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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.

Mercury makes some of the best outboard motors for boat owners in Florida. The brand is renowned for providing efficient, reliable power that rejuvenates any vessel. The brand produces a wide variety of options to fit any type of boat and your specific desires for engine strength, among other qualities.

The difference between outboard and inboard motors is where they’re contained on the boat. Inboard motors are inside the hull and are common on large ships. Outboard engines go directly on the back of the boat to offer propulsion and are the most common solution for small watercraft. Over the course of our long experience with new and used boat sales, service, parts, and rentals, we’ve identified five key tips for anyone who’s searching for a new boat engine.

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.

Rigid inflatable boats, yacht tenders, in conjunction with yacht ownership create an unparalleled nautical experience. They make more activities and areas accessible to yacht owners and make it easier and more pleasurable to get to and from your yacht. Before starting your search for tenders for sale, it's important to understand how to properly care for one. Following a short list of simple tips can keep your yacht tender functional for years to come.

Survey of 1.  What’s the number 1 mistake people make when buying their first pedal kayak for fishing?  They don’t try it before they buy it.  What!? Say that again??  Most people don’t try out their first pedal kayak for fishing before they buy it. 

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.

Looking to get to those far off places, the undiscovered mangroves with those skinny water fishing honey holes? If so, you’ll need a personal water craft that can get you there. Introducing the winner of the 2017 ICAST Best of Show award, BOTE Boards newest creation, the Rover. It does just that, and more. The Bote Rover gives you the flexibility to transform between a paddleboard and a micro skiff with the removeable Motor Rac system… no bolts or tools required.

 

Recently the NMMA, National Marine Manufacturers Association, reported that the US boating industry, is seeing the highest sales in nearly a decade. Sales of yachts (33’ and higher) saw gains of 3.5 percent, reaching a seven-year high of 1,715 units in 2016. BOAT International reported over 100 sales of yachts over 78 feet in the first quarter of 2017, up 8% from 2015. When in the market to purchase or sell a larger vessel, utilizing the services of a yacht broker will help navigate the sometimes lengthy and involved process.

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,

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.

Metan Marine got its start restoring and remanufacturing the classics or heirloom boats of the 60’s. The types of boats tied to the memories of getting on the water with Grandpa, in his 13 foot Boston Whaler, and exploring the intracoastal waterways for the first time as a child. For many, that nostalgic family experience was the birth of a love for water and a love of boating. For the last 20 years, Metan Marine has not only refurbished the classics but is now building their own line under the name Metan Marine Classic Collection. The new line of boats is styled after those heirloom Whalers.

In 1998, a group of kayaking veterans who loved the great outdoors decided to create their own brand designed to fit every type of paddler. They built them light and they built them tough. In fact, these super-stable kayaks were designed to make every paddle experience the time of your life. And they named the brand, aptly, Hurricane Kayaks.

Co-Founders Nina Anderson and Clay Builder both saw the need for a boating leisure platform where guests could relax close to the water on a floating island of comfort, or safely dock their jet-skis while enjoying water sports off their yacht. Their aim was to produce a premium quality platform of superior durability and multi-functionality, that would be stable enough to walk on. So, while working together on a Mediterranean based motor yacht, Nina and Clay came up with a brilliant configuration and shortly thereafter NautiBuoy Marine was born.

You’ve probably heard of us. Nautical Ventures, we’re the Go-To People for Fun on the Water!  Nautical Ventures is the place to shop for everything from Kayaks to Cruise Ships, we also service and warranty everything we sell.  Our Dania Beach and North Palm Beach service departments are located directly on the water for easy waterway access to bring your boat in for service. We have on staff 24 full-time service employees versed in a wide range of mechanical disciplines, which makes Nautical Ventures uniquely equipped to repair and maintain everything from small to large vessels.

Schaefer Yachts is an industry leader in the design and construction of performance yachts, and nowhere is this more evident than in their Flagship model, the Schaefer 830.  Boasting one of the biggest and most technologically advanced shipyards in South America, they have been transforming the marine landscape for over 25 years.

While Schaefer Yachts may not yet be a household name in the United States, this year marks the shipyards 25^th anniversary.  There are more than 3,500 vessels afloat around the world ranging from 30 to 83 feet.  “As the biggest shipyard in South America, we’re confident in what we do and how we do it,” says Samuel Brito, CEO of Schaefer Yachts USA.

Brazilian based Schaefer Yachts known worldwide, just launched their fleet in North America. These luxury Vessels range from 30 – 83 feet. Founder and chief designer Marcio Schaefer prides himself on creating yachts that maximize usable square footage. Today, there are more than 3000 Schaefer Yachts around the world.

The Schaefer 375HT is special. Marcio Schaefer designed this model to have the largest interior space, the largest cockpit opening and highest ceiling against any other vessel in its class. She cruises at 26 knots, has a fuel capacity of 185 gallons, which means the Schaefer 375HT can easily get you and friends to the Bahamas from Miami and back. Or go island hopping with 12 of your closest friends, who can lounge by day and comfortably sleep 5 by night.

Headquartered and manufactured in Brazil, the Schaefer Yachts fleet ranges from 30’ – 83’. Established in 1992 by Marcio Schaefer, who is also the chief designer, every inch of every Schaefer is designed with sophistication and performance in mind. To help commemorate their 25^th year in business, Schaefer Yachts plans to unveil a special 51-footer in collaboration with Pininfarina later in 2017.

With their first official North American debut at the Yachts Miami Beach Boat Show, Schaefer Yachts had an incredibly successful display. If you haven’t heard of Schaefer Yachts yet you need to catch up. These Brazilian made luxury yachts range from 30’ – 83’ and every inch in between is built with purpose.

Please allow me to introduce you to Schaefer Yachts. Who? Schaefer Yachts. Who? Schaefer Yachts! 

The electrical-powered Fantail 217 is inspired by the graceful fantail launches that have been navigating on the Thames, the Hudson River and wild Canadian lakes for more than a century. A truly remarkable craft. Fantail 217 can accommodate up to ten guests and will surely attract attention wherever you dock. The Fantail is silent, non-polluting, easy to handle, low maintenance and inexpensive to operate. Go picnic on the lake with a snack and a bottle of wine, sit around the retractable table and relax! it’s a fabulous new way to take your family and friends out on the water

Enter, Ian Bruce. World renowned boat builder, recreational craft pioneer, co-creator of the iconic LASER sailboat, Olympian, Member Order of Canada, and hi-performance boat visionary. Now add to his C.V. developer of the Bruce 22 – a retro-styled, 5-passenger, 41 mph electric speedboat modeled after the iconic boat designs of the Italian Riviera. 

The R-31 CB shares many of the features and qualities of her smaller sisterships but some notable additions to this larger model make her ideal for extended cruising while still being a trailerable trawler. The R-31 CB is the first Ranger Tug to feature a flybridge equipped with electronic controls at both the upper and lower helm. The flybridge also retracts to allow for trailering the 31’. The builders at Ranger Tugs also equipped the foredeck with seating and a table that can be raised or lowered depending on whether the boat is under way or at anchor or dock for entertaining.

Introducing the Ranger Tugs R-31S. The R-31S shares many of the features and qualities of her smaller sisterships but some notable additions to this larger model make her ideal for extended cruising while still being a trailerable trawler. The builders at Ranger Tugs equipped the foredeck with seating and a table that can be raised or lowered depending on whether the boat is under way or at anchor or dock for entertaining. In addition to the foredeck seating, the R-31 boasts a larger cockpit area with wraparound seating utilizing seats that fold out of the gunwale. When not entertaining, seats are folded leaving the cockpit unencumbered.

I had the pleasure of motoring the Canadian Electric Boat Company’s Torqeedo electric motor powered Fantail to the Fort Lauderdale Jazz Brunch in December. It was my first experience captaining an electric boat for an extended cruise and a very enjoyable experience it was!  My journey started early morning in Dania motoring west on the Dania Cut-off canal taking the scenic route to the South Fork of the New River. Cruising in silence on a cool morning with a warm sun on my back, sipping a hot coffee made a great start to the day. 

Ranger Tugs has done it again in offering a fully equipped, trailerable boat, with the new Ranger Tug 27. The R-27 has nearly 50 Sq. ft. of aft deck space making the cockpit 25% larger than its predecessor, the R-25. This additional room allows for easy access to the standard 200 HP D3 Volvo diesel, while keeping engine noise out of the cabin.