CAPTAIN & OWNER'S GUIDE - SECOND ANNUAL - INTHEBITE
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 19, EDITION 6 | $6.99
Second Annual
CAPTAIN & OWNER’S GUIDE
F O R E V E R A S P O RT F I S H
WITH A VIEW LIKE NO OTHER
BERTRAM 61 CONVERTIBLE
The sharp lines and crisp styling will feel familiar to Bertram enthusiasts, but the
stunning interior is unlike anything the marine industry has ever experienced.
©2020 BERTRAM YACHTS WWW.BERTRAM.COM
SEPTEMBER 2020
{Volume 19, Edition 6}
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PUBLISHER
Dale Wills
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Steve Dougherty
DIGITAL EDITOR
Nichole Osinski
14 30
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Amy Foderaro
ART DIRECTOR
Ron Romano
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Don Urschalitz
ADVERTISING
36 42 info@inthebite.com
Captain 14 HELP WANTED
Navigating Today’s Complex Captain’s Job Description
CONTRIBUTORS
Capt. Kevin Deerman
Capt. Scott “Fraz” Murie
& Owner’s Elliott Stark Joe Byrum
Steve Katz
20 MARKET ANALYSIS
Guide
Dave Ferrell
Elliott Stark
The Great Brokerage Breakdown
Dale Wills SUBSCRIPTIONS
26 SPORTFISH STATUTES
For a one-year subscription (eight
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for $24 to: InTheBite, 342
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8 Editor’s Letter 30 STATE OF THE MATE InTheBite Magazine is published eight times a
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66 Marine Service Directory Leading-Edge Sportfishing Trends & Innovations InTheBite.com is not responsible for any injury or
69 Classifieds Steve Katz
damage received as a result of any technical information
or advice given herein. The contents presented herein
do not necessarily represent the views of InTheBite.com
74 Bitter End
42 ON YOUR OWN BOTTOM and Unplugged magazine LLC. Any reproduction of the
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10 Dream Destinations to Add to Your Cruising Itinerary Copyright 2019©
Dave Ferrell
48 CATCHING COMMAS Our Mission
InTheBite, founded in 2002, is the
Million-Dollar Tournament Showcase source for substance and authentic
Elliott Stark content for the serious offshore sport-
fishing community. We are the curator of
ON THE COVER 52 HIT LIST industry trends, boatbuilding, ownership,
Performing admirably in any lifestyle, crew, employment, tournaments
sea condition, self-sufficient Regional Experts Reveal Top Terminal Tackle Strategies and more. We provide access to the
sportfish yachts with modern Elliott Stark highest level of sportfishing insight
across a variety of media channels–print
amenities are designed to
travel swiftly and fish in style.
60 GRADUATING CLASS magazine, website, video and social
media platforms. If you like sportfishing,
Photo © Steve Dougherty New Build Report you’ll love InTheBite—we guarantee it.
Dale Wills
6 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COM
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editor’sl e t t e r
A Dream Job
I remember the trip in vivid detail. It was June
18, 2006, a week off the full moon, and I was
on the bridge of Abigail III with Capt. Red Bailey
at the helm. I just watched my best friend catch
a 450-pound blue, with my late father helping
steer the chair. When the action settled, the leg-
endary captain posed a question that I’d heard many times, though this
answer would be different than any response before. “What do you want
to be when you grow up?” Not knowing the consequences of my career
choice, I quickly blurted out that it would be cool to work at a fishing
magazine so I could get paid to travel the world and fish. Living the
dream, so I thought.
That fantasy remained dormant for a bit, though as a resourceful college
student I got my feet wet in the industry selling underwater photos for
beer money. Fast-forward a few years, dozens of passport stamps, a hand-
ful of tournament wins and a 78-issue stint at Florida Sport Fishing, and I
am honored to be entrusted with furthering the mission of InTheBite. If
someone would have told my teenage self in St. Thomas that my dream
would come to fruition and I’d be the editor-in-chief of the most reputable
fishing publication one day, I’m not sure I would have believed them.
I hope you enjoy this issue, which touches on everything from boat
brokerage and the challenges of maintaining crew, to the newest tech toys
For weekend warriors and serious and a standardization of expected behavior for untutored boat guests.
anglers focused on the catch, we It is the most comprehensive sportfishing resource ever produced and I
believe that there is something for everyone.
know the ocean is more than a Looking forward, my vision for InTheBite is to continue publishing
destination — it’s your passion. striking insider content that’s informative and entertaining, supported by
a magazine redesign that is sharper, clearer, more alive and inspiring—
Today’s modern diesel engines from MTU and while not altering the foundation of the brand. InTheBite will forever
Volvo Penta do more than just get you there, they be the definitive source for industry trends and insight for professional
keep you going. With power solutions from 12 hp captains, boat owners, crew and anglers.
to 2,635 hp, these world class engines supply I wish I could report that COVID-19 is in our prop wash, but as we con-
premium performance, reliability, and durability. tinue into the madness this has spawned it’s clearer than ever that a lot of us
depend on the water to keep our mental sanity. It turns out the sportfishing
Whether it’s an engine for a new build, a repower lifestyle we cherish is somewhat of an infectious disease itself. The critically
to breathe new life into your current battlewagon, afflicted chase the bite across the globe, spreading their contagious passion
or service and maintenance to keep you on the and growing more infected with each strike. They arrive at the next distant
water, we have all of your engine needs covered. locale mingling with old friends and creating new relationships, knowing
and hoping there is no cure. But hell, the treatment sure is enjoyable!
The recent merger of our organizations creates What I’ve learned about this industry is that you have to take care of
one of the largest sales & service networks on the the people around you. This is a fundamental takeaway from our Captain
East coast. With locations in New Jersey, Maryland, & Owner’s Guide. Whether corporate executive or charter crew, you are
Virginia, and North & South Carolina, Johnson & only as good as the people you surround yourself with. To these means,
Towers and Western Branch Diesel are there for you. we extend a sincere thank you to our contributors who delivered amid the
unsettling global landscape. We also thank our advertisers, who stuck with
Learn more at johnsontowers.com and wbdiesel.com us for this issue amid such turbulent times. I hope these pages provide some
much-needed reprieve and trust you will continue to join us as we embark
on the next evolution of InTheBite. Hope to see you on the water soon.
YOUR DISTRIBUTORS & SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR
Steve Dougherty
Editor-in-Chief
steve@inthebite.com
8 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COM
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twom i n u t e warning
Boat Sales are Booming Amid
Global Pandemic
I ’ve talked with many dealers and salesmen
recently because I’ve been in the market for
a boat. I just wanted a 25- to 28-foot outboard
platform but come to find out there isn’t much
to choose from. I had no interest in a boat until
all my summer plans came screeching to a stop
By Captain because of the pandemic. We were set to take
Scott “Fraz” Murie
a 30-day trip out west to visit a few national
parks and do some fishing in Montana. This summer I’ve found
out the entire nation was in the same situation as I was.
What I’ve learned is that boat sales are at record numbers. Some
companies are reporting their best sales ever in April, May and
June! From personal watercraft to luxury cruisers, center consoles
WO RLD - CL A SS PRO DUC T S. to sportfish yachts, sales are up and in some cases more than 75
C A RO LIN A FL A RE . percent. Companies are telling me that their inventories are slim
and that they are having trouble getting new units because manu-
facturers have been forced to shut down.
It’s not just sales that are up, but services are at record breaking
numbers also. And it all makes sense. When summer camps, play-
grounds, state parks, water parks, amusement parks and even rest
stops on the highway were closed, people across the nation took to
the water. The money that was allocated for vacation was put into
boats. People like me that weren’t even interested in owning a boat
are now proud owners. I actually never bought a boat for myself but
a good friend of mine did and I’ve enjoyed using his! There really
isn’t a better way to spend time with family and friends than being
out on the water fishing, teaching your kids to ski or just throwing
the hook and soaking up the sun while having a cold drink.
Every boat company that I’ve spoken to tells me the same
thing—they have never seen sales like this before. A lot of these
companies make it easy to buy a boat, too. Offerings like no mon-
ey down, no payments for six months and financing for decades
are certainly attractive. It’s a little scary really. My thought is when
this pandemic is over there will be some killer boat deals out there.
J A RRE T T B AY.CO M So, if you’re going stir crazy being cooped up in the house then
maybe buying a boat is not such a bad idea. Or you can do like me
and use your friend’s. – That’s my two-minute warning.
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Fostering a Prosperous Captain-Owner Relationship
I’m certain the glaring reason
that many of us chose this
profession was for the oppor-
return possible. Shiny boats are also proven to
catch more fish.
2. When dealing with boatyards, outside
5. Safe operation can never be overlooked.
Don’t push too hard in rough conditions, espe-
cially when you have guests down below as it
tunity to fish and travel to contractors and vendors, it’s important to is a much different ride for them than it is on
new and different locations. limit unnecessary expenses through care- the bridge. Discuss weather and sea conditions
By Captain Though we must always be ful planning and management of refits and with the owner beforehand and remember that
Kevin Deerman ready to deal with unexpected repairs. Our job as captain is to minimize the it’s one thing to get caught in a squall; it’s an-
obstacles, fishing and traveling should be the cost of ownership whenever possible and should other to ignore advisories altogether.
easiest and most welcomed qualities of the job. be kept in mind for all negotiations, with any 6. Maintain orderly and accurate records.
What’s not so glamorous is the list of tasks that proceeds from those efforts going back to the Daily maintenance logs, work logs, fish logs and
must be accomplished to keep any operation owner. Don’t kill the goose! cruising logs help to keep everything organized
running smoothly in between fishing exploits. 3. Use common sense and courtesy regard- for the owner if something happens down the
Amid the management and maintenance duties ing all actions or perceptions of your crew to line. Cataloged records that are available on re-
captains must perform on a daily basis, it’s also maintain a strong work ethic. With a high quest are also invaluable when negotiating with
imperative we look out for our owner’s best in- degree of professionalism, the best captains and a potential buyer in advance of a sale.
terests knowing that a happy owner will continue crew work hard even when the owner isn’t pres- 7. Ultimately, the owner and guests are on
to invest in the industry. To foster trusted and ent, reflecting a desire to succeed and overall the boat to have a good time but the expe-
long-lasting relationships, and loyal friendships, respect for the trade. riences they desire can be drastically differ-
it’s highly recommended that captains adhere to 4. An open line of communication is para- ent. Understanding the realities of any owner’s
the following list of common courtesies. mount and it’s necessary to have continued sportfishing dreams requires the setting of
1. Make it a priority to keep the boat main- discussions on expenses, maintenance, travel proper expectations from both parties. Wheth-
tained to the highest industry standards. Lav- plans, fishing strategies, yard work, family er tournament fishing or cruising and creating
ish sportfish yachts and modern center consoles life, etc. When everyone is on the same page family memories, the captain-owner relation-
represent a huge investment and when it’s time things run smoother and if any problems arise ship largely dictates the overall prosperity and
to list with a broker in anticipation of an up- there are far fewer surprises or unexpected longevity of the entire program.
grade you want the owner to receive the greatest events to deal with. – That’s the report from Texas!
The Quickie
Captains Meeting
November 30, 2020
Fish Dates
December 1 & 2, 2020
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12 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COMFocused and driven to acquire the resources necessary to purchase a sportfish yacht and fund its worldly undertakings, you are justifiably
unfamiliar with everything required to ensure the reliable operation and preservation of its value. Besides, you’ve spent your life working
and this boat is supposed to be something fun. Speaking with a few fishing buddies, and maybe the broker who negotiated your deal,
you’ve decided to hire a captain. This sounds like a simple and straightforward proposition. After all, the credentialed individual should
certainly have the knowledge and experience to keep your boat running and in pristine condition, right? Once you’re sold on the idea of
a full-time captain, you begin to research job descriptions. After a few failed queries, it’s clear that even in the year 2020 the sportfishing
industry does not yet have anything that amounts to a universal sportfishing captain’s job description. That is until now.
HELP WANTED Navigating Today's Complex
Captain's Job Description
By Elliott Stark
A s much as we'd like to take credit for a great idea, long-
time subscriber and boat owner Mr. Saeed Almaktoum
provided the inspiration for this article. Saeed sent us a note
“A captain’s license takes about as much time
and effort as getting a CDL to become a gar-
bage truck driver. Are you a captain or are you a
bus driver? Some of the things I see from today’s
suggesting such an editorial regarding role ambiguity after captains really surprise me.”
Just as defining a clear job description would
reading the 2019 Captain & Owner's Guide. benefit owners, it would also help the profes-
sional captains of the world. After all, not only
“I have a background in the aviation busi- “When it comes to boating, these days even are owners regularly burned by paper captains,
ness. If I leave one company to go to another, my kids can drive a boat or dock it with the joy- so too are experienced helmsmen who strive to
the standard operating procedures are the stick. Similarly, any worker—be them carpen- make the job a career through hard work and
same—even from one country to the next. ters, butchers or janitors—can call themselves devotion to the craft.
The expectations and the job description are captains if they have a piece of paper,” Almak- The issue has more layers than one might as-
almost identical. We have standard operating toum elaborates. sume. When an owner’s desire to keep a boat
procedures and guidelines for every employee Finding a qualified, professional captain who is chewed up from dealing with a multitude of
to know what is expected of them,” he says. is capable of and committed to keeping problems and expenses caused by a neglected or
“Strangely, when it comes to boating, a a sportfish performing optimally can poorly maintained boat, professional captains
multimillion-dollar business, I could be as difficult as it is important. are harmed twice. Not only did the underquali-
not find a guide that defined the InTheBite’s resident expert on all fied and/or underperforming captain swindle
expectations that a boat things captain seconds this a valuable position upon initial hiring, when
owner should have of notion. Capt. Scott “Fraz” the owner disgustedly sells the boat
his captain.” Murie is as passionate he is effectively eliminating
about the subject as any future opportunity.
he is direct. This not only frac-
14 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COMPhoto courtesy Simrad #INTHEBITE SEPTEMBER 2020 15
tures what could have been a long-term ca- of the occupants. It is the same when you hire AC & Refrigeration: With the exception
reer but ruins what should have been years of a boat captain,” Almaktoum describes. of adding freon or checking for freon leaks, air
enjoyment for the owner as well. Generally speaking, a captain’s many mana- conditioning and refrigeration systems should
gerial duties involve protecting and preserv- be serviced by crew. Integral tasks include the
What exactly is a sportfishing ing the vessel. A good captain, in spite of the cleaning of filters, drains and sea strainers, acid
captain's job? sizable salary he or she commands, saves the flushing and raw water pump exchanges.
If you surveyed a random sample of people owner money. Cheaping out of captain and Ice Maker: Crew should be able to descale
as to the most important part of a captain’s crew may save an owner a couple of bucks in the unit and maintain clean water lines and
job, the most common response likely in- the short term, but it costs significantly more clear filter intakes.
volves catching fish. Were you to pose the in the long run. A captain-maintained boat Watermaker: Turning seawater into potable
same question to a group of boat owners, holds its value much longer with significantly water is invaluable. The crew should handle
the answer nearly universally entails protect- less depreciation than one that has largely been membrane cleaning, filter replacement and
ing their investment. Every sportfish owner neglected. It is also quite a bit more fulfilling to routinely check for leaks or corrosion. Any elec-
wants to catch fish on his or her boat, but spend your money funding the annual salary trical issues require a call to the professionals.
none would do so at the expense of their of a dedicated captain than it is to prematurely Generators: Sea strainer cleaning, oil and
vessel’s well-being or value. After all, were it rebuild your main engines because they weren’t filter changes, along with zincs, raw water im-
just about catching fish the boat owner could cared for correctly. pellers and pump exchanges, should be tasks
hop on a plane and rack up big numbers There are a multitude of systems on a accomplished in-house.
with one of many reputable charter opera- modern sportfisher. Each has hundreds or Plumbing: Aside from seacock repairs that
tions in Costa Rica or Guatemala. thousands of working components that re- require haul out, most plumbing issues stem-
quire skillful attention and meticulous main- ming from the galley sink, garbage disposal or
Asset Management tenance schedules. And we can’t forget about head should be resolved by the crew.
First and foremost, the responsibilities of a caring for the many parts of the boat that Exterior: It’s a no-brainer, but the crew
captain center on asset management. “When don’t move. What follows is a breakdown of should address all waxing and washing of
you hire a captain, they are legally responsible boat systems with maintenance and service metalwork and gelcoat. Exterior teak must be
for the boat. Do you know what the four items. Capt. Scott Murie details which jobs routinely cleaned and sanded. Touching up
stripes on an airline captain’s shoulder stand can reasonably be expected to be performed scratched or dinged varnished is rather simple
for? It’s all my fault. When I am flying an air- by captain and crew and those that should be but a tradesman should handle the total strip-
plane, I am responsible for the aircraft and all farmed out to professional technicians. ping of varnish and its re-application.
16 1905_TRIBUTE_1-2h.indd
SEPTEMBER 2020 1 6/10/20 1:07 PM
INTHEBITE.COMThe cleanliness of a boat’s engine room is a direct reflection of the captain and crew’s attention to detail.
Outriggers: A minimum of once a year, Gears & Transmission: Oil and filter or her guests to be scolded for missing a sail-
crews should drop, clean and wax outrigger changes, along with acid flushing raw water fish and it’s always awkward when the cap-
poles, and replace cables and bushings as neces- coolers, are duties that can be accomplished tain and mate are yelling at each other. Keep-
sary. Hydraulic problems should be resolved by by the crew. ing a clean boat and happy, upbeat attitude
a pro but observed by the crew so they can at- sure goes a long way in this endeavor. This is
tempt repair should an issue arise off the dock. Experience Management particularly true when the bite is off, or the
Main Engines: The changing of oil and A crucial part of the captain’s job is to owner wants to go snapper fishing when the
fuel filters should be performed by the crew, make sure that the boat is enjoyable. While blue marlin are chewing. Never make anyone
as should the cleaning of sea strainers and ex- what exactly constitutes fun is subjective, on the deck uncomfortable.
change of impellers. there are a few universals. Nobody wants his One of the common attributes exhibited
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#INTHEBITE 1 7/3/20
SEPTEMBER 2:11 PM
2020 17by captains who have successfully made this
life a career is the ability to be personable with
a variety of people. This extends to not only
making guests comfortable but also recruiting
individuals who possess the required traits for
the job. Once they find a quality mate, great
captains also ensure that their work is enrich-
ing—helping mates acquire the necessary skills,
attributes and competencies before ultimately
moving up to the bridge themselves.
When it comes to having fun, there are as
many versions of a good time as there are boat
owners. What is acceptable behavior on one
boat might be taboo on another. Captain and
owner should be on the same page in under-
standing the parameters of the experience.
Fishing
Another dimension of a captain’s job is to
make sure that the boat provides the type of
fishing experience that is best for the owner
and guests. As with many other aspects of the
With a running list of needed maintenance and repairs, captains can significantly minimize downtime.
occupation, this involves the unbiased assess-
ment and realization of the owner’s honest tween the expectations and perspectives of observation. Whether it’s due to business con-
desires and abilities. different owners. The inherent flexibility and cerns or just not wanting the world to know
A great captain will be able to quickly grasp type of experience they wish to gain from their every move, the degree to which a boat’s
the many variables that relate to the fishing ownership dictates much of what a captain’s operation should be shared publicly is subject
experience of boat ownership. These include job entails. While some owners are demand- to the owner’s requests.
but are certainly not limited to family in- ing, others are less so. Here are a few addi- Whether it be posting to social media or
volvement, budget, extent of travel and level tional considerations that are wise to be in- discussing what happens on the boat, there
of tournament participation desired. Once cluded when coming to an understanding of is a comfort level associated with most every
these variables are initially considered, the a prospective captain’s position. operation. The privacy consideration of boat
captain can then tailor a program that suits Budget: There are fewer ways to burn out ownership is made that much more evident
his or her owner’s wishes. a new owner faster than by melting his credit when considering how intimate the space on
The range of activities captains must carry card with unnecessary items and charges. a boat may be. While traveling, crews may
out or fulfill are quite diverse. If you have a Does this mean that every captain should live aboard the boat. During this time, they
good mate it can be very enjoyable. If you do cheap out and only buy the bare essentials for will not only coexist with the owner and his
not, then it can be very taxing. Responsibili- the boat? No. In many cases, the number on guests but also may see or witness any num-
ties quite often change, or new ones may be the expense account matters much less than ber of things that would normally remain very
assigned at any time. These can vary from us- the perception of how it is being spent. No private. This includes family interactions be-
ing the boat for sunset booze cruises, with the boat owner in the world wants to lose the blue tween the owner and his spouse and kids, pri-
occasional snorkel trip thrown in, to a hard- marlin of a lifetime because captain and crew vate business dealings that are conducted on
charging international operation entering a tried to save a couple of dollars purchasing the boat, and other “intimate relations” that
tournament at the last minute. fishing line from the discount bin. may not be suitable for dock gossip.
While there is no right or wrong use for a For some owners, it is important to continu-
boat—how they are used is a function of what ously purchase and use the latest and greatest The Final Word
the owner and his guests would like to do—it in fishing gear. Others are more price-con- If you are looking for a 9 to 5 work life,
is important that the captain and owner are scious, even if they have billions in the bank, then you might consider an alternate line
on the same page from the start. A seasoned and prefer to be conservative in their boat’s of employment. While there are a number
vet who has a passion for traveling and wining purchasing habits. There is no right or wrong of things that can be said to fall within the
tournaments will likely not be satisfied running approach when it comes to boat budgets and scope of a qualified captain’s duties, the fin-
a boat that’s at the dock nine months out of what is appropriate to buy. Standards do not er touches of a job running a modern sport-
the year. Likewise, a captain who wishes to stay apply here. A well-suited captain and owner fisher are likely best defined as they relate
close to home would be foolish to sign on for relationship will refine the appropriate level of to a boat’s particular use and the owner’s
a globetrotting mothership operation that cel- spending through time. It is wise to discuss this specific circumstances. There’s no definitive
ebrates life at sea. going into it rather than leave things to chance. formula for achieving a prosperous captain-
Privacy: Another concern that Almaktoum owner relationship, but hopefully this pro-
Other Considerations referenced is that of privacy. Many boat own- vides the best practices and recommended
One of the difficulties in defining a one- ers are high net worth individuals whose ac- architecture for building arrangements of
size-fits-all captain’s job is the variability be- tivities and actions are subject to scrutiny and trust and respect.
18 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COMVisit our updated website ne.com
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#INTHEBITE SEPTEMBER 2020 19MARKET ANALYSIS
The Great Brokerage Breakdown
By Dale Wills
T he purchase of a new or used sportfish or center console
can be quite the complex process. Lacking industry intel-
ligence and boat buying experience, soon-to-be owners can be
in the motoryacht and cruising segments,
and those who have experience with the cus-
tom build process. These experts have a deep
understanding of each manufacturer’s his-
easily led astray. Take it from those who have learned the hard tory, successes of different models, and their
developments throughout the years, which
way—the right broker is well worth the sales commission. And ultimately gives them the ability to make ac-
with an extensive network of clients, accomplished brokers can curate valuations and provide sound advice
to their clients.
also expedite the sale or trade-in of an existing vessel. To learn
about the emerging and enduring sales trends of the recreational Does Bluewater have a specialty?
boating industry and how to choose a brokerage that aligns with Our roots are in the sportfishing industry,
but we proudly serve customers in all areas
your goals, we interviewed four industry-leading experts who re- of boating, fishing and cruising. We execute
main at the forefront of the ever-changing market. business across the country and even inter-
nationally, but we mostly focus on the East
Bluewater Yacht Sales Coast between Maryland and Florida. While
Blake Tice – Marketing Manager What is your brokerage’s point of difference? we did get our start on the sportfishing side
Founded in 1968, Bluewater Yacht Sales is We pride ourselves on our ability to guide of the business, we have specialists who have
one of the East Coast’s largest yacht broker- customers through every stage of their boat- gravitated toward all segments of the industry,
age companies, comprising nine waterfront ing life—from buying a new boat, to get- so we are well equipped to represent buyers
office locations from Maryland to Florida. ting service and maintenance, and finally to and sellers with any of their boating needs.
Currently owned and operated by its found- marketing and selling their current boats.
ing partners, Bluewater proudly represents We have a passionate team of brokers that What characteristics should prospective
the finest sportfish, motoryacht and center naturally tend to focus on the vessel types buyers look for in a broker?
console brands in the world, including Vi- that they love and enjoy the most. We have The best brokers are passionate about boat-
king, Jarrett Bay, Princess, Regulator, Val- those who know the sportfishing boats and ing and have dedicated their time to learning
halla, Jupiter, Sabre and Back Cove. brands inside and out, those who specialize and enjoying the business. Look for a broker
20 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COMoutside service work. In 2019, our customer
satisfaction index score for our service team
averaged 99.6 percent. Our commitment
to our customers goes beyond just service
though, as all 175 Galati team members are
empowered to do whatever it takes to consis-
tently exceed industry expectations.
Does Galati have a specialty?
Most of our clients are on their second or
third boat. They are very familiar with the
type of boat they are looking for and the ac-
tivities they want to enjoy while onboard.
However, 2020 has brought some first-time
Bluewater’s long-tenured sales professionals are keenly aware of both product and market trends. buyers to us as these new clients see boating
as a way to practice social distancing while
who is honest, hard-working and dialed in is to take care of your boat from the start. enjoying time with family and close friends.
to the latest industry trends. On our website Spend some time with a professional captain
there’s a bio for every broker, and it’s always or an experienced broker to get familiar with What characteristics should prospective
fun to read about their background in the the boat, learn the systems, and figure out the buyers look for in a broker?
business, and more importantly the testimo- best way to keep the boat in great condition. Brokers should know the product they are
nials they have received from customers. Our Taking the initiative now will help to protect selling and be factual about every aspect of
team lives and breathes boating and we could your investment and keep you on the water it—the good and the bad. They should be
not be prouder of the staff that we have rep- for years to come. honest, hard-working, efficient and open to
resenting our company. help others even when there is no reward. Our
Galati Yacht Sales brokers exhibit all of these qualities and even
What is an interesting fact about your Steve Lassley – Broker more desirable traits. We pride ourselves in
brokerage that someone might not know? Celebrating 50 years in the business, Gala- the quality of our sales force. Most have been
We are fortunate to have built a brand that ti Yacht Sales is a family owned and operated boating their entire lives, many were once cap-
most boaters are familiar with, whether it be dealership and brokerage firm with locations tains or crew, so they have a unique under-
through our sales organization, our service in Florida, Alabama, Texas, Mexico and standing of the industry and environment and
yards, or even the yachting center in Virginia. Costa Rica. Having grown significantly from are able to pass along a wealth of knowledge
What many people don’t know about is our its humble beginnings on Ana Maria Island, and expertise to their clients.
connection to Jarrett Bay Boatworks, and how Galati is now the largest dealer of Viking
that has helped shape our company. Bluewater Yachts, but also sells a large number of new What is an interesting fact about your bro-
is actually the result of a merger between Vir- and pre-owned boats from Valhalla, Princess, kerage that someone might not know?
ginia-based Bluewater Yacht Sales and North Prestige, Maritimo, Tiara and many more. Galati is the largest five-star certified dealer
Carolina-based Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales. The in the marine industry and sells nearly 500
current company is still affiliated with Jarrett What is your brokerage’s point of difference? boats a year.
Bay, which gives our team an inside look at Our point of difference is definitely our
the custom build process and a deep under- service department, with our four service Where do you see the future of the market
standing of the custom boat market. yards exclusively reserved for Galati clients. going?
Whether it’s for repair or routine mainte- One of the trends that I’m seeing is that
Where do you see the future of the market? nance, we want customers who purchased a the center console market has really taken off.
As we entered the COVID-19 pandemic, boat through us to get back on the water as Viking’s new Valhalla line has models ideally
we really had no idea what to expect for the quickly as possible, so we do not perform any suited to serve as standalone fishing platforms
boating industry, but fortunately sales have or tenders for mothership operations. Many
been as strong, if not stronger than before. sportfish owners now desire having both types
From a product standpoint we are seeing of boats for more intimate excursions.
technology advance at an unbelievable pace,
with electronics, stabilization, remote sys- What is the best advice you can give an as-
tems and navigational equipment becom- piring sportfish owner?
ing more important to our customers. Every Surround yourself with the right people.
time you think that the market has gone to If you are hiring a crew, double-check their
an extreme with technology, you are amazed references and be certain they are respected
when it goes to the next level. by past owners and peers. Also, search out
the best-maintained boat your budget allows
What is the best advice you can give to a and then keep it that way. What’s left is to go
prospective sportfish owner? Before joining Galati, Steve Lassley was the fleet enjoy the many adventures and great memo-
The single most important piece of advice captain for the Bad Company operation. ries ahead of you.
#INTHEBITE SEPTEMBER 2020 21Despite continued uncertainty regarding the global pandemic, brokerage activity has been very strong for the MacGregor team.
MacGregor Yachts
Jamie MacGregor – President was much more interesting. Consequently, What is an interesting fact about your bro-
Enjoying 21 years at their Palm Beach we’ve focused on being a master of the cus- kerage that someone might not know?
Gardens location, Florida-based MacGregor tom market. Unlike a production boat, each Even though we are a custom sportfish
Yachts comprises a team of expert captains, custom vessel is its own one-of-kind cre- brokerage, we sell quite a few motoryachts
yacht brokers, marine finance specialists and ation. Each custom boat builder has their as well. We’ve sold 85- to 203-foot yachts
boat builders. The accommodating staff is fo- own story, style and way to perfect their art. with transactions negotiated throughout Asia
cused on putting their customer’s needs first, This leads to more man hours to achieve per- and Europe. The recent launch of Evolution
fostering long-term relationships with each fection. Knowing the product, we can point by MacGregor Yachts strives to provide the
client through their acquisition of the finest our clients in the direction of which boats to same quality buying and selling services for
pedigree of custom sportfish yachts. snatch up and which to steer away from. high-end center consoles.
What is your brokerage’s point of difference? What characteristics should prospective Where do you see the future of the market
We’re a boutique-style, family owned and buyers look for in a broker? going?
operated company specializing in custom Brokers should be passionate about what It’s interesting to see the difference in how
sportfish yachts. Our dedicated team works they are selling and enjoy sharing these pas- younger brokers and older brokers handle
very close together and we are constantly col- sions with their clients. Listening to a client’s the marketing aspects of the industry. Us
laborating and communicating on the current wants and needs is very important. A broker “seasoned vets” love meeting face-to-face
market trends. We all have deep ties to the should never push a buyer into a boat that with buyers to discuss all aspects in per-
boating community in very unique, special- doesn’t meet their prerequisites. They should son. The new generation of salesmen take
ized areas. Every member of the team brings slow the selling process down until the cli- a much more virtual approach and utilize
something to the table, and we all work to- ent is educated and ready to make a suitable the tech tools available. Digital marketing
gether to excel in meeting the needs of our cli- purchasing decision that’s right for them. is the future and the importance of video
ents. We don’t compete with each other, rather Reputation is all we have in this industry. walkthroughs and conferencing really came
we encourage and unite to become stronger, Honesty and genuine interest in your client’s to light during the pandemic. We are seeing
more knowledgeable and more efficient. needs are two characteristics you should buyers and sellers conducting their research
look for when selecting the right broker. An online before coming to showings and know-
Does MacGregor have a specialty? educated buyer pulling away from the dock ing quite a bit about the boats. This requires
Our firm has always been focused on in the right vessel with a big smile on their us to be on our game more than ever. There’s
the custom sportfish market and we’ve fol- face is what we strive for. Seeing families and also a huge trend in “influencers” shaping
lowed this business model for over 25 years. friends traveling, fishing and making memo- buying decisions. Not only do we need to
Through our experiences, we came to the re- ries on the water is our favorite part of the be targeting the individual buyers, but we
alization that having a specific niche to target entire process. also have to appease their captains, mates, or
whoever they consider to be the “experts” in
the field.
What is the best advice you can give an as-
piring sportfish owner?
Trust your broker! If they check all of the
boxes in the credibility, honesty and knowl-
edge departments, then enjoy the hunt and
have fun during the buying process. Once
you’ve purchased your dream boat, use and
enjoy it for a bit. Don’t rush into updates
and upgrades. Take your time and enjoy the
project. Perhaps most important is picking
Purchasing or selling a yacht requires tremendous market knowledge. It’s best to have an experienced the right crew. We’ve seen too many owners
professional guide you through the transaction. leave the industry because of crew drama.
22 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COMFULL SERVICE AT
FULL THROTTLE
• Cockpit mezzanine retrofits
• Full paint services
• Running gear and engine alignment services
• Tuna tube & live well system design and fabrication
• Customized cockpit & flybridge air conditioning systems
• Watermaker & Eskimo ice chipper installations
• Farrow System® bottom paint removal
• Exterior & interior woodworking and refinishing
• Interior design services
• Authorized Seakeeper installation center
• Palm Beach Towers & Atlantic Marine Electronics
on location
VYSC@VIKINGYACHTS.COM
VIKINGSERVICECENTER.COM • 561.493.2800
Viking Yacht Service Center Viking International Yacht Center
1550 Avenue C Riviera Beach, FL 2100 Avenue B Riviera Beach, FLships with our customers that help us to ticipate in sportfishing tournaments world-
understand what they truly need. We lead wide, source captains from across the globe,
in our industry with customer service and facilitate trans-Atlantic yacht transportation,
knowledge of the products. experience motoryacht getaways in multiple
markets, and attend boat shows along the
Does Riggs have a specialty? East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. These experi-
Each member of our team brings their own ences have allowed them to create a notewor-
unique set of skills. We were involved in thy network of contacts and competencies.
building the 90-foot Jaruco, one of the larg-
est and most advanced sportfishing boats Where do you see the future of the market
ever built. We also have experience with mo- going?
toryachts, production boats, center consoles The use of carbon fiber and other lightweight
With happy clients, Riggs has a high referral rate. and semi-custom builds. building components is rapidly expanding.
Proprietary weaves of carbon fiber were used in
Riggs Yacht Sales What characteristics should prospective the Jaruco to produce the fastest 90-foot sport-
John D. Riggs – Owner buyers look for in a broker? fish in existence. These materials caught the at-
Whether you are looking to buy, sell or We are in the business of building long- tention of the market and have since become
build a boat, Riggs Yacht Sales has experi- lasting client relationships. It is essential that an important building innovation. We also see
enced professionals ready to create memorable the broker takes their time and finds the boat production companies becoming increasingly
customer experiences. A full-service yacht that is right for their client, rather than the responsive to the needs of the consumer.
brokerage led by North Carolina native John more convenient or profitable option. We’re
D. Riggs, the Wrightsville Beach-based firm in it for the long haul! Once a client experi- What is the best advice you can give an as-
is proud to be an exclusive dealer of Hatteras ences our level of service, we know we have piring sportfish owner?
sportfishing and motoryachts, as well as the their business for life. Surround yourself with a team of experi-
recently revived CABO brand. enced professionals that will listen to your
What is an interesting fact about your bro- needs. There are many important choices to
What is your brokerage’s point of difference? kerage that someone might not know? consider including vessel size, equipment, elec-
Build. Create. Lead. These are the core Our brokers are engaged in the marine tronics and ultimately the hiring of a qualified
values of our team. We build long-term trust industry in ways that help them truly un- captain. The right sales professional can help
with our clients. We create personal relation- derstand what motivates clients. They par- guide you through all of those decisions.
24 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COMA Step Above
Hull #27 - 78’ “Special Situation”
Tel. 302-838-5500
www.FSyachts.com fs@fsboatworks.com
F&S Boatworks 353 Summit Point Circle Bear, DE 19701
#INTHEBITE SEPTEMBER 2020 25A red-hot bite can quickly turn into the perfect storm. Out of respect, many captains and crew are too polite to establish clear
expectations regarding on board behavior. Safety briefings are imperative but it’s also important to introduce the following profes-
sional recommendations and common courtesies. If you're lucky enough to catch a ride on a Weaver, it helps to know the rules!
SPORTFISH STATUTES
The Definitive Guide to
Being a Great Boat Guest
Title I: General Provisions
• Treat every boat, even if it’s a longliner • You can be late to work. You can be late for • Don’t slam the drink box door, or any hatch
built in the 1940s, like the Queen Mary II. dinner. You can be late for church. But you can’t for that matter.
Respect the barefoot rule and ask for permis- be late for fishing, ever! • Make sure that cabinets, the refrigerator and
sion before stepping aboard. Once on board, • If you disappear as soon as the boat hits the the freezer are locked in place when you close
address the crew with the utmost respect. dock, then it’s probably going to be your last the doors.
Listen before expressing your viewpoint and trip. The best way to get invited back and feel • Always booze in moderation.
try not to disrupt an efficient program. like part of the team is to become familiar with • Complement the attitude and outlook of
• Don’t assume anything. The same tasks a wash mitt and chamois. the company on the boat. If you’re joining a
are accomplished very differently on different • All boat crews have their own particular group of easygoing people, then leave captain
boats. You can’t go wrong asking the captain ways of doing things and they don’t want to serious at the dock. If everyone is dialed in and
and crew how you can help contribute. In hear about how you’ve done it somewhere else. focused on the next fish, they probably don’t
some cases, like when docking or anchoring, • There is a difference between asking for the want to hear you dancing.
crews prefer less help than more. purpose of learning and asking for the purpose
• When you’re fishing on someone else’s boat, of questioning someone. Get this wrong and Title II: Limitations
ask what you can bring. If they say they have it you will soon be fishing off the local pier. • Inform the captain and crew of any pre-
covered, then leave your lucky rod at home. • Unless requested, nobody wants to see existing medical conditions well before you are
• Traveling to a game boat in a remote des- charts and satellite imagery downloaded on 50 miles offshore. If you have any prescribed
tination? Volunteer to pack any must-have your phone. An even worse infraction is medication or a situation could potentially
items for the crew. With an operation based when unsolicited information is paired with arise (heart problems, diabetes, asthma, etc.),
in an inconvenient and isolated location, the question, “Why aren’t we fishing here?” let someone on the boat know so that they may
it’s a lot easier for you to pick up some chin • When docking or while a fish is hooked up, be prepared. Certain medications can react with
weights than it is for them to be sourced. don’t sit or stand in a place that obscures the dehydration from seasickness and compound to
And don’t forget the latest issue of InTheBite! captain’s view of the line. create much greater problems.
26 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COM• Make any food allergies well known. barrassed. Go outside and put your face in the • Clean up after yourself and never throw
With a history of severe reactions, it’s im- wind. The rule is any side but inside. any trash overboard.
portant you bring an EpiPen and inform the • Be careful of new or old shoes. Fresh
crew of its location if needed. Title IV: Crimes kicks can bleed when wet. Old shoes tend
• Do not show up to the dock like Keith • Spray on sunscreen can make a real to mark the deck and track dirt. Black soled
Richards after a four-day bender. Please be mess—some will discolor upholstery and even shoes are never acceptable.
respectful to sportfishing professionals and stain gelcoat. If you insist, apply outside in a • No wet shoes or boots inside. Also, if
have the courtesy not to arrive half in the bag. location where the overspray is directed away you are soaked to the bone ask for a towel
from the boat. Never spray in the salon. before attempting to sit on the couch.
Title III: Public Health • Avoid pants or shorts with zippered seat • Everybody gets excited when a fish is
• If there’s a lady on board, you can’t go pockets that may easily and unknowingly hooked up, but there’s no need to be more
wrong by peeing inside. That said, keep it off tear upholstery. vocal than the captain.
the floors and the wall. To quote Capt. Jen • Steer clear of sandals with bottle openers • Even though sportfishing vessels are
Copeland, “If it’s rough, would it be beneath on the sole. These can scratch gelcoat, teak durable machines, it’s a fragile landscape.
you to sit down?!” and tower legs. Beware of belt buckles, metal buttons and
• Heavy lifting in the head deserves a cour- • Unless you have spoken about it previ- watch bands that might scratch varnish or
tesy flush. Some boats can flush toilet paper, ously, assume the boat is a non-smoking envi- mar the surface of aluminum pipework.
some cannot. In either case, don’t put any ronment. And leave the medical marijuana at • Newspaper ink bleeds when wet and can
foreign objects in the toilet. If you have a home, Cheech. be especially damaging to cushions.
question, ask the mate. It’s also a good idea to • Unless you own the boat, don’t ever eat
make sure you know how to operate the flush in the staterooms.
mechanism before you deposit a bowl full. • Fried chicken will leave spots on a teak
• If you’re going to be sick, don’t be em- deck. If you spill crumbs, hose them off.
#INTHEBITE SEPTEMBER 2020 27Mix business with pleasure.
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5738 Route 9 • New Gretna, NJ 08224 • Tel: 609-296-8826 2100 Avenue B #2 • Riviera Beach, FL 33404 • Tel: 561-493-2833
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©2020 KVH Industries, Inc. KVH, TracPhone, TracVision, TriAd, and the unique light-colored dome with dark contrasting baseplate are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.State of
the Mate
The Evolution & Function
of the Modern Deckhand
EXPERT PANEL
Capt. Dale Britt
Morehead City, North Carolina
Capt. Fin Gaddy
Oregon Inlet, North Carolina By Joe Byrum
Capt. Kenny Sexton
Oregon Inlet, North Carolina L ike almost every industry, the current sportfishing land-
scape looks completely different than it did 40 years ago.
While time changes everything all of the time, in the last five
Capt. Jason ªTinyº Walcott
South Florida years alone advances in technology and equipment have in-
spired the development of outcome-driven techniques, alter-
Capt. Jon Brooks
ing the state of the mate in a particularly impactful way. With
Florida/New Jersey
the widespread adoption of innovation, the individu-
Capt. Tom Buckner als involved in our sport have changed as well, be it
Port Aransas, Texas for better or for worse.
Capt. Chase Lake
We all know the importance of having a teemed captains around the
Destin, Florida competent crew. The vast majority of sportfish- country for a deeper under-
Capt. Bryan Sears ing operations employ a captain and at least one standing regarding workforce
mate to even leave and return to the slip safely, training, leadership develop-
Scituate Harbor, Massachusetts not to mention rig baits and tackle, clean the ment, crew longevity and how
Capt. John Galvin boat and accommodate the day's fishing group things have changed over the years.
among many other integral tasks. When it comes to the dependence on
Cape Cod, Massachusetts To further address the mate profession technology, work ethic and perseverance
through anecdotal accounts, I interviewed es- of millennials, everyone loves to speculate.
30 SEPTEMBER 2020 INTHEBITE.COMtent talking point among conversations. “I feel
that the assigned duties and job requirements
have greatly increased for mates these days,”
Capt. Tiny Walcott says. “Boats are more ad-
vanced and require more upkeep. Fishing tech-
niques and bait and tackle preparation have
evolved to a point where having two full-time
mates is almost mandatory, especially when
competing in high-stakes tournaments.”
Capt. Tom Buckner also referenced how
the requirements of the job have altered
over the years. “The daily grind of an old
school charter boat was all about repetition.
Deckhands were expected to do exactly as
instructed by captains since they were usu-
to their phones. Excessive screen time not ally kids with zero experience when they
only leaves them distracted from the job itself, got the job. Mates were required to show
leading to missed bites and lost opportuni- up early and stay late to wash the boat at
ties, but also makes them too concerned with the end of the day, often while I was mak-
getting their latest catch on the newest media ing repairs. They were expected to be polite
channels. “With the evolution of social media, to the guests, care for the tackle and make
there is a lot of doing it for the ‘gram. It seems the baits run straight.”
like most millennials fish for online recogni- While many of these attributes are still
tion and accolades,” Capt. Jon Brooks says. applicable, Buckner also affirmed how the
Echoing similar thoughts, Capt. Chase job requirements have evolved as the busi-
Lake explains that he’s found a lot of the ness moved to the gleaming new boats of
Our expert panel has decades of experience in younger mates had a hard time detaching today. “A greater degree of skill is needed
the captain’s chair and there is perhaps not a from their phones and were often too eager for the care of the vessel as well as the time
better assembly in the world to provide accu- to share the day’s catch on social media. “It to maintain it. The TD Mop, chamois and
rate insight with regard to the state of the mate. seems like today everybody wants to be the blade have become the most important
wireman, but no one wants to put in the tools of the trade. The owners and guests
What trends have you seen in work that it takes to be the mate,” Lake says. have become the people to please. Mates
the progression of mates? While captains once tried to keep catches a are expected to have more personal skills,
It may seem evident that things must bit of a secret in the name of competition, constantly monitor the spread, and teach
evolve, but the source of this change might these days it’s more like a race to get your lat- guests how to fish when needed. They re-
be a bit surprising. Two interesting changes est bite online as fast as possible. ally need to conform to the social situations
rise to the surface: the materialization of ad- Capt. Fin Gaddy believes that social media’s more than the less sophisticated kid on the
vanced skillsets and those associated with influence was not for the better of the charter deck of that battered charter boat.”
technology. The type of work that’s involved industry. He reflected back to a quote from
with different techniques and tactics required Teddy Roosevelt stating that, “Comparison is Finding & Keeping Good Crew
to stay on the bite has certainly transformed the thief of joy,” which relates the culture of so- Another factor that seemed to be almost
over the years. Complex tools like dredges cial media to the charter industry. Gaddy viv- universal was the difficulty in locating and
and fishing kites have taken the offshore idly recalls a day when he and his guests caught retaining a good mate. “I definitely think it’s
community by storm, greatly increasing the a blue and four whites. Rather than being harder to find a reliable mate nowadays. So
workload to maintain a proper spread. elated by an excellent day, when they hit the many young people just don’t want to work
One of the most constant topics of con- ‘gram they were envious over a boat in Costa hard, or they want you to cater to them. I’m
versation was a piece of technology that Rica that released 23 blue marlin. This unfair not saying that about everyone by any means,
we are all saddled to these days—our comparison between two dissimilar fisheries but back when I was starting out there was a
smartphones. With social media being on different ends of the spectrum can dilute lot of competition to be able to prove yourself
an ever-present part of our lives, the feeling of what should be considered a very and land that dream job. Every morning there
both as a personal and profes- special day by any East Coast standard. While used to be guys sitting up on the porch at the
sional tool, a lot of guys I our sport is certainly competitive, social media Oregon Inlet Fishing Center in hopes of some
talked to spoke about often invites feelings of false equivalence across mate not showing up. Not so anymore,” Capt.
the new generation of unrelated environments. With fear of missing Kenny Sexton says.
mates being glued out they revel in their successes without know- Capt. Bryan Sears agrees, recognizing that
ing the story of their failures. “The local com- it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find
petition at the dock in places like Oregon Inlet someone with the necessary passion and drive
creates enough healthy rivalry among crews as to withstand the exhausting pace. “Consis-
it is,” Gaddy says. tency, willingness to grind and a high level of
The workload for mates was another consis- awareness are sometimes not as prevalent with
#INTHEBITE SEPTEMBER 2020 31You can also read
