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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. More doom and gloom for the Brunswick Corp.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Brunswick Corporation’s net boat and engine sales dropped six percent and four percent, respectively, in the second quarter of 2008 when compared to the same period last year, the company reported yesterday.

Its boat sales declined from $732.8 million in the second quarter of 2007 to $687.9 million for the second quarter of 2008, while engine sales dipped to $643.5 million in the second quarter of 2008, from $669.6 million in the year-ago quarter.Overall, the company reported a net loss of $6.0 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2008, compared with net earnings of $56.9 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, from continuing operations for the same period a year ago.

Both the second quarters of 2008 and 2007 include restructuring charges of $83.1 million, or $0.59 cents per diluted share, and $1.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, respectively, the company reported. The 2008 charges are primarily for costs associated with previously announced actions aimed at resizing the company and reducing fixed costs by $300 million versus 2007 spending levels by the end of 2009.

Despite the losses, both Brunswick chairman and CEO Dustan E. McCoy and analysts alike were pleased with the company’s performance.

“We commend our employees for the strong results that were achieved in the quarter during difficult economic conditions,” explained McCoy. “We believe these results underscore the inherent strengths of our brands, market position and operating and financial management expertise. They further reflect our employees’ ability to efficiently operate the business while making progress against restructuring and strategic initiatives designed to benefit Brunswick, our dealers and our shareholders over the long-term.”

“The company continues to execute relatively well, despite weak industry conditions,” wrote RBC Capital Markets analyst Edward Aaron in a report issued yesterday afternoon. “Long-term the stock is attractive, but the acceleration of the decline in the U.S. boat market as dealer inventories swell heading into the off-season, leaves us cautious nearer-term.”

“Brunswick is performing admirably under challenging conditions,” agrees Tim Conder, managing director of leisure equity research at Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC. “U.S. dealer bankruptcies will likely accelerate in the second half of 2008 [see Olympic Boats files for Chapter 11]. The issue here would be the impact of retail repossessions and troubled dealer inventory auctions negatively impacting a more limited pool of retail demand.

“The broader question is ‘What will be the shape of the U.S. marine recovery?’ We feel the answer to this is more gradual and protracted than most anticipate with the second half of 2009 the earliest for stabilization in the U.S. marine market and 2010 the earliest for the beginning of a sustainable gradual recovery.”

Second Quarter Results
For the quarter ended June 28, 2008, net sales decreased to $1,485.4 million, down 2 percent from $1,522.9 million a year earlier.

“Increased sales of commercial fitness equipment, bowling products and from our retail bowling centers, as well as 19 percent growth in non-U.S. sales, helped offset the decline in sales of marine products in the United States,” McCoy explained.

The company recorded an operating loss of $17.2 million for the second quarter of 2008, which includes the previously mentioned $83.1 million of restructuring charges, compared with operating earnings of $86.3 million in the year-ago quarter, including the $1.1 million of restructuring charges. The charges in both years were primarily for asset impairments, severance costs and plant shutdown expenses.

“The company continues to generate positive free cash flow, which provides us with significant liquidity and financial flexibility,” McCoy said. “At quarter end, we had $393 million of cash, up from $267 million at the end of the last quarter,”

Boats and engines
For the quarter, the boat segment had an operating loss of $37.7 million, including restructuring charges of $38.2 million, versus operating earnings of $19.3 million, including $1.0 million of restructuring charges, reported in the second quarter of 2007. Operating earnings for the marine engine segment, consisting of the Mercury Marine Group, in the second quarter decreased to $54.4 million versus $80.3 million, and operating margins declined to 8.5 percent from 12.0 percent for the same quarter in 2007.

“(Boat) sales outside of the United States for the segment were up 35 percent in the quarter, which helped offset the effect of both lower unit volume and exiting certain saltwater and high-performance brands,” McCoy said. “Sales also benefited from a shift in product mix, higher prices and contributions from Boston Whaler, Hatteras Yachts and several outboard boat brands. Meanwhile, overall operating earnings for the Boat Group were adversely affected by the restructuring charges, in addition to the effect of reduced fixed-cost absorption on lower production volume.

“The (engine) segment benefited from growth in non-U.S. sales, which were up 10 percent in the quarter, helping to offset the decline in domestic outboard and stern drive sales,” McCoy said. “As in the Boat segment, reduced fixed-cost absorption on lower production, primarily of stern drive engines, affected operating earnings for the Marine Engine segment.”

Looking ahead
“In addition to our continuing emphasis on introducing new and innovative products across all of our business units, our priorities for the remainder of 2008 are: (1) continuing to lower production levels to achieve reductions in pipeline inventories held by our marine dealers, (2) reducing spending across the company, and (3) implementing the company’s resizing and fixed-cost reduction initiatives announced last month,” McCoy said. “As we stated in June, most of our fiberglass boat plants will be shut down for one month during the third quarter. We have also reduced our capital expenditure budget for this year and halted all discretionary spending. Finally, progress continues on our strategic initiatives. While we have not provided specific earnings estimates, the magnitude of the scheduled production cuts will result in a loss for the second half of this year. Nevertheless, given what we know today, we expect to report positive earnings for the full year, excluding restructuring charges.

“What we are unable to predict is whether a change in market conditions would necessitate additional production cuts, or the possibility of further write-downs of goodwill or other intangibles. Heading into the second half, our cash position remains strong, and we are already close to reaching our year-end target of $400 million, which provides us with significant liquidity and financial flexibility.”
Thanks to boating-industry.com for this.

Brunswick boat and engine sales dip 6 and 4 percent in second quarter

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. (BUSINESS WIRE) — The economic slump has hit the California boating industry hard, forcing one of Fresno’s largest boat dealers to announce plans to liquidate his inventory and possibly close his store after 32 years in business if the market doesn’t turn around.

Ron Montverde, owner of Valley Boat Emporium on Shaw Avenue, will begin liquidating his inventory through a unique arrangement with Fresno RV dealer Dan Gamel.

Monteverde, a top dealer in the U.S. for the Tracker line of fishing and pontoon boats for 26 years, reported that his second quarter sales were down 30-35% from 2007, which closely mirrors the average decline that other California boat dealers have reported for the year. “Boat sales for the first half of the year have been miserable,” said Monteverde. “When I made the decision to liquidate, I consulted with Dan Gamel for advice on selling off my inventory. I’ve watched his liquidation process which has moved rapidly over the past few weeks and I wanted to know how to sell mine off as fast.

Manufacturers don’t take unsold boats back, so the burden is on the dealer to get rid of the inventory.

Gamel is obviously doing it right, so I went to the source and asked for help.”Dan Gamel, owner of Fresno based Dan Gamel’s RV Centers, recently announced the liquidation and impending closure of his six RV sales and service centers in California.

Since July 1st Gamel has sold off nearly $30 million in inventory which has generated much needed working capital for the company.”Ron explained that he needs to liquidate about 35 boats and he hasn’t had a lot of success doing so in this perceived market.

It’s sad, because the fact is that people who own boats are still boating and enjoying their leisure family time,

but those who might otherwise be buying their first boat are holding off because of the media’s gloomy portrayal of our economic condition,” said Gamel.”In the last two weeks we’ve sold over 250 recreational vehicles. Sure, the prices are deeply discounted, but these sales show that smart families aren’t buying into the dramatic press. Instead they’re doing their own research and making buying decisions based upon opportunity and fact, not what the talking heads report to get news ratings.

Ron is a good man and his business has employed many people and been good for the community for over 32 years. It’s a rough time for many of us, and I’m happy to help him,” said Gamel.Over the past year, Monteverde has slashed overhead and operating expenses, and he’s reduced his staff from 27 to just nine employees. But, lackluster sales and continued decline in consumer confidence led Monteverde to his decision to liquidate.Valley Boat Emporium is moving inventory to Gamel’s Camp America store in Fresno and the liquidation sale will begin on July 19th.

Monteverde’s sales and service departments will remain open at his Shaw Avenue location at least until all boats are sold and delivered to customers. Valley Boat Emporium is privately owned by Ron Monteverde. The dealership is located at 4170 West Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722, telephone (559) 224-5801. The company’s website is www.valleyboat.com.SOURCE: Valley Boat EmporiumValley Boat EmporiumRon Monteverde, 559-351-5752

Valley Boat Emporium to Liquidate - MarketWatch

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Ron Krueger | The Flint Journal.The Gocha family launched the Lake Dogs concession stand from a pontoon boat in June.

Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. This is one AWESOME IDEA! to make money in boating.

ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP, Michigan — Most boaters pack cold beverages when they head to the water, but food often is an afterthought. Chris and Jeremy Gocha and their wives have a solution.Their Lake Dogs floating concession stand is accommodating hungry boaters this summer on Lobdell Lake.

The couples serve hot dogs, nachos, chips, candy, pop, bottled water and ice cream from Uncle Ray’s Dairyland in Fenton.Ron Krueger | The Flint JournalDanyle Gocha (right) takes orders from Lia Tomczak of Flushing and Ryan Selley of Linden at the Lake Dogs floating concession stand on Lobdell Lake in Argentine Township.

They outfitted a 16-foot pontoon boat with a propane-fired warmer for Koegel Viennas and Flint-style coney sauce and cold storage for the frosty treats and beverages.

The 50-horse engine moves the food craft smartly around 545-acre Lobdell Lake’s many inlets and lagoons.Chris Gocha, 29, and brother Jeremy, 31, say the idea may have been planted when both worked at Hungry Howie’s near the lake during their high school days.”People used to say they wished there was some way to get a pizza delivered out on the lake,” Jeremy Gocha said.With the official blessing of the Genesee County Health Department, the Gochas launched their marine enterprise the third weekend in June.

Occasional showers the first two weekends curtailed the hot dog express’ time on the lake, but the balmy July Fourth weekend was a bonanza for the young entrepreneurs.”We sold more than 600 hot dogs over the three days,” Jeremy Gocha said. “The boats stacked up around us waiting to order. It was great.”On busy days, it is best to phone in orders, he added. The number — (810) 938-7806 — is prominently displayed on the boat.

The brothers and their wives each work a shift on a typical day. Chris Gocha’s wife, Danyle, 26, and Jeremy’s wife, Alisha, 28, both hairstylists, work together. During good weather, the wives will take the boat out about noon Friday, yielding to their husbands when they get home from their jobs. They are back out for most of Saturday and Sunday.”We learned it was more harmonious all around if Danyle and Alisha worked together instead of individually with us,” Chris said. “They think we boss them too much.

”With its tiki bar look, the USS Lake Dogs gets requests for adult beverages such as margaritas and beer. “We tell people they have to provide those things. We just do food,” said Chris.Because most boaters pack their own drinks, sales of soft drinks and water have been slow. Candy sales have been slow, too.The couples have been so encouraged by the response to their unusual concession concept that they plan to expand next summer. They say they will outfit a second boat to serve busy Lake Fenton and may even build another to take to water-based events around the state.

“People get a kick out of seeing us, and we have a lot of fun doing it,” Chris said. “This is our summer to learn. Next year, Lake Dogs should really take off.”With their day jobs and the new business occupying all their time, the couples have called on backup from family members. Danyle Gocha’s mother, Carol Cooper, recently spent an entire day cleaning Danyle and Chris’ home and doing their laundry.”I told them I wasn’t doing this every week,” Cooper said. “But I’m glad for them. What they are doing is awesome.” Thanks to;

Floating food: Couples serve up concessions from pontoon boat on Argentine Township lake - Flint, Michigan Entertainment News - The Flint Journal – MLive.com

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry with a great Father, daughter fishing team.

Lodi - “What do you wanna do?” says Dick Smith, standing at the command center of his 24-foot pontoon boat.

The question is partly rhetorical - we will be fishing, of that there is no doubt - and partly a polite opening for me (no relation) and his daughter, Becky, to offer an action plan. Captains usually make the decisions, regardless of the quality of input by guests or crew.

This is especially true when the skipper lives on the lake.

The comment period closes seconds later as Dick throws the outboard into reverse and motors into his front yard - Crystal Lake near Lodi.

“I thought we’d drift a little, see if can find some bluegill,” Dick says. Good idea.

Dick pilots the boat to a 15-foot-deep flat on Crystal, a 526-acre seepage lake in northern Dane County, and cuts the engine.

The early July day dawned misty and warm with a threat of thunderstorms. Now, in late morning, the sun periodically pokes through gray clouds. A light south wind ripples the surface, perfect for a Mother Nature-aided presentation for suspended fish.

The aluminum-hulled craft begins a slow drift over the lake’s turbid water. We use slip floats to suspend tandem rigs of small plastic grubs and black ant flies at various depths. The lures are tipped with wax worms for added attraction.

After a minute, Becky’s light graphite rod bends deeply to the weight of a scrappy 7-inch bluegill,

which she pulls over the starboard bow and quickly releases. The fish hit a black grub, fished about 9 feet down.

Several minutes pass before my bobber dips below the surface. It turns out to be a similarly sized ‘gill that ate a black ant about 6 feet below the float.

Dick notes the details from his outpost at the stern and resumes fishing.

“Watch out, if we catch another he’ll be casting over our shoulders,” says Becky. “This boat can get awful small awful quick.”

Dick remains silent. His knowing smile - the expression of a contented man who fishes when and where he wants and enjoys some spirited competition with his daughter - says it all.

Dick, 69, is well known to anglers in southern Wisconsin as the longtime owner of Dick Smith’s Live Bait and Tackle in Delafield.

Now retired, he and wife, Nancy, split time between their home on Crystal and one in Florida.

Together with Ron Leys, former outdoors editor of The Milwaukee Journal, Dick wrote “Favorite Fishing Spots in Southeastern Wisconsin.” The book was published in 1989.

Becky was raised in and around the bait shop. She started “working” there at age 6, when she would accompany Nancy on weekly bookkeeping duties. Now 32, Becky runs the business.

“It was work at McDonald’s or at the family business,” says Becky. “For me, it was a pretty easy decision.”

Now in its 25th year, the business is one of a handful of small bait and tackle shops in southeastern Wisconsin that have survived an influx of large chain stores and changing recreational habits.

Becky and Dick arguably form the most knowledgeable father-daughter fishing team in the region.

For Dick, fishing is now complete relaxation. For Becky, who works about six days a week, it’s mostly business. But she does try to schedule some down time on Tuesdays.

“That’s cold-front Tuesday,” says Becky, imbibing an angler’s version of Murphy’s Law. “If you can catch fish on my day off, you’re doing OK.”

Her angling skills overshadow her modesty and sense of humor. After the first hour, Becky has landed three fish for every one that Dick and I bring aboard. The fish are a combination of bluegill and black crappie.

The fish are hitting lightly, often barely moving the float. With a slight chop on the water, it’s difficult to detect the bite. At least that’s what Dick and I claim.

About noon, Dick decides a change in tactics is in order. He powers up the outboard and moves the boat to a near-shore hump in about 8 feet of water, a known largemouth bass spot.

The pontoon boat has an arched metal roof, folding chairs and - as you might expect of a craft equipped by a bait shop owner

- lots of rod holders. The port side is a wall of rods, stuffed into vertical sections of PVC pipe.

Dick’s colorful use of English is reminiscent of Yogi Berra. He calls his pontoon boat a “Chinese junket.” Of his balky outboard, Dick says he “had it Jimmy-rigged.”

We select spinning or bait-cast rods already rigged with rubber worms, jig-and-pig combos or large plastic grubs. Dick steers the boat with a bow-mount electric trolling motor. Over the next 30 minutes, Becky lands a 14-inch bass on a grub and Dick catches a 16-inch largemouth on a blue plastic crayfish.

Crystal is a typical southern Wisconsin lake in most respects

- warm and fertile, dominated by bass and panfish and carp, and subject to heavy angling pressure that limits the size structure of the fish.

It is unique in its origin and its surroundings. The lake started as a marsh, with mostly bullhead and minnow species, and would be hit by winterkill often. A 1970 fisheries survey found very few game fish in the lake. The lake has grown deeper - by 4 feet in just the last 10 years, says Dick - and now is rarely hit by winterkill.

The size structure of fish on Crystal is determined by angler harvest. A 1999 DNR fisheries study found that, of adult bass in the lake, just 8% were over 14 inches - the minimum length limit. Panfish are also cropped off by anglers.

For this reason, Becky and Dick are advocates of catch-and-release, especially during the spawning period.

Like all lakes in southern Wisconsin, Crystal is settling into a summer pattern. The temperature of the surface water is in the high 70s - weed lines have established and algae blooms are occurring. And the bass and panfish have finished spawning.

A few carp still splash in the shallows, carrying out their reproductive urges. “We’ve got one under our house,” Dick says. “Came in during high water a few weeks ago and can’t get out.”

For panfish, that often means schools suspending in deeper water. For bass, that means hanging out on weed lines, underwater bars and along shoreline structure.

We spend the rest of the afternoon anchored in a bay, catching more bluegill on the tandem rigs, and then motor to an underwater ridge to cast for bass.

About 3 p.m., the western sky bears warning that, at least for today, the weatherman may be correct. A black line of clouds is quickly advancing.

But under the one more cast rule, we keep fishing. Becky has a bite and rears back in a strong hook-set. A 14-inch largemouth comes to net.

“‘Bout time,” Dick says, watching Becky release the fish. “It’s good to see you catch something once in a while.”

The timing is impeccable and the sentiment strikes the right note. Dick fires up the outboard one last time, and, under the no-wake rule in effect, we plod back to his pier, just as nickel-size rain drops bang on the pontoons.

Never underestimate the ability of the captain to make the right decision - especially when he has good help. Thanks to ;

JS Online: Father, daughter take the bait

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. How are people dealing with high gas prices and boating.

“They’re putting their pontoon boats out on the water and just sitting there,

but we don’t see as many skiers,” said Bob Stoick of Valley Boat Sales in Polson.The wind rustled in the cottonwoods on a picture-perfect afternoon on the shores of Flathead Lake this week.

Few boats plied the wide-open water, which didn’t surprise Stoick or his partner Tracy Burland, who runs S&K Marina.Weekdays are generally pretty quiet, and with gas prices at waterside pumps at $5.30 a gallon many boaters are thinking twice gunning engines and making wakes.

Owners of RV parks, boat and boat-slip renters - and other business owners who derive their livelihood from the tourist season on Flathead Lake - say they see fewer cars with out-of-state license plates, more Canadian license plates (due to the relative weakness of the U.S. dollar to the Canadian loon) and more subdued behavior out on the lake.“I sit out here and watch every license plate that comes by,” said Burland, gesturing to the gravel lot in front of his office. “I saw three Canadian vans today.”Boat sales are slightly slower than last year, Stoick said, although he feels confident he’ll sell out his whole stock.

Everyone seems to be looking for signs of a downturn, or reasons to be optimistic. One trend, mentioned several times by RV park owners and managers, is longer stays for those big gas-guzzling rigs.

People want to park and save money. Another sign, said Stoick, of record-high gas prices and the national slowdown is the sales growth of after-market parts. As he explained, when people feel uncertain about economic growth,

they fix their boats rather than shop for new ones

“Our parts sales are up almost 30 percent,” said Stoick, who also represents a national after-market parts manufacturer.But those bright spots don’t blunt the harsh reality at the pump.“Fuel sales are down this year,” said Hans Carlson, who mans the fuel house at Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor in Big Fork. His gas is $5 a gallon. “The Fourth of July was dead, but that could have been because of the big storm.”That’s the other big factor for on-the-water-businesses: the weather.“We didn’t get summer until the end of June,” Burland said. Thanks to;

High Gas Slows Good Times on the Lake | Business and the New Economy | New West Network

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Here is an interesting article on Hybrid and Solar Power Boats.

There were a lot of small boaters out there this weekend. A small boat or pontoon is much more economical these days. There were more aluminum and pontoon boats than usual. But regardless of high gas prices, the boats came and went. And my neighbor still got a lot of “look sees” from potential buyers interested in his small boat and large pontoon that are for sale.

I started to wonder if someone had invented a boat covered with photovoltaic cells yet and decided to look it up. Sure enough the Dutch have a speedboat like that called the Czeers MK-1. It even sounds fast. http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1693/

A solar panel is also used on the Whitley 2800 30 ft. luxury cruiser, but only to power all the high tech galley appliances, flat screen tv, and audio on board. The cruiser itself is not solar powered but uses twin diesel engines.

The company is working on an all solar powered boat.

I want to know if used cooking oil can be used in a marine diesel engine? If not, why not if a diesel auto engine runs on the stuff? Besides solar power for boats, which seems the most logical energy source to use, there is also a model that plugs in. A small, hybrid, fiberglass boat that can be recharged is available. Three hours of charge gets eight hours of battery time on its 20 hp engine by Yamaha. The boat also runs on gas, just in case I assume.

I don’t know how much of a power draw the three hour charge is either. Lastly, a DIY solar powered pontoon boat (not a small one) was featured on Treehugger. It runs totally on solar panels or batteries, no gas, no emissions, and no noise. Although I do like the sound of a fast boat, at least when I’m on it. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/12/the_loon_solar-.php
Thanks to :Our World and Everything in It » Blog Archive » Hybrid and Solar Power Boats

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Citing weak retail demand for boats in the U.S., a major boat manufacturer said it would suspend production at its Arlington plant — leaving 425 employees without regular pay for a month. The announcement by Lake Forest, Ill.-based Brunswick Corp.

Brunswick Corp. makes a number of different brands of boats, including Bayliner, Maxum and Meridian, follows last week’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Olympic Boat Centers, a Redmond-based boat dealership.

“The U.S. marine industry is currently challenging, driven by an uncertain economy, high fuel prices, the housing slump and other economic factors that have affected American consumers’ confidence and eroded their discretionary spending,” Brunswick spokesman Daniel Kubera said in an e-mail.

Most of Brunswick’s fiberglass manufacturing plants, including that in Arlington, will be suspending production during the third quarter, Kubera said. Employees directly involved in boat manufacturing will go on furlough, while other employees will report to work.

The 425 affected employees will not receive regular pay, but Brunswick will advance holiday pay if applicable and also pay for medical and dental benefits.

Olympic Boat Centers, which filed for protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court last Thursday, sells Brunswick boats in 19 locations in Washington, California, and Canada, making it one of the company’s largest dealers.

In a written statement Tuesday, Olympic Boat Centers blamed the “sluggish retail boat market” for its bankruptcy filing, under which it will be able to continue to sell boats.

In its bankruptcy filing, the company said it had assets of $10 million to $50 million and liabilities between $50 million and $100 million. Thanks to P-I reporter Joseph Tartakoff  for this. Joe can be reached at 206-448-8293 or joetartakoff@seattlepi.com.

Boat manufacturer in Arlington suspends production

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. The latest innovation in recreational boating has washed ashore in the Maritimes. Derek Bennett, the East Coast distributor of JetDock, is holding a demonstration of the drive-on docking system between July 24 and 27 at the Woodstock Marina.

Woodstock businessman Derek Bennett was recently made the East Coast distributor of JetDock

It’s a floating boat-dock system that allows people to drive their craft right up onto the quay.”You pull your boat up slowly,” said Bennett, “and the bow will touch a roller on the dock.” “When you hit that, give it a touch of gas and you’ll slide right up,” he explained.

JetDock Demo Day at Woodstock Marina

Don’t believe it? Bennett has invited the community to come watch demonstrations at the Woodstock Marina between Thursday, July 24, and Sunday, July 27.JetDock is made of durable, interchangeable plastic pieces. It can support small water craft like sea-doos to boats up to 51 feet in length.

JetDock hold Pontoon Boats

It even holds pontoon boats and small sea-planes. “You can think of it as giant Lego pieces,” said Bennett.The plastic blocks, which connect to form the dock, are about two-and-a-half square feet in size. Bennett said they attach easily, yet securely, making it easy to add new rows or columns to a JetDock.

“It can be whatever size you’re requirements might be,” he said. Bennett added it’s a great system for boaters who come under the influence of “footitis” – when recreational boaters feel the urge to buy a bigger boat – because it’s so easy to expand the docking area.

The dock has a built-in tide-management system

Which allows the wharf to rise and fall with the water.The underside of every JetDock, explained Bennett, has a patented buoyancy beam, to give the unit stability in most weather conditions. “It’s very stable, there’s no tipping,” he said.

JetDocks can be installed to basically any surface, Bennett added. “In rock bed or an existing concrete pier. You name it, there’s nothing we can’t install it to. “Besides the convenience factor, Bennett said there are environmentally-friendly advantages to investing in a JetDock.

Vessel’s hull no longer needs to be antifowled

Because the boat or sea-doo rests above the water, the vessel’s hull no longer needs to be antifowled. Antifowling paint protects the hull from algae growth and wear, but contains many harsh chemicals that can seep into the water also, Bennett continued, JetDocks are made of plastic and float, as opposed to wooden docks which need pressure-treated lumber to support them. The pressure-treated lumber, he said, can also leach harmful chemicals into the water. The JetDock system is also certified hurricane proof and U.S. Coast Guard approved.

Boaters can leave the unit in the water over the winter

Bennett added, as long as the current isn’t too strong with large ice flows. JetDocks will float on the ice, he said. The surface is also scuff and skid-mark proof, so there is no fear of damaging a boat’s hull.

Sponsored by Safe Boating Contest - Win 50,000.00 in prizes
The price of a JetDock varies based on the length and width of a customer’s boat. Bennett said an average JetDock will sell for $2,400 and up.

JetDock System - Lifetime Warranty

A lifetime warranty is guaranteed, and the system comes with all units and components included.”Say somehow you punctured a cube, just call and we’ll sell you a new one. “The Canadian distributor of JetDocks, King Industries, will also come install the dock for a small fee.

JetDock is equipped with an anti-theft alarm

Theft is no concern, said Bennett, because every JetDock is equipped with an anti-theft alarm. He urged anyone interested in this innovative docking system to come to the Woodstock Marina between July 24 and 27 to see a demonstration on how JetDock works.

The demos Thursday and Friday will take place in the afternoon, and Saturday and Sunday will happen in the evening. “It’s a hassle-free system,” said Bennett, “How else do you describe something you can just put in the water, walk away, and not worry about?” Thanks to Jon MacNeill at bugleobserver.com - The drive-on dock is here for this.

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Sponsored by Pontoon & Deck Boat, Special 2008 Issue
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Jeffery King lugs two big red cans of gasoline onto the pier at Innisfil Beach Park. He puts the containers down for a moment, stopping to rest his aching muscles.“Seems like it gets heavier the more expensive it gets,” the Alcona resident said, laughing.

Boating on Lake Simcoe

But the hefty price of gasoline — $1.36 at the pumps and about 15 cents more per litre at marinas — isn’t about to stop him from enjoying a glorious, sunny day on Lake Simcoe with this family.

Just bought a pontoon boat with an outboard engine

Gas prices didn’t deter his $13,000 purchase. “It does suck back the gas,” she says. “But it’s not something I’m about to give up. ”King said there are other ways to save money on fuel, such has switching to a smaller vehicle or making fewer trips by car.

But give up boating — never!

“It’s just not something you are going to give up doing,” he says, his three children swimming near by. To save some money on fuel, King buys his gasoline at Canadian Tire, where he has a discount gas card.

But that means hauling those heavy red cans out to the boat, something King is willing to do.Other boaters and personal watercraft users seemed undeterred by record-high gas prices as well.

Innisfil Beach Park, Lake Simcoe busy with boaters

The bay around Innisfil Beach Park was busy with powerboats Saturday.“It’s a fantastic day out here,” King said, as brilliant sunshine bounced off the calm waters of Lake Simcoe. “It’s all about the weather.” Thanks to Rick Vanderlinde, www.innisfiljournal.com for this.Gas prices be damned — boating rules

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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Bayliner Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Students get rude introduction to college bass fishingTwo members of the upstart Brown College Bass Hunters had a tough go of things at their first tournament in Arkansas.

National Bass Fishing Championship

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