Classic Corner: We’re Living in High Water! (Part 2)
Published: Wednesday, July 8, 2020
By: Captain Dennis Mykols
In the Summer Issue 2019 last year, I wrote about the high water levels throughout the Great Lakes region. Unfortunately, the water never lowered over the fall and winter like it normally does, and with the heavy spring rains, the big lake levels have broken the all-time highs each month this year!
Combine the COVID-19 lockdown in March and April with the early May rains and the high-water levels, and there has been a double whammy for marine-related businesses. Many marinas and private docks are under water, which is causing a lack of places to float your boat. Last year, I also talked about the lack of boat ramps available for those who trailer their boats and this year there are even fewer ramps open.
Due to both the high water levels and the pandemic regulations regarding crowds, the classic boating world has seen shows canceled all the way out to September! While looking over our Classic Boat Show Calendar, please keep this in mind. We have tried to keep up with all the closures, but many shows wait until the last week or two before the show is canceled, always hopeful that the show can go on. We encourage you to call ahead before you attend, and be sure that the show you want to attend is still open.
With the high water levels, please also watch your wake. Our classic boats make a big wake at any low cruising speed, so extra care will need to be taken. Many local law enforcement patrols are NOT giving warnings! In my lake area, for example, it would be a $115.00 ticket for your first offense.
A 200-foot minimum distance from shore is really hard to judge when you are enjoying an outing on your boat with friends, and it’s even harder to defend in court if you choose to fight the ticket. Best to avoid the possibility in the first place.
A Virtual Exhibition, Curated by Boat Owners and the Antique Boat Museum
Here is an example of “thinking outside of the box” from the Antique Boat Museum. The “From Personal Craft to Museum Object” idea allows boat owners to have their boat(s) in a museum without physically giving up their boat. All objects on display are antique and classic boats submitted by their owners. Spots in the exhibition can be purchased for $25 by ABM members and $50 by non-members. Non-members will also receive an Individual Membership with their purchase.
The exhibition will be shown on a video wall in the Museum’s lobby, on the Museum’s website and social media, as well as featured on Woody Boater. To learn more about this unique opportunity, visit www.abm.org or read the ABM article here.
As I write this in early June, I surely hope we will be able to salvage something that resembles a normal boating season yet this year. Please find a way to get out there on a beautiful day, on a nice body of water, and do some natural social distancing in your classic boat.
We’ll see you out on the water this summer!
tags: Antique & Classic Boats, Lake Michigan, Lifestyle
