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GRAND BANKS 54 A timeless yacht that can handle the tough stuff. p. 32
FORMULA 380 SSC OUTBOARD DISPLAY UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 2020
This Super Sport Crossover has been upgraded with outboard power. p. 36
WINTER IS COMING How to prepare your boat for winter storage. p. 40
S PO TLIG HT S COBIA ★ CRUISERS ★ R I VI E R A ★ S U N SEEKER
PORT OF CALL
Cobourg, ON: History combines with modern attractions in this Lake Ontario destination. p. 44
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F O N TA R I O T O U R I S M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
44 Features
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Confidence from the hull up. by Capt. Tom Serio .................. 32 No compromise. by Chuck Warren ....................................... 36 Preparing your boat for the winter requires a bit of elbow grease but is well worth the effort. by Felicia Schneiderhan ............. 40
Port of Call: Cobourg, ON
Experience Enchantment: A one-time summer refuge for wealthy industrialists, Cobourg, Ontario, continues to charm visitors with its carefree elegance, beautiful tree-lined streets and genteel, Victorian warmth. by Craig Ritchie.................. 44
LAKELANDBOATING.COM HAS A NEW LOOK! ★ Shop boats for sale by owner ★ Place a classified ad ★ Peruse dozens of exciting destination stories ★ Check out our latest Boat Tests & Spotlights ★ Purchase our Great Lakes Cruising Guides and Lakeland Boating hats ★ Access past issues with our online magazine ★ Stay current on all the latest Great Lakes news ★ Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter ★ And much more!
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GRAND BANKS 54
A timeless yacht that can handle the tough stuff. p. 32
FORMULA 380 SSC OUTBOARD 3 7 NUMBER 10 NUMBER LXIX, LXIX, VOLUME LXXIV, VOLUME VOLUME
Adventures in Winterizing
S U P E R I OR
OCTOBER 2020
Lakeland BOATING
Boat Test: Formula 380 SSC Outboard
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ERIE
OCTOBER 2020
Boat Test: Grand Banks 54
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DISPLAY UNTIL OCTOBER 31, 2020
This Super Sport Crossover has been upgraded with outboard power. p. 36
WINTER IS COMING How to prepare your boat for winter storage. p. 40
PORT OF CALL
Cobourg, ON: History combines with modern attractions in this Lake Ontario destination. p. 44
SPOTLIGHT S RIVIERA ★ SUNSEEKER COBIA ★ CRUISERS ★
ON THE COVER
Each month we send our team of talented writers out on boat test assignments, but sometimes they end up on boat trials. This was one of those experiences. Capt. Tom Serio went for a wild ride in choppy water aboard the Grand Banks 54, and the luxury yacht confidently delivered. To complement the yacht’s hull strength, the 54 also boasts classic good looks, comfortable onboard accommodations and plenty of space to make memories.
Departments
From the Helm......................................................................... 6
Dock Box................................................................................... 8 Calendar ................................................................................ 10 Scuttle............................................................................................ 12 Great Gear ............................................................................ 21 Don’t Hesitate to Renovate................................................. 22
Beneath the Surface............................................................ 24 Safety First ............................................................................ 26 Electronics ............................................................................. 27
Boat Spotlights: Cobia, Cruisers, Riviera, Sunseeker .....28 Lakeshore Life: Holland, MI ................................................ 52
Boat Biz: Chicago Electric Boat Company .......................54 Marine Marketplace .............................................................56 Classifieds .............................................................................. 71 Classic Craft .......................................................................... 72
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
THE STYLE IS TIMELESS, THE TECHNOLOGY IS AHEAD OF ITS TIME. This flagship of the Palm Beach range is always described as a classic beauty. But let’s be careful around that word ‘classic’. While its sleek and flowing lines honor a bygone age of elegance and charm, the PB70 is the most progressive and advanced cruiser you’ll find on any waterfront in the world.
SHARPER LINES, SOFTER RIDE As you’d well know, the faster you go the harder the water becomes. And yet, at our top speed of 38 knots, the ride is unusually soft and stable. That’s probably best explained by looking astern. You’ll see that the PB70 leaves very little wake behind her and this is clear evidence of how effortlessly she’s moving through the water.
The warped, semi-displacement hull was designed by ocean racing champion Mark Richards and naval architect Andy Dovell and shares its DNA with one of the world’s most high-performance yachts – Wild Oats XI. Its unique form allows the boat to slice cleanly through the waves and avoid the roller coaster effect of climbing up and over them.
But the benefits of this design go further than comfort and speed. If you spend some time in the helmsman’s chair, you’ll probably find your attention wandering frequently to the fuel gauge. It’s not broken, it’s just moving very, very slowly. The hull, common to all models in the Palm Beach range, delivers the best fuel-burn efficiency of any boat in its class.
The PB70 comes standard with twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350s and, when cruising at 32 knots, drinks a surprisingly sober 85 gallons an hour. (The shaft drive option is similarly impressive.) Cruising at 25 knots, you’ll enjoy an extraordinary range of almost 700 nautical miles.
GT50
GT60
PB42
PB45
PB50
PB52
PB55
PB65
PB70
PB85
HIDDEN BEAUTY
A HOME FROM HOME
For twenty-five years, Palm Beach has been evolving its production techniques and standards and now operates in one of the most sophisticated manufacturing facilities in the world.
Three values define the interior craftsmanship of the PB70 – luxury, spaciousness and ergonomic efficiency – all executed with a fanatical attention to detail.
Our commitment to excellence has led to attributes and features that you’ll only find on a boat that has been built in our factory. Throughout the range, our hulls and superstructures combine Eglass with carbon fibre. This enables us to increase strength while reducing weight. And if you take a look beneath the decks, you’ll find all the bulkheads are fused to the hull to ensure maximum rigidity. No flexing means no creaking.
CRUISING SPEED 32 kts RANGE 1,400 NM / 15 kts
No two clients are the same, no two boats are the same. Customization is what sets them apart. The engines and full-beam, baffled fuel tank are mounted amidships. This enables us to achieve, both vertically and longitudinally, a careful balance of the large-mass components and maintain a low center of gravity. The result? Unsurpassed stability, balance and comfort underway.
You can choose between Express or Flybridge, Up or Down galleys, different configurations of cabins and staterooms. In fact, these decisions mark the start of your journey with Palm Beach. You’ll enjoy the ride! Come visit us at at palmbeachmotoryachts.com
FROM THE HELM
CONTRIBUTORS
K AT E B U S H
Soak up the Season A
ARNIE HAMMERMAN
s the leaves begin to change colors, cruise planning morphs into storage and winterizing preparation. During this transitional time, however, I urge you to soak up as many nice days on the water as possible before the boat is hauled, polished and tucked away for the winter. Fall cruises are some of the prettiest rides of all. If you’re a Canadian boater, sneak in one last trip to the port of Cobourg, Ontario (p. 44). This picturesque town just east of Toronto is packed with stunning, historic architecture, a welcoming marina and some of the best butter tarts around (contributor Craig Ritchie can attest to that last point). Before you tuck the boat in, take a look at contributor Felicia Schneiderhan’s do-it-yourself tips and tricks — some learned the hard way — on winterizing your boat (p. 40). She walks through the engine and plumbing systems, as well as how to shrinkwrap your own boat (if your marina allows it). New to the Lakeland Boating crew is our editorial assistant, Abby Thorpe. Hailing from California, Abby received her Masters in Journalism at Northwestern and now resides in Sandpoint, Idaho. Join us in welcoming her to the team! I also want to take a moment to thank you, our readers, for your enduring support in this unprecedented and uncertain time. It’s because of you that we can continue to publish each issue and maintain our nearly 75 years of informing Great Lakes boaters! Cheers,
Arnie grew up on Lake Michigan and learned to boat cruising extensively with his family. At the age of 23, he got his first USCG Masters License and has run private yachts, charters and deliveries ever since. He has worked in marine publishing for over 20 years, touring factories, attending boat shows, and reviewing and testing vessels around the world. Read his stories starting on p. 28.
HHH
FELICIA SCNEIDERHAN
Felicia, her husband, Mark, and their three tsunamis explore Lake Superior aboard their 38-foot Marine Trader trawler, Mazurka. Their early live-aboard adventures are detailed in her memoir “Newlyweds Afloat.” You can read more of her work at FELICIASCHNEIDERHAN.COM.
Read her story on p. 40 HHH
ABBY THORPE
Do you have a story idea you’d like to suggest? Email me at kbush@lakelandboating.com to share your ideas.
AREAS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
Cobourg, ON p. 44
Holland, MI p. 52 Chicago Electric Boat Company p. 54
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A California native, Abby discovered her love for the Great Lakes after moving to Chicago to receive her Masters in Journalism at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. She went on to work in New York City as the online intern for Real Simple magazine, before returning to the Windy City as a freelancer. Her journey took her to Sandpoint, Idaho, where she now lives and writes for various publications, including Lakeland Boating. Her summers are spent on the lake sailing and boating, and in the winter you can find her on the ski slopes or off charting a new adventure. Read her story on p. 54
DOCK BOX
River and Reeves My twin grandbabies, River and Reeves, enjoying a relaxing pontoon boat ride with mom and dad on Wolverine Lake in Michigan. They are 7 months old in this picture and do quite well. Too cute not to pass on. —Joyce Sullivan
CANINE CREW Sage This is Sage and she’s a 2-year-old mixed breed enjoying her second summer of boating on Lake Erie. Sage loves to sniff the fresh lake air, but also loves a good snooze in the cabin out of the heat. Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, is her home port. —Becca Matthews CALLING ALL CANINE (AND FELINE) CREW!
We want to learn about your furry friends onboard! Send a short writeup with your pet’s name and your home city, as well as a high-resolution photo (at least 1 MB) to: STAFF@LAKELANDBOATING.COM. Please put “Canine/Feline Crew” in the subject line. If we publish your submission, you’ll win a Lakeland Boating hat!
Everyone Looks Great in a Lakeland Boating Hat! Need a gift for your favorite boater? Our Lakeland Boating hat is constructed from soft cotton twill for a great fit. Leather band adjustment in back with antiqued brass closure. Available in weathered navy, Nantucket red and khaki. One size. $24.95 + S&H. To order, visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/STORE.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
E-mail us at STAFF@LAKELANDBOATING.COM or drop us a line at Lakeland Boating, 1555 Sherman Ave., Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201. Opinions expressed in “Dock Box” are not necessarily those of Lakeland Boating. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
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OCTOBER 2020 | VOLUME LXXIV, NO. 10 PUBLISHER Walter “Bing” O’Meara EDITORIAL STAFF Editorial Director: Kate Bush Assistant Editor: Abby Thorpe CREATIVE STAFF Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle Bauhs CONTRIBUTORS Helen Aitken, Ted & Debbie Collison, Arnie Hammerman, Glenn Hayes, Paul Kemiel, Capt. Frank Lanier, Craig Ritchie, Felicia Schneiderhan, Capt. Tom Serio, Heather Steinberger, Chuck Warren BUSINESS STAFF National Sales: Mark Conway Regional Sales: Patti McCleery Marketing Director: Linda O’Meara Accounting: Marguerite Wristen EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 / Fax: 312-276-0619 STAFF@LAKELANDBOATING.COM LAKELANDBOATING.COM
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 1555 Sherman Ave. / Suite 313 / Evanston, IL 60201 312-276-0610 x. 24 / Fax: 312-276-0619 CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM
SUBSCRIPTIONS P.O. Box 15396 North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396 800-827-0289 O’MEARA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC President: Walter B. O’Meara Secretary: Timothy Murtaugh Lakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194) Copyright 2020, by O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. is published eleven times per year (except December) by O’MearaBrown Publications, Inc. • Business/Accounting and Editorial Offices: 1555 Sherman Ave. Suite 313, Evanston, IL 60201, 312-276-0610. • Call 800-8270289 to subscribe. Subscription correspondence should be addressed to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615 (U.S.). Annual subscription rates: United States: $24.95 per year; International and Canadian: $39.95 per year, includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. 894095074-RT 0001) and $12 postage included. Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S. funds are accepted. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. • POSTMASTER: please send 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., Evanston, IL. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-1955. • Unsolicited work may be submitted at the creator’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. All published photos are courtesy of the manufacturer, unless otherwise noted.
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.
There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM
CALENDAR OF EVENTS DO UB LE- CH EC K ! BEF OR E YO U GO Due to COVID-19, events are likely to ch change. Please wat event websites for updates.
SEPT 25 – OCT 4 Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour Grand Marais, MN
VISITCOOKCOUNTY.COM
2
OCT 1 – 31 (THUR-SUN) Haunted Fort Night Thunder Bay, ON FWHP.CA
1
Empire Hops Festival Empire, MI
EMPIRECHAMBER.COM
OCT 3
Charlevoix Leif Eriksson Day Row and Run Charlevoix, MI
FACEBOOK.COM/ROWANDRUN
Visit LAKELANDBOATING.COM/ GREAT-LAKES-EVENTS to add your event to our Calendar of Events page!
OCT 23 – 24
VISITPENTWATER.COM
PUTINBAY.COM
Oktoberfest Pentwater, MI
Halloween Boo Bash Put-in-Bay, OH
Tawas Point State Park Haunted Lighthouse Weekend East Tawas, MI MICHIGAN.GOV/DNR
OCT 10
OCT 3 – 4
FRANKFORT-ELBERTA.COM
Door County Fall 1 Lighthouse Festival Sturgeon Bay, WI DCMM.ORG
Ellison Bay Arts Fall Art Crawl Virtual FACEBOOK.COM/ ELLISONBAYARTS
Milwaukee Film Festival Virtual MKEFILM.ORG/MFF
Boo at the Zoo 2 Racine, WI
OCT 24 – 25
Frankfort Fall Festival Benzonia, MI
OCT 15 – 29
OCT 24
RACINEZOO.ORG
Port Elgin Pumpkinfest Virtual PUMPKINFEST.ORG
ADD YOUR EVENT!
OCT 9 – 10
OCT 31
Thrills on Third Sturgeon Bay, WI
STURGEONBAY.NET
eautiful winery, charming home,
production building, pole barn on 13 acres, just 2 miles to Lake Michigan and 5 miles to Downtown Charlevoix • MLS 462219 • $749,000
NORTHERN MICHIGAN REAL ESTATE
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MARK SNYDER
Call 231.675.7711 Mark-Snyder@live.com 701 Bridge St, Charlevoix, MI 49720
P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F : 1 . T I M S W E E T; 2 . R AC I N E ZO O FAC E BO O K
OCT 2 – 3
Beyond
Expectations.
Canyon 326
POWERED BY
Uniquely Grady-White. gradywhite.com
GREAT LAKES NEWS
Seawall Being Built to Protect World’s Fair Home on Lake Michigan
SCUTTLE GREAT LAKES NEWS
BOATS
MUST-HAVE
BUZZ
EVENTS
P H O T O B Y PA U L K E M I E L
The building of a seawall has begun to help control the severe beach erosion at the Wieboldt-Rostone House along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Beverly Shores, Indiana. Last year’s mild winter and lack of shelf ice contributed to rising water levels. The Wieboldt-Rostone House was on exhibit during the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and was brought over by barge to its permanent location. This historic home is located within the Indiana Dunes National Park and is owned by the National Park Service. —Paul Kemiel
BUSINESS
PEOPLE & PLACES
BUZZ
Ranger and Cutwater Create Dinghy Lift for Outboard Boats
Have an outboard-powered boat but no place to store the dinghy? Ranger Tugs and Cutwater have created a patent-pending Dinghy Lift, available on the Ranger Tugs R-27 and Cutwater C-32, allowing cruisers to enjoy the popular benefits of outboard power, all while carrying a tender.
Made from powder-coated anodized aluminum and fitted with Weaver Snap Davit heads, the Dinghy Lift allows boaters to attach and board their tender while anchored or in the slip. The dinghy is then folded up to the aluminum frame and the entire hinged mechanism raises
up away from the outboard. The dinghy is stowed inverted above the outboard when running. A convenient cockpitmounted winch operates the Dinghy Lift mechanism. For more information, visit R ANGERTUGS.COM and CUTWATERBOATS.COM.
BUZZ
Mackinac Island Gets a New Boutique Hotel
Step back in time on Michigan’s Mackinac Island while staying at its newest boutique inn, The Mackinac House. Opened in 2019, this hotel is located right off Market Street, just a block away from the main strip and ferry docks. Stay the night in one of the 19 newly renovated bedrooms, each with its own style, watch the horse-drawn carriages trot by, and enjoy a coffee on one of four balconies. A breakfast area offers continental breakfast in the morning and complimentary snacks in the afternoon. Rates start at $185. For more information, visit THEMACKINACHOUSE.COM.
ADD YOUR NEWS! Email KBUSH@
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
to add your company’s Great Lakes News to Scuttle!
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE M AC K I N AC H O U S E FAC E BO O K
The Antique Boat Museum and Antique & Classic Boat Society’s joint Symposium, which was rescheduled for October 2-4, is now postponed until May 7-9, 2021.
SCUTTLE
EVENTS BOATS
Beneteau Unveils Two New Powerboats Two new dayboats have hit the Antares 11 Beneteau fleet: The Flyer 9 and the Antares 11. Available in a SUNdeck and SPACEdeck configuration, the Flyer 9 features an innovative opening side platform to port, which expands the cockpit and offers easy access to the water. The L-shaped cockpit provides plenty of sunbathing and entertaining space. The SUNdeck version features a huge bow sunpad, while the SPACEdeck has a bow sun lounge and forward bench seat. Both configurations offer a comfortable cabin with two double berths and a head, as well as an outdoor galley next to the helm. The Antares 11 is a 36-foot, 7-inch outboard cruiser powered by twin Mercury V8 300-hp Verado outboards. Below, the boat features two spacious cabins and a head with a separate shower, which allows the boat to accommodate seven people. Other features include a foredeck sunpad, a large modular cockpit shaded by a wheelhouse overhang, as well as a starboard sea-view terrace. For more information, visit BENETEAU.COM.
Alliance for the Great Lakes Celebrates 50th Anniversary
In 1970, Lee Botts formed the Lake Michigan Federation, which was instrumental in early Great Lakes protection campaigns. That advocacy group would go on to become the Alliance for the Great Lakes, which is now dedicated to protecting all five Great Lakes. To celebrate the Alliance’s 50th anniversary, it is asking supporters to make online donations in place of attending the Great Blue Benefit in Chicago and the Clean Lake Benefit in Cleveland, both of which were called off due to COVID-19. All donations will go toward the Alliance’s efforts to ensure access to safe and clean water for everyone in the region. To donate, visit DONATE.GREATLAKES.ORG. BOATS
Burger Introduces 63 Sportfishing Motor Yacht Concept
BUSINESS
Sailfish Boats Names Rob Parmentier President and CEO
Rob Parmentier, former president and CEO at Marquis Yachts, has been named president and CEO of Sailfish Boats following the retirement of Sailfish Founder Paul Hoppes. “The boats look great, are solidly built by incredible people and I can’t wait to see how they perform,” Parmentier says. “I am excited to join the team at Sailfish Boats and look forward to jumping right in to push and move Sailfish forward to become a stronger presence in this vibrant and exciting market segment of the boating industry.” For more information, visit SAILFISHBOATS.COM. BUZZ
Sea Tow Foundation to Start Flare Disposal Pilot Program Boaters with expired flares will now be able to dispose of them properly. The Sea Tow Foundation was recently awarded a new grant from the U.S. Coast Guard Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund to create a Flare Disposal Program. The pilot program will launch in Florida in 2021, collecting flares at events around the state and then disposing of them safely. “While flare disposal is not part of a boater’s legal responsibility, it does affect the environment when not disposed of properly,” says Gail R. Kulp, Sea Tow Foundation’s executive director. “Not disposing of flares properly can also impact the safety of boaters if expired flares are stored onboard boats.” For more information, visit FLAREDISPOSAL.COM. 14
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Boaters who are in the market for a motoryacht designed for sportfishing and watersports, take a look at the brand-new Burger Boat Company 63 Sportfishing Motor Yacht concept. “We’re thrilled to introduce the Burger 63 Sportfishing Motor Yacht for those who seek a limitless life of island hopping, open-water fishing and adventure sports,” says Jim Ruffolo, president and CEO of Burger Boat Company. “This new yacht is the perfect invitation to go out, create excitement and see the world in your own, luxurious setting.” Potential buyers are able to partner with the Burger Design Team to create their ideal, customized yacht. The Burger 63 Sportfishing Motor Yacht is powered by three Volvo Penta D13-IPS1350 engines, reaching a top speed of 35 knots, a cruising speed of 30 knots and a range of 600 nm. The interior will feature three ensuite staterooms, unobstructed views in the open salon/galley area with wide-opening retractable glass panels, and exceptional exterior spaces for entertaining. For more information, visit BURGERBOAT.COM.
SCUTTLE
BUZZ
BOATS
Riviera Unveils New Plans for 50 Sports Motor Yacht Australian luxury motoryacht manufacturer Riviera is used to turning out the top in performance and refinement when it comes to sports motoryachts, and its new 50 Sports Motor Yacht (SMY) is no exception. Drawing from the larger 64, 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht models, the 50 incorporates the clean, contemporary look with its sporty, large-volume hull, impressive interior space and epic sweeping superstructure. The 50 SMY includes five distinct luxury living zones, including a foredeck that transforms from tender storage into a sun lounge; an all-weather mezzanine seating area with day lounges on either side; a glass-enclosed flybridge; and a threestateroom, two-bathroom accommodation plan. The rear cockpit alone boasts nearly 70 square feet of outdoor living space. To find out more, visit RIVIER A AUSTR ALIA.COM.
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Indiana Company Pioneers Boat Shrinkwrap Recycling Program Used boat shrinkwrap may soon become boat fuel, thanks to a pilot program by Brightmark. In July, the global waste solutions provider announced it completed a pilot collection program for boat wraps with a local marine services dealer located near the company’s Ashley, Indiana facility. The project collected shrinkwrap from boats in winter storage, and now that collected wrap will be used to produce transportation fuel and wax. The amount of boat wrap removed each year in the U.S. adds up to approximately 110,000 tons of waste, which, when recycled, would equal nearly 21,000 barrels of renewable fuel. “Boat wrap is a pure waste stream that has always been difficult to properly recycle,” says Steve Christman, executive director of the Northeast Indiana Solid Waste District, which supports the program. “This program fits perfectly because it allows us to turn the waste into something of value to boaters.” For more information, visit BRIGHTMARK.COM.
SCUTTLE
BOATS
BUSINESS
Great Lakes Sailing Co. Awarded Jeanneau Dealer of the Year
Traverse City, Michigan-based Great Lakes Sailing Co. has received the “2020 Dealer of the Year” award from Jeanneau America. “Jeanneau has been a great partner to work with and has been instrumental in increasing our new yacht sales, growing our yacht charter fleet and reopening the SailTime Detroit base with new model Jeanneau sailboats,” says Dave Conrad of Great Lakes Sailing Co. “We’ve had Jeanneau sailboats in our charter fleet for many years. Since becoming a full-service regional dealer in 2018, we can offer new Jeanneau sailboats to owners who can opt to either join our charter management program, allowing charter revenues to offset the expense of ownership, and also to owners who want to sail away to their own homeports and enjoy the benefits of dockside service calls and support.” With in-stock models of the Sun Odyssey 410 and the Sun Odyssey 389, in addition to six other Jeanneau models available for charter in Traverse City and a Membership program available at SailTime Detroit, Great Lakes Sailing Co. offers sailors plenty of ways to enjoy a new Jeanneau. For more information, visit GREATLAKESSAILINGCO.COM.
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MasterCraft Releases NXT24 The newest and largest NXT model from MasterCraft, the NXT24, is a well-priced 24-footer designed for on-water thrills. Featuring an open layout, a CoolFeel interior and seating for 16, the new inboard model is also available with MasterCraft’s award-winning GEN2 Surf System, which sculpts custom waves for riders at the push of a button. The NXT24 comes in under $95,000 well-equipped. “Consumers are demanding larger, highperformance towboats at an accessible price point. Since 2015, the NXT has answered that demand, delivering the most fun on the water while welcoming new boaters and their families into the MasterCraft family,” says Fred Brightbill, CEO and chairman of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. “We’re excited to build off that momentum with the new NXT24, giving customers more surf performance, more room, and the trusted MasterCraft quality in a larger, attractively priced 24-foot boat.” For more information, visit MASTERCR AFT.COM.
Heritage Tech Stripe Carryall
What do you call an old sail that’s upcycled into a fashionable tote? Chic conservation. Store your onboard snacks, sunglasses, towels and books in this heritage carryall, constructed from pre-consumer recycled materials. Features three-strand nylon handles that are hand-spliced through stainless steel grommets. Individually handmade in Chicago. $115 AT SAILRESALE.COM
GREAT GEAR MUST-HAVE GOODIES AND GADGETS FOR EVERY BOATER
BOLT Cable Lock Shrinkfast 998
At just 2.2 pounds, the Shrinkfast 998 is the ideal heat tool for shrinkwrapping boats of any size and contour. Variable heat and power levels combine with the fan-shaped, adjustable combustor to help you apply a steady, even heat pattern safely and easily. Kit includes a 25-foot propane hose, adjustable regulator, UL guard, training DVD and carry case. Product comes with a full oneyear warranty on parts and labor. Made in the USA. $619.99 AT
Protect car-mounted kayaks and paddleboards against wouldbe thieves with BOLT Lock’s Cable Lock. To use, simply insert your vehicle ignition key and the lock’s specially crafted tumblers permanently learn the key shape. The durable 6-foot-long coil coated with ¼-inch black vinyl provides plenty of length to secure your kayak. The cable locks are specific to your vehicle and are available for most GM, Ford, RAM, Jeep and Toyota vehicles. $41.99 AT BOLTLOCK.COM
Iosso Seam Sealer
Fix leaky seams in an instant with Iosso’s Seam Sealer. The product creates an invisible barrier that seals out water on boat and RV covers, Biminis, awnings, tents, umbrellas and other outdoor gear. The 4-ounce bottle has a built-in sponge applicator. To use, run across both sides of the seam and leave to dry for 24 hours. A quick touch-up can be applied anytime if the fabric has seen heavy use. Covers around 50 feet of fabric. $8.49 AT IOSSO.COM
DEFENDER.COM
CARVER Flex-Fit Pro Pontoon Cover
Cover your pontoon this winter with the economical Flex-Fit Pro Boat Cover, which fits pontoon boats 20 to 22 feet long with a beam of 102 inches. The new Poly-Flex II material is made of a 5.3-ounce solution-dyed polyester with a ¾-ounce urethane coating. Also features durable water-repellent and mildew-resistant finish. Product includes boat cover, tie-down kit and mesh storage bag. $279.99 AT WESTMARINE.COM
Clarion Marine Speakers
Turn up the volume! Clarion’s new CMSP coaxial speakers, offered in 6.5- and 7.7-inch options, provide amazing sound quality thanks to their silk dome tweeter and injectionmolded woofer cone. Featuring a modern sport grille (sold separately) and metallic accents, the speakers will look great on any boat. Both sizes are available with RGB LED lighting. FROM $149.99/PAIR TO $239.99/ PAIR AT CLARIONMARINE.COM
ADD YOUR NEWS! Email KBUSH@
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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DON’T HESITATE TO RENOVATE B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R
Count the Cleats
I
’ve owned and worked on a number of boats over the last 40 odd years and one of the more frustrating boating nits I’ve had to pick are the lack of adequate cleats. As a marine surveyor I’d be hard-pressed to count the times I’ve shaken my head in disbelief at boatbuilders who have skimped on cleat size, number, placement or all three. Fortunately, an undersized or missing cleat is a problem that can be easily corrected with a little planning and an hour or so of DIY time.
(Top) The right way to install a cleat: The area has been de-cored and sealed, and a properly sized backing plate has been installed. (Middle) A crushed core due to water intrusion. (Bottom) A cleat installation with no backing plate and insufficiently sized washers.
CAPT. FRANK LANIER is an award-winning journalist, boat maintenance guru and owner of Capt F.K. Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants:
CAPTFKLANIER.COM.
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Solid vs cored decking Replacing or mounting a new cleat in solid fiberglass is fairly straightforward; however, drilling into a cored deck requires additional steps to protect the coring from water intrusion or crushing. If the coring is plywood, after drilling or cutting, simply wet the raw edges of the plywood with a few coats of epoxy to prevent water migration into the coring. If the coring is a softer material (such as balsa or foam) it’s best to de-core the area. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, but the below strategy is straightforward and works well. 1. Using the cleat mounting holes as a guideline, take a 1-inch hole saw and remove the coring from the underside of the deck where each bolt is to be installed. Be careful not to drill through or damage the upper layer of fiberglass. You can also remove a single section of coring large enough to encompass more than one bolt. Drill almost through the coring, but leave the last quarter-inch or so to be removed by hand. 2. Once the cutout and coring has been removed, seal the exposed edges of the coring in the holes with epoxy, then mount the cleat using properly sized backing plates or washers and a suitable marine-grade caulk. 3. Another option would be to fill the holes entirely with thickened epoxy, then drill new mounting holes through the epoxy and mount the cleat, again using a good bedding compound. This method not only keeps moisture out of the coring, as your holes are now drilled through a solid epoxy plug, but it also provides a solid backing when tightening the cleat mounting hardware. Tips for a successful installation 1. For new cleats, verify that the location has adequate access and clearance beneath the deck to carry out the installation.
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Pop-up cleat
2. Determine the size and type of cleat you want. Mounting a new cleat is primarily a matter of correct placement of the drilling template or cut-out. If upgrading a traditional cleat with a larger one, the footprint of the new cleat probably won’t match the existing hole pattern. If you’re lucky, the base of the new cleat will cover the holes, in which case you can simply seal them with thickened epoxy. Otherwise, you can fill the unused holes and paint over them or install a base for the new cleat of some suitable material (wood, StarBoard, etc.) to cover the holes once sealed. If replacing a traditional cleat with a pop-up or similar style, the best scenario is locating the required cut-out over the existing holes where possible. 3. Cover the mounting area with masking tape to protect the gelcoat from scratches and help prevent chipping while drilling or cutting. 4. For traditional cleats, use templates or the base of the cleat itself to mark the mounting holes. 5. To help prevent chipping when drilling, run the drill in reverse until through the gelcoat, then switch to forward and continue drilling. 6. Pop-up or pull-up cleats require an additional hole be cut in the deck. Most come with a pre-cut backing plate. Place the backing plate where the cleat will be mounted, drill the first hole, insert a bolt to keep the plate in place, then drill the remaining bolt holes. Insert a bolt in each of the holes, then tighten down two bolts at opposite ends to prevent the template from moving and use it as a guide to cut the hole with a Dremel or rotary tool. 7. Once the holes are drilled, dry fit the cleat to ensure a perfect fit prior to bedding (caulking). This should include installation of the backing plate or large, thick fender washers. 8. Bed the cleat with a suitable marine-grade caulking. Polysulfides such as BOATLIFE’s Life-calk or hybrid caulks such as West Marine’s Polyether Multi-Caulk Sealant work well, but avoid Polyurethane adhesives like 3M’s 5200 as they make future removal and re-bedding difficult. 9. Apply caulking to the base of the cleat and top of the backing plate, then snug up the mounting hardware using Nyloc nuts or lock washers until you first see the bedding compound ooze out around the edges. Leave it overnight to set up, forming a gasket. Come back the next day and tighten to the proper torque, but avoid over tightening. ★
P H O T O S B Y C A P T. F R A N K L A N I E R
How to add extra cleats to your boat’s deck.
Give the next best thing.
Lakeland Boating is the perfect holiday gift for your favorite boater. Call 800-827-0289 or visit lakelandboating.com to order a gift subscription.
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OCTOBER 2020
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BENEATH THE SURFACE B Y H E AT H E R S T E I N B E R G E R
When the Going Gets Tough
Boat sales are booming during the pandemic — but how has COVID-19 affected towing and service? e had less than five minutes between the “low brake fluid” warning and the complete loss of our ability to stop. Our Ford F-150’s master brake cylinder failed, and suddenly our quick trip for ice turned into getting marooned at a rural-crossroads convenience store on a very hot summer afternoon. It could’ve been worse. A day earlier, and we would’ve lost our brakes while towing on a major interstate highway. Upon discovering that this failure actually was a recall issue, we searched for a nearby Ford dealership that could make the necessary repairs. Perhaps they could provide a temporary tow vehicle, or at least a rental car to get us to the nearest truck rental outfit. No such luck. All the dealerships within an hour’s drive apologetically informed us that they were booked for weeks. After many phone calls (and skyrocketing stress levels), one service manager took pity on us and said he’d do his best to squeeze us in “sometime this week.” They didn’t have any car rentals left, though, and we were utterly stranded five hours from home. We called AAA and bid bon voyage to our truck, which exited stage right on a flatbed. A local gentleman insisted that we climb into his pickup, and he took us back to our camper and dog. And, fortunately, I located a sole proprietor with a single taxi who drove 40 minutes to collect my husband and another hour to get him to the nearest Enterprise Truck Rental. On the way home in our rented truck, I ruminated on the entire misadventure. In the recreational boating community, we’ve been so busy trumpeting the good news about booming boat sales, we haven’t asked one really important
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question: How has the novel coronavirus pandemic affected emergency towing and service — for boats as well as tow vehicles — and what does that mean for boaters? An ounce of prevention, plus a towing service According to Captain Pat Beckman with Traverse City TowBoatUS, COVID-19 had a discernible impact this season. His region experienced significantly heavier boat traffic — and more new boaters. “We’re seeing a definite uptick in towing and calls,” reports Beckman, who covers Lake Michigan from Manistee to Charlevoix, as well as popular inland waterways like Torch Lake. “We’re seeing a lot more non-BoatUS member calls too, at least five or six per day. “Our most common calls come from people who are out of gas,” he continues. “We are also seeing more people hitting stuff in shallow water; they’ve dinged their prop or ruined their lower unit. My impression is that these are new or very inexperienced boaters.” Normally, Traverse City TowBoatUS sees six to eight such calls per season. At press time in mid-August, Beckman said they had already reached the mid-teens. While it’s always a bummer to have a mishap on the water, it’s more challenging than usual this year. One ruined day can become weeks. “Everyone’s busy,” Beckman says. “Boats I towed weeks ago still aren’t back in their slips. I need to get my boat in for an oil change, and they’re at least a week out.” If you’re new to boating, or if you’ve recently returned to the lifestyle, remember the old idiom, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Steps you take right now might mean you won’t have to make that call for a tow later. For starters, put together a boat checklist; having enough anchor line will rocket right to the top of the most-important list if you break down, start drifting, and cannot set the anchor. Next, don’t skip regularly scheduled maintenance. “This is just my opinion, but I think a lot of people overlooked preventative maintenance on things like pumps and impellers earlier this year,”
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B OAT U S FAC E B O O K
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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F T O W B OAT U S T O R C H L A K E & T R AV E R S E C I T Y FAC E B O O K
Beckman says. “But if your water pump goes out, you’re going to overheat.” And finally, consider a membership with BoatUS. Murphy’s Law certainly can strike despite the best-laid plans, and its towing and “soft ungrounding” services just might come in handy one day. Maintenance & emergencies — one step at a time Alex Dorsch, service manager for Dorsch Ford Lincoln Kia in Green Bay, Wisconsin, says his automotive business has seen a recent uptick in tows for service as well. Most are engine- or transmission-related. Due to the dealership’s proximity to Door County and the North Woods, and the large numbers of cabin owners and vacationers traveling back and forth, summer always is a busy time. Dorsch notes that other frequent repairs involve trucks that aren’t reading their trailers’ brake controllers or are having other electrical issues. “There are generally two reasons for these kinds of electrical concerns,” he says. “First, the connecting components on the truck can corrode due to moisture and salt during the winter. This is a simple fix that requires just a little bit of cleaning from the repair facility. Second, the wiring from the trailer might have gone bad and needs replacing.” He also agrees that many people pushed off routine maintenance this spring. Those skipped appointments, unfortunately, can mean problems down the road. Oil and other fluids, for example, deteriorate over time. “If your vehicle is sitting for too long or is not being driven enough, it can actually cause more damage than the typical wear and tear of driving,” Dorsch explains. Not only will regular oil changes make a
difference in the life of your tow vehicle, technicians will also check all other fluid levels and look over the rest of the vehicle for potential concerns. Today’s trucks may have more horsepower and torque, but they still have their limitations, and Dorsch urges owners to have lesser-known fluids — such as front and rear differential, transfer case, transmission and coolant — changed at the recommended mileage. If you do break down or face an unforeseen recall situation as we did, take a deep breath and tackle the problem step by step. Call roadside assistance to arrange your tow, find a dealership to do the work, and try not to worry too much. You will find a dealer who understands the stress of breaking down far from home, and who is willing and ready to provide assistance. “We’re constantly monitoring our performance capacity,” Dorsch says. “We never want to book up 100% of our day, in case of emergencies or any other extra work. Our goal is always to fill up 60% of our total capacity. This allows us to help people.” ★
HEATHER STEINBERGER is an award-winning writer/ editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 20 years. Visit her website at WRITEONLLC.COM.
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OCTOBER 2020
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SAFETY FIRST BY HELEN AITKEN
Safety Upkeep
Small maintenance projects that can extend your boat’s lifespan. reventative and timely maintenance jobs are just as important at the end of the boating season as they are before the season begins. Simple tweaks, tune-ups and replacement projects can improve the look, function and safety of the boat. Here are some easy safety solutions and upgrades to work on after this boating season. Easy fixes 1. Water and a biodegradable boat wash can remove debris, pollutants and hitchhikers from the boat’s surface. Use a clear wax on the hull at least once a year. 2. After boating, flush the motor in the upright position using a coupler attached to a water hose for about 10 minutes. 3. Sweep, wipe and vacuum the deck and storage areas. Removable carpet should be shaken upside down and vacuumed, then vacuum underneath where the carpet sits. 4. Leftover food or spilled drinks attract insects and vermin, and encourage mold and mildew. Keep a secured trash bag or container within passenger reach and dispose of it responsibly.
HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and former science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is an America’s Boating Club member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway. Visit her website at AITKENHELEN.COM.
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Vinyl seats 1. Seats take a beating from passengers, gear and nature’s elements, particularly UV radiation. Routine maintenance should include a conditioner and a protective sealant to prevent cracking. Clean using a mild dish soap or specialty boat soap and rinse. Do not use bleach and ammonia-based products, as they will weaken vinyl. 2. For hard-to-remove stains, try gently rubbing a Magic Eraser pad in a circular motion. Mold and mildew can be removed with baking soda and vinegar left on for several minutes after the bubbling has stopped. Rinse and wipe dry. 3. Dry the seams, as they retain water. Moisture trapped between vinyl and the gelcoat may cause the gelcoat to blister. 4. Repair small cracks or tears in vinyl seats before resorting to duct tape. Most repair kits cost less than $25 and come with easy instructions. 5. Vinyl and acrylics in the cockpit should be cleaned with soapy water and sealed with a protectant. Polyethylene can be cleaned with a spray and wipe cleaner.
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Interior inspections 1. Inspect battery connections for corrosion. Clean the contacts with baking soda and a wire brush, then lightly coat the connections with grease or a corrosion preventative. 2. Electrical lines can wear down. Clear them of debris, cobwebs and vermin, then inspect the current flow with a digital multimeter. 3. On large boats, unhook bilge pump hoses and check for clogs. Consider installing a secondary one. 4. Scuppers drain the deck instead of going into the bilge. Check the flaps for debris, and replace the flap if the seal is broken. 5. Change the engine oil and filter about every 100 hours or once a year. With a hand pump, new filter and oil, it’s about $20 and 30 minutes of work. Diesel engines need changing about every 50 hours. 6. Change out a pedestal chair height with a new base and pedestal, then add a tracker base to move the seat forward and back. End-of-season checkups 1. Several times a year, remove the prop and look for damage, dings and changes in pitch. Then tighten the prop nut and grease the shaft. 2. Is it time to change the cleats, rod holders and electronics? Also repair minor fiberglass damage and update the bottom paint. 3. Bow rails, windows, deck fittings and other items with caulk and gaskets flex over time and seals break. Look for gaps or leaks, and replace the gaskets or re-caulk as needed. 4. Don’t forget trailer maintenance. Look at the tire treads and keep the proper air pressure. Examine the wheel hubs and lube them as needed. Check the bearing grease once a year. Also test the coupling device, electrical connection and trailer tail lights. Final words Make sure you’re comfortable changing out or repairing items. Do your research, plan your projects, have the right equipment on hand, and take your time. Reading a manual or watching a video might not be enough, so seek out a professional if needed. Take a class with America’s Boating Club or Coast Guard Auxiliary to develop the confidence to take on bigger projects. Even small maintenance projects extend the lifespan of a boat. ★
P H O T O B Y A D I R O N DAC K W AT E R S H E D I N S T I T U T E
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ELECTRONICS BY GLENN HAYES
Weather Tech
Check the forecast while on the water.
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TOP PHOTOS BY GLENN HAYES; BOT TOM PHOTO COURTESY OF GARMIN
t’s always a good idea to check weather conditions prior to heading out on the water, and now it’s easier than ever to do so both from home and while aboard. Information-packed apps can give boaters weather forecasts and details while within cellular coverage. There is also the trusty onboard radar that can warn of nearby storms and rain. And then there are other less-utilized options that can work in conjunction with your onboard multifunction displays, even while away from cellular signals. Multifunction display add-ons Manufacturers such as Garmin, Navico (Simrad, Lowrance and B&G), Furuno and Raymarine offer devices that can show weather information right on your multifunction displays, overlaid on existing electronic charts. This is accomplished through a small satellite receiver and a subscription through SiriusXM. One of the newest and most comprehensive weather receivers available is Garmin’s latest offering for onboard weather, the GXM 54 Receiver. No bigger than an external GPS antenna, this small receiver is mounted where it has a clear view of the sky. It can be flush-mounted to a flat surface or utilize a standard VHF antenna mount. Connected via an Ethernet cable, it displays a multitude of weather graphic information overlaid on the charts of many of Garmin’s newer displays. This information includes weather radar and lightning information, sea surface temperatures, wave height (with period and direction), as well as marine weather zone forecasts and wind forecasts. Subscription rates and packages vary. One package also includes 140 channels of music, sports and news, all accessible through the GXM 54. SiriusXM receivers are also offered by Simrad, Lowrance and B&G, utilizing the Navico WM-4 receiver, as well as Furuno’s BBWX4 receiver and Raymarine’s SR200. Navico’s WM-4 requires the use of a Shakespeare SRA-50 Galaxy SiriusXM antenna along with the WM-4 module. The module has a network connection, power and antenna connections, and audio connection. Once interfaced to a compatible Navico display, weather overlay is possible with all of the weather features offered by Garmin’s GXM 54 mentioned above. According to Navico, Fish Mapping will also be available later this year. Furuno’s BBWX4 and Raymarine’s SR200 utilize the same SiriusXM InfoLINK module
and Shakespeare SRA-50 antenna as the Navico module, each working with its own line of current displays. The same SiriusXM subscriptions apply to all these units, and the subscriber has several options to choose from. There is a Marine Inland subscription for $14.99 per month (at the time of writing). Data included in this subscription are storm cell attributes, weather radar, lightning strikes, tropical storm tracks with wind fields, alerts services, weather watch boxes and five-day local weather forecasts. Next is the Marine Coastal subscription that includes Great Lakes wave height, period and direction, among other marine observations and forecasts. There is also a Marine Offshore option and the Fish Mapping mentioned above. Service is available for the continental U.S. and its coastal waters up to 150 miles offshore, and coverage extends to southern Canada. There is a great option to seasonally suspend service for up to six months with no additional cost, so if you’re not using your boat or it’s in storage you don’t have to pay for a service you won’t be using. Other options There are other weather options available to boaters, from simple apps for smart devices to more complex systems like global weather fax equipment offered by Furuno. Custom forecasts and weather data ordered and delivered through online providers is another option. Raymarine’s new multifunction displays and software can now take advantage of its built-in Wi-Fi and can utilize the GRIB Viewer Weather App. This app uses weather information offered with a subscription to Theyr Weather, a global maritime market weather information provider. Data is downloaded via smartphone hotspot, marina Wi-Fi or other Wi-Fi network. Weather data provided includes forecasts, wind speed and direction, marine sea level pressure, precipitation, air temperature, wave height/direction/period, sea surface temperature, NEXRAD radar and more. All of this data is available on a Raymarine chartplotter running Lighthouse 2 or 3, and monthly or annual subscriptions are available. With all the equipment available to boaters today, a cell phone is no longer the only option for accessing weather information and forecasting. ★
(Top and middle) Garmin display with SiriusXM Weather. (Bottom) Garmin multifunction displays showing weather data.
GLENN HAYES is a marine writer and photographer whose background in the marine industry and in marine electronics spans almost three decades and many thousands of miles at sea traveling the world. He can be reached at HAYESSTUDIOS.COM .
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BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY ARNIE HAMMERMAN
Cobia 350 CC
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 34’4” Beam: 11’2” Draft: 24” Weight: 10,560 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 320 gals. Power: 3 x Yamaha F300XCA; 2 x Yamaha F300XCA; 2 x Yamaha XF425 MSRP (w/ 3 x F300s): $299,424
Delivering features, speed and versatility.
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COBIABOATS.COM
DEALERS Basa’s Marine
BASASMARINE.COM
Keenan Marina
KEENANMARINA.COM
Pier 53
PIER53MARINE.COM
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ith so many center consoles being built today, it can be difficult to choose. Cobia’s focus on delivering quality and value has made it one of the top-selling center console manufacturers in the country for boats 26 to 35 feet. Its largest model, the Cobia 350 CC showcases a host of standard features, multiple engine packages, and extensive options to enhance both fishability and comfort. The Cobia 350 CC is built to ABYC standards by Maverick Boat Group in Ft. Pierce, Florida. It has a double-stepped vacuum-infused hull and premium fade-resistant gelcoat. All composite (no wood) construction increases strength and durability. Manufacturer performance testing with optional triple Yamaha 300-hp F300XCAs yielded an eye-popping top speed of 62.3 mph. Cruising at a more realistic 33.4 mph (3500 rpm), fuel burn was 26.2 gph or 1.27 mpg, demonstrating that the boat can get you to the fish or the party with speed and efficiency.
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Standard features include twin 42-gallon bait tanks, large fishboxes below the floor that pump overboard, a bait prep area and tackle storage, including a secure rod locker below. The 131-square-foot cockpit is ideal for fishing with enough room for multiple anglers and easy access to the boat sides and foredeck. Options include twin Garmin 8616 MFDs with CHIRP sonar, a hardtop with rod holders, an Optimus joystick and a Lenco Auto Glide System. The 350 CC has a cabin with a berth, head and shower, triple helm seats, a sun lounge forward and an electronically lifted bow table ideal for appetizers and cocktails. Comfort options include air conditioning, a refrigerator and a Seakeeper SK2 gyro. “The Cobia 350 with optional triple Yamahas is fast, smooth riding and has excellent handling,” says Rich Gotlund of Basa’s Marine. “It has plenty of bow seating and is remarkably dry underway. Packed with features, this boat is ready to fish or cruise.” H
BOAT SPOTLIGHT
BY ARNIE HAMMERMAN
Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS Delivering the fun.
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utboard power is all about speed, fun and convenience, and Cruisers Yachts of Oconto, Wisconsin, understands this. The all-new Cruisers 42 GLS has all the makings of a party boat, as well as some serious accommodations for overnight cruising. “Expanding on the popularity of outboard power and the success of our 38 GLS, which launched last year, our new 42 GLS provides more room, more comfort and more fun,” says Matt VanGrunsven, Cruisers’ director of marketing. Unique beach doors on both sides glide down with the touch of a button to expand the swim platform, forming a closer connection with the water. A long bench seat faces aft with a swiveling backrest that can be adjusted to face the starboard beach door. Stereo speakers, a foldaway boarding ladder and a freshwater deck shower add to the ambiance.
The cockpit lounge wraps around a teak table, ideal for alfresco dining or just enjoying the fresh air. A raised wetbar, sink and refrigerator along the solid surface counter provide easy access to beverages while entertaining. A flat screen TV can be set up for movie night or to watch the game. The helm has bench seating with bolsters, footrests, and easy access to electronics and controls. A large sunroof in the hardtop slides back to let in the sun. To port, a section of the windshield opens providing access to the bow lounge. Comfortable seating with great views all around will make this a popular spot both at the dock and while underway. If the day runs too long or the party goes late, below-deck features include a sleeping cabin, a dinette that can convert into a second bed, a head with shower and a full galley. The new Cruisers 42 GLS delivers all the fun of a great dayboat and has enough accommodations to overnight too. ★
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 42’ Beam: 13’ Draft: 3’5” Weight: 27,000 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 403 gals. Water Capacity: 50 gals. Standard Power: 3 x Mercury Verado 350 hp Optional Power: 3 x Mercury Verado 400 hp MSRP (w/ 3 x 400s): $928,340 CRUISERSYACHTS.COM
DEALER SkipperBud’s
SKIPPERBUDS.COM
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OCTOBER 2020
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BOAT SPOTLIGHT BY ARNIE HAMMERMAN
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 69’8” Beam: 19’1” Draft: 5’6” Weight (dry): 94,755 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1,717 gals. Water Capacity: 198 gals. Standard Power: 2 x MAN V8 V-Drive 1,300 hp MSRP: $3,195,000 RIVIER A AUSTR ALIA.COM
DEALERS Bay Marine
BAYMARINE.NET
Onekama Marine
ONEK AMAMARINE.COM
Lake Michigan Yacht Sales LAKEMICHIGAN YACHTSALES.COM
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Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht Another wonder from down under.
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he Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht is a spacious enclosed bridge cruiser with a lot of amenities. Its styling is reminiscent of a sportfish boat with distinctive hull windows. Though the large cockpit can be fished from, at its heart the 64 SMY is a well-appointed cruiser. Top speed of 30 mph is achieved by two 1,300-hp MAN V-drives and shafts. The cockpit has yacht-like twin transom doors, an electric BBQ grill and sink. A large semi-enclosed mezzanine features comfortable seating, a varnished teak table, wetbar, fridge, icemaker and a retractable TV. A lifting window and sliding door provide easy access to the adjacent galley and salon. Brightly varnished wood (walnut, cherry or oak) combine with stone surfaces and plush fabrics to create a lively, contemporary look. The galley rivals some home kitchens, offering refrigerator drawers, freezers and a dishwasher. Suited for meal prep, serving and entertaining, features here include wide counters,
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abundant storage, a deep sink, Miele three-burner cooktop and a convection oven/microwave. The bow lounge includes seating for eight around a low table that converts to store a tender when running. The flybridge has twin helm seats and full controls with a great view from the helm. The spacious interior and exterior amenities include multiple lounges and tables, a flat screen TV and a fridge. Inside is heated and air conditioned, and opening windows, doors and a sunroof provide fresh air. A full-beam master stateroom has an island berth and an ensuite head, which conveniently connects to a utility/laundry room. A queen VIP, a twin cabin that can convert into a double and a bunk room round out the sleeping deck. “The 64 SMY has been designed equally for blue-water cruising and long-term livability, as much as for luxurious long-weekend escapes,” says Riviera Owner Rodney Longhurst. H
BOAT SPOTLIGHT
BY ARNIE HAMMERMAN
Sunseeker Predator 60 EVO Bright and bold both inside and out.
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unseeker’s new Predator 60 EVO is ideal for boaters who want to let the sun in. Light bathes the atrium like a glass bubble over the helm and salon areas. Surrounded by the large windshield and side windows, you may feel like you’re outdoors even when inside the air conditioned/heated interior. An enormous sunroof slides back electronically to bring in fresh air. The door and window open completely, connecting the salon to the exterior aft area of the main deck. Comfortable seating, a wetbar and BBQ are featured under the overhanging hardtop, while a large sunpad extends into the open and is ideal for lounging in the sun. Another sunpad on the foredeck provides even more open reclining and a place to get away from the action and relax. A convenient transom tender garage houses a Williams 345 11-foot Sportjet RIB. This lively little boat provides additional fun whether taking excursions to the beach or simply jetting around in the sunlight.
Sunseeker claims a top speed of almost 40 mph and offers engine packages in various horsepower from Volvo Penta in both shaft drive and IPS pods. The interior of the Predator is British modern with luxury wood options, contrasting panels and some stainless accents. The galley-down includes a convenient lounging/breakfasting area. The full-beam master suite is well-appointed with a private head and shower, centerline bed, flat screen TV and a good amount of storage. There is also a VIP forward, a second head and a twin bunk cabin below, and a small, separate crew cabin is aft under the sunpad. “We are excited about this new model. It fits perfectly into a popular segment of boats 50 to 65 feet and is a Predator with a more sophisticated, modern style,” says Jim Kehrig, Sunseeker brand manager at Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales. “The interior has unique textures, plush fabrics and a rich, classy look and feel.” H
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 59’10” Beam: 15’5” Draft: 4’3” Weight: 61,509 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 581 gals. Water Capacity: 158 gals. Power Option: (shafts) 2 x Volvo Penta D13 900 hp or 1,000 hp (pods) 2 x Volvo Penta D11 IPS950 MSRP: Contact dealer SUNSEEKER.COM
DEALER Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales Chicago, IL; St. Clair Shores, MI; Holland, MI; Grand Haven, MI; Charlevoix, MI; Spring Lake, MI; Catawba Island, OH JBYS.COM
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OCTOBER 2020
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BOAT TEST
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRAND BANKS
Grand Banks 54
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Confidence from the hull up. by Capt. Tom Serio
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rom the “If I wasn’t there, I wouldn’t believe it” files. Case study: The brand-new Grand Banks 54 (GB54). The situation: Sea trial. The location: Palm Beach, Florida. The victims: A bunch of journalists who were about to get the surprise no one expected. Now, that may sound very innocent but let me tell you the tale. Arriving at the marina to a brilliant white flybridge cabin cruiser, I recognized my ride by the signature Grand Banks downeaster-style hull with upturned peak, lapstrake hull and teak trim. With a steady yet strong easterly blow, I knew the waters would be choppy but nothing this yacht can’t handle. Well, I was wrong but then, I was right. Upon casting off, our Grand Banks tour guide/captain du jour, Hank Compton, managing director for Grand Banks and basically a walking encyclopedia of everything GB, deftly guided the quickresponding GB54 off the dock and toward the channel.
A three-hour tour While heading toward the inlet, Compton detailed the construction of the yacht. Vacuum-infused E-glass and carbon fiber are used in the hull layup, hardtop, bulkheads and even furniture. The deck and superstructure are fully infused carbon fiber. Corcell and Airex foams are used for coring materials. Components like the bulkheads and stringers are structurally bonded to the hull, reducing the overall weight of the vessel while maintaining strength and stiffness. That critical construction and strength of the hull was proven during our run. Showing that the 51,800-pound GB54 tops out at just over 30 knots (seven persons, one-third fuel and half water load onboard), we headed out to the open ocean for more speed runs. And that’s when it happened. Heading outbound with the ripping current, the very fresh winds were building the opposing seas. Any seasoned boater would know that wind against current creates daunting conditions, but we expected that. What I/we were wrong about was just how fast they would build, even if just for a short distance.
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Victory at sea Piloting from the lower helm, which offers 360-degree visibility thanks to the large forward and salon windows, we went from 2- to 4- to 6-foot standing waves on the nose. Suddenly, like from a scene in the movie “The Perfect Storm,” Compton, with all the coolness of George Clooney, casually braced as the GB54 climbed up one wave that seemed to be as tall as Mt. Everest (really only about 8 feet) and into the frothy abyss below. This is where the GB54 shined like a beacon in the mist. As we dropped into the trough, we all collectively expected a bone jarring crash that would jostle us out of our shoes. But nothing came. We expected moans and groans from the hull. Again, nothing. No creaks, cracks, shakes, or shimmies. Nothing! Just a very solid ride under our feet that had us all amazed. Lesser boats would have had us hanging on for dear life. Not on the GB54. Taking a bit of spray and wash, the GB54 rose up, ready to take the next cresting wave. This was not by accident. Grand Banks designs the hulls to take this beating if necessary, but also offer the smoothest ride possible. With high freeboard, sharp bow entry and a general broadness to the forward hull, slicing seas is what the 54
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does. Add in Grand Bank’s warped semidisplacement hull (think of a racing sailboat that widens midship) designed to allow the seas to roll away from the hull, reducing drag while adding buoyancy, stability and additional lift, and you have one impressive platform. Dropping the transom deadrise to 8 degrees helps to attain the fast speeds. Needless to say, Compton was able to command the twin Volvo D11 725-hp diesels to spin the GB54 around between waves (a quick yet agile maneuver with the next wave fast approaching) and get us back to the safety of the lee. If we needed to run the sloppy ocean this day, I’m fully confident the GB54 would deliver us in one piece.
There’s more! I could end the story here, but there is more to say about this yacht, like the grand interior space and accommodations, panoramic views from the main deck and performance. Complete with a soft satin finish, teak wood is carried throughout the GB54, including all bulkheads, cabinets and tables. Add in the textured fabrics, vinyl headliners and contrasting Silestone countertops for that homey feel. The combination of
the light teak, large windows and salon headroom of 6 feet, 8 inches complements the port and starboard L-settees. A great feature are the salon windows that electrically open. Yup, the large (28-inchtall, 73-inch-wide) side and aft windows all open for a unique in/out experience. The centerline drop-down TV just aft of the helm seat is cleverly placed. With twin Garmin 17-inch multifunction displays being the centerpieces of the lower helm, there’s plenty of room for additional electronics, including speed/depth digital displays, Humphree Zero Speed Stabilizer system, Sidepower thruster joysticks, lowprofile throttles and more. Convenient is the breaker panel, located next to the helm for easy access. The three-pane windshield with narrow mullions, flat helm space for charts, side deck door, double wide walk-around helm bench and stainless/teak vertical wheel make it evident that this yacht was designed with an owner/operator in mind.
Smart layout Breaking the mold, Grand Banks offers the 54 with a galley-down layout, and it works. Designed like an open atrium, the lower galley is bright, airy and within easy
GRAND BANKS 54
conversation reach of the captain and guests. Meal prep and cleanup is separate from the lounging spaces. It offers a much cleaner look to the main level and reduces spillage and stains on the flooring. Meals for a casual party to a long-range cruise can be prepped thanks to the full array of appliances, including twin Isotherm fridge/ freezer drawers, a Miele electric cooktop, a Miele microwave convection oven and a large stainless steel sink. Cleanup is easy with the Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwasher. Teak cabinets and drawers complement the Silestone countertops for easy maintenance and good looks. With the galley-down layout (a galley-up layout is available that yields an additional stateroom below), the lower accommodations consist of two spacious staterooms. Midship to starboard is the master with an athwartship island queen berth. Turning the berth 90 degrees offers ample walkaround space without compromising on function. An overhead skylight (located just ahead of the helm under the windshield) allows ambient light to flood the room. The private ensuite head has a spacious separate glass shower stall and Tecma Silence Plus toilet. Cabinet, drawer and locker storage seems to be everywhere.
Thanks to the hull’s broadness, the forward guest stateroom in the peak affords an island queen berth, side cabinets and lockers. An ensuite head features a shower stall.
Top deck With an extended deck that can easily handle extra lounge chairs, water toys and/ or tender (thanks to the Steelhead ES1000 davit), the flybridge is well-utilized. Twin Stidd seats are at the centerline helm, as are two Garmin multifunction displays and plenty of room for electronics. Chill at the port L-settee with diagonal teak table. Across is a wetbar with fridge, sink and storage, and aft is a grill station. Our sea trial running numbers (RPM, speed and fuel burn) came in at or slightly better than the posted numbers by Grand Banks, so use their figures confidently. The twin Volvo D11 725-hp engines give admirable range of 1,200 nm at 10 knots but have the speed to get you out of the slop when necessary. Cruise comfortably at 25 knots burning only 54 gph. With a power package that delivers, comfortable accommodations, a hull that keeps you safe, and timeless good looks, the Grand Banks 54 is a yacht that you can be confident in. ★
S P E C I F I CAT I ON S LOA: 59’5” Beam: 17’6” Draft: 4’ Weight: 51,800 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 898 gals. Water Capacity: 264 gals. Power: 2 x Volvo D11 725-hp diesel engines MSRP: $2,720,000 GR ANDBANKS.COM
D E AL E R Grand Banks Yachts 877-291-4220 GR ANDBANKS.COM
Remarkable seakeeping ability thanks to the warped hull design. Large aft deck hatch for storage area and engine room access. Opening salon windows were a pleasant surprise. Would like a permanent aft deck table.
Watch the video at
LAKELANDBOATING.COM!
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BOAT TEST
Formul a 380 SSC Outboard No compromise. by Chuck Warren 36
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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F F O R M U L A B OAT S
here aren’t many brands in the marine industry that can boast a six-decade history. Formula can. In 2021, the family owned company will celebrate its 65th year in business. With its uncompromising approach to quality and an incredible variety of available customizations, Formula’s Super Sport Crossover (SSC) lineup is the ultimate example of the company’s commitment to its customers’ powerboating experience. Now available in an outboard configuration, the Formula 380 SSC perfectly fits the wants and needs of today’s breed of boater. In the 21st century, we want everything and we want it now. We want to have our cake and eat it too, and the new 380 SSC Outboard delivers.
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Tailor made
Instead of using an existing design and bolting on a bunch of engines, the 380 SSC Outboard hull was specifically created for the new configuration. Based on Formula’s FAS3Tech stepped hull design, the outboard model was built to ensure the boat’s performance and handling would meet Formula’s exacting standards. Stepping aboard, the 380 SSC Outboard’s large swim platform provides easy access to the cockpit, even with the three big engines hanging off the tail end. There is also plenty of room to climb in and out of the water, and dual swim ladders make it easy. Forward, the huge cockpit occupies the full width of the boat, as does the standard hardtop with its retractable roof. The cockpit is one single level, so from the moment you step through the transom to the farthest seat forward, there are no steps up or down. Nautolex vinyl seating wraps completely around the cockpit, with hinged cushions hiding plenty of finished storage below. The starboard aft seat can also convert into a comfortable aft-facing sunpad. The starboard-side U-shaped lounge seating can also convert into a large sunpad with the help of two cockpit tables. When not in use, the tables easily slide beneath the seats. A switch raises the port aft seat to expose the mechanical room below. Without the sterndrive engines the space can be used for storage, and checking the oil on the 7.5kW generator is a painless operation. Back on deck and to port, an outdoor galley includes a cold storage drawer and sink hidden beneath a large counter made for serving plenty of food and drinks. Just ahead, cabinet doors hide space for kitchen accessories, a real trash can and the cockpit-mounted TV. A transommounted grill is also available to accent the outdoor galley. At the helm, seating for three converts into bolsters behind the adjustable wheel. Two 12-inch Raymarine Axiom touch panels control navigation and onboard systems, while Mercury’s VesselView provides engine and cruising data, and a Mercury Joystick gives the captain complete control. Forward, the walkthrough windshield smoothly slides aside to provide access to the bow. Seating with storage below hinged cushions wraps around the bow, while plenty of cupholders and USB ports keep guests comfortable and connected.
Down below
Standing at the helm, the cabin door could be easily missed. Swing open the big portside door and step below to find (even with the single-level cockpit) that Formula did not compromise on cabin space in the 380 SSC Outboard either. Headroom in the 380 SSC Outboard cabin is impressive at 6 feet, 5 inches. The roomy, well-lit space includes a cold storage drawer, sink, microwave and pantry. Another dinette table also converts the forward 38
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seating into a bunk with the help of a flip-up backrest that creates additional legroom. To starboard, a roomy wet head is well-appointed with plenty of storage and a huge mirror. Just aft, the full-width stateroom was designed with enough headroom to climb in and easily sit up. There is space for two to sleep comfortably, and a 32-inch TV to port provides entertainment. In a boat dominated by cockpit space, the cabin could feel like an afterthought. However, the 380 SSC Outboard cabin is easily accessible and big enough to spend a weekend away with no compromise on comfort or convenience.
Powerful performance
Available with a variety of power options in addition to the standard triple Mercury 350s, our test boat came with three Mercury Racing 450R engines. No longer the noisy, smelly beasts that outboards once were, today’s four-cycle engines are smooth and quiet. At 38 feet long and 11 feet, 6 inches wide, the 380 SSC Outboard is a big boat. However, as we throttled up, the stepped hull lifted the vessel up on plane with minimal bow rise. The boat handled the lake’s not-quite-moderate chop with ease, while topping out at 67 mph. Even with the big Mercury 450s running at 4500 rpm, which pushed the boat to 42 mph, there was no trouble talking over the engine noise without raising our voices. The ride and handling was exactly what I expected from Formula. The boat is fast and digs into turns like it’s on rails. There are no rattles or clunks whether running at top-end or fast-idling back to the dock. Formula could easily create a standard graphics and design package and charge its buyers extra to customize their new boat. However, through the company’s FormulaFlex and MyWay programs, customers are offered nearly endless combinations of hull and trim colors, graphic designs, and interior base and accent color options. That means Formula owners can match their boat to their favorite colors, their car, or even Alma Mater. The new Formula 380 SSC Outboard is a fun, fast, capable sport cruiser with the performance to pull wakeboarders and tubes, and still features plenty of room for entertaining and overnight trips. Performance, style, quality and comfort — for 65 years, Formula has mixed them together without compromising on a single ingredient. H
FORMULA 380 SSC OUTBOARD S P E C I F I CATI O N S LOA: 38’ Beam: 11’6” Draft: 3’5” Fuel Capacity: 300 gals. Water Capacity: 43 gals. Power (as tested): 3 x Mercury 450R MSRP (w/ 3 x 450Rs):$1,032,870 MSSP: $748,270
D E ALE R S Chicago Yachts Works
CHICAGOYACHTWORKS.COM
Lakeside Formula
LAKESIDEFORMULA.COM
Marine Tech Concepts
MARINETECHCONCEPTS.COM
FORMULABOATS.COM
Cold storage in cabin and cockpit Single level cockpit Sliding walkway window Slide-away cover for galley sink Dash includes a huge glovebox
Single-color LEDs in all accent lighting
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Adventures in Preparing your boat for the winter requires a bit of elbow grease but is well worth the effort.
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F YA N K E E B OAT YA R D
by Felicia Schneider han
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Winterizing PHOTO COURTESY OF FELICIA SCHNEIDERHAN
Y
ou may remember a dramatic climax of the 1987 movie “Adventures in Babysitting” when kids hang off the diagonal roof of Chicago’s 150 North Michigan Avenue skyscraper. Twenty years later, when my husband, Mark, and I lived on our Marine Trader trawler, Mazurka, just a few blocks from there, I would look up at that iconic building on icy winter nights and think, yep, boat life during the Midwest winter is just like that — hanging off a diagonal roof, slowly sliding down. As live-aboards, we never had to winterize the engine or plumbing systems, since we kept the boat heated and needed the plumbing to work. We did shrinkwrap the top to avoid the ill-effects of ice, wind and snow damage. Still, one year we waited too long and the snow piled up. Shrinkwrapping the top kept the cabin a lot warmer, too. We also suspended a de-icer (a big fan) in the Chicago River to circulate the water around the boat and keep things from freezing. Though one year we waited too long for this, too, and came home one subzero February weekend to find the entire Chicago River frozen, encasing the live-aboards in ice. We started up the engine
to keep things going, lest we turn into Shackleton’s Endurance. By some not-so-small miracle, we avoided any hull damage. These days, with three kids, our live-aboard winter days are over. We moor Mazurka on Lake Superior and haul her out for a complete winterizing in the fall. Mark does almost everything himself, except for shrinkwrapping, which the marina rules dictate must be done by its employees (no doubt some insurance rule, and also probably not trusting a bunch of boaters wielding blowtorches). Of course, there’s a simple way to winterize: Pay somebody else to do it. But for those of us who appreciate the DIY aspect of boating, winterizing the boat can be satisfying and even enjoyable. All you need is your boat’s manual and, say, four free weekends. And those four weekends are going to give you what you really need to know about winterizing your boat: Experience. You’ll glean plenty more stories to share with fellow DIY boaters. And it’s a good chance to call on friends for an end-of-season party to Shop-Vac every last drop of nasty water in the bilge. Water is the biggest threat, summer or winter. During winter, your boat
can suffer damage from freezing, corrosion, and mold and mildew. Built-up ice can pop hatches and bust window tracks. Water in your engine or gear case can crack a housing or block and cost thousands to repair. So getting rid of every last drop possible will save a lot of heartache down the line. As Mark likes to say, “There are mistakes and there are ching-ching mistakes.”
My son, 9-year-old Rafael, caulks the seal around the lazarette
Engine first: Outboards, inboards & sterndrives
The first and most obvious step to winterizing your engine is to read your boat’s owner’s manual. But just in case that manual is lost, moldy, missing pages, or
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(Bottom) Keeping the crew busy for a day of winterizing sometimes means essential tasks like vacuuming the bow (and snacks — lots of snacks).
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or running the motor in clean water. Empty the carburetors and fuel lines by disconnecting the fuel line while the engine’s still running. Before it runs out of fuel, spray the aerosol fogging oil into the carburetors. Next, take the motor out of the flush tank or disconnect the flush attachment. Let the water drain out and open the drain plugs; crank the motor by hand to empty the water pump. Take out the spark plugs and coat the cylinders with fogging oil, then spread the oil on the walls by rotating the flywheel. Double-check the quality of the spark plugs, and reinstall or replace them. Clean the gears and pivots and lubricate them with oil or grease, drain and refill the gearcase and oil tank. Make sure to drain all the fuel in the tank and fuel supply lines. If you’re not able to completely empty the tank, fill it to 95% full and stabilize it. Clean and lubricate the propeller shaft and store it upright. Inboards and sterndrives will need to be filled with propylene glycol antifreeze to prevent tiny ice pockets that can crack the block. For an inboard motor, change the coolant, as well as the engine and transmission oil. For diesel engines, fill up the fuel tanks and add biocide. For gasoline engines, run the engine out of fuel and fog the intake, then drain the fuel tank and supply lines. Flush the raw-water circuit, and protect the raw-water passages on your diesel engine by draining them, reconnecting the
water-pump outlet hose, and using a funnel to add in the antifreeze. Let it sit for a few minutes, then open the raw-water drain plugs and drain it. Remove the impeller. Fog the cylinders on the gasoline engine, or fog the intake for the diesel engine. Drain the muffler canister. With a sterndrive, BoatUS recommends following the inboard to-do list, with a few tasks from the outboard for the lower end, and also filling the drive shaft housing with lubricant. Make sure to change the oil and oil filter, gear lube, and replace the fuel filter. Remove the battery. Come spring, you’ll be glad you changed the water pump impeller, too.
Plum bin g
Now drain all the water from the plumbing and water systems, including freshwater tanks, heads/ sewage, power wash, bilge pumps, air conditioners and random cans of fizzy water. An onboard Shop-Vac could be the next tool you can’t live without; it makes siphoning water out of those hard to reach places so much easier. Drain all the plumbing and add antifreeze. If anything is removable (like heads or filters), take it out. This seems obvious, but twice we left the drinking water filters onboard all winter, and twice they were wrecked. Remove the drain plugs. Then get down to every last drop by meticulously combing through all the other systems that hold water: Raw-water washdowns, livewells and
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FELICIA SCHNEIDERHAN
(Top) Shop-Vac, tools, wires everywhere: Winterizing can look (and feel) like complete chaos.
you just like reading as much as you can about your baby, here’s a quick overview of engine care. You may also want to check quality online resources, like BoatUS manuals. Besides high-ticket freezing damage, your engine could suffer corrosion or fuel degradation during the cold months. Even a tiny bit of water hanging out in the engine can cause a lot of damage if it freezes. For an outboard engine, you’ll have to first flush the engine with freshwater, using a flushing attachment
bilge pumps. A good, strong wet/dry Shop-Vac is excellent for this job. It’s also a good task to delegate to a kid or those of us not engine-savvy.
W rap it u p
If you have or can rent a garage big enough for your boat, you’re golden. If not, you’ll need an outdoor location, which means tucking in your boat with a tarp or shrinkwrap. Among the winter liveaboards in Chicago, annual shrinkwrapping was an art to behold. Out came the PVC pipe and two-by-fours, the blowtorches, and mounds of strong shrinkwrap plastic and tape. Building the structure to hold the shrinkwrap was one of Mark’s favorite activities, something he tried each year to improve. We needed something strong to hold up to the Windy City. These days, it’s not nearly as exciting. The guys at the marina do it, and we don’t even get to light the torch. Once your boat is out of the water, it needs a good, strong pressure-washing. Check the hull for stress cracks, gelcoat blisters, and that one spot you remember hitting a rock on last July. Some experts recommend puncturing the blisters to drain and dry them, then patching with an epoxy-based filler. A frame is essential, whether you’re using a polytarp cover or shrinkwrap; the frame ensures the weight of snow and ice are distributed equally (think diagonal roof). You can also buy a special kit with reusable aluminum tubing and clamps,
or you can build your own with two-by-fours and PVC piping, strong strapping and your crew’s help. Make sure to minimize the amount of plastic that lays against the fiberglass, because moisture will build up, especially if you heat it. Keep in mind, shrinkwrap needs to be vented for good airflow, lest you open the boat in the spring to find everything coated in mold. This happened to us one year when we left the boat covered in shrinkwrap for an entire season, which is definitely not advisable — especially if it’s not vented properly.
O ne l ast thin g … There’s always one last thing on a boat (or more like 100 little one last things). The whole interior of your boat is likely damp, and everything — from the cupboards to the vinyl seat covers — needs to be cleaned and dried, A mildew spray can help, plus a few buckets of moisture absorber open and ready. Because dry winters suck the life out of vinyl, you may want to spray the vinyl interior with a cleaner and protectant to prevent cracking. Put everything away dry or else it will mildew; this includes life jackets, deck furniture, the Zodiac raft and that bunch of towels somebody forgot in the shower. It can be good practice to take home sensitive, removable items like compasses, the radar/chartplotter, the radio and speakers. Then say goodbye — but
not for too long; it’s advisable to visit your vessel every few weeks just to be safe. She might be lonely out there. No doubt you are missing her, too. ★
(Top) With Mazurka out of the water, the most exciting part for my 5-year-old son, Anton, is literally climbing aboard. (Bottom) The chaos eventually gets put away — usually just in time for launch in the spring.
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PORT OF CALL
Experience Enchantment A one-time summer refuge for wealthy industrialists, Cobourg, Ontario, continues to charm visitors with its carefree elegance, beautiful tree-lined streets and genteel, Victorian warmth.
Cobourg
Toronto
Lake Ontario Hamilton
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Cobourg
Lake Ontario
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHUMBERLAND TOURISM.
by craig ritchie
Chart Your Course
Headed to Cobourg? You’ll want these Canadian Hydrographic Service charts onboard: ■ 2054: Cobourg Harbour ■ 2058: Cobourg to Oshawa ■ 2059: Scotch Bonnet Island to Cobourg
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P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F O N TA R I O T O U R I S M
O
ne of the most enjoyable aspects of cruising the Great Lakes is seeing first-hand how history has shaped our lands and people. Every lakeside town has its own unique character and history — some linked to wars, some to pirates, some to industry and others to indigenous communities. One notable port is Cobourg — a delightful and welcoming community on the north shore of Lake Ontario with an enduring waterfront heritage. With its fortunes built upon commerce rather than industry, Cobourg has always maintained an intimate link to the lake and its outstanding harbor, making the town as we know it today a truly remarkable port of call with much to offer visiting boaters. Located about halfway along the lakeshore some 56 miles east of Toronto and 35 miles north of Point Breeze, Cobourg was initially colonized by United Empire Loyalists in the late 1700s. In 1818, the settlers officially named their village Cobourg in recognition of the recent marriage of Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld to Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales. With its outstanding harbor protected by a natural sand spit, Cobourg grew rapidly, incorporating 46
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as a town in 1837 and with serious ambitions to develop further still. Although the world’s first steam railway had come into operation only 10 years earlier, Cobourg was already drawing up plans to build a railway of its own, connecting the town’s harbor with the extensive mining and timber resources located to the north at Rice Lake. Shortly after, scheduled steamship service brought regular passenger service to Toronto, Kingston and Rochester, further elevating the town’s fortunes and status. It was the steamship service that introduced Cobourg to a growing number of ultra-wealthy industrialists from both sides of the lake, many of whom built elegant summer homes there. By the late 19th century, Cobourg was the place to see and be seen, where the well-to-do of the day escaped the daily grind and lived the good life sans souci — without a care in the world. Stately residences lining tree-lined streets spoke to Cobourg’s status as a respite for the affluent, and they continue to charm visitors today with their brilliant architectural details and period finishes. The annual summer migration to Cobourg continues unabated, with tourism now ranking among the town’s most important economic drivers. All it takes is one short visit to understand why. Cobourg is easy to spot from the lake; look for
A E R I A L P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W I K I M E D I A / C O O LT Y; F I R E W O R K P H O T O C O U R T E S Y OF EXPERIENCE COBOURG.
the large white and blue water tower with the word “Cobourg” written on it in large block letters, which is clearly visible poking above the trees from at least eight miles offshore. If you’re approaching from the south or east, then simply head for the water tower and, as you approach the shore, watch for the silvery dome of the water treatment plant. The harbor entrance lies a short distance west of the dome and is marked by two piers: The eastern pier capped by a 40-foot-lighthouse with a flashing red light, and the west pier marked with a flashing green light. Depth through the entrance channel is dredged to a minimum of 12 feet. Boaters approaching from the west will want to keep a sharp eye peeled for the lighted black and yellow buoy identifying Peter Rock, located roughly three miles west of the harbor entrance and about three-quarters of a mile from shore. Don’t even think about trying to pass north of this marker or you’ll promptly discover the surprisingly shallow ridge of granite that extends all the way to land. For safety’s sake, keep well south of the marker and wait until you’re more or less directly off the harbor before swinging the bow toward town. First stop is to check in at the Cobourg Municipal Marina, a modern and welcoming facility which offers 70 transient slips for the use
2021 Event Calendar ■ June 18 – 19 Highland Games Victoria Park
■ July 1 - 4 Waterfront Festival Rotary Harbourfront Park & Victoria Park ■ July 1 Canada Day Celebrations & Multicultural Festival Victoria Park ■ Tuesday evenings in July & August Concerts in the Park Cobourg Bandshell, Victoria Park ■ Wednesday evenings in July & August Summer Music Series Cobourg Bandshell, Victoria Park ■ July 10 Lakeside Car Show Victoria Park
Canada Day Fireworks
■ July 10 Food & Music Festival King Street ■ July 17, July 31 & August 28 Movies in the Park Victoria Park ■ July 31 Cobourg Sandcastle Festival Victoria Beach ■ July 29 – August 2 Downtown Cobourg Sidewalk Sale King Street ■ August 13 – 15 Rotary Ribfest Victoria Park
Note: All dates tentative
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Art Gallery of Northumberland
of visiting guests. Best of all, just about everything in town is located within easy walking distance of the marina docks, from Cobourg’s beautiful sandy beach to its charming heritage downtown and its multitude of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and boutique shopping opportunities.
History and heritage
Reflecting the importance of its waterfront, Cobourg’s historic downtown begins pretty much right at the marina. The entire downtown, and much of the surrounding residential area, has been designated as a Heritage Conservation District in view of its extensive and exceedingly well-preserved Victorian architecture. We’re not talking a few scattered buildings here and there, but entire streets that remain unblemished by time, giving visitors to Cobourg a rare opportunity to enjoy a truly unique and immersive experience. Cobourg is an absolute delight for history buffs, with no less than four different walking tours that explore its vast range of stunning heritage properties. Full information on these walking tours, complete with detailed maps and information on the different buildings that you’ll see, can be downloaded from the town’s tourism website at EXPERIENCECOBOURG.CA. Start your experience at the magnificent Victoria 48
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Hall, located on King Street just two blocks north of the marina. Completed in 1860 and now listed as a National Historic Site, Victoria Hall stands proudly as the centerpiece of Cobourg’s downtown with its lavish neoclassical façade, Corinthian columns, pedimented portico and landmark clock tower. Beautifully restored over a span of 12 years, the building — designed by legendary architect Kivas Tully — is best known for its grand concert hall, which once hosted a ball for HRH Edward the Prince of Wales. Today, Victoria Hall serves as home to the Art Gallery of Northumberland (AGN). Opened in 1960, the AGN boasts more than 950 pieces in its permanent collection, including works of national and international significance with a strong emphasis on Canadian artists. There is also a substantial collection of 20th century paintings, sculptures and works on paper, making a stop here essential to any visit. Exhibits change on a regular basis so there’s always something new to see. You’ll also want to make a point of stopping by the Cobourg Fire Hall. Home to Cobourg’s fire department from 1883 to 1977, the building has been completely renovated inside and today operates as The Firehall Theatre. Home to the Northumberland Players theater group, it’s a great place to enjoy live performances all year round. Information on future performances can be found on the group’s website, NORTHUMBERLANDPLAYERS.CA.
V I C T O R I A H A L L P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F O N TA R I O T O U R I S M ; A R T P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F E X P E R I E N C E C O B O U R G
Victoria Hall
SANDCASTLE PHOTO COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE COBOURG; AERIAL PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHUMBERLAND TOURISM
When You Go
For all trip-planning essentials: NORTHUMBERLANDTOURISM.COM EXPERIENCECOBOURG.CA DOWNTOWNCOBOURG.CA
Sandcastle Festival
A number of local museums, including the Sifton Cook Heritage Centre and the Marie Dressler House, are also worth taking the time to explore.
The festive spirit
While the town of Cobourg quite rightly celebrates its proud heritage, residents put just as much effort into celebrating the present, with a full calendar of events and festivals that run through the year. It sounds incredible for a town of less than 20,000 residents, but Cobourg plays host to more than 150 separate events each year, most of them focused on the waterfront with the spotlight on food and entertainment. You name it and chances are you can find it on the town’s annual event calendar. Each season brings all-new events, complemented by perpetual summer favorites. Come in June for the Scottish Festival and Highland Games, or the annual Waterfront Festival, followed by the Lakeside Antique and Classic Car Show, and the Food and Music Festival held in July. In August, locals will be preparing for Cobourg’s well-known Sandcastle Festival, along with Ribfest, Shakespeare in the Park and the ever-popular Movies in the Park. Apart from a spirited Dragon Boat Festival held in the harbor, September brings the annual Harvest Festival and its enthusiastic celebration of all things edible. And just in case you haven’t
Marine Facilities
Cobourg is blessed with an excellent, municipally maintained harbor, a great modern marina, a thriving yacht club, on-call repair services and a well-stocked chandlery. ■ Cobourg Marina COBOURG.CA /EN/MARINA.ASPX
905-372-2397 Cobourg’s municipal marina has 218 slips on floating docks and along a seawall, 70 of which are available for use by visiting boaters. Well protected and with plenty of deep water, the marina serves both power and sailboats. The marina’s main building offers bright, clean washrooms, hot showers, a coin laundry and bicycles for guest use, and, best of all, free coffee from July through September. Call ahead on VHF 68 or by phone at 905-372-2397 for reservations or slip assignment and directions. Facilities include fuel (both gas and diesel); pumpout; 20-, 30- or double 30-amp power throughout the harbor; water on all docks; free Wi-Fi; and an excellent launch ramp. There’s easy access to public transit, and the Cobourg beach is just a four-minute walk away. ■ Cobourg Yacht Club COBOURGYACHTCLUB.CA
The yacht club sits next to the marina building on the north shore of the harbor. The clubhouse has a dining room and bar with a terrific view that’s open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the summer. ■ Cobourg Canvas and Upholstery 905-373-4285 Located about two miles from the marina, Cobourg Canvas and Upholstery can come to your boat to repair damaged boat tops, covers, and interior and exterior upholstery. ■ Dean Marine 905-373-4169 Located about a block from the marina, Dean Marine is a well-stocked chandlery offering everything from navigation charts to marine hardware and fittings, cleaning supplies, electronics, gear, nautical clothing and more.
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Farmers Market at Waterfront Rotary Park
Downtown shopping
OM SUP
packed on enough extra pounds already, stick around for October, where you can wash it all down with a visit to OctoBEER and sample some of the local craft favorites. Right through the season, the Cobourg Farmers Market serves up fresh and tasty fare on Saturdays from May through November. In Cobourg Concert Band true farmers market form, vendors feature fresh local produce, baked goods, preserves, meats and more, giving boaters an excellent opportunity to stock up the galley before heading home. Prefer a little retail therapy? Serious shoppers will want to make a point of checking out Saturdays on Second Street, held in June, and the annual Cobourg Sidewalk Sale in August for fun and unique buys. Or visit in September and join in the Northumberland Studio Tour (NORTHUMBERLANDSTUDIOTOUR.CA) to snag a great deal on stunning original artwork. Fans of live music will definitely enjoy their Cobourg experience, with free concerts presented at the famous bandshell at Victoria Park through the summer. There’s also the Cobourg Concert Hall in Victoria Hall, offering a wide variety of musical presentations all year round. If you’re in the mood for a movie, then head 50
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for the Loft Cinema, just a few minutes from the docks along the scenic boardwalk. The Loft presents a variety of classical music and indie films throughout the year, making a relaxing and rewarding way to cap a fine day of revelry.
Something for everyone
One of Cobourg’s top permanent attractions is its diverse shopping, providing rare opportunities to acquire the unusual and unique. That includes a wide range of antiques, original artwork, jewelry and vintage clothing. Most of the shops are located in the historic downtown, either on or within a block or two of King Street, the main drag that runs parallel to the lakeshore. Skip the chain stores and focus on the family owned private shops for the best stuff. As you wander the downtown prowling for bargains, you can’t help but notice Cobourg’s enticing dining options. For great pub grub and local craft ales, it’s tough to beat The Ale House on Division Street, which serves up the best of both. The Buttermilk Café, located on King directly across the street from Victoria Hall, is a popular breakfast spot known for its fluffy pancakes. Craft Food House, just around the corner on Division Street, offers healthy, locally sourced fare. Got a sweet tooth? Then head for Albert Street where, right behind Victoria Hall, you’ll discover
FA R M E R S M A R K E T P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C O B O U R G FA R M E R S ’ M A R K E T FA C E B O O K ; S H O P P I N G P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C O B O U R G .C A ; B A N D P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F C O N C E R T B A N D O F C O B O U R G FA C E B O O K ; S U P P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F O M S U P FAC E B O O K ; TA R T P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F O N TA R I O T O U R I S M
Butter tarts
BEACH PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHUMBERLAND TOURISM
Cobourg Beach
Millstone Bread and some of the best handmade butter tarts anywhere. As a main stop on Ontario’s Kawarthas-Northumberland Butter Tart Tour (BUTTERTARTTOUR.CA), Millstone is said to bake the very best butter tarts in the province, if not the world! But don’t take our word for it — stop by and try one. Or three. Or just get a dozen and see if they make it back to the boat. Odds are, they won’t. Dinner options in town are equally enticing. Choose between the Corfu Grill, The El Gastropub, The Matterhorn, Oasis Bar and Grill, the Cat and Fiddle, Shuck It or Castle John’s — all proven and popular spots with visiting boaters. Golden Chopsticks offers authentic Japanese cuisine if you’re looking for something a little different, while Cucina Urbana on Division Street offers traditional Italian favorites, a lovely wine list and an unrivaled view overlooking the harbor. Once you’ve had your fill of great food, tasty drinks and shopping, enjoy a little down time on one of Cobourg’s excellent beaches. The big sand beach east of the marina is a family favorite, while the quieter, natural stone beach to the west of the harbor is a bit of a hidden gem that’s a terrific option for avoiding the weekend crowds. By mid-summer Lake Ontario is surprisingly warm, with both beaches being ideal for soaking up a few rays. Looking to stretch your legs a bit more after
More Info
■ Arts and Culture Art Gallery of Northumberland: ARTGALLERYOFNORTHUMBERLAND.COM Cobourg Loft: COBOURGLOFT.CA Concert Hall at Victoria Hall: COBOURGBOXOFFICE.CA Marie Dressler House: MARIEDRESSLER.CA /DRESSLER-HOUSE Sifton Cook Heritage Centre: COBOURGMUSEUM.CA ■ Shopping, Food & Drink Downtown Cobourg: DOWNTOWNCOBOURG.CA ■ Activities Northumberland Trail:
WATERFRONTTR AIL.ORG
a few days on the boat? You’ll be happy to learn that the Cobourg Marina is located along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Enjoy a nice long walk or borrow a bike from the marina staff and explore a bit further afield. Another option is to hit the water in someone else’s boat. OM SUP (OMSUP.CA) and Green Canoe Outfitters (GREENCANOEOUTFITTERS.CA) rent watercraft like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for those looking to admire the town from a different perspective. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to fall for Cobourg. With an outstanding marina, classical architecture, quiet tree-lined streets, great dining options and endless entertainment opportunities — including more than 150 events each year — this is one port of call that’s not to be missed. ★
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LAKESHORE LIFE B Y K AT E B U S H
ADDRESS 207 Janes View Dr. 31 Holland MI 49424 SPECS Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 Square Footage: 2,585 Price: $875,000 CONTACT Andrea Crossman Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt 616-312-2237 ANDREACROSSMAN.COM
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Holland, MI
This Lake Macatawa condo comes with a vibrant community.
T
he key to making a house truly feel like a home is a tight-knit group of neighbors. At Holland, Michigan’s Villas on Lake Macatawa association, homeowners are also buying into a friendly and welcoming neighborhood. “The best part about living here is the community,” says homeowner Ron Deenik. “There are only 48 units, so it’s almost like an old-fashioned “Leave it to Beaver” neighborhood; everyone knows everyone, watches out for everyone. The developer doesn’t just build homes — he builds communities.” Natural light floods the three-bed, two-bath condo built in 2017, making the space seem even larger than 2,585 square feet. Architectural details, wall paneling and vaulted ceilings add interest to each space. Relax by the gas fireplace, read in the sunroom boasting wall to wall windows, or step into the huge gourmet kitchen and cook up a meal. “I happen to be the cook, so the kitchen is my
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favorite space,” Deenik says. “The setup is nice; we can hangout with eight to ten guests on stools around the counter and everyone can participate while I cook. It’s a wonderful entertaining space.” The kitchen is open to the dining and living rooms, so the area feels cohesive and airy. Both the guest and master suites are off the kitchen, with the latter featuring a huge walk-in closet and double vanity. Nestled on Lake Macatawa’s quiet Pine Creek Bay, the water here is nearly always calm. Boaters can walk mere steps from the condo to one of the 20 private deepwater docks and jet out to Lake Michigan. As Deenik says, “You just get on your boat and go.” Take a dip in the association’s lakeside pool, gather in the clubhouse, work up a sweat in the fitness room, or launch a kayak from the ADA-compliant dock — this tight-knit West Michigan community has it all. "This is a beautiful place to live, but people make a place more than anything else,” Deenik says. ★
BOAT BIZ
BY ABBY THORPE
MORE INFO Chicago Electric Boat Company Marina City 300 N State St. Marina Level — Unit EE Chicago, IL 60654 Chicago Riverwalk 151-155 W Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60601 Rockwell on the River 3057 N Rockwell St. Chicago, IL 60618 312-644-6411 CHICAGOELECTRIC BOATS.COM
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Chicago Electric Boat Company The ultimate cruise along the riverfront.
T
he Chicago River is now a sprawling, lively hot-spot boasting everything from wineries and restaurants to some of the best sightseeing around. Chicago Electric Boat Company offers three different locations along the Chicago River where you can rent a variety of electric boats and set off on an adventure to see the sights. Started in 2012 as Chicago Duffy, LLC by Ron Silvia, Chicago Electric Boat Company is now the largest self-guided electric riverboat operator in Chicago. Still locally owned and operated, the company is perfect for maritime celebrations, small group outings and family friendly adventures. The fleet of nearly 30 boats includes all-weather Duffy Boats with covered seating, spacious pontoon boats with adjustable canopies, donut boats that provide 360-degree views, 1950s restored retro boats and motor-assisted cycleboats for larger groups of 10 to 18. Every boat is equipped with an easy-to-use
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sound system, and guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy onboard. Cruising the river is the perfect socially distanced, outdoor activity to do with family and friends, and the Chicago Electric Boat Company has additional health and safety protocols in place to make guests’ experience worry-free. “Boating on the river allows people to take in some sunshine and fresh air and enjoy the city in a way that we haven’t been able to in a long while,” Silvia says. “We’re thrilled to be able to safely reintroduce this type of unique outdoor experience — the ultimate social distance excursion for Chicago.” Set off from one of the two downtown locations at Marina City and the Chicago Riverwalk for unparalleled views of the skyline, or enjoy a peaceful nature cruise from the Rockwell on the River location. Either way, you’ll enjoy the city in the best way possible — by boat. ★
L AK ES HOR E LI F E
FOR MORE INFO ON ADVERTISING IN
LAKESHORE LIFE & MARINE MARKETPLACE CONTACT PATTI MCCLEERY PM C CLEERY@LAKELANDBOATING.COM 312-276-0610 x. 21
Shoreline property for sale, situated in the islandstudded waters of northern Lake Michigan. 21 acres with southern exposure on the water in Door County. Four miles from municipal airport, zoned commercial. 1,200 feet of shoreline with a deep harbor can accommodate vessels in the 80’ range. PRICE: $1.45 MILLION CALL DAN AT 312-998-9010 OR EMAIL DKANIFF@GMAIL.COM
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NEW BOATS IN STOCK AND READY FOR DELIVERY
Back Cove 37
Riviera 5400 SY
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CALL OR EMAIL YOUR BAY MARINE CREW ANYTIME Ron Durchin 847-980-4975
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TO SEE OU R COM PLETE SELECTION OF PRE- OWN ED BOATS
FEATURED LISTINGS 66 2021 Belize 66 Daybridge .......................................................Call
34 2020 Back Cove 34O...............................................................Sold
65 2019 Monte Carlo Yachts 65 Motor Yacht .....$2,450,000
34 2004 Meridian 341 Sedan.........................................$109,000
65 2013 Ocean Alexander 65 Pilothouse .............$1,845,000
33 1999 Cruisers 3375 .........................................................$28,999
65 2008 Princess V65.........................................................$789,000
33 1996 Carver Mariner 330..............................................$31,999
61 1984 Hatteras 61 Cockpit MY ..................................$385,000
32 2005 Tiara 3200 Open............................................................Sold
60 2012 Prestige 60 flybridge.........................................$850,000
32 2003 Hunter 326 ..............................................................$44,900
56 1985 Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht.................................$299,000
30 2001 Bayliner 3055 Ciera ..............................................$37,500
54 2020 Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht............................................Sold
30 1999 Maxum 3000 SCR................................................$29,000
54 2011 Sea Ray Sundancer 540.................................$699,891
30 1998 Cruisers Yachts 3075 Rogue.............................$37,999
53 1980 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht.................................$224,900
26 2006 Regal Commodore 2665..................................$54,999
52 2015 Kadey-Krogen 52 ...........................................$1,575,000
29 2011 Hunt Yachts Harrier 29 ....................................$275,000
52 2007 Cruisers Yachts 520 Express .........................$398,999
29 1987 Cruisers 298 Villa Vee .........................................$22,400
50 2021 Riviera 505 SUV................................................................Call
27 2005 Crownline 270 CR ................................................$44,900
50 2012 Beneteau America Sense 50........................$389,999
28 2004 Scout 280 Sportfish.............................................$89,900
48 2003 Sea Ray 480 Sedan Bridge ...........................$319,999
28 2019 Edgewater 280CC............................................................Call
47 1999 Sabreline 47 Motor Yacht...............................$369,999
28 2002 Four Winns 280 Horizon ...................................$22,900
46 2011 Regal 46 Sport Coupe.....................................$379,999
28 2000 Sea Ray 280 Sun Sport......................................$28,900
45 2020 Sabre 45 Salon Express ................................................Call
26 2020 Edgewater 262 CX...........................................................Call
45 2004 Cruisers Yachts 455 Express Motor Yacht..$239,999
26 2008 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer....................................$54,999
45 1994 Tollycraft 45 Cockpit Motor Yacht ...............$169,999
25 2008 Crownline 255 CCR .............................................$39,900
45 2020 Riviera 445 SUV..............................................................Sold
25 1970 Bertram 25...............................................................$49,000
44 2013 Beneteau Gran Turismo 44...........................$379,999
24 2020 Edgewater 248 CX.........................................................Sold
42 2014 Regal 42 Sport Coupe.....................................$439,000
23 2001 Crownline 230 CCR ......................................................Sold
42 2007 Cruisers Yachts 420 Express .........................$199,000
21 2016 Stabicraft Stabicraft 2050 ..................................$58,000
42 1996 Ocean Alexander 423 Classicco ................. $279,500
21 2001 Cobia 215 DC.........................................................$14,900
38 2020 Sabre 38 Salon Express ................................................Call
20 2020 Edgewater 208CC..........................................................Sold
38 2007 Tiara 3800 Open................................................$345,000
20 1998 Edgewater 200DC................................................$34,900
37 2020 Back Cove 37.....................................................................Call
12 2018 Walker Bay 365 ST..................................................$4,900
37 1997 Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser...........................$89,999
DOOR COUNTY YACHTING CENTER, WI 920-743-6526
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360 VIRTUAL TOURS • FACETIME & SKYPE TOURS • WEEKLY FACEBOOK LIVE EVENTS • PRIVATE SHOWINGS _ TEXT (414) 273-0711 FOR MORE INFO! _ STURGEON BAY: South First Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI, (920) 746-1912 • Martin Kelsey: (920) 559-0366, Martin@centerpointesales.com • Terry Godres: (920) 559-0730, Terry@centerpointesales.com • Tony Peot: (920) 493-4747, Tony@centerpointesales.com • MILWAUKEE: 700 S. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, (888) 992-2487 • Tyler Wilkins: (414) 248-9668, Tyler@centerpointesales.com • KENOSHA: 21-56th Street, Kenosha, WI, (888) 992-2487 • Mike Montilino: (612) 419-3772, Mike@centerpointesales.com • WEST MICHIGAN: 430 W. 23rd St, Holland, MI • Brandon Ricci: (616) 405-1715, Brandon@centerpointesales.com
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Reed Yacht Sales Specializes in Clean Brokerage Listings! Check out our Featured Listings under Brokerage on our website to see detailed slide shows on all the boats currently available. BROKERAGE BOATS 13’ 15’ 25’ 27’ 27’ 28’ 28’ 29’ 29’ 29’ 31’ 32’ 33’ 34’ 35’ 36’ 36’ 36’ 38’
2007 2017 1991 2012 2019 1986 1990 2006 2007 2008 2014 2011 1985 2006 1997 1992 2006 2010 1969
Zodiac Yachtline 420 NEO.....................................$18,900 Avon Seasport 470 Deluxe NEO ............................$29,900 Chris-Craft 232 Crowne........................................$20,000 Ranger Tugs R-27 sale pending .............................$134,900 Ranger Tugs R-27 Luxury Edition ........................$192,900 Carver 28 Riviera ...................................................$8,900 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer .........................................$9,900 Tiara Yachts 2900 Open Classic..........................$109,900 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer .......................................$79,900 Hacker-Craft 29 Long Deck Gentleman’s Racer......$159,900 Ranger Tugs 31 Sedan sale pending .......................$230,900 Legacy 32 MKIII .................................................$194,900 Chris-Craft 333 Sedan .........................................$14,900 Silverton 34 Convertible......................................$155,900 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer .......................................$52,500 Catalina 36..........................................................$56,900 Albemarle 3600 Express.....................................$219,900 Sabre Spirit........................................................$165,000 Chris-Craft 38’ Commander..................................$29,500
39’ 40’ 41’ 41’ 41’ 42’ 42’ 42’ 43’ 43’ 43’ 46’ 49’ 50’ 55’ 56’ 60’ 75’ 80’
2008 1986 1971 1989 2002 1972 1986 2001 1976 1992 1992 1974 2008 2012 2003 1983 1988 2001 2004
Tiara Yachts 3900 Sovran ...................................$269,900 Silverton 40 Aft Cabin...........................................$39,900 Hatteras 41 Twin Cabin.........................................$60,000 Hans Christian 41T.............................................$149,900 Sea Ray 410 Express Cruiser .............................$119,900 Allied 42 XL .........................................................$65,000 Slocum Pilothouse................................................$88,000 Island Packet 420 ..............................................$238,000 Hatteras 43 Double Cabin.....................................$69,900 Hunter 43 Legend ................................................$79,900 Tiara Yachts 43 Open .........................................$125,000 Egg Harbor 46’ Convertible...................................$69,500 Hunter 49 .........................................................$219,900 Marquis 500 Sport Bridge sale pending ..................$579,900 Sea Ray 55 Sundancer .......................................$355,000 Hatteras 56 Motor Yacht .....................................$299,900 Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht .....................................$299,900 Hatteras 75 Cockpit Motor Yacht sale pending......$1,199,900 Hatteras 80 Motor Yacht ..................................$1,975,000
NEW BOATS IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY! 260 CUDDY KING
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PRO 850 OPTIMUM
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220 MAVERICK G.L EDITION
FIND A COMPLETE LIST OF INVENTORY INCLUDING NEW, USED AND BROKERAGE BOATS AT WWW.REEDYACHTSALES.COM
GRAND HAVEN, MI • Brent Reed 616-402-0180 • Bob Lunt 616-843-1225 LASALLE, MI • Chuck Hutchins 734-497-3721 • Matthew Bolt 734-735-194 RACINE, WI • Mark Derenne 414-651-3100
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Featured Used Boat
Riviera 5400 SY Platinum Edition ON ORDER!
2015 Riviera 565 SUV $1,090,000 Four Winns 270 HD
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Wellcraft 262 Fisherman
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Sister Ship
Fresh Water Power! 27’ 38’ 45’ 40’ 34’ 31’ 30’
‘15 ‘79 ‘69 ‘67 ‘81 ‘16 ‘02
Ranger Tug ....................................... $148,500 Marine Trader ..................................... $44,500 Matthews........................................... $69,000 Chris Craft Constellation sale pending ... $84,900 Silverton...............................................$14,900 Hunter Marlow 31 motivated! ............. $114,900 Mainship Pilot..................................... $69,000 12935 West Bayshore Drive, Suite 105 Traverse City, MI 49684
FEATURED LISTING: 27’ 2015 RANGER TUG, $148,500
info@harborviewyachtsales.com • 231-933-5414 • harborviewyachtsales.com 68
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MAR I N E MAR K ET PL AC E
25
ng Celebratirs 28 yea ss e in busin
2020 28 Buddy Davis IN STOCK! “Specia ing in Larger Yliz achts”
ICK
TED PATR
Lake & Bay
Y A C H T
S A L E S
PARTIAL LISTING BELOW Visit us on the web for more! 00 79 89 04 96 88 03 05 87 19 19 86 03 92 00 03 01
67' 58’ 50' 46' 45' 45' 44’ 43’ 43' 42' 42’ 42' 41' 41’ 40' 38' 37'
Croswait Sportfisherman T-1350hp Dsl...... SOLD! Hatteras Yacht Fish T-430HP Dsl ............$199,000 Bertram Convertible T-735HPDsl............... $199,900 Carver 460 Voyager T-480hp Dsl ....................SOLD! Cherubini Indpd.Trawler T-250hp Dsl...........SOLD! Bayliner 4550 MY T-220hp Dsl....................$74,900 Cruisers 4450 MY T-480HP DSL......................SOLD! Egg Harbor Sport Yacht T-700hp Dsl ........SOLD! Hatteras Motor Yacht T-485hp Dsl............SOLD! Buddy Davis Cntr Console Trip-425hp....$799,900 Buddy Davis Cntr Cnsole Quad 400hp......SOLD! Chris Craft 426 Catalina T-350hp................. SOLD! Sea Ray 410 Sundancer T-350hp Dsl ........ SOLD! Silverton Aft Cabin T-502s ...........................SOLD! Tiara 4000 Express T-450hp Dsl..................SOLD! Regal 3880 Commodore T-420hp ...............SOLD! Intrepid 377 WA Trip-300hp.........................SOLD!
99 92 91 86 91 60 95 21 04 01 19 08 20 18 03 19
37’ 37' 37’ 37’ 36' 36' 35' 34' 34’ 34' 34’ 31’ 28' 28' 26' 28’
Cruisers 3750 MY T-385HP...............................SOLD! Sea Ray 370 Sundancer T-340hp................ SOLD! Sea Ray Sedan Bridge T-340hp .................SOLD! Egg Harbor Convertible T-350hp................SOLD! Four Winns 365 Express T-502s .................$38,500 Chris Craft Constellation T-185hp............... SOLD! Carver 355 Aft Cabin T-454 ........................... SOLD! Buddy Davis CC T-425hp..................... ON ORDER Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee T-300HP........................SOLD! Sea Ray 340 Sundancer T-320hp................ SOLD! Buddy Davis Cntr Cnsole Twin 425hp.......SOLD! Pursuit 315 Offshore T-250hp......................SOLD! Buddy Davis ..............................................IN STOCK Buddy Davis Center Console 300hp .......... SOLD! Pursuit Denali 26/LS S-375hp ...................... SOLD! Buddy Davis Center Console T-300hp......SOLD!
www.yachtworld.com/lakeandbay 9454 Park Row | Lakeside/Marblehead, Ohio 43440 | lakeandbay@roadrunner.com Phone/Fax: 419-798-8511
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C OA S TG UA R D F O U N DAT I O N .O R G
C L AS S I F I E D S
Advertise your boat, boat slip or property with us! Contact us* by SEPTEMBER 29 to get into our Nov./Dec. 2020, January, February and March 2021 issues! New!
2019 NORTHCOAST 190 CENTER CONSOLE 12-year structural hull warranty, “no-wood” construction, Yamaha 115hp 4 Stroke, hydraulic steering, seating FWD console, FRP leaning post, 4 rod holders and storage, salt water wash down, telescoping swim ladder, bilge pump and more! Clearance pricing: normally $48,900, now $35,900! Call Matt @ 734-735-1948. RYS
1965 26’ HARBOR TUG Custom-built 135hp Ford Lehman Diesel. Hurth gear 22” prop. Solid hand-laid fiberglass hull. Asking $19,900. Contact 260-2244907 or parkmoor@gmail.com. NOV20
1994 OCEAN ALEXANDER 486 PH Dry Martini has many factory upgrades including economical 3208TA, 375HP Caterpillar engines with 1050 hours. Hinged radar arch and long range cruising ability makes this vessel a natural for the Great Loop. Asking $315,000. Contact Terry at 920-559-0730 or terry@centerpointesales.com. CNT
New!
2019 NORTHCOAST 215 CABIN 12-year structural hull warranty, “no-wood” construction, Yamaha 115hp 4 Stroke, hydraulic steering, pilothouse with front opening and sliding side windows, forward cabin with full bulkhead. Huge transom livewell, saltwater washdown, rod holders, tackle boxes and hardtop rocket launchers. Clearance pricing: normally $76,900, now $57,900. Call Matt @ 734-735-1948. RYS
New!
Clearan
ce!
2014 RANGER TUGS R-31 SEDAN Flagship, low engine/generator hrs. Epoxy barrier coated and VC Offshore bottom painted, custom teak, port and starboard wing foldout seats. No flybridge layout allows for trailering or low bridge clearance on the water! Asking $234,900. Call Mark @ 414-651-3100. RYS
2019 WELDCRAFT 210 REVOLUTION Spacious cockpit, standing height hardtop and aggressive styling. Yamaha 200hp plus Yamaha T9.9XPB high-thrust kicker, 3/4 platform w/swim step, grab handle, electric trim tabs, custom rub rail, 3” straight stern rails w/ downrigger brackets, wash-down system and more! Save over $20,000! Clearance pricing: $65,900! Call Chuck @ 734-497-3721. RYS
REAL ESTATE
2006 JEFFERSON 52 PILOTHOUSE If you are looking to maximize interior space on the Great Loop, as well as have a 2.0 NM per gallon cruise rate, this is your boat. Has been pampered in the Great Lakes and she is ready to take a long trip. Asking $399,000. Contact Martin Kelsey at 920-559-0366 or martin@centerpointesales.com. CNT
65 MARQUIS All fresh water. Heavily equipped with original owner upgrades and customization. Three staterooms plus crew cabin, master cabin walk-in closet with washer/dryer. Asking $1,095,000. Contact Mike at 312-981-8774 or mike@ centerpointesales.com. CNT
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32’ U.S. NAVY BOAT Be the only kid in your marina with a Vietnam-era U.S. Navy boat! Meticulously restored and maintained. Always freshwater with current Coast Guard certification until 2025. Over $300,000 invested over the last 26 years. Contact Jim at 920-421-0948 or jim@shorelinecharters.net. OCT20
LAKELANDBOATING.COM/
CLASSIFIEDS
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submit your materials. Payments cannot be accepted online. We will contact you for payment once your ad proof is approved. STONE MANOR IN WEST HARBOR, CATAWBA ISLAND 4 bed/6 baths, views of water on 3 sides, 3 private docks, direct access to Lake Erie. $1,499,000. More information at L AKEERIESTONEMANOR .COM. Contact Kristen Wadsworth at 419-341-7345 or email kristen@morganrealtygroup.com. OCT20
2013 BENETEAU GRAN TURISMO 38 Twin Volvo diesels with Joystick. Generator, giant sunroof, teak cockpit, heat and AC. Loaded at a fraction of the cost of new. Asking $279,000. Contact Tyler at 414-248-9668 or tyler@ centerpointesales.com. CNT
For more info, please email CBAUHS@LAKELANDBOATING.COM .
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LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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OCTOBER 2020
71
CLASSIC CRAFT
Demur
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72
OCTOBER 2020
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We spent almost five years looking for the perfect boat for our growing family. About 14 years ago, we found Demur, a 61-foot Hatteras cockpit motoryacht near Norfolk, Virginia. We just couldn’t resist the space, accommodations and shape she was in. We chose to take a few months to get her back to Lake Michigan by way of the Chesapeake Bay, C and D Canal, Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, New York Harbor, Hudson River, Erie Barge Canal, Lake Ontario, the Trent-Severn Waterway into Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, the North Channel and Lake Michigan. We had great weather and encountered only two challenging weather systems, one in Delaware Bay and the worst, by far, on Lake Michigan off Sleeping Bear Dunes where we encountered 60 mph winds and 14-foot waves. We sheltered in Ludington, Michigan, for a few days until the storm blew over. The trip was a great testament to the boat’s character. Since we have owned Demur, she has undergone many upgrades, including galley, generator, A/C units and electronics — not out of necessity, but because we wanted to have her updated consistently with her heritage and ability to go anywhere. Our family has grown; we are now a family of 12 with six grandchildren, and we have Maggie, our rescue lab. The boat has entertained all of us in grand style and offered adventures we never thought possible. Lake Michigan and Huron have been traveled extensively. Many ports of call have been enjoyed throughout the years. We especially love anchoring out for an afternoon, lowering the dinghy and exploring or swimming in the bays and inlets. Sometimes when Lake Michigan cooperates we will stop in the middle of a crossing for a swim. We have enjoyed the water and many wonderful sights along the way. We are looking forward to many more years of adventure on the water and appreciate Demur every trip. —Ted and Debbie Collison
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
PHOTOS BY LINDA LOHRE
61’ Hatteras Cockpit Motor Yacht.
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