Feature

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?

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.

Factors Affecting Lake Levels - Role of St. Clair Dredging Still Unknown

glbm — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:35:38 +0000

By:

Jessica Tobacman

The upper Great Lakes basin is suffering a decrease in water levels, but immediate action is unnecessary, according to Canadian and U.S. experts. The causes of the drop include climate change, shifting weather patterns and earlier dredging and erosion in the St. Clair River. The bi-national, independent International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) Board states in a report that, between 1963 and 2006, the decrease in the levels – or "heads" – between Lake Huron and Lake Erie is an average of approximately 23 centimeters.

Climate Change

glbm — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:18:37 +0000

By:

Fred Ludens

For many years, global warning has been an issue of debate. However, as more studies are conducted, the evidence is proving that it is a reality. The Earth’s climate has changed in the past and will continue to do so in the future. A problem arises when warming trends we are facing are accelerating and caused by human, rather than by natural occurrences.

Shopping for Insurance

glbm — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:43:50 +0000

By:

Jessica Tobacman

By:

Justin Hoffman

Future of Boating

glbm — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:54:33 +0000

By:

Norm Schultz

It’s no secret. The current recession has put America’s pleasure boat industry so deep under water, some are predicting it will never rise to the surface again. Puh-leese!

Boaters Non Grata with IJC & NOAA

glbm — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:40:55 +0000

By Jennifer McKay, Policy Specialist, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

In every issue, there are many sides or perspectives or stakeholder opinions that can, or at least should, be taken into consideration. Take the Great Lakes and its many issues—invasive species, toxic sediments, contaminated fish, beach closures, low water levels, just to name a few. The sides or stakeholders for each of these issues are numerous: governments, businesses and industries, shoreline property owners, environmental organizations, and of course, there are Great Lakes boaters.

Safe and Sound with Raymarine

glbm — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:37:10 +0000

By Tim Ludens

As you gear up to spend a summer on the water with family and friends, you should “think outside the cooler” for making it a fun and relaxing season. This year’s crop of new onboard electronics from Raymarine makes it easier than ever to enjoy your time on deck while keeping the whole crew safe and sound. From bigger, brighter and highly customized screens to the most accurate weather forecast and collision prevention, these new-on-the-scene products will help you to sit back and enjoy your time on the water.

Widen Your View

Boating's Impact

glbm — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:47:49 +0000

By Jennifer McKay, Policy Specialist, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

The Great Lakes have been shaped by recreational boaters and the shipping industry. It's time to learn what those impacts mean to the people of the region.