Lakeland Boating April 2012

PORT CLINTON, OH: WORLD’S WALLEYE CAPITAL

Huron

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Ontario

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Michigan

Erie

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Superior

THE SLEEK & SEXY

SUNSEEKER PORTOFINO 48 P. 20

1,000S

OF BOATS

FOR

SALE

GET READY FOR THE SEASON P. 26 CHOOSING A MARINE BATTERY

APRIL 2012 LAKELANDBOATING.COM

P. 30

DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 30, 2012

Chaparral

Hacker-Craft

Viking

CUSTOM YACHTS OF DISTINCTION SINCE 1863

More than a pretty yacht For almost 150 years Burger has been building yachts that travel to destinations around the world, including the scenic Great Lakes.

Conveniently located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Burger offers new yacht construction as well as refit, repair and maintenance to all variety of vessels.

Discover Burger. Discover yachting.

burgerboat.com

+1 (920) 686.5117

New Yacht Construction, Refits, Repair and Maintenance CUSTOM BUILT IN THE USA

at progressive, we know there’s more to boating than boats.

That’s why we offer coverage for things like fishing gear, life jackets and water toys. And if your pets are ever injured on the water, we’ll cover them, too.

So you’re free to focus on the important stuff. Like having fun.

LocaL agent gent

progressive.com

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Coverage for dogs and cats included with the purchase of collision coverage (not available in NH & NC). 11D00384 (05/11)

235 SS

Moonrock vinyl wrapped helm and Executive solid wood wheel.

"Hot Tub" style reclined bow seating with deep, abundant storage beneath. Shown with optional flip-up arm rests.

T

he Crownline 235 SS embraces “sports car”styling with its lustrous double hull band gel coat design and sleek style lines.

The contours of the 235 SS are further enhanced by Crownline’s patented F.A.S.T. Tab® hull design which ensures a safe and comfortable ride, improves time to plane and increases fuel efficiency and stability in high speed turns.

Hinged rear bench seat storage.

Live life. Live Crownline!

Finished shock assisted sundeck storage.

Crownline Boats 11884 Country Club Road West Frankfort, IL 62896

http://www.crownline.com

The eye-catching stainless steel accents on the side of the boat add a touch of sophistication and flair. The oversized, fully integrated swim platform features a “soft touch” mat for comfort and a stainless steel four step boarding ladder for safety. The interior features a rich tri color platinum interior, stainless steel hardware and deep hot tub style bow seating.

OVERALL LENGTH BEAM DRAFT UP DRAFT DOWN CAPACITY PERSONS DEADRISE GAS MAX. HORSE POWER WEIGHT ANGLE OF ENTRY AT BOW

23'5" 102" 20" 37" 1650 Lbs 11 19° 45 Gal 430 HP 5000-5300 Lbs 39°

7.14 M 2.59 M 51cm 94cm 748 Kg 170 L 2268-2404 Kg

Standard Super Sport interior with two flip-up bucket seats and center walk-thru transom with filler cushions

in this issue

Features 20

Sunseeker Portofino 48

24

Hacker-Craft Neiman Marcus Edition

26

Off & Running

30

Business of Batteries, Part 2

32

Setting the Bar for Boater Friendly

Channel your inner James Bond in this sleek, sexy yacht.

This modern-day classic remains a real head-turner.

Before hitting the water this spring, make a pre-launch checklist — and follow it.

The skinny on battery selection, installation and maintenance.

Cruise or trailer to Lake Erie’s coastal communities.

Search 1,000s of new and used boats for sale lakelandboating.com/boat_search.cfm

24

PHOTO COURTESY OF HACKER-CRAFT

44

32 PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS

Departments

6 8 10 11 14 16 17

From the Helm

18 44 46 48

Boat Spotlights

Mail Call Calendar Scuttlebutt

50 72

Lakeshore Life Above the Waterline

On the Cover

Electronics Gear Guru Don’t Hesitate to Renovate

Corke Board Ask the Expert Marina Watch

Combining space with pace in a sleek and sexy package, Sunseeker’s Portofino 48 achieves a remarkable interior plan that’s ideal for day boating, overnights and weekends.

PHOTO BY MARK CORKE 4 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2 012

GIRLS JUMPING PHOTO BY MARY ANN SNIDER

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSEEKER

from the helm

Fond Memories P ort Clinton, Ohio, our port of call this month, has a warm spot in my heart. It is the place Lakeland Boating called home in the early 1980s, right after Dave Brown and I bought the title from Peterson Publishing Company.

I have some great memories of the Island House. It had a great dining room, and lunch in the bar was sort of like taking a trip back in time. The hotel was on the main drag, close to the water and our office.

Today I notice the place has a five-star rating.

Back when I used to frequent the establishment, it would’ve been closer to three… but who’s counting? I liked it fine the way it was; very comfortable. And on rainy days, charter captains would take over telling fish stories.

Peter Frederiksen has crafted a fine piece on spring commissioning in this issue (p. 26). I think you’ll find it very helpful. He’s a knowledgeable guy.

Don’t miss the second installment of our two-part series on marine batteries (p. 30). This is good information and will help you become a better consumer of an expensive necessity.

We have some exceptional boats and yachts for you to check out this month, including the elegant Hacker-Craft Neiman Marcus Edition (p. 24).

Heather Steinberger hit the nail on the head when she described the new Sunseeker Portofino 48 as a sleek, sexy yacht. Her review of this beauty is a can’t-miss read and starts on page 20.

Spring is just around the corner. Enjoy.

NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS: Lakeland Boating will only mail renewal notices; we will never contact you by phone. You can renew by calling 800-827-0289 or visit our website, lakelandboating.com, and click on the “Subscribe” tab. All renewals should be mailed back to: Lakeland Boating, PO Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-9991.

April 2012 | Volume LXVI, No. 4 PUBLISHER Walter “Bing” O’Meara

SUBSCRIPTIONS P.O. Box 15396 | North Hollywood | CA 91615-5396 Customer Service: 800-827-0289

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Lindsey Johnson Senior editor: Dave Mull Editors-at-large: Heather Steinberger and Roland Schultz

O’Meara-Brown Publications Inc. President: Walter B. O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Controller: Tracy Houren

CREATIVE STAFF Art director/production manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs Associate art director: Rod Koser

Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194), copyright 2012, is published eleven times per year (except November) by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. Editorial and advertising offices are located at 727 S. Dearborn St., Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605; 312-276-0610. Annual subscription rates: United States, $24.95 per year; International and Canadian, $36.95 per year (11 issues), includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. registration number 894095074-RT0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S. funds are accepted. Subscription correspondence should be addressed to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396 (U.S.), or call 800-827-0289. Known office of publication: 727 South Dearborn Street, Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, please send all address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396. Lakeland Boating is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955.

Unsolicited work may be submitted at the author’s, photographer’s or artist’s own risk. Lakeland Boating assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material. All submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage.

CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Altick, Marsall Brodie, Mark Corke, Peter Frederiksen, Jeremy Goldstein, Bill Gordon, John Hageman, Mike Harris, Capt. Frank Lanier, Roger McAfee, Zuzana Prochazka, May Ann Snider, Colleen H. Troupis, Dave Wallace BUSINESS STAFF Advertising sales representative: Mark Conway Regional and classified sales manager: Kirsten Moxley Marketing director: Linda O’Meara EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 727 South Dearborn | Suite 812 | Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 312-276-0610 | fax: 312-276-0619 Email: staff@lakelandboating.com Website: lakelandboating.com

6 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 727 South Dearborn | Suite 812 | Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 800-331-0132, ext. 21 | fax 312-276-0619

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A

mail call

A Long Winter’s Nap We have been Lakeland Boating subscribers for many years and boated on the Great Lakes for nearly 40 years, and we wanted to share this photo with you.

Throughout the year, we enjoy poking around in old marinas, storage grounds and fields searching for old relics or boats with some history. In this case, while the Michigan winter weather provided a break, we found this “classic.” Obviously, this once proud vessel provided enjoyment for families and friends, long ago, and now is in her final resting place.

Perhaps it may be of interest to your readers. It would be interesting to know the manufacturer, its approximate age and a little history. Unfortunately, after examining the boat closely, there are no visible markings or numbers that could provide some answers; just rotting and collapsing wood.

— Bob Schuitema, Saugatuck, MI

Leveling Out This letter is in reference to Dave Wallace’s “Above the Waterline” column in the March issue of Lakeland Boating (“Level Best,” p. 72). He writes a great piece with lots of interesting reasons for water level changes in the Great Lakes.

Many of us that use the lakes for boating and recreation are concerned about the changes in lake levels.

Also, many people that live on the lakes do not want the levels too high or too low. We see the big changes because they are all on the surface, but let’s put things into perspective with the overall size of the big lakes.

Take Lake Michigan, where we live, and do the math for a three-foot change in lake level. Lake Michigan has 22,400 square miles of surface area and 1,180 cubic miles of water. Its deepest point is 923 feet, and it has an average depth of 279 feet. A three-foot change in level would be just over one percent. A one percent change does not seem like a lot compared to other weather changes, but when it’s all on the surface, it’s significant.

I think we are fortunate to live in the Great Lakes area where we don’t see the large water level changes from tides, high winds and other natural causes that occur on the oceans. Enjoy the Great Lakes, and keep them clean for boating, fishing and swimming.

—Dave Geerlings, Holland, MI

Play “Name Game” and Win! We’re always on the lookout for interesting and inventive boat names, and we welcome you to share yours with us! Send a short write-up, along with your name, your boat’s name and your home city and state, as well as a high-resolution photo of your boat (at least 1 MB) to: staff@lakelandboating.com. Don’t forget to put “Name Game” in the subject line. If we publish your Name Game submission in a 2012 issue of Lakeland Boating, you’ll receive a FREE Kanberra Gel gift basket valued at $99, courtesy of the folks at Kanberra. Made with all-natural ingredients like Australian tea tree oil, this semi-solid, biodegradable gel dissipates when exposed to air, breaking down mildew, mold and viruses in a fragrant eucalyptus lemon scent.

Got something to say?

We love hearing from you! E-mail us at staff@lakelandboating.com, or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 727 South Dearborn St., Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60605. The opinions expressed in Mail Call are not necessarily those of Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

8 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

calendar March 28 – April 1 Progressive Northwest Sportshow Minneapolis, MN | northwestsportshow.com Check out the Catawba Island Boat Show April 29-May 1 in Port Clinton, Ohio.

April 7, 14, 21 & 28 Spring Blossom Trolley Tour Door County, WI | doorcounty.com April 13 – 15 1000 Islands-Clayton Spring Boat Show Clayton, NY | 1000islands-clayton.com/boatshow Traverse City Boat & Outdoor Show Traverse City, MI | traversecityboatshow.com April 20 – 22 Brown Trout Fishing Tournament Baileys Harbor, WI | baileysharbor.com Up North Lake & Cottage Show Traverse City, MI | tccottageshow.com April 29 – May 1 Catawba Island Boat Show Port Clinton, OH | catawbaislandboatshow.com

Problem:

Solution: “I bought four containers of this at a shipyard in Newport. Two large and two small. I placed the large ones inside the intake of our two air handlers, and the small ones in our bedrooms. They work great! All four lasted about six months. I just ordered a replacement bag of the gel and refilled all four.

I suggested the product to my parents, my in-laws, and uncle who own two boats, and a friend who owns three, and my boss. They are all using the gel with great results. I highly recommend.”

Jim – Newport, Rhode Island.

10 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATAWBA ISLAND BOAT SHOW

scuttlebutt Name Game: INVICTUS Invictus is a 2006 welded aluminum boat that I designed and Stanley Boats of Parry Sound, Ontario, built. She’s 36 feet of deck powered by twin 225 Hondas, reaching a top speed of 35 miles per hour. We keep the boat in Little Current, Ontario on Manitoulin Island, in the North Channel. The name Invictus comes from our Coat of Arms — Moriens Sed Invictus — for our surname Gemmill, which in Latin means “dying but unconquered.” This is our third Invictus. —Jack Gemmill, Kemble, ON

Name Game: SHAKEN KNOT STIRRED This is our summer home on beautiful Lake Michigan. The boat is moored at McKinley Marina located on the Milwaukee, Wisconsin waterfront.

My wife and I both enjoy martinis, and I am also a James Bond fan. We couldn’t think of a more appropriate name for our 38-foot Carver.

—Garry Plate, Milwaukee, WI

Name Game: KHIIMORI Khiimori is a 2009 Sabre 386 docked at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. The name is Mongolian. “Khii” means wind and “mori” means horse. We truly love this boat and have been boating on Lake Michigan for 18 years.

—The Burns Family (Bob, Debbie, Dan, Matt & Jared), Lemont, IL

Canine Crewmembers: SCHOONER & SKIPPER Here is a picture of our two Vizslas, Schooner and Skipper, waiting patiently to get under way from a day at the beach.

They love the boat almost as much as they love swimming and running on the beach.

—Steve Gilbert South Bend, IN

Hand built. all maHogany.

“We own a 30’ Runabout.

Wherever we go, people admire the boat; I keep wondering why people are staring at us.”

— HaCker-Craft owner on lake george, ny

new, yet steeped in tradition.

ClassiC, yet built to your preCise speCifiCations. only available through the factory. please call to discuss ownership.

866-540-5546 www.hackerboat.com

11 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

scuttlebutt

Operation Summaries

From the 9th District U.S. Coast Guard.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Shane Wagner and Seaman Grant Jansen, both crewmembers at USCG Station Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and members of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department simulate rescuing victims at Red River County Park during a mass rescue operations preparedness exercise January18. The exercise provided participating agencies an opportunity to evaluate their response plans, capabilities and coordination in a simulated emergency situation.

11/17 Man Medevaced From Tugboat Alpena, MI A USCG boatcrew from Station Milwaukee, Wisconsin medevaced an Alpena, Michigan man who was experiencing difficulty breathing and numbness in his arm aboard a tugboat in Lake Michigan. The captain aboard the tugboat Undaunted requested a medevac for the 39-year-old man at about 02:00, reporting the crewman had been experiencing symptoms on and off for about a week, and they were getting worse. A USCG flight surgeon, who makes the ultimate determination on what warrants emergency transport, was contacted and briefed and authorized the medevac. A boatcrew from Station Milwaukee launched aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium (RB-M) at 02:25 and arrived on scene with the tugboat about 16 miles east of Milwaukee at 03:05. The boatcrew transported the man to Station Milwaukee, where he was met by awaiting EMS for further transport to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. The man’s name is not being released, and his current condition is unknown. CASE CLOSED 12/03 Injured Woman Airlifted Beaver Island, MI A USCG rescue helicopter crew airlifted an 82-year-old Beaver Island, Michigan resident who suffered an injury after reportedly falling down some stairs. The woman’s name is not being released. Medical personnel on Beaver Island contacted search and rescue controllers at USCG Sector Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan at 20:41. They reported

that the 82-year-old woman had fallen down some stairs and broke her femur. An aircrew aboard an HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter from USCG Air Station Traverse City, Michigan was directed to launch and was on scene at 21:59. They transported the woman to Harbor Springs, Michigan and transferred her to EMS at 22:35 for further transport to a hospital in Petoskey, Michigan. USCG maintains great working relationships with medical personnel at emergency facilities in remote Great Lakes locations, including northern Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island. CASE CLOSED 12/31 Elderly Woman Medevaced Kelleys Island, OH A USCG boatcrew from Station Marblehead, Ohio, medically evacuated an 85-year-old woman who was suffering severe injuries and possible hypothermia after reportedly falling down on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie.

Search and rescue controllers at USCG Sector Detroit received the request for a medevac at 14:25. A flight surgeon, who makes the ultimate determination on what warrants emergency transport, was contacted and briefed and authorized the medevac. A boatcrew from Station Marblehead launched aboard a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement (SPC-LE). Once on the island, the boatcrew embarked the woman and EMTs from Kelleys Island. The woman was transferred to awaiting EMS for further transport to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio. The woman’s name is not being released, and her current condition is unknown. CASE CLOSED 01/15 Man Falls Through Ice Rescued Toledo, OH An ice-rescue team from USCG Station Toledo, Ohio rescued a 59-year-old man who fell through the ice in Toledo’s Cullen Park. The man was rescued after reportedly falling through the ice while chasing after his dogs. The victim fell through the ice into about three feet of water and was unable to get back onto solid ice.

Station Toledo received notification of the man in distress from the Toledo Fire Department at about 14:45. The USCG ice-rescue team and personnel from the Toledo Fire Department responded to the scene. The man was helped back to shore and transferred to EMS. The man’s dogs made it safely back to shore. CASE CLOSED

12 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

PHOTO BY PO2 CRYSTALYNN A. KNEEN

scuttlebutt

Boat Biz

News from around the industry.

Walstrom Marine is celebrating 25 years in business at the dealership’s Cheboygan, Michigan location. In addition to the Cheboygan facility, Walstrom has a full-service marina in Harbor Springs and a ship’s store and sales office in Bay Harbor. The company has been in business for more than 65 years, first opening its Harbor Springs operation in 1946. Walstrom sells new and pre-owned boats and is an authorized dealer for Chris-Craft, Tiara Yachts, Pursuit Boats, Grand Banks and Hatteras Yachts.

For more information, visit walstrom.com or call 231-526-2141 (Harbor Springs), 231-439-2741 (Bay Harbor), or 231-627-7105 (Cheboygan).

Sister Bay, Wisconsin’s Cal-Marine is celebrating its 40-year anniversary in 2012. Founded in 1972 by Cal Lundquist, the dealership serves Door County boaters with an exceptional service department staffed with factory-trained technicians and offers more than 115,000 square feet of heated and unheated storage. Cal-Marine

sells a wide variety of new and pre-owned boats. The dealership represents Back Cove Yachts and Cobalt Boats.

For more information, visit cal-marine.com or call 920-854-4521.

KCS International Inc., parent company Azure has been of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Sport acquired by KCS International.

Fishing Yachts, announced during the 2012 Miami International Boat Show that it acquired the assets of Azure, a world-class line of sport boats. The acquisition means KCS now carries a full product line with vessels from 18 to 56 feet that includes bowriders, sport decks, sport cuddies and yachts.

In early February, production tooling from the Azure plant in South Carolina began making its way to the KCS base in Oconto, Wisconsin. The first boat under the Cruisers Sports Series is expected to roll off the production line in May/June 2012.

For more information, visit cruisersyachts.com or rampageyachts.com. r

13 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

electronics

Clean Connections

Test systems on board before hitting the water. by rog e r m afe e c

B

oaters often overlook electronics when it comes to spring commissioning, and that’s not surprising since even the least expensive electronic equipment is typically well made and reliable.

However, almost all electronics draw electricity through wires from the boat’s battery system, so any commissioning should start at the battery bank. Batteries should be checked for electrolyte level and topped up with distilled water if necessary. For sealed batteries, a volt meter should be used to make sure voltage is up to par. Low voltage could signal a bad cell within the battery. When checking voltage, make sure the battery charger is disconnected. A fully charged, 12-volt battery in good shape should read about 13.7 volts. A reading of about 10 volts usually indicates a battery problem if the battery has been on charge just prior to the reading.

14 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Battery cables should be removed and both the connectors and the battery posts should be cleaned, making sure all residue is removed and the terminals and connectors are a bright silvery color.

After servicing the batteries, one should visually check the wiring where it connects to the various electrical terminals in the dash. If there is any sign of corrosion — usually visible as white or green dried “paste” — the wires should be disconnected and brushed clean with a wire brush. Terminals should be treated the same way.

A spray-on terminal cleaner will not do the job.

If in-line fuses are in any of the circuits, the fuse holder should be taken apart and the fuse examined. Check for signs of arcing, which usually show as a small amount of roughness or slight blackening on the fuse ends. If signs of arcing are present, replace the fuse and make sure no condensation is in the holder before putting it back together.

One final item to check is the power plug on each piece of electronic or electrical equipment. With female plugs, a bright light does the job. If any corrosion is evident, it should be removed. Small, round wire brushes, available at most chandleries, are useful. Small-caliber bore cleaners from a gun-cleaning kit also work well.

If there is any portable batteryoperated equipment on board, the batteries, including the battery holders, should be checked. Many boaters regularly replace those batteries as a routine part of spring commissioning.

Don’t forget the batteries in smoke and CO detectors.

The marine VHF radio, one of the boat’s most important and effective pieces of safety equipment, should be checked, and there are a number of ways to accomplish this. The radio can be taken to a local electronics shop for testing; but since a VHF radio is only as good as its antenna, a true test of the system cannot be done in a shop that receives the radio only.

There are two solutions to this problem. The first is to have a technician bring his meters to the boat and do a test, which will included the entire system as installed. The second is for the boater to buy a small, simple meter that can be used on board at any time.

Shakespeare, one of the world’s biggest manufacturers PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAKESPEARE

of marine antennas, makes a meter that costs about as much as a service call. The ART-3 measures power from the radio to the antenna and the efficiency of the antenna itself, and checks the radio receiver mode.

Any boater can use this meter, and it should be part of the standard equipment carried on board. It can be purchased at most marine retail outlets.

While spring commissioning of electronics and other electrical equipment on board does not have the appeal of a newly polished hull or freshly varnished bright work, it will definitely make the boating season safer and more comfortable. It also may make the season safer, since electrical fires on board are almost always caused by corroded connections.

ROGER MCAFEE has been boating for more than 60 years. A former journalist and lawyer, he contributes

to many of North America’s top marine magazines. As a member of Boating Writers International, McAfee served as a judge on the Innovation Awards committee at IBEX and the Miami International Boat Show.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAYMARINE

15 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

gear guru

Spring Into Action

Gear up for boating season with these products. BY Z UZANA PROCHAZ KA CHARLES INDUSTRIES IMC Series Chargers Charles Industries has taken the guesswork and hassle out of charging batteries, even if you have banks of different battery types. This award-winning series of chargers has six models available in 20 amp increments from 20 to 120 amps.

Configure the unit to charge AGM, gel, lead acid or NiCad batteries, and mix the kind of batteries you have aboard. Program the charger to switch seamlessly between battery bank types and charge all batteries simultaneously. Units are programmable for different voltages — 12 or 24 — and have four-stage charging.

You can have up to four different battery banks without having multiple chargers. This sophisticated charger has universal AC input (120/208/240 volts; 50Hz or 60Hz), and since it has a modular design, the unit features a built-in, limp-home mode where other modules will continue to charge if one fails. These highly efficient chargers come with a three-year warranty and retail pricing starts at $900.

Available online through Defender (defender.com). CHARLESINDUSTRIES . COM

WHALE Supersub Smart Bilge Pumps Whale has come up with a super thin bilge pump that may be the answer for anyone with a small, crowded or narrow bilge. The Supersub Smart series, initally launched a couple years ago, now features several models with two pumping capacities — 650 and 1,050 gallons per hour. These low profile pumps use integrated control sensors, which eliminate the need for a separate switch so there is more room, fewer moving parts and no extra wiring. The pumps feature a multi-position head and a design that allows the outlet and pump body to swivel for easy installation. The integrated non-return valve and unique clip-on strainer means maintenance is easy, and the bilge remains nearly dry. The snap fit assembly is easy to clean, and the 1100 and 1500 models come in both 12 and 24 volts. These super-efficient pumps draw from 2 to 8 amps, depending on capacity. They weigh only a pound and measure just 3" x 2" x 10". Prices range from $70 to $110, and the pumps are available online through Defender (defender.com). WHALEPUMPS . COM

LURITEK Eco-Clad Bottom Paint

ZUZANA PROCHAZKA is a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master with 20 years boating experience.

Her work has appeared in many national boating magazines, and she authors a popular gear and boat review blog, TalkOfTheDock.com.

16 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Eco-Clad antifouling bottom paint is based on the principle of biomimicry; emulating nature’s method of not accumulating hard growth. When introduced into the water, a biofilm will grow on the paint surface. According to its manufacturer Luritek, the paint is a food source for naturally occurring organisms that form the biofilm, which is like slime on a fish. The slick surface is supposed to reduce hull drag, therefore reducing fuel consumption and increasing speed. Eco-Clad contains a two-part epoxy resin and high purity metallic copper, so keep in mind this is not a copper-free paint. However, its “greenness” comes from having no toxic booster biocides, no zinc and no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It also touts low copper leach rates. To apply, the boat hull surface must be clean, and a primer or tie coat is required. The paint goes on with a roller/brush to a target thickness of 5 to 7 mils and cures in about a day. Once back in the water, the protective biofilm begins to grow. Since it’s a hard paint, there’s no ablative release, even when scrubbing during hull cleaning. ECOCLAD . COM

don’t hesitate to renovate

Forget Me Not

Examine your boat’s raw water intake system.

BY J E R E MY GOLDSTE I N

O

ne of the most ignored systems on a boat is perhaps also one of the most important. I am, of course, referring to your boat’s engine water intake system, or raw water pick up.

Regardless of whether your boat is simply raw water cooled or if it has a closed cooling system, it still needs to draw in lake water in some capacity in order to keep your engine from overheating. Over time, thru hull fittings and shut-off valves in all boats can and will break down. It’s great practice every spring to check the function of your raw water shut-off valves and thru hull fittings. These often overlooked components are frequently the cause of catastrophic failures.

If you notice excessive corrosion on your sea cock fittings, it’s imperative to clean them up and check for signs of fatigue (i.e. cracks, pitting, leaks, etc.). You must be able to move the shut-off valves by hand in order for them to be effective. The bonding wire (grounds) should be checked and cleaned or replaced to ensure proper grounding.

The hoses that attach to these sea cocks must also be carefully inspected each spring for signs of cracking or kinks. Overlooking these items — even if you own a fairly new boat — can literally sink your summer.

At our shop, Custom Marine in Sandusky, Ohio, we frequently rework water intake systems to make spring commissioning (and winterizing, for that matter) easier for our customers. In the pictures, you can see the intake system we used in a boat with twin engines. The blue handles (top photo) are sea cocks, which should always have a heavy-duty ball valve. This is how you shut off all raw water from entering the boat’s system. The upper valves (yellow handles) are plumbed in with solid pipe fittings (never hose), which terminate into female garden hose swivel fittings. This feature gives you or your mechanic a simple way to run your engines on land without having to worry about how to get water into the system.

To use this system, shut off your raw water sea cock (blue handle) and open your flushing valve (yellow handle), attaching reinforced garden hose to the swivels (run only one engine at a time). For engines that move a high volume of water, fill a five-gallon bucket with a garden hose, and with a separate garden hose from the PHOTO COURTESY OF CUSTOM MARINE

Check out the engine water intake system in this twinengine setup (above). The smaller yellow handles, located on either side of the top photo, allow you to restrict the flow of antifreeze during the winterization process.

flush valve you can suck water from the bucket. This will keep the small diameter garden hose from collapsing.

All this can be done by one person and makes flushing your engines fast and efficient. Come fall, the bucket is filled with antifreeze to make winterizing your engines a breeze.

Custom Marine, Inc. Sandusky, OH 419-621-1188, custommarine.biz 17 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

boat spotlight

Chaparral 19 Ski & Fish

One of four H20s “selling like hotcakes” at winter shows.

BY DAVE M U LL

Specifications LOA (w/swim platform): 19'4" Beam: 7'6" Draft: 2'7" Weight (dry): 2,660 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 30 gals.

Power: 3L MerCruiser MPI (135 hp) Base Price: $24,385 chaparralboats.com

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C

haparral has a longtime reputation as a high-end, well-built boat brand, with quality designed bowriders, cruisers and yachts. The four boats in the company’s new H2O line keep in tune with the performance and style boaters have come to expect from Chaparral, but added highly attractive affordability and a nationally advertised no-haggle price.

The 19 Ski & Fish is vying to be the most popular of the four, offering speedy power options and the ultra cool ability to quickly convert into a boat suitable for fishing — and back again to a ski and wakeboard boat.

“We are very excited at the Ski & Fish business we’ve gotten so far,” said Mike Munsch, regional rep for the Nashville, Georgia-based company. He noted it’s a design that appeals to the whole family.

“The man of the family sees the fishing attributes,” Munsch said. “His wife sees the pleasure boat, and all of a sudden you’ve got one boat that satisfies the entire family.”

Like the smaller 18 Ski & Fish (the other two H2Os are more traditional bowriders in design), the 19 Ski & Fish has fishing features new to the so-called ski and fish segment. Notably, the rear jump seats that form the ends of the aft sofa simply lift out and set on posts on the front and in the rear, which has a spacious raised platform. This means extra seats for fishing chairs don’t take up valuable storage space or can be left on shore. The padded section between the two seats lifts to reveal a plumbed livewell.

On the Sport models, this tank is a cooler.

The 19 SF also has a bowmount electric trolling motor that slides out when not fishing. A Garmin fishfinder mounted at the dash is optional. Rod holders in the gunwale

and a center storage compartment allow anglers to stow fish-catching gear out of the way, but ready to go; the center compartment is plenty big for skis and boards, too.

“It appeals to the decision maker of the family — both of them,” says Munsch.

With a color-matching trailer and the standard power of a Mercury 3-liter,135-hp MPI with an Alpha drive, the boat lists for $24,385. A popular engine upgrade that adds a lot of horsepower is the Mercury 4.3L MPI, which cranks out 220 horses.

The boat is made to fit many lifestyles — and most garages; the trailer not only has 14-inch tires, LED submersible lights and step-aboard fenders, but its tongue folds away to enable closing the garage door.

The real grabber about this boat, though, is the styling.

“We took our design cues from the SSI series,” says Munsch. “The vents, windshield and the overall molded look. We didn’t want to overcomplicate it.”

The 18 Ski & Fish has the same base power and a no-haggle price of $22,885. The sport models are much the same two boats without the fishing features.

Boaters who want to fish and check out family bowriders will have to put the 19 SF on their lists.

boat spotlight

Viking 66 Enclosed Bridge Distinctive elegance that’s ready to work hard.

BY DAVE M U LL

V

iking Yachts are one of the most identifiable yachts on the Great Lakes; even from afar, one can spot the classic, sweeping lines and high bow along with the rakish cabin.

Resting at the dock, the new Viking 66 Enclosed Bridge Convertible looks like a refined cruiser from a “Star Wars” movie, capable of rumbling off through the atmosphere, headed for a different part of the galaxy.

This beautiful yacht has four staterooms and four and a half private heads in its standard accommodation plan, like its stable mate, the 66 Open Bridge Convertible. A granite-topped peninsula, bar stools and under-counter refrigeration are in the galley opposite a roomy dinette.

Aft, an L-shaped sofa with abundant stowage is strategically placed to enjoy the sights and surround-sound details from the 46-inch flat screen television mounted on the teak bulkhead over the dinette. Special touches include a pantry forward, deep pull-out galley drawers and a day head aft, conveniently placed inside the electrically controlled fiberglass salon door. A significant difference from the Open Bridge is the addition of a spiral staircase that leads to the enclosed bridge.

The climate-controlled enclosed bridge is spacious and has the main helm forward on centerline for good visibility. The raised ultra-leather dash handles a bank of navigation and communication electronics, and overhead, an accessory panel is easily read and reached. An adjustable Stidd helm seat provides plenty of comfort and support, and a large companion seat to starboard features drawer stowage and good visibility for passengers. Abaft the companion seat, a row of teak joinery houses bottle

Specifications LOA (incl. pulpit): 70'11" Beam: 19'1" Draft: 5'5" Displacement: 102,875 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 2,015 gals.

Water Capacity: 240 gals.

Power: T-MAN V12 1550 CRM diesels

and general stowage. A raised lounge with teak cocktail table to port creates the atmosphere of a second salon for added privacy and convenience.

A weatherproof door leads to the aft deck and second helm station, a pod design with single lever controls, stainless steel wheel and stop/start switches. Cleverly designed crew quarters include private access to and from the engine room. Note that the offset companionway is designed to maximize traffic flow to the staterooms and laundry center, which includes a nearby linen closet.

The Delta-T engine room ventilation system uses thermostatically controlled supply and discharge fans for proper air circulation and water intrusion suppression.

A Moritz Octoplex touch screen power distribution system controls all AC/DC requirements at the salon main panel and at the helm on the flying bridge.

When combined with its MTU V16 Series 2000 M91 engines, the new 66 provides 40-plus knot performance with horsepower to spare. Standard power is MAN V12 1550 CRM diesels. Engine packages are custom matched with VEEM propellers to enhance performance and efficiencies.

Base Price: Contact dealer vikingyachts.com

Great Lakes Dealer Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales 866-490-5297 jbys.com

19 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

boat test

20 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

boat test

SUNSEEKER

Portofino 48

Channel your inner James Bond in this sleek, sexy yacht.

BY HEATHER STEINBERGER

T

he sun warmed my back as I walked toward Chicago’s Belmont Harbor, but the brightly colored leaves skittering across the parking lot, the half-empty marina and a surly Lake Michigan heralded the onset of fall. In fact, in just a few short days, the marina would shut down for the winter.

It was hard to ignore the breath of the offseason at my back, brisk off the lake. Then I spotted my test boat, and the flavors of South Florida, the Caribbean, the Med and, yes, a little bit of James Bond spilled across the dock.

Ever since founder Robert Braithwaite and his team of seven began manufacturing sport boats in the late 1960s, Sunseeker International has attained iconic status. The Poole, United Kingdom-based boatbuilder counts worldwide celebrities, sports personalities and business leaders among its customers; it has had a relationship with the James Bond movies since 1999’s “The World is Not Enough;” and its design range incorporates flybridge motoryachts, performance motoryachts and luxury yachts that extend upward to a jaw-dropping 40-meter trideck.

The best news? Sunseeker yachts are available to more boaters than ever before, thanks to the company’s midsize sports cruisers. If you’re looking for an under-50-foot vessel with true live-aboard luxury, a well-thought-out variety of practical comforts and a hearty dose of Sunseeker’s sleek sexiness, look no farther than the Portofino 48.

Capt. Ron Silvia of Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, based in Michigan’s St. Clair Shores but with a Marina City office here in Chicago, welcomed me aboard. I knew the 48 was intended to replace its predecessor, the 47, so I was eager to see how Sunseeker had improved on the Portofino concept.

We stepped below, and I saw immediately that the old formula of master stateroom forward and guest stateroom amidships had been turned on its ear. The 48 features an impressive full-beam master suite amidships, which is bathed in natural light thanks to enormous in-hull windows to port and starboard.

These accommodations provide a remarkable liveaboard experience on what is, for all intents and purposes, an

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNSEEKER

21 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

express-style yacht. Owners will enjoy a large, centrally placed double bed, flat screen television, comfortable settee and plenty of storage through an array of drawers, lockers and a hanging wardrobe. If you need more storage, you can swap the settee for bonus storage compartments.

Then there is the nicely appointed en suite master head, with its separate shower and screened, opening portlight.

Guest accommodations are now located all the way forward. At first blush, this stateroom appears to have a standard double berth — but all is not as it seems. That double berth can swing apart to create twin V-berths, making the cabin easily adaptable for adult guests or for children. Very cool.

Here, too, there is ample storage, as well as an en suite head with shower and opening portlight. That’s a nice touch, as it gives everyone aboard plenty of privacy and living space during a longer cruise.

The 48’s salon sits at the vessel’s heart, gleaming with cherry wood grain, shining lacquer and glass. The U-shaped, convertible seating area lies to starboard; this is where your group will gather for a movie on the flat screen television or an intimate late-night dinner.

To port is the fully equipped galley, which provides an electric refrigerator, double electric-hob cooktop, microwave and plenty of cupboards and drawers for all the meal-preparation essentials. Sunseeker also includes tableware and silverware for six.

22 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Ascending the companionway to the spacious cockpit, I quickly noted that the live-aboard amenities don’t stop belowdecks. Here is a full wet bar with icebox and both hot and cold running water (a cockpit refrigerator is available); full dinette seating with a fold-out table for al fresco meals, a folding helm seat, ample companion seating and a chart table.

Since our test boat had the available hardtop, Silvia slid the massive sunroof open and let the fresh breezes blow through the large side windows. We might as well have been on a wide-open bridgedeck, with all the sun, light and air that surrounded us.

If that’s not enough, of course, sun worshippers will appreciate the huge lounge that is perched aft, over the 48’s tender garage. And additional sunpads with folding backrests lie forward, on the 48’s gently sloping bow deck.

After a quick peek in the tender garage, I noted the teak-laid steps, the hydraulic teak-laid swim platform, the fold-away swim ladder and the hot-and-cold swimming shower. Feeling the slight bite in the wind off Lake Michigan, I couldn’t help longing for the lower latitudes.

You can’t set foot on the Portofino 48 without imagining jovial hors d’oeuvres in the cockpit, a nap on one of those soft sunpads and a refreshing dip off that teak platform.

Alas, that would be a bit too refreshing today.

Back at the helm station, Silvia and I discussed perhaps the most significant feature of the Portofino 48, the

feature that resulted in the full-beam master stateroom and the sweet joystick control perched next to the sportscar-like console: Volvo IPS drives.

“People really like the 48’s interior arrangement with the full-beam master, and they love the IPS for docking,” Silvia noted. “There really are no other options in this class that can offer those features.”

It was time to stretch her legs. We slipped off the docklines and motored out of quiet Belmont Harbor into the lumpy seas on Lake Michigan. Silvia closed the sunroof and left the side windows open just slightly, giving us more than enough protection as we throttled up and took some fresh spray over the rail.

With twin Volvo IPS 600s, the Portofino 48 boasts 435 horsepower and a top speed of approximately 33 to 34 knots. We briefly brushed that upper end as I concentrated on slicing neatly through the waves at the most comfortable angle. I’ll admit, we nailed one a little too head-on, but the 48 shook it off without a fuss — and without so much as a bang or a rattle.

We dialed back to the high 20s and spun through a few figure-eights, adding the yacht’s wake to the substantial swell and occasional breaker lurching toward shore. The 48 lived up to her reputation; she handled like a sportscar, responding immediately to each turn and rocketing effortlessly through Lake Michigan’s building temper.

The lake was empty as we put the 48 through her paces just off Navy Pier, yet another sure sign that the

summer season was behind us. But another summer is just around the corner now, and at press time, Silvia said a new and improved version of the Portofino 48 soon will be available to eager Great Lakes boaters.

“We have a stock boat coming in April, and there’s two major changes,” he advised. “The first is an extended cockpit layout, with twice the seating. It deletes the tender garage, but the boat still has plenty of storage for lines and fenders, and it still has the aft sun bed.”

In this particular market, Silvia explained, boaters prefer the expanded seating for entertaining rather than having a dedicated garage for a tender. Sunseeker made the change after listening to customer feedback.

“We’ve heard that customers are always looking to seat more people,” he commented.

The second change, Silvia said, is a triple IPS upgrade.

“That gives you a roughly 5-knot difference in top-end speed,” he observed. “You’ll reach about 38 knots with the upgrade.”

“This boat really is the best in class for what it has to offer,” Silvia said. “In the 55- to 65-foot range, you’ll start to see these features, but until Sunseeker, no one had done it very well under 50 feet.”

After one late-season run on the Portofino 48, I would have to agree that this particular yacht is something special. To make memories on the water, to feel like yachting royalty… and perhaps even to channel your inner James Bond.

Sunseeker Portofino 48 Principal Features Electric anchor winch w/ deck and cockpit controls; hot and cold swimming shower; full wet bar w/ hot and cold water; coolbox; large cockpit table; depth sounder; VHF radio; flat screen TV in all cabins; DVD player in salon; radio/iPod; electric refrigerator; electric hob and microwave; hot and cold water system; automatic fire extinguishers; automatic bilge pump; radar; autopilot; teak bathing platform and step; AC shorepower/battery charger; vacuum toilets and holding tank; air conditioning; upgraded generator; U.S. Coast Guard build regulations; U.S. specification appliances.

Specifications LOA: 52'7" Beam: 14'1" Weight: 36,500 lbs.

Draft: 2'8" Fuel Capacity: 349 gals.

Water Capacity: 87 gals.

Power: T-Volvo IPS 600s (435 hp) Base Price: $1,058,000 sunseeker.com

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boat test

Hacker-Craft Neiman Marcus Edition This modern-day classic remains a real head-turner. by marshall brodie

24 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

W

hat’s endearing about Hacker-Craft boats is that they are beautiful, finely crafted and a sweet stroll down boating’s memory lane.

Hackers were originally designed by Detroit native John Hacker, widely considered one of America’s greatest boat designers during the golden era of mahogany boats in the early 1900s. His speedy boats featured sleek, low profiles, graceful curves and gleaming hand varnished mahogany offset by bright stainless steel accents — elegant traits that continue in today’s models.

Not unexpectedly, these gorgeous semi-custom mahogany boats will turn heads wherever they go.

But if an ordinary Hacker-Craft seems a bit mundane, as unlikely a possibility as that may sound, there’s another, more exclusive option. Hacker-Craft has released a limited production version of its 27-Sport for the luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus. The Neiman Marcus Edition of the Hacker-Craft 27-Sport boat is featured in the retailer’s 2011 Christmas Catalog and was shown on NBC’s “Today Show.” Specially equipped with features such as a humidor, liquor drawer, 23-karat gold leaf boot stripe, refrigerator, an assortment of monogrammed towels, napkins and glassware, a sterling silver plaque, and color-coordinated trim unique to the Neiman Marcus Edition, this boat is a near perfect-10 on the look-at-me scale.

Even though Hacker-Crafts are still handmade wood boats, they are thoroughly modern in almost every respect and built in a contemporary factory in New York. Hull

construction employs a method similar to the cold molded hulls popularized by custom Carolina sport fishing yachts, a technique that yields a strong, watertight, low maintenance boat. A Hacker-Craft hull starts with inverted mahogany frames upon which three layers of quarter-inch-thick diagonal strips of hand cut Philippine mahogany are secured with stainless steel fasteners and bonded with epoxy.

The third and outermost layer consists of half-inch-thick African mahogany planks that run lengthwise. The hull bottom is then coated with two layers of epoxy and readied for bottom paint. The result is a durable, waterproof hull backed by a 5-year factory warranty.

The hull sides are built with one layer of 5mm diagonal strips of Okoume plywood and then covered with half-inch planks of select genuine American mahoganies that features a smoother, finer grain, according to Hacker-Craft’s production manager, Kent “JR” Smith. The mahogany is then sanded, bleached and sanded again, so the wood accepts the stain in a perfectly consistent manner. The hull sides, decks and all other visible mahogany surfaces are finished with 15 to 18 coats of hand painted varnish. The outcome is an incredibly high gloss finish that is smooth and deep. The Neiman Marcus 27-Sport takes approximately 1,400 painstaking hours to build with more than 100 hours in varnish work alone. As long as the boat is protected from the sun, the varnish will last for many years with only an occasional recoat required, according to Smith. A standard mooring cover for sun protection is provided with each boat.

With so much effort to create the magnificent finish of these boats, vinyl registration numbers simply will not do. Instead, Hacker-Craft paints the numbers on.

Open the double hatches on the barrel back stern, and access to the straight inboard 425-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG H.O. is relatively easy. The varnished mahogany in the engine bay looks as good as the rest of the boat. The big block V-8 delivers loads of torque to effortlessly launch the 27-Sport up on plane with minimal bow rise. The deep but subdued exhaust note is music to your ears, although a four-speaker stereo is standard for when the engine is off. Fuel capacity is 51 gallons, which should be sufficient for a nice day of cruising.

In a short run, my GPS showed 45 mph at 4700 RPM, with three persons on board and a half-tank of fuel. The ride is stable and controlled, but slowing down to a 30 mph cruise, the ride becomes very relaxing. The mechanical steering requires minimal input. Tracking is straight and steady. Handling is a delight with nimble, sharp, banked turns. The 27-Sport has a narrow beam by today’s standards of just seven feet, three inches; however, stepping onto the gunwale pad from the dock barely moves the boat, and under way it’s quite stable. The test boat did not have trim tabs, but Hacker-Craft intends to offer them in the future.

Hacker-Craft employed a naval architect to redesign the 27-Sport’s variable deadrise hull for improved handling and a more level ride, and it showed as we navigated past a seemingly endless procession of yachts heading north on the ICW in

Miami. Incidentally, the admiration that this boat draws is impressive, as the crews and passengers on a great many of these yachts raised their arms and gave a big “thumbs up” along with shouts of “Beautiful boat!” Few vessels attract this kind of attention.

Although fiberglass is the dominant boatbuilding material, it’s easy to forget that wood has some very impressive attributes. Most noticeable was how quiet and how well the wood hull absorbed vibrations and a light chop during our test ride. Bow thrusters are standard on all Hacker-Crafts 27 feet and above, which makes handling a single inboard significantly easier and potentially less embarrassing when pulling up to the local waterside eatery.

Helm seats for the captain and first mate are supportive and comfortable. A removable backrest allows a third person to sit in between them. The dash has period-style gauges, switches and a classically- styled wheel. The aft cockpit is fairly compact but has comfortable lounge seats for three, and there’s stowage under the seats. A larger storage area is located under the bow deck, but you have to get down on your knees to reach under the dash. The cup holders have a nice feature with LED lighting nestled deep inside. LED lights are affixed to the transom as well. A stowaway teak cocktail table mounts in the center of the cockpit and is an ideal place to set your drinks.

The Neiman Marcus Edition of the Hacker-Craft 27-Sport is a modern classic and elegant beauty.

There aren’t too many other purchases that will showcase your sense of style better than this boat; just be prepared for the constant admiration. r

Standard Equipment Custom-designed bow burgee; gold-leafed waterline; underwater lighting; deep violet bottom; cream-colored seating w/ purple piping; refrigerator; monogrammed humidor; monogrammed glassware; monogrammed crystal decanters; monogrammed towels; monogrammed napkins; sterling silver plaque on dashboard; GPS.

Specifications LOA........................27' Beam .....................7'3" Weight ..................4,300 lbs.

Fuel capacity.......51 gals.

Power ....................MerCruiser 8.2 MAG H.O. (425 hp) Price as tested ...$250,000 25 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

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OFF

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LARSON

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Running Before hitting the water this spring, make a pre-launch checklist — and follow it. by peter frederiksen

A

fter a long winter, nothing is more important than the inaugural shakedown cruise when you learn just how well your boat endured its annual lay-up. The emotions that swarm over you like a cloud of black gnats when you cast off the lines for the first cruise of the season are hardly unusual, because let’s face it: This ride will be a valid prognosis of how the rest of your season is likely to shape up.

And no matter how excited you may be to get back on the water, this is one excursion that begs not to be rushed. There’s just too much at stake to risk otherwise. Who hasn’t heard the story of the chap at the launch ramp that backed his boat into the water only to discover he neglected to install the drain plug? Although I’ve never forgotten to plug that hole, one spring launch I left the Travelift with a secondary fuel valve closed, causing the port engine to stall as I approached a bridge. Most often these minor calamities occur because of rushing to get the boat under way. In my case, I left the engine room to greet a fellow boater on the dock that stopped by to wish me luck. In so doing, I forgot the one last thing I needed to do, and simply left the valve closed.

Rushing and distractions will always defeat the purpose of a well-planned shakedown cruise designed to get you and your boat and engine reacquainted after a long winter’s nap.

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Making a list, checking it twice Whether you farm out winterization to the boatyard or do it yourself, you should always have a list of whatever was done in the fall to the boat and its mechanical and electrical systems. Just as it’s easy to be distracted, it also can be difficult to remember what was done, especially aboard a modern boat with dozens or even hundreds of critical and interconnected systems. Having a checklist saves a lot of work, prevents damage and can save money, too.

Even with a list, a shakedown cruise begins at the dock. Start with fully charged batteries. I replace my batteries after two seasons because I like to fish and cruise far from shore. When I shut down the engines offshore or in a secluded cove, I want to know I have the power to crank them back over when I’m ready to move. While this maintenance schedule may seem like overkill, it gives me confidence, and I avoid that stomach-churning feeling a slow turning engine evokes.

Make sure battery connections are clean and tight. While you can see corrosion on a battery terminal, you cannot visually inspect whether the connection is tight and making good contact. Pull on the cable to check. Many engine-starting problems are directly related to battery issues and bad electrical connections.

Oil and filter changes are routine fall maintenance.

Still, you should check and, if needed, top off all engine fluid levels, including the transmission, before firing up.

Wipe all oil or other residue drips so you’re beginning

Financing: What can you expect?

If your plan this spring includes the purchase of a new boat, it’s likely you’ll consider financing all or part of the purchase. Before you hit the dealerships, marine finance expert Jason Fox of Coastal Financial offers some good advice for would-be shoppers.

For starters, Fox says it’s important to realize that boat and yacht loan rates are at historical lows and terms remain flexible; anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on the amount being financed. “Our approvals are confidential and quick, within 24 hours, and require only minimal supporting documents or effort from the borrower,” says Fox. “An approval by us can lock in the borrower’s low rate for 30 days or longer.”

Some borrowers may even qualify for special rates, according to Fox. “Borrowers on 2003 or newer units than need more than $50,000 and have an 800+ credit score with 30 percent down can get unadvertised low rates,” Fox explains. “They are unadvertised because our typical borrowers have great credit — 730 or higher — and it’s tough to tell them they can’t have the ‘lowest possible’ rate.”

In terms of down payment, a good rule of thumb is to expect to plunk down at least 10 percent or more on either a new or pre-owned boat. An exception: Boats under $75,000 that require financing. In these situations, says Fox, “We can finance as much as 94 percent of the total purchase, including tax.”

For more information, visit the Coastal Financial website, your-marine-lender.com, or call 888-887-BOAT (2628).

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with a clean engine and bilge. This will make any new drips or leaks more obvious and worthy of your attention and follow up. Make sure there’s fuel in the tanks and the supply valves are open. While in the engine compartment, lift up bilge pump float switches to verify the pumps are operational. Through-hull fittings that supply raw water to the engines and other water-cooled accessories like generators, wash down and air conditioning pumps are either quarter-turn ball valves or gate valves. While you can see that the ball valve is open when the handle is in line with the direction of the water flow, gate valves provide no such sign. Just remember: “Righty tighty” closes a valve, and “lefty loosey” opens it. Use a flashlight to inspect connecting hoses and clamps deep in the bilge. Put your hand on every connection to verify it is dry and secure.

Engine investigation With the engine hatch open, go to the helm and work the mechanical clutch and throttle cables. A bad cable shows itself via eruptions in the plastic jacket. The cables may still work for your shakedown cruise, but make a note to replace them sooner rather than later. Likewise, turn the wheel at the helm several times to verify there’s pressure in the hydraulic system, or that the cables and tie bar are functioning.

I like to leave the engine hatches open when I start up for the first time, in case anything is amiss below deck. I want to see and hear my ponies revving up loud and clear.

With the engine running, I hustle to the transom and check the water flow coming out of the exhaust. On some inboard installations it may take a few moments before the muffler fills with water, so don’t be alarmed if at first the exhaust sounds hollow. As the muffler fills, the sound will deepen, signifying water is moving through the engine and out the exhaust. By now the engine gauges and alarms should be reading properly.

Only after I am satisfied the engine is operating correctly will I start the other and repeat the process.

With both engines at idle I give them several minutes to run before dropping the hatches. I monitor the engine gauges, satisfy myself that all are working and give the air horn a quick shot. With cold spring water coursing through the cooling system, my diesels never warm up to operating temperature at the dock, but before I undo the lines to go on my shakedown run, I ease each engine into gear one at a time just to ensure my transmissions are working. The spring and stern lines handle the load nicely, and once the boat settles back into the slip, I try reverse. When I know both transmissions are ready to go, I untie the lines and idle out of the slip sounding

one long blast on the horn as I approach the last slip before entering the channel.

There are several no-wake zones near my marina, so I chug up the channel at displacement speed until I am in good water. I pay particular attention to the dredged channel because it is not uncommon for winter ice to have moved some of the markers. Remember, despite what the chart says, the channel markers and buoys don’t have to be there. When the engines have reached operating temperature, 185 degrees in my case, I start stretching the throttles and let the ponies go. I check my gauges constantly, and usually everything falls right into place.

I keep a record of water temperatures and oil pressures for the engines at the helm so I know when the systems are functioning as they should. After several minutes and when I see I have plenty of room to maneuver, I open the throttles to full chat. I will run at WOT for about a minute and then throttle back to cruise speed and enjoy the ride. The purpose of the full throttle exercise is to verify that the engines are operating correctly, reaching full RPMs, and that the lube and cooling systems are on par with performance. If anything is amiss, I want to know about it early in the season to effect suitable repairs as quickly as possible. I don’t believe in abusing or babying an engine, but I want to know how it runs so I can maintain it properly and use it without worrying about existing or potential malfunctions.

Final review Use the shakedown cruise to check the electronics and compass and burn some fuel through the engines and generator. Fuel quality has a lot to do with how an engine performs, and the sooner last season’s fuel is replaced with new, the better. Back at the dock, I repeat much of what I did before I left. I do a thorough engine room, bilges and lazarette check looking for leaks or anything that requires attention. Once I discovered an alternator belt that had given up, and had I not looked, I would’ve learned later that I didn’t have a spare aboard.

This raises another good point: Be sure your tool and spare parts kits are current, in case something breaks out there. Likewise, don’t leave the dock without the necessary registration, validation stickers and required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment, including a personal flotation device for all aboard, a Type IV throwable device, fire extinguisher, flares or other pyrotechnic devices, and an anchor and plenty of rode. Also, file a float plan and leave it with a responsible party.

A shakedown sea trial doesn’t have to last long, but then again the Skipper and Gilligan were only taking the Minnow on a three-hour cruise... and we all know how that turned out! r

Insurance: The ties that bind Besides the need to display hull numbers and yearly validation stickers and carry the appropriate vessel registration, documentation and state or federal boat operator certificates with you, don’t overlook the importance of having your boat insurance information up to date before you get under way.

Marine insurance has become a complicated item in these litigious days, and you would be well served by reading your current insurance policy before launching.

This is especially true if your policy is governed by seasonal or other restrictions.

If you launch when your policy is not in effect, you are basically sailing without any protection yet remain totally liable and uninsured. Similarly, if you have upgraded systems or added new equipment or furnishings to the boat, you should bring this to the attention of your agent.

Many mariners assume their agent knows what’s best for them with regards to liability, often referred to as protection and indemnity, accidental and mechanical damage to the boat, engine and trailer, fuel spills, and medical coverage. But marine insurance policies are generally held by underwriters; not the agent. Don’t assume anything. A good policy is most likely to come from an agent that owns a boat and knows about boating. It is your responsibility to ask questions and obtain the answers you need. Generally, a declaration page is issued with the policy outlining your specific values, limits and applicable endorsements. Although the print is in black and white, gray areas can occur that require clarification.

A boater from my marina once filed a claim for damage to his flybridge enclosure only to learn his reimbursement was based on the prorated value due to the age of the enclosure. Although the enclosure was serviceable and had several more seasons of life left because of regular maintenance and care, the insurance company balked at the claim, even though this was the first time the boater ever filed with this company.

When he totaled the deductable, cost of replacement and the threat of higher premiums because of the claim, he moved to a different insurance company.

On the other hand, a close friend experienced a transmission failure on a trip from New Jersey to Florida. Faced with the prospect of having the old gear rebuilt or purchasing new gear, his agent made sure the claim was paid to get the new gear with a two-year warranty as opposed to the rebuilt with a six-month warranty.

Another friend had his boat damaged at the dock when it was hit by another boat whose operator left the wheel. The boat was professionally repaired, but a slight variation in the colored gel coat was visible. My friend went back to his agent and requested the other boater’s insurance company pay to have the boat painted, which they eventually did.

The point here is that not all insurance companies want your business when it pertains to boats. Always get several quotes and be sure when you are comparing policies it is apples to apples, not apples to oranges. A good insurance agent will go to bat for you when you need him or her most. — P.F.

29 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Business of Batteries PART 2

story an d photog raphy by capt . fran k lan i e r

The skinny on battery selection, installation and maintenance.

I

n the first article of our two-part series on lead-acid batteries, we discussed battery types and construction, as well as rating and performance terminology (“Business of Batteries,” March 2012, p. 30-33). Next up is a look at battery selection and tips on installation.

A well-designed battery installation ensures batteries are firmly mounted, with all positive terminals protected.

Six-volt golf cart batteries (wired in series) are a popular choice for many boaters.

30 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Starting Batteries Starting batteries, not surprisingly, are designed to crank engines. They are constructed of thinner, more numerous plates, a design that maximizes surface area and provides the highest burst of current possible — exactly what’s needed for cranking an engine. Deep-cycle batteries have thicker (and by default fewer) plates required to survive prolonged discharges; however, this reduced surface area provides less cranking power — one reason deep-cycle batteries have to be oversized when used as a starting battery.

Starting batteries are not designed for deep discharges.

This isn’t a problem under normal use, as only a small amount of the battery’s actual capacity is used during cranking, and the alternator quickly replaces that amount once the engine starts running. Problems arise when a starting battery is forced to work like a deep-cycle battery, which can cause their thinner plates to buckle and fail rapidly.

Storage (Deep-Cycle) Batteries “Deep-cycle” is a chronically abused buzzword touted by battery manufacturers to imply a more robust, heavy-duty product. Although any battery can technically be termed “deep-cycle” (as all batteries can be deeply discharged and recharged), only a true deep-cycle battery is designed to withstand such discharges time and again without premature failure.

Less expensive substitutes can suffer irreversible damage after only a few such deep discharge cycles.

A true, top-of-the-line deep-cycle battery has solid lead plates, allowing hundreds of deep discharges of up to 80 percent with no significant reduction in projected service life.

Golf cart batteries are a popular choice with many boat owners from both an economical and reliability standpoint. Although technically “semi” deep-cycle batteries, golf cart batteries are designed to provide moderate current output for extended periods of time.

They’ll outperform any starting battery used for storage (and many so called “marine” batteries, for that matter), but it’s important to note they’re not true deep-cycle batteries constructed of solid lead plate.

Thicker plates are the key to withstanding these deeper discharges, which is why premium deep-cycle batteries weigh and cost as much as they do. The reason plate thickness is so critical is due to something called “positive grid corrosion,” a key factor in battery failure. The positive plates of a battery are eventually eaten away over its service life; all things being equal, the thicker the plates, the longer the battery will last.

Unfortunately, most deep-cycle marine batteries on the market today use lead sponge plates rather than solid lead. These are heavier than what you’d find in a starting battery, but lighter than those in a true deep cycle battery.

True deep-cycle batteries can be used for both storage and engine cranking; however, the same can’t be said for starting batteries, which will exhibit poor cycle life in deep-cycle applications. When using a deep-cycle battery for starting, general consensus is that it should be 20 to 25

percent larger than the existing or recommended starting battery order to provide the required cranking amps.

A good, oversized deep-cycle battery also is a better option, in my opinion, than hybrid or combination batteries, which are advertised as straddling the gap between cranking and deep-cycle applications. Some advocates say they’re fine for the weekend boater who spends an occasional night away from the dock and shore power, but how can they meet both the thinner plates required of a true starting battery and survive the deep discharges that necessitate thicker plates? It’s like trying to please folks who like orange juice and sauerkraut by combining the two — the end result is a product combining the limitations of both with an inability to meet the needs of either satisfactorily.

An oversized deep-cycle battery — especially in single battery installations — also provides better deep-cycle performance than a hybrid battery, which means longer run time for all the power-sucking, must-have electrical doodads that invariably find their way aboard. Engine advances such as fuel injection and electronic ignitions also have reduced the number of raw cranking amps a battery needs to provide, making the deep-cycle option even more attractive.

The only real caveat in using a deep-cycle battery as a dedicated starting battery would be the need to monitor its state of charge a bit more closely, particularly when the engine is started frequently but run for only short periods. Due to its design and heavier construction, a deep-cycle battery takes significantly longer to fully charge than a starting battery, meaning it may require additional charging in the above scenario.

Installation Basics Section E-10 of ABYC’s (American Boat & Yacht Council) “Standards And Technical Information Reports For Small Craft” covers battery installation requirements in great detail, but we’ll touch on the basics here, which are generally the same for wet-cell, gel-cell or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries.

ABYC requires that batteries be installed in liquid tight/ acid proof battery trays or boxes. These are available at most marine supply outlets; however, you can make your own as long as they meet the above requirements — just be sure mounting hardware (bolts, screws, etc.) doesn’t compromise the leak-proof quality of the containers.

Batteries must be secured against movement (one inch max in any direction for at least one minute) when exposed to 90 pounds of pull or twice the weight of the battery, whichever is less. E-10 also requires all positive terminals be covered to prevent accidental shorting (from dropped tools, for example), a requirement that

can be satisfied through the use of rubber or plastic terminal caps or boots, non-conductive covers, or by the lid of the battery box itself.

Although batteries ideally should be located in a cool, well ventilated area (excessive heat can significantly reduce battery life); many are installed in the engine compartment, the worst possible place in this regard. If that’s the case on your vessel, the best location is usually low in the engine room, but well above the normal accumulation of bilge water. This typically keeps batteries away from mufflers or exhaust manifolds, while hopefully providing some benefit from existing engine room ventilation.

Adequate ventilation is critical to remove fumes and gasses generated while charging. ABYC also recommends chargers or other electronics never be installed directly above a battery or bank, as they could be damaged by these corrosive vapors.

Other installation considerations involve fuel system components. Never install batteries above or below fuel tanks, fuel filters, fuel-line fittings or similar fuel system components. Installation above or below an uninterrupted (one-piece), non-metallic fuel line is okay; however, any metallic part of the fuel system within 12 inches of a battery terminal must be shielded to prevent sparks.

The exact shape of this 12-inch exclusion zone varies slightly between side- and top-mounted battery terminals, but in general if you can touch both fuel system components and battery terminal with a 12-inch piece of string (keeping the string taut), it has to be insulated. It’s also worth noting that the presence of terminal boots or battery box lids do not fulfill this requirement for fuel line insulation, as they’re usually removed while servicing the battery (the time sparks are most likely to be generated).

ABYC requires that battery terminal connectors provide secure mechanical and electrical connections; spring clips and alligator clamps are not acceptable.

The use of wing nuts also is prohibited for battery cables and other conductors size 6 AWG and greater, as they’re difficult to properly torque and can work loose due to vessel movement. If provided by the battery manufacturer for use in attaching primary leads, replace them with marine-grade lock nuts.

Finally, ABYC recommendations state that no more than four conductors should be secured to any one terminal stud. “Crowded post” syndrome occurs when boat owners wire accessories and equipment directly to the battery, typically because the existing breaker panel is full. The best course of action in such cases is installation of a smaller, secondary breaker panel to accommodate the additional power requirements. r

Wing nuts should be avoided, as they’re difficult to torque and can work loose.

“Crowded post” syndrome is an all too common sight. ABYC recommends a maximum of four conductors per terminal.

Battery box lids and securing straps should be reinstalled immediately after any battery work.

31 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

32 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead & Lakeside: for

Setting the bar BOATER FRIENDLY Cruise or trailer to Lake Erie’s coastal communities.

BY JOHN HAGEMAN

LIGHTHOUSE AND PIER FISHING PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS; BEACHFRONT AND BUILDING PHOTOS BY BILL GORDON

33 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

34 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Toledo

W

hat do giant crystal apples and 16-foot fiberglass fish have in common? Both drop on popular tourism areas at the stroke of midnight, New Year’s Eve. The apple, of course, settles in New York City’s Times Square to the cheers of raucous crowds. The fish, appropriately a walleye, descends in Port Clinton, Ohio, the self-proclaimed “Walleye Capital of the World.”

Watched by a smaller, if no less enthusiastic crowd, it marks the first of many events that the Lake Erie port hosts each year.

Up the shoreline, the communities of Marblehead, Catawba Island and Lakeside schedule their own events, also to attract tourists, which are the lifeblood of these vacationland towns. An estimated 3,000 jobs here depend on out-of-towners having a good time.

As communities powered by the marine industry and linked to the big lake, they welcome cruisers and trailer boaters with open arms.

Native Americans of the Ottawa and Wyandot tribes stocked up on the bountiful fish, fur and waterfowl in the region, which is now a scene of seemingly endless marinas.

The region lies in what was the 600,000-acre Great Black Swamp, where settlers talked of not being able to see the sun through the tree canopy. Pioneers cleared the virgin forest, and much of the land still is used to grow crops.

Limestone is at the soil’s surface throughout the county and has been quarried for generations. Processed lime from here is still used for everything from soil conditioning to antacid and toothpaste.

Out in the lake, sedimentary rock stratum creates more than two-dozen “cuesto” islands — cliffs sharply emerging from Lake Erie’s surface. Boaters must be alert for these and many prop-wrecking reefs and bars that lurk underwater.

(marinemax.com) is widely Kelleys Island Catawba Island West known as the Sea Ray Boats Harbor authority and part of the “world’s largest East Lakeside/Marblehead Port Clinton Harbor boat retailer” corporation. Harborside Boat Sales Sandusky (harborsideboatsales.net) delivers excellent service Huron at both Midway Marina in West Harbor, Catawba Island and Bass Haven Marina in East Harbor, Marblehead. To check out other big yachts, head to Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales (jbys.com) on Catawba Island, where Sunseeker, Viking, Princess and Regal yachts are sold.

Options for docking are countless. Full service Gem Beach Marina (gembeach.com) on Catawba Island in West Harbor has 350 boat docks accommodating up to 45-foot boats. Last year, Gem Beach opened its brand new pool and splash pad. The marina’s waterfront restaurant offers live entertainment throughout the summer season.

It’s affiliated with Beach Towne (beachtowne.net), a unique waterfront community close by.

If you want to spend time off your boat in a quiet setting that has a ThermoSpa and Jacuzzi, Our Sunset Place is a top bed and breakfast that delivers a stunning view of the lake, sunsets and stars (oursunsetplace.com).

Portside Marina out on Kelleys Island (portsidemarinaki. com) is a cruising destination unto itself, recently rebuilt and renovated with 115 slips and accommodations for up to 80-foot vessels. Here you can eat and drink at Dockers Waterfront Restaurant and Bar. Ottawa County welcomes trailer boaters, too. Four public boat ramps maintained by Ohio State Parks are in Marblehead, as is one operated by the county. The state-owned Portage River Access is in Port Clinton.

You can launch at any of them for free.

Rescue Marine, the TowBoatU.S. responder for the entire area, is based out of Shrock’s Marina in Marblehead. With their fleet of fine boats, they are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Boating Paradise

City of Port Clinton

With abundant lumber and great fishing, boatbuilding in Ottawa County began early. Lyman Boats was founded by cabinetmaker Bernard Lyman in 1875, and Matthews Boats came to Port Clinton in 1906, building yachts up to 110 feet. Lymans, wooden lapstrake masterpieces, were built in nearby Sandusky until 1980, and you can still see many of the highly collectible boats cruising around. Links to the marine industry remain; the county has 146 licensed marinas with more than 15,000 wet slips and lots of dry rack storage, creating Lake Erie’s highest concentration of boats.

Hundreds of boats wait in many showrooms. Lake and Bay Yacht Sales (yachtworld.com/lakeandbay) sells boats from Davis, Topaz and Egg Harbor and offers a long list of pre-owned yachts. MarineMax of Ohio

Port Clinton, located on the south shore of Lake Erie, is a diverse small resort town that offers everything from wine tasting to island hopping, sandy beaches and all kinds of recreational opportunities. Explore the historic, old-fashioned downtown area, with its quaint shops, art galleries and variety of restaurants.

If you are looking for a gift of fine jewelry, don’t miss

By Laurie. They also can create a custom designed piece or do repairs while you wait.

The New Year’s Walleye drops in Waterworks Park, also the site of an annual Walleye Festival over Memorial Weekend, which this year takes place May 24-28. The fest features carnival rides, youth fishing derbies, art contests and live entertainment.

First Nations and Resources

MARINAS, LYMAN AND DRAWBRIDGE PHOTOS BY BILL GORDON; DINGHY PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS

35 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

36 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

PHOTO BY XXXXXXXX / PHOTO COURTESY OF XXXXXXXXX

Virtually every restaurant in town serves walleye and/ or yellow perch. Fried filets at Jolly Roger on Perry Street, the town’s main drag, are so good it’s sometimes hard to find parking — not an issue if you’re afoot or arriving via cab from your boat. If you had a successful fishing trip, they’ll cook your catch and serve it up with Cole slaw, fries and hand-cut onion rings.

Hunger satisfied, boaters can find new and used boats as well as parts and service at Coastal Marine II and Lakefront Marina, both located on the lower Portage River. Coastal Marine II is not only the place to go for inboard and outboard motor repairs and fiberglass work, but also offers a lineup of new Angler Boats, built for fishing. Also located on site at the marina is Coastal Floating Homes (coastalfloatinghomes.info), which are small homes designed to float in a dock with enough room for your boat, too.

The Jet Express operates adjacent to the drawbridge, taking passengers to South Bass and Kelleys Island in large, speedy, catamaran-style boats.

Other unique stops here include the Great Lakes Popcorn Factory, which offers more than 20 flavors, the Ottawa County Historical Museum and the New Wave Dive Shop for scuba info and supplies.

Catawba Island Township A township of about 3,100 residents, early inhabitants of Catawba Island grew vineyards, peach, apple and pear orchards, where the lake’s moderating climate averts frost and extends the fall growing season. The island got its name from the Catawba grape, which was one of many varieties grown here during the 20th century.

Today, several produce stands and orchards remain on Catawba; but as prime real estate, year-round residences and vacation homes have replaced many fields of fruit.

If you like the area enough to stay, Nor’easter Cove (noreastercove.com) has waterfront townhouses with docks. Catawba Bay (catawbabay.info) is a new community with a wide range of lifestyle options — everything from cottages to villas — that will feature three marinas as part of the development.

Within the protected embayment of West Harbor, many marinas line the eastern edge of Catawba Island.

Catawba Island Marina is a first-rate full-service marina located in a quiet cove. They can accommodate vessels up to 70 feet and are one of the only marinas along Lake Erie with a 70-ton lift.

For a simple alternative to boat ownership without the stress of maintenance, check out Freedom Boat Club of Catawba Island located at the Catawba Island Marina (freedomboatclub.com).

Want to sip local and exotic vintages in elegant

surroundings? Mon Ami Winery/Restaurant is a fine dining establishment, with more than 50 wines to choose from and an impressive menu.

At the tip of Catawba Island is the Miller Boat Line’s mainland dock, where the company’s ferryboats load passengers and autos for trips to South Bass, where you can enjoy the bacchanalia of South Bass Island’s Put-In-Bay or the reserved solitude of Middle Bass. Visit millerferry.com for island coupons and events.

A must-stop if you’re on Catawba Island is Marine Max’s new multi-million-dollar waterfront yacht center.

Peruse more than 50 boats on display in the company’s showroom. They make purchasing a boat hassle-free and pleasurable by offering everything from finance, insurance, warranties and free classes to help boat owners live the boating lifestyle to its fullest.

Village of Marblehead Boaters still avoid running aground at night with help from Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating beacon on the Great Lakes. This historic landmark is one reason around a million visitors come to this tiny town of 1,000 residents each year; about 25,000 of them climb the 77 steps to the top of the tower. East Harbor State Park features Ohio’s largest campground, with 570 campsites, a 1,500-foot sand beach and 9.5 miles of hiking trails.

Main Street is lined with restaurants, art galleries, antiques, quilt and crafts shops. Galleries in Marblehead include original oils at the Dziak Gallery, whimsical prints by children’s book illustrator Jodie McCallum at her gallery, and glass blowing demonstrations, cutting and jewelry at Ferguson’s Gallery and Studio.

The Kelleys Island Ferry operates its route to Ohio’s largest island from here.

Also well protected from wind and storms, East Harbor forms the western border of this town and is host to many marinas. Tibbels Marina runs head boats for anglers and operates a full service RV park and bait shop. Bay Point Marina, with 750 slips, is the area’s largest.

SkipperBud’s, at the former Marina del Isle, provides sales, service and storage with new yachts from Tiara and Cruisers (skipperbuds.com). Cleats Grille here claims to have the world’s best chicken wings. Mel’s Crow’s Nest offers fine dining indoors or out in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Netty’s Famous Chili Dogs are legendary, and if you want breakfast between the hours of 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays, grab a seat at Port N Starboard Restaurant (it’s open until 2 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays).

Johnson Island, connected to Marblehead via a toll bridge, once had a prisoner of war camp for Confederate officers captured in the Civil War. Its cemetery is the main historical attraction that remains.

LAKESIDE BEACH AND FERRY PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS; PEACH, PERCH & PEROGI AND ADAMS STREET PARK PHOTOS BY BILL GORDON; MOOSE PHOTO COURTESY OF AFRICAN SAFARI WILDLIFE PARK

37 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Birding Paradise Birders and duck hunters alike can enjoy the birds flying through the area thanks to both the Atlantic and Mississippi migratory flyways passing through the region.

The oldest private duck club in North America, Winous Point Shooting Club at the intersection of Muddy Creek and the Sandusky River, was established in 1856 and many other clubs followed.

These marshes, saved from drainage by the old duck clubs and supported with hunting licenses and ducks stamps, have become magnets for birders.

Recognized as a North American top-10 birding destination, more than 330 species are documented from the Western Lake Erie marsh region. Springtime brings an outstanding spring warbler migration. You’ll also find the state’s highest concentration of Bald Eagle nests and an impressive array of wading and shore birds.

Details of the Magee Marsh, the most popular site featuring birding trails and more, can be found online at dnr.state.oh.us.

Fabulous Fishing Lake Erie is the most productive of the five Great Lakes, home to the world’s largest freshwater fishery. It produces more fish for human consumption than the other four lakes combined.

In Ottawa County more than 74,500 fishing licenses are sold to resident and non-resident anglers annually. In 2010, the Ohio DNR reported that anglers harvested 5.3 million pounds of walleye, perch and other species.

If your boat isn’t set up for fishing, charter captains in the area abound. For a list, check out fishlakeerie.com, or inquire at the Great Lakes Angler website, GLAngler.com.

38 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

WALLEYE DROP, WALLEYE TOURNAMENT AND BIRD WATCHING PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS; WARBLER BY MATT TILLETT; WALLEYE PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT LAKES ANGLER MAGAZINE.

Lakeside Lakeside was founded on the Marblehead Peninsula in 1873 as a “Chautauqua” community with a resort atmosphere that encouraged the exchange of ideas to foster personal growth. Now a gated community, it features a busy line-up of educational and religious activities and events (lakesideohio.com).

National acts, tribute bands and a symphony orchestra and chorale perform inside Hoover Auditorium. Art festivals, farm markets, and fitness and spiritual activities fill the calendar from May through August.

A gate pass can be purchased on site to enjoy the scheduled entertainment, seminars, swimming, picnic grounds, playground, walking trails, shops and more.

Odds and Ends Unhitch the boat trailer, leave it at the hotel or campground and treat your family to the drive-through African Lion Safari. Follow a path and interact with animals accustomed to being fed snacks from guests from their car windows. You can see some other unusual animals here, such as a white alligator, and hold pythons and watch pig races.

Island Adventures features a Go-Cart track, gem and fossil mining, miniature golf and an arcade.

Fort Firelands RV Park, in addition to camping, also has shops and weekly flea markets. Train-O-Rama claims the largest display of model trains in Ohio.

At the Ottawa-Erie Regional Airport, the Liberty Aviation Museum is slated to open this summer, featuring a restored Ford Tri-Motor aircraft, a lifeline to the islands from 1936 to 1985.

This area of Ottawa County, rife with the boating lifestyle, offers so much more. Whether it’s an annual stop on your Great Lakes cruising agenda or a first-time destination, you’ll always feel welcome and discover more to see and do. r MORE INFO: Lake Erie Shores and Islands Visitor Center; shoresandislands.com

Port Clinton Calendar of Events Walleye Festival at Waterworks Park May 24-28 Farmers Market at Adams Street Park June-September (every second and fourth Saturday) Riverfront Live Music at Jefferson Street Pier June-August (every Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m.)

Downtown Art Show June 9 Independence Day Festival (Waterworks Park) July 4 Amazing Kite Flite July 28 Car Show August 4 Arts in the Park (Lakeview Park) August 4-5 Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival September 1-2

39 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Discover Nor’ Easter Cove!

Luxury waterfront town homes offering as much as 3,000 square feet of living space. A private 50-foot dock at your back door and fabulous sunsets from your back deck... what a wonderful way to enjoy all Lake Erie has to offer!

Discover Nor’ Easter Cove...

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Relax by the pool at the Nor’ Easter club and enjoy initiation fee and one-year club membership paid with purchase.

Call Today to tour this amazing project @ 419-656-4300 or www.noreastercove.com Located at 2846 Nor’ Cove, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452

Enjoy Catawba Island at its finest!

There has always been something very special about Catawba Island. Something magical... something mystical... Catawba Bay. Spectacular private subdivision offering a wide range of lifestyle options: single family homes, condominiums, town homes, cottages and villas. Enjoy the private marinas, club house, pool, fitness center, nature trail—and the fabulous water views.

What a lovely place to call home or to escape to.

Come to Catawba Bay!

419.797.2100 or 419.341.0863 | www.catawbabay.info | 5333 E. Swan Drive, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 40 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

Call us at

866-490-5297

19 2012 Regal 1900 Bowrider $34,239 1186 866-490-5297

38 2001 Sea Ray 38 Sundancer $129,900 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

50 2002 Carver 506 44 2002 Sunseeker 44 Camargue $299,900 B4321 Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123 $369,000 B5136 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662

24 2012 Regal 24 FasDeck $67,032 1189 866-490-5297

38 1986 Ocean Yachts 38 Super Sport $104,000 B3535 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962

44 2000 Sunseeker 44 Camargue $189,000 B4322 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962

50 1991 Sea Ray 500 Sedan $154,900 B5142 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

25 2007 Glastron 259 Sport Cruiser $30,000 B2195 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

44 1988 Viking 44 MY 39 1986 Sea Ray 390 $49,500 B3551 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661 $169,900 B4403 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962

50 1998 Sea Ray 500 Sundancer $279,900 B5144 Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123

25 2007 Bayliner 25 Trophy Cntr Console $49,500 B2196 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

39 2001 Maxum 37 $109,000 B3561 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962

52 2007 Carver 52 Voyager 45 2003 Viking 45 Convertible $449,000 B4388 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649 $599,900 B5141 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

53 2012 Sunseeker 53 Predator 45 1995 Sunseeker 45 Apache 40 1998 Trojan 400 Express 29 1986 Cruisers 29 $20,995 B2198 Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123 $99,000 B4383 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661 $149,000 B4354 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661 Call for Pricing 866-490-5297 31 1983 Tiara 3100 Open $36,000 B3537 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

40 2000 Tiara 4000 Express $209,000 B4394 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

45 1997 Ocean 45 Super Sport $239,000 B4369 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

54 2004 Neptunus 54 Express $597,000 B5112 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

31 1996 Tiara 3100 Open $87,500 B3540 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

40 1990 Trojan 12 Meter Express $88,900 B4397 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662

45 2000 Silverton 453 MY $219,000 B4389 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

55 1996 Sunseeker 55 Camargue $269,000 B5095 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

32 2003 Cruisers 3275 Express $68,500 B3529 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

45 2008 Rampage 45 Convertible 41 2000 Sea Ray 41 Sundancer $129,900 B4359 Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123 $549,000 963B Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

32 2005 Rinker 320 Fiesta Vee $77,000 B3542 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962

56 2003 Sunseeker 56 Predator 47 1997 Sunseeker 47 Camargue 41 2000 Sea Ray 41 Express Cruiser $199,000 B4401 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649 $187,000 B4392 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661 $499,000 B5147 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661

32 2007 Sea Ray 32 Sundancer $134,900 B3555 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962

41 1997 Maxum 41 SCA $109,000 B4364 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

34 2004 Cruisers 34 Express $104,900 B3474 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

58 1999 Viking 58 Enclosed Bridge 48 2001 Sea Ray 48 Sedan Bridge 41 1999 Tiara 41 Open $225,000 B4376 Judy Krueger 562-715-6329 $379,000 B4385 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 $759,000 B5143 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

34 1998 Formula 34 PC $59,500 B3503 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

48 2000 Sea Ray 48 Sedan Bridge 41 1998 Sunseeker 41 Tomahawk $119,500 B4380 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649 $329,000 B4398 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

41 1992 Silverton 41 Aft Cabin 34 1984 Silverton 34 Convertible $17,900 B3544 Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123 $79,900 B4400 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

58 1999 Viking 58 Enclosed Bridge 48 2001 Sea Ray 48 Sedan Bridge $349,000 B4303 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649 $799,000 B5090 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

42 2001 Cruisers 4270 Express $196,500 B4305 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

42 2000 Silverton 42C 35 1999 Tiara 3500 Express $149,000 B3557 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 $189,000 B4386 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962

58 1975 Bertram 58 Motoryacht $199,900 B5139 Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123

61 2006 Viking Sport Cruisers 61 MY 48 2004 Viking 48 Convertible $725,000 B4344 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649 $1,039,000 B6042 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662

48 1989 Viking 48 Convertible 42 2000 Cruisers 4270 Express 35 2004 Regal 3560 Commodore $159,000 B3526 Judy Krueger 562-715-6329 $247,000 B4252 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 $249,000 B4370 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059 35 1999 Cruisers 3575 $83,900 B3548 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

55 2002 Sea Ray 55 Sundancer $399,000 B5108 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

61 2006 Viking 61 Enclosed Bridge $1,599,000 B6043 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662

61 2005 Viking 61 Convertible 48 2008 Sea Ray 48 Sundancer $699,900 B4374 Judy Krueger 562-715-6329 $1,379,000 B6047 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649 48 2012 Sunseeker 48 Portofino Call for Pricing 866-490-5297

63 1998 Sea Ray 63 SS $390,000 B6094 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661

64 2009 Fairline 64 Targa 50 1999 Viking Sport Cruisers 50 FY 42 2006 Ocean Yachts 42 Super Sport 36 2000 Cruisers 3672 Express $123,000 B3489 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 $455,000 B4390 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649 $595,000 B5062 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 $1,699,000 B6046 Ron Silvia 508-400-2962 42 2013 Viking 42 Open 36 1998 Dakota 36 Cuddy $52,900 B3549 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 Call for Pricing 866-490-5297

65 1999 Viking Sport Cruisers 65 MY 50 2003 Viking Sport Cruisers 50 FY $399,000 B5150 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661 $695,000 B6035 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

75 2000 Sunseeker 75 Predator 50 1999 Cruisers 50 Sedan 44 1994 Sea Ray 44 Sundancer 37 1995 Tiara 3700 Open $139,000 B3533 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 $133,000 B4368 Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123 $349,000 B5103 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661 $989,000 B7006 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662 37 1996 Tiara 3700 Open $149,900 B3545 Jim Kehrig 810-459-4059

50 2001 Viking 50 Convertible 44 2008 Sea Ray 44 Sundancer $389,000 221A Tony Leitgeb 616-638-9123 $585,000 B5130 Greg Krueger 810-459-3662

37 2004 Sunseeker 37 Sportfisher $199,000 B3532 Ron Montoya 810-459-3661 37 1997 Sea Ray 37 EC $98,500 B3559 Jim Stefano 419-466-2649

Visit jbys.com to view full specs on any listing or to see the full model line up from our manufacturers.

“We Overlook Nothing but the Lake”

• Drive-up Docks with Full Utilities • Complete and Certified Service Dept. • Clean Restroom and Shower Facilities • Laundry • Heated Pool •Play Area • Pavilion and Decks with Propane Grills • New Community Room • New Fitness Center • Free Wifi • Yacht Club • Security Gate

Lakefront Marina 1805 W. Lakeshore Drive / Port Clinton, OH 43452

1-800-745-3625

www.lakefrontmarina.com 42 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

New and Pre-Owned Sales, Service, Parts and Fiberglass Repair

Visit our Website For Our Large Selection of Brokerage and Pre-Owned Boats!

Selling Your Boat? List it with us! We need boats to sell!

419-732-2165 OR 419-656-0536

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1989 74' Hatteras Cockpit Motor Yacht

2006 52' Tiara Sovran Salon

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Coastal Floating Homes

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Lake & Bay Y A C H T

S A L E S

“Specializing in Larger Yachts” 89’ 74’ Hatteras CPMY T-870HP DSL...................$599,000 87’ 60’ Jefferson Marquessa T-550HP DSL ........$259,900 98’ 53’ Navigator Classic Custom T-430HP .........$349,000 79’ 53’ Hatteras Yachtfish T-435HP DSL ..............$179,900 06’ 52’ Tiara Sovran Salon T-865HP DSL .............$679,000 86’ 48’ Viking Motor Yacht T-735HP DSL .............$249,000 89’ 47’ Buddy Davis SF T-735HP DSL ...................$229,900 86’ 46’ Ocean Sunliner T-450HP DSL ..................$115,000 88’ 44’ Tollycraft CPMY T-350HP ...........................$110,000 89’ 43’ Bertram Convertible T-550HP DSL ...........$149,900 06’ 43’ Egg Harbor SY T-700HP DSL .....................$549,900 81’ 43’ Viking Double Cabin T-310HP DSL .............$92,500 80’ 43’ Hatteras Double Cabin T-310HP DSL ......$104,900 91’ 42’ Egg Harbor Golden Egg T-485HP DSL .....$149,900 07’ 42’ Silverton Convertible T-480HP DSL..........$319,900 83’ 42’ Bertram Convert. T-435HP DSL ................$125,000 02’ 42’ Egg Harbor SY T-535HP DSL .....................$375,000 90’ 41’ Marinette Motor Yacht T-380HP.................$84,900 88’ 40’ Hatteras Motor Yacht T-375HP DSL ........$139,900 95’ 40’ Sea Ray 400 EC T-330HP ..............................$75,000

PARTIAL LISTINGS BELOW visit us on the web for more!

95’ 38’ Egg Harbor Golden Egg T-485HP DSL .....$269,900 93’ 37’ Silverton Convertible T-320HP ....................$69,900 86’ 37’ Egg Harbor Convertible T-350HP................$79,900 89’ 37’ Trojan 11 Meter Conv T-350HP ...................$65,000 01’ 37’ Egg Harbor SY T-420HP DSL .....................$240,000 08’ 36’ Tiara Open T-385HP ....................................$289,900 98’ 36’ Sealine F36 T-330 HP DSL ..........................$135,000 83’ 36’ Egg Harbor Tournament Fish T-350HP ......$39,900 05’ 36’ Tiara Open T-385HP ....................................$239,000 94’ 35’ Carver 350 Aft Cabin T-320HP .....................$59,900 96’ 35’ Carver 355 Motor Yacht T-320HP ...............$99,900 89’ 35’ Ocean Super Sport T-350HP .......................$79,900 95’ 34’ Silverton Motor Yacht T-320HP ..................$47,900 95’ 34’ Phoenix SFX Convert. T-375HP DSL ........$129,900 99’ 33’ Crownline 330 CR T-310HP ..........................$59,900 95’ 33’ Sea Ray Sundancer T-300HP ......................$54,200 04’ 33’ Pursuit 3370 Offshore T-250HP .................$129,900 03’ 31’ Tiara Open T-385HP ....................................$159,900 97’ 31’ Carver 310 Mid Cabin T-270HP ...................$44,900 06’ 29’ Tiara Coronet T-330HP................................$110,000

www.yachtworld.com/lakeandbay P.O. Box 237 | Marblehead, Ohio 43440 | lakeandbay@roadrunner.com

Phone/Fax: 419-798-8511

“When you visit the lake you deserve to stay at the lake” “Unlimited towing plans starting at $58.00” Call your local TowboatU.S. tower to sign up!

TowboatU.S. Port Clinton, OH (877) 798-5194

Harbor Side boat SaleS

Your waterfront B&B for your family, guests or yourself • 4 Lakefront view rooms • Full hot breakfast served on the deck overlooking the lake • Enjoy ThermoSpa & Jacuzzi • Front row seats for Lake Erie sunsets and star gazing 2803 E. Sand Rd., Catawba Island (419)-732-3875 www.oursunsetplace.com

By Laurie Fine Handcrafted Jewelry In House Gold & Silver Repair Designer Bead Shop

If you are boat shopping or selling, give us the opportunity to help you.

With over 150 listings, we hope to be able to satisfy your needs.

Call or vIsIt our WebsIte: 419-797-0004 / harborsideboatsales.com 1871 NE Catawba Rd., Catawba Island, OH 43452

120 East 2nd Street Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, V-Cell 419-203-2849 fineartjewelrybylaurie.com 43 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

corke board

Bottom’s Up

The ABCs of antifouling paint.

E

arly on, sailors recognized the importance of keeping the bottom of their craft free of fouling, as they discovered a hull covered with barnacles and weeds performs poorly. They used sheets of copper to protect the underbellies of their boats, and this practice is still used on some large sailing vessels today.

Fortunately for modern boaters, now we can use paint with properties similar to those copper sheets.

Most antifouling paints still contain large amounts of copper in the form of cuprous oxide, which is held in a binder to make it into paint. The rising cost of copper is one reason antifouling paint is so expensive.

Unlike the copper sheets of old, antifouling paint often requires reapplication every year (sometimes less often), depending on the area a boat is used and whether it’s left in-water all season.

Types of Paint It’s a good idea to decide what type of paint you need before zeroing in on cost and manufacturers. There’s a plentiful and confusing variety to choose from: Ablative/ self-polishing; traditional soft/sloughing; hard modified epoxies; vinyls; thin film; and a number of specialized varieties, each targeted for a specific application.

Ablatives/self polishing Ablative paints are formulated to wear away as a boat moves through the water, continually exposing fresh biocide. Because they depend on water washing away the paint’s surface layer, they’re not a good choice for

mar k cor ke

a boat that sits at a dock or on a mooring for extended periods of time. The rate of wear varies with water flow, and leading edges that see higher velocities will require extra coats. It’s wise to first apply a “flag” coat of paint that’s a different color than subsequent layers. When the flag coat begins to show, it’s time to repaint. And because paint film wears away over time, minimal prep work is required before repainting.

Traditional soft/sloughing Older formulations based on rosin or rosin/resin blends, these paints vary from soft to semi-hard and generally cost the least. Softer varieties do not stand up to abrasion and are sometimes referred to as “sloughing,” which results when the biocide — almost always cuprous oxide — leaches out of the paint. These are single-season products and are an economical choice for cruising boats that are hauled out each winter.

Hard modified epoxies Based on epoxy resins, these are tough, hard, one-part paints. Their effectiveness and cost vary depending on the percentage of biocide used (usually cuprous oxide without additives). They often can be used to overcoat other types of antifouling, except for those that are soft or contain low-friction components. Typically, boats must be launched within 24 hours of the final coat being applied, but this varies from paint to paint. These paints lose effectiveness out of the water for extended periods, but this does not happen immediately, so haul-outs are practical. They work by releasing biocide from within the paint over the course of the season, and their effectiveness decreases as the biocide leaches out from deeper within the paint. Periodic scrubbing can offset this to some extent. Because the paint itself does not wear away, it must be removed from time to time to avoid excessive buildup.

Vinyls The hardest antifouling paints, vinyls are often used on racing sailboats, as they can be wet-sanded and burnished to a polished surface. They contain strong solvents, which are capable of attacking other paints, so all other types of antifouling must be removed before a vinyl paint is applied.

Vinyl-painted boats also must be launched soon after application.

44 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

PHOTO BY MARK CORKE

Thin film These are described as low-drag, high-performance paints suitable for freshwater use that incorporate low-friction components like Teflon, in addition to copper-based and chemical biocides. One such paint is stated to dry within two to six minutes and requires a boat is launched within 10 to 30 minutes of application.

Specialized antifouling paints ■ Aluminum safe: These employ copper thiocyanite in lieu of cuprous oxide to avoid galvanic attack of aluminum hulls and other underwater components.

■ Boot-top: These are hard, scrubbable antifouling paints also using copper thiocyanate, but are compatible with bright colored pigments in addition to the muted colors of paints using cuprous oxide.

■ Transducer: Usually sold in spray cans, these antifouling paints are formulated so as to not degrade electronic performance. They may have zinc as a biocide.

■ Inflatable: This flexible antifouling paint is formulated to bond to non-rigid coated fabrics.

Choosing a Paint Choosing an antifouling paint requires you to first answer several questions: What type is your existing

paint, and how much maintenance do you want to do?

Does your boat sit on a trailer, or will it remain in the water for an extended period? How important are boat speed and paint longevity? Since the severity of fouling varies significantly from area to area, it’s wise to consult other local boaters, boatyards, and the folks behind the counter at your local chandlery. A word to the wise: Don’t buy on price alone; cheap antifouling may not give you the protection you need, instead causing headaches in terms of additional stripping and preparation. Most major marine paint manufacturers have websites that prove an invaluable source of information.

Application It goes without saying when applying any paint: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to the letter. Read the label carefully; the paint is expensive, and applying it to a poor surface may cause it to under perform or even come off your hull. I’m the first to admit that on several occasions, I thought I knew better than the manufacturer — and ended up with a sloppy finish. Applying antifouling paint is more straightforward than applying topside paint, but you must be careful to adhere to the application and safety recommendations.

MARK CORKE is an accomplished journalist, author and sailor. He’s the creator of the popular blog onboardwithmarkcorke. com, which focuses on various DIY boating projects.

up north, dreams DO come true! tiara 31 coronet IN STOCK NOW

“Sharing your passion for boating since 1946.”

Wa L S T ro M . CoM

Harbor SpringS, Mi 231-526-2141 CHeboygan, Mi 231-627-7105 bay Harbor, Mi 231-439-2741 45 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

ask the expert

Drive On Up

Allan Eva, vice president of Jet Dock Systems, describes the many benefits of drive-on docks.

LB: What are the advantages of a floating dry dock?

Eva: The main point is to get PWCs, high-performance boats and just about any craft out of the water to minimize fouling. These docks also are more convenient than towing rigs, cranes and dry-stack storage.

With walk-around room, it’s easy to access the boat.

Jet Dock Systems manufactures a wide range of boat lifts and drive-on docking systems. Fully portable, modular and changeable, Jet Dock lifts will work in deep or shallow water, salt water or fresh, and with tides, current and waves.

CONTACT Jet Dock Systems Inc. 9601 Corporate Circle Cleveland, Ohio 44125 800-538-3625 jetdock.com

LB: How do they work?

Eva: Modular docks, which we recommend, are easy to drive onto. Simply approach the dock at idle speed, pause and drive-on.

The floating sections flex down to prevent the boat from rising up and slamming down on the surface. As the weight of the craft moves forward on the dock, the floats rise back up to keep the boat high and dry. And launching is simple. The stern of the dock gently flexes down, allowing the craft to depart gradually.

LB: Will the propeller hit the floating dock?

Eva: No. The propeller is facing aft and doesn’t touch the dock. For inboard engines, the dock has a wider opening in the stern running approximately a third of the way up toward the bow.

LB: What factors should be considered when choosing a drive-on dock?

Eva: The most important consideration is the water site. Is it deep, shallow or tidal? Is the sea floor muddy, rocky or sandy? The best systems can be adapted to each.

LB: What materials are ideal for floating docks?

Eva: All marine products should be as non-corrosive, non-hydroscopic and maintenance-free as possible.

We use virgin high-density polyethylene with carbon black pigment.

LB: Do floating lifts have to be hauled out in winter?

Eva: Docking systems like Jet Dock can be frozen-in for the winter. Rigid moorings should be removed and

46 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

the dock spring-tied to float freely. Leaving it in for the winter saves a ton of hassle.

LB: How well do floating docks stand up to rough weather?

Eva: Well-built docks have been known to survive hurricanes. However, all mooring attachments are vulnerable to severe conditions. If threatening weather is imminent, the dock should be untied from rigid moorings and spring-tied the same as you would a boat when scary weather is coming.

LB: Are floating docks susceptible to marine growth?

Eva: The whole purpose of floating docks is to make marine growth irrelevant. No part of the watercraft should touch the water once dry-docked. For example, Jet Dock modules take all the sea exposure, and any growth that may occur on the bottom of the floats has no impact on the dock and doesn’t touch the watercraft.

No cleaning or anti-fouling paints are required.

LB: Will boats or PWCs be marred by the dock surface?

Eva: The surface is softer than the boat hulls, so marring should not occur. However, drive-on surfaces should be kept clean of windblown grit, as that could cause superficial scratching.

LB: Can customers install floating docks themselves?

Eva: Most customers can install the product themselves.

In our case, each dock is pre-assembled at the factory and then divided just enough for shipping. Re-assembly on site and mooring is more about carrying things around than any kind of intricate handiwork.

LB: How much should I expect to spend on a drive-on dock?

Eva: Although superior docking systems are expensive upfront, they retain their value, and ours have a lifetime warranty. PWC docks range from $1,000 to $2,000, boat docks from $2,000 to $12,000, and larger, air-assisted systems designed for watercraft — even as large as the 50-foot, 50,000-pound Naval Assault vessels we just dry-docked — can range from $12,000 to $50,000 or more.

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Marine Services Corporation

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Sale & Installation of Bow & Stern Thruster Sale & Installation of Underwater Lights & Electronics Gas & Diesel Engine Repairs by Certified Technicians Buff & Wax SERVICE Our Certified Technicians can provide expert mechanical Fiberglass Repairs service for your engines, drives and auxiliary systems. We share Boat Transportation by Licensed Captains your passion for boating and can perform top quality hull and topside Custom Work repairs. Our body/paint shop can accommodate yachts up to 65 ft, Complete Boat Painting serving both sailboat and powerboat enthusiasts.

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2012 RIVA 75 VENERE

New & Pre-owned Yachts

Spring Specials! Won’t last! Call for current listings at 708-841-5660 19’ 25’ 26’ 27’ 28’ 29’ 29’ 30’ 31’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 33’ 33’ 33’ 34’ 35’ 35’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’

1956 Chris Craft Capri, KBL engine, with trailer ................................................$27,499 1979 Tiara 2500 Sport Salon, OMC eng, 260HP, w/trailer ....................................$6,500 2004 Regal 2665 Commodore, 350 MAG MPI Merc, 350HP ..............................$41,900 1995 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer, 7.4L Merc sterndrive, 330HP ..............................$14,900 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer, T-5.7L Mercs, Alpha I I/O’s, 260HP .....................$22,500 2003 Four Winns 298 Vista Cruiser, T-5.0 GXi/DP Volvos, 270HP.......................$64,900 1999 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer, T-5.7 EFI Mercs, 260HP.......................................$42,900 2007 Rinker 300 Express Cruiser, T-Mercs, 260HP..............................................$95,000 2003 Rinker 312 Fiesta Vee, T-5.0L Mercs MPI I/O, 260HP ................................$59,900 1985 Wellcraft 3200 St. Tropez, T-Mercs, 260HP................................................$15,950 1997 Wellcraft 3200 Martinique, T-Mercs, 320HP .............................................$54,900 1999 Wellcraft 3200 Martinque, T-5.7L Mercs, 320HP.......................................$49,900 2005 Bayliner 325 Express Cruiser, T-350 MAG MPI I/O’s, 300HP......................$82,500 1996 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer, T-454 Mercs, 310HP ...........................................$49,900 1995 Tiara 3300 Open, T-454 Crusaders, 320HP .................................................$84,900 1999 Cruisers 3375 Esprit, T-7.4L Mercs, 310HP ................................................$50,000 2001 Formula 34 PC, T-7.4L MPI Mercs, 300HP ..................................................$89,900 1997 Carver 350 Mariner, T-350 Crusaders, 320HP ............................................$74,900 2008 Rinker 350 Express Cruiser, T-Merc, 300HP, with Axius Drive .................$150,000 1992 Four Winns 365 Express, T-Fords, 460HP ...................................................$59,900 2006 Carver 36 Mariner, T-Crusaders, 375HP ...................................................$175,000 2001 Trojan 360 Express Cruiser, Twin Merc MX 6.2 MPI Horizons, 320HP .............$95,000 2000 Doral 360 Express (SE), T-7.4L Mercs, 310HP ....................................$85,900 OBO 1987 Nova 36 Sundeck Trawler, T-TAMD 41A Volvos, 200HP ............................$99,000 1985 CS 36 Traditional Sailboat, single Westerbeke diesel, 33HP ....................$56,000

37’ 37’ 37’ 38’ 38’ 39’ 40’ 42’ 42’ 44’ 45’ 46’ 46’ 46’ 46’ 50’ 53’ 54’ 56’ 58’ 59’ 63’ 67’

2004 Larson Cabrio 370 Midcabin, T-8.1 High Output Mercs, 420HP.................$99,000 1990 Chris Craft 372 Catalina Double Cabin, T-454 Crusaders, 330HP ..............$64,900 1997 Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser, T-7.4L MPI Mercs, 310HP ...........................$94,900 2002 Regal 3860 Commodore, T-8.1 Gxi Volvos, 420HP ...................................$139,000 1996 Carver 380 Santego, T-454XL Crusaders, 310HP........................................$69,900 1987 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser, T-454 Mercs, 340HP....................................$38,000 2008 Rinker 400 Express Cruiser, T-8.1 MAG Mercs w/Axius, 375HP..............$219,000 1990 Sea Ray 420 Sundancer, T-3208 Caterpillars, 375HP .................................$79,000 1990 Sea Ray 420 Sundancer, T-3208 Caterpillars, 375HP .................................$74,000 2008 Regal 4460 Commodore, T-600 series Volvos w/IPS, 500HP ...................$385,000 2007 Formula 45 Yacht, T-Volvos, 575HP ..........................................................$449,900 1985 Viking 46 Convertible, T-892 Detroit Diesels, 675HP ...............................$129,000 1979 Hatteras Sport Fisherman, T-8V71T1 Detroit Diesels, 425HP ..................$124,900 2004 Carver 466 Motor Yacht, T-75P TAMD EDC Volvo Diesels, 370HP ..........$259,000 1999 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer, T-Diamond Series Cummins, 450HP .................$205,000 2001 Cruisers 5000 Sport Sedan, T-74P TAMD Volvos, 480HP .........................$309,000 1994 Ocean 53 Super Sport, T-8V92 Detroit Diesels, 760HP ............................$395,000 1999 Sea Ray 540 Sundancer, T-3196 CATs, 600HP ..........................................$269,000 1999 Sea Ray 560 Sedan Bridge, T-3406 Caterpillars.......................................$449,000 2000 Sea Ray 580 Super Sun Sport, T-3406 Caterpillars, 800HP .....................$479,900 2008 Marquis 59 Markham Edition, T-D12 EVC Volvos, 775HP .....................$1,095,000 1991 Skipperliner 630 Motor Yacht, Charter boat, T-Mercs, 180HP .................$144,000 1989 Hatteras Cockpit Motor Yacht, T-12V71TA Detroit Diesels, 770HP .........$595,000

For more information or to set up an appointment, contact Elite Yachts or Barbara Walsh

www.yachtworld.com/eliteyachtbrokerage | 630.887.1478 | Cell 630.235.0227 | bw@eliteyachtschicago.com

marina watch

The Boathouse of Harbor Springs Combines vintage charm with modern slips and amenities.

The Boathouse of Harbor Springs 105 Bay St. Harbor Springs, MI 49740 231-526-0800 boathousehs.com Specs Transient slips: Nearby Pump-out: Yes Gas: Yes Diesel: Yes Lifts: Nearby Launch ramp: Nearby Engine repair: Nearby Hull repair: Nearby Marine store: Nearby Restaurants: Nearby Showers: Yes Laundromat: Yes

48 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

T

ucked into the north side of Little Traverse Bay, the Boathouse of Harbor Springs is located in the heart of historic downtown Harbor Springs, Michigan, within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

“It’s a natural, deep harbor with crystal-clear water,” says Gale Stephens, head of the yacht club’s advisory board. “It’s very well protected — really a boater’s paradise.”

And it’s the perfect spot for exploring near and far. Directly across Little Traverse Bay are Bay Harbor and Petoskey.

Charlevoix, Traverse City, Leland and Mackinac Island — just to name a few — are a couple hours away by boat.

The yacht club’s origins date back to the early 1900s, when Henry Melching started Melching Garage and Boat Works. In the 1940s, ownership was transferred to the Walstrom family, which still owns nearby Walstrom Marine. In recent years, the family wanted to create more of a club-type of atmosphere, and thus the Boathouse of Harbor Springs was born.

That club atmosphere includes gated outdoor parking and covered indoor parking, an office, reception area, banquet facility, fuel discount and more. It also has several new features for the 2012 season, including a

by colle e n h . trou pi s

remodeled boater’s lounge and a new business center.

“We also offer a full concierge service to our members — anything from a ride to or a pickup from one of the local airports, to scheduling a tee time and helping load provisions for your next boat trip,” says Dan Kimball, yacht club manager. “You’ll find that our staff is friendly, courteous, helpful and always willing to go the extra mile.”

The yacht club maintains a relationship with Walstrom Marine, which operates a fuel dock onsite and provides priority maintenance service to yacht club members.

Its slips are special, too. “We offer covered and uncovered docks with a feel and charm that is rarely seen in this day and age,” Kimball says.

There are 63 slips onsite, and the yacht club can accommodate boats up to 100 feet in length. All slips have access to wireless internet service. The club has quickly become a popular spot for locals and travelers alike looking for a northern home base for boating.

A city beach is directly adjacent to the yacht club, and there’s a city park right across the street. The yacht club hosts several events for members during the summer, including a Lobster Boil and Fourth of July Brunch. r PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BOATHOUSE

The Ultimate Homeport The Boathouse of Harbor Springs is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Harbor Springs, with a variety of shopping and restaurants nearby. The Boathouse offers 62 exclusive slips — some covered and protected, others open with spectacular views. Quaint and eloquent, yet bursting with the rustic charm of boathouses of a bygone era, the Boathouse of Harbor Springs is the Great Lakes’ newest yachting club and destination.

• Memberships available from 32-70 feet, starting at $175,000 • On site fuel, with discount for members • Priority service from Walstrom Marine • Private indoor and outdoor vehicle parking in downtown Harbor Springs • Large covered waterfront event center for elegant parties and celebrations • Pump-out conveniently located near each slip • Clubhouse with kitchen, boater’s lounge, dining room, and board room • Lunch and dinner served daily on the club deck

105 Bay St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 • 231-526-0800

www.boathousehs.com

lakeshore life

Boyne City, Michigan

Relax in this English country-style home on Lake Charlevoix.

Address 4695 Porter Creek Lane Boyne City, MI 49712 Specs Bedrooms: 4 (plus library) Baths: 3.5 Sq. Footage: 5,400 sq. feet Shoreline: 220 feet Acres: 0.75 (approx.)

Price: $1,650,000 Contact Pat O’Brien, Broker/Owner Pat O’Brien & Associates 231-675-6677 patobrien.com

50 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

S

ituated on more than 200 feet of gorgeous Lake Charlevoix shoreline, this custom-built Boyne City, Michigan property leaves little to be desired.

The 5,400-square-foot home, built in 2000, was constructed in traditional English country style that’s evident in its exterior, with a blend of stone and wood. It was built to take advantage of expansive views to the east, west and north, with extra-large windows throughout.

“Every room on the ground floor has a view of the lake — even the laundry room,” says Frank Butler, who, along with wife Dawn, owns the home. “Upstairs, the library has a curved balcony that overlooks the lake as well.”

Wood floors — cherry downstairs and hickory upstairs — are present throughout, as is in-floor radiant heating.

Custom cove and tray ceilings add another level of detail, and custom cabinetry has been installed throughout.

The master suite, on the first floor, includes an office, bedroom and private bath. The space above the garage can be easily converted into a nanny’s apartment, complete with bath and space for a kitchenette. “It’s a very comfortable area with high ceilings and great views,” Butler says.

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Even the attached heated garage, which can hold three cars in its 1,200 square feet, includes in-floor radiant heating. It features hot and cold water, built-in cabinetry, and a large sports closet perfect for storing gear like skis.

The grounds of the home are impeccably landscaped, with gorgeous plants and stone walkways. The large deck off the sunroom recently received an upgrade in the form of framing and a new awning.

“It’s a wonderful place to be on warm days,” Butler says.

The beach on the property is a great spot to go for a swim, and while there is not currently a dock on site, putting one in could be easily done.

The location is truly special. “It’s very private,” Butler says. “That’s one of the things that first attracted me to the property. I had been by here a million times and never knew there were homes here. But we’re also very close to town.”

Downtown Boyne City is just a five-minute drive, and Petoskey and Charlevoix are about 20 minutes away.

From where it is on the lake, it’s about a 20-minute boat ride from Lake Michigan. And while many in the area spend time here in the summers, the Butlers have made this home a year-round retreat. r PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAT O’BRIEN

Windy City Yacht Brokerage, LLC

1997 70’ NEPTUNUS MY 1110HP 12V92 DETROITS, 2 JET SKIS TENDER, THRUSTERS, STABILIZERS $799,000

1988 55’ OCEAN SUPER SPORT 735HP DETROIT 8V92S, HEAVY RENOVATIONS. LOOKS GREAT, FRESHWATER $235,000

2005 59’ MARQUIS 825HP MTUS WITH 370 HOURS, LWR HELM, FRESHWATER $895,000

1991 44’ LEE WILBUR CUSTOM 375HP CAT 3208S, HULL BLUE AWLGRIP, SUPER STRUCTURE WHITE AWLGRIP, FANATICALLY MAINTAINED $199,,000

1992 36’ BAYLINER 3688 200HP HINO DSLS, STRAIGHT DRIVES, VERY CLEAN, NEW UPGRADES FRESHWATER $79,000

1986 36’ CARVER 3607 AFT CBN 350HP CRUSADERS, GEN 2 SRS, 2 HEADS, 2 HELMS GREAT PRICE FRESHWATER $37,900

2003 32’ REGAL 3260 COMMODORE VOLVO 320HP 5.7L V DRIVES ONLY 240 HOURS, GENERATOR, FRESHWATER $75,900

2002 31’ SEA RAY 310 SUNDANCER T-6.2L MERCS W/BRAVO III 250 HRS, RADAR, ONE OWNER, FRESHWATER $69,900

2008 29’ CHAPARRAL 290 SIGNATURE TWIN 260HP 5.0L MERCS. ONLY 90 HOURS, BLACK HULL, FRESHWATER $89,900

2002 28’ CHAPARRAL 280 SIGNATURE TWIN 220HP MERCS, NEW JBL SPEAKERS, FRESHWATER $55,000

1997 21’ SEA SWIRL 2150 STRIPER EX 250 HP VOLVO ONLY 90 HOURS! TRAILER, FRESHWATER A STEAL AT $9,900

Jeff Pierce, CPYB

1971 54’ STRIKER SPORT FISHERMAN 550HP DETROIT 1271S, MANY NEW UPGRADES, 18’ BEAM, AL HULL $225,000

• 312-440-9500 Email: jeff@windycityyachts.com

www.WindyCityYachts.com

AUSTRALIAN FOR BOAT

5000SY

The 5000 SY is made for serious voyages as well as playful day cruising. Powered by twin Cummins Mercruiser diesels with revolutionary Zeus technology, it delivers up to 30 percent improved fuel economy, 15 percent faster cruise speed and 15 percent faster top speed.

The Australians are masters of informal entertaining and this is evident on the 5000. The ease with which you can cater to a large party and the standard of comfort your guests can enjoy is magnificent. With luxurious accommodations for up to six, amenities include a wet bar with a stainless steel fridge-freezer, generous seating, and an electric BBQ. Come experience the 5000 today at a dealer near you.

Onekama Marine Inc. Lake Michigan Yacht Sales

801 Front St., Suite B Bay Harbor, Michigan 49770 231-439-2675 | lakemichiganyachtsales.com 4378 Crescent Beach Rd. Onekama, Michigan 49675 231-889-5000 | onekamamarine.com

Box 805, Atherley Narrows Bridge Orillia Ontario, L3V 6K8 888-446-4545 | northernyachtsales.com

155 East Redwood St., Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235 920-743-6526 | baymarine.net

CUTWATER 26 & 28 IN-STOCK

RANGER TUGS R-21 EC & R-27 IN-STOCK

NEW CAbO 40 HT EXPRESS

HATTERAS GT 63 ENClOSEd bRIdGE

IMMedIate avaIlabIlIty!

Brokerage Yachts 29’ 29’ 29’ 30’ 30’ 30’ 31’ 31’ 31’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 32’ 33’ 33’ 34’ 34’ 34’ 35’ 35’ 35’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 38’ 38’

1992 1995 2002 1988 1996 2008 1983 1995 2010 1990 1996 2002 2005 2007 1991 2002 1986 1988 1992 1977 1979 2005 1986 1986 1988 1989 2005 2007 1986 1988

Tiara 290 Sportboat T-Crusader 5.7 ltr. ....................................................... $36,900 Powerquest 290 Enticer FX w/Trl. Mercruiser 454 EFI Magnum............ $32,500 Four Winns 298 Vista T-Volvo Penta 5.0, 270 hp........................................ $59,900 Sea Ray 305 Sedan Bridge T-Mercruisers 5.7 ltr. ..................................... $19,900 Pursuit 3000 Offshore T-Crusader 454, 320 hp........................................... $59,900 Tiara 3000 Open T-Crusader 6.0 MPI, 375 hp ........................................... $162,500 Tiara 3100 Open T-Crusader 350’s, 270 hp .................................................. $39,900 Tiara 3100 Open - Hardtop T-Crusader 454 XLI, 320 hp .................. Sale Pending Chaparral 310 Signature T-Mercruiser 5.0 L MPI DTS Axius ............... $164,900 Carver 32 Convertible T-Mercruiser 350 .................................................... $35,500 Regal 320 Commodore T-Mercruiser 7.4 ltr. .............................................. $44,900 Four Winns 328 Vista T-Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI’s ................................. $64,900 Tiara 3200 Open T-Crusader 8.1 ltr., 385 hp .............................................. $179,900 CABO 32 Express T-Caterpillar C-7, 461 hp...................................... Sale Pending Wellcraft 3200 St. Tropez T-Crusader 5.7 ltr. .................................... Sale Pending Donzi Daytona ZX T-Mercury, 425hp ........................................................ $109,900 Luhr’s 342 Sedan Convertible T-Crusader 7.4 ltr. ...................................... $32,900 Sea Ray 340 Sport Fisherman T-Mercruiser 7.4 ltr., 340 hp .................... $27,900 Silverton 34 Convertible T-Crusader 7.4 ltr................................................. $39,900 Chris Craft 35 Catalina T-Chris Craft 327, 220hp........................................ $24,900 Viking 35 Convertible T-Crusader 454’s ...................................................... $29,900 Scopinich 35’ Express Tournament SF T-Caterpillar 3126TA, 450 hp......... $319,900 Trojan F-36 Convertible T-Crusader 350’s, 270 hp ..................................... $39,900 Hatteras 36 Sedan T-Crusader 7.4 ltr., 350 hp ........................................... $59,900 Mainship 36 Double Cabin T-Crusader 350 5.7L, 270 hp .......................... $39,900 Tiara 3600 Convertible T-Crusader 350 hp ................................................. $64,900 Tiara 3600 Sovran T-Cummins 6CTA8.3 ltr., 450 hp.................................. $224,900 Meridian 368 Motor Yacht T-Mercruiser 8.1 ltr. HO, 385 hp .................. $189,900 Ocean 38 Super Sport T-Crusader 454’s, 350hp ........................................ $49,900 Hatteras 38 Convertible T-Detroit Diesels, 6V-71TI ................................ $149,900

38’ 38’ 38’ 38’ 39’ 39’ 40’ 40’ 40’ 41’ 41’ 42’ 43’ 43’ 43’ 44’ 44’ 44’ 45’ 45’ 45’ 48’ 48’ 48’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 52’ 58’ 85’

2001 2002 2003 2008 1985 1986 1999 2006 2008 1999 2002 2004 1975 1990 1995 1984 2003 2006 1968 1989 2000 1981 1977 2004 1994 1997 2000 2001 1978 2006

Tiara 3800 Open T-Caterpillar, 3208, 435hp............................................... $229,900 Pursuit 3800 Express T-Volvo 74P, 480 hp ................................................. $219,900 Fountain 38 Express Cruiser T-Mercruiser, 425hp .................................. $179,900 Donzi 38 ZSF Walkaround Tri-Mercury Verado’s, 300hp ....................... $199,900 Sea Ray 390 Sedan Bridge T-Mercruiser 454, 340hp ............................... $39,900 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser T-Chevy 540, 275 hp ................................... $42,000 Bayliner 4085 Avanti Express T-Cummins, 330hp ................................... $124,900 Int’l Standard 40 Mariner T-Cummins, 270hp .......................................... $289,900 Sea Ray 400 Sundancer T-Cummins QSB, 380hp ................................... $299,900 Tiara 4100 Open T-Caterpillar 3208 DITA .................................................. $224,900 Tiara 4100 Open T-Cummins QSM 11, 635 hp .......................................... $319,900 Tiara 4200 Open T-Cummins QSM 11, 660 hp .......................................... $399,900 Hatteras 43 Flybridge MY T-Cummins VT903, 320 hp ............................... $69,900 Tiara 4300 Convertible T-Detroit Diesels 6V92’s, 535 hp ........................ $179,900 Tiara 4300 Open T-Detroit Diesels 6V92’s, 550 hp ................................... $199,900 Viking 44’ Motor Yacht T-Detroit Diesels 671, 450 hp ............................. $129,000 Tiara 4400 Sovran T-Caterpillar C-12, 700 hp ................................... Sale Pending Tiara 4400 Sovran T-Caterpillar C-12, 715 hp ................................... Sale Pending Matthews 45 Yachtfish T-Chrysler 440 gas................................................ $64,900 Viking 45 Convertible T-Detroit Diesel, 6-71’s rebuilt ............................. $154,900 Silverton 453 Motor Yacht T-Cummins QSM 11, 535 hp ......................... $229,900 Hatteras 48 Motor Yacht T-Detroit Diesel, 6V92’s, 425 hp ..................... $229,900 Hatteras 48 Long Range Cruiser T-Detroit Diesel, 4-53, 122 hp............ $249,900 Silverton 48’ Convertible T-Caterpillar C-12, 700 hp ............................... $449,000 Hatteras 50’ Convertible T-Detroit Diesel 12V-71TA DDEC, 900 hp ...... $349,900 Hatteras 50’ Convertible T-Caterpillar 3408, 800hp................................. $550,000 Hatteras 50’ Convertible T-Caterpillar 3406E, 800 bhp ........................... $565,000 Tiara 5000 Express/5200 Sovran T-Caterpillar 3406E, 800 bhp .............. $379,900 Hatteras 58’ Motor Yacht T-Detroit Diesel 8V92 TA’s, 550 hp ................ $249,900 Pacific Mariner T-MTU 10V2000, 1500hp .............................................. $3,999,000

LASALLE, MI Paul Reed 419-304-4962 • Tim Manton 419-509-6948 • John Clark 734-755-5902 GRAND HAVEN, MI Brent Reed 616-402-0180 • TRAVERSE CITY, MI Brad Thompson 231-668-9868

www.reedyachtsales.com

BUY nOW! Many reduced Prices!

ExtEnsivE

MarkEting PLan List your trawler with us!

Listing and Selling Trawlers all over the United States and Canada!

Largest number of trawler listings anywhere!

IDEAL GREAT LOOP & FRESH WATER TRAWLERS BROKERAGE TRAWLERS

NEW RANGER TUGS IN-STOCK

29 Ranger Tug 2010 $254,000 BUY NOW $219,000

25 Ranger Tug 2008 $156,000 w/trailer BUY NOW $119,000

21 Ranger Tug 2010 $63,000 w/trailer BUY NOW $53,000

S

OLD 21 Ranger Tug 2008 $39,000 w/trailer Trade-In Special

65 Custom Trawler 1998 $549,000

65 Skipperliner 1992 $239,000

... MORE BROKERAGE TRAWLERS

46 Westcoast 2004 $339,500

43 Saberline 1996 $340,000

42 Nordic Tug 2008 $649,500

42 Nordic Tug 2001 $339,000

42 Nordic Tug 1999 $299,000

42 Grand Banks Europa 2004 $599,000

42 Grand Banks 1993 $249,900

42 Grand Banks 1987 $175,000

42 Grand Banks 1977 $89,000

41 Camano 2006 $385,000

41 President 1987 $99,000

40 T Mainship 2004 $229,000

40 Tollycraft 1986 $84,900

39 Ocean Alexander 1991 $139,000

37 Custom Steel 1986 $89,000

34 American Tug 2006 $289,000

34 American Tug 2004 $269,000

34 American Tug 2001 $225,000

34 Mainship 1978 $34,000

32 Nordic Tug 2000 $179,000

32 Albin 1989 $75,000

32 Grand Banks 1985 $89,000

32 Cheoy Lee 1983 $57,000

32 Island Gypsy 1983 $49,900

32 Vinette Steel 1977 $44,900

31 Camano 2001 $127,900

28 Albin 2007 $99,000

28 Ellis 1994 $58,900

27 Albin 1984 $29,900

26 Nordic Tug 1981 with trailer $69,900

*Please note the location of the brokerage trawler in the website listing: at Manitowoc or at the owner’s location

www.trawlersmidwest.com • 920-894-2632 • 866-375-1633

Like us on Facebook!

Largest Pontoon Inventory in Michigan! including Premier’s NEW Grand Entertainer!

Over

50 2012 models in stock!

New & Use Boats

Boat Slips & Storage

Boat Parts and Repair

Docks, Hoists & SeaLegs

Boat Rentals

The Clam Shack

gas dock, fuel, beer & wine

6509 Crystal Springs Road, Bellaire, MI

231.377.6611 • www.dewittmarine.com

ST. IGNACE CITY MARINA www.stignacemarina.org

coastalfinancial

BOAT LOANS confidential

Photography by Dave Kunze

SERVICES

Overlooking Mackinac Island and conveniently located in historic downtown St. Ignace Beautiful, state-of-the-art facility with 136 slips and many amenities: • • • • •

FREE WIFI 200 amp for large slips Wells up to 140 feet Navigational Lighthouse Gas/Diesel/Valvtech Fuel

• 80 ton lift-out • Marine services for gas or diesel engines.

• FREE shuttles to local casino • FREE grocery delivery to marina

Harbor Reservations: 800-447-2757 stignacemarina.org L45o51’58”, Lo84o43’06”W VHF Channel 16 - 9 - 7 • Marina Office: 906-643-8131

JULY & AUGUST WEEKLY DOWNTOWN EVENTS: • Sunset Cruise: Mondays • Wine & Beer Tasting: Tuesdays • Historic Walking Tour: Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays • Waterfront Entertainment: Wednesdays, Thursdays • Fab Friday Activities: Fridays • Music & Fun Downtown: Saturdays • Fireworks over the Bay: July 4 and every Saturday through September 1 • Movies By the Bay and Free Popcorn: Sundays

simple

REQUIREMENTS

clear

COMMITMENTS

great

RATES

1-888-887-boat Regional Office: Holland, MI

(2628)

Loans from $5,000 to $5,000,000.

Low down payment programs available.

Refinance NOW— Rates are currently at 8-year lows!

We know the water is always calling

AREA SPECIAL EVENTS: June 22-23: Antiques on the Bay Car Show June 28-30: St. Ignace Car Show July 4: Parade, Community Picnic & Fireworks July 21: St. Ignace Fish Feast August 4: Bayside Music Festival August 24-26: Rendezvous at the Straits Powwow September 1-2: Arts & Crafts Dockside September 14-16: Owosso Antique Tractor Show & Richard Crane Memorial Big Rig Truck Show October 6: Great Waters Festival, Apple Days and Pumpkin Roll

New w Used w Refinance Limited Charter w High Performance

For Area Information, Call 800-970-8717 or visit

www.saintignace.org

www.coastalfinancialcorp.com 59 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

marine marketplace

Welcome to the

marine marketplace

Prairie Harbor yacht club

“Prairie Harbor is the best-kept secret on Lake Michigan.”

This privately-owned, 159-slip marina is conveniently located on Lake Michigan.

We offer unit sales, lease purchases, slip rental and Yacht Club membership options.

• Private beach • Cable television • Wireless internet service

• Security card access • Family oriented atmosphere • Beautifully landscaped property

• Upscale clubhouse • Laundry room facilities • Private bathroom suites

For sales and leasing information, contact Carolyn Diesi: 847-557-1633 (direct) cdiesi@att.net

12800 Lakeshore Drive • Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 • Telephone/Fax 262-697-3200 • prairieharboryachtclub.com

The ULTIMATE Tender Lift Solution The freedom to use your watercraft where and when you want with just the touch of a button!

Freedom Lift® is the ideal solution for transporting your tender or PWC. n Installs independent of your swim platform n The ONLY lift with easily removable lift arms n Features wireless, hydraulic remote control operation n Lifting capacity of 800+ lbs. n Innovative design better than old-style platform lifts

See our dynamic video and digital portfolio on the web:

www.freedomlift.com

60 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

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

marine marketplace

pr i ncess 42

All Models Available for Spring Delivery! oth e r S e le Ct yaC h tS ava i l a b l e:

Cruisers 41 Cantius

Ph: 815-357-8666

Cruisers 48 Cantius

j

www.springbrookmarina.com

Prestige 440S

j

Fax: 815-357-8678

Call for Service Specials!

61 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

marine marketplace SeaSenSe continues to lead the pack in innovation!

Our new, exclusive design LED cup and rod holder bezel lights offer both function and style while giving you low power draw and extending your battery life. Backed by our Lifetime Limited Warrantee, they offer the outstanding quality you’ve come to expect from SeaSenSe.

patents pending

Quality & Innovation since 1984 call 800-282-8725

LIGHT EMITTING DIODE

Visit us online at www.seasense.com to see our complete line of Lighting & Accessories!

1815 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI 49424

Ph: 616-399-6304 • Fax: 616-399-6329

Brokers for Power & Sail

www.anchorageyachtsales.com

TRADES CONSIDERED!

2006 Mainship 43 Trawler T-Cummins Big QSC 540’s, go slow or fast, Loaded, Mint! 329k

1999 Sea Ray 370 Aft Cabin T-380 Horizons, Gen, Cherry Interior 3 Strm, Low Hours! Ask 124k

62 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

2001 Sea Ray 290 Amberjack

2000 Four Winns 298 Vista

T-Merc 5.7 EFI BIII’s, Pilot, Windlass, Only 256 hours! Ask 59k

T-Volvo 5.0L Duo Prop, Cherry, Air, Radar, Trailer Ask 54k

1999 Sea Ray Express Wide Beam

1989 Bertram 43 Convertible

T-380hp Horizons, Gen, Air, Pilot, Windlass, Ask 89k

T-6V92 Detroits, Mint Boat, Well taken care of!, ask 159k

marine marketplace

CenterPointe Yacht Services Door County Milwaukee Kenosha

CenterPointe Yacht services is proud to be Lake Michigan’s newest dealer for Regal Boats.

Since the merger with Harborside Yacht Center, Centerpointe Yacht Services has three “Best in Class” marina locations in Door County, Milwaukee and Kenosha. We provide everything that Lake Michigan boaters need including the finest marina slips, heated storage, dry rack, ship’s store and complete mechanical and cosmetic service.

Our extensive repair facilities specialize in refits, insurance work and diesel/gas engine repair. And we have a fleet of mobile service vehicles to service you at your dock - from Chicago to Door County.

2012 Regal Sport Coupe

2012 Pursuit 20

2011 31 Tiara Open

2011 Pursuit 265

Center Console

Dual Console

Select Brokerage Yachts

2003 Sea Ray 400 Cat 3116 Diesels, $89,500

1999 Silverton 352 MY Crusader 320HP Inboards, $89,000

For a complete list of brokerage and pre-owned boats, visit

2006 Tiara 3600 Sovran Twin Crusader 8.1Ls, $204,900

www.centerpointeservice.com or call (888) 9-YACHTS 63 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

marine marketplace

Extend Your Boating Pleasure with www.swimplatforms.com

AND www.EasyUpSwimHandles.com

Easy to Remove Easy To Stow Easy To Order Fantastic To use

Swim Platforms Inc. & Easy Up Swim Handles Phoenix, Az 602-431-8225

NORTH SHORE MARINA Year Round Full Service Marina 821 W. Savidge, Spring Lake, MI 49456

Ph: 616-604-0234 Marina 616-842-1488 •

www.northshoremarina.com

Yellowfin Yachts

Only Midwest Distributor Authorized Sales & Service

Edgewater 245 CX Now In-Stock

Edgewater 205 CC NOW IN STOCK

SELECT PRE-OWNED / BROKERAGE / REPOSSESSIONS / CALL FOR COMPLETE LIST

50’ ‘96 46’ ‘01 46’ ’06 44’ ‘03 44’ ‘95 42’ ‘01 40’ ‘99 39’ ‘06 38’ ’99 37’ ‘99 37’ ‘05 33’ ‘03 30’ ‘07

Hatteras Sport Deck, T-6V92s, full elec, TNT lift, hardtop dingy davit, clean, low hours .....$349,900 Sea Ray SD, T-3208CATS, TNT deck, loaded, bow/stern thrusters, low hours ..........$226,900 Cruisers 460 Exp. Loaded, HT, air/heat, gen, low hrs, T-430 Volvo Dsl ..........................$339,900 Carver MY, Air/Heat, gen, full electronics, only 213 hrs, diesel ......................................$229,900 Carver 440MY, Diesel T-CAT 3116, full elec, gen, loaded, clean, fresh water .............$159,900 Cruisers 4270 Exp, T-375 hp Volvo diesels, 1 owner, air/heat, gen, full elec, clean .....$189,900 Carver 406 Aft Cabin, T-7.4L 380HP Mercs, 230 hrs, air, gen, full elec ..........................$149,900 Cruisers 395 MY, T-8.1 EFI Volvo, air/heat, genset, full elect. low hrs ...........................$234,900 Carver Santego, Air/Heat, gen, radar, low hrs, very nice, T-7.4L......................................$84,900 Carver Voyager Sedan, clean 1 owner, full elec, air/heat windlass..............................$114,900 Cruisers 370 Exp, T-310HP, Volvo dsls, super clean, loaded, full elect. .........................$169,900 Maxum SE Exp., T-5.7L, air/heat, low hrs, arch w/canvas enclosure .............................$64,900 Tiara Open, T-8.1L MPI, full elec, air/heat, hardtop, teak/holly floor, fresh water......$159,000

64 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

REPO’S 26’ 27’ 30’ 34’ 40’ 41’ 42’ 45’ 46’

‘05 Regal Commodore ‘89 Tiara Continental ‘96 Sea Ray Sundancer ‘84 Sea Ray Sundancer ‘07 Baja Outlaw ‘80 Chris Craft Com. ‘07 Carver Super Sport ‘06 Hunter Sailboat ‘75 Bertram Convertible

MORE ARRIVING WEEKLY!

Trident Funding

Boat Loans

Purchase Refinance Pre Approval Low Rates

Serving Boat Buyers Nationwide

1-888-386-3888 Vincent Luzietti Robert Dunford, Jr.

marine marketplace

POWER SaIl Alerion Express • J-Boat • Precision • Laser Performance lIfEStylE Patagonia • O’Brien • Puma • Gill • Rip Curl • Slam

featured listings

2005 Sea Ray 290 Amberjack

2006 Formula 370 SS

Brokerage Boats, for complete specs & additional photos visit IrishBoatShop.com 58’ Tiara 5800 Sovran ’11 ......................... $1,620,000 50’ Sea Ray 500 Sedan Bridge ’05 ............ $490,000 42’ Sea Ray 420 Sundancer ’04 ................. $289,000 39’ Sea Ray 390 Motor Yacht ’03............... $189,900 37’ Sea Ray 370 Sundancer ’97 ................. $105,000 37’ Formula 370 SS ’06 ................................ $205,000 37’ Chris Craft 37 Constellation ’66 ..............$19,950 36’ Monk 36 Trawler ’01 .............................. $229,000 36’ Sea Ray 360 Sundancer ’04 ................. $167,500 35’ Chris Craft 350 Catalina ’81.....................$32,900 34’ Sea Ray 340 Sundancer ’99 ....................$74,900 31’ Tiara 31 Open Harbor Edition ’04 ........ $134,900 30’ Wellcraft 30 Monico ’89 ..........................$19,500 29’ Sea Ray 290 Amberjack ‘05 ....................$74,900 28’ Bayliner 2850 Contessa ’85.......................$7,000 27’ Carver 27 Santego ’89..............................$12,900 26’ Sea Ray 260 Sundancer ’05 ....................$55,900

26’ Sea Ray 260 Cuddy Cabin ’89 .................$13,500 26’ Glacier Bay 2670 Isle Runner ’07...........$94,000 26’ Cobalt 263 Cuddy Cabin ’01 ....................$39,500 26’ Celebrity 268 Crownline Cruiser ’87 ......$12,500 25’ Chris Craft Sportsman ’48 ................... .$114,900 24’ Chris Craft 248 Concept ’94 ....................$12,500 23’ Boston Whaler 23 Outrage ’00...............$27,900 23’ Sea Ray 230 Overnighter ’98 ..................$14,900 21’ Boston Whaler 210 Outrage ’04.............$36,900 21’ Wellcraft 216 Eclipse ’90 ...........................$6,900 21’ Boston Whaler 21 Outrage ’01...............$24,900 20’ Sealegs 6.1 Amphibious Craft ’11..........$79,900 17’ Boston Whaler 17 ’71...............................$16,900 16’ Donzi 16 Classic ’06..................................$22,500 12’ Boston Whaler Impact ’01 ........................$8,000 11’ Aquascan Jet F11 ’00.................................$6,900

13000 Stover Rd. Charlevoix MI 49720

231-547-9967

cvx@irishboatshop.com

400 Bay Street Harbor Springs MI 49740

231-526-6225

hs@irishboatshop.com

www.IrishBoatShop.com

SLIPS AVAILABLE FOR 2012!

DISCOUNTS FOR WINTER STORAGE and FREE PUMP OUTS INCLUDED WITH SLIP RENTAL We are a full service marina located on scenic White Lake in Whitehall, Michigan. We offer floating docks, bath and laundry facilities and a helpful, knowledgeable staff. w Factory Certified Service w Transient Slips w Gas & Diesel w Pump Out w Monitor Channel 9 w 50 Ton Travelift w Heated Indoor Storage

Crosswinds is your ServICe SOluTIOn for all major and minor repairs, from top to bottom and stem to stern.

www.crosswindsmarineservice.com 302 S. Lake Street w WhitehaLL, Mi 49461 w ph: 231-894-4549 65 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

marine marketplace

POWERBOATS 48’ DUFFY & DUFFY Trawler, ‘94, built to yacht standards, loaded, Bristol, 1 owner ...........................$450,000 47’ BAYLINER 4788 Pilothouse ‘00. Cummins Dls, one owner, loaded, freshwater boat .......................259,500 42’ JEFFERSON 42 Sundeck, ‘88, 375 hp Cat power, updated elect, bow thruster, loaded .....................99,500 42’ HATTERAS Conv, ‘76, Cummins Dsl, maintained to new condition, beautiful classic, loaded ....... 99,500 42’ HOLIDAY MANSION, ‘91, live aboard ready, one owner, excellent condition ....................................42,500 41’ VIKING Cnv, ‘85, Crusader power, gen, air, side cabin, lightly used, exc cond .................................69,500 40’ SEA RAY Sundancer, ‘00, Cat Diesel power, full Raytheon elect, windlass, one owner .................159,900 37’ FOUR WINNS 378, ‘02, Volvo 375 hp gas, Raytheon elect, gen, air, loaded, like new .....................110,000 35’ CARVER 350 Aft Cabin, ‘94. hardtop, gen, new Raytheon radar/GPS, windlass, best .......................69,000 34’ SEA RAY Sundancer, ‘02, Raytheon elect, gen, windlass, new canvas, like new ..............................99,500 32’ REGAL 3260 Commodore, ‘04, Volvo 320 hp I/O, full Raytheon elect, air cond, loaded ...................92,000 32’ ISLAND GYPSY Europa, ‘95. Cimmuns 250 hp Dsl, bow thruster, air cond, windlass, loaded ..........89,900 SOLD! 30’ BOSTON WHALER 305, ‘05, 250 hp Merc Verados, tlr, air, gen, radar, windlass, exc. cond.............99,500 28’ BERTRAM Flybridge, ‘75/’06, Diesel power, boat was extensively rebuilt with new in 2006..........125,000

SAILBOATS 36’ ISLANDER Freeport, ‘79. Mid-ship master, air cond, furling genoa, loaded, exc. cond .................$54,500 35’ HUNTER 356, ‘03, furling main and genoa, full Raytheon elect., 3 cabin, 1 owner, like new ............95,000 34’ O’DAY, ‘84, updated sails, furling, berths for 6, full galley and electronics, exc. condition ..............35,000

More Boats Needed To Sell!

Our Boats Are Selling! “we see every boat we list we don’t list every boat we see”

Boyne City, Michigan

800-582-6886

“Let us earn your business” • Quality Products • Knowledgeable Staff

“It’S SImplE”

Your Great Lakes Premier Yacht Dealership

58’ 2006 Ocean Alexander 58 Pilothouse 56’ 2005 Cruisers Yachts 560 Express 52’ 2005 Ocean Alexander 52 Sedan 48’ 2006 Ocean Alexander 48 Classicco 48’ 1986 Ocean Alexander 48 Cockpit MY 44’ 2005 Cruisers Yachts 440 Express 43’ 2003 Cruisers Yachts 4370 Express 42’ 2003 Sea Ray 420 Sundancer Diesels 42’ 2002 Cruisers Yachts 4270 Express 40’ 2000 Carver Yachts 404 Cockpit Motor Yacht 40’ 1990 Tollycraft 40 Sport Sedan 38’ 1999 Carver Yachts 380 Santego 38’ 1985 Chris-Craft 382 37’ 2003 Cruisers Yachts 3772 Express 36’ 1992 Cruisers Yachts 3670 Express 35’ 2008 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer 35’ 2000 Tiara Yachts 3500 Open 35’ 1998 Cruisers Yachts 3585 Flybridge 35’ 1997 Cruisers Yachts 3575 Express 34’ 2005 Cruisers Yachts 340 Express 34’ 2003 Luhrs 34 Convertible Diesels

33’ 33’ 32’ 32’ 31’ 31’ 30’ 29’ 29’ 28’ 27’ 27’ 27’ 26’ 26’ 25’ 24’ 21’ 20’ 17’

• Quality Service • Friendly Personnel

1997 Cruisers Yachts 3375 Express 2009 Donzi 35 ZFX Cuddy 1996 Carver Yachts 325 Aft Cabin 1990 Regal 320 Commodore 1995 Cruisers Yachts 3175 Rogue 1974 Chris Craft Commander Sport 2002 Sea Ray 300 Sundancer 2001 Shamrock 290 WA 1989 Cobalt 293 Cuddy 1999 Cruisers Yachts 2870 Express 2007 Regal 2700 Fastrac Bowrider 2005 Regal 2765 Commodore 2005 Crownline 275 CCR 2004 Monterey 265 Cruisers 1992 Cruisers Yachts 2670 Rogue 2006 Pursuit 2570 Offshore 1996 Cruisers Yachts 2420 Aria 2004 Four Winns 214 Funship 1983 Cruisers Yachts Beachcomber 1989 Mako 171 Center Console

www.baymarine.net • sales@baymarine.net 155 E. Redwood Street • Sturgeon Bay, WI 920-743-9560

yacht brokers since 1977 serving the marine community since 1970

u Custom-Built Boats u Yacht Interior Refits u First Class Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Restoration u Paint Jobs & Bright Work u Expert Fiberglass Repair

Custom-built 28 foot Deluxe Sportsman

Sandusky, OH www.custommarine.biz 419.621.1188

Does the barbecue on your boat need a Cleaner Cook?

Call or visit our website for specials!

(425) 530-6376 www.cleanercook.com

BERGMANN MARINE

Charlevoix, MI 49720 • Phone 231/547-3957

www.bergmannmarine.com 22’ 23’ 23’ 23’ 24’ 26’ 26’ 26’ 27’ 28’ 28’ 28’ 29’ 30’ 31’ 33’ 33’

1991 Chris-Craft Concept.................... $ 1959 Lyman Sportsman ....................... $ 2008 Azure AZ 238 Open Bow ........... $ 1998 Sea Ray 230 Bow Rider ............. $ 1987 Sea Ray 240 Sorrento................. $ 1957 Chris-Craft Sport Express ......... $ 2003 Regal 2665 Commodore............. $ 1973 Nimbus 26 Express ..................... $ 1987 Pearson Sloop ............................. $ 1979 Cruisers 288 Villa-Vee................ $ 2001 Four Winns 285 ............................ $ 2007 Chris-Craft Launch 28 ................ $ 2001 Four Winns 298 Vista.................. $ 1993 Sea Ray Weekender .................. $ 1990 Tiara 3100 Open ........................... $ 1983 Bertram Flybridge ....................... $ 2002 Wellcraft 330 Coastal................. $

Fiberglass – Woodworking Storage – Heated Storage 66 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

9,500 8,500 32,500 17,000 6,700 49,900 26,000 40,000 16,900 18,500 32,000 95,000 59,000 37,000 59,000 49,900 98,500

34’ 35’ 35’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 37’ 39’ 39’ 38’ 40’ 41’ 42’ 42’ 43’ 47’

1987 Sea Ray Sport Fisherman ......... $ 32,000 1990 Sea Ray Sundancer ................... $ 49,000 1995 Trojan 350 Express ..................... $ 43,000 1996 Saber Express.............................. $ 165,000 1994 Sabre 362....................................... $ 145,000 1987 Tiara Convertible w/Dsls ........... $ 125,500 1977 Endeavour Ketch......................... $ 34,000 1986 Sea Ray 390 Express.................. $ 79,000 2001 Silverton 392 MY.......................... $ 125,000 2000 Cruisers 3870 ............................... $ 150,000 1994 Hatteras Double Cabin .............. $ 159,000 1975 Chris Craft Commander ............. $ 45,900 2006 Beneteau Trawler ....................... $ 340,000 2000 Provincial Trawler ....................... $ 169,500 1995 Tiara 4300 Open ........................... $ 199,900 1973 Chris Craft Commander............. $ 135,000

Complete Mechanical Electrical Rigging – Haulout

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auto  truck  rec commercial  dealer

buy now! www.billsautomarine.com shop online. wnygard@twcny.rr.com

Propeller Optimization & Repair Bring your propellers to Peak performance

• Increase speed • Reduce fuel consumption • Eliminate propeller induced vibration • Enable sync of multiple engines 2401 Sawmill Parkway Suite1 Huron, OH 44839

419-433-9550

www.NorthCoastPropTech.com

Chitwood Charters Selene

Grand Banks

Dinghy Davits Underwater Lights Muskrat / Otter Guards

•Hyatt/Ritz Carlton Docks ¢ •Florida’s Beautiful West Coast ¢ •White Sand Beaches ¢ •Sarasota Florida •Investment Tax Shelter Available 36’, 42’, 48’GB, 50’ & 53’ Selene

800-769-1399 •

POWER BOATS 25’ ‘07 Rinker 250 EC ......................... 45,900 25’ ‘95 Carver 250 EX......................... 19,500 25’ ‘97 Proline 251 W/A .................... 27,500 26’ ‘87 Cruisers Vee Sport ............... 12,700 26’ ‘02 Sea Ray Sundancer............. 37,900 27’ ‘98 Four Winns 278...................... 31,900 28’ ‘90 Cruisers 2870.......................... 19,900 29’ ‘87 Cruisers Sea Devil ................ 25,500 29’ ‘94 Baha Cruiser 299................... 24,900 30’ ‘87 Sea Ray Weekender ............ 19,900 30’ ‘97 Maxum 300 SCR.................... 39,900 34’ ‘92 Silverton 34X .......................... 45,900 34’ ‘01 Sea Ray 340............................ 95,500 35’ ‘94 Carver 350 Aft ......................$69,500 36’ ‘88 Sportcraft Pesca................... 39,900

Proud Made ly Michig in an!

www.chitwood-charters.com

36’ ‘82 Carver 3607 Aft ...................... 36,500 37’ ‘88 Chris Craft Amerosport ....... 49,500 37’ ‘78 Vinette Steel Trawler ........... 49,900 37’ ‘95 Cruisers 3775.......................... 79,900 38’ ‘82 PT Trawler ............................125,000 38’ ‘88 Chris Craft 381........................ 69,200 38’ ‘04 Regal 3880.............................189,900 39’ ‘88 Sea Ray 390............................ 61,900 40’ ‘04 Carver 404 CP/MY...............125,500 40’ ‘94 Mainship Sedan..................119,900 40’ ‘87 Hatteras Motor Yacht........139,500 42’ ‘87 Carver Aft................................ 99,500 42’ ‘78 Grand Banks Classic ........... 98,500 42’ ‘82 Bertram FBMY.....................135,900 43’ ‘95 Wellcraft 4350 Portofino...145,000 44’ ‘86 Marine Trader Dbl Cabin...$118,900

5309 E. Wilder Rd. Bay City, MI 48706

Ph: 989-684-5010 • info@bayharborbaycity.com

46’ ‘77 Bertam FBMY ......................118,900 46’ ‘01 Carver 466 .............................229,900 50’ ‘92 Sea Ray 500 Sundancer ...220,000 52’ ‘63 Chris Craft Connie................. 39,500 SAIL BOATS 27’ ‘73 Catalina.................................... $8,750 27’ ‘74 Catalina...................................... 8,900 30’ ‘84 O’Day........................................ 24,900 30’ ‘79 S-2 9.2A.................................... 22,900 30’ ‘76 Catalina 30 .............................. 18,500 32’ ‘94 Sea Ward 32 Eagle............... 39,900 33’ ‘05 Hunter 33................................. 94,000 34’ ‘96 Gemini 105M .......................... 84,950 37’ ‘81 Hunter ...................................... 34,500

Details on over 150 listings at

www.hurleymarine.com / (906) 553-6249

Remanufacturerd transmissions in stock.

Older transmissions our speciality.

Distributors of the Drivesaver flexible couplings and mounts, oil coolers and dampers.

Dealer Inquiries Invited 2706 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 • 269-345-0629

www.kellymarinesales.com 67 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

classifieds: boats for sale

1988 STARCRAFT ISLANDER 22’ HARDTOP. 175hp 4.3 Litre Mercruiser Alpha 1 /IO. New Transom and stern flooring. Boat is in good condition and well maintained.

VHF Radio/Eagle GPS and Lowrance Fishfinder. Dual battery system, dual bilge pumps, full enclosure drop curtains and aft cover. Kicker motor mount, trim tabs.

Dual axle Shorelander trailer included. $6,000. Contact Curt_Loehr@yahoo.com, 810-459-8124 JUL12

1984 AQUASPORT 23.5’ center console, 2000. Johnson 225hp OB, new 2006 Mercury 15hp Bigfoot OB troller with only 5 hours. All new electricals & electronics.

Includes downriggers, all fishing gear and galvanized dual-axle trailer. Pictures available. Owner retiring.

Excellent shape and ready-to-fish. 607-347-4060 JUL12

1993 BAYLINER CLASSIC 2452, only 416 hrs, 24’ hardtop, Merc V8 220 hp, 3 DRs & lots of rod holders, great shape, like new Manning trailer, $13,500. Contact grapplenhook2@aol.com or 219-393-9669 JUL12

1996 THOMPSON FISHERMAN 260 new aluminum trailer, mercury kicker, 454 MerCruiser bravo 2, 5 canon downriggers, Lowrance 110, radar, marine band. $20,000.

Call 712-330-7247 JUN12

1979 BERTRAM 28 FLYBRIDGE CRUISER, T350’s 2004.

Full electronics, Rigged for Great Lakes salmon trolling.

Commercial document. $21,000. fishdoc@dcwis.com JUN12 68 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

1993 BAHA CRUISER 285 WEEKENDER, excellent cond., low hours, rigged and ready for fishing, many accessories, pictures avail., great buy!, $28,995.

Contact: tschulz3@wi.rr.com.

JUL12

1986 TROJAN F-32. Well Kept in Holland-MI, Inside Storage, New-(Starboard Engine, Canvas, Carpet, Mattress), Runs Great, Excellent Value – Must See. $29,000.

616-262-4585 JUN12

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1996 BAYLINER 2859 CIERA EXPRESS. $29,500 Great Condition 454 Mercruiser, Triaxle trailer $12,000-Extras Raymarine, Furuno, downriggers, etc.

989-429-1507 pier_101@hotmail.com APR12

“I sold my boat through Lakeland Boating and I’m very happy. The ad hit the audience I needed to reach.”

—Ken F., former owner of a 2000 Sea Ray

1972 GRAND BANKS 32' SEDAN. Wood, Ford Lehman 120 diesel. Completely restored 1999, new canvas 2010. $29,500. Make offer 218-525-4522.

APR12

2006 SEA RAY 320 SUNDANCER, 100hrs, T350 Mag MPI V-drives, Radar C80 Chartplotter, Cockpit frig, Premium Sound, Deck Sun pad, Pristine condition, inside storage.

Mar ‘11 survey. $129,900. ewbeddigs@sbcglobal.net or 708-774-1079.

APR12

2000 TIARA 31 OPEN. T-320 HP Crusaders, gasoline. Teak/ holly sole. Pristine Condition. 490 hours. $119,900. Call Bill 216-577-2976 JUN12

1981 CHRIS CRAFT 33’ EXPRESS T350s Onan 6.5 Marine Air, Full Galley, new fridge, full head with shower.

Sleeps 6. New depth/fish finder. Low hours. Excellent condition. $9,995. Call (270) 442-8627 JUN12

1987 TIARA FLYBRIDGE SPORTFISHERMAN 31. 350 hp Crusaders. Rigged to fish. Excellent condition. $54,000. capt_john@new.rr.com for more info.

920-265-3270 JUN12

2006 PURSUIT 3370 OFFSHORE. Twin 250 HP four stroke Yamahas, full Raymarine electronics, F/F, A/P, air/heat, low hours, $149,000. 847-498-0351.

JUN12

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1987 SEA RAY 340 SPORT FISHERMAN. 34’, Low hours, twin 454s, freshwater only, heated storage in winter.

Includes Achilles 10’2” inflatable boat w/ 8HP. $33,500 OBO. Ask for George 906-341-6955.

APR12

2004 RINKER 342, twin 300 hp. One owner, every option, updated yearly, perfect condition, email specs available. $99,895. jkrause@longshotgolf.com, 586-783-1806 JUL12

RARE 1968 36’ CHRIS CRAFT CORVETTE. Twin 327’s/ V-drives. Excellent condition, fresh water boat. Pictures available. E.J Mertaugh Boat Works. $89,000.

906-484-2434.

JUL12

2004 TIARA 3600 SOVRAN Cummins 450hp diesels, 435 Hours, 100% Freshwater, One Owner, Mint Condition, Raymarine Electronics, Forward Shore Power, Ranier Drop Curtain, Full Canvas, Many Customs and Updates.

Must see to appreciate. Asking $224,900.

Call Brent Reed @ Reed Yacht Sales (616) 402-0180 RYS

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD NOW

at lakelandboating.com

1987 CARVER 3807 MOTOR YACHT. Many accessories.

Excellent shape. Well maintained. Owner retiring from boating. Pictures available. $65,000. 216-496-2162 MAY12

38’ 1995 CARVER SANTEGO, Under 600 hrs. Great Condition, GPS, Radar, Optional bedding to sleep 6, Ice Maker/Wet Bar, Generator, dual heat/air, plus more. $65,900. tomrayl@aol.com, 260-341-5220.

JUL12

2000 380 SEA RAY SUNDANCER 2000 SEA RAY 380 SUNDANCER T7.4 Merc. HorizonsGarmin. 2010 GPS, low hours (280). Excellent. Like new. Best offer. 315-469-1712 days, 315-476-3901 eve and weekends.

JUN12

2003 SILVERTON 35C. LOADED! Bow, Stern Thrusters; Yacht Controller engine remote; Raymarine electronics; 385 Crusaders; St. Croix Davits/Sea Eagle Dinghy; Shower; One owner; Freshwater only. Low hours. Cinti. $115,000. tanajean@aol.com; 218-349-8381.

JUL12

1980 35’ VIKING CONVERTIBLE. 454 Crusaders, 7.5 Kohler, Two Marine Airs, Fully Equipped, Covered Slip. Ohio River. $45,900. 513-574-1585.

MAY12

1999 TIARA 3500 OPEN, LOA 35’-6”, Beam 13’-3”, 7.4 Crusader Gas Engines 485 hrs., Canvas like new, Full electronics, Teak/holly sole, Air conditioning, Professionally maintained, Lake Erie boat, $128,900.00.

419-433-8071 or pewman@mac.com JUL12

38’ 1995 CARVER SANTEGO, (2) 454 Crusaders, Mercruiser generator, 590 hours, Radar, GPS, dual air/heat, loaded, excellent condition, well maintained, heated storage.

Priced to sell $65,900. Call 616-490-3814 or e-mail dleep@pecopage.com.

MAY12

2005 38’ SILVERTON SPORT BRIDGE. Excellent condition, well maintained, indoor heated, low hours, excellent electronics, cherry wood interior, like new.

Any trade condsidered. $180,000. jrdiesi@gmail.com, 847-910-2555 APR12

2008 40 SUNDANCER. Auto pilot, bow thruster, cockpit air, 375hp Cummins Diesels, upgraded stereo system, hard top, black Imron sides, E120 Raymarine, loaded fresh water only. 180 hrs. Buffalo, NY. $315,000. Contact Bob 716-570-6193 JUN12

40’ 1967 CHRIS CRAFT CORINTHIAN. Rare awesome award winner. Needs nothing. Nov ‘08 survey.

Please, serious inquiries only. 586-243-6861. MAY12

69 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

classifieds: boats for sale

2001 MAINSHIP PILOT 34, Custom hardtop, 3.5 KW generator, AC, 370 Yanmar 950 Hrs, Weaver davit, Custom cover, Superbly maintained, Heated storage. $105,000. 906-493-5534.

JUL12

classifieds: boats for sale

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2006 MARINER YACHT INTERNATIONAL 40 Twin Cummins , Freshwater, Full Electronics including New Garmin GPS Plotter, Bow Thruster, Newer Canvas, Generator, MUST SEE! Asking $289,900. Call Tim Manton @ Reed Yacht Sales (419) 509-6948.

RYS

1990 42’ “GOLDEN EGG” EGG HARBOR. 45’10” LOA. Beautiful Fresh Water Boat. Never Fished. Professionally Maintained. Indoor Heated Storage. Twin 400 HP Detroit Diesels. Many Upgrades. $169,000. www. eggharborboatforsale.com. 616-335-3318 JUN12

DOCKOMINIUMS FOR SALE DUNCAN BAY BOAT CLUB, 40', 60', 88'. Clubhouse, pool, floating docks, WiFi and more. Cheboygan, Michigan.

Straits of Mackinaw. Great Deals.

866-993-3625, sales@duncanbay.com FEB13

Charters 1997 MAXUM 4100 SCR, Twin 330 HP Cummins diesels with 550 hours, Freshwater boat , Heat & Air $89,000.

Contact Bill@harborviewyachtsales.com 231-933-5414 APR12

2004 TIARA 4200 OPEN Cummins QSM11, 660hp, 315 Hours, 100% Freshwater, Plan A, Furuno Electronics, Forward Deck Shorepower, Custom Canvas (Aft & Drop Curtains), NEW LISTING - MUST SEE! Asking $399,900. Call Brent Reed @ Reed Yacht Sales (616) 402-0180 RYS

BAREBOAT CANADA’S FABULOUS NORTH CHANNEL, LAKE HURON. 25 power and sailboats, 27’-50’, cruise and learn, skippered. Canadian Yacht Charters, Gore Bay, Ontario. 800-565-0022. email: info@cycnorth.com, www.cycnorth.com RUC

Powerboat 1996 CARVER 370 Aft Cabin, twin 454 EFI Crusaders, 650 hrs. Gen set w/70 hrs. Sleeps 6, master with head & shower, forward stateroom with head & shower, GPS, radar, Depth, VHF, synchronizer, $100,000.

419-367-8646 JUN12 34’ MAINSHIP. 200hp Perkins 3k hrs. Dual helm, good canvas, newer upholstery, updated electronics. Stored indoors. Good condition. $26,000. 989-323-0792 JUL12

1997 MAXUM 4100 SCR T-450 Cummins diesels, 468 hrs., auto pilot, radar, chart plotter, bristol. Gotta go, health forces sale. $109,000. Call (814) 882-7836 MAY12 SEA RAY SUNDANCER 460 450hp CAT diesels; bow/ STERN thrusters, hydraulic swim platform, newer canvas, carpet and new bottom paint. Fresh water, inside storage $219,000. 847-287-4317, arrobobh@ comcast.net JUL12

1989 SEARAY 420 SUNDANCER new int/ext, camper, gen, auto, air/ht, radar,sat nav,ice mkr, 12disc cd, fresh wtr,low hours,340 mercs, oil chg sys, nice finishes, pictures. excellent, $75,000. 231-622-2347, jvanderzee@hargray.com JUL12

1990 53’ JEFFERSON MARQUESSA walk around. Detroit 6V92’s, 3 staterooms, 3 heads. Extensive remodel / upgrades. Custom pilothouse. Zodiac. Never salt. www.arkatie.com, 612-850-2000 APR12

REDUCED AGAIN! ‘95 500 DA SEA RAY. Heated storage, T-550 Detroits. 502 hrs. Clean and equipped. Fresh water only. $195,000. ph: 216-469-7000 JUL12

Docks BOAT DOCKS FOR SALE OR LEASE. St. Charles, MO. Dock F83: 62’ long, 20’ wide. Dock F87: 76’ long w/patio, 20’ wide. Call Ed, 314-966-1843 or 314-610-4072 MAY12

Transport Your Boat Air-Ride Equipment Vessels up to 50’ “Serving the Great Lakes and All Points South”

Port of Call Yacht Transport Inc. Atlanta, GA & Chicago, IL 1987 42’ JEFFERSON SUNDECK Aft Cabin, Twin 120 HP Perkins Diesels, Freshwater Boat, $129,900. Contact Bill@harborviewyachtsales.com 231-933-5414 APR12 70 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2 012

2005 OCEAN ALEXANDER. 54 LOA (2)500HP Yanmars330 hrs, dual stations, full Raymarine electronics,12KW gen, Air, Zodiac H/B, deluxe bridge. $585,000.

920-739-7668.

JUN12

800-922-8332 SEP12

“I would have never sold my boat without Lakeland Boating.”

—Fritz W., former owner of a 1981 Mainship 34 Trawler

Order online at www.lakelandboating.com or mail this form. All online orders will receive a free online listing!

ORDER FORM Place my classified ad in the following issues: ❏ ❏

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20 words to include length, year, make, model, features, price, phone and email address.

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20 Words With 1 Photo: $250 Without Photo: $150 Additional words are $1.50 each

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Order online or mail this form to:

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Payment: We can accept Visa and MasterCard and checks ONLY for mail-in orders Name Address

Free online listing only applies to ads placed online. Sorry but no refunds once the ad is placed.

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Questions? Call 800-331-0132 x21 classifieds@lakelandboating.com

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MAY issue is Mar. 13, JUNE Issue is April 13.

Ads received after deadline are automatically placed in the next issue.

71 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2 012

classifieds: boats for sale

The Best Way to D L O S Sell Your Boat Fast!

above the waterline

The Scope of Navigation Bigger isn’t always better.

I

BY DAVE WALLACE

’ll bet money that if you own a boat capable of Great Lakes cruising, you also own binoculars. In the days before electronic navigation, binoculars played a critical role in landmark and buoy identification. In spite of our transition to the new digital magic, there’s something comforting about having a physical, failsafe backup on board just in case.

If nothing else, binoculars are great image builders.

Nothing says “Seasoned Skipper” better and more visibly than you at the helm with a heavy pair of 12 by 20s sweeping the distant horizon. Never mind that there’s nothing really out there; it just beats the nerdy look of staring down at a digital screen on the control panel.

From the earliest times, the history of seafaring has been paralleled by the need for long-range vision. In the time before optics, the best a skipper could do was stand in the bow, shading his eyes from the sun with his hand.

With the advent of sail, lookouts were posted high on the tallest mast, all the better to see beyond the horizon.

The primitive Astro labe improved long-range navigation, but eyesight was still unaided and limited.

This may explain why Columbus and Magellan were never quite sure of where they’d been until they went ashore and asked.

The sextant and the telescope weren’t invented until two centuries later.

The classic image of 16th century naval officers involved those funny looking hats with turned-up brims and a folding brass telescope.

Same with pirates, but the hats were cooler and the beards more fearsome.

The telescope was invented just in time to help Britannia rule the waves and pirates spot their prey. Never mind that these awesome looking tools only offered 8-power magnification. If you could identify the nationality of a flag before you came into cannon range, you were good to go.

By the time I got into boating, the old brass telescopes

72 LAKELANDBOATING.COM A P R I L 2012

were relegated to museums, and electronic navigation had yet to be invented. During this challenging gap in visual technology, I took command of my first vessel with the only optics I had at the time: Lightweight, wide-angle glasses previously used at home for the observation of bird feeder action in our front yard and a close-up view of the occasional local theater production.

Once my leisure time shifted to long weekends at the marina, it didn’t take long for me to realize I was the only guy on the dock with sissy binoculars.

I was too proud to ask for advice, so I went out on my own and bought the biggest pair of binoculars I could find in our local marine accessory store. They were extra large 12 by 20s, well protected by a heavy coating of waterproof rubber, and weighing pounds rather than ounces. It didn’t take long for me to discover the error of my rash decision. The instrument was way too heavy to hold steady in any sort of wave action, and the extreme magnification just made clear images impossibly blurred. For the rest of my boating career, I kept these useless monsters permanently displayed near my control console, for the sole purpose of impressing the heck out of landlubber guests. On the rare occasion when I really needed to identify a distant buoy, I would sneak my sissy bird-watching wide angles out of a drawer. When we finally sold the boat, I generously included the useless monsters as a deal closer.

Years later when my oldest daughter and her husband made the big move to Great Lakes cruising, I passed along my time-tested wide-angle binocs as a boat warming gift. He didn’t seem too impressed, but my daughter knew better. She had crewed with us often enough to know the history of my optical learning curve. She made it clear to her husband that bigger was definitely not better, and he seemed strangely relieved by this revelation.

DAVE WALLACE has been boating in the

Great Lakes for more than 35 years. He’s written for Lakeland Boating since 1993 and helped develop the first edition of Lakeland Boating’s Ports o’ Call cruising guides.

ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE HARRIS

ADVE RTISE I N

CALL 800-331-0132 FOR MORE INFORMATION