Low water levels propel demand for Bay Port airboats

[Hamilton Reef]

Low water levels propel demand for Bay Port airboats

"We don't build airboats because we like to build them," said Winiecki, 50, of Sebewaing, who has seen demand for his airboats rise as Great Lakes levels have fallen in recent years.

"We build 'em out of necessity, so we can use this resource," said Winiecki, owner of Swamp Limo Airboats LLC of Bay Port.

"It was either stop going out and have no access to the bay whatever, or figure a way to get out there legally," Winiecki said. "The airboat was the only answer."

http://blog.mlive.com/bctimes/2008/02/low_water_levels_propel_demand.html

[just ducky]

I guess you either love 'em or hate 'em. I'm in the latter category. Yes, I understand that without them there would be areas on the bay that you just couldn't access. But then again, isn't that possibly what mother nature intended? There are areas on the bay that I haven't been able to boat into for about 10 years now. So if I really want to get there, I have a long hike, and I do just that. But just look at the picture in the article of the damn thing going over a snow drift. Not so big of a deal in winter when everything's locked tight, because snowmobiles or quads can do the same thing. But in spring, summer or fall, when they can go over basically dry ground and access areas that used to provide a bit of a sanctuary for game...that's where I have an issue with them. I'd like to see some regulations on where they can and can't go...kind of like ORV requirements on the mainland. All I know is the middle ground area, exactly where these guys are, is a mess because of these "boats" (I use that term VERY loosely). And no, this isn't jealousy talking, because I honestly could afford one. But it's not on my X-mas list :evilsmile . jmo.