Skip the heavy holiday hams and roasts. If you’re cruising over the holidays, switch it up. Plan a festive champagne brunch for the holiday celebrations. Try these stuffed dates along with some champagne on ice. Not a fig fan? You can substitute figs or apricots instead.
Ingredients:
10 pitted dates, halved (or dried figs and apricot)
4 oz. ricotta cheese
1 tsp. orange juice
½ tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup nuts, crushed
Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Mix ricotta with orange juice and vanilla. Fill the center of each date with ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and sea salt. Chill until ready to serve.
Skip the heavy holiday hams and roasts. If you’re cruising over the holidays, switch it up. Plan a festive champagne brunch for Christmas morning with this decadent Billionaires Bacon.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 lb. bacon
1/2 tsp. pepper
Directions:
Put sugar onto a plate. Coat both sides of each strip of bacon in sugar, firmly pressing sugar into each strip. Place bacon strips in a single layer on a foil-lined sheet pan (some sugar will fall off). Sprinkle bacon evenly with pepper.
Place pan in preheated 425°F oven or on a grill, turning once until browned and lacquered for about 15 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled platter to cool. If bacon is not crisp upon cooling, bake in oven 5-8 minutes more watching closely so the sugar doesn’t burn. Break slices into thirds and serve.
Skip the heavy holiday hams and roasts. If you’re cruising over the holidays, switch it up. Plan a festive champagne brunch for Christmas morning.
Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
Host a festive holiday brunch this winter. Everyone will love this bright and tangy twist on a breakfast cocktail. This Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail recipe serves four but is easily doubled for a crowd. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 lime, halved
2 tbsp. sugar
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 bottle champagne
1 orange, thinly sliced
Directions:
Rub rims of four champagne glasses with lime and dip in sugar. Pour 1/4 cup pomegranate juice into each glass and top with champagne. Garnish each with an orange slice.
Has the Gulf of Mexico recovered from the Deepwater Horizon disaster?
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig, located 42 miles off the Louisiana coast, exploded on April 20, 2010. The initial explosion and subsequent fire killed 11 people. The badly damaged oil well dumped oil and gas into the Gulf of Mexico and did so for 87 days until it was successfully capped. By that time, an estimated 210 million gallons of oil had poured into the Gulf, the worst oil spill in U.S. history.
Some of the oil was at the surface and clearly visible. A variety of government agencies, as well as workers from the owners of the rig (BP and Transocean), tried to contain the spreading oil slick with floating booms. A chemical dispersant was spread to dissolve the oil. Still, over 1,000 miles of coastline from Texas to Florida were affected. The ecological impacts from the surface oil were devastating and the images of dead marine life and seabirds covered with oil remain etched in our memories.
But these were only the visible effects. The damaged wellhead was located 5,000 feet below the water surface. There wasn’t just oil at the surface but all the way down to the seafloor. The oil spill had significant impacts on aquatic life, but it has only been through scientific analysis that the extent of the effects has become known. Much of the research has been funded by BP, which is part of their settlement for the damages produced.
Lasting Consequences of Deepwater Horizon
One study on fish populations used an ecosystem model verified by actual measurements. A 25 to 50 percent decrease in reef fish was noted in areas closest to the spill. Demersal fish (bottom dwellers) were decreased even more by 40 to 70 percent. Predator populations also decreased with fewer prey species. With juvenile fish being affected more, a whole generation may have been lost, and effects may continue with some slower-growing populations taking 30-plus years to fully recover.
A NOAA study concluded that oil contamination can cause cardiac deformities in commercially important species, such as bluefin and yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi, and this can lead to premature death. Another study on fish shows that species nearest the oil spill were hardest hit with red snapper and southern hake showing the greatest declines. The study showed that oil contamination of fish continues to decline, but no areas studied are free from oil; however, fish populations seem to be recovering.
Workers removed tons of contaminated soil and sludge from the shoreline.
One NOAA study centered on bottlenose dolphins living in Louisiana’s Barataria Bay. Besides “historically high” death rates, reproductive failure rates reached 80 percent and were directly related to exposure to oil in this area, one of the hardest hit. Bottlenose dolphins in nearby areas of Louisiana and Texas also showed higher death rates.
Overall, in a 2017 NOAA assessment, it was estimated that tens of thousands of birds were killed, perhaps over 100,000 sea turtles died, billions of harvestable oysters were lost, and trillions of newly hatched fish were killed. Of great concern was the effect of the oil spill on the seafloor and the “deep sea” or benthic zone, the layer of very cold water extending down to the seabed. It is a zone of little light and extremely high pressure, but aquatic life does exist there. It is also a region that is extremely difficult to observe, so not much is known about it.
Biodiversity Blight
One study showed that there was a large loss of diversity of soft-bottom infauna (creatures living in the sediment). Another research project in 2014 indicated that some species of microbes in the sediment were eliminated. Microbes are important because they recycle nutrients and are at the base of the food chain. Colonial octocorals were covered with a flocculent material and died. The flocculent material consisted of particles, such as bacteria or phytoplankton, to which oil molecules had attached and then fell to the ocean floor as “marine snow.” Bottom effects were noted up to nine miles from the wellhead site.
A conservationist attempts to clean oil from a young sea turtle
Today, over eight years later, there are some encouraging signs. One study indicated that naturally occurring marine microbes and bacteria were breaking down or biodegrading the oil. Various species of fish are making a comeback. Even where die-offs were most pronounced, fish populations have been replenished by migration from unaffected parts of the Gulf. Other studies have shown that smaller, short-lived species with high reproductive rates seem to be rebounding well. But it is still too early to tell the long-term effects on larger species, such as turtles, whales, and dolphins. Longer life spans mean slower reproductive rates, which may be impacted.
Exxon Valdez
Prior to the Deepwater Horizon incident, the benchmark for U.S. coastal waters oil spills was the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska in 1989. After running aground and splitting its hull, the tanker discharged nearly 11 million gallons (262,000 barrels) of oil into the pristine waters of Prince William Sound. The oil-covered shorelines and coastal waters were deadly to sea otters, harbor seals and, especially, seabirds (hundreds of thousands died). Fish populations also declined with the loss of salmon and herring eggs estimated in the billions. Many species of fish and birds took a decade to recover, while others took two decades. The herring population still hasn’t recovered.
Although there are some similarities, there are also many differences between the Exxon Valdez spill and the Deepwater Horizon disaster. More than 10 times the amount of oil entered the Gulf. It wasn’t just at the surface; it extended throughout the water column to the seafloor. And the oil itself was different in terms of its composition and toxicity. One similarity is that it is difficult to actually ascertain the effects of these events. To a large extent, preexisting conditions weren’t known in terms of marine life populations and natural fluctuations.
Another problem in determining the long-term effects of a single event is that there are many other negative factors affecting marine life today. In the Gulf (and elsewhere), overfishing has depleted fish populations. Pollution, especially from agricultural area runoff, has produced the “Dead Zone” in the northern Gulf and likely affected other areas. The highly toxic “Red Tide” has both natural and man-made components. Furthermore, ever increasing water temperatures due to climate change have obvious impacts on all sea creatures.
For years, marine biologists have marveled at the resiliency of the Gulf of Mexico, but with multiple negative events, that resiliency is in question.
At the end of this year, our thoughts are still with those in the Southeast who were so badly affected by Hurricane Florence which came through the Carolinas in September. Much hard work has been put into rebuilding homes in North and South Carolina, and seasonal cruisers heading south this fall have dealt with Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) restrictions, shoaling and favorite ports of call closed due to the storm. The iconic “boater’s Route 66,” commonly called the ICW (aka “the Ditch”), where mud shoals and sandbars build up in channels as maintenance dollars for dredging ebb and flow.
A lot of effort has been put into opening the ICW dredging through the affected states, and there is good news aside from applauding the effort expended in clearing the waterways: increased ICW dredging. According to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association (AIWA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has had $25 million in supplemental disaster funds added to their budget.
The money has been allocated for restoration of sections of the ICW damaged by the past year’s hurricanes as well as dredging that was previously planned. As reported in an NMMA statement, the USACE Wilmington, North Carolina District will use the funds to improve conditions at the southern end in North Carolina. The USACE Charleston District will focus on the stretch of the ICW dredging between Charleston and Georgetown, South Carolina.
The Jekyll Creek area of Georgia will also receive attention in areas where depths are below the controlled minimum. Ongoing dredging under the USACE Jacksonville District will continue into early 2019 for portions of the ICW near the Ponce de Leon Inlet in Volusia County, FL.
What are the best autopilots for boats? Check out some of the latest from Garmin and Furuno.
Steering a boat is fun, but we are not always good at it. Like wandering, drunken sailors, even clear-headed captains have a hard time maintaining a straight line. Concentration and skill aren’t the problems. Wind, tide, and hull-bottom designs can throw your boat off route, and the adjustments you make can turn out to be course and fuel efficiency killers. That’s where autopilot comes in– and you deserve best autopilots for boats.
Autopilots were invented almost 100 years ago for commercial vessels and further refined in 1974 for the recreational market. As computers become smaller and more powerful, adaptive learning (or a sort of artificial intelligence that learns from its mistakes) is what drives today’s best autopilots to guide boats more efficiently. “In rough conditions, a well-tuned autopilot will sense small changes in heading before the captain does,” says David Dunn, director of marine sales and marketing for Garmin. “Autopilot keeps you on a straighter course with less oversteer.”
How it Works
An autopilot comprises a computer chip, head display, drive unit, and compass. When the captain plots a waypoint on the display, the computer, and compass signal the drive unit which powers the electric/hydraulic ram or rudder. On most boats, the autopilot is networked to a multifunction display. “Our Furuno NavPilot 300 uses what we call adaptive learning,” says Eric Kunz, Furuno USA’s senior product manager. “It takes the existing learning algorithm and watches the performance of the boat over time and then optimizes the performance.”
With the NavPilot 300, captains can choose from two cross-track error modes. “There’s wear and tear on a boat, and then there is unnecessary wear and tear,” Kunz explains. “When the NavPilot 300 is set in Precision mode, it will keep the boat on a .001 nautical mile cross-track error, and that’s about six feet.”
In rough seas, however, trying to track that tight is going to cause an extreme amount of rudder and steering action. “When the seas are rough, you go into the Economy mode,” says Kunz. “That reduces the cross-track error to .01 nautical miles, which is about 60 feet. Now the boat can wander and drift back and forth and not work the system as hard. It provides for a smoother ride in those conditions with not as much drag, and that can improve your fuel economy.”
Garmin
Garmin revamped its entire autopilot line for 2018 with new and improved hardware and software. “The Reactor 40 models replaced the original Reactor with common system designs and cabling for easy refits,” says Dunn. “We’ve also been updating our hydraulic pump lineup with improved models.”
Garmin also offers software updates via the Internet right to a Garmin device. “The latest software updates for the course computer, GHC display and electronics controller (if applicable) can all be loaded via NMEA 2000 from a compatible Garmin plotter,” says Dunn. “Updates can be loaded to an SD card via PC at garmin.com or via the ActiveCaptain app.”
Another important feature improvement by Garmin has been the ability to use an external heading source. Garmin’s autopilots still include built-in heading sensors, but for installations where there is no good mounting location free of magnetic interference, this feature allows GPS Compass or other premium heading sensors to provide a heading input to the pilot.
Furuno
For Furuno, the NavPilot 300 complements the NavPilot 700 series, which has been a class leader over the last 10 years. The NavPilot 300 costs less but offers features appropriate for boats from 25 to 100 feet. “The NavPilot 300 has a built-in gateway for the new drive-by-wire systems like SeaStar Optimus, Volvo Penta IPS, and Yamaha Helm Master,” says Kunz. “It is plug-and-play with everything, and you don’t have to use the analog components or outputs.”
Kunz says customers don’t always take advantage of all the autopilot features. For example, the Navigation mode is often not fully utilized. “I see customers hit the auto button and go to the waypoint, and then have to adjust the course because they are not following the track line,” Kunz says. “Once you set the route from a Furuno TZtouch or TZtouch2 plotter and start sending that info in, the pilot just pops into Navigation mode. The great thing about Navigation mode is that you set it and forget it; it gets you to the waypoint in the fastest line possible.”
Other Features
Dunn echos those thoughts and explains that the autopilot does more than just hold a heading. “Build a route on the MFD or use Garmin AutoGuidance to build it for you,” says Dunn. “Then engage ‘route following’ on the autopilot to follow it.” Garmin’s patented Shadow Drive technology makes it easy to skip the standby button when you want to take control. While engaged, grab the helm to change course, straighten out the boat on the new heading and the Garmin autopilot re-engages automatically.
Bluetooth connectivity has helped Furuno come up with useful tools for single-handed captains who need help maneuvering the boat from the bow. “The NavPilot 300 comes with a fully wireless remote Gesture Controller,” says Kunz. “You can hang it around your wrist or neck with a lanyard, and then steer wirelessly. When you are up on the bow, you can point it where you want to go, and the boat will follow your arm movement. It’s almost like having another person on the boat with you.”
The Bahamas, especially Bimini, is so close off the coast of South Florida that it’s easy to forget you need a passport. Fortunately, forgetting mine didn’t delay the start of World Cat Rendezvous, Cat’n Around Bimini 2018. A flotilla of 52 World Cat offshore power catamarans headed out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale across the straits to Bimini under a blue sky with warm winds and a mild sea.
Hosted by Power Cat of South Florida, Unique Marine, and World Cat, it didn’t take long for the party to begin at Resorts World Bimini. Because of World Cat’s VectorFlo planing hull design and the twin Yamaha 300-hp outboards on one 295DC dual console model, the 50-nm trip across the Gulf Stream took about two hours with an average speed of 27 knots. World Cat has 10 models that range from 23 to 32 feet, dual or center console. Along with three Glacier Bay models, they all offer a smooth, stable ride with high-speed performance.
“It’s kind of amazing to connect with the customers here,” says Andrew Brown, president of World Cat. “Usually it’s a lot of the same people [some on their seventh boat], but I would say in the last three years, it’s a lot of new boaters.” The annual trip to Bimini provides not only a way for World Cat owners to get together and enjoy the camaraderie, but it also allows owners the support and safety necessary to make their first crossing.
Resorts World Bimini Marina can accommodate vessels up to 200 feet, or for these boats, there’s plenty of room along the face dock. Once checked in with Customs, 283 owners and guests took time to explore the resort and enjoy its amenities, including the rooftop infinity pool, the Serenity Spa and Salon, restaurants, beaches, and the casino. That evening, World Cat welcomed them with a reception cocktail and dinner party at the Aqua Grille and Pool, just a short walk across to the ocean side of the property where the wind was calm and the sunset put the finishing touches on the day’s fun ride.
Bimini has a lot of activities to offer from some of the best fishing around to diving and snorkeling the Sapona shipwreck, lunch at Joe’s Conch Shack, renting a golf cart to explore the island, or the beach and a swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Scattered clouds surrounded the island the second day and brought along the typical passing shower, but the sun primarily prevailed overhead and brought out the sea’s vibrant colors. It was a “day off” for guests to do those activities and more…or nothing at all. For those with leftover energy and in the mood to dance, DJ Laz and George Lamond kept the grooves moving up on the rooftop.
Cat’n Around Bimini is about enjoying what the World Cat catamaran does best: getting the family out on the water. Just a quick ride to the south, past the shipwreck, and over the shallows, the Cats headed down to Honeymoon Harbor at Gun Cay on day three for the Cat Corral Raft-Up. The secluded, lagoon-style beach is known for its protected sandbar and friendly stingrays. A bag of pilchard bait between your toes (or fingers) prompt them to glide by and softly pull the tasty morsel into their mouth. It may be a little unnerving to some, but it quickly becomes part of the fun along with floating about, playing games and enjoying life in the water. (Even a mermaid was spotted swimming around!)
There were a few who were tasked to catch fish in preparation for the final evening’s fish fry celebration, and when they pulled up and anchored in full view of the raft-up, the cheers erupted as they showed off their catch. After a day of sun, sand and water toasted the crowd, everyone gathered for a pool party and a fun feast. Even the thickening clouds didn’t hinder the mood or the setting sun as it slipped below the horizon.
Unfortunately, the clouds built overnight and thunderstorms with lightning delayed the departure back to Fort Lauderdale. Thankfully, a narrow weather window opened and because of the speed a World Cat can generate, even in chop, the flotilla made it back safe and sound.
“We were thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Cat’n to Bimini event,” says Alex Flora, associate marketing manager for World Cat. “We look forward to growing this event next year and in the years after that. We could not pull this event off without all of our customers participating and supporting the brand.”
Check out World Cat’s latest, the 296DC and join the 2019 Cat’n Around Bimini June 16-19 back at Resorts World Bimini. See you at the next World Cat Rendezvous.
Cold weather brings spectacular birding in the Northeast
With the holiday season well underway, most northeastern boaters have already pulled their vessels for the winter. While it’s the late season routine, many still yearn to go down and reconnect with the sea, even after a couple of weeks in dry dock.
One way to stay in touch with the marine world at this time of year is to cut in a little birding action. For this, migrating seabirds make a perfect starting point. “December really is a great time for bird watching along the shore,” says Ted Gilman, education specialist and senior naturalist for the National Audubon Society’s center in Greenwich, Connecticut. “There are many species of birds using the Atlantic Flyway right now, migrating from colder northern areas to warmer climates down south. It makes for some terrific viewing, and you can generally see something interesting anywhere you find shoreline access, maybe even at your favorite marina.”
The waters of Long Island Sound, for example, play host to northern gannets this time of year. This is a large bird with snow-white plumage, black-tipped wings and a six-foot span that generally spends its time offshore. Throughout December, however, you can spot them diving on remaining schools of baitfish. “They shift their wings behind their bodies and slice into the water like an arrowhead to get down deep and catch their prey,” says Gilman. “They really are spectacular.”
A common loon.
The common loon is another winter visitor to northeast waters. With a black and white checkered back and a rather chunky appearance, it’s easy to pick out from sea ducks and geese. A slimmer cousin, the red-throated loon, can also be seen during the holiday season. Don’t, however, expect to hear the lonesome call for which both loons are famous. That happens during spring mating season.
Another large bird that frequents the northeast coast during winter is the bald eagle. Nearly lost to extinction because of the insecticide DDT, which causes eggshells to thin and unable to support the weight of the incubating bird, populations are rebounding nicely. Drawn to the coast in search of open water and fish or ducks to eat, you can distinguish adults from other birds of prey by their immense size, white heads, and white tails.
“Identifying birds is easier than ever these days,” says Gilman. “There are many good books on the subject and even some great apps, including the free Audubon Bird Guide”.
Of course, this being winter, you’ll want to dress warmly, and wear gloves, boots and a hat. Make your visits to the sea on calm days and bring a pair of binoculars for a better look as it’s tough to get close to birds on the water.
A guided birding tour is a great way to start out, advises Gilman. Many parks, Audubon Society chapters and birding groups offer these. If you live in Connecticut, Gilman recommends a visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park that’s right on Long Island Sound and perfectly situated along the flyway. “You’ll smell the sea breeze and see something interesting there every time,” he says. “Another great place is Montauk Point, New York. The gathering of seabirds and ducks there is incredible.”
Gilman also recommends those new to the game to go along with a bird watching group if at all possible. “Doing so will probably give you access to a spotting scope, and that will give you the best look. It will also put you with experienced birders that can help identify the various species and point out a few you might otherwise miss.”
Skip Times Square. Try these New Year’s Eve Parties for Boaters
Times Square in New York City is the happening place to welcome the new year, and you could see yourself on national television, but for Gulf Coast boaters, there are other feel-right and, perhaps, feel-warmer options.
Florida
One biggie is the Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. Like in NYC, you can watch the ball drop, but this “beach” ball is an 800-pound Waterford Crystal. If you have young ones in tow be there before 8 PM. That’s when a throng of kids screech and reach to get their hands on a real beach ball when 10,000 of them spill to the ground from overhead netting. Panama City Beach incurred damage from Hurricane Michael, but the event is still a go.
Down in Key West, the signature event is the “Lowering of the Pirate’s Wench” from the mast of the historic tall ship America 2.0 at Schooner’s Wharf. Eat, drink, and be merry. Also, be careful.
Consider cruising over to Orange Beach, Alabama, for Reelin’ in the New Year at The Wharf. The street party includes live bands, family-friendly fun capped off with the marlin drop and fireworks. Yes, marlin. The Wharf Marina has transient slips, but be sure to reserve early.
Up in Mobile Bay, be sure to get a good luck meal of black-eyed peas, collard greens, and Moon Pie. They serve a 55-pound Moon Pie in the courtyard of downtown’s Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel. What is Moon Pie? It’s a round confection of marshmallows squeezed between graham cracker cookies, a southern culture goodie traditionally washed down with RC Cola. After dinner, stay awake long enough to help 50,000 others count down the seconds to 2019 while a 600-pound Moon Pie look-alike is lowered into the new year. Stay for the laser light show, too.
New Orleans drops its city symbol, a 25-foot fleur-de-lis, from the roof of Jax Brewery in the French Quarter. Afterward, fireworks light up the riverfront.
For faster, more comfortable and more economical boating, equip your vessel with the most advanced power options available.
In addition to boat builders, marine equipment manufacturers—from propulsion to stabilization to desalination—utilize boat shows to debut their new power products.
Some are kept under wraps so manufacturers can launch them with great fanfare and buzz at shows like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. But if you couldn’t make it, here is a showcase of some of the latest power products introduced in 2018.
Propulsion
Yamaha V8 XTO Offshore
The Yamaha V8 XTO Offshore features a first-of-its-kind electric steering system. Rather than the typical electro-hydraulic setup, the integrated steering system directly moves the outboard to deliver secure, precise and responsive steering that is leak free, consumes less power and with its streamlined rigging, reduces maintenance. The 425-hp, 32-valve, 5.6-liter, four-stroke engine utilizes a direct injection powerhead to maximize power and efficiency, and its three-stage fuel pump system incorporates two independent, rpm-activated fuel pumps to create high injection pressures to maximize atomization. The XTO Offshore is compatible with the Helm Master Setpoint suite of functions that includes the ability to adjust heading and position while in StayPoint, FishPoint or DriftPoint modes, as well as troll below standard in-gear troll, speeds with the new Pattern Shift function. It’s also compatible with Yamaha’s CL7 7-inch touchscreen display that monitors vital boat functions and performance. yamahaoutboards.com
MAN Engines
MAN Engines introduces the MAN V12-2000, the only twelve-cylinder V engine with
2,000 horsepower (1,471 kW) to date, and the V8-1300 (956 kW), the strongest for yachts and sportfishing boats. The installation dimensions are compact (5’8” L x 3’9” W x 4’ H for the V8-1300), and the dry weights of 2,380 kg (V12-2000) and 1,880 kg
(V8-1300) contribute to a lower power/weight ratio. Through a series of modifications,
MAN engineers managed to add 100 horsepower compared to the previous, most powerful V12 and V8 engines from their range. An improved injection system, new turbocharger, newly developed cylinder heads, an adjusted cooling system, and a new crankcase ensures high performance throughout the engine’s long service. The engines run quietly and with low fuel consumption. Both engines meet the currently applicable emissions requirements U.S. EPA Tier 3 as well as IMO Tier II. engines.man.eu
Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine unveiled a new V6 3.4-liter outboard engine system earlier this year. In one of the largest, single new-product development programs in Mercury’s 80-year history, the Wisconsin-based company set a new benchmark with the recent introduction of the V8 4.6-liter platform. Available in the 250- and 300-hp Verado and FourStroke models and the 225-300-hp Pro XS and SeaPro models, as well as their racing engines, the new outboards, offer the performance, fuel efficiency and ruggedness demanded by professional anglers, the commercial segment and the avid boater. The Verado is equipped with Adaptive Speed Control for increased throttle response, noise, vibration and heat reduction for an ultra-quiet ride, an advanced midsection that delivers minimal vibration, and is compatible with the Mercury Joystick Piloting system. mercurymarine.com
Seven Marine
Seven Marine introduced its new line of outboards this past spring that takes the aluminum engines to a greater power. The new 527, 577s and 627sv each have supercharged, smallblock V8s with water-cooled stainless headers that deliver powerful acceleration and improved fuel economy. The outboards have a choice of gearcase setups to optimize cruise efficiency and low speed control based on the boat’s speed range—the new CR gearcase incorporates two contra-rotating propellers for boats with top speeds less than 60 mph, and the CT is for boats with top speeds greater than 85 mph. A new Quick-Start technology allows rapid automatic fuel system priming at the turn of a key, and the ZF Marine transmission includes inboard-style wet disc clutches, integrated trolling functionality and smooth, progressive shifting. seven-marine.com
Generators
Phasor Marine
Phasor Marinehas been manufacturing generators for 28 years and introduces a new compact model at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The K3-15.0 kW is powered by a Kubota diesel engine, and the single bearing, direct coupled, brushless generator measures 37.5″L x 24″W x 28″H with a powder-coated aluminum, sound-attenuated enclosure. The unit includes a safety shutdown system, U.S.C.G.- approved fuel lines and Awl-Craft urethane finish. phasormarine.com
Stabilizers
Seaskeeper 2
Seakeeper now has a stabilizer for almost every size boat. Its groundbreaking Seakeeper 3 was a big step to stabilize boats in the 30-foot range, but now, they’ve made one that works on smaller boats. The Seaskeeper 2 became available in April and can eliminate up to 95 percent of boat roll on 27- to 32-foot vessels. The stabilizer weighs 414 pounds and measures 24x25x20 inches. The Seakeeper 2 runs exclusively on 12-volt DC power and because of its size can be installed almost anywhere, including as a leaning post replacement that can be integrated with no major structural modifications. A newly designed touchscreen control panel with an intuitive user interface allows users to capture real-time performance information. seakeeper.com
Refrigeration
Indel Webasto Marine
The Isotherm Clean Touch Stainless Steel Refrigerator by Indel Webasto Marine features a high-tech coating that remains clean to the touch, is scratch and abrasion resistant and provides protection from salt spray, sun, heat, UV light, and condensation in the marine environment. The Cruise 130 Elegance Clean Touch refrigerator is the latest in the line and has a thicker door than traditional refrigerators, so it better retains the cold and provides greater energy efficiency and performance. An innovative internal anchoring system allows flush or proud mounting with or without a flange for a wide range of design options. The new Isotherm Cruise Clean Touch Stainless Steel refrigerators are also available in the 42, 49, 65, and 85 models. indelwebastomarine.com
Water Treatment
Dometic
The new Dometic Spot Zero SZ Mobile Washdown System is a freshwater reverse osmosis syste. It’sdesigned for boats 60 feet and less that don’t have the space for a built-in, onboard system. The compact, portable design removes up to 99 percent of total dissolved solids (TDS) from freshwater dock sources from around the world that have varying water quality characteristics, pressures and temperatures. Dried dissolved solids in water leave water spots, so removing them allows for a spot-free washdown. The Spot Zero system takes water that’s typically a few hundred parts per million (ppm) down to 10-20 ppm. It utilizes the most advanced reverse osmosis technology for pure water from a potable source that can fill the water tank and also lets water-sprayed surfaces dry clean. spotzerowater.com
FCI
For larger boats, the FCI DTS+SOLO is specifically designed to treat dock water and can produce 2,000 or 3,000 gallons per day. The DTS (Dockside Treatment System)+Solo is a stand-alone dockside water purifying unit. It uses a granular activated carbon and sediment filter that produces purified drinking, cooking, and bath water from a dockside source. The system eliminates viruses, bacteria and cysts and removes up to 99 percent of total dissolved solids. The DTS+Solo uses utilizes FCI’s exclusive HMI/PLC touch control system and the DTS+SOLO’s compact, modular design allows it to mount almost anywhere. fciwatermakers.com
Climate Control
Webasto
Open cockpit, sterndrive boats can now have a fully integrated, engine-driven air conditioning with optional heating system. Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America and Volvo Penta of the Americas unveiled the modular Webasto Breeze system that provides ambient cooling and heating. The entire system is 12 VDC and eliminates the need for an auxiliary generator. Webasto Breeze puts out 7,000 BTU of ambient comfort at idle or slow speeds and up to 30,000 BTU at higher engine rpms. It is controlled by a simple dash-mounted unit with three fan speeds and a mode switch. The first U.S. boatbuilder to offer the system is Four Winns, which introduces it as an option on their HD270 model. webasto.com
Fishing with Veterans just got easier, thanks to a Virginian family.
Virtually indestructible and capable of running in a foot of water, a new boat designed for anglers in wheelchairs is transporting veterans along Virginia waters. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ed Moore and his daughter Hailey are hosting free fishing and boating trips for military veterans and their families on the Potomac and Occoquan rivers.
They are proud to offer this opportunity at no cost to those that have served our country proudly to enjoy a favorite pastime. They give veterans with physical limitations (wheelchair) an opportunity to participate. They can also facilitate an opportunity to allow disabled vets to take their children fishing.
Their nonprofit organization, Veterans Fishing Adventure, features an aluminum landing vessel named Knot 4 Gotn. The vessel has an air-conditioned cabin, is constructed of 5086 H116 aluminum with closed-cell foam injected in all voids, and is painted with Line-X weather-resistant coating. It’s powered by a jet drive unit designed by Battle Boats.
“Water is very calming,” says Moore, who funded the boat’s construction himself. “Way back when I was in the Marine Corps, I was on ships in Japan and Korea. It was just a neat thing to be out on the ocean. All your problems seem small when you’re near the water. When you walk near the water, you get a sense of being free. You don’t think about the tough stuff. You smile and think about how beautiful it is.”
Plans for the future
Moore hopes to have a fleet of similar vessels spread throughout the Eastern Seaboard. As a federal nonprofit, donations to offset costs are tax-deductible and much appreciated. For more information, visit the organization’s Facebook page or website.
On a related note, the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) and their partners are working with the State of Maryland, Anne Arundel County and the city of Annapolis to fund a boating center capable of hosting people with disabilities, recovering veterans and local children from at-risk communities.
Currently based at Sandy Point State Park, CRAB hopes to find a new home because the park’s popularity, special events and frequent traffic backups on Route 50 make it difficult for members to access the waterfront.
“CRAB is very fortunate to have earned the support of every high-ranking elected leader in the region,” says CRAB President Brad LaTour. “What we are striving to do now is to elevate their support to a commitment and the funding of an adaptive boating center in 2019.”
The proposed center will also provide job opportunities for people with disabilities and offer young people the experience to learn a marine trade or manage sailing programs. crabsailing.org
The iconic Basil’s Bar is back and better than ever
What do celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Denzel Washington, Prince William, and famous Kates like Middleton and Moss share in common? Cocktails at Basil’s Bar on the Grenadine island of Mustique. Basil’s is back, bigger and better, after a full renovation.
This iconic thatch-roofed, Balinese-décored, rum shack perched on bamboo stilts over the Caribbean Sea now has an extended bar and larger eating area capable of catering to groups of all sizes. What’s more, the kitchen has been rebuilt with state-of-the-art equipment. The food at Basil’s has never been better.
“There is something for everyone with everything from local to internationally inspired cuisine, with a wide range of bar snacks, burgers, stone-baked flatbreads, and pasta,” says former Gordon Ramsey protégé Chef Luke Ferguson.
Enjoy these dishes with signature drinks like a Mustique Mule or Hurricane David. The Wednesday night Jump-Up live music party and Sunday afternoon Sunset Jazz highlight the full upgrade of the bar’s entertainment and lighting system. This makes Basil’s versatile enough to enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner, sip rum from a fresh coconut at a seat over the sea’s array of fish and turtles, or party all night long.
Boaters Welcome
If you arrive by yacht, moor in the harbor and dinghy right up to Basil’s. Now owned by the Mustique Company, the bar’s namesake, Basil Charles, is still a presence on the island. This ensures that even with the new renovations, the old vibe that has drawn celebrities and everyday folks alike to the bar over the past 30 years is still there.
Basil’s Bar offers an eclectic range of live music, guest DJ nights, talks, exhibitions and themed parties all year round, with the Mustique Blues Festival as the highlight of the annual calendar.
Winter weather in The Bahamas is a relative term, particularly for those who don’t live in the southern hemisphere.
“Winter” is definitely the time to experience the culture and social life of the Abacos, but don’t rule out boating because of the windy season. Winter Weather in The Bahamas can be a toss-up. It’s no match for the barrier islands that protect the archipelago’s main boating thoroughfare, the Sea of Abaco.
The Abacos fall inside the northern trade winds that regularly bring heavy, gale-strength winds between December and February. It’s not uncommon to encounter squall lines and cold fronts blowing down from South Florida. Water temperatures can drop down to 72 degrees, which is still cozy for northerners, but quite atypical of the quintessentially warm and sunny Bahamas seas, usually 80 degrees and warmer.
On account of the winds, crossing the Gulf Stream and boating activities on the ocean side of the islands can be hit or miss during the winter. This means that some boaters opt to fly over and source a boat locally for the holidays. It also means that some boaters, particularly those on the tail end of a long stay, might be stranded until they find a clear weather window.
Hit or Miss
“You might see twenty-five to forty boats sitting in the anchorage ready to jump across, just waiting on their weather window,” says Capt. Donnie Sawyer, owner of Donnie’s Boat Rentals. “The cold fronts come down and behind the cold fronts there are gale-force winds, twenty to thirty miles per hour. It shuts the Gulf Stream down. The forecast would say small craft should exercise caution because seas are six to eight feet in the Gulf Stream. It can be dangerous to cross; sometimes you can’t do it, period.”
Winter weather in The Bahamas is also a reason to manage your fishing expectations. Steve Kappler, general manager of Treasure Cay Resort put it bluntly. “It’s cold, it’s windy and it’s not good for fishing. The good fishing starts around March, April, and May.”
With a streak of good luck, however, it is possible to find a three-to-five-day stretch of good winter weather in The Bahamas for fishing. But most times, according to Capt. Sawyer, “If you come on a week’s vacation, you might get one day out of seven to go out. You could come again and there is wind blowing at twenty to twenty-five knots for all seven days. It’s not an ideal time for fishing.”
This doesn’t deter everyone. Capt. Wade Cash, the owner of Sunset Marina Boat Rentals, says the windy weather predictions around Christmas time have not always held up in recent years.
“I have certain groups who come in every single year around Christmas just to fish. They are out on the water from dusk ’til dawn fishing. [Some will rent] a twenty-six- to thirty-one-foot center console boat from us,” he says, and makes the point, “There are a lot of windows.” Cash adds that December can be hit or miss for fishing, but it’s a good time for the wahoo bite and mahi-mahi.
Protected Waters for Winter Weather in The Bahamas
Even when the Gulf is impassable and the ocean is raging, the good news for boaters is that boating within the Sea of Abaco, amongst the many inhabited and uninhabited barrier islands, can proceed largely uninhibited during the windy months.
Great Abaco is a 100-mile-long island. About three to four miles off the mainland, running parallel, are barrier cays. These little islands stretch for about 75 miles. Between Great Abaco and the cays is the Sea of Abaco, a shallow saltwater highway with many boat harbors and sounds.
Among these cays, there are many year-round attractions tucked away on the leeward side, most notably, the beach aquarium where you can enjoy animal interactions with wild turtles, stingrays, and the iconic swimming pigs.
Party Time
In addition to these mainstays, the islands are full and festive during the holiday season, which means extra opportunities to experience the culture and social life on land. This works out for many boaters because the main draw for the winter season, even among the most hardcore, is the holiday festivities.
“I might be a bit partial, coming from Green Turtle Cay, but the entire New Plymouth settlement comes alive with people at New Year’s,” says Capt. Cash. “We have a Junkanoo parade on New Year’s Day, and we get all of the boats coming in from the surrounding islands. You might have a thousand people on the island. There are food vendors all over the street. There are bars open. It is a very festive time.”
Green Turtle Cay is only three miles long and a half-mile wide, so the entire island is essentially one big festival during the new year.
“Bringing in the New Year is the same thing. On New Year’s Eve you can go and have dinner and attend one of the parties going on,” says Cash. “Some of the local resorts have events. People leave from those events and come into the settlement where you have bands playing music and deejays. Pretty much all night long, people are roaming the streets. We have an annual Festival of Lights, so the entire settlement of New Plymouth is decorated.”
CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN THE ABACOS
Saturday, December 1
Abaco Christmas Festival in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Sun., Dec. 16 – Tue., Dec. 18
Christmas Village Festival in Hope Town, Elbow Cay Saturday, December 22
Festival of Lights in New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay
Riviera Yachts impresses an international audience with its debut of the luxurious 72 Sports Motor Yacht and the adventurous 395 SUV.
There are several similarities between the United States and Australia. English is the primary language, both cultures like a good party and long coastlines establish strong ties to boating, which naturally brings the countries together in the marine industry. Australia’s Riviera Yachts, for example, started in 1980 and a mere three years later, exported boats to the U.S.
Then in 2000, Riviera opened a state-of-the-art factory in Coomera, Australia, just down the river from Sanctuary Cove, home to one of the top boat shows in the world and where I first laid my eyes on their two newest yachts.
72 Sports Motor Yacht
The 72 Sports Motor Yacht, the largest of all of Riviera’s product offerings, was artfully angled off the dock. This drew attention to her rounded parallelogram windows, which accented the hull beneath high bulwarks forward. Matching black-masked windshields on the main deck and enclosed flybridge said this yacht was styled as a gentleman’s sportfisherman, with a 175-square-foot cockpit, outriggers, teak decks surrounded by no less than a dozen rod holders, a lighted circulating baitwell with window, extra tackle storage, and twin fish lockers. There was no fighting chair, but the cockpit sole is reinforced to accommodate two. Forward twin stairwells lead up to the mezzanine, and the console between them contains a beverage cooler, twin electric grills and a fold-up sink with engine room access beneath.
The mezzanine is set up for dining and entertaining. A forward-facing settee has twin teak tables for convenient entry but when combined, they form one long table that seats 10 with additional chairs. A pop-up window provides an easy pass-through to the galley with pivoting bar stools below. A portside door leads down to a cabin with head, storage, a stacked washer and dryer, and crew bunks; its proximity to the mezzanine and cockpit makes it the perfect day head without tracking through the salon. Engine room access is also through this cabin as is well-thought-out access to a garbage bin in the back of the galley that allows for discreet trash removal.
Cruiser Approved
There’s a crane davit and room to cradle a large RIB on the foredeck. However, this transforms into a comfortable seating area when the tender is removed. Wide side decks with raised gunwales and rails provide safe passage around the perimeter, and a portside door amidships leads to the galley, salon and the internal pilothouse staircase.
The main deck interior layout positions the fully equipped galley aft for convenient access to the mezzanine. Twin, L-shaped lounges in the salon, recessed lighting, high-end furnishings, and glossy walnut cabinetry create a modern, elegant look throughout the cabin. Below decks accommodations include a king master amidships, queen VIP forward and a twin cabin that converts to a double. A starboard twin bunk cabin is standard or can become the master head in the Presidential layout.
An aft-facing stairway from the salon leads up to the bridge lounge, where the skipper and guests enjoy a 360-degree view and plenty of seats to relax. Twin helm chairs give the captain a centerline view of the Garmin glass bridge and through the large windshield. A console to the right places throttles, trim tab controls and other critical functions within easy reach. Starboard seating can be used as a forward-facing lounge with an angled backrest.
A sliding door leads to yet another conversation area on the aft deck, with seating, a table, wet bar, and an aft steering station that provides full visibility of the cockpit for fishing and docking. The Twin Disk EJS Joystick here controls variable speed transmissions as well as hydraulic thrusters for maneuvering the boat smoothly without jerking or lunging.
Optional MAN V12-1900s power this Riviera Yachts 72, and a Seatorque “BOSS” system with V-drives reduces vibration and noise. Shafts are sealed in a tube and bathed in oil from the couplings to the props, while rubber mounts dampen vibration and allow thrust to push on the vessel rather than pressing back against the engines.
395 SUV
On the opposite end of Riviera’s size spectrum, the new 395 SUV proved a popular model with show attendees for its single level, large cockpit and abundant amenities, all signatures of the SUV line. The ample swim platform carries a tender on snap davits plus a railing with a cutting table and rod holders above it. The transom side holds a pull-out compartment designed specifically to store an outboard and is topped by a concealed counter with a sink and electric grill. The cockpit has flip-out seating on the sides and aft-facing fixed seating with a table that adjusts for different configurations.
Interior seating to port is across from the galley and includes a hydraulic pop-up window for continuity to the cockpit. A double helm seat is forward; controls include a joystick for the standard Volvo Penta IPS-500 engines. A love seat on starboard, like the other seating, is raised to provide great visibility whether at the dock, at anchor or when cruising.
The Riviera 395 SUV can sure run.
Twin, electric-opening sunroofs overhead bring in additional light and, when combined with open side windows, ventilate the salon and helm. On the foredeck, a large sunpad with drink holders provides a place to lounge. Accommodations below include a queen master forward, single head with separate shower. A midship cabin beneath the main salon with three single berths, two of which combine into a double.
Tough Decisions
The Riviera 395 is small and mighty. There are a lot of useful features into an easy-to-manage package. Australians and Americans use their boats in similar ways, and Riviera builds them to fit this boating lifestyle. They provide a nice balance of sitting and gathering areas both in and out of the elements. Additionally, the cockpits equally suited for entertaining or fishing, and fast and efficient performance.
The more I thought about these two new models on the opposite ends of the Riviera spectrum, the more I liked them both. The 72 Sports Motor Yacht is obviously a lot more boat, but the 395 SUV has strong appeal.
When comparing spec sheets and pricing, if you are looking to spend four to five million dollars on your next boat, the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht is equally adept at fishing and cruising. Plus it has a host of large entertaining spaces ideal for all types of gatherings. But if your parties aren’t quite as large and you want to cruise with a few guests or have a small family, the Riviera 395 SUV is ideal.
Whatever size or style of powerboat you’re looking for, Riviera Yachts has two great new options. Both the 72 Sports Motor Yacht and 395 SUV will be at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. A flybridge version of the 395 SUV should arrive in time for the 2019 Miami Boat Show.
The Sol Mat is a multi-use, full body mat for outdoor use and easily rolls up to travel anywhere. The mat incorporates a waterfall pillow for additional support, is lightweight and water, fade and mildew resistant.
The women’s mat is ergonomically designed to fit when lying face down. Now available with artist Erik Skoldberg’s design, the mat measures 24×70 inches.
