Features

Contender

glbm — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:53:44 +0000

By:

Lee Stewart

For nearly 30 years, Contender has redefined all that a sportfishing boat can be. The original hull design of its classic 25-foot model has evolved into the sophisticated power and performance of today’s tournament-proven winners. The company prides itself on following a traditional “hands on” boat-building philosophy while using the most advanced modern materials and quality components. Contender is seeking to expand its market and dealership presence in the Great Lakes area and supply serious anglers with models that combine optimum performance with greater fuel-efficiency and environmental friendliness.

39ST Center Console

Cajun Country Rebounds

glbm — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:41:35 +0000

By:

Ned Dikmen

By:

Karen Malonis

Nearly one year af ter the disastrous BP oil spill, Louisiana is still trying to overcome not only the direct aftermath of the incident, but the widely-held view that the entire coastal area of the state has faced devastation. Truth be told, the coastal parishes (counties) of southwest Louisiana, which embody a good chunk of Cajun Country, were never damaged by the oil spill: no tar balls, no damage to the marshes, no fouling of the oyster beds and no of fensive odors tainting the seafood. In fact, the locals have never stopped eating the area’s seafood or drinking its water, and they want to spread the word that, despite the recent misfortunes, their culture and lifestyle is alive and well. Visitors, especially Great Lakes boaters who are looking for some outdoor activities during the of f-season, will enjoy the many activities awaiting them in Cajun Country.

TAKE A RIDE

Future of Boat Shows

glbm — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:20:57 +0000

By:

Ron Hein; Executive Vice President; Foresight Research

Aboating industry executive recently asked me about the future of boat shows. He said, “You are a marketing guru who studies how people shop for big ticket items like boats; tell me your thoughts on the future of traditional boat shows.” Well, maybe that’s a question for the millions of power boaters, sailors and anglers, and their friends and family, who are now flocking to exhibit halls to see and board the boats of their dreams. Are these folks just out for a good time at manufacturers’ and dealers’ expense? After all, if a person is really shopping for a new boat, can’t they find all the specifications, safety information, quality and pricing they want on the boat brand’s web site? Further, they could consult with friends or current owners via social media web sites like Facebook to discuss performance and satisfaction. So, why have shows?

Princecraft

glbm — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:49:03 +0000

Since 1954, Princecraft has been building upon a foundation of the highest-quality aluminum boats. The company’s mission is to create unparalleled experiences on the water for ﬁshing and boating enthusiasts with “professionally rigged and ready” packages of aluminum ﬁshing boats, pontoon boats and deck boats. The aluminum ﬁshing and pontoon boats featured here are a sample of Princecraft’s lineup for 2011.

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

Platinum SE 186

The meticulously designed Platinum SE 186 delivers maximum performance, comfort and amenities.

Cruisers Yachts

glbm — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:08:43 +0000

With the new, stylish 48 Cantius Sport Coupe, Cruisers Yachts has created an innovative product without compromising comfort or function.

The upper salon is complemented by the walk-through windshield, power actuated 71-by-71-inch sunroof with manual sun shade and upper salon glass door for 360 degrees of visibility. There’s also an air vent on the walk-through windshield door to allow for natural ventilation. Standard features of the upper salon include a wet bar, including sink, bottle storage and trash receptacle.

www.cruisersyachts.com

48 Cantius

Bodrum's Gulets: Charter/Ownership/Festival/Regatta

glbm — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 23:24:16 +0000

By:

Ned Dikmen

By:

Karen Malonis

Bodrum, described by the Greek poet Homer as “the land of eternal blue,” is the crown jewel of Turkey’s southwestern Aegean coast, and is known worldwide as a resort that offers the best in seaside living. “Bodrum” refers not only to the town, but also to the peninsula on which it is situated. The area has an abundance of architectural and historical signiﬁcance, including the 15th-century Castle of St. Peter located on the harbor front; ancient windmills; white, dome-shaped cisterns known as gümbets where travelers and their animals used to stop and quench their thirst; and classic wooden sailing boats known as gulets that ﬁll the harbor.

With accommodating weather, Bodrum is surrounded by natural beauty and preserved antiquities. About 2.9 million tourists visit the area yearly, mainly during the summer. And Bodrum is becoming increasingly popular in early fall.

Boating in 2011

glbm — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 19:34:00 +0000

By:

Thomas J. Dammrich; President; National Marine Manufacturers Association

When people talk about the boating industry, it is important to understand what they mean. It is a richly diverse and segmented group of mostly small businesses. The industry includes everything from new boat, engine and accessory manufacturers and dealers to marinas and service yards, to tourism, Internet sites, yacht clubs, and other non-proﬁt organizations like the U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Black Boaters

Club of America, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). There are an estimated 30,000 businesses in the United States dedicated to serving new, experienced, and even prospective boaters.

Bayliner

glbm — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:35:53 +0000

285 Cruiser

Bayliner™ Boats introduces 28 feet of affordable luxury with the new, spacious 285 Cruiser, perfect for overnight trips, weekend excursions and designed to entertain the entire family. The new 285 provides all the luxuries of a large boat, with the easy-to-maintain, built-to-last value.

At 28 feet 7 inches, with an exceptionally wide beam of 9 feet 11 inches, the 285 provides an impressive amount of functional space, given its size and reasonable price point. With the capacity for 10 and sleeping space for six, family overnights or weekend trips with friends will never feel cramped or crowded. Entertaining is easy on the 285, with unique features like the double-wide helm seat, allowing the captain to be included in the conversation, and the private aft cabin making it easy for two couples to enjoy an overnight trip.

Houseboating at it's Best: on the Lake of the Ozarks

glbm — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:23:54 +0000

By:

Jessica Tobacman

Enjoy the comforts of home on the water as you visit Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Rent a houseboat from Forever Resorts’ Lake of the Ozarks Marina to see one of the largest manmade lakes in the Midwest, located in the center of the state. You would not be alone in choosing this location, as almost 3 million individuals venture here each summer.

Coast Guard Always Ready

glbm — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:10:56 +0000

102nd Chicago Mac Race

As a power boat journalist of many years, covering the 333-mile Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac in-person has always been tempting, but never easy. I participated as a crew member on two Mac races much earlier in my career; the last race was the most memorable, but yet one of the most disappointing, as we finished the race as the pickle boat. It was then that I decided to concentrate on the art of writing cruising stories.

However, sometime in late June, I started thinking about doing a Mac race story as an observer aboard the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) vessel that would trail the ﬂeet. With special permission from the USCG 9th District in Cleveland, Ohio, to obtain a story on the event, it was a done deal. I was given permission to ride aboard the Cutter Hollyhock for the three- to four-day trip to Mackinac.