my lowest estimate! To make it even clearer - I was paying some guy over $100 an hour for a job that I can do myself! After making my purchase, I went and hit up a friend to borrow his torch (he came to this realization several years ago), and went back to my boat and got to work. My first time out it took me about four hours, and I did have a The Great Lakes Mariner

Shrink wrap -101 couple of moments of confusion, but when the process was complete I would challenge anyone to distinguish the difference between my boat and a boat done by a professional. I was lucky enough to have a friend with a good torch, but for those that aren’t that lucky you’re going to have to get one. You can find one at a local store, on the internet, or call Jeff at Shrink Link and he’ll be happy to take care of you.A torch will run you anywhere from $50 Jeff used two to $900 depending on the quality of torch that different size you prefer, but most of us should be able to torches but find a relatively good torch for around $200 one mid-size torch would (which is less than the amount that we saved by work fine. doing it our self just one time). If the prospect of spending that much on a torch does not appeal to you consider getting together with a group of friends, or as a boat club, and buy one that all of you can share. Whichever option you choose, be sure to buy a decent torch and it should last for years to come. This year I decided to share with the readers my very own fountain of information Jeff Bickerstaff, at Shrink Link Inc., and have him take us through the process step-by-step. Step One: Establish the height of the top band and wood supports. The height should be significant enough to allow snow and rain to run off but not so high that the shrink wrap will take excessive abuse from the wind. Then, after transferring that measurement to a 2x4, cut a sufficient number to length so you have a support near the bow and 36

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stern, and supports approximately every 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; as needed. Note: The top of the support board should be notched or the banding should be stapled to the wood to keep the banding from sliding off (I prefer stapling; it stops the wood from falling over as I mess with the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length.) Step Two: Attach the top band to the bow and then around a rail or point on the stern. Using a simple loop made in the banding (see example photo) run the stern end back through the loop and then back toward the stern. This creates a leverage point to tighten up the strap. Using a rough estimate of the proper length of the band, make an easily removable knot and then place the wood supports in position. Next, pull the band very tight and then tie it off. Step Three: Tie off additional banding to go across your wooden supports perpendicular to the original top band. Use the same loop technique for leverage. Step Four: Determine the height that you want your hull band (the band that goes around your whole boat); place it as low as possible without going under the boat. After determining the hull band height locate several areas where the height of your hull band may change and drop some banding with a loop tied in the end from a cleat or rail at those locations. These will be used to support your hull band. The Great Lakes Mariner

Shrink wrap -101 Step Five: Run a band through the downties and around the entire boat. When you get around the boat use the loop technique again for leverage and pull the hull band as tight as possible. Step Six: Locate the boat’s gas vent and tape it off temporarily. This is an important step to prevent any issues with fumes and the blow torch that you’ll be using shortly. If the vent is up significantly higher than your hull band, it may be a good idea to attach a piece of banding to the tape and run it under your hull band, so when the wrapping is done you can pull on the piece of banding and it will pull the tape off the vent. Step Seven: (You may want to get a long pipe to fashion a makeshift roller for this step) Roll the shrink wrap over the boat from stem to stern (or vice-versa) and unfold it to cover the entire boat. Trim it off so it leaves 6” to 12” which can be tucked under the hull band. Step Eight: Tuck the wrap under the hull band. Try to keep it as neat as possible and use “hospital corners” when you get to the aft corners and bow. (If you don’t know what a hospital corner is ask a veteran, hospital worker, or Google) (If you are nervous about using the torch or have no idea of how far to keep the flame from the wrap it may be a good idea at this point to practice on a small scrap piece secured to a non-flammable object such as a metal garbage can or even your anchor. Just slowly move the torch close and when the wrap starts to smooth out move the torch so the smooth area appears to be following the flame. Don’t worry about every little wrinkle the wrap will continue to shrink slightly for up to 20 minutes after the heat is removed.) 38

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Shrink wrap -101 Step Nine: Utilizing your torch run it along the shrink wrap from the hull band traveling upward approximately 1', keeping enough distance and speed to prevent scorching or melting through the wrap. Jeff says he goes over an area once quickly, and then pauses for a moment and goes over the area again. This allows the heat to penetrate to the under-layer. Immediately after this second pass take your off hand (wearing a utility or insulated glove) and quickly press the heated area together to bond the two layers together. Repeat this process by working in small areas until you have gone around the entire boat.

Step Ten: After completing the first pass around the boat with the torch it's time to attach the belly bands. The bellybands should be attached near the rear of the boat and then approximately every 6' to 8' toward the bow, stopping prior to the curve of the bow (no need to put a bellyband on the curved area.) The band is attached to one side of the boat, through a small slit in the wrap above the hull band, by tying it to one side of the hull band and then running it under the boat and attaching it to the hull band on the other side. The bellyband should be pulled snug but not over-tightened; it will pull tight when you shrink the rest of the wrap. Step Eleven: Now that the bellybands are attached, begin to shrink the remainder of the boat by working in small areas first between the hull band and the rub rail. Once this area is completed work in small areas between the rub rail and the bow rail. Next, work from the bow rail to the top of the wrap. The idea is to not bite off a large area all at once. Step Twelve: Install your vents. This step is important. Having vents prevents a significant moisture build up inside the wrap and hinders mold, mildew, moisture damage, and the buildup of flammable fumes. Jeff says to never use less than 3 vents but larger boats may need up to 8. So don’t be shy – when in doubt, ventilate. Step Thirteen: Place seam tape over any folded over (and joined) seams and on any area where sharp or protruding corners are touching the wrap. That’s it! Your boat is now ready to be tucked away for the winter. This process may seem somewhat daunting as you’re reading this but it really isn’t. If you just take it step by step it becomes self-evident as you move through the process. And, after doing it once, your comfort level will be higher than you would have thought possible. The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner

1966 Chris-Craft 22' Cavalier

"HADTWO"

Owner: Willie Bruce Gape 44

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1950 Chris-Craft 17' Deluxe Run-About

" Hi Jack" Owners:

Jack and Carrol Warren

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This photograph was posted by the current owner of this boat. Judging from the picture and the nickname, I'm guessing his spirit is living on in this one. After a little research I found that Hazen "Scotch" Munro was one of the two co-founders of Gibraltar Boat Yard in 1946.

Wr iter s Wa nte d ! We can’t get everywhere throughout the Great Lakes so if you’re a boater, and travel to the marinas and ports throughout the Great Lakes, take some pictures and tell us about your adventures. If we like what we see we may be able to help defray some of the cost of your travels. Click the box below and tell us about your adventures.

Reader’s Comments 46

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1956 Chris-Craft 18' Sea Skiff "SCOTCH"

Owner: K.C.

Steeleman

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Illinois State by State -

No Asian Carp Found in Lake Calumet Illinois Department of Natural Resources CHICAGO- The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) today detailed the results of intensive monitoring efforts in and around Lake Calumet within the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) and announced no Asian carp were seen or captured during a fourday response. The ACRCC began a Level 1 monitoring response under its Monitoring and Rapid Response Plan on Monday, August 1, after three consecutive rounds of Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling yielded positive results for Asian carp DNA in and around Lake Calumet. At present, eDNA evidence cannot verify whether live Asian carp are present, whether the DNA may have come from a dead fish, or whether water containing Asian carp DNA may have been transported from other sources, such as bilge water. While the Lake Calumet area is regularly monitored for the presence of Asian carp, a Level 1 response intensified efforts over a four-day period of time with commercial fishing crews, electrofishing boats, larger sweeping nets called seines, and additional sampling gear such as tandem trap nets and hydro acoustic surveys to determine whether live Asian carp were present in the area. “Our rapid response plan did what it was designed to do – use aggressive monitoring and the best available technology to confirm there is no establishing population of Asian carp above the electric barrier. We will continue to follow our comprehensive Asian carp control strategy to aggressively monitor the Chicago Area Waterway System, ensure the security of the electric barrier, and use and develop the most advanced technologies to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp,” said John Goss, Asian Carp Director for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The Lake Calumet response action concluded on August 4, 2011 after more than 1,066 person-hours on the water using a crew of 38 state and Federal agency biologists and commercial fishermen aboard 11 vessels. A variety of nets and methods were used during the operation, including gill/trammel netting, electrofishing, tandem-trap netting, and hydro acoustic surveys. In total, crews fished more than 11 miles of gill/trammel nets, eight fyke nets, and completed 22.5 hours of electrofishing. In all, 8,668 fish were collected, including large numbers of buffalo and gizzard shad, indicating that fish that share Asian carp habitat preferences were being trapped and identified. 48

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News from Around the Great Lakes “These crews worked tirelessly during this operation using the best fishing techniques available to try to find Asian carp. The fact that none were found further supports what we have believed for some time – if there are any Asian carp in this area above the barrier, they are there in very small numbers,” said Illinois Department of Natural resources Assistant Director John Rogner. The monitoring response was designed to intensify resources and use the best available technology to search for live Asian carp in the Lake Calumet area. Eight previous monitoring trips to Lake Calumet since March 2011 with various agencies electrofishing and using contracted commercial fishers have identified 4,500 fish and indicated no Asian carp presence. The ACRCC remains vigilant in continually confirming the effectiveness of the electric barrier, including implementing new Didson camera technology, telemetery, and other barrier defense and monitoring actions. The ACRCC continues to assess and prevent all possible modes of travel for Asian carp to Lake Calumet, including human release of live carp, flood connections between area lakes and the CAWS, and the possibility a small number of Asian carp traveling to the area prior to the 2002 installation of the electric barrier. Extensive ACRCC monitoring using the best available technologies and expert fish biologists has consistently indicated that if any Asian carp are present above the electric barrier in the CAWS, they exist in extremely low numbers that do not approach the levels necessary for them to establish a population. The threat from Asian carp has generated an urgent and committed government response. In addition to aggressive monitoring and sampling, the ACRCC has proactively worked to contain Asian carp in the Chicago Area Waterway System by constructing a third electric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, constructing a 13-mile physical barrier along the Des Plaines River to prevent fish bypass during flooding, and researching control technology and methods that can be tailored and applied to control Asian carp. To read this article in its entirety go to: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Pages/ NoAsianCarpFoundinLakeCalumetafterIntensiveMonitoring.aspx To read the 2011 Monitoring and Rapid Response Plan or for more information on the 2011 Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework, visit: www.asiancarp.org. The Great Lakes Mariner

Indiana State by State - News from Around the Great Lakes

9-year-old Scores First Spotted Gar Record in Indiana Indiana Department of Natural Resources Nine-year-old Noah Smith represents at least the fourth generation in a long line of fishermen and the first among them to catch a gar. But he earned more than just family bragging rights when he landed the 3.17-pound, 29 3/16-inch spotted gar June 30 from Crooked Lake in Steuben County. He earned a spot in the state record books. “It feels awesome,” said Smith, who is from Delaware, Ohio. Smith’s catch was not particularly large for its species. Spotted gar can grow up to 6 pounds. But his entry came at an opportune time. The Indiana Record Fish Program just recently began recognizing the different species within the gar family. In the past, the program grouped shortnose gar, spotted gar, and the much larger longnose gar into the same category. Smith’s entry was the first submission for a spotted gar. On Aug. 17, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources sent Smith a letter certifying his record fish. How long the record will stand is unclear, but the family plans to enjoy it while it lasts. “Nobody in our family has ever caught a gar period,” Noah’s father, Ryan Smith, said. “To catch that one and catch a state record is pretty cool.” Smith baited his hook with a minnow and tied his fishing rod to a dock, letting it stay there overnight. When he woke up the next morning, he reeled in the fish. He plans on mounting the fish on the wall in his bedroom. For more information, go to http://www.in.gov/portal/news_events/72472.htm 50

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Michigan State by State - News from Around the Great Lakes

DNR, Tribes Team up to Stock Walleyes in the U.P. Michigan Department of Natural Resources The Department of Natural Resources and the Inter-Tribal Fisheries and Assessment Program (ITFAP) teamed up to stock more than 937,000 walleyes in Upper Peninsula waters in 2011. The DNR produced more than 400,000 walleye fingerlings from its hatchery ponds for stocking in Upper Peninsula inland lakes and Lake Michigan waters. ITFAP hatchery ponds produced 324,000 fingerlings that were stocked in the St. Marys River, 100,000 in Lake Superior’s Brimley Bay and 55,000 in Lake Huron’s St. Martin Bay. An additional 58,000 fingerlings that ITFAP considered surplus to its Great Lakes needs were stocked in three inland lakes: Brevoort Lake, North Manistique Lake and Millecoquins Lake. “We are very appreciative of this ongoing offer from the tribes to help assist the state in enhancing not only the Great Lakes walleye fisheries, but also our inland lakes,” said Acting DNR Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter. “The surplus walleyes from the tribes freed up more than 50,000 walleye fingerlings to help meet other Upper Peninsula stocking goals.” The 2011 stocking effort represents a significant increase in walleye fingerlings compared to recent years. Walleye stocking has been limited in recent years after the discovery of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in Michigan waters. The discovery caused the DNR to severely curtail walleye stocking efforts in the Upper Peninsula, until new VHS detection and disinfection techniques enabled the DNR to begin returning to normal stocking levels. The stocking is part of an ongoing cooperative partnership between the DNR and ITFAP. Walleye production was slightly lower than anticipated in Upper Peninsula ponds, in part because they had been idled for several years. However, the resulting fingerlings were larger than normal and could result in better survival, said Jessica Mistak, the DNR’s Northern Lake Michigan Management supervisor. For more information about the DNR’s fish hatcheries and stocking activities, go to www. michigan.gov/fishing. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr The Great Lakes Mariner

Minnesota State by State -

DNR Ramps Up Aquatic Invasive Species Inspections Minnesota Department of Natural Resources DNR is accelerating its efforts to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species. This weekend, the DNR will launch its new inspection and decontamination procedures at several large lakes with zebra mussel infestations and high boat traffic. At the urging of a broad coalition of conservation interests, the Legislature gave the DNR greater authority to inspect and decontaminate boats suspected of harboring aquatic invasive species. It also allocated more money to the DNR for aquatic invasive species prevention. According to Luke Skinner, DNR aquatic invasive species unit supervisor, “Boaters are still the first line of defense against aquatic invasive species. Now DNR can help ensure their compliance because we can require inspections, deny launch, order removal of invasives, and require hot-water flushing and high-pressure washing.” The DNR recently trained 17 invasive species staff to implement the new inspection authorities and operate three newly purchased decontamination (boat washing) units. The portable decontamination units are capable of spraying 160-degree water at high pressure. The equipment will be used to remove zebra mussels from boat hulls and treat livewells and other areas that can harbor invasive species. DNR has already trained conservation officers to enforce new regulations. The agency will train additional inspection staff during the remainder of the summer. “We are focused on implementing the new inspection procedures and understanding how to use the new decontamination equipment safely and efficiently,” said Steve Hirsch, DNR Ecological and Water Resources director. “We ask that boaters are patient with the new inspection process. If boaters are well prepared when they enter and leave the water, the new inspection process should go smoothly.” 52

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News from Around the Great Lakes With new funds from the Legislature, the DNR was able to increase funding for its aquatic invasive species inspection program from $1 million annually to $1.9 million annually. The increase will pay for additional inspectors and includes $300,000 for decontamination equipment. The DNR plans to increase the number of decontamination units from three to a fleet of 20 or more by summer of 2012. For the next few weeks, the DNR will focus its new inspection and decontamination procedures on lakes that are infested with zebra mussels and have high boat traffic, such as Minnetonka, Mille Lacs, and Pelican Lake (in Otter Tail County). The portable decontamination units will be used at access sites around the state. “The majority of boats won’t need to be decontaminated with a hot-water, high-pressure wash,” Skinner said. “Only boats that don’t pass an inspection will need to be decontaminated with the new equipment, and we suspect there won’t be too many of them on any given day.” The DNR encourages boaters to follow a few simple steps before leaving a water access to help the new inspection and decontamination process go smoothly: • • • • •

Leave a little extra time in your recreational schedule for the new inspection process Remove visible aquatic plants and zebra mussels from boats and trailers Drain water from your boat, livewell, bilge, and impellor by removing drain plugs and opening water draining devices Drain portable bait containers Remember: aquatic invasive species are a serious threat to Minnesota’s lakes, streams, and wetlands, and YOU are the first best prevention strategy

The DNR website has additional information on aquatic invasive species. For more information, go to: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/newsroom/index.html

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New York State by State - News from Around the Great Lakes

DEC Announces New Record Brook Trout New York Department of Environmental Conservation Forestport Resident Reels in 5-Pound, 8-Ounce “Brookie” from South Lake The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has certified Dan Germain from Forestport, Oneida County, is the new holder of the state record for brook trout. Mr. Germain reeled in the record-breaking fish on June 15 while fishing at South Lake in Herkimer County in the southwest corner of the Adirondack Park. The new record brook trout, caught on a Lake Clear Wabbler and worm, measured 22 inches and weighed in at 5 pounds, 8 ounces, surpassing the previous state record set in 2009 by 3.5 ounces. Mr. Germain submitted details of his winning fish as part of DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program. Through this program, anglers enter freshwater fish that meet specific qualifying criteria and receive official recognition of their catch and a distinctive lapel pin commemorating their achievement. The three categories that make up the program are: Catch & Release, Annual Award and State Record. Information about the Angler Achievement Awards Program, including past winners and a downloadable application form, can be found on DEC’s website. Program details and an official entry form can also be found in DEC’s current Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide. For additional information on the Angler Achievement Awards Program contact (518) 402-8891 or email DEC Fishery For more information, go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html 54

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Ohio State by State - News from Around the Great Lakes

ODNR Clarifies Boating Rule About Fishing from Pontoon Boats Ohio Department of Natural Resources COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Watercraft has clarified how its officers enforce a state boating law with regard to fishing from the forward deck (bow) of a pontoon boat while it is being operated with an electric trolling motor. The agency said it continues to promote sport fishing and safe boating practices and is encouraging its marine patrol partners and other local marine patrol officers statewide to follow its waterways enforcement guideline with regard to fishing from pontoon boats. Under current state law, no occupant of any vessel underway on Ohio waterways may sit, stand or walk upon any portion of the vessel not specifically designed for that movement, unless it is immediately necessary for safe and reasonable vessel navigation or operation. This law, for example, could prohibit a vessel occupant from fishing from the bow of a pontoon boat outside its forward deck rail when it is in operation and the trolling motor is operated by a remote control device. “We have directed our officers to permit fishing and the operation of a boat in a nonapproved area of the boat, such as outside the main gated deck area of pontoon boats, regardless of the type of trolling motor used,” said Todd Doncyson, law enforcement administrator for the Division of Watercraft. “We are aware that technology allows for remote control of a trolling motor from behind a pontoon deck railing, but our officers will not treat them any different than an operator of a regular tiller and foot pedal trolling motor and this only applies to the vessel operator. “ The clarification from the Division of Watercraft comes in response to concerns from boaters who may not have a clear understanding of the current boating law with regard to the illegal and unsafe practice of riding upon the bow of a boat while it is underway. The Division of Watercraft promotes boating safety, recreational sport fishing and enforcement of state boating laws in a manner that also keeps waterways safe. “We care about the safety of Ohio boaters and anglers and also encourage they follow safe boating practices that include wearing an approved life jacket or vest, staying sober and keeping a proper lookout anytime while out on the water,” said Doncyson. Ohio’s boating laws, boat safety tips and other boating information can be found online at www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft and be referring to the Division’s publication “Ohio Boat Operators Guide” that may be obtained by calling toll-free 1-877-4BOATER. For more information, go to: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/ The Great Lakes Mariner

Pennsylvania State by State - News from Around the Great Lakes

PA Fish and Boat Commission Sues Consol Energy Over Dunkard Creek Environmental Disaster Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today sued Consol Energy for civil damages resulting from a devastating 2009 pollution incident in which discharges from a Consol coal mine entered Dunkard Creek, contributing to a massive fish kill spanning nearly 30 miles of stream in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for the lost aquatic life and lost fishing opportunities for Pennsylvania anglers and punitive damages to deter future pollution. “The devastation to Dunkard Creek was astonishing,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “Commission biologists estimated that over 42,000 fish, over 15,000 freshwater mussels and over 6,000 mudpuppies were killed. They also estimated that a large number of angler trips have been lost as a result of the fish kill. The Commission, acting as the Commonwealth’s trustee of these aquatic natural resources, is seeking compensation for the losses that occurred.” In early September 2009, a total fish and mussel kill occurred in the creek after high concentrations of chloride and total dissolved solids in the discharge from Consol’s Blacksville No. 2 mine in W.V. created brackish water conditions favorable for a bloom of toxic golden algae. The Dunkard Creek main stem begins near the town of Brave, Greene County, Pa., and meanders approximately 37 miles between Pa. and W.Va. until its confluence with the Monongahela River near Dunkard Township, Greene County, Pa. PFBC biologists collected 40 species of fish and 14 species of mussels that were killed by the incident. Among the dead mussels was the Pennsylvania endangered snuffbox mussel. “This was a popular warm water fishery,” added Arway. “It will take decades to restore it to its prior condition.” The PFBC filed lawsuits in West Virginia on Sept. 2 and in Pennsylvania today seeking monetary relief against Consol for damages to the natural resources of Pennsylvania and lost recreational opportunities for Pennsylvania anglers. In March 2011, Consol reached settlements with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. The company agreed to pay a $5.5 million civil penalty to settle hundreds of federal Clean Water Act violations at six of its mines in West Virginia over the past four years, including the Blacksville No. 2 mine. Consol also agreed to compensate West Virginia for the natural resources lost in the West Virginia portion of Dunkard Creek by paying $500,000 to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. For more information, go to: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/ 56

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Wisconsin State by State - News from Around the Great Lakes

Boaters, Anglers be on the Lookout for Underwater Hazards on Lake Michigan Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources MADISON –Boaters and anglers enjoying those late season outings on Lake Michigan are urged to be on the lookout for underwater hazards, including commercial fishing trap nets, state recreation safety officials say. Summer restrictions end after Labor Day on where commercial fishing trap nets can be placed in the Sheboygan and Manitowoc/Two Rivers area, so the nets could be anywhere shallower than 150 feet and farther than one-quarter mile from shore in that general area. And this summer, wardens have had reports of boaters getting tangled in other buoys and underwater obstructions. “We want to make sure that people are on the lookout for the flags and buoys that mark the nets and avoid them, wherever they are,” says Warden Supervisor Chris Groth, who leads DNR’s unit of marine wardens. “We also want to make sure that people understand there are other underwater hazards to be aware of and avoid.” Groth encourages all boaters on the Great Lakes to carry wire cutters onboard to free their boat should they get entangled in nets or other underwater obstructions; having such cutters on board and immediately accessible is required for people trolling with downriggers on lakes Michigan and Superior. “Avoiding underwater obstructions in the first place is the best practice, but if you do find yourself in a bad situation, having the wire cutters on board can be a lifesaver,” Groth says. Trap nets are large underwater nets used by commercial fishers to catch whitefish in the Great Lakes. They are preferred to gillnets and trawls because sport fish that are accidentally caught in the nets can be released alive, however, the nets can pose a potential risk to boaters and anglers because boat downriggers, fishing lines, and propellers can get caught in the nets or anchor ropes. The nets are marked by orange flags attached to a staff buoy at about 4 feet above the water surface. Flags are about 18 by 9 inches. Boaters should be aware that during rough water or heavy currents, these flags may tip down or be hidden by high waves. Orange buoys may also mark the ends of the nets. Commercial fishers do not set trap nets near Port Washington, Milwaukee, Racine or Kenosha harbors, but the nets have historically been set in other parts of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior from late spring into the fall, Groth says. In Zone 3, the area south of Sturgeon Bay, from June 29th through Labor Day, commercial trap nets are limited to two small areas: one south of Sheboygan harbor and one between Manitowoc and Two Rivers harbors. After Labor Day, trap nets may be found anywhere in that area. Commercial fishers can increase the number of nets they set from three each to 12 each after the time, but historically have decreased their fishing effort after Labor Day. For more information, go to: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_article_Lookup.asp?id=1886 The Great Lakes Mariner

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Wanted Wanted: Tandem axle trailer that will accommodate a 2001 Chaparral 240 SIGNATURE (24’). email Frank harrisenterprise08@yahoo.com

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2004 Tiara 3600 Sovran. Freshwater, 450 Cummins Diesels. Complete electronics. 350 hours. Way above average condition! Open to offers including trades for a smaller Tiara. Call 920.737.7304.

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