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!

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!

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!