Boaters and boat retailers had a good year in 2006. Leaders of the industry-wide Grow Boating Initiative began a national marketing campaign, Discover Boating, designed to raise awareness and bolster public outreach for the boating lifestyle (Boating Industry, 2006). And, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 57% of all anglers fished from boats in 2006. These 17 million boating anglers enjoyed their fishing trips in a variety of waters, including the Great Lakes, and other bodies of fresh water and salt...
One way to purchase a boat at a bargain price and is most probably in good condition is by aquiring one that has been repossessed. This type of craft often sells for less than the original price—40% to 80% less. The boat status of being repossessed means that the boat loan went unpaid by the previous borrower, and that the bank then took control of the vessel. This situation frequently occurs soon after a purchase is made. Many struggling borrowers are unable to spend much time on boating, because of other obligations, leaving their boats in good shape and repossessed in the first year...
Despite the unsteady economy, 2011 is still a good time to finance a boat purchase. Lenders are asking for more data than they did when the economy was strong, but qualified buyers will still be able to obtain loans.
“The terms are very favorable and interest rates are low. It’s a great time to buy a boat,” says Karen M. Trostle, president of the National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA), www.marinebankers.org. The NMBA performs services including educating prospective and current lenders about procedures for marine financing.
“Lenders out there are looking to lend,...
Home to more than 300 sail and power boats, the Cleveland Yachting Club (CYC), which was started in 1878 and is the oldest club on the southern shore of Lake Erie, is directed by its 700 members. CYC offers year-round activities you can enjoy—even if you don’t own a boat—including a host of amenities, superb service and facilities. Members, their families and guests enjoy fine dining, exciting social events, youth activities, swimming, picnicking and just plain relaxation, all with the backdrop of Cleveland’s most spectacular lake views.
CYC offers an unparalleled, year...
Yacht Works, Inc., is a multi-faceted marine business located on Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula on the shores of Green Bay in the village of Sister Bay. Co-owners Russell Forkert and Deb Duren have run the business at the current locale since 1983, with a three-armed approach to the local boating industry.
One branch is a full-service boatyard specializing in all aspects of repair, ranging from outboard tune-ups to million-dollar, large yacht retrofits. Repair technicians with more than 150 years of combined experience are ready to assist with mechanical and fiberglass repairs,...
If you’re looking for a park-like atmosphere, blue skies and sandy beaches to moor your boat; with access to fine dining, shopping, gambling and the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show, consider one of Michigan City’s marinas. The Port Authority of Michigan City operates several marinas on the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
The Washington Park Marina can accommodate more than 500 boats, including power boats, sail boats and PWCs. Seasonal slip sizes range from 25 feet up to 100 feet, with water, electricity, a secure, gated key entry, and parking included in a slip fee. Fuel may be...
Many great boats have flown the Columbia burgee since its first freshwater regatta in 1893. Columbia sailors continue to dominate many of the regattas held on the Great Lakes. The club introduces sailing to the public through its Skipjack Program, a nine-week series that includes two classroom and five on-the-water sessions. The Wednesday night racing series, Beer Can Regatta, is a big hit with the racers, and the Cruising Fleet travels all over the Great Lakes in search of great times.
Columbia provides classes and seminars on boater safety, responsibility and environmental issues. Junior...
In March 2009, a newly-formed, pro-ethanol lobbying organization called Growth Energy launched a major PR and lobbying campaign to promote their product in Washington, D.C. This organization went so far as to hire former NATO Commander General Wesley Clark to be its front man and chief spokesman. Millions of dollars have since been spent on cable networks and in Washington, D.C., on the effort to promote mid-level ethanol blends, such as E15, fuel that contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.
Five big mistakes you don’t want to make …
When asked questions at my technical seminars, I often find they begin with, “Should I do this…” or “Should I do that?” As you might expect, these are always hard questions to answer regardless of the topic, because each individual boater will have different needs and experiences that are unique to his/her situation. However, when it comes to questions regarding the installation of inverters/chargers, my responses apply universally, particularly those that fall into the “should not” category....
Boaters may not know it, but unlike motor vehicle accidents where responsibility for filing a report—if one is required—typically falls to law enforcement officers, the operator of a boat involved in an accident is the person required to complete and submit an official accident report. The Code of Federal Regulations—33 CFR Section 179, Subpart C—requires the operator, or the owner if the operator is unable to complete the report, to file with the state boating authority.
