Grand Banks delivers a new flagship, the 76 Aleutian RP

By L.J. Wallace, Jr.

Make no mistake; despite its sensuous luxury and international reputation as the best of what a trawler yacht can be, the new flagship of the Grand Banks fleet is NOT a vessel for globe-girdling wannabes. It offers everything anyone needs to traverse oceans comfortably and safelybut the owners and crew can do it with panache. Again, make no mistake; it takes a lot for any boat builder to remain atop the desirability ladder for more than 50 years, but Grand Banks has done that and more. It has kept up with design and construction technology and consistently offered its customers exactly what they wanted in flair, styling, comfort, amenities, speed, reputation and status.

Not that many years ago, Grand Banks built trawler yachts that operated at displacement speeds only. Society has moved on, moves faster and our need for instant gratification has altered the paradigm for speed afloat. This 76-footer, with the maximum optional 1,724-hp CAT C32 ACERT power package, can hit more than 31 knots. However, the standard power of C18 ACERTs rated at 1,015-hp still tops out at 23.8 knots and cruises at 18.5 while burning a modest 35.8 gallons per hour. These figures were developed based on a half-load of fuel and 16 passengers. Imagine what it’s capable of with a light load and skeleton crew!

While speed is certainly important, I expect that those attracted to such vessels consider range as equally crucial. At that cruise, the Grand Banks 76 Aleutian RP offers a range of 652 nautical miles (based on 90 percent of usable fuel capacity.) Drop your speed down to true displacement speed—say, 10.5 knots—and your range jumps to more than 1,200 nm. And at just over 7 knots, you can boost that to almost 2,000 nm. That can get you to a whole host of remote anchorages.

Specifications:

LOA: 77′ 6″
BEAM: 19′ 19″
DRAFT: 5′ 4″
DISPLACEMENT: 104,000 lb. (dry)
FUEL CAPACITY: 2,845 gal.
STANDARD POWER: Twin 1,105-hp CAT
C18 ACERT diesels
OPTIONAL MAX POWER: Twin 1,724-hp
CAT C32 ACERT diesels
SLEEPS: 6 to 8 guests plus 2 crew
MAX RANGE: 1,973 n.m.
@ 7.5 Kt. (w/ std. CATs)
TOP SPEED: 23.8 Kt.
@ 2,346 rpm (w/ std. CATs)
30 Kt. @ 2,485 rpm (w/ opt. CAT’s)
CRUISE SPEED: 18.5 Kt
@2,000 rpm (w/ std. CATs)
22.9 Kt. @ 2,000 rpm (w/ opt. CAT’s)

As for the interior, there are numerous choices. The standard layout consists of four staterooms: a master with an athwartship king bed; a VIP cabin in the forepeak; and two side-by-side single berth cabins. Optionally, you can request a three-cabin layout. Both configurations include crew quarters for two, hidden beneath the cockpit with a separate entrance to the quarters and the engine compartment. Those who have succeeded, but not yet retired, might opt for the office cabin in lieu of one of the guest doubles. Having worked as crew in Europe, rest assured that by European standards, these crew quarters are opulent for a 76-footer. The space includes over/under single berths, head with shower and a washer and dryer.

Moving to the main deck, the extended pilothouse provides a larger-than-average saloon area able to accommodate a formal dining room consisting of six occasional chairs surrounding a teak-inlaid table. Or, you can choose a banquette-style dining table that seats four in the forward port corner of the saloon and four on occasional chairs on the facing side. An optional wine cooler can be placed mere steps away in the wet bar unit. One layout also provides a day head amidships to starboard in the saloon.

The galley comes in two configurations depending on whether you choose the three- or four-cabin layout. The difference is truly minimal, with the galley island curving in on the forward end in the three-stateroom layout, and being straight with the fourth. Additionally, the three-stateroom layout boasts a C-shaped dinette table and seating that is missing from the other layout. Aft of the dining room, the saloon sports a pair of facing straight settees that remind me of a stretch limo with a teak-inlaid coffee table between. The aft deck will be where most people will want to dine with its larger table and seating for more guests. Of course, that doesn’t even take into account the better vistas being alfresco provides. The substantial overhang will protect you in all but the most inclement conditions.

Moving all the way aft, twin stairwells descend down to the swim platform, affording you secure passage to the boat’s stern as well as a comfortable place to land your tender when coming and going. The aft deck offers hatch access to the crew quarters beneath, which in turn also has direct access into the engine compartment. The engine room is just shy of full-standing headroom as a concession to the overall sleek profile of the 76. However, all routine maintenance points can be found on centerline within easy reach. Such maintenance items include quick disconnects for the oil-change system, fresh water outlet and easy access to the sea strainers and batteries. Side decks afford passage to the Portuguese bridge around the pilothouse and ultimately, the foredeck. Mirror-image settees on either side of the centerline gangway to the foredeck hide copious storage and are topped with comfortable sunpads for your lounging pleasure. And everywhere you might stroll on any deck, there’s handsome but aggressive non-skid.

Next, climb the starboard-side stairs from the galley to access the flybridge where you’ll discover Stidd helm and companion seats and a pair of L-shaped settees. A break between the settees leads to the boat deck where you can carry your tender that readily launches with a sturdy electro-hydraulic 1,300-pound davit.

As you would expect from a company with Grand Banks’ longevity and reputation, the construction, materials and finish in this 76 Aleutian RP (and all GBs for that matter) rank second to none. From the outside in, Grand Banks prevents osmotic blistering in layers. From an epoxy resin barrier coat to a Hydrex-resin skin coat beneath the gelcoat, you’ll never need to worry about water intruding into the laminate, while the hull consists of solid, hand-laid fiberglass below the waterline and cross-linked PVC coring above. And very important for those who venture into uncharted waters, the full-length keel extends below the running gear for added protection.

Grand Banks doesn’t offer stabilizers as standard equipment. However, the company offers at least five different stabilizer systems as options, along with a stern thruster to augment the bow thruster if you feel the need. In fact, the standard equipment list runs to two-and-a-half pages while the options occupy barely a half page. That speaks well for any builder!

So if you dream of exploring remote spots but have reached a point in your life where you are no longer willing to sacrifice your comfort or style, the Grand Banks 76 Aleutian RP represents the near ultimate solution to your dilemma.

By L.J. Wallace, Jr.

It’s often been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. When you first meet Larry Bonadeo, you can’t help but be struck by the intensity of his eyes—bright aquamarine, providing a portal to the inner being of a man with an uncompromising passion about building the finest boats possible, anywhere and everywhere… a pretty ambitious goal when you set up shop in Stuart, Florida, one of the world’s premiere custom boat-building towns. The Bonadeo company motto is pretty straight-forward: “Built by owners for owners, when only quality counts.”

Originally from Michigan, Larry sold his successful construction business in 1998 to pursue his love for boats and fishing, which he did from both U.S. coasts and the Bahamas. He owned a series of custom sportfishing boats and when he commissioned the construction of his 63-footer, he also signed on as a worker in the plant to start fine-tuning his boat-building skills. During this same time period, he acquired his 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard license. It’s that combination of complementary talentsunderstanding the design, construction and use of a sportfishing boatthat allows Bonadeo to produce such exemplary vessels.

When Larry later decided that he wanted a smaller boat built to yacht-quality standards, he couldn’t find one, so he did what any successful businessman does when he can’t find what he wants “off the shelf”: he decided to build one himself. The boat, a 31-footer, proved so successful and generated so much admiration and interest that in short order it established the family-owned and operated Bonadeo Boatworks. After a double-handful of launches in the lower-to-mid 30-foot range, late last year the Bonadeo 368 Walk Around was splashed. Or, given this boat’s pedigree, should I say it was introduced to the liquid elements the way a princess is properly christened. And like a true princess, from any angle on her trailer or in the water, this boat is gorgeous and turns heads.

The day of our sea trial around the St. Lucie River, aircraft from the Stuart Air Show were rampaging all around the skies, streaming smoke as they barrel-rolled and it seemed almost as if it was a celebration and tribute to this newest mini-yacht. With Larry’s son and V.P. of Operations, Tony, at the helm, we idled up the waterway as Larry took me below to show off his latest creation. More on that later. Back topside, Tony offered the obligatory “Ready?”, goosed the throttles and a tutorial in uncompromising boat design and

Specifications:

Length: 36’8″
Beam: 10′
Draft: 23″ (est.)
Fuel: 324 Gallons
Water: 50 Gallons
Holding Tank: 6 Gallons (est.)
Power: Max 900-hp
Cruise: 47 MPH
Top End: 56/60 MPH
Displacement: 12,900 lbs. (est.) full
load wet, triple Verado 300

performance commenced. The triple 300-horsepower Mercury Verados (color-coordinated with the hull, of course) growled and with hardly a bit of bow rise, the 368 leapt up on plane in scant seconds. Easing back on the sticks a bit, Tony started cranking the wheel over, harder and harder, as our circular path became increasingly tighter until we were whirlpooling around in less than three boat lengths. But even more fascinating, you couldn’t feel a bit of slip. It felt as though the hull was glued to the water and with just the right center of gravity and the boat’s degree of heel into the turn, there was none of that feeling of being thrown sideways.

The Saturday we were out there was a stiff and steady 15+ knot wind out of the northeast. As we approached the inlet, I could see four- to six-foot rollers barreling in between the stone jetties. I said, “Oh, we don’t have to run outside and get her all dirtied-up,” and Tony replied, “No, but I want to show you something.”

At the very mouth of the jetties he turned the boat beam-to into the incoming seas and there we waited for the next big set to roll by. As the waves approached, I grabbed a firm hold on the T-top upright, expecting that lunge/snap effect as the boat rose over the first crest and started sliding down into the trough. But no such thing happened. We just sort of… rocked a little. It reminded me of the way world-class hurdlers adeptly clear each barricade—they don’t really jump over it; instead they just spread their legs wide enough to stride over the barricade as their shoulders stay at almost the same height between or when jumping the hurdles. I looked over at Larry who hadn’t bothered grabbing a handhold and, like the Cheshire Cat, grinned in my direction.

“What the heck do you call that hull design,” I demanded, to which Larry replied, “Oh, we haven’t named it yet, but it would have to be pretty long.” The hull has no lifting strakes. The bottom begins with the keel, moves into a convex shape and then transitions to concave toward the chines. “It works like the wing of an airplane, creating lifting pressure from the center,” Tony explained. “You end up with a sound, deep-V feeling boat when it’s running, but at low speeds and when stationary, it’s stable like a flat-bottom boat.”

Bonadeo boats are constructed with a cold-molded vacuum bagged process, utilizing Vinyl Ester and Epoxy Resins, Kevlar, Carbon Fiber, Biaxial Fiberglass and Composite Cores. Each boat is built by hand one at a time starting with conceptual ideas from the prospective owner, through finalization with the naval engineer/designer. From that point the construction process begins.

After having me peek up under the gunwales where the workmanship and finish was seamlessly flawless, Tony explained, “When it’s all put together, it’s a totally monolithic boat with everything fiberglassed in place for a solid, but very light, one-piece structure.”

The topside overall layout is fairly standard and this boat sports a complete arsenal of angling systems and equipment, while extra touches and absolute attention to detail abound, too numerous to detail here. Everything seems to flow—nowhere do you encounter a feeling of being cramped or, “I wouldn’t have put that there,” as you move around. One standout in that respect is the expansive sun pad located directly in front of the helm. Yes, these boats are built with the serious fisherman in mind first, but even without outriggers—or as a tender to a larger yacht—it would hardly be a misemployment to choose this Bonadeo.

A contoured door on the starboard side of the helm pod swings forward, providing access down below. There you find the head, sink (with Corian countertop), Vitrifrigo stainless refrigerator/freezer, an exotic hard wood interior of book-matched open grain lacewood trimmed in Sapele hardwood, and durable and low maintenance Amtico flooring… not to mention a separate mechanical/pump room (with ABYC – American Boat and Yacht Council – Certified Electrical Panels with spark suppression) that’s pre-wired and exhaust plumbed for a future generator and fuel tank, should the owner desire. Oh yeah, and there’s the queen berth complete with an LCD/LED TV, and 6 inches and 5 feet of headroom. Did I mention this is all down below… on a 37-foot center console?!

One of the great pleasures of my job is getting to meet the people who build—and to learn about—the incredible boats I’d otherwise hardly have the chance to climb aboard, much less be offered the opportunity to run. The Bonadeo 368 is most certainly in that category.

Fearless, Bold and Adventurous

Joe Brenna must have an alter ego: Ricky Bobby. You know, the Will Ferrell character in the NASCAR comedy movie Talladega Nights who, as a young boy, commandeered his mother’s station wagon while repeating to himself, “I wanna go fast, I wanna go fast!” Well, that’s Joe Brenna for you… he likes to go fast and as the V.P. of Customer Service for Intrepid Power Boats, he couldn’t be in a better position to slake his need for speed.

I first met Joe at Harbour Towne Marina in Dania, Florida, on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon to check out their all-new 327 Cuddy. Standing on the high bulkhead looking down at the boat, I couldn’t help but notice it looked, well, fast. Not calm water fast, but rock-solid “Look out rough ocean, here I come!” sort of fast. By the end of the afternoon it was apparent that I continue to have pretty good instincts about a boat’s appearance.

After the initial pleasantries, Joe started the walk-through. Intrepid is not a custom boat per se, but it is a customizable higher-end production boat and this new model had a host of customized touches. Take, for example, the inward-swinging diving door, complete with a hydraulically-operated boarding ladder, which retracts and recesses into the hull when not deployed. This boat was set up more for family cruising than fi shing, so a lot of thought went into her below-deck areas. Forward of the console, Joe sat down on the port-side L-shaped bench seat, reached down to fl ick a switch and in so doing, the seat built into the front of the console slid to the starboard side, revealing a generously large head compartment.

“We figured that maybe the kids might be sleeping or playing fort in the Cuddy, and when kids are occupying themselves you don’t want to interrupt, so we thought it was a good idea to have a completely separate head compartment,” Joe related. When I commented that it was nice, but what happened if there was a mechanical failure and someone got trapped in the head, he showed me the latch release inside the compartment, similar to the interior trunk release handles found in automobiles now. In addition, if a young child or someone incapacitated was stuck in there and couldn’t get themselves out, you simply peel back the exterior cushion backrest and there is yet another door release from the outside. Of course, the compartment was also furnished with a sink and shower and plenty of turn-around and head room.

Specifications:

Length: 32′ 7″
Beam: 9′ 6″
Draft: 28”
Weight: 10,000 lbs.
Standard Fuel: 250 Gallons
Water: 20 Gallons
Power: 2x 300-hp Mercury
Verado (as tested)
Optional: 2x 350-hp Mercury….
Max HP Twin 350’s
Max HP Triple 300’s

The Cuddy cabin itself was fairly standard with a large convertible V-berth, but a nice touch was the optional drawerstyle refrigerator and all the small overhead storage spaces that would normally be dead space. Joe told me, “We figured, why waste usable space?”

We finally closed and locked down all the hatches, put a match to the pair of color-coordinated 300-hp Mercury Verados and let go the dock lines. With but a few squirts from the bow thruster, we cleared the dock and headed for the ICW.

Have you ever been with a good hunting dog, the sort that loves retrieving so much that they actually start to quiver with anticipation before you give the command to fetch? Well, I’m not saying Joe was exactly twitching, but his anticipation to show off how special his boats are would be apparent to anyone paying attention. About halfway out the inlet, he didn’t exactly say, “Grab a hold, we’re going,” but it was definitely shy of “Are you ready to go?” My kind of man at the helm! Seconds later we were blasting eastward on no particular set course.

For the next half hour or so, we tacked back and forth across a fairly placid sea in front of Fort Lauderdale Beach with Joe constantly on the lookout for any larger wakes. Good thing there were a few megayachts out there churning up some threefooters, otherwise Joe might have headed for the surf line. Even at top speeds (this boat had no electronics installed yet so we had to guesstimate, but we were well into the 50’s, I’m sure) the ride was rock solid and gentle. Even when we caught a little air, the landing was Charmin soft. When Joe turned her over to me, I turned her around and found the handling to be crisp and extremely responsive, much in part to the Mercury hydraulic steering system pulling the reigns on the Verado ponies. In fact, Intrepid considers the Mercury system unsurpassed and prefers to install it regardless of the brand of engines selected.

The extremely soft and stable ride is the result of a highly engineered dual-vented aft keel, wider chines, increased running surface and elevated freeboard, all of which also facilitates the ability to install a larger engine package, but not at the cost of sacrificing fuel efficiency. Beneath that sea-kindly hull shape is a fused hull and deck with a core composite system molded by the industry’s first vacuum bag infusion molding process. There is little reason not to understand why Intrepid boats have been and continue to be the choice of so many local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies. When you have to spend all day on a boat, especially one that needs to run hard and long, you don’t want to feel like you’ve just gone 15 rounds with the ocean. In addition, the flexibility of customizable options means that each boat is specifically configured for its particular job.

On the way back through the inlet, I held onto one of the legs for the hardtop (given its size which shades a good half of the boat’s deck, Intrepid doesn’t call it a T-top) and wondered why there were two different gauges of pipe used to construct it. One was made for a nice handhold, but the other was a bit too big around to grasp securely, and I don’t have particularly small hands. But then it dawned on me. I poked Joe and asked, “So, just how much thought and engineering went into the size, shape, angle and thickness of the hard top,” and Joe cracked a wide smile, knowing he’d found a disciple.

“We experimented with eight of them. The boat is actually slower without the top.”

Indeed, the hardtop acts as an integral wing or a spoiler, depending on how you view it, but either way it not only provides lift to make the boat lighter and therefore faster, but that lift is also a big part of why the boat comes down off a jump so gently. To say this boat “flies” is an entirely factual and accurate statement.

And before you think an Intrepid is pricey, consider that they are sold factory-direct. That means you not only get a whole lot more bang for your buck, but you become part of the Intrepid family where customer input remains a major factor in the company’s continuing success.

Miami International Boat Show &
Strictly Sail; Miami Beach Yacht &
Brokerage Show Preview (pictured)

71^st Annual
Miami International
Boat Show & Strictly Sail

What do you get when you bring millions of dollars worth of boats, yachts, gear and electronics to one of the most cosmopolitan beachfront cities in the country? It can only add up to the Annual Progressive Insurance© Miami International Boat Show, held this year from February 16-20.

Featuring three locations (Miami Beach Convention Center; Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center in-water displays; and Miamarina at Bayside—Strictly Sail Miami returns to Bayside) for 2012. It’s one of the biggest gatherings on the boat show circuit.

But there’s more to it than boats and gear. After a successful introduction in 2011, the interactive Discover Boating Resource Center is back and better than ever, providing attendees of all ages and skill sets with a multitude of opportunities to get on the water and discover the excitement of the boating lifestyle through hands-on education and adventure. Guests can register for an assortment of complimentary, daily courses on topics ranging from close-quarter handling and offshore cruising, to sailing for beginners and boating safety.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Discover Boating Resource Center back to the Progressive Insurance© Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail so cruisers of all ages and levels can learn more about navigating the waters and experience the benefits of boating first-hand. There’s truly no better destination to discover the many ways that life is better with a boat!” said Cathy Rick-Joule, Show Manager.

In addition: 

-Visit the best dive and travel feature in the U.S.,the Dive & Travel Harbor presented by U.S. Dive Shows located on the first floor at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

-Celebrating its ninth year, the Big Game Room returns with all of your favorite events! Have a drink at the Marlin Bar while waiting for the next educational seminar to begin. Take a walk over to the Bait Rigging Station and improve your rigging techniques. And of course you’ll see the latest in products for the fishing world and destinations with the best sport fishing in the world. Don’t forget to sign up for the Exhibitor Prize Give Away.

-Feed your need for speed! See the show’s fastest and sleekest race boats from Cigarette Racing Team, Nor-Tech, Marine Technology, Velocity, GTMM, Skater and Outer Limits Powerboats. You’ll find these great race boats outside next to the Pavilion Tent.

-Boating enthusiasts and art aficionados can meet the newest member of the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and world-renowned artist, photographer, diver and scientist, Dr. Guy Harvey, by visiting the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion located in room 2700 at Miami Beach Convention Center. There they’ll also find the largest collection of Guy Harvey artwork, apparel and merchandise ever available.

-Sunday the 19^th is Marlins Day. Meet Miami Marlins players on Convention Center Drive along with Billy the Marlin and the Mermaids on hand to sign autographs and take pictures. There will be tickets to opening week games in the brand new Miami Marlins Ball Park. Stop by the Marlins Van and take your chance on the prize wheel all day Sunday.

For full information, visit: miamiboatshow.com.

24th Annual
Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach

February 16-20 will see the 24^th Annual Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach along Collins Avenue featuring yachts and superyachts from the world’s most extraordinary custom boatbuilders. Not to be confused with the Miami Boat Show, this show is free and open to the public. This year’s show will feature more than 500 new and pre-owned vessels valued at more than a billion dollars and covers more than 1.2 million square feet of space over a mile-long strip of the Indian Creek Waterway in the heart of beautiful Miami Beach. It runs along Collins Avenue (S.R. A1A), from 41^st to 51^st Streets, situated directly across from landmark hotels including the Fountainbleu, Eden Roc and Miami Beach Resort and Spa.

Take advantage of the show’s new smartphone app, MyBoatShow, launched in October 2011 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with tremendous success. It’s a free app, available on iPhone and Android platforms, designed to help navigate the show’s docks, land areas and tents. Attendees will be able to access show maps and search for exhibitors, manufacturers, product categories and boats by specifications and size. The app also provides the show schedule, seminar information, show transportation schedules and maps, food and drink locations, restroom locations and emergency services.

Another inaugural development to this year’s show is TrawlerPort, a true show within  a show. Located at the north end of all the action, TrawlerPort will offer an impressive display of sturdy long-range cruisers offered in lengths from 35 to 90 feet, all built for long-term cruising to regional and worldwide destinations. Participating TrawlerPort boats will be easily identified with banners and flags.

The show’s Yacht Equipment Pavilion and Sportfishing Pavilion offer attendees the perfect setting to experience the latest in marine gear, sportfishing tackle and equipment, electronics and gadgets, as well as seminars by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).

Once again, Shake-A-Leg Miami will be the beneficiary of the annual Boat Show Kickoff Party, held February 15t^h between 6-9PM at the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show Cocktail Barge, just prior to the start of the show.

For complete information on ticket sales, times, transportation and parking, visit: showmanagement.com

Yacht club membership now has even more privileges.

By Marty Richardson

Teresa Scott MYC Photo

Times are tough and current economic conditions cause mariners to seek ways to “boat smarter,” plan trips to maximize fuel efficiency, gunkhole more often and search for reasonable docking options. Surprisingly, many Florida cruisers have found that yacht club membership can help hold down boating costs.

Here’s how it works. There are 36 Florida yacht clubs that comprise a group known as the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs (FCYC). Any active cruiser who belongs to one of these FCYC member clubs receives the first night dockage free (that’s right, free) at each club, once every 30 days. Tom Smith, 2012 FCYC Secretary and member of Marathon Yacht Club, notes, “The Council is so interested in encouraging our members to visit member clubs that we sponsor an annual contest with awards going to the members who visit the most clubs.”

Members of each club are provided with the FCYC’s Guide to the Clubs by Land and Water in printed and CD formats. This handy and comprehensive reference includes nautical chart reproductions of club locations and approaches by water, nearby anchorages, radio contact information, directions for those arriving by car, distances to shopping and dining establishments, as well as services offered by each club and hours of operation. FCYC members enjoy dining, social and facilities privileges at any of these clubs; many have swimming pools, health and fitness clubs, tennis courts, golf, loaner bicycles, cable TV hookups, Wi-Fi, fuel and pumpouts.

After the first free night of dockage, additional nights can be booked at reduced rates. Charges for dockside power, restaurant, bar and fueling (where available) will be billed to the cruiser’s home club. A few clubs have limitations on draft, lengths of boats accommodated, and number of guest slips, so it’s important to call the individual club dockmaster in advance for reservations.

The Council was founded in 1961 by 13 yacht clubs on the west coast of Florida, and they celebrated 50 years in operation just last year. The FCYC sponsors interclub cruises for member boats along both Florida coasts and the Bahamas, and organizes professional cruises for members to exciting locations like Monte Carlo, Greece, Denmark, Germany, the Panama Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Active in water-oriented organizations such as the National Boating Federation and the Florida Ports and Water Resources Association, the Council also supports the interests of its boating members in legislative matters.

Now you know what a bargain and pleasure FCYC membership can be. So, if you’re not already a member of a participating club, join up and put these (and other) member clubs on your cruising plan. Check the FCYC website at floridacouncilofyachtclubs.com for further information.

A Few Noteworty FCYC Member Clubs:

Marathon, the Heart of the Keys Marathon Yacht Club (MYC), in Marathon on Vaca Key, is one of the most popular clubs among FCYC cruisers, and just celebrated its 60th year in operation. In the heart of the Florida Keys, it’s noted for its friendly, casual atmosphere and spectacular sunsets across beautiful Florida Bay.

MYC is famous for the Friday bring-your-own-entrée outdoor cookout, complete with live entertainment. Try the club’s Happy Hour Sunday, with free hot dogs (bring a dish to pass) and half-priced drinks, or Tuesday’s Blue Plate Specials with an all-you-can-eat ice cream sundae bar. Check out the monthly Raw Bar and Prime Rib nights, or the weekly Wednesday Burgers at the Bar night. Members enjoy many boating rendezvous (Key West and Islamorada are favorite destinations), plus an annual bus trip to February’s Miami International Boat Show. The club also sponsors a popular quarterly fishing derby.

MYC is just across the isthmus from Vaca Key’s famous Boot Key Harbor mooring field and is convenient to a number of private marinas that offer all the services cruisers may need. While there, keep the family busy at the many area attractions, including Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, and the Turtle Hospital which rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles. Mark your calendar for March 10-11, when the city hosts the annual Marathon Seafood Festival. This family-friendly event has been held for over 30 years and features fresh, locally-caught Keys seafood at amazing prices. Just dock at the MYC, walk across Highway A1A, and you’re there.

Bird Key, boating paradise

Bird Key Yacht Club (BKYC), in Sarasota, has an outdoor pool, tennis courts and a fully-equipped health club. The clubhouse sports a new main entrance and lobby and while inside, choose from three dining rooms. I recommend the Compass Bar where you can take part in Wednesday night’s Happy Hour accompanied by Pub Fare featuring small plates at small prices. There are a dozen items to choose from, like crispy calamari, Ahi tuna, soft shell jumbo crab, Margarita-grilled flatbread pizza or Black Angus sliders. Don’t miss Friday’s TGIF halfprice drinks and make sure to try a Manhattan or martini, served in an individual iced mini-carafe. While at BKYC, explore Sarasota’s attractions. Two miles west of the club is the luxury shopping district at St. Armand’s Circle. Downtown Sarasota is about two miles in the opposite direction, across the Ringling Bridge. Just a cab ride away is the John and Mable Ringling Museum, possibly the Ringling’s greatest legacy to the area, with a world-class art collection and of course, the circus exhibit.

All new Isles Yacht Club

Isles Yacht Club (IYC), in Punta Gorda, has a warm and welcoming hospitality committee which delivers homemade cookies to visiting FCYC member boats, along with the offer of a free ride to the grocery or liquor store. Member Ray Starsman, FCYC’s 2012 Vice Commodore, notes that the IYC’s heated swimming pool, fitness center and tennis courts help mitigate the caloric effects of the Club’s renowned clam chowder. Arguably the best in Florida, it’s on the menu in their fine dining room or casual Commodore’s Grille in their post-Hurricane Charley state-of-the-art clubhouse.

Not far from IYC you can visit Fishermen’s Village, a waterfront mall and full-service, 97-slip yacht basin with themed boutiques, day spa and salon, casual dining and entertainment. If you haven’t had enough boating, catch a sightseeing or sunset cruise departing from the village docks. Nearby, historic Punta Gorda exemplifies a quaint waterside Florida town, with restored period homes. While there, make sure to visit the many boutiques and restaurants. On the third Thursday of each month, gallery walks are the evening’s entertainment, with art exhibits, live music and fine food.

Future issues of Southern Boating will feature additional FCYC member clubs. Wherever you decide to dock, make sure to visit the individual club websites to check monthly calendars for special events and features. Happy club-hopping!

Cruising to the Dry Tortugas

By Buddy Ward

0810 hours. I sipped my morning coffee and looked around for traffic. At the starboard bridge wing control, I slowly maneuvered away from the dock, turned around and eased out of Key West Bight Marina as a gentle easterly breeze lifted the remnants of the previous night’s Mallory Square revelries and delivered them through my port side window. Windows closed, and all clear of the land, I returned to the captain’s chair, scanned my instrumentation and surroundings, turned southwest and throttled up to begin threading my way through the parade of boats in the harbor.

The spray danced off the gleaming white hulls as I moved the throttles forward and the big ocean-going catamaran lifted up and charged into a following sea. The sweet sea breeze steadily increased as we neared 25 knots, our regular cruising speed. We were clear and away and bound for the Dry Tortugas. The bridge from which I operated the vessel looked like it was straight out of Star Trek. It was modern, immaculate and well-equipped. I finished my coffee, set the autopilot and settled into the two-hour passage to the “Gateway to the Gulf” and some of the most pristine beaches it has ever been my privilege to experience.

Dry Tortugas National Park encompasses about 64,000 acres some 70 miles west of Key West. There are seven islands now. Garden Key, one of the largest, has a fort built upon it that is now owned and maintained by the National Park Service. The great brick fortification, consisting of about 16 million bricks, and built in the mid-1800s, played a significant role in the War Between the States was used as a prison for a time, and still stands guard at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico.

Interestingly, Fort Jefferson’s most famous prisoner was Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd, the very Dr. Mudd who is so closely associated with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Mudd graduated Baltimore Medical College (now known as the University of Maryland) in 1856. Mudd first met the Presidential-assassin, John Wilkes Booth, a year prior to the shooting, during a discussion regarding the sale of a horse. A month later, Mudd shared drinks with Booth and two others in Booth’s hotel room.

After the assassination, Booth had broken his leg and sought out Mudd for medical treatment, and stayed with Mudd until the next day. For his unknowingly aiding and abetting Booth, Mudd was eventually arrested for conspiracy and harboring Booth. A trial was held and after a string of testimonies, Mudd was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment at Fort Jefferson. Throughout his imprisonment, Mudd’s wife had been petitioning President Andrew Johnson to have her husband released from prison. As it turned out, Mudd’s incarceration was short-lived due to his heroic action and leadership during the yellow fever epidemic on the island in 1867. Due to his efforts in helping the sick, Mudd was finally granted a pardon in 1869, signed by Andrew Johnson himself in front of Mudd’s wife. He was officially released the following March.

“Off to our starboard side, that circle of islands is called the Marquesas Keys …” The naturalist was on the microphone regaling 100 eager passengers with his local knowledge as the rest of the crew served breakfast and readied the snorkel gear. We were approaching the wreck site of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha—a Spanish treasure galleon—and one of Mel Fisher’s salvage boats was already working the area. The galleon, along with her sister ship, the Santa Margarita, was lost in a hurricane in 1622 and discovered after years of searching by Fisher’s crew. The hull of the Atocha and the “mother lode” of treasure was estimated to be worth over 500 million dollars. They are still finding treasure today in the quest for the 400 million dollars more in riches said to have been stored in the sterncastle of the ship when it was lost.

I turned off the autopilot and adjusted my course slightly to the north. We were nearing Half Moon Shoals and the show was just beginning. You have never lived until you have taken a 100-foot catamaran over a 15-foot shoal at 25 knots. The water there is as clear as an aquarium. The passengers lined the rail hoping for a glimpse of the beloved turtles. From my perch in the wheelhouse I could see they would not be disappointed.

Turtles are prolific here in the spring and summer months and are quite often on the surface. There are greens and loggerheads; once I even saw a rare leatherback. The turtles were joined on the trip by dolphins and sharks and rays. During some seasons, jellyfish—known as “moon jellies”— decorate the waters for as far as you can see providing a feast for the turtles. As quickly as the bottom appeared, it vanished. We had crossed the shoals and entered the deep waters of Rebecca Channel. We were now 14 miles from Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas. One of the passengers visiting the wheelhouse asked how we were able to find it every day. I showed it to her on the radar and told her that she’d be able to see it about nine miles out.

From the surface of the sea the great brick walls of the fort began to rise. Above it, big black frigate birds circled, pointing the way. We climbed up onto the shallow water of the Dry Tortugas as we entered the National Park. Sea life was everywhere, as well as more types of birds than you can imagine, as this place is in the middle of the migratory routes between the mainland and Central and South America. I throttled back and transited the channel around the fort to prepare for docking. On the south side of the fort is a wellprotected anchorage with vessels of all types. Some go there as an intended destination, while others go because it’s a great rest stop on the way to Mexico and beyond.

There is no fuel on the island and, in fact, there are no stores, water, ice or services of any kind, so anyone who ventures here needs to be prepared. The park is also well outside of radio and cell phone range. The reward, however, is some of the most fantastic fishing, diving and scenery I have ever experienced. Approaching the dock, we had to wait just a minute as a sportfisherman cleared our space. The ferry takes precedence over private vessels but most people simply anchor up and dinghy onto the beach. Fifteen minutes later we were safely tied up, welcomed by the cacophony of gulls and sooty terns.

After the passengers disembarked, excitedly anticipating their day of touring the fort and swimming the pristine waters, I grabbed my fins and mask and walked the moat wall around to the north side of the fort. The light sea breeze filled my senses and made me feel alive. I entered the cool water that lay in stark contrast to the humid air. The noisy world of tourists and generators and birds vanished as I slipped below the surface. To the east lay the remnants of an old coal pier where the larger fish played. To the west, the beauty and wonder of the moat wall. A school of brightly-striped black, white and yellow sergeant major fish marched in formation in defense of the fort. I swam west, following the school past a large grouping of mangrove snapper. A pair of parrotfish in their hues of pink and green moved in and out of the coral in a coordinated dance. A petite damselfish caught my attention and I moved in for a closer look. The brave little fish, half-purple and half-yellow, charged out toward me in an attempt to defend her small rock. She was saved – I needed a breath. Traveling along the beautiful and delicate corals and fans I looked outward toward the soft white sand and the gently darkening shades of blue.

A boxfish left an isolated bump of brain coral and swam quickly toward the wall. He passed me quickly and frantically without a hint that he knew I was there. He was late and dove down a hole. For just a second, I was tempted to follow.

Two large, stately tarpon cruised effortlessly by on their way to the swim beach that lay ahead on the west side of the fort. My quiet isolation was about to end. Many of the tourists congregated at the swim beach to watch the show. A group of tarpon had corralled a school of small silvery baitfish locally known as “mohua” into the shallow waters. The small fish were wondrous. You could swim into the tightly packed cloud of them and never touch a one, so quickly and deftly did they glide just beyond reach. While they had no problem escaping humans, the tarpon were another matter. With complete abandon, the hundred pound-plus fish would charge out of the depths and crash into the tight concentration of silversides. People stood in awe taking pictures of five-foot-long fish swimming just inches from their legs.

I looked at my watch. There was just enough time for one last adventure. Just off the southwest corner of the fort in slightly deeper water lay the remains of a small old cannon. The old girl lay protected with large barracudas and giant goliath groupers standing guard. When I first found it, I tried to lift it out of the sand but it was impossibly buried. I started to tell someone about it, but changed my mind and decided to leave it be. So every day I would end my visit to this other world with a visit to my cannon. It took an extra effort for me to dive that deep and I could only linger for a second or two, but I needed to touch it. Holding her, I held onto the past and all the people who had passed this way. Moments from now I would return to the world. I would again be the captain with all the responsibilities and perks that come with the position. But just for that moment, I became one of many who touched that cannon on their passage through this place.

On the boat and dressed, refreshed in body and mind, the crew and I greeted the passengers back aboard, enjoying the excited chatter about their adventures. We said our goodbyes to the park rangers who live there. The crew cast off lines and we worked our way through the anchored boats. A group of bird-watchers shyly asked if it was possible to get close enough to Hospital Key to see the nesting grounds of the booby birds. I maneuvered the boat to within about 20 yards and slowed enough for the naturalist to answer their questions amid the sound of many cameras clicking away. A few minutes later it was time to go. The return trip was more subdued – some people read, some played cards, many slept. We were headed for home, leaving in our wake the beaches, the fort, the pristine waters and the setting sun of the Dry Tortugas, arriving in Key West just in time for everyone to celebrate the sunset.

There are few spots you can go without a passport that can rival
the beauty and serenity of Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys.
Jim Raycroft Photo

Features in this Issue

Miami Boat Show Preview

Miami International Boat Show &
Strictly Sail; Miami Beach Yacht &
Brokerage Show

South Florida Marinas

The advantages of reciprocity at South Florida yacht clubs

Destinations

Dry Tortugas

A pristine cruising oasis just west of the Florida Keys
By Buddy Ward

New Boat

Intrepid

A new 33’ Center Console…with a Cuddy
By L.J. Wallace, Jr.

Grand Banks

GB’s new 76’ Flagship
By Dean Travis Clark

Bonadeo

This 36’ center-console turns heads!
By L.J. Wallace, Jr.

2012 Miami International Boat Show
Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside are the locations for Feb. 16-20 event.

See what’s new at the 2012 Miami International Boat Show, set for Thursday, Feb. 16 to Monday, Feb. 20. Florida’s largest annual event spans three locations—the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center, and Miamarina At Bayside—and features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. There’s no better place to preview the new boating season.

You name it, you’ll see it here—from the latest in powerboats, sailboats and engines to cutting-edge marine electronics and accessories to the best in nautical gifts, services and apparel. And there’s no better time to buy! The five-day event is your once-a-year chance to compare makes and models, and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time! See our attendee page for ticket prices and other information.

Beyond the boats and booths special events, attractions and activities celebrate the boating lifestyle and offer entertainment for everyone. Launch your boating life at the Discover Boating Resource Center, with clinics, seminars and on the water activities to help you get started in boating. The Big Game Room Sport Fishing Expo features everything for sport fishing from boats and gear to seminars and clinics, and the NEW Dive & Travel Harbor offers one-stop shopping for your dive and travel adventures, plus the chance to try scuba in a heated pool. And that’s just the start—visit the show highlight page for a complete listing.

If sailing is your passion, stop by Miamarina at Bayside. You’ll find sailboats, sailing gear and accessories from around the world—including an unbeatable selection of catamarans. Among the highlights: daily sailing seminars, FREE Discover Sailing sailboat rides, Latitudes & Attitudes Bash, featuring the Eric Stone Band on Saturday, Kids’ Aboard boatbuilding workshops and more.

Marina Spotlight
Bahia Mar Yachting Center

The world-renowned Bahia Mar Yachting Center plays host every October to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The 40-acre, 250-slip mega-yacht marina features 2,500 feet of parallel docks on the Intracoastal Waterway and more than four miles of state-of-the-art dockage.

Learn more about this marina.

Interview
7 Questions for Gary Jobson, Sailor Extraordinaire

Gary Jobson was the America’s Cup winning tactician for Ted Turner in 1977, and since then he’s been one of the most well-known names in sailing. For 27 years he’s covered sailing for ESPN and NBC, and he’s currently the president of U.S. Sailing. Southern Boating Magazine’s Doug Thompson talked to Jobson about his life in sailing, and learned that a resolution in a hospital bed keeps him motivated.

Find out what he has to say.

New Launch
Four Winns H230

Versatile boat has room for 11 passengers and offers towing capabilities and large swim platform, plus lots of storage. The hull design carries a high shear line with low profile deck delivering a sleek yet deep and roomy interior.

Learn more about this New Launch.

New Product
Schmitt & Ongaro Steering Wheel

Stylish and classy, Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products’ 712 Vision Steering Wheel pairs a sleek appearance with a comfortable design. But behind its stainless steel good looks is meticulous craftsmanship for durability and superior performance.

Learn more about this steering wheel.

New Product
Loksak Storage Bags & Cases

Keeping important documents dry and secure can be a challenge while boating or sailing, especially in extreme conditions. Park City, Utah-based LOKSAK, Inc., manufactures storage bags and carrying cases guaranteed to keep your documents protected in all environments from water, dust and humidity.

Learn more about this product.

January 2012 Issue:

• Celebrating Our 40th Year With You
• Vintage Weekend: Yachts, Automobiles and Airplanes
• Visit a Village of Islands: Islamorada
• New Launches: Deep Impact 399, MJM 40z

Intelligence, style and reliability in an autopilot

By Lawrence Husick

Piloting on long passages or when short-handed often goes from being enjoyable to a boring chore in very short order. In a seaway, it can take every bit of the helmsman’s attention and strength just to maintain course and speed. For these situations, and many more, an autopilot becomes a necessity and a safety improvement, rather than just a luxury. Furuno’s new 700 series NAVpilot system is proving to be among the best-of-class for both power and sail.

One of the first questions often asked about autopilot systems is whether they provide a comfortable voyage in challenging conditions. Early autopilots operated “behind the curve,” constantly overcorrecting for the effects of wind, wave, current and trim. The NAVpilot system, on the other hand, is programmed at installation with factors such as vessel speeds, trim, draught, dead band and others. With use, these parameters are refined by a self-learning adaptive software algorithm, and this ensures that the autopilot reacts to changing conditions, resulting in a safe and comfortable voyage. When connected to a compatible GPS system and wind system (the NAVpilot features both CAN bus and NMEA0183 ports), the system provides five guidance modes from which to select.

In AUTO mode, the system maintains heading only. In ADVANCED mode the system maintains heading but automatically compensates for the set of wind and current. In NAV mode the vessel is steered to a defined waypoint, compensating for wind and current, and even steers through a sequence of waypoints on a course. In WIND mode the system maintains a desired heading based on true or apparent wind direction, compensating for set from wind and current. Finally, in FISHHUNTER mode, patterns of square, zigzag, orbit, figure-eight and spiral are steered based on a target from either a sounder or radar.

The system also offers the helmsman a menu of pre-computed turn maneuvers and functions that are useful in man-overboard situations. An equally impressive variety of alarms and displays include alarms for course deviation, cross-track error, arrival, speed, depth, water temperature, trip distance and wind (speed, bearing, heading change). The display units offered for NAVpilot are clear LCD displays with several modes that are user-customizable.

The displays are part of the control units (the larger 700, the smaller 711, and the handheld 720.) In addition, four types of remote controller units are offered: lever, dial, button and dodge.

At a suggested retail price of around $4,000, the NAVpilot system is a good stand-alone value, and when integrated with Furuno’s NavNet3D and related systems, offers a seamless way to control a vessel with precision and safety, while allowing the helmsperson to focus on navigation, traffic, weather and the many other facets of modern vessel operation.

Emergency bilge pump options, installation and maintenance.

Preventing and detecting onboard gas leaks is very serious and necessary business. Take the time to do it correctly.

There are a number of reasons why liquefied petroleum gas (aka LP or LPG) is such a popular choice for onboard cooking fuels: it’s efficient, relatively cheap, and widely available. Unfortunately, it’s also the most dangerous, particularly in regards to boat installations. One recommendation for all boats that utilize LPG is installation of a gas detector or “sniffer.” Let’s take a look at LPG sniffers—what they are, how they work, and some basic installation tips.

Sniffer 101

An LPG detector is simply an electronic unit designed to detect gas leaks and then alert those onboard. Some sniffers consist of a single unit containing the sensor and alarm circuitry, however, most are sold as a “control package” which includes a monitor/control panel, remote sensor (one or more, depending on the unit) and a remote controlled solenoid on/off valve to be installed at the tank. If gas is detected at 10 percent or more of the lower explosion limit (LEL), it automatically shuts off the solenoid and sounds a visual and audible alarm.

Sniffers are designed to constantly monitor the air for LP gas and should be configured to do so, even with no one onboard. This ensures that those returning to their boat are alerted of a leak prior to boarding (and turning on a potential sparkinducing piece of equipment). Boat owners who leave their vessel unattended for long periods of time should look for sniffer units that provide the option to trigger an external alarm (such as a loud horn or marine strobe) to alert marina personnel or passersby that a problem exists.

Installation

Although you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, here are some general considerations for most any LP gas detector installation.

The sniffer control panel should be located in the vicinity of the LPG appliance, but must be operable without having to reach over open flames (a stove top for example).

Power should be provided via an appropriately sized circuit breaker or fuse from the “line” side of the battery switch for the house bank (the one always energized), ensuring the unit is always powered up and on guard, even with the battery switch in the off position. If a circuit breaker is used, it should be separated from the main panel and equipped with a lock or guard (to prevent it from being accidentally shut off).

LPG vapor is heavier than air and tends to “sink and flow” like water, seeking the lowest possible point. With shore installations there’s typically enough air flow to aid in dispersing leaking gas, however, a boat’s hull is essentially a watertight envelope, meaning explosive gases can be trapped in bilges or other low areas.

As such, sensors should be located beside and below appliances (under the stove for example) and at other low areas of the cabin or bilge where fumes are likely to accumulate. If mounted in the bilge, they should be located as low as possible without becoming submerged or subject to bilge splash (a general rule of thumb is three inches above the high bilge water level).

When choosing a sensor location, for the most accurate results avoid areas subject to strong ventilation (open hatches, portholes, exhaust fans, etc.), high moisture, high temperatures and excessive amounts of smoke.

Maintenance

Gas detection systems should be tested on a regular basis as per the manufacturer (monthly at a minimum – weekly if the LPG system is being used regularly). All units have a built-in self test for the internal electronics, which usually also automatically tests the sensor(s) and connecting wires.

Although the sensors and alarm system should be professionally tested annually, they can also be tested by owners using a butane lighter. Simply hold the lighter next to the sensor and press the trigger without lighting.

As with smoke and CO detectors, LPG sensors have a limited life span (typically five years) and should be replaced as directed by the manufacturer for optimum performance of the system.

Finally, while gas detectors are an important part of any LPG system installation, the first line of defense in detecting leaks are sniffers of the organic kind—specifically the noses of the crew. LPG suppliers are required by law to add an odorant to make leaks more noticeable, but just because you can’t smell gas doesn’t mean it isn’t there (the gas can remain after the odorant has dissipated). This makes the correct installation of a gas detector even more important.