Tru-Design Ball Valves from Raritan Engineering can be assembled to a thru-hull, eliminating the need for a bonding system. They are suitable for use on all hull types, aluminum, steel, wood or FRP. Designed for marine applications above and below the waterline, the Tru-Design Ball Valves are IMCI approved to ISO standard 9093-2 (put to the test for leakage when subjected to internal water pressure). The ball valves are offered with or without position monitoring. Position monitoring allows remote monitoring of the ball valve’s position making it easy to know if the valve is opened or closed. The body of the valve is made of a glass-reinforced nylon composite with high tensile strength resulting in a lightweight unit, free from corrosion and electrolysis issues. The valves are also UV resistant. Available in six sizes ranging from 3/4″ to 2″. MRSP $74.80 for the 3/4″; raritaneng.com
Florida-based bay boatbuilder Kevin Barker makes wishes come true for customers and strangers alike. Barker recently teamed up with Make-A-Wish Foundation to supply 17-year-old Dylan Dykens with a custom tower for his 22′ Sea Hunt BX BR. Dykens, who was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in June 2014, is going through chemotherapy treatment at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. A boating and fishing enthusiast, Dykens will now be able to go fishing for redfish, snook and tarpon, as well as participate in fishing tournaments. Meet Kevin Barker.
SB: Tell us a bit about yourself.
KB: I was born in Savannah, Georgia, and grew up on Hilton Head Island just north of Savannah in South Carolina. Barker Boatworks’ first model was named the 26 “Calibogue Bay” because my earliest fishing memory was with my grandfather in Calibogue Cay just west of Hilton Head Island. My first boat was a Boston Whaler when I was 13. My 14-year-old son and I just finished completely renovating his first boat, a 15′ Boston Whaler. I attended Syracuse University on a football scholarship where I played for five years.
SB: Tell us about your involvement with the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and Dylan Dykens. How did it come about? What inspired you to act?
KB: A family friend who is on the Sarasota board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation contacted us about Dylan’s wish. As parents all we want is to keep our kids healthy, safe and do all we can to raise them into becoming good men and women. I can’t imagine what the Dykens went through and are still going through with Dylan. When we were asked to help, I didn’t think twice. To be able to help put a smile on his face was the reason we did it.
SB: What was the process for creating the custom tower and Dylan’s involvement?
KB: When I met Dylan and his dad, Doug, for the first time I knew very quickly that Dylan had a specific design he wanted. During the next couple of meetings he even put together a book with all of the lights, rod holders, footrests, and hardtops he wanted to incorporate in the tower design. He would come to the shop once or twice a week in between treatments to oversee the progress. He even helped out when he could. All I wanted was to build exactly what he wanted, and I think we accomplished that.
SB: How did you get into the boating industry?
KB: I have always had a passion for boating and fishing. In the mid 90s I fished in an average of 15 kingfish tournaments every year in 34 and 36 Yellowfins. I was hired by Yellowfin Yachts to run the inshore division, which I did for 10 years. Until now it was my first and only job in the marine industry.
SB: Tell us about your company.
KB: Our company builds the most innovative bay boat in the industry. We took all the features that customers asks for and incorporated them into the design of our first boat, a 26′ bay boat. We designed the boat to have more offshore capability. We did this by building a boat that has more beam than your typical bay boat and by increasing the freeboard and adding some “Carolina” flair to allow the boat to be much drier than the competition. We designed a console to be able to accept large MFDs (up to 19″) and be completely finished on the inside to be able to accommodate a marine head. We go the extra mile to produce a boat with “yacht quality” fit and finish.
SB: How has your company developed and changed over the years?
KB: Our company is only 16 months old, so we’re still fairly young. We are growing at a fast pace but not so fast that we sacrifice quality. I tell customers, “We may take a little longer but you will definitely be happy with the final product.”
SB: What do you love most about what you do?
KB: I get up every day and talk about our company, boating and fishing. To be able to get up and be excited about getting to work is something not too many people can claim. There is no dollar amount you can put on that. I truly enjoy dealing with the customers. They all have a different view on how they will use their boat. Every customer has different ideas on options, some of which we’ve even adopted and named after them.
SB: What type of boating/fishing do you enjoy personally?
KB: I enjoy boating with my family most, going to our local sandbars and islands, setting up camp, and just hanging for the day. My wife will tell you I sometimes go a little overboard bringing tents, a grill and all the beach toys you would ever need. I love cooking out on the beach after a fun day relaxing with family and friends. Now that our kids are getting older, my wife (Sarah) and I also enjoy going out for dinner on the boat as well. On the fishing side, I still enjoy tournament fishing and try to include my 14-year-old son as much as I can. We recently fished in a couple of kingfish tournaments on the east coast and had a blast. My two daughters also like to fish, so you can call us a fishing family.
SB: Have you been on the water with Dylan?
KB: I have not been out on the water with Dylan yet, but we plan to, soon. I was recently at a party in St. Petersburg, and when he and his family idled up in the boat I cried like a baby!
SB: If there’s anything you’d like to add, please feel free.
KB: I’m so happy that I was able to be a part of making Dylan’s wish come true. There are several other companies that were involved in this project and I would like to personally thank them:
Expanding on their popular Ocean Skiff 27, Ocean Master presents the new Ocean Skiff 296, ideal for a family yet tough enough for the avid fisherman. Whether pulling kids on an inflatable, looking for a great snorkeling spot or simply cruising, the Ocean Skiff 296 has plenty to offer as a semi-custom boat built to your requirements.
Many opt for the convenience of an enclosed head with holding tank, freshwater deck shower and generator, while others require the console to be shortened for smaller helmsmen. Custom hard and soft tops, isinglass enclosures, bolstered seating, padded sundecks, swim platforms, and ladders are just some of the options available to add to the boat’s family-friendly appeal.
The Master Skiff 296 is great for boating with children and pets as the flaring V-hull provides a smooth, comfortable, dry ride, and the high gunnels offer security (especially with bow rails added). The Master Skiff 296 is built to take on grueling conditions as it is overbuilt using full-height stringers glassed into the 20-layer laminated hull, and the inner liner deck is permanently fused to the bottom. The boat can also be rigged with a single outboard for enhanced fuel economy.
Located on the Ortega River in Jacksonville, Florida, Lamb’s Yacht Center began in 1936 and, with the exception of the past 12 years, has been owned and operated by the Lamb family. The marina is now back with the Lambs who are proud to call it their own again. PeggySue Lamb Williams recently re-purchased the marina and is now hard at work along with her three daughters and staff to reawaken the marine center and operate the family-founded marina in the “good old-fashioned way,” she says it was always known for.
Lamb’s Yacht Center offers 242 wet slips accommodating 15-foot to 90-foot boats, transient docking for up to 120-foot, as well as a covered and uncovered storage facility. The marina also provides a full service department boasting a 100 metric ton lift to accommodate haul-out and bottom jobs for all makes and models. Their service department is comprised of skilled painters, experienced mechanical repairmen and repower experts, as well as talented carpenters who can perform repairs both large and small—they can also provide complete refit and refurbishing services including classic and antique boat repair.
Located within the “Jacksonville Marina Mile,” the marine center is among the largest concentration of recreational boating services in the region and is proud to recycle and make an effort to keep waterways clean. Less than five miles from downtown Jacksonville, boaters will find all the additional services for their traveling needs (groceries, restaurants, post office, shops, etc.) within historic Avondale district and its tree-lined streets.
Amenities
• 242 wet slips
• Transient docking for up to 120-foot
• Covered/uncovered storage facility
• 50 Amp/30 Amp/120 V power available
• Two 30 ton hoists/one 40 ton hoist/one 100 ton hoist
• Warranty service center for Yanmar, Cummins and Mercruiser
• Warranty service dealer for Mercury and Evinrude
• Carpentry/paint/fiberglass services
• Concierge service
• Wi-Fi
• Pump-out
• Showers
• Restrooms
• Laundry facility
Contact:
Lamb’s Yacht Center
3376 Lake Shore Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32210
(904) 384-5577 lambsyachtcenter.com
If cruising America’s Great Loop is on your bucket list, look for Birdsong Creek’s flashing light and the sign at MM103.7 marking the Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV Campground. Located on the south side of Birdsong Creek, 1.5 miles in the deep buoyed channel from the scenic Tennessee River—halfway between the dams on Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Pickwick—seats the 58-acre recreational complex, family-owned and operated since 1961. Revel in true southern hospitality away from the daily grind while enjoying the greatest of the outdoors in western Tennessee’s Birdsong Marina.
Onsite boat sales, engine repairs, prop sales, 140 covered slips—daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rates are available—ship’s store, and boat rentals are among the marina’s offerings. The resort also includes 26 cottages and lodges furnished with all the amenities of home. Transient cruisers may use the resort’s “courtesy car” for a trip into town for groceries or dinner with a vast choice of restaurants. Catering services (southern style barbecue, country breakfast and more) can be accommodated and served on site under the open-air pavilion—or delivered to your rental units.
Revel in activities including fishing on the Tennessee River, home to more than 100 species of fish and famous for its crappie, bluegill, catfish, stripers, sauger, largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Artificial fish attractors marked by buoys have been built near all major creeks holding at least 10 feet of water. On land, stop by The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum, Farm and Tour to learn about North America’s only freshwater pearl-culturing operation and shop for some unique jewelry.
Amenities
• 140 slips
• Overnight docking for five boats up to 80′
• 65′ x 65′ lighted, concrete launching ramp
• Citgo gas and diesel
• 30-50 amp electrical service
• OMC, MerCruiser, Volvo Onan engine repairs
• Prop sales and prop repair service
• Emergency towing and underwater divers on call
• Ice, cold beer
• Hot showers
• Laundry room
• Bait, tackle and nautical supplies
Electrical connections are vital for the safety of a boat. Hubbell Marine’s 50 Amp Shore Power Cable Set features a thermoset contact carrier that is arc and heat resistant as well as waterproof. Copper crimp barrel terminations provide tighter connections and a longer life. A bullring brings strain relief on the terminals, while a molded-in flex feature controls the angle of cord entry and keeps water out. The cord’s nickel-plated brass shell and contacts help prevent corrosion. A metallic threaded ring provides a watertight seal when mated with the shore power inlet, while the lip protects the plug/receptacle connection from moisture. Some of Hubbell’s 50 amp cords feature two bright LEDs. A green light indicates Power On and red designates Incorrect Wiring at the power source—both are visible even in bright sunlight. MRSP from $450; hubbell-marine.com
By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure, September 2015
Conceived with performance and efficiency in mind, Midnight Express’ Quintessence43 was named for its groundbreaking five 400-horsepower Mercury racing outboard engines set up with surfacing props and Sport-Master drives. By launching Quintessence43 in June, Midnight Express has extended its engineering acumen, reinventing the performance experience of its five-engine boats—the company introduced its five-engine outboard designs in 2007—with its two-lever control system, the ErgoEngine Control. The design, and having only two levers to maneuver, allows for simplified operations with speeds that can exceed 190 mph (78+ knots). This turnkey solution for advanced five-engine control offers an additional bonus: it takes just one key to start all five engines.
Midnight Express’ deck arrangement.
Midnight Express’ Quintessence43 was named for its groundbreaking five 400-horsepower Mercury racing outboard engines.
Quintessence43 features a true twin-stepped hull, which produces minimal bow rise to get on plane. It’s built with Midnight Express’ exclusive infusion-molded and cored structure across the entire boat, allowing for a lighter, faster, stronger, and fuel-efficient boat. It offers a 100 percent carbon fiber dive door with an integrated ladder, carbon fiber-infused hardtop, and a fully digital control system powered with Garmin touch screens. The entire system is operated with wireless remotes to enable selecting different lighting modes and to turn the battery switches on and off without climbing into tight spaces. Enjoy the full symphony that comes with the stereo system that includes 14 speakers, six subwoofers, and six amps producing 3, 200 watts in the company of family and friends with ample seating for near to 20 people.
Specifications
LOA: 43′
Beam: 12′ 6″
Draft: 20″
Displacement: 16,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 565/90 U.S. gals.
Power: Five 400-hp Mercury Verado’s/Sportmaster Gearcases
Top Speed: 78+ knots
Cruising range: 430 nm
MSRP: contact for pricing
Contact:
Midnight Express Powerboats, Inc.
3725 SW 30th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33073
(954) 745-8284 midnightboats.com
By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure, September 2015
SB: What attracted you to work for MarineMax?
RB: The company and the opportunity. MarineMax is a world-class organization. Everyone that works for MarineMax has a great passion for the water and for customer service. Bill McGill, Chairman, President and CEO is an incredible leader who walks the talk. It was also the opportunity of developing their world-class charter business with that same level of passion and service and simultaneously introducing the evolution of true purebred charter powercats to this market and industry with MarineMax Vacations. It was an exciting challenge and I knew it was a perfect fit for my passions and me. It has been less than four years since we launched MarineMax Vacations, and we are now the fastest growing charter company in the world.
SB: What sets your company apart from other competitors in the field? How has it accomplished this and how will it continue to do so?
RB: Our team and our yachts. The entire team of MarineMax and MarineMax Vacations is passionate about providing the world’s best pleasure-boating experience by consistently exceeding the greatest expectations of our customer with the highest level of personal service and product. Aquila Power Cats is the only brand of powerboat we feature in the MarineMax Vacations fleet and was designed by powerboaters for powerboaters. The Aquila power catamarans are true purebred powerboats offering all of the comforts that boaters are used to having on their own personal yachts at home.
We provide services including free Wi-Fi and onboard equipment for living comforts including watermakers on all of our yachts.
SB: How has the company developed and changed over the years?
RB: The boats offered by MarineMax have changed but the MarineMax values have not and that is why MarineMax has survived all of the economic changes. MarineMax is loyal to the customer and the customers are loyal to MarineMax. Bill McGill says that what we offer is all about “changing people’s lives” through boating. With that belief in mind, he took the risk to launch MarineMax Vacations in the B.V.I. to extend the boating season for the MarineMax stores in the northern states by offering an opportunity to go boating on our custom power catamarans in the B.V.I.
SB: Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what prompted you to enter the marine world?
RB: I am a native of Barranquilla, Colombia, South America, and relocated to the U.S.A. with my family when I was just 12 years old. I graduated from Miami’s Florida International University with a degree in Business and Management of Information Systems. I have been married to my wife, Kelly, for 23 years, and we have four wonderful boating kids ranging in age from 8 to 19.
I was living in Denver, Colorado when I received a call from a recruiter about a career opportunity in Florida with a yacht charter company, The Moorings. It was the middle of winter when I flew from a very cold Denver to a beautiful and warm charter base in the B.V.I. for an interview with the team. They extended me an offer to join them, and as I was overlooking the marina full of yachts, I called my wife and I told her “I can do this. We are moving.” It was an easy decision. I have always loved the water and am an avid fisherman, so it was also a great opportunity that this new job would get us back to warm Florida, too. Two weeks later I was back in Tortola racing in the B.V.I. Spring Regatta with the management group, and I was with that group for more than 12 years.
SB: What do you love most about what you do?
RB: I love “changing people’s lives.” Getting telephone calls and letters from customers telling us about what an incredible experience they had with MarineMax Vacations and hearing how cruising on a MarineMax powercat was their “best vacation ever” is something that just never gets old. It fuels the passion for our team and I. I love going to boat shows and meeting the customers, telling them about our boats and destinations, and then seeing them the following year and hearing all about their vacation as they recap their experience with tremendous smiles on their faces.
SB: We’d love to hear specific examples of how you believe MarineMax has enriched mariners experience on the water.
RB: From a MarineMax point of view, the focus is on making sure people enjoy their time on the water, and that includes numerous free classes offered at all MarineMax stores including the highly popular Women On Water, Kids in Boating, and Captains Orientation, just to name a few.
When you buy a boat from MarineMax, you become part of the family—they are not just selling you a boat. MarineMax is about developing a lifelong relationship with the customer, and our rendezvous, Getaways and group boating deepens the personal relationships and forms lasting bonds with the customers. I also strongly believe that MarineMax Vacations Charters and what we do enriches mariners’ experience by allowing them to explore places they could not do on their own boats.
SB: Are there any destinations or itineraries that you are particularly fond of?
RB: I am a big fan of the B.V.I. and have been cruising there for more than 15 years. The B.V.I. offers something for everyone and can meet everyone’s idea of excitement and relaxation from peaceful rest to energetic excursions. You can set your itinerary based on who is boating with you—I have a different itinerary when I go with friends versus when I go with the family.
Raul Bermudez relaxing aboard his “Little Raskal.”
SB: What would you recommend among the options you offer?
RB: We offer a wide range of Aquila power catamarans in our charter fleet ranging in size from 38 to 48 feet. Boat selection all depends on the size of the party.
I recommend that if someone has never chartered a yacht in the B.V.I. that they begin planning this experience right away. It’s an experience that gets people hooked immediately—we’ve seen it over the past three years as we have brought new power boaters to the destination. Some have just completed their third charter with us and have booked their next one already.
For returning guests, I recommend they look at our Charter Yacht Ownership Program, which allows an owner to enjoy numerous weeks each year while receiving a monthly check from MarineMax to cover the boat loan. MarineMax handles all service, maintenance, fees, and charter activity.
For those who want a purebred powercat at home, I recommend private ownership of Aquila. They are proven ocean-going vessels that can cross oceans or cruise the Great Loop and provide the best platform for living comforts and efficient performance no matter what the water preference.
SB: Do you own a boat? If so what is the make and name? Where do you like to boat?
RB: I currently do not own a boat but have access to large fleet of them. My last boat was a 2008 SeaRay Sundeck 220, which I purchased from MarineMax Clearwater before I was a team member. The boat name was “Little Raskal”—the initials of all of my family members (Raul, Adam, Sarah, Kelly, Alex, and Loren).
SB: What do you like most about being a mariner?
RB: The feeling you get when you are on the water—the freedom, the wind against your face, the smile on my kids’ faces, the special family time, and the memories we have and continue to create. I love the fact that my kids, including my 19-year-old, actually ask when we are going to go on our next MarineMax power catamaran vacation. They love the MarineMax 484 power cat and they love the B.V.I. marinemaxvacations.com
By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure, September 2015
Conceived for fishing and diving, Zurn Yacht Design’s Zurn/NEB 38, expected for a February 2016 launch, is sure to grab the attention of boaters looking for a fast and fun pleasure yacht. Twin Volvo Penta D-6 Diesel engines power the ultra jet drives allowing the Zurn/NEB 38, with a choice of wheel or joystick steering, to comfortably cruise at 36 knots.
Boat production is already underway at New England Boatworks for this 38 footer that’s the ultimate adaptation of the iconic New England design with sleek lines, low-profile open pilot house, spacious cockpit, and stable hull form. The hull and deck are built with an epoxy resin-infused, cored composite construction for a lightweight and strong structure. With a hard-chined, moderate V-planing hull, the boat also comes equipped with Seakeeper’s new 3DC battery-powered gyrostabilizer.
The spacious queen-sized berth of the Zurn/NEB 38.
The pilothouse sports settee and table seating along each side with swiveling Stidd helm seat, while the open cockpit offers great space and includes removable bait wells, fish lockers and storage space for fishing and diving gear. Below deck, the Zurn/NEB 38 boasts a simple and elegant quarters for two with a queen-sized berth, a head and a modest galley with a sink, microwave, and small fridge.
Specifications
LOA: 44′ 2″
Beam: 12′
Draft: 2′- 0″
Displacement: 17,925 pounds
Fuel/Water: 290/51 U.S. gals.
MSRP: contact for pricing
With easy access to the Atlantic for fun day trips of diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and world-class fishing, and only a short distance from The Bahamas, the nearly 80-year-old Fort Pierce City Marina, Florida, located on the Indian River near the Fort Pierce Inlet, has stood the test of time.
It was shaken down last in 2004 when Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne blasted the Treasure Coast destroying the marina’s slips in the outer basin and damaging many in the inner basin. What followed was a 10-year restoration project—nearing $31 million—spearheaded by Bellingham Marine that led to a refurbished waterfront that included the construction of 13 barrier islands and the addition of 137 wet slips to the marina for a June grand opening. The islands that sit about 700 feet off shore—the largest one is 14 acres—provide critical storm surge protection and serve as a sanctuary for juvenile fish. Mangroves and oyster shells were also planted to attract birds, oyster larvae, fish, and other marine life.
Centrally located and within walking distance from downtown Fort Pierce, the marina offers many amenities including onsite boat and yacht sales, fishing charters, a farmer’s market, two restaurants, and a supply store. Stop by The Original Tiki Bar for an open-air dining experience of bacon-wrapped shrimp, paella and drinks under an authentic Tiki thatched roof, or make your way to Cobb’s Landing for fresh catch choices and its very own Pineapple Mojito at the Mojito Bar.
Head out to the deep blue for world-class sport fishing where barracuda, blackfin tuna, mahi, flounder, kingfish, sailfish, snapper, tarpon, wahoo, and more abound. And if you think that a bit of competition is healthy for the heart, check out Southern Kingfish Association for updates on the latest tournaments. fishska.com
Then when you’re ready for a bit of dry land action, take your pick: play a round at the Indian Hills Golf Course, travel through time at the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery with paintings of Fort Pierce native A.E. “Bean” Backus, or stroll through the Heathcote Botanical Gardens that boast the largest public display of tropical bonsais in the U.S.
Amenities
272 slips
Two fueling stations
Diesel fuel in slip
Gasoline Octane-89/90 non-Ethanol
Water hook up
Ice
Fish cleaning station
Laundry
Free Wi-Fi
Cable TV
Showers and restrooms
Two restaurants
Farmer’s market
Supply store/gift shop
Pet friendly
Contact:
Fort Pierce City Marina
1 Avenue A
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
(772) 464-1245
(800) 619-1780 fortpiercecitymarina.com
South Florida-based Yacht Interior Designer Shelley DiCondina has been transforming the décor and design of luxury yachts for more than 20 years, maintaining functionality without sacrificing elegance.
SB: What prompted you to enter the marine world?
SD: I began my career in design about 25 years ago. My life has always been near the ocean, first the Pacific, then the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. It just made sense to me to be a yacht interior designer. Boating and design have always been part of my life and my parents always told me if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
SB: What is new in your line of work this year that mariners should keep an eye out for?
SD: There is so much happening in boating and yacht décor. One of my favorite tasks is changing old halogen lights to LED. There is no right answer as there are so many things to take into consideration when doing a refit and changing the lighting. Another area is that we are changing how we do things in the bedding and soft décor. Everything is less fussy, there are a lot less pillows, and bedding/linens are premium such as gorgeous European and Egyptian cottons with unique embellishments that are meant to be seen and enjoyed—and all are washable. We rarely do traditional bedspreads, now it is all about the linens.
SB: What are some of your signature styles that set you apart from other industry individuals in your field?
SD: My personal style is keeping function on the forefront and making sure it all works and is as comfortable as possible. That means for all day and all night! You won’t see one of our boat pulling up to a marina for guests to get off and spend the night at the hotel. We design for comfort and utilize every inch. Our interior style is soothing and reeks of relaxation. Our clients and their families are busy people, and I want the boat to be the place they unwind, appreciate each other and all they have earned.
SB: Tell me about the design process. What is your favorite and least favorite part?
SD: At Yacht Interiors we have developed our own unique approach to the design process. The first thing we want is for our clients to understand that we are experts in our field. Whether it is space planning, furniture designs, or art and décor; we are the real deal. Yachts are all we do.
For new construction projects, a builder often introduces us to the new client, who is in need of detail drawings and custom pieces. If it is a refit we meet the client in person, on board, review our process, get an idea of the scope of the project and discuss our initial thoughts. When we are selected as the design team we request a deposit to develop a unique interior proposal for that specific yacht. Budget is discussed as well as scheduling exceptions. Whether it is a new construction or a refit I find that the most enjoyable perk of all the hard work is developing life long friendships with clients. Our clients are amazing people that just happen to love the oceans as much as I do.
SB: What would be the smallest project you’ve undertaken? What about the largest?
SD: The smallest project we were asked to do was locate portholes for a California couple that had purchased a yacht under construction after the yard had gone bankrupt. Can you imagine, no one on site working on the boat knew where to put the portholes? We have complete autoCAD capabilities so we looked at the drawings, placed the portholes in about 20 minutes and sent the drawing to the client.
Our typical and favorite project is complete design responsibilities on new construction that also include a turnkey budget. I really enjoy finishing a yacht after a year or two of construction and all that entails—hanging art, making beds and placing the accessories etc. It is so satisfying to design, complete and mini-resort what you know will be a family’s favorite destination for years to come. They will celebrate holidays, birthdays, summer break, get engaged, renew friendships and just enjoy life. What an honor to help create that environment!
SB: Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
SD: My inspiration comes from many things. I submerge myself in the world of fashion, whether it is clothing, residential or cultural trends—I am always looking to the future and what is happening.
SB: Is there anything else you would like to add?
SD: Yacht Interiors by Shelley is more than just a design studio, we are currently expanding our studio to offer comprehensive outfitting for owners and crew. Our 4,000-square-foot studio will be undergoing a refit to make the yacht outfitting process more accessible for all boaters. Who knows, we may even add a new name to the door. yibs.net
Jarrett Bay, long known for its custom sport fishing yachts and related t-shirt designs, introduces Jarrett Bay Clothing Co., a clothing line for men and women with an appreciation for quality materials and a love of the rich southern coastal heritage. The line, which represents a way of living that many enjoy, includes shirts, visors, utility shorts, and outerwear—accessories such as belts, shirts and visors for children are also available. The line’s tagline “Make Waves” embodies Jarrett Bay’s philosophy of craftsmanship, the pursuit of excellent and passion for boating. The line boasts stylish designs and is made with quality fabric; many of the products are manufactured with Supima cotton—considered among the finest cotton for its strength and softness, and often dubbed the cashmere of cotton. MRSP from $15.95; jarrettbayclothingco.com
Marine artist Carey Chen, whose unparalleled portraits of life at sea are recognized worldwide and have catapulted him to the forefront of the marine art industry, discusses his passion for the ocean, what inspires him and his current projects.
SB: What prompted your creativity? CC: Growing up in Jamaica and Miami I was always surrounded by water. I fished and dived regularly. The incredible fishing scenes and vivid colors of game fish stuck in my mind. With my sharp memory and artistic talent I recreate these scenes on canvas for others to see. I was self-taught so practice was important to improving my art and also the close inspection of game fish anatomy.
SB: When did the marine world become part of your work? CC: My first hobbies were motorcycles and racecars in Jamaica and Miami until I got my first boat, a 20-foot Sea Craft. I was fearless venturing across to The Bahamas in the days where there were no GPS. My fishing skills improved and soon I was a master fisherman entering marlin and sailfish tournaments. I started sketching billfish paintings and showed my fishing friends including George Poveromo, the late Capt. Harry and Don Combs. Capt. Harry asked me to design a painting for the cover of his catalog in the early 90s. It was primitive to me but everyone was impressed. The word spread, then the late Bill Rewalt who ran the Cayman Million Dollar month [fishing tournament] asked me to be the featured artist and also Luis Valldejuli who ran the oldest and most prestigious tournament, the San Juan International Billfish Tournament. Eventually I was the featured artist for more than 50 tournaments a year. I lived out of a suitcase traveling all over the Caribbean, Central and South America.
SB: What’s your main objective when you paint? CC: Most animals are on the land to witness and photograph so there are thousands of animal artists. Marine art is very unique, so to be an experienced marine artist you need a lot of experience on the water, which is where sharp memory and fishing experience comes into creating a unique masterpiece. If I create a painting of a marlin underwater feeding on yellowfin tuna or Mahi the way I have seen it in real life up close, chances are that no one has ever photographed that scene and very few have witnessed it. It also represents Mother Nature at her best—I paint clean oceans and plenty of fish to remind people of conservation and pollution. I hope I can show how fragile our environment is through my paintings and teaching. We really need to keep our waters clean and our fish stocks healthy for the future of our kids.
Chen’s art features the many glories of the underwater sea life, as shown in Lobster Sanctuary.
Chen’s Hog Heaven.
SB: How often do you combine painting with photography or another medium? CC: Besides being a marine artist I am also a photographer. I have separated both. My expertise is not in the camera’s settings and functions but in what I see through the lens as an artist. I am also not an expert at Photoshop, but enhancing the colors to the original scene in my mind is what I do best. Photos never come out the way you see it with the naked eye so they need to be adjusted. New technology has me painting on the computer. Although there are no physical originals this is good for logos or custom t-shirt art. I have also learned to paint my photos on the computer. fineartamerica.com/profiles/carey-chen.html
SB: What are some of your favorite places you’ve been? CC: I am blessed to have traveled to the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, Central and South America. It’s not all about the beauty of these countries—it’s about the friends I have met along the way. Being an island person growing up in Jamaica I feel at home there and blend into their country. Cayman, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica are the places I’ve visited the most frequently for the past 30 years. Everywhere is unique. Cayman I love for its clear waters, Puerto Rico for its history and culture, Costa Rica for its lush rainforest and landscapes. St. Thomas U.S.V.I. has some of the most beautiful beaches too. I grew up exploring The Bahamas—it’s hard to beat their reefs and beaches.
SB: What do you enjoy most about being an artist? CC: Born with a God-given talent, I like to give back. I’m involved with hundreds of charities and many conservation groups like the Coastal Conservation and Billfish Foundation. When I donate art it doesn’t cost me much but what it gives back to the charity is a lot. I enjoy going to schools and teaching kids art and conservation. I also have the best job in the world traveling all over, fishing while doing business.
SB: What are some of your favorite works? CC: There are lots of pieces I like the best, but some bring back memories of growing up in Miami and diving in the keys like Hog Heaven, which is a hog snapper on the Florida Reef, and also Mutton Reef.
SB: Do you own a boat? CC: Owning a boat is very hard for me since I’m always traveling and fishing. Although I’m usually on a big sport fishing boat in tournaments fishing for sailfish and marlin, I enjoy my flats boat, a Terrapin. They only made about seven of them. This is the best for exploring the Everglades for my photography and cruising my favorite place, Biscayne Bay, where I grew up.
SB: How do you see your line of work shifting and adapting in the future? CC: What I do is very unique and there are not a lot of marine artists. This is a very big industry and growing. With the new digital printing technology we are able to put my art on almost anything like clothing, tables, towels, blankets, boat wraps, shorts, plates, etc.
SB: What are some of your new projects? CC: My Napa wines are taking off and we have them in several Sam’s Clubs and Walmart, they are in all Big Daddy’s and also a lot of Florida Bars. bluewaterwinedist.com I just made a license deal with Denali Performance shirts for my printed clothing in chain stores. My new photo paintings are now online fineartamerica.com/profiles/carey-chen.html
I also have a project that is going to change the sport fishing industry forever but can’t say right now! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, CareyChen.com
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The Ocean Master 336 CC is designed for long offshore runs and no-compromise fishing. Ocean Master’s new 336 CC is a power combination of seaworthiness, safety and rugged construction. Her large cockpit and 360-degree fishability are hallmarks of Ocean Master center consoles.
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Specifications
LOA: 33’5″
Beam: 10’3″
Draft: 18″
Weight without engine: 10,000 pounds
Fuel/Water: 300 U.S. gals.
MSRP: from $200,000
