Experience an escape from the day-to-day in a model that steals the spotlight with sophisticated style, luxury details and easy-to-use amenities. The SLX 260 combines ingenuity with intuition to reveal a host of next-level features that make boating effortless. Superior materials, plush upholstery and refined accents create a relaxing atmosphere encouraging those aboard to be present in the moment. Every inch of the SLX 260 has been carefully designed, from the updated seating layout to integrated storage optimized for space.
MORE ROOM AT THE WATER’S EDGE
The Sea Ray SLX 260 showcases an extended transom with a broad swim platform and an expanded sunpad. The swim platform is outfitted with a swim step and concealable ladder for easy water access. The sunpad presents a prime spot to take in the sights along the water’s edge and lounge in comfort. An integrated transom cooler can be filled with ice and drinks or kept empty as dry storage to safely stow items.
REIMAGINED SPACES
The SLX 260 has been thoughtfully designed to maximize space. The cockpit’s updated layout includes L-shaped bench seating with deeper seats to promote ergonomics and comfort. Blending seamlessly, convenient storage has been incorporated throughout such as the enlarged ski compartment in the cockpit floor and transom locker for storing gear, floating water mats and inflatables.
NIGHTS FILLED WITH LIGHTS
With LED lights and courtesy lighting, there’s more to enjoy aboard the SLX 260 after the sun goes down. Gaze at the stars while sharing refreshments and listening to music on the standard Fusion® Apollo™ audio system. Select the Lighting bundle offering LED RGB-W color-changing lighting for a burst of color perfect for any occasion or celebration out on the water. An LED light that projects the Sea Ray logo onto the cockpit floor is also available with Lighting bundle and Power Tower additions.
NEXT GENERATION POWER TOWER
Adding a sporty look to the SLX 260 while providing protection from the elements, the optional next-generation Power Tower features an extended sunshade. The tower can be lowered or raised with the touch of a button, and removable canvas sections can be unzipped to reveal a T-top opening to let in the sun.
INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY
Get out on the water faster with a host of technologies designed for confident captaining and simple monitoring of the boat’s systems. The helm places everything within reach and offers a standard Dual Digital Dash™ featuring 9″ Simrad® touchscreen displays with Mercury Marine® VesselView® Mobile, Active Trim control & monitoring, and CZone® digital switching.
For insiders, Eleuthera is one of the most desirable destinations in the Bahamas. For some skippers, though, mentioning the name evokes a “where?” Part of the problem may be in the pronunciation. It’s not e-loot-ra. It’s uh-looo-ther-uh.
However you pronounce it, Eleuthera is delightful. It’s 110 miles long, but barely a mile wide in a few places. With its companion, Harbour Island, it has great marinas and is around 50 miles from Nassau and less than 200 nautical miles from Florida.
Let’s start with Harbour Island, known to locals as “Briland.” Dunmore Town is the oldest and most charming settlement in the Bahamas, and you’ll get your fill of quaint cottages with white picket fences. Don’t be surprised if everyone—young, old, and in-between—greet you with “How you today?” or “Good mornin’.” This should be called the friendly island.
Dunmore Town is home to two great marinas, one at Romora Bay Resort and the other at Valentines Resort. Romora Bay can handle yachts up to 190 feet on floating docks and has free high-speed Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, a new reverse osmosis (RO) water system, an on-site concierge for provisioning, plus a pool and restaurants. Valentines can accommodate yachts up to 200 feet with fresh RO water, nighttime security, free Wi-Fi, 110/220v power up to 100 amps, fuel service, showers, and laundry.
If you tucked into a marina, do not plan to eat aboard. My first stop is always Ma Ruby’s on Colebrooke Street for juicy cheeseburgers with a Kalik (or two).
Start your morning off right at Arthur’s Bakery on Crown Street with a lobster omelet, then stock up on jalapeño cheese bread (for grilled cheese sandwiches!), and grab a key lime pie for dessert later.
For upscale dining, start at The Landing, an 1800s hotel on Bay Street, and indulge in its stone crab stack or coconut chicken curry. Another good choice is the Rock House, also on Bay Street, for linguine alla vongole (pasta, clams, mussels, garlic sauce) or the bisque of lobsters just hours from the sea bottom when in season.
Rent an electric golf cart to cruise Dunmore and use it for a short hop to Pink Sands Resort on the other side of the island, where award-winning chef Dean Max offers up crispy blackened fish tacos and spicy coconut conch chowder for lunch. Then enjoy the extraordinary pink sands on the lovely beach.
Keep Going
Back in Dunmore Town, stop at the Princess Street Gallery for a great souvenir: beautiful art from local artists. Fortified by food, there are a lot of sights to see on Eleuthera, so catch a ferry or move your boat.
Davis Harbour Marina at the Cotton Bay Club on South Eleuthera offers the chance to chase bonefish with a fly rod in the morning and then big game fish offshore in the afternoon. The marina has 24 slips with nightly security, fuel, 30-50 amp power, RO water, provisioning, an on-site concierge, plus ice, laundry, and shower facilities.
Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina handles yachts up to 200 feet with a deep 12-foot entry and protective jetties to eliminate any wave action. Tucked between Exuma and Rock Sounds on South Eleuthera, it offers 48 slips with power up to 100 amp, water, and provisions.
Rent a car or jeep to drive the length of Eleuthera for exploring—you won’t regret it. At the northern tip is Preacher’s Cave, where early settlers took shelter after they were shipwrecked in 1648, and later turned it into a church where you can still see the hand-carved altar. The petroglyphs by Lucayan Indians are obviously from much farther back.
The Glass Window Bridge is where you cross from North Eleuthera to the south island and, not so long ago, it did look like a window offering a view of the Atlantic Ocean in one direction and the Caribbean in the other. It’s been eroded, but it’s still pretty spectacular.
After the Glass Window, don’t worry about food because the newly reopened The Cove Eleuthera on the Caribbean side is a no-brainer. Chef Aadam Coetzee (who trained with Gordon Ramsay) presides over its Freedom Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which produces veggies from its own garden just yards away (with its own gardener!). Do NOT miss the Seafood Futomaru Noodle Alfredo where shrimp, clams, and mahi-mahi meet pasta in creamy alfredo sauce.
The south end of the island offers Ocean Hole at Rock Sound, where you can jump into a blue hole surrounded by cliffs in mid-island. It’s said to be more than 600 feet deep and, once in, there are steps and ladders to get out. Divers love the change from ocean dives.
No matter how you pronounce Eleuthera, it’s well worth adding to your list of must-visits.
Getting There
A word about getting to Eleuthera. You’ll want to pass between Eleuthera and Spanish Wells through what is known (for good reason) as The Devil’s Backbone. It’s a shallow and jagged reef that has ripped out the bottom of many ships and more than a few yachts, so stop at Spanish Wells and pick up a pilot.
A real character, A1 Brod Shad, has retired, but for a good replacement (if you like stories along with your piloting), try Bruno the Nauti Boy Pilot. Or you can hail (via VHF Channels 11 or 16) for Lil Woody, Hexton Pinder, or Bradley Newbold.
Still basking in the afterglow of crossing to the Bahamas on Regal’s new 38 FXO this past fall, we recently received another message from Jeff Littlefield, Regal’s marketing manager, announcing its new 38 Fly. What? Another 38 flybridge model so soon? He invited us on board to spend the day getting to know this new “fly guy”…err…gal.
The sun wasn’t out for our journey from Miami to Boca Chita Key, but it wasn’t a problem for us. The 38 FXO and the new 38 Fly have the exact same layouts, so our party of six rode comfortably inside the salon which features an L-shaped seating area opposite the starboard-side helm station with a 22-inch MFD. Aft of the helm is another cozy bench with a convenient storage area behind it. A small, but well-equipped galley completes this space that can be enclosed with a sliding door during inclement weather. Both models provide the perfect platform for entertaining.
So what is new on the 38 Fly? “The transom, and obviously, the sterndrive. We’re just using Volvo and their system,” says Thomas Medri, regional sales manager for Regal in Canada, who was our captain for the day. The 38 Fly (38’ 9” LOA, 11’ 11” beam) is powered by twin Volvo V8 430 EVC2 Joystick Catalysts with the option of twin Volvo D4 diesel 300s. “You get the driving joystick, you have your docking modes, you know it’s dual station with the fly, but you have full control…. (Overall), it means this is much quieter,” he adds.
With the engines now placed inside, there is room for a full swim platform which can be used for easy access to and from the water or just for lounging in the sun. “You get this massive swim platform which is just inches off the water,” Medri says. “It’s a game changer for families.”
Families, or large groups, will get the most enjoyment from this boat. “People love these for their kids and stuff, too,” he says. “There’s just so much space.
“Storage on this boat is unreal,” he adds. “Even places you can’t see. I mean, it’s behind that backrest. It’s under the seat. It’s under that mattress. We’ve got storage in the steps down here.” Yes, there’s even storage in the top two steps that lead to the accommodations below: one full-beam cabin forward with an island queen-size berth (that lifts to provide even more storage space) and another cabin amidships with a queen that can split into twins. Both have large windows that illuminate the rooms in natural light and share a full head to starboard and a full shower to port.
The sun came out around lunchtime, giving us the opportunity to slide open the salon door and push the button to retract the window separating the galley from the aft cockpit creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. Capt. Medri put on his chef hat and heated up the grill at the wet bar/entertainment center forward on the cockpit to make burgers for lunch. There was plenty of room to cook everything for this party of six, and some enjoyed the meal alfresco, while others dined in the salon under the cool air from the air conditioner.
When it was time to head back to Miami, I made my way up to the flybridge because there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to take in the view from anywhere else. Although a bimini comes standard, it was not raised. Capt. Medri piloted from the starboard-side helm station featuring dual 16-inch screens. I sat behind him on the comfortable L-shaped settee that has a table hidden underneath the seat. Just take it out when you want to dine up top.
The bow boasts a huge sunpad where I could have relaxed for the ride back, but I already had my feet up on the flybridge with the wind blowing through my hair. Nothing beats that boating feeling.
Medri agrees. “There’s a lot of people that still just want that wind in their face when they boat, but they also want the amenities that Regal brings you with that galley up or head down below, or open atrium,” he says. “And the ability to just come up here and just get that boating feeling that you grew up with is awesome.”
Head on over to Regal Boats and design your own today!
The GLS series continues its powerful, entertainment-centered yacht line with the 34 GLS. The 34 GLS’s cockpit features two cockpit L-shaped seating areas. The portside seating has an adjustable backrest while the larger starboard side seating converts into a large, aft facing sunpad. The lower salon features an aft stateroom, a dinette that converts into a berth, fridge, and microwave.
COCKPIT
The 34 GLS’s cockpit features two cockpit L-shaped seating areas. The portside seating has an adjustable backrest that when flipped in the aft facing position, makes a companion seat. On the larger starboard side, the aft backrest can flipped into the forward position to create a large aft-facing sunpad. There is also a personal, aft-facing seat on the port side to comfortably watch swimmers.
ENGINES
The 34 GLS OB is powered by twin or 300 Mercury Verados. The joystick piloting allows you to navigate with ease at the top speed of 46 mph or cruise at 37 mph with the 600 hp option.
GALLEY
The galley features a fiberglass inlay sink, fridge, grill, and storage.
HELM
The helm aboard the 34 GLS is impeccably designed with Simrad electronics and joystick piloting.
BOW SEATING
The bow seating features a table that easily converts into a sunpad, Rockford Fosgate speakers, and multiple cupholders. An optional foredeck shade keeps your guests nice and cool.
LOWER SALON
The lower salon features a dinette that converts into a spacious berth. The lower galley is compete with a fridge, microwave, and TV.
AFT STATEROOM
The aft stateroom aboard the 34 GLS features a custom sized berth, and personal reading lights.
HEAD
The 34 GLS head features a sink, toilet, and standing shower. Storage hidden behind the mirror and underneath the sink allow you to tuck away personal items.
Leopard 46 Powercat, the second model in the series, does not disappoint.
Only two years after the launch of the Leopard 53 PC (a completely re-thought powercat model at the time), Leopard Catamarans introduced the Leopard 46 PC, a smaller—but equally impressive—sistership. The two were parked side by side at the recent Miami boat show, and I was urged to visit one right after the other to compare.
“You’ll see that the 46 feels nearly as large as the 53,” says Franck Bauguil, Leopard’s vice president of yacht sales and product development. “They’re remarkably similar despite the seven-foot difference.”
I took his advice and toured the 53 PC first. It’s significant and stout and lacks for nothing in terms of comfort. Then I stepped aboard Hull No. 1 of the 46 PC and realized Bauguil was right. The 46 PC borrows design elements from her bigger sibling and does wonders with her 46-foot by 24-foot platform.
South African builder Robertson and Caine have been building catamarans for 30 years and with that kind of longevity, they’ve seen and done it all. Like most cat builders, they’ve taken sailing cats in the past and modified them for power. With the 53 PC and the 46 PC, they took another tack and designed these two for power applications from the keels up. It makes a difference.
Untraditional Design
Three steps bring you from the swim platforms to the aft cockpit, most of which is taken up by a large dinette. This is a design departure because most cats have ample seating and lounges here. The factor for more gating structure is the result of the enormous engine room hatches on either side that can’t be topped with furniture, so the dinette is tucked in between. Also, it’s expected that other than dining, most outdoor entertaining will be done on the flybridge, so why duplicate the spaces?
There’s still lots of space behind the dining settee to walk from one side to the other or manage the tender. Davits are offered, but the optional hydraulic platform is more versatile and creates a teak beach at the waterline.
Starboard-side steps lead up to the flybridge, or you can walk up either side deck to the bow where you’ll find twin sunbeds and plenty of room to work the windlass.
Spacious Living
The Leopard 46 PC is available with three or four cabins and a matching number of heads. The owner’s version places the master along the entire starboard hull with a longitudinal bed aft, a desk amidships, a large closet (it can’t be called a locker), a head with twin vanities, and a huge shower in the bow. (FYI: For those who like spacious bathrooms, this head takes up nearly a quarter of the LOA so you won’t feel hemmed-in.)
The breaker panel sits alongside the steps down to the master cabin, so the owner doesn’t have to go far in the middle of the night to turn systems on/off or to check on the state of the batteries. A lower helm is optional and may be interesting to those who venture often into more challenging climates.
The salon redefines “open layout.” Not only is the aft galley well integrated into the salon itself, but also the forward door brings the outside in with a fresh breeze and plenty of light. Leopard’s traditional forward cockpit has been taken over to make a larger salon. However, you still have the twin lounges where you can hold happy hour when the sun is beating down on the aft cockpit as you swing on the hook.
The surrounding windows in the salon seem larger than on previous models and are made of tempered glass which, besides strength, offers better clarity. Lounge areas include the L-shaped settee to port with a straight sofa to starboard, just behind the optional lower helm. (There is no specified companion seat.)
The galley has a two-burner Kenyon induction cooktop and a Bosch convection oven below. The refrigerator/freezer are household-sized, and there are options for an icemaker, microwave, and dishwasher. To starboard is a serving area with cutlery and dish lockers, an integrated bottle locker, and space for an icemaker or bottle cooler all topped with ample counter space so the chef never has to work alone. The aft glass door opens to nearly 50 percent creating a seamless transition to the aft cockpit which is perfect when serving a meal.
Leopard notes that this series highlights “powerboat styling,” including more indirect lighting, larger hull windows that result in brighter cabins below, wider staterooms, cleaner lines, and a finish in matte greige that is very popular on motoryachts in this class. “The 46 borrows heavily from the innovations brought to the 53,” says Katie Baker, yacht sales marketing manager. “The focus is on luxury and comfort.”
There’s also an easy-living flow aboard this model that connects the sunbeds on the bow with the salon, and the galley with the aft cockpit, all within just a few steps and two doors. You can’t get this much space on a monohull motoryacht of the same length, and the stability of twin hulls means no gyrostabilizer is necessary to keep everyone comfortable day and night.
Fantastic Fly
The cockpit may be focused on dining, but the entertainment star is the flybridge where everyone will want to lounge and take in the fabulous views. To port is a companion bench for three, amidships is a U-shaped dinette that will accommodate up to eight with additional chairs, and aft is a large sunpad for up to three. Starboard aft is open space that can be used for extra lounge chairs and just ahead is a galley module amidships with a sink and an optional fridge and a grill.
There’s a lower helm on this model to starboard equipped with twin 16-inch Axiom Raymarine MFDs and autopilot, Yanmar engine controls and displays, and a bench. Sightlines down the starboard side are excellent so you’ll want to dock on that side, if possible. Visibility forward is good, but the aft is blocked as it is on all flybridge models; however, Leopard offers two optional cameras (forward and aft) that integrate into the MFDs. Docking with the backup camera is only a matter of getting used to it just like in your car.
Because the 53 PC and the 46 PC were parked next to each other, it was easy to compare the size of their respective flybridges. To my eye, they were nearly identical. Bauguil confirmed that one is just a bit smaller than the other, but it speaks volumes that you can hardly see the difference even with such a close comparison.
Fully Loaded
I tested the 46 PC with the upgraded 370-hp engines in 15 knots of breeze on very lumpy waters just outside Government Cut in Miami. We had a crowd aboard with 15 on the flybridge alone, and both the water and fuel tanks were 70 percent full so the boat was heavily loaded.
We came up on plane at 15-16 knots and went up to 22.4 knots at 3,660 rpm (wide open throttle) where the boat burned 38.6 gph. We found a more efficient cruise at 17 knots and 3,200 rpm burning 20 gph. With 489 gallons of onboard fuel, expect an approximate 400-nautical mile range at cruising speed depending on conditions.
The bows have a narrow entry to easily split the oncoming water, but they’re stepped above to create greater interior volume and more comfortable cabins. The propellers are ensconced in tunnels to improve speed, and the Yanmar diesels are contained within soundproof engine rooms that are farther from the living spaces to reduce noise and vibration.
The 46 PC is very maneuverable as you’d expect with engines set so far apart. However, it’s a lot of boat so although it’s not strictly necessary, some may find peace of mind with
the optional bow thruster.
A Lot to Recommend It
Bauguil says Leopard is in the process of fleshing out its powercat line so the 46 PC doesn’t replace a model, it just adds to the offering. Approximately 50 percent of the upcoming Leopard 46 PCs will go into charter while the other 50 percent will be sold to private owners.
If you’re in the market for a new yacht, consider a powercat and perhaps add the Leopard 46 PC to your shortlist. If you’d like to try before you buy, keep an eye out for one in charter at an exotic destination via The Moorings. You won’t be disappointed.
Traveling to the Bahamas by boat may seem intimidating with weather, fuel prices, and COVID restrictions, so take the extra steps to prepare before you point the bow east. They’ll be well worth it when you arrive at Customs and Immigration.
Three-day Window
You and your crew need to present negative COVID-19 tests three days prior to your arrival in the Bahamas regardless of your vaccination status. You must also apply for a Bahamian health visa, which can be done online at travel.gov.bs. Make sure everyone aboard has a printed copy of their health visa and negative COVID test along with their passport before the boat leaves the dock. Keep in mind, the Bahamian government constantly updates its travel regulations, so double check that website for the latest protocols before you sail.
Inspect Your Boat
Before any long-range trip, you should rest assured knowing all major components of your boat are functioning. For a first-time boat owner, this can be a very stressful situation because the open ocean coupled with the Gulf Stream current can and will exploit any faults your boat may have and, possibly, your skills. Don’t forget, once you get far enough offshore, there’s no cell service, therefore, it’s imperative to travel with a VHF radio and a satellite communication device in the event of an emergency.
If everything on board checks out well, it’s time to prepare the boat for the crossing. The key is to pack light—only bring what you need to prevent weighing down the boat. Excess weight will negatively affect handling and decrease performance. Strategically plan what to bring because not all supplies are readily accessible in the Bahamas. Your fuel tank should be filled to the brim, especially when island hopping, because fuel isn’t available on every island.
Ideal Conditions
The difficult nature of planning a trip to the Bahamas months in advance is there’s no guarantee of fair weather. Calm seas and clear skies are ideal, but you know how weather can change instantly.
Less-than-perfect conditions happen, and how you handle it comes from experience. A breeze below 10 knots is considered great conditions, especially if the sea state is mild, such as swells two to three feet or less. However, that’s not always the case, so if you feel you and the boat can handle a strong breeze and resulting chop, then the wind direction comes into play.
Between Florida and the Bahamas lies the Gulf Stream current, which flows in a northerly direction. The ideal wind direction then is a southerly because it’s blowing in the same direction as the current. On the flip side, if the wind and current are opposing, the sea state is steep and choppy, and the faster the wind, the rougher the waves. Believe me, it won’t be fun.
Despite what the weather forecast says, always be on the lookout for storms. Thunderstorms pose some serious risks through lightning and gusts of wind that can drastically increase wave heights. It’s a good idea to have a device on board to track storms, such as radar or even a weather app. Knowing how to read the cloud formations is also an advantage. Safety is of prime importance.
Boat Trim is Key
Today, we’re seeing center consoles longer than 60 feet, but that doesn’t change the safety factor. Room aboard, maybe, but a comfortable ride is accomplished with the use of trim tabs. As you drop your trim tabs, hydrodynamics will force the bow down to slice through the waves rather than slamming and riding over the top. However, there’s a trade-off. By using trim tabs, you will reduce fuel efficiency and run the risk of taking waves over the bow. The key is to fine-tune the trim to reach the boat’s optimal performance.
Wave Your Flag
Once you enter Bahamian waters, you must fly a yellow quarantine flag which signifies that you’re entering the territory and you’ve yet to check in. Part of the prep work was to chart your crossing to make the most convenient port of entry. Only the captain is allowed off the boat to present the paperwork to Customs and Immigration; the crew has to stay on board. If not completed online, you’ll need to bring the paperwork back to the boat for the crew to fill out.
Once the paperwork, passports, health visas, and negative COVID tests are accepted, the captain will purchase a cruising permit, which can also be bought online before your arrival. After checking in, switch your yellow quarantine flag to a Bahamas courtesy flag. Then you and your crew can explore the islands from the aft deck or on shore. With plenty to see and do, you might want to make time for both.
Sea Tow® Shares Top Ten Tips to Consider Before Leaving the Dock
Boating Industry Sees a Record Number of Boat Sales and Boaters on the Water
Southold, NY – May 17, 2022 – The boating industry has seen a record number of new and existing boaters on the water. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading trade association representing North American recreational boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers, 2022 is expected to be another strong year for new boat sales, which are projected to surpass 2021 totals by as much as three percent.
Sea Tow anticipates another busy summer on the water in 2022. In an effort to ensure that a great day on the water is experienced by the boating community it serves, Sea Tow shares its top ten tips boaters should consider before heading out on the water.
Have a checklist. Before leaving the dock, have a pre-departure checklist to review all critical systems (i.e.: engine check, battery levels, fuel levels, etc.).
Don’t solely rely on the fuel gauge. Boaters should keep a fuel log so they know how much fuel their boat uses, when they last filled up, how many hours the boat has run, and how much fuel is left.
Follow the rule of thirds. Be sure to have enough fuel to allow for: 1/3 of fuel to head to the destination, 1/3 of fuel to head back to the dock and 1/3 of fuel “just in case.”
Check the charts. Review the intended voyage plan and be aware of sandbars, shallow areas, channel and buoy locations, etc. so the boat doesn’t run aground, and there are no surprises.
Carry extra lines and fenders. Both are needed when rafting up with friends or when tying up at a waterfront restaurant.
Safety first. Boaters should inform passengers of their boat safety rules such as where life jackets are located and that they must remain seated while the boat is underway. This helps to avoid distracting the captain during the voyage.
Keep two anchors aboard. You never know when one might get away, so always have a spare and make sure it’s the appropriate size for the boat and where the hook will be dropped.
When in doubt, slow down or stop. Trying to figure things out while underway can often lead to hitting something or running aground.
Be courteous. Boaters should always watch their wake and wave when fellow boaters pass by. It’s one big community on the water, so be a good neighbor and be friendly!
Always have a backup plan. It’s often said “when the unexpected happens” because no one ever plans on needing help on the water. Having an on-water assistance membership with Sea Tow is guaranteed peace-of-mind that if anything happens out on the water, someone is standing by to come help.
“At Sea Tow, we are big advocates of getting out on the water and having fun, and we want boaters – new and salty – to do so confidently,” said Sea Tow President, Kristen Frohnhoefer.
“Our captains are your resource on and off your boat, on and off the water. They know the local waters and can help with navigation assistance, tides and weather, anchorages and even mishap prevention tips. No one plans for something to go wrong on the water so it’s important to take the proper steps before you push off,” she continued.
With a Sea Tow membership, boaters pay one annual rate and receive the most comprehensive member benefits available in the market. Sea Tow has boats on the water to service with 24/7 dispatch. Sea Tow offers its members free boat towing in their home area, unlimited dock-to-dock towing on all boats, alternatives to towing such as battery jumps and fuel delivery, and nationwide offshore coverage, along with additional paid on-water services such as boat salvage and recovery, vessel for hire, and environmental response.
Sea Tow, recognized throughout the marine industry as Your Road Service at Sea®, has been on the forefront of on-water assistance since 1983, with more than 500+ ports nationwide including the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The member-driven, franchise-based concept, coined by Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer, was established in Southold, NY, when the United States Coast Guard ceased response to non-emergency assistance calls. Today in addition to on-water assistance, the franchise network handles salvage and recovery missions, and responds to natural disasters, environmental hazards and oil spill cleanups.
AQUA superPower develops a network of fast-chargingstations for e-boats.
Electric cars are increasing in numbers, but there’s still the issue of enough charging stations around the country to make them mainstream. The same goes for boats, and even though it’ll take longer for technology to catch up, AQUA superPower isn’t waiting. It has developed the first electric fast-charging station specifically designed for the marine environment.
“With over seventy electric boatbuilders and powertrain manufacturers currently operating, the range of available models is constantly expanding,” says CEO Alex Bamberg. “AQUA’s goal is to support all electric boat users by providing the infrastructure that will enable coastlines and inland waters to establish a lasting tradition of sustainable boating.”
With electric automobiles, a fast charge to keep the car moving on the road is paramount, and it’s the same with electric boats. Without the infrastructure, a move away from liquid carbon fuels for a sustainable boating culture won’t happen anytime soon.
“Clean marine mobility works best when recreational and commercial boat users can take advantage of conveniently located charging stations throughout their local area,” says Bamberg. “These e-boat corridors are central to the AQUA vision, developing critical regional infrastructure.”
Current Locations
Lake Tahoe, California, is one such region where the chargers are expected to be installed this summer with more planned in both coastal and inland lake locations. It all started in Monaco, and charger installations continue to expand in the south of France, Spain, the UK, and Canada. Italy currently has one in Portofino and one in Venice.
Each station provides AC and DC charging with a current maximum power output of 150 kW which allows DC-compatible powerboats to rapidly recharge and get on their way. The units are constructed using Hydro CIRCAL recycled aluminum, are fully sealed, and built to IP65 standards.
The AQUA75 that was on display at the Miami International Boat Show has up to 75 kW output power with 480VAC and is similar in size to a fuel pump at a gas station. The twin Combined Charging System allows AC charging using connectors based on the geographical region. Pull up, plug in, and recharge.
App Support
The AQUA superPower Fast Charging Station is supported exclusively by the AQUA network which is accessible to marine users via the AQUA secure app, secure contactless payment, or RFID card. The app will allow users to view a map showing charger options and offer navigational aids to guide them to charger locations.
What makes it nice for the marina is that AQUA will own, operate, and maintain the network of smart chargers using its own cloud-based back-office system giving safe access to a range of user functionalities. It provides a fully funded, turn-key solution to marina owners and waterside locations which includes upgrading grid connections, supplying and installing charging hardware, maintenance and operation, and managing the customer experience. There is no cost to the marina.
“Shore power is not sufficient to meet the needs of electric boats,” adds Bamberg. “Battery efficiency, size, and regular usage mean that owners will want to charge quickly in order to enjoy a full day out. AQUA chargers allow them to charge in twenty to ninety minutes. Shore power can take more than three days.”
Partnering Up
It is estimated that there will be more than 1 million electric boats by 2030, all of which will require charging infrastructure to support them, and AQUA superPower is not only partnering with marinas across the globe but also with electric boat manufacturers.
Just days before the Palm Beach International Boat Show this past March, AQUA announced an alliance with X Shore, the Swedish supplier of electric boats in Europe and North America, to collaborate in driving infrastructure compatibility and technical standards for electrification across the marine industry as well as to “demonstrate the ecosystem and interoperability required to support marinas, boatbuilders, and consumers in the unstoppable transition to marine e-mobility.”
The announcement continued: “The marine e-mobility ecosystem requires a safe and reliable user interface providing clear guidance to charge points, coupled with ‘Plug and Charge’ technology when adoption becomes widespread.”
AQUA superPower is developing an all-electric and integrated global ecosystem of marine superchargers to reduce the impact of boating on the marine environment, and it seems they’ve caught the wave toward the future. aqua-superpower.com
Escape life’s everyday hassles at the luxurious Bungalows Key Largo.
Paradise awaits at Bungalows Key Largo, a secluded, all-inclusive resort set within a botanical garden edged by the ocean. This adults-only oasis faces Buttonwood Sound at Mile Marker 99 in Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys and home to tropical hardwoods, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Just about an hour’s drive south of Miami along Overseas Highway, admire the views of the serene Gulf of Mexico on one side and the vast Atlantic Ocean on the other as you leave all your cares behind. Key Largo is on island time, and Bungalows Key Largo is your tropical escape.
Situated on 12 acres, the boutique resort designed and owned by renowned hotelier Jerry Johnson offers 135 luxurious bungalows (31 with waterfront views) for couples to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other. Every bungalow has a private, bougainvillea-laden veranda with alfresco soaking tub and garden shower, an indoor spa bathroom with rain shower, a private patio outfitted with two Adirondack chairs, and two cruiser bikes, which you can use to explore the expansive, white sand-and-palm-covered property.
Key Largo’s temperature typically ranges between 71 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. With such gorgeous weather, it is no wonder why most outdoor activities occur around the water.
Without a doubt, the beach is spectacular. Listening to the waves crashing in the deep-blue ocean, feeling the warm water against your skin, and breathing in the fresh sea air would take any stress level from a 10 to a one. The Bungalows even provides lounge chairs, hammocks, and cabanas sprinkled along 1,000 feet of shoreline for the ultimate relaxing beachside experience. Bring your own sunglasses and sunscreen.
Fun on or off the Water
For the more adventurous, a large array of complimentary non-motorized aquatic equipment is available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, water trikes, and snorkeling gear. Find out why Key Largo is known as the Diving Capital of the World: Spend a day exploring nature below the surface at the U.S.’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and snorkel two extraordinary places: Dry Rocks, home of the Christ of the Abyss, and Molasses Reef.
Don’t want to get wet? Take a Happy Hour cruise aboard Lady B, the resort’s 56-foot sailing catamaran, through Florida Bay to watch the unrivaled, magical Florida sunset. Have a glass of champagne and a shrimp cocktail while the sea breeze blows through your hair. Be on the lookout for a dolphin or two—they often pop up during the scenic ride to wave hello.
Another option is to set sail on one of two the floating tiki boats, the S.S. Margarita and S.S. Rum Runner. Picture a tiki bar on the water, complete with your own mixologist. Cruise around the beautiful bay while you sit at the bar and indulge in another round of drinks.
Key Largo also has a multitude of onshore attractions including nature trails and a rehabilitation center for wild birds. The island is flanked by Everglades National Park to the west, a premier destination for kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts, and the U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef to the east. Reserve one of the Bungalows’ private boat charters on an Axopar or a WorldCat power catamaran for a customized full-day or half-day voyage to explore some of these sites.
Indulgences
When it’s time to soothe your soul, unwind in the Zen Garden Spa. Black bamboo-lined walkways lead guests to five private outdoor cabanas and the bayside waterfront treatment tiki, where massages, facials, and other treatments refresh and rejuvenate your mind and body.
The spa is also home to a eucalyptus steam room, Himalayan salt therapy treatment room, and an indoor relaxation area. But the center of attention is the large Buddha statue. You’ll find several of them throughout the property. Fun fact: The Buddha statue that looks like a woman sleeping is named “Lady Night Night.” She denotes restfulness in a zen-like fashion, messaging “relax” as you enter the resort.
The Bungalows also has several delectable dining options. Eat and drink to your heart’s content—there are no limits to this culinary extravaganza. Kick back at one of the two pools or Jacuzzis with a few tropical drinks and snacks from the Sunset Tiki Bar. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner overlooking the ocean at Fish Tales, a casual eatery that serves Mediterranean-inspired selections blended with fresh local specialties. Tempt your taste buds with flavorful Mexican fare and a margarita at beachside Sea Señor. Indulge in a top-shelf cocktail at Hemingway Bar before dinner at Bogie and Bacall’s, which features an elegant multi-course menu and a sommelier-curated wine list for a true fine-dining experience. Reservations are required at this upscale restaurant.
Of course, some people don’t want to think about exercising when they are on vacation because as we all know, calories don’t count. But for those who insist on keeping up their wellness regimen, the open-air fitness center features Peloton bikes, rowing machines, treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights. Early risers will enjoy the daily sunrise yoga sessions that take place on Tranquility Beach.
Bungalows Key Largo provides a divine disconnection from everyday life with exceptional amenities, exclusive experiences, and endless sunshine. Adults looking for a luxurious Florida getaway will find a relaxing place to reconnect at this intimate resort. bungalowskeylargo.com
10 Things You Can Do To Prosper In The Current Market
After a significant down move in the stock market in April (S&P down -7.6%), May did not start off much better. The markets plunged -4.8% until Friday (May 13) and reversed course and sustained a rally up over 2%. The immediate reaction from many of the talking heads on TV financial shows Friday afternoon and from analysts everywhere is: Did we put in the bottom?
It is very typical in a deep correcting market (only the Russell 2000 and NASDAQ are actually in bear markets down 20% or more at this time), to get a significant corrective wave up. We may have actually started this wave on Friday, but how long it will last and if it will endure is anyone’s guess?
While we (and nobody else for that matter) really know if that yet happened, our first reaction is emphatically NO! Most of the major indices (S&P 500, Dow, NASDAQ Russell 2000) all have had a lot of damage done and are in bearish phases.
Actually, more value has been lost in the NASDAQ index than even the Dot-Com crash in 2000-2002. See the chart below:
What’s Driving the Markets?
As we have stated on numerous occasions in our most recent Market Outlook posts, behavior in the stock and bond markets is often reflective of WHAT IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR in the future and not what is going on at the moment.
We are introducing a new MarketGauge Pro Overview that will be updated bi-monthly and available to our subscribers. It contains 10 Macro View Indicators that complement our Big View and give a snapshot of what is occurring currently that may be weighing on or propping up the stock markets (and certainly the bond market as well).
To review these 10 macro-economic indicators and 10 ways your portfolio may be able to prosper during this time period, please click here.
Fake Marina steals the show at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is well-known as Formula One’s most prestigious and glamourous race, with sportscars, yachts, and celebrities filling the ambience of the event. So when organizers chose the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, a landlocked venue about 15 miles from Miami’s beautiful beach, as the site for the inaugural Formula One Miami Grand Prix, promoters had to switch gears to create a luxurious event akin to its European counterpart.
From May 6-8, South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium, home to NFL’s Miami Dolphins, transformed into racetrack and a marina. That’s right, a marina—a man-made marina.
Located between turns 4 and 6, Mia Marina was a 25,000-square-foot dry dock created with a vinyl material that looked like turquoise water with a ripple design to make it appear like the boats were floating. The 10 moored yachts and adjacent “yacht club” with sand were real. For a minimum of $9,500, fans could dine on the “waterfront,” and there were covered areas nearby for relaxing, as well.
The fake marina was nowhere off the beaten path…or track. It became a popular spot for selfies and videos for social media. Celebrity appearances added to the fun.
Miami definitely rolled out the red carpet—and the vinyl water—to create a memorable inaugural Formula One event.
The Windy SR44 SX is a catch no matter how you look at it.
First impressions have a big impact. When I walked up to the Windy SR44 SX, the first thing that caught my eye was the huge booth-style seating arrangement on the aft deck. Its width makes the deck appear expansive as it does for the helm station under the equally large T-top. A quick scan from bow to stern showed me a well-balanced, Feng Shui-like deck, and the twin Mercury V12 600 Verados off the stern murmured their underlying power. Needless to say, my first impression was: “Wow! This is really nice.” I immediately wanted to go out and play.
Balance Underway
We powered up out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and reached 33 mph without hesitation and into a three- to four-foot chop on the nose. Handrails served their purpose, but the boat didn’t once shiver, rattle, or feel overwhelmed.
“What’s good for us right now is that the wave period is pretty good,” said Capt. Michael Cohen, noting that it was about a four- or five-second period. “If it was a little closer, it would be a lot rougher out here…. I wouldn’t want to push it much further as this is the comfortable speed for these conditions.”
Once past the outside channel markers, we turned off a few degrees and settled in around 30 mph. “The active trim for the engines is on as well as the auto trim tabs,” said Cohen. “The active trim on the engines is looking for your best fuel economy. It’ll go up and down as you run. The trim tabs are for your ride, your running angle.”
Every boat is affected by wave action, but what surprised me most was when we turned beam to and then downwind, the boat rode like she was on a cushion, as if she melded with the wave angles and moved along with them, even though we were still running at 30-32 mph. We weren’t bouncing. It caught me by surprise and I was impressed—again.
The planing hull has a fast transition to speed as evidenced by the fact that we were up to 33 mph inside the channel before I knew it. The near-plumb bow begins its angle to the waterline about three-quarters of the way down which gives the appearance of a bow-up attitude.
“It helps to have that bow-up attitude when you’re taking those waves so that you don’t worry about stuffing the bow,” said Cohen. The SR44 SX has a monohedron V-hull (constant from the transom forward) with a 20- to 24-degree deadrise, and the sharp keel gives the boat tight handling and incredible linear speed without sacrificing stability. Even into the waves, the boat kept dry. The turning radius was tight, and the waves didn’t hinder or shove the hull aside. She’s a solid boat, and I felt a strength within her that she could safely navigate any condition.
Entertaining Qualities
As I mentioned, the Windy SR44 SX has a well-balanced deck, and she really is as big as she looks. There’s a large sunpad at the bow, at least six-and-a-half-feet long, and an optional version includes fold-up backrests to sit up facing forward. Wide walkways on each side provide easy access around the boat, but one reason the cockpit seating is so huge is that it extends all the way to the starboard-side gunwale. It eliminates that walk-thru to the swim platform but provides wider access on the port side.
The cockpit’s booth-style seating arrangement comfortably fits 10, and the aft section spans all the way to the swim platform which makes for a huge sunpad. The adjustable backrest allows for forward- or aft-facing seating.
“Once you actually sit in this massive lounge area, you can easily put ten to twelve people around the table,” said Cohen.
For more room to move in the seating area, the oversized, handcrafted table folds in on itself to reveal 10 cupholders as well as a handrail to steady your movements. The table on this boat had a fixed mount, but a hydraulic one that lowers to seat level to make the sunpad even bigger is an option.
“Social seating is one of the paramount things in Windy’s design,” added Frank Ferraro, director of marketing at Nautical Ventures, the U.S. distributor. “European boats put a lot of emphasis on social areas.” It shows.
An entertainment center sits between the cockpit lounge and the helm with plenty of room to use the grill, grab some refreshments out of fridge or ice from the icemaker, or use the sink. A handrail is mounted below the counter and with a modified leaning post backed to the lounge backrest, it provided plenty of support when we were underway.
With the amount of space on deck, I didn’t even think about the accommodations below. A couple of steps down lead to the head with separate shower to starboard and a galley to port with more than six feet of headroom. A centerline double berth is in the forward cabin with windows that align with the hull-side windows for a view beyond the deck and to provide additional lighting. A cordless pleated shade acts as a privacy door. Aft in the guest cabin are two single berths.
At the Helm
The boat’s width also equates to an expansive helm dash, and that’s with room to port for the companionway to the cabin below. Three 16-inch Garmin MFDs fit across the top, and there is plenty of space on the angle for the centerline steering wheel, the Next Gen Digital Throttle for the Merc 600s, Joystick Piloting with Skyhook, and controls for the Humphree trim tabs, Side-Power bow thruster, and Fusion stereo system.
On this boat, the VesselView engine display monitor is located up with the other screens, so only two Garmin MFDs were installed. Toggle switches for the wipers, horn, lights, anchor, etc., are there as a redundancy as everything to control and monitor the boat and its systems is available through the MFDs, including the sunshade that extends from the T-top over the entire lounge area.
Three large helm seats have bolsters, and a helm-wide footrest makes sitting more comfortable. Owners can customize the upholstery with color choices as well as the woodwork both for accents and flooring.
Some Surprises
Two more features up on deck stood out to me. First, I was impressed with the anchor setup on the bow. The anchor is stowed in its own compartment while underway, and its hefty anchor arm electrically deploys out over the bow when needed. A separate compartment aft is the chain locker that has additional sections on each side for fender and line storage.
“Some other manufacturers have an opening in the hull, but we like this setup better because a lot of people are worried about water coming in with all this metal,” said Cohen, as he points out a freshwater outlet in the compartment. “When you’re bringing in the chain, you can easily wash it down as well as the anchor arm. With the anchor deployed, the cover has an opening that folds back to accommodate the arm so you can close the hatch.”
The other feature is hidden under the aft cockpit. With the outboards, Windy designed
a garage that electrically opens to reveal space for inflatables, roll-up swim mats, Seabobs, etc. The surprise comes when you unlatch that compartment floor to access an even deeper compartment for more storage and access to the mechanical equipment, such as the generator and the hot water system. It’s a clever design.
From the swim platform to the bow, the Windy SR44 SX definitely made a lasting impression.
Southern Boating is pleased to announce a new affiliation with MarketGauge.com, a well-established financial publishing firm specializing in providing information and knowledge to help you become a successful investor. Learn different investing techniques and quantitative investment strategies, develop unique trading ideas, and much more. Keep an eye on the Southern Boating website and future newsletters for weekly market updates and opportunities.
Engine builders showcase the latest power plants coming to new boats.
Over the years, the Miami International Boat Show has been the place to introduce the latest marine engine technology and this year’s show didn’t disappoint.
Ilmor Marine debuted a 630-hp engine for a towboat, Mercury Marine previewed its electric outboard concept, and Indmar Marine launched a new 310-hp engine with jet propulsion for the pontoon segment.
Consumers can get their hands on the new engines from Ilmor or Indmar this summer, while Mercury plans to release a series of electric outboards starting later this year and into early 2023.
Ilmor Marine
It’s dizzying to think that by this summer MasterCraft Boat Company will have a towboat that can produce 630 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque thanks to the all-new Ilmor Supercharged 6.2L engine. The engine ups the horsepower arms race in the towboat industry, where power plants were half the horsepower a few years ago.
“The MasterCraft products have become very feature and content rich, and they have requirements for more ballast, more aggressive wakes, a number of people that they could carry, and the six hundred-plus horsepower was a good marriage of that,” says Mike Lindberg, vice president of Ilmor Marine. “It allows them to have all of those features and, at the same time, it can be running at lower revs but still pulling the same torque figures. It provides a more refined overall experience.”
Engineers supercharged the engine, providing a flat torque curve with a target of 3,000 to 4,000 rpm for surfing and boarding conditions. The greatest challenge was developing an engine package and cooling system to fit within the existing model footprint.
“You have this small package that’s producing a lot of power, so we had to figure out a way to not only cool the engine well so that it won’t derate but also to ensure that
the air temperature, the inlet air temperature, was controlled, and so the charger cooler became critical as part of that,” Lindberg says.
Production will start this spring on the Ilmor Supercharged 6.2L engine, which will have a five-year, 500-hour warranty. The new engine will replace the 7.4L MPI starting in MasterCraft’s 2023 new model year. ilmor.com
Mercury Marine
The marine industry has been cautious developing new electric power plants, but Mercury Marine is entering the zero-emission segment in a big way with the debut of the Avator, one of five electric outboards expected from this company.
Mercury Marine released a few details about the Avator line, such as horsepower, range, and charging time. The model that debuted in Miami is a low-horsepower outboard for smaller boats. The unit features quick-changing batteries and an integrated screen to display the battery charge.
The early generation of electric outboards will likely be used in sailboats, yacht tenders, small fishing boats, pontoons, and rental fleets. Mercury Marine’s parent company, Brunswick Corp., purchased Freedom Boat Club, which will serve as a real-world testing bed for the Avator.
“Early adapters of low-horsepower electric outboards have been most concentrated in the sailing market,” says Jim Hergert, senior category manager for Mercury Marine. “Sailors use them as main power on smaller vessels when wind dies down or when maneuvering in tight areas, and others install them on yacht tenders used to travel between a mooring and shore. However, recreational boaters and rental operations are embracing electric as well, using them on aluminum or fiberglass boats for fishing or simply taking a quiet cruise.”
The challenges, like the automotive industry, are waiting for battery advancements such as power density, physical size, weight, and lower costs to accelerate growth of electric power plants. Combustion engines aren’t leaving the Mercury lineup any time soon.
“If you look at other industries, such as automotive or power sports, you’ll note there is still very healthy demand for combustion engines and will be for decades to come,” Hergert says. “There are advantages to each technology we want to leverage, both combustion and electric solutions, giving boaters a choice to select the best product for their application.” mercurymarine.com
Indmar Marine
Developed as an alternative to outboards and sterndrives for the pontoon segment, Indmar Marine launched its new 2.3-liter EcoBoost + EcoJet package. Pontoon owners will love the turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and its 310-hp punch, and builders will love the plug and play installation.
“This is the smartest, most innovated offering Indmar has ever built,” says Jason Stimmel, vice president of engineering. “It’s designed to bring our customers what we believe is the best driving and ownership experience.”
Indmar Marine will deliver builders a completed module, which looks like an outboard flipped on its side, to pontoon builders, who can simply connect the fuel, electrical, and steering connections. The package fits in a 25-inch-deep pontoon.
Stimmel says the benefits of the new package are no propeller on the stern and it can operate in shallow water. The engine has a closed cooling system and there is no raw-water pump for service. The package can produce 350 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, which provides plenty of power for tow sports.
The technology allows a pontoon boat to pivot on its axis and includes the availability of a heater to extend the boating season in cooler climates.
The engine’s emissions are reportedly four times cleaner than an outboard, Stimmel says. The package comes with a five-year warranty. indmar.com
Three lovely models mixed business with pleasure to showcase the latest styles and colors in swimwear trending for 2022. Hosted at the exclusive Bungalows Key Largo and sponsored by Nautical Ventures, who brought nearly a dozen water toys to represent their “fun on the water” theme, this year’s photo shoot was just that—fun, beautiful, vivacious, and luxurious.
