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Julyaugust issue web
WHERE FRESHWATER BOATERS GO FOR NEWS August 2014 • greatlakesboating.com Prestige 550 LELAND Display until Sept. 15, 2014 $5.95 US $5.95 CAN VISITING CLIMATE WARMING OUTBOARDS CUSTOM SUMMERDRONES FREE Boat Ad p61 PUBLISHER'S NOTE Happy summertime, and I hope that you're spending a lot of time on your boat. This issue commemorates one of summertime's great holidays, the Fourth of July. This celebration of our country's independence reminds me of the same fundamental values we espouse in recreational boating, i.e., life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If you're looking for a boat that will make your days on the water a perfect celebration, then look no further than the Prestige 450, 500, 550, and 620 featured in this issue. They represent all that is needed to make your days on the water peaceful and relaxing. Prestige designs, engineers, and builds all of its boats with the care and comfort of boaters foremost in mind. As a result, all their boats combine luxury and comfort with the latest in state-of-the-art propulsion technology. Speaking about new technology, Evinrude's ETEC G-2 outboard motor is not just another new outboard. Analysts are calling it a "game-changer," and you can read all about in our article on page 16. If the Prestige boats and Evinrude outboards bring a smile to your face, then another thing that makes boaters very happy is their pets, specifically their dogs. Boating and pets are a natural combination, and nearly every Great Lakes marina describes itself as "pet-friendly." It is estimated that between 10 to 33 percent of marina slipholders have pets on their vessels. Most marinas don't have any specific rules and regulations about pets. They just ask boaters to use common sense. Read the article on page 30 to discover the "joys" they experience when they have their pets onboard. They're part of the family. If there's one variable that can put a "crimp" in boating, it's the weather. The recently released National Climate Assessment Report provides some startling news on this topic for boaters and sportsfishermen. The report's major message is that climate change is occurring now, human activity is a major cause of climate disruption, and now is the time to do something about this or face more dire consequences in the future. As far as the Great Lakes are concerned, the report notes that climate change does not have the same negative effects as it does on the two coasts. Still warmer temperatures, more severe rainfall events, and less ice cover will exacerbate our water quality problems, increase the number of invasive species in our waters, and change the distribution of fish species. Find out more about climate change's impacts by reading our article beginning on page 26. If you're looking for something new and exciting this summer, check out our article on drones (page 34). While most of us picture drones as those armed vehicles flying the skies in Afghanistan, those are the "steroid" version of drones. We're talking about unmanned vehicles that boaters can equip with cameras to capture fishing and sailing events. A terrific spot for any boating activity this summer is Leland, Mich., our destination spotlight. This historic area caters to all the members of the family and offers plenty of fun things to do when you arrive at Leelanau Peninsula. See our story on page 20. And don't forget to do more boating this summer! It's fun, relaxing, and the perfect summertime activity. WHERE BOATERS GO FOR NEWS Publisher & Editor in Chief F. Ned Dikmen Managing Editor Karen Malonis Associate Editor Jerome A. Koncel Contributing Writers Ron Banks Emma Norton Editorial Intern Brandon Smith Art Direction Steve Jones Advertising | Sales Inquiries Neil Dikmen p 312.266.8400 • f 312.266.8470 e email@example.com GREAT LAKES BOATING® Magazine (ISSN 1937-7274) © 2014 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@example.com. 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 selfaddressed 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 office. 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 offices of Great Lakes Boating Magazine. For reprints contact: FosteReprints, p 800.382.0808 or f 219.879.8366. 4 GLB | July/Augus t 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES Features 20 DEPARTMENTS Departments OTC PRESTIGE 550 FLYBRIDGE LOA: BEAM: DRAFT (HULL): FUEL: .................... 58'9" .................... 15'8" ....................3'10" ....................581 gals • PRESTIGE ................................. 10 • LELAND MICHIGAN ....................... 20 • CLIMATE CHANGE ........................ 26 • PETS ON BOATS ........................... 30 Spotlight SPOTLIGHTS • EVINRUDE'S NEXT GENERATION .. 16 • SWIMMING SAFETY ................... 18 • NY SEA GRANT SAFETY ............ 24 • BOATS AND DRONES ................ 34 • PERSONAL WATER SAFETY ....... 38 16 The 550 Flybridge from Prestige Yachts represents a harmonious blend of design, power, and safety. Graceful lines and luxurious materials are paired with optimal use of onboard space and classic style for a "prestige" feel. There are four gathering areas and an aft galley in its open floor plan design. Three staterooms plus crew quarters are located below. The full-beam master stateroom provides plenty of privacy and comfort. In addition, the forward sunpad and forward stateroom offer innovations that expand their usefulness. The sunpad has a bench seat at its forward end and a pop-up shade to provide protection from too much sun, while the forward stateroom has twin berths that can be converted to a queen-sized bed. The Prestige 550 features a pod propulsion system and a specially designed hull that deliver exceptional performance, notable fuel efficiency, and unparalleled handling at sea. The v-shaped hull and the optimal deadrise at the transom ensure comfortable steering and stability through choppy seas, along with extremely low noise and vibration levels. It is the perfect vessel for those boaters who seek the seamless integration of form with function. PRESTIGE NORTH AMERICA 105 Eastern Ave, Ste.202, Annapolis, MD 21403 410-280-2775 www.prestige-yachts.com SPRING BROOK MARINA 623 N 2553rd Rd. Seneca, IL 61341 815-357-8666 www.springbrookmarina.com IN the THE NEWS In News • GREAT LAKES .............................. 42 • FISHING .................................... 46 • MARINAS.................................. 48 • NATIONAL ................................. 50 • SAILING .................................... 52 • PUBLISHER'S NOTE...........................04 • EDITORIALS ........................................ 08 • NEW PRODUCTS ...............................54 • BOAT CARE AND FEEDING..................56 • EVENTS CALENDAR ..........................58 • MARINE MART..................................60 • ADVERTISER INDEX ..........................61 visit: greatlakesboating.com on your tablet or smartphone GREAT LAKES BOATING • READ • Great Lakes Boating now o ers boaters a free weekly digital newsletter to keep them informed about news, issues, and events of the Great Lakes. GLB NEWSLETTER A L E RT !!! Visit www.greatlakesboating.com and register by entering your email address into the appropriate box. Sell your boat on our NEW redesigned Classified Section 6 GLB | July/Augus t 14 EDITORIALS NEW DIRECTIONS FOR BOATING'S FUNDS When the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced in May that it would be distributing more than $16 million to boost recreational boating across the nation, not everyone involved with boating and shing viewed it as good news. Here's why. USFWS awarded $14.27 million in Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) competitive grants to 10 states and the District of Columbia. e Service also provided approximately $2.48 million to 27 states, commonwealths and territories that were willing to match smaller, non-competitive grants dedicated to boating infrastructure projects. e money for these BIG grants comes from recreational boaters and sports shermen. Speci cally, USFWS receives money from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, whose funds come from manufacturers, boaters, and sports shermen who routinely pay excise and other taxes on certain shing and boating equipment, gear, and gasoline. is tax money goes directly to the Trust fund, which entrusts it to USFWS, which selects projects that will bene t recreational boaters and sports shermen, along with sh and wildlife habitats. A closer look at where these funds go shows that much of it is used to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities for transient boaters (those staying 10 days or fewer) who pilot vessels that are 26 feet or more in length and are used for recreation. ere's nothing wrong with the overall goal of this e ort, which is to fund projects that will bene t recreational boating, sports shing, and sh and wildlife habitats. e problem is in the execution, that is, the selecting of projects that will receive these funds. e nation doesn't need to build more transient slips because we already have an excess, particularly in the Great Lakes. It seems as though this money is being wasted bacause the BIG program is building more transient slips at a time when the number of transient boaters is diclining. is must change. We need to set new directions in where we're pu ing our money. Se ing new priorities, changing directions will not be easy because USFWS is hamstrung by federal regulations in awarding these grant funds. ey have been awarding BIG funds for the same projects for more than 30 years, and it's time for a change. Instead of routinely reauthorizing these grant funds, our federal legislators should take a second look and determine the "best use of these funds." ese funds come from boaters and anglers and should be used to bene t boaters, and anglers, but what's the best use for them? We believe the best use is for dredging our harbors and maintaining our decaying infrastructures. We wrote about this in the March/April issue (pgs. 24-26), and now we reiterate the need for funds to maintain our marinas and harbors throughout the Great Lakes. e time has come to change what we consider "boosts to recreational boating." e BIG program uses money from boaters for the good of boating. But the money must be used wisely if recreational boating is to grow, thrive, and develop well into the 21st century and beyond. It cannot and should not be spent on just any projects, but rather on essential ones that help our existing marinas and harbors maintain and grow their operations. JOIN US The VOICE of 4.3 Million Boaters greatlakesboatingfederation.org 8 GLB | July/Augus t 14 LEGISLATIVE STANDOUTS In many of our editorials, we o en criticize various government agencies for their lack of concern for the needs and desires of recreational boaters and sports shermen. is issue, we o er our gratitude to two legislators who work tirelessly to promote and support recreational boating and sports shing: Rep. Candace Miller (10th District) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, both of Michigan. When President Obama signed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) into law in June, he acknowledged that recreational boating is a signi cant contributor to the nation's economy as well as a growth engine for local communities. Recreational boaters and sports shermen applauded this legislation, which now requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider other factors besides tonnage in making dredging funding decisions. WRRDA is a prime example of government hearing the cries of boaters for more dredging of small harbors to secure free and easy access to the waters of the Great Lakes, and for this they owe a great deal to Rep. Candace Miller, who spearheaded the e orts to pass this bill. As the only Great Lakes legislator on the House and Senate conference commi ee resolving the language of WRRDA, Rep. Miller spoke passionately about the Great Lakes as a national treasure the country cannot a ord to ignore. She urged her conferees to add a provision to WRRDA that classi es the Great Lakes as a uni ed navigation system. is will qualify the Great Lakes for more funding, ensuring that individual ports aren't competing against each other for federal funds. In shepherding the bill through the House of Representatives, Rep. Miller said that federal funding to the Great Lakes has been sparse. She insisted that WRRDA designate 15 percent of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund each year for the dredging of smaller recreational harbors in the Great Lakes. Miller said the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund money comust be used to bene t all harbors, not just large ones. e way to do this is by having the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge the small harbors on the Great Lakes. Sen. Debbie Stabenow is Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Commi ee. She co-wrote the Farm Bill of 2014 and was instrumental in having it include a $2.4 billion, ve-year investment in farming conservation e orts the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) that will also go a long way in keeping the waters of the Great Lakes clean. e RCPP seeks to develop public-private partnerships to foster soil conservation and promote be er farming methods. Sen. Stabenow got the Great Lakes to be designated as one of eight priority regions across the country that will receive RCPP funds to keep phosphorusladen farm soil out of the streams and rivers leading to the Great Lakes. We applaud Sen. Stabenow for her e orts to not only keep the soil on the farm, but also out of the rivers and streams leading into the Great Lakes. It is this type of thinking and action that will keep our waters clean. If you know of any outstanding e orts by local, state, or federal legislators to aid recreational boating and sports shing on the Great Lakes, please send us that information by phone: 312-266-8400 or email: info@ greatlakesboating.com so that we can acknowledge them. Want to Comment? T G L B . ? WANT TO KNOW THE LATEST NEWS? AGR EE? DISAGR EE? greatlakesboating.com | 9 10 GLB | July/Augus t 14 Specifications: LOA ..................................................................................... 58'9" Beam .................................................................................. 15'8" Draft ................................................................................... 3'10" Fuel..................................................................................... 581 gal. PRESTIGE 550 When people talk about "classics," they're describing vessels whose design and functionality are timeless. Such is the case with the Prestige 550, a one-of-a-kind classic that showcases how power and security can be built in harmony with outstanding design. The first thing that strikes boaters boarding the 550 is the elegant, distinctive design of the flybridge, which features an elongated profile with sleek lines. The boat's interior design is contemporary, yet exhibits an innovative flair in the layout of living spaces, incorporating clever details for enhanced comfort and products of skilled craftsmanship for a touch of luxury. The main deck houses the galley, dining area, and lounging spaces. The Prestige 550 has three cabins that can accommodate as many as six guests, and if need be, the crew cabin is available for additional guests. The master stateroom has a private access from the salon and features an en suite head with a separate shower stall. It is the only boat this size with a walk-in closet in the master stateroom. greatlakesboating.com | 11 PRESTIGE 450 For Prestige engineers and designers, the opportunity to join the Volvo IPS propulsion system with the Prestige hull would be the ultimate combination. Today, that marriage is a reality in the Prestige 450. Prestige designed the hull on its 450 model specifically for use with Volvo's D6 IPS 500 and 600 engines. To optimize all the advantages of this propulsion system, Prestige came up with a hull that results in easy maneuverability, superior performance, increased fuel efficiency, and reduced vibration and noise. The Prestige 450 is surprisingly comfortable on board. Its large cockpit overlooks the rear and hydraulic swim platform (which is an optional fixture). A large amount of storage is accessible from the platform, which is able to hold a six foot deflated dinghy. The flybridge has a large sun deck at the front, a dual pilot bench, and a large lounge at the rear. The wide gunwale gives easy access to the sun deck. The 450 has a dual-cabin layout with independent access to the full beam master cabin with its en suite head and separate walk-in shower. The forward cabin opens to the second head and shower. There's also a separate entrance to the companionway, which allows this to also serve as a day head. Specifications: LOA ..................................................................................... 45'9" Beam .................................................................................. 14'1" Draft ................................................................................... 3'5" Fuel..................................................................................... 317 gal. 12 GLB | July/Augus t 14 PRESTIGE 500 The concept behind the 500 Prestige rests on two key principles: perfect harmony in design and the assurance of power and safety. With 180 units of this model sold, the Prestige 500 is unparalleled among 50-foot flybridge luxury yachts. The deck plan is designed to facilitate life onboard, with a wide side deck, a forward sun deck sheltered by a sun awning, and a spacious cockpit that opens onto the aft swim platform and hydraulic gangway. The open cockpit, the interior saloon, the helm station, and cabins have been designed for relaxed gatherings while still providing space for privacy. Located near the galley and sheltered by the large flybridge, the cockpit features direct access to the generous master cabin that is flooded with natural light and has its own private head and shower compartment. The 500 also features two additional cabins that can be configured with double or single berths. For the boater who wants to feel the integration of form with function with the assurance of riding in a safe and secure vessel that can withstand rough seas and storms, the 500 Prestige is the answer. Specifications: LOA ..................................................................................... 49'10" Beam .................................................................................. 14'9" Draft ................................................................................... 3'5" Fuel..................................................................................... 343 gal. greatlakesboating.com | 13 PRESTIGE 620 A new world of luxury, comfort, and high technology awaits the individual on the Prestige 620. Designed by the Garroni Design group, the Prestige 620 shows a fine balance between its exterior design and light-filled interior. The interior space has been maximized to include a large saloon and separate dining area, a centered galley and three cabins, all furnished with the finest materials. Michael Peters, one of the world's most renowned yacht designers, designed the boat's infusion-molded hull. This allows the Prestige 620 to use Volvo's IPS propulsion system, which is at the cutting edge of current technology, and enables the yacht to ride smoothly and make smooth calculated turns even in rough waters. The Prestige 620 is the first model of the Prestige Yachts division, whose goal is to combine luxury, comfort, and state-of-the-art technology in a yacht that is synonymous with all that the Prestige brand stands for. Specifications: LOA ..................................................................................... 63'11" Beam .................................................................................. 16'9" Draft ................................................................................... 4'3" Fuel..................................................................................... 740 gal. www.prestige-yachts.com See the Prestige models at the exclusive Great Lakes Prestige dealer that is located in the heart of Chicagoland. SPRING BROOK MARINA 623 N. 2553rd Rd. Seneca, IL 61341 815-357-8666 www.springbrookmarina.com 14 GLB | July/Augus t 14 Power & Choice EVINRUDE 16 GLB | July/Augus t 14 BRP recently unveiled a new two-stroke outboard engine that it promises will produce up to 75 percent fewer total regulated emissions, 15 percent better fuel efficiency, and 20 percent more torque than other leading four-stroke engines. In showcasing the engine to reporters in June, BRP said its Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboard engine delivers unrivaled performance with best-in-class torque and fuel efficiency, along with the lowest total emissions of any outboard. The E-TEC G2 will be available this fall in sizes ranging from 200 hp to 300 horsepower. Evinrude says the new engine offers the first and only customizable look in the marketplace, while combining clean rigging with fully integrated digital controls. The innovations of the E-TEC G2 allow boaters to choose the perfect combination of boat and engine. The E-TEC G2 gives customers hundreds of customizable color combinations. Users can choose from five side panel colors, five top and front panel colors, and 14 accent colors to design an engine look that matches that of any boat. The angular look of the G2 engine is unlike any other outboard in the market, and Evinrude said that's by design. The engineering expertise behind the E-TEC G2 engine is fluid dynamic computer modeling that produced the most efficient piston/cylinder design in the industry. The two piston chambers are the source behind the engine's outstanding torque and long-term reliability. Evinrude says this engine provides 15 percent better fuel efficiency than competitive outboards. Additional features like the new i-Trim system and dynamic power steering give users an unparalleled amount of control. The i-Trim automatically trims the boat out at any speed, giving even the newest of captains the ability to trim their vessel like a seasoned pro. The hydraulic power steering is integrated directly into the midsection of the engine and provides three levels of assistance that are designed to deliver superior handling and more control in tight turns. Evinrude engineers completely redesigned the engine's fully integrated digital controls to give captains better command of the engine. The ICON Touch display is rugged, easy-to-use, and provides all of the necessary information needed while on the water. It allows for dynamic power steering modes, activates i-Trim, and allows the user to toggle between foot and hand throttle. The next generation engine is backed by an unmatched warranty and best-in-class fuel efficiency. Evinrude's G2 engines come with a 5-year engine warranty, 5-year corrosion warranty, and 500 hours with no dealer-scheduled maintenance. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ENGINE AND HOW TO BUILD A CUSTOM E-TEC, VISIT www.chooseyouretec.com greatlakesboating.com | 17 US SWIM SCHOOL Association NATURAL BODIES OF WATER CAN POSE A GREATER DROWNING RISK THAN SWIMMING POOLS Provides TIPS TO STAY SAFE While Boating hile many parents worry about their children's safety around swimming pools, as they should and need to do, drowning incidents can also occur in natural bodies of water. Safety precautions need to be taken around all water environments. According to the Center for Disease Control, about half of all drowning incidents occur in natural water settings such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. And, almost 75 percent of people killed in boating accidents die as a result of drowning. As the summer boating season begins, there are steps parents can be taking to keep their children safer in the water. The United States Swim School Association has put together the following guidelines to help keep children safe while boating this summer. W • MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY WEAR A LIFEJACKET. ALWAYS HAVE CHILDREN UNDER 12 WEAR A LIFEJACKET AT ALL TIMES WHEN BOATING OR USING PERSONAL WATERCRAFT. • PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDS) SHOULD ALWAYS BE U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED. NEVER SUBSTITUTE WATER WINGS OR OTHER RECREATIONAL TYPE FLOATING TOYS FOR AN APPROVED PFD. • CREATE A WATER SAFETY PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILY AND HAVE WATER EMERGENCY DRILLS WITH YOUR KIDS COVERING HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF SOMEONE STRUGGLING IN WATER AND WHAT TO DO IN THIS TYPE OF EMERGENCY. • TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE "THROW, DON'T GO" RESCUE METHOD. INSTEAD OF ENTERING THE WATER TO HELP A STRUGGLING PERSON, TEACH YOUR CHILD TO THROW IN A ROPE, REACH WITH A STICK, PADDLE OR OTHER OBJECT TO PULL THE PERSON IN. • IF YOU TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A SHORE EXCURSION WHILE BOATING, BE AWARE OF TIDES AND CURRENTS AND OTHER RISKS THE OCEAN OR BEACH MAY HAVE. • NON-MOTORIZED BOATS CAN ALSO POSE A RISK. IF YOUR FAMILY IS CANOEING OR KAYAKING BE SURE YOUR CHILD IS WEARING A LIFEJACKET AND KNOWS WHAT TO DO IF THE BOAT FLIPS. • IF YOUR CHILD IS PLAYING NEAR A NATURAL BODY OF WATER AND ACCIDENTALLY FALLS IN, TEACH YOUR CHILD TO ROLL OVER ON HIS OR HER BACK AND FLOAT UNTIL HELP ARRIVES IF EXITING THE WATER IS NOT AN OPTION. • NEVER USE FLOTATION DEVICES OR WATER WINGS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE IN THE WATER. RELY ON YOUR DIRECT SUPERVISION. Swimming lessons are a great addition to help keep your child safer while boating and around open water. For more information about swimming lessons and water safety and to find a Unites States Swim School Association member swim school near you, visit: www.usswimschools.org. 18 GLB | July/Augus t 14 Leland Leland …..A Historic Harbor of Beauty MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO, THE "LEELANAU THEME SONG" WAS WRITTEN, AND ITS LYRICS PAINT A PICTURE OF THE MAGIC AND WONDER OF LELAND: Remember the picnics we had in the spring The sails in the moonlight the Sunday night Sing The calm of the lake on a still summer night, Leelanau, Leelanau Land of Delight. Carefree days, starry nights, cherry blossoms, northern lights The after glow when the sun has set.. These are things I'll never forget….. The words of this theme song are as true today as they were a century ago. 20 GLB | July/Augus t 14 History The history of Leland, Mich., centers around Fishtown, a collection of fishing shanties, smokehouses, overhanging docks, and fish tugs that line the Leland River. Today, this weathered collection still exists thanks to the efforts of the Fishtown Preservation Society, and it is still the first thing visitors spot when they arrive at Leland Harbor. A stroll through historic Fishtown uncovers shanties that are now filled with eclectic shops and food emporiums along the Carp River below the dam. Who can resist a stop at the Dam Candy Store? Or lunch on the deck at Rick's Café? Or simply spending a day at The Cove while watching salmon jump the rapids? Transient boaters arriving at Leland Harbor will discover a newly renovated marina with 61 slips, along with a new welcome center that offers showers, free WiFi, and other amenities. They'll also have time to view spectacular sunsets over North and South Manitou Island that display a pallet of oranges, pinks, purples, and deep blues that are extraordinary every night. Don't take our word about these amazing sunsets. Check out USA Today, which voted Leland's sunsets as the "2nd Best Sunset in America" in 2013. This ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors is spectacular any time, but may be even better with an ice cream in hand from the Harbor House. Visitors looking for a day trip can pack a lunch from the Village Cheese Shanty and jump aboard one of the Manitou Transit ferries for a trip out to South Manitou Island. This trip is noteworthy because it passes the now automated Manitou Shoal Light House and the impressive natural beauty of Sleeping Bear National Park, voted "the most beautiful place in America" in 2012. The options Leland is known as one of the best sportsfishing ports in Michigan, and Charter Captain Jack Duffy explains why. "There are fishing trips and then there are fishing adventures... a fishing adventure is a happening, a wonderful outdoor experience, and one filled with angling excitement that will keep a hot fire burning inside every person aboard the boat," said Duffy. That's the Leland fishing adventure. Salmon and trout are plentiful in the deep waters that run through the Manitou Passage. Those individuals who want their fish without the adventure can stop at Carlson's Fishery for the fresh catch of the day. A visit to Carlson's is a step back in time as the Carlson family has operated this local fishery for more than a century. Nels Carlson, who emigrated from Norway, passed the fishery down to Will, Lester, Bill, and now fifth generation Nels Carlson with co-owner Joe Campo. While providing delicious fresh and smoked fish every day, Carlson's Fishery preserves a remarkable working model of history. One block up from the harbor is Main Street and a picturesque small town of fun shopping, great food, and wine tasting that visitors fall in love with. Morning coffee and breakfast starts at 7 a.m. at Trish's Dishes, The Early Bird, and Leelanau Books. For the very early risers, Sisson's Specialty Foods, one block to the north, is the place to go because it brews its coffee well before sunrise. All photos by Meggen Watt Petersen greatlakesboating.com | 21 Leland At night, Leland has a range of casual to fine dining options. The Bluebird Tavern & Restaurant has been Leland's anchor eatery for almost 90 years. The Leland Lodge is the spot for an evening of fine wine tasting, tapas, and great dining overlooking North Lake Leelanau. When they're ready for dinner, visitors can call the Leland Lodge and it will send its souped up "green machine" golf cart to pick them up at the dock. For the ultimate dining experience, visitors can dine at the Riverside Inn on the bank of the Leland River. Its fivestar service, food, and wine list are only dwarfed by the small inn ambiance that makes every patron want to call this place "home." Leland also caters to shoppers with options for everyone. Visitors can stock up on provisions and prepared foods at the Leland Mercantile. From there, they can visit the Leland Toy Co. for everything from checkers to the latest games and party supplies, and a stop at the famous Hot Dog Cart is a must. Local artists display their beautifully crafted "Leland Blues" and Petoskeys at Becky Thatcher's, Roxanne's, and Aurora Borealis, while Two Fish Galleries, Tampico, and At the Lake not only feature local artists, but also quality gifts galore. Leland's Lizzie Lambert started her Haystacks clothing dynasty on Main Street, from which the fashion hunt can continue at Molly's, Rustic Roots, Leland Gal, Green Goodness, and more! When the sun is shining, the area's pristine beaches are the perfect spot to "chill." Grab a towel, pack a picnic, and head north or south from the harbor to find sandy beaches. To the south, Van's Beach, named after Leland's four-generation specialty auto repair and classic car shop, offers a wide stretch of sand for sunbathing, swimming, and rock hunting. To the north, North Beach is just beyond the breakwall. Here one can eat lunch and hike for miles and miles along the towering Clay Cliffs. On a rainy day, visitors can check out the Leland Historical Museum and the local library, which are just one block south of the bridge. And visitors should also check out the Old Art Building's calendar for music, film, and art events. Don't forget the biking trails. Leelanau Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places to bike in the country. It's home to the M22 Challenge and numerous marathons, triathlons, and bike races. The trails are open to boaters who keep their own bikes on board their vessels or to those who want to rent bikes by going to George's, which is three blocks up River Street. Leelanau Peninsula invites everyone to work off all that fabulous food and get energized for the day ahead by taking a bike ride. Heading up from the harbor, bikers can turn right or left on Main Street (M22) and be off on a 15-mile ride around spectacular North Lake Leelanau. Bikers will cross the bridge in the town of Lake Leelanau, where they might just stop to visit more shops or take in a local spot for wine and food. Hint: many cyclists are attracted to the Pedaling Beans coffee and food shop, and this is where cycling enthusiasts will find plenty of company. For those people who would rather be on Lake Leelanau instead of biking around it, stop in at Stander Marine to rent jet skis and pontoon boats, paddleboards from the Harbor House, or head down to Meadow's Bay below the Leland Lodge for a great day at the beach on the six-mile inland sand bottom lake. Russell Dzuba is Leland's Harbormaster, and he promises to help boaters with transportation and other arrangements no matter if they're staying for a day or a week. For more information, visit the website: www.lelandmi.com. 22 GLB | July/Augus t 14 YORK NEW SEA GRANT OFFERS A TOP NOTCH WHEN THE U.S. COAST GUARD REPORTED EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT BOATING FATALITIES HAD REACHED AN ALL-TIME RECORD LOW, IT PROMPTED GLB TO ASK WHY AND TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY EXEMPLARY SAFE BOATING EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN THE GREAT LAKES. WHILE WE FOUND MANY OUTSTANDING PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE REGION, IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG FOR US TO RECOGNIZE NEW YORK SEA GRANT'S (NYSG) CLEAN & SAFE BOATING EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AS A TOP NOTCH SAFETY PROGRAM. THE GOAL OF THIS EFFORT IS TO KEEP THE PUBLIC UP-TO-DATE ABOUT REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT, ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND BOATING PRACTICES, AND EFFECTIVE METHODS TO REDUCE THE TRANSPORT OF INVASIVE SPECIES. SAFETY PROGRAM HISTORY Since its inception in 2008, the Discover Clean & Safe Boating campaign, which NYSG developed in partnership with the Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York and with extensive support from marine industry representatives, has educated more than half-a-million boaters about how to be legal, safe, and environmentally friendly on New York waters. The annual campaign features a different type of vessel provided by New York state manufacturers and dealers each year. The traveling exhibit equips the boats with all the required and recommended equipment for clean, safe, and lawful boating. The 2014 Discover Clean & Safe Boating educational vessel is a two-seat 'water mouse' just 10 feet long. "I love that my little boat is traveling on a public service mission with New York Sea Grant," said Patti White of Pirate's Cove Marina and Resort on the Oneida River in Clay, N.Y., who has donated the use of the boat. "We need to encourage every boater to be safety conscious in any size boat." NYSG's Coastal Recreation and Tourism Specialist Dave White developed the award-winning campaign, and it incorporates the National Safe Boating Council's Wear It! message to encourage the use of lifejackets. It also uses the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers materials and the "Clean, Drain, Dry" message to encourage boaters to help slow the spread of aquatic invasive species. "'Clean, Drain, Dry' refers to easy-to-implement steps boaters can take whenever they launch their boats to help reduce the spread of invasive species that can impact boating venues and the coastal economies that thrive on marine-related activities," said White. STATS AND OUTREACH Since its founding more than six years ago, the campaign has steadily expanded its educational outreach: • More than 500,000 boaters/potential boaters have seen the exhibit at 50+ events • More than 60 media interviews have featured the project— including Great Lakes Boating! • A 12-foot canoe was added to include paddlesports and is now a permanent part of the exhibit • Outreach has developed to include diverse audiences, including deaf and hearing-impaired boaters, anglers, paddlesport enthusiasts, dog owners, and first responders • Watercraft inspection education was added See next page N.Y. SEA GRANT IS PRESENTING ITS CLEAN AND SAFE BOATING PROGRAM AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES IN THE COMING WEEKS: JULY 25-27: Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show, Skaneateles Lake, Skaneateles, N.Y. AUGUST 5-7: Empire Farm Days, with in-pond demonstrations at Rodman Lott and Son Farms, Seneca Falls, N.Y. AUGUST 21-SEPTEMBER 1: The Great New York State Fair, Syracuse, N.Y. SEPTEMBER 5-7: Clear 'Em Out Fall Boat Show and Sale, Syracuse Fairgrounds, Syracuse, N.Y. 24 GLB | July/Augus t 14 • In-water lifejacket/safety demonstrations have educated hundreds of people about personal safety for themselves, their families, passengers and pets. OTHER RESULTS In 2011, the Clean and Safe Boating campaign gained a little more acclaim when it became a May-October monthly Discover Better Boating segment that aired, and is still on a cable television system reaching 25 counties with approximately 550,000 viewers. The series is driven by New York Sea Grant and sponsored by the BIA of Upstate New York. Comments on public survey forms distributed at the N.Y. shows offering the Clean and Safe Boating Program indicate an increased awareness of the importance of wearing lifejackets and of the most current boating laws and regulations. Anecdotally, NYSG has seen more PFD displays and stuffed animals wearing lifejackets at the CNY Boat Show each February. This past February, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 21 presented White with its 2013 Wear It! award for excellence in teaching the public about lifejacket safety. White and Currier also received letters of appreciation from U.S. Coast Guard District 9/Great Lakes. In addition, four international marine industry conferences have recognized the Discover Clean & Safe Boating campaign as a model marine industry partnership program. TESTIMONIAL In 2014, New York's first responders who handle water-related emergencies received Cold Water Rescue Training from White at the 2014 Central New York State Boat Show. In the weeks following the training, Dale Currier, Oswego County Office of Emergency Management Director, received a letter from the City of Oswego Fire Department in appreciation for the training. The letter noted that two of the department's professional firefighter-paramedics applied the training to save a life within a week of the show. Firefighter-Paramedic Raymond Abbott said, "Within a week of the training, we responded to a hypothermia call with an unresponsive victim. We applied the training that was a good review for us and the victim later walked out of the hospital without any deficits." Firefighter-Paramedic Christopher Stupp added, "The work of fire and EMS providers is so diverse now that we are constantly training. The cold survival training [received] at the February boat show refreshed the finer details for a type of call that we do not often respond to in the city." "Maintaining our own well-being and safety (as emphasized in the training) is a priority so that we can help those in need," Abbott noted. For more information, contact Dave White at 315-312-3042, www.nyseagrant.org. Photos by Brian P. What tam greatlakesboating.com | 25 Third National Climate Assessment (NCA) report came out on May 6 and delivered a stark message: climate change is real, it's happening right now, humans are the major driving force behind climate disruption, and if we don't act now to do something about climate change, we'll face dire consequences in the future. After the long, cold, snowy winter that the Great Lakes endured in 2013-2014, it's hard to believe these major findings are true. At the same time, nearly everyone believes this past winter was an aberration and not a true indicator of the region's normal winter climate. Perhaps the most startling fact from the NCA report is that it singles out human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, as the major force behind climate disruption. The report states: "Human activities have dramatically altered the world's climate, oceans, land, ice cover, and ecosystems, resulting in impacts on almost every sector, including human health, agriculture, infrastructure, and natural resources. In the United States, climate change has already resulted in more frequent heat waves, extreme precipitation, larger wildfires, and water scarcity. These are serious challenges that directly affect families, communities, and jobs across the nation and all over the world. The only way to prepare and respond effectively is with a sound understanding of the changes underway and the threats and opportunities they present over time." For those people who doubt, question, or dismiss this report as another example of government exaggeration, please note that 97 percent of the nation's scientists believe climate change is real. Moreover, this NCA Report is the culmination of a three-year analytical effort undertaken by a team of more than 300 climate scientists, who were aided by input from 70 technical workshops held across the country, along with numerous interviews with countless stakeholders. One of the good things about this voluminous report is that it breaks down the effects of climate change on various sectors of the economy and regions of the country, including the Midwest and the Great Lakes. As far as the Great Lakes are concerned, the NCA report states that this region can expect to see more warmer days, less ice cover, more intense rainstorms, and these changes will probably exacerbate certain risks already existing, most notably the influx of more invasive species, the formation of blue-green algae blooms, and the disruption of the marine ecosystem. On the positive side, climate change in the Great Lakes will result in longer growing seasons for crops and longer seasons for commercial navigation and recreational boating. So how do the major findings of the NCA report mesh with this past winter, which saw more than 90 percent of the Great Lakes covered by ice and average temperatures that were among the coldest since temperatures were first recorded? The answer is that the NCA report extracts trends from the last 50 years, while the winter of 2013-14 was one of a kind. Two basic climate change trends the NCA report highlights about the Midwest and Great Lakes are warmer temperatures and less ice cover. "From 1973 to 2010, Great Lakes average annual ice cover declined by 71 percent. Lake levels have been near a record sustained low since reaching record highs in the 1980s," 26 GLB | July/Augus t 14 said Elizabeth Gibbons, project manager, Great Lakes Integrated Sciences + Assessments Center (GLISA), Ann Arbor, Mich. When asked how climate change will impact recreational boating and sportsfishing on the Great Lakes, Gibbons responded, "There will be more frequent and severe storms, increased risk of harmful algal blooms from agricultural runoff, and great stress on some coldwater fish species that may negatively impact boating and fishing." On the other side of the coin, Gibbons noted that longer, ice-free seasons and warmer temperatures may give recreational boaters and sportsfishermen more of an opportunity to enjoy their activities for much longer timeframes. This will certainly be good news for the region's tourism and recreational economies, specifically marinas and fishing locations. In the short-term, Gibbons notes that climate change will have little affect on the activities of recreational boaters and sportsfishermen in the Great Lakes, especially when compared to the changing variability these sportsmen already encounter on a yearly basis. A review of the NCA report shows that boaters and fishermen should not ignore the impacts of climate change. They must learn to adapt to climate change. In fact, the report urges everyone to make decisions to limit the amount of climate change caused by human beings and limit the extent of its damaging impacts. The unstated implication is that if we don't do something about it now, we will face severe problems down the road. A failure to confront climate change will limit the potential success of restoration efforts, including those of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a federal initiative designed to restore the environmental integrity of the region. A recent analysis of GLRI efforts by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that while they were quite successful, any assessment of the program's efforts were limited because they did not include any review of the climate assessment's impact. When asked what impact, if any, climate change will have on future GLRI efforts, Cameron Davis, senior advisor to EPA Region 5 administrator Susan Hedman, said, "The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan covering FY15-19 will help guide investments to make sure projects stand up to the test of a changing climate." Great Lakes Sea Grant programs and researchers at universities and colleges in the region point out that climate change will exacerbate a range of risks to the Great Lakes. When asked what these risks are, Amy Samples, project coordinator, Michigan Sea Grant (MSG), Ann Arbor, Mich., replied: —changes in the range and distribution of certain fish species —increased risk of invasive species — an increase in the number and size and harmful effects of algal blooms on the Great Lakes —longer commercial navigation and boating seasons. It's difficult to understand how longer boating seasons could be detrimental to recreational boaters on the Great Lakes, but Samples pointed out that boaters may overlook some of the The reaction of Great Lakes boaters, sportsfishermen, and other stakeholders to this report has been well thought out. The Heal Our Waters Coalition, which represents several major environmental organizations, including the National Wildlife Coalition, the National Defense Fund, and others, said that climate change definitely threatens the health of the Great Lakes as less ice covers the lakes in the winter and water temperatures rise in the summer. In addition, warmer water temperatures will pose the threat of more blue-green algae forming, which are potentially harmful to fish, water quality, wildlife habitat, and even humans. potential pitfalls that may accompany such change, including the possibility of more and larger algae blooms, a greater influx of invasive species, and a changing ecosystem that might reduce certain popular fish species. Samples said these risks are prompting scientists and researchers to ask communities, boaters, and sportsfishermen to be more resilient, more adaptive to climate change. In this regard, GLISA is currently supporting MSG in a project to assist marina and harbor operators in sector-specific problem identification, decision-making, and planning related to climate change adaptation. The project team will also develop an online training module that will be tested at workshops targeting marina and harbor operators. greatlakesboating.com | 27 MSG is working with state agencies, a research team, and six small communities with recreational boating harbors to write up case studies and develop tools that will lead to sustainable small harbor management plans. In recent years, researchers have taken a look at climate change and its impact on various aspects of the Great Lakes. For example, Sarah Nichols, a Michigan State University professor, has written a white paper for GLISA describing how climate change affects recreational tourism. She notes that warmer water temperatures can harm summer tourism because boaters won't be out on the water that much when the temperatures are above 90 degrees. And in the winter, these warmer temps will mean less snow and ice for the winter sports of snowmobiling, snow skiing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and downhill skiing. Climate change is also apparent in discussions of water levels on All Photos by Michigan Sea Grant the Great Lakes. A GLISA Report entitled "Assessing the Impact of Climate Variability and Change on the Great Lakes Evaporation" suggests that the reduced ice cover in the winter, warmer summer water temperatures, and enhanced evaporation rates are the culprits behind the recent decline in Great Lakes water levels. Samples cited three specific things that will help marinas and harbors deal with climate change: enhancing and developing new design standards for marinas, promoting an updated master plan and vision for our coastal harbors and waterfronts, and getting more funds from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for dredging and updating the coastal infrastructure of the Great Lakes. This latter action was recently achieved when President Obama signed into law in June the Water Resource Reform Development Act of 2014. "One of the big problems that we have is the large number of small harbors along Michigan's shorelines that are owned and operated by municipalities that lack the resources to adequately manage this asset," Samples said. She notes that these municipalities depend on these harbors for core economic activity, tourism, and revenue. When climate changes disrupt planned activities, these harbors quickly change from low maintenance assets to large capital liabilities. "We need to develop sustainable small harbor management plans that help anticipate climate change, as well as updating old infrastructure," Samples said. That's why in 2015 The NCA Report notes that while the Midwest region is a disproportionate source of pollution, it also can be a leader in mitigating the risks of climate change. The focus here is to limit climate change by changing human behavior. The first step in this regard took place in June when the Federal EPA called for a 30 percent drop in carbon pollution from fossil fuel burning utilities by 2030. Although no one knows for sure how soon climate change will affect the way people do recreational boating and sportsfishing on the Great Lakes, there is one thing that we know for sure: the more we know about climate change, the better off we will be in adapting to its impact on our daily lives. 28 GLB | July/Augus t 14 By Jerome A. Koncel F or those boaters who have pets and who describe themselves as "pet lovers," this will come as no surprise. To those people who are not "pet lovers," but are fascinated about the attachment boaters have to their pets, here's the explanation. Boaters consider their pets to be members of their family. That's why they take them wherever they go, including on their boats and on the water. that is 10 minutes from downtown Toronto and within easy access to Lake Ontario. He lives year-round on a 50-foot 1964 restored ChrisCraft boat, and his constant companion is Maxine. "Half of my life revolves around her," Carr said. Indicative of this close association is the flag that flies on the boat with the initials "JRT," which stands for Jack Russell Terrier, Maxine's breed. Listening to Carr talk about Maxine, a bundle of energy, is like listening to anyone talk about their wife or best friend. For Carr, Maxine is certainly more than just a dog. "We sail all over the Great Lakes, and she's at my side whenever and wherever we go," Carr said. Carr, who holds a captain's license and is a marine handyman by profession, said that Maxine was born on a boat, and has made it her home for the past nine years. Carr said that Maxine even accompanies him on many of his work trips, including work on a 200-foot long Tall Ship. When he's not working, Carr said that he and Maxine are inseparable. "I can't begin to tell you all the fun and joy I've had with her," said Carr. "She's my partner, my best friend, even my waterskiing partner." Yes, Maxine has her own set of skiis, and Carr takes her waterskiing whenever the opportunity presents itself. The love affair between boaters and pets is not new. actually, it's been around for a long time. In fact, the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark was probably one of the first written accounts of the close relationship between humans and animals, and that relationship continues on to this day. Calls to marinas/harbors on the Great Lakes indicated that nearly all of them consider themselves to be "pet-friendly." Moreover, the number of slipholders who keep pets on their vessels range from 10 percent to nearly 40 percent. Although we did not undertake a scientific survey of all Great Lakes marinas to reach this conclusion, not one of the dozen marinas contacted for this story said they excluded pets from the premises. On the contrary, there was an almost universal acceptance. Half my life Although most recreational boaters are not shy about talking about their pets, Ron Carr stands out. A year-round liveaboard boater, Carr and his dog, Maxine, are probably one of the best examples of why boaters and pets are so intimately connected. Captain Ron, as he is known to his many friends, docks his vessel at the Outer Harbour Marina in Toronto, Ontario, a 650-slip facility 30 GLB | July/Augus t 14 Carr's relationship with Maxine goes a lot further than that of most animal lovers. He willingly tells anyone who listens that Maxine keeps him sane. "She's full of life, and keeps me grounded in the things that really count," said Carr. He added that he doesn't need an exercise program with Maxine around, because she's always on the go. When asked if he takes any special precautions with Maxine, Carr said "No." He notes that Maxine knows her way around the ChrisCraft, so he doesn't put a lifejacket on her. "I do put a lifejacket on her when we're traveling because you never know when rough seas and storms will hit," said Carr. Carr may be that "exception," when it comes to boating and pets, but the rule for most boaters and their pets is that they like being out on the water for a good time. Carr notes, for example, that his boat is docked next to an island, so even if he and Maxine aren't out on the water, he can take Maxine to the land nearby where there's plenty of room for her to run around and enjoy the outdoors. Open spaces, water, and pets are also a great combination for Lee and Jennifer Meinke, who dock their boat at SkipperBud's Marina in Marblehead, Ohio. The Meinkes own two dogs. One is a little Pomeranian named Missy. The other is a large Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Heath who the Meinkes describe as "living for the water." The Meinkes don't spend a lot of time on their boat when it's docked in the marina, so when the dogs get on the boat they know they're going somewhere for a good time. "East Harbor State Park is nearby [to the marina] and has a large section of beach designated for dogs," said Jennifer Meinke. "We'll often go out from the marina, anchor off the beach, and let the dogs jump into the water and run around the beach." Missy, the little Pomerian, has a lifejacket that goes on her whenever she's on the boat because she is so small. On the other hand, Heath loves to be in the water, Jennifer Meinke said. When asked if the dogs are any trouble, the Meinkes replied, "The dogs are part of the family. Being on the boat is a big part of our family time, so it just wouldn't be the same if they [the dogs] weren't with us." pet lifejackets are essential greatlakesboating.com | 31 Pet Safety If pets are part of the boating family, then boaters know they need to take care of them. That's why pet lifejackets are essential. Choosing a pet lifejacket may sound like a simple task, but dog owners know it's not something they should take lightly. Although it might seem as if all dogs have an innate ability to swim, many dogs simply don't take well to the water. Low fat types such as grayhounds and others that are old and might have health issues, are particularly at risk. To determine the best lifejackets for pets, BoatUS tested pet lifejackets and published its results in an article that has become an expert guide on the subject (http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2012/ june/ItsADogsLifeJacket). In testing pet lifejackets, BoatUS found that there was no one lifejacket for all size dogs and there are also different types of foam and construction materials in use today, as well as inflatable models. With prices ranging from about $20 to more than $100, there's a lifejacket for every budget. Before purchasing a pet lifejacket, BoatUS recommends asking a few questions: Is the dog likely to jump in the water? Is the dog heavy? Will the dog want to lie down, or will it be active? Answers to these questions are important prerequisites in selecting a lifejacket, but BoatUS said the most important factor in selecting a lifejacket is to take your dog to the store to try it on. While at a store, such as West Marine, BoatUS recommends that boaters try on several models to see how each fits, and how hard or easy it is to adjust for a good fit. Check where the straps hit the animal—you don't want the straps or buckles rubbing sensitive parts. Also, you'll want to check the way the foam padding rides on the dog—too much foam in the wrong place will make it uncomfortable. One feature that testers found universally important: make sure the lifejackets have a lifting strap/handle, which makes getting the dog back into the boat much easier. Other safety features to consider include reflective tape and a jacket made of bright colors to make it easier to spot the dog in the water in adverse conditions. And keep in mind, if the jacket has Velcro-style closures, your dog's shedding might clog it up, and necessitate frequent cleaning. Small dogs such as Carr's Jack Russell Terrier and the Pomeranian the Meinkes own require special fitting attention. Everything from strap and buckle location to the amount and placement of the foam needs to be just right for this size dog to be comfortable. For medium dogs, boaters should note substantial size differences between small and medium pet lifejackets. BoatUS notes that there are a variety of lifejackets, so chose the one that is best for these dogs. BoatUS said that large dogs, such as a 62-pound golden retriever, are more at home in the water than they are on the shore. In choosing their lifejackets, large dogs have a great amount of surface area, which is a factor on a hot summer day, especially for our friends that sport a little more fur. For extra-large dogs, such as the Chesapeake Bay retriever that the Meinkes own, lifejackets need to be more forgiving when it comes to getting a good fit. Adjustments, when needed, should be made quite easily, and the price for the extra-large jackets average around $50. Pet friendly marinas As noted earlier, most marinas describe themselves as "pet friendly facilities." Although this conclusion is not based on any scientific survey, nearly all of the marinas we talked with said that many of their slipholders had pets, the vast majority being dogs, although there were also cats, birds, and other animals. When asked what percentage of slipholders have pets, the answers ranged from 10 percent to 40 percent. Although the marina leases indicated that pets are allowed on the premises, there were no restrictions other than "keeping their dogs on leashes and following the rules of the local city or municipality." Michelle Shrider, marina manager, Washburn Marina, Washburn, Wis., said that dogs are not usually a problem, but recently a slipholder complained that some dogs were barking too loudly at night and disturbing his sleep. Shrider simply talked with the owner of the dogs, explained the situation, and everything was OK. "To make sure there are no more problems, we added [to our lease] that dog owners must keep their pets on leashes and follow the pet rules of the city of Washburn," said Shrider. She indicated that the city's rule on dogs, barking, and other pets aren't very many, but certainly cover any problems her marina would encounter. Rich Larson, president and general manager of Manitowoc Marina, Manitowoc, Wis., said he's never had any problems with boaters and pets, and has nothing written in his leases to cover this matter. "We presume that common sense will dictate pets and boating," said Larson. Pets are family The joys that boaters experience when bringing pets on their boats is genuine, and they want their pets on their vessels everywhere they go. As Ron Carr notes, "My dog is my pet, but she's also the best part of my family." 32 GLB | July/Augus t 14 BY BRANDON SMITH THE PILOTING OF DRONES IS A RAPIDLY EMERGING PHENOMENON. THERE IS NO TELLING HOW MANY ARE CURRENTLY BUZZING AROUND IN THE SKY, AND IT MAY NOT BE LONG BEFORE DOCK MATES ARE PASSING DRINKS FROM ONE SLIP TO ANOTHER VIA MINIATURE HELICOPTERS, BUT BEFORE THIS OCCURS THERE ARE SOME KNOTTY ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE UNTANGLED, THE MOST PRESSING OF WHICH IS PRIVACY. W hether spending a weekend at a marina or yacht club, or simply rafting on a river, boaters enjoy their privacy. The idea of drones peeping at their decks and into their cabins is inconceivable. Although it may be legal for boaters to hover their camera-laden systems over a neighbor's gunwale to see what kind of cocktail they're drinking, marina managers will likely exclude it in their leases. Carrie Neubecker, the general manager of Reef Point Marina, Racine, Wis., said it's hard to determine what kind of rules marinas might put in place because the concept is so new. "There will definitely have to be some policies enforced. Privacy will be one of the biggest issues to face, along with many more unforeseen negativities," she said. "Although the negatives seem to outweigh the positives already, I can also see some benefits from them. It will be an interesting topic when the time arises." 34 GLB |July/Augus t 14 Drones defined The word "drone" tends to spike a bit of fear in the mind's eye. Most people think of the large militarized Reaper and Predator drones most known for their missions in war zones. Though it won't be long before these machines begin returning home—some already have—they are not the "drones" boaters will see whizzing around the marina. The personal consumer-grade drone looks more like a helicopter with anywhere from one to eight rotors. Some are as small as a hummingbird, and others as big as a person. Their cost varies greatly. Recreational devices range from the $20 toy helicopter kids play with, up to $5,000 depending on custom jobs and accompanying camera gear, and sometimes more. On the Great Lakes, drones are already conducting research, creating maps and images, monitoring ecosystems, and in some cases, saving lives. The little robots are being used to film sailboat races and other water sports, and one company—Lakemaid Beer in Wisconsin—even delivered cases of beer to ice fisherman before the FAA forced them to stop. For now, it appears that boating drone hobbyists are few and far between, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. A quick search on YouTube will produce any number of boaters launching, flying, then trying to land their devices back onto the vessel. Most of the drones on the Great Lakes are either prefabricated with expensive cameras or mounted with the ever-popular GoPro—a high definition, waterproof, and shockproof handheld video camera. Because of this eye-in-the sky capability, the question of privacy is always at the forefront of any discussion. When it comes to drones, most state laws currently address their use by police for public surveillance. At least one state, Texas, has recently passed legislation that fines hobbyists for taking photos or videos of people or property. The law states that anyone taking photos of people or property with an unmanned vehicle without permission can be fined for up to $500, with civil penalties of the person or property owner reaching $10,000. Applications As with any new technology, the use of drones is not commonplace. On the other hand, the little unmanned systems can be a lot of fun and are used for some very nifty things. Filmmaking has really caught on in the drone community and there are a lot of independent greatlakesboating.com | 35 photographer/drone pilots popping up. Putting an expensive high-definition camera onto a machine that can fly hundreds of feet in the air and reach speeds in the double digits of miles per hour can produce some of the most stunning videos and images anyone can imagine. Images that once had to be taken by a pilot in a helicopter or airplane can now be produced for a fraction of the cost, and with minimal risk. Keith Brash, a content contributor at SailingAnarchy.com, a website that covers sailboat racing, has been operating camera mounted quadcopters for six months and uses them to primarily film sailboat races. In addition to the joystick that tells his system where to go, he wirelessly syncs his drone camera to a pair of glasses resembling a 3D simulator that gives him a first-person view from the chopper. Though Brash has recorded more than 300 hours of flight time over the water, he admits that it can still be a little risky. "I've lost two [drones] to the water so far," he said. "One of them I lost filming a surf session, and the other fell in the water from some random engine failure." Fortunately for Brash, there are now waterproof options available like the QuadH2o, and further customization gives the pilot a lot of relief while flying over the water. Despite losing some expensive devices, Brash continues 36 GLB |July/Augus t 14 to come back for more because the shots he can get of the boats racing are unparalleled. "The cost [of using drones] is so much lower than using traditional helicopters," he said. "Plus, they're less invasive, and they offer angles and perspectives that can't be achieved any other way." The kind of shots Brash captures is likely the wave of the future for extreme sport filming. It can also be easily transferred into family videos. The day may come when people go on vacation with more than one camera at their disposal, and a mini drone will likely be in the toolkit. Perspective Although drones aren't common now, statistics point to exponential growth in the near future. According to a 2013 report by the Association for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles International, the world's drones are projected to become a $13.6 billion industry within the next five years. It's a booming industry; the technology is becoming cheaper and more user friendly with many personal systems being piloted from smart phones, and it's only a matter of time before drones are everywhere. All photos by Keith Brash largest and oldest non-profit advocacy group for UAVs, SAFE PERSONAL Watercraft Operations By United States Coast Guard Division of Boating Safety TRUE OR FALSE: FALSE! A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC) IS NOT A BOAT, AND THEREFORE ISN'T SUBJECT TO BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS. A PWC IS A VESSEL, SUBJECT TO THE SAME FEDERAL LAWS THAT GOVERN A MOTORBOAT IN THIS CLASS. MANY STATES AND LOCALITIES HAVE ADDITIONAL, SPECIFIC LAWS RELATING TO PWCS. PWCs are generally described as boats less than 13 feet in length, powered by jet pumps, where persons stand, kneel, or sit on— not in—the boats. PWCs have been among the fastest growing segments of the boating community over the past few decades. Powerful and highly maneuverable, PWCs are great fun, but they are high-performance boats, not toys. Because they often are used by younger and less experienced operators, PWCs are unfortunately involved in a high percentage of reportable boating accidents. As with any type of boating, PWC safety starts with knowing your vessel, learning how to operate it properly, and understanding the rules of the road. The best way to learn is by taking a course; PWC boating safety resources include: • The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) (www.nasbla.net/courseListing.php) provides a database of boating safety courses nationwide, including PWC courses. • The PWC Safety School (www.pwcsafetyschool.com) offers an online course for several states, developed in cooperation with NASBLA. • The Coast Guard Auxiliary (www.cgaux.org/boatinged/ ) sponsors a basic PWC safety course that can be taken in conjunction with other boating safety courses. • The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (www.pwia.org/ ) offers excellent resources that promote safe PWC operation. 38 GLB | July/Augus t 14 By law, a PWC must be registered and display its identification number. The PWC operator and all passengers must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. Other required safety equipment includes an appropriate fire extinguisher, daytime distress signal for inland waterways, and a sound-producing device, such as a whistle or horn. PWC manufacturers recommend that all passengers wear wet suits or wet suit bottoms. It's also smart to wear eye protection, gloves, booties or boat shoes, and helmets. Recommended equipment includes a basic first aid kit, water and snacks, sun protection, a current chart for the area, anchor and tow line, extra engine cut-off lanyard, portable marine VHF radio, and a tool kit for simple repairs. Other optional equipment includes an impeller protector and a telescoping paddle. Before going out on the water, make sure to understand the regulations in the particular state and locality. Age requirements for operators and passengers vary by state, and some jurisdictions require a certificate of Personal Watercraft Operations. There may also be local regulations pertaining to speed and hours in areas of operation. And, of course, file a float plan with a close friend or family member for every outing. greatlakesboating.com | 39 Safe Operating Tips for PWCs • Get plenty of practice in calm, uncrowded waters. Learn how the PWC maneuvers when the throttle is off. Some • newer models have technology that assists in turning when not throttling, but the PWC responds differently than with the throttle on. On older models, steering is lost when not throttling. • Maintain safe speeds. PWCs can reach speeds of 65-70 miles per hour—frequently way too fast for water, weather, or boat traffic conditions. Even if the PWC is equipped with a braking system, there can be a substantial stopping distance. Be aware that quick turns at high speeds can result in the operator and passengers falling in the water. • K now and follow local regulations regarding speed limits, whether posted or not. In congested areas, lower speed; avoid operating near swimmers, divers, anglers, and canoeists. • Don't jump other boats' wakes. It's extremely dangerous and usually illegal. • Scan constantly, operate defensively, and avoid aggressive maneuvers. • Be prepared to maneuver out of the way. Remember that other boats don't have brakes—and larger vessels cannot stop quickly. • Never apply the throttle when anyone is at the rear of the PWC—hair, loose clothing, or life jacket straps can get entangled in moving parts, and forceful water or debris from the jet can cause injury. Be aware of blind spots—don't pass too quickly behind another • boat, as that boat can block the view of oncoming boats, and vice versa. Because PWCs are both small and fast, they are often hard for larger boats to see. • Realize that fatigue can affect a PWC operator quickly; it's common to become tired and experience soreness in the back, knees, and elbows after about six miles. Plan outings accordingly, and take frequent breaks. The operator and passengers should drink water, juice, or non-caffeinated soft drinks to stay hydrated. • Never operate or ride on a PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Don't tow a skier with a PWC designed for less than three persons. • Ensure that an adult spotter is watching the skier at all times. Check whether the state requires rear view mirrors when towing an individual. • Plan trips to get back to shore well before sunset. PWCs are designed for daytime use, and most states ban their use at night (and often one half-hour before sunrise and sunset). • Never exceed the PWC's passenger capacity or allow a passenger to ride in front of the operator. Practice re-boarding before going out on the water because it can • be surprisingly hard. The operator may want to consider getting a PWC boarding ladder. • Avoid running out of fuel by allowing 1/3 tank to go out, 1/3 tank to return, and 1/3 as reserve (not counting your reserve tank). • Don't let an untrained or inexperienced operator borrow or use a PWC. SAFE PERSONAL Watercraft Operations All photos U.S. Coast Guard 40 GLB | July/Augus t 14 OHIO COAST GUARD STATION LEADS NATION IN BUI ARRESTS The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the station based out of Boater Freedom Act in 2013. This law says that Ohio law enforcement agencies may only stop a vessel if there is reasonable suspicion the vessel or its operator are in violation of marine law. Legislators passed this legislation after numerous complaints from boaters about being stopped and boarded by numerous state agencies, According to news reports, the western part of Lake Erie has long had a reputation for being a party destination for boaters. This is backed up by the fact that the Marblehead area has led the Great Lakes in the number of boating under the influence arrests for some years. Marblehead, Ohio, which watches over western Lake Erie, led the nation in the number of boating under the influence arrests in 2013. The Coast Guard reported that the officers charged 67 people with boating under the influence. It made 32 arrests in 2011 and 43 in 2012. The station patrols the waters along Port Clinton, Sandusky, and the Lake Erie islands. It was also the actions of this Coast Guard station, along with those of state agencies patrolling the area, that prompted the Ohio legislature to pass and sign into law the Ohio Great Lakes GREAT LAKES GOVERNORS BATTLE INVASIVE SPECIES states and provinces respond to serious AIS threats in a collaborative manner, and John G. Shedd Aquarium The first-of-its-kind agreement was one of many outcomes at the annual executive meeting of the Council of Great Lakes Governors held in Chicago. Council CoChairs Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, and also Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, senior representatives of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, and Québec Premier Philippe Couillard also signed agreements to protect the marine ecosystem, promote business growth and development, and better integrate the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes maritime system into a multi-modal transportation system. encouraging further cooperative actions among participants to combat AIS. The governors and premiers also announced a renewed public communications campaign to inform citizens of actions they can take to help prevent the spread of AIS. The agreement recognizes that if aquatic Eight Great Lakes governors and the premiers of two Canadian provinces, all bordering the Great Lakes, signed a mutual aid agreement on April 26 pledging to work together to keep aquatic nuisance species out of the Great Lakes. The agreement outlines three main goals —preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), helping invasive species invade any one of our waterways, they will have a ripple effect on every individual, community, and business that relies on the world's largest freshwater system. In addition, the agreement seals the already collaborative effort to protect this shared resource, while also empowering Great Lakes states and provinces to share staff and expertise to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. NEW FEDERAL FARM BILL PROTECTS GREAT LAKES Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI), Chair of the Agriculture Committee, announced a new Farm Bill that Sec. Vilsack Sen. Stabenow greatest need. The new program will also fund state and national conservation projects to improve soil quality, water quality, and wildlife habitat through a competitive, merit-based process. Federal conservation efforts in the Great Lakes will focus on reducing harmful algal blooms, similar to the one that hit Lake Erie in the summer of 2011, that are caused by phosphorus flows off of farm fields and into rivers and streams that feed the Great Lakes. The algal blooms that are produced by this runoff can close beaches kill fish, foul drinking supplies, and cause economic harm to local businesses. Vilsack described the projects to be funded as "clean water startup operations" that will benefit communities and watersheds, a departure from the department's more traditional approach of focusing on individual operators adopting practices such as no-till cultivation or planting buffer strips to prevent runoff into streams. provides financial support to farmers to take action to improve the health of Great Lakes rivers, streams, and wetlands to stop algal blooms on the Great Lakes. The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) will complement the efforts of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to heal the Great Lakes. The new Farm Bill designates the Great Lakes as one of eight priority regions across the country that will receive funding as part of a new $2.4 billion, 5-year program in the recently passed Farm Bill. The RCPP targets conservation funding on agricultural land to areas of 42 GLB | July/Augus t 14 BRP WINS WISCONSIN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD BRP was named the winner of this year's Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Award for the unique emissions sampling equipment it developed in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's search for a more environmentally friendly gasoline alternative. "BRP is making great strides in the areas of marine engine emission reductions and biofuel research," said Eric Bott, Director of Environmental and Energy Policy for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. "They're not just improving the efficiency of their engines or viability of new potential fuels. They're inventing the testing equipment necessary to prove these advancements." BRP's Evinrude facility in Sturdevant, Wis., developed the emissions sampling equipment to research isobutanol, a biologically produced alternative fuel being tested in engines to identify if it could be a cleaner, more environmentally friendly substitute for gasoline. "This is the first instrument designed specifically to measure and quantify engine exhaust emissions from in-use recreational boats," said Jeff Wasil, BRP's Engineering Manager on the project. "We are working closely with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the American Boat and Yacht Council on a comprehensive test program which is leading toward a better understanding of exhaust emissions from recreational marine products." The award recognizes businesses that demonstrate environmental soundness in pollution prevention, innovative technology and environmental stewardship. The program aims to communicate to businesses, state policymakers, and the public that these environmentally conscious practices have a positive impact on Wisconsin. GRAND BANKS ASSOCIATION HOLDS RENDEZVOUS of the century, Harbor Springs and its surrounding areas offer an abundance of natural beauty and four seasons of outdoor activities. It is also the home of this year's GLGBA Summer Rendezvous, Aug. 7 to 9. Harbor Springs is an extremely popular port of call during the summer months. The city fathers, after several significant persuasive arguments from a local resident, who Nestled along the deepest harbor in the Great Lakes lies the waterfront community of Harbor Springs, Mich. with approximately 1,900 residents. A bustling tourist destination since before the turn happens to be a GLGBA member, agreed to let GLGBA hold its 2014 rendezvous in its harbor. To qualify as a potential rendezvous destination, a candidate must have a harbor to moor 25 to 30 reasonably sized boats, a place to hold meetings, good restaurants, be located centrally in the Great Lakes, and have interesting attractions. The fleet will be docked at the Harbor Springs Municipal Marina, which includes 46 transient slips, 30- and 50-amp power, restrooms, and showers. The marina is located one block from downtown. The docks at the city marina are fixed. www.glgba.org REGISTRATION FOR DISCOVERY CRUISES NOW OPEN Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension, in cooperation with the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, said registration is now open for its Summer Discovery Cruises, which are open to anyone interested in exploring Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and Lake St. Clair. The cruises offer individuals an opportunity to get out on the water for an educational experience. Cruisers can learn about many aspects of the lakes, from lighthouses, shipwrecks, bootleggers and history and culture of the region to fish, ecology, restoration and wind, waves and water — and much more, depending on the cruise theme. Michigan Sea Grant said there are more than 20 cruise themes to choose from. Most cruises range from 2.5 hours to 4 hours on the water and range in price from $10 to $25 per person. Ages six and older are welcome on the cruises. To register for these cruises from Lake Erie Metropark and Lake St. Clair Metropark, individuals should first choose their departure location, check out the cruise descriptions and time schedules, and then register through the online form. ANYONE INTERESTED IN THESE EDUCATIONAL CRUISES SHOULD GO THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES: • Lake Erie Metropark: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/sdc/category/ lake-erie-cruises/ • Lake St. Clair Metropark: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/sdc/ category/lake-st-clair-cruises/ greatlakesboating.com | 43 STATE BOWFISHING CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR JULY The Bowfishing Association of Illinois, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has scheduled the third annual Director's Shoot/Innerloc State Bowfishing Championships for July 19-20 on the Illinois River at Starved Rock State Park near Utica, Ill. Officials said the tournament helps to remove tens of thousands of Asian carp from Illinois rivers each year. The daytime portion of the tournament will be held from 5 a.m. until 2 p.m., July 19, and consists of a Big 6 Daytime Championship, an Invasive Numbers competition, and many big and small fish competitions. The nighttime fishing championships start at 8 p.m. on July 19 and end at 5 a.m. on July 20, and will consist of a Big 30 weight championship and an Invasive Numbers competition. Great Lakes DNR said the tournament has become a popular mid-summer event for bowfishing anglers and has helped remove tens of thousands of invasive Asian carp from the Illinois River each year. The state agency says the bowfishing event has numerous competitions, including a grand prize of $1,000. Entry fee for the tournament is $30, which includes a free lunch between shoots and a large array of door prizes. For registration and more information, contact BAI President Ed Devries at firstname.lastname@example.com PORT WASHINGTON TO HOLD MARITIME HERITAGE FESTIVAL the general grounds is free, there is a fee required for touring the boats. In addition to the boat tours and sailings, the festival will offer free historic tours, education displays, guided/interactive harbor tours, children's activities, a food and beverage court, and two live musical stages. A highlight of this year's festival will be Cardboard Regatta racing, and there will be two races this year. On Saturday, visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16; and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Port Washington (Wis.) will hold its annual Maritime Heritage Festival in the new Coal Dock Park Aug. 15 to 17. Celebrating all things that have made the community a historical lakefront destination, Port Washington's festival will be open from noon to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15; Sunday, Aug. 17. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour and even sail on various boats, including fishing trawlers, tugboats, U.S. Coast Guard vessels, harbor cruisers, and some handcrafted wooden boats that have been recently restored. Although admission to will be treated to cardboats that were built in advance of the festival and will now be racing against each other. On Sunday, visitors can watch the "Built in a Day" race. For this race, participants were provided with supplies on Saturday, told to build their boats within one day, and will be showing their efforts on the water on Sunday afternoon. REPORTS CALLS FOR REDUCTION OF PHOSPHORUS RUNOFF A report from the EcoFore-Lake Erie Project calls for a nearly 50 percent reduction in the amount of phosphorus runoff into Lake Erie to prevent the formation of algal blooms and the growth of oxygen-starved regions in the lake known as "hypoxic zones." In an online study published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research, members of the EcoFore-Lake Erie Project presented their major findings about Lake Erie and called for a 46 percent reduction in the amount 44 GLB | July/Augus t 14 of phosphorus pollution heading into Lake Erie each year. The study noted that while the amount of phosphorus heading into the lake has not changed significantly since 1991, a new type of phosphorus—dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP)—has come to the fore and when DRP meets algae, the algae bloom grows quite quickly. The researchers note that farmers have changed their fertilization practices, increasing the amount of DRP, and this fact coupled with severe spring rainstorms have led to increased amounts of DRP coming into Lake Erie. To protect the lake against extensive algae blooms similar to the one that occurred in 2011, the researchers recommend a 78 percent reduction in the annual DRP load coming into the lake each year. Learn more about the research and recommendations at graham.umich.edu/ news/ecofore-media. ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM PARTNERS WITH HOSPITAL The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), based in Clayton, N.Y., is partnering with River Hospital of Alexandria Bay, N.Y., to support our armed forces. Running through the early fall, ABM will feature a new exhibition that will relate to the River Community Wellness Program (RCWP) based at River Hospital. River Hospital's RCWP is the only program of its kind in the United States, keeping military members close to home while they are healing and learning to cope, using multiple forms of therapies such as cognitive processing therapy, group and individual therapy, movement therapy, peer-to-peer therapy, imaginal and in vivo exposure therapy, as well as psychiatry and medication management. Through this new partnership, ABM will display the artwork and creative writing that has been done in recent years as part of Creative Arts Therapy. In addition to the exhibition, participants in the RCWP will also be given the opportunity to explore the region's beauty by climbing aboard one of the museum's in-water boats to cruise the islands for relaxation and meditation time, as required by the program. In addition, ABM announced that it will again serve as one of more than 2,000 Blue Star Museums across the country that provide complimentary admission to active military and their immediate families. Also, River Hospital will now serve as the Official Sponsor of the Armed Forces at the Museum throughout the 2014 season, underwriting admission fees, as well as the admission fees of all active and retired military members attending the upcoming 50th annual Antique Boat Show to be held Aug. 1-3. ESD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN NOW UNDERWAY The Energy Education Council and Safe Electricity.org are highlighting the experience of Kevin and Sheryl Ritz, who lost their 8-year old son Lucas to electric shock drowning (ESD), as the centerpiece of a national campaign to promote ESD awareness among boaters and marina owners and operators. Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council, said at a May 21 press conference in Chicago that her group is working through the Safe Electricity's "Teach Learn Care TLC" program to make boat owners and marina operators aware of ESD. In addition, they are striving to teach people how to avoid and prevent ESD. Boaters can help prevent ESD accidents by inspecting and maintaining all their electrical systems on or near the water. They should have their vessel's electrical system checked at least once each year, and if any maintenance is needed, a professional familiar with marine electrical codes should perform it. Boats with AC systems should install isolation transformers or equipment leakage circuit interrupter protection to prevent ESD from occurring. Pictured left to right: Chief Glen Lovelace, USCG Marine Safety Unit; Molly Hall; Kevin Ritz At docks, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) should be installed on the circuits feeding electricity to the dock. In addition, marinas should comply with the National Electrical Code and National Fire Protection Codes. Finally, marinas should inspect their electrical systems at least once a year. For more information about the ESD awareness campaign, contact Molly Hall at 217-546-6815 or email her at: firstname.lastname@example.com. TRAVERSE CITY STUDIES FISHING PIER OPTION Traverse City, Mich., officials are using a $232,000 grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust to determine the feasibility of putting in a 550-ft. long fishing pier that would extend from the mouth of the Boardman River into Grand Traverse Bay, according to AP news reports. The city recently hired an engineering firm to complete the design, preliminary engineering, environmental studies and construction drawings for the pier. The city's Mayor, Michael Estes, is a strong supporter of the public fishing pier saying that it would be a huge attraction for both residents and visitors. The proposed pier's location has drawn some criticism, according to local news reports. "It's just the wrong spot," said former city Commissioner Deni Scrudato, who docks a boat in the Boardman River. "There's no parking, there's no easy access for people with wheelchairs and physical limitations, and there's no easy access to emergency services." Commissioner Ross Richardson, who shares Estes' desire for the pier, also said the Boardman River location may be too far away from the city center and parking. "There are real questions about how accessible it is there and if it's not accessible, how much use is it going to get," Richardson said. greatlakesboating.com | 45 WISCONSIN DNR OFFER FREE FISHING APP Wisconsin's Dept. of Natural Resources has updated its Pocket Ranger mobile app to include a full array of fishing information. The free app for Apple and Android devices provides essential information for prospective, novice, and experienced anglers. The app includes information on fish species, where to fish, fishing basics, lake information, access information, licenses and permits, rules and regulations, fishing seasons, and much more. free for the public. Fishing The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources collaborated with the Wisconsin Interactive Network and ParksByNature to create this app "Users should find something for everyone in the initial launch of the fishing side of the DNR app, and we'll expand the information and update it throughout the year to provide anglers with a more comprehensive look at Wisconsin fishing," said Karl Scheidegger, Dept. of Natural Resources fisheries outreach leader. MINNESOTA PROPOSES NEW WALLEYE REGULATIONS The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is looking for public feedback on potential new walleye fishing regulations for Cook County. Growing concerns from anglers, as well as MDNR assessments of the walleye population, are prompting the agency to propose these new regulations. The state agency has found that both the number of walleye in Saganaga, Sea Gull, and Gull lakes is apparently on the decline, and their size is diminishing. In addition, fishermen in these lakes are reporting a noticeable decline in the number of smaller walleye as well, suggesting that the number of young fish that will make it to adulthood is probably declining. The proposed new regulations call for catches to be at least 17 inches, with a bag limit of three, and only one fish longer than 20 inches. The minimum size limit is being suggested to protect the number of small fish being caught in hopes the population will remain stable and maximize returns from stocking and natural spawning. The proposal for a single 20 inches limit is already in line with statewide regulations for the fish. The bag limit is more straightforward, in that it will protect population numbers in the lakes as a whole. MDNR adds that it will post signs with these limits at access points on all affected waters. The state agency said that it wants public input on these fishing regulations throughout the summer. It will hold public meetings on the subject in late September in Grand Marais and St. Paul. Questions and comments can be directed to the DNR fisheries office in Grand Marais at 218-387-3056. EXPERIMENTAL TROUT REGULATIONS FOR UPPER PENINSULA Cory Kovacs, a fisheries biologist at the DNR's Newberry Fisheries Division and the person responsible for collecting and monitoring the data of the project, said the process of collecting input from trout fisherman is an ongoing project that will help determine the health of the trout population in a number of rivers through the Upper Peninsula. The regulation experiment seeks to determine whether fisherman prefer a 10 bag limit of brook trout or a 5 bag limit. David Kenyon, Michigan DNR Data from Creel and postcard surveys collected from 268 anglers in 2013 showed that anglers prefer a 5 bag limit over the 10 bag, but only slightly. Kovacs notes that those anglers who prefer the 10 bag limit are generally keeping the fish to eat, while people who like the 5 bag limit are likely to catch and release the fish. Information regarding which rivers are part of the study can be found at the MDNR's website. The study is ongoing throughout the summer, and brook trout anglers are encouraged to either meet with the Creel surveyors or turn in postcards regarding their experience and opinions. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is continuing its experimental trout regulations and survey work in the Upper Peninsula for a second season. 46 GLB | July/Augus t 14 Black Diamond 328 SS Limited Edition "Boat of the Year" is no surprise when you know its bloodlines. Look closely at the Cruisers Sport Series' Black Diamond Limited Edition 328 SS and you'll see more than a triumphant bow rider worthy in every detail of its "Boat of the Year" distinction from Boating Magazine. What you'll discover upon further examination is a longstanding lineage of excellence in design, engineering and workmanship. For more than ve decades, Cruisers Yachts has been crafting world-renowned yachts from an unrelenting standard of quality, and we now bring that same commitment to every Sport Series model. See more of the amazing 328 SS, and the entire line from 20' - 32' at CruisersSportSeries.com and experience the Cruisers Sport Series brand difference for yourself. MARINA DEVELOPER INDICTED FOR FRAUD The developer of the Riverdale (Ill.) Marina, an 80,000 sq. ft. port with a restaurant and space for 100 boats, was indicted in April for money fraud, according to an April 19 article in the Chicago Tribune. The federal indictment alleges that John Thomas, a real estate developer, fraudulently spent $370,000 intended for the marina development to pay off personal debts. News reports indicate the marina is currently in shambles. There are no boats in any of the marina slips; the Dixie Star restaurant located on the property sits unused; and the rest of the facility, including restrooms and offices, is decimated as a result of light fixtures, toilets, and hardwood flooring being ripped out. Marinas Tribune piece. unfortunately, I don't know if we'll ever get it back." The indictment alleges that Riverdale gave Thomas' company, Nosmo Kings, LLC, $900,000 in tax increment financing to revamp the marina. Federal charges allege that Thomas used $370,000 of this amount to pay off personal debts, legal fees, even his rent. The Tribune article said that Thomas submitted false invoices to conceal his illegal use of the money. Prosecutors charge that Thomas submitted a $256,000 invoice for construction supplies from a company that was actually a currency exchange, according to the "This project has been a disaster for the village of Riverdale," said Mayor Lawrence Jackson. "We're out a lot of money, and CITY STUDIES FUTURE OF MENTOR LAGOONS MARINA The city of Mentor, Ohio, recently hired CT Consultants to analyze and evaluate various aspects of the facility in order to plan for its future, according to an article by Betsy Schmidt on the website: www.courier-herald.com. The contract has two phases. In phase one, the consultants will assess onsite conditions, determine the marina's place within the regional marketplace, and prepare costs estimates for marina repairs and upgrades. In phase 2, the consultants will develop a plan to maximize facility capacity and boater amenities for the most favorable financial performance. This would include construction estimates for the needed repairs and a 10-year operating plan. The city is currently facing high-priced infrastructure repairs, including replacement of more than three miles of dockwall at about $600 a lineal foot; removal of the Mentor Harbor Bridge at an estimated cost of $300,000; possible rehabilitation of the Mentor Harbor channel to improve the safety of the harbor entrance for boaters; and ongoing channel dredging. City Manager Ken Filipiak said the impetus for getting this long-range planning started now is a strong bond market. He added that the major projects would be bonded out over 25 years. The city has already invested in a new road system, waterlines to boat docks, new curbing, and additional green space for the public, Filipiak said. The marina is currently at full capacity, with 80 people on a waiting list. It currently meets all its operational costs, including debt service for bonds used to purchase the marina in 1997. LAKE MACATAWA MARINA PROJECT DELAYED AGAIN A proposed $3 million marina, part of the Point West I development proposed for the western edge of Lake Macatawa, has been put on hold as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awaited public comments on the project, according to article by Andrea Goodell on the website: www.hollandsentinel.com. The proposed marina would have 80 slips, three docks, and its longest dock would stretch 355 feet into Lake Macatawa. Mark Harmsen, the developer's representative, said marina plans have already been 48 GLB | July/Augus t 14 modified multiple times to satisfy the demands of USACE and the Michigan DEQ, which must approve the proposal before construction can begin. Most of the boat slips would be 40- to 60feet long, a few would be 80 feet, and one would be 25 feet, said Harmsen. He added that construction of the marina, along with a clubhouse and swimming pool, would prompt more prospective buyers for the development. "We're discovering that people are waiting on the sidelines to see if the marina gets approved," said Harmsen. Macatawa Area Residents for Fair Development, which opposes the marina and the development, released the following statement: "This new plan fails to acknowledge the objections and concerns expressed by USACE, the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard, and many local boaters and fishermen who depend on the area for recreation." At press deadline, MDEQ and USACE scheduled public hearings on the project, and the status of the marina project was still unknown. RACINE COUNTY FILLS IN BELLE HARBOR MARINA Racine County will use an $80,000 grant to fill in Belle Harbor Marina along the Root River, creating a 4.1-acre redevelopment parcel of land that has attracted three potential developers of the property. At press deadline, the county had not set a timetable for developing the property. The three developers that have expressed an interest in the Wisconsin property are Richard Barrett, president and founder of Barrett Visionary Development of Milwaukee, Wis.; Bear Development of Kenosha, Wis.; and Construction Services Group of West Dundee, Ill. Barrett did not have a specific proposal for the site, but indicated that it would have to be something that would light up and attract people to downtown Racine. Bear Development is part of the Bear Real Estate Group. The company said that it is in the process of gathering information on the site and will use this information in offering the company's formal redevelopment proposal. The company indicated that it would have a definite development proposal ready sometime this summer. Construction Services Group is a firm that typically works with major hotel chains to construct new hotels. It is interested in putting a 110-room to 120-room hotel on the redeveloped property. The building would be nine to 10 stories high. WYANDOTTE RECEIVES $1.1 MILLION FOR MARINA As part of its more than $16 million Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded Wyandotte, Mich., a $1,170,5000 matching grant to build a transient marina at Bishop Park. In making the grant announcement, Dan Ashe, USFWS director, said, "Anglers and boaters make these grants possible, helping communities build and enhance facilities that provide recreational opportunities, while supporting jobs and economic growth." As part of its grant application, the city of Wyandotte said that it would partner with the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, to provide matching funds for the building of a 21-slip transient marina along the Detroit River. The new marina will have floating slips with electrical pedestals and other amenities. In addition to Wyandotte, another Michigan marina, Bayshore Marina in Munising, Mich. received a $1,466,577 BIG program award. The city will partner with Michigan DNR, Alger County, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians to provide matching funds for a new marina with 28 transient slips. Bayshore Marina is an important "harbor of refuge" for boats traveling a remote 80-mile stretch along the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The marina will now to be able to accommodate those larger boats seeking refuge from storms on Lake Michigan. ROGERS CITY MARINA GETS A NEW FUEL DOCK A new fuel dock has been in the works for the marina for some time. The city originally had received a $27,000 grant from the Michigan Waterways Commission and a $24,000 grant from the U.S. Dept. of Agricultural Rural Development in 2013. However, the Waterways Commission grant was The city council voted in May to purchase a new fuel dock from Flotation Docking Systems of Cedarville, Mich. for $53,450. Harbormaster Roger Wenzel and Mayor Tom Sobeck told city council members that this was fair price for the fuel dock. The next step in the process is to get permits from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources, and city manager Joe Hefele indicated this would not be a big problem because the DNR had worked with the company before on fuel dock projects. put on hold in 2013 after Rogers City also received a grant for up to $227,000 as part of an emergency dredging program put together by the state in response to record low lake levels. Wenzel said the fuel dock will provide an easier, safer platform for those fueling boats at the marina. It will be attached to the wall near the fuel pumps and slide up and down on rails. greatlakesboating.com | 49 BOAT FATALITIES ARE AT ALL-TIME RECORD LOW National The fatality rate of 4.7 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels reflected a 13 percent decline from the previous year's rate of 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered boats. Property damages in these incidents totaled $39 million, according to USCG. The report states that alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, having been cited as the major factor in 16 percent of deaths. Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and machinery failure ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. In cases where the cause of death was known, USCG reported that 77 percent of the fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of this number, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket. The most common type of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats. To view the complete report, go to: www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/ AssetManager/2013RecBoatingStates.pdf. U.S. Coast Guard Boating fatalities were at a record all-time low of 560 in 2013, according to the 2013 Recreational Boating Statistics Report issued by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on May 14. Deaths in boating-related accidents dropped 14 percent from 2012 to 2013, from 651 to 560, while the number of boating-related injuries decreased 12.7 percent, from 3,000 in 2012 to 2,620 in 2013. The total number of recreational boating accidents reported in 2013 was 4,062, a 10 percent decrease from the 4,515 in 2012. RBFF HISPANIC OUTREACH CAMPAIGN NOW UNDERWAY The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has launched the first phase of a five-year plan to increase awareness of fishing and boating among Hispanics, and engage the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population in these activities. It recently produced a new Spanish-language microsite, VamosAPescar.org, along with targeted advertising, to motivate Hispanics to partake in fishing and boating. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Hispanic participation in fishing has remained stagnant over the past 5 years, while overall participation has risen 11 percent from 2006 to 2011. The Hispanic population in the U.S. is currently 53 million and is projected to reach 65 million by 2020. At the center of RBFF's multi-channel outreach campaign is VamosAPescar. org, the Spanish-language microsite. It was created as an information hub to overcome the Hispanics' lack of familiarity with the sport and knowledge of licensing requirements. The site provides everything a beginning angler or boater would need to know. Built on a flexible web layout that detects the visitor's screen size and orientation and changes the layout accordingly, the site includes boating basics, how-to fish videos, an interactive where-to fish and boat map, fishing license and boat registration information, and mythbusters to help dispel the perceived barriers to getting out on the water. Outreach for the campaign will include digital advertising and search engine marketing, as well as radio and event marketing in Texas and Florida. The campaign will target family-oriented outdoor lovers who are seeking outdoor activities. More information is available at TakeMeFishing.org/corporate. CANADA'S EFFORTS TO STOP ASIAN CARP FROM GREAT LAKES The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) told an April meeting in Owen Sound (Ont.) that the federal government has to remain vigilant in the fight to prevent Asian carp from becoming established in the Great Lakes, according to an article by Tom Sasvri in the Manitoulin Expositor. DFO Minister Gail Shea told a group of anglers the federal government has taken several steps to address the Asian carp threat, including authorizing the spending of up to $17.5 million to protect Canada's Great Lakes from the threat of Asian carp. 50 GLB | July/Augus t 14 She noted that those funds were allocated over five years for the prevention, early warning, and management of this potentially destructive invasive species. The government of Canada takes the threat posed by Asian carp very seriously, Shea said. It has recently passed new requirements that prohibit the importation, transportation, and possession of live aquatic invasive species in Canada including Asian carp. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has reported that Asian carp, which had originally been transferred from Asia to North America in the 1960s and 1970s, prefer cool to moderate water temperatures like those found in the Great Lakes. If they become established, they could eat the food native to fish in the Great Lakes and crowd them out of their habitats, causing significant damage to the sports and commercial fisheries. Shea added that so far no species of carp, including bighead, silver, grass and black carp, have been found in Canada, and the federal government aims to keep it this way. LAKE ERIE SOLO CHALLENGE The Lake Erie Solo Challenge represents the fourth Great Lakes Singlehanded Society membership-granting event on the Great Lakes. While Lake Erie may be the smallest Sailing commercial freighter traffic, and the ingredients are in place for a challenge on par with those of any other lake. The Lake Erie Solo Challenge begins Aug. 16, with a start off of North Cape Yacht Club near Monroe, Mich., and the fleet proceeds past Pelee Island, Ontario and eastward to a rounding of the Seneca Shoal Light near Buffalo, N.Y., then on to a finish off of Presque Isle Harbor at Erie, Pa. The course measures 312 statute miles, and in terms of comparison to the other GLSS Challenges, it ranks fourth behind the Trans Superior Solo, the Lake Ontario Solo Challenge, and the Chicago to Mackinac Island Solo Challenge. The 2014 event will mark the eighth running of the Challenge. and shallowest of the Great Lakes, those very characteristics make for some extraordinarily difficult sailing at times. Winds can quickly produce large, steep-faced waves in minutes, and summer storms can turn a placid body of water into a tempest just as quickly. Throw in a high concentration of pleasure craft, fishermen, and fishnets interspersed with © Great Lakes Singlehanded Society BELL'S BAYVIEW MACKINAC RACE The message read: "Sail your race," but what former President Franklin D. Roosevelt meant was that the Bayview Mackinac Race was too precious to cancel. The race will celebrate its 90th anniversary on July 12. A fun factor has been added to the race in the form of the Bayview Mackinac Pro Team Challenge, which was created by the club five years ago to generate more exposure for the race by having Michigan sports teams—the Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers and Lions— each sponsor a different boat in the race. Jim Brandstatter (Lions), Dave Rozema (Tigers), Ken Kal (Red Wings) and Rick Mahorn (Pistons) selected their 2014 boats after John Mason, the Pistons' public address announcer, introduced them. The athletes will not have to sail in the race, but their teams provide the crews of the selected boats shirts, hats, and a flag. The specific sports team whose boat wins the Pro Team Challenge then hosts the boat crew at one of their games. From its traditional start in southern Lake Huron, the fleet will head north on one of two courses. The shorter course, called the Acura Shore Course, covers 204 nautical miles along the Michigan shoreline before heading west to Mackinac Island Bell's Beer finish line. The longer Quantum Sails Cove Island Course is 259 nautical miles and takes sailors around a buoy off the tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Canadian waters before heading west toward the finish line. This year, five Divisions will be offered: Cove Island Racing; Shore Course Racing; Shore Course Cruising; Multi-Hull; and Double-Handed. All competitors will be handicapped using Performance Handicap Racing Fleet system. 2014 CORSAIR US NATIONALS & RENDEZVOUS This event is being hosted from July 31 to Aug. 1, during the InterLake Yachting Association's (ILYA) Bayweek Regatta. The event will be held at Put-in-Bay, a major tourist and vacation destination located on South Bass Island in the western end of Lake Erie. Established in 1885, ILYA is one of America's oldest yachting associations. ILYA is comprised of 146 member clubs from all around the Great Lakes. Furthermore, the ILYA has been hosting the Annual Bay Week Regatta at South Bass Island for 120 years. The ILYA holds three regattas on the island each summer including junior, power, and sail boating competitions all at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club. PIBYC will be the site for all the on-shore activities during the 2014 Corsair Nationals & Rendezvous Regatta. The event is open to all Corsair-built trimaran models, and racing and cruising divisions will be formed as registration details progress. 52 GLB | July/Augus t 14 THE CORINTHIAN CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA This year's Corinthian Classic is being held in Marblehead, Mass., Aug. 9 and 10. When builders began working with Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) as a material, they were well aware that they were building something to last. What has transpired is that many of those yachts have been around for so many decades that their designs have in fact become "classic." The Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta continues to encourage and welcome Classic GRP (Classic Plastic) boats designed to the CCA rule or "spirit of tradition" philosophy, to participate. The racing is done in "Pursuit" format and will be sailed with no spinnakers. Long reaching legs will be emphasized and beats will be minimal. The reasonable entry fee includes mooring (first come, first served). Social events include live bands Friday and Saturday nights, and an authentic pig roast. The racing will be low key, but it is an excellent opportunity to stretch those sea legs, put a beautiful boat on display, and mingle with those who share that sailing passion. www.corinthianclassic.org ASHBRIDGE'S BAY YACHT CLUB [ TORONTO] TO HOST LAKE YACHT RACING ASSOCIATION REGATTA The regatta takes place from July 26 to Aug. 3, and includes long distance races, point-to-point races, and three days of course racing. LYRA 2014 will feature two major championships; the IRC North American Championship and the PHRF Lake Ontario Championship. The regatta will also include a number of one-design classes competing in title events. In addition to the championships, the organizing committee has announced a number of enhancements to the 2014 edition of the annual regatta including scheduling the signature long distance event—the Freeman Cup—for the weekend of July 26 to 27, and including divisions for double- and single-handed crews. With support from the Youngstown Yacht Club, the Centennial Cup is scheduled as a point-to-point race on July 28, and the Founders Cup is scheduled as a middistance race on July 31. Determined to attract the most competitive sailors, the ABYC organizing committee is also offering a number of incentives including an intraclub challenge to encourage club rivalries. Skippers can also take advantage of bonuses for registering for more than one event. With the support of UK Sailmakers Toronto, all entrants are also eligible for the Great UK Sailmakers Giveaway. www.LYRA2014.com UNSALTED SAILING FLOTILLA The Great Lakes Sailing Company will be hosting its fourth freshwater flotilla Aug. 16 through 22. Over a seven-day trip, the flotilla will harbor hop from Grand Traverse and Little Traverse Bay to Suttons Bay, Northport, Charlevoix, Omena Bay, Elk Rapid, Bower's Harbor, Marion Island, and back to Traverse City, Mich. The itinerary is packed with activities. Nature hikes, wine tastings, and a special regatta are just a few of the things that will be experienced along the way. The flotilla is also a great opportunity to explore the islands, beaches, towns, and harbors of Northern Michigan. There are several ways to join the flotilla: renting a charter from the GLSC fleet, taking a sailing or cruising course depending on experience, booking a cabin on a captained boat, or sailing on a personal craft for a fee. For beginners or those looking for a thorough refresher, the ASA 101/103 combo course is offered and the 104 bareboat certification and 105 coastal navigation courses are also offered for those individuals with a little more experience. To view the itinerary, pricing, and ways to join the flotilla, visit the Great Lakes Sailing Co. website. www.greatlakessailingco.com/unsalted-events/ unsalted-sailing-flotilla/ greatlakesboating.com | 53 NEW PRODUCTS HIGH WIND BIMINI TOP MATE USA has introduced the Black Velvet bimini top, designed to withstand wind speeds up to 33 knots. The wind tunnel tested, easy-to-assemble Black Velvet features a patented plastic cylinder system that adds strength to the supporting tubes and keeps the assembly screws aligned, enhancing longevity. The new top also features unique spider netting that reduces ultraviolet (UV) radiation and enhances air flow throughout the covered area on board. A fast-mounting storage cover is included. $2,800 // 954-463-5757 // www.mate-usa.com FLOW-TROLL Frabill's redesigned Magnum Flow-Troll is a beefier version of the 6-quart Flow-Troll. Although the basic design hasn't changed, the new Flow-Troll holds up to 10 quarts allowing room for a much larger number of bait. The Flow-Troll is designed to sit half submerged in the water, and whether it's being pulled behind a boat or bobbing in the wake, the vented doors and aeration holes work in tandem to keep the product upright and filter oxygen keeping bait fish perky. The plastic is durable and can withstand collisions with rocks and docks alike. $12.99 // 800-558-1005 // www.frabill.com WIRELESS BOW THRUSTER JOYSTICK For boaters looking to install external bow and stern thrusters, or for those who already utilize them, the new wireless joystick from Sideshift greatly reduces the amount of time it takes to install a thruster system. The wireless joystick eliminates the necessity of hull drilling and running lines of wire. For boaters who already own a Sideshift thruster kit, the package can be upgraded to the wireless format. The wireless joysticks work just like the old format, but they make DIY installations faster and less stressful. Upgrade: $395; New Kit: $3,495 // 847-662-9070 // www.sideshift.com 54 GLB | July/Augus t 14 WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL STEERING For fishermen adjusting a troll, or captains just looking to relax, the new Intellisteer remote control steering unit from Canada Metal allows for course adjustments at a distance. Intellisteer comes in a variety of models that are supported by a number of autopilot systems. For boats already equipped with an autopilot, a standalone Intellisteer system can be purchased as a wireless upgrade. The wireless controller can also be configured for kicker and outboard motors used for trolling. The controller is waterproof and comes with a lanyard to support one-handed use. $299 // 604-940-2010 // www.canmet.com TRIM TAB LED LIGHT MOUNT Perko has designed LED lights that can be mounted with removable brackets onto the surface of a vessel's trim tabs. The lights are 12 V, 7 W with a white version producing 75 lumens and a blue version producing 27. The lights are housed in a non-corrosive black polymer mold, and have 8 feet of 18 AWG marine grade electrical wiring attached. The lights can be mounted vertically or horizontally on the trim tabs, and can also be mounted on the surface of the transom. Adjusting the trim tabs in turn will adjust the angle of the lights. Double Pack: $400; Single: $200 // 305-621-7525 // www.perko.com MR. BEAMS SECURITY SPOTLIGHT A high-tech security lighting system installed at a dock can help deter unwanted trespassers, but the costs can be prohibitive and if dock space is rented, installing electrical may not be allowed. Mr. Beams has created a wireless motion-detecting LED spotlight that can be mounted in less than five minutes. All that's needed is a few batteries and screws. The spotlight instantly turns on when it detects motion from up to 25 feet away. A light sensor helps to prevent the light from activating in daylight. Tight seals and UV-resistant material allow it to work in all weather conditions. $39.99 // 877-298-9082 // www.mrbeams.com greatlakesboating.com | 55 BOAT CARE & FEEDING GAS/WATER SEPARATION MUFFLER Gen-Sep™ from Centek Industries works in tandem with a Vernalift™ muffler system on generator sets to separate cooling water from exhaust gases. The gas/water separator is an easy and effective upgrade for any generator system, especially where engines are located amidships or well forward in the hull. The product is also effective at reducing exhaust noise. The device is available for both gasoline and diesel engines in a wide range of sizes to fit any generator. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. $180-$537 depending on size // 229-228-7653 // www.centekindustries.com SEWAGE SYSTEM CLEANER Clogs and nasty odors can be removed quickly and safely from sewage systems with safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable SEWClean® from TRAC Ecological Green Products. SEWClean® efficiently and economically cleans onboard sewage systems—without dismantling any piping or creating a mess. It's compatible with all metals, plastics, gaskets, and other materials commonly found in sewage systems. Use to remove uric scale and clean sewage systems from toilet to tank. One gallon of SEWClean® makes five to eight gallons of ready-to-use solution. One quart is needed for a single cleaning. $71.72 // 954-987-2722 // www.trac-online.com MARINE FABRIC TREATMENT The Marine Fabric Armour by FLITZ is designed to coat any fabric that is threatened by water. It can be used to coat any textile. sailcloth, awnings, canvas, cushions, leather, cotton, even plastics and acrylics. The spray can be applied twice with a drying period in between for optimal effect, and will protect from acid rain, dirt, grease, soil, oils, and hard water. The product comes in a 16 oz. spray bottle. $17.95 // 262-534-5898 // www.flitz.com 56 GLB | July/Augus t 14 RINSE FREE WASH-N-WAX Meguiar's has introduced a new rinse free wash-n-wax spray. The product is specifically designed for marine units and can be applied to wet or dry surfaces. The spray can be used on any surface: gelcoat, fiberglass, metal, plastic, and glass surfaces can all be cleaned with the product. The spray removes dirt and other unsightly grime, and leaves a hydrophobic glossy surface that enables water beading. $19.95 // 800-347-5700 // www.meguiars.com AEROSOL GELCOAT The GelMatch™ All-In-One Gelcoat Aerosol Can is pre-filled with a proprietary All-InOne Gelcoat that is matched perfectly to a boat's original factory colors. It features a two-component can that houses the M.E.K.P. catalyst in an inner chamber, which is easily activated by simply breaking the inner seal at the bottom of the can—no mess, no mixing. The can's outer chamber is pre-filled with Dolphinite's proprietary All-In-One gelcoat formula color matched to original factory colors utilizing Dolphinite's GelMatch™ Gelcoat Color Matching System. This system allows users to enter year, make, model, and length of a boat dating back to 1984. 978-948-3900 // www.dolphinite.com FUEL TREATMENT AND STABILIZER STA-BIL 360° Marine Ethanol Fuel Treatment and Stabilizer is an ethanol treatment that delivers corrosion protection for marine engines above and below the fuel line. STA-BIL 360° Marine releases a vapor inside the fuel system that coats all metal parts, including the fuel tank, fuel sending unit, valves, carburetor, fuel injectors, and intake manifold to deliver 360 degrees of corrosion protection. It is safe and recommended for use at every fill-up to treat all types of gasoline from ethanol-free fuel to E85 blends to protect 2- and 4-cycle marine engines. It is available in 12- and 40-ounce bottles. $24 and $9.99, respectively // 800- 621-1251 // www.stabil360marine.com greatlakesboating.com | 57 EVENTS CALENDAR FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 5-7 INDIANA JULY 12 AUGUST 8-10 Progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show Tampa Convention Center Tampa www.tampaboatshow.com Cardboard Boat Dash Washington Park Launch Ramp Michigan City 219-872-6294 Alanson Riverfest Various venues Alanson www.visitmichiganupnorth.com/stories/ alanson_ michigan_ riverfest JULY 31 – AUGUST 3 ILLINOIS JULY 19 Great Lakes Super Boat Grand Prix Washington Park Beach Michigan City www.michigancitysuperboat.com AUGUST 16 Top O Michigan Outboard Marathon National Boat Races DeVoe Beach, Indian River Burt Lake www.marathonnationals.com Chicago Yacht Club's Race to Mackinac Chicago Yacht Club Chicago www.cycracetomackinac.com AUGUST 21-24 Progressive Insurance Michigan City In-Water Boat Show Washington Park Marina Michigan City www.michigancityboatshow.com AUGUST 16-24 Unsalted Sailing Flotilla Grand Traverse/Little Traverse bays Traverse City www.Unsaltedsailing.com JULY 26-27 Grafton Towboat Festival Grafton Riverfront Grafton www.greatriverroad.com MICHIGAN JULY 6-10 AUGUST 30-31 Red Fox Regatta Charlevoix Yacht Club Charlevoix www.charlevoixyachtclub.org AUGUST 7 Living Lands & Waters Barge Party Schwiebert Park Rock Island www.livinglandsandwaters.org Trout Youth Camp Higgins Lake Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center Kalamazoo www.miseagrant.umich.edu/news AUGUST 31 Annual Labor Day Festivities—Pirate Fest Algonac Harbour Club Marina Algonac www.algonacharbourclub.com AUGUST 9 Harborfest Village Park, 2700 Ninth Street Winthrop Harbor www.whpd.org JULY 12 Bell's Beer Bayview to Mackinac Race Bayview Yacht Club Detroit www.bycmack.com SEPTEMBER 5-7 AUGUST 16-17 Woods n Water Outdoor Weekend Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds Imlay City www.imlaycitymich.com/events Chicago Air and Water Show Chicago Lakefront Chicago www.cityofchicago.org AUGUST 8-9 Antique & Classic Boat Show Port Sanilac Harbor Port Sanilac www.portsanilac.net 58 GLB | July/Augus t 14 SEPTEMBER 6-7 AUGUST 8-10 AUGUST 21-24 Antique & Classic Boat Show Multiple venues Black River, St. Clair River, Port Huron www.michacbs.com Antique Raceboat Regatta Antique Boat Museum Clayton www.abm.org Progressive North American Demo Boat Show Cedar Point Sandusky www.cedarpointboatshow.com SEPTEMBER 10-11 AUGUST 16 Colony Marine Corn Roast & Boat Show Algonac Harbour Club Algonac www.colonymarine.com House Tour by Boat Old Forge Pond Old Forge www.viewarts.org WISCONSIN JULY 19-27 K/D Salmon Tournament Various Ports Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor, Washington Island, Algoma, Kewaunee www.kdsalmon.com SEPTEMBER 5-7 SEPTEMBER 11-14 CNY Fall Boat Show New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse www.cnyboatshow.com Boating & Outdoor Festival Lake St. Clair Metropark Harrison Township www.boatingandoutdoorfest.com AUGUST 2-3 MINNESOTA JULY 30 – AUGUST 2 OHIO JULY 12 Classic and Wooden Boat Show & Festival Door County Maritime Museum Sturgeon Bay www.dcmm.org/events-activities/ special/classic-and-wooden-boatfestival/ Putt Around the Lake Indian Lake Indian Lake 937-843-5392 Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival 300 Bemidji Ave. N Bemidji www.bemidjidragonboat.com JULY 12-13 AUGUST 9-10 Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival Near Maumee Bay State Park Oregon www.toledolighthouse.org CANADA JULY 25-27 Fish-A-Rama Longyear Park/Boat Landing Coleraine www.fish-a-rama.org Muskoka In-Water Boat & Cottage Show Muskoka Wharf Gravenhurst, Ontario www.muskokashows.com JULY 19 NEW YORK JULY 12 Great Maumee River Dragon Boat Festival International Park/Maumee River Toledo www.partnerstoledo.org AUGUST 10 Cardboard Boat Race Port of Orillia Orillia, Ontario www.ontarioslakecountry.com/event/ cardboard-boat-race Antique Wooden Boat Show & Fulton Chain Rendezvous Public Docks Old Forge www.acbs.org/calendar/index. php?eID=779 greatlakesboating.com | 59 MARINE MART SAILBOATS 1998 Catalina 28 MKII: Tall rig, wing keel, full batten main, 150 genoa, roller furling, bimini, dodger, auto helm, Raymarine instruments, Garmin GPS, more. 585-721-6719. $41,900. maintained. Your dream awaits! Delivery to you a possibility. Located in Georgian Bay Ontario. Chris, 416-571-8147; firstname.lastname@example.com. $199,900 US. (see photo below) MISCELLANEOUS LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A MARINA? Contact: Eddy A. Dingman Lic: Marina real estate/business broker firstname.lastname@example.com National Marina Properties Group Financing available to qualiďŹ ed buyers. AMI MEMBER (association of Marina industries) 847-987-6626 POWERBOAT 1991 Ocean: Well maintained and updated, fresh water live aboard, entertain, enjoy! This vessel is ready to go where your dreams take you. Stabilizers, full walk in engine room, 3 staterooms with full baths, recent electronics, appliances, big screen, updated top, bottom and a lot in between. Always professionally Visit: http://nationalgolfandmarina.com SELL YOUR BOAT ON OUR CLASSIFIED V ISIT NOW! NEW REDESIGNED SECTION BOATING FEDERATION GREAT LAKES IMPROVED MOBILE FRIENDLY! GreatLakesBoatingFederation.com 60 GLB | July/Augus t 14 NEW MARINE MART PRODUCTS & SERVICES FREE ADS GOT A BOAT TO SELL? Complimentary 25-word classified boat advertisements and PHOTO in the Sept./Oct. 2014 issue. (NO STRINGS ATTACHED!) Email your text-only advertisement to: Advertiser Index Allstate Insurance .................................. BC Antique Boat Museum ............................ 41 BoatU.S. .................................................. 15 Chicago Harbors/Westrec ...................... 2 Cruisers Yachts ...................................... 47 Donzi Boats............................................. 1 Leland Harbor Marina ............................ 33 Manistee Hops & Props .......................... 37 NOPC ...................................................... 51 firstname.lastname@example.com Free classified boat advertisement offer limited to one per reader. All classified ads are subject to publisher's approval. Space is limited. Free ads will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Advertisements for the Sept./Oct. 2014 issue must be received by Aug. 9, 2014. SUBSCRIBE Online! SUBSCRIPTION RATES US Customers 1 yr $21.50 (6 issues) 2 yr $40.00 (12 issues) CANADA (USD) 1 yr $27.50 (6 issues) 2 yr $46.00 (12 issues) North Point Marina ................................. 3 Prestige Yachts ...................................... 23 Pro-Line Boats........................................ 63 Progressive Insurance ........................... IFC RBFF ....................................................... 29 SkipperBud's .......................................... 5, 64 Spring Brook Marina............................... IBC Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers ........................ 39 Vicem Yachts .......................................... 7 Waukegan Harbor ................................... 19 VISIT: GreatLakesBoating.com or CALL: 312.266.8400 greatlakesboating.com | 61 For complete specs & photos of these boats visit: B11114 B9802 B10580 B12228 B12581 B12801 B12008 B12472 B12822 B10394 B12648 B12091 B12863 B10475 B11798 B12608 B12540 B12599 B12186 R0482A B12311 B7884 B12673 B11406 B12322 B12199 E0303A B12328 B12497 B11335 B10545 B12408 B11258 B11444 B12172 B12208 B12128 2004 2005 2005 2005 2007 2004 2004 2004 2009 2010 2012 2013 2004 2007 2007 2005 2008 2008 2009 2011 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2008 2004 2006 2006 2007 2007 2008 2008 2005 2006 2013 2004 30' 30' 30' 30' 30' 31' 31' 31' 31' 31' 31' 31' 32' 32' 32' 33' 33' 33' 33' 33' 34' 34' 34' 34' 34' 34' 35' 35' 35' 35' 35' 35' 35' 36' 36' 36' 37' SEA RAY BAJA BAJA MAINSHIP BAYLINER TIARA MAXUM TIARA SEA RAY SEA RAY RINKER TIARA TIARA TIARA SEA RAY CARVER CRUISERS FOUR WIN SEA RAY CHAPARRA SEA RAY SEA RAY FOUR WIN SEA RAY SEA RAY SEA RAY REGAL CARVER SILVERTO RINKER LARSON SEA RAY SEA RAY TIARA TIARA TIARA FORMULA $99,900 $79,000 $89,900 $89,900 $69,900 $144,900 $49,900 $139,900 $159,900 $159,995 $129,900 $289,000 $209,900 $229,900 $129,500 $124,000 $159,900 $149,900 $215,000 $169,995 $139,000 $179,995 $139,900 $134,900 $139,000 $149,000 $129,995 $154,500 $159,900 $165,000 $129,000 $214,900 $182,900 $199,900 $239,900 $449,900 $128,000 B8780 B10511 B11398 B11266 B12233 B12393 B12746 B12118 B7169 B12501 B12841 B11623 B12248 B12779 B5978 B12848 B12494 B12101 B12770 B12833 B11943 B10712 B11899 B12388 B12807 B12489 B11551 B12750 B12776 B8085 B12827 B12351 B12496 B12682 B10470 B12119 B9579 2004 2006 2006 2004 2004 2005 2013 2004 2005 2005 2008 2011 2006 2008 2004 2005 2012 2005 2007 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2004 2009 2014 2005 2005 2010 2005 2005 2004 2008 2004 2007 SKIPPERBUDS.COM 37' 37' 37' 38' 38' 38' 38' 39' 39' 39' 39' 39' 40' 40' 41' 41' 41' 42' 42' 42' 43' 43' 43' 43' 43' 44' 45' 45' 46' 46' 47' 50' 50' 54' 55' 59' 62' FOUR WIN FOUR WIN FOUR WIN MERIDIAN SEA RAY FOUNTAIN CRUISERS SEA RAY SEA RAY CARVER MERIDIAN TIARA SEA RAY SEA RAY MERIDIAN RINKER CRUISERS SEA RAY CARVER CRUISERS SILVERTO TIARA CRANCHI AZIMUT SEA RAY TIARA FORMULA CRUISERS SEA RAY SEA RAY SEA RAY SEA RAY SEA RAY CRUISERS SEA RAY MARQUIS AZIMUT $139,900 $149,995 $134,995 $169,900 $149,900 $109,000 $349,000 $179,999 $385,000 $189,900 $249,000 $589,000 $234,900 $299,900 $279,900 $158,000 $499,900 $299,900 $299,000 $335,000 $309,900 $399,900 $415,000 $449,000 $549,900 $395,000 $479,900 $699,995 $439,000 $375,000 $582,000 $489,900 $525,000 $479,000 $995,000 $715,000 $1,099,000