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April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

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We start spring off by focusing our attention on some of the history and sights of Kelley's Island, Ohio, are guided step-by-step for spring launch, and are shown some insightful photos and remedies for a dirty fresh-water system. We also take a moment to examine the Parker 2120 Sport Cabin and contemplate Bos’n Bill’s musings about why water is so important to us.

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Page 1: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner
Page 2: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

To see more details about these and all other yachts around the globe, please visit our website below.

1.855.266.5676 | 954.684.0218 | [email protected]

www.curtisstokes.net

Worldwide Yacht Sales | Yacht Charters | New Yacht Construction

106’ Burger – Classic Burger motoryacht. Recently refitted, excellent condition. Reduced to $949,500!

78’ Buddy Davis - 4 stateroom + crew, enclosed bridge – Reduced to $2,500,000

130’ Yachtfisherman – Fish and cruise the world in comfort and style – Reduced to $17,900,000!

60’ Blue Ocean – Dutch quality, dual cycle electric, 6,000 nm range! - Reduced to $525,000!

51’ Little Harbor – Performance cruiser in very good condition – Reduced to $474,500!

66’ Hampton – 4 stateroom, full beam master stateroom aft, cockpit model – Reduced to $1,250,000!

44’ Tollycraft – Great Loop veteran, flybridge, cockpit, sundeck model – Reduced to $137,500!

43' Custom trawler – Single, efficient, reliable John Deere main engine, bow thruster, very good condition – Asking only $295,000!

46’ Nordhavn – Extensively refitted trawler – Reduced to $358,500!

42’ Nordic Tug – Major upgrades, excellent condition – Asking only $574,900!

43’ Albin – Turn-key double cabin trawler – Reduced to $105,000!

43' Mikelson Convertible – Never fished, in excellent condition– Reduced to $249,900!

On display at Trawler Fest Anacortes

CSA_SEA_0512_P1.indd 1 3/8/12 5:42 PM

Page 3: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

To see more details about these and all other yachts around the globe, please visit our website below.

1.855.266.5676 | 954.684.0218 | [email protected]

www.curtisstokes.net

Worldwide Yacht Sales | Yacht Charters | New Yacht Construction

106’ Burger – Classic Burger motoryacht. Recently refitted, excellent condition. Reduced to $949,500!

78’ Buddy Davis - 4 stateroom + crew, enclosed bridge – Reduced to $2,500,000

130’ Yachtfisherman – Fish and cruise the world in comfort and style – Reduced to $17,900,000!

60’ Blue Ocean – Dutch quality, dual cycle electric, 6,000 nm range! - Reduced to $525,000!

51’ Little Harbor – Performance cruiser in very good condition – Reduced to $474,500!

66’ Hampton – 4 stateroom, full beam master stateroom aft, cockpit model – Reduced to $1,250,000!

44’ Tollycraft – Great Loop veteran, flybridge, cockpit, sundeck model – Reduced to $137,500!

43' Custom trawler – Single, efficient, reliable John Deere main engine, bow thruster, very good condition – Asking only $295,000!

46’ Nordhavn – Extensively refitted trawler – Reduced to $358,500!

42’ Nordic Tug – Major upgrades, excellent condition – Asking only $574,900!

43’ Albin – Turn-key double cabin trawler – Reduced to $105,000!

43' Mikelson Convertible – Never fished, in excellent condition– Reduced to $249,900!

On display at Trawler Fest Anacortes

CSA_SEA_0512_P1.indd 1 3/8/12 5:42 PM

To see more details about these and all other yachts around the globe, please visit our website below.

1.855.266.5676 | 954.684.0218 | [email protected]

www.curtisstokes.net

Worldwide Yacht Sales | Yacht Charters | New Yacht Construction

65’ Johnson – 4 staterooms, excellent condition. Reduced to $439,000!

60’ B&D Sportfisherman – Excellent condition, 3 stateroom, 3 head layout – Asking only $1,495,000!

70’ Hatteras Motoryacht – Extensive upgrades, excellent condition – Asking only $499,500!

44’ Tollycraft – Great Loop veteran, flybridge, cockpit, sundeck model – Reduced to $137,500!

44’ Nova Heritage East – 2 stateroom sundeck motoryacht – Asking only $94,500!

45’ Carver Voyager – Turn-key flybridge, cockpit motoryacht – Reduced to $188,000!

42’ Catalina – Popular two stateroom layout, great condition – Reduced to $135,000!

38’ Regal – Well-maintained, 2 stateroom/2 head layout – Reduced to $114,000!

43’ C&M Downeast – Custom built, fuel efficient, classic Downeast style cruiser – Reduced to $149, 500!

49’ DeFever – Raised pilothouse trawler in very good condition – Reduced to $285,000!

58’ Hatteras LRC – Bow thruster, recent upgrades – Reduced to $439,000!

52’ Hatteras Sportfisherman – 3 staterooms, huge cockpit, turn-key – Reduced to $199,000!

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The GreaT Lakes Mariner

Mutt of the Month - Pg.7 What's Up Dock - Pg.28

Classifieds - Pg.54

A Quick Look: New models hitting the market - Pg.15

Parker 2120 Sport-Cabin: In a world where manufacturers often trade flash for function, Parker Boats bucks that trend - Page 32

Preparing for Launch: A step-by-step guide to a problem free start to the boating season - Page 42

Photo (Inset/ Cover) courtesy of Parker Boats

Photo courtesy of MJM Yachts

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Happy Anniversary to Us!One year ago, we published the first issue of The Great Lakes Mariner. When contemplating the launch of the magazine my goal, and selling point to my wife, was that this publication would give us more time together as a family, doing what we love to do - boating. Since that time, there have been many highs and many lows, and a ton of hours, but with each issue, we’re moving ahead and growing. I want to take this opportunity to thank those that read our magazine, contributors, and those that have invested their hard-earned money by advertising with us. It is my goal to make this magazine the best value possible for both the readers and advertisers.

As we experiment with formats and ideas and continue to learn, we are open to your suggestions, so please let us know if you have ideas on what we can do to improve The Great Lakes Mariner Magazine or website. Also, don’t hesitate to contact us with your own stories, photos, and how-to ideas, whether via email or in our Boater’s Forum. Together by sharing information, we can make everyone’s boating experiences better.

Kevin R. CountsOne of those family moments

Kelley’s Island, Ohio:A little island, packed full of history, a relaxing atmosphere and fun activities - Page 22

The advert is ing deadl ine for the next issue of The Great Lakes Mariner is Fr iday, May 25, 2012.

Refresh Your Freshwater System:As we prepare to launch for the season, we take another look at this great article by Paul Esterle. (Since the first time it ran, it was in our very first issue and many of our current readers didn’t get the chance to see it!)

Page 6: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

Help the Lynx Educational Foundation Help Our Veterans

and Their Families

The Lynx Educational Foundation has proudly announced its support of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a national leader in supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families, has provided over $120 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans.

The 122-foot square top-sail schooner Lynx “America’s Privateer” is scheduled to participate in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner with multiple ports of call, where it will bring attention to this respectful organization.

Seize the opportunity and help support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund by making a tax deductible donation today to the Lynx Educational Foundation.DONATE NOW at http://www.privateerlynx.com/intrepidfallenheroesfund.html

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If you would like for us to consider your pet for our Mutt of the Month page, please go to thegreatlakesmariner.com, under the “Your Input” tab, and send us a photo. Please include the Pet’s name and home-port. If your pet is chosen we’ll send you some Great Lakes Mariner Gear.

“I didn’t complain about the glasses, or the lifejacket, but I think putting SPF50 on my fur was a bit much!” - Rolo

Rolo’s home port is Washington, MI

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National Sailing Hall of Fame is Accepting

Nominations for Induction

Do you know someone that you feel is worthy of induction into the National Sailing Hall of Fame? Now is your opportunity to nominate him or her.

Individuals can be nominated in three categories: SAILING, TECHNICAL, OR CONTRIBUTOR - you may choose any, or all, of the categrories that apply. Nominees must be:

- At least 45 years old- If deceased, at least 5 years since death, or deceased was at least 45 (whichever is sooner)- A U.S. Citizen (a non-citizen may be considered if that person had a significant impact on the growth & development of sailing in the United States

You will need some basic information about your nominee, such as their legal name, contact information (or their next-of-kin if deceased,) and a digital photo is helpful.

Nominations are being accepted until May 1, 2012.

Want more info, or to submit your nominee, then click the icon to the left.

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Preservation or Replacement?

The Antique Boat Museum and the Antique and Classic Boat Society will be presenting an educational, hands on

symposium, called “Preservation or Replacement,” May 4-6, 2012, in Clayton, New York.

The symposium will cover plank repair and replacement, staining and varnishing techniques, inboard marine engine

maintenance and trouble shooting, and recommendations for properly winterizing your boat, as well as preparing it for a new boating season. Participants will also receive a private tour of the Doebler Building, which houses almost half of the Museum’s Collection, led by Emmett Smith, Curator of Watercraft.

Space is limited. Visit the ABM website for more information.

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What Good Is A Boat Without Water?Water is everywhere and everyone. The earth’s surface is 70% water, the average adult 55%-65% water. It’s so much a part of our lives, that we often take it for granted until we’re without it. As commonplace and unremarkable this odorless, tasteless liquid is, it’s just as equally extraordinary and wonderful as it is mundane; dynamic, essential to life itself, refreshing and most important to boaters, wet and buoyant.

If you’re reading this magazine, The Great Lakes Mariner, it’s a sure bet you love the water every bit as much as I do. For most of us, this love affair with the water starts at an early age and once smitten, there’s no returning to a life without it.

It usually starts in baby steps. Not being quite sure what this new medium is about, you test it. You discover you can’t breathe in it so you mistrust it. When you discover it cools you down in the baking sun, you like it and want more, a fair tradeoff you reason. Wading in the shallows you realize you can jump, kick, splash and run into the water without harm, your confidence nudging you to venture ever deeper. It’s exciting, lots of fun, and you want more.

As your proclivity for water grows, you notice others in the water, swimming “over their heads”, not tip toeing on the bottom like you. Strapping on a life vest and learning to hold your breath underwater touches a milestone and when you’re able at last, to cast off the Mae West, swim unassisted, cannonball with gusto and dive to touch bottom headfirst, you’ve arrived. Finally, unbridled of fear, you’re free to enjoy the water with confidence whenever and wherever you want to get wet.

By William “Bos’n Bill” Gills

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What Good Is A Boat Without Water?

Photo by Eric__I_E

Most of us who call ourselves boaters reached a point when we asked ourselves if we’re enjoying the best the water had to offer? Looking beyond the swimmers we saw the boats. Like a child wading in the shallows we wanted to experience more of our favorite medium and pastime, go faster and farther than we could swim. Having been under the water, in the water, but not on the water, we bought a boat and narrowed our preference of size, purpose and style to our needs.

Once on the water in our boats, we broke out the rafts, tubes, water skis, rods and reels, inflatables, floating chairs and dinghies. The possibilities for fun on the water were limitless. No wonder some people lived on it year round.

I ask you now, where would you be without a body of water to float a boat? What would you be doing in the summer heat to cool your jets, go under a lawn sprinkler? Are you satisfied with the local swimming hole, beach, pool, shower or bath? Heck no, I think you want more. You know too much. There’s no going back, except to visit.

Water is the core that sustains and invigorates the body, mind and soul of each and every, mariner and boat lover. Without it, the body withers, the mind wilts and the soul fades. Water is lifeblood; it refreshes, it renews, it replenishes and energizes. If it’s deep, cool and wet , get on it, so you can get in it and under it; your boat is no good without it!

About the AuthorWilliam L. Gills is a lifetime boater and freelance writer. He’s the author of the book, Lubber’s Log, a boating journal and adventure story about his and his wife’s experiences, misadventures, funny and challenging trials and triumphs encountered in the first season of owning of a bigger boat. Lubber’s Log.

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Love boating? Remember your first season in your new boat? Lubber’s Log is a boating journal and adventure story told in an entertaining, amusing style of the author’s first time experiences in the preparation, maintenance and piloting of a new, unfamiliar boat. If you’re a first time boater, there is tons of useful information to help you get started in your new foray into boating. If you’re a veteran boater, you will surely recall and relate to all the mistakes and joys of those new, exhilarating experiences, both large and small.

Of the legions of wayfarers who shared in the tall ship Sofia’s diverse and colorful history, only seventeen were on board when she went down. Of those who survived to tell the tale, none has . . . until now.More than twenty-five years ago, Pamela Bitterman began her journey on board a 123-foot, sixty-year-old sailing ship being readied for its second global circumnavigation.The details of events from this journey endure as vividly today as when Bitter-man was a naive “shellback” swabbie, later ship’s bos’un, and finally acting first mate. In the end, she was merely one on a life raft of grateful survivors.Hardcover has sold out on Amazon, but you may email the author directly for an autographed copy .

Lookin’ for a great place to keep your boat? A place with lots of amenities, skilled craftsmen and great service?

Well, keep on lookin’, ‘cause we do things our own way here at Purgatory Cove Fish Dock & Marina.

Purgatory Cove is a place unto itself. Run by Sam, Lefty and Wade, Purgatory Cove staggers on from one misadventure to the next. Follow along via weekly letters from Lefty and Wade...

Lubber’s Log - A Journal of One Mariner’s Experience in Moving UpBy: William L. Gills

Sailing to the Far Horizon - The Restless Journey and Tragic Sinking of a Tall ShipBy: Pamela Sisman Bitterman

The Latest News from Purgatory CoveBy: Paul Esterle

Wonderful Dockside Reading......

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MJM Yacht’s 29z Downeast

A Quick Look:New Boat Models Hitting the Market

This beautiful boat by MJM Yachts is fit for a family day on the water or a day of fishing on rough seas. MJM claims that the 29z Downeast’s stock engine, a Volvo D3-220A turbocharged diesel, gets a very respectable 3-NMPG at 25 knots. For those that would prefer a higher top end in the speed department, the 29z also comes with a 260hp Volvo Penta D4-260, which gives the user a top end in the upper 30’s. The manufacturer has also chosen to accompany the single engine design with a bow thruster, which should make the boat very maneuverable and docking a breeze.

The deck area and cabin below are both spacious enough to make this boat a suitable choice for entertaining or a weekend getaway. The 29z’s large swim platform and telescoping ladder also add to its entertaining capabilities.

Visit MJM Yacht’s 29z page here to learn more.

Photo courtesy of MJM Yachts

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CONTENDER’s 39LS

The Contender 39LS claims to be “an offshore animal built for rough water and big seas.” This “animal” has just about everything covered that a fisherman would desire in order to enjoy a day on the water in style and comfort. Features include a spacious head that is built into the console, a bait station/ wetbar that comes equipped with a refrigerator, sink, and grill built into a faux granite countertop. For Fishing they provide huge fish boxes, a 40-gallon live well, and more rod holders than most people would ever have the occassion to use. They also offer an optional hull-side door to drag in the monster fish that you’re sure to catch.

With up to 1400hp of motor capacity and 500 gallon fuel capacity, getting to your fishing spot in a hurry shouldn’t be a problem.

Find out more about the 39LS here.

Photo courtesy of Contender

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Boston Whaler’s 315 Conquest

The “unsinkable” Boston Whaler has added the 315 to their existing Conquest line (the 285 and 285 Pilothouse were also added.)

According to Boston Whaler, the new 315 features “A full front glass windshield with open sides and a sheet glass enclosure to provide a clear, unobstructed view from the helm, while an insulated 30-gallon livewell/cooler, increased bait prep storage, and dual in-deck fishboxes offer superior fishability. The cabin features updated interior styling, including a skylight over the galley, and an expanded mid-berth offering improved headroom and flexibility.”

To learn more about the new Conquest models click here.

Photo courtesy of Boston Whaler

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Chris Craft continues its impressive re-invention with the introduction of the Corsair 36, at this year’s Miami International Boat Show. The Corsair 36 is now the largest model available from Chris Craft and continues the distinctive styling of their previous models.

The cabin of the Corsair 36 is relatively petite for the boat’s overall size but does contain all of the essentials, such as a shower equipped head, galley, and a dinette that collapses into a sleeping area. This petite cabin allows the Corsair 36 to present a large deck area suitable for entertaining or just

sprawling out in the sun. Both inside and out, this boat has all of the features and beautiful wood trim that you would expect from a Chris Craft.

See more of the Corsair 36 here.

Chris Craft’s Corsair 36

Photos courtesy of Chris Craft

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Coast Guard Urges Boaters to Take Advantage of Free Safety Checks....

CLEVELAND — Following a weekend during which Coast Guard boarding officers issued notices of violation to six Great Lakes boaters and sent them back to the docks early for lacking required safety equipment, the Coast Guard is urging mariners Monday to take advantage of the many boater education courses and free vessel safety checks offered throughout the Great Lakes region.

Just like routinely changing the batteries in a home’s smoke detector or checking tire pressure and fluid levels in a car before a road trip, boaters should make a habit of ensuring they have all the required safety equipment and that it is in working order before the first boating trip of the season.

Of the six vessels sent home early during the weekend, four were in violation of more than one safety requirement and were not carrying sufficient life jackets for everyone aboard.

“Checking your gear ahead of time not only saves you the cost of a potential Coast Guard civil penalty, but far more importantly it could also save your life if something goes wrong,” said Frank Jennings Jr., recreational boating and water safety program manager for the 9th Coast Guard District. “Boarding officers don’t enjoy terminating someone’s voyage early, but it’s much better than telling family members their loved ones didn’t survive a boating accident.”

Free vessel safety checks are offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, are performed at the vessel, and take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size of the vessel. Depending on availability of inspectors, VSCs can be conducted anywhere — from the marina to the boat owner’s driveway.

Mariners whose vessels pass the inspection are awarded a decal that informs the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, harbor patrol, sheriffs, police and other boating

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law enforcement and safety agencies that the mariner’s boat was found to be in full compliance with all federal and state boating laws during a safety check for that year. Additionally, many insurance agencies offer discounts for vessel owners who undergo annual vessel safety checks.

If a vessel does not pass the safety check, a citation or notice of violation is NOT issued. Instead, mariners are provided a written report detailing how to correct any discrepancies.

Vessel safety checks may be scheduled through the Coast Guard Auxiliary HERE.

The Coast Guard also recommends boaters take advantage of the many boating education courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Topics include boating safely, sailing and boating skills and seamanship, navigation by chart and GPS, paddlesports safety, operating a personal watercraft, and boating safety courses designed for children.

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Photo by Derek Jensen (Tysto)

Visiting History at Kelley’s Island, Ohio

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By: Kevin Counts

Above: Although not the most chal-lenging of mini-golf courses, it’s still fun.

Left: The gift-shop area has all of the knick knacks and essentials, even a bakery and coffee shop is thrown in for good measure.

Last issue we discovered that Put-in-Bay, Ohio, can actually be a family-friendly destination, for this issue we spent a couple of days visiting with Put-in-Bay’s more reserved neighbor, Kelley’s Island.

Kelley’s Island, unlike Put-in-Bay, is not a renowned party hot spot; the residents of this island are happy to put forth a more sedate and laid back vibe that is projected onto the island’s visitors. Even though the island is more laid back, it doesn’t mean that it’s party free, it’s just that if you want a blow the doors off, wake up in need of bond money type party, you should probably focus on a holiday weekend at Put-in-Bay. So accept that this place is geared more toward relaxing, with partying taking a backseat, and enjoy your stay.

Our excursion began on a Tuesday morning when we moored off at Portside Marina. Portside offered pretty much all of the amenities that any boater is likely to need, like modern floating dockage, clean restrooms and showers, a small store, a restaurant on the grounds, bicycle rental (they even have those cool “bicycle-made-for-two” bikes), golf cart rental, and friendly staff.

Just as every good tourist does, we began our island tour by gravitating toward the island’s ice cream shop and gift area. This area is not as modern or extravagant as other tourist destinations but is still fun, and the ice cream delicious, just as one would expect. After buying a couple of trinkets and getting a sugar buzz, we hopped onto our bicycles and continued our journey around the island.

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Of all the islands that I’ve been to I found the scenery of Kelley’s Island particularly intriguing and, despite the nature of some of them, oddly relaxing. Little things, such as the statue of the Virgin Mary placed in a peaceful and idyllic wooded setting, the foreboding ruins of the Monarch Winery, or the history visible at the Kelley’s Island Cemetery, all reminded me of my own mortality and instilled an appreciation for

that moment in time with my family. And, if those sights do not make you feel connected enough to the past, one sight is sure to – Inscription Rock. This large limestone slab is theorized to have been used as kind of an ancient “Post-it” note by early Native Americans. As the Algonquin, or possibly Iroquois later, would move through the area, they would etch the rock with pictographs to possibly let others know that they had been there, where they were going next, and maybe a brief “word” about the fishing or hunting. The pictographs have faded significantly due to weather and erosion but the sight is still pretty cool.

Kelley’s Island also has claim to another unique bit of history, old enough to make inscription rock look shiny and new, the Glacial Grooves. These grooves are a great way to impress upon your kids the wonders of nature while just enjoying some time together that doesn’t involve an electronic device of some sort. The Grooves were formed in the limestone as the Wisconsinan glacier advanced across the Great Lakes roughly 18,000 years ago. It’s really an amazing sight to see and ponder, and the photographs mounted around the sightseeing area that show people a hundred years ago enjoying the sight are also a nice touch. The photos, like the

Visiting History at Kelley’s Island

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Above-left: The glacial grooves are an impressive piece of natural history. Above-middle: An impres-sive piece of human history, Inscription Rock. Above-right: The beautiful beach at Kelley’s Island.

island’s scenery, make us reflect on Great Lakes tourists from years gone by and focus on enjoying the moment. After spending the first day of our Kelley’s Island visit conducting our own private bicycle tour, we decided that day two would be all about relaxation. Since children are not about to watch their mom and dad plop down on a couple of deck chairs and nap, we headed off to the beach, where the children can frolic and we can collapse.

The beach on this island is a true treasure. It is exactly what most people envision when they say, “let’s head to the beach.” It’s sandy, rather large, and the water is free of the vegetation or other nuisances that are often found around Great Lake beaches. For those that want more than a romp in the sand, there is also a kayak rental place right on the beach. In my case, the kids were having too much fun burying each other in the sand and swimming, so we didn’t rent kayak’s this time, but I plan on it for future visits. The beach occupied most of our day, at least until the kids got hungry enough that we could talk them away from it.

We don’t eat out a ton when we travel, we bought a boat with a full galley for a reason, but at least once a trip we like to indulge in the local cuisine. At Kelley’s Island, we chose to wrap up our visit at a delightful little eatery known as The Captain’s Corner.

Photo byVirginia Travis

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The Captain’s Corner has a beautiful wood adorned and inviting interior, as well as several beers on tap to help battle the heat of those hot summer days. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals, especially the desert, which was a phenomenal chocolate cake. Equally important to me as the food was the service. Our server, Mary, could not have been more outgoing and pleasant; she smiled the whole time and was the driving force behind our chocolate cake order - Kudos to Mary and the Captain’s Corner. As they say, all good things must come to an end, and after a couple of days on Kelley’s Island, our trip did just that, came to an end. We had a great time and will definitely be visiting again in the future. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to visit Kelley’s Island Winery or Kelley’s Island Brewery (the joys of parenting) but I have heard good things about both and I will make a point of visiting these spots on our next visit to the island. If you have visited either of these businesses, or any other Great Lakes boating destination for that matter, go to our forums page and let other readers know about your experiences; by sharing information we can all make each other’s trips more pleasant.

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3.5 SBCG - Gasoline Generator Westerbeke

Windsor Series PV Marine Kits Unconquered Sun

New products and exciting innovations in the boating market!What’s Up Dock?

If you want power while at sea and don’t feel like pouring gas into a generator all the time, you may want to consider solar power. Windsor Series Photovoltaic Marine Kits from Unconquered Sun, come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs and can be mounted to your boat with minimal effort. Marine Kits include the solar panel, solar charge controller, fuses and wiring. The kits begin at approximately $800 and feature a 25-year performance warranty.

Westerbeke has introduced the smallest 3.5kW generator on the market today (their claim, not ours). This 2-cylinder, low CO generator takes up only 21.4 cubic inches (L-27.1” x W-16.1” x H-14.7”) The generator also operates at a low 2,200 RPMs, resulting in an engine noise quiet enough to not require a sound shield.Having the newest and best technology doesn’t come cheap - this one will run you around $7,000 +installation

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If you have a new product that you would like featured in What’s Up Dock? Please go to www.thegreatlakesmariner.com/reader-submissions and let us know.

Marine Shield El i te Marine Shield

Dock-N-Loc Boat Secur ity Products

The Dock-N-Loc and Dock-N-Loc Pro, help to prevent the theft of your beloved boat by mounting directly to the steering mechanism of your outboard engine, thus preventing the boat from turning. Corrosion resistant and simple to install and un-install. Prices begin at $99.00

Anchor lockers, bilges, marine refrigerators, even under your boat cushions are ideal areas for mold and mildew to develop. Now there’s a solution that not only cleans the mold and mildew that you already have, it also prevents it from coming back!

If your boat has mildew issues, and the odor that accompanies it, this product may be just what your looking for. Avialable from Elite Marine Shield in a two-pack (cleaner / Surface treatment) for $49.99 -compared to replacing boat items, that’s quite a bargain!

DuraSea Rooftop Air Conditioner Dometic

No A/C in your cabin? Dometic introduces their roof-top A/C model. This air-cooled unit, requires no plumbing and is designed to be mounted on a flat deck or roof-top to cool the area below. The unit features an adjustable fan and thermostat mounted on the underside to allow for control from inside the cabin. It also features two way vents for optimal cooling, a return air vent to keep things moving, and it filters the air too. This model should be hitting the market at about the same time as this issue of The Great Lakes Mariner.

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The 281’ LOA Cakewalk (Delivered August 2010) and the 128’ LOA Super-Tug Independence (Delivered December 2009)

Although Derecktor is not an everyday name in Great Lakes pleasure boating circles, we still really appreciate the beauty of their boats and quality re-fits. So we were saddened to hear that Derecktor Shipyards Conn. (Bridgeport, CT), the maker of the colossal vessel pictured below just two years ago as well as other beautiful yachts and commercial vessels, has sought Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. It is an unfortunate sign of our times and we wish them well and hope they can restructure and come back stronger than ever. Thankfully, this Chapter 11 filing only affects the Bridgeport Shipyard; Derecktor’s New York and Florida Shipyards appear to be riding out the economic storm just fine.

Derecktor Shipyards Conn. Files for Chapter 11 Protection

Photos courtesy of Derecktor Shipyards

Page 32: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner32

The Little Boat That Could!

Parker’sPhotos courtesy of Parker Boats

Page 33: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner 33

The Little Boat That Could!

2120 Sport Cabin

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The Great Lakes Mariner34

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The Great Lakes Mariner 35

I can’t quite put my finger on why, but when I look at this boat I just think of that old story book character The Little Engine that Could. I guess it’s because this boat is

not fancy, is not sleek, is not large, is not overly speedy, it’s just built for going to sea, providing a stable platform for its user’s activities, and returning them home safely.

After reading the introductory paragraph you may be wondering if someone that is not engaged in commercial activities would enjoy the 2120; the short answer, absolutely. Clearly, the Parker 2120 isn’t the type of boat that all pleasure boaters are going to drool over; there’s no mini-bar or flat-screen TV.” However, if you’re the type of boater that uses their boat to supplement other hobbies, such as fishing or diving, as well as pleasure cruising, then this boat is going to be very

attractive to you. For those that want the flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and cappuccino maker you will probably want to look elsewhere.

Parker Boats has been constructing boats since the 1960’s, using lessons learned during the construction of commercial fishing vessels. Their boats still hold on to that commercial legacy by keeping things simple and solid, in accordance with their expressed goal of making their boats “simple, strong, and sea-worthy.” The combination of an uncomplicated design, coupled with solid materials, means a boat that is relatively easy to maintain and will last.

If you have never seen a Parker in person, when the opportunity finally presents itself I would recommend that you board the boat for the first time by jumping off the gunwale down to the deck, providing

Parker’s 2120 Sport Cabin

Above-left: The cabin is diminutive in stature but is large enough for several adults to get out of the rain, Sun, or cold.Above: The vented front and side windows ensure that the occupants don’t feel too couped up.

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The Great Lakes Mariner36

the owner doesn’t object, of course. This little exercise should make it clear that the decking under your feet is solid; 1” thick solid. That solid deck , as is the case on all Parkers, is thru-bolted to the hull using stainless steel bolts and nuts to ensure there is minimal flexing and that the watertight seal, used to seal and bond the decking to the hull, does not fail. This step results in a deck that is capable of floating the boat, even with a significant hull failure.

The 2120’s deck, in addition to being extremely sturdy, is also very large. This spacious deck is what makes this boat ideal for those that enjoy other water activities beside just cruising; equipment can be hauled and the occupants can move around freely and safely. Whether used for fishing, scuba, or deck chairs, you and your occupants won’t find yourselves tripping over one another. In addition, in the case that an errant storm blows in, there is enough space in the cabin to accommodate several passengers; I wouldn’t plan an extended trip in the cabin, but if the need arises it’s comfortable enough.

Nowadays many boat manufacturers like to brag of their advancements is electronic control systems or computerized

engine controls, but because Parker boats are built to require minimal maintenance from their owners, you won’t find things like this. Computerized and electronic whatevers aren’t easily maintained and are not yet tried and true while under way. Instead, Parker focuses their attention on ensuring the tried and true features are quality made and can withstand abuse. A great example of this focus is demonstrated with the bow rail on the 2120. Many boat builders are satisfied with 3/4” or 1” aluminum bow rails, Parker’s – 1 ¼” stainless steel. Not only did they make it hefty but they also made it easy to remove and replace; the entire rail is a welded single piece and can be lifted from the boat as a solid piece and placed back on in the same way.

The 2120 is not without any standard creature comforts though, they do include features like trim tabs, a porta-potti, tinted windshield and tinted vented windows,

Parker’s 2120 Sport Cabin

Page 37: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner 37

Power: Outboard Length: 21’ Beam:8’6” Draft:15” Dry Wt:3250 lbs Deadrise:210 Fuel Cap:100 gal

Left: Parker describes it best, “The stringer system in every Parker is constructed of “Select Boat Ply,” a solid fir plywood specifically designed with extra laminates for boat building, and bedded in the hull using a polyester and fiberglass bedding compound so that there are no voids between the stringers and the hull. After the stringers are securely bonded in place, they are totally encapsulated in fiberglass and resin, preventing moisture intrusion and guaranteeing the long life and strength for which Parker boats are known.” You’ll notice that strength when you jumped to the deck. Top-left: A washdown hose and gunwhale rod storage ensure the deck is clean and clutter free. Top-right: Accessing the bilge and servicing items is simple and easy to access. Above: The scale draw-ing shows the relative large size of the back deck - 8’.

Page 38: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

a tackle cabinet, and rod storage under the gunwale to name a few. And, as optional equipment, they also offer a free-standing or bulkhead mounted second station, coaming pads, 14-rod rocket-launcher, satellite stereo with USB and MP3 compatibility, bow pulpit with roller, and even a pump out portable head. This list doesn’t encompass all of the features of the 2120 but should make it clear that their focus is function. I don’t know about you, but I would much prefer a boat that does what I want, and does it well and at a reasonable cost, than one that features a beautiful cappuccino station next to a custom driftwood wine rack.

The power-plant of the 2120 that I had the pleasure of touring had a single Yamaha 150, a very reliable, albeit leisurely, motor for this heavy of a boat (dry weight of 3,250 lbs.) Thankfully Parker gives us options of a couple of larger motors, like the Yamaha F200 and F225, either should make a noticeable difference in performance.

In closing, the Parker 2120 is unpretentious and manufactured to be a solid, work horse of a pleasurecraft that should give its owner years, if not a lifetime of enjoyment and service.

Above: Two optional second station configurations, a free-standing and bulkhead mount. Bottom-left: Tackle storage under the cabin bench seat. Bottom-right: An optional stereo with USB, MP3, and XM.

Page 39: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

A beautiful roof is an essential part of a beautiful home. Call the company that has served

Southeastern Michigan for over 24 years.

Page 40: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner40

Brunswick Says Thanks to Veterans

Don’t recognize the Brunswick name? Brunswick Marine Group is the parent company of Bayliner, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Lowe, Lund and Trophy to name a few. As the days begin to warm and the boating season rapidly approaches, Brunswick is offering USAA members up to $1,500 off 250 models from the six brands mentioned earlier.

USAA is a respected and recommended service provider for veterans - I write from experience, The Great Lakes Mariner (the boat, not the magazine) is insured and financed through them. USAA services the needs of more than 8.8 million members of the United States military and their families with competitive banking, investing, insurance, retirement services and special consumer product discounts. A person must be active or honorably discharged veteran or eligible family member in order to join. If you qualify, this is a great chance to save some money. If you don’t qualify this is a great chance to support a company that is thoughtful enough to support our veterans. It’s a win - win.

Page 41: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

You know the charities helping children in poverty that say, “Just

$1 a day is all that’s needed to change a child’s life?” You know what? They’re right. You can change a child’s life with $1 a day. But there’s more. Much more — at least with one organization called Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA).

For my family, it’s $1 a day to reach across the world. $1 a day to learn a new culture. $1 a day to feel love for and the love of someone you might never meet or even talk to on the phone. $1 a day to remind us to stop complaining about what we don’t have. $1 a day to teach our kids about the rewards of charity.

We sponsor two children through CFCA, Flora from Tanzania and Christian from Honduras. We learned about the organization at church. We learn about a lot of worthy organizations at church, but this one spoke to us as a family.

We chose Flora because her birthday is one day ahead of our wedding anniversary. She was born in 1993. Her father died in 1994. Her mother earns money selling tomatoes. Flora carries sand to earn money for school. She wrote: Once I complete my primary education, I would like to continue studying up until university and be a doctor. I will assist my family, friends and the whole community.

How could we not benefit from knowing such a person? We have been sponsoring her since 2005 and

have received dozens of letters with beautiful drawings. She writes them in her native language, Kiswahili, which are then translated. I still tear up over the letter she wrote after we shared that my husband’s mom had died. In the midst of her daily challenges, she was so concerned for us and was praying for us.

We were drawn to another child a year later because he reminded us of our own son. Christian was just a year old when we began sponsoring him. His mother is

a housekeeper and they live on $15 a month. We also receive wonderful letters from him through a family friend. Christian adds drawings of rabbits and turtles and flowers. Here’s the note he sent this past Christmas:

At midnight close your eyes and make

a wish for the New Year. At the same time I will do the same. My wish will be that your wish can come true!! Merry Christmas!!

As another commercial says: priceless.If you’re interested in learning about

other children awaiting sponsorship, I would suggest researching CFCA further. Here’s their website, www.hopeforafamily.org. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter, @CFCA. One statistic you should know: More than 94 percent of CFCA’s expenses go to program support.

I’ll sign this as Christian and his mother, Glendi, signed a recent letter — Receive hugs and kisses from the ones who love you very much and remember you always.

About the Author

Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf is a member of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Garden Plain, Kan. She is a writer and public relations consultant. Her family has been sponsoring children through CFCA since 2005. Read Lynn’s blog at www.lynnwoolf.com.

WAnt more informAtion?

Visit www.hopeforafamily.org or call (800) 875-6564.

A mother's testimony about the rewards of sponsorship

As a CFCA sponsor, your monthly

tax-deductible contribution of $30

provides a child with:

• Essentialbenefits such as food, clothing and health care.

• Educationalneeds such as school supplies, uniforms, tuition and other school fees.

• Recreationalactivities such as Christmas and birthday celebrations.

• Literacyclasses, skillstraining and livelihoodprograms for parents.

" i still tear up over the letter

she wrote after we shared

that my husband's mom

had died. in the midst of her

daily challenges, she was

so concerned for us and was

praying for us."

-Lynn, CfCA sponsor

Put your fAith into ACtion

Sponsorship helps you and your family act on the Catholic Church’s social teachings by helping you make the needs of the world’s poor and vulnerable a priority in your lives. Put your faith into action by sponsoring a child in need through CFCA, the country’s largest lay Catholic child sponsorship organization!

C h r i s t i a n F o u n d at i o n

F o r C h i l d r e n a n d a g i n gOffer ing hope. Restor ing dignit y. Wor ldwide.

flora

christian

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The Great Lakes Mariner42

One of my favorite lines is from the book Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham, where Rat tells Mole,

“There is nothing finer than messing about in boats.” As lovers of boating, we know this to be true. However, like anything we undertake in life that is “finer”, we need to conduct the necessary work to get our boats ready to launch at the beginning of the season, before we can go “messing about”.

To ensure safety and minimize the possibility of a breakdown, it is important to invest the time and expertise now. If you are handy and plan on performing your boat’s spring commissioning yourself, the best place to turn to initially is your boat owner’s manual. Your manual will provide you with specific information on your particular boat. For used boat owners, not receiving a

Preparing Your Boat to Go FromThis

To

By Mary L. Bodnar

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The Great Lakes Mariner 43

Failed shrink wrap or leaving a boat uncovered for the winter can leave

your scuppers looking like this. Clear them out - they’re important!

manual with your used boat purchase may be an issue. Using the internet to look up your boat’s make and model also will provide you with sound guidelines. If working on your own boat is not for you, be sure to schedule an appointment well in advance with a technician or marine mechanic you trust.

Provided you stored your boat properly and that it wintered well, your job should not be too overwhelming. The first step necessary is to drain out your antifreeze. It is important to use non-toxic antifreeze in the fall and be sure to drain it out responsibly on land before you launch.

Preparing Your Boat to Go FromThis

To

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Be sure to clean the hull, clearing it of dirt, debris or algae (if you did not do this adequately before putting your boat away for the winter). While cleaning, check drain and scuppers to make sure they are clear of debris that could otherwise prevent proper drainage of water on the deck. If the paint on the hull is scraped or chipped, it may be a worthwhile investment to have it painted. The hull on my 23’Sea Ray is in dire need of a touch up. “Use ablative paint” says Art DeFazio, retired credit manager and self-proclaimed preventive maintenance nut. “This paint is designed to prevent grime from sticking to the hull and is made to come off gradually while you’re running in the water”, explains Art. He goes on to say, “Ablative paint does not put off

noxious fumes and requires only light sanding and touch up yearly.”

Furthermore, if you own a sail boat that is going to be raced, cleaning and painting the bottom with Teflon based paint is imperative. Be sure to remove existing hull paint with special paint remover so as to not damage fiberglass bottomed boats. According to Dr. William McCarthy, a retired medical physicist and active sailboat racer for many years, “The important thing about applying a Teflon based paint on the hull every spring is because it helps prevent moss and other growths from occurring, which also aids in giving you an edge for a successful sailboat racing season.” Dr. McCarthy adds, “Another

good characteristic of Teflon type paint is that it doesn’t leach pollutants into the water like other paints can.” Most toxic paints have now been banned thankfully, due to EPA regulations.

After cleaning the entire boat with a gentle detergent, use acetone to remove old wax build up. Apply a fresh coat of wax down to the water line to help preserve the gel coat finish. Acetone is also great for removing stubborn grease marks on your fenders. I did this last year, and our fenders cleaned up like new.

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Check and test your boat’s electrical system. Start by checking your battery (ies). If your water indicator light is low, remember to only add distilled water to the battery. Look for corrosion on the terminals and clean and lubricate. Make sure the battery is fully charged. Next, inspect all your boats wiring, including navigation lights and repair any frayed wires. Check to be sure all lights are operational and check all your gauges as well.

“Make sure you check every switch” states Hart Morrison, proprietor of Parma Marine, “when

checking the bilge pump, don’t just listen to it. Put water in the bilge with a garden hose and check to make sure it’s actually working.” Hart goes on to advise, “also, be sure to clean the bilge, using appropriate bilge cleaner, leave it in the boat so it sloshes around and drain it out responsibly.”

Change your oil and oil filter, if you did not do this in the fall. It is a good idea to carry extra oil and an oil filter on

board. Check the tension on all your belts and check the backfire flame arrestor and clean it twice during the season.

Next, check your boats steering system. Look at the cables for wear. Make sure the rudder post and steering pulleys are well lubricated. Use a grease gun filled with general purpose white marine grease on bearings.

Combination post and terminal cleaners like

this one from Tekton are cheap and effective.

Products such as Cable Buddy makes lubricating steering cables

fairly easy and inexpensive.

Most marine batteries have two access panels that may be removed to check

water levels . Remember, distilled water, not spring or tap water.

Preparing Your Boat for Summer......

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The Great Lakes Mariner 47

Don’t forget to take a look at your VHF radio, your navigation or GPS system to be sure they are fully operational. Make sure all your boat lines have been inspected and that you have plenty of mooring lines handy. It may seem like stating the obvious, but be sure your drain plug has been put back in place properly, even if you paid to have your spring commissioning done by a professional.

One of the worst moments I’ve witnessed occurred last Memorial Weekend when my husband, three children & I watched a motor boat struggling to reach the dry stack cove at Whiskey Island Marina and the poor guy’s boat was nearly submerged. He barely made it in while everyone on the dock was watching open-mouthed and panicking. His drain plug was not put back in.

Once you are confident your boat is in fine ship-shape, you are ready to launch and enjoy your summer boating season.

About the Author: Mary Bodnar is a professional freelance writer and boating aficionado. She lives three blocks from Lake Erie with her husband and three children. Before she launches her boat in the spring, she always check to make sure her drain plug is in!

When inserting the drain plug, be sure to use teflon tape for a good seal and so you won’t be

tempted to overtighten

A failing electrical system means no bilge pumps, combine that with a strong storm and this could be what you find when you return to the marina.

Preparing Your Boat for Summer......

Page 48: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

One complaint that I often hear from boaters is that their water tastes and or smells bad, In fact, many don’t use their onboard water systems,

choosing instead to carry bottled water or water jugs aboard. Spring com-mission is an excellent time to address these problems once and for all.

Water System problems manifest themselves in several ways. The first is aesthetically, where the water either looks bad, tastes bad, smells bad or any combination of the three. While not usually a health concern, it is not pleasant to use. On the other hand, the water could be contaminated with bacteria, cysts or chemi-cals, making it unsafe to drink and a possible health risk.

CausesMarine fresh water stems are often mistreated and ne-glected. Filled with fresh water in the spring, by summer the water tastes bad and is often full of sediment and other nasty things. Many water tanks are rationally molded plastic and are translucent. While not directly exposed to sunlight, the light they do receive promotes the growth of algae and slime. That growth isn’t limited to the tanks themselves, by the way. On one of my boats, the water lines, typical reinforced vinyl tubing, was

black inside from exposure to light and the resulting growth of algae. Simply cleaning the tanks won’t cure this problem. You do clean your tank periodically, don’t you?

While the source of your water might be a completely safe municipal supply, how it gets to your tank may be a problem. That hose lying on the dock is certainly suspect. I carry my own water fill hose and make sure that it is drained after each use. Since it is my hose, I am sure that it is approved for potable water use. I also

By Paul Esterle

Above: The typical rat’s nest of old plumbing under the galley sink. When was the last time you looked at it, let alone replaced anything?

Above: Before and after; the lower tube is an old water line, coated with slime and algae. The top one is what new tubing looks like.

The Great Lakes Mariner10

Great Lakes Mariner Re-Visit

Refreshing Your Freshwater System

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The Great Lakes Mariner 49

Need to program a way-point and don't know the coordinates?

The Great Lakes Mariner has got you covered. TheGreatLakesMariner.com's newest feature is a grid coordinate plotter that gives you a latitude and longitude simply by moving a map to the location you plan on navigating to. Click Here to try it out for yourself.

The Great Lakes Mariner wishes to thank the men and

women of the U.S. Coast Guard for putting their lives on the

line to protect all of us.

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Refreshing Your Fresh-Water System

let the water run before starting to fill my tanks. That flushes the hose and gives me a chance to visually inspect the water. That only judges the aesthetics, not any potential health risks, however.

Another often overlooked site for water contamina-tion is the fill fitting itself. When was the last time you checked the O-ring on the fill cap to make sure it is sealing properly? Given the small cost of the O-ring, I replace mine on a regular basis. That keeps all the crud from your deck from draining into the tank.

Lastly, you will occasionally find the water source itself questionable, loaded with rust, sediment or nasty bugs. You will need to take special precautions if you doubt the quality of the water.

FixesThe first step in maintaining onboard water quality is maintaining the infrastructure. That includes tanks, hoses, pumps, heaters and accumulators. Inspect them all for signs of algae, slime or other contamination. In my case, I ended up replacing all the vinyl water supply lines with new hose. Remember that red tracer in the hose is for hot water and blue is for cold.

The tanks must be completely flushed with fresh water, especially if the system had been winter-ized with RV and Marine antifreeze (the pink stuff). Remember to flush the water heater before you start the engine, it will take forever to get the taste of cooked antifreeze out of the water if you don’t.

If your tank has access plates, you’ll be able to open them up for cleaning and inspection. In my case, I ended up removing the tank from the boat and having it steam cleaned. In some cases that is impractical. One method for cleaning a dirty tank is to partially fill the tank with a mixture of ice cubes and water. You want just enough water to allow the ice to move inside the tank. Then rock the boat or better yet, take it out in some waves to slosh those cubes around the tank. The cubes will scrub the inside of the tank, and then melt so the resulting water and crud can be pumped out.

(Continued from Pg. 10)

Above: A leaking O-ring on your fresh-water tank can lead to a contaminated water supply system. Replace it often!

Right: I had the luxury of being able to remove my water tank for steam-cleaning. That dark hose is actually clear vinyl tubing after years of growth. It will be replaced like the lower hose was.

(Continued on Pg. 13)

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The Great Lakes Mariner 51

Right: I had the luxury of being able to remove my water tank for steam-cleaning. That dark hose is actually clear vinyl tubing after years of growth. It will be replaced like the lower hose was.

You can take The Great Lakes Mariner Magazine with you anywhere with the ISSUU app. Simply download the app by searching ISSUU on the Android Marketplace or go to m.issuu.com on your mobile device’s browser and hit download. The app converts the magazine into a version that is easily navigable and readable. Update: ISSUU for iPad and iPhone is also in beta now. Just go to ISSUU.com and look for the link that says “Read on iPad.”

Get The Great Lakes Mariner on your Smart Phone or tablet PC with the ISSUU app

Page 52: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner52

The cures mentioned so far are for worse case scenarios. If you have been maintaining your water system on a regular basis but still sometimes experience bad tasting water, it might be necessary to “shock” the water system. This process also sanitizes the water system if you suspect that there may be a health issue with the water.

Shocking introduces a bleach solution into the water system. Bleach should be added at the rate of 8-ounces of bleach to every 10 gallons of water. This concentration is for sanitizing the system

and is not for drinking! Pump the bleach/water solution through the entire system, making sure it flows from every outlet. Turn off the faucets and let the solution sit in the system for at least 8 hours but no longer than 24. This process is safe for aluminum tanks if done no more than once or twice a year.

Once the bleach solution has been in the lines, pumps, tanks and fittings for the prescribed time, flush the system completely, starting with the outlets farthest away from the pump. Ongoing CareAll this activity assures good water quality for a short period of time. However, if your water system is not used

regularly, the water quality will still deteriorate again. So, let me make this very clear: use the water in your system regularly; the faster, the better. Turnover in your water tanks is a good thing. In addition to the remedies we have already covered there are some additional steps you can take to maintain the aesthetics and, more importantly, the safety of your water system.

Filters and SterilizersThere is a wide range of filters available for marine water systems. They range from simple charcoal filters designed to remove sediment and bad taste up to FDA approved microbial-removing models. Look for a filter that meets the EPA Microbiological Purification Standards. These will eliminate bacteria, virus or cysts from the water. This type of filter may need to be preceded by another filter to keep larger size particles from clogging the sub-micron filter media.

Another device capable of sterilizing onboard drinking water is a UV sterilizer. These devices pass Ultra Violet rays through the water to sterilize it. Make sure the unit is FDA approved for such uses.

Above: Filters similar to this one meet EPA Microbiological Purifi-cation Standards and will remove harmful bacteria and cysts from drinking water.

Refreshing Your Fresh-Water System

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The Great Lakes Mariner 53

Chemical Treatments

One has only to go through the plumbing section of any marine store to realize just how many water treatment compounds and chemicals are on the market. Pay close attention to what is on the label as many of these chemicals only treat or hide the taste issues and don’t provide any sterilization effects at all.

If you are looking for chemicals to make the water safe to drink, you’d be better off shopping at an RV or camping store. They offer several different chem-icals, usually iodine or chlorine based, for treating drinking water. Be sure to follow the directions for safe and effective use.

As a last resort, it is possible to use household bleach to make water safe to drink, Add 1/2 teaspoon of bleach for every five gallons of clear water. If the water is cloudy, increase the bleach to 1 teaspoon for every five gallons of water. Let the water sit in the tanks for at least 30 minutes if clear or 60 min-utes if cloudy. The resulting water is safe to drink, if not the tastiest.

TestingThe only positive way of determining water quality is by hav-ing the water tested. Most local health departments or Coop-erative Extension Offices can give you a list of local labs that will test your water.

This test however would only be valid for the water in your tanks at the time of the test and would not reflect the permanent state of your water system. Subsequent fillings may leave you in doubt. However, there are now home water testing kits available. These tests are not quite as accurate as the ones done in a certified lab, but they will indicate if there might be a problem.

FinallyKeeping your onboard water supply safe and good tasting isn’t rocket science but does take some effort. Keep at it and your morning coffee will thank you.

Above: UV steri l ization units can be plumbed into existing water systems and are FDA approved.

Above: Off-the-shelf water treatment chemicals. Read the label to find out what they really do and how to use them.

Page 54: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

Waypoint Marine Sales 877 - 713 - 6264

Boats for Sale

18’ 1989 Wellcraft 18’ Center Console 125 Force $7,900 24’ 2001 Pursuit 2460 Denali 260 Merc $34,900 24’ 1998 Pursuit 2460 Denali 270 Volvo $34,900

25’ 1966 Lyman 25’ Cruisette 220 Gray Marine $22,000 25’ 1998 Sea Swirl 250 Mid Cabin 285 Volvo $17,900

29’ 2004 Tiara 2900 Open T-270 Crus $149,900 27’ 1995 Baha 278 Fisherman 365 MerCruiser $32,900

28’ 1977 Bertram 28 Moppie T-300 Merc $145,000 28’ 2006 Carolina Classic 28 Fish T-375 Crus $116,000

28’ 1999 Pursuit 2860 Denali 7.4L Volvo $54,900 29’ 2009 Sea Swirl 2901 Striper T-270 Volvo $118,900 29’ 2005 SeaRay 290 Amberjack T300 Mercs $94,500

30’ 2003 Monterey 302 Cruiser T-350 Mercs $63,900 31’ 1973 Chris Craft Command FB T-300 Chris $13,900

31’ 2002 Tiara 3100 Open T-315 Cumm $64,900 31’ 1987 Tiara 3100 Open T-350 Crus $64,500

31’ 1990 Tiara 3100 Convertible T-350 Crus $64,900 31’ 2000 Tiara 3100 Open T-320 Crus $119,900 32’ 2005 Tiara 3200 Open T-385 Crus $199,900

32’ 1985 Marinette 32 Flybridge Exp T-230 Chry $38,900 32’ 1985 Marinette 32 Sedan Flybridge T-275 Chry $34,500

32’ 1988 Marinette 32 Fisherman T-275 Chry $29,900 33’ 1999 Wellcraft 3300 Coastal T-380 Mercs $82,500 33’ 2006 Riviera 33 Flybridge T-330 Cumm $229,000 33’ 1986 Tiara 3300 Flybridge T-350 Crus $62,900 35’ 2002 Tiara 3500 Open T-385 Crus $179,900

35’ 1997 Tiara 3500 Express T-450 Cumm $189,900 35’ 1980 Viking 35 Convertible T-350 Crus $45,900

36’ 1996 Tiara 3600 Open T375 Cats $145,900 36’ 2008 Tiara 3600 Open T-425 Cumm $386,900

36’ 1988 Tiara 3600 Open T-350 Crus $64,900 36’ 1988 Tiara 3600 Convertible T-350 Crus $69,900 37’ 1996 Carver 370 Voyager T-350 Crus $89,900

38’ 2001 SeaRay 380 Sundancer T-370 Mercs $154,900 40’ 2000 Tiara 4000 Express T-420 Cummins $299,000 42’ 1986 Chris Craft 426 Catalina T-350 Crus $79,900

43’ 2007 Tiara 4300 Sovran IPS 600 $475,000 49’ 2005 GB Eastbay 49 Sedan T-700 Cats. $725,000

www.WaypointMarineSales.com

Preowned TIARA & PURSUIT

Specialists

On Rt. 53 North Catawba Island, Ohio

Page 55: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

34 American Tug 2006$289,000

41 Camano 2006$365,000

sAlepending

trawlersmidwest.com920-894-2632 • 866-375-1633

29 Ranger Tug 2010$254,000

BUY nOW $219,000

25 Ranger Tug 2008$156,000 w/trailer

BUY nOW $119,000

21 Ranger Tug 2010 $63,000 w/trailer

BUY nOW $53,000

65 Custom Trawler 1998$549,000

43 saberline 1996 $329,000

42 grand Banks europa 2004$599,000

42 nordic Tug 1999$285,000

42 grand Banks 1993$249,900

42 grand Banks 1987$175,500

42 nordic Tug 2008$649,500

42 nordic Tug 2001$329,000

... MORE BROKERAGE TRAWLERS

NEW RANGER TUGS IN-STOCK

40 T Mainship 2004$229,000

37 Custom steel 1986$89,000

32 nordic Tug 2000$179,000

34 Mainship 1978$34,000

34 American Tug 2001$219,000

34 American Tug 2004$259,000

32 island gypsy 1983$49,900

32 Cheoy lee 1983$57,000

31 Camano 2001$127,900

32 Vinette steel 1977$44,900

32 Albin 1989$62,000

ExtEnsivEMarkEting Planlist your trawlerwith us!

41 president 1987$99,000

65 skipperliner 1992$239,000

39 Ocean Alexander 1991$139,000

Listing and SellingTrawlers all over the United

States and Canada!

Largest number of trawler listings

anywhere!

BUY nOW!

Many reduced

Prices!

IDEAL GREAT LOOP & FRESH WATER TRAWLERS

42 grand Banks 1977$89,000

40 Tollycraft 1986$84,900

32 grand Banks 1985$89,000

BROKERAGE TRAWLERS

27 Albin 1984$29,900

26 nordic Tug 1981with trailer $69,900

28 Albin 2007$99,000

30 Mainship pilot 2004$99,500

28 ellis 1994$58,900

SOLD!

sAlepending

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Page 59: April 2012 Issue of The Great Lakes Mariner

The Great Lakes Mariner 59