It's hard to believe that May is here --- let the fun begin!

And since Spring is a time for "new beginnings", here are a few new things happening at the harbor:

• We have new flagstaffs at the Resort. There is now one at each entrance and one overlooking the marina. All of the flags are illuminated at night and it adds a patriotic look to the resort.
• A new Heritage Harbor sign has been installed at the Marina District entrance and will also be illuminated at night to proudly display the Heritage Harbor logo.
• The Heron's Landing Cottage model home has been sold and moved to its new permanent location down by the water's edge... It will soon be available for rental! More details soon...
• We have invested in a very nice commercial children's play set that will soon be installed on the upland area between the boater's shower house and our marina office. I will soon post a rendering and layout in the office and on our Facebook page.
• Our landscape crew is doing a great job of mowing and planting the new landscaping.
• The Mediacom cable installation is now complete on the docks and we are working with them to host a sign up date for service upgrades. Remember, channels 2 through 22 are the basic "free" channels and includes basic internet. We have Mediacom brochures available in the marina office if you would like to pick one up.
• Save the date for "Fire Safety Training" presented by the Ottawa Fire department; Saturday, May 19th from 10AM to 11 AM. The training is to improve response by our staff if needed and all boaters are encouraged to attend. I will videotape the training for your review if you are unable to make it.
• A $150 gas credit for referrals will be in place through the end of May --- tell a friend about HHO!

Now for a few reminders:

• A reminder to please stop in the marina office when you arrive for the season so that final payments may be made and documents signed. Slip fees are expected to be settled "in full" at the start of the season.
• Please notify a staff member prior to picking up your ice if you are taking advantage of our "Cool Pool and Pump Out Package" as we need to track the redemptions to ensure program compliance.
• The dock host slip # is C35 not B35. It was my error in the last newsletter--sorry.
• ALL guests are required to pick up after their pet(s). No exceptions can be tolerated! Bags and receptacles are provided by the parking lot.
• Parents - You are responsible for your kids. In order to have the quality marina and marina experience we want to deliver... We must have no fishing off the docks, no throwing rocks, no bare feet in the restaurant, no activities around other peoples boats, etc. We are reviewing the current Marina rules and will update you with any changes regarding kids and a policy governing the new play area.
• The marina pool will remain closed until warmer weather -- I will send a notice as soon as it is open. All pool codes have been cleared from the lock so you will need to check in for the first time you enter.

Thanks for everyone's support and we look forward to a great May!

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As part of the Adventure Lifestyle available at Heritage Harbor Ottawa we strive to connect our homeowners, boaters, and guests with some unique experiences that are exclusive to our area here in "Starved Rock Country".

Just featured in Great Lakes Boating May/June edition...

Quest Express Offers Boating Lifestyle As Ownership Alternative

Everyone dreams about boating, but not everyone can see themselves taking the plunge into boat ownership. With Quest Watersports' boat club, Quest Express, members can get the best of both worlds - take boats on the water, without jumping into purchasing.

Everyone dreams about boating, but not everyone can see themselves taking the plunge into boat ownership. With Quest Watersports'. boat club, Quest Express. members can get the best of both worlds - take boats on the water, without jumping into purchasing.

Quest Watersports, with its home port in Heritage Harbor Ottawa. in Ottawa, Ill., launched the members-only Quest Express boat club in 2011. According to Linda Johnson, of Quest Watersports, the club was well-received as an alternative to boat ownership and is only expected to grow. Members enjoy the fact that they get the chance to test the waters of boat ownership with the perks of the Heritage Harbor resort community surrounding them.

"We studied membership boating-clubs in other parts of the United States to put our club together... and we're really the only one doing anything quite like this in Illinois," Johnson said of Quest's uniqueness.

Once members sign up for Quest Express and pay the annual enrollment fee, there is an online reservation system where they can log in, see all the boats available and make a reservation. The fleet includes anything from pontoons to sports boats, which opens the doors to a relaxing cruise, fishing, tubing or water skiing on the Illinois River through Starved Rock Country. Near the Ottawa Pool, there are side channels to discover, islands to explore and the free city of Ottawa docks for the chance to stop and take a downtown stroll or grab a bite.

Johnson explained that the ratio of boats to members helps ease any reservation issues and the whole process is very smooth from there. Each membership group - there are three - is allowed to have two rolling reservations on the calendar at a time and they can be made from two hours to 30 days in advance. There is no limit to how many times members can use boats, as long as they are available.

Those without boating experience don't have to be frightened away from the Quest Express boat club. While an initial boating orientation is scheduled for every member, further training is always available. When members make a reservation, all they have to do is show up in the harbor - their reserved boat will be in a Heritage Harbor slip waiting for them, along with a Quest Watersports employee to greet and assist them.

"If you've never driven a boat before, we'll make sure you feel very comfortable driving that boat," Johnson said of the orientation and training Quest provides. "We also encourage them to go right back out after they drop us off to try out their new skills."

To add to the no-hassle philosophy of the club, members - as opposed to boat owners - don't ever have to worry about routine maintenance or insurance. Quest Express has a club policy that covers liability. Not to mention there are no slip fees, extensive cleaning of the boats, winterizing or storage that members have to worry about. The only responsibility of members, aside from keeping the boat safe while in use, is to cover the cost of fuel when they use them.

"We find people boat more when they are in the club," Johnson said. "It is so easy and affordable. Boating truly becomes the pleasure pastime we all dream about."

She added that concierge services are even available if wanted. Quest employees can have a catered lunch or packed cooler ready in the boat. It just has to be requested ahead of time.

Another perk for Quest Express members is being able to take advantage of the Heritage Harbor Ottawa club amenities, such as a pool membership. After members are done with their time on the water, many continue their day or evening at the resort, Johnson said. The marina and Tracy's Boathouse., restaurant and bar, is usually abuzz with activity.

"The port of Heritage Harbor is just phenomenal. As a member of Quest Express, they are also a guest of the Harbor."

With packages starting as low as $300 per month, there is an affordable membership to fit everyone's lifestyle.

Quest Express yearly membership plans include the following:

Individual/Family Membership - allows up to two members from the same household to enjoy club privileges.

Buddy Membership - allows any two people to split and enjoy club privileges.

Executive Membership - entitles 2 individuals in a company or two buddies to enjoy club privileges on weekdays (excluding holidays).

To sign up for the Quest Express club, tour the marina, see the fleet or review the membership agreement, call Linda at Quest Watersports at 815-433-2200. Boat usage is from April 15 to Oct. 31.

For a list of Quest Express boat club frequently asked questions, click here.

For more information about area activities and services check out the Heritage Harbor Ottawa blog.

"Life is an Adventure...Live it Here!"

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At Quest Watersports
We Love Our MOMS!

Treat Mother to a Unique Pre-Mother's Day Event on Saturday, May 12th!

"Mother knows best..." that's why this Mother's Day you should show her how much you care by getting her the best gift you can think of... a Hobie Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) is guaranteed to put a smile on her face - and yours!

Mom would never let you buy a pair of pants without trying them on first, nor would she let you buy a car without a test drive... so why should a Hobie or SUP be any different? Here's your (her!) chance to try one...

May 12th
Heritage Harbor Marina
9am to 12pm
Reservations Are Encouraged

Join us to experience a mix of models and styles of Hobie kayaks for both solo and 2-person use*. To make your reservation, or if you have a particular model you would like to try, please call 815-433-2200 and we will do our best to have it in the water for you. Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) will also be available to try.

Quest Watersports offers free demos because we know how important it is to try before you buy. Just like our Hobie Kayaks and SUPs, no two mothers are alike... so whether Mom has never paddled before, wants to paddle for fun, fishing or fitness, we have something for everyone.

This is your chance to get out here and paddle the kayaks and SUPs you've been (I mean Mom's been) thinking about! This Mothers' Day, do something different... flowers are nice, but treating her to a Hobie Kayak or Paddle Board is even better!

*Expect to get slightly WET! You can board the kayak from a dock or at the water's edge, and you should wear shoes or sandals that can go in the water. We also recommend wearing synthetic clothing or a bathing suit that dries quickly. All paddlers MUST wear a life jacket; paddling life jackets will be provided! It's FUN & FREE

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The Mother of all Mother's Day Gifts...

Give the gift that will last all summer long!!

A QUEST EXPRESS MEMBERSHIP

Let Quest Watersports be part of your Mother's Day surprise!
Bring mom and the family out to see, touch, feel the boat club boats,
and then go for a quick ride before you sign up!!

May 12th
Heritage Harbor Marina
9am to 12pm
Reservations are required 815-433-2200

All Moms that sign up for a membership during Mother's Day
weekend will get a FREE TUBE & ROPE for the family and to help bring
out her inner child!!

Celebrate with the mom in your life & treat her to a day on the
water at Heritage Harbor, and a lunch or dinner afterward at Tracy's Boathouse!

For more information email Linda@questwatersports.com or call 815-433-2200

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There is no better time than now to protect your investment with a Custom Lift Package from Quest Watersports:

• Will keep your boat's outdrive, running gear, and hull bottom clean and free from algae and corrosion. Your boat will continue to handle and perform like new!
• Will limit depreciation and help maintain your boat's resale value!
• Are engineered to be strong and corrosion resistant!
• Are easy to operate, and will raise and lower your boat in a level and safe manner!
• Are the most stable, durable, well designed, affordable, easy to use boat lifts available!
• Includes a customized lift for Heritage Harbor (6,500lbs to 20,000lbs), private labeled motor box, professional installation. Walkways and other accessories can be added for your convenience.

So no more scrubbing your bottom! Call Linda at 815-433-2200 today to find out about our pre-owned and new boat lift pricing.

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Even though the boating season has just started, we are already seeing battery issues develop. Most of the batteries we are changing are bad due to poor battery switch management on the boat. It is important when you leave the boat for the night or the week, that you turn all your battery switches to the off position. The battery charger will still charge your batteries and important items like the bilge pumps are hard wired to the battery so you have power to these items regardless of what position your battery switch is in. You should only have 2 switches on your 110v panel left on when you leave the boat. The battery charger switch, which is sometimes combined with your refrigerator switch, and if separate, your refrigerator switch. All other switches should be in the off position when you leave the boat. Some boats also have a "ships system" switch by the battery switches which would also need to be turned off. If you neglect turning of switches when you leave the boat, the batteries will be continuously discharging and charging, which creates heat and also severely inhibits the long term life of the battery and charger. By turning of the battery switches, you not only extend the life of your batteries, but stop a potential fire from happening on your boat. I also want to say thank you to everyone who came to the H20 Dip Party Saturday evening hosted at Quest Watersports. It was quite the hit and everyone enjoyed themselves.

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