About Us
Meet Your Captain & First Mate
For Cliff and Myrna, boating isn’t just something they do — it’s the rhythm of their life together.
What began as two young dreamers with a tiny 15‑foot boat has grown into a 42‑year marriage filled with sunsets, shoreline adventures, and a deep love for the water. Today, they’re honored to share that joy with guests aboard Hiatus.
🧭 OUR STORY...
40 Years on the Water
Cliff and Myrna didn’t grow up boating. In fact, Myrna was afraid of water, Cliff had a swimming pool so was comfortable around water, but wasn’t acquainted with boats. Early in their marriage, something about the water called out to them.
They bought their first boat — a little 15‑foot 1965 powerboat — and spent countless evenings waterskiing and exploring the lakes. By 1987, a few years after their marriage, they upgraded to their first “real” boat, and boating quickly became their shared escape.
Over the decades, the water was their place to reconnect, breathe, and slow down. “Relaxation — that’s what boating means to us. It’s our getaway.”
After 40 years of boating together, they realized something important: They wanted to share the joy they’d been blessed with.
“We’ve always said we’re blessed to be a blessing. God has greatly blessed us, and it’s our joy and mission to share that with family, friends, and now guests.”
Meet Your Captain - Cliff
Cliff holds an OUPV 6‑Pack Captain’s License, allowing him to take up to six paid passengers (not including crew).
With decades of experience on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, he knows the shoreline like an old friend — the calmest routes, the best views, and the hidden gems.
He’s steady, knowledgeable, and happiest at the helm during a glowing sunset.
His favorite views include Big Red Lighthouse, Lake Macatawa, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Port Sheldon, and the dunes — places he’s explored for more than 40 years.
🧭 First Mate - Myrna
Myrna may not have grown up boating, but she has become the heart of every cruise.
Warm, welcoming, and attentive, she’s the first to greet guests and make them feel at home.
She loves the flybridge because it keeps everyone — including the captain — connected in conversation.
She also appreciates the wide gunnels and safety bars that make handling lines easy and safe.
Favorite drinks: cold water, ginger ale, lemonade.
Favorite time of day: sunset on the water.
Meet the Boat - Hiatus
Hiatus is a 42‑foot motor yacht designed for comfort, stability, and unforgettable views. She’s spacious, welcoming, and perfectly suited for small‑group cruises along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Key Specs:
- 42 ft long
- 15 ft beam (width)
- 3.5 ft draft (underwater)
- 2001 model
- Twin 8.2 Crusader engines (425 hp each)
- Gas
- Top speed: 24 mph
- Not restricted to a specific passenger limit due to vessel class
- Upgraded electronics + autopilot
Guest‑favorite features:
- High flybridge with panoramic views
- Wide, stable design (comfortable even in rougher seas)
- Large bow for lounging
- Onboard bathroom
- Spacious cockpit and living area.
Why the name “Hiatus”:
Because it means taking a relaxing pause or break — exactly what they hope every guest experiences.
Why they chose her:
Cliff loved her sleek exterior lines and ideal size.
Myrna loved the flybridge layout, the convenient bathroom and shower, the wide gunnels for line handling, and the roomy kitchen and living area.
We Can't Wait to Welcome You Aboard!
Whether you’re here to celebrate, reconnect, or simply breathe a little deeper, Cliff and Myrna are honored to share their Hiatus with you.
Slow down. Take in the shoreline. Feel the peace of the water.
What Makes Hiatus Cruises Different?
Small‑group experiences: Intimate, personal, and never crowded. You’re not just another passenger — you’re a welcomed guest.
Local expertise: With 40 years on the water, Cliff & Myrna know the best routes, the calmest waters, and the most beautiful views.
Stress‑free planning: From the moment you step aboard, they take care of everything — helping you settle in, showing you the bathroom, guiding you safely to the bow, and making sure you feel like friends, not strangers.
A welcoming atmosphere: Their mission is simple: To give you the joy they’ve experienced for decades on the Big Lake.
Bringing Hiatus Home
A Journey to Remember
In 2021, Cliff and Myrna purchased Hiatus in Toledo, Ohio. Instead of shipping her home, they embarked on a four‑day adventure through 3 of the Great Lakes surrounding Michigan’s Lower Peninsula — a trip filled with early mornings, long crossings, and unforgettable views. By the time they reached Holland, they knew they had found the perfect boat to share with others.
