I have some pretty nice diving pics from a wreck in Canada on my photos. You should check them out. I also see that you have been to the caribbean a few times. certainly no better place to dive then the caribbean. Good luck!

I have been padi certified for about 8 years now. I only get about 6 dives in/year but it has certainly been well worth the time and effort. You'll love it!

None left in mine either. Still trying to figure out how to afford gas this summer. I have a very grim perspective of what's to come for us boaters. Life on the water is quickly becoming an activity in which only the very well off will be able to afford. The price of boats and gas these days, as well as other inflated goods is far exceding what a large majority of Michiganians are making. Additional fees for discharge permits and the headaches that will accompany them will likely have a significant impact on the average boater. The Michigan economy is largely impacted by tourism, boating and fishing. The state of our economy and the governments ever increasing tax and fee schedule is quickly altering our quality of life.

copy some pics to the forum if you have any. I would love to see them. Which ones from Abyss did you end up going with? I am thinking of getting the S800s. They seem to be good quality for the money.

I would like to see pics of your boat John. I have been thinking of getting them myself. What kind and how many did you end up with?

Outstanding weekend in Grand Haven! Marina was booked full, people out and about and the booze was flowing. How can you beat it? Spent a little more time floating than cruising but when it was all said and done, the end result was the same. FUN HAD BY ALL!

Man Ken, that sucks! Glad to hear your doing ok. As they told you, 600 is bad news. You can go into a diabetic coma with those levels. Glad to hear you got it under control. Good Luck!

We've made an executive decision to go to Grand Haven for the coming holiday weekend. The weather isn't really looking that great and water temps are only in the mid 40's but hell, that's early season Michigan boating for you.

We spend a fair amount of time every year in Traverse Bay. Certainly one of our top three destinations. I have always loved that you can anchor in close proximity to shore and enjoy the company of all the other boaters. Traverse City makes it difficult enouph to be a trailer boater with limited trailer and vehicle storage with high premium/day rate to park. We have certainly found that anchoring off the beach for a night or two can help to offset some of the extra costs. It seems to me that nearly all prime waterfront locals are simply trying to make it more difficult for the average person to enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer. Besides, as stated by the DNR, these are state owned waters so how can the city possibly try to control them. We will do what we can to spread the word.

If anyone is intersted, my parents have decided to sell their 24' striper walkaround cuddy for $18,000. The boat was purchased on trade from a friend and has very low hours for the year. The boat is in excellent shape and has a 200 hp ocean runner outboard and aluminum trailer. The boat has never been in salt water and has always been stored inside. My parents currently have the boat in storage near Lansing Michigan. If anyone is seriously interested I can get you further details and pictures.

I sure had a scare last spring after pulling mine out of storage. When I winterized the boat the previous fall, I listened to some "so called experts" that indicated that if you run antifreeze through the block then you don't have to pull all the drain plugs. Well, upon starting the engine, I found that I was blowing water out of the bottom of the engine block. Come to find out, I blew a soft plug. It turned out to be no big deal; however, the antifreeze obviously did freeze enouph to expand. Could have been costly but lesson learned. Needless to say, I now run antifreeze and pull the plugs. This year everything's running perfect and she's ready for Memorail Day Weekend!

It can certainly be a bit of an art manoeuvring a single engine stern drive. After you get the hang of it though there really is no need for bow thrusters. I have been operating a 28 sterndirve my whole life and have no problems fitting into tight spaces no matter what the wind or current. I typically try to bow in on my starboard side and at last second turn wheel to full starboard and give a good hard reverse. Typically draws stern to the dock no matter the conditions.

Memorial Weekend will be our first outing of the year. The boat is nearly ready; however the weather is not cooperating as of yet. We are thinking of heading up to Lake Charlevoix and Torch Lake in northern lower michigan. If the weather is looking questionable we may head over to the west side to Grand Haven, which can be as much as 10 degrees warmer this early in the season. Either way, we can't wait! What are all your plans for the coming holiday weekend?

Hey Scott, excellent info on the site. Now that I see it, my system is the same. I couldn't recall the name of it without crawling into the boat. Basically, it indicates that either I have a problem with my electrical connection/plug or I'm undercharged. I will check it out tomorrow. Thanks again!

I have a single 7.4 L gas

Also, for those who were asking earlier, the steel brake lines are attached directly to the back plate with a shallow bend. No flex lines were used. This could be the source of my problems. If I continue to break lines, I will be switching to a flex line from the back plate to the axle.

Well, as of yesterday, I was able to get new bleeder screws from Eagle Trailer Company that seemed to be a tight fit but did the job. I replaced the broken brake lines and bled the brakes for the 10th time. I also replaced the brake actuator inside the truck, which is better suited to a electric over hydraulic system. After a test pull down the road, the trailer seems to be braking perfectly. Lets hope my luck continues. Thanks as always for the help guys. Is it time to get on the water yet?

It has to be an automatic electrical fail safe designed to kill the engine if the extinguisher isn't working properly. When I took ownership of the boat, it didn't work properly. I had th engine rebuilt two years ago and it worked after the rebuild. Now, without making any changes, it doesn't work again. Who knows, All I know is there's always something to fix.

Since we are on the topic, my onboard system, which I believe is by SureFire is not working properly. I have a switch on the dash and when in the proper position will not allow the engine to run. I have to turn the switch to override in order to start and run the engine. Being a firefighter I know my fire extinguishers; however, I am not familiar with this system and what would cause it to fail. The guage on the extinguisher indicates a full charge. Anyone familar with these systems and what would cause this?

That is great insight Scott. I never considered the twisting motion when the brakes are applied. Thanks!

Scott, I already replaced the broken lines so I have no way of getting you a picture. The previous lines were installed at the time the trailer was built. I checked a couple of differnet automotive stores, as well as a large trailer supply company called Complete Hitch, none of which could find the right size. I did however call Eagle Trailer and they told me that they have some in stock. I will be picking them up tomorrow as I have to drive through Homer where Eagle is located.

We have actually blown three metal lines, usually on a bend near the wheel. I am also wondering if vibration could be the problem. When I crawled under the trailer a couple days ago to fix the broken line, I found that I actually had two broken lines. I'm still trying to figure that scenario out.

I have drum brakes and I have been wondering if I am building too much pressure. The pump indicates a rating up to 1000 PSI. I believe that brake lines are rated above that but I could be wrong. I find it hard to believe that the pump could be building more pressure than its rated. If I continue to have problems I will have to fork out the doe for a new brake pump. There are two companies including Brake Rite and Dexter currently making the smaller 1000 PSI brake pumps. I think I would be inclined to go with the Dexter as they have a good reputation and are more affordable at $500. I never considered the option of switching to electric brakes; however, at the cost of over $100/ brake assembly and a 3 axle trailer, I think I would rather replace the pump.

Good luck on building the trailer Bruce. Let me know what you go with.

We have owned our boat for two years now and since then, I have rebuilt my trailer brake system about 6 different times. The trailer is a 2001 Eagle built right here in Michigan. The brake system is an Ausco electric over hydaulic pump, which is no longer in production, not to mention, eagle trailer company changed ownership in 2001 and does not have records of previous brake systems for that particular model year.

Needless to say, we aren't getting much help out of Eagle nor the Ausco company. After several attempts at rebuilding the brake pump we believe we are finally on the right track. There are however a couple of remaining problems we are dealing with. After rebuilding the pump and bleeding the brake system our last time, the brakes seemed to be working perfectly up until blowing yet another brake line. Additionally, I had three bleeder valves that were so badly corroded that the back plates had to be removed from the trailer and the bleeder valves had to be destroyed to remove them.

Does anyone have an idea of why I may be blowing brake lines? Also, does anyone know a good source for replacing bleeder valves. I have tried the normal auto zones and trailer supply companies with no luck. I am hoping that Eagle may be able to supply them but I'm not sure yet.

Capt. Frank, Are you talking to yourself? I'm not trying to point out the obvious but it doesn't appear that anyone else has anything to say.

Things are going well, thanks Sabin. Been busy getting the boat ready and house work done. We'll be looking at making our first trip Memorial Day weekend. Not sure where we're heading yet. I guess we'll see what the weathers going to do. I prefer going up north to Charlevoix or Traverse Bay but often the weather doesn't cooperate that early in the year. My wife is due July 28th with our first. I would imagine boating will come to a screeching stop after the 4th of july.

I have been thinking about outfitting my boat with underwater lights as well. I have found that Abyss Technologies has quality through hull and flush mount lights for a very competitive price.

Well I've got to say, Dicks last resort in Chicago is very cool. I've been to both Hog's breath and Sloppy Joes in Key West, both of which were a blast, the boardwalk in Lake Erie can also be fun, but my vote goes to the wall in Grand Haven, Michigan, which services voth the Kirby Bar and Rosebud, among others. Bands every Friday and Saturday night, plenty of scenery and aftwards you can crawl back to the boat on the wall and party the rest of the night. Boaters raft 3-4 boats wide the entire half mile stretch for 4th of July and Coast Guard Festival the first full week of August. If that doesn't suit your party appeal, find your way to hanky Panky Cove every Friday, Saturday or Sunday in the summer and go all day long. The picture below was taken three years ago during Coast Guard Festival. [IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/h.jpg[/IMG]

Going back to the original topic. I financed my boat through Essex Credit, which is a lender specific to large motorhome and boat loans. At the time they had the best interest rates and longest terms. They were quite easy to deal with. The first year is the largest tax write off because you can write off both the taxes you paid on the boat, as well as registration and interest paid.

Sounds good Ken, I'm coming to your place for dinner!

Scott, we can likely recreate the font if you can't find it. We spent some time trying to figure out a way to do the sea horse and found it very difficult if done in vinyl. I should also warn you that the more delicate the design the more fragile it will be. The thin curls are at the ends of the letters will often pose a problem a couple of years down the road, as they will be the first to peel. Just something to keep in mind. I'm interested to see what you can come up with. we will continue to play around with some ideas but we will likely not be able to recreate using a standard vinyl process.

Man, I have a long way to go!

I'm still here. Been watching the forums lately, just haven't had much wisdom to add.

I personally like the lawrance GPS depth finder combo. I have the Lcx 25c with Navionics chips and love it. For the GPS unit and antenna you will pay around $1,200. The Navionics chips have excellent detail and will run you around $200 a piece.

My vote is for the Great Lakes, Michigan ofcourse!

Did you say PIRATES!

Did I mention to you all that I have a small business making boat names, LOL.

No coral Ken, just seas of beautiful refreshing and in most cases....crystal clear fresh water.

For those that don't believe they are functional, you have lights in a hot tub or pool right? I love to swim, dive and fish, often near dark, not to mention the added atmosphere. I believe you will start seeing more boats with them. I just want to be one of the first!

I have read that the halogen lights have a tendancy to get too hot. Also, you are not supposed to run with them on. They are also more fragile and may not take the abuse that an LED would. the price difference may be worth it though.

I saw those aqua brand lights on ebay earlier today. I wasn't sure what to think about the quality, not to mention they are a halogen light which will draw more amps. Have you actually used them yet? Do they come in different colors? Let me know what you think.

Is it just me, or are we taking on water?

I wanted to revisit this topic because I have become more interseted after doing some additional research. Does anyone have any knowledge on Abyss underwater lighting? After checking their website and some related forums their lights appear to be of good quality and are moderately affordable. I am particuraly interested in their S800 wide angle. I'm thinking of getting two of them for the transom. Check out the link below.

http://www.abysslite.com/gallery.php

This is a picture in Lake Erie with 3, S800 lights. [IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/DSC00109.jpg[/IMG]

Great topics/information with outstanding response. We love it!

I'm thinking Alaska mariners need to work on their navigation and boater safety skills, lol.

Yeah, I appreciate what your saying. At this point I'm only looking at replacing one new battery. If I only have to replace one battery per year at $100 thats a minimal cost when you compare the amount of gas and other expenses.

Thanks to all once again! I learn something new every time I open this forum.

Wow, you guys are full of information. Unfortunately a lot of its over my head; however, I do understand some of the more important scenarios you've all discussed. My biggest problem seems to be charging at an idle; however, I did survive last summer on two batteries. This includes many nights without shorepower. By the end of the summer; however, my accessory battery is shot. Under a test load the battery fails. The battery is a top quality deep cycle purchased at the begining of last season and was kept on a trickle charger between outings. I just know that on an average weekend, my accessory battery would drop to around 11.3 volts by the end of the weekend and without running the boat at high RPM for an extended period of time, I couldn't seem to replace the charge.

The smaller pulley is a thought. I didn't really think of that before. Thanks Ken!

I will be checking into that as well but I have been told there are ways to increase the output of the your currnet alternator.

Thanks Ken and good luck with the letters.

Anyone have experience with increasing the amp output from their alternator? I currently run two batteries, one dedicated to the engine and the other to accessories. I have given thought to dedicating two batteries to accessories because I consistantly run down a single battery. The problem I seem to have is getting a good charge back into my battery while running the engine. Obviously trying to charge two accessory batteries takes twice the amount of time. I understand there are ways for figuring the amp draw for all electrical components on the boat. I already know that I'm overdrawing. I just need to know to increase alternator output.

Ken, have you ever taken your boat to the Bahamas? My parents bought a new 24' Striper and are thinking about hauling down to Miami and making the cross. What are your thoughts?

Pleased that your happy with it Ken! I am excited to see it on the boat the right way, lol. I can't lie, I've done the same thing before myself. Thanks for the business!

Thanks, I do believe we get a little something for getting third. I'm not sure what yet.

I had to free up a couple of dogs myself today just do I could use the damn hydrant

To everyone who helped cast a vote for us. You all made a huge difference. Unfortunately we didn't win but we did come in 3rd place. Thanks again!

This will be a great addition to the boaters site. I am very excited to see where this will go in the coming months.

Alligator Bait!

I wear mine all the time too. I'll probably wear it out before boating season comes around.

Hey Ken, have a beer at Ricks and take a picture for me, would you? God I love that place!

I love the new additions to the site, keep it coming! Ken you lucky dog, Its spring break week isn't it?

SHARK BAIT!

Who is he kidding, I'm the captain!

Winter is still going strong up here in Michigan. A little thaw today with another winter storm expected tomorrow night. This pic is near Mackinaw Michigan this last weekend. [IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/_dsc0588.jpg[/IMG]

Commenting on what Connie was discussing earlier about the drop shadow. Most companies do not offer multiple colors in a single layer. Very difficult process and thousands of dollars in equipment. The large majority of boat names you will see out there are always done in a two layer process. The business is new to me; however, I am taking over from a business that has been in operation for over 10 years with that persons experience. As to your suggestion of cutting the drop shadow to fit around the lettering, this usually doesn't work out well in the owners favor especially in an area of intense sun and heat as in Key West. The name will typically shrink away from the shadow exposing an uneaven split between materials. I

I'm typically a Rum and coke kind of guy; however, we were recently introduced to a recipe for White Sangria that is most excellent! Very refreshing and never gets old.

Thanks again to all who voted last week. There is still time to get your votes in if you haven't already. We have a couple more days until the winning couple is announced. I'll keep you updated on the results.

Well Ken, I just got back from a snowmobiling trip in northern Michigan and ofcourse, the first thing I wanted to check was if you had done your name yet. I thought you may have some problems with the curvature of the hull. We can work somthing out. I can send you individual letters or the whole name if need be. Im not sure the B looks smaller than the F. The Font was set at a uniform size but we can change that as well.

I'm not really sure other than they often want to get from point A to B and aren't smart enouph to go around. During breading season bucks especially roam large areas in search of a mate. In the fall, we often hear stories of deer swimming to islands or across bays in the Great Lakes.

We have seen both deer and on one occasion in Canada, a Bear crossing a large body of water. It is actually more common than you would think.

I wish we had manatees in the Great Lakes... lol. I think I would have to jump in and ride one!

yeah, I'm sure your right, I'm not worried. I can't believe how many votes you all have rounded up already. I am quite shocked and pleased. Thanks to all!

We love to bring our black lab, Hunter with us. The only problem is he sheds so much it is rediculous trying to keep up with him on a white boat!

[IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/DSC_0096.jpg[/IMG]

Sabin you are shady, lol. You are obviously a fellow michigander. My wife just informed me; however, that the site is checking IP addresses to insure that multiple votes aren't coming from the same computer. We're probably disqualified now. just kidding, but we probably shouldn't try to beat the system just in case. Thanks again!

Thanks guys, you boaters are the best!

Hi everyone,

We will soon have a new addition to our crew arriving in late July. My wife is currently 18 weeks pregnant and has entered in an online virtual baby shower, which she has been nominated as a top 10 finalist and we need your votes to seal the deal.

Companies from all over the world are participating and there will be two mamas-to-be that will receive these amazing gifts. One of the mama’s receiving these items will be celebrity Angela Kinsey who stars in The Office.

Here is the good part.

The other girl will be picked from 552 women that entered from around the world. The 10 judges from Pinks & Blues narrowed it down to the 10 finalists………and (drumroll please). They contacted Andrea (my wife) last week saying that her story made her one of the 10 finalists!!!

Now, here's the part where you can help!

Voting on the 10 finalists started today and will end March 6. So I would love if you can take a few seconds and vote for us. You can only vote once per computer.

www.virtualbabyshowervoting.com

Put the address above into a new window and then click on the ‘click here to vote’ link. If you don’t already know, her name is Andrea….. : ) so select Andrea and hit submit.

Thanks again for your help!

There are a lot of boats that fit into the catagory of dream boat for me, allthough I am particurally fond of the Doral Boats. The new 47 foot Doral Allegria is a masterpiece!

[IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/108990pt640x480image13.jpg[/IMG]

I stand corrected! I really would like a stainless anchor for my boat. I just have a hard time justifying the $200 for one.

Well, fortunately I had backed off on the RPMs and yes, I was amazed with how fast I was able to make it into the boat! I really don't advise trying it, lol!

Depending on the ramp I often power load my boat. One time I loaded the boat and was in such a hurry to pull out of the water that I forgot to turn the engine off. As my buddy pulled the boat out of the water I realized that not only was the engine running, the motor was still in gear from loading. Ofcourse, there was a bunch of people standing around watching. I felt like quite the idiot. I thankfully managed to get the engine turned off before blowing the impeller though.

Ahhhh, my dream boat! How will I afford it? I will likely get my captains license in a few short years, then, when I retire at age 52, I will use part of retirement to purchase a 50 foot carver, cruise on down to the BVI's and charter it out part of the year. The way I see it, 4 months of chartering a year will more than pay for the boat.

Very happy to see that. Thanks!

Keep me in mind scott. The seahorse would be difficult for me to come up with but we may be able to figure somthing out.

I can launch my 27' Doral myself as long as I don't have a strong currnent or wind to work against. I usually back the boat prior to unhooking the winch, to the point that that the stern is floating just off the trailer. I unhook the winch at that point, pull the boat off the trailer and tie off if I have enouph dock left. I will often tie off from the bow and midship cleat, until I have the trailer pulled out of the water.

No Ken, I don't believe that we have any regulations for attaching a buoy to our anchor line. It's very rare that you actually see that up here in the great lakes. If the water is calm, I can rely on the windlass to hold the anchor line; however, if it is at all windy, I have to go on the bow and tie off to a cleat.

Hey Scott, I like the name! Just for your information, I have a small business doing boat names. If you are interested check out Ken's post for his boat name. I included some pictures etc. on his post because he is also looking to get his done.

280,000 Feet.

Thanks Stacey!

So this is what nitrogen narcosis feels like. Or was it the eight beers I just drank?

That sounds perfect! Great idea!

I think this would be a great feature for the site. I would also like to see a Shipwreck location overlay or other points of interest with GPS coordinates if possible. Would also be great to have a popup menu with port ammenities, info etc.

I have received several different friend requests from boaters, but for whatever reason, they don't seem to show up on my profile. I only show 5 friends on my profile but should have as many as 10. Is anyone else having the same problem or know what I can do to fix it?

One more thing to think about. We have the ability through a new process to print your boat name on a T-shirt if your interested. I did one for our boat name and it turned out great! [IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/SpartyTImeT-shirt002.jpg[/IMG]

Ken, I have come up with an almost perfect match with a font called "Bonzai". Let me know what you think? [IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/bonafide.jpg[/IMG]

I got to thinking after writing that last thread. Blue charts is likely the way to go for your Garmin. For all I know they may be made by mapsource and maybe that's what you were referring too. I use Navionics with my Lowrance and love it. To my knowlege, blue charts is comparable.

Fugawi, although somewhat difficult to use, has excellent detail in their maps. I haven't presonally used it in in the GPS interface; however, I have used it installed on my computer with a Garmin GPS. I have several of the Mapsource programs and none of them compare to Fugawi. I believe that fugawi was developed for either the Canadian or US Military. If you could find a way to download the fugawi maps to your Garmin I would say that would be the way to go. Let me know if you succeed.

Ken, do you happen to know the specific name of the #3 font? We have approximately 6,000 font styles to choose from. It can be difficult to match sometimes without sorting through hundreds to thousands of font styles.

Ken, I totally understand what your saying. I'll look into the font and price over the next day and get back to you.

Here is a bad picutre of two of the names I have done. Unfortunately, my boat name is paritally blocked by my cooler. The other boat name is done in reflective gold with black shadow and is hard to see in the picture.

[IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/northchannel1260-2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/DSC_0096.jpg[/IMG]

We can do 2 to 3 color layered vinyl graphics; however, at this point we can't do multiple colors on a single layer of vinyl without having it outsourced.

Ken, Are you having the name done by a company or are you doing it yourself? My wife and I are in the process of setting up a small business doing boat names. We will eventually have a program set up online to pick name, font, color etc. We haven't really figured out prices yet but we already have access to all the equipment through my dad's vinyl business. I have done several boat names over the last couple of years including ours. If you are interested, let me know.

My wife likes font 7, I like 6. Good Luck!

Anchoring from the bow is a piece of cake with a windlass. I'm just braggin because this is the first time I've ever had one and wow, does it ever make my life easier. You can see from several of my photos on my profile that we prefer to anchor off the bow and stern up tight to the rocks with a couple of stern lines. With the windlass you can take up or let out slack to properly position yourself.

I already have tickets but I'm not sure what day we're going.

My Dog says hi from the arctic, or otherwise known as Michigan!

[IMG]http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t170/nesstimo/SnowpicswithHunter005.jpg[/IMG]

Underwater lights are cool as hell but quite expensive! I did some looking after I saw this post and became very interested, however at an average of $500 a piece I think I'll hold off. I too am very reluctant to drill holes in my transome but I did see some cheaper trim tab kits on Ebay.

In my experience, stainless steel is a softer metal. Stainless steel screws and other hardware for example are more easily striped and or bent than other metals of the same construction. I don't know how this would apply to an anchor. For all I know, stainless anchors may be constructed from a stronger alloy. Im my opinion, they are typically of thicker construction, likely to offset the softer quality of the metal.

The baths of Virgin Gorda are a must. If you like Rum, Pussers is outstanding! Stay away from Road Town if possible. Let me know how it goes. I am interested in chartering the same size in a couple of years.

Thermal Cams are great! We use them in firefighting and its amazing what you can see in the worst of conditions. They just aren't affordable for most of us on a personal basis.

The BVIs! I went years ago and can't wait to go back.

Hi stacey, thanks for the reply. You have mostly been talking to Tim in the forums. Andrea does get on from time to time. I will send you an email.

That's great to hear Curtis. Our first child is due in the middle of the summer. I am looking forward to having him/her on the boat with us in 09.

No, as a matter of fact, we haven't received any hats! Are we supposed to get hats? I am always on the lookout for a good hat, lol.

Thanks for the nomination anyway Ken!

Always watch your guages closely and if you have a sensor beeping at you, shut the boat down immediately and throw anchor. We blew a water pump 2 years ago and because the engine overheated a sensor sounded. The problem was, I didn't know what the sensor was and it took me a minute to steer clear of other boat traffic in a narrow channel. By the time I was able to shut the engine down the damage was already done. Needless to say, the engine had to be completely rebuilt and took the entire summer to do it. Very costly mistake.

Yeah, who am I kidding..lol. I would still give anything to get down south and do some fishing during the winter months. I'll be taking my dads striper down to Florida next winter. That'll satisfy my fix.

For me, there is nothing better than to sit and watch the sunset In a place like Traverse Bay enjoying Cocktails with friends reflecting on a perfect day on the water. 1 boat + Time = happiness in life, no matter what the cost!

I don't know if I would appreciate boating as much if I could be on the water year round. In Michigan, we only have about a four month window of opportunity. After a long winter of cold and snow, there is nothing better than the first warm days of spring to start getting the boat cleaned up and ready for the coming season. Not to mention, she's not as thirsty when she's sitting in storage.

My family chartered a boat from North South in the BVI's several years ago. The boats were a little older but much more affordable than anyone else out there. They are currently still in operation. We are thinking about taking another group down in the next couple of years. I would suggest the BVIs over almost any other destination. We went in May which is the off season and were able to get two weeks for the price of one at a rate of $3000/2 weeks for a 45 footer motor yacht. Certainly a trip you will never forget!

Yeah, that looks like a tough day Ken! I love the Keys, we have spent some time cruising off Big Pine and Key west a few years back. My dad just traded his Harley for a beautiful 24 foot Stiper cuddy cabin. We intend to bring it down next winter and do some fishing and diving. Until then, I will drool over your pictures.

Thanks for all the replies. I don't personally believe that bow riders are any safer than closed bow boats. In fact, in most cases, bow riders have very short gunwales with no railings. You often see kids driving these boats at fast speeds with several passengers. One big wake from another boat and their out. Personally, I grew up on a 28 foot regal cruising more than 30,000 miles of the great lakes over the years. My favorite place to ride as a kid was on the bow. Always seemed like a safe place to ride to me. Never had a close call.

Thanks Ken, I agree with what you are saying; however, I haven't actually been cited for it. I always make my arguement with them and they eventually decide to let it go. The last time frustrated me the most. My wife was on the bow handling dock lines as we were coming into a cove to raft off with other boaters. A sheriff pulled us over because she was standing on the bow. I was instantly pissed and told him how I felt. I think he was somewhat surprised by my reaction but then his excuse was that she should be sitting down to handle dock lines until we are immediately upon the boat or dock we intend to tie off too. I told him that was the most rediculous thing I ever heard. No true boater would ever suggest that! Needless to say he was rather pissed.

Can anyone interpret this law for me? We seem to have a problem in michigan with law enforcement unfairly harrassing people.

"Riding on the Bow is illegal if the vessel is not equipped with bow seating and the vessel is operating at greater than "slow, no wake speed." Persons also are not allowed to ride on the gunwale. While underway, persons on a vessel may not sit, stand, or walk on any portion of a vessel not designed for that purpose."

My understanding of the law is that as long as you have a cushion on the bow made by the manufacturer, you are allowed to ride on the bow. Also, my understanding is, as long as you are operating at no wake speeds anyone can ride on the bow of any boat. I may have a misunderstanding of this law and I suppose that's why I have been pulled over a dozen time for it; however, I do have a manufactured cushion fastened to the bow and yet they tell me its unlawful. What also frustrates me is to see larger 30 to 40+ foot boats with several people on the bow with no designed seating but yet law enforcement fails to enforce these laws on them.

It has been my life long dream that I would own a boat similar to what I grew up on cruising the great lakes with my parents. When you grow up on a boat, you develop a certain love for the water unmatched by most other childhood experiences. It becomes part of your life and you can't imagine a summer without cruising the familiar waters that bring back joyful memories of years past.

At 29 years of age, I thought I was finally ready to purchase my own boat. I knew there would be expenses but what I didn't want to face was the ever increasing fuel cost it would take to run the boat. In the past two years, we have tried to cruise many of my favorite destinations I would visit as a child. The problem is, the average weekend is becoming far too costly for the large majority of weekend warriors. In order to trailer our 27 foot Doral to our favorite weekend cruising destinations, we spend approximately $150 round trip in fuel for the truck to pull it, $150/weekend for fuel in the boat, $40/weekend to launch the boat and pay for truck and trailer parking, $60-$90/weekend for a marina slip. Ofcourse, this weekend average of $400 doesn't include the payment for the boat, maintenance and many other misc. fees.

I can't help but wonder with the worlds increasing oil and gas prices what drastic effects it will have on the things we love to do.

Great topic! Years ago, I was staying with a group of boyscouts on Lime isIand in the St Mary's River off the east side of Michigan's Upper Penn. We had several canoes and four of us decided to make a catamaran out of them and sail across the 2 mile stretch of river. We cut some narrow logs and lashed them between two canoes. We then cut a sail from a nylon tarp and fastened it to a 15 foot tall mast cut from a popple tree. Somehow we lashed the hole thing together using shrouds of nylon rope, plywood clamped to the gunnels for centerboards and paddles lashed to the stern for rudders. We not only managed to sail across the large expanse of river but also completely around the island in 20 mph winds and two foot waves. We took on a little bit of water and the rigging eventually pulled apart but I remember being amazed at the speed we achieved with such a design.

Hanky Panky Cove in Spring Lake/Grand Haven. Check out Hankypank.com for examples!

I have used a danforth anchor for many years and had excellent success in most conditions. The danforth I believe is far superior in sand and silty conditions; however, I have had problems getting a good hook in heavily weeded or rock bottom areas. Last August was a true testimate to the anchors holding ability. We anchored in Sutons bay, Michigan in front of a friends cottage with 30-40 mph sustained winds and 3 foot waves for 10 hours. The anchor didn't pull an inch! The most important factor ofcourse for any anchor holding is the proper chain length and line relative to water depth.

My vote is for the mercury!

I would certainly have to say that the North Channel and Georgian Bay are by far the best destination for long distance cruising and solitude. Traverse Bay and Leelenaw would be my second vote for closer weekend cruising. If your looking for the place to party, Grand Haven and Spring Lake's Hanky Panky Cove never lets you down.