Yamaha Marine has been busy. Newly upgraded engines, battery management systems, analog gauges, controller setups, and propellers kick off a rejuvenated 2021 summer.
Engines
Inspired by the XTO Offshore engine, the high-performance 4.2L V6 V MAX SHO and the V6 Offshore are cranking up with new capabilities, and boaters are reaping the benefits. When the 4.2L V6 V MAX SHO was introduced in 2009, it was—and still is—the four-stroke’s answer to a two-stroke’s lightweight and quick-acceleration performance. It proved to not only perform with power and hole-shot acceleration, but also as a reliable, smooth, quiet, and clean performing engine with excellent fuel economy. The upgraded engine is still a mechanically operated outboard that uses hydraulic steering, Command Link, and analog gauges; however, the new CL5 digital touchscreen display and the CL7 multifunction display, which allow monitoring up to four outboards, are an option. A brand-new feature is that the V MAX SHO now takes its battery charging capability from 50 amps to 70 amps, a 40 percent increase offering greater power margins. There’s also an optional isolator lead to better charge house or trolling batteries. The three models, 200-, 225-, and 250-hp, have a 20-inch prop shaft length, while the 200-hp and 250-hp have a 25-inch shaft length option.
The updated F250 and F300 V6 Offshore outboards also bumped their charging capability to 70 amps, but took features from its big brother, the XTO Offshore, to make it more reliable offshore, such as the built-in Digital Electric Steering (DES) and Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE). It’s also compatible with the Helm Master EX control system. The DES system only draws battery power when in use and creates an uncluttered bilge with no steering pumps, hoses, hydraulic lines, or connections. There’s also a bolt-on version of DES for the F225 model.
The TERE system keeps exhaust bubbles above the anti-ventilation plate and out of the propeller below 2,500 rpm when in reverse, which translates into keeping the prop in clean water. It’s especially effective when combined with the DES and the maneuverability of the Helm Master EX around docks and in confined spaces.
Propellers
Most experienced boaters are aware of how propellers optimize performance, which is why Yamaha designed the HP version of its Saltwater Series II propeller. They are crafted to maximize speed on certain V6 applications that are not surface-piercing, specifically for lighter weight boats using Yamaha’s 4.2-liter V6 Offshore and 4.2-liter V MAX SHO 25-inch X-shaft platform. New blade geometry in the HP provides a potential speed advantage over the Saltwater Series II propeller in lighter-weight applications and feature Yamaha’s patented Shift Dampener System for quiet operation and reduced shift “clunk.” The props are available in 18-, 19-, 20-, and 21-inch pitches in right and left-hand rotation.
Total Tilt
Yamaha’s exclusive TotalTilt feature eliminates the need to hold the trim button to lift the engine up or put it down. A double tap of the trim button will tilt the new V MAX SHO model from its current position to full tilt up (or to a tilt limit setting, whichever is lowest) or full tilt down to the engagement of the trim rams, and a simple tap of the tilt button will stop movement. The same with the V6 Offshore DES models, which also have a new built-in integrated tilt limiter to help prevent inadvertent damage. The built-in DES models also tilt higher out of the water than previous models to lessen the potential for corrosion.
Power Control and Monitoring
More power is always a demand on boats these days, so Yamaha designed a way to manage the complex layouts through its new Battery Management System (BMS). It simplifies and streamlines DC power systems for Yamaha-powered boats in twin-quint DEC engine configurations using the Helm Master EX system. It reduces the number of starting batteries required in triple through quint installations to two. The quint version will be available this fall.
Yamaha also has two new complete lines of analog gauges. Each line features a 7,000-rpm tachometer, a 50-mph or 75-mph speedometer in standard four-inch size, fuel, trim, water pressure, and voltmeter gauges in matching two-inch sizes. They come in four different combinations in the Classic or Sport style.
To bring the Digital Electronic Control for the Helm Master EX system to a broader array of boats, Yamaha designed a new version flush, side-mount unit for more flexibility for owners who want DEC capability. yamahaoutboards.com
This New Assisted Boat Docking System Will Have You Docking Like A Pro In No Time!
As a new captain on a 54-foot Huckins motor yacht who used to take tours across Lake Tahoe, I learned how to handle the shifting mountain winds, especially when they pushed the boat away from the dock. I was taught that “slow was pro” when maneuvering alongside the dock between boats, and there were those moments when a little speed was necessary against the wind to get close enough for a deckhand to toss over the dock line, but there were plenty of times with guests on board when I could have used Volvo Penta’s new Assisted Docking system.
Volvo Penta strives to make life on the water easier for boaters, and the Assisted Docking system succeeds in that goal. The new technology allows captains to compensate for wind and current, as well as maneuver in tight spaces, thus taking a lot of the stress out of docking and making the process easier and safer.
“The neat thing about the system and what makes it a game changer is it takes away the wind and current; you feel what’s going on right now,” says Andrew Sweet, Volvo Penta’s national diesel business development manager. “That wind and current affect you when you’re docking the boat; it moves the boat. But when you push that button for assisted docking, the system locks in place the heading and position….it sets a waypoint.”
How it Works
The Assisted Docking system consists of the joystick that controls the steering input and the GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System antenna. Volvo Penta improved the antenna with more receivers for more accurate GPS position readings to set the boat’s exact position and heading. The captain lets the system know which direction the boat should head and at what speed by maneuvering the joystick.
“When you’re maneuvering using the joystick, you’re working in conjunction with the system,” explains Sweet. “When you push that GPS button, the system basically sets a lane fore and aft and side to side. Now when you move the joystick, and you say I want to go back, the system knows the lane that it wants to be in. So if the wind and current start moving the boat, the GPS, through the software, says, ‘Okay, we’ve got to get back,’ so it takes your input and then it adds its input to put you back on course. The system is sensitive enough that you only move a little bit.”
The system does this by calculating drive angles and thrust, then acts on the drift and moves the boat back to its intended course. The boat docking system keeps this course by constantly fine-tuning the steering angles and thrust.
The main features of the boat docking system are moving in straight lines without manual compensation, standing still, slow maneuvering functionality, rotating around a fixed point, micro-repositioning and alignment, and side push for sideways docking.
“Assisted Docking is a hybrid between automated docking and manual docking,” says Ida Sparrefors, director of autonomous solutions and new business models at Volvo Penta. “Even though, in some ways, it would have been easier to implement full automation, the beauty of this system is that it gives the captain enhanced control. With our team of experts, from software developers to test drivers, we have made it behave intuitively in all situations so that anyone can feel like a seasoned captain.”
During the testing, Volvo Penta found that people used to working with the joystick without the assisted docking system wanted to use a lot of throttle to get in fast and then realign. “With assisted docking, it seems to work better if you’re slower, not as aggressive because the system is compensating for you,” says Sweet. “You don’t have to force the boat in the slip. Let it come back slowly, it’s nice and smooth, you don’t have to worry about the momentum of the boat because the system is taking that wind and current away. …The problem with fast is you have the momentum of the boat, and that’s fine if you want to compensate for slowing it down because what we found is for the folks that were still doing it the old-fashioned way with a lot of throttle, you get the momentum of the boat going, but when you let go of the joystick, the system wants to set the waypoint. So now the momentum is carrying the boat past the waypoint and the system says, ‘Oh, we have to come back,’ and now you have, say full forward going the other way, so the boat gets rocking; whereas, you come back slow, you don’t have all that. You let go of the joystick and it just stops.” Slow is pro.
The Assisted Docking system is available for new installations, as an upgradeable option for Volvo Penta IPS-equipped yachts from 35 feet to 120 feet long and as a retrofit for existing IPS-powered boats with a software upgrade and new antenna. volvopenta.com
The Brabus Shadow 900 Sun Top starts life as an Axopar 37 twin-stepped hull and deck. Then Brabus Marine takes over, adding upgraded materials and equipment. Think of her as a Maybach or AMG on the water.
Brabus Marine Shadow 900 Sun Top Features
Twin Mercury Racing 450R outboards
Outstanding handling in myriad conditions
Large sunroof in hardtop
Joystick piloting
Remote for bow thruster and windlass
Gullwing doors in the foredeck
Observations
After spending a few hours on the Shadow 900 Sun Top, BoatTest’s Capt. Steve, was as impressed with the handling as he was with the custom touches that come with a Brabus edition. He put it best, saying, “Taking a great boat like an Axopar and matching it with Brabus Marine not only makes it a home run, it hits it out of the park.”
The latest Marlow Yachts 58E goes the distance with new features and innovations.
Story and Photos By Tom Serio, Southern Boating 2021
Choosing a boat can be a meticulous process, but for those that choose to cruise the coast, or head offshore to distant islands, or entertain in port, the Marlow Yachts 58E is the perfect choice.
Strolling through the latest 58E, it’s easy to spot at least a dozen locations on board suited for socially distant gatherings. On this new build, Marlow introduced a new feature: an aft beach club. Beyond being a new social space, the beach club offers an option to include a berth and head for comfort, and the deck allows for closer interaction with the water to easily go for a swim, launch the water toys, or relax with a cocktail away from the crowd above.
The Main Attraction
Perfect for an afternoon soirée or evening dinner is the covered aft main deck. A transom settee seats three comfortably at the teak dining table with plenty of room around to add chairs. Port and starboard side boarding gates allow easy access from the dock, and the staircases on each side offer access to and from the swim platform.
The walkaround deck to the bow is covered along the house structure, and the high gunwales and rails make for a secured transit or to just stop and take in the views. To handle any green water that may occasionally ship onboard from rough seas, Marlow Yachts are designed with a Portuguese bridge on the foredeck. Its function is for safety, as it deflects away wash water wash from running down the decks. Thanks to a new redesign, the 58E has two side doors in the bridge that lead to the foredeck. Besides quick access to the side deck, the design allows for a large, center cushioned bench seat instead of two separate smaller seats…another great spot to relax and enjoy the view
The salon is open and airy, and that’s not by accident. Marlow maxes out the useable area on the 18-foot, 6-inch beam by relocating the engine room air intakes from a horizontal position along the house structure to a vertical vent system nestled in the aft corners. This removes the need for duct work under the salon settee which allows for it nestle up against the wall which adds much more floor space to the salon for transiting or additional furnishings.
True to form, the 58E salon has an overhead grabrail leading fore/aft, but the one on our test boat was not the traditional teak design but a polished stainless steel rail. This, along with the Glacier White Ultra Leather used on the starboard L-settee and ceiling panels, the teak and ebony flooring, and a white lapstrake finish on the forward bulkhead, shows that an owner can customize the interior based on a desired decorum.
Feed Me
Designed for the owner/operator in mind, the 58E incorporates a galley forward layout that has many benefits. Not only does it give the chef commanding views forward, it puts everything the chef will need in a centerline U-shaped setup. Counters are topped with Zeus Blanco Silestone (used throughout the yacht), and all appliances are undercounter that displays a clean, open, and unobstructed area.
Appliances include four 30-inch Sub-Zero undercounter fridge/freezer drawers, a five-burner Dacor induction cooktop with pot rails, Dacor oven, side-by-side large stainless sinks, and more. A hidden Cuisinart microwave is located in a recessed, covered cubby.
This layout is on a raised deck from the salon and includes an oversized, twin-post teak dinette just aft with plenty of room for guests to see the action in the galley. The L-settee is well cushioned and comfortable and is a great spot for morning coffee or to get on the laptop and get some work done.
To starboard is the lower helm, another first for the 58E design. Compact in size, but fully functional, it allows navigation on longer runs or when standing watch and supplements the upper helm. For the cruising couple, it offers another option for safe passage. With port and starboard side deck doors, the lower controls assist in docking and make for easy access when handling lines.
Very Fly
Spending an entire day on the upper deck isn’t out of the questions. It’ll be a favorite spot for family and quests. With the optional, integrated forward windshield and hardtop, the 58E offers semi-enclosed protection from the elements in a comfortable environment. Standard is an open bridge layout, but the optional wraparound structure that supports the forward windows and adds to the overall profile is a preferred choice. Wiper systems are on all three windshields, molded-in overhead console boxes house switches, breakers, and small displays, and with overhead lighting, the benefits are worth it.
Twin Stidd helm chairs make operation comfortable on long runs and allows a companion to assist in navigation. Ample counter space is suitable for laying out paper charts, cruising guides, and smaller gear, such as binoculars.
Just aft of the helm is a starboard L- settee with cushioned seating and fiberglass table. A teak table would be nice, but for ease of maintenance as in “hose and go,” this works well. An entertainment center to port houses a fridge, grill, and sink. Behind the settee is a large sunpad with storage underneath, so it’s easy to load up the provisions and relax for the whole day at the dock or at anchor.
The aft flybridge deck is sizable enough for water toy storage, so the 58E can have an Airex 1,000 lb. davit. Of course, a few lounge chairs can fill the area, too. Ringed by high, secured railings, the area is a safe place to be. An aft deck staircase or the interior floating staircase by the helm provides easy access.
Down but Not Out
A bit of a departure for Marlow, yet a good example of how an owner can style this yacht, is in the accommodations on the lower deck. In the ensuite heads, the standard layout of teak trim and cabinets is very nice, but this owner had the heads finished in all white, including the flooring and painting the teak wood. It adds to the relaxed feel while making for easy maintenance. Notables are the stainless inlays in the floor and shower deck that add a modern touch, are durable, and eliminate the need for grout.
Utilizing the full beam of the 58E is the master with centerline king berth. Drawers and lockers are well suited for long stays. Four opening port windows, high ceiling, and recessed lighting keep the master from feeling closed in.
In the forward VIP is a queen berth and two small upper bunks, suitable for small children who can’t sleep alone or for extra storage of gear. A third stateroom has twin berths and a basin sink counter.
Steady As She Goes
The 58E is outfitted with a pair of Caterpillar C18 diesel engines rated at 1,150 hp each that can reach a range of 1,500 nm at 8.1 knots, great for long range cruising. Step it up to 9.6 knots for a range of 1,029 nm and a burn rate of 14 gph. For those with the time for extended cruising, those are impressive numbers. Hit the sticks to 1,800 RPM and see 19 knots with 64 gph and 445 nm range. I saw 26.7 knots at wide open throttle, pretty spry for a 69,000-pound yacht. Know that the power is there when and if needed, so you won’t be caught short.
As important as speed and efficiency are on Marlow yachts, seakeeping ability and comfort are top of the list. One example is that Marlow incorporates their proprietary Velocijet Strut Keels on the 58E which protect the propeller shafts and running gear as well as add stability and improved tracking. David Marlow has done exhaustive research and design in the Velocijet keels over the years to the benefit of his owners.
Throughout the 58E, you’ll find additional features and cool ideas that the folks at Marlow think about. The aforementioned beach club can configure as a crew cabin or utility/work space if clubbing isn’t your thing. Options include electric thrusters, watermaker, Naiad stabilizers, additional freezers for provisions, a 3,500-watt inverter system, or a fold-down radar mast if cruising inland waterways such as the Great Loop.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 67’ 8″
LWL: 54’ 4”
Beam: 18’ 6”
Draft: 4’ 10”
Displacement: 69,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 1,500/300 Gals.
Max/Cruise Speed: ???
Range at Cruise: ???
Power: 2 x Caterpillar C18 1,150 hp diesel engines Contact: Marlow Yachts marlowyachts.com
Here’s a look at some of today’s top Tender and RIB builders and their models.
A tender by another name is…a boat. And just like boats, tenders are getting bigger, fancier, faster, more versatile, and a bit more complex. As big boats have transformed into SUVs on the water, so has the tender, particularly the rigid inflatable boat (RIB), that often serve as the family boat for picnics, day trips, and watersports, or a runabout from your dockside home to the waterfront restaurant or a happy hour cruise when the mothership is just too much.
Most cruisers choose the largest tender they can afford, carry or tow. Size and weight are tradeoffs. Single-skin bottom RIBs are lighter, 10- to 20-percent lighter, but they don’t handle rough water well. Meanwhile, a center console RIB with a double floor and all the goodies can be a handful to get onto the swim platform chocks. More and more cruisers in the 40- to 80-foot range are towing tenders rather than carrying them feeling bigger is better.
Because RIBS have become, faster, stronger, quieter, and feature-packed, they’ve also migrated to becoming the primary vessel for some or at least a strong second for the lion’s share of daily use when the big boat is dock-bound. As electronics get smaller and less expensive and add-ons become lighter and more practical, tenders are gaining advanced features that allow them to perform duties well beyond a simple dinghy. Sunpads, rear swim platforms, tow bars, sleeping cabins, freshwater showers, underwater lighting, cupholders, depth transducers, stowage space, and swanky cushion arrangements are de rigueur.
Let’s look at some of these uber-toys that can commute, cruise, fish, and be part of the playground.
Highfield Sport 390
Highfield Boats just introduced 11 new models from 10-26 feet. These aluminum bottom RIBs are tough, so you don’t need to worry about dinging the bottom on a beach or a trailer, but they’re also posh with diamond stitched upholstery, faux-teak decking and bathing platforms. The SP 390 (12’ 10” LOA) has a high tensile chromated and powder-coated aluminum hull, a low-profile console offset to starboard, a heavy-duty rub strake, and a full-length keel guard. If you want to spiff one up, add the optional roll bar, Bimini, and carbon console dash. This model could even serve as a lightweight option for a larger dinghy garage. highfieldboats.com
Lomac Adrenalina 8.5
Looking for a sexy Italian? Check out this luxurious maxi RIB from Lomac with aggressive styling by Federico Fiorentino. Powered by single (220-350 hp) or twin outboards, this RIB carries up to 16 people, six of whom can gather around the drinks table in the bow. The aft settee morphs into a sundeck, and the center console hides a space that can become either a stowage room or a head with an electric toilet. For exploring farther afield, there’s an electric windlass and a freshwater shower, and with twins (up to 200 hp each), there’s mind-blowing performance. Add Garmin instruments, a Fusion stereo and a bow thruster (yes, on a tender), and you’ve got a boat that will announce that you’ve arrived. lomac.it
Argos Nautic 450 and 515
For something quite different, check out two new models from Argos Nautic that are powered by diesel engines. The 450 (15’ 6” LOA) carries seven while the 515 (17’ 8” LOA) accommodates nine. Both are powered by a 110-hp Yanmar and are expected to deliver a top speed of 33 knots. Customization is the word of the day. There’s triple stitching upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the option to color-match to the mothership. These models are minimalist in design with clean lines, stainless steel accents, and little ornamentation, so they’ll complement contemporary yachts and turn heads as they speed by. argosnautic.com
Williams Jet Tender DieselJet 415
Another diesel option is the DieselJet 415 (13’ 6” LOA) by Williams Jet Tender. Also powered by a 110-hp Yanmar and likely to reach the same speeds as the Argos Nautic (33 knots), the compact DieselJet is fully customizable, including tube colors and upholstery. With a 7-inch Raymarine Axiom MFD on the center console and six seats (both forward and aft-facing), this little speedster is a tender, a toy, and a runabout in one. Now you can have one fuel source for both the mothership and the tender. There’s even an option of a folding helm station so you can tuck it up into an onboard dinghy garage. Other options include automatic tube inflators, a 9-inch MFD, and shore power for ultimate flexibility. williamjettenders.com
Walker Bay Venture 16
A new addition to the company’s Venture line, this 16-footer offers three driving positions with a helm seat that has a flip-up bolster so you can drive standing, sitting, or somewhere in between. Rated for 10 passengers, the Venture 16 weighs 725 lbs. and with a 100-hp outboard, it has an estimated range of 241 miles. The tall and upright console provides protection from the wind and accommodates a 12-inch chartplotter, VHF, a stereo head, and multiple gauges. Six cupholders and a freshwater shower are included, and there’s even an integrated cooler in front of the console so you can stay out and explore all day. walkerbay.com
Onda Tenders 341P
Specially adapted from a patrol boat, Onda Tenders’ 341P is a 34-foot RIB with Scandinavian design flare by Ted and Ocke Mannerfelt. Although redesigned for the leisure market, the 341P has a rugged feel that can take on the elements with aluminum seat frames, a hardtop, and a 25-gallon freshwater tank for rinsing off after a rough ride. Powered by twin outboards (up to 400 hp), this boat delivers speeds of 50 knots and slices through rough conditions as if through hot butter. This Greek speedster has a deep-V hull but with a shallow draft and carries 158 gallons of fuel so it can venture anywhere. ondatenders.com
Zodiac Medline 6.8
Replacing the Medline 660, the new Medline 6.8 is a mid-range offering (just under 22 feet) from Zodiac. Rated for up to 14 passengers, this new model has five lockers, sunpads forward and aft, and a fully equipped offset console. It comes in 64 color combinations and is powered by a single outboard (maximum 250 hp). The reverse arch holds a soft Bimini and the tall windshield will keep the driver and her companion dry. There’s even a self-launching anchor so you can tuck away in a secluded cove for the afternoon. The U-shaped settee aft, when not set up as a lounge, has a hi/lo table and will seat four for dinner. zodiac-nautic.com
Airship 300 Diesel Sport
The diesels have it on this list. Introducing the Airship 300 DS, a 30-foot RIB with a 3.0L Mercury and a Bravo 3X sterndrive. There’s also a deep-V hull and a 24-degree deadrise for excellent handling. Expect a top speed of around 50 knots and with a 67-gallon aluminum tank, you’ll be able to run a long day without worrying about fuel. This model has a long options list including an upgrade to a 120-gallon fuel tank, an aluminum 5×7 T-top, a choice of brand in MFDs, Lenco trim tabs, a shore power plug, transom shower, stainless steel Sampson post, and Mercury’s VesselView screen. airshipribs.com
Technohull Explorer 40
A truly multifunctional vessel, the Explorer 40 by Technohull is a showstopper. Whether island hopping or entertaining, this one makes a great stand-alone primary vessel. Choose twin Mercury outboards (350-450 hp) or a single Yamaha 425 hp with a joystick. If you’d rather leave the gasoline for others, opt for twin Mercruiser Diesel 370 Bravo 3s. With 211 gallons of onboard fuel, you’ll have plenty of destination options and with the deep-V ventilated hull, you’ll get there quickly and comfortably. This is one sexy beast that showcases premium upholstery and teak and carbon finishes. There’s even a cabin if you’d like to weekend on this demon. technohull.com
A simple way to share a large meal without all the hassle
When we are cruising and don’t feel like cooking, we often share a platter of assorted cheeses, meats, pickles, jams, nuts, fruits, and veggies as a grazing board for a meal. I use a cutting board or large tray and arrange the food into bite-sized pieces that feature a variety of flavors and textures that can be eaten alone or in combination.
During isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of these grazing boards has emerged as an alternative way of dining (in lieu of exhausted families preparing yet another meal) among the foodie and gourmet press. Some of these boards are spectacular, while others are simpler, but they offer cruisers some terrific ideas for creating a grazing board for breakfast, lunch, cocktails, dinner, or dessert that please even the fussiest eaters, while reducing waste and keeping work and cleanup to a minimum.
There are no rules for these kinds of boards; peruse your freezer and cupboards for ingredients and leftovers: a few slices of ham, a block of cheese, an end piece of Spanish chorizo, half of a container of olives or marinated mushrooms, a couple of cherry tomatoes or radishes, the remains of a jar of marmalade, some berries, and some focaccia that can be sliced and toasted.
Two glasses of wine and italian snacks with amazing view at sunset in Italy. Romantic dinner for two on panoramic terrace
When arranging the board, place your biggest items first, then group your pairings. Cheeses will serve as anchors on your plate, so space them apart from one another and give them plenty of room. Next, place your accompaniments closest to the cheeses and meats with which they pair the best and are meant to be enjoyed together, like pickles and a dish of mustard snuggled up to a mound of crumbled farmhouse cheddar or cured meats. A scattering of nuts, olives, and dried fruit across the board makes it clear that those bites will work with everything. Here are some ideas that have worked for me. Use your imagination and creativity!
Breakfast/Brunch Boards:
Assorted sliced fruit, yogurt, granola, sourdough bread or a baguette, butter, sliced cheeses, bits of ham or smoked sausage, jelly, and sweet muffins or scones.
Leftover sliced steak, pork, or chicken with baguette, mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, mustard, chunks of cheese, flavored salts, black olives, capers, and sliced onion, tomatoes, lettuce, relish, and pickles and pretzels.
Tuna, shrimp, or crab salad or a fish dip with crackers, bread, potato chips, pickles, onions, carrot, and celery sticks, and Cheeze-Its or Goldfish crackers.
Spanish jamon, manchego cheese, green olives, white anchovies, tomatoes, toasted bread, marcona almonds, figs, and honey.
A Cocktail Board for 8 guests:
Feature three cheeses (½ lb. each): a soft cheese (brie, camembert, goat), a slicing cheese (Swiss, cheddar, edam), and a hard, crumbly cheese (pecorino, parmesan, aged gouda)
For meats: ½ lb. mixed meats such as thin-sliced pepperoni, salami, or sliced prosciutto
½ cup each of salted and unsalted nuts
1-2 cups fresh fruit: whole figs, grapes, berries, or sliced kiwi, stone fruit, melons (use fruit that doesn’t brown) or ¼ cup each of nuts and dried fruit to sprinkle throughout the board
½ cup sweet jam or pepper jelly in a small bowl
1 cup olives or pickled vegetables in a separate bowl
1-2 cups raw vegetables: radishes, fennel, celery, carrots, scallions, all sprinkled with salt
Basket of crackers and/or bread slices
Have plates, forks, napkins, toothpicks, and serving pieces, especially when social distancing as well as a bowl for pits and stems.
Manchester Villa is situated on the finest piece of canal front property in Lyford Cay offering panoramic views of the marina and waterways. With 3.29 acres of landscaped gardens including wonderful Bahamian and mature trees on four prime lots, it is a coveted peninsula. This massive estate, with room to spare, comprises over 12,000 square feet of interior space. It underwent a refresh and addition, which were completed in 2019 and now features a main villa, carriage house, captains cottage and guest apartment. Highlights of the property include a tennis court, beach volleyball court and extensive dockage that wraps almost the entire length of the seawall of the property.
Interior designer Richard Himmel, exterior architect Robjohns Clarke and landscape architect Michael M. Myers oversaw the design and build of this impressive residence. No expense was spared when this estate was initially built in 1995 by Mr. and Mrs. Irving Gould. Mr. Gould, a Canadian financier was the chairman of the Commodore Company. Stories were told of how he frequently flew guests down to his Bahamian residence on his private jet named Pet Jet to enjoy the privacy and solitude provided here at this beautiful villa. The property is also walled and gated for added security.
Mr. Gould was an avid fisherman and boater who enjoyed exploring the Bahamian waters. This extraordinarily positioned estate is perfect for the boat lover to berth his or her collection of watercrafts. The estate has a superb aspect towards the clubs marina where one can quickly access the open seas. Seafaring amenities include access to an unbelievable 840 plus feet of canal frontage, boat lift and dockage with electricity and water. A unique feature includes a 6,000 gallon tank to hold fuel for watercraft and power the generator.
Main Villa
With many areas to entertain and relax the Main Villa features soaring ceilings, large windows and mahogany doors. The French doors retract into the walls to allow one to open up the inside to the outside for seamless entertaining. All windows and French doors have built in rolldown shutters.
As one enters the residence one is greeted by a large elegant drawing room beyond which is the gallery running through the center of the house and high arched doorways connecting all the public spaces and bedrooms. Beyond this is the sundrenched airy main living room with sweeping views of the marina. The living room opens onto a large covered terrace, expansive veranda and large infinity pool with a lush garden beyond leading to the estates extensive dock views of the Lyford Cay Marina.
The living room is flanked by two octagonal, pitched ceiled rooms that are all connected by conservatory halls. The northern room is the cozy family room and features a built-in bar which makes it perfect for a relaxed evening with cocktails. A connecting passageway leads on from the family room past a guest bathroom and into the beautiful library with white-washed mahogany built-in cabinetry throughout. The library then opens up to the northern conservatory hall which leads to the master suite. The large master bedroom opens onto its own terrace overlooking the garden and canal beyond. It consists of large his and hers bathrooms and walk-in closets.
The southern room is the homes formal dining room with built-in cupboards to store china and silverware. This area also opens onto the pool and terrace. The dining room then leads into the southern conservatory hall that connects the guest wing, back of house and kitchen. There are two guest bedroom suites, one which could double as a second master and has its own private terrace and multiple windows to allow the room to be flooded with natural light.
Next to the dining room and guest wing is the large family kitchen with breakfast table, with a beautifully decorated powder room opposite the pantry. Off the kitchen is a butlers pantry with a walk-in cooler, wine fridge and freezer, the laundry room, housekeepers bedroom and bathroom. The Main Villa also boasts a three car garage and ample storage throughout and the guest apartment.
Carriage House
The Carriage House was completed in 2019 and is a beautiful addition to this estate and expands the accommodation of this expansive property. The ground floor is comprised of a large two-car garage, a gym and a bedroom suite overlooking the beautiful main canal. Upstairs is an open plan kitchen-living area with laundry cupboard and two additional suites, one of which has a terrace looking west down the main canal of Lyford Cay.
Captains Cottage
The Captains Cottage is located next to the dock and is perfect for crew or younger guests. The cottage has a kitchen with laundry facilities, a games room with terrace for entertaining and four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. It is a solid structure which was slated for a refresh.
Guest Apartment
Upstairs in the Main Villa is the perfect accommodation for a houseguest or an estate manager. This apartment has a living room with kitchenette and balcony, as well as bedroom with ensuite bathroom.
Construction wise, this stately home was built to last with finishes that include CBS internal walls and 12 inch thick external walls. The roof is strengthened with standing seam heavy gauge copper and is crowned with copper gutters and downspouts. In 2018 foam insulation was put in the roof to increase energy efficiency. Other elements include a freshwater tank, reverse osmosis system and the air-conditioning is a chilled water system.
In essence, Manchester Villa is in a league of its own. There is nothing like this canal front estate in the whole of the Bahamas.
Lyford Cay is home to the renowned Lyford Cay Club, which features beautiful beaches, golf course, marina, tennis courts, pool, fitness center, beauty salon, restaurants and hotel facilities.
This single family home is for sale and has 12 bedrooms, 12 full baths, 5 partial baths and was built in 1995. This single family home is listed on the Christie’s International Real Estate website and it boasts 12,005 Sq.Ft. of interior space. Nearby neighborhoods include: Serenity, Serenity, Islands At Old Fort Bay and Islands At Old Fort Bay.
Boatsetter Expands Further Into Fishing Experiences
Boatsetter, the leading boat rental and charter marketplace in the U.S., recently expanded its focus on experiences with the launch of Boatsetter Fishing, a team and service dedicated to fishing charters and fishing boats for rent on the platform. The launch makes it easier for anglers to find and book fishing experiences across the U.S., from the Florida Keys to San Diego and Hawaii, and in international destinations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
An Easier Way to Book Fishing Charters
The Boatsetter Fishing team is led by founders of a previous marketplace for fishing charters and guides, Fisher Guiding. Boatsetter acquired Fisher Guiding and brought over their charter supply and expertise for its fishing launch in Spring 2021. Now, the Boatsetter fleet includes over 825 fishing charters and fishing boats for rent with the goal of making it simpler and more accessible for clients and captains to arrange fishing trips through the Boatsetter website or app (available for iOS and Android).
Send messages or request to book for a specific date(s)
Pay online & conveniently access trip details
Give and receive reviews following trips
Airbnb for Boats
Boatsetter has over 4,500 boats available to book, from charters offering all types of experiences to boats available for rent with or without a captain from fellow boat owners.
Peer-to-peer boat rental is made possible by Boatsetter’s exclusive insurance partnership with BoatU.S. and GEICO Marine. For boat owners without a commercial insurance policy, the peer-to-peer boat rental insurance policy covers rentals booked through Boatsetter. This enables boaters to rent many types of vessels they might not find from the average rental operation or marina.
Similar to renting a home from hosts on Airbnb, local boaters often share tips for navigating their local waterways. Many owners of fishing boats point out favorite fishing locations marked on their GPS or fish finder. Some boat owners also provide fishing gear including rods & tackle for renters unable to bring their own.
Rent a boat near you or when traveling, from 2 hours up to multi-day rentals
Charters for fishing, cruising, parties, etc.
Sea trial boats by renting before you buy
Make Money Renting Out Your Boat
Listing a boat for rent is a way to share access to the water and meet fellow passionate boaters. Users with a boat listed on the platform also benefit from increased trust when renting boats since the owner or operator they’re interested in renting from can see they have boating experience as a member of the Boatsetter owner community.
Boatsetter enables choosing to rent your boat with or without a captain, with access to one of the largest databases of USCG licensed captains to keep your boat in good hands.
Listing is free and takes less than 15 minutes to complete
Set your price, availability and choose which bookings to accept
Manage rentals with the Boatsetter Owner app (iOS and Android)
POMPANO BEACH, FL and NEWPORT, RI– (June 29, 2021) –BoatTEST and Southern Boating Media jointly announced today a content-sharing collaboration that will provide more comprehensive information to boat owners, boat buyers, and those new to boating. BoatTEST’s current video boat and engine tests and its reports will be available to Southern Boating’s audience, and BoatTEST will make Southern Boating’s content on destinations, DIY, and useful technical articles available to its subscribers and website visitors.
BoatTEST’s video reviews will now be sent to an additional 60,000 Southern Boating opt-in newsletter subscribers, as well as BoatTEST’s current 170,000 newsletter circulation, meaning approximately 230,000 people — an increase of 35 percent — will be proactively provided with each of its tests.
“It’s all about giving the readers more information in the way they want it and, in turn, providing advertisers a broader reach in a more meaningful way,” said Skip Allen, Publisher of Southern Boating Media.
Jeff Hammond, BoatTEST CEO, said, “This strategic partnership gives BoatTEST’s clients far more market penetration where it counts — in Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.”
BoatTEST will share its archive of hundreds of boat, engine, and equipment test videos with Southern Boating for use in its newsletters, social media, and on its website. Concurrently, Southern Boating will share its archive of digital content that covers a wide range of boating subjects with BoatTEST’s worldwide audience.
“In this era of consolidation of boat builders, dealerships, equipment makers, and even some boat shows, it is about time that boating media do the same,” said Hammond. “By reaching more potential boat buyers without an increase in content creation costs, Southern Boating and BoatTEST will be creating digital marketing efficiencies that will benefit the advertisers of both.”
“By sharing digital content, each party can concentrate on what they do best, and their audiences are the beneficiaries,” said Allen. “BoatTEST’s videos are generally considered to be the gold standard of the boat-buying video genre, and Southern Boating has a strong following in the largest and most active boating market in the country.”
About Southern Boating
Since 1972, Southern Boating has been enriching the lives of those passionate about boating. Each issue includes editorial and beautiful imagery of vessels up to 120 feet, along with content about cruising destinations, marine products, electronics; projects for the do-it-yourselfer, and much more. Today, its multi-platform media offerings include the print magazine, digital magazine, website, emails, social media, and custom advertising solutions.
About BoatTEST.com
Founded in 2000, BoatTEST.com was the first media company to stream video in the marine industry, as well as the first to provide online reports about new boats and engines. BoatTEST has become the most trusted source for third-party tests and reviews of new powerboats and engines, according to surveys of its members. It consistently provides the most thorough data and boat-buying guidance so boaters can make informed decisions about their next boat purchase. BoatTEST’s website is visited by 2.3 million unique visitors annually, according to Google Analytics, and it publishes a newsletter six days a week that goes out to 170,000 subscribers.
Along the Louisiana-Mississippi coastline, there’s a palpable hum having nothing to do with barges, drilling rigs, or signal horns. The musical notes riding the breeze, the rustle of wildlife in the swamps, and the whispers of generations long past create a singular vibration in the area. Rich in a fascinating history from the time of the Native Americans through French and Spanish settlements, the Civil War, oil exploration, and multiple devastating hurricanes, the coast is defined by the enduring resilience of its inhabitants.
Sandbars, wetlands, commercial traffic, and oil platforms make navigating Gulf waters a pay-close-attention adventure. Heed your chartplotter and posted navigational aids, stay on your VHF, and most of all, ask the friendly locals lots of questions to simplify the journey.
Plan Your Route
Weather conditions are the biggest determining factor when choosing between offshore and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW). Offshore, you may be 50 to 100 miles out with little help available quickly, and it is hazardous at night. When the wind is right, Gulf sailing is amazing for experienced captains; on the GICW, sailboats will be motoring most of the way. According to a local delivery captain, “The ditch is slow, boring, heavily trafficked, and safer” for all vessels. Plan ahead for evening anchorage or marina docking—anchoring on the side of the ditch at dusk is not a good idea.
A convenient fuel/provisioning start for either course is Sabine Pass Port Authority in Port Arthur, Texas, a recently upgraded facility located at MM 38 near the mouth of the GICW and just six miles to the Gulf.
Sabine Pass to Houma
Eastbound the GICW winds through the U.S.’s largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya Basin, containing almost one million acres of the nation’s most significant bottomland hardwoods, swamps, bayous, and backwater lakes. There are small towns scattered along the route with names familiar to crime fiction fans as home territory of Edgar Award-winning author, James Lee Burke.
It’s 277 statute miles from Sabine Pass to Houma, Louisiana, with possible added hours in line to transit the Bayou Boeuf Lock in Morgan City. The area has heavy commercial traffic so be sure to check in with Vessel Traffic Control.
In Houma, the GICW intersects Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, home to waterfowl, alligators, and assorted mammals. In the evening, friendly wildlife, fresh seafood, and local bands can be found in the Cajun music dance halls. Houma’s numerous bayous and bays provide anglers deep sea, coastal, brackish, and freshwater fishing. Cristiano Ristorante is a three-block walk from the Downtown Marina located at the junction of historic Bayou Terrebonne and the GICW (MM 58WHL).
Up to New Orleans
New Orleans is just 61 miles northeast of Houma, but dedicated anglers might chart a course southeast down to Venice, a town with mythical offshore fishing status and plenty of experienced charter captains. A few miles out are yellowfin, mahi mahi, grouper, red snapper, amberjack, and swordfish.
From the GICW, two routes lead to the Mississippi River and New Orleans. Go north through Algiers Lock to Chalmette or use the Harvey Canal lock and wind downriver around the French Quarter. Continue to the Industrial Canal to spend time up in Lake Pontchartrain. South Shore Harbor, just east of the canal along the lakeshore, has 453 slips for boats to 150 feet in length. Its sister property west of the canal, Orleans Marina, is within walking distance of restaurants, a ships store, and public transit lines. Fuel is available in the New Basin Canal at the entrance to the marina.
A New Orleans Sampler
Words that describe the cuisine of New Orleans also define the flavor of the city: French, Spanish, African, English, and Native American cultures coalesce into a rich gumbo of experiences able to satisfy every taste.
Explore music, art, cuisine, voodoo, Civil War sites, ghosts, and more on organized tours or roam the city at your own pace on a city bus stopping at St. Louis Cemetery, the World War II Museum, Mardi Gras World, or the French Market. Stay hydrated and conserve energy because the city runs full speed 24 hours a day.
Iconic NOLA dishes like charbroiled oysters, crawfish étouffée, po’ boys, gumbo, and muffulettas are served at more than 1,500 city eateries. Or “eat dessert first” at Angelo Brocato where Italian ice cream and pastries have been served in a nostalgic pink parlor setting since 1905. No visit would be complete without beignets at Cafe Du Monde and “Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch” at the Bourbon House.
If food is the pathway to the heart, music is the highway to the soul. Check out Royal Street in the French Quarter to hear everything from a single acoustic guitar to an impromptu street corner band with instruments ranging from brass and keyboards to washboards and plastic buckets.
Nightlife options range from elegant to decadent. The Maison restaurant has live music nightly on one of its three floors. For a more subdued atmosphere, savor excellent tapas and jazz at Three Muses. Quintessential jazz club The Spotted Cat has appeared in multiple movies and commercials.
Beyond the City Life
From the Industrial Canal’s turning basin head east on the GICW Rigolets-New Orleans Cut (or via the Rigolets from Lake Pontchartrain) as the jazz horns fade, the offshore rigs and commercial traffic thin out, and take time to relax into the 60NM cruise to Gulfport.
Gulfport to Biloxi
The Gulfport Municipal Marina/Bert Jones Yacht Harbor has 319 slips for boats to 140 feet in length. It’s an easy walk to Shaggy’s, a festive, casual spot for good local food. For classic, coastal, fine dining, reserve ahead at The Chimneys.
There’s a lively downtown amid ancient live oak trees and dignified old homes with plenty of snacking, sipping, and shopping options. Choose a creamy, fruity artisan popsicle like Nutella or Oreo cheesecake from a POP Brothers stand, or do a tasting at Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, a pooch-friendly taproom offering seasonal and year-round brews. Fishbone Alley, a funky little side lane featuring original local art and culture backs up to a cluster of pubs. Artists adorn the alley walls with colorful murals celebrating Gulfport’s thriving arts scene. To work off some of those earlier treats, wrestle with a one-arm bandit on Casino Row and stay for one of the many shows.
From Gulfport to Biloxi, there’s light tackle action aplenty along shallow coastal waters bustling with tasty bottom fish. Cast a line off a pier or snag a huge yellowfin tuna on an offshore charter.
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins might race your boat 11 miles south to Ship Island where sugary beaches are a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Tranquil waters, native wildlife, and deep-rooted history make the short detour worthwhile.
Pre-hurricane(s), Biloxi was the party place on the coast. The casino industry has played a major role in the city’s return to glitz and glamour. Gaming houses range from backwater barges to deluxe resort-entertainment complexes, all inviting gamblers to “beat the house.”
The Casino Hopper Trolley goes beyond blackjack tables to stops at city attractions, restaurants, and beaches. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum’s extraordinary photographs chronicle the first Native American settlements through generations of immigrants, all part of the region’s melting-pot culture. Water-related exhibits include the opportunity to sail aboard a replica of an authentic Biloxi oyster schooner.
The Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and his restored home, Beauvoir Mansion, sit on 51 acres with stunning views of the Mississippi Sound. The ceramics of George E. Ohr, self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” and other innovative ceramic artists are displayed at the Frank Gehry-designed Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. The small but colorfully engaging Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum is housed in a historic antebellum building.
Beyond legendary is the cuisine and atmosphere of Mary Mahoney’s Old French House with its elegant courtyard shaded by a centuries-old live oak. Amble over to the Half Shell to fill up on plump juicy oysters, seafood pot pie, or crawfish corn bisque.
For dockage, Biloxi Small Craft Harbor or the newly renovated Point Cadet Marina (vessels to 100 feet in length) are centrally located.
Duck inside Mississippi’s four barrier islands for the most relaxing segment of the cruise to Gulf Shores. The largest, Horn Island, was a creative source and favorite subject of famed Gulf artist Walter Anderson and is worth an overnight on the hook to reflect on your journey. The abundance of nature in the wildlife preserves, the frenzy of New Orleans, the fever of the casinos, and the tranquility of the national seashore are all part of the mystique of the Gulf Coast.
The Formula 500 SSC combines an open bow and deck layout with a full cabin to create an inviting day boat with overnighting capabilities and offshore cruising. She is powered by quadruple Mercury V12 7.6L Verado 600-hp outboards and is essentially a watersports-oriented express cruiser. For our in-depth Captain’s Report, test data and more on the 500 SSC, visit BoatTest.com
With the popularity of electric boats on the rise, Vision Marine Technologies is making waves in the marine industry with the new E-Motion 180E electric outboard. Dubbed “the world’s most powerful electric outboard,” the E-Motion 180E is the flagship of the Canadian-based company who wanted to create an engine to meet the demand for power and sustainability that would appeal to a new generation of environmentally conscious boaters.
“We finally achieved the balance we sought between power, functionality, and autonomy,” said Alexandre Mongeon, CEO and co-founder of Vision Marine Technologies. “Our engine has surpassed our expectations in every aspect.”
The 100 percent electric E-Motion 180E can be fitted to any boats from 18 feet to 26 feet that use a 180-hp outboard gas engine. Powered by a 60-kWh lithium battery, the 180-hp, 650-volt engine will provide an estimated range of 70 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 20 mph for three-and-a-half hours, depending on the type of boat its operating. The company offers a two-year warranty on the motor.
Vision Marine’s goal is to reduce the carbon footprint without compromising the boater’s experience on the water. The electric outboard offers greater fuel efficiency and produces zero emissions, noise, odor, or smoke. Therefore, the eco-friendly motor is not polluting the water or the air while giving passengers a quiet and pleasurable ride.
The company says the technologically advanced electric outboard results in a 90 percent reduction in fuel and maintenance costs compared to gasoline outboards. Less maintenance is needed than with traditional combustion engines as it has significantly fewer moving parts and does not require gasket changes, oil changes, carburetor cleaning, or other costly upkeep. When the battery is low, the E-Motion 180E can easily recharge overnight by plugging into a 220-volt power outlet at any marina or dock.
Vision Marine is taking pre-orders for the E-Motion 180E on its website. The first production units will be available for delivery later this year. visionmarinetechnologies.com
Long-range cruising yachts aren’t known for their high speeds, but their design allows for greater fuel efficiency, comfortable accommodations, roomy entertainment areas, and best of all, a home that can take you beyond the bay!
Grand Caribbean Marinas establishes itself as a powerhouse in the Caribbean and the United States.
Grand Caribbean Marinas, part of the Bacalia Group, a business group that operates subsidiaries in different sectors within the United States and Latin America, completed the acquisition of Villa Marina in Puerto Rico, thus accumulating more than 2,200 spaces (between wet slips and dry storage) that positions itself among the five companies that own and operate marinas with the most slips of the United States and the largest in the Caribbean.
“Puerto Rico is critically important for the rest of the American marinas because the vast majority of the vessels that come from other states toward the Caribbean pass through Puerto Rico, due to the proximity and large number of places of interest, where the charter market has also had an explosive trend,” says Italian businessman Giuseppe Cicatelli, president and founder of the Bacalia Group. “It is very important to take advantage of this impulse and continue with the development, outlining a strategy of continuous growth, with a well-defined touristic offer that will feed the consolidation process over the next three to five years.”
Despite the tough year 2020 was for the world economy, Cicatelli highlights the great evolution of the nautical industry. “It was one of the best years for recreational boating, dare I even say, of the last fifty years,” he says. “This is mainly due to the type of activity involved, which does not agglomerate large crowds. They are always small groups, and it is done outdoors. Families have opted for this type of recreation, less exposed and far away from the crowds.”
Cicatelli adds that this operation is of great importance for the holding company because “we have been operating with the Group in Puerto Rico for several years and we have always believed that it would be natural to continue within our strategy with the expansion as a regional consolidator, especially in an industry such as the nautical one that we consider to be very promising.”
The strong commitment of Grand Caribbean Marinas, which plans to take the investment from $50 million to $100 million within the next five years, seeks to diversify the offer in Puerto Rico, implementing a series of experiences that enrich tourism and recreational development on the Caribbean island.
Marlon Mellado, CEO of Grand Caribbean Marinas, adds that “the group of marinas that are a part of Grand Caribbean Marinas probably occupy one of the most strategic locations, not only in Puerto Rico, but also at the Caribbean level. The natural protection and the proximity from our marinas to points of interest such as the Keys, Isla Culebra, and the British Virgin Islands is unmatchable. We are only forty minutes from San Juan (capital), with a powerful gastronomical offer and luxury hotels such as El Conquistador.”
Renaissance Villa Marina
Villa Marina, now rebranded as Renaissance Villa Marina and located about 40 minutes from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, has the only covered dry stack on the island, which will be completely remodeled. It will have a private entrance and an exclusive VIP service to take the boat owner experience to the next level. Also, the marina has its own slips, which will operate the maintenance and repair of yachts of up to 100 feet for the entire Grand Caribbean Marinas complex. In addition, a complete modernization of its security systems will be carried out in all of the marina’s facilities to provide a greater peace of mind to its residents. “One of the main benefits of Renaissance Villa Marina is that it offers maximum protection during hurricane season, which is something that not many Caribbean marinas can affirm,” says Mellado.
In addition, Mellado emphasizes how Grand Caribbean Marinas has encouraged nautical tourism in Puerto Rico, since “we are not only promoting nautical activity and raising quality standards for our clients, but we are also strengthening the offer of activities for the general public, with high-quality tourism and gastronomical development.” gcmarinas.com
When he’s not in the studio, radio talk show host Paul Castronovo spends his time fishing and boating.
Paul Castronovo loves fishing. So does his son, his friends, many of those who listen to the Paul Castronovo Show on iHeartRadio’s BIG 105.9, and most of all, his wife. She loves the peace and quiet at home while he’s out on the boat. “I use fishing like a lot of people use golf, to get away from my wife because I drive her completely crazy, especially since I’ve been working from home,” Castronovo says laughing. “Some days I’ll walk out in the back yard and she’s loading the rods in the boat, and I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’ She’s trying to get rid of me! But all kidding aside, it is my relaxation. It’s my hobby.”
The 36-foot Contender Hectic Daze V
That seems like a description that echoes the sentiment of most fishermen. Yes, fish make for a healthy, nourishing meal, and there’s a lot of money involved when the big one is caught in a tournament, but it’s getting out in the fresh air, being out on the water, spending time alone or with friends that gives one a well-deserved break and time to unwind from everyday life.
Castronovo has been on the radio for more than 30 years with stints from Florida to Alabama to Tennessee and back again in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area where his talk show airs weekday mornings on WBGG. He started as a DJ on ROCK 104 as a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville and moved around the dial including the original WSHE in South Florida, Orlando’s WHTQ, WZZR in Birmingham, and Nashville’s WGFX. In 1990, he came back to South Florida and WSHE, teaming with a newsman he barely knew, “Young” Ron Brewer. The “Paul & Young Ron Show” became a mainstay in morning talk radio until 2016. Beyond the radio, Castronovo appeared on screen in the movies The Awakened and the documentary Skum Rocks as well as an episode of Airport 24/7: Miami, a series about the Miami International Airport. Now the namesake for the “Paul Castronovo Show,” with co-hosts Heather and Mike, he has renewed his “top-ranked morning show with listeners ages 25 to 54” with iHeartRADIO for another five years. He has told many a story of his fishing exploits on the show and is an avid fisherman who enjoys every moment he’s out on the water, even if the big one gets away.
Castronovo with ZZ Top
“I’ll never forget it,” he begins. “I actually have two, but the one that sticks out the most is when I was fishing in Panama at the Tropic Star Lodge, which is the holy grail of fishing. The captain said there was a school of porpoises about five miles away and they swim with the giant yellowfin tuna in the one hundred/one hundred-fifty-pound range. We got to them and sure enough, I hooked a giant yellowfin tuna. I fought it for an hour. When we could finally see the fish, it was holding below the boat, about thirty-forty feet below, and as I was reeling it up, someone said, ‘Oh my God!’ I said, ‘What?’ And they told me, ‘Just keep reeling, just keep reeling!’ My buddy leans over and says, ‘There’s a giant mako shark below the boat.’ I invested an hour or so and nearly killed myself trying to reel this fish in, and that shark finally came up and ate it like a potato chip right in front of me. Talk about heartbreak and dejection. It’s funny because it happened on my boat a decade earlier in the Miami Dolphins’ fishing tournament. My friend, Kevin, hooked a giant yellowfin tuna, about a hundred pounds, and fought it for an hour, and lost it right next to the boat. The line just popped, and we watched it sit there for a second, and we’re like, ‘What do we do?’ and he just swam away. You know, sometimes the fish win, but boy, you know it’s funny, and I knew. He didn’t say another word the whole day, and I didn’t understand why he was so upset until it happened to me.”
Castronovo moved down to Florida from New York when he was 11 years old. “We left New York in 1971 and moved down here, and my grandfather was living down here, so we moved to Lake Worth and lived on Lake Osborne,” he recalls. “For whatever reason, I said, well, I wanna learn how to fish. Our neighbor said, ‘All you need is bread, and a hook.’ So, my first day, I walked to the lake, which was down the street, and I came home with about thirty bluegill. My mother was like, ‘We’re from New York! What do we do with these things? I don’t even know what to do, do we clean them?’ That started my love affair with fishing.
With Steven Van Zandt in the BIG 105.9 studio
“My grandfather took me out on a drift boat, the B Love, out of Boynton Beach, and I think the first time—and I tell this to people a lot— the first time I saw the Gulf Stream and that color blue…I’ve never seen anything quite like it. To this day, I love that rich, blue color of the Gulf Stream.” Hanging out with his dad and grandfather, fishing on the drift boats, and going to the Lake Worth pier and Boynton Inlet solidified Castronovo’s love for fishing.
“I had a paper route and I was sixteen years old,” he continues. “I came home one day with a boat. My parents were like, ‘You bought a boat?’ Well, I bought a boat for two hundred dollars, but I was in high school and that’s what started my love affair with boating.” That was his first boat, but college stifled that project, so he hooked up with friends and their families who had boats and started going to the Keys and lobstering and… “I traded my surfboard in for a boat as I got older.”
Castronovo’s previous Contender Hectic Daze IV
Castronovo’s first boat was a 16-foot wooden hull with a 50-hp outboard that had a wheel with the old cable steering system. “I wasn’t allowed to take it out in the ocean, but I was in the ocean and the steering wheel broke, so we had to steer it by hand pushing the motor coming back into the inlet. That was fun,” he says. “When I got to Tennessee early in my radio career, the radio station had a ski boat that they used for the summer, and they decided at the end of the summer that they were going to sell it, and I’m like, ‘I’ll buy it.’ I bought it. So when I got my radio job back in South Florida, I trailered that boat down and I immediately put it in the ocean, and we went offshore fishing…on a ski boat. The boat had carpeting, so you can imagine that blood and carpeting don’t mix.
Castronovo with Steven Tyler
“After two or three trips, I was ruining the ski boat,” he continues. “It was an inboard, you know, it was a nice boat, but I ended up taking it to the boat dealership in Pompano and traded it in for a 21-foot Aquasport, which was my first extensive foray into boating. I had that for a couple of years and we killed ourselves, you know, a bunch of guys on a twenty-foot boat running all over the ocean in six-foot seas. We used to be six feet tall and now we’re five-eight.”
Castronovo then upgraded to a 24-foot Aquasport and that’s when the disease took hold…he needed a bigger boat. “I moved on to a thirty-one Contender fish around. I kept that for a little while, then moved on to a thirty-five-foot Contender, and now I have a thirty-six-foot Contender. So, yeah, it’s funny, I have an open center console with triple Mercury Verado 350s on it. It’s a rocketship. My wife’s like, ‘Can’t we get a boat with a cabin or something like that?’ You know, as we get older, comfort is important, but I have a twenty-one-year-old son who’s like, ‘No way, man, we’re tournament fishermen, Dad!’ I love the boat, I love going fast, but there’s something about air conditioning that really comes in handy when you’re in the Bahamas yellowtail fishing.”
Speaking of which, aside from going out to dinner, fishing is what Castronovo really looks forward to on the weekends. “When the weather’s good, what I’ll do is say, ‘Okay, it’s March or April and the blackfin tuna are in, so our goal is to go out and catch a blackfin tuna. We do all the things we need to do to catch a blackfin tuna. Whether we kite fish or go to a certain depth, we fish with mono leader. We do those things, but we’re also trying to catch whatever else is swimming by at the same time. We might be out trying to catch blackfin tuna, but catch a sailfish or a nice mahi mahi. That’s a nice bonus.”
As for his favorite fish to eat, Castronovo says, “Locally, to me, there’s nothing like grouper. A grouper sandwich is my favorite thing in the world, but then again, if someone said have a swordfish steak or a piece of grilled wahoo, it’s really hard to argue those, but man, if I had to pick one on a deserted island, I’m going grouper.” He recalls a trip where the highlight was the delicacy of eating fish right from the catch.
Comedians Steve Byrne, Owen Benjamin, and Dom Irerra join in on the Paul & Young Ron Show.
“My wife and I, when we were dating, were on a cruise, and we ended up down in Barbados,” he says. “We met another couple on board and decided to charter a fishing boat. It was really, really rough and I said to the captain, ‘Look man, everybody’s miserable. Can we go somewhere where it’s calm, like the lee side of the island?’ He said yeah, but the fishing’s not as good over there. Well, it’s really rough and we’re not catching anything here, and as soon as we got to the lee side of the island, we caught a wahoo. We went nuts. The captain said, ‘Hey, would you guys like to eat the wahoo for lunch?’ Yeah! So he pulled over to a beach and moored the boat in five feet of water. We swam to the beach and the captain and mate cooked the wahoo and brought us pina coladas on the shore. I thought to myself, ‘Okay, this is as good as it gets. Eating a piece of fresh wahoo in Barbados on a beach with my soon-to-be wife? Yeah, that’s a good day.”
At the Miami Dolphins Fishing Tournament with Reggie Bush
Barbados isn’t the only place beyond the Florida fishing grounds that draws his passion. In fact, it was a conversation with legendary artist and marine biologist Guy Harvey that lead him to his most favorite place. Castronovo serves on the board of directors for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, and one day over cocktails, he asked Harvey where his favorite spot was. “He said, without question, it’s the Tropic Star Lodge in Panama,” says Castronovo. “I’ve always heard great things, and if you watch any of the fishing shows, that place always comes up on everybody’s bucket list as where to fish. About fifteen years ago, Guy said, ‘Hey, we’re taking a crew down there, why don’t you join us?’ So I went, and the first fish I caught and released was a four hundred-fifty-pound black marlin. I was hooked. …You’re a hundred miles from the nearest road, so you fly into Panama City. They’ve been doing this since the fifties at this place, so they got it down to a science. All the boats are Bertram moppies. They do everything. They’re in the middle of the jungle, but there’s an airstrip and once a week, the fuel supply boat comes in. They’re constantly reworking the boats, painting the boats, they even build their own furniture. So you fly into Panama City, you get a nice meal, and they pick you up the next morning, take you to the hangar and fly you into the Darien Jungle where the Tropic Star Lodge is on Pinas Bay. It’s an amazing bay because it’s really close to the famed Zane Grey Reef where so many world records have been caught. Within minutes, you’re fishing, and you know, it’s funny, the first time I went, they go, ‘We gotta catch bait.’ Well down here when we go catch bait, it’s ballyhoo, goggle eye, and we were fishing with ten-pound tunas and bonitas as bait! Someone said it’s like fishing in Jurassic Park. It’s really neat.
“Then you come back to the dock,” he continues. “All the boats come back at the same time, three o’clock in the afternoon, unless someone’s hooked up to a marlin. They meet you with cocktails and fresh mahi mahi fingers and they’re like, ‘Okay, guys, everybody’s going to meet up at the pool,’ so you meet up at the pool and tell fish stories and smoke cigars and have cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, then you go to dinner, more stories, but by eight-thirty, nine o’clock, you’re done. The next morning, they knock on your door at five-thirty with coffee, breakfast, and you’re on the boat by seven-thirty to do it again. It’s quite the experience.”
Castronovo recently spent a week at the Tropic Star Lodge to celebrate his son’s 21st birthday. The pics on his Facebook page tell the story. He spends every chance he can out fishing, which is difficult with his time on the radio and, more importantly, his volunteer work. He’s active with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, chairman of the Miami Dolphins Fishing Tournament that benefits the Dolphins Foundation, helps with the Dolphins Challenge Cancer bike ride, and raises funds and awareness to battle hunger. “While I have pet charities, I really do believe in feeding people here in South Florida,” he says. Through the years, Castronovo has raised the equivalent of 20 million pounds of food for Feeding South Florida through events such as his annual Meatballs & Martinis extravaganza with Anthony Bruno and his radio show’s annual holiday food drive. As for other charity participation, one that is close to his and his family’s heart is cancer. “My wife’s a cancer survivor,” he adds, “so that’s always a big deal.”
Castronovo and his son AJ—the smiles say it all.
He works hard and is the quintessential entertainer. With the show, his hand in the restaurant business with Tacocraft, and dabbling with wine (look for Castronovo Vineyards), it’s no wonder that when he wants to get away, heading out for a little fishing is good relaxation therapy. On his boat Hectic Daze V, he’s learned a few things. “I’ve always heard this, and it’s very true because a lot of times my friends will go out and don’t catch anything, and they say, ‘Ten percent of the fishermen catch 90 percent of the fish.’ If you were thinking about learning how or beginning a journey into saltwater fishing, charter a captain,” he advises. “Go out and fish with them. Then you’ll get the experience because if you try to do it on your own, a lot of you will get frustrated. Read the magazines, look at the videos, watch the fishing shows, learn as much as you can. I’ve been fishing since I was eleven years old, and I learn something new every day. My son has far surpassed me and everything I’ve known about it, but one thing I tell him, ‘Use fishing as a hobby, not as a career…unless you’re George Poveromo and host a TV fishing show.” As he said, it’s his hobby, his relaxation from the stresses of everyday life, but one bit of advice he gives to all anglers is this: “I’m really good at fishing if I’m fishing where the fish are. That’s the key, fish where the fish are!”
