by Kate BushFROM THE HELM
F
uel has been a hot topic of discussion
lately. It’s surprisingly not the gas’s price
tag that’s a concern to boaters, but rather the
ingredients in the fuel.
Ethanol — a word to shutter at when it
comes to recreational boats — is becoming
more prevalent in our fuel. When ethanol is
blended into marine fuel the effects can be
disastrous, wreaking havoc on fuel lines and
corroding the fuel system.
Ethanol was developed with seemingly good
environmental intentions: To lower greenhouse
emissions and reduce the dependence on gasoline.
The effects of ethanol in boats, however, have
caused costly repairs and even engine failure.
What’s making boaters even more concerned is
that the amount of ethanol in the U.S.’ fuel supply
is expected to increase by 2017. The Renewable
Fuel Standard (RFS) is causing higher ethanol-
blended fuels (including E15, or fuel with 15
percent ethanol) to show up at more stations
across the nation. In fact, E15 is already available at pumps in 23 states, including all U.S. Great Lakes states.
In July, BoatU.S. submitted more than 24,000 boaters’ comments urging the EPA to stop adding
ethanol to our gas supply. To fight this potentially destructive plan by the EPA, we need to band
together to protect our boats and educate other boaters against the harmful effects of ethanol.
One of the most important times to make sure you’re protecting your fuel system is when preparing
your boat for winter storage. With that in mind, contributor Gary Reich discusses what to do with
your fuel at the end of the season (p. 36).
But before you officially start thinking about winterizing your boat, spend some time exploring
Michigan’s Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed (p. 42). This spectacular series of lakes, rivers and
waterways stretches 55 miles from the cities of Elk Rapids to Ellsworth. There is something for everyone:
Crystal clear waters for boating on the famed Torch Lake; wildlife galore; quintessential paddling
routes; and even nationally renowned beer. Contributor Kim Schneider guides us through the Chain
and points out the highlights along the way.
A short drive from the Chain of Lakes is a highly respected boat shop that has as long a history as
Lakeland Boating; the family-owned Walstrom Marine is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2016 (p. 38).
This Harbor Springs-based marina (with additional locations in Cheboygan and Bay Harbor), has built
its loyal customer base by offering quality boats (i.e. Chris-Craft and Tiara) and unsurpassed customer
service. Lakeland assistant editor Sarah Kollmorgen got the insight into how the Walstrom family built
such a successful boat business.
Get out on the water and make some memories!The Fuel Fight
Educating boaters on the eff ects of ethanol in
marine fuel.
PUBLISHER
Walter “Bing” O’MearaEDITORIAL STAFF
Editorial Director: Kate Bush
Assistant Editor: Sarah KollmorgenCREATIVE STAFF
Art Director/Production Manager: Christy Tuttle BauhsCONTRIBUTORS
Helen Aitken, Elizabeth Altick, Jack Grimes, Glenn
Hayes, Paul Kemiel, Capt. Frank Lanier, Gary Reich,
Craig Ritchie, Kim Schneider, Ashley Tanis, Alan WendtBUSINESS STAFF
National Sales: Mark Conway
Regional Sales : Patti McCleery
Marketing Director: Linda O’Meara
Accounting: Marguerite WristenEDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE
630 Davis St. | Suite 301 | Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 312-276-0610 | Fax: 312-276-
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: lakelandboating.comCLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
630 Davis St. | Suite 301 | Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 800-331-0132, ext. 24 | Fax: 312-276-SUBSCRIPTIONS
P.O. Box 15396 | North Hollywood | CA 91615-
Customer Service: 800-827-O’MEARA BROWN PUBLICATIONS INC.
President: Walter B. O’Meara
Secretary: Timothy MurtaughLakeland Boating (ISSN 0744-9194), copyright 20 1 6, is
published eleven times per year (except December) by
O’Meara-Brown Publications, Inc. Editorial and advertising
offices are located at 630 Davis St., Suite 301, Evanston,
IL 60201; 312-276-0610. Annual subscription rates: United
States, $24.95 per year; International and Canadian, $36.
per year (11 issues), includes 7% G.S.T. tax (G.S.T. registration
number 894095074-RT0001) and $12 postage included.
Single copies are $4.99 for U.S. and Canada. Only U.S.
funds are accepted. Subscription correspondence should
be addressed to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box 15396, North
Hollywood, CA 91615-5396 (U.S.), or call 800-827-0289.
Known office of publication: 727 South Dearborn Street, Suite
812, Chicago, IL 60605. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago,
IL and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, please
send all address changes to Lakeland Boating, P.O. Box
15396, North Hollywood, CA 91615-5396. Lakeland Boating
is a registered trademark of O’Meara-Brown Publications
Inc., Evanston, Illinois. Published as Lakeland Yachting 1946-- Unsolicited work may be submitted at the author’s,
photographer’s or artist’s own risk. Lakeland Boating
assumes no responsibility or liability for unsolicited material.
All submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed
envelope with sufficient return postage. All photos are
courtesy of the manufacturer unless otherwise noted.
SEPTEMBER 2016 | VOLUME LXX, NO. 9Do you have a story idea you’d like to suggest? Email me at [email protected] to share your ideas. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A6 AUGUST 2016 | LAKELANDBOATING.COMEdNote_SEP16.indd 6 7/27/16 9:50 AM