60
JOIN US! P.17 MAYDAY CALLS C AJUN C OUNTRY R EBOUNDS greatlakesboating.com FREE Boat Ad p56 April 2011 Display until May 15, 2011 BOAT SHOW OUTLOOK S HOPPING FOR L OANS

Great Lakes Boating March 2011

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Great Lakes magazine with focus on boating, fishing, and regional boating news.

Citation preview

JOIN US! P.17

MAYDAY CALLS

CAJU N COU NT RY REBOU NDS

greatlakesboating.com

FREEBoat Adp56

April 2011

Display until May 15, 2011

BOAT SHOW OUTLOOK

SH O P P I N G F O R LO A N S

Auto, Manufactured Home, Motor Home, Travel Trailer, Luxury Motor Coach, Specialty Homeowners, Vacant Property, Seasonal Property, Landlord and Rental Property, Motorcycle, Off-Road Vehicle, Snowmobile, Boat, Personal Watercraft,Collectible Auto, Flood and Commercial. Product availability varies by state. “Foremost” and the “F” logo are registered trademarks of FCOA, LLC, 5600 Beech Tree Lane, Caledonia, MI 49316. Product availability varies by state. 9004937 3/11

OUTDOOR GREATHe wanted insurance without a ‘catch.’ With Foremost®, he was able to make his own catch – without having to worry whether all the extras on his boat were covered.

Go to Foremost.com to learn more and find anagent near you. Or, call 1-800-237-2060 and mention Customer Priority Number M141, for a no-obligation quote.

Foremost. For You.™

T H E M A R I N A C O M PA N Y

FEASIBILITY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • REMODELING • MAINTENANCE • MARINAS • WAVE ATTENUATION • FLOATING PLATFORMS

For nearly 50 years,

Atlantic-Meeco has been designing, building and improving

some of the best marinas in the world.

Call us and let’s talk about your ideas.

1-800-MARINA-1

541 N. Fairbanks Ct. Suite 1020Chicago, IL 60611p: 312.742.8520 • f: 312.747.6598www.chicagoharbors.com

Unbelievable!A guaranteed slip in one of Chicago’s premier harbors.It’s true! In 2012, with the addition of the 31st Street Harbor, boaters are guaranteed a slip in the coveted Chicago harbor system. We are currently accepting reservations and harbor change requests for 2012. Please visit www.chicagoharbors.info for more information.

Chicago Harbors Newest Star1000 Floating Slips from 35’ - 70’

Water, Power and Cable TV

3000’ Breakwater

Garage Parking

Heated Winter Storage

Launch Ramp

Fuel Dock

Harbor Store

Playground

Beach

04 GLB | March/April 11

PU

BL

ISH

ER

’S N

OT

E

GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) ©2011 is a registered trademark (73519-331) of Chicago Boating Publications, Inc., its publisher 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

For editorial inquiries, contact Great Lakes Boating

Magazine at 1032 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60610. p 312.266.8400 or e [email protected]

Great Lakes Boating Magazine is available online at greatlakesboating.com and at any of the distribution centers and newsstands in areas surrounding the Great Lakes. Postmaster should forward all undelivered issues to Great Lakes Boating Magazine, 1032 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60610.

All manuscripts should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Great Lakes Boating

Magazine is not responsible and will not be liable for non-solicited manuscripts, including photographs. Great Lakes Boating Magazine does not assume liability or ensure accuracy of the content contained in its articles, editorials, new product releases and advertising. Inquiries may be directed to the authors through the editorial offi ce. Products, services and advertisements appearing in Great Lakes Boating

Magazine do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of their safety by Great Lakes Boating

Magazine. Material in the publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Great Lakes Boating Magazine editorial and executive staff. Past copies may be purchased by sending a written request to the offi ces of Great Lakes Boating

Magazine. For reprints contact: FosteReprints, p 800.382.0808 or f 219.879.8366.

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

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

As the snow melts and temperatures

warm, the boating season begins.

The boat feature in this issue presents

the Platinum SE 186, the Brioe 15 and

Brioe 17 pontoons and the Yukone DL BT

fi shing boat from Princecraft. The mission

of the company is to create unparalleled

experiences on the water for fi shing and

boating enthusiasts.

Our editorials will inform you about

recent changes that affect boating,

including new ethanol waivers from the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This will probably create confusion at gas

stations everywhere, causing boaters

who operate small vessels and trailerable

vehicles to buy the wrong, high-ethanol

fuel that can harm their engines.

Another editorial presents a petition

from the Great Lakes Environmental

Law Center and the Natural Resources

Defense Council to the Food and Drug

Administration (FDA), requesting that

the FDA limit the amount of residue from

pharmaceutical drugs and biologics

allowed in the Great Lakes. Studies

show that pharmaceuticals have, and

are, seeping into the Great Lakes,

endangering individuals who use these

bodies of water for drinking and for

recreational activities, including boating.

The Port of Call focuses on Louisiana’s

Cajun Country. Although the BP oil spill

is widely believed to have devastated the

southwest coastal parishes of Louisiana,

this is not the case. Great Lakes boaters

who are looking for outdoor adventures

during the off-season will enjoy the many

activities and pleasures of this area.

“Do boat shows really help sell boats?”

is a question raised by a marketing guru

in the article on the future of boat shows.

According to the author, boat shows

are here to stay and are more than

midwinter entertainment.

A feature on boat lending covers the

situation of marine loans this year.

It is a good time to buy and lenders

are interested in lending, but boaters

will probably have to provide more

information than they would have had to

during better economic times.

Another feature discusses the results

of a boating study in 2006, the U.S.

Fish & Wildlife Service’s National

Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife

Associated Recreation. Results include

the percentage of boaters who fi shed from

boats (57%) in 2006, and that the largest

proportion of anglers fi shed from boats in

the Great Lakes (74%), out of a variety of

waters, including other bodies of salt and

fresh water.

Spotlights in this issue include a piece

on boat lending and how boaters

will probably have to provide more

information to lenders than they would

have had to during better economic times.

Another article describes the procedure

to follow when making a Mayday call and

what to do should you hear one.

As spring commences, Great Lakes

Boating wishes you happy boating! Let us

know what we can do to make your on-the-

water experience as positive as possible.

READ US ONL INE

SIGN UP NOW AT

F. Ned Dikmen

Karen Malonis

Anna HarrisRon Hein

Jessica Tobacman

Justin HoffmanMila RykJuliana Verona

Justin Hoffman

Publisher & Editor in Chief

Managing Editor

Contributing Writers

Editorial Assistant

Graphic Design

Web Design

GREATLAKESBOATING.COMAND

GREATLAKESBOATINGFEDERATION.COM

06 GLB | Mrch/April 11

TA

BL

E O

F C

ON

TE

NT

S

DEPARTMENTS

18FEATURESFEATURES

• PRINCECRAFT 12• Port of Call:

CAJUN COUNTRY RECOVERS 18

• THE FUTURE OF BOAT SHOWS 22

IN THE NEWSIN THE NEWS

• GREAT LAKES 34• FISHING 38• YACHT CLUBS 40• MARINAS 42• CRUISING 44• NATIONAL 46• SAILING 48

DEPARTMENTS

• PUBLISHER’S NOTE 04• EDITORIALS 08• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 10• NEW PRODUCTS 50• BOAT CARE AND FEEDING 52• MARINE MART 54• EVENTS CALENDAR 55• ADVERTISER INDEX 56

31

26Built of 5052-H36 aluminum alloy, the Platinum SE 186 features a double reverse chine hull design and twin plating at the chine as well as from the bow to mid-ship.

The bow raised casting platform has an anchor storage compartment, ice chest, aerated livewell, cargo net and removable bow casting deck insert with fl oor base, while the aft raised casting platform has two fold-down seats, an aerated livewell, a pedestal seat mount fl oor base, cargo net and battery and gear storage compartments.

The boat comes with a Lowrance X-52 fi sh/depth fi nder with water temperature, an in-fl oor lockable rod organizer, two lockable side panel storage compartments, thermoformed side panel with integrated speakers and storage, and a 12V or 24V bow trolling motor panel with plug, receptacle, voltmeter, tilt switch and wiring harness. Instrumentation includes a Mercury SmartCraft tachometer, speedometer and trim gauges. Additional features include an automatic electric bilge pump, interior lights, cup holders, a stern boarding ladder and pressure-treated wood fl oor covered with marine-grade carpet.

The walk-through windshield leads to a twin console with a hydraulic steering system. Four speakers and an AM/FM/CD stereo with iPod controls that is SAT radio and iPod compatible and a driver’s radio remote control provide entertainment.

Like all Princecraft boats, the new Platinum SE 186 is covered by a transferable lifetime limited warranty on many items. The boat’s design and construction are certifi ed by the Canadian Coast Guard and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Princecraft Boats Inc.725, St-HenriPrinceville, Québec G6L 5C2Canada(819) 364-5581

www.princecraft.com

OTC

SPOTLIGHTSSPOTLIGHTS

• BOAT AUCTIONS AND REPOS 16• WHAT’S NEW IN

BOAT LENDING 26• GREAT LAKES

ANGLERS 28• MAYDAY CALLS 31

18’6” 95”46”

**8 [7]

CENTER LINE:

BEAM:

MAX. DEPTH:

MAX. PERSON CAPACITY:

PrincecraftPlatinum SE 186

** Max. person cap.: NMMA [Transport Canada]

08 GLB | March/Aplril 11

ED

ITO

RIA

LS

A petition was recently submitt ed to the federal Food &

Drug Administration by the Great Lakes Environmental

Law Center (GLELC) and the Natural Resources Defense

Council (NRDC), requesting the revocation of the regulation

addressing pharmaceutical residues in the environment,

especially in our waterways. Th e petition is requesting the

immediate revocation of the FDA’s broad rule providing

a categorical exclusion for human drugs and a wide range

of biologics, including vaccines, tissues, blood and blood

components, allergenics, somatic cells, gene therapy, and

recombinant therapeutic proteins created by biological

processes, that are allowed to seek into the Great Lakes. Th e

challenged provision provides categorical exclusions to the

assessments for new drug applicants.

Th e established safe thresholds for categorical exclusions

are not supported by available scientifi c data. A goal of the

Great Lakes Boating Federation is to call on the FDA to set

a protective level of drug residue scientifi cally determined

to prevent harm to all citizens of the Great Lakes and, in

particular, the 4.3 million boaters who boat and swim within

these waterways.

Although wastewater treatment plants are currently equipped

to remove chemicals, foreign materials and microorganisms

from the water prior to moving them into natural waters, such

as streams, lakes and oceans, active drug compounds from

humans are not eliminated from the water in the treatment

process. Treatment systems permit up to 93% of highly

concentrated, active drug compounds to leave the treatment

plant. Th ese high concentrations of active drug compounds

are harmful to the aquatic ecosystems they are discharged

into and for their negative consequences to humans.

Th ese compounds, such as Bezafi brate, Ciprofl oxacin and

Lincomycin—antimicrobials found in small amounts in

ground water, and also surface water—can have profound

negative eff ects on endocrine functions, especially during

certain stages of the human life cycle, including childhood.

Th e harm caused by the discharge of highly concentrated,

active drug compounds into our waterways is not precisely

known, due to the unknown eff ects of pharmaceutical drugs

on organisms and fi sh not intended to consume the drugs.

Although extensive scientifi c research is needed to bett er

understand the impacts of these chemicals, researchers

have already observed endocrine disruptions in fi sh in close

proximity to wastewater treatment plants. In light of such

harm to fi sh and boaters utilizing these waterways, the FDA is

called upon to act. Boaters and fi shermen interact more with

these aff ected waters than average citizens do, and thus have

more exposure to these compounds than other residents, who

normally use the water for daily needs.

Under present rules, the FDA provides categorical exclusions

for pharmaceuticals expelled from wastewater plants in

concentrations below one part per billion (ppb). However,

this threshold permits active compounds to spread through

our waterways at unsafe, even harmful, concentrations.

Developments in scientifi c fi ndings strongly support

amending this limit.

Th e Great Lakes Boating Federation, voice to the 4.3 million

boaters who use these waterways for swimming, water sports

and recreation, is calling on the FDA to review the categorical

exclusions for pharmaceuticals at concentrations below 1

ppb, in light of the presently available scientifi c impacts

on the environment and the health of those who use these

waterways.

Th e Great Lakes have taken much abuse. It is time for us

to conserve and protect these waters, for our children and

grandchildren. We have an opportunity to stand up for the

lakes and to help them heal.

Th e emphasis of this publication’s mott o has been to impress

upon the boating community the importance of remaining

in good stead by enjoying the waters that they sail without

taking away or adding anything to them, but leaving them as

they are: “Don’t take, don’t deposit.”

ED

ITO

RIA

LS

Human Drugs and Biologics Seep into Great Lakes Waterways

Just as the public may be forced to buy health insurance, boaters

may be forced to purchase fuel containing 15% ethanol and 85%

gasoline (E15), found harmful to marine and car engines that

are older than 2001. Fuel generated from corn that contains a

level of ethanol higher than E10 is considered unsafe for marine

engines. As the demand for renewable energy leads to a push for

more corn in fuels that would replace the present, low-ethanol

fuels, many boat engines would be handicapped and unable to

use these fuels. Will the government turn its back on boating by

limiting the availability of low-ethanol fuels in gas stations?

Boating in America fl ourished during the last century,

leading 18 million citizens to purchase boats. Many people

from all economic strata now own boats, unique, aff ordable

instruments for fun and the enjoyment of freedom. With

the exception of Pres. George H. W. Bush, who imposed an

unheard-of excise tax on large boats in 1989, no sector of any

government, federal or local, has ever picked on boating by

imposing any harsh regulations, property taxes or roadblocks

that would yank the joy out of it.

But with the present administration, things have begun to

change. Th e ethanol lobby is gett ing preferential treatment

from a government that used to be friendly and accommodating

to boating. In response to the federal government’s recent

actions concerning the increased amounts of ethanol that

will be in gasoline available for purchase, a federal lawsuit was

fi led challenging the administration’s position to not allow the

availability of low-percentage ethanol fuels.

Th e National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA),

representing recreational boating, brought this lawsuit to the

U.S. Court of Appeals. It is pursuing this challenge as part of

a newly-formed coalition called the Engine Products Group,

which includes the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the

Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association

of Global Automobile Manufacturers, to protest and overrule

a lack of access to fuels with low ethanol content. From

misfi ring to running at high temperatures, boat engines

appear to suff er from severe damage from E15. A negative

ruling on this appeal could seal the fate of millions of existing

boat engines that would become destined for ruin.

Th e list of how high-grade ethanol (E15 and above) can harm

marine engines is well-known. For marine and other small,

gasoline-powered engines that are designed, calibrated, and

certifi ed to run on no more than E10, higher concentrations

of ethanol in fuel pose serious problems, including (1)

performance issues, such as drivability; (2) increased water

absorption and phase separation of gasoline and water in the

gas tank; (3) fuel tank corrosion, leading to oil/fuel leaks; (4)

increased emissions; (5) damage to valves, push rods, rubber

fuel lines and gaskets. All of these concerns raise signifi cant

issues, particularly for boaters who operate in harsh marine

environments, oft en miles from shore.

On Jan. 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

announced a waiver that allows E10 to E15 to be used in model

year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles, according to its

web site, www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/#wn.

A properly-worded EPA warning label is being readied to

be affi xed on fuel-dispensing nozzles, that will warn that

marine and off -road engines, including marine engines and

car models older than 2001, should not use this fuel. Where

one would fi nd gas stations that off er lower ethanol fuels,

including E10, remains unknown. Small fi shing or trailerable

boats would be at the highest risk, as boaters with these craft

are more likely to refuel with E15 at local fi lling stations

and may not realize that this could harm their engines. In

contrast, individuals who refuel larger boats at marina fuel

docks will presumably fi nd marine-grade fuel there.

Ethanol producers will have an increased demand for corn, and

the resulting benefi ts to corn growers at the expense of boaters

ignore the crippling damage that E15 could infl ict on boating.

While the recreational boating industry contributes $30

billion annually to the American economy, ethanol is believed

to be only half that. Th e government is missing the boat.

greatlakesboating.com | 09

Higher Ethanol LeavesBoaters With No Choice

10 GLB | Jul/Aug 10

LE

TT

ER

S T

O T

HE

ED

ITO

R SUPPORT SCIENCE-BASED HANDICAPPING

The Great Lakes is a special place for many sailors, both cruisers and racers. Many Great Lakes sailors want a fair and reasonable handicap that is determined by rigorous scientifi c research and testing, and so they support the Sailing Yacht Research Foundation (SYRF).

SYRF’s mission is to support science-based Velocity Prediction Program handicapping not only for the Great Lakes, but around the USA. The organization is designated a 501c3 which allows donors to receive a tax-deductible contribution. Gifts provide support in perpetuity for much needed handicapping research and improvement.

Donations given today will have double the impact. SYRF has received a challenge grant that will match all donations, dollar for dollar! That means that gifts will have double the impact. Donate today and help SYRF to fulfi ll its mission long into the future. Please send check to:

Sailing Yacht Research Foundation

Attn: Dennis Ohl

Wells Fargo Bank

P.O. Box 171

Sheboygan, WI 53082-0171

There is still much work to be done in order to keep a level playing fi eld in the face of constant yacht optimization. Won’t you and other Great Lakes sailors help us continue our technological research to promote a fair handicap? Donate today and join other dedicated yachtsmen who consider their gift an investment in the future of sailing.

Trustees: Steve Munger, Stan Honey, Jim Teeters (President),

Peter Reichelsdorfer, Gary Weisman

THANKS FROM USCG AUXILIARY

We receive a far better response from your publication than any responses from our local mid-Michigan news media outlets. Thanks to Great Lakes Boating for supporting the USCG Auxiliary and our many, important missions.

Douglas Colwell

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

9th Coast Guard District

Okemos, Mich.

(517) 574-4154

P.S.: We are a volunteer organization, a component of the U.S. Coast Guard and candidly we need volunteers to assist us as we support the Coast Guard’s missions throughout the 560 states and international waters. Please contact me to learn more about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

10 GLB | Jul/Aug 10

Discover Lake Forest College

A beautiful campus located on the shore of Lake Michigan 30 miles north of Chicago Faculty work closely with students in small class settings

Abundant internship and research opportunities Diverse student body from 45 states and 69 countries Generous scholarships and financial aid packages Students graduate with a competitive edge on great jobs,

top graduate programs and more

L e a r n m o r e and schedule a visit today.

w w w. l a k e f o r e s t . e d u | 8 4 7 - 7 3 5 - 5 0 0 0 | 1 5 0 Ye a r s o f A c a d e m i c E x c e l l e n c e

Waukegan Port District offers you a beautiful lakefront and marina with promenade,

park, nearby public beach, and slips to accommodate any craft from sailboats to luxury

cruisers throughout a full boating season!

SLIP RENTAL AMENITIES

12 GLB | March/April 11

Since 1954, Princecraft has been building upon a foundation of the highest-quality aluminum boats. The company’s mission is to create unparalleled experiences on the water for fi shing and boating enthusiasts with “professionally rigged and ready” packages

of aluminum fi shing boats, pontoon boats and deck boats. The aluminum fi shing and pontoon boats featured here are a sample of Princecraft’s lineup for 2011.

Like all Princecraft boats, the models profi led here are covered by a transferable lifetime limited warranty on many items. The boats’ design and construction are certifi ed by the Canadian Coast Guard and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

www.princecraft.com

greatlakesboating.com | 13

Platinum SE 186

The meticulously designed Platinum SE 186 delivers maximum performance,

comfort and amenities.

Built of 5052-H36 aluminum alloy, the Platinum SE 186 features a double

reverse chine hull design and has twin plating at the chine as well as from bow

to mid-ship. The dark beige metallic hull has black accents.

The bow raised casting platform has an anchor storage compartment, ice

chest, electric-fi ll aerated livewell, cargo net and removable bow casting deck

insert with fl oor base, while the aft raised casting platform has two fold-down

jump seats, an electric-fi ll aerated livewell, a pedestal seat mount fl oor base,

cargo net and battery and gear storage compartments.

The model comes equipped with a Lowrance X-52 fi sh/depth fi nder with water

temperature, gimbal brackets and swivel adaptor, an in-fl oor large, lockable

rod organizer, two lockable side panel storage compartments, thermoformed

side panel with integrated speakers and storage, and a 12V or 24V deluxe

bow trolling motor panel with plug, receptacle, voltmeter, tilt switch and

wiring harness.

The Mercury SmartCraft’s instrumentation includes a tachometer, speedometer

and trim gauges, and additional features include an automatic electric bilge

pump, three interior lights, four cup holders, a stern boarding ladder and

pressure-treated wood fl oor covered with marine grade carpet.

The walk-through tinted curved tempered glass windshield with door leads

to a twin console with a hydraulic steering system that comes with a tilt sport

steering wheel. Additional gear can be stored under the driver's console with

extensible cargo net. The entertainment system consists of four speakers, an

AM/FM/CD stereo with iPod controls that is SAT radio and iPod compatible and

an easy-access driver’s radio remote control.

Center LineBeam

Max. Depth Max. Person Capacity

18’6”

95”

46”

**8 [7]

** Max. person cap.: NMMA [Transport Canada]

14 GLB | March/April 11

YUKONe DL BT

Center LineBeam

Max. Depth Max. Person Capacity

14’3”

68”

28”

4

The new, 14-foot, 3-inch Yukone DL BT features a bow bench

seat, a split center seat and parallel seats at the stern, all

covered with durable, marine-grade carpet for extra comfort

and easy access. Its removable, pressure-treated wood

fl ooring is covered with marine-grade vinyl, and the interior

is fully painted.

This boat is made from Princecraft’s 5052-H36 marine-

grade aluminum alloy, which affords better performance

on the water and a greater durability with minimal required

maintenance. Twin-plating at the chine from mid-ship to stern

provides strength and durability, including resistance to

damage during shore landings.

The Yukone DL BT is also powered by a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0

electric outboard motor that is equipped with an optimized

drive train and propeller. The motor produces 110 pounds of

static thrust that is similar to the thrust of a 5 hp combustion

engine and the propulsive force of a 6 hp motor. An integrated

voltage indicator monitors the battery charge status.

The motor is built to use 24 V that come from two 12 V

batteries set up in a series, and comes equipped with a cable

that makes it easy to wire the batteries in series. The use of a

stepless drive with forward and reverse gears and a tiller-

style telescoping handle provide smooth acceleration and

good control.

An optional solar panel can be installed on board. On a sunny

day, this solar panel will deliver enough power to maintain the

batteries at the same level of charge at trolling speed. The

only energy used will be at high speeds.

greatlakesboating.com | 15

New for 2011, the Brioe 15 and the Brioe 17 were designed to

be powered by electric motors. They are more compact and

lighter than conventional pontoons and incorporate a storage

space specially designed for batteries.

The structure and the two full-length 23-inch diameter

pontoons are made of a marine-grade aluminum alloy that is

light and durable. The fl oor area consists of marine pressure-

treated wood covered with marine-grade carpet or vinyl.

Amenities include plush, heavy weight upholstery, a folding/

swiveling helm chair and storage under each lounge chair.

The helm features a console with acrylic top and incorporates

an AM/FM/CD radio with iPod controls that is SAT and iPod

compatible. There’s also a tinted windscreen with quick-

release and a full-width rear swim platform. Both models

feature a convertible buggy bimini top.

The Brios are powered either by a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0R or

4.0R electric motor. The Cruise 2.0R delivers 110 pounds

of static thrust, similar to the thrust of a 5 hp combustion

engine and the propulsive force of a 6 hp motor. It was

designed to work at a rated voltage of 24 V that comes from

two 12 V batteries wired in series. An included cable set

makes it easy to wire the batteries in series. The 4.0R model

offers a static thrust of 214 pounds that corresponds to an

8 hp combustion engine and the thrust power of a 9.9 hp

outboard motor. It uses 48 volts that are obtained by wiring

four 12 V batteries in series. Each motor was designed to be

connected to a standard remote steering system. In addition,

the use of a stepless drive with forward and reverse gears

provides smooth acceleration and good control. The remote

throttle information displays remaining battery power and

distance data.

BRIOe 17

and

BRIOe 15

LOADeck length

Approx. weight Max. Person Capacity

15’1”

14’1”

1,094 lbs.

**6 [4]

LOADeck length

Approx. weight Max. Person Capacity

17’1”

16’1”

1,306 lbs.

**7 [5]

** Max. person cap.: NMMA [Transport Canada]

16 GLB | March/Aplr i l 11

Indeed, repossessed vessels may well be sold for low prices

because banks hope for quick turnarounds. This is partially

because lending institutions must pay for storage costs while

they own boats, and these expenses can be substantial.

In addition, keeping a boat prevents a bank from earning

money, and can even make it lose money, especially if it is

dealing with the cost of an unpaid loan. Therefore, the bank

benefi ts the most from selling a vessel that has a loan that

has not been paid off, as soon as possible.

The process of selling a repossessed boat generally involves

the bank holding an online or in-person auction. Dealers

specializing in these types of vessels are most common at

such events. They will, however, charge individuals 30%

to 40% more than they pay at auctions, so boaters should

strongly consider attending auctions themselves. Find them

by calling local lending institutions, such as banks. Note that,

when making an inquiry, the fi rst person who answers the

phone may be unfamiliar with the reason for calling, so keep

asking until a knowledgeable employee is found.

If interested in making this type of major purchase, begin

searching early and research extensively. Find out which

boats will be on the auction block, and study whether there

have been major issues on boats with similar models and

years. And, most importantly, thoroughly inspect a boat

of interest before the auction, or have a qualifi ed boat

mechanic do so.

This is especially important because buying at an auction

provides no warrantees or guarantees, including almost

never being able to return a boat for-sale. This is even the

case if the vessel would need to undergo serious repairs,

or if it cannot even be repaired. If these diffi culties are

discovered after purchase, the chance of getting help from a

bank is very low.

One option is to do your research in person, by visiting

other boat auctions before being prepared to bid. This will

help increase familiarity with the auction process and the

boats’ values. This will also raise personal confi dence. In

addition, make sure to determine a maximum bid. This will

help a bidder avoid becoming emotional when bidding, and

spending more than what is affordable.

Follow these tips to save money and buy a boat for

adventures in the future.

REPOSSESSED BOATS OFFER GREAT VALUE

One way to purchase a boat at a bargain price and is most probably in

good condition is by aquiring one that has been repossessed. This type

of craft often sells for less than the original price—40% to 80% less. The

boat status of being repossessed means that the boat loan went unpaid by

the previous borrower, and that the bank then took control of the vessel. This

situation frequently occurs soon after a purchase is made. Many struggling

borrowers are unable to spend much time on boating, because of other

obligations, leaving their boats in good shape and repossessed in the first year

of ownership—and available for purchase.

18 GLB | Jan/Feb 11

Nearl y one year a f te r the d i sastrous BP oi l sp i l l , Loui siana i s sti l l trying to overcome not on l y

the d i rec t a f te rma th of the inciden t, bu t the w idel y-he ld v iew tha t the en ti re coasta l a rea

of the sta te has faced devasta ti on . Tru th be told , the coasta l pari shes (coun ties) of sou thwest

Loui siana , w hich embody a good chunk of Ca jun Coun try, were never damaged by the oi l sp i l l : no

ta r ba l l s, no damage to the marshes, no fou l ing of the oyste r beds and no of fensive odors ta in ting the

sea food . In fac t, the l oca l s have never stop ped ea ting the a rea’s sea food or d rinking i ts wa ter, and

they wan t to sp read the word tha t, desp i te the recen t misfortunes, thei r cu l ture and l i fest yl e i s

a l ive and wel l . Vi si tors, espec ia l l y Grea t Lakes boa ters w ho a re l ooking for some ou tdoor ac tiv i ti es

during the of f-season , w i l l en joy the many ac tiv i ti es awai ting them in Ca jun Coun try.

By Ned Dikmen and Karen Malonis

Cajun Country Rebounds

CCajunCajunCCountryCountry

R b d ReboundsRebounds

greatlakesboating.com | 19

Bre

nd

a L

aF

leu

r

Louisiana

Cajun Country

TAKE A RIDEThe best way to get a feel for the area is by planning a road trip to enjoy the

character of the many small towns in the area. Traveling from one to another,

you will see a landscape that is mostly fl at, and local highways will take you

past sugar cane fi elds, rice fi elds and fallow fi elds that have been fl ooded and

“seeded” with crawfi sh traps.

Boaters can take powerboats, sailboats or canoes on the various lakes,

streams, rivers, bayous, swamps and marshes. There are even airboat tours

of marshes, such as the ones offered by Airboats & Alligators in Grand

Chenier. Call (337) 274-2395 for more information.

VISIT CHARMING TOWNSLake Charles, located in Calcasieu Parish, which borders Texas, is the largest

city in the area and offers a variety of hotels, restaurants and casinos, golf

courses and two inland beaches. The city caters to many tastes with fl ashy

casinos, quiet golf courses, hunting and fi shing outings, and an array of

festivals.

Abbeville is the home of the C.S. Steens Sugar Mill that has been in business

since 1910. Stop by St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery, which was established

in 1843 and contains more than 500 graves with some headstones

engraved in French, and the Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum that offers

demonstrations in the art of blacksmithing.

SAVOR CAJUN FOODNo trip to Cajun Country is complete without indulging in Cajun cuisine. The

widely held notion that all Cajun fare is spicy is off the mark. While always

rich in taste, the dishes have varying degrees of intensity. Many small,

unassuming stores/restaurants dot the roadsides. Although these small

shops might at fi rst seem like no more than places to purchase bait or fi shing

licenses, stop and take a closer look. One such establishment is Suire’s

Grocery & Restaurant that is located on Highway 35 in the town of Kaplan.

Run by Suire sisters Joan and Lisa, the simple dining area has tables and

chairs, walls decorated with old family photos, and is a regular stop for duck

hunters and fi shermen looking for a quick breakfast of boudin, a sausage-

like item made with various amounts of ground pork, liver, rice, onions,

parsley and spices of salt, red and black pepper and garlic powder.

Try the regular staples of pistolettes (a type of fried bread roll that is

stuffed with seafood, meat or cheese), gumbos (spicy chicken or seafood

soups that are usually thickened with okra or rice), etouffees (Cajun stew

made with vegetables and seafood) and sandwiches. Don’t miss the

turtle sauce picante or the homemade pecan pie that is noteworthy for

not being excessively sweet. Lisa relies on family recipes that have

been handed down from generation to generation.

Southeast of Kaplan is the town of Abbeville, home of Shucks!

the Louisiana Seafood House restaurant. David Bertrand,

ebullient co-owner, proudly describes the quality of the oysters

from Cameron Parish and the fi ner points of menu specialties.

He will also demonstrate how to “kiss” a freshly shucked

20 GLB | Jan/Feb 11

So

uth

we

st

Lo

uis

ian

a C

VB

Cyprus trees, Palmetto Island State Park

oyster from its shell. Menu specialties include crab cakes,

several catfi sh and crawfi sh delights, and oysters that

are pan-broiled, fried, stuffed or served on the half shell.

Additional oyster specialties include candied oysters that are

prepared with a cane sugar vinaigrette, oysters Rockefeller

that are prepared with spinach, and oysters “Shuckafeller”

that are topped with a special cheese sauce.

Another popular restaurant in Abbeville is Dupuy’s Oyster

Shop, which has been serving oysters for more than 130

years. Appetizers include fried alligator bites, fried boudin

balls, and, of course, cold, salty raw oysters on the half shell.

Chef specialties include yellowfi n tuna served as a steak or

over angel hair pasta, tilapia dishes and steaks.

New Iberia is the home of Landry’s Seafood & Steakhouse.

Friday and Saturday nights feature a seafood buffet and

live Cajun music and dancing. Chef Alex Patout, formerly

of Patout’s in New Orleans and a native son of New Iberia,

creates culinary masterpieces using oysters from Cameron

Parish. The restaurant business in southwest Louisiana

has declined by 60% to 70%, but Patout is working to re-

establish Landry’s with quality offerings, such as Cajun

oyster stew served in a brown sauce, and delicately braised

oysters that are served in a pastry.

NATUREOutdoor enthusiasts can partake in activities such as fi shing,

hunting, birding, cycling and camping.

Anglers can hire guides and rent accommodations to fi sh

inland waters for speckled trout, redfi sh, and fl ounder, or

head to the Gulf of Mexico for tripletail, Spanish mackerel,

cobia and many other species, while hunters can expect

exceptional duck hunting for redheads, ringnecks,

canvasbacks, gadwall, widgeons, pintails, mallards and

Cabin, Cypremurt Point State Park

Suire's

greatlakesboating.com | 21

teals. (Contact Jeff and Mary Poe, owners of Big Lake Guide

Service at www.biglakeguideservice.com, Capt. Sammie

Faulk of Gotta-Go Charters at (337) 598-2001, Capt. Devin

Legnon at (337) 789-3582, or www.visitlouisianacoast.com

and click on the “outdoor adventures” button for information

on a variety of putrsuits.)

Spread across Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, the

180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

(www.creolenaturetrail.org) winds it way through Sabine

National Wildlife Refuge, and then around Cameron Prairie

National Wildlife Refuge, Lacassine National Wildlife

Refuge and Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. Here one can view

marshes, live oaks draped with Spanish moss, pastures and

estuaries that are home to an array of native and migratory

birds, 132 species of fi sh, and the largest American alligator

population in the United States. Areas for fi shing, crabbing,

boat launching, swimming and RV hook-ups are available

throughout the various refuges. Brand new to the trail are

Global Positioning System Rangers that are loaned, free-of-

charge to visitors, and allow them to take a self-guided tour of

the area that is complete with photos, stories and information

about what to see and do.

The recently opened Palmetto Island State Park (www.

lastateparks.com) is located in Abbeville. Features of the

park include six, two-bedroom cabins that can sleep eight

each, a 96-site campground, a visitors’ center, four picnic

pavilions, a three-quarter-mile nature trail, a fl oating pier, and

an aquatic interpretive pavilion. Here one may get a chance to

see numerous animals, including bears, wild pigs, deer and a

wide variety of birds.

Heading southeast again, along the coast, is

Vermilion Bay and the Cypremort Point State Park

(stateparks.com/cypremort_point.html). Cypremort Point is

the only locality near the Gulf of Mexico that can be reached

by car. This is one of Louisiana’s best areas for sailing, and

the park has a launch designed especially for catamarans,

sunfi sh and windsurfers. Available for rent on an overnight

basis are six waterfront cabins that have views of Vermilion

Bay. Each cabin sleeps as many as eight guests and comes

equipped with full kitchen and bath facilities.

Fishermen can reach the nearby Gulf by launching a boat

just outside the park’s entrance. There’s also a 100-foot pier

situated on the bay.

Naturalists may come across nutria, muskrat, otters,

alligators, deer, black bear, opossum, foxes and a number of

bird species.

HOT STUFFHead directly north of Cypremort Point State Park to Avery

Island, home of world-renowned Avery’s Tobasco® sauce

factory, the beautiful botanical Jungle Gardens, a Buddhist

shrine, swamps, marshes, pepper fi elds, and thousands

of snowy egrets that nest here every spring. The Tabasco

Country Store on Avery Island offers an array of sauces,

condiments, collectibles and gourmet food items.

Cajun Country has great food and hospitality, and Cajuns

love to share these with the world. Come enjoy the

friendship, pleasures and laughter that give meaning to life

in Cajun Country.

Avery Island

22 GLB | March/Apri l 11

Within the industry, boat manufacturers and dealers

devote large amounts of time and dollars to produce

boat show exhibits, staff them during show hours, put on

demonstrations and conduct seminars. Meanwhile, back at

their headquarters, the bean counters have recently been

asking, “Do boat shows really help sell boats?”

A boating industry executive recently asked me about the future of boat shows. He said, “You are a

marketing guru who studies how people shop for big ticket items like boats; tell me your thoughts on the

future of traditional boat shows.” Well, maybe that’s a question for the millions of power boaters, sailors

and anglers, and their friends and family, who are now flocking to exhibit halls to see and board the boats of their

dreams. Are these folks just out for a good time at manufacturers’ and dealers’ expense? After all, if a person is

really shopping for a new boat, can’t they find all the specifications, safety information, quality and pricing they

want on the boat brand’s web site? Further, they could consult with friends or current owners via social media web

sites like Facebook to discuss performance and satisfaction. So, why have shows?

By Ron Hein, Executive Vice President, Foresight Research

Future of

Boat Shows

greatlakesboating.com | 23

As a marketing guru, I would

say that boat shows are here

to stay, that they are more than

midwinter entertainment for us

Midwesterners, and that they

provide manufacturers with very

good returns on investment. As a

marketing research professional,

I can back up my words with data.

The most positive way to do that

is to document what new buyers

(who have just completed the

process) experienced and what/

who specifi cally infl uenced their

decisions along the way.

New boat owners are great to

approach. They are pumped up

about their new pride and joy.

They can also tell you about every

step in their shopping process in excruciating detail. This

is the reason why we at Foresight Research love studying

buyer behaviors surrounding big ticket items like boats and

automobiles. Neuroscientists who map brain activity during

decision making talk about activity in both the basic limbic

system (emotion) and the folded gray matter cortex (rational).

Based on our detailed discussions with thousands of new

boat and car buyers, we are certain that these purchases

involve a great deal of “debate” between these two sections

of the brain. For every individual, one side seems to have a

bigger infl uence or win the debate. That partially explains

why, in most categories, boats range from very simple,

utilitarian models, to exotic and extravagant ones. We know

the debate occurs because average boat buyers report being

signifi cantly infl uenced by four different forms of marketing-

communications while boating fanatics use six to eight

different forms of marketing to infl uence boaters before they

make their choices. So this leads me back to why boat shows

are here to stay. No one form of communication delivers

everything required to satisfy the human brain “debate” over

a new boat purchase.

In a marketing research study recently completed for the

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), we at

Foresight Research interviewed 3,295 new boat buyers, who

each purchased a boat during the last 18 months ending

August 2010. We measured 14 different communication

channels, including three that are not marketing channels but

are very infl uential—prior brand experience, word-of-mouth

recommendations and seen on the water. The survey results

show that 11% of power boat sales can be traced directly to

boat shows. Only the dealer experience and the Internet are

more important in infl uencing the purchase.

The survey results tell us that boat shows are very

important because:

✦ 57% of all new boat buyers attended one or more boat

shows before buying a boat;

✦ They spent an average of 49 minutes at the display of

the brand they bought;

✦ They were highly infl uenced at-show by the ability

to compare boats/models/prices and the ability to

physically climb in the boat. This combination of

abundant (rational) comparison information and the

(emotional) experience of sitting behind the console

make boat shows so impactful;

✦ 70% purchased within 3 months of the show; and

✦ Among people who attended a boat show (57% of

all boat buyers), the show had the most infl uence on

their purchase decision, followed by dealership and

the Internet.

Another interesting facet of our research fi ndings is the

shopping process. For most buyers, there are three main

stages of the boat purchase process: generating interest/

consideration for a particular boat type or brand, deciding

to shop for a particular boat, and the fi nal purchase

decision. Consumers usually go through all three stages,

although they do not always follow the same order and

multiple steps can occur simultaneously. Consumers use

“Do boat shows real ly help sel l boats?”

24 GLB | March/Apri l 11

different communications—and different messages—

to complete the entire purchase process. Buyers said

boat shows have the most infl uence during the interest/

consideration stage. Boat show attendees often discover

brands or boat types that they were not familiar with. This

is a good reason why manufacturers cannot rely

on prospective buyers to visit their web sites for

all the information.

So back as the marketing guru, and boat owner,

I say various forms of electronic media are

wonderful tools for buying boats, but also let

me smell that fi berglass, touch the stainless

hardware and climb behind the wheel.

About the author:

Prior to 1998, Ron Hein held senior manager

positions within brand marketing, domestic sales

operations, product planning and market research

at Chrysler and American Motors. Ron has an

MBA from the University of Michigan and a BIA

(Industrial Engineering) from General Motors

Institute—now Kettering Institute. He currently

serves as the Executive Vice President of Foresight Marketing

Research, which deals with a diverse range of industries

including health care, boating and recreation, fi nance and

banking, and others.

Michigan Exclusive Since 1876

TWO MINUTES, ONE WEBSITE:

MichiganBoatQuote.com

26 GLB | March/Aplr i l 11

“The terms are very favorable and interest rates are low. It’s a

great time to buy a boat,” says Karen M. Trostle, president of

the National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA),

www.marinebankers.org. The NMBA performs services

including educating prospective and current lenders about

procedures for marine fi nancing.

“Lenders out there are looking to lend,” Trostle says,

encouraging prospective buyers to go to boat shows and

look at vessels in person. The NMBA web site also has a

list of lenders in every state and territory, and additional

information about the types of boats and insurance for-sale.

If interested in fi nancing purchases, buyers should focus on

the money they will need to contribute, the terms, the interest

rates and the small print, according to eBoatLoans.com, an

online loan center that quickly connects web site visitors with

a network of marine lenders. To become “approved,” boat

loan applicants must be able to pay back their loans.

Borrowers may wish to consider whether to obtain longer

loans. Essex Credit, www.essexcredit.com, provides 25- or

30-year terms for loans, in contrast to many other lenders, who

offer only 20-year terms. “The ‘term’ of the loan usually ranges

between 5 to 20 years for most boats,” states eBoatLoans.com.

The current economic climate has also likely made

qualifi cations more stringent for borrowers who would

like to fi nance various purchases, including boats. Who is

borrowing is changing somewhat, likely due to these stricter

requirements. Although the image of boat owners is generally

of wealthy individuals, 58.3% of them have household incomes

of $50,000 or above, and 41.7% take in household incomes of

$100,000 or more, according to the NMBA.

One of the key, common sense elements that buyers need to

contemplate is their budgets. In addition to the sticker price

of a boat are the hidden costs of storing and transportation;

any necessary, additional equipment; and fuel.

Mariners should note that another item they will need to buy

is insurance for the boat. “If a vessel is fi nanced, the lender

requires the vessel be insured and the lender be named

as the lien holder with the insurance company,” points out

James Barrõn, senior vice president of administration for

Essex Credit Corporation.

The economy and the perception of it affect purchasing,

Trostle notes. The current view of the economy is that

diffi culties in the housing and job markets are tied together.

The idea that the markets are tight means that spending is

less likely, and that saving is more probable.

The rough economy has made marine loans more diffi cult

to obtain, as boaters must present more background

information about their fi nancial situations upfront.

Earlier, when economic prosperity was more common, “no

dock” loans were available, where prospective boat owners

could simply apply and be virtually assured of becoming

funded, Trostle adds.

Today, most loans require boat, personal, co-applicant

information and a personal fi nancial statement, according to

eBoatLoans.com. Verifying income with W-2 forms, pay stubs

and tax returns can be necessary, depending on the lender.

Some banks may also request confi rmation of liquidity for

SHOPPING for LOANSSHOPPING for LOANS

by Jessica Tobacman

Despite the unsteady economy, 2011 is still a good time to fi nance a boat purchase. Lenders are asking for more data than they did when the economy was strong, but qualifi ed buyers will still be able to obtain loans.

greatlakesboating.com | 27

the down payment. These items are called “credit-grading

criteria,” Trostle explains.

Marine lenders are also looking for the following before they

approve applications for boat loans: a fi ve-year, solid credit

history; average credit scores close to 700, while fi nding

favorable comparable credit on longer-term, larger loans in

the record, especially on earlier boat loans, states the NMBA.

“A good credit score is paramount,” Trostle claims.

Lenders often factor in the net worth and liquidity of the

borrower, while sometimes requesting twice the amount of

the loan, states the NMBA. General criteria also include a

40% debt-to-income radio. However, a solid credit score,

verifi cation of income and proof of liquidity should allow a

buyer to acquire a loan. The number of items necessary when

applying for a boat loan depends partly on the amount of the

loan. At a minimum, potential buyers would need to know

how much they would like to borrow and whether they prefer

to purchase used or new.

When applying for fi nancing, individuals can help themselves

by fi nding out what information is in their credit reports,

especially since this information and proof of income are

key items that most lenders require. Discovering what is in a

credit report will also help correct any errors, too.

Also, honesty is helpful when speaking with boat loan

professionals. “Responsible boat loan professionals know

there can be legitimate reasons for credit problems, such

as unemployment [or] illness. … If you had a problem that’s

been corrected, and your payments have been on time for a

year or more, your credit may be considered satisfactory,”

advises eBoatLoans.com.

Which lender a borrower works with can help determine the

down payment, which can range from 10% to 25%, states

eBoatLoans.com. Other factors in the initial payment include

the boat’s age, the amount of the fi nancing, whether the

vessel is federally documented or registered with the state it

is home ported in, and where you will take the boat and what

you will do with it.

Another aspect to a boat purchase is whether the intended

vessel is new or used. If considering buying a pre-owned

boat, take into account the conditions of the engine, the hull

and the prop.

Before buying, however, consider the idea of having a

thorough boat inspection completed by a certifi ed marine

surveyor. This would help provide the confi dence needed

to move forward with a purchase that will improve life, by

offering the freedom and joy of boating.

Low Rates, Broad Coverage Policies for all Boat Types — Yacht to PWC Coverage for Boating and Fishing Equipment Claims Service Provided by Boating Experts

Introducing Diminishing Deductibles from BoatU.S. Save 25% off your deductible every year you remain claims-free until you pay $0! Just one more reason it pays to insure your boat with BoatU.S.

1-800-283-2883 Mention Priority Code 4829

or BoatUS.com/insurance

Call or go online today for a fast, free quote. Ask about our flexible payment plans.

All policies subject to limits and exclusions. The Diminishing Deductible applies to hull coverage only. It does not apply to the Named Storm Deductible.

It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your

Insurance Deductible

28 GLB | March/Apri l 11

By Anna Harris, Economist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Boaters and boat retailers had a good year in 2006. Leaders of the industry-wide Grow Boating Initiative began a national marketing campaign, Discover Boating, designed to raise awareness and bolster public outreach for the boating lifestyle (Boating Industry, 2006). And, according to the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 57% of all anglers fi shed from boats in 2006. These 17 million boating anglers enjoyed their fi shing trips in a variety of waters, including the Great Lakes, and other bodies of fresh water and salt water. The Great Lakes had the largest proportion (74%) of anglers that fi shed from boats, and they spent 60% of their fi shing days on watercraft. Saltwater fi shing also had a high percentage (69%) of angling boaters, while fi shing from boats in fresh water other than the Great Lakes was not as popular (52%).

AnglersGreat Lakes

greatlakesboating.com | 29

The National Survey defi nes the following eight states as the

Great Lakes region: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota,

New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Michigan had

the most anglers (461,000) and angling boaters (350,000)

in the Great Lakes. Ohio took second place with 328,000

anglers and 263,000 angling boaters. Indiana had the highest

proportion of boating anglers, with almost 90% of their

anglers fi shing from boats.

Another way to get a measure of effort is by looking at the

average number of days anglers spent boating during one

year. On average, anglers in the Great Lakes region spent

10 days fi shing from boats. Indiana anglers had the highest

annual average, with fi shermen spending 17 days fi shing from

boats, while Michigan anglers were second with an average

of 13 days fi shing aboard watercraft.

A demographic profi le of anglers who fi shed from boats in

the Great Lakes revealed a tendency toward older, higher-

income, more metropolitan fi shermen. One-third of boating

anglers in the Great Lakes were 55 years or older, and two-

thirds were urban dwellers. Fishing from boats continued to

be male-dominated, but this doesn’t mean that women didn’t

enjoy or partake in the sport. When asked who Great Lakes

boaters took with them fi shing, 15% replied that their spouses

or partners accompanied them most often. However, friends

were the most common occupants aboard anglers’ boats

in the Great Lakes. Although a small percentage of angling

boaters preferred to fi sh alone, this may be due to the size of

their watercraft.

The most important decisions boaters could make include

the types and sizes of boats to buy or rent. This depends

on a number of factors, including travel distance and water

conditions. Motorboats were the most popular choice for

fi shing: 81% of saltwater, 79% of Great Lakes and 71% of

other freshwater boaters fi shed from them. In the Great

Lakes, the majority of angling boaters preferred boats

between 17 and 25 feet long.

To paint a broader picture of angling boaters in the U.S.,

the 2006 National Survey went beyond just asking about

the types and sizes of boats used. The information boaters

needed and where they went to fi nd information were

important questions asked in the survey. U.S. angling

boaters needed information on a variety of topics, including

identifying fi sh species, weather conditions, fi shing rules

and regulations, and water attributes such as depth. In

order to fi nd answers, boaters looked to family, friends and

other boaters as their most reliable sources of information.

The Internet was another popular source of information,

especially for Great Lakes angling boaters.

Angling boaters in the U.S. spent close to $10 billion on

boats, accessories, rentals, and more. Great Lakes boaters

spent an average of $511 for a year of Great Lakes fi shing.

Saltwater anglers had the highest per-boater average with

$596, and other freshwater anglers spent an average of $480

fi shing in 2006.

TakeMeF

ishin

g.o

rg

30 GLB | March/Apri l 11

A boat launch is a common way for boaters to access the

water. More than half of all Great Lakes boaters used boat

launches on at least one of their fi shing trips in 2006, and

fi shermen traveled an average of 6 to 20 miles to access

them. Saltwater anglers were least likely to use boat launches,

and generally traveled 20 miles or less to access the ocean.

The Great Lakes region is doing a good job maintaining

their boat launch facilities: Great Lakes boaters were more

satisfi ed about their launch facilities than either

saltwater boaters or other freshwater boaters. New

information about the facilities at launch ramps was

collected for the fi rst time in the 2006 National Survey.

This information can help state agencies assess

maintenance and needed repairs. Launch ramps and

restrooms topped the list of needed improvements.

Manufacturers pay excise taxes on equipment

and boaters pay fuel taxes. The U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service’s Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish

Restoration Program (WSFRP) then distributes

these funds through grants to state, territory, and

commonwealth fi sh and wildlife agencies (state

agencies). One of the most important keys to the

success of the WSFRP is the user-fee, user-benefi ts

aspect of the programs.

No other single conservation effort in the United

States can claim a greater contribution to fi sh and

wildlife conservation than the excise tax-funded

portion of the WSFRP. More than $12.9 billion has

been collected, distributed, and matched with funds

from state agencies for fi sh and wildlife management,

species restoration, habitat protection and

restoration, scientifi c study, population monitoring,

hunter and aquatic education, and access for

hunting, fi shing and boating. The program and the

partnerships it has fostered are considered among

the most successful conservation efforts in the

nation’s history of fi sh and wildlife management.

The 2011 National Survey of Fishing,

Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation

is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2011. We

encourage you, if contacted, to participate.

The survey is used by federal, state and

non-governmental agencies to study current

recreational uses of existing fi sh and wildlife

resources, and to plan for new opportunities.

It would cost too much and take too long

to survey all households in the country;

furthermore, the Census Bureau cannot

substitute your household for another address

because our sample is scientifi cally derived.

Therefore, if you are contacted, please

remember that the success of the survey

depends on your voluntary participation.

For a detailed analysis of boating in the United States or

other addendum produced by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

economists, visit: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/

NationalSurvey/reports2006.html.

Take

MeF

ish

ing

.org

It’s time to plan your fi shing getaway. From locating thousands of places to boat and fi sh to tips on how to help your kids landa lunker, it’s all here. Learn, plan and equip for a memorable dayon the water.

32 GLB | March/Apri l 11

A Mayday—the term is derived from the French, “venez

m’aider,” meaning “Come help me” —should be transmitted,

if possible, via marine-band VHF-FM radio Channel 16 or

2182 kHz MF/SSB. Emergencies can go from bad to worse

in seconds so try to get as much information across in as

little time as possible. International Maritime Organization

protocols call for beginning the transmission with the word,

“Mayday,” repeated three times, followed by the name and

number of your vessel and its position. If you have a marine

global positioning system (GPS), relate the latitudinal and

longitudinal coordinates. If not, state your distance and

magnetic or true bearing from the closest navigational

landmark. If time allows, you can also relay your departure

point, departure time and the speed at which you were

traveling. All of these can help rescuers locate you.

Once you’ve made contact and given your information, Coast

Guard Search and Rescue planners will keep you advised of

their actions and give you an estimate of when rescue units

A lot of mishaps can occur out on the water, but thankfully most are more inconvenient and embarrassing than anything else. But when lives are on the line—your boat is on fi re or sinking rapidly with people on board, for example, or someone is in imminent danger of dying without immediate medical assistance—you want

every available resource dispatched to your position. A Mayday call will bring that kind of help. Not only will the U.S. Coast Guard respond, but the agency may notify state and local search and rescue units in your vicinity and ask them to respond, as well. The Coast Guard will also transmit an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast over marine-band VHF-FM radio Channel 16, notifying all vessels in the area of your emergency. In many cases a nearby Good Samaritan will be fi rst on the scene to render assistance.

Mayday!Mayday!

From the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Search and Rescue

How to Summon Help How to Summon Help

greatlakesboating.com | 33

will arrive on the scene. If you have a medical emergency,

assign someone to monitor the radio from the time you make

the call until the rescuers are on the scene. The Coast Guard

will direct you to the nearest safe haven and advise you on

what actions you should take in the interim.

The Rescue Coordination Center or local Coast Guard station

may deploy a helicopter, rescue vessel or nearby commercial

ship, depending on your location, local weather, availability

of crew and equipment and nature of the emergency.

When the Coast Guard receives your Mayday, the Mission

Coordinator will determine your degree of danger by

considering several factors: the nature of your situation and

the gear on board your vessel (fi rst aid kit, food, water, life

jackets), the accuracy of your position, the tide, visibility,

current and sea conditions, present and forecasted weather,

special considerations (age and health of those on board,

for example), whether you have reliable communications, the

degree of fear in those on board, and the potential for the

situation to deteriorate further.

If a helicopter is dispatched, be sure to secure all loose

items on deck (helicopter rotor wash is very powerful and

unsecured items may turn into fl ying projectiles). Lower and

secure any sails, remove any equipment that may snag the

line attached to the rescue basket, and make sure everyone

is wearing a life jacket. The helicopter is likely to approach

your boat on the port stern quarter, because it gives the

pilot optimal visibility from the cockpit. So unless instructed

otherwise, set your course so that the wind is 45 degrees

off your port bow. Remember, never shine a light or strobe

directly toward the helicopter, and never fi re fl ares in the

vicinity of the helicopter. Wait for the rescuers to tell you what

to do, and then do it. In any emergency situation, listening

may be your most important skill.

Recently the Coast Guard began implementing a new

command, control and communications system—Rescue

21—which is now being installed in stages across the United

States. It will vastly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to save

lives and property. (For more information see www.uscg.

mil/Acquisition/rescue21/strategy.asp.) Harnessing global

positioning and other advanced communications technology,

this fully integrated system will cover coastlines, navigable

rivers and waterways in the continental United States,

Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico, and help eliminate 88

known radio coverage gaps.

No new equipment is needed for you to benefi t from Rescue

21, but you can help improve response time by upgrading to

a Marine-Band VHF-FM radio equipped with digital selective

calling (DSC). When properly registered with a Maritime

Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and interfaced with

GPS, the DSC radio signal transmits vital information—vessel

name, position, owner/operator’s name and the nature of the

distress (if entered)—with the push of a button.

The U.S. Coast Guard is always ready to render aid to

boaters facing extreme and imminent danger. Your best bet,

however, is to reduce your risk of fi nding yourself in a dire

situation in the fi rst place. Keep your vessel’s hull, motor

and on-board equipment in top condition. At the start of the

boating season, get a Vessel Safety Check, offered free by

your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power

Squadron® or state boating agency. Take a basic seamanship

course and additional instruction as necessary to ensure that

your boating skills match the requirements of your vessel.

Finally, insist that everyone on board wear a life jacket at all

times on the water. Life-threatening emergencies can happen

in a heartbeat. Having a life jacket on increases everyone’s

chances of survival.

….AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU HEAR ONE.A Good Samaritan may be closest to the scene in a

boating emergency, so if you hear a Mayday and you

are in the area, stand by to provide assistance.

Stay off the marine radio. The Coast Guard needs

to be able to communicate with a vessel in distress

as response teams gather, emergency procedures

are initiated, search and rescue craft embark

or helicopters take off. Also, if no one else is

transmitting on that frequency, the Coast Guard can

determine a vessel’s position with a Radio Directional

Finder and triangulation.

Copy any information you hear from the vessel in

distress—name of the vessel, position, persons on

board, etc. If you have DSC, shut the radio alarm

off by pressing any button on your radio, then write

down the Mobile Maritime Service Identifi er number

and position information showing on your radio

display screen.

Wait three to fi ve minutes for an authority to answer

the call. If no one replies, then attempt to verbally

relay the information to U.S. Coast Guard and

standby. If you hear the Coast Guard call for a

vessel in the area to assist or if you are in the area

and the logical vessel to render aid, head for the

boat in question and, when there’s a break in the

transmissions, call the Coast Guard with your offer to

provide assistance.

34 GLB | March/April 11

Great LakesNEW MARINE STADIUM ON-SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2011 Located directly adjacent to the

three-eighths-mile clay track that

they call “The Diamond of Dirt

Tracks” in Wheatland, Mo., is the

construction site for a new marine

stadium. Roughly rectangular, it

measures 3,800 feet long, 400 feet

wide, and 10 feet deep and, when

fi lled with a little more than 11 million

gallons of water, it will be set to

stage some of the most exciting boat

drag competitions in the country,

beginning at the end of July 2011.

“This is truly the fi rst, purpose-built

facility of its kind in the world,” said

Lucas Operations Director Mike

Chastain. “We’re building this new

facility from the ground up to be the

perfect place to run drag boats with

great views for the fans and to be as safe as possible for

the competitors.”

Most existing drag boat-racing facilities are located on rivers,

in lakes and on bays where currents, boating traffi c, and other

impediments can subject those courses to disturbances that

sometime interfere with the competition. As this Lucas lake

is a completely purpose-built facility, none of those problems

will ever hinder the show.

Water or jet skiing, sailing, even rowing, just about any sort

of recreational activity or fl oating competition that can be

done on water is a real possibility for this big, beautiful, fully-

engineered lake.

lucasoilspeedway.com

DNRE RECEIVES TWO BOATING ACCESS AWARDSThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) has received two awards from States Organization for

Boating Access (SOBA) for Straits State Harbor and the Eight Point Lake Boating Access Site.

Each year, SOBA provides the opportunity for boat access projects to be nominated for national recognition in four categories.

The need for access, the intended customer base and daily use, and the often unique circumstances of the site itself can greatly

affect the cost and the design of the project.

The 2010 recipient in the Marina and Harbor category was Straits State Harbor, located in Mackinaw City. The project utilized

many green technologies, including wind turbines, solar tubes, motion light sensors, timed showers and low-fl ow water and

toilet fi xtures. The marina includes 134 slips, fuel sales, sanitary pump-out, three-lane boat ramp, harbormaster building, park

and areas to shore fi sh on Lake Huron.

The second award received by the DNRE was for the Small Access Site Project category. The Eight Point Lake boating access

site is on the largest lake—400 acres—in Clare County. Prior to construction of this facility, the lake had no public access. Now

it has a one-lane ramp with 22 parking spaces.

The project would not have been a success without public input prior to land acquisition and multiple meetings with the lake

association, municipality and individual neighbors. This also included researching and providing feedback for all concerns. The

basis for this award was recognition of the public process involved in the development of the site.

michigan.gov/dnr

Luca

s Oil S

pe

ed

way

BEACH CONFLICT

greatlakesboating.com | 35

OTTAWA RIVER CLEANUP FINISHEDThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the state

of Ohio and the Ottawa River Group announced in mid-

December that they have completed a major cleanup project

on the Ottawa River. The project involved dredging 242,000

cubic yards of contaminated sediment from a 5.5-mile section

of the Ottawa River in Toledo, Ohio.

The EPA provided $23.5 million for the project through the

Great Lakes Legacy Act, a federal program targeted at

cleaning up contaminated sediment in Great Lakes Areas of

Concern. The Ottawa River Group also provided $23.5 million

and the city of Toledo provided space in its municipal landfi ll

as its cost share.

As a result of the cleanup, more than 7,500 pounds of

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and more than 1 million

pounds of heavy metals were removed from the river. This

sediment contamination was a key contributor to the “do not

eat” fi sh advisory and the “no contact” water advisory that are

currently in place.

Dredging activities in the Ottawa River began on May 1,

2010. The sediment was removed using hydraulic cutterhead

dredges—large suction systems that pulled in the sediment

and river water and pumped them to the Hoffman Road

Landfi ll for processing and disposal. The water was collected

and treated to meet discharge standards before it was

returned to the river. About 15,700 cubic yards of sediment

with the highest concentrations of PCBs were treated

separately and sent to a landfi ll in Michigan that is licensed to

accept this type of waste.

epa.gov/glla/ottawa/

Residents in Slabtown, Mich., are

clashing with an environmental

organization. The confl ict involves the

debris and vegetation that have claimed

a beach in this neighborhood on the

bayfront in the northwest corner of

Traverse City, Mich.

Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay

Executive Director Andy Knott contends

that shoreline vegetation is very

important to wildlife and fi sh habitat,

and should be left alone.

West End Beach is a nearby alternative

for residents, Knott argues.

But individuals living in the area want

city workers to, once again, clear and

maintain the beach. Beginning several

years ago, the beach began to be

covered with plants, scattered litter and

chunks of concrete.

A written proposal recently submitted

to the city by a committee of the

Slabtown Neighborhood Association

contained clean-up requests, including

one asking that a 150- to 200-foot

stretch of the beach be regularly

cleared and maintained. This would,

the organization argues, increase the

safety and the user-friendly quality of

the beach.

The Watershed Center Grand Traverse

Bay planned to protest the proposal by

fi ling a letter of objection.

ERIE CANAL BOAT DISCOVERY Two experienced explorers located an approximately 78-foot-

long Erie Canal boat from the 1800s in October. It is an early

version of such a vessel, and only six inches of the boat are

visible. The craft is in central New York below the Oswego

River, halfway between Lake Ontario and Syracuse.

Roger Pawlowski and Jim Kennard discovered the boat,

which they believe is the oldest of its kind that has been

found. High-resolution, side-scan sonar technology helped

them locate it. Vessels of its size were typical between 1830

and 1850.

Kennard has successfully assisted in fi nding about 180

wrecks in locations including the Great Lakes, the Ohio and

Mississippi rivers, New York’s Finger Lakes and

Lake Champlain.

36 GLB | March/April 11

Great LakesWINTER WEATHER DELAYS SHIPMENTDespite the argument by environmentalists that

transporting radioactive contents across three Great

Lakes is too dangerous, a power company still plans to

do it. However, the shipment has been postponed.

The reason for the delay is that the Canadian electric

business, Bruce Power Inc., is waiting for the Canadian

Nuclear Safety Commission to send it a license to ship

16 old generators onboard a 387-foot cargo vessel to

a recycling plant in Sweden. The plan is for the school

bus-sized generators to leave from Owen Sound on

Lake Huron, crossing lakes Ontario and Erie, and then

traveling to the Atlantic Ocean.

At this point, Bruce Power will wait until spring, to

avoid encountering winter weather during transport,

spokesman John Peevers said.

JUDGE RULES AGAINST STATES IN ASIAN CARP LAWSUITA judge ruled in December that Asian carp entering the Great Lakes was not an imminent threat, denying a fi ve-state request to

seal off artifi cial waterways linking inland rivers to the lakes.

Michigan led other Great Lakes states in seeking a preliminary injunction to immediately close off the waterways. The states’

argument was that the Asian carp threaten the $7-billion fi shery of the lakes.

However, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Dow differed, saying that the threat was not immediate, and that the states’ lawsuit

against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was unlikely to succeed.

The Asian carp problem has received national attention, with the Obama administration paying more than $75 million for

carp control research and measures out of a restoration fund for the Great Lakes, and appointing a “carp czar” to supervise

response to the issue by the government.

A NEW PLAN FOR GREAT LAKES WATER LEVELSA U.S.-Canadian panel may soon propose a new revision for

the plan regulating Lake Ontario’s water levels.

The International Joint Commission (IJC) oversees issues of

the Great Lakes, and, for more than 10 years, has been

working to revise the water-level regulation plan. Although

the intergovernmental panel has previously issued four

separate proposals, public outcry has led it to back away

from each of them.

One of the loudest groups objecting to the change is

comprised of residents in the Rochester, N.Y., area, who own

property along the shore and are worried about fl ooding

and erosion.

The St. Lawrence River has control dams that regulate the

lake’s water levels. Boaters, residents and shippers are among

those who often complain about the changes. However,

natural causes lead to the majority of the fl uctuations.

One group that opposes the current regulations—

environmentalists—has a different perspective on these

ups and downs. They would like to see an increase in the

number of water-level changes, which would help to restore

ecologically-valuable wetlands.

In 2006, the IJC released three options for a new plan, and

then in 2008, created a compromise proposal.

ijc.org

greatlakesboating.com | 37

GHOST SHIPS FESTIVAL

“WHALE BURPS” LAND ON SUPERIOR’S SHORE

Ch

ris

J. B

en

son

The 12th annual Ghost Ships Festival runs from March 25 through March 26, at the Wyndham

Milwaukee Airport and Convention Center, across from the Milwaukee airport in Wisconsin.

Advance tickets are $20 and day-of tickets are $25. To purchase a ticket or for more

information, visit the web site or send an email to [email protected].

The Ghost Ships Festival brings together top Great Lakes maritime historians, authors and

divers from throughout the country. It is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the

maritime history of the world’s largest inland lakes and see the wrecks that now lie below the

surface. The festival includes fi lms, workshops and seminars devoted to shipwrecks, diving

and maritime history.

The Ghost Ships Festival is hosted by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation, Inc. (GLSRF), a non-profi t group

dedicated to creating public awareness of the Great Lakes maritime heritage and promoting conservation, study and

responsible enjoyment of historic Great Lakes shipwrecks. Proceeds from the festival support GLSRF, Inc., and the GLSRF,

Inc., grant program.

ghostships.org

Winter winds whipping around Duluth, Minn., and Lake

Superior can produce more than snowdrifts. They can also

produce “whale burps.” Also known as surf balls, these oval

or round bundles of fi brous material periodically show up on

coastlines throughout the world.

Curious beachcomber Glenn Maxham of

Duluth brought two of these unusual balls

into the Minnesota Sea Grant offi ce for

identifi cation. Grasses, twigs, and partially

degraded polymer mesh combined in the

shallows of Lake Superior to form Maxham’s

plum-sized “whale burps.”

Oregon Sea Grant writes that although no

formal research has been done on these

aquatic oddities, theory suggests that as lost

strands of monofi lament (or, in this case, black plastic)

roll about in nearshore waves, they gradually collect

seaweed, pine needles, dune grass, small feathers, shell

fragments, and other debris, forming a tight, bristly ball.

Scientists have found surf balls made of fi ne, vegetative

strands on Egyptian beaches, and surf balls twice the

size of large oranges on Australian shores.

Despite the curio-cabinet intrigue of fi nding a surf ball,

discarded and lost plastics damage aquatic environments

and the creatures that live therein. In a 2008 article in

Environmental Research, Charles Moore of the Algalita

Marine Research Foundation reported that more than

260 marine species ingest or have been entangled in

plastic debris. When these plastics break down, research

has shown they can release the suspected carcinogen

styrene monomer and Bisphenol A, which has been

proven to interfere with reproduction. In 2006, the United

Nations Environment Program estimated that 46,000 pieces

of plastic fl oat in every square mile of ocean.

GH

OS

T SHIPS FESTIVAL

MILW

AUKEE WISCONSIN

38 GLB | March/April 11

Fishing2011 COLLEGE FISHING SCHEDULEFLW Outdoors has announced the 2011 National Guard FLW

College Fishing schedule along with paybacks, rules and

entry information. Registration opened for collegiate anglers

on Dec. 13.

The format for 2011 was adapted to accommodate College

Fishing’s continuing growth. College clubs will now receive a

larger portion of a competing team’s payout, with 75% going to

the club and 25% to its respective school in the club’s name.

The payout for qualifying tournaments will be $10,000 for

fi rst place down to $2,000 for fi fth place. At the regional

championships, fi rst place will earn $50,000 and fi fth place

will win $5,000. The national champions will win $100,000

for fi rst place, while the fi fth-place team will win $10,000. The

winning teams’ prizes at the regional championships and

national championship constitute cash and a new Ranger

177TR with a 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard.

Teams, which consist of two students, will be allowed to bring

a total of fi ve fi sh to weigh-in, regardless of which angler

caught them. Teams will now be required to designate who

would fi sh the Forrest Wood Cup as a pro and a co-angler,

should they qualify, prior to takeoff at their fi rst qualifying

event. This designation cannot be changed.

College Fishing consists of fi ve divisions—Central, Northern,

Southeast, Texas and Western.

The National Guard FLW College Fishing National

Championship will be held April 7 to 9. The winning team will

qualify for the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup, which will be held

Aug. 11 to 14.

CollegeFishing.com

NEW DNR FISHING PODCASTS

LAUNCH OF ONLINE FISHING UPDATES

Anglers can now fi nd the most up-to-

date information about various species

online in audio fi shing reports from

Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle. Top

U.S. professional fi shing guides

keep the reports current, updating

each two- to three-minute report

three days every week.

Fisheries from across the United

States are providing their most

recent reports.

Fisheries include the North’s Lake

Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Devil’s

Lake, Lake Oahe and Red Lake, and the

South’s Lake Eufaula, Pickwick/Wilson/

Wheeler lakes, Grenada, Reelfoot and

Kentucky Lake.

The goal of the reporting is to increase

the amount of fi sh caught. Information

will include best baits, hot lure colors,

ice thickness where applicable and

water temperature. An example is

detailed content about runs of steelhead

and salmon from the Great Lakes to the

Manistee and Niagara rivers.

lindyfishingtackle.com

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released the latest in its series of audio programs for winter fi shing

enthusiasts titled “Ice Fishing Tips.”

The two 30-minute shows were recorded in a format that can be downloaded from the DNR’s web site and listened to on a

computer or a portable audio device such as an iPod or Zune.

The ice fi shing shows feature professional angler “Tackle” Terry Tuma and DNR ice safety specialist Tim Smalley. DNR

Information Offi cer Steve Carroll serves as the host.

Since 2005, the DNR has produced more than 100 podcasts. Listeners have downloaded the various programs more than

435,000 times in the last two years.

news.dnr.state.mn.us

greatlakesboating.com | 39

PENNSYLVANIA FISHING LICENSES

WALLEYE FRY PRODUCTION RETURNING TO HISTORIC LEVELS

Since the fi rst of this year, every angler aged

16 or older who plans to enjoy certain fi shing-

related activities in Pennsylvania will need to

obtain a fi shing license. These outings can

range from visiting either one of northcentral

Pennsylvania’s special regulation streams

or one of south central Pennsylvania’s

limestoners, or simply fi shing hard water.

The fi shing licenses for Pennsylvania residents

cost $22.70 each, while non-residents will need to pay $52.70,

instead. An additional $9.70 is the price for a Trout/Salmon

Stamp, necessary for fi shing salmon or trout in Pennsylvania.

The Senior Resident Lifetime license is available

for $51.70 for residents older than 65 years. And,

for an added cost of $6.70, the senior lifetime

license comes in durable plastic.

To fi sh the waters or tributaries of Lake Erie or

Presque Isle Bay, a valid Combination Trout-

Salmon/Lake or Lake Erie permit is required. The

combination permit costs $15.70.

Fishing licenses are available from any licensing agent of the

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission or online.

fishandboat.com/license.htm

Mic

hig

an D

NR

Ph

oto

Dav

id K

en

yon

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and

Environment (DNRE) has begun gearing up to return

hatchery production of walleyes to historic levels.

The DNRE plans to take some 50 million eggs this spring to

produce fry for pond-rearing and direct stocking, an eightfold

increase during the last two years.

Since 2006, the DNRE has cut back on most of its

walleye-rearing activities because of the presence of Viral

Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in the broodstock waters.

Now, after several years of testing, a technique has been

found to disinfect walleye eggs and prevent the spread of

VHS. As a result, the DNRE will now resume large-scale

rearing and stocking of walleyes.

The DNRE expects it to take two years to return to full

production of walleye fry. A number of the rearing ponds,

which have been idle for the last several years, are in need of

maintenance before they can be brought back on-line

for production.

Nonetheless, the DNRE expects to produce at least 80% of

the total capacity for walleye fry in 2011 and be back to full

production in 2012.

michigan.gov/fishing // michigan.gov/dnre

If you wanted to catch an Indiana Fish of the Year winner in

2010, Lake Michigan was the place to cast.

Hoosiers pulled fi ve winners out the Indiana portion of the

Great Lake during the year-long contest, which recognizes the

person who catches the longest fi sh of each species tracked.

Ron Kotfer caught a 24.0-inch lake trout in the Porter County

waters of the lake using a jig and grub. He also caught a 33.0-

inch steelhead trout in the Porter County portion of the lake

using a J-plug. His 13-year-old son Michael caught a 31.0-

inch chinook salmon in the Porter County waters of the lake

using a J-plug. Michael also caught a 7.0-inch green sunfi sh

from a private lake in Fountain County using a jig and plug to

earn Fish of the Year for that species.

Steve Fiorio of Dyer and David Kniola of Michigan City landed

the other Lake Michigan fi sh. Fiorio caught a 16.6-inch yellow

perch while fi shing Lake Michigan in Lake County using a

minnow. Kniola caught a 31.5-inch brown trout in the LaPorte

County waters of the lake but didn’t report a bait or lure used.

The longest Fish of the Year was a 48.0-inch blue catfi sh

caught by David Ben Mullen, a Central resident.

fishing.IN.gov/files/fw-Fish_of_the_Year_Winners_2010.pdf

LAKE MICHIGAN YIELDED FIVE “FISH OF THE YEAR” IN 2010

40 GLB | March/April 11

YACHT CLUB’S EFFORTS IMPROVE SAFETY ON LAKE WINNEBAGO Needed repairs and improvements were recently made to the

navigational light at Cal Harbor/Columbia Park, located on

Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago.

“Usually, safety on Lake Winnebago is something we don’t

think about enough, until something bad happens,” said

Randy Leider, Fond du Lac Yacht Club member and Lake

Winnebago shoreline resident. “We worked together with

Fond du Lac County to improve the Cal Harbor light beam for

all users of the lake, without impacting the county’s budget

and the taxpayers.”

Members of a special yacht club committee, including Tom

Tomter, a locally-retired county resident, worked together

with county park offi cials to evaluate the condition of the

lighting array atop the tower. It was determined that the

installation of a new, rotating light pack of 60-watt bulbs,

combined with several enhancements to the current lantern

itself, would dramatically improve the distance and direction

of the light beam.

Shaun O’Connell from Wil-surge Electric in Butler, Wis., a

county-approved electrical contractor authorized to work

on the tower project, helped to complete the re-installation

of the new light and lantern. Both O’Connell and Tomter

donated their expertise and time, and Wil-surge donated

their electrician’s time at no cost to the county. Initially, it

was estimated that necessary light improvements might

cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. However, as a result of

all efforts, the county’s cost was less than $300. Yacht club

committee members will continue to monitor the status of

the upgraded beam to determine if additional adjustments to

improve safety are needed.

fdlyachtclub.com

YACHT CLUB PROFILE: CLEVELAND YACHTING CLUBHome to more than 300 sail and power boats, the

Cleveland Yachting Club (CYC), which was started

in 1878 and is the oldest club on the southern shore

of Lake Erie, is directed by its 700 members. CYC

offers year-round activities you can enjoy—even if

you don’t own a boat—including a host of amenities,

superb service and facilities. Members, their families

and guests enjoy fi ne dining, exciting social events,

youth activities, swimming, picnicking and just plain

relaxation, all with the backdrop of Cleveland’s most

spectacular lake views.

CYC offers an unparalleled, year-round club

experience with an extensive social calendar. Here’s

just a partial list of activities: power fl eet cruises, sail

races, water sports, sail camp and swim team, youth

activities, and fi shing tournaments.

The club welcomes boaters who are members in good

standing of reciprocal yacht clubs. Registered guests are

invited to move freely about the club premises and grounds

and to make use of the facilities. Dock reservations are

required and will be accepted on an as-available basis.

Soft drinks, beer, ice, snack foods and limited retail and safety

items are available for purchase at the gas dock.

The restaurants, porch and bars are located in the clubhouse

and are open Tuesday through Sunday. The Center Island

Complex includes a large outdoor pool and deck area,

women’s, men’s and family locker rooms, laundry facilities

with coin-operated washer and dryer, snack bar, party room,

and playground. This newly renovated facility also has a cozy

bar, a fi replace and an outdoor picnic area.

The CYC offers protected dockage for its members with an

array of yard services. The harbor manager can arrange

for services including fuel, launch, winter storage, dry sail

storage, washing, crane and forklift service and labor.

In addition, CYC offers wireless service throughout the island

and clubhouse.

www.cycrr.org

YC

greatlakesboating.com | 41

US SAILING YACHT CLUB SUMMITThe fi rst-ever US SAILING Yacht Club Summit

is just weeks away. This two-day event will take

place from April 2 to 3, at the Fairmont Hotel in

Chicago, Ill. A number of discussion subjects,

speakers, and panelist contributors have been

confi rmed for the inaugural summit. Flag offi cers,

general managers, and committee chairpersons of

yacht clubs and community sailing organizations

of all sizes from around the country are invited

to participate.

The summit, moderated by US SAILING President

Gary Jobson and a host of industry leaders,

features a number of informative seminars

and breakout sessions on the following topics:

communications, signature events, refurbishment

of clubs, information technology, community and

club collaborations, fi nancial stability, regatta

management, yacht club branding/image, junior

programs, sailing around the world, building

membership, yacht club foundation, waterfront

management, club-owned fl eet, increasing race

participation, insurance, recruiting/change of

volunteers and staff, and governance.

“It is essential that our yacht clubs provide

excellent service to their members and the sailing

community at large,” Jobson explained. “The

weekend symposium will bring together the best

innovative thinking across the country.”

America’s Cup icon Ted Turner will be issuing the

keynote address.

ussailing.org

US SAILING AWARDS HANSON MEDALS FOR RESCUES MADE ON LAKE MICHIGANUS SAILING’s Safety at Sea Committee has awarded an Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal to two Chicago Yacht Club sailing

instructors for rescuing two sailors on Lake Michigan on Oct. 2, 2010.

Racing at the Jimmy Talbot Memorial Regatta, a high school sailing event, had been canceled that day due to hazardous

conditions. Despite the dangers, a 14-year-old sailor and a 23-year-old coach launched a racing dinghy into the lake. Both were

wearing lifejackets. The dinghy capsized, and the younger sailor drifted away, while the coach hung on.

Observers on shore notifi ed the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School, and directors Maggie Lumkes and Lynn Walls headed out

into the extreme conditions. They rescued the boy about 100 yards from the dinghy, and then picked up the coach.

Paramedics treated the boy for hypothermia. The following day, the coach spoke to high school sailors about his mistake,

urging them to learn from it.

offshore.ussailing.org/SAS/Hanson_Rescue_ Award.htm

Pere Pointe Marina is tucked away in a cove on the Pere Marquette Lake just off Washington Street in Ludington, Michigan.

Marina Highlights:

✦ Close to downtown Ludington.

✦ Deep water marina serving boats up to 42 feet.

✦ Electric outlets for boats.

✦ Fresh water hook-ups for boats.

✦ Wave attenuators.

✦ Clubhouse with restrooms, showers & wireless internet.

✦ Seasonal rates start at $2,375.

✦ Transient boating rates start at $37.50 per night.

✦ Premier condos available for sale.

Pere Pointe Marina350 Lakeside Dr.

Ludington, MI231-843-8100

Pere Pointe Marina

42 GLB | March/April 11

MarinasYacht Works, Inc., is a multi-faceted marine business

located on Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula on the

shores of Green Bay in the village of Sister Bay. Co-owners

Russell Forkert and Deb Duren have run the business at the

current locale since 1983, with a three-armed approach to

the local boating industry.

One branch is a full-service boatyard specializing in all

aspects of repair, ranging from outboard tune-ups to

million-dollar, large yacht retrofi ts. Repair technicians with

more than 150 years of combined experience are ready to

assist with mechanical and fi berglass repairs, painting, and

electronics sales and installation.

The marina at Sister Bay encompasses 72 slips, a 75-foot

fuel dock that dispenses gas and diesel, wall space for yachts up to 150 feet in length, on-site restaurants and a fully-stocked

ship’s chandlery.

Yacht Works also has a yacht sales division that carries several boat lines, including the Ferretti Group, Cranchi, Tiara, Pursuit,

Chris Craft, Everglades, Vicem motor yachts and Alerion Express sailboats.

Boaters heading south can also visit a Yacht Works’ sales location in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., at Harbour Towne.

yachtworks.com // (920) 854-2124

MARINA OF THE YEAR 2011Hammond Marina of Hammond, Ind.,

is the recipient of the 2011 National

Marina Day, Marina of the Year award.

Hammond Marina best exemplifi ed

the intent of the National marina Day

as a time to celebrate the value of

marinas as gateways to the nation’s

waters, and to recognize the role that

marina managers play as stewards

of the environment. Marinas across

the country chose various ways to

celebrate and the Association of

Marina Industries asked that the local

community, especially non-boaters,

be invited to the event to introduce them to boating

and educate them on the value of the marina industry

to their communities.

Hammond Marina began its celebration a day early with a

live radio broadcast. The celebration itself included a Mayor’s

ribbon cutting at Hammond Marina’s new yacht club, a boater

appreciation breakfast, children’s games, environmental and

safety exhibits, boat displays and

rides, a VIP reception, and a party

complete with fi reworks for the

community. In addition, Hammond

Marina was fully responsible for

obtaining a proclamation from the

governor of Indiana and the mayor

of hammond proclaiming June 12 as

National Marina Day.

The deciding factor in choosing

hammond Marina was their

creative means of advertising

their event and reaching out to

the entire community. The events

they held ensured that their visitors were introduced to the

marina lifestyle and water recreation. Hammond has been a

longstanding participant in National Marina Day, recognizing

the value of the day to their marina as well as the industry,

giving a positive light to what marinas do every day.

nationalmarinaday.org

MARINA PROFILE: YACHT WORKS, INC.

greatlakesboating.com | 43

MARINA PROPOSES DOCK EXPANSION

GRAND MARAIS WINS READER’S DIGEST CONTEST

NEWLY CERTIFIED CLEAN MARINAS

Vying for Internet votes with more than 9,000 other communities nationwide for cash to aid civic causes, tiny Grand Marais, with

a population of 300, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, grabbed the grand prize of $40,000 in the Reader’s Digest “We Hear

You America” contest with 1,281,724 votes logged since October.

The win was a long time coming for Grand Marais. Residents said they have tried for decades to get federal and state aid for the

town’s harbor, which sand erosion could make impassible to boats by 2012 and destroy the local economy.

The $40,000 is going to go to engineering and survey work for a breakwater that, ultimately, will cost millions of dollars, which

could come from government and foundation grants.

Boating speeds and dock lengths are concerns for neighbors

in the cicinity of a proposed marina expansion on Lake

Joseph, near Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. Stills Bay

Landing Corporation, which operates a marina on Hamill’s

Point Road in the Foot’s Bay area, has proposed increasing

its dockage at the marina.

Marina owners are asking for a dock length of 150 feet in a

zone that permits 80 feet. A dock width of 130 feet, or 75%

of the frontage, is also proposed. Currently the maximum

dock width permited is 25% of the lot frontage. However, the

municipality’s proposed comprehensive zoning bylaw would

permit a 75% frontage coverage and a dock length of 125 fet.

The marina currently has three fi nger docks with various-

sized slips, or enough capacity for 38 boats. The proposed

expansion, if approved, would allow for 50 boats or 12

additional boats. The township’s offi cial plan encourages

marina expansion, but boat speeds could be a concern in

this area.

Five Wisconsin marinas have recently been certifi ed as Clean Marinas: The Abbey

Marina (Fontana), Gaslight Pointe Marina (Racine), Lakeshore Towers (Racine),

Manitowoc Marina and SkipperBud’s Reefpoint Marina (Racine). The new Wisconsin

Clean Marina Program certifi cation process was launched in July 2010 and many

Wisconsin marinas have since taken steps to voluntarily adopt practices needed to

become certifi ed. There are now a total of nine Wisconsin-certifi ed Clean Marinas in

just fi ve months.

Marinas participating in the program adopt up to 100 “best management practices”

depending on the type of facility, ranging from docks only to full-service businesses

with fueling, storage, repair and maintenance capabilities. The marinas have typically

improved 10 to 25 practices, ranging from procedures for preventing and cleaning up gas spills to installing better hazardous

waste containment, sewage collection or hull wash water treatment systems.

Through this program, marinas will prevent pollution and protect fi sh, wildlife and public health, knowing that a cleaner

environment is important to their boating clientele, their livelihood and Wisconsin’s coastal communities. The Clean Marina

Program is a partnership between the Wisconsin Marina Association (WMA), the UW Sea Grant Institute and the UW Extension

Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, with support from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program.

There are nearly 300 marinas in the state—125 of which are located on lakes Michigan and Superior. Participating marinas

will implement practices that help cut operating costs through reducing waste disposal, conserving water and attracting new

customers who appreciate patronizing an environmentally-friendly operation.

wisconsincleanmarina.org

44 GLB | March/April 11

CruisingUnited States Yacht Shows, Inc., is launching a

new event for aspiring and experienced cruisers:

The fi rst annual Cruisers University, from May 12

to 15, at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marine Center,

Baltimore, Md.

The program will provide high-quality instruction in

long-range cruising. Class topics include general

cruising, master certifi cation courses in diesel maintenance

and weather forecasting, and the comprehensive Seamanship

Series. All classes will be taught by experts from respected

institutions, and will provide opportunities to meet others who

enjoy cruising.

Cruisers University is highly interactive, with a

large, in-water display of sail- and powerboats,

outfi tted for live-aboard cruising. Participants can

attend classes, enjoy equipment and systems

demonstrations, and take vessels out for sea trials.

The structure allows participants to choose from

the $450, four-day Masters Certifi cation Program

or Seamanship Series, or the $160, one-day Introduction to

Cruising Package. Each package includes breakfast, lunch

and boat demo boarding passes, while evening social events

are available for an additional fee. Special hotel and marina

rates and VIP parking are also available.

usboat.com

CRUISERS U.

The Cruising Club of America (CCA) has awarded The 2010 Rod Stephens Trophy

for Outstanding Seamanship to Alessandro Di Benedetto for his seamanship

in jury rigging a mast after being dismasted near Cape Horn on his solo, non-

stop circumnavigation on a 21-foot monohull. This award is given “for an act of

seamanship which signifi cantly contributes to the safety of a yacht, or one or more

individuals at sea.” The award was presented on March 4, by CCA Commodore

Sheila McCurdy during the club’s annual Awards Dinner at the New York Yacht Club

in Manhattan.

On Oct. 26, 2009, Di Benedetto departed from Les Sables d’Olonne, France, for his

24,000-mile voyage around the world. As he came to the last leg of the journey and

began approaching Cape Horn, he was dismasted, causing him to choose between

getting help on land or jury rigging the mast. He decided to carry on with the jury

rig. On July 22, 2010, after 268 days, 19 hours, 36 minutes and 12 seconds at sea,

Di Benedetto had completed his around-the-world voyage and set the record for

smallest boat to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation in that time.

CRUISING CLUB OF AMERICA PRESENTS 2010 OUTSTANDING SEAMANSHIP TROPHY

Ale

ssan

dro

Di B

ened

etto

BOATING THROUGH THE BACKYARDS OF FRANCEAn eight-day boating class for women

along the legendary Canal du Midi in

southwestern France is being offered

by Sea Sense, The Women’s Sailing and

Powerboating School.

The hands-on course will be taught

aboard a fully-equipped, comfortable,

modern canal barge. During the eight

days, participants will learn boat

handling, docking and anchoring,

close-quarters maneuvering, and how

to operate and traverse locks. These

skills will be learned while transiting

one of the most beautiful canals in

Europe. Sea Sense instructors who

have cruised the Midi many times will

be your guides. There will be time to

explore the countryside by foot or by

bike and to taste the region’s fi ne wine

and food.

The live aboard course is scheduled

from June 20 to 28, departing from

Trebes, France, and ending in

Narbonne. The cost is $3,395 and

includes breakfasts, lunches, snacks,

beverages and bicycles.

seasenseboating.com // (800) 332-1404

greatlakesboating.com | 45

Recreational boaters on the fi ve Great

Lakes and Great Loop waterways

have a fresh resource to enrich their

experience: a program of new “webinar”

tutorials conducted by knowledgeable

boaters discussing their subject in live,

on-screen presentations with visual

aids, and an opportunity for students

to interact with the instructor and each

other in a virtual classroom. Sessions

typically run for 60 to 90 minutes.

Participants only need a computer

with speakers and a browser (no

special software required), an Internet

connection and a desire to learn.

The Great Lakes Cruising Club School

(GLCCSchool) provides the practical

cruising pointers and insight recreational

boaters need to cruise the Great Lakes.

There are no tests, only information from

GLCC-accredited sail and power boaters

and other acknowledged experts having

fi rst-hand knowledge of their subject.

Topics include:

•Getting started cruising the Great Lakes,

•Cruising introductions for each of the

Great Lakes,

•Cruising overviews on regions within

each lake, such as Lake Huron’s North

Channel, Georgian Bay; Lake Superior’s

Apostle Islands and Isle Royale; or

popular waterways like the St. Lawrence,

Rideau or Trent-Severn canals,

•Great Lakes weather patterns and

reporting sources,

•Negotiating locks: the Welland Canal,

Trent-Severn and Sault Ste. Marie,

•Celestial navigation, in cooperation

with the U.S. Power Squadron, and

•Getting the most out of the Great Lakes

Cruising Club’s 1,400 online harbor

descriptions and other GLCC resources.

GLCCSchool.com

GREAT LAKES CRUISING CLUB LAUNCHES ON-LINE SCHOOL

46 GLB | March/April 11

Donzi Marine has committed

to participating in the 2013

Cowes (UK) to Monte Carlo

Grand Prix, becoming the

fi rst American entry in the

race. The other entrants are

from Belgium, Germany,

Greece, Ireland, Italy,

Norway, Sweden and the

United Kingdom.

The Cowes-Monte Carlo

Grand Prix will mark Donzi’s

fi rst factory-sponsored,

factory-supported offshore

race since 2002-2003,

when Team Donzi’s 38-foot

ZR Competition models

won APBA/UIM National

Championships in both the Factory II and Super Vee classes in the United States.

Donzi announced plans to build an entirely new model to race in the event: a 43-

foot, fi ve-seat ocean racer showcasing their latest technology. They are currently

reviewing the best propulsion options available for the challenge. Their entry will be

piloted by Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins—both of the U.K.—who own and race

the “Team 26-foot Donzi 38 ZR Competition in Europe’s Powerboat P1 motorsport

series—and Donzi’s vice president of sales, Craig Barrie, a veteran of offshore racing

both in the U.S. and abroad.

With its 2,400 nautical miles of open ocean racing, the Cowes-Monte Carlo Grand Prix is being billed as the longest and

toughest offshore powerboat race in the world. The June 2013 event will mark only the second time in history that this race has

been held.

cowestomontecarlo.com

NationalDONZI MARINE ENTERS OCEAN RACE

BILL WILL INCREASE FUNDING FOR CRITICAL MAINTENANCEU.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., introduced a bipartisan bill the week of Feb. 18 that is designed to fund critical operations and

maintenance of the nation’s harbors, including signifi cant needs in the Great Lakes System. The Harbor Maintenance Act of

2011 would require funds in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund be spent for their intended purpose rather than rerouted into the

general tax fund.

Levin introduced the bill with a bipartisan group of 12 other senators.

The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the nation’s 59 busiest ports are available less than 35% of the time because they

are inadequately maintained.

The dredging backlog in the Great Lakes alone is estimated to cost about $200 million to address.

The Harbor Maintenance Tax and Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund were created in 1986 to fund operations and maintenance

of federal ports and harbors. The fund currently has a balance of more than $5.7 billion, but is not being fully used to address

critical maintenance needs.

The bill is S. 412 and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

The Alliance for Safe Navigation, whose mission it is to

raise boater awareness about the importance of up-to-date

navigational information, announced the results of a recent

survey of 7,570 recreational boaters. The survey revealed that

an alarming 64% of respondents are not concerned enough

about the accuracy of their navigational aids to seek out or

make updates.

Intended to measure the use and awareness of available

updates to navigational tools, the survey revealed a general

lack of concern among recreational boaters regarding the

accuracy of their navigational data. While most boaters

use aids such as global positioning systems, electronic

and paper charts, 79% fail to track the updates that are

necessary to maintain the accuracy of their navigational aids.

These weekly updates, called the Local Notice to Mariners,

contain critical information about changes such as shifting

shoals, moving buoys and newly submerged obstructions,

and they can be easily accessed by boaters. The survey

results indicate that boaters are not aware of how often and

drastically conditions change, and what these changes can

mean for their safety.

allianceforsafenavigation.org

greatlakesboating.com | 47

BOATERS UNCONCERNED ABOUT ACCURACY OF NAVIGATIONAL TOOLS

VOLVO PENTA AND YAMAHA MOTOR COMBINE EFFORTS

VALVTECT AND MARINEFUEL.COM FORM PARTNERSHIPValvTect Petroleum and MarineFuel.com have formed a new partnership and co-marketing agreement that enables boaters

to quickly and accurately locate ValvTect Certifi ed Marinas in the United States and the Caribbean. ValvTect supplies more

than 500 Certifi ed ValvTect Marinas across the U.S. and the Caribbean with fuels specially-formulated for marine engines and

operating conditions.

ValvTect Certifi ed Marinas can be found by browsing the MarineFuel.com real-time Marinas Directory database. Registering as

a Free Basic Member with MarineFuel.com will give boaters the opportunity to experience advanced capabilities at no charge or

obligation for 30 days.

MarineFuel.com Premium Members typically enjoy annual fuel savings of up to 50% with Fuel Dock Prices™ targeted searching.

This targeted searching dramatically increases time and money savings when boaters select locations that offer ValvTect

Marine Fuels, ethanol-free gasoline, Clean/Green Certifi ed marinas and other desired criteria for their fuel purchases.

valvtect.com // marinefuel.com

Volvo Penta and Yamaha Motor are collaborating on the

development of electronic control systems for boats. This

collaboration is designed to produce technological synergies

in the increasingly important fi eld of electronics. The

companies have already decided to take things further and

conduct joint studies on ways to further extend cooperation.

The collaboration between Volvo Penta and Yamaha Motor

will not include ownership but is based exclusively on

collaboration in different areas in which the companies see

opportunities for cooperation as a result of complementary

customer offerings.

Yamaha and Volvo Penta have already agreed on distribution

cooperation for Volvo Penta’s marine engines on the Japanese

market, and the parties will study if there are opportunities for

similar ways of cooperating in other markets.

In North America, Volvo Penta and Yamaha Motor have

already cooperated in searching for opportunities in

marketing to individual boatbuilders, and they will continue

with related efforts.

Service, logistics and aftermarket are other areas in which

the parties would like to look at opportunities for extended

collaboration. Volvo Penta currently has a dealer network

comprising 4,000 service points all over the world. Yamaha

Motor is represented in more than 180 countries and

regions worldwide.

The existing technological collaboration will result in the

companies utilising common electronic platforms, thereby

creating the potential for synergies in terms of diagnostic

tools, skills, standardization and aftermarket services.

volvo.com // yamaha.com

48 GLB | March/April 11

Sailing

PUERTO RICO HEINEKEN INTERNATIONAL REGATTAThe Puerto Rico Heineken International

Regatta (PRHIR), set for March 18 to 20, will

be held at the Palmas del Mar Yacht Club

in Humaco, Puerto Rico, and will showcase

racing classes that attract sailors from the

Caribbean and from around the world.

This year’s event will offer a one-day, stand-

up paddle boarding (SUP) exhibition and

competiton. Paddle boarders will have a

choice of two courses: one that starts within

the marina or a longer course that starts

at Punta Candelero and then winds through the canals of

Palmas del Mar.

Teams for the one-design J/24 and Hobie 16 fl eets will be

coming from the Dominican Republic and Mexico in order

to train for the Pan American Games, set for Guadalajara,

Mexico, this summer.

Kite-boarders from Puerto Rico and the

Dominican Republic will compete again in their

own class. There will be a mix of winward-leeward

courses for the one-design and the racing classes

and courses with reaches for the cruising classes.

Regatta festivities will begin with a Captain’s

Meeting on March 17. The fl eet will race March

18, 19 and 20, with nightly parties and an awards

ceremony on March 20.

Classes of entry to the PRHIR will include CSA

Spinnaker Racing, CSA Spinnaker Racer-Cruiser,

CSA J24, IC24, CSA Performance Cruiser, CSA Jib & Main

and Beach Cat.

The Puerto Rico International Dinghy Regatta will also be

hosted at the same time. The Snipes, Optimists, Lasers and

Laser Radials will sail right off the beach.

prheinekenregatta.com

MAGAZINE EDITOR HONORED AS 2011 SAILOR OF THE YEAR

QUANTUM TO DEVELOP NEW J BOAT DIVISIONQuantum Sail Design Group has established a new J Boat Division, which will

focus on expanding the company’s line of J Boat sails and providing global

support for J sailors. J Boat sail designer Kerry Klingler, a J/80 World and North

American Champion who has more than 23 years of experience in all aspects of

sailmaking, including 12 years of sail design, will head the program.

Ed Reynolds, president of Quantum Sail Design Group, says the focus refl ects

the company’s commitment to serving one of the largest and most active sailing communities in the world. “We recognize the

loyalty J Boat owners have for their brand and their interest in high-performance sails backed by the greatest level of expertise

and support. We believe J Boat owners deserve this level of dedication to their sailing needs, and with our already strong track

record, we are uniquely positioned to provide it.”

The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center (MCSC) has selected adventurist, world cruiser and popular sailing editor Bob

Bitchin as its 2011 Sailor of the Year. With nearly 30 years spent living aboard sailboats and cruising most of the Pacifi c and

Central America, Bob is a sailing enthusiast and editor of Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine.

In addition to publishing and editing his magazine, Bob has also authored six books and manages a podcast and TV show

reaching more than 40 million homes. He is a notable speaker at conventions and seminars throughout the country and his

web site has more than 150,000 monthly visitors.

Bitchin was honored at the annual Sailors’ Ball that was held Feb. 26 in Milwaukee. Each year, the themed Sailors’ Ball raises

thousands of dollars to provide community outreach programs for local at-risk and disadvantaged youth and those with

special needs.

The biennial 777-mile race from

Charleston Harbor, S.C., to Hamilton,

Bermuda, is scheduled to begin May 21.

The race is being run by a partnership

that includes the sailing fi rm OnDeck US

and the South Carolina Maritime Foundation.

Sailors with boats of at least 30 feet in length have a choice of

competing in one of fi ve divisions: racing, cruising (spinnaker

or non-spinnaker), double-handed or

multi-hull.

Started in 1997, this race carries on

the tradition that leads sailors from the

cobblestone streets and picturesque

waterfront of Charleston, S.C., to the beautiful Atlantic

paradise of Bermuda.

charlestonbermudarace.com

greatlakesboating.com | 49

AMERICANS TARGET LES VOILES DE ST. BARTHIt has taken only one running, its debut in 2010, for

the Les Voiles de St. Barth, which is held in the

French West Indies, to become a fi xture for

American sailors who compete on the multi-

event Caribbean racing circuit, which entices

teams from all over the world to spend part, or

all, of the winter season sailing in paradise.

For the 2011 edition of the regatta, scheduled

for April 4 to 9, two U.S. teams, Vesper/Team

Moneypenny and Rambler 100, will headline. Each

epitomizes a level of player commitment not unlike that

commanded by other serious team sports where motivation

is key and the ability to work together during a long period of

time increases the chance of success.

To date, there are 33 boats entered in fi ve classes:

Super-Maxi Yacht, Racing, Racing/Cruising, Classic,

and Racing Multihull. Notables include Mike

Slade’s 100-foot Farr design Leopard 3 (GBR), the

105-foot classic Herreshoff schooner Atrevida,

the 76-foot W-Class boat White Wings (USA), and

Patrick Demarchellier’s Swan 45 Puffy (USA).

The prizes are exceptional and include a week’s

stay at a luxury villa in St. Barth for each winner of

the Racing, Racing/Cruising, Classic, and Racing Multihull

classes. The winner of the Super-Maxi Yacht class will be

awarded a Richard Mille 028 special edition Les Voiles de St.

Barth watch by principal sponsor Richard Mille.

lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com // heinekenregatta.com

GILL NA AND TOPAZ SAILING PROMOTE NEW DINGHY GEARTopaz Sailing, the U.S. distributor of the Topper sailboats and

Gill NA, the sole distributor of Gill foul weather gear, have

teamed up to promote Gill’s new line of dinghy gear through

the “Respect the Elements™—Dinghy Style” sweepstakes.

Entries to the sweepstakes can be submitted online. The

grand prize winner will receive a free Topaz Uno Plus,

including shipping, in addition to select gear from Gill’s new

dinghy clothing line.

The new dinghy clothing line, which will be available from

Gill dealers in stores, at select West Marine stores and

online, includes contemporary dinghy smock styles that are

waterproof and breathable. There is also a new line dedicated

to the wet sailor who needs warmth and stretch during full-

immersion dinghy sailing. The entire range is graphically-

coordinated and sized for men, women and youth.

The Topaz Uno Plus sailing dinghy is part of the Topaz

Sailing System: one hull with four rig options that range

from a simple, single-hander to a new generation,

asymmetric, spinnaker sailboat.

This eight-month sweepstakes will culminate with the grand

prize being awarded at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis,

Md., in October 2011.

gillna.com

CHARLESTON TO BERMUDA RACE

NE

WP

RO

DU

CT

S

50 GLB | March/Apri l 11

BRIDGE MONITORFuruno’s new MU150HD and MU190HD are sleek,

fl at-panel, marine monitors that display black box

electronics. The 15-inch and 19-inch monitors

employ extremely bright, 1,000 candela, high-

effi ciency, lower power consumption LED backlit

color TFT LCD. With their low-profi le glass bezel

(8 millimeter stand-off), your helm will have an

incredibly high-tech look and feel.

$6,495 or $7,495 // (360) 834-9300 // FurunoUSA.com

GOST CLOAK SYSTEM The GOST Cloak system is designed to provide

protection from a break-in, in the critical time

gap between alarm activation and the response

team’s arrival.

The system quickly fi lls the vessel interior

with a cloud of smoke that prevents the loss

of property, confuses the thief, and forces the

intruder off the vessel.

Range from $4,299 to $5,999 // (954) 565-9898 //

gostglobal.com

WHEELEEZ® BOAT DOLLYThe Wheeleez® Boat Dolly makes moving smaller

boats manageable, even across challenging or uneven

terrain, including soft sand, mud, or marshy areas.

The Wheeleez® marine-grade frame features 24

adjustments to accommodate boats of varying lengths

and widths. In addition, there are fi ve wheel options to

meet the needs of varying terrains and payloads.

Range from $541 to $703 // (800) 369-1390 // wheeleez.com

greatlakesboating.com | 51

DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYERThe new, thin, IP-4-rated Digital Media

Player from Aquatic AV can be fl ush-

mounted on almost any fl at surface. This

new waterproof, multi-functional, marine,

digital, audio/video media player can be

installed onboard where other systems

can’t. It incorporates full iPod/iPhone, USB

and Sirius/XM tuner user interface ability.

There is also an optional, waterproof,

wireless remote with a range of 50 feet.

$390 // (408) 559-1668 // aquaticav.com

ANTI-CHAFE TAPEDr. Shrink’s Anti-Chafe Tape provides a tight and durable

barrier to prevent scratching and chafi ng where shrink

wrap touches the gelcoat, paint, graphics or Plexiglass.

The tape also features ultraviolet protection. It is

available in widths from 3 inches to 24 inches, with rolls

of up to 1,000 feet of tape.

Range from $30 to $120.75 // dr-shrink.com

PORTABLE OVENWith the OM4500 Omnia Oven, owners can

now prepare baked dishes in less space than a

conventional oven uses. Measuring 10.5 inches in

diameter and 5.5 inches in height, the compact stove

top oven weighs only 1.1 lbs.

The Omnia cooks food evenly on gas stoves, alcohol

stoves and electric hotplates. It includes a 2.1-quart

aluminum dish, treated steel base plate and an

aluminum lid.

$79.95 // (941) 355-4488 // contoure.com

52 GLB | March/Apri l 11

BO

AT

CA

RE

& F

EE

DIN

G

PORT-O-FLUSH JR.Designed especially for do-it-yourself,

routine fl ushing of onboard water-cooled

equipment, the easy-to-use Port-O-Flush

Jr. comes complete with 120-volt pump

hoses and adapters in a 5-gallon bucket.

Port-O-Flush Jr. helps to quickly and

safely clean onboard, small-to-medium-

sized diesel engines, refrigerators and

air conditioners.

$380.95 // (954) 987-2722 // trac-online.com

WAVEBLADE BARNACLE REMOVERThe new Waveblade Power Barnacle Remover

effortlessly removes biofouling from any type of hull

surface, propeller, shaft, drive and trim tab—above

or below the waterline. The compact, lightweight

hand tool removes fouling in a fraction of the time

that traditional methods would take, leaving bottom

paint intact with no damage to the surface.

Also included standard in the starter kit is a fl at

chisel scraper.

$399 // (877) 895-WAVE // waveblade.com

PROLONG’S EP-2 GREASE Prolong Extreme High Performance Multi-Purpose Grease is a

premium formulation that effectively resists extreme pressure to

provide superior lubrication and surface protection. This stays in

place when boat trailers are repeatedly submerged in either salt

or fresh water, requiring less grease for the job and helping to

reduce the need to repack trailer bearings.

$10.90 // (800) 540-LUBE // prolong.com/I_ EP2_Grease.html

greatlakesboating.com | 53

YACHTSMAN MOTOR MOUNT SERIESThermoboat’s new Yachtsman motor mount series is

designed for use aboard sail- and powerboats, and reduces

engine vibrations by up to 95%.

Yachtsman’s durable motor mounts eliminate the need for

adjustments over time, and are also oil- and fuel-resistant.

With a tensile strength equal to 7,500 pounds per square

inch, Yachtsman mounts’ failsafe design ensures that they

will never degrade or fail.

Range from $116 to $323 // (888) 769-8495 // thermoboat.com

OCTANE BOOST ValvTect Octane Boost can increase gasoline octane up to

two full octane numbers, which is important because high-

performance marine engines need higher octane fuels. It is

approved for all two- and four-cycle marine engines.

ValvTect Octane Boost also contains premium gasoline

detergent that keeps injectors, carburetors and valves

clean, that improves overall engine performance and that

can reduce fuel consumption.

$19.99 // (800) 728-8258 // valvtect.com

MAX COR CF Awlgrip’s Controlled Fusion (CF) technology is now

available in Max Cor CF for aluminum yacht fairing

systems. Max Cor CF is environmentally-friendly, without

hazardous chromate chemicals and with VOC compliance

for North America.

CF is a chemical system that offers extended re-coat

times and excellent substrate adhesion, and removes

the need for sanding prior to applying the next coat.

It ensures a tightly-fused layer between the CF-based

coating and the next coat.

(888) 355-3090 // awlgrip.com

54 GLB| March/April 11

MA

RIN

E M

AR

T

POWERBOATS20’ Dusky CC: With a newer 200 Yamaha OB and trailer. Ask for Ed: (315) 587-9767. $5K.

30’ 1986 Sea Ray Express Cruiser: Nice. A/C, full camper canvas, stereo, galley, sleeps 4, head, shower. Twin inboards. (321) 956-0960.

Rinker 342: Lake use only. 100 hours on twin Volvos, generator much less. Fully factory-equipped, professionally maintained and operated. (812) 306-6176. Asking $95,000.

35’ 1996 Carver 330 Mariner: 35 feet of meticulously serviced and maintained boat! Too many amazing features for this ad. Call (321) 956-0960.

MISCELLANEOUSCustom Built Wood Boats: Either power or sail. Just fi nished beautiful 16’ power runabout. Call (216) 856-9477 for additional information.

BOAT TRANSPORTATIONMOVE YOUR BOAT WORRY FREEON OUR AIR RIDE TRAILER

Free Quotes! Dave’s Marine Transport.Toll Free: (866) 814-DAVE (3283)www.davesmarinetransport.com

New Chris Craft Boats WYI Price Retail2010 28 Launch w/Twin 320 HP Volvo 5.7 L GXi EVC $136,900 $194,0122009 25 Corsair w/375 HP Volvo 8.1L GI MPI DP $89,900 $125,1842009 22 Corsair 3 w/20 HP Volvo 5.7 GXI MPI DP $65,900 $90,567

New Pursuit Boat

2011 DC 265 w/Single 350 HP Yamaha $114,988 $120,9152011 CC 230 w/Single 250 HP Yamaha & trailer $91,797 $96,529

New Tiara Yacht

2010 3900 Sovran w/Twin 370 HP Volvo IPS 500s $599,000 $690,5052011 3100 Open w/Twin 375 HP Crusader 6.0L MPI $281,447 $295,768

New Lund Boat

2008 A-14 w/Trailer $2,395 $2,826

New Dinghies

2010 11’2” Walker Bay 340 Genesis $3,800 $4,3002008 10’2” Zodiac C 310 S $1,249 $1,9502006 10’2” Zodiac Zoom 310 AER w/Bimini $1,150 $1,550

New Mercury Outboards

2008 4 HP 4 ST $1,3552006 5 HP 4 ST $1,665

Used & Brokeraged Powerboats

1959 18’ Chris Craft Continental, 283 HP Chris Craft Marine I/B & trailer $19,900

2001 21’ Boston Whaler Outrage, 200 HP Mercury Optimax & trailer $29,9002005 22’ Chris Craft Launch Walk-Thru Transom,

Mercruiser 300 HP 350 MAG Bravo III $46,9001988 25’ Sea Ray 25 Sorrento, Single 454 Mercruiser 7.4L & trailer $9,9001998 25’ Crownline 225 BR, Single 330 HP Mercruiser 454 & trailer $13,9001994 27’ Tiara 2700 Open, Twin 5.7L Mercruiser I/B (Low Hours) $59,9002008 28’ Chris Craft 28 Launch, Twin 320 HP Mercruiser

MX 6.2 MPI Bravo III $99,0001999 31’ Tiara 31 Open, Twin 350 HP Crusader 7.4 L I/B $119,9001986 32’ Wellcraft St. Tropez 3200, Twin 350 HP Crusader I/B $29,900

Yacht Works Inc.

P.O. Box 199

10967 North Bay Shore Drive

Sister Bay, Wi 54234

920-854-2124

920-854-2174 Fax

[email protected]

[email protected]

Yacht Sale Sister Bay

P.O. Box 199

10967 North Bay Shore Drive

Sister Bay, Wi 54234

920-854-9090

920-854-4788 Fax

[email protected]

Yacht Works, Inc.FULL SERVICE

MARINA • BOAT YARD

www.yachtworks.net

1

6

11

22

29

2

7

12

23

30

3

8

13

24

31

4

4

9

14

25

5

5

10

19

26

1

8

6

6

13

20

27

2

9

7

7

14

21

28

3

10

11 12 1513 1614 17

JANUARY

FLORIDAMARCH 10-11Fort Myers Spring Boat ShowLee Civic CenterNorth Fort Myersfortmyersboatshow.com

MARCH 24-27Palm Beach International Boat ShowIntercoastal WaterwayWest Palm Beachshowmanagement.com

APRIL 1-3Pensacola Boat ShowPensacola Civic CenterPensacolagulfcoastshows.com

APRIL 15-17Southeast U.S. Boat ShowMetropolitan Park & MarinaJacksonvillesoutheastusboatshow.com

ILLINOISMARCH 25-27Rockford, IL RV Campting & Travel ShowISC-Indoor Sports Center/ExpoRockfordshowtimeproduction.net

IOWAMARCH 11-13Eastern Iowa SportshowUNI-DomeCedar Fallsiowashows.com

KENTUCKYMARCH 18-20

National Houseboat ExpoKentucky Exposition CenterLouisvillenationalhouseboatexpo.com

MICHIGANMARCH 4-6Flint Steelheaders Boat and Fishing ShowBirch Run Expo CenterBirch Runflintsteelheaders.com/spring_show.htm

MARCH 17-20Ultimate Sport ShowDeVos PlaceGrand Rapidsshowspan.com

MARCH 17-20Spring Boating ExpoRock Financial ShowplaceNoviboatmichigan.org

APRIL 8-10Traverse City Boat ShowHowe Arena/Grand Traverse County Civic CenterTraverse Citytraversecityboatshow.com

MINNESOTAMARCH 30 - APRIL 3Northwest SportshowMinneapolis Convention CenterMinneapolisnmma.org

NEW YORKMARCH 25-27Great Upstate Boat ShowAdirondack Sports ComplexQueensburygreatupstateboatshow.com

SOUTH DAKOTAMARCH 10-13Boat, Camping and Vacation ShowSioux Falls Arena & Convention CenterSioux Fallssiouxfallsportshow.com

TENNESSEEAPRIL 1-3Nashville Boat & RV SupershowTennessee Miller ColiseumMurfreesbororvexpo.net

WISCONSINMARCH 25-26Ghost Ships FestivalWyndham Milwaukee Airport & Convention CenterMilwaukeeghostships.org

MARCH 26-27Great Northwoods Spring Sports ShowLake of the Torches Resort CasinoLac du Flambeaufishingboatingoutdoor.com

CANADAMARCH 10-13Salon du Bateau de QuebecCentre de FoiresQuebec City, Quebecsportshows.ca

MARCH 16-20Toronto Sportsmen’s ShowMetro Toronto Convention CentreToronto, Ontariosportshows.ca

APRIL 8-10Sudbury Sportsman ShowGarson Community CentreGarson, Ontariodacshows.com/sportsman/index.html

greatlakesboating.com | 55

EV

EN

TS

CA

LE

ND

AR

56 GLB| March/April 11

T

F

W

S

T

F

W

S

T

F

W

S

Advertiser Index

ACE: Recreational Marine Insurance IBC

Atlantic-Meeco 2

Boat U.S. 5, 27

Chicago Harbors/Westrec 3

Columbia Yacht Club 30

Essex Credit BC

Foremost Insurance IFC

Fremont Insurance 24

GLBF 17

Lake Forest College 10

North Point Marina 1

Pere Pointe Marina 41

Princecraft 25

Progressive Insurance 7

Southwest Louisiana 45

Take Me Fishing 31

Waukegan Harbor 11

Ad ertiser Inde

TO ADVERTISE

IN GLB

please email:[email protected]

T

F

S

T

F

S

GOT A BOAT TO SELL?

Email your text-only advertisement to:[email protected].

Free classified boat advertisement offer limited to one per reader.

Photographs may be added for $25. To upload a picture and pay, visit: greatlakesboating.com/classifi eds.

All classifi ed ads are subject to publisher’s approval. Space is limited. Free ads will be accepted on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Advertisements for the May/June 2011 issue must be received by Mar. 21, 2011.

Complimentary 25-word classified boat

advertisements in the May/June 2011 issue.

(NO STRINGS ATTACHED!)

FREE ADS