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Hi gang, Rick Ostler from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Mercury Marine Wins Three Consumer Digest ‘Best Buy’ Accolades.
Mercury Marine, suplier for Bayliner Boats
Mercury Marine was the only marine engine company to receive three “Best Buy” designations from Consumer Digest this week when the publication announced its top picks.
Mercury winners included the Verado 175 hp in the 150-199 hp category, the 15 hp Bigfoot in the Below 50 hp models and the 75 hp OptiMax in the 75-99 hp division.
Mercury Marine is headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis.
Mercury’s Verado 175 hp supercharged engine was acknowledged for its power, speed and lack of vibration. The Verado 175 is a four-cylinder FourStroke and is a key element in the 10-engine family, the only supercharged production engines in the world. Verado engines include 135, 150, 175 and 200 hp in the four-cylinder model, and 200, 225, 250, 275, 300 and 350 hp (recently introduced) in the six-cylinder model.
Verado revolutionized four-stroke outboard expectations, delivering the first true powerful hole shot for a four-stroke, as well as the industry’s lowest noise, vibration and harshness.
Supercharging allows Mercury to deliver high horsepower with a smaller engine block – 1,732 cc in this case – with low emissions and high fuel efficiency.
Verado also features integrated digital throttle and shift and controls, gauges, sensors and power steering. The Verado 175 comes with a three-year warranty.
Mercury’s 75 hp OptiMax direct-injected engine was recognized for its superb acceleration, great value and low emissions. The 75 hp model is perfect for entry-level bass boats and small open skiffs.
Direct Injected engines are two-strokes – typically lightweight and relatively simple – that offer many of the amenities of four-strokes. The OptiMax provides great hole shot, impressive fuel efficiency, great top speed and no smoke.
The 75 hp weighs only 375 pounds and comes with a three-year warranty. It’s a direct injected three-cylinder with 1,562 cc of displacement.
Mercury’s 15 hp BigFoot offers surprisingly powerful punch due to an extended lower section, a large anti-ventilation plate and an over-sized, high-thrust propeller. Gear size and ratio are boosted, so the engine can turn the larger prop at proper rpm levels. That makes it particularly effective at pushing boats that are heavier and larger than a 15-hp engine typically can handle, such as pontoon boats or skiffs up to 18 feet in length.
The 15 hp Bigfoot is a two-cylinder FourStroke with 323 cc of displacement. It weighs just 128 pounds and comes with a three-year warranty.
Consumer Digest says it chooses not to highlight premium, midrange and economy selections because of the limited size and price range of the outboard-engine market for each of six groups based on hp. The groups follow National Marine Manufacturers Association statistics – below-50 hp, 50-74 hp, 75-99 hp, 100-149 hp, 150-199 hp, and 200 hp and up.
“Best Buy” outboard engines were selected based on design, efficiency, performance and price. In all cases, the number in the model name reflects the amount of hp for each engine.
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Friday, June 27, 2008
Bayliner Boats - Tim Hortons Contest Winner in Chemsford
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Jim Walsh and Peter Delisle of Chemsford, Ontario “rolled up the rim” to win Bayliner Bowrider Boats, a grand prize in this year’s Tim Hortons Rrroll Up The Rrrim To Win contest.
“Having a grand prize winner at our stores creates a lot of excitement,” said Randy Annett, Tim Hortons store owner, in a news release. “People are happy when they win a donut or a coffee, so you can imagine how thrilling it is when a customer becomes the proud owner of a boat or other grand prize. It’s a wonderful way to reward our loyal customers.”
Both winners bought their winning cup at stores owned by Annett. The boats were supplied by Sudbury Cycle and Marine.
David Girard won a boat in Hearst earlier this year and customers in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie won Toyota Matrix vehicles, which makes five major prize winners in northern Ontario.
During the contest, customers who buy a medium, large or extra-large hot beverage at Tim Hortons have the chance to win one of over 31 million prizes.
This year’s prizes included 35 Toyota 2009 Matrix XR AWD, 100 Bayliner boat packages, 5,000 Garmin GPS navigation devices, 20,000 $50 Tim Cards and over 31 million food prizes. Winner counts can be found at participating Tim Hortons locations or at rolluptherimtowin.com.
Thanks to www.northernlife.ca for this.
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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Jim Walsh and Peter Delisle of Chemsford, Ontario “rolled up the rim” to win Bayliner Bowrider Boats, a grand prize in this year’s Tim Hortons Rrroll Up The Rrrim To Win contest.
“Having a grand prize winner at our stores creates a lot of excitement,” said Randy Annett, Tim Hortons store owner, in a news release. “People are happy when they win a donut or a coffee, so you can imagine how thrilling it is when a customer becomes the proud owner of a boat or other grand prize. It’s a wonderful way to reward our loyal customers.”
Both winners bought their winning cup at stores owned by Annett. The boats were supplied by Sudbury Cycle and Marine.
David Girard won a boat in Hearst earlier this year and customers in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie won Toyota Matrix vehicles, which makes five major prize winners in northern Ontario.
During the contest, customers who buy a medium, large or extra-large hot beverage at Tim Hortons have the chance to win one of over 31 million prizes.
This year’s prizes included 35 Toyota 2009 Matrix XR AWD, 100 Bayliner boat packages, 5,000 Garmin GPS navigation devices, 20,000 $50 Tim Cards and over 31 million food prizes. Winner counts can be found at participating Tim Hortons locations or at rolluptherimtowin.com.
Thanks to www.northernlife.ca for this.
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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
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Bayliner Boats - Brunswick is Restructuring to Meet Boat Industry Needs
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Brunswick Announces Plan to Resize in Line With Smaller U.S. Marine Market and Reduce Fixed Costs by $300 Million.
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) who manufactures Bayliner Boats announced a set of comprehensive actions to resize the company to improve profitability during the current downturn in the U.S. marine market, including actions to reduce its fixed-cost structure by $300 million versus 2007 spending levels.
"For the past several years, we have been implementing initiatives to fundamentally change our cost structure by reducing our manufacturing footprint, and leveraging purchases of common components and materials across our brands and operations," explained Dustan E. McCoy, Brunswick’s chairman and chief executive officer. "In addition, we have addressed the prolonged downturn in the U.S. marine market by continually reducing production rates throughout our marine businesses, divesting under-utilized assets, exiting or divesting certain businesses, eliminating discretionary spending and reducing headcount. While these efforts have resulted in significant savings, the realities of the current U.S. marine market have caused us to step up the pace and magnitude of these efforts."
"Retail unit sales of power boats in the United States have been in decline since late 2005; however, the rate of decline has been accelerating," McCoy added. "Industry retail unit sales were down 13 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 and down 21 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the respective year-ago quarters. Further, these reductions were recorded off of an already low base. Total unit sales of power boats in the United States in 2007 were at their lowest in more than 40 years."
"An uncertain economy, high fuel and food prices, slumping home sales and values, rising unemployment and other factors continue to erode U.S. consumers’ confidence and are reducing their ability and desire to purchase discretionary items such as boats, and billiards tables and fitness equipment for their homes," McCoy explained. "For our planning purposes, we are not assuming that these pressures will abate any time soon. As a result, we are planning for an environment in which the U.S. marine market will be smaller in the near term, and we will resize our company accordingly. Our objective is to thrive and prosper while the U.S. marine market remains under pressure and to outperform when we see a rebound in demand."
Cost Savings Efforts
Brunswick stated that its $300 million cost savings target will be achieved in part by further shrinking its North American manufacturing footprint. The company plans to have 17 or fewer boat plants by the end of 2009, compared with the 29 it had in 2007. This will require the closure of four plants in addition to eight plant closures already completed or announced. Brunswick will also continue its efforts to reduce the complexity of its operations, including reducing the number of models and option packages, focusing on those that are popular and clearly resonate with consumers. The company’s efforts also entail assessing the outlook for continued participation in certain market segments across its operations that may not offer opportunities to generate acceptable levels of profitability.
The company said it will further reduce costs by implementing a new matrix operating model that will more efficiently provide common support functions and administrative services across all Brunswick business units, lowering spending in all functional and operations activities, and reducing its work force.
Going Forward
"These obviously are hard decisions, dictated by a difficult economy that has both constricted and altered the U.S. marine market," McCoy said. "We have chosen to act now to recast and resize our operations with the objective of being profitable within a smaller marine market. We are confident that these targeted savings and other changes are realistic and achievable, as well as necessary, to create a leaner organization that will be able to both prosper within these market conditions, as well as take advantage of any uptick in demand."
"Our immediate focus remains on managing pipeline inventories at our marine dealers, as well as enhancing our solid liquidity at Brunswick," McCoy said. "We will continue to produce at rates below retail demand to lower pipeline inventories. A reduction in production rates also results, unfortunately, in the need for fewer workers." The company said that it had notified employees today that it would be reducing its hourly and salaried work force at certain of its marine plants by 1,000. Further work force reductions of approximately 1,000 hourly and 700 salaried employees across the company’s marine business units and staff functions are contemplated as additional plant closures and consolidations and other cost-cutting measures are completed.
"Maintaining liquidity will continue to be a key priority in these uncertain times," McCoy added. "We are focusing on generating cash through good working capital management, paring inventories and discretionary spending. Our balance sheet is solid, and we expect to generate positive cash flow benefits in 2008 by further reducing capital spending and from positive contributions from changes in working capital."
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Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:
Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible, thank you.
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Brunswick Announces Plan to Resize in Line With Smaller U.S. Marine Market and Reduce Fixed Costs by $300 Million.
Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) who manufactures Bayliner Boats announced a set of comprehensive actions to resize the company to improve profitability during the current downturn in the U.S. marine market, including actions to reduce its fixed-cost structure by $300 million versus 2007 spending levels.
"For the past several years, we have been implementing initiatives to fundamentally change our cost structure by reducing our manufacturing footprint, and leveraging purchases of common components and materials across our brands and operations," explained Dustan E. McCoy, Brunswick’s chairman and chief executive officer. "In addition, we have addressed the prolonged downturn in the U.S. marine market by continually reducing production rates throughout our marine businesses, divesting under-utilized assets, exiting or divesting certain businesses, eliminating discretionary spending and reducing headcount. While these efforts have resulted in significant savings, the realities of the current U.S. marine market have caused us to step up the pace and magnitude of these efforts."
"Retail unit sales of power boats in the United States have been in decline since late 2005; however, the rate of decline has been accelerating," McCoy added. "Industry retail unit sales were down 13 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 and down 21 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the respective year-ago quarters. Further, these reductions were recorded off of an already low base. Total unit sales of power boats in the United States in 2007 were at their lowest in more than 40 years."
"An uncertain economy, high fuel and food prices, slumping home sales and values, rising unemployment and other factors continue to erode U.S. consumers’ confidence and are reducing their ability and desire to purchase discretionary items such as boats, and billiards tables and fitness equipment for their homes," McCoy explained. "For our planning purposes, we are not assuming that these pressures will abate any time soon. As a result, we are planning for an environment in which the U.S. marine market will be smaller in the near term, and we will resize our company accordingly. Our objective is to thrive and prosper while the U.S. marine market remains under pressure and to outperform when we see a rebound in demand."
Cost Savings Efforts
Brunswick stated that its $300 million cost savings target will be achieved in part by further shrinking its North American manufacturing footprint. The company plans to have 17 or fewer boat plants by the end of 2009, compared with the 29 it had in 2007. This will require the closure of four plants in addition to eight plant closures already completed or announced. Brunswick will also continue its efforts to reduce the complexity of its operations, including reducing the number of models and option packages, focusing on those that are popular and clearly resonate with consumers. The company’s efforts also entail assessing the outlook for continued participation in certain market segments across its operations that may not offer opportunities to generate acceptable levels of profitability.
The company said it will further reduce costs by implementing a new matrix operating model that will more efficiently provide common support functions and administrative services across all Brunswick business units, lowering spending in all functional and operations activities, and reducing its work force.
Going Forward
"These obviously are hard decisions, dictated by a difficult economy that has both constricted and altered the U.S. marine market," McCoy said. "We have chosen to act now to recast and resize our operations with the objective of being profitable within a smaller marine market. We are confident that these targeted savings and other changes are realistic and achievable, as well as necessary, to create a leaner organization that will be able to both prosper within these market conditions, as well as take advantage of any uptick in demand."
"Our immediate focus remains on managing pipeline inventories at our marine dealers, as well as enhancing our solid liquidity at Brunswick," McCoy said. "We will continue to produce at rates below retail demand to lower pipeline inventories. A reduction in production rates also results, unfortunately, in the need for fewer workers." The company said that it had notified employees today that it would be reducing its hourly and salaried work force at certain of its marine plants by 1,000. Further work force reductions of approximately 1,000 hourly and 700 salaried employees across the company’s marine business units and staff functions are contemplated as additional plant closures and consolidations and other cost-cutting measures are completed.
"Maintaining liquidity will continue to be a key priority in these uncertain times," McCoy added. "We are focusing on generating cash through good working capital management, paring inventories and discretionary spending. Our balance sheet is solid, and we expect to generate positive cash flow benefits in 2008 by further reducing capital spending and from positive contributions from changes in working capital."
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, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Ornvik, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Savage, 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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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
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Monday, June 23, 2008
Bayliner Boats - The Nautical Bean
Living the Dream — John Alvarez, owner of the Nautical Bean in Oceanside, stands aboard his two-story houseboat, Jodi K, in the harbor where he works and plays. The father of two brews gourmet coffee and serves up fresh treats daily at the only coffee shop in the harbor.
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here again bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. OCEANSIDE — As coffee-lovers flock to the mainstream java houses located throughout the city, boat owners and locals alike frequent the Nautical Bean, a coffee shop tucked away in Oceanside Harbor among vessels, restaurants and small shops.
Known for its specialty brews, homemade whipped cream and mochas, clients receive more than just an ordinary cup of joe here.
“We don’t sell Chevys or Volkswagens here, OK?” explained Capt. John Alvarez, owner of the Nautical Bean. “We sell Ferraris, Bentleys and, once in a while, a Beemer.”
The shop serves eight coffees on a daily basis: Jamaican Blue Mountain, Kona Extra Fancy Greenwall Estate, Masters Blend, Nightwatch and African, Central American and decaffeinated blends.
Boaters get a quick Java Pick-me-Up
For deckhands coming in from a long trip, recreational boaters preparing for a relaxing sail or harbor area customers searching for a quick pick-me-up, the java hut offers something for everyone.
“I enjoy the panoramic view and the sense of excitement from the harbor,” said Bob Whelan, a customer who has been ordering coffee from the Nautical Bean for 10 years.
Those who aren’t taken by coffee can order sodas, teas, juices, bottled water and smoothies. Sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and pastries are also available.
As a coffee aficionado, Alvarez, 59, understands the importance of a caffeine fix from his long days as a deckhand and a captain of sportfishing boats in the harbor.
Looking back to how he made it to where he is now, Alvarez said it was “a series of misfortune, bad timing and poor dumb luck. Because if I would have planned this out, I would have utterly failed.”
Luck, mixed with hard work and determination, also added to his current success.
In junior college, Alvarez was determined to make his way as a deckhand on one of the many boats docked in the harbor. He took a job as a dishwasher at the Dolphin Inn — and as he worked, he’d admire the free-spirited captains of the sportfishing boats who would saunter in for a cup of coffee.
“They would have their hip boots on, were tanned and had sunglasses and wore hats and gray shirts, and I thought ‘man that was so cool,’” he remembered.
As an employee, he was able to join in the trips and fish for free, allowing him to meet captains and learn his way around a sportfishing boat. Eventually he was asked to come aboard a 65-foot vessel and work as a deckhand.
A year later, a mentor and friend asked Alvarez to join him at H&M Landing in San Diego, where management sent him to navigation school. There, he earned his captains license. The years following his departure from the company, a decision he made when he realized his children Jodi and John almost didn’t recognize him after long trips at sea, are filled with self-owned businesses — ranging from Sun Graphics, a silk screening company to Standing Ovation, a singing telegram service.
In 1994, luck struck again when a buddy mentioned his ambition to open a coffee shop. Alvarez quickly jumped on board, attending an annual coffee show that happened to pull into town that month. The building that once housed a surf shop in the harbor was also empty and looking for a new tenant. “I was pumped,” Alvarez admitted.
In 1994 he opened the business, without his friend, and began to make his name known in the harbor by offering first-class brews and entertainment. “John’s concerts are the best,” gushed Linda Whelan. “They are just great.”
The Nautical Bean - There for Summer Concert Series
Together Linda and Bob Whelan have frequented the Nautical Bean, where they regularly grab a cup of coffee, read the daily paper, absorb the views and take in a summer night concert. Many boaters like the Whelans, who recently sold the 20-foot Bayliner they kept in the harbor for several years, cruise out to the shop to enjoy the music series.
“They dock, and they take their dinghies and skiffs and watch the concert,” Alvarez explained. “We call it ‘Humphreys North,” a mini-Humphreys by the Sea.” A stage is located in the patio area of the store, which overlooks the harbor — a perfect situation for boaters who can tie up to the docks and watch the shows on land.
While he is not on site everyday — his employees consist of a family that is beloved by many in the harbor — as a liveaboard, he is always nearby.
In 1996, he purchased a 26-foot Islander Bahama sailboat from a customer for $1,000 — and on a whim, Alvarez decided to move from his “bachelor pad” in Carlsbad when the harbor upped its liveaboard number from 45 to 90. “I had to really regroup,” he said as he made the transition to the 26-foot boat. “But I loved it.”
As time progressed, he traded up to a 69-foot sailboat — and moved from Marina South to Marina North. There, he noticed a houseboat that he just had to have. Berk Eastman, known for his Cape Codder houseboat design, agreed to build a 29- by 11-foot houseboat for Alvarez.
Equipped with fishing portal, hardwood floors, a patio and an office, Alvarez could never imagine leaving the harbor. “Here I am, living the life — and to this very day, I have to pinch myself,” Alvarez said. “There are 40 million guys going to work, driving an hour to go to their cubicle where they fire up their computers and look at the screensaver of the Bahamas or a boat — and they’re going ‘man, one day I’m going to do that.’ And I’m doing it,” he said. “If I would have planned this I would have blown it.” Thanks to Ambrosia Sarabia, http://www.thelog.com for this.
For more information on the Nautical Bean, www.nauticalbeancoffee.com
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Bayliner Boats - Fuel costs in West Michigan
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here again bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. It appears with marina fuel prices up, many area boaters say their vessels may do more floating than boating this season.
Charter Boat Captains
Charter boat captains are leaning toward lake perch instead of speeding to the hot-spot fishing holes. Marina owners are suffering from vacant slips and a slow-down in new boat sales.
Spring Lake Township residents Mel and Dorothy Miller are easing into retirement. Their long-term dreams included extended boat trips on their 32-foot Bayliner Motoryacht. They took a three-week cruise to Frankfort last year when diesel gas was $2.89 a gallon. That trip cost them $650 in fuel.
"Gas prices were higher than we would have liked then, but we just lolligagged along and had a wonderful time not worrying about the gas prices," Dorothy said. "This year, our dream was really kind of squelched. We had that wonderful outing last summer and it can't happen this year because of fuel prices."
Diesel gas at area marinas averaged $5 per gallon in recent days. The Millers' boat, Miller Mates, holds 200 gallons. "That's $1,000 just to gas up," Dorothy said. "It certainly is digging into our budget. It's not only gas prices but it's paying for a slip, maintenance on the boat and paying for many other things. It's basically become a second home on the water that may or may not move much this summer."
Rising Fuel Costs escalates food prices as well
Dorothy said it's not only fuel prices that frustrate her, but the rising cost of food that hits main street consumers. "It's affecting everyone's lives in such a dire way," she said. "It's affecting grocery prices and people's ability to afford to get to work. I think it's just a sin what's going on here.
Whitney Boat Charters - Grand Isle Marina
Matt Whitney, a 35-year veteran fisherman who owns Grand Isle Marina-based Whitney Charters, said business is down — mostly due to high fuel costs. "We definitely feel it," said Whitney, who averages a $160 to $165 fuel expenditure for a six-hour charter fishing outing. "It's having a huge impact on us cost-wise. We can't run as far anymore — not and stay in business anyway."
In prior years, a typical trip out to where the fish were biting took about 20 minutes to half an hour. Whitney said he can't afford to run his 34-foot vessel at such fast speeds anymore. Getting to the typical fishing spots can now take an hour and a half.
Less Fisherman on the lake
"The other thing we're noticing is a lot less recreational fishermen on the lake," he said. "It's not uncommon this year to only see one or two other boats. There used to be a lot more eyes looking for the fish. It's definitely presenting some challenges."
Whitney said he was forced to hike his $420 fishing trip price last year to $450 this season.
"And that doesn't even touch fuel costs," the charter boat captain said. "Business is down, phone calls are down, and fuel and the economy are a huge part of that. It's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel at this point." Boats are unlike automobiles. If a car gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway, it's much less influenced by weather conditions or how many passengers are onboard.
Boat Vessel Efficiency
Boats deal with wind and wave conditions. Vessel efficiency is gauged on gallons burned per hour. There's much more friction and resistance pushing a hull through water than there is rolling properly inflated tires down smooth asphalt. Gallons per hour are much more difficult to define. Each trip is different.
Lou Draeger of Spring Lake pilots a 37-foot Sea Ray through Tri-Cities waters. Draeger said he and his wife, Gloria, are planning a trip this summer from their Grand Isle slip to South Haven, and then across the lake to Chicago. Draeger said he's picked up fuel-saving tips from boating magazines.
"The thing we started to do a couple of years ago that we still do is only fill the boat with the fuel we need for that day," said Draeger, whose vessel holds 450 gallons. "And the boating magazines say to take everything off the boat that you don't need. It's amazing how much stuff you can accumulate onboard that you really don't use."
Wharf Marina
Wharf Marina General Manager C.J. Fischer said he's seen no decline in boaters at the pump, but he has witnessed a stronger preference in used boat sales over new boats.
"Used boats are really a hot item right now," Fischer said. Fischer said his marina is selling a lot of fuel.
"People around here love the water and have a huge passion for boating," he said. "We're surrounded by water and people have a huge passion for it. They know by owning a boat they're going to have to spend the money on the gas. They just do it. To them, spending six to seven hours on the water floating or boating is worth it."
Dave Richards, a Rockford resident who has moored his 25-foot Bayliner in the Tri-Cities for more than a decade, purchased a larger boat several weeks ago in Port Clinton, Ohio. He had hoped to motor the 1985 32-foot Bayliner around Michigan's Thumb, with a moorage stop at Mackinac Island and other ports before christening the boat in Grand Haven with his nine grandchildren.
Diesel fuel cost and lack of spare parts
Diesel fuel cost and lack of spare parts halted his lifelong dream to travel around the Lower Peninsula — he said he couldn't afford both. "The $5.25 per gallon at marinas on the lake changed our plans for the whole trip," said Richards, who moors at Rycenga Marina. "It's the talk at all the marinas. People are more or less just hanging out at the docks.
"There are many restaurants that depend on seasonal boaters — not just here but in Pentwater, Saugatuck, South Haven and other ports," he added. "They won't realize that extra business this year."
Vacant Boat Slips - more than ever before
Richards said he's noticed more vacant slips than ever before. "And there are still boats up on blocks that haven't been moved because people are trying to sell or can't afford to do anything with them," he said. "We used to take a boat trip every other week, but we won't be doing that this year." Thanks to MARIE HAVENGA,
mhavenga@grandhaventribune.com for this.
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Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here again bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. It appears with marina fuel prices up, many area boaters say their vessels may do more floating than boating this season.
Charter Boat Captains
Charter boat captains are leaning toward lake perch instead of speeding to the hot-spot fishing holes. Marina owners are suffering from vacant slips and a slow-down in new boat sales.
Spring Lake Township residents Mel and Dorothy Miller are easing into retirement. Their long-term dreams included extended boat trips on their 32-foot Bayliner Motoryacht. They took a three-week cruise to Frankfort last year when diesel gas was $2.89 a gallon. That trip cost them $650 in fuel.
"Gas prices were higher than we would have liked then, but we just lolligagged along and had a wonderful time not worrying about the gas prices," Dorothy said. "This year, our dream was really kind of squelched. We had that wonderful outing last summer and it can't happen this year because of fuel prices."
Diesel gas at area marinas averaged $5 per gallon in recent days. The Millers' boat, Miller Mates, holds 200 gallons. "That's $1,000 just to gas up," Dorothy said. "It certainly is digging into our budget. It's not only gas prices but it's paying for a slip, maintenance on the boat and paying for many other things. It's basically become a second home on the water that may or may not move much this summer."
Rising Fuel Costs escalates food prices as well
Dorothy said it's not only fuel prices that frustrate her, but the rising cost of food that hits main street consumers. "It's affecting everyone's lives in such a dire way," she said. "It's affecting grocery prices and people's ability to afford to get to work. I think it's just a sin what's going on here.
Whitney Boat Charters - Grand Isle Marina
Matt Whitney, a 35-year veteran fisherman who owns Grand Isle Marina-based Whitney Charters, said business is down — mostly due to high fuel costs. "We definitely feel it," said Whitney, who averages a $160 to $165 fuel expenditure for a six-hour charter fishing outing. "It's having a huge impact on us cost-wise. We can't run as far anymore — not and stay in business anyway."
In prior years, a typical trip out to where the fish were biting took about 20 minutes to half an hour. Whitney said he can't afford to run his 34-foot vessel at such fast speeds anymore. Getting to the typical fishing spots can now take an hour and a half.
Less Fisherman on the lake
"The other thing we're noticing is a lot less recreational fishermen on the lake," he said. "It's not uncommon this year to only see one or two other boats. There used to be a lot more eyes looking for the fish. It's definitely presenting some challenges."
Whitney said he was forced to hike his $420 fishing trip price last year to $450 this season.
"And that doesn't even touch fuel costs," the charter boat captain said. "Business is down, phone calls are down, and fuel and the economy are a huge part of that. It's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel at this point." Boats are unlike automobiles. If a car gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway, it's much less influenced by weather conditions or how many passengers are onboard.
Boat Vessel Efficiency
Boats deal with wind and wave conditions. Vessel efficiency is gauged on gallons burned per hour. There's much more friction and resistance pushing a hull through water than there is rolling properly inflated tires down smooth asphalt. Gallons per hour are much more difficult to define. Each trip is different.
Lou Draeger of Spring Lake pilots a 37-foot Sea Ray through Tri-Cities waters. Draeger said he and his wife, Gloria, are planning a trip this summer from their Grand Isle slip to South Haven, and then across the lake to Chicago. Draeger said he's picked up fuel-saving tips from boating magazines.
"The thing we started to do a couple of years ago that we still do is only fill the boat with the fuel we need for that day," said Draeger, whose vessel holds 450 gallons. "And the boating magazines say to take everything off the boat that you don't need. It's amazing how much stuff you can accumulate onboard that you really don't use."
Wharf Marina
Wharf Marina General Manager C.J. Fischer said he's seen no decline in boaters at the pump, but he has witnessed a stronger preference in used boat sales over new boats.
"Used boats are really a hot item right now," Fischer said. Fischer said his marina is selling a lot of fuel.
"People around here love the water and have a huge passion for boating," he said. "We're surrounded by water and people have a huge passion for it. They know by owning a boat they're going to have to spend the money on the gas. They just do it. To them, spending six to seven hours on the water floating or boating is worth it."
Dave Richards, a Rockford resident who has moored his 25-foot Bayliner in the Tri-Cities for more than a decade, purchased a larger boat several weeks ago in Port Clinton, Ohio. He had hoped to motor the 1985 32-foot Bayliner around Michigan's Thumb, with a moorage stop at Mackinac Island and other ports before christening the boat in Grand Haven with his nine grandchildren.
Diesel fuel cost and lack of spare parts
Diesel fuel cost and lack of spare parts halted his lifelong dream to travel around the Lower Peninsula — he said he couldn't afford both. "The $5.25 per gallon at marinas on the lake changed our plans for the whole trip," said Richards, who moors at Rycenga Marina. "It's the talk at all the marinas. People are more or less just hanging out at the docks.
"There are many restaurants that depend on seasonal boaters — not just here but in Pentwater, Saugatuck, South Haven and other ports," he added. "They won't realize that extra business this year."
Vacant Boat Slips - more than ever before
Richards said he's noticed more vacant slips than ever before. "And there are still boats up on blocks that haven't been moved because people are trying to sell or can't afford to do anything with them," he said. "We used to take a boat trip every other week, but we won't be doing that this year." Thanks to MARIE HAVENGA,
mhavenga@grandhaventribune.com for this.
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Bayliner Boats - Boating season means boating safety
Sponsored by Safe Boating Contest - Win 50,000.00 in prizes
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here bringing you Bayliner Boats anlong with news and views from the boating industry. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 22-04 kicked off National Safe Boating Week by simulating boating rescue scenarios for the Operation American Lifesaver event at the Smithtown Marina recently.
Boat safety check demonstration
The day was highlighted by simulation critiques and group discussions among local fire firefighters, a kayak and 20-foot Bayliner boat safety check demonstration, and an appearance by state Senator John Flanagan (R-East Northport), who embraced the efforts of all local emergency services who attended. "I have a lot of respect for the work these folks do," Flanagan said. "A critical component is public awareness … making sure that people are safe."
The event was attended by the Nissequogue, Setauket, Smithtown and St. James fire departments, which in turn participated in recreating rescue scenarios. The first of these replicated the proper safety procedures for evacuating heart-attack victims from a passenger boat in the marina and resuscitating him. Volunteer victims were carefully removed from the boat and taken on a gurney to waiting ambulances. Other practice scenarios included a drug overdose patient and a boater suffering a severe asthma attack.
Focus on PFDs, personal flotation devices
The central focus of the event was PFDs, or personal flotation devices, and their importance for all boaters. According the United States Coast Guard, more than two-thirds of boating fatalities result in drowning and 90 percent of those who drown did not wear a PFD. This correlation has prompted a straightforward slogan for the 2008 boating season, "Wear it!"
"Wearing a personal flotation device provides those who accidentally end up in the water with the added protection they need," Flanagan stated in a release, "and everyone should have one on every time they go out on the waters."
Long Island, New York - World-renowned for recreational boating
"Long Island is world-renowned for recreational boating," he continued, "and it is up to all of us to do our part to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible."
"Our experience shows us that nothing makes more difference when it comes to saving lives than wearing a life jacket and boating education," said Flotilla 22-04 Commander Ron Doda. "That is why the auxiliary is involved in ongoing campaigns to promote both." Flanagan has successfully worked to strengthen New York State's boating-while-intoxicated (BWI) laws.
In 2003, Flanagan's efforts lowered the BWI blood alcohol content threshold from .10 to .08 and followed that in 2006 by increasing the penalties for those convicted of BWI. These changes made the crime of BWI equal in the eyes of the law with driving while intoxicated.
Promote Boating Safety
To further promote boating safety, Flanagan has sponsored legislation that would require all who operate a powered vessel on the waters to hold a boating safety certificate. The legislation also forbids operation of such a boat or watercraft by those 10 or under and restricts the ability of those who are under 16 to drive on the water. Thanks to Bob Doda, http://www.timesofsmithtown.com for this.
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Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks.
Sponsored by Safe Boating Contest - Win 50,000.00 in prizes
Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here bringing you Bayliner Boats anlong with news and views from the boating industry. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 22-04 kicked off National Safe Boating Week by simulating boating rescue scenarios for the Operation American Lifesaver event at the Smithtown Marina recently.
Boat safety check demonstration
The day was highlighted by simulation critiques and group discussions among local fire firefighters, a kayak and 20-foot Bayliner boat safety check demonstration, and an appearance by state Senator John Flanagan (R-East Northport), who embraced the efforts of all local emergency services who attended. "I have a lot of respect for the work these folks do," Flanagan said. "A critical component is public awareness … making sure that people are safe."
The event was attended by the Nissequogue, Setauket, Smithtown and St. James fire departments, which in turn participated in recreating rescue scenarios. The first of these replicated the proper safety procedures for evacuating heart-attack victims from a passenger boat in the marina and resuscitating him. Volunteer victims were carefully removed from the boat and taken on a gurney to waiting ambulances. Other practice scenarios included a drug overdose patient and a boater suffering a severe asthma attack.
Focus on PFDs, personal flotation devices
The central focus of the event was PFDs, or personal flotation devices, and their importance for all boaters. According the United States Coast Guard, more than two-thirds of boating fatalities result in drowning and 90 percent of those who drown did not wear a PFD. This correlation has prompted a straightforward slogan for the 2008 boating season, "Wear it!"
"Wearing a personal flotation device provides those who accidentally end up in the water with the added protection they need," Flanagan stated in a release, "and everyone should have one on every time they go out on the waters."
Long Island, New York - World-renowned for recreational boating
"Long Island is world-renowned for recreational boating," he continued, "and it is up to all of us to do our part to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible."
"Our experience shows us that nothing makes more difference when it comes to saving lives than wearing a life jacket and boating education," said Flotilla 22-04 Commander Ron Doda. "That is why the auxiliary is involved in ongoing campaigns to promote both." Flanagan has successfully worked to strengthen New York State's boating-while-intoxicated (BWI) laws.
In 2003, Flanagan's efforts lowered the BWI blood alcohol content threshold from .10 to .08 and followed that in 2006 by increasing the penalties for those convicted of BWI. These changes made the crime of BWI equal in the eyes of the law with driving while intoxicated.
Promote Boating Safety
To further promote boating safety, Flanagan has sponsored legislation that would require all who operate a powered vessel on the waters to hold a boating safety certificate. The legislation also forbids operation of such a boat or watercraft by those 10 or under and restricts the ability of those who are under 16 to drive on the water. Thanks to Bob Doda, http://www.timesofsmithtown.com for this.
Find out more information on Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks.
Sponsored by Safe Boating Contest - Win 50,000.00 in prizes
Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bayliner Boats - The Edson Programs Awards
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. The Edson awards $200,000 to companies designed by students.
Edson Program Awards $200,000. to young entrepreneurs
Sixteen fledgling businesses operated by Arizona State University students have received a total of $200,000 in grants from the Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative to help them become established. The student-owned enterprises will receive between $2,000 and $20,000 each in seed capital and will be provided office space at SkySong, ASU’s innovation center at McDowell and Scottsdale roads in Scottsdale.
Nearly 150 student entrepreneurs applied for funding this year. Winners were chosen based on an initial application process and a live presentation to a panel of seven judges.
“The presentations and business plans from the top groups were quite impressive,” said Dan Clarke, president of Specialty Retail Shops, an e-commerce company, who was one of the seven judges.
The winning ventures ranged from an online cheerleading community to a shop that manufactures high-performance skateboard components.
Edson Program by Orin Edson, founder of Bayliner Boats
The Edson program was created four years ago from a $5.4 million endowment presented to the university by Orin Edson, founder of Bayliner boats, who wanted to encourage student entrepreneurs.
The program doesn’t provide class credit, and all businesses are run in the student’s free time.
Several ventures that received funding in the past have continued in business after the students left the university, said Terree Wasley, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at SkySong.
Edson Program Success Stories
“One of our second-year companies has moved into their own commercial space and hired employees,” she said. “Another nonprofit leases its own space. Some have found out they didn’t have a market for their products. But the main point is the learning experience for the students.” Thanks to Ed Taylor, www.eastvalleytribune.com for this.
Find out more information on Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thank you.
Sponsored by Anchors Away - CD-ROM Print Program for Boaters
Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. The Edson awards $200,000 to companies designed by students.
Edson Program Awards $200,000. to young entrepreneurs
Sixteen fledgling businesses operated by Arizona State University students have received a total of $200,000 in grants from the Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative to help them become established. The student-owned enterprises will receive between $2,000 and $20,000 each in seed capital and will be provided office space at SkySong, ASU’s innovation center at McDowell and Scottsdale roads in Scottsdale.
Nearly 150 student entrepreneurs applied for funding this year. Winners were chosen based on an initial application process and a live presentation to a panel of seven judges.
“The presentations and business plans from the top groups were quite impressive,” said Dan Clarke, president of Specialty Retail Shops, an e-commerce company, who was one of the seven judges.
The winning ventures ranged from an online cheerleading community to a shop that manufactures high-performance skateboard components.
Edson Program by Orin Edson, founder of Bayliner Boats
The Edson program was created four years ago from a $5.4 million endowment presented to the university by Orin Edson, founder of Bayliner boats, who wanted to encourage student entrepreneurs.
The program doesn’t provide class credit, and all businesses are run in the student’s free time.
Several ventures that received funding in the past have continued in business after the students left the university, said Terree Wasley, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at SkySong.
Edson Program Success Stories
“One of our second-year companies has moved into their own commercial space and hired employees,” she said. “Another nonprofit leases its own space. Some have found out they didn’t have a market for their products. But the main point is the learning experience for the students.” Thanks to Ed Taylor, www.eastvalleytribune.com for this.
Find out more information on Bayliner boat canvas, Do-it-Yourself bayliner cover kits and subscribe to our FREE newsletter.
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Bayliner Boat Videos Here:
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thank you.
Sponsored by Anchors Away - CD-ROM Print Program for Boaters
Rick Ostler, North American Waterway
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