Welcome to this month's edition of the Foghorn Newsletter!

As September has now rolled in, we find ourselves in a special time of year where parts of summer linger, but the hint of fall is in the air. Northern Michigan's waters take on a new beauty, with the shoreline and the pace of life on the water becoming a bit more relaxed. It's the perfect time for those peaceful, reflective moments on the boat or one last thrilling adventure before the season changes.

This month, we're excited to bring you a mix of content that celebrates both the tail end of summer and the start of fall. Whether you're savoring the last of the warm days or looking ahead to autumn boating, we've got you covered. So, let's set a course and dive into this month's Foghorn!

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp days of fall, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've all shared this summer. This boating season far exceeded my expectations, and it has been a privilege to witness our community making lifelong memories on the water with family and friends. 

September brings with it a time of change and Northern Michigan is renowned for offering some of the finest fall color experiences in boating. With the waters still holding the warmth of summer it's a perfect time to continue your fun on the water.

After a safe and successful summer, I would like to thank each of you for being a part of the Irish Boat Shop family. Your continued support is what drives us to better serve you every year. Here’s to the memories we’ve made this season and the ones we’ll continue to create in the weeks ahead.

Sincerely,

Shae B. Cross

President

Irish Boat Shop

Sales Update

As we approach the end of the season, many boat owners begin to rethink their boating lifestyle and consider making changes for the year ahead. Whether you're looking to upgrade or start your boating journey, this is the perfect time to explore our listings of lightly used boats.

Take this 2023 Boston Whaler 325 Conquest as an example. We just listed this boat with single digit hours and it's a great opportunity to save a significant amount on a like new model. So, if you've been thinking about making some changes, now is the time to be looking for your next deal!

While we may have some enjoyable boating weather left, it's important to start thinking ahead. Now is the time to get your boat's haul-out scheduled and make sure your winter storage contracts are finalized. Last month we sent out the contracts so you can make these preparations. Returning them quickly helps avoid last-minute rushes and makes sure your boat is properly stored for the colder months. Getting on the schedule now also allows you to address any maintenance or repairs needed before storing your boat, so you will be in great shape come springtime!

Events Update

Our summer photo contest ended on Labor Day and our panel of judges narrowed the photos down to a top 5.

Now it's your turn to vote.

Head on over to our Facebook page and drop a reaction on your favorite photo!

Voting is open until 4:00pm on September 12th.

Meet The Crew

Meet Courtney, our Service Writer and Parts Manager in Traverse City! She makes sure your service needs are scheduled and that the right parts are sourced to get the job done. Courtney handles many other responsibilities as well, and we're incredibly fortunate to have her on our crew. Thank you for all your hard work Courtney!

Harbor Springs Happenings

Our crew decided to tackle a late summer project by re-decking one of our barge docks! Our docks endure heavy summer traffic, constant exposure to water and harsh sun, as well as winter weather since they remain out year-round. Completing this project not only enhances our marina's visual appeal but also ensures safe and easy access to your boat.

Charlevoix Shenanigans

Our Charlevoix crew celebrated the recent graduation of Jason Dean from our 2-year apprenticeship. His successful completion of the program led to the offer and acceptance of a full-time marine technician role within our crew. Jason consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn, which ultimately led to him delivering exceptional and high-quality work. Great job Jason, your dedication makes you a valued member of the Irish crew family!

Traverse City Tidbits

Our Traverse City crew hosted John Ackerman, a wake surf world champion for a demo day. As a top athlete for Nautique, John was able to work one-on-one with over 20 event attendees on improving their wake surf skills!

Not only was it a perfect summer day, but everyone also got to spend a few hours cruising around in the latest G23 and G24 models from Nautique. Be on the lookout for the opportunity to join us next summer as we invite John back for some more action on the water!

As we wrap up September's Foghorn, we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of such a great boating community in Northern Michigan. The long days and warm nights of summer brought us countless opportunities to explore, relax, and connect with family and friends. From our crew to your crew, we wish you a safe and enjoyable remainder of the boating season.

See you next month!

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