The Association of Bahamas Marinas announces an expansion of their digital presence by adding a new mobile app available for both IOS and Android to complement their existing website. The new offering provides users of Android and Apple devices with real time updates about all member marinas, allied service members, as well as view current information on health protocols, fishing rules and entry requirements. Payment of charter fees for commercial operators can also be completed within the app.
The IOS and Android mobile apps are available for download at no charge via the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store respectively. Full Details Here.
In 2014, Bob Denison, president of Denison Yachting, started facilitating yacht transactions with Bitcoin. His firm now handles other cryptocurrencies as well and has been involved in 10 transactions over the years. Find out how it all works in this video interview.
This video was featured on the BoatTEST.com YouTube channel in April 2022
POMPANO BEACH, FL and NEWPORT, RI– (June 29, 2021) –BoatTEST and Southern Boating Media jointly announced today a content-sharing collaboration that will provide more comprehensive information to boat owners, boat buyers, and those new to boating. BoatTEST’s current video boat and engine tests and its reports will be available to Southern Boating’s audience, and BoatTEST will make Southern Boating’s content on destinations, DIY, and useful technical articles available to its subscribers and website visitors.
BoatTEST’s video reviews will now be sent to an additional 60,000 Southern Boating opt-in newsletter subscribers, as well as BoatTEST’s current 170,000 newsletter circulation, meaning approximately 230,000 people — an increase of 35 percent — will be proactively provided with each of its tests.
“It’s all about giving the readers more information in the way they want it and, in turn, providing advertisers a broader reach in a more meaningful way,” said Skip Allen, Publisher of Southern Boating Media.
Jeff Hammond, BoatTEST CEO, said, “This strategic partnership gives BoatTEST’s clients far more market penetration where it counts — in Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.”
BoatTEST will share its archive of hundreds of boat, engine, and equipment test videos with Southern Boating for use in its newsletters, social media, and on its website. Concurrently, Southern Boating will share its archive of digital content that covers a wide range of boating subjects with BoatTEST’s worldwide audience.
“In this era of consolidation of boat builders, dealerships, equipment makers, and even some boat shows, it is about time that boating media do the same,” said Hammond. “By reaching more potential boat buyers without an increase in content creation costs, Southern Boating and BoatTEST will be creating digital marketing efficiencies that will benefit the advertisers of both.”
“By sharing digital content, each party can concentrate on what they do best, and their audiences are the beneficiaries,” said Allen. “BoatTEST’s videos are generally considered to be the gold standard of the boat-buying video genre, and Southern Boating has a strong following in the largest and most active boating market in the country.”
About Southern Boating
Since 1972, Southern Boating has been enriching the lives of those passionate about boating. Each issue includes editorial and beautiful imagery of vessels up to 120 feet, along with content about cruising destinations, marine products, electronics; projects for the do-it-yourselfer, and much more. Today, its multi-platform media offerings include the print magazine, digital magazine, website, emails, social media, and custom advertising solutions.
About BoatTEST.com
Founded in 2000, BoatTEST.com was the first media company to stream video in the marine industry, as well as the first to provide online reports about new boats and engines. BoatTEST has become the most trusted source for third-party tests and reviews of new powerboats and engines, according to surveys of its members. It consistently provides the most thorough data and boat-buying guidance so boaters can make informed decisions about their next boat purchase. BoatTEST’s website is visited by 2.3 million unique visitors annually, according to Google Analytics, and it publishes a newsletter six days a week that goes out to 170,000 subscribers.
Sometimes a boat is worth much more than the sum of its parts. One such case? M/Y Hercules.
Interviews with Molokai Strait 75’ Expedition Yacht owner, Ed Lipkin, Captain Sarah Lowell, and Wheelhouse Technologies president, Craig Parkhurst. Vessel currently up for auction through Boathouse Auctions with a previous market price of $1,890,000, being auctioned with an opening bid of $1M.
Boathouse Auctions helps yacht owners solve for the problem of time. They put the control in terms of sale date and minimum acceptable price in the hands of the yacht broker and owner, while at the same time providing attractive opportunities to buyers able to act with urgency.
Working through a large network of top yacht brokers, vessels come from motivated clients, nonprofit boat donation programs, and special situations. Our online yacht auction platform offers owners of high-quality yachts an alternative to what could potentially be a long traditional market sale by allowing them to discount some carrying costs in exchange for a time-certain solution that replaces negotiation with competitive bidding.
The International SeaKeepers Society, Asia Educational Outreach program, has reached a key milestone hitting the 500-student participant mark since its commencement in 2016.
On the 31st July 2018, Dr. Martin Gutowski, Sales Director at Kongsberg Maritime Singapore, delivered a presentation about the application of radar and sonar technology used in research and conservation of our marine environment. This was a new International Seakeepers Milestone.
Students from the Changkat Changi Secondary School were given the opportunity to meet an industry expert and to learn how nature has inspired developments of systems that are used to make the underwater world visible. There was also time for lighter moments as the Students were challenged to a quiz with prizes given out.
Students were interested to find out how underwater sound is used by marine mammals for communication and sourcing food as it is by human technology to survey the seafloor. Sonar systems not only produce maps that are used as nautical charts for navigation, but they are also used to study the environment and is also used in major and valuable applications such as when searching for missing aircraft and sunken treasures in the deep.
A recent National Marine Manufacturers Association survey revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 adults who boated last year had also done so as children. The report also found that those who enjoyed the lifestyle as children were more likely to do so as adults. This makes complete sense: if you grow up around boating, you are more likely to boat later in life.
When I was growing up, boating was ingrained into my life. I was fortunate to live in a place where it was almost a given that you would spend time on a boat. But now, I realize that while I love being on boats, I’m not ready to be a boat owner. Let me rephrase that: I’m not ready to be a boat owner YET. And I think a lot of people find themselves in a similar situation, for a host of reasons.
If you’re between boats or not sure if ownership is a good current fit, you can still stay active on the water. Options include renting, sharing or joining a boat club. You can also enter into a shared ownership with family or friends. Or an inexpensive option like a dinghy, small sailboat or aluminum boat. I, for one, like the rental option. I’ve occasionally used Boatsetter (like Airbnb for boats) for special events and holidays.
But really, the most important thing is to pass along the love of boating on to family and friends. I hope to be a proud boat owner someday. Of course, that’s once my credit cards, student loans, mortgage, car loan, and home improvements are completely paid off. I’m just not there yet. I feel like I have an obligation to pass on the love of boating onto others. We all do. It comes from those who passed it on to me.
Here’s a sweet story from our friends at Discover Boating about the legacy that boating left on three generations of the Ader family.
Freedom Boat Club enables anglers to go where the giants freely feed.
For anglers who don’t own a boat but dream of landing a record-worthy trophy, fishing can quickly become frustrating. Freedom Boat Club bridges the gap for not only active anglers but also nearly any type of water activity. With more than 150 club locations—both corporately owned and franchises—in 30 states and Canada, Freedom Boat Club services 16,000-plus memberships. That’s more than 30,000 individual members with a fleet of 1,600-plus late-model boats.
How it Works
According to Freedom Boat Club President and CEO John Giglio, similar to belonging to a golf or health club. Boat club members pay a one-time entry fee and a fixed monthly payment based on their choice of membership plan. Fuel is the only additional cost. Entry and monthly fees vary across the country based on marina fees and local market conditions.
Reservations are made through the proprietary online reservation system or Android mobile app. Book up to four reservations in advance, along with spur-of-the-moment availability options. Freedom has built its reputation on a proven 10:1 membership to boat ratio to ensure accessibility.
Members have access to a fleet of national boat brands, traditionally bowriders, deck boats, pontoons, inshore/ offshore fishing boats, and in some locations, wake/surf boats, sailboats, small cruisers, kayaks, and paddleboards. Franchise owners choose and purchase boats according to local market preferences.
“It’s fun to load up the family on the pontoon for an afternoon cruise and swim at the sandbar, and the next day, enjoy an action-packed inshore or offshore fishing adventure or a wake surfing or tubing session with the kids,” says Giglio. “Our members appreciate that they aren’t limited to one boat or boating activity.
Plenty of Training
Freedom Boat Club Members receive free, unlimited training conducted by U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, involving both classroom and one-on-one on-water training. Initial mandatory training ensures members are proficient and confident enough to operate on local waterways. Some clubs also provide free advanced offshore training and the popular ladies-only courses.
Freedom Boat Club has a special training program designed for its female members, the Freedom Boating Diva. Corporate clubs offer twice-monthly Diva training sessions. The training rotates to different club locations and features four boats with four captains and four “divas.” Classes include on-water beginner or intermediate training.
Ladies first! Check out some members of the “Diva Group” from Freedom Boat Club.
“In southwest Florida alone, we have trained more than 300 women in the past year,” says Chelsea Smith, Freedom Boat Club’s corporate events and marketing coordinator. “The ladies really enjoy getting to know one another and many have since partnered up and go boating together.”
Take Lori Jett of Englewood, Florida, for example, who signed up for a free Diva training class. Not only did she improve her skills, but she made fast friends in the process. “I participated in Diva training last summer to improve my personal boat handling skills,” says Jett, a nine-year member who boats primarily from Cape Haze Marina.
Divas Stick Together
“During my training, I met a few other women, including Sheila Cloonan, Sally Rob and Vanessa Tinsley, who shared my same goals. The four of us now go boating together regularly a few times each month. The Diva training program is very empowering and has boosted our confidence tremendously and allowed us to more fully enjoy the boating experience.”
Capt. Marti Wagley and Capt. Elaine Devito head up the corporate Diva training initiative. Having two highly skilled female experts serves as a motivator to many. “The Diva program is very fulfilling to operate because we see so many women gain skills and confidence from the small group training program we offer,” says Wagley. “The best thing though, is seeing them take a more active role in boating. We know many who now boat together on a regular basis, while others share how they now participate in both driving and docking activities with their husbands.”
“Some women are perfectly content not to assume a more active boating role, but we believe they still need to understand the basics of operation in case of an emergency,” adds DeVito. “Knowing how to communicate on the VHF radio and how to safely return to the boat to the dock just makes smart sense.”
Expanded Access
Another key attraction to join the club is its reciprocal access to the Freedom Boat Club fleet at all locations. Members boat on an unlimited basis at their local club and can access other locations up to four times each per year.
Michael and Tina Campbell of Fort Pierce, Florida, moved to the Treasure Coast three years ago and decided to pursue the boating lifestyle. Campbell, a passionate angler, consulted with a yacht broker to help assess the best value for his boating investment. He originally considered buying a used boat, but couldn’t find the right fit for his budget. After seeing Freedom Boat Club TV ads, he explored the club option and determined it offered the ideal solution.
“Besides using boats throughout this area, I’ve boated in New Smyrna Beach as well as in the Florida Keys through the reciprocal program,” he says. “This summer, we’re visiting our children in Los Angeles and have already planned to go boating at the Freedom Boat Club there.”
Besides the national reciprocity, Freedom Boat Club plans an international launch in France this year. It has partnered with Jeanneau dealers in Europe under the Groupe Beneteau umbrella and is in the process of developing franchise clubs in cooperation with several retail dealerships.
“Our members will soon enjoy reciprocal access throughout Europe and elsewhere around the world,” says COO Louis Chemi, who oversees the franchise business. “The club concept is a proven business model for franchise owners and members alike, and we’re responding to dozens of inquiries from multiple continents.”
Boating is a Social Activity
Sharing the boating lifestyle with family and friends is fun. To show that, clubs host social events and additional programs afforded by national and local business partnerships. Smith says the Club plans more than 100 events per year. Events range from monthly socials to open houses, fishing seminars, Diva parties, and charitable activities. “Our social calendar is very full as our members really enjoy the camaraderie and love meeting others who share the same interests and lifestyle,” she says.
Social events include restaurant parties with live music, club dockside gatherings and group outings to local attractions and sporting events. In Smith’s market, upward of 100 members often sign up to attend.
Richard and Cynthia Royd relocated from New Jersey to Southwest Florida and joined Freedom Boat Club in 2012. “We tell people that the best thing we ever did was move to Florida, and the second best thing was joining Freedom Boat Club,” says Cynthia. “My husband and I love boating. Also, we really love the monthly social events and meeting other members.” Monthly open houses are also on tap and feature free boat rides for prospective members, while fishing seminars are held in partnership with West Marine or local bait and tackle shops. Some of the clubs post a private “buddy list” so that members can connect with others to share boating activities.
Not Only for Beginners
While the club offers obvious advantages to boating newbies, the concept is also gaining fans among seasoned skippers. John Allen of Lake Park, Florida, has owned multiple boats in his lifetime. He was ready to trade his 22-foot center console for a new boat when he learned about Freedom Boat Club.
“When I first heard about the club, it sounded too good to be true. I had to check it out,” he says. “Two years in and we have nothing but praise for the organization and the business model. Being able to utilize any style boat that aligns with your plans on the water is a huge value. As is paying one very low payment monthly to have access to the fleet of boats. All without having to worry about depreciation, storage, trailering, maintenance, engine services, etc.”
The boats are meticulous, gassed up and waiting for you when you get to the dock. The dock attendants greet you by name and couldn’t be more helpful and thoughtful as you load your gear aboard. Every friend we take boating remarks about the seamless arrival and departure process and experience. The Freedom Boat Club clearly represents the greatest boating value on the waterways today, bar none.”
Dial Up the Boating Fun
“From the minute of our arrival to our return, being a member of Freedom Boat Club has really dialed up the fun in our life,” says Campbell of Fort Pierce, Florida. He appreciates the freedom the club offers. “I have gone offshore fishing on several occasions on a Sunday. When we return to the dock and get into a deck boat to go to the sandbar and swim with friends in the afternoon. What a great life!”
New seaplanes, new routes and a boost to the economy? All in a night’s work for Tropic Ocean Airways.
Tropic Ocean Airways announced a new aircraft order and outlined a plan for future growth at the annual kick-off party for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Wings Wheels Water on November 1, 2017, at the Sheltair Aviation facilities in Fort Lauderdale.
Even as one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Tropic Ocean Airways is still quick to credit the partnerships that helped their growth. “We are extremely grateful for Textron Aviation’s and Wipaire’s commitment to Tropic Ocean Airways and look forward to expanding our relationship even further as we implement new services. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX product has been the cornerstone of our success,” said Rob Ceravolo, Tropic Ocean Airway’s CEO.
[sam_pro id=1_90 codes=”false”]
The expanding company hopes to add 100 jobs next year as it’s fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans EX’s grows to 15. That growth will include pilots, salespeople, and administrative workers.
More planes mean more available routes for the company, which currently offers flights to New York, Florida, and The Bahamas. Ceravelo was quick to note that there has been a growing interest in seaplane flights to the Caribbean and possibly beyond.
Tropic Ocean Airways offers a multitude of air services including scheduled flights, chartered flights, yacht services, cargo, and more. With the addition of new planes the opportunities for this thriving company are seemingly endless.
A United States’ certificated commuter air carrier, founded by the United States Navy TOPGUN fighter pilot Rob Ceravolo in 2009, which safely transported over 15,000 passengers in 2016. Tropic Ocean Airways is the recipient of the highly-coveted ARGUS gold rating for safety and enjoys a 5-star customer service rating on TripAdvisor. Mr. Ceravolo and his team of experienced professionals have developed and implemented standard operating procedures borrowed from the United States’ military which ensure the highest levels of safety and service onboard each Tropic Ocean Airways’ flight. Tropic Ocean Airways’ fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft are extremely versatile and capable of safely landing on water and land; thereby making Tropic Ocean Airways the airline of choice for the discerning air traveler.
Contact: Alina Gavrushenko, Director of Marketing, 800-767-0897 or at media@flytropic.com
Join Southern Boating for a dynamic evening during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show recognizing the work of the International SeaKeepers Society in partnership with the yachting community. Each year SeaKeepers is proud to work with a dedicated group of yacht owners and their captains in designing and executing programming around conservation, education and research. Highlights from our expeditions will be shared with guests and DISCOVERY Yacht owners will be recognized.
For more information visit the SeaKeeper’s event page.
About the International SeaKeepers Society:
The International SeaKeepers Society promotes oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and to raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Members of SeaKeepers include influential opinion leaders who believe that the best way to protect the environment is to protect the world’s oceans. Our members recognize the ocean’s critical importance to the life of our planet. The Society is thus deeply committed to finding real-world solutions to the problems now plaguing our seas. Our small but distinguished membership includes entrepreneurs, yachtsmen, corporations, divers, scientists and concerned citizens building a global effort to help restore and protect the world’s oceans. As a private/public collaborative effort, the Society focuses on critical ocean issues in cooperation with government agencies, other like-minded organizations, the academic community, and the public. Our motto is, “Research, Educate, Protect, and Restore.”
When you think of the term “marine industry,” the first thing that comes to mind likely isn’t a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Summer Camp or a Black-Tie Gala.
But maybe it should be.
Next week, the Marine Industry Cares Foundation (MICF), a Florida non-profit, is hosting the 2nd Annual Chairman’s Gala—a black-tie event. The funds raised will help engage local students in STEAM-focused learning experiences.
Specifically, these STEAM experiences take shape in the form of The Marine Industry Immersion Summer Camp.
The MICF Marine Immersion Summer Camp started in 2015 as a two-week program that introduces high school students to the marine industry through field trips to local businesses, camp visits by industry professionals and hands-on STEAM projects. In 2016, the camp expanded to two schools with the goal of continued growth to more local South Florida schools.
These STEAM camps allow students to engage with marine industry professionals, create projects and provides an introduction to marine business, boatyards and training schools.
“We see youth getting excited about new opportunities, a better future and careers in the marine industry and have found that the hands-on engagement through our Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math programs – the Marine Industry Immersion Summer Camp and Creative Arts Contest – to be the most effective way to spark their curiosity and enthusiasm,” says MICF Executive Director Gordon Connell.
The future of the marine industry rests on its ability to promote innovation and growth. MICF teaches the upcoming generation that a STEAM education is essential in creating the new commerce opportunities and jobs that will be the heart of the marine industry.
The black-tie gala, themed “Masquerade Casino Night,” is a unique opportunity for both the marine industry and local community to unite in support the Marine Industry Immersion Summer Camp and the MICF Youth Creative Arts Contest.
