Madeline Island Yacht Club: A Lake Superior Co-Op Marina Built for Short Seasons and Big Adventures

Following our Marine Trades Spotlight series featuring real pros, real projects, and the products that support dependable results—we’re heading to the Apostle Islands this month to feature Madeline Island Yacht Club (MIYC).

A “Quiet and Tranquil” Marina, Right in the Apostle Islands

Madeline Island Yacht Club is located in La Pointe, Wisconsin, on Madeline Island—the only inhabited island in the Apostle Islands chain. That location makes MIYC a natural staging point for exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore while still offering a well-protected harbor.

Founded in 1977 by a group of boat owners seeking a “beautiful, quiet and tranquil marina,” MIYC has stayed true to that vision while growing into a 140-member cooperative marina that welcomes both members and transient boaters.

That reputation extends beyond the island. Since 2023, MIYC notes it has been the only Lake Superior marina to earn Elite Fleet Status in marinas.com’s Boaters Choice Awards—an honor given to a small percentage of marinas nationwide.

Meet Madeline Island’s Newest Marine-Trade Pro: From Geology to the Yard

MIYC’s Service Advisor, Mazie, followed an unconventional path into the marine trades. With a background in geology and physics—and professional experience in soil science and hydrology—she ultimately returned home to Lake Superior, prioritizing proximity to the water over staying in the same field.

Working on a remote island reshapes what “practical skills” mean. For Mazie, that meant stepping into MIYC’s service operation and building hands-on experience with boats, systems, and customer support—helping keep owners on the water during a season where every day counts.

Lake Superior’s “Freezup” Reality: Maintenance Has a Deadline

Boating on Lake Superior operates on a different clock. MIYC’s season begins as soon as the ice clears and ends when winter closes back in.

That compressed timeline shapes how the yard works:

• Summer: Fast troubleshooting and immediate repairs take priority so boaters can maximize time on the water.
• Winter: Indoor months are reserved for larger projects—brightwork restoration, painting, and major installations like generators, air conditioning, electronics, and repowers.

It’s a workflow designed for efficiency, where timing matters just as much as technical execution.

MIYC mid-1970's

A Wide Mix of Boats,
From 15 Feet to 80+ Feet

MIYC’s docks reflect a true Great Lakes mix: sailboats and powerboats, classic restorations alongside modern refits. According to MIYC, slips accommodate vessels from roughly 15 feet to over 80 feet, with published dockage ranging from about 25 to 80 feet.

For visiting boaters, the practical amenities matter just as much as location. The marina offers protected docks with water, electric service, Wi-Fi, key-accessed restrooms and showers, and staff monitoring VHF Channel 16.

Inside the Shop: What MIYC Repairs and Restores Year-Round

MIYC’s service team—Aaron, Chuck, Mike, Tony, and Chas—handles a broad scope of work. Their year-round facility supports everything from fiberglass repair and brightwork to Awlgrip application, engine service, rigging, and large system installs. Their seasonal workflow stays consistent:

• Winter focus: Painting, brightwork, and major installations such as air conditioning, generators, radars, wind instruments, and full repowers.
• Summer focus: Troubleshooting, urgent repairs, and smaller installs that get boats back underway quickly.

For Great Lakes boaters, that balance is critical—quick solutions when the weather window is open, and deeper restoration when winter allows time to do it right.

How MIYC Discovered TotalBoat and Why It Stayed in the Rotation

MIYC first encountered TotalBoat about five years ago at a boat and trade show. After testing the products in their shop, they kept using them for a straightforward reason: they fit the pace and demands of a busy marina. Products MIYC has used include:

• TotalTread
• Wet Edge
• Underdog
• JD Select

The team noted noticeably lower shop odor compared to some alternatives, along with consistent handling characteristics—important factors when turnaround time is tight and multiple projects are moving at once.

“TotalBoat is consistent, easy to work with, available, and at a good price point for all boaters.” — Mazie from MIYC

Antifouling on Lake Superior: What Matters Most

Mazie is antifouling application certified, and for boats spending the season in Lake Superior, the priorities are clear: long service life and abrasion resistance.

Whether selecting a high-performance antifouling option like TotalBoat Spartan or Krypton—or another proven system—the criteria MIYC emphasized remains the same: durability that holds up in demanding Great Lakes conditions.

Winter = Indoor projects like brightwork restoration and painting

Project Spotlight: Two Finishes, Two Practical Results

While MIYC didn’t have before photos available, they shared completed projects and the products used on boats in their care.

Skimmer: Improved Traction With TotalTread (Light Gray)

For safer footing in high-traffic areas, MIYC applied TotalBoat TotalTread in Light Gray. It’s well-suited for decks, steps, and working surfaces where grip matters without creating an overly abrasive texture.

O’Day Sailer: Clean, Classic Finish With Wet Edge (White)

On an O’Day Sailer, MIYC used TotalBoat Wet Edge in White—a topside paint known for its balance of flow, finish quality, and ease of repair.

For marinas, boatyards, and mobile technicians working against the calendar, these are the kinds of dependable products that help keep projects moving without surprises.

Pro Tip From the MIYC Crew:
Clean Your Boat—and Your Bilge

When asked what maintenance advice they wish every owner followed, MIYC’s technicians kept it simple:

• “Clean your boat.”
• “Clean your bilge.”
• “Don’t use wet wipes.”
• “Don’t do it yourself unless you know what you’re doing.”

From Mazie’s perspective: trust your technicians, ask questions, and if you’re not confident in a repair—hand it off to professionals.

What’s Next for MIYC

MIYC continues to invest in its facilities. Recent upgrades include a new patio area, with additional improvements planned for the shop lot and landscaping—ongoing efforts to improve the experience for members, visitors, and staff alike.

For more Marine Trades spotlights focused on real boatyards, marinas, and repair professionals, subscribe to TotalBoat updates and look out for the next story from the field!