It was a great year for the marine industry—and for Southern Boating. Our partners at the NMMA recently reported that new powerboat registrations were up 4.7% on the year. That’s a great sign for the industry and cruisers!
Southern Boating had a banner year; 2017 marked our 45th year in business, and marked some significant changes to our magazine. Those changes came with some new staff, a new redesign, and a new digital app.
While it’s always nice to reflect on what went well, it is also important to reflect on some of the things that didn’t. Mainly, the unprecedented 2017 hurricane season. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria caused widespread damage from the Caribbean to Texas, Florida and beyond. On that note, Southern Boating is still donating subscription proceeds to Unidos por Puerto Rico until May 2018.
We also like to see what our most popular stories of the year were. Our Top Ten Stories of 2017 are as follows:
Exclusive video of the Nor-Tech 450 Sport Center Console at the SB&Y Swimsuit Shoot.
Watch South Florida Performance Boats at the 2017 Swimsuit Shoot.
Shot on location at Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo, FL. The Nor-Tech 450 Sport Center Console took to the blue-green waters of the Keys, and the SB&Y crew was lucky to enough to come along for the ride.
Coming soon to a mailbox near you: the 30th Annual Swimsuit Edition!
All photos were taken on-site at the Playa Largo Resort and Spa in Key Largo, Florida. You can visit their website and book a fabulous vacation to live like a model for a few days.
While you wait for the 30th Annual Swimsuit Issue, enjoy these EXCLUSIVE behind the scenes photos (and some silly outtakes as well!). All photos shot by Jim Raycroft. Boats provided by South Florida Performance Boats.
It ain’t easy being Clayton…
Bonnie, Shirley, and Anna show Clayton some love after a brief fishing tutorial. Bonnie wears Sinesia Karol, Shirley wears Montce, and Anna wears MANTA. Boat sponsor: Nor-Tech.
Gotta Stay Warm
Sometimes you just have to wear a cozy robe on a boat. Hey, it’s a tough job– but someone’s gotta do it!
Another Tough Job
Our talented photographer, Jim Raycroft, gets up close with his subjects. Lucky!
Our lovely models pose on the back of a Nor-Tech (South Florida Performance Boats). For those of you inclined to tell us this is unsafe– the boat was off and drifting!
S’more please!
You can buy a Smores Making Kit at the Playa Largo Trading Company. What could be better than that? Shirley wears Robin Piccone, Brooke wears Playa Largo Trading Co., Bonnie wears jewels by Michas Creations, Anna wears Sinesia Karol.
Shirley takes a sip from passion fruit. She is wearing a swimsuit by Sinesia Karol and jewelry by Lexi jewelry.
Here Fishy, fishy!
The girls put their angling skills to the test, with a bit of assistance from our trusty boat crew, aboard a Nor-Tech. Shirley wears Liz May and Abaco Sunglasses.
The crew moves boats to get the perfect shot. Boats provided by Nor-Tech.
Uh-oh!
Brooke blows out her *burned* marshmallow. The resort has smores making kits for purchase at the Playa Largo Trading Company, located just off the lobby. Suit by SwimSystems and Lexi Jewelry.
Just lounging around…
Lounging on unique round sun pads by the pool. Suit by MANTA. Choker by Lexi Jewelry, earrings by Sugar.
Too hot? Cool down in the pool
Taking a dip in the beautiful pool in the center of the resort. Suit by Sinesia Karol, earrings by Sugar.
Paddleboarding, sort of.
Anna takes a break from paddling (toys available for rent at the resort’s beach). Suit by Sinesia Karol, sunglasses by Abaco, choker by Lexi.
