BOATOhio.com Newsletter

The 8th Annaul Boating & Fishing Fest drops anchor this weekend!

2007-06-05T12:12:07Z

North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest
Reno “Jay” Reda, Primary Contact
Phone: (330) 802-9169 or the
LEMTA Office: (440) 899-5009

8th Annual Boating & Fishing Fest,
Downtown Cleveland’s Free Family Event, Docks June 9-10

Cleveland, Ohio – May 2007 – The 8th annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest drops anchor in downtown Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor, behind the world-famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, June 9 – 10. The free fest is jam packed with safe boating and fishing activities for kids, including free 30-minute boat rides, free perch fishing aboard the Holiday and casting lessons for all ages from professional anglers, and hundreds of giveaways for kids, such as lifejackets and all kinds of youth fishing tackle. Plus, don’t miss the Great Lakes’ pirate, Capt’n Willie, who will bring his own unique brand of nautical entertainment to the fest.

Funded entirely through grants and donations, the free Lake Erie-shore event is designed to introduce families and children, of all ages and backgrounds, to the joys and ease of boating and fishing. With Lake Erie being so accessible to all Ohioans, inexpensive and enjoyable family-centered boating and fishing opportunities are plentiful. The fest will also help draw attention to what is considered one of the finest fisheries in the world and will showcase the many opportunities the Cleveland lakefront has to offer as a tourist destination for fishing.

“Hearing the excitement in their voices and seeing the look on kids’ faces when they catch a fish for the first time, even just a small one, is awesome,” says Reno “Jay” Reda, an officer of Ohio’s Division of Wildlife, a fest participant and sponsor. “That’s what this event is about. Giving kids and families the chance to get out on the water and experience how fantastic lake activities can be!”

Other event features include: a NASCAR Busch series racing car from the Braun Racing team; free tours of the Grandon, one of two Division of Wildlife Lake Erie research vessels; many interactive fishing-related activities for young people; appearances by Pirate Pete, the safety parrot, and Coastie, the US Coast Guard’s talking safety boat; plenty of food vendors selling a variety of festival food; and many more booth and tent displays.

Festival hours are Saturday, June 9, 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday, June 10, 11 am – 5 pm. Admission and all activities are FREE. The event is located in downtown Cleveland, directly behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information, visit www.BoatingFest.com or contact Reno “Jay” Reda at (330) 802-9169. Jay will be in the Cleveland area today (Tuesday, June 5th) and Thursday, June 7th for any sound bites, stand ups or quick interviews related to the upcoming event.

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FREE FAMILY WEEKEND June 9-10 at Downtown Cleveland Boating & Fishing Fest!

2007-05-23T15:40:00Z

There is absolutely no better place to spend the June 9-10 weekend than at the 8th annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest in downtown Cleveland!

Not only is admission FREE for all family members, but there will also be FREE 30-minute boat rides, FREE kids� fishing and casting lessons from professional anglers, FREE entertainment from the Great Lakes� Capt�n Willie, and hundreds of FREE giveaways, including lifejackets and fishing tackle.

Other event features include:
�A NASCAR Busch Series racing car from the Braun Racing team
�Free tours of the Grandon, one of two Division of Wildlife Lake Erie research vessels
�Many interactive fishing-related activities for young people
�Appearances by Pirate Pete, the safety parrot, and Coastie, the US Coast Guard�s talking safety boat
�Plenty of food vendors selling a variety of summer festival treats
�And many more booth and tent displays!

Festival hours are Saturday, June 9, 11 am � 6 pm and Sunday, June 10, 11 am � 5 pm.

Admission and all activities are FREE. The event is located in downtown Cleveland, directly behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information, visit www.BoatingFest.com or call (440) 899-5009.

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FREE in-water boat show and golf fest this weekend at Catawba Island!

2007-05-03T10:26:12Z

The 1st Annual Catawba Island Boat Show & Golf Fest swings in to action this weekend, May 4-6, at the Catawba Island Club (CIC) in Port Clinton! And if the weather forecast holds true � sunny and highs in the mid 60s � it will be a beautiful weekend to spend outdoors on the shores of Lake Erie. So grab a friend, bring your family, or just stop by for a mix of in-water boat show and golf fest activities!

Be sure to check out these great features:

�An Azimut 62 Flybridge, displayed by Skipper Bud�s; the Marquis 59 Markham Edition, displayed by Sima Marine of Eastlake; a Lazzarra 68 Sport Yacht, displayed by Great Lakes Lazzara of Colony Marine; and many other yachts.

�An assortment of jet skis, ski boats, fishing boats, and cruising vessels, with many marine accessories and related items in tent displays.

�Many daily golf prizes, including TaylorMade putters, drivers, and wedges, to be given away during the golf skills challenges. Golf skills challenges are only $1 per ball to participate.

�FREE TaylorMade kids� putting competition, FREE Harbor North sailboat rides, and FREE admission for everyone!

For more information, visit CatawbaIslandBoatShow.com or call (440) 899-5009.

Event hours: Friday, Noon � 6 pm; Saturday, 10am � 6pm; Sunday, 11am � 5pm

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FREE Catawba Island Boat Show & Golf Fest May 4-6

2007-04-16T10:03:10Z

The 1st Annual Catawba Island Boat Show & Golf Fest swings in to action May 4-6 at the Catawba Island Club (CIC) in Port Clinton! Enjoy an in-water boat show featuring a fine selection of high quality sail and power boats, and take a swing at the $1 Million Hole-In-One grand prize and other daily prizes from TaylorMade Golf.

Plus, the show and fest will also feature:

�A wide variety of cruising, sailing, and fishing boats, including PWCs and various marine accessories, allowing attendees a chance to browse and compare
�Dealer-qualified customers test driving boats on Lake Erie
�An Azimut 62 Flybridge, an exclusive Italian-made yacht, displayed by Skipper Bud�s
�Many daily prizes, including TaylorMade putters, drivers, and wedges, to be given away during the golf skills challenges
�A $1 Million Hole-In-One Shootout ultimate grand prize, with nine finalists competing for the grand prize Sunday, May 5, at 2 pm
�Free kids� 12 and under putting challenge with prizes
�Free sailboat rides offered by Harbor North during its Discover Sailing Weekend

The event, produced by Lake Erie Marine Trades Association and sponsored by INAMAR Recreational Marine Insurance, TaylorMade Golf, and Catawba Island Club (CIC), is sure to be the best way to kick off your spring!

For more information, visit CatawbaIslandBoatShow.com or call (440) 899-5009.

Admission: FREE! Event hours: Friday, May 4, Noon � 6 pm; Saturday, May 5, 10am � 6pm; Sunday, May 6, 11am � 5pm

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All-New Cleveland Boat & Waterfront Lifestyle Expo - January 12 - 21!

2007-01-08T10:19:30Z

So Much to See and Do at the All-New Cleveland Boat & Waterfront Lifestyle Expo!

The all-new Cleveland Boat & Waterfront Lifestyle Expo, located at the Cleveland I-X Center January 12 � 21, is overflowing with attractions for every boating, sailing, fishing, and water adventurer, both young and old! If you�re looking for an opportunity to step out of the house and do something the whole family will enjoy, the expo could not be more ideal.

Several exciting waterfront options include:

�The all-new waterfront living features are extensive! The 1,100-square-foot, two-story Cape Cod home, complete with nautical interiors, fully furnished, and accessorized with dock and waterfront landscaping, will be ready to tour. In addition, a Lake Erie Floating Homes development will be unveiled at the expo and will be featured as a full-scale model home, also. This development will be the first floating condo development on Lake Erie. Plus, check out other waterfront living booths and exhibits.

�On the extreme sports side, VanDevere Marine will present the Ride and Slide Extreme Wakeboarding Shows! The all-new featured attraction is proud to present some of the best wakeboarders in the country, including: Scott Byerly, Shaun Murray, Brandon Thomas, Aaron Rathy, and Heather Johnson. These wakeboarders are well-known professional riders from all parts of the country, and these shows have been performed everywhere from Florida to California! If Tony Hawk impresses you, you need to see these riders perform on the water. You absolutely do not want to miss the best water sports show to ever hit the Midwest!

�The Bass Fishing College and the Steelhead & Walleye Fishing College, both held January 20, are just two of the many opportunities for an angler to enjoy the boat show. Along with these two colleges, free fishing seminars will be presented throughout the show with topics including, �Cooking up Your Catch� and �Fishing Smarter: Tips for Finding Fish.� And after enjoying a �Teaching Kids to Fish� seminar, families will be able to step up and put their new skills to the test at the Kids� Fishing Pond.

�With a pair of miniature skis and a custom tailored life jacket, Twiggy, the waterskiing squirrel, cruises around a 25-foot circular pool behind her special radio-controlled powerboat. Performing many times during the show, the crowds that gather to catch a glimpse of her uniqueness are a testament to why she�s been an expo mainstay for many years. She�s a sight to see! Plus, do not miss Capt'n Willie's edutainment shows, Pirate Island Education Center for kids, or Allstate Safety Weekends with free lifejackets for kids (while supplies last!)

�There�s a reason the expo brought Ohio�s most popular boating island resort indoors! Featuring Frosty�s and The Round House, the Put-In-Bay Food and Beverage Pavilion is the place to grab a bite, relax with a beverage, and put your feet up, all the while listening to live music from a well-known local musician, Alex Bevan. After hours of exploring the boating expo or before you head out, definitely sit back and enjoy this indoor replica of a summer favorite.

�With additional brands and a sailing lounge with raffle, videos, and manufacturer information, the expo is proud to bring the largest sailing fleet in years to the boating expo! Added to this year�s fleet will be Sabre, Jeanneau, and Schock. These three brands join other show constants, such as Dufour, Hunter, Hanse, Catalina, Beneteau, Tartan, and C&C sailboats. The largest sailing yacht featured this year will be the Hunter 45 Cruising Yacht.

Check out ClevelandBoatShow.com for schedules and more information!

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Cleveland Boat & Waterfront Lifestyle Expo tickets on sale at Marc's!

2006-12-19T09:08:28Z

Celebrating its 50th year, the all-new Cleveland Boat and Waterfront Lifestyle Expo, formerly known as the Cleveland Mid America Boat Show, is the largest indoor boat show between both coasts! And this year the show is totally redesigned to feature waterfront living displays alongside its 1,100 power and sail boats, making the Cleveland show the first boat show in the country to feature two full-scale waterfront homes, a Cape Cod home and a Lake Erie Floating Homes development! With the 50th anniversary celebration opening day and other expanded offerings, including a Pirate Island educational center for children and professional wakeboarding shows in a 300-foot-long wakeboarding pool, this year�s show will offer features for every boating, sailing, and waterfront living enthusiast. Advance discounted tickets available at all Marc's locations. These tickets are great last minute stocking stuffers! Visit ClevelandBoatShow.com for more information. See you there!

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North American In-Water Boat Show, Cedar Point - September 13 - 17

2006-09-07T11:44:44Z

WHAT: 34th annual North American In-Water Boat Show

WHEN: September 13-17

WHERE: Cedar Point Marina, Sandusky, OH

FEATURING:
�700 of the newest power and sailboats, from 6� and a few hundred dollars to 60� and more than $1.5 million.
�The latest wave of new marine accessories and equipment; plus selected pre-owned boats.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
�This year's show has had an extreme makeover. It�s been totally redesigned from the in-water displays to the big accessory tents. A new entrance and a new dockside beer garden with entertainment have also been added.

�Sailors can enjoy a free sailboat ride at the Discover Sailing Center, courtesy of Harbor North. It�s a great opportunity to learn that sailing is an affordable and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

�Honored with the prestigious designation of Queen of the Fleet, the Australian-built Maritimo 52 Motor Yacht will get its first Great Lakes showing at Cedar Point. It will be displayed by Lakeside Marine.

�Allstate Safety Weekend, September 16th and 17th, will teach kids lifejacket safety tips, and kids 12 and under will receive free lifejackets (while supplies last). This exhibit was brought back due to such an overwhelming response at the Cleveland Mid-American boat show this past January.

�Recognizing that many boaters are also avid motorcycle enthusiasts, a special feature dubbed "Bikes & Boats" has been added to this year's show. "Recent market research has indicated the demographics of boaters and motorcyclists are very similar," says boat show manager Ken Alvey. "Along with this year�s total redesign, we wanted to add a fresh exhibit that our show goers would appreciate.� The special displays of bikes will be conveniently located right inside the show's new main entrance. It's expected to feature motorcycles, and some ATVs, from the following dealers: Roeder Harley Davidson of Sandusky, Monroeville and Catawba Island; J & J Sales and Service Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Victory, Huron and Port Clinton; On the Edge Honda and KTM of Amherst.

�Another new feature, the Power Boat Test Drive dock, will allow boaters interested in selected boats to actually get behind the wheel and out on the water during a scheduled test drive. Test drivers will be qualified and determined by individual boat dealers.

For complete information about the boat show, visit www.cedarpointboatshow.com.

BOAT SHOW HOURS:
Wednesday � Friday (September 13-15) Noon - 7pm
Saturday (September 16) 10am - 7pm
Sunday (September 17) 10am � 6pm

ADMISSION:
$9.00, adults; Children 12 and under FREE.
$2 Discount Coupons in all print ads. Adults 60 & better receive $2.00 off.

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BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: May 2006

2006-05-10T11:24:35Z

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter
May 2006
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With spring off to such a wonderful start, we hope you�ve found the time to get your boat in the water. There�s no better place to spend a summer than boating and fishing with friends and family. Along those lines, last month we featured an article about the new nationwide initiative to grow boating (http://www.boatingfest.com/growboating.html). A large part of the focus is how you can help the effort by introducing your kids and grandkids to the sport by taking them out on the water. If you don�t have access to a boat however, the 7th annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest, a free family event that offers Lake Erie boat rides and kids fishing from a charter boat, is a great opportunity to experience boating and fishing in a real hands-on way. Be sure to check out the first article in this newsletter for more information and then share the news, and the lifestyles, with interested friends and family.

Now enjoy the May edition of our e-Newsletter; it�s filled with loads of information that�ll help make your time out on the water more enjoyable. And as always, please feel free to forward this publication to interested friends and family. Boating and fishing are, after all, more than sports. They�re lifestyles best shared with loved ones.

Table of Contents
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Save the Dates: North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest
Life Jacket Refresher: Remember, They�re Your Lifeline
Boats for Sale
Sell Your Boat
LEMTA Dealers & Marinas
Magazine
BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters
Weekly Fishing Reports
Forums
Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)
Events
BOATOhio.net Email
FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription
Feedback

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Save the Dates: North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest

Now celebrating its seventh year, the North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest (BFF) continues to grow. Funded entirely by grant money and donations, this free event is designed to introduce families to the joys of the boating and fishing lifestyles via hands-on and fun activities. Located directly behind the world-famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland, this year�s event takes place June 9-11.

�Thanks in large part to modern technology, today�s families are busier than ever,� said BFF committee member Sue Templar. �Cell phones, laptops with wireless Internet, video games, and the like are occupying more and more of our days. Quality time away from distractions is harder and harder to come by today. Boating and fishing, out on the water with friends and family, are great for bonding.�

Along those lines, members of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) will be getting people out on Lake Erie with 30-minute power and sailboat cruises. Additionally, the Division of Wildlife will be providing all equipment and expert instruction to kids interested in fishing Lake Erie aboard the charter boat Holiday. �What better way to introduce young families and children to the boating and fishing lifestyles than by getting them safely out on the water with family and friends,� Templar concluded.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

The popular Capt'n Willie the Great Lakes Pirate will be performing several times daily; providing a unique blend of Great Lakes knowledge, nautical nonsense and musical interaction, Capt'n Willie's mission is to present kids 10 and under with an interactive and fun education about the Great Lakes and boating safety.

The Grandon, one of two Division of Wildlife fish research vessels, will be open for tours. Charged with assessing and managing fish population and fisheries in Lake Erie's western and central basins and tributary streams, she monitors fish populations' abundance, growth, age, diet and health.

Learn firsthand how to build small boats from scratch from members of the Cleveland Amateur Boatbuilding and Boating Society (CABBS). Established in 1967 by do-it-yourselfers, CABBS� goal has always been to share its collective knowledge with others while promoting the joys of home boat building.

Replica model boats built to scale will be displayed by members of the Cleveland Model Boat Club. See PT boats, U.S. Coast Guard cutters, sailboats, submarines, and more and learn how to build your own working models.

Kids and adults alike are invited to participate in daily Best Dressed Pirate Costume Contests. A pirate-themed event, winners will be chosen daily and receive great prizes.

Life jackets, tackle boxes, rod/reel combos will be given away hourly during the event. Since its inception in 2000, over 900 life jackets, 1,000 tackle boxes, and 1,200 rod/reel combos have been given away to children attending the event.

Well-known musician Alex Bevan will be headlining the musical portion of the event. Talented bands and solo acts are set to perform throughout all three Festival days.

The North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest is partially funded through grants from the ODNR Division of Watercraft, the National Water Safety Congress, and The Cleveland Foundation�s Network Connection program.

For complete event information, go to http://www.boatingfest.com.

FESTIVAL HOURS:
Friday, June 9
11 am � 8 pm

Saturday, June 10
11 am � 8 pm

Sunday, June 11
11 am � 5 pm

ADMISSION:
Admission and activities at this event are FREE to the public.

ORGANIZERS:
The North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest is staged by member organizations of the non-profit Lake Erie Safe Boating Council (LESBC).

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Life Jacket Refresher: Remember, They�re Your Lifeline

With boating season right around the corner, organizations across the country, including LEMTA, are busy preparing to spread the message of safe and responsible boating. Awareness campaigns, safe boating classes and inspections, and regional events all play a part in keeping our waters safe; according to United States Coast Guard (USCG) statistics, very safe. Last year, despite more boats than ever on our nation's waters, the USCG recorded the lowest number of recreational boating fatalities in the history of the statistics. However, for the steady decrease in fatalities is to continue, boaters like you need to make an effort to be aware of the basics of safe boating. In this piece, we'll detail some of the basics of life jackets. Plus, we'll touch upon a program and an event that can supply you with no cost life jackets.

TYPES OF LIFE JACKETS:

TYPE I
Offshore Life Jacket
This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. It usually will turn an unconscious person face up and has over 22 pounds of buoyancy. This is the best PFD to keep you afloat in remote regions where rescue may be slow in coming.

TYPE II Near Shore
Buoyant Vest
This "classic" PFD comes in several sizes for adults and children and is for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. It is less bulky and less expensive than a Type I, and many will turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

TYPE III
Flotation Aid
These life jackets are generally considered the most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. They are for use in calm water where there is good chance of fast rescue since they will generally not turn an unconscious person face-up. Flotation aids come in many sizes and styles.

TYPE V
Special Use Device
Special use PFD's include work vests, deck suits, and hybrids for restricted use. Hybrid vests contain some internal buoyancy and are inflatable to provide additional flotation.

TYPE III and V
Inflatable Life Jacket
These are highly visible when inflated and turn most wearers and unconscious users face-up faster than traditional PFD's.

The USCG's Boating Safety web site is a terrific resource and includes, among many other things, detailed life jacket information; we recommend that you spend some time re-familiarizing yourself with some of the safe boating basics. Access their site at: http://www.uscgboating.org.

Simply wearing a life jacket isn't enough - anyone putting on a jacket should make sure that it fits properly and the straps, buckles or zipper are secure. PROPER FIT IS IMPORTANT! Be sure life jackets fit properly by following these steps:

Working in pairs, have one person (A) stand behind the other person (B) and test the life jacket for proper fit. While person B puts his arms straight overhead (similar to a football referee signaling a touchdown) person A should grasp the tops of person B's arm openings and gently pull up. As shown in the illustrations of Abby on the page, excess room above the arm openings and the life jacket "riding up" over the chin and face are signs of a "bad fit." A snug fit in these areas represents a "good fit."

A proper fit means once it's zippered and/or buckled, it should keep your head and upper shoulders above the water. If it fits too loose, the flotation will push the jacket up around your face. If your life jacket is too small, it won't keep your body afloat. When not using your life jacket (when you're not boating), store it in a readily accessible place away from sunlight and chemicals. Nylon and other synthetic materials used to make your life jacket will be harmed over time by ultra-violet radiation from the sun. Fabric that becomes discolored may indicate ultra-violet damage. In other words, don't leave your PFD hanging outside all summer exposed to the sun and expect it to be unharmed. Also, prolonged exposure to chemicals or exhaust fumes can attack the flotation's foam.

LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM FOR KIDS
Every parent wants to make sure his or her child is as safe as possible, and that goes double for parents who take their kids on the water. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water makes it easier for boating families to stay safe with its national life jacket loaner program. Around the country, over 350 marinas, fuel docks, BoatUS Towing Operators, and other waterfront businesses lend out kids' life jackets for the day or weekend to families who have a temporary need for one.

To find a BoatUS Life Jacket Loaner Program business near you, go to http://www.boatus.com/foundation/LJLP.

For a library of useful boating safety resources, click http://www.boatohio.com/safety.shtml.

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Boats

Shop more than 150 new and pre-owned boats from Ohio�s top dealers in the �Boats� section of BOATOhio.com. Use the quick and easy searchable database to specify exactly what you�re looking for (new/used, type, size range, make/model, and price range). To be even more specific, use the new keyword search (if you�re looking for Glastron boats, just type in �Glastron� and hit �Search�).

When you�ve found what you�re looking for, or if you have any questions, contact the seller directly from the site. The listings are always changing, so check back often.

To begin the search for your next (or first) boat, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boats_search.shtml.

~ Featured Boat ~

This month�s featured boat is a 2000 Parker 2801 Center Console from South Shore Marine. To view this boat, and all other boats listed by South Shore Marine, click on http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/webdata/webdata_boats.pl?cgifunction=Search&Dealer=South%20Shore%20Marine%20Services.

When contacting a particular boat�s owner/dealer, please tell them you found their listing on BOATOhio.com.

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Sell Your Boat

One low price until your boat sells. Don�t waste your time with ads that run only one time, reach far fewer prospects, and cost more. Utilize the power of BOATOhio.com to sell your boat.

This is a great opportunity to reach thousands of prospects currently in the market for a boat. After all, the boat listing section is consistently the most popular area on BOATOhio.com. Plus, the site draws the thousands of visitors who come online to get detailed information about our Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show and the North American In-Water Boat Show, not to mention the ever-growing North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest.

To list your boat, or to learn more about this great offer, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boatad.shtml

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LEMTA Dealers & Marinas

Formed nearly 50 years ago in 1957, the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) is a trades association of more than 110 recreational boat dealers, marina operators, and pleasure boat service companies located across northern Ohio. With exceptionally high standards for business practices, each LEMTA member company has exhibited responsibility in sales and service, and each has demonstrated continued support of recreational boating in Ohio.

Because it isn�t always easy for boaters and anglers to find the right products and services in a pinch, LEMTA has compiled a comprehensive online guide of products and services offered by its members.

Through the use of a searchable database, quickly and easily locate nearly any recreational boating product or service needed.

For a complete list of LEMTA member companies, and to access the searchable database, visit http://www.boatohio.com/guide_search.shtml

For assistance locating a specific product or service not listed on the site, please contact the LEMTA office at 440-899-5009 or LEMTA@aol.com.

To learn more about the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), go to http://www.LEMTA.com.

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Magazine

The BOATOhio.com Magazine features timely and interesting articles from experts in their chosen fields as well as from respected regional publications. From destinations and boat care tips to fishing and new boat reviews, this section has you covered.

Plus, be sure to stop by the �Magazine Library.� New stories are added daily and some of the most recent include useful gadgets and gear, system maintenance, restoration projects, sailing, freezer and fridge care, and more.

~ Magazine Library Article Excerpt ~

When a Motor Stalls, You Can Determine What Went Wrong and How to Fix It

Ten miles offshore the skies are cobalt blue, the water like glass. But while trolling along a promising weed line, the outboard motor on your center console suddenly dies and stubbornly refuses to restart. What do you do? The answer is as simple as the sea is salt. Immediately pull in the lines because you have a bigger problem than catching dolphin. Don�t succumb to the temptation to mindlessly crank and crank in hopes the dead engine will magically come back to life. It won�t. All you�ll do is drain the battery, at which point you�ll truly be dead in the water. Instead, follow these proven troubleshooting steps to determine exactly what has gone haywire.

Listen carefully. First, here�s the good news: An outboard�s behavior in the last few seconds before it conks out will often provide valuable diagnostic clues. If it stutters before giving up the ghost, a fault in fuel delivery is most likely the problem. In contrast, ignition failures are typically immediate and final. The engine either runs or it�s dead. You should also think about what you did prior to the motor failure. If you topped off the tanks and shortly thereafter the engine began to run rough, suspect contaminated fuel. If you recently removed the cowling to check the crankcase oil level, and soon thereafter the outboard started to cut out, you should remove the cowling once more and look for a pinched wire.

Trace the fuel Veteran troubleshooters are fond of posing the question, "Is it plugged in?" The translation: Is the engine getting gas? More specifically, you want to know if fuel is flowing without interruption all the way from the tank to the engine. To find out, you have to trace fuel flow every single step of the way. Is there ample gas inside the four cold walls of your fuel tank, or is it as dry as a bone? Don�t put your trust in the gauges because they are notorious for lying. If you�re certain there is fuel in the tank, then double-check whether the fuel valve is swung wide open, as it should be.

Check the filter At the fuel filter/water separator, open the bowl petcock to see whether water issues forth. A big volume of water means contaminated fuel. To remedy the problem, absorb any water in the gas with a can of fuel dryer, retrieved from your well-stocked spare parts kit�you have spares aboard, right? Healthy fuel, while lightly tinted for tax purposes, should be otherwise clear. Murky gas means emulsified water. Scrutinize the filter element. Is it plugged up with debris or reduced to paper pulp due to an excess of water? When in doubt, replace it with a spare. Avoid future engine shutdowns due to a plugged fuel filter by plumbing on the outlet side of the filter a dedicated vacuum gauge that reveals filter life at a glance with a green, yellow and red bar graph.

Find the rest of this story, as well as many more, by clicking http://www.boatohio.com/library.shtml

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BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters

It�s probably not surprising that 80% of today�s boaters were introduced to the lifestyle before age 12 by a friend or relative. Think back, had it not been for someone close to you would you today be a boater and/or angler?

Clearly, a hands-on introduction is the best way to introduce the next generation to boating and fishing. There isn�t a better way to spend quality time with those we care about than out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

When not out on the water, a great way to get and keep youngsters involved with the boating and fishing lifestyles is to point them to our special BOATOhio Kids section.

Filled with loads of fun, interactive games, activities, events, and books and videos, there are also links to other excellent boating and fishing sites geared towards kids.

Plus, there�s an �Ask the Expert� section featuring a nationally renowned boating safety expert.

Point your kids and grandkids to BOATOhio Kids, http://www.boatohio.com/kids/index.shtml

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Weekly Fishing Reports

Come back every Thursday from spring through fall and receive detailed reports for lakes and rivers throughout our great Buckeye State. From the Northwestern corner to the Southeastern tip, you�ll find useful news, an outlook for the upcoming week, and other beneficial tidbits of information. We've lined up a very knowledgeable source to help make your fishing experiences better than ever.

To access the weekly fishing reports, go to http://www.boatohio.com/reports.shtml

=======================================

Forums

Meet up with other anglers to discuss your favorite pastime. Question experts, lend a helping hand to others, make new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.

You�ll discover forums covering power boating, sailing, marine electronics, boat care and repair, destinations, rivers and inland lakes, and more.

Plus award-winning professional angler Jim Stedke moderates the popular �Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley� forum.

~ Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley ~

The hottest current topic is picking the right rod length for divers and jets. To join this discussion, or any of the other fishing topics, click on http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/forums/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID14&conf=DCConfID3

=======================================

Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)

Established to unify Ohio's recreational boating community, boat owners and industry alike, the BAO is widely recognized and respected by lawmakers in Columbus as the "voice of Ohio boating.� Together these entities have strengthened boating's presence in the Ohio State House by constantly keeping lawmakers aware of boating's interests and issues.

Over the years, BAO has benefited Ohio�s boaters in a number of substantial ways, perhaps most notably by winning a substantial increase in the amount of gas tax revenue allocated to the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund. Earmarked for launching ramps, docking facilities, and safety programs, millions of dollars annually goes into this Fund and directly benefits all of Ohio�s boaters.

To learn more about the BAO and how you can help further strength boating�s voice in Ohio, click on http://www.boatingassociations.com

=======================================

Events

~ Mark Your Calendars ~

North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest
June 9-11, 2006
Voinovich Park, behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.boatingfest.com

North American In-Water Boat Show
September 13-17, 2006
Cedar Point Marina
Sandusky, Ohio
http://www.cedarpointboatshow.com

Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show
January 12-21, 2007
International Exposition (I-X) Center
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.clevelandboatshow.com

=======================================

BOATOhio.net Email

Tired of being bombarded with junk mail and running out of storage space at your Yahoo! and Hotmail accounts? Would you like an e-mail address that gives a bit more insight into your personality and is just a bit more fun?

If you answered yes, then sign up for a FREE boatohio.net e-mail account! Featuring 6 megabytes (MB) of storage space, boatohio.net e-mail blows away both Yahoo! (4MB) and Hotmail (2MB).

To learn more and/or to sign up for your FREE boatohio.net e-mail account, go to http://www.boatohio.com/email.shtml

=======================================

FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription

Sign up now for a FREE Subscription to "Go Boating Magazine," courtesy of BOATOhio.com, and learn why more trailerable powerboat owners read "Go Boating" than any other boating magazine.

You'll find reviews on new boats, engines and equipment, expert how-to advice and the most complete buyer's guide in print.

Say yes to one of the best boating deals of the year, a FREE subscription to "Go Boating." There are absolutely no strings attached. This is a free offer with no cost or obligation.

To sign up for your FREE subscription to "Go Boating" Magazine, follow this link: http://www.goboatingamerica.com/free/default.asp?id=14

=======================================

Feedback *

We�d like your feedback regarding this e-newsletter, the web site and our boat shows in general. What additions would you like? What could you do without? How can we better serve you? E-mail slfergus@boatohio.com with your comments and suggestions.

=======================================
BOATOhio.com
www.boatohio.com
email: slfergus@boatohio.com
Copyright 2006 by LEMTA
www.lemta.com
=======================================

Subscribe to BOATOhio.com Newsletter via email by entering your email address below:

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: April 2006

2006-04-12T13:37:56Z

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter
April 2006
=======================================

The days are getting longer and those April showers are working on bringing us our May flowers; boating season must be right around the corner! We hope you�re busy planning a summer away from the grind of traffic jams and deadlines; a summer spent out on the water boating and fishing. To help you with your planning, we�ve put together this issue of the BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter. Featuring news of a new campaign created to improve and grow boating to a hands-on, and free, family event, this edition has a bit of everything.

Now enjoy the April edition of our e-Newsletter; it�s filled with loads of information that�ll help make your time out on the water more enjoyable. And as always, please feel free to forward this publication to interested friends and family. Boating and fishing are, after all, more than sports. They�re lifestyles best shared with loved ones.

Table of Contents
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Weekly Fishing Reports
Nationwide Grow Boating Campaign
7th Annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest
LEMTA Dealers & Marinas
Boats for Sale
Sell Your Boat
Magazine
BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters
Forums
Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)
Events
BOATOhio.net Email
FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription
Feedback

=======================================

Weekly Fishing Reports

Spring is here and so are the updated weekly fishing reports for the entire state of Ohio. Come back every Thursday from spring through fall and receive detailed reports for lakes and rivers throughout our great Buckeye State. From the Northwestern corner to the Southeastern tip, you will find useful news, an outlook for the upcoming week, and other beneficial tidbits of information. We've lined up a very knowledgeable source to help make your fishing experiences better than ever.

To access the weekly fishing reports, go to http://www.boatohio.com/reports.shtml

=======================================

Nationwide Grow Boating Campaign

For the first time in the history of the boating industry, a nationwide campaign is under way to introduce new people to the boating lifestyle while improving the experience for those who already enjoy the sport.

The campaign, which kicked off on April 1 with the support of the entire industry, very thoroughly addresses what needs to be done to grow and improve the boating lifestyle. Very generally, the program focuses on:
Dealer Certification
Boat Manufacturer Certification
Trailer Manufacturer Certification
Water Access Protection
Introduction of Boating to Non-Boaters

In the works for several years now, this initiative is something that�s going to positively impact the boating lifestyle. As boaters, you should be aware that the industry is working very hard to improve your overall experience. At the same time, we hope you�ll want to share the lifestyle with friends and relatives and help us grow the great sport of boating.

To learn more about the program, you can visit http://www.growboating.org. To see the excellent new Discover Boating web site, click on http://discoverboating.com; please consider forwarding this site to interested friends and family.

=======================================

7th Annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest

On the topic of growing boating, it�s almost time for the 7th annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest. What started out in 2000 as a small event aimed at current boaters has grown into a fun family-friendly festival with the express purpose of introducing new people to the boating and fishing lifestyles. This year�s shindig is set for June 9-11 at Voinovich Park, which is located in downtown Cleveland on the water directly behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

A free pirate-themed event, show goers can enjoy: 30-minute Lake Erie power and sailboat rides; charter fishing for kids on the Holiday with equipment and expert instruction from the Division of Wildlife provided; giveaways including 150 life jackets and 100�s of rod/reel combos and tackle boxes; live music from an eclectic list of performers; food and drink, from among many others, Captain Andy�s Original Fish Fry; tours of the fish research vessel, Grandon; best dressed pirate costume contests for kids and adults; and new this year, you might remember him from the Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show, Capt�n Willie the Great Lakes Pirate.

This event is a great place to introduce your friends and family to the boating and fishing lifestyles. After all, can you think of better ways to spend quality time with your loved ones than boating and fishing?

To learn more about this year�s festival, check out the web site at http://www.boatingfest.com

=======================================

LEMTA Dealers & Marinas

Formed nearly 50 years ago in 1957, the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) is a trades association of more than 110 recreational boat dealers, marina operators, and pleasure boat service companies located across northern Ohio. With exceptionally high standards for business practices, each LEMTA member company has exhibited responsibility in sales and service, and each has demonstrated continued support of recreational boating in Ohio.

Because it isn�t always easy for boaters and anglers to find the right products and services in a pinch, LEMTA has compiled a comprehensive online guide of products and services offered by its members.

Through the use of a searchable database, quickly and easily locate nearly any recreational boating product or service needed.

For a complete list of LEMTA member companies, and to access the searchable database, visit http://www.boatohio.com/guide_search.shtml

For assistance locating a specific product or service not listed on the site, please contact the LEMTA office at 440-899-5009 or LEMTA@aol.com.

To learn more about the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), go to http://www.LEMTA.com.

=======================================

Boats

Shop more than 150 new and pre-owned boats from Ohio�s top dealers in the �Boats� section of BOATOhio.com. Use the quick and easy searchable database to specify exactly what you�re looking for (new/used, type, size range, make/model, and price range). To be even more specific, use the new keyword search (if you�re looking for Glastron boats, just type in �Glastron� and hit �Search�).

When you�ve found what you�re looking for, or if you have any questions, contact the seller directly from the site. The listings are always changing, so check back often.

To begin the search for your next (or first) boat, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boats_search.shtml.

~ Featured Boat ~

This month�s featured boat is an 18� 2003 Grady White Center Console from Huron Lagoons Marina. To view this boat, and all other boats listed by Huron Lagoons Marina, click on http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/webdata/webdata_boats.pl?cgifunction=Search&Dealer=HURON%20LAGOONS%20MARINA

When contacting a particular boat�s owner/dealer, please tell them you found their listing on BOATOhio.com.

=======================================

Sell Your Boat

Utilize the power of BOATOhio.com and list your boat until it sells�all for one low cost. Don�t waste your time with ads that run only one time, reach far fewer prospects, and cost as much or more.

This is a great opportunity to reach thousands of prospects currently in the market for a boat. After all, the boat listing section is consistently the most popular area on BOATOhio.com. Plus, the site draws the thousands of visitors who come online to get detailed information about our Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show and the North American In-Water Boat Show, not to mention the ever-growing North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest.

To list your boat, or to learn more about this great offer, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boatad.shtml

=======================================

Magazine

The BOATOhio.com Online Magazine features timely and interesting articles from experts in their chosen fields as well as from respected regional publications. From destinations and boat care tips to fishing and new boat reviews, this section has you covered.

Plus, be sure to stop by the �Magazine Library.� New stories are added daily and some of the most recent include useful gadgets and gear, system maintenance, restoration projects, sailing, freezer and fridge care, and more.

~ Magazine Library Article Excerpt ~

Jacks of All Trades:
Jackplate Buyers Guide features the latest offerings from the industry�s 13 leading manufacturers

So, you�re trying to get better performance out of your boat and you�ve been thinking about putting on a jackplate. Or you already have a jackplate on your rig, but you�re not sure if it�s the right one. Either way, you need some answers. Well, you�ve come to the right place.

Let�s start with the basics:

Take Me Higher
In the beginning, outboard motors were small, portable units that you plopped on the transom, tightened the clamps, yanked on a rope to start the thing and off you went.

It wasn�t long before people began messing around with their boats and motors in the quest for more speed. More adventurous souls soon discovered that raising the outboard up off the transom board a bit seemed to let the motor turn easier, and if they put a higher-pitch prop on, the boat would go faster than it did with the engine all the way down.

The principle behind this is that when you elevate the outboard, there�s less of the gearcase in the water, hence less drag. Reducing drag often means that the engine doesn�t have to work as hard to push the boat; therefore, with less load on the motor, rpm tend to increase. In many cases, you�ll gain so many rpm by raising the engine that you can turn a higher-pitch propeller � and by using a prop with more pitch, you�ll probably see an increase in top speed.

However, it /is/ possible to move the engine up so far off the transom that the prop will lose traction and slip when you�re trying to get the boat on plane � like tires on wet pavement.

More importantly, your outboard gets its cooling water from pickups (small holes) in the gearcase, and if those water pickups are too high, the engine won�t be able to get enough water to keep it cool � not a good thing.

If you�re gonna play with engine height (with or without a jackplate), make sure you have a water-pressure gauge that will allow you to monitor your motor�s water supply.

Way Back There
If you peek over the transom while underway, you�ll probably see the water behind the boat rising up several inches in the center as it flows past the transom.

Early boat racers noticed this phenomenon, and in addition to raising the motor up off the transom, these intrepid competitors began experimenting with brackets to move the outboard a short distance back and up � at the same time. The boats seemed to like this, and the drivers were rewarded with quicker planing, better handling and higher top speeds than they�d ever experienced before. It was an epiphany in the world of high-performance boating.

We�ve already touched on how higher engine heights can help you find more speed, but how does positioning the outboard a specific distance behind the transom improve performance?

First, setting the motor behind the transom moves the boat�s center of gravity further aft, so the back of the boat is heavier than the front. Imagine a balanced teeter-totter at a playground; now, in your mind�s eye, scoot some weight all the way to one end of the board�the heavy end goes down and the lighter end goes up, right? Same thing with a boat: Put a heavy engine on a bracket (or jackplate) and the transom tends to go down while the bow will have a tendency to rise up.

So it stands to reason that moving a boat�s center of gravity aft (effectively making the back of the boat heavier than the front) would naturally bring the bow up, improving time-to-plane, and helping the boat to generate lift at speed.

Secondly, the water exiting under the transom is unbelievably turbulent and aerated, thus the propeller must struggle through this bubbly, tormented fluid to generate thrust.

But the �dirty� water pretty much subsides a short ways behind the boat; the bubbles and the crazy currents expend their energy and dissipate, leaving much �cleaner,� relatively undisturbed /agua/. If you place the engine (and consequently the propeller) aft of the transom in this �cleaner� water, the prop can operate more efficiently and with more �bite� than it would if it had to digest the water directly under the transom.

Which takes us to our third point: Remember how the water flowing out from under the transom has a propensity to curl up higher than the bottom of the boat? Wouldn�t it make sense, then, that if you put the engine/gearcase/prop far enough back from the transom to take advantage of the �clean� water in point number two, that you could also mount the engine higher than the boat bottom, and still maintain water pressure and keep the propeller hooked up?

Yeah, that�s a lot of �what ifs,� but if all this makes just a little bit of sense, congratulations � you�ve discovered the basic tenet of jackplate science.

Find the rest of this story, as well as many more, by clicking http://www.boatohio.com/library.shtml

=======================================

BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters

It�s probably not surprising that 80% of today�s boaters were introduced to the lifestyle before age 12 by a friend or relative. Think back, had it not been for someone close to you would you today be a boater and/or angler?

Clearly, a hands-on introduction is the best way to introduce the next generation to boating and fishing. There isn�t a better way to spend quality time with those we care about than out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

During the off-season, a great way to get and keep youngsters involved with the boating and fishing lifestyles is to point them to our special BOATOhio Kids section.

Filled with loads of fun, interactive games, activities, events, and books and videos, there are also links to other excellent boating and fishing sites geared towards kids.

Plus, there�s an �Ask the Expert� section featuring a nationally renowned boating safety expert.

Point your kids and grandkids to BOATOhio Kids, http://www.boatohio.com/kids/index.shtml

=======================================

Forums

�Meet� up with other boaters and anglers to discuss your favorite pastime. Question experts, lend a helping �hand� to others, make new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.

You�ll discover forums covering power boating, sailing, marine electronics, boat care and repair, destinations, rivers and inland lakes, and more.

Plus award-winning professional angler Jim Stedke moderates the popular �Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley� forum.

~ Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley ~

The current hot topic is picking the right rod length for divers and jets. To join this discussion, or any of the other fishing topics, click on http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/forums/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID14&conf=DCConfID3

=======================================

Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)

Established to unify Ohio's recreational boating community, boat owners and industry alike, the BAO is widely recognized and respected by lawmakers in Columbus as the "voice of Ohio boating.� Together these entities have strengthened boating's presence in the Ohio State House by constantly keeping lawmakers aware of boating's interests and issues.

Over the years, BAO has benefited Ohio�s boaters in a number of substantial ways, perhaps most notably by winning a substantial increase in the amount of gas tax revenue allocated to the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund. Earmarked for launching ramps, docking facilities, and safety programs, millions of dollars annually goes into this Fund and directly benefits all of Ohio�s boaters.

To learn more about the BAO and how you can help further strength boating�s voice in Ohio, click on http://www.boatingassociations.com

=======================================

Events

~ Mark Your Calendars ~

North Coast Harbor Boating, Fishing & Seafood Fest
June 9-11, 2006
Voinovich Park (behind the Rock Hall)
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.boatingfest.com

North American In-Water Boat Show
September 13-17, 2006
Cedar Point Marina
Sandusky, Ohio
http://www.cedarpointboatshow.com

Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show
January 12-21, 2007
International Exposition (I-X) Center
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.clevelandboatshow.com

=======================================

BOATOhio.net Email

Tired of being bombarded with junk mail and running out of storage space at your Yahoo! and Hotmail accounts? Would you like an e-mail address that gives a bit more insight into your personality and is just a bit more fun?

If you answered yes, then sign up for a FREE boatohio.net e-mail account! Featuring 6 megabytes (MB) of storage space, boatohio.net e-mail blows away both Yahoo! (4MB) and Hotmail (2MB).

To learn more and/or to sign up for your FREE boatohio.net e-mail account, go to http://www.boatohio.com/email.shtml

=======================================

FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription

Sign up now for a FREE Subscription to "Go Boating Magazine," courtesy of BOATOhio.com, and learn why more trailerable powerboat owners read "Go Boating" than any other boating magazine.

You'll find reviews on new boats, engines and equipment, expert how-to advice and the most complete buyer's guide in print.

Say yes to one of the best boating deals of the year, a FREE subscription to "Go Boating." There are absolutely no strings attached. This is a free offer with no cost or obligation.

To sign up for your FREE subscription to "Go Boating" Magazine, follow this link: http://www.goboatingamerica.com/free/default.asp?id=14

=======================================

Feedback *

We�d like your feedback regarding this e-newsletter, the web site and our boat shows in general. What additions would you like? What could you do without? How can we better serve you? E-mail slfergus@boatohio.com with your comments and suggestions.

=======================================
BOATOhio.com
www.boatohio.com
email: slfergus@boatohio.com
Copyright 2006 by LEMTA
www.lemta.com
=======================================

Subscribe to BOATOhio.com Newsletter via email by entering your email address below:

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: March 2006

2006-03-13T14:45:58Z

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter
March 2006
=======================================

The days are getting longer and temperatures are soaring upwards; spring must be near! In fact, the first day of spring is only 8 days away�March 21. We hope winter has treated you well and that you�re busy preparing for an exciting 2006 out on the water.

Now enjoy the March edition of our e-Newsletter; it�s filled with loads of information that�ll help make your time boating and fishing more enjoyable. And as always, please feel free to forward this publication to interested friends and family. Boating and fishing are�after all�more than sports. They�re lifestyles best shared with loved ones.

Table of Contents
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Magazine
LEMTA Dealers & Marinas
Boats for Sale
Sell Your Boat
BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters
Forums
Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)
Events
BOATOhio.net Email
FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription
Feedback

=======================================

Magazine

The BOATOhio.com Online Magazine features timely and interesting articles from experts in their chosen fields as well as from respected regional publications. From destinations and boat care tips to fishing and new boat reviews, this section has you covered.

Plus, be sure to stop by the �Magazine Library.� New stories are added daily and some of the most recent include useful gadgets and gear, system maintenance, restoration projects, sailing, freezer and fridge care, and more.

~ Magazine Library Article Excerpt ~

The Button That Will Save Your Life:
The Coast Guard�s new Rescue 21 system brings 911 to the seas

If you�ve seen a new VHF/DSC radio recently, you may have noticed there�s a little red button. It can save your life. Lift the cover, press the button for five seconds and your radio will tell the Coast Guard�s Rescue 21 VHF communication system and every vessel in radio range that�s equipped with a digital selective calling (DSC) radio that you need assistance. It will also tell who you are, where you are and the reason for your distress call. Your radio will automatically repeat the Mayday until it receives a DSC response from the Coast Guard. You will then hear the Coast Guard calling your vessel on channel 16. With every local DSC radio aware of your distress call and your precise position, it�s very possible that someone may come to your assistance even before the Coast Guard arrives. Consider it the first 911 service for the seas and the most significant improvement in coastal search and rescue since radio.

The urgent need for the system was brought painfully into focus by an incident that happened off Charleston, S. C., on December 29, 1997. Morning Dew, a 34-foot sailboat crewed by the owner, his two teenage sons and a nephew crashed into a jetty at the harbor mouth in Charleston at around 2 a.m. All four drowned, with hypothermia a contributing cause. For various reasons spelled out in the accident report, the Coast Guard did not respond adequately to Morning Dew�s Mayday radio call because of faulty communications. The problems lay both in the use of the vessel�s radio equipment and in the 1970�s-era Coast Guard monitoring system.

At the time, the Rescue 21 system was in its early stages of development, but the Morning Dew incident focused intense interest on the flaws of the aging Coast Guard communication system and the benefits of replacing it. The new Rescue 21 system got the green light. Originally estimated to cost about $300 million, it is now expected to cost about $710 million, with $101 million allocated for 2006.

The system was developed by General Dynamics and evolved from work done by the U.S. and other countries in developing the Global Maritime Distress Signaling System (GMDSS) and its use of the VHF/DSC system to send digital distress hailing calls. Typically, personnel who man the Coast Guard�s existing VHF communication system listen to a number of radios tuned to channel 16, the international hailing and distress frequency, alert for a Mayday call among all of the routine traffic. Rescue 21 improves the channel 16 monitoring system by providing new radios and new antennas and instant high-quality voice playback. In addition, automatic direction finders at each antenna site enable the system�s computers to automatically plot the most probable position of any calling station. It can also record Mayday calls sent with DSC hailing (the red button on your radio) and automatically plot bearings to both DSC and voice calls on channel 16 and other working channels.

I was at the official inauguration of Rescue 21 for the Eastern Shore (stations at Atlantic City, N.J., and Chincoteague, Va.) last December and got to see how it works.

Find the rest of this story, as well as many more, by clicking: http://www.boatohio.com/library.shtml

=======================================

LEMTA Dealers & Marinas

Formed nearly 50 years ago in 1957, the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) is a trade association of more than 100 recreational boat dealers, marina operators, and pleasure boat service companies located across northern Ohio. With exceptionally high standards for business practices, each LEMTA member company has exhibited responsibility in sales and service, and each has demonstrated continued support of recreational boating in Ohio.

Because it isn�t always easy for boaters and anglers to find the right products and services in a pinch, LEMTA has compiled a comprehensive online guide of products and services offered by its members.

Through the use of a searchable database, quickly and easily locate nearly any recreational boating product or service needed.

For a complete list of LEMTA member companies, and to access the searchable database, visit http://www.boatohio.com/guide_search.shtml.

If you need assistance locating a specific product or service not listed on the site, please contact the LEMTA office at 440-899-5009 or LEMTA@aol.com.

To learn more about the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), go to http://www.LEMTA.com.

=======================================

Boats

Shop more than 150 new and pre-owned boats from Ohio�s top dealers in the �Boats� section of BOATOhio.com. Use the quick and easy searchable database to specify exactly what you�re looking for (new/used, type, size range, make/model, and price range). To be even more specific, use the new keyword search (if you�re looking for Glastron boats, just type in �Glastron� and hit �Search�).

When you�ve found what you�re looking for, or if you have any questions, contact the seller directly from the site. The listings are always changing, so check back often.

To begin the search for your next (or first) boat, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boats_search.shtml.

~ Featured Boat ~

This month�s featured boat is a 2003 Trophy 1703 Center Console from South Shore Marine. To view this boat, and all other boats listed by South Shore Marine, click on: http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/webdata/webdata_boats.pl?cgifunction=Search&Dealer=South%20Shore%20Marine%20Services

=======================================

Sell Your Boat

Utilize the power of BOATOhio.com and list your boat until it sells�all for one low cost. Don�t waste your time with ads that run only one time, reach far fewer prospects, and cost as much or more.

This is a great opportunity to reach thousands of prospects currently in the market for a boat. After all, the boat listing section is consistently the most popular area on BOATOhio.com. Plus, the site draws the thousands of visitors who come online to get detailed information about our Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show and the North American In-Water Boat Show.

To list your boat, or to get complete information, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boatad.shtml.

=======================================

BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters

It�s probably not surprising that 80% of today�s boaters were introduced to the lifestyle before age 12 by a friend or relative. Think back, had it not been for someone close to you would you today be a boater and/or angler?

Clearly, a hands-on introduction is the best way to introduce the next generation to boating and fishing. There isn�t a better way to spend quality time with those we care about than out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

During the off-season, a great way to get and keep youngsters involved with the boating and fishing lifestyles is to point them to our special BOATOhio Kids section.

Filled with loads of fun, interactive games, activities, events, and books and videos, there are also links to other excellent boating and fishing sites geared towards kids.

Plus, there�s an �Ask the Expert� section featuring a nationally renowned boating safety expert.

Point your kids and grandkids to BOATOhio Kids, http://www.boatohio.com/kids/index.shtml.

=======================================

Forums

�Meet� up with other boaters and anglers to discuss your favorite pastime. Question experts, lend a helping �hand� to others, make new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.

You�ll discover forums covering power boating, sailing, marine electronics, boat care and repair, destinations, rivers and inland lakes, and more.

Plus award-winning professional angler Jim Stedke moderates the popular �Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley� forum.

~ Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley ~

The current hot topic is the 4th annual Huron Schools Booster Club Tournament. To join this discussion, or any of the other fishing topics, click on: http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/forums/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID14&conf=DCConfID3

=======================================

Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)

Established to unify Ohio's recreational boating community, boat owners and industry alike, the BAO is widely recognized and respected by lawmakers in Columbus as the "voice of Ohio boating.� Together these entities have strengthened boating's presence in the Ohio State House by constantly keeping lawmakers aware of boating's interests and issues.

Over the years, BAO has benefited Ohio�s boaters in a number of substantial ways, perhaps most notably by winning a substantial increase in the amount of gas tax revenue allocated to the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund. Earmarked for launching ramps, docking facilities, and safety programs, millions of dollars annually goes into this Fund and directly benefits all of Ohio�s boaters.

To learn more about the BAO and how you can help further strength boating�s voice in Ohio, click on http://www.boatingassociations.com.

=======================================

Events

~ Mark Your Calendars ~

North Coast Harbor Boating, Fishing & Seafood Fest
June 9-11, 2006
Voinovich Park (behind the Rock Hall)
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.boatingfest.com

North American In-Water Boat Show
September 13-17, 2006
Cedar Point Marina
Sandusky, Ohio
http://www.cedarpointboatshow.com

Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show
January 12-21, 2007
International Exposition (I-X) Center
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.clevelandboatshow.com

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BOATOhio.net Email

Tired of being bombarded with junk mail and running out of storage space at your Yahoo! and Hotmail accounts? Would you like an e-mail address that gives a bit more insight into your personality and is just a bit more fun?

If you answered yes, then sign up for a FREE boatohio.net e-mail account! Featuring 6 megabytes (MB) of storage space, boatohio.net e-mail blows away both Yahoo! (4MB) and Hotmail (2MB).

To learn more and/or to sign up for your FREE boatohio.net e-mail account, go to http://www.boatohio.com/email.shtml.

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FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription

Sign up now for a FREE Subscription to "Go Boating Magazine" - courtesy of BOATOhio.com - and learn why more trailerable powerboat owners read "Go Boating" than any other boating magazine.

You'll find reviews on new boats, engines and equipment, expert how-to advice and the most complete buyer's guide in print.

Say yes to one of the best boating deals of the year, a FREE subscription to "Go Boating." There are absolutely no strings attached. This is a free offer with no cost or obligation.

To sign up for your FREE subscription to "Go Boating" Magazine, follow this link: http://www.goboatingamerica.com/free/default.asp?id=14

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Feedback *

We�d like your feedback regarding this e-newsletter, the web site and our boat shows in general. What additions would you like? What could you do without? How can we better serve you? E-mail slfergus@boatohio.com with your comments and suggestions.

=======================================
BOATOhio.com
www.boatohio.com
email: slfergus@boatohio.com
Copyright 2006 by LEMTA
www.lemta.com
=======================================

Subscribe to BOATOhio.com Newsletter via email by entering your email address below:

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: February 2006

2006-02-09T11:02:44Z

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter
February 2006
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After a terrifically warm and snow free January, winter has returned with a fury. The good news is that the first day of spring is March 21; only 41 days away! In the meantime, we hope you�re busy daydreaming of AND preparing for an exciting 2006 spent out on the water.

Now enjoy the February edition of our e-Newsletter; it�s filled with loads of information that�ll help make your time boating and fishing more enjoyable. And as always, please feel free to forward this publication to interested friends and family. Boating and fishing are�after all�more than sports. They�re lifestyles best shared with loved ones.

Table of Contents
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Magazine
LEMTA Dealers & Marinas
Boats for Sale
Sell Your Boat
BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters
Forums
Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)
Events
BOATOhio.net Email
FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription
Feedback

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Magazine

The BOATOhio.com Online Magazine features timely and interesting articles from experts in their chosen fields as well as from respected regional publications. From destinations and boat care tips to fishing and new boat reviews, this section has you covered.

Plus, be sure to stop by the �Magazine Library.� New stories are added daily and some of the most recent include useful gadgets and gear, system maintenance, restoration projects, sailing, freezer and fridge care, and more.

~ Magazine Library Article Excerpt ~

Radio Savvy

It wouldn�t be surprising to learn that the VHF is the single most important piece of communication electronics in the marine environment. Just about everyone has one on board, and some carry handhelds as a backup. They are so commonplace that often they are taken for granted. Are you getting the full benefit from yours?

It is common knowledge that the U.S. Coast Guard monitors Channel 16 as the designated emergency communication frequency. It�s hard to ignore the fact since most radios are programmed with a default return-to-16 function and/or a one-button function to do the same. Everyone who has a VHF realizes that it is a primary emergency tool.

The Coast Guard has had its mission altered since 9/11 and subsequent funding shifted from recreational boating concerns to guarding our ocean borders. Private assistance towboat operators have filled the gap as purveyors of the rescue function (for a fee) and closely monitor Channel 16 as a type of supplemental support for the Coast Guard. Has this system been an adequate substitute?

Something New

While rescue is the last thing on a boater�s mind as he or she heads out for a day on the water, the VHF radio traditionally offered a bit of comfort as the proverbial safety net for unexpected circumstances. If your VHF radio is new since January 2001, there is an added function that helps to return this equipment to its importance as a frontline responder, plus a lot more.

Technology is continually enhancing our lives and improving our level of safety. Recreational boating is a huge benefactor of this process, which is abundantly clear to anyone who has noticed the improvements in the major pieces of electronics equipment: radar, chart plotters and fish finders. But behind the scenes, no other piece of equipment has experienced as great an improvement as VHF.

Find the rest of the story, and many more, by clicking: http://www.boatohio.com/library.shtml

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LEMTA Dealers & Marinas

Formed nearly 50 years ago in 1957, the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) is a trade association of more than 100 recreational boat dealers, marina operators, and pleasure boat service companies located across northern Ohio. With exceptionally high standards for business practices, each LEMTA member company has exhibited responsibility in sales and service, and each has demonstrated continued support of recreational boating in Ohio.

Because it isn�t always easy for boaters and anglers to find the right products and services in a pinch, LEMTA has compiled a comprehensive online guide of products and services offered by its members.

Through the use of a searchable database, quickly and easily locate nearly any recreational boating product or service needed.

For a complete list of LEMTA member companies, and to access the searchable database, visit http://www.boatohio.com/guide_search.shtml.

If you need assistance locating a specific product or service not listed on the site, please contact the LEMTA office at 440-899-5009 or LEMTA@aol.com.

To learn more about the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), go to http://www.LEMTA.com.

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Boats

Shop more than 150 new and pre-owned boats from Ohio�s top dealers in the �Boats� section of BOATOhio.com. Use the quick and easy searchable database to specify exactly what you�re looking for (new/used, type, size range, make/model, and price range). To be even more specific, use the new keyword search (if you�re looking for Glastron boats, just type in �Glastron� and hit �Search�).

When you�ve found what you�re looking for, or if you have any questions, contact the seller directly from the site. The listings are always changing, so check back often.

To begin the search for your next (or first) boat, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boats_search.shtml.

~ Featured Boat ~

This month�s featured boat is a 2003 Formula 260 Sun Sport from South Shore Marine. To view this boat, and all other boats listed by South Shore Marine, click on: http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/webdata/webdata_boats.pl?cgifunction=Search&Dealer=South%20Shore%20Marine%20Services

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Sell Your Boat

Utilize the power of BOATOhio.com and list your boat until it sells�all for one low cost. Don�t waste your time with ads that run only one time, reach far fewer prospects, and cost as much or more.

This is a great opportunity to reach thousands of prospects currently in the market for a boat. After all, the boat listing section is consistently the most popular area on BOATOhio.com. Plus, the site draws the thousands of visitors who come online to get detailed information about our Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show and the North American In-Water Boat Show.

To list your boat, or to get complete information, go to http://www.boatohio.com/boatad.shtml.

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BOATOhio Kids: Fun for Youngsters

It�s probably not surprising that 80% of today�s boaters were introduced to the lifestyle before age 12 by a friend or relative. Think back, had it not been for someone close to you would you today be a boater and/or angler?

Clearly, a hands-on introduction is the best way to introduce the next generation to boating and fishing. There isn�t a better way to spend quality time with those we care about than out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

During the off-season, a great way to get and keep youngsters involved with the boating and fishing lifestyles is to point them to our special BOATOhio Kids section.

Filled with loads of fun, interactive games, activities, events, and books and videos, there are also links to other excellent boating and fishing sites geared towards kids.

Plus, there�s an �Ask the Expert� section featuring a nationally renowned boating safety expert.

Point your kids and grandkids to BOATOhio Kids, http://www.boatohio.com/kids/index.shtml.

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Forums

�Meet� up with other boaters and anglers to discuss your favorite pastime. Question experts, lend a helping �hand� to others, make new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.

You�ll discover forums covering power boating, sailing, marine electronics, boat care and repair, destinations, rivers and inland lakes, and more.

Plus award-winning professional angler Jim Stedke moderates the popular �Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley� forum.

~ Ask the Expert: Angler�s Alley ~

The current hot topic is spring fishing. To join this discussion, or any of the other fishing topics, click on http://www.boatohio.com/cgi-bin/forums/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID14&conf=DCConfID3.

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Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO)

Established to unify Ohio's recreational boating community, boat owners and industry alike, the BAO is widely recognized and respected by lawmakers in Columbus as the "voice of Ohio boating.� Together these entities have strengthened boating's presence in the Ohio State House by constantly keeping lawmakers aware of boating's interests and issues.

Over the years, BAO has benefited Ohio�s boaters in a number of substantial ways, perhaps most notably by winning a substantial increase in the amount of gas tax revenue allocated to the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund. Earmarked for launching ramps, docking facilities, and safety programs, millions of dollars annually goes into this Fund and directly benefits all of Ohio�s boaters.

To learn more about the BAO and how you can help further strength boating�s voice in Ohio, click on http://www.boatingassociations.com.

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Events

~ Mark Your Calendars ~

North Coast Harbor Boating, Fishing & Seafood Fest
June 9-11, 2006
Voinovich Park (behind the Rock Hall)
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.boatingfest.com

North American In-Water Boat Show
September 13-17, 2006
Cedar Point Marina
Sandusky, Ohio
http://www.cedarpointboatshow.com

Cleveland Mid-America Boat Show
January 12-21, 2007
International Exposition (I-X) Center
Cleveland, Ohio
http://www.clevelandboatshow.com

=======================================

BOATOhio.net Email

Tired of being bombarded with junk mail and running out of storage space at your Yahoo! and Hotmail accounts? Would you like an e-mail address that gives a bit more insight into your personality and is just a bit more fun?

If you answered yes, then sign up for a FREE boatohio.net e-mail account! Featuring 6 megabytes (MB) of storage space, boatohio.net e-mail blows away both Yahoo! (4MB) and Hotmail (2MB).

To learn more and/or to sign up for your FREE boatohio.net e-mail account, go to http://www.boatohio.com/email.shtml.

=======================================

FREE "Go Boating" Magazine Subscription

Sign up now for a FREE Subscription to "Go Boating Magazine" - courtesy of BOATOhio.com - and learn why more trailerable powerboat owners read "Go Boating" than any other boating magazine.

You'll find reviews on new boats, engines and equipment, expert how-to advice and the most complete buyer's guide in print.

Say yes to one of the best boating deals of the year, a FREE subscription to "Go Boating." There are absolutely no strings attached. This is a free offer with no cost or obligation.

To sign up for your FREE subscription to "Go Boating" Magazine, follow this link: http://www.goboatingamerica.com/free/default.asp?id=14

=======================================

Feedback *

We�d like your feedback regarding this e-newsletter, the web site and our boat shows in general. What additions would you like? What could you do without? How can we better serve you? E-mail slfergus@boatohio.com with your comments and suggestions.

=======================================
BOATOhio.com
www.boatohio.com
email: slfergus@boatohio.com
Copyright 2006 by LEMTA
www.lemta.com
=======================================

Subscribe to BOATOhio.com Newsletter via email by entering your email address below:

BOATOhio.com Newsletter

The 8th Annaul Boating & Fishing Fest drops anchor this weekend!

FREE FAMILY WEEKEND June 9-10 at Downtown Cleveland Boating & Fishing Fest!

FREE in-water boat show and golf fest this weekend at Catawba Island!

*FREE* Catawba Island Boat Show & Golf Fest May 4-6

All-New Cleveland Boat & Waterfront Lifestyle Expo - January 12 - 21!

Cleveland Boat & Waterfront Lifestyle Expo tickets on sale at Marc's!

North American In-Water Boat Show, Cedar Point - September 13 - 17

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: May 2006

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: April 2006

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: March 2006

BOATOhio.com e-Newsletter: February 2006

FREE Catawba Island Boat Show & Golf Fest May 4-6