Bayliner Boats - 30 Year Celebration

Hi gang, Rick again from Bayliner Boats recognizing 30 Years of Business for Store Mason’s Chandlery. Thirty years ago, Jack Mason came home from his sales job of 25 years ready for a career change. Being avid sailors, Jack and his wife Bette (an Islandgirl) saw a need for a marine store where boaters could come and get everything required to maintain a boat, right down to the nuts and bolts. On April 7 1978, Jack and Bette opened “The Store” in the Port Credit Harbour Marina. Two years after the store opening, Jack and Bette’s daughter Lori joined the family business and today is the Chief Executive Officer.

Over the years, “The Store” has evolved to meet the changing needs of boaters, complementing an expanding product line with the introduction of in-house educational and training seminars. As Lori notes “we feel it’s our responsibility to not only sell products but to give information as well. Over 30 years, we’ve held more than 150 seminars, 22 open houses, over 100 flare and safety demonstrations and participated in 27 Boat Shows. The Port Credit In-Water Boat Show, one of the largest in-water, new and used, power and sailboat shows in Toronto is our creation as well”.

Over the years, Jack and Lori recognized that boaters and sailors would rather spend time on the water than in a store, and adapted the retail strategy accordingly. As Jack notes “in addition to our highly qualified staff, we introduced online service and sales 10 years ago and mail-order service has been available for 18 years. “The Store” is also pleased to recognize loyal customers through its Boat Bucks program.”

“The Store” is also a strong supporter of the sailing community having held 15 fundraisers and sponsoring over 70 boating events, races and regattas. It was the first retail store to become a Discover Boating Centre, and to join the Canadian Safe Boating Council. Another first for The Store” was earning the Green Leaf Eco-rating Award in recognition of its leadership in stocking environmentally safe products.

Looking to the future, Lori says “it’s business as usual. We will continue to offer top customer service, broad product line, competitive prices, and provide the absolute best for our customers, whether they are experienced seafarers or first time boaters.” A celebration honoring “The Store’s” 30 years in business will be held on April 5th and 6th at The Store from 9 am to 5 pm both days. Thanks to Boating Industry Canada for this.

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Bayliner Boats - Our Green File

Hi gang, Rick again from Bayliner Boats. A new, ecologically friendly alternative to conventional structural panels is now available from Thermo Boat. MultiPanel Pty. Ltd.,Australia 's innovative leader in producing extremely strong, lightweight, waterproof polyurethane panels, chose the British Columbia-based distributor to introduce MultiPanel to North American boatbuilders.

"MultiPanel is ideal for the marine market," said Thermo Boat president Hugh Carroll. "The advantages over traditional materials are phenomenal." The high-density panels range from 8-30 mm thicknesses for 4' x 8' sheets. An 8 mm panel weighs just under 11-1/2 lbs.

"We're impressed with its unique ability to fit original curved surfaces such as bulkheads. Builders could also reduce a boat's overall weight by hundreds of pounds with MultiPanel," Carroll said. Australia 's Fusion Catamarans uses MultiPanel for internal furniture kits on their Fusion 40 series and realizes a 660 lb. weight reduction over conventional materials.

MultiPanel possesses excellent thermal insulation and even some acoustic qualities. It is treated with a unique non-corrosive fire retardant that, when exposed to an ignition source, starves the fire of oxygen. Non-toxic, the panels contain no greenhouse gases or VOCs and are completely recyclable by granulating and returning them to insulation foam.

One of MultiPanel's more impressive features is the ability to be heated to form permanent curvature to preserve a boat's attractive lines. It's excellent for wall and ceiling linings, cabinets, bench tops, refrigerators, beds, galleys, outdoor tables and as a waterproof substrate for flooring and decks.

Highly versatile, it can be coated with a wide variety of finishes such as acrylic paints, two pack paints, laminates, timber veneers, tile, marble and various metal finishes. MultiPanel can also be reinforced with fiberglass for added strength. Customized pre-cut packing kits are offered to for significant cost- and labor-savings.Contact Thermo Boat http://www.thermoboat.com

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Bayliner Boats - Industry News

Hi gang, Rick again from Bayliner Boats with news out of the Luhrs Marine Group. The top sales and marketing positions at two Luhrs Marine Group subsidiaries have been filled by veteran executives of the boat-building organization, it was announced.

Mike Usina leaves Silverton Marine Corporation, which he joined in 1995 and where he has served as Vice-President, Sales & Marketing since 2002, to assume Vice-President, Sales & Marketing duties for the Luhrs Corporation.

A graduate of Indiana University with a BS in Marketing, Usina entered the marine industry in 1981, serving in sales and marketing positions for Thunderbird Formula, Donzi Marine, and Trojan Yachts before joining Silverton. He was also a Vice-President of Operations for an Atlanta based retail dealership from 1991 to 1993. In 2004, Usina relocated to St. Augustine,FL , and assumed a dual role, assisting in marketing support for the Luhrs Marine Group.

“We are excited about Mike joining our team and bringing with him the expertise he has developed during his career in product branding and distribution. His strong relationships with marine industry professionals will also support the growth of the Luhrs brand,” said Roger Yarborough, Vice-President of Operations for the Luhrs Corporation. “We appreciate, as well, the assistance Jim Krueger, Vice-President of Operations for Mainship, gave us on an interim basis overseeing Luhrs sales and marketing during the 2008 model year.”
Located in St. Augustine,FL , the Luhrs Corporation manufactures 28' to 41' sport fishing boats supplied to a worldwide dealer network. For information, visit http://www.luhrs.com/.

Brett Marshall, Silverton Marine’s National Sales Manager for the past five years, has been promoted to Director, Sales & Marketing.Marshall ’s marine industry career spans 20 years with positions in the sales and marketing departments at both Ocean Yachts and Silverton Marine Corporation. In addition to his marketing responsibilities, he will head the manufacturer’s domestic and international dealership organization.

Marshall graduated from New Jersey’s Glassboro State College in 1983, with a BA degree in Health & Physical Education. “Brett has the in-depth product knowledge and the history with the Silverton organization, its sales and marketing function and dealer network, to make his transition to Director a flawless one,” Silverton President Rick Cerami commented.

For 40 years, Silverton Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of Luhrs Marine Group, has manufactured the highest-value boats in the marine industry. Based in Millville , NJ , the Employee Ownership Company builds Silverton Yachts and the new Ovation Yachts.
For information, visit http://cmpgnr.com/

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Bayliner Boats - Record Sales at show for Regal Boats

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats with an update from the Toronto International Boat Show. Amid some uncertainty in the economy and the boat show circuit this winter, one thing is certain: Boats are being sold in Canada . In fact, 60 Regal boats were sold during the recent 10-day Toronto International Boat Show, setting a record for the company and proving there are sales to be had when dealers are committed.

“Because of the robust Canadian market and an excellent dealer network dedicated to our brand, we expected the Torontoshow to have success,” said Duffy Stenger, Regal’s vice president of sales and marketing. “But I never would have estimated that we’d set a record for show sales in the process.”

The 60-unit figure was reached through the efforts of Regal’sOntarioregion dealers -- Crate Marine Sales, Crate’s Lake Country Boats and Buckeye Marine.

“Consumers are finding out what we’ve known all along,” said Dan Crate of Crate’s Lake Country Boats in Orillia , Ontario . “Regal is building a product that stands out in this environment. Today’s buyer isn’t simply shopping for the least expensive boat, but one that provides the best combination of quality and value. We think we’ve hit that sweet spot.”

The effort wasn’t simply product-driven, says Crate. The dealership, along with the others participating, have invested heavily in Regal-sponsored sales training programs, factory visits and product knowledge. And, most of Regal’s 24-model line-up was on display.

“Regal’s online and factory sales training, along with a unique tool called Regal Vision, has really injected our sales staff with the knowledge needed to move the retail needle,” says Crate. “We’ve always been successful with the brand, but it is really beginning to take hold with the product, training and endorsement of the J.D. Power awards.”

While early returns point to a generally flat boat show season, says Regal’s Stenger, the spike in Torontoshouldn’t be considered a fluke.

“Dealers who have invested in their brand and dedicated the necessary resources to sell them at the shows are doing well,” he said. “During times like these, it pays to be attentive to every little detail at the shows. Our Canadian dealers are a testament to that.” Thanks to Boating Industry Canada for this.

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Bayliner Boats - Winona Boat Show

Howie Sorenson, left, discusses boat specifics with Todd Walters of Winona. The Winona boat show took place at the National Guard Armory in Winona from Friday to Sunday. (Photo by Paul Solberg/Winona Daily News)

Hi gang, Rick here again from Bayliner Boats with a report from the Winona Boat Show. The ground is covered in snow yet spring was in the air at Sunday’s Winona Boat Show held at the Winona Guard Armory.

January is a busy time for boat sellers, said Eryn Dressler, a salesperson with American Marine in La Crosse, Wis.“People start getting cabin fever,” Dressler said.

Boat manufacturers and sellers know this, offering incentives such as no payments until Memorial Day for prospective buyers. Dressler said the slowest month for boat sales is November. “Everybody’s buying Christmas presents,” Dressler said.

The show started Friday and ended Sunday. Boats on display at the show cost $11,000 to $35,000. If money is no object, Dressler would be happy to sell you a 40-foot cruiser for $350,000. He’s been selling boats for about three years. The most expensive one he’s sold so far was a 34-foot Sea Ray for about $130,000.

“It’s a lot of fun. We’re not selling life insurance,” Dressler. “We’re selling something people enjoy.”

Boat sales have been down the past two years, according to the Chicago-based National Marine Manufactures Association. Powerboat sales, considered the industry barometer, fell 5 percent in 2006 from a year earlier, according to the trade group. Consumers purchased 219,000 powerboats that year for $9.6 billion. The association estimates that sales fell an additional 7 percent last year, based on preliminary numbers.

Bob and Bonnie Vogelsang bought a 25-foot Sea Ray cruiser back in September. The couple came to the show to find out if they got a good deal and to check out boating accessories.

“There’s always something you need,” Bob Vogelsang said. The Vogelsangs, who say they’re “old enough to be retired,” used to spend lots of time on the river when they were teens. The two have been boating for about four years and upgraded from their much smaller pontoon boat.

Their new boat comes equipped with a bathroom, something Bob says is a necessity when boating with women.“Otherwise, you’re always stopping back at the marina,” Bob said. They hope to hit the water in mid-April. “We’re anxious for spring,” Bonnie said. Thanks to Käri Knutson, winonadailynews.com for this.

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Bayliner Boats - Northeast Mississippi anglers

Hi gang, Rick here again from Bayliner Boats with news up the this weekend's 24th annual Boat, RV and Camper Dealers' Sale in Tupelo.

Dealers said people, however, were looking more than buying, and the uncertain political and economic future has people scared.

Bill Morgan, president of Mississippi Marine and Outdoors Inc. in Tupelo, said people started coming back to the sale Saturday after the poor weather conditions kept prospective buyers aware Friday night. The sale is being held at the Tupelo Furniture Market Building 1 and continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

"We have as many people as we can wait on today," Morgan said. "There's not many buyers; there's a few people interested in buying. Hopefully, it will pick up and finish up the sales."

Morgan was optimistic after having a profitable 2007. "I had a very good year last year," he said. "The industry's been in a slump, but I haven't. I closed 2007 up, but it was because of my first half of the year."


This year will be different, he said. "We're cautiously looking at 2008. We've got a horrible thing called a presidential election, which makes people uncomfortable. Of course, they don't know what the next year is going to bring.


"We were dealt a very bad hand this year," he said, "because we've had a two-year presidential campaign. In their greed to become the president, they have scared the population. That disposable income may be disposed for you."

Ready for fishing season, Customers were getting ready for the warmer weather, however. "You see a lot of people buying fishing poles back there," Morgan said. "Deer season closed last Wednesday for guns, and their brains switched to fish. They are excited about fishing."

Mississippi Marine sells G3, War Eagle and Crownline boats, Arctic Cat all-terrain vehicles and Sea Doo personal watercrafts. Morgan said he was glad to see boat owners return to see the newer models.

"It's amazing," he said. "I'm seeing a lot of my customers who have bought from me before, and they are saying they are really enjoying their boats. It's fun."

Bo Mitchell, service manager for Midway Marine in Fulton, said boat buying usually gets better after the boat show.

"We sold 28 boats last year in the month of February after the boat sale," he said. "It kinda slows down in December and January, but it always picks up about February."

Midway Marine carries Tracker boats, the nation's top-selling boat through its affiliation with Bass Pro Shops. Mitchell said local fishermen have certain features that they need.

"Tracker has lifetime warranty on the hulls," he said, "and that appeals to a lot of people, especially the places they have to run." The three best-selling models at Midway Marine are the aluminum crappie boats.

"They used to have those big glass boats, and now it's getting to where you can't take those glass boats where you can these aluminum boats," he said. "Grenada is one of the top crappie places, and it's just about dried up now. So you need these aluminum boats to get back into fishing places."

Mitchell said some anglers have switched to the really large boats - pontoons - for crappie fishing. "It's good for kids too because you can get out there and fish," he said. "And you don't have to worry about them getting up on the boat and falling out."

Average fishermen, Tommy Thompson of Sherm's Marine Service in Amory, said he has had a boat display at the show every year. As a Polar Kraft dealer, Thompson said he targets the average Northeast Mississippi angler.

"People who are just going fishing are going to buy one of these," he said. "People in the tournaments are going to buy the big boats with the 150 hp motors."

Thompson said the line allows versatility. "Polarcraft offers 12 different models, so there's a boat that pretty much fits the bill for what people are looking for."

One model includes stick steering, where the throttle is positioned in the boat's bow for easier one-person angling.

"If you're fishing, you can't beat a stick steer," he said. "If you fish by yourself, you can't beat a stick steer. You fish from the trolling motor or the big motor, and you never have to get up."

Other models include a console. "For people who like to ride a lot, there's a steering wheel," Thompson said.

Most boat dealers and salesmen see Northeast Mississippi anglers are just pure fishermen. Michael Redfearn, a sales representative for Bass Cat boats, said the Tupelo show is his fourth one this year.

"It's always a good show here," he said. "To me it's got the atmosphere when you've got the recreational vehicles and the boats so it makes a good package. It's a real outdoors deal."

For Redfearn, this area means fishing. "When you get out into the rural areas away from the big cities, that's where our base is, the guys who really fish. That's where you find them," Redfearn said. "It makes us feel good when we roll into these areas where fishing is really done."
Thanks to outdoors writer Buster Wolfe, djournal.com.

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Bayliner Boats - Trent-Severn Waterway Recognition

Parks Canada communications manager Sara Atkins with a copy of “Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips” published by National Geographic next to the Peterborough Lift Lock Thursday. The Trent-Severn Waterway is mentioned as one of the great journeys across water in the book.

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats. Here is a great article that was posted in our local paper on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Staff at the Trent-Severn Waterway had always thought its rapids were quite a journey. According to a recently released National Geographic book, the Trent-Severn is a journey of a lifetime.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is mentioned as one of the great journeys across water in “Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips” published by National Geographic in October.

Though the high-gloss article pleased staff, they were especially thrilled to beat the Rideau Canal for a spot in the book.

“For once,” laughed Parks Canada communications manager Sara Atkins.

Though winning the battle of the canals was great news, being named one of the top 500 journeys was a better compliment.

“I think the waterway’s one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been and I’ve been all over the world,” Atkins said. “National Geographic is respected as an authority on world and travel.”

Other highlighted water journeys include airboating in Florida’s Everglades and the Orinoco River Cruise in Venezuela.

The short article highlights the variety of scenery witnessed by those travelling down the 386-kilometre waterway, which runs between Trenton on Lake Ontario to Port Severn on Georgian Bay.

“Charming villages with a European flavor, farmlands, rocky gorges and sapphire-clear, forest-lined lakes are just a few of the constantly changing tableaus that have made this a popular water tour,” the book said.

The journeys were selected by a panel of 50 National Geographic travel writers.

“We wanted to make sure we had a mix of both well-known trips and lesser-known but equally spectacular journeys,” said Larry Porges, editor of travel publishing for National Geographic. “While the Trent-Severn is not the best-known trip in the book, it certainly deserves wider recognition.”

The diverse nature of the Trent-Severn was a definite appeal for the panel.

“We all loved the thought of renting a houseboat, lazing in the waters of Kawartha Lakes and frying up our fresh-caught fish for dinner,” Porges said.

The only part of the article Atkins disagrees with is its assessment of how strenuous the journey is.

The article says the harsher parts are in the east near Trenton, while it gets more relaxing in the Kawartha Lakes. Atkins believes it’s the reverse.

“It kind of makes you want more,” she said. “It sounds inviting and it captures, to me this is the heartland of Ontario, and it captures that feeling.”

National Geographic also details the different ways someone can travel the waterway and the options for stops along the way.

“The fact that it mentions going in to villages along the way I think is good for the whole area,” Atkins said.

Being mentioned in such a prestigious book will also help boost the waterway’s image.

“It gives us a good international profile, too, which doesn’t only help us it helps the whole region,” she said.

Peterborough is also mentioned as a highlight of the trip.

“It mentions that Peterborough has the world’s highest lift lock which is important,” Atkins said. “And a whole bunch of other communities, which is good.”

Other Canadian trips mentioned in the book include Toronto’s Queen Street streetcar and the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper, Alta.

Thanks to NICOLE RIVA/Peterborough Examiner Staff Writer for this.

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Bayliner Boats - Brunswick President to Retire

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats. Patrick C. Mackey is going to Retire From Brunswick's Mercury Marine Group.

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Brunswick Corporation today announced that Patrick C. Mackey, 61, will retire from the company March 1 after more than seven years of service. Mackey is president of the Mercury Marine Group, chief operating officer of Brunswick's Marine businesses and a Brunswick executive vice president.

An accomplished business leader with more than 35 years of management experience, Mackey joined Brunswick in October 2000 with a personal commitment at that time to lead the Mercury Marine Group for five years. Mackey quickly developed a strong reputation for building successful relationships within the marine industry, with Mercury dealers, its boat builder partners, and other customers. Under his leadership, Mercury also galvanized its efforts to imbue the industry's leading marine engine brand with operational excellence and technological advancements.

"Pat has been a visionary for our industry who has championed technology, while setting new standards for customer and dealer relations. I am personally grateful for all that he has done at Mercury, which faced significant challenges when he arrived," said Dustan E. McCoy, Brunswick chairman and chief executive officer. "As all of us at Brunswick have come to expect of Pat, he gave us far more than he promised, both in terms of time and accomplishments. Through Pat's leadership, both Mercury, in particular, and Brunswick as a whole have been strengthened, leaving us very well positioned for the future."

Mercury has been at the forefront of marine-engine manufacturing since the company's inception in 1939. That tradition carries on today, as Mercury products continue to meet the evolving demands of discriminating and ecology-minded consumers. Under Mackey's leadership, J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Mercury Marine's OptiMax engine "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines," and Mercury MerCruiser engines "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Sterndrive Engines."

Mackey is a very experienced general manager and international executive, having spent 30 years in a variety of senior roles with E.I. du Pont de Nemours Corporation in Europe. He also was an executive vice president with Witco Corporation, Greenwich, Conn.

Mark Schwabero, president -- Mercury Marine outboard engines, and Kevin S. Grodzki, president -- Mercury MerCruiser, will continue to lead their respective businesses, reporting directly to McCoy.

"As Pat moves on to the next phase of his life, knowing that Mark and Kevin will continue to provide leadership and direction to the operations each has guided since 2004 ensures that Mercury Marine will continue to set new standards in product innovation and customer service," McCoy concluded.

About Brunswick

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity"(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Albemarle, Arvor, Baja, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Laguna, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Ornvik, Palmetto, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Savage, Sea Boss, Sea Pro, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; IDS dealer management systems; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength and ParaBody fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables; and Dynamo, Tornado and Valley pool tables, Air Hockey and foosball tables. For more information, visit http://www.brunswick.com.

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Bayliner Boats - Boat Show Dates to Note

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats with Boat Show Dates to Note.

2008 Montreal Boat Show, Salon du Bateau
January 24 - 28, 2008

Place Bonaventure, Montreal , Quebec
Vancouver International Boat Show
February 6 to 10, 2008
BC Place Stadium and False Creek Yacht Club, Vancouver , BC

Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail
February 14 to 18, 2008
Miami Beach Convention Centre, Miami Beach , Florida

Halifax Boat Show
February 21 – 24, 2008
Exhibition Park - Halifax , NS

Transat Marine Sales and Technical Training Day
March 3, 2008
Transat Marine, Barrie , Ontario

Mid Canada Boat Show
February 21 to 24, 2008
Winnipeg Convention Center , Winnipeg , Manitoba

Hutchings Marine 2008 Spring Training & Trade Show
March 11, 2008
The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre, Gravenhurst Wharf, Gravenhurst, Ontario

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
March 12 - March 16, 2008
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place , Toronto

Moncton Boat Show
March 28 - 30, 2008
Moncton Coliseum Complex, New Brunswick

IBEX 2008 International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference
October 6–8 , 2008
Miami Beach Convention Center,Miami , Florida

Fort LauderdaleInternational Boat Show
October 30 to November 3, 2008

Bahia Mar Yachting Center and Broward County Convention Center
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Bayliner Boats - New Website for Doral

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats with fresh news from Doral International. Doral International and Doral Boats Inc., announces the launch of their new website.

With this is the launch of Phase 1 of their corporate e-business that will serve as a sales and marketing tool as well as a mechanism to attract increased visibility and a leads generating system for dealers.

Doral says that Phase 2 will be an implementation of a new business system to allow sharing of information online.

The site is at www.doralboat.com


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Bayliner Boats - Marine Fabricators Association National Convention

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats with information from The largest Marine Fabricators Association National Convention in more than a decade that was held January 13-15 in Stuart, Florida. The Jimmy Buffet-themed convention ("Join Us In Margaritaville") offered participants the chance to learn new techniques and tricks of the trade by participating in educational sessions, and provided copious opportunities to network.

There were over 100 fabricator attendees with full registration, and an additional 50 VIP passes were issued for fabricators who came to walk the show floor. The 35 exhibiting companies were very pleased with the lively turnout. MFA Division Director Beth Hungiville said that "many exhibitors and attendees commented that this was our best show ever!"

A major part of the convention's excitement was created by the announcement of a new MFA consumer boating Web site which will launch in the beginning of March. The home page will feature a two-minute video starring one of television's most popular boating personalities, John Greviskis, star of "Ship Shape TV," now in its 12th year.

Another convention record was set with 130 entries in the MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards--the largest participation in eight years--with over 20 awards given out.

A crew videotaped the pre-convention sessions and all the seminars, which will be available for purchase in the near future on the MFA website.

The MFA Excellence Award winners, the certification announcements and the "MFA National Convention Highlights and Wrap-up" will be featured on the MFA Web site .
http://www.marinecanvas.com/index.php?Itemid=1
Thanks to boatingindustry.ca for this.

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Bayliner Boats - Upcoming Boat Shows

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats with upcoming boat shows. The second annual Schaumburg Boat & Sportshow will be held Feb, 14-17 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.

Launched in 2007, show hosts thousands of anglers, as well as boating and outdoor enthusiasts from the Chicagoland area, to climb aboard the latest fishing, sport and pontoon boats and browse booths filled with marine equipment, boating accessories, fishing outfitters and tackle.

Schaumburg Boat & Sportshow will be held Feb, 14-17 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.

Launched in 2007, show hosts thousands of anglers, as well as boating and outdoor enthusiasts from the Chicagoland area, to climb aboard the latest fishing, sport and pontoon boats and browse booths filled with marine equipment, boating accessories, fishing outfitters and tackle.

Show attendees are encouraged to bring their children along to enjoy the indoor pond stocked with the largest trout around. Fishing is free for children age 12-under.

Show hours are 3-9 p.m. on Feb. 14, 1 p.m. on Feb. 15, 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Feb. 16, and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Feb. 17.

The building is located at 1551 N. Thoreau Dr. in Schaumburg. Fees are $8 for adults, $4 for children age 13-15, and free for children age 12-under.
Thanks to NEWS-SUN and Michigan Live for this.

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Bayliner Boats - Naming a Boat

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats on what goes in to naming a boat.
Terry Buddell admits having had a fascination with boat names for many years. It probably stemmed from when I lived on the River Thames at Chertsey and I used to spend many a happy summer day lolling on the decks of an old Thames Barge (grandly named Sunbeam whilst a similar barge a few berths down was nobly named Atlas ) watching all manner of craft ply the river. It was particularly interesting to realise many of these craft were very old indeed and the practice of boat naming was is highly thought of today as it was back in the old days. The cross section was broad and in many ways you do think that the names that were given to craft would have long been exhausted but this appears not to be the case. However, when you realise that every subject of interest, anywhere, to anyone, has been thoroughly searched and raided to provide names for past and present and doubtless future generations of floating craft.

Names of towns, cities, villages, counties, countries, royalty, cartoon characters, film stars, mythology, the stars, planets and heavens have all been thoroughly trawled for representation upon the bows and transoms of a thousand, yea, ten thousand craft that ply the waters of the world.

How does one go about the tricky business of naming a new boat? And even trickier, the deadly serious business of even re-naming an existing craft. Clearly the nautically inclined bucket of seawater that all folk carry around in the top of their skulls goes into overtime at boat naming time and the results of their endeavors can show the results of brilliance, non imagination, scallywag humour, self-praise, self-pity, corporate boredom or even complete wackiness. The association psychology kicks firmly into gear whenever the delicate issues of naming the new addition to the family or company comes into fruition.

So, like what? I hear you grumbling, What the hell does he mean?

Well, basically, one only has to take a stroll around a well-packed marina to see how some folks think when it comes to boat naming time. A shiny plastic 40 Riviera laden with expensive goodies and two twenty thousand dollar jet skis was named No Limits , clearly an attribute to the very capable money earning capabilities of the well heeled person who owned it. Costa Lotta on another plastic and glass creation was surely either a slight boast or deep sigh of despair from the owner. Either way, he could still clearly still afford it! The ones that make me heave however are the ducky double names made up from half of one name and the other half of the other! RoySue, JanMark, FranJean, BobMeg, and so on yuk! I even saw one made up of the whole families names muddled together, Jentonsules what? How could anyone do that? Poor bloody boat.

Work boats, tugs, ferries and other corporate craft fare a little less better. Tugs are invariably named, Atlas , Hercules , Poseidon , Troy , Stalwart , Triton and the favourite Leviathan . You d hardly get one called The Cecil or Nancy Mincing . You just couldn t feel it; the name in the former cases has to reflect unlimited, unremitting brute force. It s tradition.

Infamy of one kind or another plays its part in not naming boats too. A doubly superstitious bunch, seafarers, they tend to steer well clear of Titanic , The Mary Celeste , Hesperus and The Lusitania for clear cut and obvious reasons. One could safely bet a couple of crates of rum that no one with his feet squarely on planet earth are likely to name the family yacht, The Saddam Hussein or Twin towers over the next few years or so. Stands to reason really if you think about it. No one really wants to be associated with disasters or mayhem, except of course the oddball who named a boat I saw many moons ago called, The Family Row can't think why at all though!

Tongue in cheek is alive and well and wry humour is well represented among many boaties who may have had a few reasons to dwell over their choices available. Midlife Crisis often crops up, Kids Inheritance is another and Don t tell the bank was another that always raises a smile. Iownit and Itsmine tell a story of financial triumphs over struggle and adversity, in their own way. Sports boats, however seem to reflect the devil-may-care attitude that anyone under thirty seems to cultivate nowadays. Ski boats abound with Hot Spurt , Pink Thing , Wet Dream or Thruster , the usual testosterone fuelled twaddle. I ve not seen Shaved Head , Tattoo or Silly beard and Nipple-ring slapped onto a long suffering ski boat yet, but give it time, it is bound to come. Jet skis don t seem to be given names but Whiner , Mozzie , Blue Fumes and Weekend Lover could well be in the running here, Annoyer , of course topping the list. I m going too fast , may even eclipse that.

Years ago, on the waterways both here in Aussie and back in England, fleets of hire craft used to be rented out on almost every river and stream, estuary and lake. Whole fleets of small timber boats, powered by Stuart Turner pop pop engines would be named after flocks of birds, planets and so on, very pleasant. However, I always remember a very famous hire boat company on the River Thames that owned only three rowing skiffs. They were respectfully named, Er be is , Er be mine and wonderfully She be ours . Aah! Nostalgia!

Tacky of course, is everywhere if you care to look but they can be in disguise. Isle of View (I love you) was one. Water Otter (Kettle?), My Folly , Good Ship Lollypop (No, please!) and Popeye (Good grief). Catamarans do it too!! Catscan , Two up , Cat O nine tails , Cat Fight etc. One I did like was simply, The Big Cat and the tender was called The Little Kitten . Tender names can be good. A boat I saw was called Bottom (presumably after the Shakespearian play) naturally Tender Bottom was the dinghy. Another was Canary , the tender Canary s Egg . I am sure there are thousands out there undiscovered, at least by me.

Wacky names abound by the score. You don t have to look far. One name tickled me by its utter nuttiness. It was a small boat crammed with day-trippers. Cheekily, along the whole length of the boat was painted. Two eggs, two toms, bacon and beans no chips . I would have loved to have known the reason for that one! Equally wacky, was Sir Osis of the River (Cirrhosis of the liver), very clever indeed. One very interesting trait I have noticed amongst sleek and beautiful restored classic craft was the almost reverential names of Indians. Pocahontas, White Feather, Minnie Ha-Ha, Laughing Waters. Once again, a traditional thing, I suppose. A friend of mine aptly named his ex-police launch, Old Bill , and raised many a smile along the riverbank.

CHANGING A NAME

Oh dear, this really is supposed to be a no-no, isn t it? Yet, like all traditions nautical, it can be done, but must be done properly. The whole idea of this article came about through an email that was sent to me describing the ceremony required to change the name of a boat. It is taken very seriously in certain quarters and apparently, if the Gods of the Sea are not appeased, bad fortune may accompany the vessel. In years past, sailors have bemoaned the fact that the unluckiest ships are the ones that defied the gods and changed their names the wrong way.

SO HOW IS THIS DONE?

According to old lore, each boat is recorded in the infamous Ledger of the Deep and is held by Poseidon or Neptune, the God of the Sea. Therefore, if the name is to be changed, the name must be purged from the ledger and therefore Poseidon s memory. All names of the old boat must be obliterated from all boat papers, log books etc by whatever means (white-out pen is acceptable!) as well as all life rings, signs, nameplates and even keys. Once that is done, prepare a metal tag with the old name written on it in water-soluble ink. Next buy some reasonable champagne (not cheapo stuff!), this is for the Captain and Mate to quaff during each stage of the ceremony. Begin as follows:

Oh Mighty Ruler of the Seas and Oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection (here insert the old name of the vessel) which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name to be corrupted through your power and forever, be purged from the sea (at this point the tag is dropped from the bow into the sea). In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your Majesty and Court (At this point, half a bottle of champagne must be poured into the sea from East to West, the remainder to be drunk by present guests.)

It is usual then for the renaming ceremony to be undertaken immediately following the purging ceremony although it may be done later. You will need more champagne because there are more Gods to appease! Begin the renaming by calling Poseidon.

Oh Mighty and Great Ruler of the Seas and Oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollections this worthy vessel hereafter for all time (here insert the new name for the vessel) guarding her with your mighty arm and trident to ensure the safe and rapid passage within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honour of your greatness, we offer these libations to your Majesty and Court (at this point, one bottle of champagne, less one glass for Master and Mate, are poured into the sea from East to West).

The next step is to appease the Gods of the Winds. This assures you of smooth seas and fair winds. Because the Four Winds are brothers, it is permissible to involve them at the same time, but during the ceremony, you must address each Wind God by name. Begin as so:

Oh Mighty Rulers of the Winds, through whose power our frail vessels transverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (insert boat s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministrations, according to our needs. (Facing North, pour a generous amount of champagne into a glass and fling towards the North and say). Great Boreas, exalted Ruler of the North wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your great breath. Face West, repeat saying, Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West wind grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath . Face East, Great Eurus exalted ruler of the East wind grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath . Face South, Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South wind grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath .
Any champagne left over, will be the beginnings of a suitable celebration in Honour of the occasion. Note: Only then may any items bearing the new name be allowed on to the boat, be sure the names are not shown before the ceremony is over.

To the non believers who may howl in derision at the aforesaid antics, I have only this to say, it is a dangerous and difficult enough business venturing out into the mighty oceans (we have the VMR to deal with after all) but the rumours have persisted down through the centuries and even today modern seaman quake at the thought of flying in the face of the Gods of the Seas, after all why be smart . would you risk it?

CONCLUSION

Next time you see a boat with an unusual or noteworthy name, spare a thought for the reasons it may have come into being. Rest assured that it is not a light undertaking to come to a final decision about a boat s name. In many cases, it has taken many years. In my own particular case, it took five years of careful pondering whilst building and finally The Nicky J Miller , was chosen in honour of my long-suffering partner in crime whilst building our boat. The tribute was entirely for her, she was enthusiastic in every way, never bemoaning the time or the money spent. It s not many girls who get a shipwreck name after them! Just kidding, Hey Dreamboat! Not you Shipwreck! (Old sailors mating call!)

Terry Buddell is a freelance writer, boat builder and marine surveyor who lives on board his own yacht the “Nicky J Miller” with his partner Nicky in Gladstone, Queensland Australia. Terry has designed a series of boats that he sells from his website on the net and also built his own 42′ yacht which he refers endearingly to as “his filthy old lugger’. Terry writes for several boating magazines and specializes in the ” How to do it ” kind of article using practical ideas and basic common sense! Terry is only too happy to help people who wish to build their own boat from a dinghy to a yacht and his contact details can be found on his website http://www.dolphinboatplans.com

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Bayliner Boats - Catching Ocean Prawns or Crabs

Hi gang, Rick from Bayliner Boats. This is a great article we come across about catching ocean prawns or crabs. I found it very interesting and I'm sure you will too.

If you are a boater, in particular a sea or ocean-going boater, you have probably tried your hand at catching prawns and/or crabs with their respective pots. And if you have tried this, then you know how many traps or pots you have lost over the years! But it is so rewarding when the traps come up with our dinner, that we try it again, over and over every year.

This is the story of our weekend boating trip and yet another lost prawn trap. My husband and I have been boating for several years with friends on their Bayliner boat on the west coast and enjoy our excursions through the San Juan Islands in Washington state and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Crabbing and prawn trapping is very popular among both pleasure boaters and commercial fisherman in these areas.

Our friend Jan had just had another birthday and her husband Hank decided to buy her something that they could both enjoy. You guessed it, a prawn trap. Out they went at the first opportunity early one morning in July and dropped their prawn trap over the side of their Bayliner. The attached float was clearly visible to other boaters and had their name and boat registration number painted on the side. As the day progressed, they decided it was time to check the prawn trap for booty. Dreaming of the delectable dinner that awaited them, they took off in their dinghy to check the trap. Around and around they went looking for their trap, but it was not to be found. They took their bearings from the land and were sure that they were in the correct spot, but no such luck. Once again, yet another prawn trap had disappeared. Back to their yacht and a dinner of pork and beans.

The next morning they weighed anchor and started off for the next day's location, looking as they went for the missing prawn trap. It was becoming obvious to them, that it was gone.

The following weekend, my husband and I were invited on board their yacht for the weekend. It was a beautiful weekend as we headed out across the straits towards the islands where we intended to drop anchor and spend the night on the hook in a secluded cove. The weather was sunny and warm and the winds very calm. We spent the night and enjoyed the company and conversation. Lots of laughter, especially on the topic of missing crab and prawn traps. We kidded our friends about losing another trap. "How many is that, this year?" we asked. "Too many," they replied.

After a wonderful sleep on the water, we got up the next morning, had breakfast and decided to spend the morning at a nearby weekend market. This market is held every Saturday during the summer season, and hobby farmers and crafters come from all over the area to display and sell their wares. It really is quite fun.

Up came the boat anchor and off we went. As we motored we watched for floating logs and other traps. It wasn't too long before Jan cried out. "The trap, the trap. There is our trap!" Sure enough as we circle back, there was the trap that had been lost the previous weekend. We came alongside the float, and slowed the motor. My husband went to the aft of the boat and began pulling in the line over the transom. It was very heavy.

He pulled and pulled. Slowly the line came up and into the boat, but no sign yet of the trap. Oh, my goodness. Did this mean that the trap was full to overflowing with prawns that had been trapped for the last seven days? If so, we were in for a very large feast that night. Pull, pull and pull some more. By this time my husband's brow was wet with sweat, and his brand new Hugo Boss white boating shirt was getting splattered with mud and seaweed that was coming up with the line.

Finally after several minutes of pulling, he could just make out the shape of the trap. There was a large whitish-gray mass coming up with the trap. But what could it be? Was it a log? Was it a block of cement that a commercial trapper had put in? Was it a seal, trapped in the pot? It was still too far down to see clearly. He pulled some more. As it was getting closer and within reach, the line snapped from the strain. My husband was thrown back towards the other side of the boat and the mud went flying everywhere!

It was lost! The trap and its contents, whatever they might have been, were gone. Our mouths stopped watering. There would be no prawns for dinner once again. We've puzzled over this one for a long time. What was in that trap that made it so heavy? I guess we will never know.

And our friends, Jan and Hank, have purchased and lost several more traps since this experience. They tell us that they have enjoyed many dinners on their Bayliner complements of their traps, but they never seem to catch anything when we are out with them. Strange coincidence or not?! Maybe it is just one of those fishing stories!

Thanks to Valerie Giles for this. Valerie owns and operates Boats, Anchors and More http://www.boats-anchors-and-more.com a boating resource site featuring boat accessories, boat chartering, new & used boats, fishing lure manufacturers, inflatable boats, outerwear, thermal underwear & sunglasses. Everything you need for the boating season.



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Bayliner Boats - Boat Trip Vacations

Hi gang, Rick again from Bayliner Boats on boat trip vacations. A very popular idea now for a vacation. Have your boat trips arranged for a fun vacation! Any form of water is truly an amazing sight to see and explore.

That is why many people are exerting much time and resources to make the most out of boating experiences. Some people prefer to do all the planning and preparations on their own while some like to have someone arrange the boating trips for them.

There are boat charter companies that can arrange boating trips for you for a well-deserved and fun vacation. These boat charter companies offer many advantages for tourists. Here are some reasons why:

- Time, effort and resources are maximized.
You really dont have to waste precious time, trying to arrange a boating trip by yourself and trying to grasp things that you really dont have knowledge about. In the end, you wouldnt enjoy much of your boating trip with all the hassles that you will go through just to keep it as perfect as possible.

The thing to remember is that you can rely on these companies to do a great job planning your boating trip because they have experienced working in the environment in the past and they know more that you do when it comes to boating trips.

When you get a boat charter companys service, all you have to do is to prepare yourself and the things that you need to bring.

- Do more; enjoy more.
Most of the people who prefer self-planned boat trips exert great efforts but many end up in vain. That is because they miss out on some activities or some places.

Self-planned trips usually settle for the main attraction of a certain place. Other activities and places are left untapped and unseen. As compared to arranged trips, they have the itinerary well-planned, for your travel pleasures. Boat charter companies can only offer so much if you only seek their services.

- Safety is assured.
The trips from charter companies come with travel insurance. Boat charter company staffs also ensure the safety of the tourists throughout the course of the boating trip. The boating industry may seem to be plain leisure to the tourists, but it is a serious business on the boat charter companies side.

For them, safety is a key factor in getting more clients, and having a firm grasp on former clients loyalty. All these and more advantages, you can get at a price that is worth every cent. So go ahead, and contact a boat charter company for your boating trip!

Thanks to boatingcharterservice.com for this.

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Rick Ostler, Bayliner Boats.

Bayliner Boats - On The Water Etiquette

Hi gang Rick here from Bayliner Boats with ON THE Water BOAT ETIQUETTE. Here is a Quick List of the Unwritten “rules of the Road” as They Apply to Waders and Boaters.

In its simplest form, etiquette is nothing more than doing the right thing at the right time for a particular situation. Some of these rules have been written down, but most have not. So without a formal written code how do we know the correct conduct for a particular situation? Well, pretty much it comes down to a few easy tests.

The first consideration is to ask, how would we want to be treated in the same situation? The second is plain old common sense. Briefly, I try to relate this all to fishing situations so everyone can have a pleasant experience while on the water. A quick list of the unwritten rules of the road as they apply to waders and boaters, or maybe better said, waders vs. boaters!

Lets start at the boat ramp. Often, you won't be alone in wanting to launch your boat. Other fishermen with drift boats, canoes, kayaks or pontoons will have the same idea as you. To keep everything running smoothly it's important that everyone respect their place in line and their time on the ramp. Have your boat rigged and loaded before you back down on the ramp. If you're not ready and there are others waiting, it's okay to let them ahead of you. Get your boat in the water and then move it to the side so others can launch. If there is current, the downstream side of the ramp is a better choice so as not to interfere with others as you start underway. When in doubt, ask someone.

Now you're fishing, and low and behold, there is a guy wading, now what? The best thing is to go behind him, causing minimum disturbance as you do. Don't dip your oars unless it's to maintain control of your boat. If the water is too shallow to float, quietly get out of the boat and as quite as possible, walk your boat behind him. Do not fish the water as you go by. It's just plain rude, and you'll be down river soon enough to start fishing again. The wade fisherman always has the right of way.

Sometimes you have a situation where there isn't enough room to go behind the other angler. There are several options here. First, if the section of river is wide enough, you can hug the opposite bank as long as you are well out of the water he is fishing. Another option is to pass close to him on the center river side, but only after letting him know of your plan. If he objects, get out and drag the boat behind him. Wade fishermen are allowed to step back toward the bank to let a boat through, and most will in tight situations. There’s nothing wrong with friendly communication.

Okay, you got through that situation. Now you come upon another vessel ahead of you. If the other boat is anchored and they obviously are fishing toward the right, pass far on the left. The reverse is also true. If you can't tell, or aren’t sure, just ask what side you can pass on. Always give as wide a berth as possible.

If the boat is underway and drift fishing, pass on the opposite side that they're fishing again giving as wide a berth as possible. The wide berth will keep you out of their back cast and you from getting hooked. Keep in mind that the vessel being overtaken always has the right of way. This is the law and has nothing to do with etiquette. Once you pass the other boat you should never cut in front of him and start fishing. Go down river a long way, even to the next pool of riffle before you start fishing. If you wanted to fish that water you should have held your boat back and fished behind them.

Never jump in on anyone else's fish unless invited. Don't even ask. Just go find some different fish. Don't anchor in casting range of anyone else. Since you don't know how far anyone can cast, assume it to be a fly line length. When you anchor, do it quietly and when it's time to move on, leave quietly too. Never put down the fish you were fishing to. Let the next guy have a crack at them.

Be mindful of where you anchor. Sometimes you just need to stop, maybe for a rest or a bite to eat. When you do, you should notice where you are. Be careful not to block a narrow channel and make it difficult for other to get by.

Well, all in all, it's been a great day on the river. You landed some monster browns, netted some rainbows and even had a few Kodak Moments and nobody fell in. The sun is getting low and you really don't know the river that well. What should you do? Head for port! Unless you have enough experience and have confidence in the dark, don't stay out in the dark. If you do, make sure you have the required safety equipment with you, and yes, pontoon boats have the same requirements as other vessels. When you get to the boat ramp follow the same courtesies you did when you launched.

At night on the ramp try to avoid shining vehicle headlights or other bright lights upriver. This only serves to blind other operators and make navigation difficult. If you are shining a light upriver to help someone find the takeout, see the previous paragraph. You may have to wait your turn to take out and when your turn comes you should be ready. Once your boat is on your trailer, pull it up out of the way and then secure your tie down straps, put your tackle away, and take off your waders and anything else you need to get done. If you are waiting for a shuttle, let the next guy ahead of you.

All you need to do is remember to treat others the way you want to be treated. Unfortunately, you are bound to run across idiots, whether they be on foot or in a boat, and when you do, there is no sense going crazy because you're not going to ruin their day, only yours.

Thanks to Joe Demalderis, fish-pennsylvania.com for this.

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Rick Ostler, Bayliner Boats.

Bayliner Boats - Upcoming Boat & Trade Shows

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats with dates for upcoming boat and trade shows.

2008 International Marina & Boatyard Conference
Jan. 19 to 22, 2008
Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta

2008 Montreal Boat Show, Salon du Bateau
January 24 - 28, 2008
laceP Bonaventure, Montreal , Quebec

Vancouver International Boat Show
February 6 to 10, 2008
BC Place Stadium and False Creek Yacht Club, Vancouver , BC

Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail
February 14 to 18, 2008
Miami Beach Convention Centre, Miami Beach , Florida

Halifax Boat Show
February 21 – 24, 2008
Exhibition Park - Halifax , NS

Transat Marine Sales and Technical Training Day
March 3, 2008
Transat Marine, Barrie , Ontario

Mid Canada Boat Show
February 21 to 24, 2008
Winnipeg Convention Center , Winnipeg , Manitoba

Hutchings Marine 2008 Spring Training & Trade Show
March 11, 2008
The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre, Gravenhurst Wharf, Gravenhurst, Ontario

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
March 12 - March 16, 2008
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place , Toronto

Moncton Boat Show
March 28 - 30, 2008
Moncton Coliseum Complex, New Brunswick

IBEX 2008 International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference
October 6–8 , 2008
Miami Beach Convention Center,Miami , Florida

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
October 30 to November 3, 2008
Bahia MarYachting Center and Broward County Convention Center
Fort Lauderdale,Florida.

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Bayliner Boats - Toronto International Boat Show Update

Hi Gang Rick here at Bayliner Boats. Business Seems Brisk at Toronto International Boat Show. Early anecdotal evidence suggests strong sales at the 50th Anniversary of the Toronto International Boat Show. Boating Industry Canada questioned a random group of 10 dealers and heard positive comments from all.

Customers are driving harder than ever for a good deal but it seems that the recently increased purchasing power of the Canadian dollar may be at least partly accountable for the sales action. The dealers included both small boat and fishing boat dealers as well as two yacht dealers. There seems to be strength across the board so far.

The show opened Saturday January 12 to what may possibly be record crowds. Instead of the customary January blizzard, unseasonable weather had totally melted the Christmas snowfall leaving above-freezing temperatures and green grass in many areas. Perhaps this weather has people thinking about boating earlier than ever. Final attendance results will be announced by show organizers about a week after it closes on Sunday January 20th.

A lot can happen in the next week but so far, the Canadian boat show season is off to a solid start.

This year Buckeye is Going Overboard for the Bouchard family.
After a great success in 2007, Buckeye Marine is Going Overboard again in 2008. Going Overboard is a program aimed at giving back to a member of the boating community when they need it most, while gaining publicity for the marine industry. It starts with Buckeye Marine choosing from their vast customer base, to create a list of customers who faced adversity in their lives.

Larry Bouchard loved the water and had a burning passion for barefoot waterskiing. At age 55 he purchased a 2001 195 MasterCraft Prostar. The boat was Larry’s pride and joy. Every weekend when he left the cottage he meticulously cleaned and polished it. He cared for his boat so dearly that one of Larry’s close skiing buds jokingly said Larry should put a pair of lips on the boat so he could kiss it goodbye every Sunday evening.

In the winter of 2004, however, Larry’s life was cut short after being diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 59, only four years in to his bare footing career. Larry’s passion for life along with his love for his family and friends made him an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

The make-over starts once the unknowing family is chosen. The Going Overboard crew, consisting of Buckeye staff, Canadian boat designer Chris Riggs of Riggs Innovative Design, a wide array of marine distributors, parts manufacturers and volunteers, all come together to re-build the vessel into the boat dreams are made of.

Taken from the proven formats of popular television shows “Overhaulin” and “Extreme Makeover Home Edition”, an inside source is chosen, whether it be a family member or friend, to ensure the customization is in line with the customer’s wants and needs.

This Year’s Project
In January of 2005, Larry’s brother Jim purchased the prized possession from Larry’s wife. Although the 195 MasterCraft fulfills the mission of family togetherness and serves a memoir, it also left some voids. As a result, Chris Riggs of Riggs Innovative Design Inc., Buckeye Marine and numerous generous sponsors teamed together to transform this vessel into a custom masterpiece so the boat could appropriately live on as a constant reminder of the man who loved it so dearly. In the end, the finished project has 1500 man hours put in it along with $45,000 worth of custom equipment, refurbishing and accessories.

Using The Toronto International Boat show as its venue, the unknowing winner is invited to what they will know later as their boat “unveiling”. Here media is on hand to witness and capture the awe-inspiring looks as the boat is revealed for the first time to the deserving customer!

The boat will remain in the Riggs Innovative Design booth for the duration of the boat show.

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Bayliner Boats - The 52nd annual New England Boat Show

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats. The 52nd annual New England Boat Show sails back to Boston with a new arrival date, January 12 – 20, at the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. As the premier boating event in the Northeast, the 2008 New England Boat Show is expected to be the largest show ever in Boston with nearly $80 million of boats and accessories on display.

Each year, boat owners, lovers and dreamers await the arrival of the New England Boat Show, the largest and most prestigious boat show in the Northeast. Typically held in February, this year’s 52nd annual New England Boat Show will set sail for Boston with a new arrival date, January 12 – 20, 2008, at the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC). This 9-day event will feature more than 1,000 fully-rigged boats and 500 exhibits showcasing the latest powerboats, sail boats, engines and marine electronics and accessories for the 2008 boating season. Daily interactive seminars and demonstrations will help visitors learn about the boating lifestyle and enhance time spent out on the water.

“The New England Boat Show is the oldest, largest and most respected boating marketplace in the Northeast,” said Joe O’Neal, Managing Partner of North American Expositions Company. “Now in our 52nd year, the annual Boat Show has become the premiere event for boat-industry manufacturers and dealers to introduce new products and kick-start sales for the upcoming season. The New England Boat Show not only provides a boost to the boating industry, it also brings to the area an economic impact of over $10 million in gross sales and wages.”

Last year, the Boat Show moved to its new berth at the BCEC on the waterfront. Because of the enormous breadth and height of the palatial hall, the Boat Show now is able to feature twice as many boats as in the past and bigger vessels than ever before.

“With 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and ceiling heights souring to over 90 feet, the New England Boat Show is now among the few boat shows in the world with the ability to display the biggest and the tallest boats indoors,” said O’Neal. “The 2008 show is expected to be the largest show ever in Boston, with nearly $80 million of boats and accessories on display.”

Among the 1,000 vessels on display will be a complete range of power boats to 50 feet, sport fishing boats, ski boats, family cruisers, pontoon boats, and personal water craft. For both the serious and novice sailors alike, there will be sailboats of all types and sizes, from optis and day sailors to fully rigged luxury cruisers, along with a wide variety of services like sail and canvas makers, yacht maintenance, yacht interiors, insurance, and financing. Sailors can also check out the latest in clothing and accessories such as foul weather gear, lifesaving and safety equipment, outer wear and gear for dingy sailing, rigging and rigging services, and sailboat hardware.

In addition, over 350 companies will unveil and demonstrate the latest in nautical products and services, including marine electronics, new quiet economical diesel inboard power, air conditioning and refrigeration, bow thrusters and fighting chairs.

Seminars and Demonstrations

Along with many daily features and special events, the New England Boat Show will provide an array of free seminars and interactive demonstrations. All levels of boaters, from novice to serious sailors, will learn the latest information techniques to enhance their experiences on the water.

The New England Boat Show highlights include:

• How to read a nautical chart
• Massachusetts state boating laws
• GPS chart plotters
• Requirements for getting a captains license
• Leave the shore behind

For a complete list of seminars, including dates and times, boaters should visit www.neboatshow.com.

The New England Boat Show Hours:

The New England Boat Show will be open for nine days. Show hours are:
Saturday, January 12, 10am to 9pm
Sunday, January 13, 11am to 7pm
Monday, January 14 though Friday, January 18, Noon to 9pm
Saturday, January 19, 10am – 9pm
Sunday, January 20, 11am – 6pm

Advance tickets for the New England Boat Show will be available online beginning December 1st at www.neboatshow.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate. Tickets are $13 for adults, $7 for junior boaters (6 – 12 years old), and children 6 and under are free. Included with paid admission is entrance to the many scheduled seminars and demonstrations. The BCEC is located off I 93, at exit 18. Parking is available on-site with complimentary shuttle bus service to the door. Further information is available online at www.neboatshow.com or by calling 800-225-1577.

The New England Boat Show is produced by Boston-based North American Expositions Co. and continues to be proudly sponsored and endorsed by the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Inc., a non-profit entity whose mission is to further the interests of the marine trades and the boating public. Through its diligent work and commitment, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association assures high standards of professional and ethical conduct by its membership of 1,200 marine-related businesses in Massachusetts, which collectively employs 35,000 men and women and generates over $2 billion in economic activity each year in the Commonwealth.

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Bayliner Boats - Bass Pro Boat Show

Hi gang, Rick here at Bayliner Boats. The Bass Pro Boat Show continues at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 100 Bass Pro Drive, Bossier City. For Bruce Brown and Bobby Dugas it was just another day at the office.

The two men are freshwater and saltwater fishing and boating representatives for Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Marine boats.

Both were at the Bass Pro Boat Show on Saturday to promote boating. The show, which began on Friday, will run through Jan. 20. Today, the boat show will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The show attracted hundreds of lookee-loos to Bossier City's Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World along with many buyers. Tracker Marine displayed all its new 2008 products including fishing, ski, pontoon and cruising boats.

"We're just out having fun," said Linda Bankston, who was there with her daughter, Azlynn Bankston and friend Johnny Owens.

"We've sold a lot of boats today," said Maggie Frantz, Tracker sales representative.

Boats at the show went from about $5,000 to as high as $50,000. Many people took advantage of the show special of 10 percent off.

Incentives include free trips for buyers, according to Tracker Marine's Jarrod Bishop.

But, what really are the best boats to buy?

"A 24-foot Mako or a Tracker Nitro," Brown and Dugas said.

Aside from lots of boats, Saturday's day of the show included a visit from Curly Neal of the Harlem Globetrotters who signed autographs for the enthralled crowd. The Shreveport Power Squadron also was on hand to answer questions about boating and safety equipment.

The boat show even had a visit from Hollywood. Director and actor Harold Ramis (Ghostbusters, Baby Boom) was among those admiring the boats at Bass Pro Shops.

The show continues today with free giveaways, free brats, free hot dogs, and free Coke both days. Thanks to Jane Bokun at shreveporttimes.com fot this.

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Bayliner Boats - Hawaii dedicates millions to improve marinas

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats. About $4.45 million to fund improvements to the small-boat harbors at Ke'ehi and Kawaihae released by Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday should help ease a tight boat storage situation, especially on O'ahu.

About $4.05 million will be used to replace Piers 100 and 200 at Ke'ehi. More than a quarter of the existing 362 slips there have been deemed unusable due to extensive deterioration over the years, state officials said.

The improvement project will make slips available that have been closed due to safety concerns, restore harbor activity and generate more venues for future maintenance. Design of the project is already under way. Construction is expected to begin in July 2008 and run through December 2009.

At Kawaihae, along the Big Island's Kohala Coast, $400,000 will be used to replace existing loading docks that have deteriorated beyond repair. The new docks and connecting walkways will meet guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Construction is scheduled to begin in June and run through March 2009.

William Aila, harbormaster for the Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor, said the improvements will help provide welcome relief to a long-suffering boating community, especially on O'ahu.

"The problem is more acute on O'ahu because of the deteriorating slips available at the Ala Wai," Aila said. "Many of the boaters have had to shift to Ke'ehi."

The recent development of "F Dock" at the Ala Wai could accommodate as many as 40 to 50 boats. The improvements come on the heels of an announcement last week that both Lingle and legislative leaders have agreed to a six-year, $842 million plan to increase capacity and improve operations at state harbors.
Thanks to The Honolulu Advertiser for this.

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Bayliner Boats - Gulf Coast still recovering

Hi gang, Rick here from Bayliner Boats. Long before this Gulf Coast city became the gambling capital of the Deep South, tourists came to fish the warm waters here for tuna, sharks, snapper and red fish with charter boat captains such as Jay Trochesset.
The lean and tan Trochesset, 59, learned the charter boat business from his father. Both of his sons are in the business. He has weathered dozens of hurricanes and tropical storms, but none has had the reverberating effects of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the region a little more than two years ago.

Most of the charter boats here and along the battered Gulf Coast survived by sailing out ahead of the storm. But Katrina wiped out the marinas, bait and tackle shops, ice houses, fuel stations and hotels that support the charter industry, Trochesset says. Adding to those woes are skyrocketing fuel prices, higher insurance premiums and a "gun-shy" customer base that's reluctant to return to the region, he says.

Trochesset's largest boat, a 50-foot catamaran, is docked at Point Cadet, one of the few Biloxi-area marinas to survive the storm. Many of Trochesset's fellow captains have gone elsewhere or gone out of business.

"Hopefully, they will come back when things get a little more stable," Trochesset says. "We've got a lot to offer."

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Katrina | Gulf Coast | Miss | Biloxi | Clarion-Ledger | Marina | Cadet | Jay Trochesset
There has been progress in the region. Charter captains in southeastern Louisiana say they are edging closer to pre-Katrina levels.

"We did not take as severe a hit as some other places," says Capt. René Rice whose Cherece IV charter boat business operates out of Grand Isle, La. Rice, who has been a charter boat captain for 23 years, says his business suffered greatly during the first year after Katrina. Now the business brings in about 70% of what it did before the storm, he says.

Many Louisiana marinas have been rebuilt, and a lot of the support industries are back, but the industry is hurt by a public perception of the Gulf Coast as a wasteland, Rice says. "The majority of us have weathered the storm and are back up operational," he says.

Harry Blanchet, dock assessment program manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says that although some marinas near New Orleans "got smeared," most have rebuilt since the storm. Venice in Plaquemines Parish, La., has rebounded strongly as one of the region's "big game" fishing outposts, he says.

In Mississippi, where state tax records show gambling receipts from the Gulf Coast topped $122 million in July and regularly exceed pre-Katrina levels, the state's charter boat industry has not rebounded as quickly.

Licenses are down nearly 30% in the two years since the hurricane, according to state records. Jimmy Taylor, who represents the charter boat industry on the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources, says the number of captains who have gone out of business since the storm is higher.

"It's just been a real struggle for the guys," Taylor says. "They can't make a living right now."

Many went more than a year without any income at all, he says.

"Up until about 12 months after the storm, you couldn't even get in the harbor because there was so much debris," Taylor says.

Many captains have been forced to take second jobs to survive until business gets better, Taylor says. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has tried to help by employing charter boats to conduct post-Katrina fish surveys, he says.

"It's probably kept a lot of them above water," he says.

After two years of virtually no business, Lee Fraiser, a charter captain since 1998, sold his 31-foot charter boat and put the business on indefinite hold. "There just simply aren't enough people," he says.

A former electrical contractor, Fraiser, 60, says he is looking to get a job to hold him over until the charter business picks back up. He says it will take several more years before people start thinking of the Gulf Coast as more than a disaster area with casinos.

"People still don't really realize that we are back in business," he says. "There is no reason why you can't go fishing, and the fishing has been pretty good."

Janice Jones, spokeswoman for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the charter boat industry has been hampered by a lack of facilities. The city-owned Point Cadet Marina still does not have electricity, and boat owners have to pay to have a special line run out to their slips, she says.

Repairs to other municipal marinas have not begun while cities wrangle with the Federal Emergency Management Agency over what it will cost to rebuild them, she says.

Trochesset is confident Biloxi's charter industry will rebound, hopefully rising on the tide of the successful return of the casino industry. "I've read that they had charter boats in Biloxi in the 1800s, and I think there will continue to be charter boats," he says. Chris Joyner reports for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss.

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Rick Ostler, Bayliner Boats.

Bayliner Boats - New Cell Phone Navigator

Rick Here at Bayliner Boats. Fugawi Launches New Cell Phone Navigator and Free Mapping Website. Powerful Web 2.0 based mapping resource converts non-GPS enabled phones into GPS outdoor navigators with no added hardware

GPS software manufacturer Northport Systems, Inc., has launched Fugawi Touratel, a new cell phone-based outdoor navigation software and interactive web site, today for use in the United States.

Designed to enhance outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting and more, Fugawi Touratel provides exceptional map detail on a wide variety of mobile phone handsets as well as the complimentary touratel.com website.

A first in GPS software solutions for the outdoor recreation market, Fugawi Touratel is a Web 2.0-based cell phone navigation software product that delivers high-resolution US Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, air photos and urban photos to a wide variety of cell phone models within the USA . In addition, users receive a host of other useful third-party location based applications, such as detailed streets maps of the USA , all for one low monthly fee.

Fugawi Touratel is currently compatible with many models from Motorola, Samsung, Sanyo and LG, on the Sprint, Alltel and Boost networks with more networks and cell phone models to be added shortly. Because Fugawi Touratel utilizes the cellular network-derived “Assisted GPS” location, the supported phones do not require a specific-use internal or Bluetooth connected GPS. Also, due to its unique Web 2.0 architecture, the user does not need to download and install client software – the entire Fugawi Touratel application works through the internet connection. Users will benefit from added map content and ongoing product development instantaneously, without the need to download updates or apply patches.

“ We are pleased to offer USGS topographic maps to the public at no charge though our new web resource, touratel.com,” said Robin Martel, president of Northport Systems. “ Our Fugawi Touratel Web 2.0 backend also allows us to address tremendous consumer demand for mobile navigation technology by delivering outdoor GPS applications to a much wider variety of existing phones which could not previously be used for navigation.”

The touratel.com website is a free service enabling users to view and print copies of high quality maps. The site contains all of the USGS topographic maps for the USA , including Hawaii and Alaska , at all available scales, including 1:24,000, 1:100,000 and 1:250,000. Also available through the intuitive tab-based interface are high quality air photos and Google™ maps so the user can review their area of interest utilizing several different map sources. Users can zoom in to any part of the USA and print paper copies to take with them. From the website, users can also check the compatibility of their specific cell phone and, if they wish, sign up and immediately start navigating with the USGS topographic maps on their handset.

“Our Touratel web services have been designed from the ground up to allow for rapid development of richer feature sets and growth into new applications and markets”, continues Martel. We will add new map content and additional services in early 2008.

Availability

For more information visit www.touratel.com. A regularly updated list of compatible carriers and handsets can be found on the new website.

Upcoming Boat Shows
50th Annual Toronto International Boat Show

January 12 to 20, 2008

Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place , Toronto , Ontario

2008 International Marina & Boatyard Conference

Jan. 19 to 22, 2008

Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta

2008 Montreal Boat Show, Salon du Bateau

January 24 - 28, 2008

Place Bonaventure, Montreal , Quebec

Vancouver International Boat Show

February 6 to 10, 2008

BC Place Stadium and False Creek Yacht Club, Vancouver , BC

Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail

February 14 to 18, 2008

Miami Beach Convention Centre, Miami Beach , Florida

Halifax Boat Show

February 21 – 24, 2008

Exhibition Park - Halifax , NS

Mid Canada Boat Show

February 21 to 24, 2008

Winnipeg Convention Center , Winnipeg , Manitoba

Hutchings Marine 2008 Spring Training & Trade Show

March 11, 2008

The Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre, Gravenhurst Wharf, Gravenhurst, Ontario

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show

March 12 - March 16, 2008

Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place , Toronto

Moncton Boat Show

March 28 - 30, 2008

Moncton Coliseum Complex, New Brunswick

IBEX 2008 International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference

October 6–8 , 2008

Miami Beach Convention Center,Miami , Florida

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

October 30 to November 3, 2008

Bahia Mar Yachting Center and Broward County Convention Center

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Rick Ostler, Bayliner Boats.