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.