May 31, 2023 - Southern Boating

Day 5 – Anegada Island: Great Lobster, Spectacular Reefs, and more

A Scenic Escape to Anegada Island

Enjoy this leg of a truly unforgettable journey as we set sail from Bitter End Yacht Club to the remote and captivating Anegada Island. Today we go through our scenic adventure. Starting with securing mooring balls to indulging in delectable lobster feasts and exploring the island’s natural wonders. Get ready for a true off-the-beaten-path experience!

A Swift Voyage to Anegada Island

Leaving behind the charm of Bitter End Yacht Club, we embarked on a 13-mile journey to reach Anegada. Surprisingly, the voyage took just over an hour, making it an easily accessible destination for those seeking a slice of paradise. We joined fellow boaters racing for mooring balls in Setting Point basin, emphasizing the need to arrive early to secure a coveted spot.

Warm Welcome and Culinary Delights

As we arrived, we were greeted by Sam from Potters by the Sea, who serenaded us from his skiff and extended an invitation to dine at his establishment. However, we opted to stick with our original plan and headed to the Anegada Reef Hotel. Seated at seaside tables in the sand, we relished in the pleasure of savoring perfectly cooked 1 1/2 pound lobsters, grilled to perfection on wood-burning grills.

Exploring Pristine Reefs and Island Gems

Before our sumptuous feast, we rented a Jeep and ventured to the northern side of the island, where Loblolly Bay awaited us with one of the world’s largest reefs. Donning our snorkeling gear, we immersed ourselves in the underwater wonders, mesmerized by the vibrant marine life. As we continued our exploration, we stumbled upon breathtaking vistas and discovered the hidden gem of Anegada Beach Club—a stunning resort featuring thatched bungalows nestled right on the beach. The resort’s spa and pool, the only ones on this island, added an extra touch of luxury to our island adventure.

Anegada Island's Off-the-Beaten-Path Charm

Anegada, though off the beaten path, proved to be a treasure trove of natural beauty and tranquil seclusion. The island’s pristine beaches, thriving reefs, and welcoming locals provided an authentic and immersive experience. It was a reminder of the extraordinary rewards that come with venturing beyond the conventional tourist routes.

The Adventure Continues...

As our time on Anegada drew to a close, we couldn’t help but be captivated by the island’s unspoiled allure. From the excitement of securing mooring balls to indulging in unforgettable lobster feasts and immersing ourselves in the island’s natural wonders, this leg of our journey will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Next on our itinerary is Scrub Island, where new adventures and discoveries await. Stay tuned for our continued exploration of the British Virgin Islands with The Moorings.

Also, enjoy this Google map provided by Atlastrax showing our GPS travels from today! Atlastrax is a satellite tracker for boats and assets that can be taken to remote destinations because of its ability to run on batteries. We love using our tracker for safety during excursions like this. Atlastrax can also be used for theft recovery purposes though! It’s a wonderful product we love sharing.

Remembering The Past – Looking To The Future

May 31, 2023
Weekly Market Outlook
By Donn Goodman and Keith Schneider

While the hype of AI continues to fuel incredible moves in stocks, I vividly recall the number of investors who told me back in the early 2000’s “that they were grieving at their lost profits.”

Are we in an AI bubble? I don’t know how the market reckons with stocks like Nvidia that make the largest jump in market cap ($250 billion) in one day. However, if you look at this current period versus the late 90’s, it doesn’t appear that we are in a bubble as yet. See chart below:

**************
Discover Your Investing Strengths

Are you investing in a way that leverages your strengths? These 10 simple questions will uncover how to approach the markets in a way that plays into your strengths so you succeed faster and with less effort.

**************

Where do we go from here?

As many of you know, I am an ardent fan of looking at the past and what recent history tells us about what we might see going forward. One of the best at this is Ryan Detrick (previously of LPL and now at the Carson Group) who conducts research on how the current market may resemble the past. We like to show his work from time to time.

The first item that caught our attention is the fact that we put in a significant low in October, 2022 and haven’t had another one since. To Ryan and a host of others, this implies that we started a new bull market and are unlikely (in their opinions) to see another low anytime soon. See chart below:

Click here for the chart and to continue to the full MarketGauge Market Outlook

The news flow can be confusing and intimidating, but investing in this environment doesn’t have to be. If you would like personal guidance and hands-on management of your assets with the assistance of tactical, risk managed, strategies, please contact me at donn@mgamllc.com or Keith at keith@mgamllc.com.

Powerful Shift: Sterndrive to Outboard Conversions Surge!

Swapping a Sterndrive for an Outboard

Older boats are getting a new life as outboard repowers soar.

When the sterndrive engine, aka inboard/outboard (I/O), gave out on Kevin Peterson’s Chaparral, he was faced with either buying a new boat or replacing the I/O engine. Neither option was appealing, but Peterson didn’t want to spend the summer in Florida without a boat. Some may not know a Sterndrive to Outboard conversion may be their answer, but here was Peterson’s experience.

“Finding a mechanic willing to work on an older (sterndrive) was getting harder and harder,” says Peterson. “I had no problem finding shops in the St. Petersburg area that serviced outboards, so I took that as a sign.”

After shopping for new and used boats, Peterson decided to stick with his decade-old runabout after a friend told him to repower with an outboard. Peterson spent nearly $23,000 on the outboard conversion, but the improved performance, additional cockpit room, and five-year outboard warranty has been priceless.

Cost Effective

As the price for new and used boats continues to climb, more boaters are opting for the repower market because of the substantial savings. Outboard sales have grown for nine straight years, and 2020 was the highest in two decades which came at the expense of the inboard market, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

“The I/O stuff has become very rare from the low volume, and the prices have gone up sharply,” says Adib Mastry, a propulsion engineer with Mastry Engine Center in Clearwater, Florida. “Even if they were going to repower that boat with another sterndrive, it’s still economically better to go to an outboard.”

With 13 Suzuki Repower Centers around Florida, Mastry has done its share of converting sterndrives to outboards. Mastry points out that the best candidates for repowers are hulls built after 2004 because of the higher quality.

“You’re not having to replace a fuel tank, and the boats have fiberglass floors, not wood floors that were just carpeted or glassed over,” he says.

John Tomlinson, an owner in TNT Custom Marine, a full-service, high-performance shop in Miami, takes a more cautious approach about converting a sterndrive to outboard. Tomlinson says his shop has only done a few repowers over the years because it can be too time and labor intensive. His biggest concern is the fuel tanks, especially when a boat hits the 20-year mark.

“If water gets down in the foam, and its saltwater, it could have sat down there for years and years,” he says. “You’ve got to change the fuel tanks on one of those boats, so the console comes out, the floor gets cut out, and they’re big, big jobs.”

The shop should inspect the stringers and transom for signs of rot, fixing any problems before starting the repower. Surprisingly, most retrofits don’t require fiberglass work to fill the holes on the transom. Mastry provides a bracket that not only seals the former outdrive’s cut through the transom, but also provides a place for the outboard’s rigging to run. Aluminum supports are bolted from the new bracket on the transom to the old motor mounts for more strength.

The engine compartment is typically turned into stowage, but some customers will enlarge the cockpit. In that case, Mastry has contracts with companies that do the interior work. The repower work usually includes the new outboard, rigging for the throttle and shifter, and updating the gauges and electronics.

Value

When it comes to changing the sterndrive for an outboard, it’s not always an even horsepower swap. Boaters can go with a lower horsepower because of the weight savings compared to a sterndrive. Mastry recently repowered a Formula runabout that had twin MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI engines with a pair of 300-hp Suzuki outboards. The boat reportedly picked up 7 mph on the top end and more than doubled the fuel economy to 2.2 miles per gallon.

The sterndrive engine still has value whether it’s running or not, so don’t let the marine shop take the engine off your hands for free.

“In a lot of cases, the (sterndrive) engines actually bring pretty good money as a trade-in,” says Mastry. “We’ll always give the owners something for their engine and drive, no matter what condition they’re in, because of the lack of new ones around and our ability to sell them.”

Mastry explains that a repower takes about two to three weeks and consumers can expect to spend about $20,000 for a typical 200-hp conversion.

Tomlinson says Mercury is backlogged a year or longer for their higher-horsepower outboards, so boaters should plan far ahead. He suggested going for a ride in a boat that’s been converted and doing your research to make the best repower decision.

“Be open-minded that fiberglass lasts a long, long time, and don’t be afraid of an older boat,” he says. “The quality has improved so much that it’s worth doing this.”

Tomlinson says an owner has to decide if it’s worth the cost, especially if the boat needs significant transom or stringer work. “What I tell people is if you’re going to keep it, it’s worth it because you can’t replace it for that,” he says. “But if you’re not going to keep it and dump all this money into it and sell it in two years, you aren’t going to get (the money) back. Everyone’s a little different, but when (a boat) gets that old, you have to look beyond just putting a set of engines on it.”

Peterson is glad he repowered his Chaparral with an outboard but admits he missed the rumble of the sterndrive engine. “When it was a sterndrive, people would ask me how old the boat was,” he says. “Now people ask if it’s a new boat just because of the outboard. It’s interesting how people’s perceptions can change.”

-by Gregg Mansfield

Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing: Screamin’ Reels Tournament Hooks Success!

The Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) hosted the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels tournament in Islamorada, FL. The tournament attracted women from all over who came to learn fishing and take part in the friendly competition. Taking place over three days, the event saw the participants fishing from private or charter boats on calm seas. In total, the ladies caught 105 fish and released 115, resulting in a total of 220 fish. The event concluded with the presentation of $1,000 in prizes. See winners and sponsors below.

Looking ahead, the LLGF has scheduled several events. On September 22-23, 2023, they will organize the Guy Harvey Outpost Bass Seminar & Tournament at Camp Mack in Lake Wales, FL. Following that, from October 13-15, they will host the Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar and fishing event in Islamorada, FL.

The October event will include a full-day fishing seminar, two days of fishing, and casual prizes. These upcoming events, along with other listed events, can be found on the LLGF website. Make sure to see all of the event photos at the bottom and read their press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Betty Bauman 954-475-9068 info@ladiesletsgofishing.com

Ladies Hook 220 Fish at Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels Tournament May 19-21, 2023 Islamorada, FL

Ladies came from as far away as Shalimar, FL to learn fishing and compete at the non-intimidating Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels tournament May 19-21, 2023 in Islamorada, FL, presented by Plantation Boat Mart & Marina, Platinum Sponsor. Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF), the tournament kicked off on Friday at the Tavernier Elks Club, followed by friendly fishing competition on Saturday and Sunday out of Islamorada, FL. Fishing from private or charter boats on flat calm seas, women caught 105 fish and released 115 for a total of 220.

Winners:

First Place Offshore:

Lyn Gremonprez, Tavernier, FL, 11.95 lb. almaco jack on Plantation Boat Mart.

Second Place Offshore:

Cristiane Carvalho, Miami, FL 10.8 lb. mahi on First Choice.

Third Place Offshore:

Teresa Pinner, Tavernier, FL, 10.3 lb. skipjack on Plantation Boat Mart.

First, Second and Third Place Inshore:

Jessica Holbrook, Fort Myers, FL took all three awards with 35.5, 34 and 27 inch grouper releases on Blackwater Charters with Capt. Dylan Scoble.

Top Inshore Release:

Ann DeStefanis, Palmetto Bay, FL, bonefish on Blackwater Charters with Capt. Dylan Scoble.

Top Private Boat:

Plantation Boat Mart and Marina

Some ladies caught their first of their lives.

$1,000 in prizes included Penn combos, art prints, shirts and more were presented on Sunday upon the return of boats at Whale Harbor.

Commented Betty Bauman, LLGF Founder, “Screamin’ Reels is a different breed of tournament, where it’s game on for almost every legal offshore or inshore species in the sea. It’s perfect for novice or average anglers and those who never caught a fish and would not dream of entering a fishing tournament.”

Christiane Carvalho, second place offshore winner exclaimed, “This is the first time I have done something for myself, away from my husband and children. I never fished before and won!”

Featured on national network television and more, the series is supported by major partners including

Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation
Take Me Fishing
Vamos a Pescar
Mercury
Magic Tilt trailers
Shearwater Boats
Power-Pole
Penn
TACO Metals
Lowrance
Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida
Fish Florida

Top donors are:

Yeti
Fishing Headquarters
Engel
AO Coolers
Lady Pamela
Big Rock Sports Conservation Foundation
Egret Baits/Vudu
Canoe Outpost
Flying Fisherman
Pelagic Gear
Flanigans
Guy Harvey
TTI Blakemore
Sandbar Tackle
Danco
FishBites
Hobie Eyewear
Reel ‘em Up Lures
Brella

Keys-only sponsors include:

Presenting Platinum Sponsor Plantation Boat Mart and Marina as well as Island Arms & Indoor Range, Sunset Inn, Jeanne Towne of Fidelity Real Estate and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

LLGF offers a second keys event Oct. 13-15 with full day fishing seminar, two days of fishing and casual prizes.

2023 LLGF remaining events, with optional or included fishing are:

Sept. 22-23, 2023 Guy Harvey Outpost Bass Seminar & Tournament at Camp Mack, Lake Wales, FL

Oct. 13-15 Keys Saltwater Weekend Seminar and fishing Islamorada, FL

Nov. 17-19 St. Augustine Surf Fishing Academy

Virtual meetings with education TBA

In Progress:

Sept. or Nov. Tampa Area Bottom Fishing and Bimini Bahamas.

Contact: Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing, phone 954-475-9068, email: fish@ladiesletsgofishing.com, website: www.ladiesletsgofishing.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofishing

Fishing Report:

Saturday Full-Day Fishing:

Plantation Boat Mart: Presenting and Platinum Sponsor. Ladies caught one mahi, two blackfin tuna, one wahoo and a skipjack. Teresa Pinner, Tavernier, FL caught the 10.3 lb. skipjack, earning Third Place Offshore. Melissa Sinasac, Tavernier, FL caught a wahoo that was bit off by a shark but would have been the top fish, with the partial wahoo weighing 14.6 lbs.

First Choice: Fishing for the first time in her life, Cristiane Carvalho, Miami, FL caught a 10.8 lb. mahi, earning Second Place Offshore. The ladies hooked 19 mahi, keeping 7 and releasing 12. They also caught four blackfin tuna up to 3.5 lbs., two tilefish and one small almaco jack. Mate Peter showed ballyhoo, lure rigging, bait and fish fighting techniques.

Phoebe: Ladies kept two mahi and released eight. They kept 27 yellowtail snapper and released 13. They also caught four bonito and an almaco jack.

Playbaby: The ladies experienced multiple simultaneous hookups, keeping 12 mahi, releasing 12 more mahi, a jack and a tripletail.

Sunday 3/4 Day Fishing:

Plantation Boat Mart: Lyn Gremonprez, Tavernier, FL clinched First Place Offshore with her 11.95 lb. almaco jack. Teresa Pinner, Tavernier FL took Third Place Offshore with a 10.3 skipjack. The ladies also caught a blackfin tuna, another almaco jack and a mahi.

Scales2Tales Capt. Chris Hanson: The ladies released nine snook up to 26 inches, four sharks and kept ten mangrove snapper.

Blackwater Charters Capt. Eric Scoble: The ladies kept seven spotted sea trout up to 17 inches and released 14 more. They also released a sheepshead, three catfish and a mangrove snapper.

Blackwater Charters Capt. Dylan Scoble: Jessica Holbrook, Fort Myers, FL clinched first, second and third place inshore, releasing three grouper up to 35.5 inches. Ann DeStefanis, Palmetto Bay, FL, snagged top inshore release with a bonefish. The ladies also caught ten ladyfish, two Spanish mackerel and released twenty jack crevalle, one lane snapper, one catfish, three mangrove snapper, a blue runner and eight sharks up to 33 inches.

About “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”

The Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Foundation (LLGF) is a national charitable 501C3 organization dedicated to attracting women and families to fishing and encouraging conservation and responsible angling. In addition to providing educational events with hands-on practice and an opportunity to go fishing, LLGF promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorships. Founded in 1997 by Betty Bauman, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, LLGF has over 9,000 graduates and is the largest organization in the world whose objective is to introduce women and families to fishing. Both Bauman and the University series – dubbed “The No-Yelling School of Fishing” – are known nationally in the fishing and marine industries. The organization has earned rave reviews from media including Inside Edition, The Early Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS, Good Morning America, Outdoor Life Network, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, Southern Living and more.

# # # # # #

Phoebe: Jessica Holbrook, Fort Myers, FL; Jane Dodson, Ormond Beach, FL; Ann DeStefanis, Palmetto Bay, FL; Nancy Burt, Ormond Beach, FL; Abbie Edwards, Fort Myers, FL and Marisa Morvillo, Key Largo, FL.

Playbaby: Dorie Zieman, Biscayne Park, FL; Kyllene Carter, Miami Shores, FL; Maryann Vondertann, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Susan Anthony, Fort Myers, FL; Vivian Villanueva, Cooper City, FL and Diane McMahon, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

First Choice: Cristiane Carvalho, Miami, FL (Second Place Offshore); Nicole Metropulos, St. Petersburg, FL; Andrea Vetor, Naples, FL and Dawna Young, Shalimar, FL.

Plantation Boat Mart Saturday: Melissa Sinasac, Jordon Johnson, Teresa Pinner (Third Place Offshore), Sharon Russell and Leslie De La Tatorre, all from Tavernier, FL.

Plantation Boat Mart Sunday: Melissa Sinasac, Sharon Russell, Lyn Gremonprez (First Place Offshore), Brittni Swenson and Leslie De la Torre, all from Tavernier, FL.

Eric Scoble/Blackwater Charters: Suzie Oslos (with trout), Ormond Beach, FL; Jane Dodson, Ormond Beach, FL; Marisa Morvillo, Key Largo, FL and Nancy Burt, Ormond Beach, FL.

Top Inshore Grouper: On Dylan Scoble/Blackwater Charters: Ann DeStefanis (Top Inshore Release), Palmetto Bay, FL; Abbie Edwards, Fort Myers, FL; Jessica Holbrook (First, Second and Third Place Inshore), Fort Myers, FL and Susan Anthony, Fort Myers, FL, with the top grouper.

Bonefish: Ann DeStefanis, Fort Myers, FL Top Inshore Release/Bonefish.

Day: May 31, 2023