Did you make it to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
There were some serious boats, some shiny electronics, and a pinch of everything else.
Some highlights included a new diesel outboard motor, a partnership between Garmin and Yacht Controller, the debut of a 60-foot center console, the insane HBC Estrella, and so much more. If you needed a boat from ten to three hundred feet, then FLIBS was the place to be.
Here’s a look at some of the latest and greatest in the marine industry:
The famed HCB Estrella 6500
The HCB Estrella was one of the hottest boats at the show. The 65-foot center console turned heads with her five outboards from Seven Marine. Estrella is the largest center console currently in production. Rumor has it that there were multiple sales at the show. hcbyachts.com
Riva Boats from the Ferretti Group
Riva brought some beautiful yachts to the show. Cloudy skies didn’t stop the crowds from taking a look. riva-yachts.com
Junkanoo
Told you it was more than just boats. Visitors were treated to a Junkanoo parade in several tents.
Brokerages Abound
Brokers had a full fleet of boats on display. Here, Rick Obey and Associates share some Sunseekers.
Party Girl
No, this isn’t the pool deck of a hotel. It’s the aft deck/swim platform on theM/Y Party Girl. Party indeed.
Belzona Zone
The shade canopy on this Belzona came in handy– temperatures on Wednesday were in the 90’s!
Making a Statement
I think Statement Marine lived up to their name with this bright blue center console that was a shock on the dock. statementmarine.com
McLaren
Statement Marine claims their center console coloring was inspired by this McLaren above in Curacao Blue. Do we get a discount if we purchase both?
Garmin
We foresee some serious screen time at this console from Garmin.
Midnight Express
From blue to orange. Midnight Express provides ample seating on this snazzy center console.
Good things, small packages
Innovation abounds even in smaller boats. Boarding couldn’t be easier with this drop-down boarding system.
What do you call a group of Vikings?
An angler’s dream.
Oh, hello Marlow
Marlow Yachts brought along a fleet of their classically good-looking boats. marlowyachts.com
Marine Max to the MAX
Charter? Own? Both? With MarineMax, you can do it all. And look good doing it. marinemax.com
The new World Cat 296DC dual console combines the builder’s best-selling 29-foot catamaran hull with an all-new look and multi-use layout. The cat’s big bow area seats eight, and the new cockpit layout features aft-facing seats housing livewell and fish boxes.
New port and starboard rod racks with molded-in toe kicks flank the aft cockpit, and the huge swim platform sports the World Cat dive ladder system. The new instrument panel design combined with sleek powder-coated hardtop frame and hand-finished surfboard top complete a svelte look for this proven offshore catamaran.
The Johnson 93 offers graceful, exterior lines designed by Bill Dixon of Dixon Yacht Design. She features a spacious flybridge above the sky lounge deck, a vast salon, and wide walkaround decks.
The main level owner’s suite forward has wraparound views, centerline king berth, desk or dressing table to port, and a settee for lounging in solitude. The lower deck features an amidships, full-beam VIP stateroom and a pair of twin-berth staterooms as well as crew quarters aft. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines.
There’s a lot going on at Tiara. From the Tiara Yachts C 49 and Tiara Yachts 34 LS to the Tiara Yachts 34 LX, the company is growing is Sport line dramatically.
The Tiara Yachts C 49 is powered by Volvo Penta IPS 800s with joystick control and can navigate rough seas or cruise smooth in calm waters.
Coupe buyers will feel the openness immediately in the single level salon leading to the lower cabins and spacious master. The master features a private head and centerline queen pedestal berth with innerspring mattress. The VIP shares a day head with the lower atrium but still maintains a private entrance for sleeping. The interior is further enhanced with the introduction of a full suite of hardwood finishes and designer fabrics. The transom showcases a fully integrated, 63-inch swim platform and optional hydraulic lift.
The interior of the C 49 is spacious and open.
Ample space awaits in the aft cockpit of the C 49.
The 34 LS joins the 38 LS in the Tiara Sport lineup, which offers sophisticated vessels ready to meet the demands of day yachting. The epitome of functionality and comfort, Tiara Sport LS models feature walkaround capabilities, multiple and easily accessible social zones and ample lounging accommodations, including wraparound forward bow seating.
Tiara’s first luxury crossover model is the 34 LX. While the 34 LS is all about functionality and comfort with a walkaround deck, multiple social areas, an outdoor galley, convertible sunpad, plus sleeping accommodations and head. With the same power package as the LS—twin 350-hp Yamahas—the LX features bowrider seating forward, flexible seating aft and a sunroof.
All three models will be on display at the Miami Boat Show.
MJM has picked up on the fast growth of the outboard market and launches the MJM 43z powered by triple 350-hp Mercury Verados. It combines the comforts of an all-weather offshore express cruiser with the many advantages of outboard power: sporty handling, low maintenance, higher speeds, and shoal draft.
Compared to the popular MJM 40z (with IPS power), the 43z goes nine miles per hour faster (53 mph) and draws 13.5 inches less with outboards up (26 inches). Joystick piloting and Skyhook station-keeping are nice bonuses.
The bridge deck can utilize climate control or fill with fresh air by opening the windshield, windows, and hatches. Below deck, the cabin, designed in classic Herreshoff style, has an island berth and full galley.
The Back Cove 34O rides on a hull designed to optimize her outboard performance and is the builder’s first outboard-powered vessel. Powered by twin Yamaha 300-hp outboard engines (or optional 350-hp Yamahas or Suzukis), the 34O (O for outboard) runs to a top speed of 37.5 knots. Equipped with twin Suzuki 350-hp outboards, she runs to 40 knots. Her cockpit and helm deck are designed for entertaining with a full galley and an aft-facing seat that converts into a U-shaped helm deck dinette.
Her layout below features a varnished cherry interior with an island double berth. The head situated to port and a separate shower to starboard optimizes both space and comfort. Below deck air conditioning with reverse cycle heat and the standard 5kW diesel generator makes the Back Cove 34O a comfortable cruiser.
The new Riviera Belize 66 offers a choice of layout options: a single-level lifestyle sedan or a day-bridge vessel with classic Bimini top or hardtop. The swim platform is submersible to assist in launching and retrieving the tender from the garage. Additionally, the large cockpit features a dinette with L-shape seating.
The accommodations deck offers many layout options with three or four staterooms, including a midship master and three heads. Power for the Riviera Belize 66 comes from the Volvo Penta 1350 IPS3 pod drive system with joystick control. Three other premiers at FLIBS include the 72 Sports Motor Yacht, the 39 Sports Motor Yacht, and the sporty and adventurous 395 SUV.
The new Grady-White Canyon 456 center console is spacious, technically sophisticated and richly appointed. The SeaV2 hull design offers performance and seaworthy reliability.
Ease of use and technical achievement aboard the Grady White Canyon 456 starts with Grady’s exclusive Sea Command Center that includes the capacity to comfortably seat seven people under the T-top. The 456 is equipped with a Seakeeper stabilizer, and Yamaha’s Helm Master system with Set Point is standard. Powered by four Yamaha 425-hp outboards, the boat runs to a top speed of 58 mph and cruises 388 miles at 23.8 mph.
Two new EdgeWater launches, the EdgeWater 230CC and the EdgeWater 230CX, feature single-piece infusion construction and a fully finished grid system. Class-leading standard features include a bow table with sun pad, freshwater wash down and gelcoat hull color. This is a great compromise between the hardcore fisherman and the family boater. Great ergonomics around the helm, coupled with Yamaha outboard power, make them a joy for the captain.
The performance of the EdgeWater 230CC is unmatched in its competitive set with either the Yamaha F250- or F300-hp engines. With the F300, she runs to a top speed of 52 mph and a cruising speed of 29 mph. The 230CC’s feature-rich cockpit boasts more seating and cockpit space than its competitors, which allows great flexibility no matter the activity on the water. A forward entry head with a standard pump out, allows for spacious accommodations not normally found on a boat of this size.
The classic boat builder makes a strategic move with the Albemarle 27 DC.
Conventional marketing wisdom has often espoused the idea of “do what you know” and you’ll succeed. It was an idea popularized in the 1980s with the publishing of the book In Search of Excellence that quickly became a business bible of sorts. With changing tastes and business models, however, more companies are choosing another tack, one that says “diversify and sustain the brand.”
This is the path taken by Albemarle Sportfishing Boats as they roll out their first dual console express cruiser, the Albemarle 27 DC. Focused on family fun, the new model embraces the multi-tool approach and delivers a boat that, in addition to fishing, aptly handles waterskiing, diving, cruising, and happy hour entertaining.
With hand-laid, solid fiberglass construction, the deep-V hull has wide inverted chines and a 24-degree deadrise. A heavy-duty vinyl rub rail with a stainless-steel insert ensures those docking mishaps won’t result in expensive damage, and the encapsulated fiberglass stringer system adds strength and rigidity. Like her Albemarle siblings, the 27 DC is built for a fast, soft, dry ride on open water. But unlike her sisters, the 27 DC is configured to do double and triple duty while she’s out.
More is Mighty
The differences start right at the helm. The single-seat with a bolster allows the driver to sit or stand and because the windshield is raised, visibility forward is quite good either way. The compass sits at eye level so it’s easy to take bearings, and a molded footrest keeps the driver comfortable. (There’s one at the companion seat as well.) The dash is well equipped with twin Garmin multifunction displays and a Fusion stereo head. On the shelf below, you’ll find a cup holder and two arrays of rocker switches.
Beneath that is the Yamaha Command Link engine display to the left of the wheel, with the engine controls outboard to the right. The 27 DC is powered by twin Yamaha F200 4-stroke, 200-hp outboards. (A pair of 250-hp F250s is an option.) The top end with the base engines is about 41 knots, so the upgrade may not be necessary.
The helm offers plenty of gadgets and controls.
With plenty of cockpit space, the boat does double duty as a party platform or fishing machine.
From overhead, the Albemarle 27 DC is surprisingly roomy.
The features list on the Albemarle 27 DC is long and runs throughout the vessel. To port is companion seating for two tucked behind a console that hides an electric head and sink. This nicely finished area has a solid-surface counter, a medicine cabinet and a mirror. Unlike many heads shoehorned into consoles, this is actually quite a usable space that women and kids will appreciate.
The Albemarle 27 DC carries 23 gallons of water and since there are a freshwater cockpit shower and a berth hidden behind the helm console, one or two people could conceivably weekend on this versatile model with all the necessities. If that sounds too much like camping for you, the cavernous cabin space also makes a great place to stash wakeboards and water skis. Plus, there is lockable storage for up to 24 eight-foot fishing rods. That’s not too shabby for 27’4″ LOA!
A little bit of everything
With a nearly nine-foot beam, the Albemarle 27 DC offers a 58-square-foot cockpit that has some tricks up its sleeve, including two double foldaway seats—one to port and one at the transom. This means you can host a harbor cocktail cruise for eight or more, or fold the seats away when it’s time to fish.
A 60-gallon insulated deck box can be used for storage or to hold your catch and has a macerator pump-out system. The insulated multi-purpose transom box is also plumbed as an 18-gallon livewell that is painted a calming blue to keep the bait fresh. A 64-quart cooler is beneath the aft-facing seat to port to keep happy hour snacks cold, and there are cup holders and USB ports throughout to keep everyone’s iPads and smartphones charged.
There is additional rod storage below the starboard gunwale and a raw water wash-down to get any blood and fish guts out of the self-bailing cockpit. A convenient transom door leads to the integrated swim platform and ladder. It’s a nice way to get in and out of the water or dinghy since you can walk the width of the boat at water level and never have to tangle with the engines.
Albemarle offers an optional hardtop with side curtains to keep you dry and comfortable when the weather changes. Cockpit and bow sunshades are also available. Speaking of the bow, there’s plenty of seating there as well. Both port and starboard sides have extended lounge seats with angled backrests that will be favorite places to relax.
High and Dry
Insulated dry storage is under the port bench seat and stainless steel handrails are on both sides. An integrated anchor locker holds the electric windlass with a through-stem anchor roller so a muddy anchor never has to mar the deck. With the anchor locker closed, this bow platform is just large enough for one person to stand on and cast from, and since the Albemarle has pop-up cleats, there won’t be anything on which to snag your line.
The walk-through has been offset to port so both the tempered glass windshield and the composite bow door can be open when running and the wind is funneled away from the helmsman. Indirect lighting throughout creates a soft glow for perfect evening ambiance.
All the wiring is color-coded, electronics are prewired, the whole electrical system is bonded, and LED lights are used throughout to keep the power requirements to a minimum. All the thru-bolted deck hardware is stainless and of good quality. The 190-gallon aluminum fuel tank has a cold tar epoxy coating, and hoses below the waterline have double stainless steel clamps. Seacocks below the waterline are bronze and thru-hull fittings above are stainless steel.
Attention to detail
These kinds of details show Albemarle’s dedication to quality and how they value the needs of their customers. Because this new model is a departure for the builder, it must meet many expectations and may possibly become a harbinger of the future for the brand.
Albemarle Sportfishing Boats joined with Carolina Classics in 2015 and together the companies have built more than 3,600 hulls from 25 to 41 feet. The North Carolina builder is family owned and says that customer feedback created the 27 DC along with market trends. Sure, there will be those who can’t wrap their heads around an Albemarle bowrider, but it’s a good bet there will be more who will rejoice that their favorite fishing machine is now a family-friendly boating SUV.
By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating January 2019
Princess Yachts introduces two new vessels: The Princess Yachts 55 and the Princess V65. The 55’s elegant exterior profile is fused to an ingenious interior layout that results in a spaciously proportioned flybridge yacht.
Belowdecks, expansive hull windows create a sense of constant forward motion while generously flooding the interior with light. The 55 tops out at a speed approaching 33 knots powered by twin Volvo Penta D13 800-hp diesel engines. The V65 is powered by twin MAN 1,400-hp diesel engines, and she represents the future of the Princess V Class range.
Her spacious cockpit inspires relaxation with a sunpad and well-equipped dining area that leads to the fully equipped aft galley. Belowdecks, eight guests enjoy four well-appointed cabins bathed in natural light.
The Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT is an entirely new hull design. She features a walk-through transom and reversible sunpad. The sunpad moves forward and backward for lounging or additional seating while under way.
When reboarding from the water, swimmers can choose to board from the transom, dive door or one of the three swim ladders.
The Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT is available with a sterndrive or outboard power option. When equipped with a Yamaha 350-hp outboard, the Launch 28 GT runs to a top speed of 47.7 mph and cruises at 31.7 mph. Customers can choose between an elegantly designed tower that can be folded forward, a fiberglass painted hardtop to match the hull (shown) or a Bimini top.
The Cutwater C242 SE offers a starting price of $109,837. Complete with a single Yamaha 250-hp outboard with hydraulic steering and combined with Cutwater’s patented Laminar Flow Interrupters to ensure smooth and accurate cornering, the double-stepped hull brings the boat on plane faster and increases speed and performance.
Designed to provide buyers with a lot of boat for their money, Cutwater C242 SE features a large cockpit equally suited for fishing or entertaining with rod holders, a transom fish box, cockpit seating, and a ski pylon. The galley includes a microwave, refrigerator/freezer, and a stainless-steel sink.
A private cabin forward includes a head with a shower, sink, and vanity. The dinette converts to a berth, and there is a single cabin aft.
The Viking 58C became a sportfishing powerhouse with 110 models sold from 1991 to 2000. The second generation Viking 58C comes on strong with Viking’s signature walkaround, center console flybridge helm and spacious cockpit and observation mezzanine.
Ideal for the owner/operator family man or hardcore tournament competitor, the three-stateroom, two-head layout maximizes the vessel’s 17-foot, 9-inch beam, and the salon and galley arrangement provide the perfect mix of amenities for entertaining, relaxing or dining.
The 165-square-foot cockpit is outfitted with an arsenal of fishing equipment, such as fish boxes, a transom livewell, rod holders, freshwater and seawater washdowns, and freezer and cooler space in the mezzanine. Powered by twin MAN 1,400-hp diesel engines, the 58C runs to a top speed of 40 knots and cruises at 34.5 knots.
A visit to this sleepy, seaside city invites equestrian-minded cruisers to experience “horse power” at its best.
When someone mentions a trip to Venice, it’s probable that the famous Italian city comes to mind. A close second would be Venice, California, with its beachy, boardwalk vibe. But in the Venice on Florida’s southern Gulf coast, you’ll find artistry of another kind and beaches that rank among America’s top rated. Once you see it for yourself, you’ll find this Venice remains all at once mysterious and inviting.
Venice offers 14 miles of sweeping shoreline that brushes up against the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches curate history, and along them you’ll find barefoot beachcombers diligently sifting through the sand as they search for gray, brown and black fossilized shark teeth. The city rests upon a fossil layer that dates back thousands of years to the time when the whole of Florida was under water. This makes Venice’s beaches one of the best places to find these fossilized artifacts and reaffirms the city’s claim to the moniker of “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”
Not far from the beach, Venice Avenue’s architecture is inspired by classic Mediterranean design, which echoes in the brightly colored pink stucco buildings. You won’t find any chain stores here. Instead, a nice variety of boutique shops sell everything from nautical novelties to shark teeth necklaces. Venice’s orderly and well-planned design renders the coastal city as one of the most biker-friendly vacation spots in the state. Check out the Venetian Waterway Park as well as the Legacy Trail to avoid cars altogether and experience a scenic, peaceful ride through winding neighborhoods and shady foliage.
The family-run Fox Lea Farm is helping Venice rise in the rankings as a top equestrian mecca.
Venice Avenue cuts through the heart of the town’s historic district
One of Venice’s best-kept secrets, however, is its quietly growing equestrian community.
A lifeguard stand watches over one of Venice’s pristine beaches on a perfectly clear day.
A sign alongside Venice’s streets explains the history of the city.
Venice Yacht Club
Venice is also a haven for cruisers. The Crow’s Nest Marina, located right inside the Venice Inlet, caters to transients and is one of the best places to dock the boat overnight. With Venice Beach only 200 yards away, the beachcombers and sun worshippers in your crew have easy access to the shoreline.
One of Venice’s best-kept secrets, however, is its quietly growing equestrian community. Florida is widely known for all things equine, from the Winter Equestrian Festival (the world’s largest horse show) in Wellington to the rolling pastures of Ocala, but it’s about time to add Venice to the list.
The family-run Fox Lea Farm (foxleafarm.com) is helping Venice rise in the rankings as a top equestrian mecca. The sprawling farm hosts dozens of horse shows annually and draws hundreds of spectators and participants to the area. Vendors arrive as well and help pump almost $75 million a year into the local economy, according to the Sarasota County Sports Commission.
Even though the facility draws some of the sport’s fiercest competitors, including multiple Olympians, the atmosphere fostered by Venice lends to a more relaxed, low-key setting. The increasing prestige of the show will test whether Venice will be able to keep its down-home soul, but for the people who visit and compete here, the venue remains a popular favorite. For many competitors, showing at Fox Lea Farm and being able to benefit from the Venice area brings a nice change of pace to their frequently hectic show routine.
If you’re looking to see the up-and-coming showgrounds, heading down Auburn Road will lead you right to the farm’s entrance. The long driveway is framed by shady foliage that eventually clears and allows for views of the show rings and multiple pastures. You’ll probably be able to spot a child trying to coax a stubborn pony to behave or see the larger show horses grazing peacefully along the driveway.
The Fox Lea show circuit caters to riders that participate in hunters, equitation and show jumping. Each discipline offers entertainment for every spectator, although sometimes knowing what you’re watching beforehand can help you better enjoy the experience. A hunter class will judge the horse as it goes around a series of jumps, while an equitation class will judge the rider on their position and ability to make every jump look effortless. In a show jumping class, the jumps are normally larger than in the other disciplines. The winner is determined by the fastest time around the course, which always leads to an edge-of-your-seat experience for the audience.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has approved Fox Lea to launch a brand new six-week winter circuit called the Venice Equestrian Tour (VET). The circuit begins on January 25th and will continue through March 5th. Each circuit “week” begins on Wednesday and ends on Sunday, meaning that competitors (and showgoers alike) will be able to experience everything Venice has to offer during their days off. Each week will also showcase a $25,000 Grand Prix that will include participants as famous in the equestrian world as Michael Jordan is in basketball.
Part of the reason for Fox Lea’s success is the quiet atmosphere of Venice. The farm draws equine enthusiasts from around the country who love to “showcation” and are looking to combine both turf and surf. When things around the showgrounds settle down on Sunday afternoon, many of the show’s participants and riders head to the beach or their boats for a few days to relax, rest and recharge before another week at the show begins.
The Venice Municipal Beach is as delightful as the surrounding town. It features wide, open stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Instructors offer free yoga sessions each morning starting at 8AM that are perfect for beginners. If yoga isn’t your thing, there’s also the option to rent personal watercraft and toys for the day. To search for the area’s famous shark teeth, venture on over to Caspersen Beach, which features direct access to the Venetian Waterway Trail.
Recharge and participate in a Venice tradition by grabbing a drink and some fresh fish tacos at Sharky’s on the Pier. This seafood restaurant serves great seafood in an atmosphere as relaxed as the beach. Afterward, head on out to the end of the pier to try your hand at fishing or just admire the view. The sunrise and sunset in Venice are both noteworthy, and the pier is a perfect place to catch glimpses of both after a long day. When you wake up the next morning, you can do it all over again.
