Ship Shape Custom Yacht Service

Rolls Royce and Palmer Johnson

2009-07-03T09:42:00.002-04:00

Take a deep breathe, grab a cocktail, and kick off July 4th weekend dreaming.

Teak decks, big engines, luxurious accommodations, leisurely cruising, lots of chrome...we could just as easily be talking about a modern Rolls-Royce as a motor yacht. So it should come as no surprise that renowned shipbuilder Palmer Johnson turned to Rolls-Royce to collaborate on one of its most ambitious projects, the PJ World Yacht.
[...]
The yacht even comes equipped with such pirate-defense features as water cannons and thermal imaging cameras...

Check out autoblog to catch all of the nifty pictures and features 99.99% of us will never get to enjoy.

Yacht Concept Designs

2009-06-30T22:04:00.001-04:00

Check out these yacht concepts. Some of these designs are a little too radical for my taste, but I do like that they're trying something new.

The Authentic 6 Foot Remote Controlled RMS Titanic.

2009-06-09T08:44:00.004-04:00

I love remote controls. I am currently looking into a remote lock for my house, but if you have the cash, this is probably a little bit more fun, a remote control Titantic. For a cool $2500, you can be the captain, but with the major upgrade of a fiberglass hull!

Dave's Beer of the Week

2009-06-01T08:56:00.002-04:00

I've conducted extensive "research" on this, and decided that this week's beer of the week is going to be Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat. Ditch the bottle and enjoy from an iced glass with an orange wedge if you're into adding fruit to your beer. Reminds me of an old Miller Light Man Law commercial...

A few quick facts about Leinie's Sunset Wheat:
-It's brewed as a Belgian Wit but fermented with a lager yeast. I don't know what this means, but I do know that it makes a good tasting beer.
-If you have very refined taste, you'll catch a hint of blueberry at the very beginning of your drink. Don't worry if you don't notice it though, few do.
-It was brewed in response to customer demand to challenge Coors' Blue Moon.

There you have it. Go out and enjoy Sunset Wheat all week out on your boat or at your favorite bar. Big thanks to Lewis for buying a round of this last week at Jack's Waterside Grill and reminding me of such a great beer.

Links, Drinks, and Demo Days!

2009-06-01T08:53:00.004-04:00

Floating waterproof speakers with Bluetooth?! Put us down for a case of those guys. (via Engadget)

Motorized hot dog griller! Want a perfectly cooked hot dog? Unless you like your dog burned to a crisp, this little guy is the answer.

Brandy Slush (via cooks.com)

7 c. water
2 c. sugar
7-Up
2 c. water (boiling)
4 tea bags
1 (12 oz.) frozen orange juice
1 (12 oz.) frozen lemonade
2 c. brandy

Bring water and sugar to a boil. Cool. Steep tea. Cool. Mix all ingredients in ice cream pail. Put in freezer overnight. To serve: Scoop slush into glass 2/3 full. Add 7-Up. Serve - enjoy. Garnish with cherries and orange slices if desired.

We will be hosting Demo Days at a few West Marines over the next few weeks!

Saint Clair Shores Demo Day - June 6, 10-2.

Warren WM Demo Day - June 7, 10-2.

Harrison Township WM Demo Day - June 13, 10-2.

Come out and see what services we can offer! For the Saint Clair Shores Demo Day we will be using a 37' Sea Ray to show a wide array of our services from gel-coat restoration to cleaning vinyl seats. There will be food, drinks, and coupons! First person to mention the Ship Shape blog will win a prize!

Links and Drinks

2009-05-26T16:42:00.002-04:00

As much as I love bacon, my absolute hatred of vodka would prevent me from ever considering Bacon flavored vodka. I would however love to get my hands on a bottle of Baconnaise .

Check out the electric waverunner via Engadget.

What sets us apart...

2009-05-25T10:56:00.001-04:00

Good Day,

I received your services brochure and I have a question.

First some background info.

I keep my boat in Door County WI. When I was at Bay Harbor MI I watched your people service, provision, clean and captain a few boats.

I (we) were impressed with the high level of service you provided.

When I was in Harbor Springs we used your services to clean our groups (3) boats.

You provided us with the best wash job we have had (unless we do it our selves).

My question is why don’t you have a ‘branch’ in Door County?

Is there anything I could do to help you start a branch?

Jim ******

Free Food & Drink!

2009-05-21T15:27:00.003-04:00

Dave and I have been busy setting up the office, setting up demo days, and trying to sneak in a few runs when we can. What does that mean? We will be firing up the grill on Friday and Saturday outside our office here at Colony! Stop by, say hi, and get some free food. Hot dogs and burgers will be on the menu both days. We will be serving dinner Friday night starting around 5:00, and lunch on Saturday starting at noon. We are the last building when you drive in before the gas dock, look for our white Ship Shape truck.

We both will also be racing the "Sail thru the Shores 5k". For more info go to www.scsfunrun.org.

Links and Drinks

2009-05-20T15:29:00.003-04:00

Be sure to watch all the way to the end to catch the neat trick Microsoft Surface does when customizing wood choice.

Too lazy to paddle over to the side of the pool to grab another rum and coke? Pick up this remote control drink boat, aka Excalibur PR640S-1, for $25.

Want to check out what other people think about your favorite beer? Want to just learn more about beer? Head over to http://beeradvocate.com/ and find out more than you ever wanted to know about beer.

Ship Shape at Grosse Pointe Boat Show

2009-05-13T09:28:00.005-04:00

Be sure to stop at the Ship Shape Booth at the Grosse Pointe Boat Show this weekend! More details to come!

Update: Show is finished! Kept Harborview's Fathom Ship Shape, and had a great time with the South Shore guys.

Links and Drinks

2009-05-06T22:41:00.002-04:00

Some Vael Dory boat shoes to consider. (via Stylecrave)

Robotic Sub to probe the depths of the ocean. (via Engadget)

Lew's Beer of the Week: New Belgium Brewery's Sunshine Wheat

"A filtered wheat beer, Sunshine Wheat swirls in the mouth with ripples of coriander and orange peel tartness, settling into a sea of honey and apple tones." - NBB

Say what you want about words like "ripples" and "tartness", this wheat beer is delicious on warm summer nights. If you find yourself able to buy this west of the Mississpi (which you can if you look hard enough), be sure to pick up at least a 6 pack.

What boat's would you like to see in your area?

2009-05-04T19:27:00.005-04:00

Growing up outside of Detroit (Farmington Hills), I can remember the Cauley Ferrari/Maserati dealer opening, and would go there often. After school, on the way home in the area, as the last stop to test a date's car knowledge, I loved perousing their showroom and lot.

Rivolta Yachts is looking to expand up in the Great Lakes, and is looking for a dealer. We had the pleasure of cleaning their Coupe 4.5 at the Miami show, and I was very impressed with the boat. I especially liked the aft cockpit as compared to say, a Hinckley, as Rivolta favors more teak, rather than any plastic/gel/starboard. I remember stepping on a customers Hinckley seat that did not have the leg extended and SNAP! (Ship Shape paid for that).

In any case, who would you like to see in your area? I think that the Great Lakes has pretty much everybody except some of the more custom shops or family shops (like to bring you to them to see the whole picture) represented, but it sure wouldnt hurt to have a couple more manufacturers represented. Any thoughts on where you think Rivolta should end up?

My vote, Lazzara and Westport! (any day now...)

Outdoor LCD? YES!

2009-05-04T00:56:00.002-04:00

Put us down for a few of these weather resistant LCD TVs.

Perhaps one next to the hot tub? (via Plunderguide)

Links and Drinks

2009-04-12T09:42:00.007-04:00

Edgar, Jim, and I did a teak restoration project this past week on a 680 Sea Ray. Sanding and oiling the grate was quite the tedious task. Click here to see more pictures of the project.

Solar Powered Sail Boat to circumnavigate the world. (via engadget)

Leeson on pirate s, old and new.

The "Wooden Leg" (via Drinknation)

1.5 oz. Spiced Rum
1.5 oz. Schnapps, root beer
Top with Dr. Pepper

Pour Rum and schnapps over 3 or 4 ice cubes in a highball glass. Top off with Dr. Pepper. Mix well and garnish the glass with a cinnamon stick and 2 cherries.

Hoist the Flag of Liberty!

2009-04-08T21:39:00.008-04:00

Today Jim and I meet with one of our clients (who is a proud owner of a 60' Viking). He was enthusasitcally telling us about his trip from down South back to the Great Lakes after purchasing his boat, and mentioned his stop in New York and visiting Ground Zero. That lead me to think about the Navy Jack. The Navy Jack was ordered to be flown on Septemeber 11th, 2002 during the "Global War on Terror."

Read more about the history of the Navy Jack here and here. It is also closely realted to the Gadsden Flag, info here. Purchase one of these flags here.

Links and Drinks

2009-04-07T20:26:00.002-04:00

I'm On a Boat - Lonely Island featuring T-Pain

Most Expensive Whiskies (via StyleCrave)

Floating Speakers (via Plunder Guide)

Water Jet Pack

2009-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just in case you haven't seen this one yet!

Newest Issue of Yachts

2009-04-02T17:12:00.003-04:00

I am on the "Yachts International" mailing list, and there was a lot of interesting things in this months issue. Here is the full mailing list contents; I highly recommend signing up, the only send something once a month I believe.

Yes, they are primarily super/megayachts, but we can dream, no?

The May edition of Yachts International digital edition is now available. Click here to read.

The stylish family yacht on our cover is the new 164' Heesen Man of Steel. LED lights, which give the yacht's lobby and dining room their dramatic flair, are fast becoming a must.
Read about LEDs and listen to OceanLED’s Nigel Savage advocate the new lighting technology his business has embraced.
Lighting is at the heart of the unique interior design of the Italian shipyard Admiral Mariotti Yachts' (AMY) new flagship. Click here to visit the truly unique 177' Sea Force One.
Innovative hull form and propulsion are at the heart of the stunning 239'Predator featured here with an online interview of Feadship’s Henk de Vries.
Read a full review of Delta's 156' Slojo, with bonus online photos and a debut article on Burger’s 101' To-Kalon.
Finally, online only, listen to Feadship's Henk de Vries, Hargrave Custom Yachts' Mike Joyce, Lazzara Yacht's Dick Lazzara, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel's Alex Savelli and Viking Yach's Pat Healy share their thoughts on the boating industry and the current economy. You can hear all the interviews here

There is much more and we invite you to explore our news section and features.

Thank you for reading. We look forward to your feedback and comments—Write to
yachtsonline@aimmedia.com

Recap of Palm Beach Show

2009-03-31T01:11:00.004-04:00

Well, the Palm Beach Show just came to a close. As I am hearing from everyone in every aspect of the industry, attendance was down slightly, or attendance was stable but less 'qualified' traffic. But, it certainly was a fun show, and there were still plenty of highlights. I would like to quickly thank some exhibitors,

Anchor Yacht Sales (Thanks again Forest!)
Hells Bay Boat Works
Wilson Yacht Sales
Canyon Runner/Ritchie Howell
MJM Yachts
Seven Seas (3 shows straight!)
Offshore West
Bradford Marine

It was a pleasure to work for all of you, and lets hope those sea-trials you lined up come through!

One thing I prefer over other shows? Everything is one place! Even with mediocre downtown parking, the ability to see (and service) all boats in one place was great. The fact that our advertising with Show Management is building a relationship with them is excellent (if you are going to any future Show Management shows, call us for free tickets!). Downtown West Palm was great, whether lunch at Pizza Girls, or the Dockwalk party at Dr. Feelgoods, or after show cocktails at E.R. Bradleys, being able to eat outside the gates in less than 1ooft is huge. Cracked Conch fritters are not helping my diet.

Also, thank you to Prism Polish and Boat Owners Warehouse for the complimentary gear, we will give you a full report on if it fits in our kits.

I almost forgot to mention the weather. Though there was only a slight sprinkle on Sunday, it was so windy throughout the show that Canyon Runner was being heavily sprayed at their South East slip, and not only did a few of the smaller boats get banged around, the Sunreef at the show was missing a chunk of gel after a gust while docking (it was uncomfortable to watch!) but also, even a big boy, Northern Lights suffered through gel damage. Very windy.

Leave any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show in the comments.

Did You Know...

2009-03-31T00:26:00.005-04:00

Did you know there are seven Coat Guard Districts in the continental United States?

The surprising part is they are not numbered 1-7. The districts are 1st, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, and 13th! Hawii is in the 14th District, and Alaska is in the 17th.

Michigan is in the 9th District.

Oakley Bottlecap Shoes

2009-03-27T22:22:00.002-04:00

Here is a bit more style that will be available for this summer on the docks, or wherever you might be. $80 (HT: Plunder Guide)

“Water-friendly” is one thing. This shoe is downright amphibious because river rafters, kayakers and hikers are out there to experience the world, come hell or high water. This fast-draining, quick-drying design blends synthetic microfiber with breathable open mesh. Take note of the protective toecap, the speed lacing system, the shock-absorbing EVA midsole and theUNOBTAINIUM® rubber outsole that grips wet and dry surfaces with a vengeance.

Toddland Ship Mast Tee

2009-03-25T11:45:00.003-04:00

Urban Outfitters has come out with a hip looking graphic tee to get you ready for the docks this summer. $24 (HT: Style Crave)

"Hot ship. Soft cotton tee from Toddland with Ship Mast graphic at the front. Exclusive to Urban Outfitters. Made in the USA. Machine wash."

Pirates and Constitutions!

2009-03-24T11:22:00.004-04:00

I have a personal fondness of The Constitution, but also of constitutions in general. Combined with the lore of pirates, the topic is as appealing as a cigar and mixed cocktail at the end of the day. Peter Leeson's, soon to be published book, The Invisible Hook (a play on the term, the invisible hand) should be available soon and tackles this very subject. It will make great summer reading around July 4th:

The Invisible Hook looks at legendary pirate captains like Blackbeard, Black Bart Roberts, and Calico Jack Rackam, and shows how pirates' search for plunder led them to pioneer remarkable and forward-thinking practices. Pirates understood the advantages of constitutional democracy--a model they adopted more than fifty years before the United States did so. Pirates also initiated an early system of workers' compensation, regulated drinking and smoking, and in some cases practiced racial tolerance and equality. Leeson contends that pirates exemplified the virtues of vice--their self-seeking interests generated socially desirable effects and their greedy criminality secured social order. Pirates proved that anarchy could be organized.

Revealing the democratic and economic forces propelling history's most colorful criminals, The Invisible Hook establishes pirates' trailblazing relevance to the contemporary world.

Read more about Leeson's work on pirates here.

Ship Shape '09!

2009-03-17T22:24:00.008-04:00

We have neglected posting a bit this winter, but boy have we been busy!

We did a tour of the big Florida boat shows and got a first hand look at the latest and greatest. We were at Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and are currently at Palm Beach!

We are expanding our operations to cover more area than ever before! This summer Ryan will be overseeing a full time Milwaukee crew, and I will be in Saint Clair Shores serving the Detroit Metro Area. Trevor will be returning to Grand Haven for another round, and Jimmy will be helping Larry in what Jimmy likes to call "the Northern Theatere" up in the Petoskey area.

This means we have a few staff positions open for the summer. If interested please email me at lewis.butler@WeAreShipShape.com for more details.

This summer we hope to expand the blog to cover events happening on and around the docks. So if you have an event you want to promote, just let us know!

Digital Camera Swim Mask

2008-08-19T14:05:00.003-04:00

These things look pretty slick. You can find them here for $99.95. If anyone has tried these, please leave a review! (HT:thebachelorguy)

From this website:
The Only Digital Camera Swim Mask.

This is the worlds only swim mask that has an integrated waterproof digital camera, eliminating the need to carry an underwater camera, keeping your hands free as you swim. The 5 MP camera can operate to a depth of 15', making it ideal for use when snorkeling or in swimming pools. The masks eye pieces are made of tempered glass and have integrated crosshairs that allow you to line up shots easily; simply press the shutter button to take pictures or videos. An LED inside the mask tells you if you are in still picture or video mode.

Michigan City Boat Show

2008-08-19T10:47:00.005-04:00

Though this blog is meant to be far more than a social calendar, here I am, announcing another boat show. This time, we will be at the Michigan City Boat Show (in-water, our favorite!). With 500 slips, this is the biggest show on Lake Michigan. The show starts on Thursday, and runs till Sunday. Feel free to give us a call, or say hi when you see us on the docks!

Demo Day in Holland!

2008-08-15T23:19:00.003-04:00

Though we have not been posting here about it, we will be having our second Demo Day at the West Marine in Holland tommorow! Same as last time, start at 9am, and go till close. Our demo boat this time is not as impressive (19ft Larson instead of 32 Sea Ray), but it will be showing the value of a good buff!

Of course, food and drinks! Hope to see you there.

Luxury Houseboats Part II

2008-08-12T14:24:00.003-04:00

If you dig back in the archives, I had a post about some interesting houseboat concepts. Over on WebUrbanist they have put together 15 more for your viewing pleasure again. At the very least, skip the article and check out the pictures! It should also be noted they toss a Wally Power yacht into the mix which we commented on earlier!

"History of a different flavor awaits tourists visiting the Indian state of Kerala. The government-sponsored Kerala Tourism Development Corp. has set out stringent requirements for independent operators of houseboat rentals and charters that provide guests with the utmost in luxury. These splendid houseboats of wicker, bamboo and rattan allow a leisurely view of southern India’s splendor with all the perks of subcontinental royalty."

Lazzara LSX Ninety-Two

2008-08-10T22:04:00.004-04:00

I personally toured the Lazzara factory last summer (yes, Dick is ALWAYS chewing on that cigar), and I was extremely impressed. For starters, their build process was great, from the vacuum molding of their fiberglass, to the woodshop onsite, there was no doubt in my mind about the quality of their build. Might I add that this was days after the full treatment at the Hatteras factory. Then we went through their offices, and one large room was devoted entirely to customer service, with a binder for each one of their customers, recording every minute detail of the boat, from full blueprints, to maintainence that I would typically consider too mundane for the builder to keep track of. This was impressive

After, we took a full tour of the relatively new at the time LSX 75. Beautiful exterior (I think it would be hard to wash that short radar arch!) with a mile of teak. Interior was extremely modern, beyond any Sunseeker or any other ultra-modern styled boat. Things such as through-hull windows were on this boat before I noticed them on Azimuts. These windows, typically just considered a fancy flair, had a high-tech aspect on the LSX. A symmetrical layout of two guest staterooms, with a centerline hallway. The staterooms both had through hull windows, and a large rectangular window looking into the hallway. The windows have a sort of LCD integrated, and with a flip of the switch they go from transparent to opaque. Necessary? No. Cool? Yes. The engine room was different in that it was not the typical box, because the aft cockpit's seating interferes. The impressive 4 engines , with IPS, made it fun to speculate what cruising would be like.

The 95 looks to take all the amazing lines the created with the first LSX, and improve it. Though definately a steep jump in price, the 95 incorporates many features only found on boats larger. The generous bow seating is an example, as is the aft storage, that sounds like it can convert from storage to entertaining fairly easily. The fold down terrace from the master stateroom, is something usually reserved for 200ft+ boats. I would love to see this boat, and when yards come up with such boats that get me honestly excited, I wish was even more involved in the world of boating. Tickets to the Miami show, here I come!

The boat is scheduled to launch by Fall.
Thanks Gizmag for the story.

Event: Grand Haven Boat Show

2008-08-10T16:58:00.002-04:00

The Grand Haven Boat Show is coming up , September 12-14th, at Grand Haven Municipal. Ship Shape will be there with a table giving product demonstrations, and we might even bring a Demo Boat. It looks to be a pretty big event, and the Grand Haven crew looks forward to old friends from out of town, both Dry Harbour and Onekama Marine will be in town. Skipper Bud's should put on a great show as well, I know they have been demoing Sea Ray and Meridian's new Axius and Zeus systems.

Mark your calendars!

Chat-- Faster than semaphore

2008-08-08T20:02:00.003-04:00

We have just added a Google Chat badge on the left side of the screen. If you are ever on the site, and see the "Chat with ____" is green, please feel free to say hi. Chatting is an attempt to make us available more, in a casual atmosphere. Any questions about maintenance, your cleaning schedule, anything is fair game.

Bertram 700

2008-08-04T18:50:00.002-04:00

Yachts are built for performance, luxury, and pleasure. As such, at the top end they should be expected to have every detail attended to with quality and functionality in mind. The Bertram 700 recently caught my eye as a yacht which is true to form. It keeps all the function and class while also incorporating some nice new features.

Featuring exclusive ARG (Anti-rolling Gyro) technology, which suppresses rolling motion and reduces rolling angle by up to 50 percent, the 700 is a battlewagon in all types of weather conditions. The deep-V hull, which set the standard for offshore excellence more than 40 years ago, coupled with the modification of the hull strakes to reduce impact at the bow of the boat, combine for a smoother ride and increased performance. With optional power, the Bertram 700 has projected cruising speeds of 35 knots.

...

The salon is filled with rich African Mahogany cabinetry and carpeting with acoustic padding silences the room and sets the stage for quiet nights spent in front of a Bose® home theater system complete with 42” LCD HDTV.

The 700 also features a new salon layout built with storage in mind, including a dry bar, which affords space for an additional barrel chair. The optional wet bar showcases a refreshed, modern look and the dinette seating offers space five guests. With the goal of maximizing space without compromising luxury or comfort, the sofa has integrated storage compartments in the arms and an optional, built-in incliner.

Another wonderful transformation...

2008-07-29T18:06:00.005-04:00

Many boat owners with teak decks neglect to keep up on seasonal maintenance. Rather than oiling their teak on a regular basis, they opt for the simpler “blonde” look of natural teak. While this option is cheaper in the short run, allowing teak to dry out causes long term expensive damage. Unprotected UV exposure causes the grain of the wood to open, allowing dirt and chemical residues to build up, further deteriorating the surface. Moreover, the erosion of the surface causes a premature breakdown of the caulk seams between the planks. As we see all too often, what was once a beautiful teak deck can become an expensive burden when heavy sanding and re-caulking become the only solution. If you prefer the look of un-oiled teak, ask us about our clear UV protecting sealants.

Below are some pictures of a project completed in Milwaukee this past weekend by our Grand Haven crew. The before pictures are an ideal example of the level of wear that is prime for teak deck maintenance. All that this project required was a quick, single stage, light sand and two coats of oil. Not only is the deck now protected from the sun and the elements, but it is also restored beyond its factory beauty.

Boat Graveyard

2008-07-27T18:56:00.003-04:00

I came across this series of photos of boats which are way past their prime and are slowly but surely being taken back by mother nature. While they are wonderful pictures in their own right, I prefer nice shiny yachts thank-you-very-much.

Have your teak and enjoy it too!

2008-07-26T19:52:00.010-04:00

One of the many services Ship Shape specializes in is teak deck restoration. A simple two-step chemical brightener can successfully lift some contaminants from the deck, thus bringing lightly soiled teak back to life. More heavily sun damaged or neglected teak decks require a complete re-sanding and several coats of sealant. Our qualified staff of teak specialists uses a full vac system when performing any power sanding project. This ensures that the mess of the job sight doesn’t find its way into your cabin, or your neighbors! For more information about our restoration process and finish options, or to set up your own custom teak maintenance program, call (800)-33-ShipShape.

Here are some before and after shots of a project completed by the Grand Haven crew earlier this summer at Tower Marine in Saugatuck…

Miles Minor Kellogg Ship Houses

2008-07-25T15:31:00.003-04:00

I doubt Mr. Kellogg was concerned (if one needs to be?) about global warming back in the early 20th century, but he was ahead of the curve on recycling. Part entrepreneur and part architect, Mr. Kellogg built these "house boats" with no intention of them ever being actually put into the water.

His ultimate recycling triumph was the boathouses on the west side of Third Street between F and G. What a stir they created back in the late twenties. The editor of the local paper poked fun of Mr. Kellogg's creation and Mr. Kellogg retaliated with a major tongue-lashing! But then his imagination soared and he thought back to earlier days when he had worked on bats at Lake Michigan and the idea came to him to build "boat houses." His young son, Miles Justin Kellogg, helped every day after school until they were completed. In 1928 the boat houses could be seen from Highway 101 and people passing through town began to turn west for a better look at the structures. Down through the years the boathouses probably have been the most photographed buildings downtown and are a unique symbol of our surfing, beach, and Hwy 101 culture.

Demo Day Results

2008-07-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everybody who came out, despite the rain! Instead of taking up a chunk of the parking lot, we were relegated to the awning, and the gel-coat restoration on our beautiful '88 Sea-Ray was not completed. But, the BBQ was still delicious! We could not believe how excited everyone we talked to was. Also, I would like to thank West Marine for generously giving away all the keychains, and coupons, as well as letting us raffle a pair of binoculars. Congratulations to Jim Gardner on winning them! It was great to talk about what we do, especially when we can talk boat owners out of bad habits. For example, boat owners talk about using harsh chemicals such as Roll-Off to wash with, and they wonder why their wax doesn't last!

Just a reminder, the Venetian Festival is going on now!

2008-07-23T11:19:00.003-04:00

If you are up North, don't forget this week/weekend is the Venetian Festival. There are a lot of exciting events going on, so be sure to check out the event website.

One event that caught my attention was the "Ultimate Air Dogs":

Ultimate Air Dogs will dazzle Festival goers as they lay their "poochie prowess" on the line by leaping high and far over their custom designed pool in the heart of East Park. The owner and director of the Ultimate Air Dogs national tour is Milt Wilcox. Milt teamed up with Jack Morris and Dan Petry, to form the ace starting pitcher trio of the 1984 Detroit Tigers, which propelled the team to the 1984 World Series Championship. Be sure to check out Milt and the dogs in this impressive competition of canine athleticism, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Classy and Innovative

2008-07-22T14:36:00.006-04:00

Ever stuck in the office wishing you were out on the water? I know I do. While there are certainly many great classic looking yachts, Wally Power yachts have a unique look all their own. By going here, you can find an amazing number of computer backgrounds which will make you feel as close to the water as possible. They give off a James Bond type fee, which should help you day dream for a minute or two about an adventurous life beyond Outlook, phone calls, and the commute home.

Saddam's Yacht For Sale

2008-07-17T12:20:00.005-04:00

At one point in time (and still perhaps?) Saddam Hussein's yacht was up for sale. Complete with private escape passage and bullet proof glass. Why was he found in a hole in the ground when it would take longer to search this thing?

Aside from the typically Muslim features, including prayer rooms and ornate fountains, the specification was much the same as super-yachts owned by millionaires the world over.

There are bathrooms with gold taps, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, hi-tech entertainment suites and games parlours, including table tennis and pool tables, and flat-screen TVs in almost every cabin.

With banquets in mind, there is silverware for 200 people. But as the yacht was intended for Saddam's private use, it can sleep only a relatively modest 28 people. There is a helicopter pad and a health clinic, complete with a mini-operating theatre.

Security measures include a secret passage which would have allowed Saddam to get to a fast boat in case of trouble. A mini-submarine pod is also connected to the passage.

The vessel's 35-man crew was on standby 24 hours a day, all year round. It has storage for heavy machine-guns and surface-to-air missiles. All of the glass on board is bullet-proof.

West Marine Demo Day

2008-07-13T22:57:00.002-04:00

The Grand Haven crew will be at the West Marine at 810 Jackson, discussing techniques and products. We will have at least one boat there in order to demonstrate the immediate and drastic results of things such as buffing and powerwashing. This hopes to be a great way to introduce Grand Haven boaters to Ship Shape, as well as educating them on some of the more advanced aspects of marine maintenance.

There will also be hamburgers, hot dogs, refreshments, and a raffle with coupons for both West Marine and Ship Shape.

A Few Test Spots

2008-07-02T00:10:00.009-04:00

Some Customers who neglect their boats will not realize the slow dulling of cushions and canvas, or buildup on inflatables. Engine rooms and bilges are subject to the same accumulation of dirt, but also have other elements, such as oil, that are a whole different beast! Here are some quick test spots that show that it is easy to reverse the damage of time (click for larger photo).

Protecting Your Yacht

2008-07-01T14:12:00.004-04:00

Here is an article with a lot of good tips on how to prevent your yacht from being a target for criminals.

3.) Keep record of all serial numbers, identification codes and other hints to identify your boat or particular equipment. This applies in particular to your hull identification number (HIN), the serial numbers of your engine, outboard engine and electronic equipment. Write notes on little scratches and other special features that would allow you to identify your property. Write into a notebook and keep it outside of the boat.

8.) Take pictures of your boat and all parts of it. Hull, deck, rigging, interiors and of course all valuable pieces of equipment. All these things should be on record. Keep the pictures in your anti-theft-notebook (see advice number 3).

Part of our mission at Ship Shape is to make your yachting experience the best it can be. Along with being on your yacht during our weekly washes to keep an eye out for anything unusual, we are constantly on the docks working on other yachts. We are always rechecking our work, and in the process keep an extra set of eyes on your yacht for any suspicious activity. Let us know if you would like us to create a anti theft notebook and digital archive for you.

Not A Joke

2008-06-26T23:45:00.002-04:00

I can't tell by looking at the picture what kind of yacht it is. It looks like the Marquis M, but I can't be certain (in which case at least it wasn't a Hatteras). What I am certain of, is the guy on the transom is at least 55+ feet in the air. Original link here.

Joke

2008-06-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

“Why do people in ship mutinies always ask for "better treatment"? I'd ask for a pinball machine, because with all that rocking back and forth you'd probably be able to get a lot of free games.” - Jack Handy

Luxury Houseboats

2008-06-23T13:47:00.003-04:00

This article provides a look into future yacht/house/floating mansions as well as some entertaining past attempts at luxury life ON the water.

Ever dream of sailing off into the sunset in your very own houseboat? Some of these are dreamy but completely out of reach while others you may be able to afford but wouldn’t want for the world. This collection spans the extremes of design and brute-force ingenuity: from the obscenely luxurious to the absurdly simple.

joke

2008-06-19T00:42:00.002-04:00

knock knock
who's there
yachts
yachts who?
yachts up dock?

Voicemail Tips

2008-06-18T11:57:00.005-04:00

Over the summer we all want to maximize our leisure time, but daily life does pop up occasionally no matter how hard we try. Here are some good tips about how to leave effective voicemail to save both you, and the person you are calling, time.

State your number right after your name. Many people wait until the very end of the message to state their number. This will irritate the receiver of your message because if he doesn’t get it down, he then has to sit through the whole damn message again to hear it repeated.

Leave a specific request. What do you want your listener to do? Sure, you want them to call you back, but why? To answer a question? To set up an appointment? People will appreciate it if you give them specific actions for their call back. That way they’ll know they won’t be wasting a lot of time on the call back trying to figure out what you want.

Maximus II

2008-06-14T11:20:00.002-04:00

When this little guy needs some TLC while at Bay Harbor, we are always on hand to help out.

Fuel Efficiency

2008-06-12T12:59:00.004-04:00

Price of gas making you cut back on the top shelf liquor and tipping dock girls? Here are some tips from the airline industry on how they are cutting costs. I haven't seen any yacht specific articles, but I would guess many of the tips might be useful to think about. As the price of gas goes up, engine/hull efficiency will be more important than ever. Don't think your hull makes a difference? Ask us to buff/wax a test spot and feel the difference yourself.

But even specks of dirt are considered culprits. American and Southwest are washing a handful of jet engines each night, a process that used to happen only during thorough maintenance overhauls. Southwest figures it has already saved $1.6 million in fuel costs since April by reducing the drag caused by dirt and debris.

Ideas to save gas money for yacht owners...

Lighter tender
Lighter wife (kidding!)
More liquor, less beer
Propeller balancing
Buff/waxed hull

Carbon Fiber - The Way of the Future?

2008-06-05T06:53:00.004-04:00

You won't find one of these docked at the yacht club this summer! If we had security clearance, you can bet the Pentagon would call us first for a wash and wax.

February 5, 2006 The M80 Stiletto Experimental Vessel was launched this week offering a sneak peak at the next generation of military vessels. The Stiletto is an operational experiment by the Pentagon’s Office of Force Transformation (OFT) and its revolutionary carbon fiber structure and hull enable it to operate in shallow water, with 50 knot speeds, stability and great stealth as part of its armoury. Costing US$12.5 million to develop and build, the 88ft vessel is capable of carrying 37 tonnes at speed over a range of 500 nautical miles. The patented M-hull design transitions automatically and efficiently through hydrostatic, hydrodynamic and aerostatic lift modes with increasing speeds effectively creating a cushion of air and providing a comfortable high speed ride with great stability, and has enormous promise for a wide range of nautical applications for boats from 8 through 200 feet (see these stunning concepts). The Stiletto is powered by four 1,650-horsepower Caterpillar engines, and can cruise comfortably near its top speed of more than 50 knots (60 miles per hour). With a shallow draft of less than 3 feet, Stiletto has a three man crew, and will carry a complement of 12 US Navy Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) commandos, an11 metre rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and either Manta and Silver Wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Fun Pic

2008-06-02T08:03:00.004-04:00

We are always looking at boats from every angle to make sure we didn't miss any wax, but sometimes you also get interesting perspectives. Here is the link, there are more pictures of this yacht there.

Also, best name for a sail boat I recently saw, "blow me".

$10,000 Car Wash

2008-05-31T03:00:00.004-04:00

If someone asked me if I could do a $10,000 car wash, I am pretty sure I could charge that. As far as getting crazy wax and measuring the thickness of the paint with a fancy gadget... that will have to wait for another day. Link to article below.

FIRST the cost of petrol went through the roof - now a bloke is charging £4800 ($11,500) to wash a single car.

British man Paul Dalton imports microfibre towels from Australia and special wax from Brazil to perform his 61-stage "Pinnacle Wash" on the luxury cars of wealthy clients.
The process takes two weeks per car, and includes four rinses with filtered water and three generous coats of a wax which costs £7000 a tube.
Mr Dalton heats the water to exactly 30C, and applies a secret clay mixture to help remove grime.
He uses a gadget to measure the thickness of the paintwork within a thousandth of a millimetre to ensure a mirror finish.
Rock star Rod Stewart's £700,000 Ferrari Enzo reportedly got the special treatment before the singer took delivery of it.
But for those put off by the cost, Mr Dalton offers an introductory 21-stage wash for the bargain price of £370.
"For many, the thought of spending (so much) to detail a car seems faintly ridiculous," Mr Dalton said.

Why have a clean engine room?

2008-05-30T14:04:00.004-04:00

It is often dark, loud, scary, hot, cramped, and greasy in a lot of engine rooms. There are only a few reasons to ever spend a lot of time down there, mostly when things go wrong. To limit the amount of time in an engine room when something goes wrong, keep it clean! This will help spot leaking oil, or any other potential problems before they get serious. Take pride in keeping your manly engines show room clean (show it off to your friends/clients, everyone will be impressed), your yacht will thank you as well. Don't fit down there or don't want to get oil on your martini hand? Give us a call, and continue living the lifestyle you were meant to.

Lazzara Factory Tour

2008-05-29T22:31:00.004-04:00

Don't have time to go tour the local Lazzara facility, just click here. There is a second part as well.

Strataglass Tip

2008-05-29T15:55:00.004-04:00

The good folks at Carver provide this useful tip.

* DO NOT HANDLE STRATAGLASS (OR ANY VINYL) WITH SUNSCREEN ON YOUR HANDS! This will permanently cloud the vinyl where handled."