Exploring Modern Food Trends: From Gourmet Yachts to Home Kitchens

Get the scoop on what’s in and what’s out.

All things sundried tomato. Balsamic everything. Molten chocolate cake. No fat anything. Hollowed-out bread bowl stuffed with spinach dip. Blackened everything. Atkins diet. Dessert nachos. Remember these popular foods of yesteryear? Foods trend just like music or fashion. The old isn’t necessarily bad, but sometimes can be a bit overdone and needs to make way for new ideas. That’s where these modern food trends come into play.

Charter chefs share their food trend preferences

Charter chefs aboard the finest yachts during 2023 Newport Charter Yacht Show weighed in on the trends they’re happy to see depart, and the modern food trends they’re embracing.

Chef Ranada Riley of M/Y Lexington is no stranger to food trends. A veteran of Food Network competitions, Riley ran several restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky, before embarking upon her yachting career.

America’s Native Foods

Fresh from the show’s chef’s competition (she placed first in 2022, and won special honors in 2023), Riley has a lot to say about food trends. “What’s out? How about a sprig of curly parsley and a wedge of lemon for garnish,” she jokes, before declaring that traditional is out. “Right now, people aren’t afraid to play. Everything used to be so traditional.” She emphasizes traditional with a wee scowl. “Now it’s more of a twist. And to me, I think that’s super-important. I love the new emphasis on so much creativity and just trying different things.”

She opens her arms to the galley. “There is so much available to us today, so many recipes, techniques, and ingredients from all over the world.”

If traditional food is off the table, so the speak, what’s being served now?

The four food groups aren’t a thing anymore. Riley laughs, “People are eating less red meat. Vegetables are on the rise. So many more guests [both aboard yachts and in her restaurants] are cutting way back on meat.” Vegetarian food, she explains, has emerged from the dark ages of dense lentil loaf, grilled portabellas with hummus, and a bowl of iceberg lettuce.

Chef Maya Vogt of S/Y Kaori agrees. “Vegetables are now the star of the show,” she says.

Vogt, an architect and yoga teacher from Poland, found her way into superyacht chefdom four years ago. She’s excited to embrace fresher menus. “What’s appreciated now is healthy,” she says. “People are enjoying a huge variety of grains, salads, veggies, and all the seeds and superfoods. They like it colorful, light, healthy, and pretty.

“What I’ve found is that no one wants a big, heavy lunch, especially if you’re on the water and don’t want to spend your afternoon feeling full and lazy,” she adds.

The evolution of the salad

Vogt talks about salad evolving from a bowl of pale green lettuce to its current heyday. “I add a lot of roasted nuts and some grains. People are always surprised that this healthy and light thing can be so tasty,” she says. “Salad doesn’t have to be boring. Each time is different depending on what you add.”

What does one add to a salad to make it a meal? “Almost anything,” she grins. It doesn’t always have to be raw, any roasted veg will do: mushrooms, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, squash. Leftover veggies. Leftover anything. There are so many salad and vegetable-based cookbooks available right now. Her absolute favorite is anything by Yotam Ottolenghi (Yotam’s Instagram).

“He makes vegetables the center of a meal, but there is still room for a little meat,” she says.

The Best Food to Eat in the North

Does meat depart from modern food trends?

Uzane Pohl, chef aboard M/Y Shadowl, insists there will always be room for a meat. While Pohl rounds out the consensus that vegetables have been given a glow-up, meat will always be on the menu. He points out that, yes, veggies are no longer an afterthought. Instead of busting open a bag of baby carrots, boiling them, and tossing in some butter, now, farmers market-fresh carrots are roasted until they’re just tender, tossed with brown butter and toasted nuts, then served on a little cloud of herbed yogurt.

The other half of his sentiment insists that people will always want meat. “It appears though,” he adds, “just not as much as they used to.”

Pohl suspects there have been fad diets since humans moved away from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. “I think there was a grapefruit diet way back in like the fifties or sixties,” he says. “Then there was the fat-free diet, followed by the Atkins diet which was pretty much all fat. Now Keto and paleo and no carb—there is so much to keep up with. I don’t trust any diet that tells you fruits and veggies are bad.”

The shift that Pohl sees is still meat, but less of it. “I’d call it intentional, or quality vs. quantity,” he says. People don’t want a burger for lunch every day. Instead, one really great burger once a week, maybe steak just one night for dinner.

What about what’s out?

Vogt doesn’t hesitate before answering, “Fried food. Convenience food.” She talks about COVID’s impact on home cooking. “People started to cook more, they started to explore. A lot of people started to bake their own bread.” So many people, she continues, had an opportunity to see how easy it is to make their own food, like salad dressing. They realized how easy it is and how much better it tastes.

“Who feels good after eating greasy fried food or food filled with lots of preservatives?” she asks.

Pohl is happy to pack his tweezers away. “That whole molecular gastronomy thing was cool, but enough of the foams and gelees,” he says. “When I want to eat or a serve a tomato, I’d prefer to find the ripest one I can, slice it, serve it with a little bit of salt, and let it be its best tomato self. It doesn’t need to be juiced, then reduced, then reconstructed, then dehydrated, then ground into a powder before finally being shaped back into a tomato.”

While he loves a beautiful plate presentation, he likes to let the ingredients shine for themselves. He says the key is finding that sweet spot between a plate presentation that requires tweezers to place every microgreen sprig in place and the idea of a “square meal” or meat and three sides. “I just want my food to be food,” he says.

But without a sprig of parsley on the side.

-by Rubi McGrory

Some Modern Food Trend Recipe Examples

Perfect Tomato Sandwich

⊲ 1 loaf white bread or milk bread (not the fancy kind, the softer and squishier the better)

⊲ 2 really ripe tomatoes, perfect summer tomatoes

⊲ ½ cup mayonnaise

⊲ 1 tsp. seasoned salt (plus more to taste)

Using a round cookie cutter roughly the size of your tomato (2-3 inches), cut one circle out of each slice of bread. Discard/compost the rest.

Peel each tomato, then cut into 1/4-inch slices. Sandwich the tomato slices between paper towels and let them rest in the refrigerator overnight.

Combined mayonnaise and seasoned salt, adding more to taste—it should be a little salty and light pink. Generously spread the mayo mixture on one side of each bread circle. Place one tomato slice in each sandwich.

Roasted Carrots with Herbed Yogurt

⊲ 2 lbs. carrots

⊲ 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

⊲ 1½ Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

⊲ Kosher salt

⊲ Freshly ground black pepper

⊲ 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

⊲ ½ cups Greek yogurt (0%, 2%, or 5%)

⊲ Flaky sea salt

⊲ ½ cup finely chopped cilantro (or other soft herbs, basil, flat parsley, dill, tarragon, etc.) plus more for garnish

Set oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and trim the carrots. If they are smaller than 1 inch in diameter, leave them whole. Cut larger carrots in half lengthwise. Place on a rimmed baking sheet; set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, keeping an eye on the pan, swirling it occasionally until the butter is toasty brown and smells nutty, between 3 and 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add a half teaspoon of salt and the lemon juice very carefully, as it is likely to splatter. Using a silicone spatula, stir, being sure to scrape up the brown toasty bits at the bottom.

Drizzle half of the browned butter over the carrots. Toss thoroughly with a few turns of cracked pepper and a half teaspoon of salt. Spread evenly in a single layer. Roast for about 15 minutes, turn carrots over, and roast another 15 or 20 minutes until carrots are tender and edges are starting to brown.

Meanwhile, combine the yogurt and the herbs with a half teaspoon of salt. Swirl the yogurt over a large serving platter and pile the roasted carrots on top. Drizzle the rest of the browned butter over the carrots and yogurt, sprinkle with additional cilantro, toasted almonds, and flaky sea salt.

Enjoy your delicious modern food trend meals!

Set New Fishing Records: Expert Tips and Strategies

Catch “the big one” – fishing record tips to use on your next trip out

These fishing record tips come from experience meant to serve all anglers. Back when the world’s crust was just beginning to cool, I had the good fortune to luck into a weakfish of mammoth proportions one late fall day off the south shore of Long Island, New York. The encounter occurred in a small cove of pocket water well back near a marsh where smallish school bass and an occasional shad would often stack up.

Having had my fill of shorts on several recent trips, I opted to play around with some ultralight tackle, which was a “thing” at the time. I wasn’t disappointed as schoolies to 20 inches waited in line to put my 4-pound test freshwater trout outfit to the test. All was going swimmingly, as I gingerly played each fish to the net for a quick release without busting my line, an important consideration since I had only one other small hook aboard.

Six schoolies into the trip, the big one ate, instantly doubling-over my rod in a surprise attack on my finger-length live shiner. Instantly outgunned, I eased off on the drag and hoped the big yellowfin might tire before busting free. Amazingly, she stayed buttoned, and the gossamer thread held long enough for a brief visit aboard my 16-foot garvey-style clam boat. It took several minutes to revive that 13-pounder, and I proudly watched her swim away. Later that winter, I read that the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) 4-pound line class record for weakfish was a little more than 11 pounds. UGH!

My tale of releasing a potential record catch isn’t unique. In fact, it happens all the time. Even worse, many possible records are eaten by anglers having no idea they’ve topped the charts.

Tip One: Know The Current Record

Have you dreamed of setting a fishing record? If so, the place to begin your quest is with a visit to the IGFA website, says Zack Bellapigna, who is charged with keeping the official files updated for the association, which runs an office in Dania Beach, Florida.

“We keep a variety of records,” explains Bellapigna, “including all-tackle world records that honor the largest individual of a specific species of fish caught within accordance with the organization’s International Angling Rules, all-tackle length records which honor the longest individual of a species measured on an official IGFA measuring device and released, line-class records that recognize the largest of selected species caught on a specific line class, and tippet-class (fly fishing) records for a number of game fish species.”

All IGFA records, along with the required International Angling Rules, can be found at igfa.org through a world-record database search engine that sees records updated daily. Access is free, and you don’t need to be a member to enter a search. In fact, you don’t even need to be a member at the time you catch a potential world record because you can join the organization ($50/year) when submitting a catch for consideration.

Tip Two: Take Your First Steps To Claiming A New Fishing Record

According to Bellapigna, to qualify for IGFA records, anglers must fill out a World Record Application Form which is available on the website. Anglers must also submit four photographs:

the angler with the fish
the rod and reel used
the scale
and the scale certification sticker/documentation.

Along with these photographs and the completed application, you’ll need to send in your terminal tackle, including 16.5 feet of your line to be tested.

Tip Three: Find An Open Category

For those interested in chasing world records, Bellapigna suggests looking at the current records while paying particular attention to fish you target. Note that species not listed are currently vacant categories awaiting their first entry—which could be made by you. To fill a vacant record, the fish just has to be caught in accordance with the International Angling Rules, weigh more than 1 pound, and be in the top 50 percentile of its maximum potential size.

Potential Challenges (other than the catch)

Of course, with the advance of time, it’s even more challenging to set new fishing records, especially in the all-tackle category. Still, if you do a little digging, you’re likely to find a few that don’t seem out of reach. In just the past year, several records have been broken along the East Coast from Florida to Maine.

This includes:

Gary Jennings with a tautog from New York setting a new IGFA Men’s 4-kg (8-pound) Tippet Class World Record in June 2022.
Jacob Elleson scored with a 91-centimeter black drum from Florida to set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly Record.
Randy Morton drilled an 8-pound, 9-ounce sheepshead from Virginia last July to set the IGFA Men’s 8-kg (16-pound) Line Class World Record
and Kathryn Vallilee bested a 26-pound, 8-ounce permit from the Florida Keys back in August to claim the IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8-pound) Tippet Class World Record for the species.

Tip Four: Start Local

While anglers like to set their sights on world records, it should be noted that most state fish and wildlife agencies keep state records. So, where world and even-line class records for some species seem out of reach, state records may be more achievable. Contact your state fish and wildlife department for more info about this option.

“Records are made to be broken,” concludes Bellapigna. “We receive new applications every day from anglers that headed out with their eyes set on a record they were looking to break. If worst comes to worst, you’ll at least have some great fishing stories to tell from your pursuit of a place in the record books.”

No doubt. Which reminds me, did I ever tell you about the 4.5-pound sea robin I submitted some years ago?

-by Tom Schlichter

Introducing the RIO DAYTONA 50: A Blend of Luxury, Power, and Style

Updated: December 06, 2023.

Update - This Yacht Is Available For Immediate Delivery:

Contact: Jeff Eldon

Phone: 954-234-9873

Email: Jeff@TheHelmYachtGroup.Com
DM (Instagram): @yachtguy954

Original Story:

Make your heart flutter with the Rio Daytona 50.

Recently, I thought I was having a health scare. I mean, my heart was palpitating, I broke into a sweat, and felt butterflies in my stomach. I thought for sure it was the big one coming on, but no. As I self-diagnosed my condition, I realized it was one thing: love at first sight! The subject of my admiration was the Rio Daytona 50.

An Enchanting First Impression With Curb Appeal

Now, you may think this is just another go-fast that does nothing more than try to look good running the Intracoastal Waterway with loud tunes. But this is so much more. For one, she has great curb appeal. Following the gently curved sheer line, you see a generous freeboard that blends in a gentle bow flare which results in a dry ride. Hull contours break up the flat surface while housing well-sized portholes. Toward the aft end, there are beach terrace doors that fold flat, increasing the deck space, creating more ways to access the water and opening up the view. An integrated swim platform wraps around the hull with rub-rail protection.

One very cool design innovation is the placement of the engines. When looking at the Rio Daytona 50, it’s not readily evident as to what is powering the yacht. Since she doesn’t have outboards hanging off the end, one must assume she has inboard or I/O propulsion. Ummm, no.

Rio has designed the 50 with a pocket under the large aft sunpad lounger that houses triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards. This is a smart idea as it changes the profile of the yacht and keeps the outboards out of the eye of a thief but also allows 360-degree access to the powerplants for maintenance. It also muffles the sound quite a bit, making for a more enjoyable ride. With the flick of a switch, the sunpad rises for engine access.

Power and Design Working Together

When you merge this level of power with a hull design that works well through the speed range, you understand that the Rio Daytona 50 is something to be seen. It’s not only that this boat looks good, but the handling and comfort also made this a love at first ride. Pushing the throttles up doesn’t mean the bow goes up too. There is minimal rise and adjusting engine trim and tabs gives the captain great visibility. A little more height at the helm is courtesy of a fold-down standing platform for those vertically challenged.

My test run numbers were pretty much in line with Rio’s numbers so safe to say this is a 49 mph/42.5 knot yacht at wide open. Cruise along at 32.2 mph/27.8 knots, 4,700 rpm, 58 gph burn, 237 nautical mile range. With 423 gallons of fuel, cruising at 9.2 mph/8 knots will offer 324 nautical mile range burning about 12 gph. What’s good to know is that you can have the range when desired or speed when needed depending on cruising preferences.

Historic Roots: The Rio Yachts Legacy

Rio Yachts started in 1961 on the banks of Sebino Lake, in Lombardy, Italy. Building recreational mahogany motorboats through the ’60s, Rio switched to plastic construction in the 1970s, to build “a boat for all!”

The Scarani family has held onto the business for several generations, adding commercial vessels and patrol boats to the lineup. Currently, the recreational line includes Coupes and Open styles, of which the Daytona 50 is the largest.

Bringing the yachts to the U.S. takes a dedicated, exclusive dealer, one with the experience of new builds and brokerage. Enter Jeff Eldon, president and CEO of The Helm Yacht Group. Normally I wouldn’t mention a dealer in an article, but Eldon’s relationship is so tight with Rio that he might as well be part of the family. Eldon explained that he has taken actual design changes back to the team in Italy to enhance the products and make them more user friendly, and they listen.

For example, the Daytona 34 is now offered as the Daytona 35 since Eldon asked Rio to extend the swim platform aft to allow for easier boarding and more foot space around the outboards (those outboards do hang off the transom and not in a pocket). That means you as a buyer have a pretty direct line to the factory in the event you would like some modifications. On the Daytona 50, there is no lower galley since there is an exterior galley on deck. But if you want a small one below, Eldon and Rio will build one as they can.

Access All Around

The low profile yet unencumbered center line helm looks a bit futuristic thanks to the Dual Garmin multifunction displays that handle all the operations and functions of the yacht, thereby reducing the number of switches at the helm. An app can be downloaded to an iPad or other device for remote control and monitoring. A Mercury engine monitor, joystick, throttles, VHF radio, and several illuminating cupholders fill out the helm space. Three individual bench seats with armrests and bolsters face the helm, so the operator can engage with guests.

With full walkaround decks, this is one easy boat to navigate from bow to stern. Forward is a large sunpad in front of the raked back single-pane windshield. In front of the sunpad is a forward-facing bench seat with backrest. Across on the peak is another bench seat that faces aft. The ground tackle locker is just forward, out of the way and secure. For shade, a four-post awning can be installed. Grabrails on the gunwales offer safety when transiting.

Aft is another well-sized sunpad and electric awning that retrieves from the integrated hardtop feature. Aft the forward end of the pad is another bench seating area, flanking a flip-out teak table. The entertainment station has a flip-up top that reveals a built-in electric grill and deep stainless steel sink. Below are a fridge/freezer unit and ice machine. The Daytona 50 can carry a crowd and serve them as well.

As mentioned, the port and starboard gunwales open to create beach terraces, a classy touch that really opens the deck.

Relax in Elegance: Daytona 50 Interiors

Accommodations below make the Daytona 50 a true weekender. Thanks to the more than six feet of headroom, side windows, and atrium door, the cabin’s open feel invites you in to relax. Curl up with a good book on the port-side sofa. Guests can stay in the midship cabin with twin berths.

Forward, the master stateroom has a king centerline berth accessible from all sides, storage, and side windows. Another great idea is that the master utilizes bifold doors so when open, it really adds to the overall sizeable feel and usable day space of the cabin.

A single head has a basin sink, electric toilet, and separate shower stall. The room is tastefully appointed with high-gloss wood counters, stylish faucet, and dark flooring. Or ask Eldon to create your own look.

Not to be outdone, the cabin and master use a combination of high-gloss wood doors and trim, leather pull handles, and light flooring. Or change it to make it your own. After all, it should be love at first sight.

-by Tom Serio

The Marlow 70E MKII: Experience Luxury and Performance at Sea

The Marlow 70E MKII yacht takes center stage and performs eloquently. It deserves a round of applause.

It’s not one thing that determines the boat you buy. There’s certainly a first impression, but it’s not until you get down to the brass tacks and see what she’s made of that gets the checklist started. The sea trial is an important test to feel how a boat behaves at sea. It’s also a time when seasoned boaters get a sense of whether the boat will fit into their lifestyle, including comfort, ease of operation, and dependability in the boat’s systems. When the cruising couple I spoke with recently told me of their decision to build a new Marlow 70E MKII, they added one more factor—the relationship with the builder.

“I really came away with a good feeling because of their flexibility and design as much as anything,” say the owners about their first meeting with Marlow Yachts. “Some of the other boats that are this style, you know, you can choose different carpet, you can choose the color of the fabric, but you couldn’t choose a lot of the things that we wanted.”

The really significant options were already incorporated in the MKII design, such as a large engine room and enclosed bridge. “I wanted the engine room I could walk around in, that was a big deal, and I wanted an enclosed glass command bridge, and I wanted a day head up there,” he adds. “They were willing to do all of that and more for us, and that went a long way with me.”

As Times Change; Transitioning to the Marlow 70E MKII.

The couple spoke with anonymity (and not all things can translate to print), but it was easy to see they were happy and loved the cruising lifestyle. “We’ve been boating most of our lives and when the kids were small, we had lake boats,” they both say at once. “Then, as the kids moved away and went out on their own, we bought our first ‘big’ boat (a forty-two-footer),” he continues.

Like many boat owners, they consider themselves going through the natural progression of stepping up to larger boats from the 42 to express cruisers in the 50-foot range and up to a 70-foot motoryacht. They enjoyed them all, and over time, they learned what features made their experiences special.

The decision to buy their first Marlow, a 49, wasn’t made lightly. The owners did their due diligence and looked at other builds, but on the recommendation of a friend, they reached out to Marlow and made their first appointment. It was during the sea trial that the owners realized how well the boat handled.

“I liked the ride. The visibility was good. The engine room was good, and the boat felt solid,” says the husband. “That was a lot of our decision-making to go for the first one. We went with a forty-nine because we didn’t want to get anything, at that time, too big…that we couldn’t take care of, keep clean, polish the stainless, and do all the work. That was important also. We were both still working quite a bit. You have a passion for the water and a love for boating, but you have to sometimes go to work to pay for that too.”

The owners were delighted with the features on their first Marlow and enjoyed it for five years. As the family grew, so did perspectives. “My son decided that he wanted to do more entertaining and more boating, so we decided to partner up,” says the dad. “So we ended up with something a little bigger.”

Step onto the Marlow 70 Explorer MKII

I have to admit when I first saw the owners’ new Marlow 70 Explorer MKII from the marina office, it had the classic Marlow profile, but there was something different. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but then realized it was the owners’ way of matching the metallic stone gray color of the hull with particular trim lines for each level above the deck. It wasn’t white on white, and with the added black mask window treatment, the yacht looked…well, slimmer.

“We did a lot of playing with the design on the computer for the look that we were looking for, a sleek, modern look for a trawler—a modern trawler, you might say,” says the husband.

And that carries on into the interior as well. “Typically, what you see in a lot of boats is a lot of wood,” he continues. “We used a lot of whites on the walls inside, which we felt brightened it up.” In addition, a lighter teak and ebony wood was used for the floors, a warm golden wood for the cabinetry and accent panels give the interior a soft and natural feel, and the white fabrics along with white with gray etched quartzite countertops articulates a clean, elegant style.

Then there are the windows. They’re wide, tall, and surround the boat on each deck. They not only allow light in to brighten the interior, even on cloudy days, but they also provide big views of the surroundings.

“I’m a big window person,” says the husband. “It’s not like a lot of these boats where you see glass everywhere, but it’s definitely different than traditional trawlers.” In the master suite, for example, the owners worked with Marlow to design the windows so when they sat on the side of the bed, they could look out and enjoy the view.

64th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023: A Grand Showcase of New Boats

Accent lighting is another aspect of brightening up the interior and it’s evident throughout the boat. It adds a unique effect to the modern trawler look the owners desired. Multiple options light up each room differently, but with the same purpose—to see or to create a mood, from under and around the beds, behind accent panels, around mirrors, lining hallways and stairs to the specially made headliner lighting in the salon and the enclosed bridge.

The owners saw a design of recessed strip lighting across a ceiling that diffused the light for a softer glow and asked if it could be done on the boat. “I just thought they were the coolest things,” says the missus. “I mean, just very modern, very sleek. It just made the room, and Marlow went to work.” The LED RGBW lights easily change color for the mood or for nighttime piloting. Even the engine room has custom RGW lighting.

Another modern feature that is rarely found on board is that all the heads have heated floors. The master bath also includes a steam shower. Marlow Yachts works with all owners to customize the boat to their liking. These owners travel with their cat, and Marlow was able to design and build into the accommodation deck a customized litter box. It has access doors from the hallway and from the master suite—luxurious living.

As You Like

The Marlow 70E MKII provides its owners and guests comfortable living quarters on every deck. Accommodations below offer a full-beam midship ensuite master, a VIP queen cabin forward, and cabins both to port and starboard. Storage cabinets line the hallway and include room for a full-size washer and dryer. There are also quarters for a captain accessible from the cockpit or garage door off the aft swim platform.

On the main deck, the owners opted for a huge galley with island forward. As I mentioned, experienced boaters usually know what they want and don’t want, and besides the large windows surrounding the galley, these owners decked it out with optional Sub-Zero refrigeration/freezer drawers, full-size dishwasher, induction cooktop, and convection oven. A large U-shaped settee with table for conversational dining sits aft and divides the galley from the salon. “It feels like a home,” says the missus.

The galley deck is raised two steps from the salon to provide more headroom to the forward accommodations below. Mounted on the backside of the galley dining settee is the flat-screen TV that conveniently opens to reveal cabinets for all the entertainment equipment.

The salon is a roomy living area and leads to the same-level cockpit that has an aft bench with table for alfresco dining. A small entertainment center with refrigeration is tucked to starboard while the stairs leading to the upper deck are to port. Walkaround access to the bow is protected with a solid tall rail as part of the Portuguese bridge. This version does not walk completely around and has two doors up front to reach the bow because the owners wanted to include a large lounge area for sunning and relaxing in the center. Remove the filler cushions and a table becomes available for numerous uses. The bow area also has plenty of room for anchor work, and the missus, with the help of a Yacht Controller, can control the boat while bringing up the anchor, which includes an anchor wash below the pulpit to wash away any mud—much easier than using a separate hose and hand signals directing the one at the helm.

Speaking of the helm, there’s a reason they call it the command bridge. On the Marlow 70E MKII, whoever sits in the chair truly has the conn. Besides the 360-degree view through the surrounding windows, experience led the owners to choose a navigational equipment package from Garmin. Most helms are customized with the gear desired by owners, and because they were planning to spend more time on board and cruise longer distances, the helm sports three 22-inch and two 12-inch multifunctional displays for charts, radar, sounder, cameras, FLIR and A/V controls. All systems have backups to the backups. One camera is located in the engine room to keep an eye on the power equipment, including the twin 1,150-hp Caterpillar C18 engines.

“This boat will run very comfortably at nineteen or twenty knots, and the fuel burn is not significant,” says the husband. “I did find out on a couple of occasions that it’s very smooth at that speed. And if you want to really get somewhere in a hurry, you can run twenty-five or twenty-six knots. Most boats that can typically get the kind of fuel burn at ten knots, typically won’t run that fast and get up and go if you need to go. In fact, we ran some hours at seventeen to eighteen knots, and the fuel burn was very minimal.”

Why The Marlow 70E MKII Is The Top Choice For Seasoned Boaters

For these owners, the Marlow 70E MKII new build was their perfect choice. The ability to work with the builder to make the modifications they knew would make them comfortable was key. “We’re able to live aboard longer periods of time, and certainly travel more and be able to have another couple or family on board and not feel like you’re on top of each other,” they both say in chorus.

They were happy knowing that they got that as well as the performance they were looking for all in one package. They looked at the boat with an experienced eye during the orientation before they actually took delivery. “We did our first trial run with the boat for a couple of days just to get a feel for it and we’re very happy…and that you can print.”

-by Steve Davis

Regal’s All New LX9 Is Here

Regal's New LX9 Provides Unmated Boating Experiences

Step aboard Regal’s new LX9, a 29-foot outboard-powered masterpiece that redefines excellence, luxury, and performance. The LX9 leads her class with cutting-edge technology, from intuitive digital switching to the Seakeeper 1, reducing boat roll by up to 95 percent. Stay connected and in control with two 12-inch Garmin screens, providing access to navigation systems, entertainment features, and vessel monitoring for an enhanced boating experience. There is also a wireless phone charger at the dash for added convenience. Other technical features include a bow thruster for increased maneuverability and power-assisted hydraulic steering for maximum comfort.

The LX9 offers protection from the elements with its power hardtop, which lowers with ease, combining innovation with style. She boasts a versatile transom with dual multi-position UltraLounges and a low-to-the-water swim platform, along with fold-away rumble seats. The bow walk-through door keeps the cockpit warm, and there is designated storage for the YETI 45 cooler. Edge-to-edge seating with more space and storage compared to similar-sized models, a double-wide social seat, and angled backrests ensure ultimate comfort for you and your guests.

The Stereo Performance and Lighting Package includes eight Fusion signature speakers, an 800W amp, and a 10-inch subwoofer for an exceptional audio experience. Or enjoy high-quality audio with the innovative SandbarSubs option, designed for bass-pumping sound while swimming or relaxing at the sandbar.

The LX9 promises an unmatched boating experience, combining innovation, luxury, and advanced technology. regalboats.com

Sunstream Helix-P: The Future of Seamless Boat Lifting

Sunstream® Sets Sail with the Helix-P: A Revolution in Boat Lift Technology

Dive into the future of boat lifts with Sunstream® Boat Lifts, the trailblazers behind the finest boat lifts and the renowned SwiftShield™ Automatic Boat Cover System. Today, they’re making waves with the Helix-P, a game-changer in the realm of cable boat lifts. This nautical marvel, the first in the Sunstream Helix line, seamlessly marries hydraulic speed with a sleek, hidden cable lift design and a state-of-the-art modular power supply. With the Helix, you’re not just lifting your boat; you’re elevating your entire waterfront experience.

(And don’t miss the video at the end of the article!)

Ken Hey, the captain at the helm of Sunstream Boat Lifts, shares,

“Our compass always points towards innovation. With the Helix-P, we're not just refining; we're redefining. We envisioned a boat lift that doesn't just serve a function but enhances your entire boating journey. The Helix-P isn't just a lift; it's a call to the open water, beckoning you to embrace the boating life more fully.”

Some Highlights:

Marine-Grade Mastery: Crafted with marine-grade aluminum and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware, the Helix-P stands as a beacon of durability.
Sleek Aesthetics: With no visible motors or gearboxes and low-profile pilings, the Helix-P offers an unobstructed, picturesque view of your waterfront paradise.
Safety and Ease: Its unique design allows for closer proximity to the dock, ensuring smoother boarding. Plus, with Sunstream’s signature rubber-capped aluminum Superbunks™, your boat rests in cushioned luxury.
Power and Speed: The Sunstream Power SystemTM (SPS) is a force to be reckoned with, offering speeds that leave typical piling lifts in their wake. And with its advanced control system, including a proprietary mobile app, you have the helm’s power right in your pocket.

Designed for vessels weighing between 8,000 to 24,000 pounds, the Helix-P is more than just a boat lift. It’s a testament to Sunstream’s commitment to pioneering the future of boating.

Set your course to the future of boat lifts. Discover the Helix-P.

For more information on the Sunstream Helix-P, Sunstream or its complete line of high-quality boat lifts and accessories, please call (253) 395-0500, or visit www.sunstreamboatlifts.com.

About Sunstream Corp:

Sunstream Corporation, based in Seattle Washington, is the leading portable hydraulic boat lift, hoist, and automatic boat cover system manufacturer in the world. Founded in 1996, Sunstream has been recognized multiple times for their innovation and fast growth. www.sunstreamboatlifts.com

64th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023: A Grand Showcase of New Boats

The 64th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show takes place October 25-29

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is a magnet for new boat debuts as consumers and builders look toward the new model year. This year’s FLIBS, set for October 25-29, is no exception as new powerboats, center consoles, and yachts are making their debut at the 64^th annual event.

Billed as the world’s largest boat show, FLIBS has more than 1,300 boats on display and draws more than 100,000 people, primarily to the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and Broward County Convention Center. Other show locations include the Las Olas Marina, Hall of Fame Marina, Superyacht Village at Pier 66 South, Pier 66 Marina, and the 17^th Street Yacht Basin.

Parking is at a premium, and it’s why organizers encourage attendees to take advantage of the 3,000 parking spaces at the Convention Center. Shuttle buses and water taxis will get visitors where they need to go over the five-day show, which is owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and produced by Informa Markets.

Among the attractions worth noting include: Superyacht Village, featuring superyachts and exhibits; Windward VIP Club, exclusive club with gourmet food and premium bar; The AquaZone by Nautical Ventures, freshwater pool with in-water demos; Fort Lauderdale Concours features rare cars, fine art, and live music; educational seminars for adults, and a kids’ corner.

Tickets for a one-day general admission is $42, while a two-day general admission pass is $70 and recommended because of the show’s size. The special Wednesday preview ticket is $64, while the Windward VIP tickets start at $398 and include early entry. FLIBS opens daily at 10AM (Wednesday starts at noon) and closes at 7PM (Sunday closes at 6PM), but the parties go well into the night.

Celebrate these new boats making their first appearance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

-by Gregg Mansfield

Here are the FLIBS Boats to Look Foward To:

A Sneak Peak For Some Photos Of The Boats Above:

Female Anglers Rise Up: A New Trend in American Fishing

Female anglers are hooked on the sport.

Have you noticed more female anglers on the water and around the docks lately? If so, you’re probably not alone. Surveys show more women are fishing these days—quite a few more, in fact. Female anglers are increasingly making a mark in the American fishing scene.

Statistics Highlighting the Rise

According to the Special Report on Fishing released at the 2022 ICAST fishing exposition by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) in collaboration with the Outdoor Foundation, women now make up 37 percent of the fishing force in America with 19.4 million fishing in 2021, the latest year for which statistics are available. That’s an 8 percent increase in female fishing outings since 2019, with 1.6 million fishing for the first time. These numbers show a promising rise in female angler participation.

Participation has seen a slow upward trend in recent years and was likely accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic as families turned to outdoors activities that dovetailed with social distancing practices. At this point, however, fishing industry experts seem to agree that women participating has clearly reached significant levels with outings for female anglers hitting an impressive 288 million trips in 2021.

Empowering New Entrants: Ladies Let’s Go Fishing

Organizations like ‘Ladies Let’s Go Fishing’ (LLGF) play a vital role in supporting and empowering female anglers. “No doubt I’m seeing more women fishing these days,” says Betty Bauman, founder of LLGF, a Florida nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting women and families to the sport while encouraging conservation and responsible angling.

“We offer a ‘No-Yelling School of Fishing’ where women learn about the sport without being intimidated or embarrassed by their lack of knowledge when starting out,” says Bauman. “We conduct weekend, immersion-based educational programs with classroom presentations, hands-on practice, networking, and an option to fish from boats or land depending on the venue. No equipment or experience is necessary to join the fun.”

The organization has seen more than 9,000 women pass through its ranks since 1997, and Bauman believes the rise in women anglers is reflected in those attending LLGF events. “Absolutely there’s demand, but there are still barriers too,” she says. “The sport has specific terminology and equipment participants must understand and learn how to use. That’s why we teach the basics like tying knots, choosing lures, and how to operate a reel. We’re seeing a very diverse group of new recruits that slices through all backgrounds and age levels.”

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

Veteran Voices: Challenges & Triumphs of Female Anglers

Bauman believes viewing other women catching fish on social media platforms and a growing confidence in seeking what they want from life in general helps spur female entry into the sport. Capt. Janet Rupp, of Lucky Duck Sport Fishing Charters in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, agrees, although she’ll remind you the changes haven’t come fast enough and aren’t evenly distributed along the coast.

“I was the first one in my area,” recalls Rupp, a striper specialist who started as a mate in 1974. “I walked down this dock past every boat looking for work until Capt. Joe Rupp said, ‘Come aboard.’ Management told him they couldn’t have women working on the boats here, but he didn’t give that a listen. That was forty-nine years ago, and I’m still at it.” Eventually, Rupp married the captain and they worked together for 40 years. “When he passed away, I just kept on going.”

Rupp hasn’t noticed a large increase of female anglers in her area, but she has experienced an uptick for bookings with both men and women aboard. “In any charter group, there’s someone who books the trip and puts things together. We need more women that are confident enough to be that person before things really take off, but we’re headed in the right direction,” she says.

Modern Faces of Female Angling

Modern female anglers, such as Capt. Amanda King, embody the passion and drive of this growing community. Capt. Amanda King of Second Wind Fishing in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is somewhat more optimistic. Fishing since childhood, she bought her first boat at age 18 and never looked back. These days, she guides on the flats around Cape Fear, driven to find the best flounder fishing within an hour of the dock.

“I’m seeing more women speak up and do the things they want to do these days, and that includes fishing,” says King. “Women want to be fully involved. They want to trailer the boat, drive the boat, learn the best knots, and enjoy limit catches with a chance at decking a trophy.”

Seeing guides online who are willing to teach novice anglers what they need to learn is also helping more women have the confidence to set out on their own, she believes. “I do some work with a program called Carolina Ocean Studies (carolinaoceanstudies.com) in Carolina Beach, and I can really see the enthusiasm there. We take schoolkids fishing, and some girls easily out-catch the boys.”

Dedication on Deck: 30 Years and Counting

Deena Lippman, longtime mate aboard Long Island’s popular open boat Shinnecock Star, has a reputation as a hard worker who runs the deck as well as any mate along the coast (facebook.com/ShinnecockStarFishingBoat). After 30 years on the job, she says she couldn’t care less if you’re a man, a woman, or a kid when you step aboard her boat. That said, she also has noticed an increase in participation among women anglers, especially those of a mature age.

“It’s great to see,” says Lippman. “The more the merrier. Either way, though, my job is to help you learn if you are a beginner, increase your catch if you have some experience, and be there when you need me if you’re an expert.

“We’re all anglers,” she adds. “We all just want to catch fish and have fun.”

-by Tom Schlichter

Readers’ Choice 2024

The voting period concluded.

Thank you for participating!

The 2024 Readers' Choice Awards Information:

As the boating and yachting seasons approach, Southern Boating Magazine values your insights and experiences.

Help shape our 2024 spotlight by sharing your top picks from the boating world. Dive into our brief ~5-minute survey below.

Every Vote Is An Entry To Our Giveaway!

Win with Ricoh And Elevate Your Adventures

At Southern Boating Magazine, we believe in rewarding our community. This year, in collaboration with Ricoh, we’re offering an exciting opportunity for all participants.

Every vote you cast not only influences the boating world but also enters you into a giveaway to win one of two premium products from Ricoh.

The Prizes:

Ricoh WG-80 Digital Camera (in Orange):

A camera designed for the adventurer in you. Capture your boating memories with clarity, whether on deck or underwater.

High-Quality Imaging: Approximately 16 megapixels and a versatile 28-140mm focal length ensure crisp shots, from wide vistas to close-ups.
Stable and Clear: Features like Pixel Track SR combat blur, ensuring sharp images even in challenging conditions.
Diverse Modes for Every Scene: From underwater to night scenes, adapt to any situation with specialized settings.
Built for the Elements: Waterproof and dustproof, it’s your resilient companion for all marine escapades.

PENTAX SD 7×42 ED Binoculars

Experience the horizon like never before. These binoculars are not just about magnification; they’re about seeing the world with unparalleled clarity. Perfect for those serene moments when you’re spotting distant shores or observing marine life. Key features include:

Crystal Clear Vision: 7x magnification with a real field of view of 7.5°.
Durable Design: Waterproof up to 1m depth, ensuring they’re ready for any boating adventure.
Comfortable Viewing: Generous eye relief of 18.2mm and an interpupillary distance adjustment to suit all users.
Compact & Lightweight: Weighing in at just 25.3 oz., they’re easy to pack and carry on all your voyages.

Voting continues until November 22nd. Don’t miss this chance to have your voice heard and to win these exceptional prizes. At Southern Boating Magazine, we’re not just about sharing the boating lifestyle; we’re about enhancing it.

Remember, every vote is a step closer to winning. Best of luck to all our participants!

Anchoring The Best: 2023’s Readers’ Choice Award Winners

You cast your votes, and here are the Southern Boating’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Award Winners!

Every vote was counted, including the write-in candidates, and tallied in a secure location without any bias…or stuffing of the ballot box.

Readers voted for their preferences in 41 categories from favorite center console to express cruiser and must-have galley item to favorite fishing rod. Safety products, best boatyard, favorite marina (both domestic and international), engines, binoculars, and foul-weather gear are a sampling of what’s included in this year’s choices.

In some categories, first and second place were separated by only a few percentage points, but overall, there was a definite winner.

Thank you to all our readers who participated. Once again, your input made this event a
huge success.

Favorite Boating Resort (U.S.)

1st Place: Hawks Cay Resort

Florida’s 60-acre Hawks Cay Resort, located halfway between Key Largo and Key West, boasts hundreds of guest rooms and villas, a full-service marina, six restaurants, a saltwater lagoon, five swimming pools, a spa, and plenty of water activities.

2nd Place: South Seas Captiva Island

3rd Place: Faro Blanco

Favorite Boating Resort (Non-U.S.)

1st Place: Abaco Beach Resort

With 40-beachfront acres and a prime location within Marsh Harbour, Abaco Beach Resort offers guests access to a variety of activities ranging from island-hopping and diving to shopping and dining.

2nd Place: Staniel Cay Yacht Club

3rd Place: Resorts World Bimini

Favorite Express Cruiser

1st Place: Tiara

Tiara’s model lineup, including the 43 LE (below), combines sport styling, luxurious amenities, and thrilling performance in a yacht that is ready to meet the demands of a day cruise.

2nd Place: Formula

3rd Place: Cruisers

Favorite Boat Insurance

1st Place: Geico

GEICO lets you customize your boat insurance and offers a discount for taking a boating safety course. Customer service is available 24/7 for claims and boat towing assistance.

2nd Place: Progressive

3rd Place: Chubb

Favorite Stabilizer

1st Place: Seakeeper

Seakeeper gyrostabilizers eliminate up to 95 percent of boat roll on vessels up to 165 feet. The Seakeeper 1 is designed for boats 23-30 feet.

2nd Place: Smartgyro

3rd Place: Gyro-Gale

Want to vote for 2024? Subscribe below to be informed of when Voting starts!

Favorite Fishing Reel

1st Place: Abu Garcia

Precision engineering, durability, and pro-level performance make Abu Garcia reels the favorite among anglers.

2nd Place: Penn

3rd Place: Daiwa

Favorite Inboard Engine

1st Place: Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta inboard engines deliver powerful acceleration, comfortable cruising speed, and an extended range.

2nd Place: Catepillar

3rd Place: Cummins

Favorite Boating Navigation

1st Place: Garmin

Garmin’s easy-to-use navigation equipment lets you pinpoint your location and access data to pilot safely through the water day
or night.

2nd Place: Furuno

3rd Place: Simrad

Favorite Marine Audio

1st Place: JL Audio

JL Audio, manufacturer of high-performance marine audio systems, develops innovative products that are engineered to reproduce the finest audio experience in open-air boating environments.

2nd Place: Kicker

3rd Place: Fusion

Favorite Power Catamaran

1st Place: Aquila

With models ranging from 28 to 70 feet, every Aquila Power Catamaran delivers exceptional performance and reliability and offers best-in-class features, such as the expansive fordeck on the Aquila 70.

2nd Place: Horizon Power Catamarans

3rd Place: Leopard Catamarans

Favorite Marina (U.S.)

1st Place: Longboat Key Moorings

Longboat Key Moorings, the largest resort marina on the west coast of Florida, is a full-service, deep-water marina in Sarasota with 291 slips that can accommodate up to 150-foot vessels.

2nd Place: Bahia Mar

3rd Place: Marina Jack

Favorite Sunglasses

1st Place: Costa

As the first manufacturer of color-enhancing all-polarized lenses, Costa offers a variety of stylish sunglasses with superior lens technology.

2nd Place: Maui Jim

3rd Place: Ray-Ban

Favorite VHF Radio

1st Place: ICOM

Boating enthusiasts choose ICOM VHF marine radios for their durability and ease of use.

2nd Place: Garmin

3rd Place: Standard Horizon

Favorite Cruising Itinerary

1st Place: Bahamas

From fishing to diving to ecotourism, the Bahamas is still a fan favorite. Comprising 700 islands and more than 2,000 rocks and cays, the archipelago is easy to reach from the East Coast. There are plenty of places to explore, so boaters can make a cruising itinerary for a few days or a few weeks.

2nd Place: Florida Keys

3rd Place: BVIs

Favorite Watch

1st Place: Rolex

Rolex watches are crafted from the finest raw materials and assembled with meticulous attention to detail. The Yacht-Master model (right) sets the standard for luxury sailors’ timepieces.

2nd Place: Breitling

3rd Place: Apple

Favorite Cooler Brand

1st Place: YETI

Yeti’s hard- and soft-sided insulated coolers are extremely durable and ready for any outdoor adventure. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, like the Hopper M20 Backpack (right), they are built to be by a boater’s side for each catch or cruise.

2nd Place: Orca

3rd Place: Igloo

Favorite Outboard Power Cat

1st Place: World Cat

World Cat boats, like the 260CC-X (shown), deliver a smoother, softer, faster, and drier catamaran ride in even the roughest conditions. worldcat.com

2nd Place: Invincible

3rd Place: Aspen

Favorite Boatyard

1st Place: Lauderdale Marine Center

Lauderdale Marine Center, recently acquired by Safe Harbor, is the largest recreational yacht service facility in the U.S. The 60-plus-acre complex can handle vessels up to 200 feet with a maximum hauling capacity of 485 tons.

2nd Place: Cable Marine

3rd Place: Safe Harbor Rybovich

Favorite Charter Company

1st Place: The Moorings

With a fleet of more than 400 yachts in 20 destinations worldwide, The Moorings creates unforgettable charter vacations ideal for boaters of all skill levels.

2nd Place: MarineMax

3rd Place: Le Boat

Favorite Water Toy

1st Place: Jet Ski/WaveRunner

It’s no surprise that a Jet Ski/WaveRunner is the favorite water toy. These very reliable personal watercraft offer hours of fun and the ability to reach high speeds while remaining very easy
to control.

2nd Place: Stand-Up Paddle Board

3rd Place: AquaBana Cabana

Favorite Marine Generator

1st Place: Kohler

Kohler marine generators provide backup, prime, and continuous power solutions, available in diesel, gas, and LP configurations.

2nd Place: Onan

3rd Place: Northern Lights

Favorite Binoculars

1st Place: Bushnell

Bushnell has a full lineup of marine binoculars with 100 percent watertight construction and designs guaranteed to have a firm grip, even in wet conditions. The high-quality binoculars deliver bright, clear, HD imagery.

2nd Place: Steiner

3rd Place: Fujinon

Favorite Long-Range Cruiser

1st Place: Marlow

Marlow Yachts, such as the 70E MKII (below), can cross the oceans in luxury, comfort, and reliability. These yachts shine in performance and appearance.

2nd Place: Grand Banks

3rd Place: Ferretti

Favorite Marina (non-U.S.)

1st Place: Highbourne Cay

Highbourne Cay features 750 feet of face dock for yachts up to 180 feet and 16 back-in slips for boats up to 75 feet. Amenities include fuel, water, ice, Wi-Fi, and more.

2nd Place: Resorts World Bimini

3rd Place: Atlantis

Favorite Personal Locator Beacon

1st Place: ACR Electronics

ACR Electronics designs and manufactures cutting-edge rescue beacons and survival equipment for the marine market and more. Personal Locator Beacons, such as the new ResQLink AIS (right), aid in rapid response.

2nd Place: Garmin

3rd Place: Datrex

Favorite Boating Snack

1st Place: Beef jerky

Relaxing on your boat can give you the munchies. From salty to sweet, there are many types of snacks, but our readers chose beef jerky as their favorite treat.

2nd Place: Chips

3rd Place: Pretzels

Favorite Life Raft

1st Place: Viking

Viking life rafts of the throw overboard type, like the 25DK+ (above), are essential when it comes to safety at sea.

2nd Place: Winslow LifeRaft

3rd Place: Revere Survival

Must-Have Boating Item

1st Place: Sunglasses

Don’t get onboard without your sunglasses! They are the best protection for your eyes from sun glare. Polarized lenses can help when identifying shallows, reefs, and hazardous objects.

2nd Place: GPS/Fish Finder

3rd Place: VHF Radio

Favorite Center Console

1st Place: Pursuit

Pursuit Boats is the leader in center console boats designed with yacht-quality amenities that withstand the extremes of offshore boating conditions, such as the S358 (shown).

2nd Place: Boston Whaler

3rd Place: Grady-White

Favorite Green Boat

1st Place: Silent-Yachts

Silent-Yachts are the first ocean-going production solar yachts in the world exclusively powered by the sun’s energy. Advantages include noiseless cruising, unlimited range,
and zero emissions.

2nd Place: Greenline

3rd Place: Axopar 25 Electric

Favorite Inflatable

1st Place: Zodiac

Zodiac inflatable boats, like the Medline 6.8 (left), provide the ultimate on-the-water experience for any water sport. Benefits include stress-free docking, lightweight towing, reduced drag, and better fuel efficiency.

2nd Place: Highfield

3rd Place: AB Inflatables

Must-Have Galley Items

1st Place: Coffee Maker

That cup of joe is important any time of the day, so a coffee maker is most definitely a must-have galley item!

2nd Place: Blender

3rd Place: Microwave

Favorite Outboard Engine

1st Place: Yamaha

Yamaha offers a full lineup of outboard engines that provide excellent fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions in a lightweight, compact design.

2nd Place: Mercury

3rd Place: Suzuki

Favorite Fishing Rod

1st Place: Penn

Anglers choose Penn fishing rods for their high-tech style, precision, reliability, and corrosion-resistance in saltwater.

2nd Place: Shimano

3rd Place: Ugly Stik

Favorite Alcohol

1st Place: Tito's Vodka

Tito’s Vodka is America’s original craft vodka. Produced in Austin at Texas’ oldest legal distillery by Fifth Generation Inc., it is distilled from corn using old-fashioned pot stills. Tito’s Vodka is naturally gluten-free.

2nd Place: Bud Light

3rd Place: Bacardi

Favorite Boat Security System

1st Place: Garmin

Garmin products, such as its OnDeck System (above), let boaters monitor and control their vessel from a distance.

2nd Place: Raymarine

3rd Place: Siren Marine

Favorite Sportfisherman

1st Place: Viking

Viking sportfishers, like the 64 Convertible (above), are designed for the ultimate luxury tournament fishing and yachting experience.

2nd Place: Bertram

3rd Place: Hatteras

Favorite Foul-Weather Gear

1st Place: Helly Hansen

From professional-grade offshore sailing jackets to versatile coastal jackets, Helly Hansen gear is perfect for coastal cruising, high-speed racing, or enjoying long days on the water.

2nd Place: Columbia

3rd Place: Grundens

Favorite Motor Yacht

1st Place: Hinckley

With more than 90 years of yachting excellence, every Hinckley is the perfect composition of epoxy-infused carbon, exquisite detailing, and refined performance. The Hinckley Talaria 57 (below) delivers ease of operation, style, and innovation.

2nd Place: Maritimo

3rd Place: Marlow

Favorite Fishing Lures

1st Place: Rapala

Rapala fishing lures are made with meticulous precision, so they swim perfectly, right out of the box.

2nd Place: Strike King

3rd Place: Yo-Zuri

Favorite Vacation Destination

1st Place: Bahamas

With crystal-clear blue waters, gorgeous white-sand beaches, and plenty of islands to explore, there’s no doubt the Bahamas is the No. 1 vacation destination!

2nd Place: Florida Keys

3rd Place: BVIs

Want to vote for 2024? Subscribe below to be informed of when Voting starts!

The Viking 90: A Majestic Revelation in the Sportfishing World

The exceptionally well-appointed 90 takes on the vaunted mantle of Viking’s largest sportfish with a style all its own.

When the International Maritime Organization announced tier III emissions regulations a few years ago that would go into place in 2021, a chilling sense of disquiet fell over the typically cocksure and testosterone-driven sportfishing world. The previous decade had seen a considerable jump in the lengths of the ocean’s biggest convertibles. There was a time when a 55-foot battlewagon was about all any fisherman could ever hope for, but these days 80-foot-plus is nearly par for the course. Perhaps none of those monster fishing boats was more iconic than the Viking 92, a leviathan that dotted the world from Cairns to Kona, Quepos to Baker’s Bay. But with a load line length of more than 24 meters, it was on the chopping block. Unknown to many, this was the inception to developing the Viking 90.

Viking is no stranger to dealing with legislation poisonous to its business. The Healey family led the charge back in the 1990s when the luxury tax threatened the entire industry. Thus, the builder found itself back at the drawing board, quite literally in this case, designing a new flagship for its convertible line that would squeeze in just below the 24-meter limit without losing an inch of its commanding air.

So was born the Viking 90, which made her world debut at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show. Sitting front and center on the main docks, she was positioned to be the star of the show. And she didn’t disappoint.

The Viking 90, Because Size Matters

Viking knew, of course, that it would have to make some compromises with this slightly smaller rig (the 92’s LOA is 93 feet, 4 inches; the 90 is 90 feet even), but one place where it refused to budge was on the business end. The 90’s cockpit is 224 square feet, the same size as the 92, and it is one hell of a dance floor. There’s a 203-gallon livewell in the transom, twin 103-gallon in-sole fish boxes, and a gorgeously burled and finished fighting chair by Release Marine. The chair sits square over a powerful Seakeeper 35 that should nail the boat in place when bottom bashing or drifting. Just forward in the first row of mezzanine seating (there are three, but who’s counting?) is a door to an engine room that houses optional twin 2,635-mhp MTU 16V 2000s and twin 40 kW Kohler gensets in a space with seven feet of headroom and a gleaming white gelcoat sole.

The yacht’s triple mezzanine seating is a coup, and a design built off customer feedback. Not surprisingly, on a boat meant to be hauling in some of the largest animals swimming in the sea, everybody on board wants a good seat to watch the action unfold. Viking accomplished this feat with a layer cake of seating options that gets more posh as you move forward.

The first level of teak bench seating is for the fishermen. The second layer, with an upholstered settee for three, is for the anglers who aren’t fishing. The third and highest layer is for everybody else, with an L-shaped dining settee, air-conditioned seatbacks, and a 43-inch fold-down television in the ceiling. Stowage compartments are scattered throughout the mezzanine levels under seats and armrests, with seemingly endless space for fishing gear and even a dedicated spot for storing shoes.

One Salon or Two?

The mezzanines were sweet, as was expected, but it was the salon that made me say, “Holy cow!” A massive, L-shaped Lumix countertop to starboard is tastefully underlit and immediately grabs attention upon entering the space. The piece was first done on an 80 as a special order but comes standard on the 90. It is real yacht stuff. Truth be told, looking around the salon, you’d have to think hard to remember you were just in a fishing cockpit. High-gloss walnut throughout lends more than a touch of class and a 65-inch pop-up television to starboard makes rainy days fun. A secondary wet bar aft and to starboard with the same underlit counter as the primary bar only elevates the pursuit of leisure. It sits below an elegant floating staircase with tightly thatched leather braiding its handrail that leads up to the Viking’s enclosed flybridge.

That flybridge is easily large enough to act as a second salon. These enclosed convertibles offer a few major advantages. One is that multiple groups on the boat can have their own space to get out of each other’s hair if need be. It’s also excellent for anglers with visions of chasing fish to far-flung destinations. As nice as wind in your hair can feel, if you’re making the trek from South Florida to Cabo San Lucas, you’re going to want as much protection from the elements as possible while running the boat.

Take Command

To that end, the interior helm station is commanding—no pun intended. Five expansive Seatronx multifunction displays (MFDs) convey all manner of data which dances just below a single pane of unobstructed glass. Notably, the 90 is the first Viking to ever be designed for five MFDs. Omnidirectional sonar comes standard on the 90 and provides a 360-degree view of the fish around the boat. It’s a feature some anglers say makes fishing so easy that it almost feels like cheating, but it’s also a must for any boat that wants to compete at the highest levels.

Lines of sight from the blue Stidd helm seat with slick, gray suede piping weren’t quite 360 though, and you’ll likely need proper posture to see the bow. Behind the helm was a comfortable L-shaped lounge with a hi-lo cocktail table and a dedicated Sub-Zero refrigerator for cold drinks back at the dock. The aft of the bridge deck had a high-gloss walnut pocket door that slid open to reveal a small mezzanine with seating and a command station for backing down on a fish.

A ladder from the mezzanine led up to the boat’s skybridge, which is a Spartan affair, with one helm seat and maybe a handhold or two less than I’d like to see when you’re a few dozen feet above the waterline. But it’s a cool place to drive a boat! As I nestled into the Stidd chair and surveyed the Miami show from its highest point, I imagined dropping the hammer, hearing the gargantuan MTUs rev up, and flying out across the swells at the 90’s reported 38-knot top end. I soon heard myself start humming Jimi Hendrix: “Excuse me, while I kiss the sky.” It’s that visceral experience that I suspect is the real draw for many future owners of this 90.

The Game-changing Viking 90: A Fusion of Luxury and Premier Sportfishing Functionality

After conquering the world from on high, the 90 offers accommodations that will keep boaters well-rested for another day of fishing. The boat has a full-beam, amidships master with an island king berth, his-and-hers head, and a walk-in closet. There’s even a makeup station—certainly not standard fare for a fishboat. But then again, this is a far cry from a normal convertible. With the 90, Viking reaches into other realms—particularly that of megayachts. That’s what this boat feels like, especially with the high level of fit and finish and the attentiveness to space and ergonomics. If you owned a boat like this, the fishing could almost be an afterthought. But this is Viking after all, so let’s make sure to put the emphasis on almost.

With this boat, Viking has once again shown itself to be a resilient and creative brand, two traits that have placed the heavyweight sportfish championship belt squarely around its waist. And with a new fishing flagship leading the way, that doesn’t seem to be a title it will be relinquishing anytime soon.

-by Kevin Koenig

Island Cruise: Explore Cruise Companies’ Exclusive Private Island Destinations

Exclusive Experiences: Cruise ship companies are offering private island cruises and excursions.

What do actor Johnny Depp, illusionist David Copperfield, and the Aga Khan have in common? Apart from being wealthy, worldly, and at the top of their respective professions, they are also part of an exclusive group who own private islands in the Bahamas. For non-celebrities, taking an island cruise may be the closest experience to private island ownership. But for the ultra-wealthy, having access to their own island means that they can enjoy the pleasures of the Bahamas without dealing with gawkers and paparazzi. After all, it’s hard to get your island vibe on if you are constantly being harassed by autograph-seekers and chased by tabloid photographers looking for a salacious money shot.

Getting a bit of peace is sufficient motivation to pony up more than $100 million as the Aga Khan did in 2009 to purchase the 349-acre Bell Island in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP). The additional costs of persuading the Bahamian government to provide the permits necessary to dredge a channel from nearby Conch Cut to facilitate the entrance of his yacht and the $8 million spent rebuilding the homes on the island seem almost trivial.

By comparison, Johnny Depp’s 45-acre Little Halls Pond Cay also in the ECLSP was purchased for a modest $3.6 million in 2004, a relative bargain in the fantasy land of private escapes. If shelling out millions to live the private island lifestyle is not in the cards, then perhaps a short-term rental at David Copperfield’s Musha Cay could be a viable alternative for you and your significant other at a mere $350,000 per week. With 150 acres and a 10,000-square-foot manor house at your disposal, you should both be able to find your space.

Those of us with more modest means can only aspire to the lifestyles of the rich and famous as everyday realties intrude on daydreams fostered by furtive glances at tabloids in the supermarket checkout line. Understandably, the attraction to luxury and being waited on hand and foot in exotic locales is strong and it was a major factor in the impressive growth of the cruise ship industry; an industry that has always taken pride in pampering their guests. During the 1990s, cruise ship lines built 50 new ships, and between 2000 and 2015, they launched a whopping 300 ships. Each ship was larger, more luxurious, and better appointed than the previous, featuring amenities ranging from all-you-can-eat sushi to rock-climbing walls. Despite the setbacks of 9/11 and the ravages of the pandemic, which singled out cruise ships as particularly toxic environments, the industry has grown sevenfold since 1990. Presently, there are well over 100 ships expected to join the global fleet in the coming years.

With the rising numbers of available ships, competition for a different experience between cruise lines has grown fierce. Possibilities for new and exciting onboard amenities have reached their limits due to the physical constraints imposed by a ship, so turning to a branded land experience was a logical extension for the cruise companies. The concept of a private island destination is not new, but as the bar was raised with each new cruise ship debuting, the private island offerings had to keep pace, too, as lounge chairs and umbrellas alone were no longer sufficient to satisfy an experience-hungry public.

The first Bahamian island turned into a private destination for cruise ship guests was the 268-acre Great Stirrup Cay in the northern Berry Islands. Originally a base for pirates, the island was acquired by the Belcher Oil Company of Miami for oil exploration. When oil seemed to be an unlikely prospect in the Bahamas, the island was leased to Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) in 1977. The site’s proximity to deep water made it an ideal location for NCL, who cleaned it up and added cabanas and beach chairs so that its guests could come ashore and stretch their legs for a few hours. Not surprisingly, the shore excursions on pristine beaches were very popular and the site became a pillar of the NCL marketing campaigns.

Not to be outdone, Admiral Cruises leased nearby Little Stirrup Cay in 1985 in the cruise ship equivalent of keeping up with the Joneses, so that it too could offer a similar beach experience to its guests. Unlike Great Stirrup Cay which had a storied history of being the home to pirates, Little Stirrup Cay was undeveloped and uninhabited until the arrival of Admiral Cruises. In 1988, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, which also operated Celebrity and Azamara Cruises, assumed the lease for Little Stirrup Cay and renamed it Coco Cay after it acquired Admiral Cruises into its fleet. With the launch of Coco Cay, the race to create even more spectacular island experiences was on.

In the following years, Princess Cruise Lines created the Princess Cay Experience on Eleuthera, and the Disney Corporation opened the Treasure Island Castaway Experience on Guana Cay in Abaco. Both facilities opened their doors in the early 1990s, but the Disney offering only lasted a few years because the site they had chosen was too shallow to host cruise ships. The Loggerhead Channel, which was cut into reefs and rock, much to the dismay of environmentalists, proved to be a boon for private boaters but was simply too difficult for large cruise ships to negotiate safely during Abaconian winter storms. After several seasons of multiple cancellations, Disney abandoned the site and moved its Bahamian Island experience to Gorda Cay which it has since renamed Castaway Cay. Virtually all traces of the failed Treasure Island Experience have been eradicated from the Internet, and the site itself has been demolished to create the luxury Baker’s Bay Development. Boaters as recently as 2010, however, will remember the eerie silhouette of a ghostly pirate ship rising above the mangroves.

While private island developments were immensely popular with cruise ship guests, alarms were being raised by environmental groups to the potential damage that could be caused by the sudden introduction of floating hotels and throngs of passengers into fragile ecosystems that were already under stress due to climate change and pollution in the world’s oceans. In response to the criticism, the cruise ship industry has adopted policies to go above and beyond the mandatory regulatory requirements of environmental management. In 2018, MSC Cruises undertook a landmark project to reclaim Ocean Cay, a former sand mining site located on a man-made island perched at the edge of Great Bahama Bank south of Bimini. With an investment of $300 million the man-made mound of sand was rehabilitated with rock seawalls to prevent erosion, a coral rejuvenation program was started, and trees were planted, all with the objective of creating an ecologically positive impact while providing guests with an idyllic private island experience.

Currently, there are no fewer than nine private island escapes in the Bahamas solely for the use of cruise ship passengers. After a $250 million rejuvenation in 2017, Royal Caribbean claims to have the tallest water slide in the Caribbean at 135 feet, but it will undoubtedly be challenged by something bigger and better as the need to fill the new ships coming online increases. In southern Long Island, the Calypso Cove project, announced in December 2022, will include a full-size 18-hole golf course and a heliport. Developed by the Brazilian company Azul, it will be available for the use of any cruise line that wishes to stop at its dock, which will be sized to accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world. If it is successful, there will likely be more third-party offerings of private island experiences.

While the jury is still out on the effectiveness of the environmental management programs instituted by the cruise ship lines, and economic benefits to local economies of cruise ships are unclear, the undeniable popularity of the island destination will almost ensure that new sites will be sought out and developed. The winners will be the cruise ship passengers, who for the price of their fares will be able to enjoy the barefoot, sand-between-the-toes hedonism of the rich and famous on their private islands. It’s true you must share the day with a few thousand of your new best friends, but it’s a good compromise until those Powerball numbers come in.

-by Addison Chan

The Mystic Powerboats M5200: A Unique Look at the Delivery Experience

Mother Nature stacks the deck. Mystic Powerboats even the odds.

Mystic Powerboats recently delivered their new M5200 prototype to returning customer Josh Denning located on the Lake of The Ozarks. Josh says,

"John thought of everything when building this elegant and sexy boat. My favorite feature is how the M5200 handles the rough water of LOTO with performance, without giving up the amenities of a cruiser."

Josh Denning Tweet

During its time as the Mystic 52 demo, Mystic put 250 hours on it, covered 5,880 miles, and poured nearly 10,000 gal. of fuel through it. Being launched at Mercurys Lake X and then traveling to LOTO in 2022, Key West Poker Run, 1000 Islands, Bahamas.

It made it’s debut Internationally at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show as well as St. Petersburg and the West Palm Beach Boat shows. This boat has been up the eastern seaboard. Mystic will debut the new 52 demo boat at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in November with a new cabin layout that is four feet longer than the current ones built to date.

John Cosker says,

“Up until we built the new M5200 model my favorite boat that we ever created was the Mystic SL700. It was a custom-built 70 ft. center console with Caterpillar diesels, Arneson Drives and ran over 80 mph. We built the boat in 2005 and it blew me away back then as to what an amazing boat it was. The M5200 has surpassed it in so many ways. Using the latest technologies and exhibiting the growth of Mystic in the center console market the boat reflects everything we strive for. My family and I have enjoyed countless hours on the boat and have had literally hundreds of people on board over the last year and we are really looking forward to our next one. I think it’s very fitting that the boat will now live at LOTO where it debuted and I wish the Denning family nothing but happiness with it for years to come.”

Leopard 40 Powercat: A Comprehensive Review of the Ultimate Cruising Platform

Leopard 40 Powercat: The Ideal Cruiser for Couples and Families

Leopard Catamarans, the South African builder of power and sail multihulls, has just expanded its line by launching the Leopard 40 Powercat, a model that’s bound to become a favorite with power cruising couples. A from-scratch design, this boat is easily managed by two but still has plenty of space for friends, family, and loads of gear. It offers the deck and living space of a 50-foot monohull but will fit in a much shorter slip. It’s generous yet compact, and sophisticated yet simple—all at once.

The design is by naval architects Simonis Voogd, and it’s a bit of a marvel. The challenge was to create similar comfort and performance as offered by her two (46- and 53-foot) sisterships but on a much smaller platform. Cats become weight- and trim-sensitive as they get shorter so the designers used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to develop a well-balanced hull form that could carry loads of cruising gear but still offer a top speed over 20 knots.

On Deck: Unique Features of the Leopard 40 Powercat

Starting forward, the first thing to notice is the tidy ground tackle setup. The windlass, anchor, and pre-rigged bridle are hidden but easy to access so you’ll never have to reach deep into spaces where your hands could get caught. Whether attaching the bridle or retrieving the anchor, it’s all quite simple and safe. There is also cavernous storage space forward which is good for large, light gear like fenders. Owners will need to resist temptation to fill it with heavy objects that will make the bows ride low in the water.

Two sunbeds are on the foredeck and impressively high stainless steel rails hug the perimeter for easy and safe movement on deck when offshore. The aft cockpit is compact with a forward-facing seat and table. This is one distinct departure the Leopard 40 Powercat makes from most cat cockpit layouts that are generally faced aft. It’s largely due to the oversized engine room hatches which don’t allow much furniture to be built out and to the sides. Of course, this means that the engine compartments are exceptionally spacious with access to just about all parts of the engines so you can do regular maintenance without having to twist yourself into an impossible space.

To port are stairs leading from the cockpit to the flybridge which, per the builder, is the largest in this class. It will absolutely be the outdoor gathering spot for everyone aboard. The helm here is to starboard with twin Raymarine multifunction displays, thruster and engine controls, autopilot, and a wide bench seat for two or even three. The backrest flips forward for aft-facing seating when it’s time to relax around the U-shaped dinette. An optional summer galley and an additional straight bench are to port, and the whole thing is covered by a hardtop that can also hold a sizable solar panel for added energy autonomy at anchor. As a bonus, there’s room aft of the bimini for a couple of chaise lounges, perfect for sun worshipers.

Accommodations: Experience The Luxury

The Leopard 40 Powercat is currently only offered in a three-cabin, two-head layout. The entire starboard hull holds a sumptuous owner’s suite with a large bed aft, a vanity desk amidships, and an enormous head forward. The desk in the middle may be replaced with extra storage drawers, and additional storage cubbies may be substituted for the optional TV on a bracket above. With more drawer space below the berth, the one thing this boat doesn’t lack is a place for everything.

The master head takes up nearly a third of the hull and has a single sink, an immense shower stall, and strangely, the toilet right by the entry door. Losing a foot of the shower and moving the toilet basin a bit forward and away from the door would have been ideal but that may not have worked with the curvature of the hull as it narrows going forward.

The port hull has twin cabins and a very workable Jack-and-Jill head that’s shared by both cabins. Because Leopard wisely decided to forgo shoehorning in another head, the cabins are spacious and have better stowage options.

The main deck of the Leopard 40 Powercat is surprisingly feature-rich and very bright due to the large surrounding vertical windows. In the port forward corner, an L-shaped settee wraps around an optional coffee table and faces a single seat and a TV on a swing bracket opposite. Aft is an L-shaped galley with a ceramic cooktop, oven, single sink, and even an optional dishwasher. To starboard is a homestyle side-by-side refrigerator that’s bound to please everyone from the chef to the kids. There are also copious stowage options for dishes, cutlery, and provisions. This is a proper kitchen that’s just steps away from the dining table in the aft cockpit and the perfect setting for peaceful, intimate breakfasts.

An interior helm occupies the starboard forward corner. Many cats of this size don’t feature an inside helm, relying instead on the flybridge control station, but anyone traveling in pouring rain, freezing cold, oppressive heat, or through the night will rejoice about this protected lower helm. A single MFD, engine throttles, and optional thruster or joystick controls make this a small but sophisticated cat with a helm for true voyagers which adventurous owners will appreciate.

A wonderful addition is the forward watertight door on the centerline. It leads directly to the sunbeds on the foredeck, and when opened, it cools the whole boat down with a fresh breeze in just minutes. As a bonus, it lets the driver move quickly and directly to the foredeck to help with dock lines.

Performance: Speed, Efficiency, and Control

We had ideal testing conditions on Biscayne Bay in Miami. The water was flat, the wind was light, and the boat performed well with her upgraded 370-hp Yanmar diesels with shaft drives. (Standard propulsion includes 250-hp engines.)

The Leopard 40 Powercat idled at 1,000 rpm where she made good 5.7 knots of speed and 4.8 mpg. She reached a top speed of 22.7 knots at 3,880 rpm, generating .6 mpg. The sweet spot was right around 3,000 rpm where we popped up on plane at 17 knots, delivering .9 mpg. This means the 40 PC is capable of a 350-mile range at cruising speed (depending on wind and sea state).

On plane, our turns were easy but tight with no slipping or digging in. At idle, the twin engines spun us around in our own length. You can spec a tunnel thruster in the port bow for enhanced control when docking in a cross breeze. Visibility forward and down the starboard hull is good, and a camera can be added for backing. Using the lower helm for docking has its advantages including being able to quickly step from the wheel out on deck through the forward or aft doors which is great when short or single-handed.

The 40 PC offers numerous big-boat features as options including a generator in the port forward deck locker, a watermaker under the port guest berth, electric heads, upgraded AGM batteries, 16,000 BTU air conditioning, davits with an electric winch, engine upgrades of 320 or 370 horsepower, and a Yanmar JC20 joystick that combines the engine and the thruster for even easier maneuvering.

Overall Impressions: Why the Leopard 40 Powercat Should Be on Your Shortlist

You could easily bring 20 people aboard and find a seat for everyone so it’s likely that owners of the Leopard 40 Powercat will find themselves the center of the party in any anchorage. But when it’s time to cruise or relax, the 40 PC is also perfectly sized for couples who like to travel alone or with small families and occasional guests.

This boat is simultaneously a generous platform and a compact cruiser so kudos to the designers because it’s hard to stuff those two disparate characteristics into one package. Anyone shopping for a powercat should put the 40 PC on their short list or look for one to charter such as The Moorings 403 PC. You’ll have the vacation as well as the sea trial of a lifetime.

-by Zuzana Prochazka

Fantastic Boat Rack Systems: For Easy Adventures on the Water

Revolutionize Your Boating Experience with Manta Racks

Planning a family day out on the boat is not just about packing the essentials like food and drinks anymore. Nowadays, you have to ensure everyone has a good time as well! With the advent of boat rack systems, you can bring along paddleboards or floating mats too!

But the struggle is real when it comes to storage space on a boat, no matter how big it is. With paddleboards, kayaks, and floating mats gaining popularity, everyone wants to take them to incredible places like barrier islands or even the Bahamas. Where do you fit all these goodies on your center console? Just chuck them on the floor? Remember those days when you’d end up stubbing your toes on the boards scattered around the deck? And don’t get me started on the giant floating mat wedged between the console and the gunwale, waiting to be tripped over!

The Game-changing Solution: Boat Rack Systems

But fear not, my fellow boaters, those struggles are a thing of the past! Enter the fantastic rack system! It’s like magic—just slide the rack system into a rod holder on the gunwale of your boat, pop your boards on it, and strap ’em in. Voila! No more boards cluttering the deck, and the floating mats are out of your way, perfectly secure. It’s a total game-changer!

And guess what? These rack systems are a dream come true—portable, lightweight, and super-durable. When you’re not using them, just stash them away effortlessly. Plus, they’re proudly American-made, tested in the mighty ocean, and loved by boat owners alike.

So, pack up those paddleboards, kayaks, and floating mats, and hit the water with ease and style, thanks to these fantastic boat rack systems!