Make Plans to Attend Pier 33's 2014 Spring Open House

Pier 33's 2014 Open House will be more fun than ever, with a unique line-up of treats, contests, games and great food - plus outstanding buys on all new boats in stock and arriving from Chaparral, Pursuit and Robalo and a great season-opening selection of pre-owned boats of all sizes.

Open House Hours:

Sat, March 15, 9 AM to 5 PM: Go Tropical!
Sun, March 16, Noon to 5 PM: Go Green!

Don't miss out on the fun. Renew summer friendships and get together with your very best boating friends to plan for the upcoming season. Meet with the Pier 33 staff to take advantage of on-site service specials and coordinate your upcoming spring launch.

• Free refreshments throughout the day, both days.
  

• Saturday, Go Tropical: Door prizes for the very best personal  Tropical Attire. Show us your Island wear and get in the mood for some warmer weather! Free pancake brunch from 10am to 1pm.

• Sunday, Go Green: Get your Jig on. We'll treat you to a Holiday Luncheon with Corned Beef & Cabbage from Noon to 2pm -- you bring the Green. Door prizes for "Best Dressed Leprechaun". Plus, Live Entertainment!

• New boat specials from Chaparral, Robalo & Pursuit.

• Family Photos, Both Days. Pose with the St. Joseph Lighthouse!

• Dock, service and storage specials.

• Special boat show financing rates for new & used boats.

• Pre-owned boats on display inside our showroom.

• Sand Castle Contest - Saturday & Sunday. Kids' Prizes!

How many minnows? Concludes Sunday at 5pm.

Final entries are due by 5 PM! Check out our mini-minnow tank and guess the number of bait fish swimming inside. This one is great for the kids and the grand prize will be - just right for your younger boaters. Winner to be announced after the bait has been counted and released.

Plus, enter to Win a Free Open House Weekend Stay at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro in downtown St. Joseph. Winner to be Drawn at Random on Thursday March 13! Enter here: http://goo.gl/oXo9Jm

We can't wait to see you!

Inside Pursuit Boats with Pier 33

Pier 33 General Manager Tighe Curran recently returned from Pursuit's Offshore University at Pursuit headquarters in Fort Pierce, Florida. Learn about the Pursuit Factory Tour and plan your own visit someday soon!

Each year, the Pier 33 staff has an opportunity to visit Pursuit for Offshore University, an

assemblage of Pursuit dealer professionals from throughout the U.S. and beyond. The highlight of this week, for me, is always the factory tour. As many times as I have been through boat manufacturing plants, I am continued to be impressed with the cohesiveness, attention to detail and craftsmanship I encounter on every visit to Pursuit in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Pursuit is known for its Michigan heritage and premium, yacht-level quality. Pursuit is one division of S2 Yachts - Tiara is the other - founded and headquartered in Holland, MI by Leon Slikkers and still guided by his vision & values as the family carries on his boatbuilding legacy.

The level of commitment to producing an absolutely outstanding boat is evident at every stop

Each Mold Receives Meticulous Care

along the way. As we go through the plant, it is plainly evident why Pursuit is so highly regarded for the durability, reliability, consistent running comfort and timeless styling built into each model. These superior characteristics result in long-term value for the Pursuit owner. If you are ever considering a new boat in this category, please let us know when you can visit Pursuit in Fort Pierce. Feel welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to see how your boat comes together.

Each station throughout the plant carries a detailed Controlled Work Instruction for that step in the process, ensuring consistency in each boat on the line. All molds – hulls, decks small parts – are meticulously maintained for a

By The Book - Always - For Consistency

superbly finished product … with each boat hand-laid, using climate controlled high performance resins and knitted biaxial fiberglass to assure superior strength. As the hulls and decks are in process, aluminum backing plates are bonded into place to provide exceptional reinforcement for the heavy-duty deck hardware used on every Pursuit model.

The construction of Pursuit’s integral fiberglass stringer systems is truly state of the art, with stringer grids vacuum-bagged and resin infused. This process reduces weight, while also providing exceptional strength, durability, reliability and a consistent fit. This grid is then precision-bonded to the hull and foam-filled.

If you ever have an opportunity to visit, spend some extra time in the wiring rooms. This amazing process is a great demonstration of how Pursuit builds reliability into every boat. So many manufacturers splice, butt-together and hodgepodge the crucial wiring runs that deliver power to on board accessories. At

State of The Art Resin Infused Stringer Grid

Pursuit, wiring harness are loomed in-house, with continuous strands (no in-line connections or splices!) then protected by loom chafing. Accessories are all plug and play, with watertight Deutsch electrical connectors. The entire bundle for each individual boat is then carted to the production line, eliminating the errors or wiring damage that can occur when an “ordinary” boat is being wired out on the factory floor. You may never see these wiring looms when you’re on board your Pursuit … but you can rest assured that they have been engineered and assembled to give you a trouble-free ownership experience.

This is Why Your Gear Works

During a factory tour, you will also get to visit Pursuit’s wood shop, where the very-highly crafted cabin soles and cabinetry that distinguish Pursuit are cut, varnished and assembled. All canvas and upholstery is also done on-site, for perfect fit and finish on each boat.

The hull and deck are assembled separately, but production is coordinated to bring them together at just the right time. Here is a video from one of our recent visits, showing the “Decking” of a new Pursuit.

There is so much more to tell. Stop by to visit Pier 33 during the boat show season for an on- board tour of a completed Pursuit. See us at the Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show, January 16 thru 20 and the Grand Rapids Boat Show, February 19 thru 23. For boat show details, visit www.pier33.com.

We're Now A Dealer For Robalo Boats!

In case you missed the big news, Pier 33 is now a Robalo Boats dealer. We will provide Robalo sales and service throughout West Michigan and Northern Indiana.

Manufactured in Nashville, Georgia, Robalo is a premium quality line of outboard powered center console and walk-around cabin style sport fishing boats. Robalo currently builds thirteen models ranging in size from 18 to 30 feet, including six models featuring "No-Haggle Reel Deal" nationally advertised pricing.

Want to know more about the company behind the Robalo Boats brand?

Think about it: your boat builder partnership is key.

Let's face it; the rules for selling boats have changed. Dramatically. In years gone by styling, fishability, performance, features and price got the job done. The name on the hull side is important, but now more than ever, the company behind the name is what it's all about. Robalo has become a leader in the marine industry because of our history, diverse product line, profit-minded business practices and solid management. Cutting edge technology and a time tested history create excitement and a sense of confidence. Value-oriented pricing sells.

Simply stated, you can't find a better boat building partner than Robalo. Fishing boats are our only business. That's all we do. Just fishing boats. Our numbers tell a convincing story. Robalo, and it's sister company Chaparral, have one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry. At a time when most boat companies are forced to slash budgets, Robalo continues to invest in new product development, offering aggressive factory rebates to move dealer inventory and bolster our already high customer service scores. Robalo's financial strength makes it all possible and strategically positions us for the future. At Robalo, we've always said, "The boats are the stars." That still holds true today, but it's equally important that boat buyers and dealers alike want to know the strength of the company and the people behind the name.

"Robalo has proven itself to be a brand highly respected for quality, design and performance and the models most recently introduced are real winners," according to Pier 33 General Manager Tighe Curran. "Plus, Robalo has had great success offering boaters outstanding values thru Reel Deal pricing. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity and we’re looking forward to our first boats arriving in time for the New Year."

Which Robalo Boats model interests you?

What Are Your Boating Plans for 2014?

Our showroom has been set, for the time being (we'll put the finishing touches on in a few weeks), with a nice array of used boats as well as new boats and our service crew is performing season-ending repairs and maintenance on boats that are now stowed away for winter storage.


This is a great time of year to work on your boating plans for the 2014 season. You may be thinking of an upgrade to a new boat or a used boat, or you may be planning to add some boat accessories or perform needed repairs on your own boat.

Where will you dock your boat for 2014? We have room for you.


Pier 33 can meet these needs and many more. Click here for more information about our services, our facilities and our boats for sale.

8 Tips for a Fall Cruising

Do you want to go Fall cruising aboard your boat? Boating during the Fall is much different than boating during the summer months. Less boaters out on the water and the sun sets at a much earlier time. But those aren't excuses for not taking in the fall foliage from your boat.

Here are a few tips for cruising safely during the fall.

Update Charts

Keep in mind the helpful landmarks that you relied on during the summer to help point out shallow sections of the water that may look different due to the fall weather changes. You may be cruising home in the dark more often, making those landmarks hard to spot. Also, keep in mind that local and private aids to navigation such as channel markers and buoys may be pulled early in some areas, so make sure your charts, either electronic or paper, are up-to-date.

Check Lights and Flares

Always ensure your boat’s navigation lights are in working order and that your emergency flares are not expired. Waterproof flashlights are also great to have and some spare batteries as well. In case of an emergency, a flashlight can be used to signal for help.

Carry a VHF Radio

During the fall, the waterways will be less crowded. This can be peaceful, but in case you run into trouble, chances are you may not see another boater. A VHF radio can be used to call for help in areas where your cell phone may have no signal.

Dress in Layers

Remember to dress for the water, not the weather. The sun may be shining but water temperatures are cooler. The days are becoming shorter and with that comes rapid changes in air temperature from day to night. Dressing comfortably in layers that can be easily removed or added. Bring along some rain gear. Fast moving storms can come on suddenly and bring sudden temperature drops. Also, make sure your lifejacket (PFD), can fit over your layers. You want to make sure you’re comfortable and not tempted to take it off. It’s also a good idea to check the weather so you know what to expect.

Wear a Life Jacket

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Data, your chance of drowning in a boating accident while wearing a lifejacket is 1 in 66; not wearing a lifejacket is 1 in 11. Even though, only children under 13 are required to wear them, it’s always a good idea for everyone aboard to wear a life jacket, regardless of age. There are even some life jackets that come with lights so in case of an emergency, rescuers can locate you in the water. Also, as water temperatures start to drop, boaters that may accidentally fall overboard run into an increased risk of hypothermia, and for those who want to enjoy the water but don’t know how to swim, a life jacket can save their life.

Boater’s Float Plan

Always inform a family member or friend of your float plan. Protect yourself and your passengers because you never know what may happen while out on the water. A float plan includes a description of your boat, who is onboard, any medical conditions they may have, a description of the safety equipment you are carrying, your itinerary, and your emergency contacts. It’s just not enough to tell, text or post a note on the refrigerator letting someone know that you’ll be back before dark. A float plan is vital in an event of an emergency because it provides rescuers the information needed to locate and assist you.

Check Your Boat

Do an inspection of your boat’s engine, communications, and safety gear to make sure everything is in working order. Keep up with your boat’s maintenance so you don’t run into any unexpected mechanical problems while out on the water.

Leave Alcohol at Home

Remember that alcoholic drinks drain your body of heat, bringing on hypothermia much sooner than during the warmer summer months. So leave the alcoholic beverages at home to enjoy when you get back.

So, where is your favorite fall boating destination?

Pier 33 Yacht Brokerage and Pre-Owned Sale

The 2013 Pier 33 Yacht Brokerage & Pre-Owned Boat Show continues, featuring our very best selection of the year. We have powerboats of all sizes, styles and price ranges. Take advantage of this outstanding late-season opportunity to choose your boat for 2014 and beyond. We have boats are on display on-shore, in our showroom and in-water.

Boat Show Hours:

Friday: 10am to 5pm

Saturday: 10am to 5pm

Sunday: Noon to 5pm

View our complete list of boats by clicking here.

Shopping for an extra affordable bargain? See our Under-$20k page (with some under $10k!) for some very affordable values by clicking here.

Be sure to join us for the show!

7 Tips For Green Boating

Do you want to enjoy your passion for boating while protecting our waters? Who says boaters don’t care about the environment? We say it’s time to take earth-friendly boating steps to keep our rivers and oceans alive. And deciding to boat green doesn’t mean it will cost us more money.

There are many easy choices we can make as boaters to conserve and protect our natural resources. Here are some tips to help you get started towards “green boating”.

• Bottom Clean Safely - Use legal bottom paints and biodegradable cleaning agents. If you aren't sure of the product, ask to assure it is safe to wash overboard.                                 

• Prevent Fuel Spills - Ensure fuel does not discharge from the vent line as a result of overfilling. “Spit back” can be prevented by fueling at a slower rate, especially towards the end of fueling.

• Maintain Equipment Properly - A well tuned engine uses less fuel. Check your propeller; if your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, your propeller may be the wrong size.

• Maintain a Clean Bilge- Oils and debris in your bilge gets flushed overboard. Use a bilge pad made from eco-friendly materials to soak up the debris and dispose of it properly.

• Chart Your Course - Plan your trip in advance to avoid confusion and misdirection; this helps avoid consuming excess fuel.

• Recycle Your Waste - Dispose of paints, batteries, antifreeze, oil, cleaning products and other hazardous wastes at a waste collection facility.

• Stow Your Trash - Keep your trash onboard. Do not throw cigarette butts, fishing lines, beer cans and other garbage into the river or ocean. Most marinas have facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal and paper.

What other “green boating” tips do you recommend?

2013 Spring Yacht Brokerage & Pre-Owned Boat Show at Pier 33 Marina

Just added: Sea Ray 260 Bow Rider

It’s time to get on the water for the start of the new boating season! Our 2013 Spring Yacht Brokerage & Pre-Owned Boat Show is being held May 30th through June 2nd. Now is an ideal time to make your boating choice for 2013 and beyond. Come select the boat of your dreams while conditions are perfect for complete sea trial and survey. Begin the season with your "new to you" boat. Boats will be priced aggressively and we will be offering financing & dockage incentives with each purchase.

Our pre-owned boat line-up will feature some of the Great Lakes region’s most popular boating brands:

• Chaparral
• Carver
• Sea Ray
• Silverton
• Trojan
• Maxum
• Cruisers Yachts
• Four Winns
• Plus many more!

Sellers, list your boat with us now for great exposure! Buyers, attend this great season-opening for the best selection of brokerage and trade-in boats!

Also, new boat close-outs on 2012 and 2013 models from Scout, Pursuit, and Chaparral!

If your boat is “For Sale”, contact Pier 33 at (800) 886-0493 to enlist our professional Yacht Brokerage Services and include your boat in time for the show. Boat buyers will be on hand to find that ideal next boat!

2013 Boating Safety Class

Join us for a special weekend edition of public boating education at marinas in St. Joseph, Michigan. The usual five-week course will be covered in two weekend sessions, with the final exam on the third weekend.

Dates: April 27, May 11 and May 18, 2013

Location: Pier 33 Marina, St. Joseph, MI.

Time: Classes are 9:00am. to 10:00pm. Registration begins the first day at 8:45am.

Cost: $39 for materials - additional students sharing materials - $14.

Participants who successfully complete the Public Boating Course - Special Weekend Edition and exam will be awarded a certificate of completion recognized by the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administrators (NASBLA), a certification recognized by participating states as meeting required safe boating training.

Spaces fill up quickly, so register for this Public Boating Course by clicking here.

Are you planning to attend?

National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administrators

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.

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!