FINANCING YOUR YACHT PURCHASE

This information offered by Frank Ramos of Intercoastal Financial Group, LLC is featured in my September "Waterways" newsletter but for those who don't receive that publication, I am featuring it here also.

Frank has worked in yacht financing for 25 years and I highly recommend him for his knowledge and his service. Take a look at what he has to say about the current market.

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If you are in the market to purchase a yacht, you might consider financing the cost of the acquisition. Interest rates are at historical lows, not only for home mortgages and auto loans, but for yacht loans too. Lenders will finance up to 80% of the purchase price and offer terms up to 20 years. Closing costs also are very minimal with a boat loan. Another advantage to financing a yacht purchase is the tax deductibility of the interest cost since yachts can be considered a second home (please consult your accountant to see if you are eligible).

The following are examples of current rates and programs available in today’s market:

1)  5.37% - fixed rate up to 20 years for loans $100,000 to $499,999. The monthly payment factor is $6.81 per $1,000 you borrow. For example, on a $100,000 loan, the monthly payment would equate to $681.

2)   5.12% - fixed rate for 20 years for loans $500,000 and over. The monthly payment factor = $6.67/$1,000.

Adjustable rates are also available for yacht loans. Currently, there is a 3-year fixed rate offered at 4.50% for loans $100,000 and over with a 20 year term. This might be a good financing option if you have a short term plan in mind for the boat or loan (perhaps this purchase is an interim boat while a larger boat purchase is in the near future, you plan to sell some assets or your company, or a lifestyle change such as retirement is in the horizon).

Ok, so it’s a good time to finance a boat purchase but how difficult is securing a loan going to be in today’s lending environment? Well, I can say that in my 25 years of financing boats, the credit standards have not really changed that much. Lenders will look for applicants to have sufficient cashflow to support the new boat loan as well as existing obligations, for those who have adequate liquid assets to make the down payment along with a ‘cushion” leftover (usually 20-30% of the loan amount), and who show a good credit history. Assuming you meet these criteria, approvals are usually available in 3 to 4 days.

Hopefully this information is helpful when considering your next purchase. Please contact me for additional details on current rates and programs and/or questions regarding your yacht financing needs.

All the best,

Frank Ramos

Intercoastal Financial Group, LLC               

124-A North 2nd ST

Ft. Pierce, FL 34950

Cell:    954.614.3888

Fax:    772.264.2297

Email: frank@boatloans.net

Web: www.FinanceMyYacht.com

VIDEO TOUR OF 2003 RIVA 59' MERCURIUS

Newly completed and posted, this video by SeeSea Productions highlights our Allied Marine trade, a 2003 Riva 59' Mercurius that has been extensively updated and seriously reduced for a quick sale.

Details include: MAN D2840LE 105 hp engines with 650 hours and a cruise of 30 knots, expanded full-beam Master layout, new electronics (2009), new Awlgrip paint, new Bimini top and sides, new cushions/sunpads, bow thruster.  More info at my website: http://bit.ly/ow9ZIs.

Take a look and let me know what you think of the video!

BATTERIES: DON'T OVERLOOK THEM!

I asked one of my experts in the yacht maintenance business what he thought was the most important item to be aware of and take care of on a yacht.  I was surprised when he told me and I asked him to write something so I could pass it on.

Rich Royer from A RR Marine Service gets all the credit.  Give him a call when you have a maintenance issue.  He is in Port St. Lucie, Florida at (772) 486-2843 or reach him by email at CaptRich18@aol.com

As boat owners, when we want to decompress from our daily lives, we want to do it with the least amount of trouble possible. The weekend comes and goes quickly and sometimes there is just not enough time to look at and check everything before we go boating.

One of the systems that should not be over looked is your batteries. We take them for granted because of our "AUTO"mobile ways. Who checks their battery level before a trip to the mall? It's "AUTO"matic that the car will start. If it doesn't, we just say, "Lets take the other car and drop this one at the mechanic."

Well, nothing is "AUTOMATIC" in the marine world and chances are there isn't a second boat to take while the one that doesn't start is at the shop getting fixed. It only takes a few minutes to check before you leave the dock.

The worst conditions for a battery are hot enviroments. The batteries on a boat are subject to high heat, vibration, and  constant battery load variations. Sometimes battery voltage can affect other systems like electronics, fire control systems, and other engine control systems. Today's boats are even more dependant on proper battery voltage due to complex engine computer systems. In a multiple battery system, the problem may even be harder to detect. 

Some boats run the generator with the battery charger on and this masks a voltage/charge issue if you just monitor the output of the generator with a panel meter.

So, in short, it really pays off to spend the time to actually get down and look at the batteries. Even if they are so called "maintenance" free. They still need to be checked for bloating and/or corrosion. The time it takes is well spent when we return safely from our travels and everyone has fun. Boating should be fun and that fun quickly goes away when you have to call SEA-TOW for a jump.

Thanks and happy boating from "A RR marine service"!

NEW FORT LAUDERDALE INTL BOAT SHOW VIDEO

This inadvertently got reposted from a few weeks ago when I was re-labeling some of my posts today.  I was going to delete it but then thought, with the show coming up in about two months, I'd just let it ride.  Enjoy...even if it is the second time around!


"Fort Lauderdale Yacht Show 2010/HD" was recently posted to YouTube by YachtsXL. Nice coverage of the 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and surrounding area.  You'll see several Ferretti Group yachts throughout, and then the sales staff briefly at 3:43.  That's me third from the left!


Click to link:  Fort Lauderdale Yacht Show 2010/HD

EMIRATES PALACE, ABU DHABI, EXPANDS MARINA DINING

By Abdulla Rasheed, Abu Dhabi Editor

Original Article published at: http://bit.ly/pXhzwA

Newly-appointed general manager reveals grand plans to strengthen hotel's hold in the number one spot.

Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi will open new dining outlets in its 173-berth marina and is also set to host high-profile events like an annual yacht show and polo matches.

Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace hotel has embarked on a project to add a number of dining outlets in its marina which features 173 berths, a top official said.

"We are currently developing the entire area around the marina where we will eventually have several dining outlets, shops, and a new ballroom. We are currently in the final stages of finalising plans to open an Emirates Palace yacht club at the marina, as well as a large fitness centre," Bugra Berberoglu, the newly appointed general manager of Emirates Palace, told Gulf News in an exclusive interview.

"Since we've just opened the marina and development is ongoing, we are offering fantastic opportunities for the marine leisure community in the way of special promotions.

Since he arrived five weeks ago, Berberoglu and his team have been working on several new projects for the hotel, which will be announced in the coming months.

"Our aim is to confirm that we are the number one hotel in the world. In order to do that we will work continuously to improve ourselves and to innovate, by offering ongoing training to all staff, reviewing our food and beverage offerings regularly, and expanding our leisure facilities," he said.

"Since our opening in 2005, we have established superior standards for the hotel industry in Abu Dhabi and the wider region. As Abu Dhabi continues to grow we will strive to maintain our number one spot in the capital by continuing to invest in our staff and developing innovative offerings so that we are always providing the best services internationally."

Speaking about new activities planned for the coming months, he mentioned several events: "We're looking to finalise an annual Emirates Palace Yacht Show, held at our marina. We have signed a letter of intent with a well-known polo company to host Kempinski's first traditional polo event in Abu Dhabi and we're hoping to host the first annual polo game in Abu Dhabi, early next year."

"As part of our commitment to culture, we are also working on bringing incredible art to Abu Dhabi. We are planning two special exhibitions in the next year, one featuring hanging statues and another that will showcase works by renowned painters from around the world, including mural art." He explained.

Speaking about the relationship between the hotel and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (Adta) he said: "We maintain an important strategic partnerships with Adta, and Etihad Airlines, and I believe that together, through the leadership of Adta, we will ensure the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the city of Abu Dhabi."

Berberoglu added "There are many new hotels being built in Abu Dhabi, and through the excellent management of Adta and the growth of Etihad Airlines, Abu Dhabi will be one of the best destinations worldwide."

"The second half of 2011 will offer many exciting occasions for our guests," he said.

"We are looking forward to the upcoming art exhibitions, classical music concerts, ballet performances, and much more. Our special events have been always a great success and we continue to see growing demand from the local community for remarkable cultural offerings. We are proud to serve as an icon for the city and a symbol of its warm hospitality," he said.

YAMAHA LAUNCHES NEW SPORT BOATS & WAVE RUNNER

Yamaha unveils two sets of new sport boats at 19- and 21-foot lengths, and a completely updated PWC, the WaveRunner FX.  See more at original article: Boats.com Blog.

Yamaha will offer two all-new sport boat platforms and a completely redesigned WaveRunner FX series personal watercraft for 2012. The new products debuted to dealers on Aug. 22, but I had a chance to sample prototypes in Georgia a few weeks ago, and will file full reports in the near future. Until then…

The new 19-foot boats from Yamaha feature a broad bow for added seating space.                This AR190 model comes with a wakeboard tower.

New 19-Foot Sport Boats

Yamaha takes aim at the entry-level runabout category with its new standard SX190 ($24,999) and wake-sports specialized AR190 ($26,999) sport boats. Measuring 19’2” in length over a beam of 8 feet, each is powered by a single 1.8-liter High Output engine and Yamaha jet drive. It’s been years since Yamaha offered a price-point boat model, or one with a single engine, but the company says that 25 percent of the so-called “family fun” boating segment fits in the 18- to 20-foot length range, and aims to appeal to those buyers. Expect to see this boat go up against both economy sterndrives and the new outboard-powered runabouts. My first impression upon stepping aboard was that the boat feels a lot bigger than it is.

Credit the low profile of the Yamaha propulsion package, which does not require an intrusive motor box. This boat is built with a full cockpit liner rather than the cap deck with open (and often carpeted) inwales usually found on a boat in this size and price range. Below the deck is a molded stringer grid that incorporates smooth, finished surfaces for a large ski locker and the pan below the engine. At the stern, the new Yamaha features a step-down design that incorporates lounge seating and a swim platform just above water level. In short, Yamaha sticks to its proven sport-boat formula with this new model.

New 21-foot Sport Boats

The best-selling Yamaha 210/212 series is also all-new for 2012. A 21’ 4” hull is 4 inches longer than the previous 21-series Yamaha, and features a new sheer line that curves to the water aft to give the boat sort of a fast-back look. The standard SX210 and wake-sports AR210 are powered by twin 1.0-liter engines and jet drives, while the 212SS and wake-sports 212X are powered by twin 1.8-liter High Output engines and jets. Many features of the previous Yamaha 21-footers are back but updated on these new models. The bi-level stern area now features cup holders, has more leg room, and the swim platform is closer to the water.

                  All-new 21-foot models from Yamaha are four inches longer than the boats they replace,
              and feature a swooping new sheer line. This 212SS model is powered by twin 1.8-liter engines.

There’s dedicated space for a 38-quart cooler below the aft cockpit seat. The helm and dash areas are redesigned and now incorporate more storage options. The bow area is wider and still offers convertible cushions with multiple seating options. The wakeboard tower on the AR210 and 212X have been redesigned to be easier to fold down, and now include board racks. Pricing ranges from $34,599 to $43,999, including a trailer.

It’s been a decade since Yamaha introduced the WaveRunner FX series, and its flagship watercraft was due for more than a facelift. It’s all new for 2012 with a focus on comfort for the rider and passengers. At 140.2 inches, the new hull is 7.5 inches longer than the previous FX, although that makes it just an inch longer than the Sea-Doo GTX models. About three inches of that added length is dedicated to the seat, while the rest is added to the boarding platform. The FX HO series has the 1.8-liter engine and will be offered in both the standard and Cruiser configuration. Cruiser models have a new “stadium” seat that features three distinct positions for the pilot and two passengers.

Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser models feature a new stepped seat with room for three adults.

The middle seat position is about six inches higher than the pilot seat, while the aft spot is four inches higher still, the point being to give each person a view forward. This seat now also offers comfortable space for three adults – no kidding, we tried it. Cruiser models also have pull-up cleats and more instrument features than the standard FX. FX SHO models also come in standard and Cruiser versions, but with the added punch of the supercharged 1.8-liter engine.

All FX models have a longer reboarding step and a new ski line locker on the aft seat base, shown in two short videos below. They also have a new reverse lever with a positive neutral detent and a drive-by-wire throttle with speed-control features. Pricing ranges from $12,499 to $14,599. No word yet from Yamaha on when these new models will reach dealers.

HURRICANE PREPARATION TIPS

Another older article excerpted from Motor Boating Magazine but, still, good information.

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Hurricane and storm preparation begins well before a threat.

By Vincent Daniello

The southeastern United States isn't the only hurricane-prone region. A year prior to Andrew, the 1991 hurricane season was equally inactive, yet Hurricane Bob slammed boats ashore in an ill-prepared Rhode Island, and seemingly innocuous Hurricane Grace fizzled but then became part of the catastrophe known as the Halloween Storm to New Englanders or the Perfect Storm of book and movie infamy.

Whether dealing with hurricanes or early winter storms, three rules should guide storm prep. First, even "weak" storms can pack an unexpected wallop. Second, preparation must be organized in advance so it's simple and quick. Finally, local topography and just plain luck are deciding factors, but these can be played advantageously. Follow these tips to prepare.

Reduce Windage

Where Sensible Force increases by the square of the wind velocity. Five square yards of flat surface generate about 10 pounds of pressure in a 10-knot breeze. At 30 knots, the same 5 yards creates 90 pounds of force and at 100 knots, 1,000 pounds. Taking down canvas may well prevent extensive damage to far more than just that canvas in a direct hit from a Category 2 or better storm. But the odds of being in the usually small area of devastation are small. More likely, a near miss provides a day or two of strong wind and heavy rain with little damage — unless taking down that canvas left expensive electronics unnecessarily exposed to the weather. Either way, cover the helm with plastic or a tarp secured with rope and waterproof tape, but consider leaving helm enclosures erect.

Duplicate Lines 

Bypass the closest cleat or piling and choose an attachment point farther away so lines remain snug through an unusually high or low tide. Don't just double up lines. A cleat or piling is just as likely to fail as the line. A rule of thumb is that each line should have a mate running in the same direction but attached at a different place on both the boat and the dock.

There Are Never Too Many Lines or Fenders

One boat owner returned to his 65-footer after Hurricane Frances hit South Florida to find that every line failed due to chafe or broken cleats and pilings — except the very last line he put on. The boat was gently swaying in the breeze, held by a line tied through the bow pulpit anchor slot and around the concrete main dock.

Protect Lines From Chafe 

Used fire hose is the best chafe gear available — the double-jacketed rubber and canvas kind professional firefighters use, not cotton hose found in high-rise fire systems. Years ago, any local fire station had a roll or two of leaky hose they'd give away. Now it's available online for about $50 for 100 feet. Store-bought chafing gear is also a good choice, but rubber or plastic hose isn't going to hold up. For tricky chafe problems like concrete pilings, have thimbles spliced in line ends and use chain. When used around floating dock pilings, the chain rises and falls with the dock. Nylon lines stretch up to half their length, so use long lengths of chafing gear.

Protect Yourself 

Boats can be repaired or replaced; people can't. It's cliché but often forgotten in the rush to ready for a storm, particularly when preparations weren't made in advance. Allow time before the storm to evacuate or take care of house and family needs, which means at some point, whatever is done to the boat will have to be good enough. Take photos of preparations and of neighboring boats — insurance companies might require proof you didn't just leave the boat unprepared and hope for the best or that your neighbor did. Digital images are fine, but it's wise to take at least a few photos on film since they are much harder to alter, so they're better in court. Copy important boat papers, particularly insurance polices, and keep them somewhere safe — even mail them to family living elsewhere. When returning to the boat after the storm, watch for live electrical wires, exposed nails, splintered wood or jagged metal.

Luck

The damage from a hurricane can be quite sporadic. Boats or houses on one side of a canal might be destroyed while the other side sustained only moderate damage. Storms behave differently too. In Florida's 2004 hurricane season, Category 2 Hurricane Frances came ashore very slowly, so it did as much or more damage as Category 3 Hurricane Jeanne. The next year, Hurricane Wilma was expected to weaken to Category 1 status as it crossed Florida and interacted with a strong October cold front. But that cold air created severe thunderstorms around the eye of the storm that chewed across the state like teeth in a saw. Damage was much more widespread and, in many places, far more severe than from storms the previous year.

In 2003, Hurricane Isabel came ashore in North Carolina as a rapidly weakening Category 2 storm and became a tropical storm before reaching the Chesapeake Bay, but it took just the right track for winds to push high storm surges up the bay — even an 11-foot surge 100 miles up the Potomac River at Washington, D.C.

These examples show just how random storm damage can be and should serve as a reminder to never take the need for preparation lightly. When it comes to severe weather, bad luck happens, but good luck is made.

HURRICANE TACTICS

With all the current activity of this hurricane season, I thought this was good information from Motor Boating Magazine.  Apparently, it was copyrighted in 2004, but it is still very applicable today.

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Midsummer is the time of year when tropical disturbances spring up in the Atlantic.  Here's how to protect your boat.

by Capt. Stuart Reininger

Hurricanes—as well as other cataclysmic events like tornadoes, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions—are Mother Nature's way of getting our undivided attention. There is one difference between hurricanes and these other disasters. In this era of global satellite communication, boat owners know a week or more in advance approximately when and where landfall might occur. With this kind of advance warning, there is no reason to be caught offshore, or ashore, in the path of a hurricane. Therefore, for recreational boaters, it makes little sense to discuss survival tactics for offshore; for all practical purposes, there are none.

A boater's best survival tactic is to get ashore, haul and secure the boat and head for higher ground. In those instances when hauling is impractical, there are measures you can take to protect your boat before you go home to watch the action on The Weather Channel. Never consider staying aboard and tending lines; that would be foolhardy.

The course of least resistance is to leave the boat where it is. If your marina, slip or mooring is well protected and not likely to be affected by a storm surge or high winds, this strategy could work. But it's not an option if your boat is on a floating dock in a tidal area. Why? The surge from a direct hit can raise water levels 12 feet or more with the tides, causing the docks to rise over their fixed pilings, which can impale the boat when the tide and surge drops. Also, many floating docks consist of countless bolted connections. When one part lets go, the rest can follow downwind like a crazed pattern of broken zippers, chewing up any vessels that are attached to them.

How about leaving the boat on a mooring? That's the next option. Sure, your boat will swing freely as the winds shift, and if the rode is chafe-protected, the odds are good that the boat will stay attached. But the mooring may not stay set when the big surge comes in. Most moorings are attached to short chain scope, just enough to compensate for a normal tide range. No matter the weight of the mooring, it's coming up with the surge since the boat's buoyancy prevails. Also, mooring fields are usually crowded. As soon as boats start breaking loose—and they will—they turn into floating battering rams.

If the boat is tied to a protected fixed dock throughout the storm, there's plenty that you can do before the high winds hit. For starters, remove everything that can possibly catch the breeze. All canvas—biminis, isinglass and cockpit covers and their supporting frameworks—must come off. Additionally, wind-catching extensions like outriggers, moveable antennas and even anchors should be stowed aboard or ashore. Remember, a 60-mph breeze can tip a Volkswagen over and a 100-mph wind can carry it away, but not make the payments.

All lines should be doubled and made of nylon, not Dacron and never polypropylene. Lines should be of the largest diameter possible. But they shouldn't be so thick that you can't wrap one around the base of a cleat and form two figure eights. This is important because the lines will serve to "sling the boat in the slip. Fore and aft spring lines should be made up to the outlying pilings—the longer and at the most acute angle, the better. Therefore, springs from the bow and stern cleats should be made up to pilings as far forward and aft as possible; the same holds true in slips with bollards or cleats on the dock. Bow and stern lines should have enough slack in them to compensate for the greatest expected tidal change and be long enough to keep the boat from hitting the adjoining dock/pilings. It's the springs that will do most of the work. Ideally, you'll need to pull a line in to step off the boat and onto the dock when you're done. The spring action of the lines should pull the boat back and allow it to sit suspended in the middle of the slip (you'll still need fender boards). Naturally, wherever a line touches the boat, dock or another line, it must be chafe-protected—split garden hose, leather or even rags that are taped or sewn in place are ideal.

Another option is to anchor out. I would avoid this option if there is the possibility of other boats being set down on you, or if there isn't enough room to deploy the required scope of eight-to-one or 10-to-one. While using two anchors with plenty of chain lead is best—Bahamian style or in tandem—don't forget chafe protection. Otherwise, anything the rode touches will chafe it through in no time once the storm arrives.

Finally, resist the urge to visit the boat during the storm. Make the best preparations beforehand and then plan to ride out the storm from home.

©Motor Boating Magazine, July 2004

TOP 10 FISHING DESTINATIONS (According to Cheapflights.com)

Online travel adviser Cheapflights.com offers its top 10 fishing destinations.

Which one is yours?

1. Sutherland, Scotland 

From a boat or from the shore, fishing is a brilliant way to enjoy Scotland.  Even though the outdoor sport isn't allowed on Sundays at the Kyle of Sutherland, there are six other days of the week to take advantage of the bounty that this majestic landscape has to offer. The area is famous for its supply of salmon, and brown and sea trout. Handy for novices, the Kyle of Sutherland Angling Association has produced a booklet to help fishermen figure out where to go to reel in the best fish around. A permit for a day of sea trout fishing costs visitors only 8 ($13). The view of Scotland's rolling hills, though, is priceless. 

2. Phuket, Thailand 

Deep sea fishing is a must if you find yourself on Thailand's southern beach haven, Phuket. The clear, blue waters of the Andaman Sea set the scene for some of the best fishing in the world. Cast your line and wait for tuna, swordfish, blue and black marlin, and other impressive sea creatures to bite. A strict catch-and-release policy means you won't be dining on your accomplishments, but a photo for Facebook on Thailand's west coast may do instead. 

3. Florida Keys, United States 

Set your iPod to Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville," pour yourself an appropriately-mixed beverage, and spend a day relaxing on South Florida's turquoise seas. There you'll find the Marquesas Keys, located off of Key West's west coast - an ideal spot for fishing. The marine sanctuary law ensures an abundance of wildlife, where you'll catch shark and barracuda. There's a very remote feel because a lot of charters aren't willing to make the trip because of high fuel prices. Find a charter that's willing to go the extra mile, literally, for quite possibly the most unforgettable fishing trip of your life. 

4. Cape Town, South Africa 

Visitors flock to Africa's southernmost city for culture that's brimming with excitement. Fishermen flock for its coastline, brimming with tuna. The area has some of the richest tuna grounds in the world and also some of the globe's toughest fighting fish. A diverse ecosystem guarantees you'll see albatross, killer whales and dolphins galore. Tuna season lasts from September to June, but there are opportunities to throw your net year round. 

5. Sicily, Italy 

Fishing is synonymous with Sicily and, unfortunately, its fish population has started dwindling as a result. But you can't go to the Italian isle and not try spearfishing. You physically dive into the water and spear the fish - with a spear. Patience is of the essence, as the underwater creatures are both quick and cunning, so stick to shallow waters. 

6. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 

Appropriately nicknamed the "Marlin Capital of the World," Cabo San Lucas in Mexico is a place to bring your highest-quality camera. There's nothing like capturing your family's Christmas card on the beaches of Mexico's most abundant shoreline - with a massive marlin on display. More than 3,000 species of marine life live off the Baja Peninsula - and marlin rule the seas. Some of the most well regarded yacht charters around, like the Picante Bluewater Sportfishing fleet, take eager novices out daily, year round. 

7. Montauk Point, New York, United States 

Montauk Point, a glacial cliff on the east coast of Long Island, provides a fishing retreat for New Yorkers, Philadelphians, Bostonians - and everyone in between. Thankfully charter groups that take you out come equipped with experienced captains who know what they're doing. Bring the family to reel in tuna, striped bass and shark that swim the eastern shore of the United States. Remember to bring a cooler: your finest catches can serve as dinner after a sun-filled day on the high seas. 

8. Newfoundland, Canada 

The tastiest fish in the world, from Arctic char to rainbow trout to cod, live off the coast of Newfoundland on Canada's east coast. Stay inland along Newfoundland's Flowers River if salmon piques your interest. But for saltwater species, like yellowtail and mackerel, head east to the blistery coast. The area, between its mountainous terrain and serene surroundings, is an ideal spot to bait your hook, sit back and relax. Until you get your first bite, of course. 

9. Puget Sound, Washington, United States 

For a day trip from Seattle, try nearby Puget Sound. The waters are calm and it's easy to relax - perfect for the stressed out workaholic who just wants to get away from it all. Turn off your cell phone, cast your line, and sit back while the salmon comes to you. Your view of Mount Rainer and the Olympic Mountains will be worth the trip. Fishing is popular in the area, so there's no shortage of charters to take you out. Sign up ahead of time, and then go with the flow. 

10. Victoria, Australia 

Imagine your boat rocking back and forth as roaring waves push it farther and farther away from shore. You've got your fishing lines in tow and you're ready to catch something big. Powerful and wild waves are no strangers to Bass Strait. The strait, which separates Tasmania from Victoria, has a reputation for being rough. But you need to get out there if you hope to see sharks - great hammerheads, gummy, school and spurred dog sharks - off of Australia's coast.

VIDEO TOUR #1: "Pay Dirt" (Finally!)

Some of you may have read that I'm starting a new program of recording video tours of my central listings.  Well, we are off to kind of a slow start, with the hip surgery setting me back a bit.  And, we are learning that there is a bit more to it, with HD and editing and music royalties (which we ignorantly and embarrassingly breached but have now fixed).

Nevertheless, our son Connor of SeeSea Productions has successfully completed two videos, with a third close behind.

Please take a look at this newly-edited tour of the 3800 Tiara "Pay Dirt" and please let us know what you think!  For more information on this particular yacht, please visit: goo.gl/D4bEB.

And watch for the edited version of "EASY AS ABC" to be posted soon!

SELL NOW....OR WAIT?

Yesterday was three weeks since my hip surgery and, as expected, I've had plenty of time at home to contemplate things while recuperating.  Returning to business-as-usual after the respite, I realize that the questions I've heard most often concern the condition of the yacht sales business, the key one being: "Should I wait for better days or should I sell now and accept the price the market bears?"  In the past, my answer has been that I believe the market is turning and that things are looking brighter; wait if you can.

I must say now that the market is what it is and prices are what they are.  Waiting until the turning point may not be the best financial decision since no one really knows when the market will strengthen.  Paying for maintenance, insurance, dockage, and interest (if your yacht is financed) could easily offset any future gain over today's price.  My recommendation:  Sell now and save the expense.

Of course, this is easy to say if the investment you have made in your yacht does not exceed today's value.  In that case, any difference would have to be paid out of pocket -- painful at best and very difficult if no cash is set aside.  However, if that is the case, I suggest speaking to the bank immediately to let them know your situation so arrangements may be made prior to receiving an offer.  Usually the last thing the bank wants is another default.  Looking ahead and forming a plan may help effectively close a sale.

On the other hand, if you are selling your yacht with the intent of buying another, the lower price you may take for your yacht most probably will be offset by the deal you realize on your purchase.  And, if your yacht is a newer model and/or over 55', there is a good chance you may even be pleasantly surprised at its market value.  Now is the perfect time for a sell-to-buy transaction.

Any thoughts?

DAVID PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY

This summer, we had the real pleasure of having David Parks visit us for a week from Oklahoma.  He arrived to be a driving-home companion for his sister, Lauren, who had been another wonderful summer guest.

Well, we had heard that David was a pretty accomplished photographer.  But since he had just graduated from high school, did not expect the quality and creativity of his work.  His gifts and talents are pretty amazing ... well worth sharing here.

I could ramble on, but its really better if you just take a look.  From weddings to athletic events to landscapes ..... Such great stuff!

Below are a few of his Florida photos, followed by links to his website, blog, and social sites if you'd like to see more!

Website: www.DavidParksPhotography.com

Blog:  www.DavidParksPhotography.com/blog

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