Boat Show Tips

Come out to the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show. See boats and marine equipment as they were meant to be experienced — in a harbor setting! Browse boats and marine equipment docked at the harbor, or relax on the patio and order something to eat. Thursday–Saturday evenings you can listen to fantastic boating music. 

Here are a few tips to make your experience at the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show the best it can be.

Choose Your Day Wisely
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have lighter crowds and shorter waits for boat displays. Saturday and Sunday typically have “bumper to bumper traffic” It's a good idea to arrive at opening time. Pick your favorite few boats to inspect before the rush and then wait until the middle of the afternoon to check out the other popular models.

Tickets
Once you have decided which day you would like to attend the boat show. Conveniently purchase tickets online. 
$12 Adults (16 & older)
$36 Adult Weekday 4-pack (16 & older) — The more the merrier! Buy three full-price weekday adult tickets and the fourth one is on the house. Just think…that $12 savings. This offer is valid for online purchase ONLY and is only good Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
FREE for kids 15 & younger

Plan Your Day
It is always best to have a plan in mind as to how you will cover the features of the show that have the most interest to you. Serious boat buyers often come on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday when the crowds are not distracting. The same could be true if you intend to research some new deck hardware or re-powering your boat. Bring the kids along, free fishing for children 12 and younger. There's no limit to the fun! Catch-and-release trout pond, stocked with frisky trout is a great way to introduce kids to the sport of fishing. Adding to the fun—great prizes for any lucky little angler who catches a specially tagged trout.

Do Your Homework
Boat shows are a great way to begin your boat buying process. But with all the different styles and sizes to choose from, it’s hard to make a decision if you haven’t already narrowed down your choices. Before attending our boat show, visit our website and start looking at the different models we sell. While browsing, think about what you’ll use your boat for and how many people you’ll take out at a time. So when you visit us at the boat show, you’ll be able to spend more time on the boat that interests you the most.

Come Prepared
When you come to the boat show, you should bring a few things with you.
Questions - bring your questions. We’ll have our expert team on hand to help you understand everything there is to know about the boating lifestyle and the different types of boats.
Notebook - you will want to take notes about the different boat models, sizes, how many people can fit or how much fuel the boat can hold. Also, record your observations about each boat that you are interested in. Write down what you liked or didn't like about each model.
Printed Address Labels - if you plan to visit multiple vendors, bring pre-printed address labels that have your name and contact information. Many vendors ask for this information and having an address label ready to peel and stick will save you lots of time.
Camera - Bring along a camera to take your own pictures. Yes, there are brochures for the boats but they sometimes leave out images of features you may consider important.
Climb Aboard
Don't get nervous around the boat that interests you. Climb aboard! (Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off since shoes are not allowed on boats.) We’re here for you and want you to feel comfortable spending time on the boats that fit your lifestyle. Go ahead and have a seat at the helm (the Captains chair), open doors, or even take a peek at the head (the restroom). Need more information? Our friendly staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Lastly, don't forget to visit us at booth #3444. Our display will include the Chicago debut of the exciting Pursuit ST 310, plus an excellent selection of other models from the Pursuit line-up. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Big Weekend for Pursuit Boats - Updated With Videos

Rob Orlaske and I have just arrived in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, for a very important event hosted by Pursuit Boats.

Pursuits VIP event got underway Friday at Sunset Bay Harbor in Stuart and there are a number of boats in the water ready for display and demo. We're going to take advantage of the unique opportunity to introduce Rob (he has just joined our sales staff, watch for more details later) to the premium quality, design and performance of the Pursuit fleet.

Pursuit has also unveiled the new SC 365, a dramatic innovation that we're very excited to see. Watch our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pier33marina) for photos and videos in the next day or two.

Rob & I will folo-up the on-water event with two days at Pursuit's manufacturing facility in Fort Pierce, joining other dealers for "Offshore University".

Pursuit is deservedly regarded as one of the boating world's very best builders and Pursuit provides its dealers with a deep well of support, including events like these --- ultimately enabling those dealers to give Pursuit owners the very best level of service.

Here's any update ... we have now published our complete photo albums of the new Pursuit SC 365 and the Pursuit factory tour to Pier 33's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pier33marina. Have a look!

Plus, here are three videos we put together showing-off the new SC 365:

Pier 33 Marina Announces New Memberships

Pier 33 Marina of St. Joseph, Michigan has recently been accepted for membership in the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas as well as the National Marine Manufacturers Association.


"Pier 33 Marina of St. Joseph, Michigan is now a member of the boating industry’s two leading trade organizations. Pier 33 has been accepted for membership in both the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the National Marina Manufacturers Association.

Founded in 1972, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is an association composed of boat dealers, marine parts and accessories vendors and related service providers. The MRAA is focused on its role as the unifying voice of marine retailers and provides a wide array of member benefit programs including management and staff training opportunities, legislative representation, marketing support, certification support, numerous discounted services to members from affiliated providers and a solid network of industry contacts and resources.

Pier 33’s entry into the National Marine Manufacturers Association as an Associate Member will provide Pier 33 with access to vital programs such as key industry statistics, legislative insights, training and staff recruitment opportunities, discounted marketing opportunities and much more. Although founded upon the needs of boat and accessory manufacturers, many of the NMMA’s programs focus on needs at the dealer level, by promoting recreational boating through consumer outreach, continuously improving customer satisfaction and experiences through CSI (Consumer Satisfaction Index) and Marine Five Star Dealer Certification programs and advocating at state and federal levels to protect the interests of the marine industry and the users of its products.

“We’re working to align Pier 33 with the very best resources available in the boating business” says Pier 33 General Manager Tighe Curran “so that we can use every available tool to improve the boating experience for our boaters. The combination of programs available through these two powerful organizations will help us reach our goals”.

As a full-service marina, Pier 33 provides summer dockage and on-shore services, comprehensive boat repair and maintenance services, boat parts and accessories sales, yacht brokerage services, pre-owned boat sales and Pier 33 is a dealer for new boats from Chaparral, Pursuit and Scout. “Pier 33 is involved in every possible area at the dealer and marina level – so we’ll gain great benefit from our memberships in both the MRAA and NMMA” continued Curran.

As part of its support of the NMMA and MRAA, Pier 33 staff participated in two recent trade conferences, the International Boatbuilders Exposition & Conference in Lousivlle, KY and the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL.

Pier 33 is also a member of the Michigan Boating Industry Association as well as the American Boat and Yacht Council, with additional training and dealership support available through those two groups. Pier 33 is currently preparing to participate in the MBIA’s Recreational Boating Educational Conference including the MRAA’s Marine Retailer’s University, December 5 & 6. In addition, Pier 33 is sponsoring an upcoming professional training opportunity through the ABYC (Systems Certification) to be held at Pier 33 February 26 through March 1, 2013."

Pier 33 to Host Marine Technician Training Offered by ABYC

Pier 33 Marina will be host to an upcoming marine technician training course provided by the American Boat & Yacht Council. ABYC will present the Marine Systems Certification Course, February 26 thru March 1, 2013 at Pier 33 in St. Joseph, Michigan.

This course is one component of ABYC's Master Technician Certification program and is one of eight areas of marine technician certification available through the ABYC.

The course will cover Potable Water Systems, Waste Water Systems, Tanks, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, System Monitoring, Compressed Gas Systems for cooking and heating, Hydraulic Systems, AC and Refrigeration Systems, and Pump Systems, plus ABYC standards and best industry practices associated with each.

Marine professionals from throughout the region are invited to participate. The course is open to all interested marine technicians and is administered by the ABYC.

For complete course details, on-line registration and additional ABYC information: Click Here.

Each participant will receive an ABYC Study Guide in advance and the Marine Systems Certification exam will be held on the final day of the course. Registration fees are $885 for ABYC members and $1,170 for non-members. For registration information or more details regarding this and other educational opportunities offered by ABYC, contact Sandy Brown: sbrown@abycinc.org or (410) 990-4460, X 101.

Nearby local lodging is available:

Boulevard Inn. 521 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph: 269-983-6600.
City view rooms - $125
Park view rooms - $145

Silver Beach Hotel. 100 Main Street St. Joseph: 269-983-7341.
King size room - $98
Double queens room - $107
 

Holiday Inn Express. 3019 Lakeshore St. Joseph: 269-982-0004.
King size or double queens room - $89.95
Suite - $109

For additional lodging choices visit: http://www.stjoetoday.com/sleep

Fish With Kids

Do you love fishing? Go ahead and share that passion with kids. Fishing together gives you the opportunity to bond, teach them a new sport, and create lasting memories that they will always treasure.

Getting kids involved from the get-go is key. Kids love to feel included and teaching them a sense of responsibility can go a long way. Take into consideration how old they are, and give them simple tasks they can be responsible for. It all starts even before you head out the door. Make a list of supplies you will need for your fishing trip. This list should include sunblock, insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, extra clothes, water shoes, personal flotation devices, first aid kit, simple tackle and bait. Also, don't forget to bring along a cooler filled with snacks and plenty of liquids. Kids tend to get hungrier more often than adults. Go down the checklist and have the kids make sure you've got everything.  Also, don't forget to bring along your fishing license.

Choose a location that you know will result in fishing success. Nothing is more disappointing than not catching or seeing any fish. With that being said, also teach kids that fishing is not only about catching fish but trying to catch fish. Be patient with them and give them lots of encouragement. Give them frequent breaks so that they don't get bored or discouraged. Let them play in the water, throw stones, or any other form of free play to keep them busy.

Teaching kids how to fish is also important. Keep it simple by teaching them the three basic techniques:

Tying a Fisherman's Knot

Insert the fishing line through the "eye" of the hook.  Pull out about 10 inches of line. Use those extra inches of line and wrap it around the primary fishing line about five times.  Gather the end of the 10 inch line and loop through the eye of the hook once again.

Baiting Your Hook

Instead of threading the worm through the center, it is best to thread the worm lengthwise on to your hook. This will help your worm stay on your hook and prevent a fish from coming and stealing worms off your hook.

Casting

It's easier for kids to cast over their shoulders. Have them hold down the reel button with their thumb. Get ready to cast the line. As they cast the line have them let go of the button. Reel in the slack line. You want the line tight so you can feel when a fish is tugging on it.

It is best if you show kids how to do these techniques before they actually try to do them alone. Practicing before heading out would be a good idea.

Also, in teaching kids how to fish, take the opportunity to teach them about the safety skills involved in fishing. Such as not playing with the hook and being safe in and around water. It will be essential in ensuring a great fishing experience.

The idea is to make fishing fun. Make it an experience that they will want to look forward to repeating time and time again. Remember, these are memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Great Lakes Scuttlebutt Magazine Visits Pier 33

Erik Kyle, editor of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt Magazine, dropped by to visit with Pier 33 during the 2012 Michigan City In-Water Boat Show.

Getting Ready for the Boat Show

Look For Our Chaparral Tent

The Michigan City In-Water Boat Show gets underway this Thursday … boat show dates are Thursday thru Friday August 23 thru 26 … and Pier 33 is set-up and ready to go.

This year’s Pier 33 display will feature thirteen boats on shore, from Chaparral, Scout and Pursuit.

We began transporting boats to a staging area in Michigan City last Friday. With the cooperation of Ken Alvey of LEMTA and his boat show staff, Pier 33 was able to get access to the show site Monday morning to start placing the boats.

Boat Show Debut
Pursuit 260 Center Console

An on-shore display of this size is quite a puzzle to put together and the Pier 33 move-in crew did an outstanding job. With just a few finishing touches to go, the boats are now set. Boat show-goers will find Pier 33’s display alongside The Water’s Edge restaurant and all boats have been arranged for easy boarding.

The show itself is an interesting but temporary creation, in Trail Creek with temporary docks and on-shore in the area at Washington Park surrounding the old yacht club building (now The Water’s Edge) and the U.S.C.G station. This is a fun opportunity for boaters to get together and for boaters-to-be to view a wide variety of boating possibilities.

Just A Few
More to Go!

For boat show hours and more information, visit our website, http://www.pier33.com/Page.aspx/pageId/65710/Boat-Shows.aspx.

See you at the show!

How To Take A Great Picture of Your Boat

Gorgeous shimmering water, a clean sleek boat, sun rising over the horizon – every boat lover wants that perfect picture of their boat. But capturing that ‘perfect picture’ is easier said than done.

First, consider what exactly you’re looking to take a picture of. Your boat, obviously. But do you want to take a picture of it while docked or do you prefer a friend on another boat take a photo of you driving offshore? Maybe you want both. Either way, once you’ve established a plan, there are some other very important things you need to consider.

Lighting is everything

The best time to take photos of anything, especially a boat in glistening water, is in the early morning or late evening. In the summertime this is usually around 7-7:30am and 6:30-7:30pm. You can take semi-decent photos at anytime if there is overcast. If you think you’re going to defy the laws of the sun high in the sky at lunch time though, you are sadly mistaken, my friend. Once the sun has risen it creates harsh light and shadows. It also reflects off of the surface of the water which creates many unwanted shadows across your boat. 

When taking a photo of your boat, make sure the sun is always positioned behind it or at an angle from the boat. This illuminates your boat and also guarantee’s that it isn’t in a direct sunlight position (again, harsh light is the worst when taking photos). This is also true for when you’re taking photos of people on board – always make sure the sun is behind them. Avoid using a flash if possible as it can cause a glare on the side of your boat.

If you’re shooting with a DSLR camera (not a point and shoot), make sure your photo isn’t overexposed by checking the histogram. It’s better to make your photo darker than lighter – you can fix underexposed photos easier than you can fix extremely overexposed photos.  Also, make sure you know how to use your camera. Learning how to shoot in manual mode before you try to take amazing photos of your boat will be quite helpful.

The Best Angle and Position

Don’t be scared to get creative and wild with the angle in which you’re taking a photo. Standing on a dock taking a photo of your boat head level isn’t going to cut it – you won’t be able to catch the details and the curves in the body. Try standing on a chair or ladder, or even squatting or lying down to get a few low photos of your boat by positioning the camera in a low position and pointing the camera upward (capturing the bottom to the top of your boat). Standing beside the boat at an angle (front to back) also creates a nice feel to the photo.

Don’t forget that there’s more to a photo than just your boat. Offsetting your boat to one side or the other in the viewfinder creates a dramatic effect and adds layers to the photo. You can also use this time to capture a beautiful sunset or other boats in the distance. There is beauty in depth.

Capturing Details

Don’t forget about the details on your boat such as the reel on your favorite fishing pole, the gauges on your dash, or even something as simple as an old rope lying in the corner. All of these things are part of your boat and your love for it. Detailed and abstract photos not only make unique hangings for your wall, they also help you capture memories. You’ll be able to look back and smell that salt water air, feel mist against your face, and remember the exact sunset on that evening….all by looking at the photo hanging in your den. 

You can take perfect photos of your boat, whether you’re using a point-and-shoot camera or a more complicated DSLR camera. When in doubt, you can always hire a professional to do it (and they might even consider bartering a session for a boat ride). In any case, remember to get out of the ‘norm’ and shoot at different angles. Don’t shoot in harsh sunlight. Have a friend take photos of you in the middle of the lake while you’re cruising around with your family. Or capture the essence of that gorgeous memorable sunset in the background. Remember, you’re not just taking a cool picture of your boat, you’re taking a cool picture of your boat while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any pictures of your boat that you just love? Share them with us on our Facebook page.

Is Satellite TV For You?

Inside Satellite Dome

While the serenity and excitement of fishing, water sports, lying in the sun, and feeling the cool breeze blow across your skin is all part of the boating experience; sometimes, you just want to watch a baseball game…or maybe, in recent weeks, your favorite Olympic team. Or, yes, the newest Disney show that you’re youngest can’t live without.

Welcome to the 21st Century -- we have satellite capabilities on boats here.

Should I make the investment?

Having a satellite TV on a boat clearly isn’t for everyone. If you don’t spend a lot of time on your boat, you don’t need it. If you enjoy getting away from the noise of everyday life, it’s highly probable that you wouldn’t even turn the TV on if you had one on your boat. However, if you have a family, enjoy entertaining on your boat, or just want to kick back and relax, then satellite TV could definitely be for you.

Marine satellite TV systems are available at a wide range of prices – mainly depending on how much equipment you need. For just one TV and receiver, marine satellite TV can usually fit into a smaller budget. But if you want to have multiple TVs being used at one time or a large system, it can get pricey.

How it works

If you have decided that satellite TV on your boat is for you, then you’re in luck – the set-up process is fairly simple. Satellite TV on a boat isn’t much different than that on land.  While satellite on land uses wires and cables, marine satellite TV receives transmissions directly from satellites.

First, you’ll need to contact a local marine TV retailer ( that’s us ). Or, if you are buying a boat and want satellite TV as an add-on, make sure you tell your salesperson so they can make the changes accordingly. Either way, we’ll be able to make sure you get all of the proper equipment and can help you with the set up. If you’re confident in knowing what you’re doing, you can just order the equipment from our parts department. However, we highly recommend having our trained and professional technicians install your new satellite TV.

Now, you’ll need a TV. Any TV will do really – however, LCDs, Plasma’s, and flat screens are the obvious choices. Flat screens on mounts also give you the ability to easily hide the TV or move it out of the way when you’re not using it.

Next, decide which satellite service provider you’d like to go with. You can even go with providers such as DirecTV and Dish Network. All satellite service providers have different channels and network packages to offer, so be sure to check out all of their packages. Premium movies and pay-per-view programs can also be purchased while onboard.

Once set-up is complete, you’ll be able to enjoy your satellite TV, and a few great boating movies, from just about anywhere. Simple as that!

Happy boating with your 48” LCD satellite TV!

What to Do if You Run Out of Gas

It’s every boater’s worst nightmare – being stranded in the middle of a river, lake, or the ocean. Many things can strand you in the middle of nowhere – engine problems, bad weather, etc. But one of the most common things is running out of gas. So simple, yet so common. Before you leave dock, always make sure you have enough fuel for your journey, and make sure you have even more than enough. A little extra gas never hurt anyone!


Even the best of boaters may find themselves in this situation though, so here are a few things to do should you find yourself stranded.

1. First of all, don't panic! Panicking in any emergency situation on a boat is a no-no - especially if there are others on board with you. Take a breather and clear your mind so that you can make rational decisions.
2. If you have a VHF radio or phone, and it is working, you should make that your first choice for trying to call for help. You can read our blog full of information on how to use a VHF radio and what stations to call here.
3. Set your anchor so that you don't float any further than you want to. This will also assure that you don't drift into rocks, shallow water, etc.
4. Observe where you are. How long have you been in your boat - are you close to shore? Could you paddle there (if you're in a smaller boat)? Are there any rocks or other dangerous objects around that could damage your boat? Are there any landmarks that you can give over the radio so that other boats in the area know your location quicker and easier?
5. If it's daylight, make sure you put on sunscreen and stay hydrated. There's nothing worse than getting burnt to a crisp, or worse, passing out from heat exhaustion or dehydration. Put cool rags on your neck or face to cool down if you're in an extreme heat situation.
6. Put your life jacket on. You never know what else could go wrong. And you should already have it on anyway!

To help you plan for a boating trip and keep safe, always make sure a friend or family member has a copy of your float plan. Your float plan should include your course, how many people are aboard, your vessel description, and places that you may stop. You should also let them know a time that you’ll be back from your journey, and that if you aren’t back by a certain time, they should call for help. If you are delayed, make sure you contact them and make them aware. Have nautical charts of the area that you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable way to communicate on board. These are all things you can do in advance that could potentially save your life. 
Happy Boating!!

Pursuit Announces Preliminary Specifications of New Sport Yacht

Pursuit Boats recently announced the preliminary specifications of their new Yamaha Outboard-powered Sport Yacht scheduled for completion in the early fall of 2012.  The new luxury vessel will be designated a 36 footer; however the patent pending design inclusive of the outboard power will bring her overall length to an impressive 41’ 2”.

“Over the past several years, Pursuit has perfected the process of constructing outboard-powered luxury boats.  Naturally, we are excited about the possibilities of  applying our internal design and production technologies to the Sport Yacht market backed by dependable Yamaha Outboards,” commented Tom Slikkers, President, S2 Yachts.

The all new Pursuit 36 Sport Yacht will be powered exclusively by the most advanced, best performing power option in the marine marketplace today, Yamaha Outboards.  The patent-pending design will take advantage of the wealth of space revealed through her use of outboard power plants. Upon completion, Pursuit will show notable advances in a full beam mid-cabin, spacious galley and cockpit features.  Yacht-caliber fit, finish and performance will be re-defined.

“The success of our award winning outboard-powered designs in the 30 plus foot marketplace gives us great confidence in the future success of the new 36 Sport Yacht.  As a company known for delivering luxury models, our experience and design resources compliment this market niche,” said  George Hetzel, Vice President Sales and Marketing, S2 Yachts.

Pursuit 36 Sport Yacht Preliminary Specifications

• LOA: 41'2"
• Beam: 12'6"
• Displacement: 17,000 lbs
• Fuel: 275 gal
• Water: 75 gal
• Waste: 25 gal

Are you looking forward to the release of the Pursuit 36 Sport Yacht?

4th of July Boating Safety Tips

We received an email from Mercury Marine this week which had a few good tips for keeping safe while boating this Wednesday. So we decided to share those tips with you below.

BOATING SAFETY TIPS

• Before and during operation, make sure everyone on your boat is in the proper passenger position. Sit down and hold on. You don’t want your passengers to be in a position that could result in them falling overboard. Also, don't sit or stand at the front of a moving pontoon boat.
• Always wear your lifejacket. It can save your life. The majority of boating fatalities involve people who drown without a lifejacket on.
• Watch out for the propeller. Shut off the engine whenever anyone is in the water near your boat. Placing the engine in neutral is not enough.
• Use your lanyard cut-off switch. Things can happen quickly on the water. Make sure your engine will shut off if you are not in the operator’s position.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

It's Time To Grill

Boating and grilling – they seem to go hand and hand. It all goes together with that ‘summertime’ feel.  And of course, grilled food is healthier for you. But besides all that, grilling on a boat is all part of the adventure of boating.

I’m sure most of us can use common sense and know that you’re not going to lug a huge stainless steel gas grill on a boat. In fact, there are special grills that are specifically made for boaters. You’ll want to make sure you have one that is best suited for your boat and space limits. Keep in mind that grilling on land is dangerous, so grilling on a boat is even more of a hazard – not necessarily always because of the grill, but because of the limited space on a boat and the constant movement of being on the water.

Plan ahead

First of all, plan ahead. Before you step foot on your boat, make sure you have planned out everything that you’ll need – be it food items, pots and pans, drinks, etc. Remember, you have a small space to work with, so try to only bring one of everything that you need (unless, of course, it’s eating utensils, etc). This won’t only make it easier for you to grill, it will also be easier for clean up.  You should take some time to pre-plan your meals and stick with those meals that you already have the cooking items for onboard. Never count on catching fish, if that is indeed what you want to fix. Fish should always be considered a ‘bonus’ meal or something to eat in place of a non-perishable meal. Also, check your propane tank for leaks or damage before setting off. Nothing could be more frustrating than trying to start your meal without gas for your grill -- or worse, having a leak and lighting a match nearby.


Grill at the dock or at anchor

It’s safer to cook when the boat is docked. You won’t lose your food or have to worry about someone falling on the grill should a random wave come along. Speaking of which, make sure all of your cooking utensils and pans are in a zippered bag/back pack or secure cabinet, whether you’re docked or not.  Your boats movements are unpredictable and loose items can be a potential hazard! If you must find that adventure out in the open water, make sure you're anchor is set to help keep you from moving about.


No glass allowed

Don’t bring glass on board! Many bowls, cups, and drink or cooking bottles (such as olive oil) are glass and should not be brought onboard. Should you find that you need a bowl or container, always use something that is plastic – put condiments such as ketchup or cooking oils in portable plastic containers. This would go along with the ‘planning ahead’ point above. When making sure you have all of the proper cooking equipment or extras, if you find that you have something glass, run to your nearest store to find a plastic alternative. It’s not worth the risk of having that glass break or having someone step on a loose glass bottle – especially if you’re hours away from land.


You'll have a limited supply of water

Conserve water as much as possible while cooking and cleaning. Remember, there are a lot of different uses for water on your boat. Bring hand sanitizer to wash your hands with periodically, and sanitizing wipes to wipe down surfaces. Don’t run the faucet while cleaning up after your meal. Reuse water where possible, and bring bottled water to drink and use when needed.


What are you going to grill?

You might wonder what types of things to cook when on a boat – again, keeping in mind that you have very limited space. Some things that you might consider grilling are ka-bobs. Pre-make your ka-bobs and put them in large 1gallon plastic storage bags. Or, consider doing the same with chicken or anything that needs to be marinated – put your pieces of meat in large plastic containers or storage bags (which are more flexible) along with your marinade. By the time dinner comes, they’ll be perfectly marinated and you can toss the plastic bags out. Easy clean up! Fish is an easy meal as well. Seasoning your fish with simple salt and pepper or old bay seasoning, then putting it on the grill, makes for a delicious and memorable dinner for the entire group. Simple, but oh so delish!  Tacos and single dish meals are also easy when on a boat. Put all of your toppings or condiments in separate containers before getting on your boat or leaving dock -- it makes your life much easier, especially if your toppings need to be sliced and diced. Always make sure your meat is cold and on ice – never cook meat that has been allowed to come to room temperature (who knows how long it’s been warm!)  And remember that leftovers aren’t any good either unless placed on ice after your meal.


Have a great cookout

Be safe on your boat and take all precautionary measures, including an up to date fire extinguisher. Anything can go wrong in under a second on a boat, whether you’re playing with heat or not! Check at you have a small first aid kit with burn cream. This will come in handy for sunburn or an accidental burn from the grill. Always be prepared and always plan ahead – and don’t forget the food!

Tips for Viewing Fourth of July Fireworks from Your Boat

Open waters and open skies make for the best fireworks display. There’s no better place than laid back on your boat with your friends and family while watching fireworks on the 4th of July. But there are a few tips you should consider that will heighten the excitement of the fireworks, and to make sure you’re taking the proper safety precautions while on the water.

First of all, you should check the US Coast Guard’s local notice to mariner’s website for any special instructions for boaters during the big event. Be sure to follow these instructions – they are not only mandatory to keep you safe, but to keep other’s safe as well. Make sure your boat is equipped with the correct safety equipment and check that everything is functioning normally. Life jackets should already be on board, but if you have any newcomers or irregulars that will be joining you on your boat for the special event, you’ll need to be sure you have extra life jackets.

When looking for the perfect place to drop anchor, you’ll want to make sure you anchor downwind of the show. If you anchor your boat upwind, you may not hear the fireworks very well – and we all know, there’s nothing better than feeling and hearing the powerful boom of fireworks!

Find your location and anchor early. You can take the extra time to eat, play games, or just relax before the fireworks begin. You can also take this time to make sure your anchor is set properly, and see that your anchor lights are on and working. Training your newer passengers on board about the normal procedures and emergency procedures is another great thing to take up this extra time. Better safe than sorry!

When it comes to being patriotic on the water, many people enjoy a nice ‘drink’. However, it’s best that you not allow alcohol on board while in the middle of a body of water (read the Preventable Tragedy). Of course, the captain definitely shouldn't drink as it can impair his ability to react or impair his vision in general. But passengers should also be warned about alcohol on board. If an emergency should arise, passengers may not be able to react as quickly as needed. They could also lose their balance more easily than if they were sober. Passengers under the influence of alcohol or any type of drug can also distract the captain of the boat.

When the show is finished and it’s time for the festivities to end, take your time when pulling up anchor and leaving. Remember, there are many other boaters on the water going the same exact direction you are. There’s no rush, so take your time and be cautious. There may be other boaters not following proper safety guidelines, or worse, they may be driving under the influence of alcohol. Rushing back to dock isn’t worth an accident. Enjoy this relaxing moment with your loved ones and cruise slowly back to land.

Bonus: Top National In-Water Destinations For July 4 Fireworks Displays

There’s nothing worse than being distracted by lights or obnoxious noises while watching your fireworks show, so be courteous to other boaters.  Don’t play with flashlights, spotlights, or large lights of any kind. Also, if you’re playing music on board, make sure it’s not too loud for other boaters to hear. Just because you like a particular kind of music, doesn’t mean others want to listen to it.

From all your friends at Pier 33; have fun, be safe, be courteous, and most of all… enjoy your 4th of July!!

Ready to Launch Your Trailer Boat – 5 No-No’s

So, you’re ready to put that nice shiny boat in the water and enjoy your day. But not so quickly – there are some steps you need to take before backing that trailer down the ramp to launch your boat into the water.

Marina’s, lakes and other bodies of water normally have launch ramps for boaters. It is the boater’s responsibility to make sure the launch procedure goes smoothly and without incident. So you’ll want to make sure you know good and well what you’re doing, and how to properly do it.

There are several different things to take into account that will help you make this process quick and painless -- making sure all of your personal items are on your boat before launching it is one of those things. That includes clothes, fishing poles, food, drinks, coolers, etc. Also, making sure your boat trailer has been properly maintained will help eliminate problems.

Here are a few more things to think about before launching.

1. Don’t wait to practice backing up a boating trailer down a ramp while other people are waiting for you. A busy public boat launch ramp is NOT the place to learn how to back up a boat trailer. Don’t rush!! It’s a fact that boater’s who rush the process are normally the ones who cause the most damage (or lose their boat from not concentrating). Be calm and get plenty of practice before the time comes to launch or retrieve your boat (whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned boater).

2. Did I forget to put the drain plug in? – Yeah, you’ll want to make sure that lovely little invention is securely in place before launching. And when you’re sure that it’s securely in place, check again…just to be extra sure.

3.  Never launch your boat by yourself. It is much easier to launch a boat when you have help. Your helper can drive the vehicle and trailer away while you manage the boat that you’ve just put into the water. There are so many things that can go wrong while in the launch process – it’s best to have a buddy or adult family member there to help you in case of an accident and so the process goes along much more smoothly.

4. Don’t forget to tie your boat to the dock before pulling your truck and trailer away. There’s nothing worse than going to park your vehicle and coming back to a boat in the middle of deep waters…with no way to get to it! Make sure you tie a bowline to a dock before launching your boat into the water.

5. And last but not least, don’t forget about your engine. Your engine will need to remain raised during the launching process. Not raising your engine during a launch and/or in shallow waters can cause major unwanted damage. When you launch your boat, slowly motor over to the dock that you’ve attached your bowline to. Once you’re in deeper water, you can lower your engine. 

The launch and retrieval process can be so simple, quick, and easy if you make sure you pay attention and follow these simple steps. Even the most experienced boater can forget to tie his boat to a dock, or even un-tie his boat from his trailer. But no matter what the issue, know that you’re not alone! Making a boating launch/retrieval check list may be a good idea. Or better yet, print out this blog and keep it in your vehicle so that you’ll have it at all times when you’re ready for a fun day on the water!

What's your biggest challenge when launching your boat?

Create Your Own Boating Movie on Facebook with Movie Maker

Ever dreamed of starring in a movie? Well, now there's an App for that!

Discover Boating's new Movie Maker App lets you create a movie featuring highlights from your boating life right from our Facebook page! Tell a story or simply share the joy of boating with your family and friends. It's quick, easy and FUN!

As the "Director" you can preview your movie to rearrange photos or edit captions. When you're finished you can post it to your profile or download it. You can even share your "blockbuster" with Discover Boating for a chance to have it featured on the Discover Boating Facebook page!

Star in your own boating movie now.

VHF Marine Radio - The Basics

VHF radios are essential to all boaters. This radio could potentially save your life or help you save the life of another. VHF radios are used for emergency and non-emergency situations, however, they are also used to alert boaters of information on the water – be it an approaching storm or a sinking vessel.

There are two main channels you’ll need to remember when on your boat -- channel 16 and channel 9 (note: channel 9 is only available in waters off of the northeastern shore—New York, Northern New Jersey, and New England). These channels are used for emergency and non-emergency calls. All boaters are required to keep a constant watch on channel 16. Many boaters simply turn their radios off because they wish not to listen to static, etc. -- this is a major issue. Your radio should remain on and turned up at all times. There have been many situations where boaters did not have their radios on and as a consequence, were not aware and could not out run storms, or did not know about a sinking vessel close to them. In both situations, casualties could have been prevented if the captain would have simply left their VHF radio on.

Radio channels 9 & 16 may be used to hail other vessels or to make the first initial contact with a marina or restaurant when wondering where to tie your boat up when coming into dock. However, you’ll need to switch over to another channel once you make contact with your party so that you’re not jamming up the main channels. At no point should you use your radio as a ‘telephone’ to chit-chat with other boaters or someone on shore.

Channels 6, 13, and 22A are also important channels for boaters to remember.

• Channel 6 is reserved for intership safety use and is mainly used during search and rescue operations.
• Channel 22A is reserved for communications with the Coast Guard and should be for Coast Guard use only (not open to other vessels). This channel is used by the US Coast Guard when relaying marine information broadcasts. Since not everyone is interested in these broadcasts, the US Coast Guard will make their first initial contact on channel 16, letting all boaters know that they will make their announcement (that may or may not be important to each boater) on channel 22A, and that interested boaters should switch over to that channel immediately for more info. 
• Channel 13 is for navigational use between vessels. Large vessels us channel 13 (no need to use channel 16 for this situation first, channel 13 is both a calling and working channel) when relaying their intentions to one another and when they arrive at bridges and locks. Channel 13 is restricted to 1 watt, so be sure to switch your radio to low power when using this channel.

Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A are all used as “working” stations and are available for you to use at any time (as long as no one else is using them) when you switch your conversation over from channel 9 or 16.



For a complete listing of all boating channels (including those in international waters), click here.

If you are trying to communicate with a boat that is nearby, make sure you set your radio on low power so that your signal will not carry further than it needs to. If you’re trying to communicate with a boat or location that is further away, you can use high power. In all situations, use kind language and no profanity. Vulgar language is illegal and can also offend other boaters, especially those with small children.

Now that you know the important radio channels, you may be wondering, “how on earth do I use this thing?!” The basics -- be sure to adjust the "Squelch" control as low as possible so that you don’t hear static or ‘white noise’. In order to make a call, hold the button on the microphone down, speak, and then release to hear the other boat or location’s reply.

Believe it or not, there IS a proper way of calling another vessel or on shore location.

1. First of all, make sure you are making your first contact on either channel 16 or channel 9. You’ll also want to listen in for a couple of minutes to make sure the channel is not tied up with another conversation.
2. Say the name of the vessel or location that you’re calling three times. Ex: Pier 33, Pier 33, Pier 33.
3. The words "THIS IS", spoken once, and then the name of your vessel, also spoken once. Ex: THIS IS the motor vessel (insert name of vessel)
4. Say the word "OVER", and then await the station being called to reply.
5. The station will reply in the same manner that you called them. You should then designate a new channel to switch over to and continue the conversation. Once establish, speak the word "OVER". Ex: Please switch and listen to channel 68, OVER
6. Wait for the station to confirm the channel. They will then say “OVER” and you’ll both need to switch over to the new channel and continue your conversation by first contacting them in the same way as you initially did, but this time, on your designated channel.

Always move your conversations to a different channel in a non-emergency situation. If you are using channel 16, no one else can use it until you are off of that channel, which means any emergencies that need to be called in will have to wait.

In a distress and emergency situation, your call will be very similar to a non-emergency call, but much more complex. However, if the only thing you have time to say is MAYDAY, the name of your vessel, and what type of distress you’re in, that is fine as well. The key is that you give enough information so that the Coast Guard knows how to best respond to your call. You’ll need to stay by the radio and repeat this call periodically until you receive a response. You should also stay close to your radio incase more information is needed once someone replies to your call.

• First, make sure you’re on channel 16.
• Say “MAY DAY”, spoken three times
• Speak the words “THIS IS”, once
• Proceed to say your vessel name (spoken three times) 
• Give the position of your vessel by latitude and longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic) and the distance to a well known landmark which will help a responding station located your vessel. Be sure to include all vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
• Speak what the nature of your distress is (sinking, fire, etc.), and the kind of help you require.
• Speak the number of people on board.
• Give any other information which might help in the rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, the type of vessel, the number of people onboard needing medical attention, color of the vessel, etc.
• The word “OVER”, spoken once. 

If you are potentially in distress but are currently not yet in distress, then you can say “Pan-Pan” (pronounced “Pahn”) instead of “Mayday”. This should be used when referring to a controllable leak in your boat or something that is most likely fixable, but you may want to alert someone in case you do eventually need help or incase your situation goes bad.

If you hear a distress call in your area, you are required to respond to it. If you hear a distress call that is not in your vicinity, but that you could potentially get to, then wait several minutes to see if there are other boaters in the area that respond (if there are even any boaters in that area). If they do not respond, you are required to respond.

In summary:

• Always make sure you keep your conversations short and to the point when using a channel. Keep in mind that you may not be the only person who needs to use that particular channel.
• In non-emergency situations, make sure you switch over to a working channel (as listed above) once you make initial contact on channel 9 or 16. 
• Remember that ALL radio conversations are public and anyone on that channel can hear your conversation, including young children. Radios are not to be used for ‘chit-chat’.
• Always speak slowly and clearly so that the responding station can understand you.
• The more information you can provide when speaking with another vessel or the coast guard, the better.
• When speaking to a vessel nearby, switch your radio to low power. When speaking to a vessel further away, you may use high power.
• Always have your radio turned on and turned up. You never know when you or someone else may need information or help.

Have you even used your VHF Marine Radio? Let us know in the comments below.

Steelheaders Tournament Underway

Day 1 on the Scoreboard Now - Day 2 Fishing Underway!

The 2012 Schu’s Summer Challenge kicked-off on Friday May 11 with a great day for fishing – and concluded with some great catches.

Weather was ideal and the fleet dropped lines beginning at 6:45. The first boats began weighing in with their limits around 11 AM and fishing concluded at 1 PM. Southwest Michigan Steelheaders volunteers did an outstanding job landing the arriving boats at the weigh-in station at Pier 33’s west marina and all 52 Pro & Am boats were accounted for and scored by about 2 PM.

Boats fishing in the Pro Division weigh the best 12 out of the first 15 legal-sized fish boated. Amateurs weigh 5 and each division also awards prizes for Big Fish.

On the Amateur side, Utopia captained by Thomas Peterson is atop the standings with 112.57 Total Points and leads the Amateur Big Fish competition at 15.16 pounds. Utopia is followed by Reelbucks (106.11), Nail Bender Too (105.12), The Viking (103.04) and Trophy (99.63).

See all Amateur standings, updated live during Saturday’s weigh-in: www.pier33.com/am.

Big Fish - 21 Pound Laker

The Pros are tightly bunched, but the early lead established by Phoenix held-up thru out the rest of Friday’s weigh-in. The top 10 boats all posted over 200 points (10 points per fish, 1 point per pound). Phoenix, captained by Arnie Arredondo leads with 227.63 total points, with Team Fish Hawk (220.68), Win-n-Angel (216.28), Sea Flea (214.60) and Maxed (209.23) rounding-out the top 5 Friday finishers. Best Chance Too, Fin Scout, Living the Dream, Originator and Tail Chaser complete the remainder of top 10. Jerry Link & Originator boated the Pro Big Fish, an impressive 21.11 pound Lake Trout.

See all Pro standings, updated live during Saturday’s weigh-in: www.pier33.com/pro.

Captains & crews were treated to complimentary hot dogs, wings & beverages provided by Schu’s Grill & Bar at the weigh-in site.

Saturday’s fishing concludes at 1 PM. Early morning thunderstorms moved thru the area and will likely linger throughout the remainder of the fishing period, so challenging conditions await today’s competitors.

To add to the excitement, Saturday’s Top 5 Pro boats will have their coolers sealed at the weigh-in site and those catches will be weighed separately during the wards ceremony Saturday at Pier 33.

Watch www.pier33.com/pro and www.pier33.com/am for live updates during the weigh-in.

Welcome Steelheaders!

It’s Day 1 of the 2012 Schu’s Summer Challenge Presented by the Southwest Michigan Steelheaders and Pier 33 Marina is proud to be the tournament’s host facility.

Captains and crews gathered Thursday evening at Pier 33’s showroom to swap tales, register for the tournament and review tournament rules.

Fifty-two boats are entered for this year’s event, including 24 in the Amateur Division and an impressive turn-out of 28 in the Pro Division. The top five Amateur boats in the 2011 tourney were Tackle Haven, Break Time, Spend a Buck, Reel Sharpie & Never Miss. In the Pro Division, top five placers were Sea Flea, Living the Dream, Winn “N Angel, Originator & Mi-Hi. Nearly all of last year’s placers return for another shot at big prizes for 2012.

In the Pro Division, boats must the best 12 of the first 15 legal sized fish boated each day (no cull). No more than six (6) Lake Trout may be weighed each day. In the Amateur Division, boats may weigh a one-man DNR limit (5 fish) each day. Culling is allowed per DNR rules.

Scoring is as follows: Ten (10) points per legal fish weighed, plus one (1) point per pound (nearest hundredth pound) total weight. Pier 33 will be providing live on-line updates from the weigh-in both days, Friday & Saturday. Results can be accessed for the Pro Division and for the Amateur Division.

Weather conditions are ideal today for the opening day of the tournament. Bright blue skies overhead, a light breeze out of the southwest and waves around one foot. Saturday’s forecast includes a slight chance of thunderstorms and a little bit of a wind shift, with waves increasing to 1 to 2 feet.

Fishing is Fun - For the Whole Family

Fishing has been a favorite sport for many generations. You could say that fishing has been one of the very first activities that a father and his child have enjoyed together – and what better bonding time than in the outdoors fishing? Fishing can be fun and beneficial for both children and adults, and has created a lifetime of traditions and memories. Not to mention all of the other benefits it holds!

There are many different types of fishing, but fishing in general is good for your health. While you may look like a bump on a log at certain points throughout your fishing day, you’re gaining a great amount of Vitamin D from the sun, which is a major vitamin deficiency in most people’s daily nutritional intake since our main source of Vitamin D only comes from UV rays. Be sure to wear sun block though. Vitamin D isn’t necessarily a good thing when your skin is burnt!  Another health benefit is the simple active nature of fishing. It takes a lot of muscle groups in your body to reel a fish in. From your forearms to your thighs, you may be working more muscles than you realized. While fishing may not help you lose a noticeable amount of weight, it can help you tone your muscles. This is also a good way to get your family active while having fun!

I often remember my grandfather coming home in the evenings from doing a little fishing. When he’d get home, well after dark, we were always intrigued to hear about ‘the one that got away’ or the ones that didn’t. But quite differently, as children, we misunderstood his still happy face when coming home after catching absolutely nothing. What’s the point of fishing if you don’t catch anything? As an adult, I can now fully understand. Fishing isn’t always about catching fish. Being on a boat with a line in the water is one of the most rewarding activities. It’s unexplainable, but fishing is relaxing. Maybe it’s the silence. Maybe it’s feeling the water swaying back and forth under your feet with the expectation that at any moment, that pole might bend. Maybe it’s being one with nature, or maybe it’s because, in most cases, fishing requires little thinking and allows your mind to wander. Either way, it’s worth the relaxation, even if you don’t catch the ‘big one’.

Fresh clean fish are tasty, that’s a given. Fishing is often used to put food on family’s tables, especially during the spring and summer months. Providing fish for your family is a great benefit to fishing. While most anglers enjoy catching and releasing fish, many people still enjoy what the sport was originally created for …food! You’ll of course need to check with your state to see if there are any special requirements on length and types of fish that you can keep. You’ll need to make sure your fishing license is up to date as well, whether you plan on keeping a fish or not.

Whether walking in the river, standing on the shoreline, or sitting in a boat, fishing is fun for the entire family – even mom! Introducing your children to nature at an early age not only improves sensory skills and lures them away from the television, but it also offers a fun learning experience about water, safety, and teaching them patience and independence. Growing a strong bond with your family is also another benefit. Families that enjoy the simple activities in life together, including fishing, are more relaxed, bonded, and overall, happier. Take this time of doing something you already love doing to bond with your family and enjoy teaching them about leadership skills, nature, fishing, and life. Involve every member of your family. Every family member, old or young, will learn more when they sense the feeling of being involved and having their family involved. You are showing true leadership skills when you take the time to first apply these skills to your family, patiently. Fishing is an amazing leadership and independence builder. These simple skills will help your child feel more confident and able in everyday life at school or with their friends.  Your family will feel comfortable in having conversations with one another, especially when there is a common bond. When you and your family can completely enjoy something together, a lifetime bond begins to form.

There’s nothing like watching the face of your child when they catch their first fish – or their second, or their eighth! Make sure you have all of the necessary “kid friendly” fishing tools before you set off on your fishing adventure. Things such as bobbers, a small child size fishing pole, and live bait can enhance the experience for everyone. A word of advice, keep your camera handy. You’re guaranteed to catch more than just fun slimy fish during the day! Laughing – just one more key benefit to fishing with your family.

So now that we know that fishing is relaxing, good for your health, and a great bonding experience – you may be wondering “where does the ‘fun’ for the kids come in?” There are so many great tools on the web for you to enhance your child’s fishing experience, but nothing is better than actually getting out there and getting their little beginner angler hands dirty. Before you go fishing, let your child pick out a fishing pole that’s just their size. Whether it’s a Disney fishing pole or simply satin black, it’s always fun when you have something of your own that you got to pick out all by yourself. Next – the bait. Live bait is always fun when fishing with your family. But if it’s not accessible, that’s fine too. Have your children search for worms and critters under rocks and in the yard or along the river bank.  Give them mason jars or other types of clear containers so that they can see what they’ve collected. If you have more than one child, turn it into a game! See who can collect the most bait.

When you’re fishing with the entire family, make a day of it! Don’t just narrow your day to fishing. Take a cooler full of food and drinks, maybe even a blanket to sit on when you’re on shore. Go exploring on shore or on a beach, play some games, go swimming. There are so many things you can do to make the most of your time with the ones you love.

The most important part to making fishing fun for your family is to sit back, relax, and don’t force it. If you find that your family is getting bored (especially if the fish aren’t biting), let them take a break. Let them go swimming or set the poles down and let them enjoy a snack, read a book, or play a game while waiting. The fish will always be there, but quality time with their parent(s) won’t be. Take this time to talk to them about their week, toys, school, events, or for the older kids….what they want to do with their lives. You see, fishing is more than just throwing a hook and line into the water; it’s about involving and showing your family that you’re taking the time to be with them. It’s about showing them that you care, and that no matter what, you’re always there. It’s about generations of families following traditions and making new memories. And if you catch fish, that’s pretty cool too.