Are you a boating enthusiast that loves to have fun on Muskegon Lake? Do you want to be one of the first to know the latest info?  Muskegon Boat Life is looking for contact info to share information with and/or ambassadors willing to take a bigger role.  Be a part of the team.   We need your help.  Muskegon boat life aims to be a catalyst for fun,  development, information and preservation. 

Two ways that you could help --

1)  Become an Ambassador.  With many marinas, businesses, organizations around the lake, you can help share happenings and news.  (Click here to sign up) Ambassadors will five ideas and continuing to grow the Boat Life. 

2) Join the Muskegon Boat Life email list.  When news and information becomes available you will be one of the first to receive the news. (Click here to join the email list)

Thanks Roger Zuidema - Muskegon Boat Life - Founding Ambassador
​

Author: Roger Zuidema -- Ambassador Muskegon Boat Life
Date: 3/10/2023
Shock, anger, disbelief and a sense of dispair are common, when one hears about a fire breaking out, let alone a warehouse full of 150 boats.  On Monday, March 6, smoke billowed out of a boat storage building number 3 at Safe Harbor Great Lakes Marina in Muskegon, Michigan.  Luckily, everyone was reported safe, but one can only imagine the emotions dealing with loss .  Boating is special too many.  As a Muskegon boater myself, I couldn't believe the reports. The life-style generated on the water, creates lifetime memories and is a main source of relaxation and fun for thousands in the Muskegon area.  We all feel for the owners of damaged boats. It could have easily been ours.  Dealing with the uncertainty of boat damage and eager to hear updates, I'm sure those effected wait anxiously.  So what's next. I spent some time researching some questions about boat damage and would love to share my research.

What types of boats were in the warehouse?
A larger boat storage warehouse like building #3 would hold numerous types and sizes of boats.  Used boat prices vary.   20 to 30 foot bow-riders average cost range from $15,000 to $50,000.  Cabin Cruiser style boats from 30 to 50 feet range from $100,000 to $750,000 dollars.  The calculated average of boat damaged could be  $25,000.   Damage estimates easily raise to the $3 million dollar mark, excluding the cost of repairs and cleaning the building.

How are boat owners dealing with loss?
Numerous owners comments show the deep feelings and emotions that are dealt with. As reported on WZZM 13 Matt George put it this way.  “[I'm] bummed out my summer is potentially could be on hiatus," said boater Matt George, who has stored his boat at Great Lakes for five years.  "But then there's silver lining around the cloud. They're insured, I'm insured. So it could be actually a blessing in disguise. It can be a chance for a new boat or free from the burden of a boat," he said.

Did all 150 boats catch on fire and have the same damage?   
Reported by WZZM TV13 in an interview with Deputy Director of the City of Muskegon Fire Department Jay Paulson provided details as to the extent of the damage caused by the fire.  "All 150 of the boats stored inside of the marina are thought to have sustained some sort of damage from the fire, smoke or the heat.  The fire began with one 39-foot boat in the building, and is thought to have spread to only three or four boats inside of the building.  But all the boats inside were affected either by smoke and heat, or both," Paulson says.

From reports, 3 to 4 boats actually caught fire, but with fiberglass hulls, the heat and smoke damage seems to be the biggest problem.  Let's explore.  Fiberglass boats can be even more dangerous when they burn because of as they melt, they may release toxic chemicals into the air.  An article made public by Freedom Boat Club mentioned, "Today's fiberglass/composite boats burn very quickly, and produce large volumes of toxic smoke that is equally as dangerous."  We see by photos, the smoke coming out of the warehouse was intense and smoke damage could be the greatest cause of loss.

So how quickly are fiberglass hulls structurally impacted by heat?
One can certainly see visible damage to a boat hulls, but is invisible damage present?  I looked into some chat rooms posts and found this interesting conversation.

Q:  I am contemplating purchasing a boat that has been damaged by fire. The fiberglass appears to be mostly intact, but I was wondering if there may be problems that are not readily visible. Does anyone have any experience with such repairs, and if so, what I should be looking for?

​A: If there's evidence of fire damage to the glass itself, it's probably a bad idea. Above 60, 80, 100 Celsius (140 to 170 F), depending on resin, the resins that hold fiberglass together begin to rapidly decompose, leaving weak spots and bubbles in the laminate. The result is hard and looks fine, but will fail catastrophically under a sudden load. I would strongly recommend retaining an accredited surveyor to do a thorough structural inspection. Without a good surveyor you have no way of knowing what is going on inside the possibly damaged laminates. 

According to a boat repair company, "Smoke can be devastating to a vessel. Once smoke gets into fabrics on a boat like vinyl, fabric, wood, rope and more, it's nearly impossible to get out. That means your boat will ALWAYS smell like smoke or you are tasked with replacement of the porous surfaces that "soaked up" those toxic fumes."

Many experts suggest that a good surveyor is critical to take a look at the extent of damages.  I wondered, who are the professional surveyors in Muskegon?  Upon a quick google search Bluefin Marine Consultants was the top hit  (https://bluefinmc.com/) 
 
What other situation might boat owners come across when filing a claim?
In a boater chat room at boatdesign.net,  member "orleajo" was struggling with his insurance company stating, "I am an unfortunate owner of a boat that was in a large Marina fire. I am haggling with Insurance company on the way heat damage is being assessed. Do you know of written authoritative documentation the subject of heat damage to fiberglass boats?  Are you an expert in the field?"  A google search came up with no good answers.

Experts boat cleaners outside of Michigan like Service Master reports on their website  "Yachts and ships are built differently than homes on land, we understand this at ServiceMaster Elite. Soot can spread into areas that are hidden but can cause significant damage to steel surfaces through flash rust and integrity degradation. We know that following a fire damage, immediate corrosion control is important to protect your yacht from long term damage."  The Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance site claims, "A watercraft is considered a total loss if the estimated cost to repair exceeds 75% of its actual cash value (ACV)."

So how do you get you boat back in the water?
​It's going to take some time.  The process can be agonizing, but with due diligence, one can make it through.  The boat US article (www.boatus.com) reminds us about the steps taken when accidents happen.

Step One: Reporting the Claim
The first step is pretty similar to how auto insurance works: you contact your insurance company, either by phone or online. Note: This is a good time to take photos of the damage for your records.)

Step Two: Protect Your Investment
All policies require that an insured take all necessary steps to protect the boat and its equipment from further loss.

Step Three: Get an Estimate
The next step illustrates another difference between auto and boat policies. Because of the millions of claims auto insurers deal with every year, they often contract with body shops who do the estimate, repair, and billing. With a boat claim, on the other hand, the insurance company will usually send out a representative, who could be a general adjuster or marine surveyor depending on the extent of the damage, to investigate what happened.

Step Four: Submit the Estimate
Once you have the estimate from your chosen repair facility (or if an adjuster or surveyor provided the estimate), the BoatUS claims department will review it. If it's fair and reasonable and related to the loss, the claims department will approve it and provide you with a settlement letter detailing your loss-related settlement.

​Step Five: Get Your Boat Fixed
While there are a number of great professionals that are skilled at boat restoration, with the amount of boats needing repair in the area, wait time could be long. Here are a few options.
https://lakeshoremarinegroup.com/
​https://torresen.com/
www.mybrightwork.com/

So your boat was declared a total loss. Now what? Are there used boat to buy?
People looking to replace a used boat can expect low inventory and high cost.  The site www.arizton.com gives market reports and states,  "The U.S. recreational boat market was valued at USD 16.26 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 26.18 billion by 2027, .... A recreational boat is used for several activities, including cruising, water-sports, and fishing. In 2021 around 1.1 million pre-owned boats were sold. The established markets of the US are expected to witness high demand for recreational boats during the forecast period due to the increased adoption of recreational boats in these regions. The market caters to several opportunities for the vendors."  
 
The boating life-style will survive!
Muskegon Boat Life ambassadors are boating enthusiasts, who love to have fun on the water and promote the Muskegon Lake venue. This life-style consists of special feelings, as you enjoy time with family and friends. We look forward to the summer. We shudder at the thought of it being taken away. Ask any boater how they detach from everyday life, and they would likely tell you that spending quality time on the water is the most powerful way to relax and unwind. Already many ambassadors have reached out to families impacted, offering help and support. While the fire is a set-back, knowing many of the boaters, I would presume that the boating lifestyle in Muskegon will survive. #muskegonboatlifestrong​

#biglakebigfun
#smilesonboats
#muskegonboatlife

Quick Facts --
According to the United States Coast Guard's 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report, there were 5,265 boating accidents that year in the United States. Forty-seven of those accidents involved the ignition of fuel or vapor, and one of those accidents resulted in a casualty and forty-six lead to injuries. There were likely many more boat fires that were not reported to the Coast Guard as well.

Reference sites and more information found at:
https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/equipment/fire/
https://www.freedomboatclub.com/learning-center/boat-fires-heres-what-you-should-know.html
https://www.boatdesign.net/threads/fiberglass-fire-damage-to-a-fiberglass-boat.11212/
https://www.kyfb.com/insurance/claims-information/claim-faqs/boat-claims/what-if-my-boat-is-totaled/#:~:text=A%20watercraft%20is%20considered%20a,actual%20cash%20value%20(ACV).
https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/us-recreational-boat-market
https://www.google.com/search?q=boat%20survey%20professional%20muskegon&rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1011US1014&oq=boat+survey+professional+muskeong&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l3j33i22i29i30.14988j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:2&tbm=lcl&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=6385538902068518803&lqi=CiFib2F0IHN1cnZleSBwcm9mZXNzaW9uYWwgbXVza2Vnb25Iq5bP1rWwgIAIWi8QABABEAIYABgBGAMiIWJvYXQgc3VydmV5IHByb2Zlc3Npb25hbCBtdXNrZWdvbpIBD21hcmluZV9zdXJ2ZXlvcpoBI0NoWkRTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VOb2JrMDJVa2xuRUFFqgEgEAEqHCIYYm9hdCBzdXJ2ZXkgcHJvZmVzc2lvbmFsKADgAQA&ved=2ahUKEwjgxKCarMr9AhWtk2oFHdJVAigQvS56BAgLEAE&sa=X&rlst=f&safe=active&ssui=on#rlfi=hd:;si:;mv:[[44.8657401,-82.64741],[42.222288,-86.5262874]]
https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2016/august/how-to-get-your-claim-settled-faster
https://www.godownsize.com/average-boat-prices/
https://www.beneteau.com/en-us/newsroom-actualite/4-compelling-reasons-embrace-boating-lifestyle
https://www.boatrepair-sacramento.com/news-blog/smoke-damage#:~:text=Smoke%20Damage%3F%3F&text=Smoke%20can%20be%20devastating%20to,soaked%20up%22%20those%20toxic%20fumes.
https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/servicemaster-restoration-services-merrimack/commercial/specialty-services/yacht-and-marine-damage-restoration/

Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan is exciting, enjoyable and is a big part of the Muskegon Boat Life.  Economic impacts in Michigan reach over 11 billion and close to 180,000 people enjoy working in this area. 

​Each year the Muskegon Charter Boat Association rigs a fun event called the Armed Forces Salmon Assault to honor the men and women that served.  "Our goal for this year is to have around 20 boats participate and host around 80 West Michigan area veterans," commented leaders of the association.  "2023 Applications will be available on the website starting in March!" (Click Here)  

Armed Forces Salmon Assault Boat Parade of Honor - 12 noon Saturday May 20.
Watch as the Coast Guard fleet leads the way, with over 20 boats fishing boats following, as the participants of the Armed Forces Salmon Assault return from a great morning of fishing.  Don't forget your flags and wave them proud, as we honor those that served. 

Full Article - Visit ​https://www.quantumsails.com/en/resources-and-expertise/news/m24-great-lakes-cup-pr
Host: Muskegon Yacht Club
FROM QUANTUM SAILS:Over the last three seasons, even during uncertain times, the Quantum Melges 24 Great Lakes Cup has successfully driven international competition and continued to foster some of the best one design racing in North America. Quantum Sails is proud to once again support these events and Melges 24 competitors with updated sail designs, on-site education, coaching debriefs, and access to our team of Melges 24 class experts and library of one design resources.

In the fourth year of the Great Lakes Cup, it’s exciting to see such a blockbuster four-regatta series lined up for the coming season. With the two largest Melges 24 regattas in the Midwest - the Muskegon Spring Championship and the GTYC Invitational - combined with the two most prestigious events in the Western Hemisphere this year - North Americans in Toronto and US Nationals in Lake Geneva - this schedule is sure to attract some of the best competition, even drawing from other grand-prix classes.

​We are also excited to have the series finish with US Nationals in Lake Geneva, in the 30th anniversary year of the Melges 24. Our partners at Melges and Quantum Sails Zenda are thrilled to be hosting the season closer and look forward to welcoming everyone to the hometown of the boat. 

Sail the Summer Sailstice in a Boater’s Paradise: Muskegon Lake, MI!
February 14, 2023 by Heather Breaux - Full Article found at 
https://summersailstice.com/article/sail-summer-sailstice-boaters-paradise-muskegon-lake-mi

Lake Muskegon is a boater’s paradise! One sailor in particular posted about their plans to enjoy this freshwater lake in Michigan for the 2023 Summer Sailstice. They will be sailing an old Flying Scot dinghy called Cookie Cutter II. You can see Cookie Cutter II's upcoming sail plan on our Summer Sailstice sailing forum site. The Muskegon boating community has sailed the Sailstice since 2014. This year, the Muskegon community is rallying again to participate in this year’s June 17th event. We’re hoping to see lots of boats and people out on the water to celebrate the summer solstice this year–Sailstice will be here before we know it!
Cookie Cutter II isn’t the only Flying Scot out on the water for the Sailstice! In 2021, the NC Governor’s Cup One-Design Regatta had 84 boats participate, including Flying Scot racers. The same year, FlyingScotFan2453 posted their Sailstice sail plan to chill on Lake Keowee. They packed up a picnic lunch and their Corgi and sailed out of Keowee Sailing Club on Lake Keowee in South Carolina.

The Muskegon Yacht Club is already planning to participate in June, just around the corner. The Muskegon Yacht club has been around since 1934, just 1 mile from the channel that connects to Lake Michigan. Make sure to put your planned sailing events up on the Sailstice site so you get featured and see who else in your area is sailing. ​

We all have been in the position, ready to purchase your dream boat, but your heart tells you, make sure that it's in prime condition.  It's time to turn to the professionals, Bluefin Marine Consultants. Started by CJ Kusmierz, a West Michigan resident, avid boater and diver who lives, for being on the water.  Specializing in Pre-Purchase Surveys, Insurance Surveys, Appraisals and more, Bluefin brings extensive experience and professionalism to every survey and customize their support to your individual needs and concerns. 
“CJ was a pleasure to work with in a recent survey I had done and brought many things to my attention that I needed to know about regarding a boat I was looking to purchase.” said Ted Harkins
See the whole story at - Bluefin Marina Consultants. 

So when you want to be sure, call Bluefin.
(616) 893-7503
info@BluefinMC.com
https://bluefinmc.com/​

Many love flags - one flies a bunch in the same location, you have a celebration.  Muskegon Boat Life is full of great events and happenings all summer long.  Today the "Fly Your Marine Flag Celebration" was announced as boaters are asked to "Fly Flags" as part of the Muskegon Water Week Celebration. Feel free to fly your flags throughout the Water Week, but make sure you save the best for Saturday, August 12.  "We all have our favorites and boats look great when their special flags are flying", comment Muskegon Boat Life's Ambassador Roger Zuidema. "I look forward to see boaters on the water or at the Marinas, flying the colors and enjoying fun times with family and friends." Muskegon Water Week features 2 weekends of fun from August 11 to 20. 
Visit https://lakeeffectboating.weebly.com/

One of the great events that Muskegon is the Burning Foot Beer Festival held each August on the beach at Pere Marquette. The sites and sound make this event a prime spot to be seen, as boaters gather in the South Breakwater Cove for fun with family and friends.  Many choose to take the sort walk to one of Muskegon Boat Life's favorite beach restaurant "The Deck" for great food and entertainment.

​Join the fun on Saturday, August 26 and show us those #smilesonboats .  Enjoy the Burning Foot Show.

Sometimes the itch make your passion come through.  Fishing in January.  Thanks Jeff Hedges.
Take a look at this facebook post
https://www.facebook.com/100009900466205/videos/pcb.2496762693997055/540317021367037www.facebook.com/100009900466205/videos/pcb.2496762693997055/540317021367037