Detroit Boat Show and New GLORE Event
to Kick Off 2010 Boating Season!

By the time mid-February rolls around, you know it's time to shake off those winter blahs and find a cure for cabin fever. There's no better remedy than the 52nd Annual Detroit Boat Show, which runs Feb. 13 – 21 at Cobo Center. And this year, there's a brand new show that opens during the final weekend of the Boat Show: It's the new Great Lakes Outdoor and Recreation Expo, which runs Feb. 18 -21, also at Cobo (see separate story, below).

With Michigan's best dealers all under one roof, offering the best pricing of the year, there is no better way to compare and shop for a new boat. Many dealers and manufacturers offer early order discounts as an added incentive to buy at the show. Boats purchased at the show can be customized and ready for a spring launch.

"The Detroit Boat Show is a great event to attend whether you are in the market to buy a boat, or if you are just looking for an opportunity to have some family fun," said Boat Show Manager Van Snider. "We bring hundreds of boats for fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, pontooning, and cruising to Cobo for easy comparison shopping, but we also fill the hall with great activities and promotions for those looking for some entertainment or something to do with their families, friends, or kids." 

Visit hundreds of exhibitors displaying ski boats, fishing boats, cabin cruisers, bow riders, pontoons and personal watercrafts. Also available for purchase are motors, dockage, water toys, skiing and wakeboarding gear, boating and fishing accessories, electronics, boat gear, jewelry, nautical gifts, artwork and much more—all under one roof in a casual and fun environment.

In addition to hundreds of boats, motors and accessories, the Detroit Boat Show is proud to offer special features that make this event fun for everyone. Come see the boats and enjoy the attractions - a day at the Detroit Boat Show is a well deserved taste of summer in the middle of Michigan's winter.

Tackle Town & Fishing Camp USA
Come see what is new in the world of tackle and take the opportunity to join in the Q&A sessions with the fishing pros.

Boating & Fishing Seminars
Sit in on presentations by some of the areas greatest fisherman as they talk about their fishing techniques and hot spots all across Michigan. Boating seminars will cover safety tips, family boating fun, paddling basics and how to get started in boating.

Wake Board Simulator
Join the fun, experience the thrill of skiing and wakeboarding like the pros in this lifelike simulator. You'll want to do it again and again!

Free Admission to active military, law enforcement and fire fighters
To thank active duty military, law enforcement and fire fighters for service to the Metro Detroit community, the 2010 Detroit Boat Show is offering FREE Admission throughout the nine-day event to those who present a valid ID upon admission.

Green Boating Display
Everyone is going green and boating is no stranger to this trend. Come see cutting edge products, services, supplies that support Michigan's green initiative. 

Boats Under $200 per Month
Boating is a smart investment as it offers a summer full of fun for a low monthly fee. Come view a selection of boats for fishing, cruising, or towing - all for the affordable price of $200 per month.

Capt'n Willie The Great Lakes Pirate
Have fun with Captain Willie as you learn valuable safety information and fascinating lore from this Great Lakes Pirate.  Capt'n Willie will be at the show Feb. 13-15.

Shake a Paw with Salty Dog
Come meet the show's lovable mascot, Salty Dog. Salty loves kids and can usually be found passing out fun stuff to the littlest boaters at the show.

Adopt A Pet Weekend!
Opening weekend will feature a pet adoption. Meet some great boating companions and maybe take one home.  Bring your favorite boating pet photo (not your pet) and you could win a prize.

Lego Boat Building Contest
Bring in your best Lego boat and you can enter to win a $100 gift card. Contest open to children 12 and under.  

Pirates Wheel of Treasure
Kids can head out on a treasure hunt through the show and when they find it they can spin the Pirates Wheel of Treasure to see what they have won.

Antique and Classic Boat Display
Come see a dazzling display of antique boats, preserved or restored to pristine condition. These sleek wooden beauties offer a glimpse into the past and define boating's history.

Show Hours are Saturdays, Monday & Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can save $1 a ticket when you purchase your tickets online. Parking is available at Cobo Center and surrounding lots. For more information visit www.detroitboatshow.net.

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Great Lakes Outdoor Recreation Expo
to be Held in February

As you read in the last Belle Maer Navigator, the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), has announced the launch of a new consumer event called the Great Lakes Outdoor Recreation Expo (GLORE) to be held February 18 – 21, 2010 at Cobo Exhibition and Conference Center. It will be held during the last four days of the upcoming 52nd annual Detroit Boat Show running from February 13 – 21, 2010.

As more individuals and families travel shorter distances from home and take shorter vacations or mini-vacations, the Great Lakes Outdoor Recreation Expo will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities close to home. Exhibits will include but not limited to: paddle sports (kayaking, canoeing, rafting), hiking, cycling, camping, all-terrain vehicles, power and sailboats, hunting, snow and water-skiing, snowmobiling, bird-watching, fishing, health and fitness, scuba, parks, destinations, resorts, sporting equipment and related equipment and accessories.

"The Great Lakes Outdoor Recreation Expo is a natural extension of our highly successful boat show at Cobo Center. This new show, combined with the Detroit Boat Show already drawing more than 65,000 attendees, will provide attendees with a wonderful opportunity to learn about outdoor recreational choices, attend meaningful seminars, search for and purchase recreational equipment and accessories, as well as plan experiences the entire family will enjoy ," stated Van Snider, President of the MBIA. He continued by saying "by the time February rolls around, all of us have cabin-fever and attending these two shows reminds us how lucky we are that we have unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation in Michigan's outdoor wonderland. Mom said 'Go outside and play' and there isn't a better place to participate in outdoor recreation than Michigan and the Great Lakes states."

GLORE Show Hours: Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. You can save $1 a ticket when you purchase your tickets online. Click on the ticket to the left to purchase tickets now.

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Clean Marina Open House Held,
Belle Maer is Recognized

Eric Foster and Rep. Candice Miller

The Michigan Clean Marina Program hosted a special open house Sept. 28 to recognize new certifications and welcome U.S. Rep. Candice Miller. She spoke about "Green and Clean Marinas: The perfect balance of environment and economics in Michigan." Those in attendance toured the newly recertified facilities, MacRay Harbor and Belle Maer Harbor.

At the event, Rep. Miller presented Eric Foster with a commemorative certificate to mark the recertification of Belle Maer as a Michigan Clean Marina.

The Michigan Clean Marina Program is a public-private partnership between the Michigan Boating Industries Association, Michigan Sea Grant College Program and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The Clean Marina Michigan Program fosters its objectives by disseminating information that will assist marina and boatyard operators in managing profitable businesses, while protecting and enhancing the quality of Michigan's waterways. Certified Clean Marinas that are members of MBIA can also save an additional 10 percent on liablilty insurance Coverage with Bunker Hill.

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