Make a Splash this Summer with Exciting Water Toys!

Fun Under the Sun with the Best Water Toys!

The warmer weather has arrived, and it’s time to get outside and have some fun. What better way to cool down than by being out on the water? That doesn’t always mean just hanging out on your boat. There are plenty of recreational items to keep you entertained on those long, sunny, summer days. See “what ’SUP,” or under, the water on a translucent stand-up paddleboard. Take flight over the water on an electric-powered foiling surfboard. Explore the land and the sea on an amphibious boat, or just kick back with some friends and cocktails on a luxurious floating inflatable lounge. Make a splash with some fun toys wherever you decide to play. You can find almost all of them at Nautical Ventures.

Fliteboard is an electric-powered foiling surfboard that lets riders fly above the water without a sail—up to 28 mph. It’s engineered for high performance, ease of use, and durability. Emission-free and quiet, the low-maintenance board delivers the longest and fastest ride and a short learning curve for first-time riders. MSRP $13,500

BLU3’s Nomad is a battery-powered, tankless diving system that floats on the surface like a buoy and delivers compressed air through a 40-foot-long hose as you breathe underwater. Extremely user-friendly and portable, Nomad lets you explore the underwater world hassle-free. Battery run time is typically 60 minutes or more, and spare batteries can be swapped in for extra dive time with ease. MSRP $1,999

This isn’t your average eBike. JackRabbit is a mini eBike that’s only 24 pounds, but still packs a punch with a top speed of 20 mph. Designed to easily fit inside your boat or yacht, it is the perfect companion for any adventure from cruising to the beach or just around the marina. MSRP $1,199.99; jackrabbit.bike

Aquabana’s Social Bana is the first luxury lifestyle floating platform of its kind. This inflatable is designed for stability. Its table is rock-solid to hold cups and plates. Drop it in the pool or off the boat at your favorite sand bar to have a great place to chillax and get out of the sun. It sets up easily in about 15 minutes. Add a Jumbo Lounger and fit up to nine adults comfortably. MSRP $4,999 (Social Bana), $1,395 (Lounger)

NautiBuoy Marine offers a full range of multifunctional inflatable platforms and docks for use as Jet Ski docks, pontoons, Seabob docks, water sports platforms, transom extensions, and more. NautiBuoy’s unique patent-pending ballast system provides incredible stability to the platforms when they’re on the water. These lightweight, easy-to-store platforms deliver yacht-grade quality for longevity and durability. MSRP from $5,169

The Hobie Lynx kayak delivers exceptional performance in a rugged yet lightweight design. With a hull weight of just 45 pounds, the Lynx boasts a 350-pound capacity while being easy to transport and extremely stable. It features ACE-TEC construction for durability, a removable rudder system for optimal steering control, and a MirageDrive 180 propulsion system with Kick-Up Fin technology that affords maximum control with forward and reverse pedaling. A V-hull entry, wide bow, and waterflow tunnel system combine to ensure ultimate maneuverability. Crafted with molded-in tracks and an accessory mount, customize it with a Sail Kit, Bimini Sunshade, and other upgrades. MSRP $2,999

SipaBoards are jet-propelled, inflatable paddleboards that are designed to offer an all-around enhanced on-water experience. The patented, built-in Paddle Assist module uses a low-pressure jet engine to inflate the board to the optimal pressure and propel the user to paddle farther with up to three hours of battery life. Conquer new shores, beat the tides, paddle upwind or upstream, and explore more on this eco-friendly board. MSRP $2,690

The SEABOB jet’s hydrodynamic shape provides for an astounding degree of agility in the water. Extremely user-friendly, just shift your body weight to steer and drive. The eco-friendly watercraft is lightweight, easy to carry, and engineered with high-performance technology. Impressive diving depths are programmable up to 130 feet to suit individual requirements via the onboard electronics. MSRP from $9,980

SUPmarine’s Clear SUP is a fully transparent stand-up paddleboard that gives riders a window into the water. It provides a unique experience on the ocean, rivers, and lakes to see marine life, bottom contours, or friends swimming underneath. A high-quality, anti-slip, rubber mat keeps riders safe and stable. MSRP $1,900

Ocean Craft Marine’s 8.4-meter amphibious boat is designed to be the most comfortable and versatile hybrid vessel in the world. The military-grade craft has a four-wheel drive system consisting of four independently motorized wheels that power the vehicle on shore. The wheels are retractable, so this recreational vessel performs just as well in the water. Its soft, dry ride delivers exceptional speed and remarkable stability while providing an outstanding load capacity. MSRP $268,110

YuJet’s aptly named Surfer is an electric jetboard that’s designed to be fast, fun, and easy for surfers of any skill level to use. It has a top speed of 24 mph. The integrated, all-electric propulsion system uses a 36mAH battery to produce a 16-mile range or about 40 minutes of ride time. The battery charges in just two hours. Its thick, carbon fiber construction means the board is lightweight, durable, and simple to maneuver. MSRP $11,999 (carbon fiber model), $10,999 (non-carbon model)

The Axopar 37 ST is loaded with innovative functionality and creature comforts. A
full-length T-top offers the best shade and weather protection possible without compromising on the space and versatility of the walkaround sides and aft deck area. The optional “roof” rack and multi-storage compartment lets you transport all your adventure gear on board. MSRP $355,629

The Old Town Sportsman Salty PDL 120 from Johnson’s Outdoor handles tides, currents, waves, and surf with ease. This fast, yet stable pedal kayak is outfitted for angling adventures but is just as enjoyable on a leisurely cruise. The low-maintenance PDL Drive allows for instant forward and reverse fun. MSRP $1,999.99; oldtowncanoe.johnsonoutdoors.com

By: Bonnie Schultz

The Perfect Recipe

Experienced owners cook up a new Marlow 58E.

Typically, a chef does not make a perfect signature dish on their first attempt. It can take several iterations in choosing the right ingredients, knowing which seasoning will enhance the flavor without overpowering and determining the sought-after tasty balance. This could surely differentiate between a plate that gets lauded or one that’s sent back to the kitchen. It takes experience, fortitude, and lots of taste-testing to achieve the highest goal.

It’s pretty much the same way when researching a new yacht. It takes time to create the perfect custom vessel. All of the qualities mentioned above should come into play. They did with the newest Marlow 58E motoryacht, and for very specific reasons.

Owner Jeff Saplis knows his way around a kitchen and creating perfection. With a history in the food business, from working in his high school cafeteria slinging grub to fellow students to running and owning a number of fine eateries, Saplis was determined to instill that knowledge to designing his third Marlow. Key area of concern, as to be expected, was the galley/country kitchen.

As Saplis expounded to me with pure passion in his voice, “I love to cook and I love to entertain,” the Marlow 58E allowed him to setup the galley and interior as he liked. There are several components that Saplis and his wife, Anna, identified as “must-haves” to make this work.

To Have or Have Not

Located forward of the salon and up a few steps, a plateau includes a spacious U-shaped settee/dining table (it’s more than a dinette) nestled under the windshield and an aft U-styled galley. Saplis purposely enlarged the size of the dining table, explaining that this is the main dining spot on the yacht other than the aft deck.

“It’s big because I don’t want to eat dinner in the living room.”

Jeff Saplis, Owner Tweet

With two movable stools along the outer side of the table that also can be used to sit at the galley counter, there’s standing and sitting room for all.

There is not a bad view in the house thanks to three large forward windows along with side windows (all with electric blinds) and port/starboard deck access doors (yes, with windows). Using space for the table, Saplis opted for just a flybridge deck helm. “Why use up all that space below for a helm when the enclosed bridge works fine?” he added. Good call.

The running joke among the Saplis’ friends in the BVIs, where he has lived for 25 years, is where’s the best place for dinner? “On Jeff’s boat!” is the typical answer. That’s because Saplis has everything he needs to create perfect meals. Four 30-inch Sub-Zero fridge/freezer drawers and a separate ice machine keep things cool (there are two 24-inch freezers elsewhere on board), while the full-sized GE oven and four-burner induction cooktop complete with pot rails get things hot. Saplis also installed a top-of-the-line Wolf overhead hood that vents directly to the outdoors and not just recycles the air. Two recessed sinks, over/under storage and cabinets, and what seems like a mile of Vetrostone counterspace fill the area. But there is no microwave. “Real chefs don’t use them,” Saplis said.

Salon Style - The Marlow 58E Way

Additional well-thought-out ideas abound. Jeff and Anna like to entertain, so the salon has long and comfortable port and starboard beige Ultraleather sofas to seat as many guests as possible. Surrounded by rich teak walls and flooring in a satin finish and a high-gloss coffee table with two portable ottomans, the salon is warm and inviting.

The fact that Marlow doesn’t run ducting and vent lines behind the seating, allowing them to be pushed further outward, offers more usable interior space. Ducting runs through vertical air lockers in the aft corners with filtration to the outdoors. For safety, an overhead teak grab rail is the icing on the cake for the salon.

Alfresco dining can be enjoyed on the aft deck that is fully covered by the flybridge deck overhang. Foldout chairs can be added to the standard transom bench for the table.

Reach the integrated swim platform via the twin aft gates. There are also side gates for dockside access.

Marlow yachts have full walkaround deck access, so grabbing lines or loading provisions is easy. That’s important when you have an owner/operator setup and a limited number of hands. It also means there’s no interrupting the crowd inside when there’s work to be done outside.

Let's Fly Away

Access to the flybridge deck is available from the aft deck exterior staircase or the interior staircase near the galley. The helm is protected on three sides by extra-large glass windows and along with the open aft section (that can close up with Isinglass-style coverings), visibility is unimpeded. With the aft side covered, this yacht becomes an all-season cruiser.

The centerline helm houses three 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays, Volvo Penta engine monitors, 20-hp Sidepower bow and stern joysticks, Naiad fin stabilizer controls, and dual Icom VHF radios, but there’s still room for Saplis to add a few controls if he likes. With an overhead console that houses the switches, breakers, and other “glance-at” displays, Marlow styles a very user-friendly helm.

Saplis opted for a carbon-fiber steering wheel which is as strong as metal but brings some tough looks to the helm. Of note is the side space for a paper chart (yes, people still use them) and twin Stidd helm chairs (handy for the companion).

Aft is an L-shaped settee with fiberglass table. Saplis opted for a no-wood exterior for easy maintenance along with the ceramic coating on the entire yacht that eliminates waxing. All decks are fully covered with non-slip surfaces.

There is plenty of space out on the flybridge aft deck. Grill up the day’s catch at the mini galley, also with sink, fridge, and storage. Store the dinghy up here utilizing the 1,000-pound crane, or make this a getaway spot with a few lounge chairs.

Creature Comforts

An interesting thing I found when checking out the master stateroom below is that there is no TV. Saplis explained that he and Anna did not want one in the master. “The room is for sleeping and relaxation.”

But the cabin is not plain and bare either. Saplis wanted a king-size mattress, and that’s what he has. “It matches the one I have at home,” he says with a smile. There are more than a dozen drawers and lockers in the full-beam master, and the ensuite head has a single sink and a large shower stall with custom tiled walls and a rain head shower.

A door in the head leads to a compartment that houses a full-size washer and dryer. It also offers access to the engine room (access is also from the transom), a nice idea for Saplis to keep an eye on the powerplants and house systems without going out the back.

Midship is a stateroom with double berths, and forward is the VIP with access to the shared head that also has a generously sized shower stall.

Interior access to a mechanical room that houses pipes, electrical runs, access to the bow thruster motor, and other systems is under the hallway floorboard.

Power When Needed

Speaking of systems, you can get to all of them in the engine room. The Volvo D13 engines are robust on the power side and also somewhat slim on the footprint side. You can get around the blocks to any system mounted outboard, including the two 21kW generators. This is essential for the private owner who does their own mechanical work.

Winding up the Volvo D13s will yield 24.5 knots at wide open, a nice cut of speed for a 58-footer. Cruise at 18.8 knots burning only 62 gph or slow to 9 knots, sipping only 9.5 gph to extend your range. The Marlow 58E was not designed to be a “go fast” yacht, but more like a “go and get there without worry” vessel that suits the owners just fine.

When it’s time to play in the water, the beach club at the transom offers the ability to enjoy cocktails or pull out the toys. There’s also a bunk and small head to avoid going up to the main deck or if an additional crew member is required. The beach club can also reconfigure to a storage/work area to carry extra parts and supplies.

As Saplis knows, every dish is all about presentation. This Marlow 58 is dark gray Awlgrip on the lapstrake hull, and the white superstructure accents the soft lines of the yacht yet highlights the overall design. The Marlow 58E is one dish that will not be sent back to
the kitchen.

Tom Serio

As a freelance photographer, I have been offered the opportunities to step aboard some of the beautiful yachts in the world, capturing not just their opulence but a bit of their soul. My work has been published globally complimented by my writing in many respected publications.

Day: May 16, 2023