Have you heard of discretionary expenditure, like in recreational boating? That is what the recession goes after, making it one of the first industries to suffer and one of the last to recover.
There are many suggestions that the economy has taken a turn for the better, and things are beginning to improve. With a little patience we will survive the hard times.

Boat manufacturers have been the hardest hit because few new boats are being sold. But they, too, will recover. Maybe not all of them. I am sure you have heard of “only the fittest will survive.” It has happened to cars, and it will invariably happen to boats.

I personally like the idea of being provided with fewer great lines to choose from. I don’t believe this reduction could be construed as entering an era of socialism into our boating lifestyles.

Boaters lacking patience join the pack of anxious economic health watchers, asking, “Are we out of the recession yet?” But why should they care? Boaters who love their all-paid-for boats should have no concerns about the recession and when it will end.

Boating builds patience, slows you down: stretches minutes into hours and hours into days; you live longer, happier and more naturally. The recession will eventually end, but in the meantime we keep boating happily.

There are 13 million boaters across the country, 4.3 million of which are located on the Great Lakes. We have remained strong and will outlast the poor economy. While manufacturers have been struggling to sell boats, we have been out on ours enjoying everything about the Great Lakes.

In this issue, we cover two boat builders: Adventure Craft and Rampage. Adventure Craft brings a house to the water with elegance. All the comforts of your own house fit onto the boat, with a lot of room to stretch out. The 2800 CabinYacht is the best houseboat you can find.

Rampage combines the best of fishing and cruising into the perfect vessel for on-water fun. We take a look at the 34 IPS and the 45 Convertible. The 34 has brand new IPS technology, which makes tracking down fish a snap. The boat can move on a diagonal and turn instantly.

We’ll show you all the hotspots of Lake Ontario’s gem, Toronto. This year-round port of call doesn’t freeze over, even in the coldest of winters thanks to Lake Ontario. The city has many exciting neighborhoods that are as diverse as its population. There is truly something for everyone.

Ever wonder about charter fishing? We have a personal, firsthand account of a Lake Michigan charter fishing trip. A Chicago captain takes us along on his boat to catch lake trout and salmon. The fish are coming.

We also discuss the representation by the GLBF for recreational boaters from the Great Lakes. NOAA and IJC have snubbed boaters for decades. This article encourages boaters to work together with the GLBF for a stronger voice on the water.

Boaters have a tendency to sit back and enjoy the ride, when they should be demanding loudly better treatment from several key government agencies. Get energized and find a way to make yourself heard, so that boating is no longer considered the step-child. Visit
www.greatlakesboatingfederation.com to make yourself heard.