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Snowmobiles
Pleasure Boats
Fishing Boats
Pontoons
Pontoons
PWC's
ATVs
Utility Vehicles
January 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th & 26th, 2008
Whatever the weather, TUT will be fun, fun, fun all the way. There will be all the usual popular attractions - the carnival, parade, Polar Bear Dip, Family Fun Tent, Beverage Tent, crazy games and more! Plus, the Ice Fishing contests will be bigger and better than ever and we're adding Broomball this year! And it's still all for the great value of $5 for a TUT badge!

Download your 2008 Tip Up Town Schedule of Events here.

Download your 2008 Family Fun Tent Schedule here.
Spicer's
Ice Fishing Report!

Houghton Lake Fishing report

Fishing has been picking up on Houghton Lake, lots of small walleyes with 2-3 keepers being taken off the south shore,middle grounds and east bay.

Pan fishing has been slow with a few blue gills taken off the south shore.

Pike fishing has been great, take the kids out with tip-ups and have a great time with minnows, running to the flags is a great way to keep the kids warm and interested.

Ice conditions are good with 7"-10", check with Lymans on the Lake for up to date info on ice conditions, always stay away from river and creek mouths and canal entrances.

Good Fishing and take a kid fishing today

Sea-Doo 230 Challenger
By Randy Vance
Boating Life Magazine

What we think: Twin engines and closed-loop cooling that prevents salt water from entering a boat's engines are expensive options on most boats. Not with the Sea-Doo 230 Challenger. In fact, Sea-Doo designed and integrated dozens of great features often found as expensive standards on other boats.

Closed-loop cooling draws salt water into only a heat exchanger specially designed to handle salt's corrosive properties. Engine heat is carried away to the exchanger, where coolant is piped through cooling coils to reduce heat while preventing problems that occur when raw water is drawn through engine systems.

The engines themselves are Sea-Doo's proprietary 4-Tec four-strokes. We slapped down the throttle and got jammed in our seats by the three-second acceleration to plane. Five seconds to 30 mph is a tough target for any, but Sea-Doo's direct-drive jet pumps accomplish this. All that power needs an aggressive hull for sharp turning without sliding in rough chop. A deep-V 20-degree deadrise hull means the Challenger cleaves waves rather than bashing onto them. The boat held its ground in our hard-over turns.

The Challenger boasts dual captain's chairs for driver and friend. These swivel aft to join in a conversation circle with the C-shaped lounge area. Behind that, the next most popular hangout spot is the sun pad that spills into the 230's roomy transom platform. We could craft lengthy strings of verbs and adjectives to describe the roomy storage, jamming stereo and muscle look of the Challenger, but you can see that in the showroom yourself.
Did you know your new sled requires a "breaking-in" period? You should refer to your owners manual for the proper break-in procedure.

New belts need to be broken in also. Yes it's true. You should not perform quick starts off the line with a new belt, and you shouldn't drive it over 50mph for more than 50 miles with a new belt. Make sure your track and skis are not frozen to the ground before taking off.

New Service Manager Bob Nicholson

“I get to work on the toys I love and live in an area I play in. 

I’m really excited to be apart of this great community.”
Spicer's Introduces
Bob Nicholson as
new Service Manager!

“I have never had the opportunity to work with people that have so much pride in what they do” states Bob Nicholson, new Service Manager at Spicer’s Boat City.  “The staff here at Spicer’s is extremely proud of this store and the work they do,” says Bob.

And Bob should know, being a 10 year customer of Spicer’s Boat City.  “I’ve experienced this entire store first hand, from the sales department to the service department,” says Bob. 

Bob’s career started 15 years ago in the European Automotive world.  Working as Service Director for Auto Europe in Birmingham, Michigan, Bob faced the challenges of customer service with some of the highest end automobiles in the world.  “We sold and serviced Porsche, Ferrari and Lotus.  Each one of the owners had only the highest expectations for their service experience,” continues Bob, “and I plan on bringing that same customer service here to Spicer’s.”

Bob’s passion for boating and snowmobiling, plus the weariness for the big city lifestyle is what brought him to Houghton Lake. “It’s great,” says Bob, “I get to work on the toys I love and live in an area I play in.  I’m really excited to be apart of this great community.”

Spicer’s Boat City is Michigan’s Largest Boating and Snowmobile complex.  Phillip Spicer believes that Bob is a great addition.  “Bob brings a lot to the table,” says Phillip, “his knowledge in customer service and faster turn around should do nothing but help our customers enjoy the products they purchase from us.”

Former Service Manager Bill Kerns is still with the company, he has been promoted to General Sales Manager.
A note from our new Service Manager, Bob Nicholson.

As you may know many of us need to a trailer to transport our precious cargo to whatever destination we may be headed. So many times I see a broken down trailer along the roadside, which could have been prevented with just a little preventive maintenance. I have a list of items that should be maintained or at least inspected. Before you go on your journey please do the following:

  1. Inspect and adjust tire pressures. Inspect tire condition, always have a tire gauge with you and know what pressures to set at with a load. The information is usually on the tire.
  2. Inspect all lighting, brake lights, turn signals running lights etc…
  3. Make sure cargo is strapped down sufficiently double check; you cannot ever have enough straps.
  4. Make sure trailer hitch has correct plug and ball size.
  5. Make sure trailer is secured to vehicle and locked at the down portion of hitch. Always cross your chains to secure at tow vehicle.
  6. Check owner’s manual to verify load capacity and tongue weight.

As far as maintenance is concerned the trailer should have an annual maintenance to ensure any unforeseen circumstances.

  1. Clean and repack Wheel bearings. Install bearing buddies
  2. Lubricate all hinges and fasteners.
  3. Re torque all hardware at secured mounting points.

Thank you and safe travels.

Bob Nicholson

Service Manager
Snowmobile Ride Safety Check, from the Spicer's Service Staff.

Before you ever hop on your sled to ride you need to perform a safety inspection and check for proper gear. Here are a few things you should always do.

  1. Make sure your throttle is not frozen and moves freely.
  2. Make sure your track is not frozen to the ground or trailer.
  3. Make sure all lights are operating on the sled.
  4. Check your belt for wear, make sure you have an extra one.
  5. Have extra Spark plugs.
  6. Check to make sure you have a tool kit.
  7. Have a flashlight and first aid kit.
  8. Carry a lighter or matches.
  9. Have a compass or GPS, and maps,
  10. Let someone know where you plan to ride and when you plan on returning.
  11. Stay on the marked trails.
  12. Check wear bars and hy-fax.
  13. Check your track for wear, or rips.
  14. Make sure your studs are good and tight.
  15. Make sure your parking break is off.
  16. Check your battery if you have one.
  17. Make sure your brakes are working,
  18. Make sure you have proper fuel levels for the ride.
  19. Check chain case oil, take extra gloves and a hat.
  20. Take a cell phone if you can.

These are just a few things to check over before you ride. They may help out in the event you get lost or stranded. Most importantly, always have a plan.
Spicer's Boat City
4165 West Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake, MI 48629
www.spicersboatcity.com
Click here for store hours and map.

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