You know how I know when it’s almost Christmas? Yes, boat parades are a good gauge, but the real litmus test is how people in the Southern Boating office are behaving. With less than a week until the full-monty, here’s a quick look at how Southern Boating has prepared for the holidays.
The Tree
Our beautiful tree has been lit for about a month. Our fearless leader (read: publisher) starts asking when our Christmas tree will be here approximately three minutes after trick-or-treating ends in October, but the tree tends to go up in a post-Thanksgiving slumber. We also collected a boatload of toys for the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center on behalf of our friends at MIASF & MICF.
The Treats
I’m really not sure how an office of only 14 people are able to consume roughly 28 lbs of various chocolates, candies, and cookies in one week. But at Southern Boating, we seem to have a somewhat unnatural propensity for consuming holiday sweets. I personally witnessed three dozen Mexican Wedding cookies disappear from their tin in less than 24 hours. But does this sugar high stop us from also celebrating an employee birthday today? Absolutely not. We require cake…and ice cream.
The Stuff
On par with our outlandish sugar intake is the barrage of gifts that are (still) arriving in a seemingly endless stream of Amazon packages. It’s no wonder that Bezos is the richest dude on the planet. In an attempt to surprise family and loved ones, most of Southern Boating‘s employees have their gifts delivered to the office. You won’t find any shopping procrastinators in this office, but if you’re late to the game, we have this list of six gifts that won’t break the bank.
The Merriment
Later this week, we will celebrate with our annual office luncheon. There’s always a Secret Santa gift exchange that never seems to stay very secret at all. It’s almost impossible when there’s a rogue elf (read: marketing assistant) on the loose who stomps around in pointy shoes, demanding to know who is buying gifts for who. This luncheon can drift towards raucous, but you really can’t blame us. It’s the end of the year and we’ve been subsisting on a diet of nothing but cookies and cake for three weeks straight.
Plus, it’s nearly impossible to avoid cacophony and peals of laughter when gifts have been everything from camo toilet paper to a live iguana.
I relish it all, and I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that the most important things that happen here at Southern Boating during the holidays are laughter-induced hiccups and a sense of comradery. There’s a lot of bad things happening in the world, but there’s a lot of good out there too. One of those good things is this crazy team. We are so lucky to be working in an industry we love, with the best customers, and the best subscribers. It should be said more often than when we’re misty-eyed from eggnog, but ’tis the season to be grateful for laughter. And for iguanas.
Happy Holidays!
— The Southern Boating Crew
PS: Before you decry animal cruelty, our art director took the iguana home as a gift for his son. Lucky kid.
Check your clamps and hoses before they check out.
Hard slams and big bangs are conditions every mariner endures in rough seas—hopefully, it doesn’t take long to get to calmer cruising waters. However, while crew and passengers wrestle for stability, it’s a war down in the engine room. The constant vibration, high heat, and extremely hard knocks loosen hoses, clamps, belts, and screws, and equipment can fail. That’s why you need to check your clamps and hoses often.
Vigilance and repair can keep your boat’s engine running at peak performance. Keeping a close eye on your hoses and clamps is a good place to start. By inspecting these important connections on a regular basis—at least twice a year—you’ll make sure they are secure and keep the fluids circulating through the system and not into the engine room.
Cues to Use
“Look for visual clues that may indicate replacement is needed,” explains Mike Crites, senior product category manager, Shields Marine Hose at SeaStar Solutions. “Cracking, signs of leakage, bubbling up of the hose exterior, hose clamps digging into the hose layers, these are some of the most obvious ways to visually inspect.”
Because many hoses are equipped with a barrier layer that prevents chafing and abrasion of the hose’s internal layers, you can spot a potential problem before it starts leaking. Pay close attention to hoses in contact with other pieces of machinery for signs the barrier layer is being worn or damaged.
In general, hoses are considered “flexible” connections between two points. If a hose is rigid and appears to be brittle, it may be time to replace it. Also, most hoses have a date code in the imprinted line identifying the product. Material specifications can vary but pay attention to hoses with date codes older than seven years.
“Bottom line, if you question it, replace it,” Crites says. “Hoses are often overlooked and can easily sink a boat or create a hazardous situation. Proper selection, routing and inspection will prolong hose life and create a safe operating environment.”
Choosing the right type of replacement hose takes a bit of work. Don’t assume the old hose you need to replace was the right one for the job. “One rule applies: Match the hose to the application,” says Crites. “Never assume the guy before you knew what he was doing and installed the correct product. With new regulations always entering the industry, you want to be sure you are replacing with the most current and compliant product. It is the installer’s responsibility to know the applicable requirements and regulations.”
Words of Advice
Crites offers some advice and key questions to ask when it comes to hose replacement:
Is this application above or below the water line?
For a fuel hose, what type of fuel is it? Will fuel sit in the hose when not in use, or is this just a fill or tank-venting application?
Are there pressure or vacuum requirements for the application?
Do I need hose made from FDA-approved materials for potable and food applications?
For gasoline applications, are the lines certified to the latest low-permeation requirements?
Does the hose need to be Lloyds of London certified?
Is this a commercial vessel that can have unique hose requirements for U.S. Coast Guard inspection?
For sanitation hose, look at the difficulty in routing the hose and where the hose routing runs, such as under a cabin berth. If it’s difficult, spend the money on an ultra-low odor or odor-free hose. It’s worth the additional cost and your nose will thank you in the long run.
For clamps, 316-grade stainless steel is a top choice according to the ABYC standards under the P1 Exhaust Systems specification.
“ABYC says when connecting flexible exhaust hose to another engine component, the hose clamps need to be a minimum of a half-inch in width, made entirely of stainless steel. Clamps that rely solely on spring tension cannot be used,” says Crites. “Materials must also be resistant to saltwater corrosion along with not creating a source for galvanic corrosion. Because of its location on the galvanic table for sea water, 316 stainless clamps are very passive and are an excellent choice for the engine room.”
Clamp and Hose Misconceptions
Misconception #1
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Clamps require regular inspection. Check for signs of corrosion, loose clamps or over tightened clamps that could be cutting into the hose and be a future source of a failure or leak.
Misconception #2
“Any hose clamp will do.” Not true. Most people assume that hose clamps provide a 360-degree seal onto the hose. Some do, but many do not, and because of that, be sure you are utilizing the correct material, size and style of clamp for your application. For example, T-Bolt clamps provide a uniform, even seal and are an excellent choice for high-vibration, large-diameter hose applications like the exhaust system. The common worm-gear style clamp is good for low pressure, general connections, but do not provide 360-degree clamping pressure. Knowing the application and the requirements is key.
Misconception #3
“I checked and there was no leak.” Many times, a single hose clamp may provide a non-leak seal; however, the USCG, ABYC, NMMA, or SAE may have requirements or recommendations for the use of two hose clamps per connection end. In cases where two hose clamps are required, the tightening point on the clamps should be 180 degrees opposite to provide the best sealing method.
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating October 2018
Photo Credit, Steve D’Antonio Marine Consulting, Inc.
Take the time to enjoy the road less traveled when planning your ICW trip.
When it comes to cruising the ICW, the oft-quoted phrase “getting there is half the fun” is apropos. From historic towns and peaceful anchorages to big city bustle and vibrant nightlight, there’s so much to see and do along its 1,100-mile length that you’d be hard-pressed not to find something enjoyable for every member of the crew. Here is some helpful information on planning your ICW trip.
However, keep in mind that entering a new anchorage or harbor after a long day on the ICW is exciting, it can also carry a considerable amount of stress, particularly if entered at dusk or in less than ideal weather conditions. There are navigational issues to contend with as well as all the other need-to-know answers once you arrive.
Where’s the best place to anchor or the location of that recommended marina? Where can I get supplies or buy fuel? If tonight is all-you-can-eat ribs night at Hawg Heaven Restaurant, is there a dinghy dock or public shore access nearby so the crew can get their pork on?
Plan, Plan, Plan
The answers and the key to safe and less stressful journey is proper planning for your ICW trip, which starts with the most up-to-date ICW guidebooks and charts for the area and studying them well in advance.
Every extended ICW trip should include a general timeline and list of the desired stops to make along the way, but it’s the day-to-day progress that should actually drive the schedule.
I always plan out the next day’s run prior to heading out, typically the night before, which also gives me a chance to review the latest weather forecasts and their potential effects on my travel plans.
When you plan the next day’s run, comb through the charts and guidebooks, and note things like marina locations, possible anchorages, bridge or lock schedules, and potential ICW trouble spots, such as shoals, sunken vessels, disabled lights, markers, etc. Know these things ahead of time to help generate both peace of mind and a more enjoyable trip. Include contingency plans for anchorages or stopovers in case you are delayed or, in some cases, if you make better than expected time and decide to push on a bit further.
Nightly Routine
Part of my nightly routine is to trace the route for the next day’s run and review notes and comments provided on online apps and programs (see sidebar), such as Garmin’s Active Captain, a popular interactive online cruising guide. Programs such as this can be a very useful tool as long as you take into consideration the double-edged-sword nature of the comments themselves.
The author runs through his itinerary the night before.
Be aware that generic reports of a “great” anchorage with plenty of water or statements like “We ran aground here!” don’t do you much good if the poster fails to include basic info such as their boat’s draft, the state of the tide, etc. Facility reviews should also be viewed with a grain of salt at times: “The dock master hates Algerian Snaggle-tooth Poodles (like our Fluffy) so we’re never coming back and you shouldn’t either!”
In addition to weather, the number of miles I plan for each day depends on a variety of factors, from distances between suitable anchorages to towns or areas I want to visit. Depending on your draft, tide schedules will also play a major role when transiting known shallow spots.
Many ICW cruisers become destination driven and hurry to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Time and schedules are a major factor here, but my philosophy is that the trip itself is just as important and should, therefore, be as enjoyable as the destination.
Be Reasonable When Planning Your ICW Trip
On my vessel’s average speed of six knots, I typically plan for a run of around 40 statute miles each day. Viewing my trip as a whole, this allows me to progress along the ICW at a reasonable clip but also provides stopover days for rest, sightseeing, weather delays, etc. Although I experience shorter and longer daily runs (60 to 70 miles in some cases), 40 miles is a good average for my boat and one that provides additional time to arrive at my planned destination before dark should unexpected delays crop up.
I don’t like traveling the ICW at night because I often travel solo. I’ve done it before (both as a recreational boater and while in the U.S. Coast Guard), but it adds a whole new level of stress and unnecessarily increases the chances of getting lost, running aground or having an accident.
Take Breaks
Finally, I also try to schedule one layover day for every three to four travel days—more if I’m someplace nice with a lot to see and do. These layover days provide time to catch up on boat chores as well as allow me time to simply decompress and enjoy the journey on my way to the destination.
Always keep a sharp lookout for “prop inspectors” (floating logs, branches, other debris), particularly when transiting narrow channels and canals. The same goes for other hazards, such as crab pots, which can be found anywhere.
Always have your anchor ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Always monitor VHF channel 16 (general hailing and distress) and if possible, channel 13 (bridge to bridge).
When anchoring, the key is to be seen. Use an appropriate anchor light; however, they can be difficult to see, particularly if located atop the mast of a sailboat. I purchased a 12-inch neon light bar from an auto parts store and hang it in the cockpit as well to increase visibility to others.
Make marina reservations ahead of time, preferably a day or two in advance if your schedule is accurate enough. At a minimum, I like to call the morning of my projected arrival day to confirm.
This Horizon FD87 is a floating home to a family of nine: four humans and five dogs
Boating isn’t in Travis Fox’s blood, nor has he honed his skills over a lifetime. You could say he was a late bloomer. But when he did embrace the sea, he did so with an unusual level of enthusiasm that converted his formerly landlocked family into liveaboards on the massive Horizon FD87.
When he and his wife and daughters chose to relocate from Virginia to Southwest Florida, a boat seemed like a natural part of the picture. They sought a house on a deep-water canal, where, as Fox says, “three-foot-itis quickly turned into forty-foot-itis!” The family took to cruising like Trump to Twitter, cutting their teeth on a 50-foot Azimut Magellano, which appeared to shrink every day they spent in The Bahamas. Perhaps due to the fact that their five dogs travel everywhere with them. “After two months, it was really tiny,” Fox laughs.
A larger boat was clearly in order, and the 2016 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show was the medium for an exhaustive search. Fox spoke with 18 builders but felt an instant connection to the drawings of the Horizon FD85, conceived by the same designer as his Magellano, Cor D. Rover. He was also impressed with Horizon.
The Fast Displacement Phenom
Horizon unveiled the FD series (for fast displacement) three years ago, focusing on functional living space, huge interior volume and the ability to exceed displacement speed. The FD85 was the first in the range to go into production, and while it’s a lot of boat for 85 feet, Fox wanted more. He took one look at the concept and asked Rover if he could add a sky lounge, beach club, country kitchen, and a foredeck lounge.
Fox and Rover sat down at the boat show with John Lu, president of Horizon, and Roger Sowerbutts, head of Horizon Yacht USA, and hashed out his wish list. Out of this collaborative effort was born a brand-new model, the FD87. A mere 12 months later, it was sea-trialed in Taiwan.
With a background in engineering and the ability to visualize, Fox had input into every facet of the design, something that was embraced by Horizon as Lu acknowledges that owners make the best designers. The sense of support Fox intuited from Horizon initially at the boat show manifested throughout the build and continued after delivery, making him a customer for life.
In fact, he enjoyed the process so thoroughly, he named the yacht Skyline as a tribute to her builder. “We did a lot of unusual things (with some uncertainty about their success) in the design phase,” says Fox. Now with 1,600 nautical miles behind them, he is enjoying the fruits of this labor and happy to report success on all counts and an extremely short punch list.
After a shakedown trip to Bimini, the family set off from Fort Lauderdale to cruise the Eastern Seaboard. At press time, the boat is in Mystic, Connecticut. The family’s having so much fun that they aren’t sure if they’ll ever return to land. “Skyline is intended to be a vessel we can run ourselves,” says Fox.
“She’s designed to be our home rather than a vessel people enjoy for a few days at a time. We designed her to be comfortable while at sea for long periods of time and focused on safety and ease of operation since we’re the crew.”
Working from home… err…boat
Fox has worked full time since taking delivery, using part of the sky lounge as his office. “The view is incredible, and it works great for video conferences and in-person meetings.” Because the pilothouse shares this space, the main deck is free to deliver both an on-deck master and a congenial galley that opens to the main salon or can be closed off with a partition that rises over the breakfast bar.
Fox’s wife also works from the yacht, and their teenagers are home-schooled, so a place to plug in a computer was essential. Thus, the salon’s dining table top folds in half and the whole thing moves to the side to make a console, so it opens up the space as well as provides a spot to pull up a bar stool and unfold a laptop.
It’s not all work and no play on board, though. Behind the helm in the sky lounge is a forward-facing, sit-down bar. “We debated whether three captain’s chairs and the wet bar behind was a bit excessive, but there’s always a waiting list for them while underway. Turning the captain’s chairs backward while in port (facing the bar) has worked out to be a nice option for creating another entertaining area,” says Fox.
Throughout all three decks, natural light plays a prominent role. The expansive salon features floor-to-ceiling glass, and Fox also specified oversized windows for the lower deck’s midship queen cabins. “We’ve found that family members in those suites feel comfortable spending an afternoon or evening in their suites when they want some privacy.”
Outdoor living is also a priority with the aft deck taking a sizable portion of the main deck. Forward, a Portuguese walkway accesses the foredeck lounge, which features cocktail tables, settees, and a sunpad—a favorite spot underway, reports Fox. At anchor, alfresco life moves to sea level with a bar, lounge area, and television in the transom’s inviting beach club.
Smooth Ride
While Skyline can reach 16 knots, Fox ran the 1,400 nautical miles to Connecticut at the yacht’s displacement speed of 11 to 12 knots, loving the fact that he could go the entire way on less than the tank’s 3,500 gallons of fuel. “The boat rode great at these speeds, too. Thanks to her wave-piercing bow, any pounding was minimal in a head sea,” he explains. “Her keel and shape kept her straight in following or quartering seas, and the stabilizers handled anything else.”
The master suite has long windows and an additional skylight for maximum light.
The aft deck on the Horizon FD87 is spacious and welcoming.
The formal dining room is also bathed in light and can seat eight guests easily.
The sky lounge on the boat is a sight to be seen. Ample seating and an enclosed pilothouse don’t even come close to using space fully.
The main salon is comfortable and functional.
The bow he speaks of is a new development, a collaboration between Horizon’s engineers and Cor D. Rover they have named the High-Performance Piercing Bow. Similar to a bulbous bow but with a sharp entry, the underwater appendage cuts through currents and reduces pitching in a head sea. This works alongside the hybrid hull shape and tunnel design to provide low resistance, a smooth transition over a range of speeds and shallow draft.
Bump out, Show out
Another of Fox’s specifications, wing stations he calls “bump-outs,” have been a fantastic addition. “The complete visibility alongside fore and aft really makes docking a pleasure and safer as it almost completely eliminates blind spots,” he says. He also designed the rails surrounding the decks with Plexiglas, which gives a clear view in all directions for the helmsman as well as a clean aesthetic.
Finally, Fox adds, “We really like the crisp blue color of the hull. The boat just looks sharp. While we’re not really people who enjoy getting attention, the boat is an absolute showstopper.”
Inside and out, Skyline has fulfilled some very high expectations aesthetically, operationally and, perhaps most importantly, on a personal level. “Whether a game night in the main salon, movie night in the sky lounge or a quiet night on the aft deck with friends, it’s common to hear laughter throughout the boat as soon as you step on board,” says Fox. “Rather than being pretentious or formal, she’s comfortable and warm. For lack of a better way to say it, Skyline really has good ‘soul.’”
Have you started planning your 2019 cruising itinerary? So many places, so little time. Here are six geographically diverse hotspots to get you excited for cruising in the new year.
Sanibel, FL
Sanibel and her sister Captiva offer easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for serious offshore fishing adventures and open-throttle cruises. At the same time, this is where Florida’s Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway (ICW) begins, allowing boaters to tuck inside Pine Island Sound where waters are generally mellow but some routes run shallow.
As for dining out, it’s hard to go wrong here. Among dozens of fine eateries, The Lazy Flamingo has restaurants on both Sanibel and Captiva. Catch your own fish and they’ll cook ’em three different ways.
The Berry Islands, The Bahamas
While this isn’t technically a city, the Berry Islands hold great historic intrigue owing to their past as a drug transshipment Mecca and a playground for the rich and famous to live out their fantasies. Nevertheless, it’s the championship sport fishing and island tranquility (with their many secluded beaches) that attract leisure boaters.
Thinking about chartering in the Berrys? From Nassau, daily flights are morning and afternoon on Le Air’s 19-seater. From Fort Lauderdale, Tropic Ocean Airways offers direct flights every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
River Dunes, North Carolina
Located just of the Pamlico Sound, River Dunes aims to enhance the cruiser’s lifestyle, and it shows through with lush landscaping, architectural design features, gourmet meals, fully outfitted facilities, and a friendly staff. Cruisers on the property agree that it’s more of an experience than a marina.
For transient cruisers, the best part is that they’re welcome to use all club members’ amenities at no additional cost. In fact, one cruiser discovered the benefits of River Dunes quite unexpectedly.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, an island located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, stands apart from other cities. An ideal one, where the beaches are always perfectly windswept, the lighthouses are straight out of a postcard, and life moves a little slower. Could it be “the best island in the world”? National Geographic thinks so.
In spite of Nantucket’s relatively small size—less than 50 square miles—its inhabitants and history offer a bounty of captivating stories that have been passed down through generations. The New England island is a must see in 2019.
Tangier Island, Virginia
You’ll have to move quickly to see Tangier Island. Due to a changing climate, the island is losing its coastline and losing it quickly. Getting to the rustic and charming town is an adventure in itself.
But, when you get there, you’ll discover a beautiful, rugged place populated by interesting folks who march to the beat of their own drummer, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.
Bonaire, Caribbean
Bonaire has 86 official dive sites that will suit almost any diver. Dedicated to marine conservation and protecting their gorgeous waters, the primarily Dutch island has unparalleled dive sites. The island is dedicated to conservation and preservation throughout all of its tourism initiatives. Bonaire pursues projects that will reduce the CO2 effects on the planet and works toward being an eco-friendly destination.
A recent analysis by Future Market Insights forecasts that the global electric boat market is projected to grow by 11 percent. And that its value will more than double by the end of 2028. It’s estimated that pure electric boats to hold 85 percent of the market. That says a lot about the future of marine batteries.
Batteries have come a long way since Prussian inventor Moritz Hermann von Jacobi developed a useable rotating electric motor in 1834 and installed an improved version of it on a 28-foot paddle boat in 1838. The batteries used in the boat had 320 pairs of zinc plates, weighed more than 396 pounds and powered the 14-passenger boat about 1.5 miles per hour. Today, a typical marine starting battery weighs around 37 pounds.
Battery technology has advanced so much so that Panasonic Corporation has developed a pin-shaped lithium-ion battery with a .13-inch diameter and a weight of 0.02 ounces, and Sandia National Laboratories created one that is finer than a human hair. Florida International University recently secured a patent for magnetic battery technology that can recharge in a fraction of a second. Battery technology is moving forward fast.
The Norway Way
The environmentally-friendly push to go green has been a driving force in the development of hybrid, 100-percent electric and solar propulsion systems. These systems reduce emissions, optimize fuel consumption, lower noise, and vibration levels. They are lighter, take up less space, and reduce maintenance costs. The Norwegian Parliament is taking a tough stand on emissions by implementing a zero-emission zone within its fjords by 2026 when all cruise ships and ferries must be electric.
Siemens built Norway’s first all-electric ferry that has two electric motors with an output of 450 kWh through lithium-ion batteries. The 262-foot ferry is built from light aluminum. This reduced its weight by half and doubled the hull’s lifetime compared to conventional steel hulls. Steel hulls are necessary when the batteries weigh 10 tons. An all-electric catamaran built of carbon fiber was recently delivered to a Norwegian company. The catamaran has a 1,800-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two 450-kW electric motors that can drive the 138-foot, 400-passenger ferry 16 knots for 30 nautical miles. A custom dock is in production with a 2.4 MWh battery pack that will recharge the boat in 20 minutes. Battery technology is becoming more versatile.
The Future is Electric
“Lithium-ion is the future,” says Jamie Campbell of West Marine. They store more energy, maintain a higher current. Plus, they don’t lose their charging capacity compared to other batteries, and they provide more cycles than lead-based batteries. However, they’re very expensive. Most boaters have heard of the brand Torqeedo or Elco and their electric outboard and inboard motors. Elco outboards require four 12-volt lead-acid AGM batteries to run the 48-volt system or only one lithium battery.
Torqeedo won West Marine’s “Most Environmentally Friendly Product” award in 2011 with a 3-hp equivalent electric motor and now offers 32 electric boat drives ranging from 1 to 80 horsepower along with lithium batteries engineered to match each system. If you’re making a move to all electric, Torqeedo has developed a lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese battery for their 20-hp outboard that weighs up to 70 percent less than an AGM battery, has a waterproof housing with IP67 plug connection and communicates with the drive’s onboard computer; however, it can be used with other electric drives as long as power requirements are within the battery’s specifications (not as a starter battery). For boats with a direct drive inboard system, Torqeedo has developed BMW’s i3 (and now i8) automotive lithium-ion battery system for use in their fully-integrated, 80-hp Deep Blue inboard drive system.
Mastervolt recently designed the MLI-E Series, the first being the MLI-E 12/1200 battery. Using a lithium-ion phosphate chemistry, the 12-volt battery, “is the most stable available and is not prone to self-ignition,” says Rufus van Gruisen, president of Cay Electronics. With 1,200 watt-hours of energy, the battery is designed to replace most existing lead-acid batteries to power small electric motors for propulsion.
What’s Ahead
“Looking further ahead, the marine industry will benefit from research into developing solid-state batteries, currently underway by some automotive manufacturers including BMW and Toyota,” says van Gruisen. “Solid state batteries will use both solid electrodes and solid electrolytes and have a greater energy density than achieved with lithium polymer technology; however, lithium batteries will continue to be the cutting edge for now.”
What a difference a year makes. The largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast is not only growing, featuring more than 200 local, national and international displays, but is also improving the boat show experience to boot. Welcome to the 2019 Stuart Boat Show.
Air-conditioned, full-size coach buses (with bathroom) will whisk visitors from two parking locations: the new lot at the Martin County Airport (Witham Field) off SE Monterey Road and SE Flying Fortress Lane, and from the Wright Blvd. and NW Dixie Hwy. corner lot.
It’s baaaack…
The Bahamas Pavilion is back, bigger and better than ever, and features numerous resorts and services with more interactive displays, music, and food. Speaking of food, the newly covered food court will provide greater comfort and highlight higher quality menu selections.
Even as guests walk the quarter-mile span of Old Dixie Highway at the foot of the Roosevelt Bridge and the more than 1,000 feet of linear dock, they’ll notice a wider variety of boats and gear from companies such as Aqua Sol Yacht Sales, Boat Owners Warehouse, E.J. Schrader Mattress Company, Freedom Boat Club, Seakeeper, and so much more.
From jewelry, T-shirts, hammocks, propellers, fishing gear, and electronics to the latest models of center consoles, sport fishing boats, pontoons, and personal watercraft to safety equipment, insurance, and financing, the Stuart Boat Show has something that will interest every boating enthusiast from the young to the young at heart. The Sea Tow Foundation will provide PFD-borrowing stations for children before entry onto the docks.
Wicked Seminars
Six daily seminars will provide valuable information, including destination topics from Captain Chris, choosing the correct electronics from Marine Electronics of the Treasure Coast, children and adult fishing clinics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a special appearance by Paul Herbert from the reality TV show Wicked Tuna to answer questions and give autographs. Check out the seminar schedule on the Stuart Boat Show website.
Coming back as the show’s presenting sponsor, INFINITI brings their signature INFINITI mobile experience trailer as well as a lounge area and champagne bar. The new QX80 ill be on display showing off its 8,500-pound tow capacity. And if that’s not enough, be sure to enter the drawings for a two-night stay at Valentines Resort & Marina and a two-night stay at the Bimini Big Game Club in The Bahamas.
Thomas Kittel retires from a successful executive career and with his wife, Jutta, he embarks on a series of cruising adventures that most would not have the courage to consider. Here is his travel diary cruising through Europe.
With a flying start, we set out on our Marlow 72E Azura for our fourth major voyage and leave Rostock, Germany, on May 12, 2017. A strong easterly wind pushes us through the Fehmarn Sound to Kiel where German customs show that they are still attentive and pay us a visit. Even though the check is routine, they wear bullet-proof vests and one person must stay on the dock. After checking our papers, their main interest is our 13,000-liter fuel tank. Some boat owners use tax-saving sources because of the high fuel prices, but we employ no such means and have nothing to fear. They are satisfied by the email exchange from the fuel supplier. With that, we’re on our way to begin cruising through Europe.
The locks and motoring through the Kiel Canal are routine for us, and we stay in the familiar Cuxhaven SVC Marina. One morning, however, I learn that too much routine can have its downsides. When backing out from the yacht harbor, I turn in a little too early and ram a lightweight floating dock. Luckily, only our hull’s paint and gelcoat are damaged, but the floating dock is heavily bent. We immediately dock at the nearby diesel filling station and then, of course, the whole communication goes off with the port, the water police, and my insurance. Finally, everyone has what they need, and we’re back on our way.
Safety First
Misfortune, however, is seldom alone and shortly after leaving Cuxhaven, dense fog envelops us. Sailors without an automatic identification system (AIS) are only visible as a small, colored point on the radar screen and I’m forced to dodge them. After some tense moments, the fog clears and the day becomes glorious with sun and little wind as we travel along the East Frisian Islands to Norderney.
To continue on through the Netherlands, we opt to cruise inside on De Staande Mastroute because it allows the vertical clearance we need and avoids the North Sea. We already know a large part of the route, but it is always fun to steer our large “steamer” through the pretty Holland countryside with its narrow canals and bridges.
We stop over in Dokkum and get to know this picturesque “dollhouse” with distinctive windmills. As we travel through Lemmer, Amsterdam, Haarlem, and Dordrecht, Willemstad is one of the highlights on the Dutch section of our trip. Here, we manage to get a place in the old, small town port without a reservation. This harbor, built into the former citadel, offers a very rare photo opportunity, but you’ll have to accept the tourist crowds because Willemstad is an attractive tourist destination.
Our visit here the previous year was filled with annoyance and unplanned detours from blocked bridges, but everything goes smoothly. We reach Zeebrugge, Belgium, as planned, where we take our first guest on board and leave behind the familiar waterways. Dunkerque is our first French seaport and a significant rite of passage. It’s where our watersports activities began 20 years prior with a motorboat we chartered in Pontailler-sur-Saône (Burgundy) without the slightest clue about boating.
From the sea, Dunkerque is not exactly inviting. Immediately at the entrance to the harbor, huge industrial buildings with smoking chimneys form the reception committee. We decide for the marina closer to the center and are rewarded by two female harbormasters who are friendly, professional and create space for us on the jetty. However, there is no real French “feeling” here. Much appears to be outdated, many places are empty and deserted, and the sailboat next to us is sprinkled liberally with verdigris and doesn’t help the atmosphere. It’s the same with Boulogne-sur-Mer, despite the very well-preserved old town built on a hill.
Lock it up
But then comes Le Tréport. Some courage is needed to enter the small fishing port and marina, which can only be reached at high tide by a barely sufficient lock. You have to rely on the harbormaster for possible free berths because on your own, you see nothing from the lock. In the lock, we get a pontoon number assigned and sneak through the ever-narrowing port to discover that the designated space is occupied. We tie up provisionally alongside the tour boat Eros, but with no other alternatives, we remain there albeit with no electricity, no water, and a small climb through the tour boat to get ashore.
Le Tréport is located at the mouth of the Bresle River and the coast’s more than 100-meter-high chalk cliffs strongly remind us of the English coast, which was probably the reason for Queen Victoria’s two visits. You can climb the 370-plus steps or ascend the cliffs with an inclined lift hewn into the rocks. At the top, your reward is a breathtaking view of the sea, the village of Le Tréport and Mers-les-Bains across the river.
Here, the undisputed star is the 1844-built lighthouse that stands on the top of the western pier to the harbor entrance. Even at high tide, it rises impressively, but at low tide, it unfolds an even greater impact. Up to 10 meters of water has disappeared, and the fairway to the port is completely empty. The piers projecting out of the sand now look like huge castle walls on which the lighthouse towers like a keep.
There’s an additional building that houses a large bell and several giant fog horns. It’s easy to imagine which hellish spectacle prevails here in fog. I feel reminiscent of the ill-conceived fog horn in Long Day’s Journey into Night by Eugene O’Neill, which I recently saw in Hamburg. But unlike the play, the weather is peaceful. Evening walkers populate the pier to the lighthouse, whose romantic flair no one can escape, and a short-term cloud hole offers a near completely calm sea. The air is like velvet and silk, a moody atmosphere for our photography.
Memories
Before we leave Le Tréport the next day, the wind suddenly turns and increases in strength. We have only two hours to Dieppe before us, but for the first time on this tour, things get a bit bumpy. Luckily, we stowed the fenders and lines in port beforehand. Dieppe welcomes us with a large, well-protected marina in the city center. Here we rent a car for the first time and drive to Amiens, the departmental capital of Picardy, with which I connect many memories from my school days—first trip abroad, appearances with the school orchestra, accommodation with a French family, flirting with the daughter of the house.
Often the reality of today disappoints the glorified memories of yesterday, but here it’s the other way around. The grey Amiens of my school days has become a charming city. The famous Cathédrale Notre Dame d’Amiens, one of the three great cathedrals of the High Gothic era, has the highest nave of all French cathedrals and served as a structural model for the Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral overlooks a pretty, old town where the Somme River’s side arms and canals create an almost Venetian flair.
Where the Somme enters into the sea lies the Baie de la Somme, which is dry at low tide and offers refuge for more than 300 species of birds. Le Crotoy, Saint-Valerie-sur- Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer connect via a wonderful steam train. Somehow, despite their attractiveness, they have not succumbed tourist traps. Here, we feel France from its most beautiful side and enjoy again the fresh moules-frites (mussels and fries).
Change of Plans
The tide is unfavorable for cruising to Fécamp and Honfleur, so we opt for the always approachable Le Havre. Because the marina is so big, we’re almost alone. The sea is close to our outdoor pontoon, so the waves of the passing ships rock us to sleep.
We pick up our rental car and drive to the Rouen Cathedral, which owes its fame, not least of all, to the 33 paintings comprising Claude Monet’s series of pictures created in different lighting conditions from 1892 to 1894, a highlight in Monet’s oeuvre. We encounter paintings at every turn because, in many places in Normandy, there lived poor, now world-famous painters. Often, their pictures are informational signposts. This helps you see the artist’s perspective.
Saint Nichols Church of Barfleur
The boat herself, a Marlow 72E named Azura.
Azura docked alongside a bank.
A steam train connects the cities of Le Costoy, Saint Valarie-sur-Somme Cayeux-sur-Mel.
Palatial halls of Notre Dame Cathedral
We next voyage to St.Vaast-la-Hougue and reach the lively harbor just as the gates open. There is still room at the visitor pontoon, and various English flags indicate that the eastern tip of the Cotentin peninsula is very popular with the British.
We leave St.Vaast the next morning. The weather is wonderful. We head for Cherbourg before the weather turns. At Marina Port de Chantereyne, our scheduled berth was occupied by its owner that evening. But the harbor officials make up for their oversight with a much better berth next to the harbor office. The city is just a short walk away.
Croatia Awaits
Cherbourg is located at the northern end of the Cotentin peninsula. It’s the second-closest connection to England after Calais and where the World War II D-Day Normandy landings took place; Utah Beach is not far away. The fortifications of the Atlantic Wall on the huge flat sandy beaches are still present today, and many museums and events are reminiscent of historical events.
We’re here on the 73rd anniversary of the landing, and there’s a little celebration in Quinéville with military music, and historic military vehicles, tanks and uniforms—most under the American flag. Two speeches in French and English recall the events of yesteryear but also reference the threat posed by today’s terrorism. The German flies and we hear the national anthem and Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Anyone expecting a one-sided celebration would be pleasantly surprised by the inclusivity. Before World War II, Cherbourg was the largest European gateway to the New World. The RMS Titanic stopped here before its fateful journey.
Despite the massive destruction in the World War II, a lot of history was preserved or restored. That includes the former nuclear submarine Le Redoutable, which could remain underwater for 70 days, was in service for 40 years and never fired any of its 16 atomic rockets.
Out at Cap de la Hague, the storm-ridden sea makes us happy to be safe in the harbor. Just south at Nez de Jobourg, we stop at the Auberge des Grottes and enjoy local specialties and spectacular views of the sea as far as the northernmost Channel Island, Alderney. After several days, the storm over the Atlantic begins to slow down, and we embark on the next great adventure: the Channel Islands.
Ahh, Tahiti. The word itself elicits images of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and dramatic vistas that are so camera-friendly, they’re always ready for a close-up. You can almost hear the song Bali Ha’i from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific play in the background. A charter in Tahiti is a bucket list item for many but crossed off only by a fortunate few.
Tahiti is one of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, and at 16 degrees south latitude, it’s in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and thousands of miles from anywhere. It’s a place for every one of your senses: the sight of aquamarine water and swaying palm trees; the sound of Polynesian music and crashing surf; the taste of tropical fruits; the smell of tropical flowers, and the feel of the sun’s warmth on your skin while your toes dig into sand the color and texture of sugar.
Plentiful fish crowd the turquoise waters.
Local cuisine from Tahiti.
Stunning vistas are just one more reason to charter in Tahiti.
Year-round temps are steady at about 85 degrees, and the tide is about a foot. The people let you get away with speaking English or mangled French, but any attempt to speak Tahitian is much appreciated. You’ll hear Ia ora na (hello) in every shop, restaurant, beach shack, and bar, so it’s a good way to start your new musical Tahitian vocabulary.
Dreamy Dining
After landing on Tahiti proper, you’ll still need to take a puddle-jump flight to the island of Raiatea where the charter bases are located, but be sure to take a day before or after your charter to experience Tahiti Nui and its municipal morning market in Papeete. This two-story-wonder market has it all, from fish to flowers and souvenirs to soap. There’s even the Tahitian version of a food court with kiosks selling baguette sandwiches, prepared curries, poisson cru (marinated fish similar to ceviche), and French pastries.
Tahitian cuisine marries fresh island fare like mangoes and mahi-mahi with vanilla beans or exotic spices. Add some French flare with great wine, cheese, and abundant fresh baguettes, and your taste buds will never want to go home. In the evening, have dinner at les roulottes (food trucks) at the port. Each truck has a specialty: Chinese, fish, crepes, pizzas, and more. No alcohol is served, but it’s the cheapest dinner you’ll find, and the atmosphere is a welcoming mix of sunburned cruisers and locals who come with the whole family.
Raiatea
Maeva (welcome) to your yacht charter starting on Raiatea, the “Sacred Island”, a 45-minute flight from Papeete. Provisioning is done in Uturoa, Raiatea’s main town. When you book your charter, opt for a catamaran because the water is “skinny,” especially around the motus (islands of the fringing reefs)—so an extra foot under your keels does wonders for your confidence. Take a good look at the charts because this is marker-to-marker navigation and in French Polynesia, it’s not “red-right-returning.”
The islands of Raiatea and Taha’a share a fringing reef so it’s easy to stay in protected waters for the first day. Head north an hour from the base to Hurepiti Bay on Taha’a, the “Vanilla Island.” Here, Noah Plantier runs Vanilla Tours, a great land excursion on a 4×4 truck. A demonstration of vanilla pollination is a highlight as is feeding coconuts to chickens (they’re crazy for the stuff).
Upon request, Noah also provides noni juice, the fruit of a tree in the coffee family. It’s purported to be a miracle cure and a fountain of youth, but before you drink up, understand that the stuff tastes like a mix of laundry water and spoiled milk. Oh, what price is vitality!
Colorful flowers and a friendly welcome committee.
We want more-a, more-a of gorgeous Bora Bora.
Lush landscapes and warm weather are just one (of many) to visit the region.
Mementos Abound
Taha’a is also black pearl central, so a visit to a “farm” like Champon is a must. Nobody gets away from a pearl display case without being a few Polynesian francs lighter. These hypnotic wonders are unique to this part of the world, so investing in one—or several—is the best possible memento of your South Pacific charter.
If you have more than a week, make a run to the island of Huahine first. Exit Taha’a’s reef via one of the well-marked passes like To’ahotu and make the 22-mile crossing. It’s a worthwhile trip because Huahine is one of the least inhabited islands with shades of water that defy description. You can enter through either Avamoa or Avapehi pass and anchor near the town of Fare. Rent a bike to explore the island. Ride to the northern tip to visit the stone fish traps in Lac Maeva, the many maraes (religious sites), and the sacred, blue-eyed eels in the freshwater river that untangle their six-foot bodies to chase down a bit of canned tuna.
A trip back to Raiatea provides time to explore the island before heading on to Bora Bora. On the east side of Fa’aroa Bay on the east side, you can dinghy or standup paddleboard on a river between taro fields that are surrounded by bushes of exotic flowers, their scent intoxicating in the still air.
At times, the river gets so narrow and shallow that you may have to get out and walk, pulling the dink or board behind you. Nearby, in Onoa Bay, is Marea Taputapuatea, one of the largest spiritual sites in French Polynesia. Many of the stone temple outlines have been rebuilt to preserve the civilization that resided here a thousand years ago. Then, drop anchor on the western side of Taha’a close to the Paipai Pass to get an early morning start for the crossing to Bora Bora.
Lure of the Lore
According to ancient Tahitians, Raiatea is the mother island and Bora Bora is her firstborn. Bora is very camera friendly and is exactly like the brochures you’ve ogled at the travel agency. You can see Mount Otemanu for miles, Bora’s peak that juts out from the center of her lagoon. But Bora is a deceptive siren. The only way to enter safely is via Teavanui Pass on the west side to avoid her treacherous reef where the breaking, white water pounds day and night. Once inside the reef, head to the dock in the village of Vaitape for ice and Hinano (local beer) at Chin Lee’s market. From here, you have two choices: a cheeseburger in paradise at the Bora Bora Yacht Club or a mooring for the night at Bloody Mary’s, a palapa-style restaurant with great fish and sand floors where shoes are optional.
Swim in the clearest waters with some of the most interesting creatures.
Craftsmen and women offer up unique souvenirs you’ll need to take home.
Lush waterways are ready for exploration.
In the morning, it’s time for the 90-minute motor to the back of the lagoon. Go while the sun is high in the sky and study your charts closely. Keep the green markers toward the reef and red markers to the island, and watch for the doglegs that confuse the unsuspecting charterer. Binoculars and the depth sounder will become your best friends, and be sure to have the hook down before the sun gets low and the glare of the water blocks your ability to read the depth by the water color. During this trip, it’s easy to become obsessed with Otemanu’s 2,300-foot peak that dominates every postcard. Keep a camera on deck because that view is addictive from every angle.
Secret Spots
Few people know about the drift snorkel at the southeastern tip of Bora’s fringing motus. Pull the dinghy onto the beach and walk (wearing water shoes) to the windward edge of the reef and then drift back with the current. Fish and rays dart around in the nooks and crannies of this underwater garden. But the star attraction is the clams with their multi-colored iridescent mantles that burrow into the coral heads. Farther up the island you can catch a glimpse of giant manta rays early in the morning.
Cloudless skies.
Wind in the sails and not a care in the world.
A thatched bungalow provides a secluded respite.
I’ve visited French Polynesia six times, but I never cross it off my bucket list. If I’m lucky enough to be swinging on the hook looking up at the Southern Cross overhead, well then, I’m lucky enough.
By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating November 2018
Photos courtesy of the Tahiti Tourism Board and Zuzana Prochazka
You buy holiday gifts for your friends, your family, and if you’re anything like me, you buy gifts for your dog. Why not show yourself (and your boat) some love this holiday season? Here are our top five tech gifts for boaters.
Sunscreenr
AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK! This camera will help prevent sun damage to your skin so you can stay on the water longer. If you’re not sure if sure if your skin is protected from the sun, this is the product for you. Sunscreenr’s Patented UV Camera technology shows where sunscreen isn’t applied on your skin—protected areas appear dark and unprotected areas appear light no matter your skin tone. The camera starts up when the Mobile for Android app is opened and the camera is plugged in. One feature of the app is an alert to reapply sunscreen.
Keep an eye on your boat at all times. Yacht Sentinel 6 is an intelligent boat monitoring security system that enable owners to remotely check their boats’ status through a mobile app or online web app. The two-way communication system’s onboard central unit uses worldwide 2G/3G/4G coverage (with optional satellite communication) to monitor the boat’s critical information as well as motion detection and an interior breach.
I’m the Captain now. Take control and get up close when docking with the new, state-of-the-art Dockmate Wireless Remote Control Systems. Offering four setups —single, twin, Twist, and Twist with a Volvo Penta IPS interface —each waterproof transmitter can operate up to five functions: one or two engines, bow and stern thrusters, anchor winch or windlass, and horn. It’s like playing a video game…but much cooler.
Move over, iPad. Get lost, Kindle. There’s a new tablet in town. Seatronx introduces the rugged, waterproof, shockproof, and sunlight readable SUNTAB TABLET. Made of aero-grade titanium alloy frame material, the 7-inch high, bright, full view display delivers amazing clarity. Operable in temperatures from -20 to +60º centigrade, the Suntab has a long-life battery, camera, GPS, plenty of memory, and with a SIM card, provides communication with Internet and phone access.
Get lost and then be found. No matter how far off the grid you go, Globalstar’s Sat-F12 Wifi keeps you connected when cellular service is unavailable. The free Sat-Fi2 app is easy to use and allows connection to email, text, voice, the web, weather, and to share photos and files. It also has SOS capabilities and can connect up to eight devices.
Launched in 2018, Scanstrut’s ROKK Wireless is the first 12/24V waterproof wireless charger and was nominated for a DAME design award in November. The IPX6, fully encapsulated and sealed unit is easy to install and eliminates phone charging cables. Using the Qi wireless protocol, ROKK Wireless can mount below, level or on top of a surface.
Sometimes a boat is worth much more than the sum of its parts. One such case? M/Y Hercules.
Interviews with Molokai Strait 75’ Expedition Yacht owner, Ed Lipkin, Captain Sarah Lowell, and Wheelhouse Technologies president, Craig Parkhurst. Vessel currently up for auction through Boathouse Auctions with a previous market price of $1,890,000, being auctioned with an opening bid of $1M.
Boathouse Auctions helps yacht owners solve for the problem of time. They put the control in terms of sale date and minimum acceptable price in the hands of the yacht broker and owner, while at the same time providing attractive opportunities to buyers able to act with urgency.
Working through a large network of top yacht brokers, vessels come from motivated clients, nonprofit boat donation programs, and special situations. Our online yacht auction platform offers owners of high-quality yachts an alternative to what could potentially be a long traditional market sale by allowing them to discount some carrying costs in exchange for a time-certain solution that replaces negotiation with competitive bidding.
While we all love the holidays, we DON’T love the heaviness that comes with big Christmas roasts or holiday hams. So skip the sluggishness this year. Go with a lighter, bright holiday brunch. This customizable breakfast strata will keep you full without the heaviness.
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. mustard
¼ tsp. each salt and pepper
3 cups bread, cubed
3/4 cup cooked sausage, bacon or ham, diced
½ cup vegetables (onion, spinach, peppers), cooked to tender and chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (gouda, fontina, sharp cheddar or a mix)
Directions:
Crack the eggs and place in a large bowl with milk, mustard and salt, and pepper; whisk until well combined. In a greased rectangular baking dish, place bread, meat, and vegetables. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and gently press the bread down to make sure it is covered in liquid.
Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover with foil. Let it rest on the counter for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. Keep covered and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Uncover the strata, and continue baking until the center is firm (15-20 minutes). Remove from the oven and let cool at least 5 minutes. Cut and serve.
While we all love the holidays, we DON’T love the heaviness that comes with big Christmas roasts or holiday hams. So skip the sluggishness this year. Go with a lighter, bright holiday brunch. This festive fruit salad is a great side dish to the main course.
It’s incredibly easy to customize according to your tastes.
Ingredients:
8 cups assorted fruit slices and chunks (apple, pear, banana, kiwi, orange, peach, plum, berries)
1 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. lime juice
½ cup pomegranate seeds (substitute sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds)
1 tbsp. mint leaves or a pinch of dried mint
Directions:
In a large bowl combine fruit. In a small bowl whisk together honey, lime juice, and pomegranate seeds. Pour over salad and gently toss. Top with mint and serve immediately.
Simple and elegant, these smoked salmon toasts will be the perfect complement to any brunch you host this season. You can use leftovers (likely you won’t though) for a similar light lunch the next day. No ripe avocados onboard? Try it with cream cheese for classic brunch fare.
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
16 slices smoked salmon
3 avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup capers, drained
¼ tsp. each salt and pepper
4 toasted bread slices
2 lemons, quartered
Directions:
Arrange the smoked salmon slices on a platter and top with avocado slices, onions, and capers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. To serve, spread toast with avocado, then salmon, onions and capers. Drizzle with lemon juice.
Tired of the old holiday standard fare? We’ve grown weary of heavy-handed feasts of roasted birds and piles of potatoes. Mix things up this year and host a holiday brunch. You’ll feel lighter and brighter with this Eggnog Latte.
Ingredients:
4 cups strong hot coffee or espresso
2 cups eggnog
2 cups milk, warmed
2 oz. rum
Whipped cream
Ground nutmeg
Directions:
In a pitcher combine hot coffee, eggnog, milk, and rum. Pour mixture into four coffee mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
