march/april_2013

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W H E R E B O A T E R S G O F O R N E W

April 2013

04 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

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GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) ©2013 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of Chicago

Boating Publications, Inc., its publisher 1032 N. LaSalle

Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

For editorial inquiries, contact Great Lakes Boating

Magazine at 1032 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610

p 312.266.8400 or e [email protected].

Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available online at

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centers and newsstands in areas surrounding

the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all

undelivered issues to Great Lakes Boating Magazine,

1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

All manuscripts should be accompanied by a self-

addressed stamped envelope. Great Lakes Boating

Magazine is not responsible and will not be liable for

non-solicited manuscripts, including photographs.

Great Lakes Boating Magazine does not assume

liability or ensure accuracy of the content contained

in its articles, editorials, new product releases and

advertising. Inquiries may be directed to the authors

through the editorial offi ce. Products, services and

advertisements appearing in Great Lakes Boating

Magazine do not constitute an endorsement or

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Magazine. Material in the publication may not be

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staff. Past copies may be purchased by sending a

written request to the offi ces of Great Lakes Boating

Magazine. For reprints contact: FosteReprints,

p 800.382.0808 or f 219.879.8366.

Advertising | Sales Inquiries Neil Dikmenp 312.266.8400 • f 312.266.8470e [email protected]

There’s something about this March/April issue that brings renewed energy to my daily activities, a lightness to my steps, and restores my faith in humanity. The change from winter to spring is just nota changing of the seasons. It’s a change that heralds the promise of longer days and greater opportunities to spend more time on the water.

What better way to illustrate the changes that are afoot in life and boating than to show off the latest boat offerings from Sabre Yachts. This Maine boat builder brings together old-style craftsmanship and attention to detail, combines it with new technology and design, and the end result is an elegant and comfortable boat that performs as well on three-week cruises as it does in nasty winds and weather conditions.

If you’re fortunate enough to take three-week cruises into Lake Erie or live on the western shores of this Great Lake, you’re blessed to fi nd three jumbo marinas that are terrifi c boating destinations. We provide some interesting snapshots of Sandusky Harbor, Lakefront, and Toledo Beach marinas, noting that they while they primarily serve different types of boaters, they also share certain commonalities that make them outstanding facilities.

And as we turn our thoughts and our minds in putting our vessels into the water, we remind everyone that the best boating trip is a safe one. In this regard, we have four articles that offer tips toward achieving safe boating trips.

The fi rst of these articles comes from the U.S. Coast Guard and provides

some clear, concrete practical pre-launch advice. Boating is such an enjoyable experience, but at the same time it offers the possibility of accidents/disasters that can have deadly results. The best overall tip from this article: Be Prepared!

If we’re prepared to deal with the vagaries of boating, then we should also know how to handle two other problems that can impede your boating progress. One of these is man-made and the other comes from Mother Nature.

Have you heard that the EPA has granted ethanol producers a waiver to increase the amount of ethanol in a gallon of gas to 15 percent? Doesn’t sound bad, but if you put E-15 into your outboard motors, you’re asking for trouble. Research has shown that E-15 not only hampers how outboard motors operate, it can destroy them. So, if you live in the Midwest, make sure you avoid putting E-15 into your engines.

The second problem stems from Mother Nature and the record low water levels on lakes Michigan and Huron. One consequence of these low water levels is that recreational boaters and sportfi shermen might get stuck on mudbars/sandbars. What do you do if you get stuck? Our article on page 24 gives some expert advice on the matter.

Finally, as much as we prepare for our boating trips, glitches can arise, and one area where glitches can cause serious problems is with marine electronics. Before becoming all frazzled, boaters can troubleshoot their marine electronics by performing some simple tests for loosened connections or changed displays. See page 28 for some other things you can do to troubleshoot your marine electronics.

And my wish to all of our readers, enjoy spring!

F. Ned Dikmen

Karen Malonis

Jerome A. Koncel

Mike BaronPeter BurakowskiBill Trenkle

Mila RykAndrea Vasata

Publisher & Editor in Chief

Managing Editor

Associate Editor

Contributing Writers

Graphic Design

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS

06 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

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DEPARTMENTSDEPARTMENTS

• PUBLISHER’S NOTE 04• EDITORIALS 08• NEW PRODUCTS 48• BOAT CARE AND FEEDING 50• MARINE MART 52• ADVERTISER INDEX 52• EVENTS CALENDAR 53

16FEATURESFEATURES

• SABRE YACHTS 10 • LAKE ERIE MARINAS 16• E10 vs E15 CONTROVERSY 20• LOW WATER WOES 24

IN THE NEWSIN THE NEWS

• GREAT LAKES 36• FISHING 40• MARINAS 42• NATIONAL 44• SAILING 46

24The Sabre 38 Salon Express represents

the latest in design and naval architecture.

The hull lines are the latest thinking in

vee-hulled motor yachts and are

specifi cally designed for the installation

of Zeus pods that offer increased fuel

economy, quiet running and a dry ride.

Sabre yachts are sold worldwide through

a network of professional dealers who

are chosen for their reputation, location,

and visibility within a local market and

for the quality of their sales and after

sales service.

Sabre’s two boatbuilding yards are

located in Raymond, Maine, where

125 associates, who build the models,

are sensitive to the marine tradition of

the State—hence the company motto,

“Crafted in the Maine Tradition.”

Sabre models refl ect a development of

the style and comfort of the traditional

“Downeast-style” yacht, blended with

the performance and design innovations

of a contemporary motoryacht. Typical

cruising speeds, with average weight

conditions and sea state, are in the 20-

knot range and top speeds, with average

load conditions are around 30 knots.

Higher speeds are available on some

specifi c models.

The Sabre selection today consists of

two types: the classically styled Fly

Bridge Sedans with upper and lower helm

stations and the Salon Express models.

Sabre CorporationHawthorne Road, Box 134South Casco, ME 04077207-655-3831

sabreyachts.com

SPOTLIGHTSSPOTLIGHTS

• PRE-LAUNCH TIPS 22• ELECTRONIC FIXES 28• EVINRUDE JOYSTICK 32• TOWING OR SALVAGE 34

38’

13’4”

16°300 gal.

100 gal.

HULL LENGTH:

BEAM:

DEADRISE AT TRANSOM:

FUEL CAPACITY:

WATER CAPACITY:

OTC 38 SALON EXPRESS

VISIT NOW!

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visit: greatlakesboating.com

08 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

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Dear U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

We’ve said it before and we’re saying it again: It’s time for you to dredge the harbors of the many marinas and harbors dott ing the Great Lakes, especially those on lakes Michigan and Huron. All past records have now been shatt ered, leavingus nowhere to go.

As you have pointed out in your monthly newslett ers, water levels on the Great Lakes are at low levels, with water levels on lakes Huron and Michigan reaching all-time record lows. Th e low water levels are compromising recreational boating and fi shing. Do something and do it NOW, before it’s too late. Dredge our harbors and save the 2013 boating season for recreational boaters and fi shermen.

Ever since World War II, a preferential treatment has been in place mandated by U.S. Congress to dredge only commercial harbors on the Great Lakes. Ease of navigation to cargo-carrying vessels to aid in the war eff ort is understandable. Now six decades later, Congress still upholds that mandate even though commercial navigation has shriveled down to one-third the size of recreational boating.

It appears that the cries of the more than 1.6 million anglers and the nearly 4.2 million recreational boaters on the Great Lakes have fallen on deaf ears. Where do the people who contribute more than $9 billion annually to the economies of the Great Lakes states turn for help? How can the

federal government, which represents not just some of the people, but all of the people of the United States, ignore the needs of this large segment of the population?

You tell us that USACE is facing funding problems. Th e federal government is not allocating enough money to USACE to perform its duties. As a result, you tell us that you have to set priorities, and based on the available money, you are spending the limited funds on dredging large commercial ports on the Great Lakes.

Nothing against commercial navigation, but here are the facts. Recreational boating and sport fi shing ($9.7 billion per year) accounts for nearly three times as much economic impact as does commercial navigation ($3.6 billon). When it comes to spending money where there is the greatest need, doesn’t recreational boating and sport fi shing count?

In these trying times, it’s important that USACE, like all federal agencies and organization, should be held accountable for its actions. Please tell the 4.2 recreational boaters, including more than 1.6 million anglers, why you’re not dredging the harbors and marinas on the Great Lakes. More importantly, please let us know what we have to do be heard.

Sincerely,Great Lakes Boating Federation

Representing the more than 4.3 million recreational boaters on the Great Lakes

ED

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WAKE-UP CALLAn Open Lett er to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Agree? Disagree? Want to Comment?Email your thoughts to lett [email protected]

greatlakesboating.com | 09

In his State of the Union Address in February, President Obama said there were many bridges and streets that need repair, if not replacement, and he called on Congress to pass legislation and appropriate funding to “make these infrastructure repairs.” He noted that these repairs will put people back to work and secure a strong infrastructure for the future of our nation’s economy and our country’s people.

We’d like to inform the President that the Great Lakes have hundreds of marinas and harbors that need repair, some of which are in dire straits. Th ere are plenty of breakwaters and seawalls that are in decay, and if the President wants to put people back to work repairing our infrastructure, he’d do well to look no further than our marinas and small harbors.

As noted in our other editorial, low lake water levels are now a reality and in some places haves reached a danger point, one that may prompt some marinas and/or boatyards to close up their businesses. One result of low lake levels is serious erosion of our beaches and harbors. Th ere’s no question that we need safe harbors and no doubt that we’ve got an appropriate way to fund this goal through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Th e problem is that the money for this trust fund comes from boaters for boaters, but boaters don’t have any control over it.

In its most recent budget proposal, the federal government proposes to cut $34 million out of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Th is will not bring smiles to the faces of the more than 4.3 million recreational boaters on the Great Lakes.

If the federal government wants to bring happiness to the more than 12 million registered boaters in the United States, the more than 78 million people who participated in some form of boating in 2012,

the 4.3 million boaters who call the Great Lakes home, and the more than 1.6 million anglers on the Great Lakes, it needs to do something to repair the marina infrastructure of breakwaters, seawalls, and decaying docks. Th e federal government needs to give back to boaters what they have already given to the government in the form of taxes on their boat fuel and boating accessories.

For the millions of recreational boaters and sportfi shermen on the Great Lakes, repairing the infrastructure and in some cases, replacing it, is essential to keep people fishing and boating. Enjoying the outdoors and specifi cally our waters, is important for everyone. What is spiteful is for the federal government to do nothing to aid the millions of people who enjoy fi shing and recreational boating on our nation’s oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. Th is is precisely the current situation.

We call on the President of the United States and Congress to pay att ention to the needs and desires of recreational boaters and sportfi shermen. Here on the Great Lakes, there is plenty of room for action. If the President and Congress want to put people back to work, strengthen our infrastructure, and keep boating and fi shing not only alive, but also vibrant and developing, they must put money into fi xing the marina infrastructure.

Marina Infrastructure Calls For Major Help

greatlakesboatingfederation.org

Th e VOICE of 4.3 Million Boaters

greatlakeesbbos atiatingngfededeerration.orggreatlakeakekesbosbosbos atitiiatia fngfngffedeedeedeeraratratiion.org

Th e VOICECEEE fofofoff 444 4 4 33.3.3.3 MMM M M Mfffff ilililillililil ono Boate

10 GLB | Mar/Apr 13


Hull LengthBeam

Deadrise at TransomFuel Capacity

Water Capacity

38’

13’4”

16° 300 gal.

100 gal.

38 SALON EXPRESS

New car owners, however, also know that the new car isn’t

theirs until they’ve gone those fi rst 500 miles and had to press

down on the gas to accelerate into traffi c or jam on the brakes

to avoid that accident with the driver that just cut them off.

Now that same “new car” feel, that same “new car” smell are

also present when people take their fi rst steps aboard the

Sabre 38 Salon Express, but unlike the new car, it won’t take

the new owner 500 miles to know this boat is his. Everywhere

you turn, everywhere you look reveals a boat that has the

Old World craftsmanship and the New World technology.

The unique combination of history, tradition, and new

technology is apparent from the fi rst steps you take on to

the swim platform, through the gate and into the cockpit.

The Sabre 38 is yours immediately.

Built in Maine, a state whose boatbuilding style and tradition

have produced the “Downeast” name, the Sabre 38 Salon

In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, the word “new” seems to

be ubiquitous. Because it is applied to nearly everything we use and

encounter in our daily lives, it’s lost some of its relevancy. But this is not

the case when people talk about the “new car” feel or the “new car” smell.

Everyone knows that these are “new” combinations of an old reliable style

with the new technology.

12 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Express shows what happens when a boat builder’s history

of outstanding craftsmanship, architecture and design

is combined with the speed and comforts of 21st century

technology. The boat’s exterior profi le represents all that is

noteworthy about Maine boat-building, that is, a boat that is

strong, reliable and seaworthy. The new technology makes

it smooth riding, quiet, easy to handle and fuel effi cient.

But it’s the boat owners themselves who best describe the

benefi ts of owning a Sabre Yacht. For example, Bob Kelman

and his wife have owned a Sabre Flybridge for nearly a decade,

dock it at Burnham Harbor in Chicago, and wouldn’t think of

owning another brand. “We love the attention its Downeast

shape, varnished teak trim and fl ag green hull attract,”

Kelman said.

Kelman adds that the boat has performed “extremely well”

in adverse conditions, specifi cally on an emergency

70-mile trip from South Haven, Mich., to Chicago. “A few

miles out of port, the wind became very strong out of the

west and soon the waves were breaking over the top of the

fl ybridge,” Kelman said. He noted that during the journey,

heavy folding chairs were smashed, the transom ensign

disappeared into the lake, and he was thrown to the deck

and momentarily knocked out. “After all this, our Sabre

was in the same condition as when we started our voyage—

the boat held up better than its crew,” Kelman said.

Mike and Linda Simon, who also dock their boat in Burnham

Harbor, use their Sabre 54 to cruise Lake Michigan, Lake

Huron, the North Channel and Georgian Bay in Ontario

Province. “The Sabre 54 is a perfect boat for us in all

weather conditions, both on a short trip with our children

42 SALON EXPRESS & FLYBRIDGE

Hull LengthBeam


Water Capacity

40’10”

14’

16° 380 gal.

140 gal.


and grandchildren or on extended three-week cruises,” the

Simons said. They added that the boat’s abundant storage

space, large galley with refrigerator and freezer drawers, and

washer/dryer combination keeps everyone on board smiling,

secure and relaxed.

As a cruiser built for couples, family and friends, the Salon

38 Express is fi lled with the latest technology, from its resin-

infused laminates to its joystick drive propulsion system.

Sabre knows that the biggest problems operators encounter

when using their cruisers comes when it’s time to dock and

maneuver the boat in tight spaces. Sabre eliminates the

sweaty palms and nervous stomachs associated with these

activities by employing a joystick that makes driving the boat

not only easy and breezy, but also brings back the word “fun”

to boat steering.

For those people who have never been aboard a Sabre

Yacht, the Salon 38’s open interior design is eye-opening. Its

cherry wood galley, main salon, and master stateroom are

stunning examples of the builder’s “Downeast” tradition. The

interior space tells boaters and occupants alike that this boat

is elegant and comfortable, while also creating a feeling of

warmth and luxury.

The galley, which is located to the port and within easy reach

of the main salon, has two stainless steel refrigerator

drawers and a separate freezer. For cooking, users will fi nd

a convection microwave oven and a two-burner ceramic

cooktop to their liking. A separate stainless steel sink will

make cleanup quick and easy.

48 SALON EXPRESS48 SALON EXPRESS

Hull LengthBeam


Water Capacity

47’6”

15’4”

16° 525 gal.

160 gal.

14 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

For drinks and dining, the main salon has a raised,

U-shaped settee with a fi xed table that can comfortably fi t

six adults. When underway, occupants can turn the end of

the settee forward, now offering a mate’s seat. But Sabre

is not done with using space for boaters’ needs. To the

starboard side of the boat aft of the helm seat, the builder

has put in a long compartment that houses an LED television

and storage compartments.

On the lower level is the master stateroom, which features a

queen-sized island berth and an en suite head with shower.

The lower lounge, which is below the helm deck, can be

converted into a second sleeping compartment if needed.

What users will remember most about the Salon 38 Express

is its functionality, its craftsmanship and attention to detail

exhibited in the shimmering cherry wood that runs from the

fl oors to the ceilings, the openness created by the glass

doors and windows, and the comfort that is found when

reading, sitting down for dinner or just talking with

another person.

The Salon 38 Express is a continuation of the growth,

development, and refi nement of Sabre’s larger cruiser

models: the Salon 42 Express, which comes with or without

a fl ybridge; the 48 Salon Express, whose Vee hull allows

this vessel to cruise at 27 knots and, at wide-open throttle,

achieve a top speed of more than 32 knots; and the 54

Salon Express and Flybridge whose design incorporates

the suggestions and opinions of many seasoned owners

to fashion a yacht with unique features that enhance the

cruising experience.

sabreyachts.com

54 SALON EXPRESS & FLYBRIDGE

Hull LengthBeam


Water Capacity

53’2”

16’

15° 700 gal.

200 gal.

16 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Over the years, it’s become very clear that successful

marinas share several common characteristics. For

example, today’s thriving marinas are reconfi guring

their businesses to adapt to bigger boats, soaring electrical

power demands, and changing boater lifestyles. This theory

certainly hold true on the western shores of Lake Erie, where

three big successful marinas are making the area a better

boaters’ paradise.

Sandusky Harbor Marina, Lakefront Marina, and Toledo

Beach Marina all have more than 400 wet slips available for

powerboaters, sailboaters, and even kayakers. Although the

marinas are as different as their names, they all exhibit some

common characteristics such as cleanliness, safety and

security, exceptional customer care, and a commitment to

expanding the joys of boating.

Here’s a snapshot of what these marinas offer.

SANDUSKY HARBOR MARINA Sandusky Harbor Marina began operations in 1987-88 as

a 700-slip marina with room for winter storage. Since its

opening, it’s been reconfi gured twice, and currently has 590

wet slips for boats between 25 feet to 55 feet long. Noting that

boats have gotten longer over the years, the marina prides

itself in offering 20 single-berth slips for its 55-foot long boats,

which is very appealing for these boat owners.

Sandusky Harbor caters primarily to sailboaters and strives to

develop a “yacht club” atmosphere. For example, the marina

does not have a restaurant open to the public because this

would detract from its yacht club image. On the other hand, it

does offer year-round service to its customers, including three

winter storage options: a 55,000 sq. ft. heated indoor building,

a 65,000 sq. ft. storage building, and outdoor storage.

Among the amenities the marina offers to its customers are

free WiFi and a 40 by 60 foot heated inground swimming pool

that sits atop a hill and provides a clear view of boats in the

harbor. “We have 350 marked paving spots, which is plenty

for our customers,” Jerry Parsons, marina manager, said. “We

are a fenced-in community for our customers’ security.”

Since its beginning, the marina has seen an increase in

the number of longer boats seeking mooring at the marina

because of its deepwater access. While there were a large

number of 25 footers in the marina’s early years, those spaces

are now occupied by 30 to 35 footers, Parsons said, and the

number of 55-foot boats has increased signifi cantly.

By Jerome A. Koncel

OF A

LAKE ERIE'S MARINASJumbo

Sandusky Harbor marina offi ce


Sandusky Harbor is a very active place because of its close

association with the local yacht club, Harbor Bay Yacht Club.

“Our sailboaters are either cruising or entering sail races

every weekend, and the yacht club sponsors many of them,”

Parsons said. “This explains our motto: ‘Sail away from it all!’”

Sandusky Harbor is “a full service marina,” offering a service

department that is staffed with certifi ed mechanics. “We’re

one of the few service departments that still repairs rudders

and keels,” Parsons said. It also takes down and puts up 180

masts each boating season.

To attract new customers, Sandusky Harbor advertises in

boating magazines, local magazines and newspapers, as well

as on the radio. It also exhibits at local boat shows, such as

the Cleveland Boat Show, Cedar Point Boat Show, and others.

For all of his advertising efforts, Parsons readily admits that

the most effective method for attracting new customers

is word of mouth. “People really listen to their friends and

relatives when it comes to docking a boat,” he added.

Asked about his biggest challenge, Parsons said it is giving

his customers all they want and need to have a successful

boating season. This begins with providing them with superior

customer service, which starts with the dockmaster and

extends to all the employees, including the summer fuel

dockhand, Parsons said.

Parsons trains all employees to not only talk with customers,

but also listen to their concerns and act on them. “We’re a

hands-on marina, meaning that there’s no task too small for

any one of us to perform,” Parsons said.

Parsons said Sandusky Harbor was the second marina in

Ohio to become a Clean Marina, and it’s a recognition that

he takes very seriously. He involves all customers in keeping

Sandusky Harbor a Clean Marina. Customers are encouraged

to use the pump out facilities, avoid throwing cigarette butts

into the water, and recycle bottles and glass. “These may be

small efforts, but collectively they help us keep our lakes and

streams clean and sustainable,” Parsons said.

LAKEFRONT MARINALakefront Marina in Port Clinton, Ohio is 35 years old and

90 percent of its slips are drive ups. In addition to mooring,

the marina offers Lake Erie Floating Homes, six of which are

currently in the water. In addition to wet slips, the marina

offers dry storage racks that can hold boats up to 27 feet long.

Kevin Asher, marina manager, said boaters love Lakefront

Marina because of its location, right on Lake Erie. Fishermen

have a fond affection for the marina because there’s a prime

fi shing spot within minutes of the docks.

Because cleanliness is important to its customers, Lakefront

Marina offers a clean, climate-controlled restroom and shower

facility, a community room with large screen TV and vending

machines, and a heated inground swimming pool that has

a fi re pit and kids' play area attached. Free pump outs are

available on the fuel dock and the marina is fenced off, making

it a gated community. “We've also upgraded our security

system so everyone feels safe and secure,” Asher said.

Six years ago, Lakefront Marina started a yacht club with

just eight members. Today, the yacht club has expanded to

nearly 100 members and is moving into part of the marina

clubhouse, where it will gain a permanent home for its events

Toledo Beach Marina Toledo Beach Marina fuel dock

Lakefront Marina pavilion boat bar

18 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

and activities. “The club is an integral part of our activities

and events,” Asher said.

To keep boaters happy, Asher and the yacht club sponsor,

promote, and/or host a whole series of events and activities

that fi ll nearly every weekend of the prime boating season.

“We even include kids’ activities,” Asher said.

Lakefront Marina primarily caters to fi shermen, which is why

the vast majority of boats docked at the marina are in the

30-foot to 35-foot range. It’s also home to a half-dozen fi shing

charters. “We’re a family-oriented facility that is pet friendly

and kid friendly,” Asher noted.

Asked what’s the biggest challenge facing Lakefront Marina,

Asher responded, “The challenge is to maintain the facility,

make sure the docks are full, and prioritize a capital spending

program. We’re 35 years old, and some of our docks are

looking their age. So we have to make choices on where we

spend our money, and develop long-term plans.”

Asher said his business philosophy can be summed up in

two words: “Be Nice!” It’s a simple enough philosophy that

has to be put into action. It begins with the marina manager

and extends to all employees and even our customers.

“It’s contagious, and it makes being at this marina really

enjoyable,” Asher said.

When asked what being a Marinas International marina does

for him and his customers, Asher said it offers customers

some reciprocal benefi ts at other Marina International

marinas, but mainly it gives him the opportunity to better

manage the marina by picking the brains, skills, and

experience of 35 other marina managers. “We meet at least

once a week on conference calls to keep everyone informed

and promote best management practices,” Asher said.

Lakefront Marina’s motto is: “We overlook nothing but the

lake,” and it’s quite appropriate. For the immediate future,

Asher is looking to add brokerage services, a boat rental club,

and upgrade the yacht club. No matter what’s done, Asher

said it’s all looked at from the viewpoint of adding value to

the marina’s customers.

AN INSIDER’S VIEWBob Fafl ik, vice president of Marinas International, owned

the two previously mentioned marinas before selling them

to Marinas International and offers an insider’s view into

their operations.

“The core of both marinas is their customer relationships,”

Fafl ik said. The marina managers extend themselves to

their customers to make sure the boaters have everything

they need to enjoy a hassle-free day on the water. The two

properties are so different, yet the social networking of the

customers at the individual docks makes the businesses

succeed, Fafl ik noted.

“The total approach of Marinas International is embodied

in the actions of Jerry (Parsons) and Kevin (Asher),” Fafl ik

said. He adds that the two managers learn best management

practices by networking with the 30 other Marinas

International managers and a core leadership team that has

more than 100 years of experience.

Sandusky Harbor caters primarily to sailboaters


TOLEDO BEACH MARINAAnother jumbo marina on Lake Erie is Toledo Beach Marina

(TBM), which got new owners in 2011. The large marina

has 534 deepwater slips, dry rack storage for 273 boats, a

dockominium association and a 65,000 sq. ft. building for

winter storage. When the marina was purchased in 2011, its

occupancy rates had slipped below 30 percent, so the new

owners had to act quickly to change that.

Semo Post, general manager of Jefferson Beach Marina, was

given the task of renovating, renewing, and reinvigorating

TBM. Blessed with strong and determined ownership, and

“a renovation plan that appealed to all boaters,” Post has

undertaken some strategic moves that dramatically improved

occupancy rates.

“We’ve spent more than $500,000 to upgrade the marina,”

said Post. Some upgrades were necessary to keep the marina

structurally sound, such as repairing the seawall on D Dock

and adding new power pedestals, repaving the rack storage

building and launch pad apron, and rebuilding the launch rack

fl oating dock. Other upgrades were more cosmetic, such as

painting all the marina buildings, remodeling the restrooms

and showers with new tile, fi xtures, granite counter tops and

air conditioning, installing directional signs, replacing all fuel

dispensers with high-speed ones, and remodeling the deli,

which also sells beer, wine and liquor.

The existing marina had a restaurant and bar overlooking

the main channel, but it wasn’t very attractive, Post noted.

Because he believed a top-notch restaurant would be essential

to attracting new boating customers and keeping existing

ones, he did a major upgrade. “We constructed a 40 by 40

cedar pavilion complete with fl at screen TVs, nautical fi xtures,

enough room for a band and dance fl oor and a breezeway that

leads right into the bar. We even installed glass enclosures

with screens to give it more of a nautical feel,” Post said.

The dockominium association has been a real asset, Post

noted, as it quickly realized the new owners were interested in

the overall health of the marina and all its boating customers.

In the beginning of 2012, the new owners tackled the fi rst

association project by completely renovating Middle Bass

Row, including new tie backs for the seawall, stainless steel

pedestals, dock boxes, new sod and driveway.

To bring in new boaters, TBM used billboards and radio to

reach a larger audience. “We developed appropriate ads for

the appropriate time of the season,” Post said. In addition,

the marina moved to postcards, boat shows and open

house functions with the help of Pam Poirier of Jefferson

Beach Marina. It also solidifi ed its relationship with existing

customers by telling them about improvements, and then

completing them as it said it would, Post said.

To manage the marina and oversee its customer service,

Post hired Amy Crouchman, who came from a private resort

marina. “We both had a similar work background and a similar

approach to offering outstanding customer service,” Post

said. “Our goal is to offer all customers the same high-levels

regardless of how much money they spend at the facility.”

TBM is hardly fi nished with its renovations and upgrades,

Post said. This year, it is adding WiFi capability, making

needed dock repairs, upgrading the pump out system, and

completing the second association dock project. It’s also

promoting “word-of-mouth advertising.” The marina instituted

a friend referral discount of $200 and a 10 percent pay in full

discount if customers signed a year-long contract, including

winter storage.

To identify what TBM’s customers want, the team surveys

them and gets great feedback. That’s how it was decided to

strengthen its repair facilities by putting long-time veteran

John Sawicki in charge of the service department, developing

a well-stocked ship’s store and having Ship/Shape fi berglass

repair business, along with Reed Yacht Sales, on premises.

Asked about the biggest challenge TBM and other Great

Lakes marinas are facing, Post said it was low water levels.

Current levels are near all-time lows, Post noted, and offshore

winds can drop the harbor depth by 18 to 24 inches. “Luckily

we are in much better shape having dredged in the past.

There are times when the water will correct itself the same

day, but we still need a cold, snowy winter,” Post said.Lakefront Marina's fl oating homes

Toledo Beach Marina SandBar Pavilion

E1520 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

E15 refers to any fuel that contains 15 percent ethanol

in volume. This sounds innocent enough, but for the

boating community, E15 raises a red fl ag. Industry test

data show that E15 can cause signifi cant damage to marine

engines. The National Marine Manufacturers Association

(NMMA) goes one step further, saying that tests on off-the-

production-line outboard engines have demonstrated that

E15 ethanol blend can absolutely destroy these marine

engines. For these reasons and others, the boating

community is fi rmly opposed to E15.

In spite of these studies and research test data, EPA has

granted a waiver allowing ethanol producers to increase

the amount of ethanol in gasoline to 15 percent. To industry

observers, this seems to be another example of how federal

regulators seem to disregard the needs of recreational

boaters and anglers. A closer look at the situation reveals a

political hot potato.

THE FACTS When 54 ethanol producers approached the EPA announcing

their intention to seek a waiver allowing them to increase the

amount of ethanol in fuels to 15 percent from the existing 10

percent, it seemed like a straightforward request.

So why should recreational boaters be up in arms over E15?

It’s just anther step in helping our nation achieve energy

independence stemming from the 2007 Energy Independence

and Security Act. The reality is that while E15 may help us

become energy independent, strengthen our energy security,

and decrease greenhouse gas pollution, it has also been

shown to seriously harm outboard engines. Here are the

facts in the case.

In the early years of the 2000s decade, Americans were

concerned about our dependence on foreign energy. As part

of an overall effort to decrease our reliance on foreign oil and

increase the country’s energy independence, the Congress

passed the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.

While this legislation had a laudable goal of improving the

country’s energy independence by increasing the amount

of renewable fuel blended into transportation fuel, its

ramifi cations were not as clear. Specifi cally, the law required

fuel producers to increase the amount of renewable fuel

(ethanol) blended into transportation fuel (gasoline) from

9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons (a 400 percent

increase) by 2022. Along the way to reaching this fi nal

number, EPA would support this law through the Renewable

Fuel Standard Program, which would set certain milestones

for adding renewable fuel.

Since the law was passed in 2007, a lot has happened that

has affected the way ethanol producers do business, the

biggest of which was the fi nancial recession of 2007-2008.

The fi nancial crisis changed the way Americans lived their

lives, prompting them to become much more frugal. This

extended to the way Americans used their automobiles as

the price of gas steadily increased toward a $4 per gallon

threshold. Americans were not only driving less, but also far

fewer miles. As a result, fewer gallons of gas with ethanol

were being sold, which was a problem for producers.

With less fuel being used, but no change in the renewable

fuel milestones still remaining in place, the ethanol industry

had to fi nd new ways of increasing the amount of ethanol it

was shipping to refi neries. One immediate option: Why not

increase the amount of ethanol it was putting into a gallon of

gasoline, raising it to 15 percent from the existing 10 percent?

Sounded like a good option to ethanol producers, who applied

to the EPA for a waiver from existing regulations so that they

could increase the amount of ethanol in a gallon of gasoline.

When EPA was considering the ethanol waiver, it called

on the automobile, marine and other outdoor industries to

submit comments indicating any problems. It heard from

all stakeholders, including NMMA and outboard engine

researchers who said that newer engines were encountering

By Jerome A. Koncel

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E15greatlakesboating.com | 21

performance problems with E15, such as stalling, increased

corrosion, damaged valves and rubber fuel lines and gaskets,

and last, but not least, increased emissions.

For its part, marine industry representatives raised questions

over how E15 would affect older (i.e., 10 or more years) fuel

tanks and engines, as well as new ones. While the industry

had adapted to using E10 in marine and other small gasoline-

powered engines, adapting to E15 was not on the horizon.

In response to NMMA, EPA acknowledged these problems,

saying that it would post signs warning users of these

potential dangers.

In response to automobile manufacturers who said older, late

model cars would be unfi t to use E15, EPA said that only light

model cars produced after model year 2001 would be able to

use E15.

In response to EPA’s action and because of E15’s potential

harm to boat engines, NMMA and others went to court

seeking to overturn EPA’s actions. The courts have rejected

the NMMA’s suit on procedural grounds, not technical

merit. Appeals have reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for

the District of Columbia, but NMMA and other small engine

manufacturers have failed to overturn EPA’s waiver.

At present, the EPA has granted the waiver to ethanol

producers allowing them to sell gasoline containing E15.

Depending on where one lives and if gasoline sellers in that

part of the country are equipped to handle E15, recreational

boaters can expect to see gas stations selling E15 gasoline

in the near future. There currently are about 25 or so gas

stations selling the product in the MIdwest.

THE IMPACTEven as NMMA and others brought lawsuits seeking to

block the sale of E15 at gasoline stations across the United

States, it appears their efforts were falling on deaf ears. As a

result, the boating industry in general, and outboard engine

manufacturers in particular, have been seriously investigating

fuel alternatives, specifi cally isobutanol.

Some researchers consider isobutanol to be “the next

great alternative to E15,” but this is still to be determined.

Isobutanol, which converts fermented sugars from

sustainable feedstocks into a product that can be added

to gasoline, has been on the research screen for marine

researchers for some time (see Oct. 2012, pg 19). Only

recently, however, has it been seen as a possible viable

alternative fuel for marine engines.

One of the fi rst researchers to investigate isobutanol’s

potential as a marine fuel was Jeff Wasil, BRP’s engineering

technical expert for emissions testing. Encouraged by some

early positive test results, Wasil and other researchers

decided two years ago that it was time to do some on-the-

water testing of marine engines. In addition, Wasil had found

a manufacturer, Gevo Inc., that at the time was willing and

eager to ramp up its production of isobutanol. “The high

production levels will make isobutanol a more cost effective

product,” Wasil said.

With the help of engine manufacturers, the marine industry

and the Federal Dept. of Energy, Wasil and other researchers

studied outboard engines using fuel with no ethanol, E-10

and 16 percent isobutanol. The goal was to see if the different

fuels produced different emissions, whether those emissions

were at harmful levels, the energy effi ciency of the different

fuels, and whether outboard engines were damaged by using

the fuels for extensive periods of time.

Wasil found that isobutanol worked “just fi ne” in outboard

engines, but Gevo discovered that producing isobutanol at

mass production levels was both diffi cult and expensive.

CURRENT STATUSAlthough Wasil and others have received a research grant

extension from the Dept. of Energy, Gevo has stopped its

production of isobtanol. Although Wasil claims that isobutanol

is a viable alternative for marine engines, even he admits that

isobutanol appears to be a long way from commercial use.

Jim Currie, NMMA legislative director, said that while NMMA’s

legal efforts have failed, the group is not giving up the fi ght.

NMMA is joining with other organizations, including the

American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association,

Taxpayers for Common Sense, environmental groups, and

others to push for a legislative solution. “EPA believes that

it’s mandated by law to increase the amount of ethanol, so

we need to change the law. We want the current Congress to

enact legislation stopping E15 from occurring,” Currie said.

Because E15 has been shown to damage valve stems, fuel

pumps, and carburetors in automobiles and cause similar

problems in outboard engines, boaters, especially those that

trailer their vessels, should be very careful to avoid this fuel.

Currie believes that a legislative solution to the E15 problem

holds promise, and he added that it would really help if

boaters and anglers contacted their elected offi cials and told

them to rectify the situation by repealing the Renewable Fuel

Standard, which mandates the use of biofuels in gasoline.

TESTS...HAVE DEMONSTRATED

THAT E15 ETHANOL BLEND

CAN ABSOLUTELY DESTROY

THESE MARINE ENGINES.

“

“

22 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Get a jump on the joy of spring

boating by preparing yourself,

your boat, and your passengers

for safety afloat.

• Refresh your boating knowledge. Late winter and early

spring are great times to brush up on boating operations,

safety, and the rules of the road. The U.S. Coast Guard

provides information on many options for online and

local training, at uscgboating.org/safety/boating_

safetycourses_.aspx.

• Check that you have all required safety equipment by

reviewing the Coast Guard booklet A Boater’s Guide to

the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. The

guide can be found at marinas and marine retailers,

and online at uscgboating.org/fedreqs/default.html.

• Take a look at optional but potentially life-saving

equipment. If you boat far from shore, consider an EPIRB

(Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon), which

provides a homing signal for rescue along with exact GPS

coordinates. In an emergency, an EPIRB can make the

difference between a lengthy search and a speedy rescue.

• Schedule a free Vessel Safety Check. The U.S. Coast Guard

Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons® offer free

annual inspections of your boat’s safety-related equipment

by qualifi ed examiners. Learn more and fi nd how to

schedule a safety check at vesselsafetycheck.org.

• Make sure lifejackets still fi t. Children grow, and adults and

even pets often gain or lose weight over the winter. Make

wearing lifejackets mandatory for everyone, every time

you’re afl oat.

• When doing preseason checks and maintenance on your

boat, don’t forget to safety check your trailer. Check the

condition of your tires and spares, how the tail and backup

lights are functioning, and the condition of the frame.

• On the fi rst run, lift the engine hatch or outboard cowling to

look for leaks from loose hoses or other causes. Also check

all fuel line connections and the base of the carburetor for

fuel leaks. These two simple checks will avoid dangerous

conditions afl oat.

• Be alert to potential seasonal hazards. Unpredictable

weather, debris in the water from rapid melts, high river

fl ows, and unusual turbulence are all common hazards

found in many areas.

• Remember that warm air does not mean warm water. Water

is often frigid long after air temperatures become balmy.

When boating in the early spring, dress in layers, bring

additional clothing in case the temperature dips suddenly—

and do everything possible to make sure that everyone

PREPARE TO LAUNCH

By Mike Baron

U.S. Coast Guard Division of Boating Safety


remains safely in the boat. Wearing a lifejacket is essential,

as it helps maintain body heat, delays exhaustion, and

improves survival in cold water if anyone goes overboard.

• Orient new passengers and crew to safety precautions

and emergency procedures and equipment. Teach them

how to maneuver safely aboard, where to fi nd and use

emergency equipment, how to communicate with VHF

radio, how to identify the boat’s location with GPS, and

how to make a safe recovery if someone falls overboard.

• Designate a fi rst mate. If you don’t designate such a

person, make sure that one of your passengers know the

basics of how to steer, shut off the engines, and other basic

operations, in case you are incapacitated or go overboard.

• If you boat at night, slow down. Boating at night is

diffi cult because there are fewer visual cues, confusing

lights ashore, and other lighted vessels, all of which

make it harder to navigate safely. A speed appropriate

for daytime operation is too fast at night.

• Research your route and destination. You can get

information online for travel planning, navigating, and

tide management. You can also contact local boating

authorities for information and advice on local hazards,

dangerous waters, and boating traffi c—as well as great

recreational opportunities.

• Equip a fi rst-aid kit appropriate to your boating plans.

The farther you head out from shore, the more prepared

you should be. Ensure that all passengers bring both

medication and instructions for medical conditions.

All photos courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard

People have been talking about it for years, but it fi nally

happened early this year. The water levels of lakes

Michigan and Huron reached their all-time record

monthly lows in January, and there are no signs that a rapid

recovery is on the horizon.

Here’s what’s happening. In February, the Detroit offi ce of

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which monitors Great

Lakes water levels, said the average daily level on lakes

Huron and Michigan, which it considers as one body of water

hydrologically, reached an all-time record monthly low of

776.01 feet. Great Lake Boating had predicted those record

low levels based on projections from the Detroit offi ce of

USACE (pg. 18, Dec. 2012), but the projected low levels are

now a reality, and no one seems to be doing anything about it.

THE OUTRAGE“Low water levels cause economic hardships,” “Low water

levels close boat ramps,” “Low water levels cause boat

crashes.” These news headlines and discussions with the

people whose livelihoods depend on these waters, such

as marina managers, boat dealers, resort owners, tourism

directors and others, point to a major problem that is not

going away soon.

There are a large number of people living and working on

the shores of lakes Michigan and Huron who are very upset

with the current low lake levels, and these people want more

direct action to solve the problem. For example, residents of

Georgian Bay want the U.S. and Canadian governments to

plug what amounts to an unnaturally large drain hole in the

St. Clair River. Ever since the 1960s, nearly all the water in

lakes Michigan and Huron drains into the St. Clair River,

which fl ows into the Detroit River and then into Lake Erie.

There’s nothing wrong with this except that Michigan and

Huron are the only lakes without manmade structures to

control water fl ow and lake levels.

News reports have indicated that USACE could fi x the

excessive loss of water fl owing from the St. Clair River by

installing fl ow control structures near Port Huron. “They

[USACE] could control erosion in the St. Clair River with

underwater speed bumps—infl atable bladders that could

hold back water when water levels are low,” Roger Gauthier,

a retired USACE hydrologist, said.

While the many people who live and work on the Great Lakes

are very concerned about the low lake levels, they’re even

more upset that little is being done to solve the problem. In

fact, one of the organizations these people approach to deal

By Jerome A. Koncel

24 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

WoEs

with the issue, the International Joint Commission, has said

that people simply have “to adapt to changing water levels.”

Others note that USACE simply shies away from the low

lake level problem, saying that it has limited resources and

simply cannot perform all the dredging sought by Great

Lakes marinas and harbors.

Small marinas and harbors on the Upper Great Lakes, i.e.

lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan, are reaching a crisis

point. These businesses cannot function without suffi cient

water depth, and the low water levels have reached this

point. It appears the only viable option seems to be dredging.

Marinas on the Upper Great Lakes have undertaken

dredging before, but they usually relied on USACE to

perform the dredging. Now, the only option is to do the

dredging themselves, but this costs a lot of money. Cash

many of them don’t have. Marinas are at the point where

any further drops in lake water levels may force some of

them to close shop. If marinas on Lake Michigan are to

remain open, they must solve this problem. And it should

be pointed out that many marinas believe dredging is not

really a solution, but rather “a band-aid,” that is, it stops

the bleeding, but doesn’t really solve the problem.

In Michigan, whose governor has been touting the signifi cant

contributions of boating and fi shing to the state’s economy,

recreational boating, sportfi shing, and tourism have reached

the stage where doing nothing is not a viable option. “The

lack of dredging at (Michigan’s) small ports and harbors is

a gross negligence on the part of the federal government to

nurture the multi-billion dollar industry of recreational boating

and fi shing,” Chuck Pistis, Michigan Sea Grant Outreach

Coordinator, said.

While most people agree that “something must be done” to

solve the low water level problem on the Great Lakes, what

and when are still to be determined. In the meantime, it

appears that recreational boaters and fi shermen are going

to have to adapt to low water levels by changing or at least

altering they way they do boating and fi shing.

RELATED PROBLEMSAs boaters navigate the Great Lakes this boating season, they

could possibly fi nd themselves facing two major problems

stemming from the low water levels. The fi rst of these is what

to do if they’re stuck on a mudbar or sandbar or can’t get out

of or back into their slips because the water is so shallow?

The second is where do boaters and sportsfi shermen turn

to get the accurate information that shows harbors with low

water depths and rivers, streams and Great Lakes with low

water levels?


The most direct answer to the fi rst question—what to

do if you’re stuck—is to call for help. BoatUS and SeaTow

International Services provide towing services to their

members. And BoatUS has a towing app that’s free to

all boaters and includes a list of the more than 300 ports

nationwide where BoatUS Towing Services are available.

SeaTow International uses franchise boat captains to provide

towing services, but depends on the Coast Guard to perform

these services on the Great Lakes. SeaTow also provides free

ungroundings for vessels, but stipulates that fi ve conditions

must be met for the service to be free.

The other option is for interested individuals to take it upon

themselves to get a vessel off a sandbar, mudbar or other

annoyance, but there is a right and wrong way to do this. To

get the proper way, GLB contacted Bob Adriance of BoatUS

and asked for his expert advice.

Adriance said that quick and decisive action is needed to free

a stuck boat. In this situation, a powerboat skipper’s initial

reaction is to push down on the throttle, either in forward or

reverse, and hope for the best. Adriance said boaters should

never do this. “The boat’s engine gets its cooling water from

somewhere under the boat, and if it sucks up enough mud or

sand, the engine could be ruined,” Adriance said. This could

also damage or tear off the boat’s running gear, so Adriance

said the operator should shut the engine down and determine

how far the intake is from the bottom.

If dealing with a light displacement boat with a shoal

draft, Adriance suggested that the crew—if they’re good

swimmers—could probably walk the boat to deeper water.

If needed, the crew should be wearing shoes, life jackets,

and be aware of any dangerous current or drop-off.

On most powerboats, underwater machinery is vulnerable and

must be considered in freeing the boat. Thus, boaters should

check props and rudders to make sure they haven’t been

damaged. Raising an outdrive or outboard slightly will reduce

draft. If the engine is used, the operator should periodically

check the exhaust and temperature gauge to make sure it’s

pumping water and not sand or mud.

If a boat sailing upwind is to be freed quickly, the helm

should be thrown over immediately, away from the shoal, and

hopefully wind will heel the boat off the shoal. To reduce draft,

the crew should move to leeward, and then, with a little luck,

the wind will nudge the boat back to deeper water.

If the boat is sailing downwind, the chances of getting free

immediately are slim, Adriance noted. Boaters will be tempted

to try and spin the boat 180 degrees so that it’s heading

back toward open water. Although this could work, it could

also damage the boat’s rudder, especially if it’s a deep,

spade rudder. If the boat remains on the shoal, drop the

sails immediately so that it won’t be blown further aground.

If using the boat’s engine, make sure it’s pumping water,

Adiance noted. When a boat is heeled, the intake could be

out of the water or sucking up sand, mud, or gunk from the

bottom. Operators should periodically check to make sure

water is fl owing freely from the exhaust, and keep an eye on

the temperature gauge

TECHNIQUESIf the boat is really stuck, lighten it by emptying water tanks,

moving heavy objects, such as anchors, spare batteries, and

so forth, to the deep water side of the boat, or temporarily

putting them into the dinghy. From there, boaters should try

some of these techniques.

ROCKING THE BOAT—Depending on the type of

bottom (both the bottom of the boat and the seabed itself),

rocking the boat back and forth while twisting the wheel

can be effective.

26 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

SHIFTING WEIGHT—With powerboats, try moving the

crew to the section of the boat that seems to be in deeper

water. This may slightly lift the section that’s aground off the

bottom. A sailboat with a full keel and a cutaway forefoot can

sometimes be refl oated by moving the crew forward. Fin-keel

boats are most likely to be refl oated when crew weight is

moved to the rail and the keel is pointed toward deeper water.

To gain another degree or two of heel, boaters should try

swinging the boom out with one or two volunteers clinging

to the end.

EMPLOY THE DINGHY—If you’re skilled at small-

boat handling and have a dinghy with a motor, use it as a

tug to push against the bow from the shallow-water side

to move the bow around to point to deep water. Beware of

fl ipping if the dinghy bow slips and the dinghy loses the

“square on” position of being perpendicular to the side of

the bow. Helmsman, be prepared to throttle up as soon as

the bow swings.

BOAT WAKER—A passing boat can send up a wake

that can give efforts a momentary boost. Be sure to time

bursts on the throttle with each passing lift. As noted, be

sure the engine is pumping water and keep an eye on the

temperature gauge.

SET KEDGE—If the boat remains stuck after trying the

various techniques, there’s work to be done. Set a kedge

(anchor) out in deeper water to help free the boat and at

least prevent it from being nudged further onto the shoal.

A windlass gives a terrifi c mechanical advantage pulling the

boat out to deeper water.

On sailboats, snatch blocks can be used to lead the anchor

line from the bow to the largest winch. Now, run the halyard

over to the anchor line, using the halyard winch to heel the

boat. If or when the keel fl oats off, use the engine to work

the boat out to deeper water. If the boat can’t be pulled off

the shoal, boaters should try and get the bow headed back

toward deeper water, where they can use the kedge together

with wave action, the occasional wake, and even the boat’s

engine to free the boat.

YOUR NEXT STEPS—If you’re hard aground and can’t

free the boat quickly, get on the VHF to let other vessels and

the U.S. Coast Guard know your position, and that you’re

dealing with a situation that could get more serious. Also, if

any passengers have a medical condition, be aware of this

and immediately call the Coast Guard or local authorities if

the situation turns into an emergency.

CALL BOATUS, TOWBOATUS, OR VESSEL ASSIST—If the tide has come and gone, nothing’s

worked, and bad weather or other adverse conditions are

threatening, use the VHF or cell phone to call for commercial

assistance. Prepare for assistance by putting on life jackets

and keeping the crew calm and informed. Make sure the GPS

is working and relay the exact coordinates and depth to the

fi rst responders. Keep the VHF radio tuned to Channel 16 to

ensure communication with the towboat captain.

As far as obtaining information about the water depths at

various ports, harbors, and marinas, a series of electronic

charts from Navionics that is available for smartphones and

tablets appears to be the best bet. Boaters can purchase

these chart apps from Apple iTunes, purchasing only those

geographical areas where they are cruising to reduce costs.

PERSPECTIVEEven as boaters face the upcoming boating season with

some trepidation because of low lake levels, this hardly

means that boating will be stopped or reduced in 2013. What

it does mean is that recreational boaters and fi shermen will

have to be vigilant when they cruise the Great Lakes and

the inland waterways.

All photos courtesy of Michigan Sea Grant


28 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

If there’s one thing boaters can count on when it comes

to their vessels, it’s those little technical glitches that

throw a wrench into plans for a carefree day of fi shing or a

relaxing coastal cruise. Although a boat’s marine electronics

are extremely reliable, they too can be affected by these same

occasional “gremlins.”

Fortunately, many common marine electronic problems

can be traced to simple, solvable issues that can easily

be checked and remedied. Sometimes it’s simple user

error. Other times there is a small issue that can be fi xed

on the spot. Or there may even be a problem that requires

professional service. In any case, those boaters that know

what to look for when problems occur—along with some of

the common fi xes—will be ahead of the game.

As a nationwide National Marine Electronics Association-

certifi ed dealer of marine electronics, The GPS Store, Inc. has

helped numerous customers cope with marine electronics

issues. On a regular basis, the store fi elds phone calls from

boaters about marine electronics problems and is often

able to point them to simple solutions. That’s why, when

encountering marine electronics issues, boaters should

follow this troubleshooting advice.

BEGIN WITH THE BASICSIf any marine electronics system fails to power up, boaters

should start by checking the power connection at the unit

and/or fuses. Likewise, if a sounder or other instrument

powers up, but shows nothing on the display, boaters should

check the display brightness and/or contrast settings.

Sometimes these units get purposely or accidentally changed

to the point where displays won’t be visible under different

light conditions.

If targets that should be on a echosounder or radar, for

example, are not being picked up, operators should check to

see if the range settings are correct, and the gain/sensitivity

is adjusted correctly. For dual-frequency sounders, make

sure they’re in the proper frequency (200kHz for shallow

water, 50kHz for 600+ feet).

ECHOSOUNDER ISSUESIf boaters experience sudden or gradual loss of bottom/speed

readings, they should:

• Check the transducer connection at the unit and/or the

condition of the cable for cuts, kinks or damage.

When any piece of marine electronics stops working, boaters should fi rst check to make sure no connections have been loosened.

TROUBLESHOOTINGelectronicsmarine


• Check the transducer for growth or fouling.

• Make sure there are no thru-hull fi ttings, strainers, zincs

or other hull irregularities creating aerated water ahead of

the transducer.

• If the transom is mounted, make sure it hasn’t been

“kicked up.”

• If using an in-hull transducer, check the fl uid level in the

transducer housing. Fluid is required for it to work, as it

keeps air from getting under the transducer.

• Check the transducer’s paddlewheel speed sensor for

growth, fouling or damage.

If boaters encounter weak fi sh spottings, they should

remove the unit from Auto mode and adjust gain settings

for given conditions.

If they experience intermittent interruption of the sounder

display, they should fi rst check for possible Radio

Frequency (RF) interference from other electronics by

turning systems on and off. If the problem occurs only at

night, boaters should fi rst check unshielded LED lights,

which can be an unexpected interference source,

If boaters are picking up a second bottom reading between

the surface and the real bottom, this can be caused by a

thermocline, i.e., a hard edge where cooler/warmer water

meet. To remove this, boaters should adjust the gain

settings lower.

GPS CHARTPLOTTER ISSUESIf boaters experience a temporary or permanent loss of

position data, they should fi rst:

• Check the power to the antenna.

• Check the connection between the GPS antenna cable and

the antenna base and with the GPS unit or chartplotter. It

may be loose at either point or corroded.

• Check for interference from other electronics (turn on

and off).

• Run a test mode to determine if satellites are being tracked

(and how many).

Corrosion and/or frayed transducer cable connections are common

causes of sounder performance issues.

Checking GPS antenna connections should be the fi rst stop when

position data is lost.

30 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

If electronic charts don’t show up or don’t present detailed

information, boaters should:

• Make sure the chart card is properly inserted with all

contacts lined up.

• Check for water intrusion/corrosion in the chart door.

• Check detail settings on the unit (vector charts are

presented in multiple “layers” with the ability to turn chart

details on and off) and adjust from least to most.

• Check plotter menu settings for Navigation Chart vs.

Fishing Chart.

• Check with the manufacturer/chart provider for software

and/or chart updates.

VHF RADIO ISSUESIf boaters experience any diffi culties with VHF hearing/

receiving, they should fi rst:

• Move/shield the transducer cables or other wires because

RF interference that comes from other electronics can

possibly interfere with transmissions.

• Check antenna co-ax cable and the connection point to

the VHF radio.

• Check the PL259 connector for corrosion.

• Check for low voltage. Boaters should be getting 12 to

13.5 volts to the radio. Low voltage will affect high-power

transmissions and reduce the radio’s ability to squelch

out unwanted noise.

• If boaters have trouble conversing with a nearby boat, they

should try switching to “power” because they could be

“shooting” transmissions over the target.

RADAR ISSUESIf the boat’s radar isn’t working, operators should:

• Confi rm voltage to the radar.

• Confi rm that the array is spinning (remove cover on the

radome antenna).

• Confi rm that the radar is in transmit (TX) mode, not standby.

If the radar display isn’t showing, boaters should fi rst:

• Adjust gain settings because those that are too high or too

low can negatively affect performance.

• Switch to the Harbor mode, if the radar has one, and use

it to optimize targets during close-range navigation. Make

sure it is off when navigating in open water.

• Properly adjust range settings based on surroundings.

• Regulate fi lters, such as rain and sea clutter, based

on conditions.

AUTOPILOT ISSUESIf the autopilot fails to hold a course, does not work in the Nav

mode or steers abruptly or hesitatingly, boaters should fi rst:

• Check to make sure the pilot is off Manual/Standby.

• Check for possible magnetic interference with the system’s

heading sensor/compass.

• Check to make sure GPS/chartplotter is powered up to

test connections between pilot and nav unit for Nav

mode operation.

• Check steering fl uid levels in hydraulic pilot systems by

bleeding all air out of the system and checking for leaks.

• If the pilot has a Rudder Feedback Assembly (not Virtual

Feedback), check this for signs of water intrusion or

mechanical linkage failures.

• If problems persist, boaters may need to “re-tune” the

pilot with dockside or on-water setup procedures per

the manufacturer’s recommendations.

PERSPECTIVE Do marine electronics ever break and require professional

service? “Of course, they do,” Scott Heffernan, The GPS

Store spokesman, said. “Frequently, however, boaters can

fi nd and fi x simple problems on their own and resume their

day of fi shing or boating. And it’s always smart to eliminate

all the possibilities before pulling equipment off the boat or

pulling the boat out of the water.”

To learn more about choosing and using marine electronics

from all leading manufacturers, visit TheGPSStore.com or

speak with the experts at The GPS Store, Inc. at 800-477-2611.Performing a satellite test can determine if the unit is properly tracking

GPS satellites.

32 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Joystick

T o give boaters confi dence and control over their

boats, BRP announced on February 14 that it will

offer the Optimus 360 by SeaStar, an integrated

power steering and joystick docking control technology

fi rst brought to the market by Telefl ex Marine in 2012, for

its boats running twin Evinrude E-TEC V6 outboard engines

that are equipped with the Evinrude ICON electronic shift

and throttle (EST) system.

The Optimus 360 offers three-axis joystick docking

control. This gives the boaters improved control of the

boat in docking, launching and retrieving the boat from

the trailer, and maneuvering the boat in crowded harbors

and marinas. The joystick allows operators to maneuver

the boat sideways, diagonally, forward and backward,

or even rotate on its axis.


As operators move the joystick, a series of actuators

and Telefl ex Marine Smart cylinders with rudder position

sensors allow twin Evinrude E-TEC engines to be controlled

independently or in tandem. The end result is that boaters

feel very comfortable operating their

boats in areas that frequently posed great

stress, i.e. maneuvering the vessel into

and out of, slips and moorings.

“Integrated into the Evinrude E-TEC

platform, the Optimus 360 by SeaStar will

give boat operators a new level of control

for their vessel and confi dence in their own

maneuvering skills,” said Larry Koschak,

Senior Product Specialist at BRP’s

Evinrude Outboard Engine Division.

In addition to enjoying the joystick's

convenience, the Optimus 360 also

improves the operator's overall steering

experience at all speeds. It does this by

customizing steering resistance and response with speed-

sensitive helm turn ratios. Thus, operators can set the lock-

to-lock steering ratio according to desired boat speeds—

from idle to wide-open throttle. In conjunction with the EST

system, the Optimus 360 provides virtually effortless shift

and control.

Suitable for many applications such as offshore center

consoles, catamarans, high-performance cruisers and other

popular twin- and triple-engine boats, the Optimus 360 by

SeaStar integrates seamlessly into the Evinrude ICON system.

Evinrude and BRP have seen the

market for joystick and power steering

options for both the new package

and repower segments grow quite

rapidly. “We are excited to be working

with SeaStar engineers to bring this

advanced technology to Evinrude E-TEC

enthusiasts,” said Thomas Mason,

Evinrude North American PAC Business

Unit Manager.

Evinrude said the Optimus 360 by SeaStar

will be available for installation from

authorized Evinrude E-TEC boat builders and

dealerships beginning April 2013.

BRP’s Evinrude engine line-up from 3.5 to 300 horsepower

offers customers superior value across a full range of

applications. Engines are available at authorized Evinrude

dealerships worldwide. Become part of the online Evinrude

community at www.evinrudenation.com and follow the

company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brpevinrude.

HAMMOND AD

34 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

On-the-water breakdowns, running aground or

other mishaps can ruin a day of boating or fi shing

fun. But when the towboat arrives on the scene,

do you know if the service is a “tow” or a “salvage” job?

If you’re ever in doubt, the safest thing to do is to ask the

towboat crew. The reason why you should ask this question

is because there could be a big difference in the cost of

each service, and it also determines who pays the bill,

according to the Boat Owners Association of The United

States (BoatUS).

Although there is sometimes a fi ne line between towing

and salvage, boaters should know that there are a few

clear indicators that point to each. “Salvage requires the

existence of ‘peril’ to the distressed vessel or persons

aboard, or peril to the rescue boat and its crew, or the

marine environment,” said Adam Wheeler, vice president

of BoatUS Towing Services.

From a legal and historical perspective, salvage refers to

any voluntary and successful rescue of a boat, its cargo,

and/or passengers from peril at sea. Today that defi nition

includes the successful avoidance of damage to a legally

protected marine environment.

Vessels hard aground, on rocks, taking on water or sunk

are “salvage,” as are collisions, fi res, breakaways or other

types of immediate danger. Salvage also comes into play

when specialized equipment, such as pumps, air bags, or

divers are called for—even if the boat is at the dock.

All TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist companies are committed

to informing the owner of a boat—before beginning any

work—if the procedure will be declared “salvage.” If the

owner is not on board or the conditions are so perilous

and the rescue of the boat requires immediate action, the

companies will notify the owner as soon as possible after

saving the boat.

“On the other hand, when there is very little or no peril or

damage to the vessel—you have a towing situation,” said

Wheeler. “A typical example is when you run out of gas

Tow orSalvage


or have a dead battery, and have subsequently dropped

anchor to await assistance. Waters are calm, you’re no threat

to navigation, your crew and boat are fi ne, and there’s no

peril to those on the response boat.” BoatUS said that of the

65,000 requests for assistance made last year by boaters to

the BoatUS 24-hour Dispatch Centers, 98 percent were for

routine towing services.

When it comes to soft ungroundings, which can be

identifi ed as when there is either little peril or no damage

to the disabled boat, and only one towboat is need to remove

the softly grounded vessel, BoatUS members enjoy a special

agreement with the TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist on-the-

water towing fl eets. This agreement states that when such

an occurrence happens, it is a simple towing job.

THE COSTSIt should be pointed out that towing and soft ungrounding

costs are not cheap. On a nationwide basis, they average

about $600 and $800 respectively. Who pays these costs?

These are paid either by an annual towing service plan or out-

of-pocket by the boater.

Salvage cases are much more expensive than tow cases

and are usually covered by insurance or out-of-pocket if the

owner self-insures the boat. Salvage continues to be the

way to award a rescuer who maintains a 24-hour state of

readiness to risk life, limb and vessel for others. A salvage

operation often results in a charge based on the length of

the vessel saved or a request for a percentage of the boat’s

post-casualty value. Although it’s a reward for extraordinary

service, the dollar amount awarded factors in the degree of

peril, as well as the risk to the salvor and his crew.

“There are signifi cant expenses in operating and maintaining

a professional towing operation, such as captain’s and staff

salaries, insurance, equipment maintenance and increasing

fuel costs, not to mention capital expenses such as towboats

and other specialized recovery equipment—and it all has to

be ready to go at a moment’s notice,” Wheeler said.

If it’s a salvage job and time and circumstances permit,

Wheeler suggests that boaters should try to call their

insurance company so they may attempt to negotiate

with the salvor before the operation gets underway. If

circumstances don’t allow this, the boat owner should

ask the salvor for a fi xed price and try to get it in writing.

Wheeler also notes that boaters should review their boat’s

insurance policy to determine if it fully covers salvage. Some

policies have limits, high deductibles, or may not include

environmental damage. As a result, the boat owner would

have to pay for these costs out-of-pocket.

BoatUS also suggests having a copy of the “BoatUS

Open Form Yacht Salvage Contract” aboard at all times,

because this contract assures that any salvage claim will

go to local binding arbitration if negotiations between your

insurance company and salvor fails. Designed to be more

understandable, relevant to U.S. laws and potentially money

saving for all parties, the Open Form Contract is available free

of charge at: BoatUS.com/salvage or by calling 800-937-1937.

SALVAGE TIPSHERE ARE FOUR PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP BOATERS WITH SALVAGE OPERATIONS.

• Protect yourself by having both a towing

service plan for basic towing assistance

needs and an insurance policy that fully

covers the costs of salvage.

• If you do have an incident, be sure to

ask questions fi rst, not later, to confi rm

whether the job is towing or salvage.

• All boaters should have their insurance

claims department phone number aboard.

If it’s a salvage operation, the boater

will want to try to contact them to help

negotiate a fi xed price.

• When all else fails, have a copy of

“BoatUS Open Form Yacht Salvage

Contract” aboard. You can get one for free

at BoatUS.com/salvage.

BOATUS TOWING SERVICES

Boat Owners Association of Th e United States

(BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for

recreational boaters providing more than half a

million members with a wide array of consumer

services, including on-the-water towing assistance

provided by TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist.

Combined, these two towing fl eets off er boaters,

anglers and sailors the world’s largest network of

towing ports with more than 300 locations and

over 600 towing assistance vessels.

36 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Great Lakes

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking

volunteer campground hosts for its Lime Island State

Recreation Area. The 980-acre island is situated in the St.

Mary’s River Navigation Channel some three miles offshore

of the eastern end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The island offers rental cabins, platform tent sites, a small

harbor of refuge, historical structures and boating access.

Hosts for Lime Island must use their own boat to travel to

and from the island.

Hosts are expected to provide 30 hours of service per week

(including weekends and holidays) and are required to live

on the island a minimum of four consecutive weeks at a time

during the summer season. During their weeks of service,

hosts can choose to live in the island’s host cabin or have

their camping fees waived.

Lime Island hosts will greet arriving visitors and answer

questions about the island. In addition, they are required to

arrange campground activities and possibly perform some

light maintenance. Public use of motorized vehicles is not

allowed on the island; however, hosts will have access to an

all-terrain vehicle while on the island.

The island offers many trails to explore and a beach is within

close proximity to the host cabin. Hosts must be at least 18

years old and can apply individually or as couples.

For more information, contact Straits State Park,

906-643-8620, or Miguel Rodriguez, 517-241-4129.

HOSTS WANTED FOR LIME ISLAND CAMPGROUND

Boaters on the Great Lakes experienced low water levels in

2012, and were looking for even lower levels in 2013. For the

month of December 2012, water levels on Lakes Michigan

and Huron, which were especially hard hit by the year-long

drought and sparse rainfall of 2012, fell below their all-time

record average lows of 776.2 ft. Lake levels were projected

to stay low through the beginning of 2013, according to the

Detroit Offi ce of U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

So far the rainfall has been sparse and the snowfalls have

been less than average. For boaters on the Great Lakes, both

recreational and commercial, this is bad news.

To compensate for the low water levels, marinas will need to

dredge their harbors. The problem with this solution is that

the federal agency that can and should perform this task,

USACE, said that it has limited funds and is prioritizing its

dredging activities, mainly focusing on large commercial

harbors. This leaves recreational harbors and marinas,

especially small ones, to fend for themselves.

Although a few Great Lakes harbors and marinas perform

maintenance dredging on a regular basis, most of the

other marina owners and operators do not have the capital

available to perform this task. Consequently, Great Lakes

recreational boaters will face a tough time at the beginning

of the 2013 boating season.

At the end of 2012, marina operators on the eastern shore of

Lake Michigan were already reporting problems for boaters

trying to get their vessels either into or out of their docks.

LOW LAKE LEVELS WILL HURT BOATING

Mich

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INDIANA BANS 28 INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTSIndiana has become one of the most proactive states in the

prevention of new aquatic invasive plants by banning the sale

of 28 aquatic plants that pose a high risk of invasion. It also

makes illegal the gifting, bartering, exchanging, distributing

or transporting any of the 28 plants.

To determine which plants imported for the aquarium and

water garden trades posed the greatest threat to the state’s

waterways, the Indiana Dept. of Natural resources (DNR)

relied on a risk assessment tool developed by the Aquatic

Working Plant Group. The tool evaluates a plant based on

factors such as its history of invasion, its ability to survive in

Indiana habitats, and how diffi cult it is to control. For example,

DNR said one plant, Hydrilla verticillata, which has been

around for more than six years, was brought here through

trade and has cost the state millions of dollars in attempting

to control it.

Offi cials in the Great Lakes region are looking at Indiana’s

program to see it can be used in their states and the two

Canadian provinces that border the Great Lakes. “The Great

Lakes are all interconnected. If one state bans a species,

but a neighboring

state doesn’t, the

ban is essentially

meaningless in terms

of keeping the species

out of the lakes,”

said Pat Charlebois,

aquatic invasive

species coordinator

for Illinois/Indiana

Sea Grant.

Chesapeake Light Craft (CLC) will be running 30 Build Your

Own Boat Classes across the country this summer, including

eight in Cedarville, Mich.

In the CLC classes, which are 51/2 days long, professional

instructors help students assemble their own boats from start

to fi nish. This year’s Michigan classes will be held at the Great

Lakes Boarding School in Cedarville.

Students can select from 18 popular designs. Sailors have

their choice of everything from an 8-foot lapstrake dinghy

to a traditional 17-foot dory. In the Michigan classes only,

students will have the opportunity to build a 15-foot

powerboat called the Peeler Skiff.

This year’s classes in Michigan run from June 14 through

August 18. Tuition for the week costs $800 and the various

boat kits range from $750 to $2,500.

clcboats.com/classes

BUILD-YOUR-OWN BOAT CLASSES

FESTIVAL ADDS TALL SHIP EMPIRE SANDYSailing Seaway

Clayton, a local

festival presented

by Caskinette’s

Lofi nk Ford,

has added the

Canadian tall

ship Empire

Sandy to its list

of festivities.

Tall ship Empire Sandy is expected to help kick off the 2013

edition of the festival on Wednesday, June 12.

Based out of Toronto, the tall ship was built in the early 1940s

for war service by the British government. It would go on to

serve in World War II in the north Atlantic Ocean. The ship is

now operated by Nautical Adventures and serves as a cruise

ship on Lake Ontario.

The ship is more than 200 feet in length and is a three-

mast schooner with a height of 116 feet.

Empire Sandy will join tall ship Lynx in Clayton, N.Y., on June

12 and June 13 before departing for Brockville, Ontario. A

complete tour schedule will be announced at a later date.

Ind

iana D

NR

38 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Great Lakes

Illinois has passed a law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2013

aimed at boaters and designed to stop the spread of aquatic

invasive species. The new law makes it illegal for any boater

in any lake or river to remove their boats with plants and move

to another body of water without fi rst having the boat cleaned

and the plants removed.

Although the approach of the Asian carp was a prime

motivator for passing this law, it should be noted that there

are more than 30 plant and animal species that have been

designated as “high risk” threats to the Great Lakes

by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Although some boaters view this law as a burden, others note

that the state had to take action to stop the spread of aquatic

invasive species. Illinois/Indiana Sea Grant has been very

active in trying to keep boaters informed about the threat

aquatic invasive species pose to Illinois waterways and the

Great Lakes.

A review of the literature reveals that the main way invasive

species are spread into lakes, rivers, and waterways is through

recreational vehicles. It’s also one reason the state requires

marinas and owners of public docks to now post information

about keeping boats free of invasive plants and animals.

ILLINOIS GETS TOUGH WITH INVASIVES

LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS NEEDEDThe Michigan Department

of Natural Resources (DNR)

is offering a fresh idea in

vacation destinations. The

DNR is seeking volunteers

to spend a week or two

between March 1 and Dec.

20 acting as lighthouse

keepers for the Tawas Point

Lighthouse during the 2013

lighthouse keeper season.

The lighthouse is located

on the grounds of Tawas Point State Park along the shores

of Lake Huron in East Tawas.

Volunteers must be willing to become familiar with the

lighthouse’s rich maritime history in order to lead visitor

tours, work in the museum’s gift shop or perform other

miscellaneous duties. In exchange for their work contribution,

volunteers can stay in the newly renovated keeper’s quarters

for a cost of $250 per person, per week. The living quarters

include two bedrooms and a modern kitchen and bath.

“The lighthouse has been in operation since 1876 and is still

an active aid to navigation,” said Chuck Allen, unit supervisor

for Tawas Point. “It’s one of only nine lighthouses on the

Great Lakes with a working Fresnel lens.”

The lighthouse keeper program is open to singles and

couples 18 years and older. Allen suggested that volunteers

should be physically able to lead tours through the lighthouse

and tower and perform housekeeping duties such as light

maintenance or lawn care. Applications can be obtained at

www.michigan.gov/tawaslighthouse. Dates and prices are

effective through 2013. For details, call 989-362-5658.

A photograph that captures the sensation of the infi nite and

the eternal felt near Lake Superior—while showing our small,

hopeful presence beside it—earned Mary Amerman of Duluth,

Minn., the Grand Prize in the 18th annual Lake Superior

Photo Contest.

Amerman took her photo on the water-smoothed rocks of

Duluth’s Brighton Beach. It was one of 1,284 images entered

into the contest from photographers in 138 different cities,

in 18 states, one U.S. territory (Guam) and Canada. She will

get a $200 prize, a one-year subscription to Lake Superior

Magazine, a 2013 Lake Superior wall calendar and a Lake

Superior note card set.

Other winners included Karen Ramsdale and Jakub Sisak,

both of Thunder Bay, Ontario; Liz Powelson of Ishpeming,

Mich.; Bruce Multhup of Springfi eld, Ohio; Heidi Mensch of

Nisula, Mich.; Kevin Madson of Royal Oak, Mich.; Kenji Ogura

of Duluth, Minn.; and Travis Chadwick of Superior, Wis.

All of the winning photos and a list of fi nalists, are available

at www.LakeSuperior.com/articles/photocontest12/.

WINNERS OF PHOTO CONTEST ANNOUNCED

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RENEW OHIO BOAT REGISTRATIONS ONLINEApproximately one-third of Ohio’s watercraft registrations

expired on March 1, according to the Ohio Department of

Natural Resources (ODNR). Ohioans can register watercraft

online, through the mail or in person.

The online renewal process may be utilized 24 hours a

day, seven days a week through Sept. 30 at ohiodnr.com/

watercraft. Once the boat owner’s transaction is successfully

completed, a valid boat registration and decals will be mailed

within 10 days. The ODNR Division of Watercraft encourages

boat owners to use the online registration renewal system if

they are not making any changes to boat information included

in their registration. Watercraft registrations are valid for

three years.

Owner information, such as a mailing address, may be

changed when using the online watercraft registration

renewal process, and multiple boat registrations may be

renewed online in one transaction. These secure renewal

transactions require the use of a valid MasterCard or Visa

credit card in addition to an ODNR Division of Watercraft

assigned boat registration personal identifi cation number.

Ohio boat owners also may renew watercraft registrations

by mail through June 30, as long as boat owners have

no changes to information included on their registration,

including owner information. Watercraft registrations can

also be renewed in person when

visiting a watercraft registration agent.

A listing of watercraft registration

agents, fee schedules and other

registration information is available

at ohiodnr.com/watercraft or by calling

the ODNR Division of Watercraft toll-

free at 877-426-2837.

MERCURY MARINE STARTS REPAYING LOAN Mercury Marine deposited a check of $3,274,500 on Dec. 24,

2012 with the Fond du Lac County Economic Development

Corp. It was the fi rst of 10 scheduled payments to the local

agency as part of a $50 million loan given to Mercury Marine

in 2009 to entice the business to stay in the area instead of

relocating manufacturing operations to Oklahoma.

“I’m very pleased with what Mercury has been able to

accomplish in the last three years—the expansion of the

facility and increase in work force,” Fond du Lac County

executive Allen Buechel told Gannett Wisconsin Media.

“It’s what we hoped would happen.”

The loan agreement calls for Mercury to repay the loan

in 10 installments of $5 million apiece. Mercury receives

credits against the loan for the number of jobs created and

employees retained. Numbers are calculated as an average

during the last four calendar quarters, with $500 credits given

for each employee retained from a base of 1,526 ($763,000)

and $1,000 in credit given for each position added ($962,500).

In 2012, the loan amount forgiven added up to $1,725,500.

Since 2009, Mercury Marine, which is owned by Brunswick

Corp., has closed its Stillwater, Okla. plant and nearly

doubled its Fond du Lac work force, totaling more than 2,800

employees today.

Toxic releases into the surface waters of the Great Lakes

Basin increased by 12 percent from 2010 to 2011, according

to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual Toxics

Release Inventory report that was recently published.

Nitrates and pesticides from municipal wastewater treatment

plants and agriculture account for most of the toxic surface

water discharges to the Great Lakes Basin. Nitrates were also

discharged by primary metals facilities, such as iron and steel

mills and smelters, and food and beverage manufacturers.

The Great Lakes Basin consists of lakes Superior, Michigan,

Huron, Erie and Ontario; a number of other smaller lakes and

waterways; and the surrounding watershed. The watershed

covers parts of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, New

York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and parts of Ontario

in Canada. The Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater

system in the world.

Despite increases from 2010 to 2011, overall toxic releases in

the Great Lakes Basin have decreased about 40 percent since

2003 and are currently at the second-lowest level in a decade.

Surface water, air and land releases in the basin increased by

12, 1 and 4 percent respectively, while underground injection

decreased 5 percent from 2010 to 2011.

INCREASE IN GREAT LAKES BASIN POLLUTION

40 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Fishing

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has

announced that multiple changes have been made to the

state’s Master Angler program that recognizes large fi sh

caught by recreational anglers.

To determine whether changes were necessary for the Master

Angler program, the DNR’s Fisheries Division reviewed

entries from the past fi ve years and determined the minimum

entry weight and length needed to be updated for several

species, including: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout,

bullhead, channel catfi sh, Chinook salmon, coho salmon,

crappie, freshwater drum, muskellunge, rainbow trout, rock

bass and smallmouth bass.

The changes to the entry criteria were based on the number

of entries received for individual species from the past fi ve

years, as well as environmental changes over the last several

decades that have impacted fi sh growth in Michigan. As a

result the entry criteria for some fi sh have been increased,

while others were decreased.

In addition to the minimum entry criteria, multiple changes

were made to the submission procedures for both “Catch-

and-Immediate-Release” and “Catch-and-Keep” categories.

Also, black and white photos will no longer be accepted; all

photos must be in color.

All changes are highlighted in yellow on the new 2013

Master Angler entry application, available online at

www.michigan.gov/masterangler, at any of the DNR’s

Operations Service Centers, or by calling 517-373-1280.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.

CHANGES TO MASTER ANGLER PROGRAM

MICHIGAN KIDS GET FISHING MENTORSA donation from the

Michigan Department of

Natural Resources (DNR)

fi sheries program will

enable mentoring programs

throughout the state to

receive mini-grant funds

in 2013. The funds will allow youth and their mentors across

Michigan to fi sh together.

In December, employees of the Fisheries Division held a

silent auction and raised $3,340 benefi ting Mentor Michigan,

a state agency that supports 250 mentoring organizations

throughout Michigan. The group will disperse the funds to

mentoring programs throughout the state to support fi shing-

related activities.

“With this donation from the Fisheries Division, we can now

provide mentoring programs across the state with the funds

they need to support fi shing activities and other related

expenses,” said Mentor Michigan Director Amber Troupe.

“For mentors and their mentees who already love to fi sh,

we hope these grants will provide the resources mentoring

programs need to make fi shing a regular match activity,”

said Jim Dexter, Fisheries Division Chief, who presented the

donated funds to Mentor Michigan.

www.mentormichigan.org or 517-335-4295

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife will delay its 2013 spring

stocking of 400 rainbow trout in Wyland Lake in the Tri-County

Fish & Wildlife Area (FWA) until April 20 to coincide with

Indiana’s newest Free Fishing Day.

Indiana residents who want to fi sh at the six-acre natural lake

on April 20 will not be required to purchase a fi shing license

or trout stamp. Only anglers under age 18 and any adults who

accompany them will be allowed to fi sh at Wyland Lake after

6 a.m. on April 20. Fishing will be open to the general public

again on April 21.

Anglers will not need to register before participating in the

Free Fishing Day but will be required to check in with DNR

personnel at the lake when they arrive.

Most trout fi shing at Wyland Lake is done from boats. A small

fi shing pier is available. Fishing from shore is limited by

shallow depth and aquatic plants.

260-244-6805 // 574-834-4461

WYLAND LAKE FAMILY TROUT FISHING DAY

Ind

iana D

ivision o

f Fish an

d W

ildlife


FISHING ACCESS IN FREMONT [OH] TO BE CLOSEDAnglers should be aware that public access to the popular

Sandusky River fi shing location known as the Sand Docks will

be closed until further notice due to construction work at the

Fremont Water Pollution Control Center, according to the city

of Fremont.

The Fremont Water Pollution Control Center will be

undergoing a major renovation beginning in the spring of

2013 and lasting until 2016. The fi shing location, which is

located southeast of the Fremont Pollution Control Center,

will need to be closed to ensure public safety.

Anglers looking for another access may be interested to learn

that the Darr-Root Fishing Access, directly across the river

from the Sand Docks, is now open to the public.

Currently the Darr-Root site only has shoreline fi shing access

although small boats can be carried and launched into the

river. Future plans are to build a launch ramp for motorboats

on the site.

MINNESOTA DNR EXTENDS WALLEYE REGULATIONThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

recently announced its decision to extend the current

walleye regulation on the fi ve lakes of the Namakan

Reservoir (Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, Crane,

and Little Vermilion) for an additional six years.

The experimental regulation, which requires anglers to

release all walleye from 17 to 28 inches, was put in place in

2007, and reviewed in 2012. Normally, a special regulation

remains in effect for ten years. In this case, a shortened

timeframe for review was agreed upon when the regulation

was implemented.

“The walleye fi shery has responded well to the current

regulation. Walleye numbers have stabilized or increased

on all the lakes, and so has the abundance of fi sh over 17

inches,” said Kevin Peterson, International Falls area fi sheries

supervisor. “Extending the current regulation will allow these

benefi ts to continue and provide additional time for us to

evaluate its long-term effectiveness.”

A public input meeting was held in September 2012 to provide

information on the status of the walleye fi shery, discuss three

management options, and listen to public comments. Harvest

daily possession limits were also considered in the overall

management strategy.

Another regulation review will be conducted in six years and

will use creel surveys and the results of the DNR fi sheries

annual monitoring.

Comments or questions about the decision to extend the

walleye regulation can be directed to Kevin Peterson, area

fi sheries supervisor, 392 Highway 11 East, International Falls,

MN 56649; 218-286-5220, [email protected].

MULTI-YEAR PENNSYLVANIA LICENSESFor the fi rst time in its history, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat

Commission (PFBC) is now selling three-year and fi ve-year

fi shing licenses, according to PFBC Executive Director

John Arway.

“Customers want options when they buy products, and fi shing

is no different,” Arway said. “Now, anglers can purchase a

multi-year license and know that when friends and family want

them to go fi shing, they can do so without worrying about

whether they renewed their fi shing license.”

Customers who buy multi-year licenses also save money by

not having to pay transaction and processing fees each year.

Anglers can also purchase multi-year trout/salmon, Lake Erie

and combo permits and experience similar savings. To get

these licenses, individuals should visit the PFBC website for

more information about pricing and answers to frequently

asked questions.

Customers who buy their multi-year licenses through either

the PFBC Outdoor Shop (www.pa.wildlifelicense.com) or from

an issuing agent will receive a Web link where instructions on

accessing the license can be found.

In addition to The Outdoor Shop,

multi-year fi shing licenses

can be purchased at county

treasurers’ offi ces and from

more than 900 issuing agents

(http://fi shandboat.com/fl agent.htm).

42 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

Marinas

Toledo’s Mayor Mike Bell is looking to hire a dockmaster to

manage the slips at the Toledo Skyway Marina, meaning that

boaters will no longer be able to dock their boats there for

free. For the last three boating seasons, boaters have freely

docked their vessels at the marina on a fi rst-come, fi rst served

basis, complete with running water and electricity.

The $6.3 million marina, which was built on a brownfi eld site

and opened for business in June 2008, has 77 slips available

and is part of the city’s Marina District Development along the

Maumee River. The city has long sought to capitalize on its

waterfront by attracting boaters.

The city wants to make the marina self-sustaining, noting that

the docking fees should be able to pay for the dockmaster

and other expenses. Any profi ts garnered by the marina would

be put back into the facility for repairs or improvements,

according to the terms of a grant agreement used to build

the marina.

The city expected to hire a dockmaster by the end of

February, and he/she will set fees for mooring and other

amenities before the start of the prime boating season.

It is expected that the dockmaster would sign a three-

year contract.

The marina, formerly known as the Glass City Municipal

Marina, shares its quarters with a marine passenger terminal

developed by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. Plans

call for the terminal to be refurbished and become the site

of the Great Lakes Maritime Museum. The terminal includes

showers, restrooms, and a store for use by boaters.

The city has long sought to bring tourists to Toledo via the

water, and sees the Maritime Museum and the marina as the

way to accomplish this by setting aside several spaces at the

marina for transient boaters, who could dock their boats and

visit the Maritime Museum.

TOLEDO MARINA NO LONGER A FREEBIE

At a time when small harbors in Michigan along the

Lake Michigan coastline are complaining about the lack

of dredging funds, Tower Marina in Douglas, Mich., is

undertaking its own dredging of silt and sedimentation,

thanks to the foresight of R.J. Peterson, who owns the marina.

Peterson said maintenance dredging of the marina’s harbor

is an annual event, and this year is no different. He owns his

own dredging equipment and has the upland site available for

disposing of the waste.

As a member of the Michigan Waterways Commission,

Peterson said that dredging of marinas’ harbors is critical

to keeping them open as viable businesses. He added that

neither the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

nor the state Department of Environmental Quality seem

to want to discuss the dredging problem.

Another Michigan marina that will be having its harbor

dredged in preparation for the upcoming boating season is

Grand Haven Municipal Marina, but USACE is paying for the

dredging. A $541,000 contract was signed this year indicating

that the federal government will pay for the removal of silt

from Grand Haven’s inner and outer harbors.

There are two major reasons why USACE is paying for this

maintenance dredging. The fi rst is that Grand Haven is home

to a coal-fi red

power plant, and

the shipment of

coal and other

commerce coming

into the harbor

qualifi es it as a

commercial harbor.

The second reason

is that Grand

Haven is home for

a U.S. Coast Guard station. This federal unit cannot afford

to be stalled in performing its job by an unfi t harbor.

TOWER MARINA DOES ITS OWN DREDGING

Tole

do

-Luca

s Co

un

ty Po

rt Au

tho

rity


Tall Timbers Marina on Lake Shafer is the new owner of

Pearson’s Marina on Lake Freeman in nearby Monticello, Ind.,

and it has moved all of its operations to the Monticello facility.

A large construction project forced Gary Creigh, the owner

of Tall Timbers Marina, to fi nd a new marina property and

resulted in him acquiring Pearson’s Marina. Creigh said that

he purchased the marina from Katrina and Alan Coghill, the

owners and operators of Pearson’s Marina since 1998.

The transaction, which was completed in 2012, came about

because the Indiana Department of Transportation notifi ed

Tall Timbers that it would be rebuilding the Washington Street

bridge of US 24 over Lake Shafer, and it needed Tall Timbers’

land and buildings for the project.

Creigh then began searching for new property and possibly a

new marina. In the end, he bought Pearson’s Marina from the

Coghills in a purchase that worked out well for both parties.

The Coghills had been looking to sell their marina, but only

to someone who would take good care of the marina’s 300

customers. The owners said the customers have been very

good to them, as the marina has grown to housing 300 boats

from only 30 when they bought it in 1998.

Creigh said that he has relocated his existing marina to

the new marina site, and will operate the business as Tall

Timbers Marina.

INDIANA MARINA GETS NEW OWNER

A South Haven, Mich. marina is looking forward to having a new

clubhouse ready for this upcoming boating season. At press

deadline, city offi cials said work on the $1.4 million North Side

Marina clubhouse construction project is right on schedule.

What makes this project unique is that no city funds will

be used to pay for it. South Haven said it is paying for the

clubhouse by using $814,000 in grant money from the state

Department of Natural Resources, under a program funded

by marine fuel taxes and boat registration fees, for part of

the project. The remaining amount will come from the city’s

marina fund, which is supported by marina users.

In October 2012, contractor A.J. Veneklasen Inc. of Grand

Rapids demolished the old marina clubhouse, which was built

in the 1960s. A crane was brought in during December and

work was begun on the new, larger clubhouse, which is to be

fi nished in mid-March and open for boaters in mid-April, said

assistant city manager and harbormaster Paul VandenBosch.

SOUTH HAVEN MARINA GETS NEW CLUBHOUSE

Edgewater Marina, which is a state-owned facility on

Cleveland’s lakefront, will undergo emergency repairs

following a battering infl icted by Superstom Sandy in early

November (see January/February issue, pg. 37). In early

January, the Ohio Controlling Board authorized $1.6 million

in emergency funds to complete repairs that will allow the

marina to be up and running for the 2013 boating season.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which

oversees the facility, requested money for emergency

repairs in early December. Preliminary reports from ODNR

Engineers indicated that the 60 mph winds and 20-foot waves

of Superstorm Sandy had severely damaged the marina’s

breakwall, sunk 15 boats, and left most of the marina’s docks

and pilings beyond repair.

The $1.6 million will fi nance the fi rst phase of marina repairs,

including the dredging of 24,000 cubic yards of debris, which

will be disposed at an offshore location, and the restoration of

the marina’s breakwall to prevent damage from future storms.

The repair work is expected to be in completed within 70

days so that the boat ramp and marina docks will be up and

running for the 2013 boating season, according to Bill Staiger,

Northern Regional Manager, Division of Watercraft, ODNR.

CLEVELAND MARINA UNDERGOES EMERGENCY REPAIRS

44 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

National

NOAA AND USPS RENEW CHARTING PROGRAMThe U.S. Power

Squadron (USPS)

has renewed a 50-

year commitment

to a cooperative

charting program that

helps to update the

nation’s thousands of

navigational charts.

Under the voluntary

program, USPS members scan water and land areas,

looking for changing conditions that may not be refl ected on

NOAA nautical charts. Power Squadrons members submit

their reports online, and NOAA cartographers review and

incorporate changes to their navigation products.

Over the last 10 years, Power Squadron members have

submitted more than 28,000 corrections to NOAA’s nautical

charts and the website www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/nsd/

cpdownload.htm. More than 4,000 members have submitted

reports, adding their particular local knowledge to NOAA’s

national effort to keep navigation materials accurate.

The USPS is a non-profi t, educational organization dedicated

to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching

classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. The

organization has nearly 40,000 members, in more than 400

squadrons across the country and in U.S. territories.

NOAA’s Offi ce of Coast Survey updates the nation’s nautical

charts, surveys the coastal seafl oor, responds to maritime

emergencies and searches for underwater obstructions and

wreckage that pose a danger to navigation.

RAMP ACT REINTRODUCED U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10) is supporting the

reintroduction of the Realize America’s Maritime Promise

(RAMP) Act, H.R.335. The RAMP Act guarantees that funds

collected annually by the Harbor Maintenance Tax on imports

at U.S. ports are allocated by Congress for the sole purpose

of dredging and maintenance of America’s harbors and ports.

Created in 1986, the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund

provides a stable long-term source of funding to pay for

maintenance costs for federally maintained harbors. The

concept was that taxes would be imposed on users of the

system, particularly shippers of goods passing through

those harbors. The revenues from users would be placed

in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund where they would

be used exclusively for harbor maintenance costs, yet

this funding is not being used to address the backlog of

necessary maintenance dredging. According to the Marine

Transportation System, the current balance of the fund is

more than $7 billion.

Rep. Miller stated, “…this maintenance is more important

than ever, particularly here in the Great Lakes region as we

are experiencing historic low water levels, and passage of

this bill is vital so those needed resources can be directed to

protecting the infrastructure along our lakes and waterways.”

DO-IT-YOURSELF BOAT BUILDING BONDS FAMILIESIn a world of video

games and tablets, the

Balmain Boat Company

has a way for families

to spend quality time

together with build-it-

yourself boats.

The Balmain Boat

Company’s philosophy

is that anyone,

anywhere in the world, can build a boat. With the mission of

making parents and grandparents look like legends, each user-

friendly Balmain Boat kit comes fl at-packed, shipped directly to

the purchaser and is ready to assemble in 42 pieces.

Rowboat and sailboat kits take approximately 16 hours to

build, including drying time for adhesives and paint. The

only required tools are a hammer, caulking gun and drill.

Entry-level sailboat or rowboat kits are just less than 8 feet in

length and weigh less than 150 pounds. For more ambitious

families, the soon-to-be-released Pilot model is approximately

15 feet long. Factory options include the fun of naming your

boat and creating your own custom fi gurehead. All Balmain

Boat Company boats are manufactured in Australia and are

made from 100 percent sustainable and legal wood sources.

U.S. sales are cut and shipped from Ohio.

thebalmainboatcompany.com


NEW BOAT SALES UP 10 PERCENTThe U.S. recreational boating industry began the New Year

on the upswing as it reported a 10 percent increase in new

powerboat sales in 2012, according to the National Marine

Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Early projections

indicate the industry will see additional increases in 2013.

A new manufacturing trend that seems to be contributing to

new boat sales is the creation of innovative, more versatile

and accessible boats that appeal to a variety of interests and

budgets and fall within the 15- to 26-foot range.

It’s these boats less than 27 feet, which make up 96 percent

of the 12.4 million registered boats in the U.S., that are leading

the industry out of the recession, NMMA said. Boats that fall

into this category include aluminum all-purpose boats and

pontoons, bowriders, fi sh and ski boats, and jet boats.

In 2011, boating participation increased 10 percent to

83 million.

It’s not just boating participation that is growing. The Outdoor

Industry Association reports that more than 140 million

Americans made outdoor recreation a priority in their daily

lives last year.

To further attract this growing number of outdoor recreation

enthusiasts and showcase what the boating lifestyle has to

offer, the recreational boating industry unveiled its latest

innovations at boat shows across the country this January

and February. The shows provide a glimpse of buyer

sentiment and sales for the year ahead.

BOATING AND BIKING TOUR PLANNEDMembers of the boating community and their friends are

invited to a cross-country boating and motorcycle tour

scheduled for May, 2013. The “Boaterz n’ Bikerz Across

America: A Hull of a Tour!” will be a multi-day motorcycle

trip from Florida to California, with boating and sightseeing

stops along the way.

“Some of my favorite people to ride with are colleagues in

the boating industry, so I thought … why not create a totally

unique ride that encompasses the lifestyle sports of boating

and motorcycling? It truly is going to live up to our tagline

and be one hull of a tour,” said Wanda Kenton Smith, B&B

Tour organizer and president of Kenton Smith Marketing.

Departure will be Saturday, May 4, from Legendary Marine’s

Destin, Fla. headquarters and will run a total of 13 days.

There will be four legs to the tour, which will run from Florida

through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico,

Arizona, possibly Nevada, and conclude in San Diego, Calif.

Riders can choose to travel the entire tour or can ride a leg or

two of their own choosing. At select locations, the group will

participate in specially planned boating activities.

The “Boaterz n’ Bikerz Across America: A Hull of a Tour!”

is designed for experienced motorcycle riders with group

riding experience.

The tour is restricted

to those gainfully

employed in the

boating industry and

their sponsored friends.

For more information

and/or to inquire about

volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, email Smith

at: [email protected] and/or join the

Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/HullofaTour/.

WEST MARINE ANNOUNCES SWEEPSTAKES WINNERWest Marine, the

largest specialty

retailer of boating

supplies and

accessories, along

with The Moorings,

provider of yachting

holidays for more

than 40 years around the globe, announced that Rita Flynn

of New Albany, Ind., is the winner of a seven-day, six-night

voyage in the British Virgin Islands. Flynn was selected

as part of the company’s “Moorings Dream Charter”

sweepstakes that took place in all West Marine locations,

as well as on its Web site.

Flynn enjoys boating and fi shing with her husband. The

couple discovered the Moorings years ago while on a trip to

Tortola. “I’ve been dreaming about a yacht vacation since. I

entered the sweepstakes and now our dream has come true,”

said Flynn.

46 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

SailingWOMEN’S SAILING IN THE BAHAMAS

Sea Sense...the Sailing & Powerboating School is teaching

an all-women’s sailing course in the Abaco lslands of the

Bahamas, April 28 to May 4.

Sea Sense has been teaching women how to operate sail

and powerboats for more than 24 years. Experienced Coast

Guard-licensed women instructors will teach this class and

will provide a full range of hands-on instruction. Subjects

covered include seamanship, sail trim, navigation, man

overboard prevention and recovery, engine maintenance,

close quarters maneuvering and docking. The emphasis

of these courses is on safety, confi dence building and

acquiring the skills necessary for bareboat chartering

and passagemaking.

“The Bahama lslands are easy to get to and so close to home.

It’s an incredible feeling to sail in the Sea of Abaco with the

trade winds blowing, all the while, tucked behind the barrier

islands with calm and brilliant blue water. There are small

settlements, snug harbors and deserted white beaches. It’s a

fantastic place to learn or upgrade sailing skills, while chasing

away the winter blahs and getting ready for the spring sailing

season,” said Capt. Patti Moore, co-founder of Sea Sense.

The 7-day, live aboard sailing class will be taught aboard

a comfortable, modern sloop that will depart from Marsh

Harbour, Abaco. The cost is $2,995 and includes instruction,

accommodations, all docking, mooring and fuel fees, cruising

taxes and most meals.

seasenseboating.com // 800-332-1404

STORM TRYSAIL CLUB’S BLOCK ISLAND RACE WEEKThe Storm Trysail

Club Block Island

Race Week will

celebrate its 25th

Anniversary with

sporting style in

2013. Seven new

championship

events have been

added to the biennial

regatta’s schedule,

along with the

introduction of new

classes for Classics,

Doublehanded boats

and Gunboats. Scheduled from Sunday, June 23, through

Friday, June 28, the event will host the IRC North American

Championship; HPR (High Performance Rule) North American

Championship; PHRF East Coast Championship; J/80 North

American Championship; J/109 East Coast Championship;

Swan 42 New England Championship; and Beneteau 36.7

Northeast Championship.

The fi ve-day event welcomes teams in IRC, PHRF and one-

design classes and consists of around-the-buoys racing

and at least one day devoted to the well-known 18.2 nautical

mile Around-the-Island Race. Navigator-style courses will

be sailed by the Classics, Doublehanded, Cruising and

Gunboat classes.

Racing headquarters for the Storm Trysail Club Block Island

Race Week 2013 will be located at The Oar Restaurant, while

evening festivities and award ceremonies will be held next

door in the event tent.

A 50 percent entry fee discount applies to entrants in

Classics, Doublehanded, Cruising and Gunboats classes,

which are scheduled for one race per day on Block Island

Sound. For all other classes, a 10 percent discount applies

for those meeting the early entry deadline of April 1.

www.blockislandraceweek.com

Ro

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HOST A RACING CLINIC AT YOUR CLUBThe US Sailing Racing Clinics are being offered around

the country to yacht clubs, community sailing centers, and

other organizations that offer sail racing clinics.

The goal of US Sailing’s Racing Clinic program is to

assist sailing organizations with access to quality racing

instruction as well as to improve their members’ racing

skills and overall sailing experience. The US Sailing Racing

Clinics aim to improve the competition at sailing clubs by

keeping learning levels high. US Sailing contracts certifi ed

Level 3 coaches and maintains a maximum ratio of 15

sailors for every coach. Clinics will be offered in a new line

of exciting and challenging boats.

“We are looking forward to assisting sailing organizations

in offering top-notch coaching and instruction to their

members,” said Jack Gierhart, executive director of

US Sailing. “Our certifi ed coaches will foster fi rst class

learning experiences for sailors eager to improve their

skills and help raise the level of racing at their club.”

Sailing organizations will have options regarding the racing

clinic they choose. One- or two-day clinics at the novice

or intermediate/advanced levels will be offered in fl eet or

team racing, including classroom instruction and on-the-

water sessions. US Sailing will provide clinic materials

for each participant. Additional education will be offered

in conjunction with the clinics in the areas of Club Race

Management and Umpire Training.

US Sailing is accepting applications from organizations

interested in hosting a US Sailing Racing Clinic. Visit

http://championships.ussailing.org/Clinics.htm for more

details and information on how your sailing organization

can be a host for a US Sailing Racing Clinic.

INTERNATIONAL ROLEX REGATTA

A highlight of the Caribbean racing calendar, distinguished by

its unique blend of island-style hospitality, competition and

camaraderie, the St. Thomas Yacht Club’s International Rolex

Regatta will celebrate its 40th year in 2013. Racing events will

be held from March 22 to 24.

The event features IRC and CSA (Caribbean Sailing

Association) handicap racing, as well as one-design racing,

in a beautiful setting. The distance race from Cowpet Bay

to Charlotte Amalie Harbour and back showcases the

coastline and offers competitors a great view of St. Thomas’

beautiful capital.

www.rolexcupregatta.com

Ro

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NEW NSCHOF FOUNDING MEMBERThe Chicago Yacht Club has become a founding member

of the National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame located in

Annapolis, Md. CYC joins an expanding list of yacht clubs

and sailing organizations in the United States in supporting

the National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame as it preserves

America’s sailing legacy and engages the next generation

of American sailors.

“The Chicago Yacht Club membership is proud to become

a founding member of the National Sailing Center & Hall of

Fame,” said Commodore Joseph S. Haas. “Since 1875 our

club has embraced an aggressive racing program, which

today includes an average of 100 regattas annually. From

our very active junior sailing program to our signature

regatta—the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac—our

focus is on supporting and growing the sport of sailing. We

could not be more pleased to support the Hall of Fame in

its effort to honor the achievements of American sailors.”

Organized in 1875 in the City of Chicago as an association

of 37 yachtsmen, the Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest

clubs in the U.S. CYC is also

a leader in teaching children

and adults how to sail, having

provided sailing lessons for

more than 85 years.

NE

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48 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

SUNROOF FOR SMALLER BOATSThe new Series 40 Marine Sunroofs from Webasto Product

North America offer a sleek, low profi le and are designed to

fi t in smaller boat roofs.

The sliding sunroof features a reliable, intelligent E-Drive

system that self calibrates and operates on 12V DC. With an

attractive design and safety glass, it offers a 74” x 54” opening.

The Series 40 is extremely quiet and has a watertight

seal. Options include a sunblind/fl y screen, fi xed panel for

panoramic views and motor cover. The sunroof is delivered

fully assembled, quality-tested and ready for installation.

$7,765 // 800-215-7010 // webasto-marine.com

STREAMLINED CHOCKS Accon Marine’s Surface-Mount Chocks help keep decks clutter-

free by enabling users to fold them down and out of the way

when not in use. The chocks pull up when owners are ready to

use them.

Constructed of 316 marine-grade stainless steel, these durable

chocks are available in 4.5-inch and 6-inch models.

Simple to install, no cutout is needed. Mounting to the surface

only requires owners to drill three holes for each chock and

secure in place with screws.

$129.45, $197.89 // 727-572-9202 // acconmarine.com

COMPACT DEHUMIDIFIERIdeal for boat cabins, bilges, engine rooms or v-berths, Air-Dryr

draws in cool, damp air through its bottom panel. Once the air

is heated to the point that moisture is held in suspension, it’s

released through the perforated top surface.

Air-Dryr is completely silent and has no tank to empty. If airfl ow

becomes impeded, a thermal cutoff automatically shuts off

the unit.

The Air-Dryr 500 handles up to 500 cu. ft. of space and

measures 14” L x 5” W x 4.5” H. The Air-Dryr 1000, for larger

spaces up to 1,000 cu. ft., measures 13.5” in diameter and

4.25” H.

$59.99, $69.99 // 510-732-9229 // davisnet.com

MAN OVERBOARD APP The Man Over-board App for iPhones from Intelligent

Maintenance is easy to use.

Hit the MOB button, then use the on-screen coordinates

to call in to the Coast Guard.

Follow the on-screen arrow to get back to the MOB point.

This app can be used as a Man Overboard practice aid.

A couple of fenders tied together represent the MOB.

It only takes 10 to 15 minutes for the body core temperature

to drop to a point where arms and legs go numb and lose

function. That is why getting to the person as quickly as

possible is absolutely essential.

$1.99 // itunes.apple.com/us/app/man-over-board/id506098680?mt=8


NEW BLACK BOXIn addition to Bluetooth audio streaming, the JBLMBB2020

Black Box receiver from Prospec Electronics plays AM/FM

radio stations and hooks up to portable media devices.

Featuring a 4 x 50 watt internal amplifi er, the JBLMBB2020 has

a built-in RF receiver with the handheld RF transmitter sold

separately. Aux-in, three pairs of pre-outs, including subwoofer

output and USB input with control for playing MP3 and

Windows Media Audio fi les all come standard.

The device is controlled with simple pushbuttons for volume,

tuning and programmed stations. It also features wired

remote capability.

$299.95 // 843-849-9037 // prospecelectronics.com

STAINLESS STEEL WHEELMade from polished, non-corrosive stainless steel, the Orion

steering wheel features a fi nger grip rim for user comfort and

a ball bearing mount for effortless action. It’s offered in either

13 ½ -inch or 15 ½ -inch diameter models and fi ts a ¾ -inch

tapered shaft.

A large stainless steel center cap is secured by socket head

screws that are integrated into the wheel’s design. A more

economical black plastic cap is also available.

An optional control knob positioned on a spoke eliminates

hand-over-hand steering.

$181 // 866-724-6488 // schmit tsteering.com

50 GLB | Mar/Apr 13

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GELCOAT COLOR MATCHING SYSTEMAvailable online and as an app for smartphones and tablets,

the Dolphinite GelMatch™ Gelcoat Color Matching System

allows a user to input a boat’s make, year, model and length.

The system then scans a database of 250 boat manufacturers

and more than 13,000 OEM color formulas for most boats

manufactured in the U.S. since 1984 (and in some cases,

as far back as 1967) and identifi es the correctly matched

gelcoat color.

Gelcoat has a shelf life of about 120 days, so the gelcoat

colors are made to order and shipped the same day.

855-435-2628 // dolphiniteproducts.com

COMPASS® CLEARCompass Clear from Interlux is a durable polyurethane

gloss varnish that contains a combination of ultra-violet

additives, Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS), surface

stabilizers and antioxidants ensure long-term gloss and

clarity. Polyurethane resin provides abrasion, chemical

and water resistance.

Compass Clear soaks up UV rays from sunlight, converts

them into heat, and dissipates them through the surface of

the coating. HALS protect the coating from the harmful effects

of ‘free radicals’ created by sunlight by neutralizing them.

908-686-1300 // yachtpaint.com

SURFACE FRIENDLY WASHING TOOLSwobbit® has introduced a microfi ber washing tool

specially designed to clean smooth fi berglass, plastic

enclosures and acrylic without marring the surfaces.

The tool has hundreds of microfi ber strands that hold more

soapy water than other washing tools to clean surfaces

faster and more effi ciently. It is adapted to the Swobbit

swivel plate that attaches to the Swobbit Perfect Pole.

$29.95 // 203-453-3090 // swobbit.com


RUST AND OXIDATION REMOVER Poli Ox is a powder that will remove heavy oxidation from

dark or light faded fi berglass. It also removes fi sh blood, rust

stains, mineral deposits, scum line and brown water stains

from a boat’s hull. Poli Ox can also be used to clean and

polish stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, bronze, brass,

copper, glass (will not scratch glass) and to clean and

brighten teak.

$10.95 // 800-922-5013 // poliglow-int.com

TROLLING MOTOR BRACKETAdd an auxiliary trolling motor to the stern of most any new

or used pontoon boat with the Toon Kicker.

A variable plate and strong swing arm system allows the

bracket to be installed on struts, sideboards, wings, decks

or a combination of spots to create a strong platform for

a two- or four-stroke outboard motor weighing up to

120 pounds.

Made from high-grade, powder-coated aluminum, Toon

Kicker will accept any currently available conventional

lifting motor bracket from virtually any manufacturer. It is

available with a 24-inch standard cross brace assembly.

$289 // 320-252-5226 // powrtran.com

PREVENT HOLDING TANK ODORSBoaters sensitive to dyes and fragrance or those who

prefer a non-formaldehyde holding tank deodorant can

use Thetford Marine’s Eco-Smart Free & Clear Holding

Tank Liquid Deodorant. The new Free & Clear Toss-Ins

provide even more convenience.

This 12-dose pack of rapidly-dissolving packets prevents

spills and messes. Ideal for both portable and permanent

heads, the 100 percent biodegradable formula provides

superior odor control and waste digestion.

$13.99 // 800/543-1219 // thetford.com

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Email your text-only advertisement to:[email protected]

Free classifi ed boat advertisement offer limited to one per reader.

All classified ads are subject to publisher’s approval. Space is limited.

Free ads will be accepted on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Advertisements

for the May/June 2013 issue must be received by March 25, 2013.

Complimentary 25-word classified boat advertisements and PHOTO in the May/June 2013 issue.

(NO STRINGS ATTACHED!)

GOT A BOAT TO SELL?FREE ADS

52 GLB| Mar/Apr 13

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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Advertiser IndexAtlantic-Meeco 15

Bennett Trim Tabs 23

Chicago Harbors/Westrec 2

Essex Credit 1

Grady-White Boats BC

Hammond Marina 33

Jefferson Beach Marina IBC

Lakefront Marina 31

North Point Marina 5

Pro-Line/Baja Boats 7

Progressive Insurance IFC

Sabre Yachts 3

Sandusky Harbor Marina 31

Take Me Fishing 56

Waukegan Harbor 55

Ad i I d

MISCELLANEOUS

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A MARINA?

CONTACT: Eddy A. Dingman, CNSLic: Marina Realestate/Business Broker

847-987-6626 [email protected]

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL, NRT

NATIONAL MARINA PROPERTIES GROUPFinancing available to qualifi ed buyers.

Visit: http://golfcourseandmarinasales.com

POWERBOATS16’ x 55’ 2010 Thoroughbred Houseboat: V/6 twins, Bravo 2 drives, aluminum hull. 14k Westerbeke generator, hyd. rear thruster, 7’ x 16’ garage, gangplank, Mag. 4000 watt inv. Call 608-433-5902, Lake Barkley Ky.,

$160,000. (See photo below)

53’ Motor Cruiser: 15’ beam, 3.8’ draft. Willard hull built to US Navy specs. 2 cabins w/heads, large saloon, full galley. Inverter/propane and electric cooking. Cummins 210 hp engine/generator/bowthruster/2 helm stations. Perfect to cruise ICW/Bahamas/Great Lakes. Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 954-463-2474 or [email protected]. $69,000.

1978 43’ Viking Double Cabin: Twin 310 hp diesels, GPS, radar, generator, 2 heads/showers, microwave, stove, refrigerator, ac & heat, sleeps 6. Buffalo, Capt. Tom, 716-868-5496.

$72,000. (See photo below)

1988 Thompson 190 Cutlass CB: 3.7 liter I/O, Under 300 hours. Set up for fi shing with swivel captains seat, pole holders, & Johnson 9.5 hp motor w/steering linkage. Great for water sports with family. Call 616-481-8314. $4,500 for boat w/Shore Land’r trailer.

SUBSCRIBEOnline!

US Customers1 yr $21.50 (6 issues)2 yr $40.00 (12 issues)

CANADA (USD)1 yr $27.50 (6 issues)2 yr $46.00 (12 issues)

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

VISIT: GreatLakesBoating.com or

CALL: 312.266.8400


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MARCH APRIL MAY FLORIDAMARCH 21-24PALM BEACH BOAT SHOW

WaterfrontWest Palm Beachshowmanagement.com

MARCH 22-24SUNNYLAND’S ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW

Wooton ParkLake Doraacbs-sunnyland.org

APRIL 7-10FT. MYERS SPRING BOAT SHOW

Lee Civic CenterFt. Myersftmyersboatshow.com

APRIL 12-14SOUTHEAST US BOAT SHOW METROPOLITAN PARK AND MARINA

Jacksonvillesoutheastusboatshow.com

APRIL 19-21SUNCOAST BOAT SHOW

Marina Jack’sSarasotashowmanagement.com

INDIANAMARCH 8-10BOATS AND MORE CONCORD MALL BOAT SHOW

3701 S. Main St.Elkhartelkhart-boatshow.com

IOWAMARCH 15-17EASTERN IOWA SPORTSHOW

UNI-DomeCedar Fallsiowashows.com

MARYLANDAPRIL 18-21BAY BRIDGE BOAT SHOW

Bay Bridge MarinaStevensvilleusboat.com/bay-bridge-boat-show

APRIL 26-28ANNAPOLIS SPRING SAILBOAT SHOW

Annapolis City Dock and HarborAnnapolisusboat.com/spring-sailboat-show

MICHIGANMARCH 21-24

ULTIMATE SPORT SHOW

Devos PlaceGrand Rapidsgrboatshow.com

APRIL 5-7BOAT & OUTDOOR SHOW

Grand Traverse Civic CenterTraverse Citytraversecityboatshow.com

MINNESOTAMARCH 21-24PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE NORTHWEST SPORTSHOW

Minneapolis Convention CenterMinneapolisnorthwestsportshow.com

OHIOMAY 4-6PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CATAWBA ISLAND BOAT SHOW

Catawba Island ClubPort Clintoncatawbaislandboatshow.com

NEW YORKMARCH 7-10NY SPORT & TRAVEL SHOW

Hamburg FairgroundsHamburgsportandtravelexpo.com

MARCH 22-24THE GREAT UPSTATE BOAT SHOW

Adirondack Sports ComplexQueensburygreatupstateboatshow.com

MARCH 23-24CHAMPLAIN VALLEY RV & BOAT SHOW

Crete Memorial Civic CenterPlattsburgheastcoastshows.com

APRIL 12-14WESTERN NEW YORK “MEGA” RV, BOAT & MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Fairgrounds Event CenterHamburgeastcoastshows.com

APRIL 12-141000 ISLANDS SPRING BOAT SHOW

Cerow Recreation Park ArenaClayton1000islands-clayton.com/boatshow.asp

WISCONSINMARCH 15-17WISCONSIN SPORT SHOW

Eau Claire Indoor Sports CenterEau Clairewisportshow.com

CANADAMARCH 15-17MONCTON BOATSHOW

Moncton Coliseum ComplexMoncton, New Brunswickmasterpromotions.com

APRIL 5-7VALLEY FISHING AND OUTDOOR SHOW

Carp Fairgrounds and ArenaOttawa, Ontariovalleysportsmanshow.com

march/april_2013

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