Getting Ready for the Chicago Boat show

You'll Find Pier 33
Right Beneath "Big Blue"

As the holiday season surrounds us, boat dealers around the country are scurrying to get ready for the winter time boat shows.

At Pier 33, we're busy preparing for the 2012 Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show.

Show days dates are a little different this year. The show opens to the public on Thursday January 12th and runs through Monday January 16, allowing boaters and families in the area to take advantage of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Holiday, a free day from work and school for many.

Pier 33's display of new boats from Scout and Pursuit will be bigger and better this year, with a broader selection of boats to choose from and a great location centered in the "aft' section of the show. The Pier 33 Scout and Pursuit displays are adjacent to each other, in Booth # 3450. If you don't have a map when you get to the show, look for "Big Blue" over head, plus our marker balloons for Scout and Pursuit.

The Pier 33 crew has most of our show boats wrapped and ready for our show move. We'll begin transporting our boats to

McCormick Place

about one week prior to the opening of the show, January 5 or 6, so that our full fleet is staged in

In The Showroom
But Road Ready

place for floor set-up, which begins Monday January 9th.

This year, we'll again be working alongside Centerpointe Yacht Services, our cooperating Pursuit dealer from Sturgeon  Bay & Kenosha, WI. The Pursuit display will feature the Pursuit 280 Sport and 265 Dual Console, as well as Chicago Boat Show debuts of the 230 Center Console and 180 Center Console.

Right alongside our Pursuit display, will be Pier 33's selection of new boats from Scout. The 262 Abaco will be shown  for the first time at this show, featuring a true cruising cabin, stylish hardtop, twin Yamaha outboards and loads of wide-open fishing cockpit room. We'll also bring along a 210 XSF, 187 SF, 187 Dorado and a new model for 2012, the 177 Dorado.

Check back in on our blog as the show draws near. We'll have more information regarding boat specials and other interesting news. Visit www.pier33.com/boatshows for detailed show info or call (800) 886-0493.

Training Hard During The "Off Season"

Chaparral Headquarters
Nashville, GA

Our 2011 boating season is now a couple of months in the rear view mirror. Fall haul-out and winterizing has long since been completed. Pier 33’s service crew has already begun work on off-season maintenance and repair items requested by our boat storage customers. And with the opening of boat show season (Chicago Boat Show, January 12) exactly one month away, we are putting the finishing touches on our show plans.


What many might consider our “slow” time is actually very busy, not just with those tasks shown above, but also with some important training assignments for our staff.


This year, more than ever, we are focusing on providing training and professional development for all members of our staff. With each passing year, our boating clients expect a higher degree of product knowledge, technical expertise and professional assistance in each area of our business. To meet those expectations, we have an aggressive off-season and ongoing development program ready for our team.

Prepping A Hull Mold
At Chaparral

Already, in the past few weeks, Pier 33 staff has attended these events: 

·         Scout Boats International Dealer Conference

·         International Boatbuilders’ Exposition & Conference; Louisville, KY

·         Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

·         Marine Dealer Conference & Expo; Orlando, FL

·         Technical Training, Mercury Marine

·         Technical Training, Yamaha Marine

·         Pursuit Boats Service School

·         Pursuit Boats Offshore University

·         Chaparral Boats Corporate Dealer Sales Training



Decks Getting Rigged
And Ready For Placement

Our technicians are also undergoing updates from Volvo Penta, with more class-room and hands-on training scheduled for Merc & Yamaha, as well. In addition, there will be in-house development going on throughout the year from organizations such as the American Boat and Yacht Council, American Boat Builders & Repairers Association and more.


Each of our boat builder partners (Scout, Chaparral and Pursuit), as well as our engine suppliers (Yamaha, Mercruiser & Volvo) have made product enhancements and new product introductions for the 2012 model year. We’re ready to make sure that our customers have the best information on these innovations.

Ready To Deck
This New Chaparral

Factory visits, such as we’ve had recently with Pursuit and Chaparral are always very educational. Our staff is able to see the real process, learning in detail how the boats go together. This allows our sales & technical crew to offer our clients the benefit of first-hand knowledge of the product, from quality  features that are built in where the eye can’t see them, to maintenance and troubleshooting tips that we can gain from those visits.

(Would you like to see a Pursuit 310 Sport go together? Have a look at a short video showing a deck and hull meeting for the first time.)



Ready For Final
QC Inspection

Through each of the events above, we’re able to solidify our relationships with key vendors and dealers throughout the boating world and exchange ideas that will help us enhance our service level and improve our boaters’ experiences on the water. And that’s really the most important aspect of these training and development initiatives – making the time on the water more enjoyable for our boaters.


Boating should be fun, convenient and enriching. Pier 33’s staff is committed to constant improvement, allowing us to continue to deliver the very best that boating has to offer.

See our complete photo album from our Chaparral factory tour. View it on-line at www.facebook.com/pier33marina.

New Models Introduced At Scout Dealer Meeting




Scout President & Founder Steve Potts
Presents the New 225 XSF To Dealers



The annual Scout Dealer Meeting has just concluded and Scout came ready with plenty of big news for the dealers in attendance.

Scout hosted domestic and international dealers at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. This beautiful facility is ideal for this type of event – easy access to plenty of open water, a great climate and outstanding hospitality.

The Dealer Meeting provided dealers an opportunity to see six absolutely new models from Scout, including the unveiling of the 177 series – four affordable boats covering all of the possible needs of inshore boaters. Dealers also had a chance to get first-ever looks at the 225 XSF and 275 XSF, as well as a chance to run each new model and some other very recent designs.

For those who may not be familiar with Scout Boats, this is a very unique boat builder. Not only unique in the design of each boat, but also in the philosophy that leads to those designs.

Scout President and founder Steve Potts told dealers that he strives to “create something that doesn’t exist”. Steve’s vision and out-of the-usual-boat-box thinking is prevalent in every Scout model. While many boat building companies hunkered down trying to weather the economic storms of 2008 thru 2010, Scout was busy introducing 19 (yes, nineteen!) new models over the past three years. Fresh looks, fresh performance and more innovation than any other builder in this class.

Scout 177 Sport
New For 2011

I had a chance to get aboard the new 177 Dorado with Steve Potts. The 177D is one of four new boats in the 177 series, accompanied by the center console 177 Sportfish and 177 Sport, plus the 177 Winyah Bay. The 177 Dorado was powered – really powered – by a Yamaha 115. I had already run the boat once, solo, and knew how much it would jump and how quickly it would accelerate with a 115 hanging on the back. Never having ridden along with Steve, I quizzed him as we exited the breakwater and found out the he is Scout’s # 1 test driver. Not only does he create the concepts, but each new hull and configuration has to pass his personal muster. Not to worry, I was in experienced hands. That 177 Dorado is a rocket and the convenience, performance and features built in to the rest of the boats in the 177 series are sure to be a big hit with boaters in and around our area in Michigan. Quite a pleasure to take a ride along with the man who invented the brand.

Steve also provided dealers with a dockside presentation of each of the new models, offering his insights into each design, special feature and boater appeal for each model.

Dramatic Lines & Exhilirating Performance
Scout 345 XSF

I also had a chance to accompany Scout V.P. of Operations Dave Wallace and our friend Steve Carlson of South Shore Marine on the very first run of the meeting, the 225 XSF. Lots of seating, tempered glass console protection and a smooth, dry ride were the most impressive characteristics of the new 225. National Sales Manager Alan Lang gave us a thorough run on the 275 XSF, which was finished Sunday night, just in time for dealer trials on Monday.

Although Pier 33 has been a dealer for Scout for just a short time, we’ve already had success in meeting the needs of boaters around our region. Efficiency, practicality, reliability, ease of maintenance, comfort and a high level of quality – aren’t those ideals every boater is seeking in his next boat? You can find those on every Scout.

There will be a full photo album, to be followed by some on-water videos, posted to our Facebook page shortly. Be sure to check in at www.facebook.com/pier33marina for more news from Pier 33 and Scout Boats.

Dual Console Scout 177 Dorado
New For 2012



Opening Day At The Boat Show, Great Weather and Great Boats

Opening Day at the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show got us off to a great start. Gentle breeze, lots of sunshine and friendly faces on the docks.

The display looks great and we had a lot of visitors aboard all of our boats and especially the centerpiece of the display, the Pursuit 280 Sport and 315 Offshore.

We were joined by our friend Ron Burkdoll of Pursuit Boats. Ron has been with Pursuit for over twenty years and exemplifies the professionalism, passion for quality and positive business values that help make Pursuit one of boating’s very best names.

The forecast for the balance of the boat show is a lot like yesterday – sunny, dry and comfortable – ideal boat show weather. If you haven’t yet put it on your calendar for this weekend, make some time to come and have a look around the show. There are some very impressive yachts on display, a nice array of boating accessories, entertainment for the kids, pre-owned boats and, of course, Pier 33’s display including new boats from Scout, Pursuit and Chaparral.

Michigan area boaters, remember that Michigan City is on Central time. Boat show hours are Friday, Noon to 8 PM, Saturday 11AM o 8 PM and Sunday 11AM to 6 PM.

Michigan City In-Water Boat Show - Opens Thursday August 25 - See Pier 33

NEW CHAPARRALS ON DISPLAY

It’s Boat Show Eve and Pier 33 is ready for the opening of the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show, tomorrow at Noon.

Our display this year is all on shore, with easy access to an outstanding selection of new boats from Chaparral, Scout and Pursuit.

Show set-up was a breeze. The show is run by the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association and this year is the 32^nd annual Michigan City In-Water Boat Show. Ken Alvey of LEMTA and his experienced team are very accommodating in assisting exhibitors with a well coordinated move-in and set-up. Thanks to Ken and his staff for their help.



NEW PURSUITS ON DISPLAY

You will find Pier 33’s display on shore, at the head of the “300” Pier. We’ll include some special debuts for models never before shown at Michigan City, such as the Pursuit 315 Offshore and 265 Dual Console, the exciting Scout 245 XSF and the nimble wakeboard performance offered by Chaparral’s 216 SSi, with many more from each builder in our display as well.

The show isn’t just Pier 33. In fact you will find the very best names in boating from throughout the Lake Michigan region on hand as well with a tremendous variety of boats to choose from. There are numerous exhibitors with nautical gear, clothing and services, as well.



SCOUT 245 XSF

Buttery sweet corn and the best boat show brats you'll ever find are served-up by the Exchange Club, as a yearly fundraiser for their activities. Twiggy The Water-Skiiing Squrirrel returns for another season of entertainment and there are more surprises around each corner for kids and adults alike.

We have some very special pricing available on all of our show boats, very-very special pricing on a few demos and we’re also ready to spec your order for a 2012 factory-fresh model of your choice from Chaparral, Scout or Pursuit.

The Pier 33 staff is looking forward to seeing you at the show. I hope you will join us. For complete show information, CLICK HERE.

Docks & Storage For The Upcoming Year

It's been a great summer for boating, but it is also time for Pier 33 to begin planning for next season. It seems a little early to talk about boat storage and boat winterizing. We've recently published our 2011-2012 Winter Storage programs, as well as our 2012 Dockage Program.

Now, moreso than ever before, we recognize the importance of doing all we can to keep boating an affordable recreational choice for our valued clients. We've made price reductions in every boat dock category, as well as in our heated indoor storage and winterized outdoor storage plans.

Pier 33 is also introducing an installment payment plan for 2012 dockage, with a manageable 25% downpayment and the balance can be paid during January, February and March 2012.

Pier 33 boaters can now find all of our current storage, dock and servicing information on-line. Boaters new to the area or new to Pier 33 can request information through our on-line link, as well: CLICK HERE or call toll-free: (800) 886-0493.

April Showers Bring ... Better Lake Levels

As we watched the forecasted levels for the Great Lakes throughout the winter, the trend was in the wrong direction. Lack of a hard freeze on Lake Michigan and a below average northern snow fall had allowed Lake Michigan to drop to a level 11 inches below 2010’s comparable level at the beginning of March.

However, the past few weeks have been great for adding water to the big Lake.

In fact, we just received our weekly report from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, showing an increase during the month of April for Lake Michigan of six inches. We’re now four inches within 2010’s level and the continuing run-off over the next few weeks should help close that gap.

If you would like to view the regular reports provided by the U.S.A.C.E, visit this link: CLICK HERE.

The strong rains also raise our rivers and streams. At Pier 33, that means Morrison Channel will be running a little quicker than usual during the early part of the season. Adjust your dock lines accordingly. For all boaters, the rising rivers and channels are sweeping debris from the banks that will be headed downstream and eventually out into the Lake. Be extra watchful when you are underway, for tree limbs, stumps and other floatable debris that may be hard to spot.

Boat Show Season Is Underway



PURSUIT 280 SPORT
GETTING READY FOR THE SHOW!



All around the country, January signals the start of boat show season. Just like baseball’s spring training, or the first robin in the backyard, the boat shows are a sure sign that spring is on the way.

Granted, there’s still a little snow & ice to deal with, but there are few better ways to whet the appetite than a winter’s day at the show.

Pier 33 got off to a fine start at last week’s Chicago Boat Show. The show began on Wednesday, January 12 and ran thru Sunday the 16^th. This was not an ordinary event for us, as it was our very first opportunity to bring Scout Boats and Pursuit Boats to display at the show.



SCOUT 222 DORADO ON DISPLAY



What a nice welcome Chicagoland gave us! In fact, we met boaters from all over. Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin – even Iowa, Nebraska and beyond.

Our Scout display included the 245 Abaco, 222 Dorado and 210 XSF, plus three more boats on display at the show’s Affordable Boats Pavilion – the 187 SF, 175 SF and 151 SF. Scout is running a special spring promotion on a number of these models right now and all Scout models receive special benefits during the show season through Yamaha’s Four Stroke Revolution promotion. James Pate, Scout’s Regional Sales Representative, came to Chicago to help out during the show.



GREG BELANGER & BILL DEVITT

Right next door to the bright Scout display were a gorgeous pair of brand new models from Pursuit Boats, the 280 Sport and 265 Dual Console. Together with our friends from Tiara Pursuit Yacht Center in Wisconsin, we hosted Pursuit fans and owners and also helped first-time Pursuit visitors learn about the outstanding quality offered by this brand. Ron Burkdoll of Pursuit Boats joined us for a visit and was tremendously helpful during his stay.



Pier 33’s move-in & move-out crews did a fantastic job of putting everything in place – plus getting it all home safe and sound during wintery weather.

Look for our next boat show event coming up soon, with an even larger Pier 33 display planned for February’s Grand Rapids Boat Show.