Sneak Peak At Spring

Forget winter. It's been looking or feeling much more like spring ... or even summer ...

So, why the 'March Mildness?' Here is what the Weather Network had to say:

"It's been unseasonably warm mainly because of a strong ridge in the jet stream over the middle part of North America," says Brian Owsiak, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. "As long as that ridge stays in place, that will mean above seasonal temperatures for many."

And since that ridge has been holding in place, the warm weather isn't going anywhere fast. 

They are expecting this trend to continue to the end of March, more or less. If that pans out, it could be the longest stretch of that kind of weather on record for this time of year.

No complaints here-maybe an early boating season on the horizon.

So once the fog lifted, early afternoon I took a short walk around the marina.

Click here to come on my walk.

Surviving Cold Water Immersion

Cold Water Immersion

We have now shifted from ice fishing & snowmobiling on the lakes and will soon be thinking about getting the boat out on the water.
But, the water is cold! It will be a little while yet before the water will warm up.
Are you prepared for a sudden or unexpected dip?
Do you know how you will react if you are suddenly immersed in cold water?
Most victims do not enter the water intentionally.
A boater who ends up in the water may die from complications of cold water immersion but can survive for a surprising length of time if they are wearing a PFD and take the proper actions. It is important not to panic and make the proper decisions in order to survive.
If you do end up in the water, it is important to do everything you can to conserve energy and body heat.
Below is a short video that will give you the information you need to prepare yourself, should you find yourself in this situation.

Accidents are inevitable, but with proper supplies, emergency procedures and long term survival skills. It is possible to survive even the most dire circumstance.


Gordon Bay Marine wants you to stay safe on the water and will from time to time post videos on boating safety, rules & regulations for boating in Ontario. 
Please feel free to leave comments here. Let us know if there is a certain topic you would like us to cover.

Wakeboarding Teaser

This is the first in a small series of cuts coming to help roll in spring.
Christian Primrose is a name you're going to be hearing more of in the coming year. He's already made a name for himself on the provincial level in Ontario and is breaking through on the National level. Check out this video from Vince Whiteman/Slightly Human; 




Christian Primrose Rough Cut from Slightly Human on Vimeo.

Gordon Bay Marine is proud to be a sponsor of Christian and we are looking forward to getting him behind his new 2012 Malibu Wakesetter VLX.
I'm psyched to get out and watch Christian this season.
Maybe even take a ride in the new Malibu..Riding in a Malibu there's just something way cool about the Malibu vibe that is unmatched by any other boat.

“It's Nearly Time To 'Spring Forward”

Are you getting excited for Daylight Savings Time?

Here at Gordon Bay Marine, it means boating season is just around the corner.

     Now you have to get excited about that! 

2am on Sunday March 11th Canadians will set their clocks ahead by one hour welcoming Daylight Savings Time - The beginning of the spring ahead and the end of winter. 

While many of us are looking forward to longer periods of daylight, few are thinking of the danger of a disrupted sleep schedule.

This has absolutely nothing to do with boating, snowmobiling or anything else you would expect a marina to be blogging about, but I found it very interesting and thought I’d share.

Let’s talk a little about Daylight Danger.

Being drowsy is more dangerous than you think. 

Every year Canadians lose an average of 40 minutes of sleep when they make the switch.

This doesn't sound like a lot but according to a McMaster University study called "Sleep Deficit, Fatal Accidents and the Spring Shift to Daylight Savings Time,"

Traffic crashes during the Monday following the weekend of turning the clock ahead one hour increased by a significant 17 per cent compared to the average Monday.

Most of the accidents occur in the afternoon, when your body would be winding down from a long day of work.

The increase in accidents is attributed to the disruption of circadian rhythms, which can have other negative biological effects such as an increase in heart attacks.

The loss of sleep is similar to that of alcohol consumption and can seriously alter your emotions, judgment, ability to react, and your ability to learn.

Here are 5 tips to help you cope with the Daylight Savings hangover.

1.Practice. Help your body get use to the impending change by practicing for the big day. Go to bed and wake up early the weekend ahead of the change.

2.Take A Nap. If you have a chance grab a quick catnap the following Monday, this will help you feel refreshed and less sleepy. Be careful not to attempt activities like driving or operating heavy machinery should you feel drowsy.

3.Get Some Sun. When you have a chance go outside and get some sun. Sunlight’s helps to regulate our internal clock regulating sleep.

4.Go For An Early Morning Run. Morning exercise is a great way to regulate your sleep and help you feel nice and refreshed. Just try not to exercise to close to bed time or it may keep you awake.

5.Downtime In The Dark. When you are getting ready for bed make sure to wind down in a nice dark room, the lack of sunlight will help remind your body that it's time for sleep.

So let’s all Practice, take a nap, get some sun & really try to get out for that morning run!

The Story Of Gordon Bay Marine

More than 52 years ago, a young man on Lake Joseph began selling and servicing outboard motors. His diligence, skill and spirit of helpfulness won him a steady stream of customers, and helped launch Gordon Bay Marine.
Those attributes are still in evidence at Gordon Bay, now one of the most successful marine businesses in Ontario.
Bruce Hatherley, who launched the marina, can still be found on site nearly every day. These days he’s joined by a crew of over 40 full-time employees — including Bruce’s son, Ben, who is now the General Manager — and another 30 or so seasonal staff.
Just as it did in the beginning, Gordon Bay Marine enjoys helping families get out on the water, providing the expertise in sales and service to ensure that their boating times are fun and safe.
Mercury outboards and other Mercury motors are still a proud part of the Gordon Bay lineup, just as they have been since the beginning, but the marina also sells a wide range of boats, including, Boston Whaler, Bayliner, Monterey, Malibu, Formula, Yamaha, Limestone, Tuscany ,Stanley and  Lund.

Gordon Bay’s showroom is open year round, but winter is also snowmobile season. The marina sells a full range of Yamaha sleds and ATVs. The marina also sells OFSC trail permits for three different snowmobile clubs in the area.
Service has always been a key element at Gordon Bay Marine. Thanks to long-standing relationships with Mercury Marine and Yamaha Motor Canada, Gordon Bay is able to ensure that all its marine technicians are fully trained in all the latest motor developments.
Those technicians are backed by a parts department that rivals any in the industry. By keeping one of Ontario’s largest parts inventories on hand, Gordon Bay ensures that their customers get back out on the water in minimal time.
When customers can’t make it to the marina, the marina can come to them.
House calls are available, as are boat rentals, and a taxi/delivery service. In the spirit of innovation and creativity, Gordon Bay even offers a fly-in emergency repair service, believed to be the only one of its kind.
Boaters throughout the region have come to depend on Gordon Bay; Gordon Bay also offers a full detailing that keeps boats looking bright and new, year after year.
A complete on-site custom top shop uses only the best materials to create tops and covers for boats of all shapes and sizes.
To round out the experience, Gordon Bay Marine doesn’t just have a great selection of boats, motors, and trailers; it is also a complete cottage shop, filled with all kinds of accessories, clothing, electronics, safety equipment and stuff that just make cottaging more fun.  Be sure to visit our main location on HWY 69 Lake Joseph or the Gordon Bay Marine Cottage Shop on HWY 400 Exit 214/Horseshoe Lake Rd.

So there you have it, a little history on Gordon Bay Marine Hope you enjoyed the story. 

Experience Snowmobiling In Muskoka

            View Gordon Bay Marine's-Snowmobile Specials

Crank up your adrenaline this winter by enjoying the good, old Canadian pastime of snowmobiling!

So, we were hit with some snow! Why not make the most of it and get out and try something new. "Snowmobiling" Make it even that much more exciting by snowmobiling in Muskoka.  
Fun, easy and surprisingly affordable and accessible, snowmobiling is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. From thrill-seeking youngsters to those simply looking for a cool way to get around, snowmobiling appeals to individuals of any age.
Ontario offers over 43,000 km (26,000 mi.) of maintained, interconnected trails. It's the longest network of recreational trails in the world. Muskoka is the hot spot for sledders With 2,000 km of these uncrowded, groomed trails.

So why would you go anywhere else to snowmobile? Wherever you travel in Muskoka, you'll be warmly welcomed and offered every assistance to ensure your snowmobiling pleasure.

Get Started with Great Reasons to Go Snowmobiling

1. Quality Time with Family & Friends- From club events to trail side wiener roasts, snowmobiling reconnects family and friends through warm camaraderie and fellowship!

2. Get Outdoors & Be Active -There’s nothing like a day of snowmobiling in clean air and fresh snow to keep you healthy, sharp and fit!

3. Escape the Daily Grind- Snowmobiling carries you away from worries and stress…so relax and enjoy your discovery of the Great White North!

4. Connect With Nature-Snowmobiling connects you with scenic places only accessible during winter…an awe-inspiring wonderland just waiting for you!

5. Make Winter More Fun- Snowmobiling makes winter fun, just like when you were a kid. This authentically Canadian activity will have you grinning from ear to ear!

Once you experience snowmobiling in Muskoka,you'll want to come back every snowmobile season. 

Want to get started in boating?

So you want to get started in boating but not sure where to start...
For years it's been a the boater's great debate. You want a family boat, you love the space of a deck boat, but you don't want to give up the performance of a runabout and bowriders to you seem a bit of a compromise. Or, if you are like alot of new boaters you just don't know what boat best suits your needs. Finding the right boat for you and your family doesn't have to be a difficult task.
Visit our unbiased experts at the Discover Boating Centre and find out how easy and affordable it is to get started in boating..Just Click Below.

http://www.discoverboating.com/getoffyourdock/

The memories you'll create with family and friends will last a lifetime. 

Life is better with a boat!!