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With only 28 models available worldwide, the BRABUS Shadow 500 Limited Edition Black Ops redefines modern day boating with its hand-painted Gunmetal-Grey color scheme and luxury amenities. Fairing, painting and polishing the limited-edition Black Ops model to the desired high-end quality can take up to six weeks to get the required yacht-grade finish.

Florida is a world-class vacation destination. You can find everything from famous family-friendly theme parks to deep sea fishing and relaxing beaches. However, did you know that the state is also one of the premier destinations in the United States for boating? Within the borders of the Sunshine State, you'll find some of the finest marinas, diving areas, supply stores, restaurants, and hotels you'll ever experience. Snorkeling in the reefs, sailing, and fishing for fresh and saltwater game are just a few of the activities available to you in the boating lifestyle of the state.

Check out the five destinations below that are favored by locals and tourists alike, and  experience some of the best boating that Florida has to offer. Whether you're looking for a big party or a quiet, secluded cruise, you'll find it in Florida.

 

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Located south of Clearwater, Anna Maria Island is a good choice if you want a small town feel. Despite the seven miles of white sand beaches and blue water, tourists don't overwhelm the little town. Drift along, enjoying the Gulf Coast and let your worries float away when you have nowhere to be and no need to watch the clock.

 

Miami, Florida 

You may think of Miami as a hot party spot, but it's also a wonderful place for boating. You'll find nine marinas in the city, including the Miami Beach Marina, which has an impressive capacity and a reputation for excellent service. Fishing enthusiasts can search for marlin and amberjack, while scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the coral reefs. This is also a convenient place from which to launch if you're headed out to the Bahamas.

 

Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg, Florida 

If you prefer calmer waters of the bays and rivers, the Tampa/St. Petersburg area may be for you. History buffs can spend hours exploring the army fort from the 19th century at Egmont Key. For an added bonus, cruise out past the white sand beaches and take advantage of the docks at Caladesi Island state park. The restaurants and other amenities in this area cater to boaters as well, so you'll find capable service staff who can help you with whatever you need.

 

Pensacola Bay, Florida

For those who prefer the snap of the sails to the roar of an engine, sailing a boat in Florida on the Pensacola Bay area holds the promise of adventure. If you're new to sailing, you can even get lessons from the sailing academy here. Rent a kayak and paddle your way through all that Mother Nature has to show you, or if speed is more your style, try out a jet ski or motor boat. When it's time to take a break from the water, you'll find amazing food and golfing ashore.

 

The Florida Keys

Spanning 160 miles and 800 islands, the Florida Keys are a mecca for boaters. The weather is pleasant year-round, thanks to a warm climate. If you don't have your own watercraft, you can rent one, along with all the equipment you need from one of many rental businesses. Almost 300 square miles of ocean awaits you, filled with fish, beaches, and some of the most beautiful sunsets that Florida has to offer.

 

Plan Your Florida Boat Trip

 

No matter where you plan to start your adventure in Florida, remember that anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must pass an approved boater safety course to operate a boat with ten horsepower or more. You'll want to take care of that before you hit the water. If you're from outside Florida and you completed your course in another state, bring proof of that with you. You may also need a fishing license if you plan to do that in Florida waters. Once you have those things taken care of, pack your fishing and scuba gear, and head to Nautical Ventures to find your dream craft today!

For some, fishing is the ideal sport for both adventure and relaxation. Regardless of how you choose to spend your fishing time, being out on the water can be a rewarding experience. Some individuals enjoy the adventure and physicality of kayak fishing, while others prefer the comfort and space of boat fishing. Inexperienced fishermen can give it a try and learn from an expert by taking an excursion with a professional or renting a boat or kayak.

 

There are some key differences between kayak fishing and boat fishing, so it is important to learn more about the two to better determine which one is a better fit for you. Or, you may find that you enjoy both.

 

Space and Comfort

It's no secret that fishing from a boat will provide you with things that a kayak may not. For example, when fishing from a boat, you have:

• ● More room to move around
• ● You can pack more gear, more bait, and more food. Therefore, there is no worry about leaving heavier or burdensome items behind. 
• ● The ability to upgrade to plush seating and lounging areas for a more comfortable trip
• ● Room to bring multiple people with you without any additional effort

In contrast, kayak fishing involves the challenge of packing efficiently for the trip since every item you add will add weight and reduce the available space for your personal movement. Some fishermen love this challenge and enjoy the idea of being minimalistic and efficient as a form of sport, especially since kayaks allow access to areas boats cannot easily travel to. Kayak fishing is also a rapidly growing sport with tournaments held all around Florida each year. Many people are able to catch fish that some are not able to do on a boat.

Access to Fishing Locations

Depending on the type of fishing experience you want to accomplish, kayaks and boats give you different types of access and adventure. One significant difference of kayak fishing is a kayak's ability to maneuver into shallow water and inlets, allowing one to explore more remote destinations. Smaller inlet fishing can be a truly enjoyable experience due to less fishing traffic. You can also launch a kayak from nearly any shoreline access location, whereas a boat requires a proper ramp to ensure safety. A boat however can also allow access to your favorite fishing location in a short amount of time in comparison to a kayak, since it can quickly cover a large expanse of water. 

The good news is that at Nautical Ventures, you don’t have to choose one or the other. Our store has a variety of boats, kayaks and even SUPs that you can choose from. Many times, boat owners buy both and have a kayak or SUP onboard. This makes it so that you don't have to commit to one spot for your excursion because you can easily move to another location where the fish are biting.

Cost

Another factor to consider when deciding between a boat and a kayak is the overall cost. The cost to purchase and maintain a boat will, in general, be more than a kayak. For some individuals, the benefits to boat ownership outweigh the costs, since a boating lifestyle is one that many aspire to create. When factoring in the total cost of boat ownership, a variety of considerations should be examined.

 

• • Type of boat. A simple aluminum fishing boat will be less of an investment than a bass boat with many upgrades and advanced technology. 
• • Hauling. In addition to the purchase of a boat, you have the added cost of the trailer as well as a vehicle that is strong enough to haul it. 
• • Gas. A kayak requires no gas other than what you pay to gas up your vehicle, whereas filling a boat with gas is a significant cost on its own. 

Kayaks, although a less expensive option, still can in many cases reach 5-digit numbers. Depending on the type of fishing you do, and the amount of gear and electronics you want installed, the outfitting of a kayak can get expensive. This has been a very popular activity amongst the anglers in tournament fishing because they customize their kayaks to best fit their needs while they are out in rough waters. 

Get Ready to Start Fishing

 

Whether you are a beginner or advanced fisherman, you can start living your dream of owning your own fishing vehicle. Whether you are looking for a new fishing boat or are searching for a kayak for sale, check out the online inventory available from Nautical Ventures and schedule your boat or kayak service should you want to customize it. 

 

 

 

If you are new to boating, finding a boat that makes sense can be overwhelming. With so many boats out there, it’s hard to know what is the best choice – as well as if you can even afford one. Many first-time boat buyers have a misconception that boating is not affordable, however, with the Nautical Ventures financing option, buying a boat can be just like buying a car and in many cases, just as affordable.

With a rich history and unparalleled design, it’s no secret why people all around the world love Glastron. What other boat on the market has such an appealing American story and innovative design without compromising on safety? The Glaston “sweep spear” alone is the most well-known icon in the boating industry and is the equivalent to the Nike “swoosh.” For over 50 years, Glaston has been making milestones

Fishing has been practiced throughout the world for tens of thousands of years. Though it was once used primarily for survival and basic provision, fishing has since become a beloved pastime enjoyed by millions of Americans every year. Today, fishing is a sport, an art, a hobby, and a resource. Fishing offers the opportunity for peaceful time to yourself or a unique bonding experience with someone you care about.

Axopar is a high-end boat brand that has been making waves in the marine industry since 2014. These vessels are top-of-the-line and have won countless international awards for their innovation, superior craftsmanship, and high-quality design. If you are ready to buy the boat you have always dreamed of, read more about the top five Axopar boats in 2019.

A deck boat is similar to a luxury speedboat. They are sleek, aerodynamic, and have a V-shaped hull making it look as though it is rising out of the water. Deck boats can hold more people than a traditional speedboat, making them great for a day out on the water with a group of 8-12.

Hovercrafts were once a concept used in futuristic stories. However, they have now evolved to become a piece of technology commonly used in today’s society. Though hovercrafts are no longer a part of the future predictions, their mechanisms operate as high tech as expected.

Glastron boat specs are impressive, but they hardly do justice to the look and feel you get from Glastron boats. These vessels are great for fishing, watersports, or just cruising around. Style, comfort, and performance combine to create a boat with a long list of benefits.

When you’re looking for gift ideas for the special man in your life, look no further than then the best boat accessories for sale. It’s always easy to find new gifts for boaters if you know where to look. To help you with your search, check out our list of holiday gift ideas for him.

The month of September will be a great time to visit the South Florida Fairgrounds thanks to three great attractions. The Florida Fall Boat Show coincides with the ninth annual Florida Marie Flea Market and Seafood Festival.

The launch of the BRABUS Shadow 800 by Axopar is the result of an exclusive alliance between award-winning Finnish boat builder, Axopar Boats and German Tuning Company BRABUS, to design and manufacture one of the world’s most desirable boats.

Few things compare with the sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes with owning your own boat.    Whether you’re zipping across the breakers at full throttle, out for a wild ski adventure with the family, or floating about on serene waters that seem to be made of glass, a boat unlocks the world of water just for you.   Owning a boat is about liberation and control, at once realizing themselves in your life.  With your new boat, you’re able to explore and command new regions, conquer new hobbies, bring home new trophies, and perhaps most importantly, you can step away from it all.   If only for a few moments at a time. 

A guy’s weekend is toward the top of the list of fun things to do in Broward County. Get together with your friends for a weekend away from the ordinary to rediscover some of the things that make life enjoyable. Broward county’s great weather and wide variety of available activities makes it a great weekend destination no matter how near or far away you live. Here are eight of the best activities to look into for your guys weekend in Broward County.

Modern boating technology is evolving, and people are becoming more and more aware of the benefits of a carbon fiber boat. If you’re wondering why to buy a carbon fiber boat, read about the benefits of carbon fiber over fiberglass. The key advantages of carbon fiber boats are in four main areas.

When you need a new boat, it’s hard to do better than the Ranger Tugs for sale in Palm Beach. There’s a reason that Ranger Tug enthusiasts (Tug Nuts) think of themselves as a family. Ownership of this elite brand of vessels creates a bond between boaters who recognize the highest standard for quality.

Boat ownership gives people a unique way to connect with others, nature, and themselves. Owning a boat is a great pastime in and of itself, and provides opportunities to enjoy fishing, water sports, and relaxing cruises on the water. It’s also an educational learning experience.

Have you just purchased your boat and have questions on what accessories are essential to fun on the water? Our Nautical Ventures boating team has put together their Top 5 ‘Must Have’ Boating Accessories for your consideration. This list does not include a Coast Guard Kit which is required for everyone’s safety. This Coast Guard Kit includes: 1 Approved Type 1 PDF or Personal Floatation Device per person, an approved sound producing device, visual distress signals such as flares, a first aide kit and a VHF radio.

For the Marine Industry in South Florida, Spring equals Boat Show Season. We’ve already finished the Miami International Show and we’re moving on to the Palm Beach show, which is happening March 22^nd through the 25^th. The Palm Beach International Show, also known as PBIBS, features over 1.2 Billion dollars in yachts, boats, yacht tenders & toys, marine products, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and much more.

We created this infographic to demonstrate all of the interesting boats that you can purchase or find out on the lake. Each of the different types of boats has a unique purpose, size, and price! Use this infographic to learn more about each and find the best boat for you!

Does the thought of rough seas turn you green in the gills and keep you onshore? Technology typically reserved for mega yachts, the Seakeeper is a revolutionary product designed for boats as small as 30 feet, and can eliminate up to 95% of boat roll, reducing the effects of seasickness. The Seakeeper is a lightweight gyroscope and is available in most new builds or can be retrofitted onto your current vessel.

World-renowned fishing boat icon, Blackfin Boats, has reimagined their legendary boat line to be both solid and fast, for the most versatile experience possible. Designed with yacht-like features and constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology and an innovative grid system, the Blackfin 272CC provides a smooth, dry and comfortable ride for its passengers.

Blackfin 212 CC Boat – Fishing Forward, Family Friendly.

 

Blackfin Boats is a 35-year old fishing boat icon whose world-renowned heritage earned them an early day reputation, “Overbuilt by any standard except the seas.” Blackfin’s reimagined, legendary boats are built to be both solid and fast, for the most versatile experience possible. Their starting model, the 212 Center Console, is built on the same principals as its bigger brothers.

Brazil’s best-selling boat, the Schaefer 303, just hit American shores and it’s making a big splash. Schaefer Yachts has been building luxury vessels ranging from 30-80 feet for the South American market for over 25 years and has delivered over 3500 boats worldwide.

Metan Marine has been in business for over 20 years. Founded by Michael Borrelli , they restore and repair the classic boats of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, mostly Boston Whalers and SeaCrafts. After 20 years of being the leader in the fiberglass boat restoration and repair industry,

Designed by master European craftsman, the DutchTender 26-foot boat exudes modern European design.  For example, they incorporate an Axe Bow design adapted from their SuperYacht counterpart’s native to the Netherlands. This proven design provides a smooth re-entry in rough waters, along with a comfortable, dry ride.  Deep gunwales add to the safety and enjoyment of the boat.

Avalon is an industry leader in the construction and performance of pontoon boats. Their Catalina Rear Lounger offers ample seating, retro inspired art deco looks, along with Avalon’s commitment to high-quality construction, all offered at an exceptional value. All Avalon Pontoons come with a lifetime structural warranty and a comprehensive 5-year warranty.

Glasstream Powerboats was established in 1983 by A.L. Kirkland in Panama City, Florida. In 1988, Kirkland invented the first ever inverted stepped hull design and to this day, most modern performance boats use some variation. This stepped hull improves efficiency, reduces drag and in turn, boosts speed. Glasstream Powerboats are light, fuel efficient and a boat load of fun to own and operate.

DutchTenders, a Holland-based company, was launched in 2006 by brothers Remco and Erik Spek.  Erik and Remco sought to redefine the tender category with a focus on proper handling, modern design, and attractive pricing.  Erik, the companies senior naval architect, carefully designs, inspects and tests each boat, while Remco directs all aspects of marketing and advertising. When designing these boats, the brothers want to keep the very essence of boating at the focus, ensuring all owners will enjoy their time on the water to the fullest degree.