november/december_2012

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

SINKING LAKE LEVELS

BOAT BUYING STRATEGY

$5.95 US $5.95 CAN

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

December 2012

30 OUTLAW GT

The farther you push the throttle forward in a Cruisers Sport Series, the greater your

sense of unbridled exhilaration. And satisfaction. Because every model in our

complete line of world-class sport boats is crafted for unrelenting performance, tight

tracking in turns, and your enduring fulfillment. The Sport Series is now Cruisers, part

of KCS International Inc., and built with the same demanding quality specifications as

Cruisers Yachts. The most important quality being your complete Cruisers experience.

Which includes interaction with your dealership, our factory customer service, and

especially every spirited moment on the water.

To learn more about any of the ten Cruisers Sport Series models from 22 – 29 feet,

visit CruisersSportSeries.com or contact KCS International Inc. 920 •834•2211.

EXPERIENCE THE KCS INTERNATIONAL INC.

BRAND DIFFERENCE.

Visit Spring Brook Marina

at the Chicago Boat Show, Jan. 9-13,

booth #3617 and #3618, to see the

new 2013 Cruisers Sport Series and Cruisers Yachts

models firsthand.

JOIN GREAT LAKES BOATING FEDERATION TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT BOATING

To get your voice heard amidst the din and clatt er of a dysfunctional government, boaters on the Great Lakes should join the Great Lakes Boating Federation (GLBF).Here’s a checklist of reasons on why you should join GLBF:

• Th ere is only one recognized leader when it comes to advancing the rights, needs and interests of recreational boaters and sportsfi shermen.

• In the face of harsh and undue regulations on the federal, state, and local levels, GLBF is the face of Great Lakes boaters.

• GLBF has been at the forefront of organizations calling for the reauthorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act so that fi shermen and boaters can gain more access to the waters.

• GLBF stopped the Coast Guard’s proposed live fi re zones on the Great Lakes. When others did nothing to stop this dangerous activity, GLBF stepped up to stop it from happening.

• It has worked tirelessly to improve the dredging of small harbors and gain greater access to boat ramps at all harbors.

• It has sought to increase maintenance of navigational aids and breakwaters.

• It has sought to improve the fi sh populations of freshwater lakes and inland waterways.

• It has sought to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from spreading into the Great Lakes.

• It has been the most vocal advocate for recreational boaters in securing the fair use of fees and taxes levied on boaters.

GLBF is the voice for the 4.3 million boaters on the Great Lakes. It is the organization that boaters depend on in advocating and defending the rights of Great Lakes boaters.

For more information or to join the Great Lakes Boating Federation,

visit www.greatlakesboatingfederation.com, email: [email protected]

or call 312-266-8408.

04 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

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GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) ©2012 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 greatlakesboating.com and at any of the distribution 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 guarantee of their safety by Great Lakes Boating

Magazine. Material in the publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Great Lakes Boating Magazine editorial and executive 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]

Michigan | Ohio M2Media CompanyMark Moyer • p 248.840.0749e [email protected]

WOW—it’s hard to believe that we’re

coming to the end of 2012. As the

old adage notes, time fl ies when

you’re having fun, and we’ve certainly

enjoyed ourselves as this year has

literally fl own by.

It’s incredible that six months have

passed since we celebrated our 30th

anniversary, and that the hot, humid,

sunny days of summer are now turning

into the dark, damp cold days of winter.

But for every season, there’s a reason

for celebrating, and this issue marks the

occasion of my two favorite holidays,

Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It’s my strong belief that everyone

should take some time out to refl ect on

the many blessings they’ve received

during the course of the year, and

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for

doing this.

In the spirit of Christmas, I remind you

that it’s always better to give than to

receive. We practice what we preach

in this regard by presenting our annual

“Holiday Guide,” which this year

contains some exceptional gifts that

we believe will be those one-of-a-kind

presents boaters will always cherish.

All recreational boaters long for

a bigger, faster, boat fi lled with

electronics and aesthetics that

enhance the boating lifestyle. For

the boaters who grew up in the 1980s,

the speed, exhilaration and “coolness”

of boating was epitomized by the Baja

boat speeding across water. Baja still

produces that boat, along with new

upgraded offerings, and we highlight

them in our cover story beginning

on page 10.

Now buying a new boat for the boater

in the family is a great Christmas gift,

but boat buyers should be aware that

the buying landscape has changed

dramatically. That’s why we’ve taken

time to alert buyers to the “new reality

of boat buying” in our article beginning

on page 14.

Those people fortunate enough to get

a new boat for Christmas or those who

are content with their old ones should

brace themselves for a new challenge

as they ply the waters of the Great

Lakes in 2013. No matter if you’re a

recreational boater, fi sherman, or

wakeboarder, record low water levels

will pose some new headaches.

By February 2013, the U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers projects that water levels

on Lakes Huron and Michigan will reach

all-time lows. Although a warm winter, a

summer drought, and high evaporation

levels are causes of these record low

levels, man-made dredging has also

contributed. Read the article on sinking

water levels beginning on page 18.

If low water levels are a relatively

new phenomenon facing boaters,

safe boating and hunting are an

age-old problem. The Coast Guard’s

suggestions for a safe boating and

hunting season, beginning on page

22, are worth you’re perusal, as is the

second part of the article on Automatic

Identifi cation Systems, which is

quickly becoming standard electronic

equipment on all types of boats.

So, we hope that you enjoy reading

this issue and that you will do two

other things. First, visit our Web site,

GreatLakesBoating.com, where you’ll

fi nd a digital subscription and a soon-

to-be mobile app for your smartphone.

The second is to join the Great Lakes

Boating Federation (GLBF), the only

true advocate for Great Lakes boaters.

For only $10 per year, you’ll be working

with the only real watchdog for Great

Lakes boaters and will avail yourself

to some of the highest quality marine

products at some of the lowest prices

in the region. GLBF is the one and only

voice for the 4.2 million boaters in the

Great Lakes. There is no other!

Finally, I want to wish you an enjoyable

Thanksgiving, a wonderful Christmas,

and a happy, healthy, and bountiful

holiday season.

F. Ned Dikmen

Karen Malonis

Jerome A. Koncel

Mike Baron

Mila RykAndrea Vasata

Publisher & Editor in Chief

Managing Editor

Associate Editor

Contributing Writers

Graphic Design

WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS

06 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

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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

14FEATURESFEATURES

• BAJA 10 • BUYING BOATS 14• LOW WATER LEVELS 18

IN THE NEWSIN THE NEWS

• GREAT LAKES 36• FISHING 40• MARINAS 42• NATIONAL 46• SAILING 48

18The new 2013 Baja® 30 Outlaw GT was introduced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. The fi rst boat in Baja’s new GT Series, it features custom DesignTECH graphics, several standard upgrades, and twin MerCruiser sterndrive power options ranging up to 565 horsepower a side.

Built with Baja’s True-V hull, low-profi le deck and sculpted windscreen, it glides through chop and wakes. The cockpit holds eight people, while its cabin has sleeping accommodations for up to three and an enclosed head.

The GT Series features start with custom DesignTECH GT graphics and a stainless steel rubrail insert. Inside the cockpit are standard electric bolsters with color-matched cushions and the GT logo on the companionway door. The helm features color-matched gauges, a leather/carbon tilt steering wheel and standard dash-mounted GPS. The engine compartment is topped with the Baja logo and has powder-coated rails, seat frames and engine mounts inside. Additional GT upgrades include a six-speaker stereo system with amp, subwoofers and iPod connection, and transom-mounted underwater lights.

Available propulsion packages include twin 320-hp 377 MAG Bravo 1s; twin 380-hp 8.2L MAG Bravo 1s; twin 430-hp MAG HO Bravo 1s; twin 525 EFI Bravo 1 XRs with ITS drives, and twin 565 EFI Bravo 1XRs with ITS drives.

Baja Marine1653 Whichards Beach Rd.Washington, NC 27889252-975-2000

bajamarine.com

SPOTLIGHTSSPOTLIGHTS

• HUNTER SAFETY 22• VOLVO PENTA 26• HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 28• UNDERSTANDING AIS 32• REEFPOINT MARINA 34

30’1” 8’6”

6,900 lbs

24 degrees

142 gal.

LOA :

BEAM:

WEIGHT:

TRANSOM DEADRISE:

FUEL CAPACITY:

OTC BAJA 30 OUTLAW GT

VISIT NOW!

NEW IMPROVED MOBILE FRIENDLY!GreatLakesBoatingFederation.com

GREAT LAKES BOATING FEDERATION

GreatLakesBoating.com

SUBSCRIBEADVERTISE

VIEW VIRTUAL MAGAZINE

08 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

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Lake levels haven’t been this low for decades. The

unthinkable is taking shape litt le by litt le. Hundreds

of new islands are popping out of nowhere in Georgian

Bay. Th e Th ousand Islands could fi nd themselves going

through a name change to Many Th ousand Islands, all

due to vanishing water. Slips are sliding away from

boaters’ sight. Where do they go to tie their boats? Who

do they call for help?

Lake levels are constantly changing, rising and falling due

to melting ice caps, precipitation and evaporation. For those

who keep track, lake levels reached an all-time low way

back in 1964 when water levels were 576.1 feet. Barely more

than two decades later, October 1986, water levels leaped

to 582.35 feet submerging parts of Chicago’s Lake Shore

Drive under its onslaught. Foundations of lakefront homes

and skyscrapers were now under water.

Today, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is

projecting that if climate conditions persist, we could be

facing all time low lake levels of 575.95 feet in early 2013, a

level so low that riparian rights individuals with lakefront

homes would have their lakefront land doubling in size

before their very own eyes. Is a sailor without a slip any

diff erent than a man without a home?

How do you summon help for a need of such magnitude?

Where do you turn for assistance? Th ree agencies show

promise. They are the International Joint Commission

(IJC), the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers.

Th e IJC is a binational commision set up by the Boundary

Treaty of 1909 to oversee the health and well-being of the

Great Lakes. IJC takes pride in being in charge of lake levels

for the Great Lakes through its well-placed control boards

across the lakes for water diversions from one lake to

another. What we learned about their capabilities, however,

is not good.

It is believed that the control boards operated by directives

from the IJC can att empt to divert water from one lake to

another, but the eff ect of opening any of these control board

valves amounts to putt ing a pinhole in a bathtub. And GLC

has no hardware to do anything about lake levels.

Th en there is USACE, which can do something to alleviate

low lake levels, but claims its hands are tied behind its

back, unable to go and dredge recreational harbors to

bring depth to needy boaters to accommodate their boats’

keels. USACE has the power to dredge small harbors,

opening them up so that boats can enter and leave marinas

without any problems. So why isn’t it doing anything for

recreational boaters and anglers?

It claims that the federal government is not coming up with

the funds needed to dredge the harbors, so USACE has

to set dredging priorities, and it is putt ing its money and

eff orts into commercial ports and harbors.

It appears that the real power that can deal with low

lake levels is the federal government, our legislators in

Washington, D.C. Th ey are the ones who can allocate

funds to dredge our harbors. Th ey are the ones who can

implement the recommendations of IJC in dealing with

the Great Lakes. But our legislators are turning a deaf

ear to our cries for help. Here’s what they’re missing.

Th e economic impact of recreational boating on the Great

Lakes is estimated to be more than $9.5 billion. Th ere is

an additional $7 billion in fi shing here, and a substantial

segment entails rrecreational boating. In comparison,

commercial navigation has a net economic worth of only

$3.6 billion based on the money saved by commodity

shippers between rail and truck versus water. Why is it so

diffi cult to explain this math to Congress?

ED

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RIA

LS

Slips Sliding Away

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

greatlakesboating.com | 09

Dell Computers does it, Apple does it, and so why shouldn’t

the boating industry? We’re talking about the boat builder

selling directly to the consumer, thereby eliminating the

middleman. By cutt ing out the middlemen, i.e., boat dealers,

manufacturers could reduce their costs and pass along the

lower prices to customers.

Not a bad idea for the computer maker or even one of the

nation’s largest companies, but not necessarily a good idea

for the boat builder for three reasons.

First, builders are not in the business of selling and repairing

boats, and they don’t want to be in that business. Th ey believe

that the dealer network represents a viable, functional, and

effi cient distribution network.

Second, in some states, being a boat dealer requires registration

and even certification. In most states, one cannot simply

put a shingle on front of the offi ce proclaiming that he/she

is a boat dealer. For their part, boat builders don’t want

to be involved with registration or certification and their

concurrent time and expense.

Finally, boat builders off er guarantees and warranties on their

boats. If something goes wrong, builders will do the warranty

work, but they don’t want to spend their time and eff ort fi lling

out the paperwork. Th is is the role of boat dealerships.

As prospective customers are being more diligent in

researching new vessels, the role of boat dealers may seem to

be gett ing diminished, but in reality, their roles and functions

are becoming more important than ever if the boating industry

is to grow, develop, and thrive.

At the heart of the boat dealership is customer service. Today’s

new boat buyers are not demanding superior customer service,

they’re expecting it. When customers come in contact with

boat dealers either by the internet, phone, or in person, this is

either the beginning of a lifelong relationship with boating or

a short stay in the water.

For their part, today’s dealers are armed with an array of tools

designed to make the buying process fun, easy and productive.

Moreover, they consider the sale as just the fi rst step of long

relationship, the goal of which is to have a life-long boater.

In our boat buying story beginning on page 14 of this issue,

we tell new boat buyers that choosing a boat dealer may seem

like a simple step, but it’s one they shouldn’t take lightly. Th ey

should choose wisely. Why? Because it is the dealer who will

prep, repair, maintain and equip that prized possession so

that boaters can experience days, weeks and years of hassle-

free boating. It’s the dealer who will ensure that boaters enjoy

trouble-free days on the water.

We here at Great Lakes Boating and the Great Lakes Boating

Federation believe that boat dealers are not only vital to the

boat-buying process, they are essential to an enjoyable boating

experience. Whether it’s purchasing a 16-foot aluminum boat

or a 160-foot yacht, boat buyers are expecting more from their

dealers and their dealers are delivering. When boaters have

problems, they turn to their boat dealer.

At this special time of the year when we off er thanks and

gratitude to family and friends, we take this opportunity

to off er our support for boat dealerships and hope that all

the readers of this magazine, the visitors to our Web site and

members of the Great Lakes Boating Federation will do

the same.

We Vote For Boat Dealers

www.greatlakesboatingfederation.org

THE VOICE of 4.3 MILLION BOATERS

g gw.greatlakakkessesesbobobobob atatatatiinininingfgfgfedederation

HE VOICE E ofofoff 444 4 33.3.33 MMMM MILILILILILLILILILIONONO BOATffff

10 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

Since 1971, Baja Marine has created popular models such as the

classic Baja CT 150 race boat, the Outlaw high performance

and Islander open-bow series. Shown here and on the following

pages are the 30 Outlaw GT, the 278 Performance, and the 247

Islander models. Each can be personalized with a wide range of

optional colors and designs, including Baja’s new custom-designed

half-wrap vinyl DesignTECH graphics in the bold new Metal, Maverick,

Joker, Catalina, Hard Candy and Rip Curl themes.


The 2013 Baja® 30 Outlaw GT, is the fi rst boat in Baja

Marine’s new GT Series.

Built with Baja’s True-V hull, low-profi le deck and sculpted

windscreen, it glides through chop and wakes to provide a

smooth, dry ride. The 30 Outlaw’s cockpit holds eight people,

while its cabin provides sleeping accommodations for up to

three and an enclosed head.

The GT Series upgrade package starts with exclusive

custom DesignTECH GT graphics and a stainless steel

rubrail insert. GT style continues inside the cockpit with

standard electric bolsters with color-matched cushions

and the GT logo on the companionway door. The helm

features color-matched gauges, a leather/carbon tilt

steering wheel and standard dash-mounted GPS. The

engine compartment has powder-coated rails, seat frames

and engine mounts inside. Additional GT upgrades include

a six-speaker stereo system with amp, subwoofers and

iPod connection, and transom-mounted underwater lights.

Available MerCruiser propulsion packages include twin 320-

hp 377 MAG Bravo 1s; twin 380-hp 8.2L MAG Bravo 1s; twin

430-hp MAG HO Bravo 1s; twin 525 EFI Bravo 1 XRs with ITS

drives, and twin 565 EFI Bravo 1XRs with ITS drives. Standard

Mercury LAB-fi nished props will deliver greater performance

from any power package the owner selects.

bajamarine.com

BAJA® 30 OUTLAW GT

LOA w/platformBeam

WeightTransom Deadrise

Fuel Capacity

32’2”

8’6”

6,900 lbs.

24 degrees

142 gal.

12 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

BAJA® 278 PERFORMANCE

This versatile model combines spirited good looks, sporty

handling and expanded overnight capabilities.

Features such as sporty rear vents and mirror-image foredeck

hatches, along with Baja’s True-V hull, will make this sleek

speedster stand out in a crowd. The 278 is available with

MerCruiser power packages ranging from the standard 380-

hp 8.2L MAG HO Bravo 1 to the 525 EFI Bravo 1 XR/ITS

with Merc 280 tabs.

The Baja 278 Performance is a pleasure to drive, thanks to

its new curved glass walk-through windscreen, drop-down

racing bolsters, Livorsi throttle and shifter as well as Livorsi

gauges with chrome bezels set in custom engine-turn

stainless steel dash panels. Entertainment is provided by

a standard stereo system with four cockpit speakers and

iPod connection. Aft, the integrated swim step makes a

convenient takeoff platform for any water-sports activity.

All will appreciate the 278’s redesigned upholstery and

interior appointments. What’s more, a larger cabin with

a generous V-berth, Porta-Potti and additional storage

space means owners can extend day trips overnight.

The 2013 Baja 278 Performance comes with a choice of

three standard logos and hull stripes. Boats can be further

personalized with a variety of optional colors and designs.

LOA w/platformBeam


Fuel Capacity

29’2”

8’6”

5,100 lbs.

24 degrees

101 gal.

Baja 278 and 247 images by Scott Pearson


2013 BAJA® 247 ISLANDER

This family-friendly performance boat has received

substantial upgrades for the new model year. One of the

roomiest open-bow sportboats available, it has a seating

capacity for eight people.

The 247 Islander comes equipped with MerCruiser sterndrive

power, including the standard 320-hp Merc 377 Bravo and

the upgrade 380-hp MAG 8.2L Bravo 1. Built on Baja’s True-V

hull, it slices across wakes and chop for a steady, controlled

ride. Its standard ski tow eye and integrated swim platform

make it a great vehicle for water skiers and wakeboarders. Ski

storage is incorporated into the engine hatch and there’s also

a long locker in the cockpit sole.

The updated helm station features a stainless steel dash,

Livorsi gauges with chrome bezels and a leather-and-carbon

steering wheel. A stereo system with four cockpit speakers

and iPod connection are standard. An optional enclosed head

compartment and built-in cooler rack let families stay out on

the water longer, while high gunwales help keep children safe

onboard. Upgraded upholstery gives the 247 Islander a clean,

contemporary look for 2013.

The 2013 247 Islander comes with a choice of three standard

logos and hull stripes. Owners can further personalize their

boat with a broad range of optional colors and designs.

bajamarine.com

LOA w/platformBeam


Fuel Capacity

26’2”

8’6”

4,300 lbs.

23 degrees

80 gal.

14 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

T imes are a changing, and it’s true not only of

business and society, but also with boat buying.

Purchasing a new boat is still a major task because

of the amount of money involved, as well as the multiple

options. However, the way buyers go about purchasing a

boat is getting a makeover.

It wasn’t that long ago that new boat buyers went to their

friend or relative and asked them to recommend a boat brand

and boat dealer. They’d go into the dealership, check out the

various models, talk with a salesperson about options and

accessories, maybe even take the boat for a test drive and

then put down their money.

Some people may still buy boats this way, but not very

many. While buying a boat is changing, there’s no one way or

template people can and should follow in making the purchase.

On the other hand, there are certain steps most of today’s

buyers are following when they make their new boat purchase.

THE INTERNETIf there’s one technology that has revolutionized the way

people buy boats, it’s the Internet. It’s not that there are

masses of people who are buying their boats online, but

rather that the Internet is the fi rst place people go when

they’re even interested in a boat. Potential buyers gain

knowledge, information and education about the boats out

there. BoatUS puts it this way, “The world’s marketplace is

as close as your computer screen, only a few keystrokes

and a mouse click away.”

So, nearly every person begins their boat purchase by going

to the Internet and searching for information about the boat(s)

they want to buy. If prospective buyers know which boat type

and/or boat brands they want to research, then that will make

the Internet research more useful and productive.

While on the Internet, potential buyers either spend their

time researching all types of boats or narrow their focus to

specifi c boats and brands. One organized method that is

worth the time and effort is the Discover Boating Web site

(www.discoverboating.com), which offers a boat selector

tool to help people fi nd their dreamboat.

Once prospective customers do Internet research, they need

to determine their budget, defi ne what they plan to do with

the vessel, i.e., go fi shing, cruising, or waterskiing, and fi nd

out the boat builders. For this latter activity, buyers can visit

the Web sites of boat manufacturers and look at the exterior

By Jerome A. Koncel

a


pictures, pore through shots of the interior, and learn about

available options. In some cases, but not all, boaters can also

see what that fully loaded yacht or basic aluminum fi shing

boat will look like and cost.

Before moving forward, prospective buyers will frequently

look for comparison testing of boats by an outside resource.

Some magazines do this, as do Internet providers such

as BoatTrader.com, yachtworld.com and BoatTest.com.

Boat testing is best done via videos, with prospective

buyers comparing the boat brand, model and options. Any

comparison should include answers to the question: What do

I want to use this boat for—fi shing, cruising, skiing, and so

forth? The answer to this question also includes the number

of people who will regularly be on board the boat.

THE DEALEROnce the individual knows the purpose, type and boat brand,

he or she can then look to buy on the Internet, talk to a friend

or relative for a recommendation, and/or visit a boat dealer.

Because all dealers are not the same, prospective buyers

should select certifi ed boat builders and fi ve-star dealerships.

Don’t underestimate the boat dealership choice. It will

prepare, service, repair and maintain that prized possession,

so choose wisely.

Visiting a boat dealer is a fun experience, but buyers want

personalization and convenience from their dealers. New boat

buyers should also be aware of three fundamental changes

that are affecting the way dealers interact with customers.

First, the dealer your friend or relative recommended may no

longer be in business. Between 35 percent to 40 percent of all

dealers that were in business at the end of 2007 are no longer

around. Moreover, even those that are surviving may have

changed signifi cantly through mergers or consolidations. In

addition, the surviving dealers are no longer looking to the

sale of new boats and fi nancing of those acquisitions as their

only sources of revenues. They’re also focusing on alternative

revenue streams.

Second, the recession has changed the way manufacturers

build and dealers sell boats. It’s no longer a question of

picking a boat from the dealer’s inventory, having it prepped,

and taking it home. No, today’s dealers will work closely with

the buyer to customize the boat to your wants and needs.

Once the two parties have signed a fi rm contract, the dealer

will seek a minimum deposit and then submit that contract to

the manufacturer, who won’t build the boat until it has a fi rm

written contract in hand from the dealer.

Third, fi nancing is no longer a given. It used to be that dealers

could get customers any kind of fi nancing they wanted as

long as their credit score was above 600. Not any longer, and

getting fi nancing is a critical component of buying a boat,

just as it is in buying other big ticket items such as cars and

houses. In this arena, both buyers and sellers have to be

more selective in choosing their fi nancing options.

Boaters can get fi nancing through their dealers, and

many of them have a fi nance manager on hand to handle

the whole transaction process, which includes fi lling out

the loan application, gaining title to the vessel, closing on

the loan and staying in touch as times and careers change.

With these fundamental changes in place, prospective boat

owners should realize it’s a buyer’s market. Negotiating a

deal for that prized possession with your colors, options, and

power is getting value for money. And buying from a dealer

is not the only way to purchase a new boat. Buyers can also

purchase a boat online; visit a regional factory showroom

where you can take a demonstration ride, and maybe even

tour the manufacturer’s factory to see how boats are made;

or buy them at boat shows

BOAT SHOWSFor all the criticisms dealers and manufacturers heap on boat

shows regarding costs, return on investment and frequency,

they still hold a soft spot in the hearts of buyers. For those

people who want to see, touch, and walk on the boat, the boat

show is the place. It’s the one spot where prospective buyers

can do comparison shopping by having all boat brands and

models in one location.

The cornerstone of any new boat purchase is value. When

making a new boat purchase, prospective customers don’t

want to deal with that gnawing feeling that surfaces when

they’ve purchased a new boat, go to the marina, spot a similar

boat from a different builder and ask themselves, “Why didn’t

I get that boat?”

Boat shows can’t stop that question from popping up into

boaters’ minds, but they do allow prospective buyers to

16 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

compare colors, shapes, aesthetics, wood grains, costs, etc. What separates

the boat show from the boat dealership and Internet is the numerous boats

available in one place. Unlike the Internet, the boat show is real. There’s no

20-inch monitor to limit your view of that prized possession. It’s right in front

of you where you can see it, touch it, but don’t hit it.

Value for a new boat buyer takes on many forms, but in its simplest form, it’s

this: New boat buyers want a boat that’s going to perform day in and day out.

One that’s going to offer the “WOW” factor of hassle-free days on the water

where the wind blows through the hair, the sun shines off the paint, and the blue

waters and blue sky are colors boaters never envisioned until that very moment.

PEACE OF MINDAlthough buying a boat is a discretionary purchase, there’s also an emotional

component to it, so boaters want to buy “a quality product.” New boats have

not always met this criteria, which is why boat manufacturers and dealers have

taken it upon themselves to assure boaters of product quality through NMMA

and ABYC certifi cation of boats, fi ve-star dealerships, including the Consumer

Bill of Rights, and the National Marine Bankers Association, which offers safe

and secure fi nancing.

It would be disingenuous to say that boat builders and dealers have always

been looking out for their customers. In fact, it’s their long history of unfulfi lled

promises and unsatisfactory workmanship that have prompted boaters to

describe their vessels “as that hole in the water that we’re pouring money into.”

Moreover, the lack of quality has prompted people to describe the boating

experience in these terms: “The best days of boating are when you buy a boat

and when you sell it.”

The builder and dealer certifi cations make boat buying a boat a fun experience,

one that gets the heart beating quicker, the pulse racing faster, and the

anticipation of taking that new boat out on the water for a day of fun and

relaxation an exhilarating pleasure.

And don’t forget that more than three-quarters of all boaters are also fi shermen.

They readily proclaim that their time fi shing on the water is among the most

peaceful, relaxing and invigorating of their lives. It’s the reason why many

professional actors, golfers, and baseball players say that when they’re not

pursuing their careers, they’d rather be out on their boats catching fi sh.

18 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

I f you think the water levels on Lakes Huron and Michigan

are dropping, it’s not bad eyesight. Water levels on the

Great Lakes are nearing their all-time historic lows and are

having negative effects on recreational boating and fi shing.

Lakes Huron and Michigan, which the U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers (USACE) considers as one body of water

hydrologically, are forecasted to reach record low water

levels of 575.95 feet in February 2013, according to six-month

projections issued by the USACE’s Detroit Offi ce. Water levels

are low at the other Great Lakes, but not to the same extent as

Lakes Michigan and Huron.

While USACE does not offer any comments on how this

drop in Great Lakes’ water levels will affect recreational

boating and fi shing, it is safe to say that in some cases marina

boat slips will no longer be usable. In other cases, the more

expansive shorelines will no longer be there for the viewing.

Fishing areas will be changing, as will the whole ecosystem

of fi sh species and aquatic invasive species, specifi cally the

Asian carp. Finally, when cruising or fi shing on the lakes,

recreational boaters will need to be much more vigilant for

mudbars and obstructions that were formerly under the water.

Although Mother Nature is the primary source of high and

low water levels on the Great Lakes, which accounts for

23 percent of all the fresh water in the world, the U.S. and

Canada are also involved in monitoring and controlling the

Great Lakes for the benefi t of everyone. The 1909 International

Boundary Treaty created the International Joint Commission

(IJC), a bi-national commission with six representatives,

three from the United States and three from Canada, to

conduct studies of the Great Lakes and based on the study

information, advise the two governments on issues, problems

and solutions.

CURRENT STATUSOver the past year, USACE reported that the entire Great

Lakes basin had received below average precipitation. The

area had an abnormally dry winter/spring and a summer-long

drought and the end result is plummeting water levels for the

Great Lakes, especially Lakes Huron and Michigan.

The impact of low water levels on recreational boating is

reaching a crisis stage. Many boaters on the two bodies of

water reporting historic lows have been unable to dock their

boats either at shoreline docks or marinas. Moreover, the

number of boaters at Michigan marinas who were unable to

leave their harbors because of shallow harbor entrances was

growing at an alarming rate.

The causes of these record low water levels are the twin

forces of below average precipitation and above average

evaporation. In short, a warm winter and a dry summer

are reducing water levels. Most recently, prolonged high

By Jerome A. Koncel


temperatures combined with reduced rainfall the past several

months have signifi cantly lowered levels across the Great

Lakes. But they are not the only causes.

OTHER CAUSESIn March 2012, the International Upper Great Lakes Study

(IUGLS) was completed. It was a fi ve-year, $14.6 million

study of many things, including fl uctuating water levels on

the Great Lakes. One of its mandates was to examine a

permanent drop in lake levels on Lakes Michigan and Huron

due to USACE dredging of the St. Clair River in the 1960s.

It also looked at whether additional dredging of the St. Clair

River, which is the drop off point for water entering Lake Erie,

added to the permanent drop of 16 inches.

While acknowledging that dredging of the St. Clair River

permanently lowered Lake Michigan-Huron’s water levels by

20 inches, the IUGLS recommended against implementing

large-scale engineering projects to restore water levels on

these two Great Lakes. It said the current low water levels

were just part of the area’s cyclical ups and downs.

The IUGLS said that while restoration of water levels to Lakes

Huron and Michigan was feasible, it would be expensive

(between $30 to $240 million), take too long to accomplish

(20 years), would damage the environment, and, in short, do

more harm than good. The 200 scientists and engineers who

contributed to the report said that people across the region

should adapt to nature’s ups and downs.

Not everyone agreed with this assessment. Transcripts of the

13 public hearings on the study were mixed, but many people

living, working on Lakes Michigan-Huron and Georgian Bay

were convinced that something must be done to control

plunging lake levels.

Property owners along Georgian Bay, the largest bay on the

Great Lakes, were very upset with the study’s “do nothing”

conclusion. They were adamant that IJC do something,

including putting manmade structures in place to stem the

fl ow of water southward from Lake Huron to Lake Erie. They

note that the current system has severely impacted the

movement of boats from one island to another on the Bay

and led to the appearance of previously undetected obstacles

to boating and fi shing.

SPECIFIC PROBLEMSIn attempting to determine the impact of low water levels

on recreational boating and fi shing, it is diffi cult to make

an accurate assessment because the lakes have not yet

reached their historic lows, which should occur in February

2013. The economic impact on boating and fi shing could be

catastrophic, but that’s more of a conjecture than a fact.

Discussions with Sea Grant managers and specialists in Great

Lakes states found that recreational boaters and fi shermen

are already suffering the effects of low water levels.

Gene Clark, coastal engineering specialist, University of

Wisconsin Sea Grant Program, said low water levels are not

unusual for Lake Michigan, but the current long period of

time for these low levels is a source of concern. He said the

low levels are hurting Wisconsin marinas on the Great Lakes

in two ways. First, low water levels mean shallow drafts at

marina harbor entrances. The issue for big boats entering

these harbors is whether their vessels are hitting bottom when

entering or leaving the marina.

The second impact is having marinas determine whether

the low water levels have reached the critical stage where

dredging is absolutely necessary. If it is, then marina owners

20 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

will have to do it themselves because USACE has said it

doesn’t have the funds to dredge small harbors. Where

do the marinas get the funds for dredging? Even if they do

have the funding, getting permits for dredging may take

several months.

Chuck Pistis, program coordinator, Michigan Sea Grant

Program, reports that Lake Michigan’s water level has

fl uctuated six feet since its record high in 1986 and its current

lows. “As we look at the 2013 boating season, Great Lakes

boaters may experience some diffi culties in getting their

boats into and out of Lake Michigan because of low water

levels,” Pistis said.

The obvious solution to low water levels is dredging of ports

and harbors, Pistis said. Marinas, municipalities, and states

are asking USACE to dredge their harbors, but USACE said it

has reduced funds, has to set priorities for those funds, and

is giving priority to commercial harbors and ports. “Dredging

for small harbors and ports has been compromised, and it’s a

real slap in the face of recreational boaters,” Pistis said. “It’s a

gross negligence on the part of the federal government not to

nurture this multi-billion dollar industry.”

Pistis asks this question: If you are an attractive cruising

destination for boaters and have a marina that needs

dredging because of low lake levels, what do you do? Where

do you turn? “The low water levels are an environmental

problem that has a big economic impact on recreational

boating and fi shing,” he noted.

When told that USACE will not dredge small harbors

and that IJC’s study commission has recommended that

municipalities, recreational boaters, and tourism adapt to

these cyclical highs and lows of the Great Lakes, Pisitis said

this is unacceptable. “Something has to be done to rectify

this situation,” he said.

Tory Gabriel, fi sheries outreach coordinator, Ohio Sea

Grant, said that Lake Erie has not experienced the same low

water levels as Lakes Michigan-Huron. Of more concern to

recreational boaters who use this lake are algae blooms.

“Lake Erie has experienced algae blooms this year, but

they’re nothing in comparison to the number of algae blooms

in 2010 and 2011,” Gabriel said.

Jeff Gunderson, outreach coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant,

said lake water levels have not really dropped very much

on Lake Superior, and he has not heard much of a negative

impact on recreational boating and fi shing.

SUMMARYIt’s clear that water levels on the Great Lakes are dropping,

and the lower water levels are having negative effects on

recreational boating, fi shing and tourism. What is not clear

is who has responsibility for controlling lake levels? What,

if any, actions should be taken to control fl uctuating lake

levels? And what, if anything, can recreational boaters

and fi shermen do to get their legislators in Washington

to approve the needed funding to dredge the harbors and

marinas on the Great Lakes?

Pistis said the lack of dredging of small harbors and marinas

is nearing the critical stage. He compared the dredging of

harbor entrances to the building of interstates. “Dredging is

like an interstate—you need the infrastructure to enjoy the

countryside and to get you where you want to go,” he said.

For his part, Clark said the longer it takes for needed

dredging to be done, the greater the problem. There already

exists a backlog of needed dredging projects, and any

further drop in lake water levels will only exacerbate this

problem. “From the perspective of recreational boating and

tourism, low water levels on the Great Lakes, specifi cally

Michigan, Huron and Erie, are a critical problem that must

be solved if marinas on the Great Lakes are to remain in

business,” Clark said.

All photos courtesy of Michigan Sea Grant

22 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

Going after waterfowl can take hunters into some of the toughest environments, including ice, snow, and water temperatures near or below freezing. When

the flooded bottomlands and fields are locked up with ice, ducks will head to the remaining open water of a large river or lake to loaf at mid-day. Although this is a good shooting spot, it’s dangerous territory for both hunters and dogs.

If you hunt from a boat, it makes sense to follow practices

that in an emergency can help ensure that everyone

on board makes it out alive. Remember that the small,

open-constructed boats used for hunting have little or no

freeboard, i.e., the distance between the top edge of the

boat and the waterline, and even less when fully loaded

with hunters, dogs, decoys and other gear. It’s easy to

unintentionally overload these vessels and an overloaded

boat is more likely to capsize, even in relatively calm waters.

On most mono-hull boats up to 20 feet long, the boat’s

maximum load capacity can be found on the capacity plate

that is permanently affi xed to the hull by the manufacturer.

It notes the maximum horsepower rating and maximum load

weight at which the operator can safely operate the boat. If a

capacity plate isn’t present, one easy formula for calculating

the maximum load for a mono-hull boat is to multiply the

boat’s length times its width and divide by 15. For example,

a 6-foot wide, 18-foot long boat can safely carry up to seven

people, but don’t forget to include any dogs as part of that

passenger load.

Make sure your load is distributed evenly to keep the boat

balanced. Standing for any reason in small boats, even

changing seating positions, can raise the center of gravity

and make the boat less stable. A raised center of gravity

means that a wave, wake or sudden turn can result in a

person falling overboard.

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLISTToo many hunting enthusiasts consider themselves hunters

fi rst and boaters second. As a result, they either fail to

By Mike Baron

U.S. Coast Guard, Offi ce of Auxiliary and Boating Safety

and

HUNTINGBOATINGSafety


prepare for boating emergencies or actually engage in

behaviors that put themselves at greater risk than those who

see themselves primarily as boaters.

For safety’s sake, be a boater fi rst. Complete a pre-departure

checklist prior to launch to make certain your boat is in good

working order and has all the necessary safety equipment on

board. Let others know where you’ll be hunting, your boat’s

description, and when you expect to return. Be sure to wear a

U.S. Coast Guard-approved fl oat coat/jacket or life vest at all

times (available in camoufl age).

Because there are fewer people out on the water in the fall/

winter, hunting with a friend is especially important. If you

are injured or fall in the water, having one or two other people

along means someone can either help you back in the boat or

call for assistance.

Remember to carry a fi rst aid kit and an on-board emergency

kit that includes a dry change of clothes; calorie-dense

snack food; fresh water; a thermos of coffee, cocoa, or other

warm beverage; duct tape; a waterproof portable fl ashlight

with extra batteries; fl ares and matches. Stow these items in

a waterproof bag to protect them from the elements. Also,

remember to stay away from alcohol when you’re out on the

water. In many states, hunting with fi rearms and drinking

alcoholic beverages is against the law. It also hastens the

onset of hypothermia if you fall overboard.

Depending on where you hunt, you may want to carry a

mobile phone, but only as a backup to a VHF-FM marine

radio. In outlying areas, mobile phones frequently lose signal

and in any case are unidirectional, meaning only one person

receives the phone call compared to many who may hear a

VHF-FM radio distress call. Consider adding an Emergency

Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or other emergency

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT:

• Consider taking a boating safety course, as well as

a fi rst aid and CPR course.

• Check the capacity plate (if affi xed to the hull) or

calculate the maximum load to make sure you don’t

overload the boat with passengers, dogs and gear.

• Make sure your boat has enough fuel and is in

good operating condition for winter weather. Be

sure you have the required safety equipment on

board, including fl ares or other visual distress

signals, and that your navigation lights are in

working order.

• Check the weather forecast, bearing in mind that

conditions can change quickly.

• Dress in layers and wear good quality, non-slip

footwear with socks.

• File a fl oat plan. Tell a friend, family member or

someone at the marina exactly where you are going,

who is hunting with you, and when you plan to

return. Don’t stray from the plan, and if you do, alert

the person holding your fl oat plan.

• Carry a VHF-FM marine band radio. Use your

mobile phone only as backup and put it in a

waterproof container designed for cell phones.

• Take along a well-stocked fi rst-aid kit.

• Pack a basic survival kit, including blankets,

matches, disposable lighter, a dry change of

clothing, some dense-calorie food and warm

beverages like coffee or cocoa in a waterproof bag.

Do not drink alcohol while boating. It can impair

your judgment and may speed up hypothermia

should you fall in the water. Note that in many states

drinking alcohol while hunting is against the law.

• Make sure you have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved

life jacket of correct size and type for you and every

passenger. While on the water, make sure they are

worn, not just stowed. Consider adding fl otation for

your dogs.

• Invite a friend. Boating with at least one additional

person means that if someone is injured or falls

in the water, the other can summon assistance or

help them back into the boat.

Camoufl aged life vests for hunters and fl oat coats for retrievers come in different styles and degrees of buoyancy. Hunters can fl oat test both under controlled conditions to get an idea of their effectiveness in the fi eld and during an emergency situation.

24 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

location device. If you get in trouble, especially during the

chilly off-season, every minute counts.

Life jackets are essential boating equipment in any season,

but in cold weather, fl oat coats, camoufl aged vests and life

jackets not only keep you afl oat but also provide added

insulation. If you fall overboard into icy water, the fi rst

reaction is to gasp and inhale water. A life jacket can give

you the crucial minutes you need to regulate your breathing

and safely re-board your boat.

And think about how you will retrieve anyone else who falls

overboard. In heavy, cold, wet winter clothes, climbing back

into the boat can be next to impossible—even for someone

otherwise uninjured. Hunters who boat in cold weather should

practice (under warmer conditions and in a safe location,

such as a swimming pool or shallow area) how to get back

in the boat, as well as how to get passengers back aboard.

CONSIDER THE DOGSAnd don’t forget your dogs when it comes to safe boating.

Having the right gear and a thorough knowledge of the

environment can be the difference between safe hunting

and unnecessary risk for your dogs. In cold weather—which

is practically the defi nition of waterfowl hunting—a fl oat coat

can give your dogs some needed support in an emergency

and help with one of the most serious dangers, breaking

through the ice.

Dogs can drown if they can’t come up through the same

hole that they fell through, something that happens if they

get caught by a current and are pulled under the ice. For

a dog it’s a desperate situation, and a hunter attempting a

rescue can make it worse by putting his own life in jeopardy.

Many professional guides won’t send their dogs on river

retrieves in winter without added fl otation, and this holds

true for anyone boating with a dog in deep water. Even a time-

honored water dog can’t swim indefi nitely, and a dog treading

freezing water can go into shock and suffer the same effects

as hypothermia in humans.

Recently, a New Jersey hunter whose boat suddenly

capsized spent three hours in 45-degree water, one hand

on the upturned hull and one hand on his dog’s collar,

holding the exhausted animal’s head above the water.

Fortunately, both were rescued.

Before sending the dog, hunters/boaters should plan for

different worst-case scenarios so they’re better prepared

when something goes wrong. Thoroughly scouting a hunting

area during daylight hours can help both of you avoid many

hazardous areas. In waterways frozen over with ice, check

the thickness. White or cloudy ice is not safe to walk on. Safe

ice is clear to bluish in color and at least two inches thick to

support a dog and four inches for a hunter on foot. Check the

depth of the water too. Have your waders on and make sure

you can get to your dog if you need to.

Do you need afi shing license and boat registration?Please take a few moments to consider each of the

questions below. Take your time. Let it come naturally.From the offi ce of takemefi shing.org.

ANSWERS:

CONGRATULATIONS!

Is this your idea of fi shing with friends?

A

B

C

1

Are you your own boat?

A

B

C

2

Do you want this in your favorite lake?

A

B

C

3

Find out how to do your part at:

26 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

V8-380Propeller shaft power...................... 380 hp

Max. engine speed.......................... 6,000 rpm

Displacement.................................... 364 cu in

Number of cylinders........................ V-8

Fuel system ...................................... MPI

Dry weight; engine, transom

shield and drive................................ 1,076 lbs.

Dimensions (not for installation):

Engine length along crank

center line......................................... 38.3”

Engine width...................................... 32.7”

Height above crankshaft................ 23.9”

Height below crankshaft ................ 10”

6 GLB | N /D 12

An Empowering GiftENGINES

ho knew when we wrote a roundup article on

outboard engines in the September/October

issue highlighting how manufacturers have

improved their fuel effi ciency and increased their reliability

that within the next month Volvo Penta would come out with

two new sterndrive gasoline engines that exhibit these very

characteristics. It’s like giving boaters an early Christmas

present just as they’re winding down from one boating

season and looking forward to another one.

If you think these new engines are just updates of the same

old stuff, consider this: Volvo Penta’s V8-380 was named

the winner of the 2012 Innovation Award for engines at the

International BoatBuilders Exposition and Conference (IBEX)

show in October. This is no small accomplishment and tells

recreational boaters that this engine has some signifi cant

technological breakthroughs.

The V8-380 and and V8-225 gasoline engines are just what

boaters want in their Christmas stockings. Packing power,

punch, and effi ciency, these two new engines are the perfect

gifts for cruising the Great Lakes and inland waterways. Their

power, strength, durability and fuel effi ciency are precisely

what boaters are looking for in their sterndrive engines.

When boaters asked for more horsepower in a lighter

package, Volvo Penta answered the call. The company’s new

6.0 liter displacement engine is the same one General Motors

currently installs in its Chevrolet Silverado 2500 pick-up truck.

Not only does it deliver power, but it also does so using 12

percent less fuel than similarly sized engines, making the V8-

380 the leader in delivering both horsepower and economy.

When boaters asked manufacturers to produce lighter weight

engines, Volvo Penta responded with an engine package

that’s 270 pounds less than its competitors. Knowing that

boaters wanted not only less weight, but also high-end

performance from an engine of this size, Volvo Penta turned


to variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize maximum low-end

torque and high-end horsepower while delivering superior

overall performance.

The V8-380 is strong and tough enough to haul a heavy

boat, yet is considered the most durable engine in Volvo

Penta’s stable of engines. The durability is built into the

engine through its aluminum exhaust system that withstands

corrosion, thereby offering boaters cost savings over the life

of the engine.

To build the next generation of engines, Volvo Penta spent

10,000 hours testing them, refining them, and making

them faster, lighter and more fuel effi cient. The result is a

multi-port fuel injection system in the V8-380 that uses a

computerized control module to produce smooth idling,

more responsive acceleration, and reduced emissions.

In fact, both Volvo Penta engines meet and/or exceed

California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Federal EPA

emission requirements.

The V8-380 engine is a perfect match for the twin propeller

Duo-Prop drives that Volvo Penta offers to boaters. With

its twin counter rotating blades, the Duo-Prop produces

unbeatable speed, unsurpassed acceleration and enviable

fuel economy.

The new V8-225 engine combines the fuel effi ciency of a V6

with the power and acceleration of V8 engine. It uses the

same advanced fuel management system that the V8-380

uses to produce better fuel mileage, increased reliability, and

lower emissions.

Volvo Penta describes the V8-225 as the cleanest engine it

offers to boaters because it exceeds the fi ve-star voluntary

engine emission standards set by CARB. The company

uses dual three-way catalytic converters and heated oxygen

sensors in conjunction with its computer-controlled fuel

management system to meet these stringent emission

standards. The result is not only lower emissions, but

also smooth reliable starting and idling, more responsive

acceleration, and reduced fuel consumption.

If Volvo Penta’s new engines promise smooth reliable idling,

responsive acceleration, and reduced fuel consumption,

the company also offers electronic vessel control options to

enhance the driver’s experience. E-key, E-key remote, and an

integrated autopilot system are now offered as options with

the V8-225 EVC.

In addition, drivers can have pushbuttons integrated into

the controls, giving them easy access to optional functions

such as power trim assist, cruise control, tow mode and

single-lever control. Boaters can complete their helm by

installing easy-to-read gauges and a four- or seven-inch

color display screen.

To reduce noise and vibration, the DuoProp or Aquamatic

sterndrives feature exhaust outlets through the propeller hub

and anti-ventilation plate. And by using the power trim assist

system that is standard on the EVC models, boaters can

obtain the best running position at different lake conditions

and load levels.

The new V8-380 and V8-225 EVC sterndrive engines from

Volvo Penta are true Christmas stocking stuffers for the

boater in your life. They offer the power, reliability, and

effi ciency every boater wants, making the wait for the

upcoming boating season seem like an eternity.

V8-225 WITH EVCPropeller shaft power..................... 225 hp

Max. engine speed......................... 4,800 rpm

Displacement................................... 350 cu in

Number of cylinders....................... V-8

Fuel system ..................................... MPI

Dry weight engine, transom

shield and drive............................. 1,022 lbs.

Dimensions (not for installation):

Engine length inside

transom ......................................... 36.8”

Engine width.................................... 28.6”

Height above crankshaft............... 22.1”

Height below crankshaft............... 10”

The Bedol Water Alarm Clock is an eco-friendly, battery-

free timepiece powered by water. Sculpted in the shape

of a water drop, the clock has a contemporary design that

decorates virtually any room in the house and can easily

be packed in a travel bag.

Inside of the semi-transparent water reservoir are proprietary

metallic plates that allow ions in the water to be turned into

current that powers the clock and alarm once the reservoir

is fi lled.

Available at select retailers and on the Bedol Web site in

fi ve colors: blueberry blue, kiwi green, tangerine orange,

plum purple and smoke gray.

$26 //909-626-0388 // bedolwhatsnext.com

WATER POWERED CLOCK

COBRA VHF/GMRS MARINE RADIO INNOVATIVE DUFFEL BAG

W

angerine ora

xt.com

28 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

2012❄

❄

❄The HH425 is a professional quality

VHF radio and also the world’s fi rst

combination VHF/GMRS (General

Mobile Radio Service) radio,

featuring Cobra’s exclusive Rewind-

Say-Again™ feature, GMRS channel

dual-band functionality, and S.A.M.E.

weather alert fi ltering and a rapid 3-4

hour charger.

The large backlit LCD, dedicated

buttons and unlimited memory

channels make this unit very

easy to use. Unlimited memory

channels and Memory Scan allow

users to manually step through or

automatically scan the pre-saved

memory channel bank. *Units sold in Canada will not

transmit with 5 Watts on GMRS Channels

$169.95 // 773-889-8870 // cobra.com

❅22❅The Rise & Hang duffel bag

features built-in collapsible

soft shelves that pull up and

out of it while it’s hanging

in a locker, keeping articles

organized and accessible

throughout a trip and out

of reach from insects like

bed bugs. The hamper

compartment under the

shelves keeps soiled clothes

separate from those that

are clean.

The Rise & Hang duffel

bag has a capacity of 70.8 liters and is water-resistant.

For those who prefer to use a suitcase, a 42-liter luggage

insert is available for $44.

From $69 // 888-929-1329 //

riseandhang.com

GIFT GUIDEHolida yHol ida y

This 136-piece puzzle

from Artifact Puzzles

features Raoul Dufy’s

1907 painting of boats.

The painting is also

called “Les Martigues.”

The irregular edge and

abstract pieces (no

whimsy pieces) make this puzzle more challenging than

most puzzles this size. All puzzles are made of 1/4-inch

thick wood and are laser-cut. Packaged in a small box

with a magnetic clasp, each puzzle is Made in the USA.

Other puzzle categories available.

$36 // 315-507-2405 // ar tifactpuzzles.com

A diminutive departure from traditional ice fi shing sonar,

ShowDown Troller 2.0 is a portable smartphone-sized

device that provides instant fi sh-fi nding data.

The device, which is attached to a 20-degree transducer

and 6 feet of cable, generates 4,000 watts of power and

functions continuously for 20 hours on six AA batteries.

It features a built-in LCD heater for use in extreme cold,

while an Auto Depth Scale function locks onto depth,

displaying targets and digital depth from 1 to 120 feet

of water.

$199.99 // 888-778-1208 // marcumtech.com

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NAUTICAL CHOCOLATES

30 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

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32 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

Automatic Identification System—or

AIS technology—is fi nding its way onto more boats of all sizes. It is on its way

to being considered standard electronic safety equipment for recreational cruisers, sailors and fishermen, and brings with it additional benefits to enhance the boating experience.

The infl ux of less expensive, smaller and simpler Class B

AIS products from various manufacturers has helped bring

AIS into the boating mainstream. A range of available “black

box” AIS receivers/transceivers and stand-alone AIS displays

means there’s a way for all types of boaters to use and benefi t

from this technology.

In Part 1 of this AIS primer, we covered what Class A and

Class B AIS are, how this technology works and different

system options for commercial and recreational vessels. Part

2 will examine some of the ways boaters can use recreational

Class B AIS to improve safety and enhance enjoyment of their

time on the water.

SEE AND BE SEEN

At its heart, AIS is designed to let you see and identify

vessels broadcasting an AIS signal in your vicinity—and

let them “see” and identify your vessel when transmitting.

This information can be viewed on dedicated displays, or

in the case of black box AIS modules, overlaid onto other

electronics. Because AIS operates on VHF frequencies, it

can provide this information even when other vessels may

be behind a low hill, hidden by a jetty or around the bend

of a river.

NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY

AIS information provides navigators with the ability to see all

commercial ship traffi c in their vicinity (as well as recreational

AIS-equipped vessels that are transmitting). This information

can be used to improve situational awareness, especially

when entering a crowded port or traversing busy shipping

lanes in limited visibility conditions. AIS can help you verify

radar targets by confi rming vessel targets from among

AUTOMATED IDENTIFICATIONSYSTEMS part 2


buoys and other objects. Expanded vessel information

provides details like ship name, registry, size, destination,

speed and bearing.

NOCTURNAL ACTIVITIES

Here are just a couple of examples of how AIS can help

you fi sh and boat more confi dently at night or any low-

visibility conditions.

Swordfi shing, sharking or tuna fi shing often involves drifting

for hours at night through commercial shipping lanes. AIS

will alert you to large ships in the vicinity and can sound an

alert based on established proximity alarms. This makes

AIS a great addition to a boat’s radar at night, particularly

as anglers inevitably catch a few Z’s as they’re waiting for a

strike. When your AIS is transmitting, you can rest assured

that commercial traffi c is alerted to your vessel’s presence

(commercial Class A AIS must always be on). Similarly,

offshore fi shermen who spend the night anchored on the

sea will appreciate the extra awareness AIS creates for your

boat and others.

COMMUNICATE WITH TARGETS

AIS can be integrated with DSC (Digital Selective Calling) VHF

radio to allow DSC hailing directly to vessels broadcasting

AIS. Standard Horizon’s GX2150 actually combines AIS and

DSC VHF in one compact unit, and is a great way for small

boats to benefi t from AIS technology (data can be sent to

other electronics or viewed on the small built-in display). This

combination allows for one-button DSC hailing to vessels—

simply select the target and call. Commercial vessels are

required by law to answer these calls. This is another way

to verify that the freighter bearing down on you in the fog or

darkness knows you’re there.

TRACK FRIENDS

Some boaters use AIS to keep “tabs” on one another, whether

sailing or cruising in a group or fi shing in a “team tournament”

situation. AIS-equipped boats have the ability to “see” one

another through their electronics, and in the case of certain

AIS units, can be set up to specifi cally track a boat or group

of boats. This is particularly useful when AIS data is overlaid

onto a chartplotter providing mapping for the region—or on

stand-alone AIS displays with charting capabilities. Long-

distance cruisers can make sure the group stays together,

and offshore fi shing buddies can tell where their friends

are hooking up. DSC radio communications with selected

AIS targets allows for private conversations about fi shing

hotspots, off the open airwaves.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

The ability to see and communicate with AIS-equipped

vessels in your vicinity (typical range for Class B AIS is 5-10

miles; commercial Class A AIS reaches 40+ miles) offers

obvious advantages if you ever fi nd yourself in an on-the-

water emergency. Your best chance for quick rescue often

comes from other vessels in your area, and knowing who/

where they are is helpful. So is the knowledge that other AIS-

equipped vessels can “see” you when you’re broadcasting,

as can land-based stations in range.

These are just some of the ways AIS technology can help

recreational boaters and fi shermen stay safe and enjoy their

time on the water. Speak with the experts at The GPS Store

to learn more about choosing and using the best AIS system

for your boat and boating lifestyle.

To learn more about a wide array of AIS products from top

manufacturers, visit www.TheGPSStore.com or call The GPS

Store, Inc. at 800-477-2611.

34 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

After 25 years, Racine County had to bite the bullet. As

part of the 1987 contract it signed with Racine Harbor

Marina, LLC, the county was obligated to buy Reefpoint

Marina in Racine, Wis., and the acquisition in these tough

economic times was less than ideal. Still, it offered the county

a new opportunity to take what it had and make it even better.

As a result, the 921-slip marina on the Root River has a new

owner (Racine County) and a new management team in the

form of Edgewater Resources. The two parties are committed

to revitalizing the marina, and after just a few months are well

on their way to achieving this goal.

Managed by Edgewater Resources and Racine County’s

chief executive offi cer Jim Ladwig, Reefpoint Marina has

921 wet slips available for boats and yachts ranging from 30

feet to 60 feet long. The marina is a safe harbor, guarded

by a breakwater, and offers boaters electricity, running

water, and a dock box at their slips. It has a fuel dock, a

free pumpout facility, and a fi sh cleaning station adjacent

to the marina.

For its customers and transient boaters, Reefpoint Marina

offers spotless showers and restrooms, high speed WiFi, and

a laundromat. Marina customers can also take advantage of

the newly renovated boaters lounge, a heated swimming pool,

plenty of whirlpools, and a picnic area with gas grills.

For safety and security, the parking lots at Reefpoint Marina

have controlled access. In addition, Racine County Water

Safety patrol boats are in the water from April 1 to Nov. 1.

During the prime boating season extending from Memorial

Day through Labor Day, boats patrol the harbor from

11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and

from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

To further serve boaters, Reefpoint Marina offers a

convenience store and deli as well as a restaurant on

the second fl oor of the administration building. Within

walking distance from the downtown marina are numerous

restaurants, bars, taverns, cocktail lounges, and retail shops.

Downtown attractions open to the public include the Racine

Art Museum with one of North America’s most signifi cant

collection of contemporary crafts; the Racine Heritage

Museum, which exhibits Racine’s most famous people,

inventions, and history; and the Racine Zoological Gardens,

a 32-acre zoo housing more than 100 species of animals

native to Wisconsin and/or endangered species.

Slipholders can also take advantage of the many events

taking place in downtown Racine during the boating season.

These include First Friday’s food, drink and music festivals;

the Great Lakes Brew Fest taking place at the zoo; and Music

on the Monument, presenting live music from local and

national recording artists. In addition, slipholders can join

in the town’s Fourth of July parade and fi reworks.

For the boating enthusiast interested in joining up with fellow

boaters, Racine has three yacht clubs available to marina

customers. The Fifth Street Yacht Club and the Harbor Lite

Yacht Club are open to powerboaters, while the Racine Yacht

Club is open to sailboaters. The latter club holds sailing

races on Wednesday evenings during the summer and on

weekends. In addition, it offers a youth sailing school to

entice youngsters to get into sailing and a cruising fl eet

that tours Lake Michigan and environs.

Besides its many services and amenities, Reefpoint Marina

has a friendly staff of attentive dockhands and managers

dedicated to making the stay of marina customers a pleasant

and enjoyable experience. The staff pays special attention

to keeping the restrooms clean, the check-ins smooth and

easy, and the marina a place where everyone feels safe and

secure. With the ever-present hand of county offi cer Ladwig

overseeing the marina, it is fast becoming “the crown jewel

of marinas on the western shore of Lake Michigan.”

EEFPOINT ARINAR M evitalizedR

36 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

Great Lakes

The Waterloo

Development

Corp. (WDC),

a non-profi t

group, is working

with the city of

Waterloo, Iowa,

to install fl oating

docks in the

city’s downtown

area on the Cedar River, giving boaters a place to dock their

vessels while visiting downtown restaurants and attractions.

The city council approved the agreement, which calls for

WDC to use $41,391 from the gaming revenue it received from

the Isle Hotel Casino Waterloo to fund the fl oating docks.

The city will own the docks, handle the permitting process

with the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources, and be responsible

for removing the docks during the winter months.

The docks will initially provide space for six boats, but if

demand increases, they could be expanded quite easily.

Buck Clark, mayor of Waterloo, said the project is another

way to increase boating on the Cedar River. “I believe these

docks will be used and will bring people to the downtown

area,” Clark said.

Dan Wetters, WDC president, said the organization plans

to put more docks on the river as river use increases. He

added the new fl oating docks are an important fi rst step in

that direction.

WATERLOO PLANS TO ADD FLOATING DOCKS

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has begun

dredging the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal. The man-made

industrial channel, which links East Chicago and Whiting,

Ind., with Lake Michigan, has amassed so many toxic and

carcinogenic agents in its more than 100-year history that

the Environmental Protection Agency considers it to be the

most polluted in the Great Lakes area.

Approximately 4.6 million cubic yards of sediment from the

harbor and canal will be permanently stored in a 186-acre

confi ned disposal site in East Chicago.

USACE has estimated that it will take fi ve years of dredging

to reach an adequate depth for shipping vessels and 25 years

of annual dredging to maintain the waterways.

DREDGING BEGINS AT INDIANA HARBOR

Presque Isle State Park, a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula

that stretches into Lake Erie, was named one of the top

eight state parks for fi shing and boating in a nationwide

contest sponsored by the Recreational Boating & Fishing

Foundation (RBFF).

As part of its “Take Me Fishing” campaign, RBFF

sponsored an eight week promotion called “Nature’s

Waterpark Showdown” to boost awareness of state

parks and increase participation in the boating and

fi shing they offer.

Beginning on June 5, more than 150,000 Take Me Fishing

fans on Facebook voted for their favorite park in one of

eight regions in the U.S. Presque Isle State Park won in

the Northeast Region.

“Pennsylvanians and out-of-state tourists have long enjoyed

the beauty of Presque Isle State Park and the wide range of

family friendly fi shing and boating opportunities it offers,”

said John Arway, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish

and Boat Commission. “This contest demonstrates what

we’ve always known—that Presque Isle ranks among the

nation’s best state parks for outdoor recreation.”

Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many

recreational activities, including boating, fi shing, hiking,

bicycling and in-line skating. In addition, it has an educational

center at its entrance, the Ridge Education Center, that

teaches visitors about Presque Isle and the many different

forms of life that inhabit the peninsula.

PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK AMONG NATION’S TOP EIGHT

Jerry S

krypzak

S.O

.N.S

. of L

ake Erie


Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc., (BRP) said that it

is leaving the sportsboat business and is closing downing

its Benton, Ill. plant, where it employs about 350 people. All

affected employees will receive “a good transition package,”

according to the company, and BRP will continue to provide

parts and honor warranties for customers.

“This is a very diffi cult, but necessary decision for BRP,” said

Jose Boisjoli, president and CEO of the Valcourt, Québec.-

based company. “We looked for a buyer for our sportboat

business, but that effort proved unsuccessful.”

BRP got into the sportsboat business in 1995 when it

acquired Celebrity. BRP, the inventor of the snowmobile and

manufacturer of Sea-Doo watercraft, said that sales of jet-

driven boats, often used to waterski, never returned to their

pre-recession levels. The company itself fell 40 percent in

the six months after the fall of Lehman Brothers in 2008.

This is the second major decision the company has made as

part of its strategic review of its marine products business.

In May, the company announced that it would transfer its

Valcourt watercraft assembly operation to a plant in Mexico.

It will also stop producing its own accessories and clothes

and contract out the distribution of spare parts.

News reports indicated that BRP is

looking to move it resources into the

design and development of high-end

powersports vehicles such as the

Spyder, a three-wheeled roadster it

launched in 2007.

BRP CLOSES BENTON (ILL.) PLANT

Sea Tow Services International, Inc. announced that its

Automated Radio Check (ARC) service is now available to

boaters in Chicago harbors through Crowley’s Yacht Yard.

Boaters will be able to take advantage of this vital vessel

safety check by calling Channel 27 on their VHF radio.

Sea Tow’s ARC Service lets boaters easily check to see

whether their radio is in good working order by tuning the VHF

to Channel 27, keying the mic, and requesting a radio check.

Boaters will hear an automated response and their call will be

played back to them, confi rming that the radio is operational

and allowing them to assess transmission strength.

“We are happy to be able to provide the free ARC service

to local boaters and all other mariners passing through the

area,” said Elliott Anderson, general manager of Crowley’s

Yacht Yard. “A working VHF radio is one of the most important

pieces of safety equipment on any boat.”

FREE RADIO CHECK NOW IN CHICAGO

GRAND MARAIS COMPLETES BREAKWATERGrand Marais Harbor on Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula

of Michigan completed a new breakwater on September 12

when the last pieces of rocks were put in place. It has been

on the small community’s wish list for nearly fi ve decades.

The goal of the structure is to protect the harbor from the

rough waters of Lake Superior.

“I’m just so elated to have this project done,” said Jack

Hubbard, Burt Township Supervisor. “You have no idea how

beautiful this pile of rock looks to me and to the community.

We, once again, are going to have a safe harbor. I’m just

really proud of what we were able to do here.”

Hubbard has spent the past fi ve years leading the fi ght to

obtain funding for the project. The township and the state

spent more than $5 million on the breakwater. “I will never be

able to thank this community enough for the way they stood

behind me in this fi ght,” Hubbard refl ected.

As the community’s project wraps up, work has just begun

on a separate breakwater commissioned by the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers. The federal government has allocated

$1.6 million for the Corps to reconstruct 300 feet of its existing

breakwater. The Corps expects this project to be completed

by mid-November.

38 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced

on September 13 that two Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

(GLRI) grants totaling more than $1.7 million were given to

improve water quality in the Cleveland area.

The Chagrin River Watershed Partners Inc. received $770,250

to install green infrastructure projects in the Newell/Ward

Creek Watershed. Specifi cally, the grant will allow pervious

concrete to replace impervious surface material at the Great

Lakes Mall. This will allow stormwater to infi ltrate the ground

and reduce the amount of contaminants, such as sediment,

nitrogen and phosphorous, discharged from the watershed

into the Great Lakes.

A second grant of $996,902 was awarded to the Ohio EPA

to accelerate the implementation of “green” stormwater

practices in Cuyahoga County to reduce the amount of

contaminants discharged into the Cuyahoga River and

Lake Erie.

GLRI GRANTS GIVEN TO CLEVELAND AREA

Great Lakes

U.S., CANADA SIGN AMENDED GREAT LAKES ACCORDLisa P. Jackson, Environmental Protection Agency

administrator, and Peter Kent, Canada’s environment minister,

signed an amended environmental accord on the Great Lakes

on September 7, 40 years after the original Great Lakes Water

Quality Agreement was fi rst signed.

The amended agreement calls for both nations to continue to

improve their cleanup efforts on the Great Lakes. In addition,

it also calls for the two countries to commit themselves to

tackling new issues that have arisen since the fi rst agreement.

Among the issues noted in the agreement are climate change

and its impact on Great Lakes water levels, continuing and

strengthening efforts to stop the spread of invasive species

in the Great Lakes, and cleaning up toxic hot spots.

A professional chef cook-

off and public tasting

event, “A Salute to Lake

Superior’s Sustainable

Fisheries,” returns to the

University of Minnesota’s

Minneapolis campus on

Tues., Nov. 13, from 5 to

7:30 p.m. There, 10 of the

Midwest’s fi nest chefs

will compete for $1,000

and public approval by

turning Lake Superior’s

lake herring (aka cisco)

into haute cuisine.

Attendees will sample the

results of the competition

accompanied by the live music of acclaimed Minnesota

musician Michael Monroe.

The one-night event hosted by the University of Minnesota

Sea Grant Program spotlights the state’s seasonal

abundance of Lake Superior lake herring and celebrates

the people involved in managing, harvesting, studying and

preparing this sustainably harvested fi sh.

During the competitive part of the event, chefs such as

the Twin Cities’ Paul Lynch of Fire Lake Grill House and

Cocktail Bar will square off with Duluth’s Scott Graden of

the New Scenic Café and others who specialize in local

foods, sustainable harvests, and/or seafood. The judges

are Chef Don Miller, executive chef at the University of Notre

Dame, 2011 “Salute” winner Chef Ron Bohnert of Danny’s

Bar and Grill in Stillwater, and celebrated Twin Cities food

critic Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl.

The Salute involves fi shery experts, chef awards, door prizes,

a silent auction, and much more. Event sponsors include

Dockside Fish Market, Minnesota Zoo’s Fish Smart Program,

and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine.

Tickets for the event are $20 and are available through

Minnesota Sea Grant by calling 218-726-8106 or visiting

www.seagrant.umn.edu.

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS LAKE SUPERIOR FISH

Ch

ris J. Be

nso

n


ZEBRA MUSSEL FOUND IN IOWA LAKEFor the fi rst time in history, a zebra mussel was found alive

in one of Iowa’s Great Lakes, according to the Iowa Dept. of

Natural Resources (DNR).

The DNR collected a single live juvenile mussel from

Upper Gar Lake on a sampling plate used to monitor for

the presence or absence of zebra mussels. The agency

immediately conducted additional sampling on samplers

placed throughout the Okoboji chain of lakes and no veliger,

the microscopic larvae of zebra mussels, was found.

“There is a chance that this mussel came from a veliger

released into the water at a nearby boat ramp and that this

introduction may not result in an infestation,” said Mike

Hawkins, Spirit Lake District fi sheries biologist.

The DNR will continue to aggressively monitor the lakes for

the presence or absence of mussels and veligers and ask

lakeshore homeowners to check their boat hoists and docks

when removing them this fall. “These would be the likely

locations where zebra mussels would attach,” said Hawkins.

He added that while the fi nding is not good news, people

should not panic about the situation.

Currently, there is no effective way to eradicate or control the

mussels once they have infested a lake.

From May through September, boaters heading for the North

Channel of Lake Huron can stop off at Killarney, Ontario and

enjoy a restful time at Sportsman’s Inn, Resort & Marina,

a newly renovated facility designed to meet the needs of

transient boaters.

When Rachelle McConnell purchased the property in 2008,

Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina was not in good shape. A

boater all her life, McConnell was thrilled with the opportunity

to update, renovate, and expand this landmark property.

Two areas that McConnell did not touch in her renovation

effort were the fuel dock and the 141 boat docks located

on both sides of the channel, which were brand new when

McConnell purchased Sportsman’s, but they’re about the

only things she didn’t change.

Her fi rst task was to give the 12 waterfront suites a total

makeover so that Sportsman’s now offers 12 newly renovated

waterfront suites. Eight of them are queen-sized, two of

them are king-sized, and two more are two-bedroom suites.

McConnell also updated a fi ve-room motel and built a state-

of-the-art spa complex where boaters can relax in luxury

during their stay.

In 2011, McConnell built a large garage-like building that

serves as headquarters for her staff. It has 13 rooms and has

been a real plus for attracting people to work at Sportsman’s.

The marina has 141 slips that are all set aside for transient

boaters and can accommodate boats up to 160 feet long.

There are permanent docks facing the waterfront and fl oating

docks across the channel. The marina offers 30-, 50-, and

100-amp service to all boaters and running water only at the

fl oating docks.

To make the marina more attractive to transients, McConnell

added a spacious ship’s store, redid the restrooms and

showers and built a new laundry room knowing from her

boating experience how important clean restrooms and

laundry facilities are to transient boaters.

The marina’s busiest days are on Mondays and Tuesdays, but

Sportsman’s has a unique offering for boaters every night of

their stay—a boat theater. Boaters can simply turn on their

radios and listen to and watch fi rst-run movies.

Overall, McConnell has enjoyed the opportunity to restore

Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina to its former greatness

as a stopover point for

transient boaters on their

way to the North Channel

of Lake Huron.

sportsmansinn.ca

SPORTSMAN’S INN RESORT AND MARINA HAS PLENTY TO OFFER BOATERS

40 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

Fishing

For the fi rst time in the history of professional walleye and

bass circuit fi shing, a female angler has won the “Angler of

the Year” award. With a second place fi nish in the last fi shing

tournament on the circuit, Marianne Huskey became the fi rst

female to win the year-long title in the AIM Pro Walleye Series.

“It means so much to be the fi rst woman to ever accomplish

this,” said Huskey. “I hope this helps change the mindset for

some women, giving them confi dence to take the boat and

fi sh on their own.”

Lund Boats, sponsor of Huskey and the AIM Pro Walleye

Series, presented Huskey with a $10,000 check for winning

the Angler of the Year award.

FEMALE ANGLER WINS PRO TOUR HONOR

MAGELLAN AND FISHING HOT SPOTS HELP ANGLERS Magellan, maker of GPS devices for mobile navigation, has

partnered with Fishing Hot Spots®, the nation’s leading

source of ‘where-to’ fi shing information, to provide anglers

with content for the Magellan® eXplorist® GPS devices that

will help them catch fi sh in the best locations.

Fishing Hot Spots is available for Magellan’s eXplorist 310,

510, 610 and 710 devices, delivers high-quality digital maps,

provides information on America’s prime fi shing lakes and

offers other valuable fi shing-related content.

Fishing Hot Spots features extensively researched

fi shing information including detailed profi les of shoreline

characteristics, water depth and contours and submerged

cover/vegetation. Specifi c tips on the lake help the angler

identify the fi sh species, seasonal fi shing patterns and the

best baits and lures to achieve the greatest success. Fishing

points of interest and other interesting fi shery data are

included to inform anglers about where particular fi sh are

typically found, primary species and average sizes, tackle

techniques and stocking practices.

Fishing Hot Spots Lakes for Magellan’s eXplorist GPS devices

offers consumers their choice of single lake maps and fi shing

content for $9.99 each, downloadable at www.MagellanGPS.

com/specialty-maps. Fishing Hot Spots PRO USA features

approximately 6,000 lakes across the U.S.

MINNESOTA DEALER IS DECONTAMINATION SITE

A boat dealer in Minnesota that was concerned with the

state’s minimal efforts to stop the spread of zebra mussels

and other aquatic invasive species (AIS), has set up a

decontamination site that’s available to the public.

Minnesota Inboard Water Sports in Excelsior, Minn., has set

up the decontamination site. “This new service is available

from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and we specialize

in decontaminating wakeboard boats,” said Joe Mueller of

Minnesota Inboard Water Sports.

For much less than the cost of a tank of gas, boaters can

have their boats decontaminated while they wait or they can

drop their vessels off and pick them up later.

The new service is the fi rst of its kind, and is a joint venture

with the Christmas Lake Homeowners Association, a

nonprofi t group of lakeshore owners dedicated to preserving

the quality of the lake. The boat dealership is located less

than one mile from public access to Christmas Lake. The

location makes it convenient for wakeboarders and others

that use the lake to decontaminate their boats before entering

the public waters of Christmas Lake.

Minnesota’s DNR has limited free decontamination

capabilities and doesn’t have a permanent decontamination

station, which makes it diffi cult for boaters to fi nd out where

they can get their boats decontaminated.


STUDY FINDS MORE PEOPLE FISHING More people are fi shing, hunting, and getting outdoors

today than they were fi ve years ago, which is great news for

America’s economy, according to a preliminary report issued

by the Dept. of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

The study reported that 91.1 million Americans participated in

some form of outdoor activity in 2011.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2011 National Survey of

Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife found that the number of people

fi shing grew 11 percent between 2006 and 2011, according to

Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior.

A key fi nding of the report was that more than 33 million

Americans 16 and older went fi shing in 2011.These people

spent $45 billion on trips, equipment, licenses and other

items, an average of $1,262 per angler.

One state that did not go along with nationwide upward trend

in fi shing was Iowa, which saw a decline in the number of

anglers last year. The state’s Dept. of Natural Resources

(DNR) said this drop was an aberration due to widespread

periodic fl ooding and expects a rebound in 2012.

Iowa’s DNR said the number of fi shing licenses sold in the

state dropped from 310,000 in 2007 to 297,000 in 2011, a

drop of 4 percent.

CRESTLINER’S GRAND PRIZE WINNER

When Curt Plzak reeled in a 41.5-inch pike during his Ontario

vacation last July, he quickly noticed it was the biggest fi sh

he had ever caught. Little did he know it would generate even

more excitement come September.

On Sept. 17, Crestliner Boats President Ben Cast selected

Plzak’s name in the grand prize drawing of the second annual

Trumped Online Fishing tournament. Plzak secured his spot

in the drawing when his pike earned second place on the

leaderboard in August, and stayed there through the end of

the tournament.

Plzak’s name was selected from a pool of 40 names,

comprised of the top fi ve anglers on each leaderboard for

walleye, pike, bass and crappie, taken from both halves of

the 123-day competition. The random drawing was performed

by pulling one lure from 40 that were placed in the fi lled

livewell of a 1650 Fish Hawk. Each lure had a number that

corresponded to one of the 40 fi nalists.

Plzak chose a new Crestliner 16 Kodiak Side Console with

a Mercury 25EL 4-Stroke and a ShoreLand’r CRV15AL Black

Bunk Trailer—not a typical vacation “souvenir,” but he’s

not complaining!

MINNESOTA INCREASES FISHING LICENSE FEESBeginning in March

2013, the price of

Minnesota hunting

and fi shing licenses

will increase,

the Minnesota

Department of

Natural Resources

(DNR) said.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed a House- and Senate-approved bill

in 2012 that, among other things, raises the cost of an annual

resident fi shing license from $17 to $22. Most resident youth

hunting and fi shing licenses will be $5 or free. Youth under 16

do not need a fi shing or small game hunting license.

Fishing, hunting and conservation organizations widely

supported the license fee increases because the last general

license fee increase was approved in 2000 and implemented

in 2001.

Enacting the license fee bill maintains the solvency of

the state’s Game and Fish Fund for the remainder of this

biennium, which ends June 30, 2013. New revenue will begin

to come into the game and fi sh fund in March 2013. The DNR

estimates the fees will generate about $5 million in fi scal 2013

and approximately $10 million per year in following years.

Min

ne

sota D

NR

42 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

Marinas

Bluewater Marina in Bayfi eld,

Ontario received the prestigious

Blue Flag designation from

Canada’s Environmental Defence

earlier this year, and fl ew the

exclusive international Blue Flag

during the 2012 summer season, designating it as a place that

follows and implements the highest environmental standards.

Only 3,700 beaches and marinas in 46 countries worldwide

have succeeded in attaining this coveted certifi cation.

Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas that

meet strict criteria that cover everything from water quality

to environmental programs. They are certifi ed by two

independent juries—the Blue Flag Great Lakes Regional

Jury and the International Blue Flag Jury. Beaches and

marinas can lose their Blue Flag during the season if they fail

to meet the required standards. Environmental Defence is the

Canadian operator of the Blue Flag program.

Steve McAuley, who is the municipality’s chief administrative

offi cer, said the new operator of the Bluewater Marina, Ron

Reder, is committed to the Blue Flag program. For 2012, only

three marinas in Ontario received the Blue Flag designation.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based

in Denmark, owns and has operated the Blue Flag

Program since 1987. The foundation is a not-for-profi t,

non-governmental organization consisting of member

organizations representing 63 countries worldwide.

FEE delivers education about the environment and

sustainable development.

ONTARIO MARINA FLIES BLUE FLAG

James Street Marina in DePere, Wis., got three new piers to

help both pedestrians and boaters. The new piers were put

into the Fox River Harbor in the hope that recreational boaters

might stop here on their way either to or from the DePere

Locks on the Fox River. They also give pedestrians a good

place to view activities on the Fox River.

The new piers were ready for boaters at the end of September,

and were funded by private funds. Steve Seidl, a real estate

broker, and other water enthusiasts approached the City

Council earlier this year with the idea of improving the river

shoreline by adding the new piers. The Council told Seidl the

project could proceed as long as the city didn’t have to pay

for it.

Seidl and others organized a fund drive that produced the

$100,000 needed to put in the new piers. Their hope is that

the piers will entice boaters to dock their vessels at the new

piers and visit DePere’s retail and commercial businesses.

DEPERE GETS NEW PIERS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the

Illinois EPA began dredging work in September to remove

contaminated sediment from the Outboard Marine Corp.

(OMC) site at Waukegan Harbor. Work should be completed

in the late summer of 2013, clearing the way for the harbor

to be delisted as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC).

Many of the boat slips in the marina’s North Harbor have

been removed to better dredge that area. Current work will

continue until winter, when it will be shut down. The project

will restart in May 2013 and is expected to be completed by

the end of the summer. Total dredging time will be 120 days,

and the use of marina slips and a public beach will not be

affected by the dredging.

Two hydraulic dredges will mix dredged material with harbor

water to create a slurry that will be pumped out of the harbor

at a rate of 1,800 gallons per minute and over to the former

OMC Plant 2 site for processing.

The Federal EPA announced the Waukegan Harbor site as

one of nine AOCs targeted for cleanup and delisting by 2014

under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

DREDGING AT WAUKEGAN HARBOR

EP

A


When Hoppies Marine Services on the Mississippi River near

Kimmiwick Mo., closed its boat launch ramp in August, few

people would have noticed except that the American Great

Loop Cruisers Association (AGLCA) considers it one of the

most vital spots for its boaters.

Charles and Fern Hopkins, who own the business that

consists of boat slips, a fuel dock, and the boat launch ramp,

blame the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for bringing

increased silt and reduced water levels to the facility. In

2009, USACE added three rock dikes just to the south of the

marine business, and the Hopkins claim this has resulted in

unwanted silting.

Since USACE’s action, Charles Hopkins said the marina

has lost half the water depth at its docks, which are

floating barges connected together. In addition, they have

had to move yearly marina customers from the shore side

to other areas because the water is so shallow and the

boat launch ramp is unusable. As a result, Hoppies has

lost half its business.

AGLCA entered the picture after the boat ramp closed

because Hoppies Marine it is the only spot with fuel, water,

and docking capabilities for 150 miles until AGLCA boaters

reach Kentucky Lake.

When AGLCA discovered that Hoppies Marine Services might

close for good due to the shoaling problem, the organization

sent a petition with more than 300 AGLCA member signatures

to USACE urging the agency to remove the dikes and dredge

the marina.

HOPPIES MARINE SERVICE CLOSED

Port Washington (Wis.) announced that a much discussed

park plan has been approved and the park will open in June

2013, according to news reports.

Coal Dock Park will have two sections named the north and

south coal docks.

Work on the north coal dock, which includes walking trails

and a bird sanctuary, has been completed and it is now

open to the public. Work on the south coal dock park, which

includes expanded marina space, fi shing access, a harbor

walk, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the north and south

coal docks, is ongoing, but should be completed in time for

a June 2013 opening.

Efforts to build Coal Dock Park have been stalled in recent

years due to a lack of funding. It is now moving forward,

however, due to grants from the Wis. Dept. of Natural

Resources Stewardship and Coastal Management Fund.

Port Washington’s city council said it is looking into naming

options for the park, but for now it will go by the historical

Coal Dock Park designation.

PORT WASHINGTON TO OPEN COAL DOCK PARK

PLANS FOR MINNESOTA MARINA MOVE FORWARDThe Forest Lake (Minn.) Park Board has negotiated a tentative

agreement with a management company to build and manage

a 24-slip marina in downtown Forest Lake. Before the contract

can be implemented, the Forest Lake City Council and the

Forest Lake Park Board must approve it.

If the board and the City Council approve the agreement,

the operator, Your Boat Club of Minneapolis, which operates

boat clubs on six lakes and the St. Croix River, would have

to apply for a conditional-use permit, which would require

approval from both the city’s planning commission and

council members.

News reports said the marina plan has sparked debate

among residents. Those who oppose it cite concerns about

additional boat traffi c, parking and possible fuel spills. Those

in favor believe the marina would bring new business for

downtown shops and restaurants.

The marina would occupy less than 20,000 sq. ft. and half

of its slips would be for club members and the rest would

be available to the public at resident and non-resident rates.

The city would receive a fi rst-year payment of $10,000, and

subsequent smaller yearly payments based on slip rentals.

44 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

National

BAJA MARINE ACQUIRES ASSETS OF DONZI, FOUNTAIN AND PRO-LINEPerformance boat builder Baja Marine, Inc. announced it

has acquired the assets of boat companies Donzi Marine,

Fountain Powerboats and Pro-Line Boats from American

Marine Holdings, Inc. All four brands will operate as

independent entities and will be headquartered at the

Baja Marine facility in Washington, N.C.

The acquisition was prompted by ongoing demand by

customers and marine dealers for new boats from Donzi,

Fountain and Pro-Line since American Marine Holdings

suspended production of these brands in 2011, according to

Baja Marine CEO Johnny Walker.

The Baja Marine plant currently is building Bajas from 23 to

35 feet in four model lines: Outlaw, Performance, Islander

and the new GT Series. Walker announced that plans were

being formulated to re-launch the other three brands during

calendar year 2013. “We are excited to get these brands back

in production. They are the most recognized names in the

marine industry,” Walker said.

HAGERTY’S 2012 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEESThe 2012 inductees into

the Hagerty Classic

Marine Hall of Fame

were announced last

Sept. at the ACBS

International Meeting

in Table Rock Lake,

Mo. Founded in 2009,

the Hall of Fame pays

tribute to individuals and

organizations that have

signifi cantly contributed

to the preservation and

awareness of the classic

boating lifestyle. This year’s inductees include author Tony

Mollica, ACBS Toronto co-founder Ken MacStephen and the

Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, N.Y.

“The infl uence that the 2012 inductees have had on the hobby

is remarkable, and each has displayed their passion for

classic boats in their own, unique way,” said Hagerty Classic

Marine Insurance founder Louise Hagerty. “Tony Mollica

shares his love for antique boats through his writing, Ken

MacStephen brought Canadian wooden-boat enthusiasts

together, and the Antique Boat Museum offers a place to

showcase the beauty and history of classic boats.”

Complete written and video biographies can be viewed at

www.hagertymarine.com.

EUROPEAN ELECTRIC PROPULSION COMES HERE

Clean eMarine, a Danish manufacturer of Thoosa and Triton

marine electric propulsion systems, signed an agreement with

Clean eMarine Americas, an Annapolis, Md.-based company,

to produce and assemble the Thoosa and Triton systems in

St. Petersburg, Fla. by the end of 2012.

Lars Drybo Fredricksen, CEO of Clean eMarine, and Sally

Reuther, CEO of Clean eMarine Americas, said the rising

costs of shipping systems from Denmark to the U.S.

prompted the establishment of a U.S. production facility.

“We have been offering these high-quality, Danish-designed

systems to boat owners in the U.S. since 2010,” said Reuther.

“Now we are able to do so more competitively by producing

them in St. Petersburg and distributing them though our

regional distributors in North America.”

The facility should be online by the end of the year to

produce, assemble and test the electric propulsion systems,

allowing the company to meet systems sales at the Fall 2012

boat shows.


KCS INTERNATIONAL REBRANDS AZURE LINEKCS International Inc. (KCS), parent company of Cruisers

Yachts and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, announced that

the recently acquired Azure Sport Boats line will be renamed

Cruisers Sport Series in order to refl ect the true essence of

the Cruisers Yachts craftsmanship. The acquisition means the

Cruisers name now offers a full product line of vessels from

22 to 54 feet.

KCS began producing the sport series nine months ago, and

all manufacturing has been moved to the parent Oconto,

Wis. facility. After announcing the release of the 2013 Azure

models, built by KCS, the industry identifi ed the same level of

quality craftsmanship and standard amenities in the Cruisers

Yachts line.

“The Cruisers Sport Series models, like all of our boats,

showcase our superior workmanship and unique product

development, because of our fi rst-class manufacturing

team in Wisconsin,” declared Mark Pedersen, president

of KCS International Inc. “It is imperative that our customers

understand that these sport boats are members of

the Cruisers family and refl ect the same quality and

innovative design.”

GRANTS WILL HELP COMPLETE TALL SHIP Before the New

Year, Oliver Hazard

Perry Rhode Island

(OHPRI), the non-

profi t organization

behind Rhode

Island’s offi cial sailing

education vessel SSV

Oliver Hazard Perry,

hopes to have two new challenge grants matched, which will

generate nearly $1.2 million in new contributions.

An anonymous donor gave two matching grants of up to

$750,000 as a way to encourage contributions from $1,000

to $500,000 to help complete construction of the tall ship for

commissioning in July 2013. The deadline for matching the

challenge grants is Dec. 31, 2012.

According to Bart Dunbar, OHPRI Chairman, these two new

challenge grants, called the Plank Owner Challenge and the

Shipbuilding Syndicate Challenge, are further evidence that

people are very committed to seeing this project through to a

successful completion. Upon commissioning, the SSV Oliver

Hazard Perry will sail as a 196-foot long, 13-story tall ship

offering experience-based education programs onboard.

The Plank Owner Challenge: OHPRI offers Plank Owner

recognition for donors who pledge between $1,000 and

$20,000 for more than two years.

The Shipbuilding Syndicate Challenge: For all new donations

and two-year pledges between $25,000 and $500,000, the

anonymous donor will commit a 50 percent match up to

$250,000. Once fulfi lled, this challenge will produce $750,000

toward the project.

ohpri.org // 401-841-0080

NEW SAILING & BOATING WEATHER SERVICEWeather Underground has

launched a new Sailing &

Boating weather page. The

site provides boaters with

detailed, up-to-the minute

local weather information

along with specialist

marine data from partner

ActiveCaptain. The service

can be found under the

Travel and Activities section

of the site or at www.wunderground.com/sailing-weather.

Weather Underground’s network of 16,000 personal weather

stations across the U.S. reports current wind speed and

direction readings, and generates the most localized and

reliable coastal weather forecasts. The detailed wave graphs

separate out swell and wind waves to effectively prepare

sailors for conditions out on the water. Tide charts also allow

users to view both historical and future tidal data.

ActiveCaptain provides specialized, local marine information

that is plotted on an interactive map. Featured data points

include the nearest marinas, as well as the nearest anchorage

and marine hazards. Weather Underground’s animated radar

and satellite data are also available as extra layers on

the maps.

46 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

Sailing

THE MOORINGS’ PRICE PROMISE PROGRAM The Moorings has introduced a new Price Promise program—

an assurance to customers that should the cost of their

Crewed Yacht charter go down in price at any time up to 30

days before their departure date, they will be reimbursed with

benefi ts equivalent in value.

The Price Promise allows for reimbursement through benefi ts

that include yacht upgrades, food and beverage options,

water toys and more. The Moorings will issue the price

difference in the form of a credit for vacations reserved before

Nov. 30, 2012.

This program encourages customers to book their yacht

charter early and be assured of receiving the best value. Not

only will travelers be protected by the Price Promise, but they

will also have fl exible charter dates, with the ability to make

changes to their yacht charter reservation up to 90 days prior

to their departure date with no change fees.

Customers can now secure their booking at an early date

knowing they have the convenient fl exibility to select the best

travel dates, yachts and cost of airfare.

moorings.com // 800-535-7289

The 20th Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta, which will take

place from February 7 to 10 in Antigua, is about to become a

major international sailing festival.

A new company will be formed to contract with Mainstay

Caribbean, an event marketing and management company

based in Antigua, to deliver the event both on the water

and on the shore. It will include three days of professionally

managed racing for boats with a maximum 10-foot draft.

Classes will be available for CSA-rated boats, bareboats,

Carriacou sloops, Lasers, Dragons and other one-design

boats and dinghies. A pursuit race series will also be held for

those who prefer individual starts to fl eet starts. This event

will also feature a poker run which, along with the dinghy

racing, will provide spectator opportunities.

There will be plenty of parties and shoreside activities for

sailors and non-sailors alike.

Jolly Harbour, Antigua, is a picturesque Caribbean racing and

cruising destination for yachtsmen. It features a world-class

marina and boatyard, a safe harbor, a commercial center, an

18-hole golf course and two beautiful beaches. The marina is

only steps from bars, restaurants and shops.

Bring your own boat, charter a bareboat or fully-equipped

racing charter boat, or secure a place on one of the boats

that charter individual spots.

VALENTINE’S REGATTA IN ANTIGUA

INAUGURAL EUROPEAN MULTIHULL RACEA totally innovative festival, the fi rst edition

of the Route des Princes, will take place in

Europe from June 9 to 29, 2013. An event

dedicated entirely to multihulls measuring

in excess of 40 feet, it will represent a tour

of Europe’s regions. Spanning Valencia

(Spain) and the bay of Morlaix (Brittany),

via Lisbon (Portugal), Cork (Ireland) and

Plymouth (England), the route will provide

a comprehensive racecourse, punctuated

by special events at each of the stopovers.

Each host town and city will have the

chance to show off its riches: agricultural,

gastronomic, traditional or cultural. Each

stopover will correspond with an

already existing, well-established event

for the people: the giant paëllas and

grand chef competition in Valencia, the

City Festival in Lisbon, the concerts in

Cork, the Barbican festival in Plymouth

and France’s grand fi nale, the “Entre

Terre et Mer” (’Twixt Land and Sea)

festival, which will transform the bay

of Morlaix into a community of sailors,

fi shermen and farmers. The race

village will be at the very hub of the

entertainment program.

Jod

y Sallo

ns-D

ayjollyharbourregatta.com


2013 ST. MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTAThe St. Maarten Heineken

Regatta is an outstanding

sailing event for every type

of sailor from professional

sailors and boat owners

to business owners and

their friends who want to

charter a boat. It is known

as one of the “must do”

events in the Caribbean,

and the 2013 race, which

will be held from Feb.

28 to March 3, promises

a perfect combination

of topnotch sailing during the day and fabulous parties at

night. The Regatta had close to 200 entries from 32 different

countries in 2012, which makes it the biggest Regatta in

the Caribbean.

St. Maarten offers ideal sailing conditions with trade winds

coming from the northeast, an average temperature of 77°F

and many marine facilities. Besides sailing, St. Maarten offers

something for everyone: tax free shopping, gourmet dining,

a golf course, water sports, white sandy beaches and hotels

and villas to provide accommodations, so this event will be

enjoyable for the participant’s family and friends as well.

heinekenregatta.com

QUANTUM KEY WEST 2013Kicking off the new year

is Quantum Key West,

North America’s fi rst

major regatta of the

winter season. Now in

its 26th year, this event,

which will be held from

Jan. 20 to 25, offers fi ve

full race days and world

class competition. Participants will enjoy shore side parties in

this warm water, vacation destination.

Racing sailors from across the country and around the world

will gather to compete during the day and enjoy Key West

at night.

One Design, IRC, and PHRF fl eets featuring the latest

designs and technology will gather for championship caliber

competition conducted by Premiere Racing’s highly regarded

race management team.

premiere-racing.com // 781-639-9545

The Great Lakes Cruising Club School has expanded its

webinar curriculum for 2012-13. Boaters may choose from

more than 40 webinar tutorials conducted by experienced

GLCC-accredited sail or power boating colleagues and

industry specialists.

Live, real time on-screen presentations with visual aids allow

participants to interact with the instructor and each other in

a virtual classroom. Sessions typically run 60 to 90 minutes,

and only require a computer with speakers, browser and a

reasonable-speed Internet connection.

This year’s topics include introductions to several new

subjects such as Solar Power, Safety for Cruising Couples,

Using (and when not to use) Weather GRIBs, Fiberglass and

Epoxy Repair, Radar-Assisted Navigation, and more, along

with a newly-extended complement of Great Lakes cruising

webinars and related tutorials such as marine weather,

negotiating locks, boat and engine maintenance, energy

management, provisioning, and refrigeration.

GLCC School webinars are open to all, whether a Great Lakes

Cruising Club member or not. For members of the United

States Power Squadrons (USPS) or the Canadian Power

and Sail Squadrons (CPS), there’s new reciprocal education

agreements with both

organizations whereby

active USPS and CPS

members can also enjoy

the same membership

discounts for GLCC

School webinars as do

GLCC members.

For further information and a listing of subjects, instructors,

and costs, visit www.GLCCSchool.com. To sign up for classes

and receive notifi cation of upcoming webinars, participants

must register online. Web site registration is free.

GLCC EXPANDS ITS ON-LINE SCHOOL

NE

WP

RO

DU

CT

S

48 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

PROPELLER PROTECTORThe new Blackfi n™ Blade Saver is specifi cally designed to

protect propellers on outboard motors with less than 70 hp.

The unique swing-back design of the high-impact, composite

material Blade Saver adds even greater propeller protection

when plowing into objects under water. Easy to install, the

equipment fi ts two sizes of small outboard lower unit gear

housings (10.5 to 8.5 inches and 8 to 6.5 inches).

Available at leading marine retailers and online.

$99.95 // 334-612-0859 // regardingtheoutdoors.com

CAPTAIN’S LICENSE COURSESMariners Learning System™ has released “Captain in a Box,”

a new line of courseware that contains everything a student

needs to successfully navigate the Captain’s License process.

In addition to online access to interactive software, it also

provides students with study guides, checklists, charts, plotting

tools, mobile applications, and more. There are two versions of

the “Captain in a Box” training system. One prepares students

for the OUPV/six-pack license program. The second provides

the resources needed to obtain the 25/50/100 Ton Master

License. Students can access courses on a MAC, PC, smart

phone, iPad, or tablet.

$595/$325 a version // 866-732-2278 // marinerslearningsystem.com

ANTENNA/RADIO TESTERThe ART-3 Antenna/Radio Tester is a quick and simple way to

measure VHF radio and antenna system performance.

The pocket-sized ART-3 measures radio output power, antenna

VSWR (effi ciency), and receiver functionality using simple

switches and a dial knob. The sturdy die-cast aluminum device

displays RF output power up to 30 watts on an easy-to-read,

built-in scale.

The tester can be connected to the onboard 12V DC power

supply via an included power cable or run off its internal

battery. The unit’s battery level and the ship’s 12V DC power

level can be checked through a switch on the unit itself.

$144.95 // 803-227-1590 // shakespeare-marine.com

PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON The McMurdo Fast Find 220 is a powerful distress beacon that

alerts search and rescue authorities when no other forms of

communication are available. The unit uses the 406 MHz search

and rescue satellite communication system, COSPAS SARSAT,

and It also transmits a 121.5MHz homing signal.

Waterproof to 10 meters and operational in temperatures as

low as -4°, the 220 will transmit for a minimum of 24 hours at a 5

watt output. It weighs 5.4 oz. and measures 1.34” x 1.85” x 4.17”.

The Fast Find 220 PLB has no subscription charges and

includes a fl otation pouch, lanyard and universal carry pouch.

$299 // +44 23 9262 3900 // fast findplb.com

FOOT-OPERATED PEDESTALSecurity Structures LLC has developed a foot-operated pedestal

that is easy to use, extremely durable in the marine environment

and has a travel range of 10.5 inches, with adjustment locks every

1.75 inches.

By using a foot lever to disengage and engage the telescoping

tubes, a person can grip the seat or table, press down on the

foot lever and adjust the height. Mechanical pins provide positive

locking that will not loosen or slip.

The top of the pedestal has a 2.875-inch diameter for fi tting into

conventional seats or a fl at plate for bolting.

$495 // 410-867-3516 // bolsters.com

STRONG LIFTING EYE Accon Marine's Extra-Large Round Lifting Eye provides durable

lifting power combined with a sleek appearance. When tested

with grade-8 bolts, the bolts failed at 36,000 pounds, while the

lifting eye was still useable.

Constructed from 316 stainless steel parts with lifting hardware

made from 304 stainless steel, its solid casting sling provides

increased strength.

Easy to install, it only requires a 3.25-inch diameter hole. The

Lifting Eye fastens to the deck with four #10 screws. Standard

rod length is 12 inches with custom rod lengths available.

$416.09 // 727-572-9202 // acconmarine.com


50 GLB | Nov/Dec 12

BO

AT

CA

RE

& F

EE

DIN

G

IMPROVED WIPER ARMSSchmitt & Ongaro Marine Products offer upgrades to heavy-

duty adjustable tip wiper arms that improve their performance.

Adjustable tips on the Deluxe Ultra HD single and parallel

wiper arms swivel with the wiper blade to better clear water

from the windshield and are now made of marine-grade

stainless steel. The follower arm looks more like the drives,

and is stronger and stiffer for less bounce on the windshield.

Both the single and parallel arm versions come in two

models, adjusting from 12.5 inches to 18.5 inches and 19

inches to 24 inches. With a 5/8-inch shaft, these arms can

replace all competitive arms on HD motors.

From $58 // 866-724-6488 // schmit tsteering.com

ELIMINATE MOISTURE AND ODORSPINGI is one of the most advanced dehumidifi er technologies

on the market. It uses a silica gel that absorbs moisture

naturally and is completely safe in boats, even those with

children and pets. An easy-to-read indicator alerts users when

the product is full of moisture; it recharges in just minutes in

the microwave for repeated use.

Three models that protect areas from 350 to 900 cubic feett

provide a convenient, economical way to keep boats mold-

and odor-free year round.

$8.99 to $14.99 // 949-723-1919 // pinginorthamerica.com

INTERLUX® COPPER-FREE MICRON® CF Interlux® Micron CF provides multi-seasonal performance,

reduced maintenance and the ability to haul and re-launch

without the need to repaint. The self-smoothing characteristics

of the paint help maximize fuel effi ciencies for the boat owner.

This paint is also formulated using less solvent, which means

it meets the VOC regulations in all of the U.S.

Suitable for all types of boats, all substrates and all waters, it

will be available only in the U.S. in gallons in the following

colors: crisp black, shell white, red, green and blue.

908-686-1300 // yachtpaint.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 Jan./Feb. 2013 issue must be received by Dec. 10, 2012.

Complimentary 25-word classified boat advertisements and PHOTO in the Jan./Feb. 2013 issue.

(NO STRINGS ATTACHED!)

GOT A BOAT TO SELL?FREE ADS

52 GLB| Nov/Dec 12

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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Advertiser Index1,000 Islands 31

Chicago Harbors/Westrec 3

Chicago Yacht Yard 54

Chris Craft 16, 17

Cruisers Sport Series 1

Essex Credit 5

North Point Marina IFC

Northport Bay Boat Yard 51

Progressive Insurance 21

Racine Reefpoint Marina 35

Sportsman’s Inn BC

Spring Brook Marina 56

Take Me Fishing 25, IBC

Waukegan Harbor 7

Ad i I d

MISCELLANEOUSEquipment: Antique Steering Wheel

Assembly - $425. (see photo below), early 1900s cable-type steering column - $200, brass lamps & bells. Wayne, 320-226-8583.

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A MARINA?

CONTACT: Eddy A. Dingman, CNSLic: Marina Realestate/Business Broker

847-987-6626 [email protected]

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL, NRTNATIONAL MARINA PROPERTIES GROUP

Financing available to qualifi ed buyersVisit: http://golfcourseandmarinasales.com

POWERBOATS1988 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 Lander trailer.

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)

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.

1991 56’ Ocean: 3 staterooms w/full baths, salon seats 12. Excellent exec/entertainment yacht. Many recent upgrades. Great Lakes vessel, Ontario. Call 416-571-8147; email [email protected]. $269,000.

(See photo below)


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NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARYFLORIDANOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 2ST. PETERSBURG POWER & SAILBOAT SHOW

Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mafaffey Theater Yacht Basin &Albert Whitted Parkshowmanagement.com

JANUARY 20-25QUANTUM KEY WEST 2013Various venuesKey Westpremiere-racing.com

ILLINOISJANUARY 9-13PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CHICAGO BOAT, SPORTS & RV SHOW

McCormick PlaceChicagochicagoboatshow.com

JANUARY 24-27PROGRESSIVE STRICTLY SAIL CHICAGO

Navy PierChicagostrictlysailchicago.com

IOWAJANUARY 11-13QUAD CITY BOAT RV & VACATION SHOW

River Center Convention CenterDavenportiowashows.com

JANUARY 18-20IOWA BOAT, RV & VACATION SHOW

UNI-DomeCedar Fallsiowashows.com

KENTUCKYJANUARY 23-27PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE LOUISVILLE

BOAT, RV & SPORTSHOW

Kentucky Exposition CenterLouisvillelouisvilleboatrvshow.com

MICHIGANJANUARY 10-13ULTIMATE FISHING SHOW

Suburban Collection ShowplaceNovishowspan.com

FEBRUARY 13-17

GRAND RAPIDS BOAT SHOW

Devos PlaceGrand Rapidsgrboatshow.com

MINNESOTAJANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 3PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE MINNEAPOLIS BOAT SHOW

Minneapolis Convention CenterMinneapolisminneapolisboatshow.com

JANUARY 10-13MINNESOTA SPORTSMAN’S BOAT, CAMPING & VACATION SHOW

St. Paul RiverCentre St. Paul stpaulsportshow.com

MISSOURIJANUARY 10-13PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE KANSAS CITY BOAT & SPORTSHOW

Bartle HallKansas City

kansascitysportshow.com

NEW YORKJANUARY 3-6PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE NEW YORK BOAT SHOW

Jacob Javits Convention CenterNew Yorknewyorkboatshow.com

OHIOJANUARY 5-13, 2013

OHIO RV & BOAT SHOW

Ohio Expo CenterColumbusohiorvandboatshow.com

JANUARY 17-21MID-AMERICA BOAT AND FISHING SHOW

I-X CenterBrookparkclevelandboatshow.com

JANUARY 18-20SANDUSKY BOAT SHOW

Kalahari ResortsSanduskyexpoinc.com/boatshow

JANUARY 18-20CINCINNATI TRAVEL, SPORTS

& BOAT SHOW

Duke Energy CenterCincinnatihartproductions.com

TENNESSEEJANUARY 10-13PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE NASHVILLE BOAT & SPORTSHOW

Nashville Convention Center

Nashvillenashvilleboatshow.com

WISCONSINJANUARY 18-27

MILWAUKEE BOAT SHOW

Expo Center State Fair ParkWest Allismilwaukeeboatshow.com

CANADAJANUARY 12-20TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Direct Energy CentreToronto, Ontariotorontoboatshow.com

november/december_2012

Documents

face of great lakes

rights of great lakes

canw h e r e b o

cruisers sport series

cruisers yachts models

complete cruisers experience

kcs international

live fi