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Great Southern Yacht’s BBQ & Boat Viewing Event
Great Southern Yacht Company is proud to announce its annual BBQ & Boat Viewing on the water.
Every year we get together some of our nicer listings and in the great tradition of summer, we like to have a BBQ to kick off the beginning of the season!
This year the event will be held at the Elks Lodge on Okaloosa Island and we’ll have the grill going outside for a truly all-American experience.
So come on down and kick a rub rail with us! Take a look at some of the nicest boats for sale, have dinner on us and cocktails will be provided.
It’s our way of saying Thanks and we appreciate your business!
The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show Is The Last Boat Show Of The Season
We have had a busy boat show season and have one more in our sights!
The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show at the Wharf Entertainment Complex in Orange Beach, Alabama.
The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show will be taking place on April 25th – 28th and is the last boat show of the season.
This boat show will be showcasing the latest offers from boat and yacht manufacturers and well known dealers throughout the Southeast.
In-water displays will allow prospective buyers easy boarding and the opportunity to inspect the boat or yacht of their dreams!
If you have been on the fence about attending one of these boat shows, we have a couple of reasons why you should!
Great Southern Yacht Company will once again be featuring some of our own amazing deals at this last boat show of the season. Don’t miss out!
Hundreds of vessels will be exhibited, and attendees will have no problem finding a boat to fit any budget. Virtually every type of vessel will be shown, ranging from luxury yachts and sport fisherman, to center consoles, cruisers, pontoons, runabouts and personal watercraft.
Get a look at the latest in digital marine electronics, fishing tackle, high tech marine engines, and outdoor equipment as exhibitors showcase the cutting edge in marine gear!
Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Hours:
Thursday, April 25: 2 pm to Sunset ~ “Stars Over Alabama” – VIP Invitation Only Preview
Friday, April 26: 10 am to 7 pm
Saturday, April 27: 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, April 28: 10 am to 5 pm
Admission is $5.00. Children under 12 are free. FREE PARKING.
Remember, The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show is the last show of the season. Don’t miss it!
Check Out Steve Talking About This Boat Show
2 Simple Reasons Why Attending Boat Shows Is Smart For Buyers And Sellers
The Boat Show season is upon us, and Great Southern Yachts has already been to a handful this year!
Boat shows are fun and we like attending as many as we can. And because we do go to so many, we get a lot of questions about the benefits of boat shows and who the boat shows are really for.
Questions like, “Why should I take my boat to a boat show?” and “Why should I go to a boat show to find a yacht?”
Well my friends, here are 2 very simple reasons why attending boat shows is a smart idea for buyers and sellers.
Talk To A Real Person Who Understands Boats and Your Needs
We are blessed to live in a time where we have some incredible technology at our fingertips.
The internet, media print advertising, email marketing, and some old fashioned word-of-mouth are great tools not only for sellers, but for buyers as well.
But regardless of the technology available to us today about 20- 30% of boats are still sold by someone walking along the docks, looking at a vessel they didn’t think to consider or thought they might like.
At boat shows, potential buyers can climb aboard, look around, and say “Wow, this is a nice boat!”
The more they look around the more they fall in love with it, and sellers are right there to answer questions.
Opportunity To See All The Different Boat Models
Boat shows are also an opportunity to see all the different models side by side and the different offerings.
For buyers, this is an opportunity to explore the ideas of what other people like in a boat. For sellers, it’s a great way to see what people are looking for in a boat.
The boats are usually cleaned up, shining, and looking their best. Quite often, people are extremely motivated.
The experience brings everyone together and creates a buying atmosphere. It’s just a great time to wheel and deal to sell or buy that boat!
Upcoming Boat Shows You Don’t Want To Miss
Currently, there are two upcoming boat shows that Great Southern Yachts is participating in.
One is in Gulfport Mississippi for The Gulf Coast Boat Show running April 4-7.
The other is in Orange Beach Alabama for The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show running April 25-28.
You can contact Great Southern Yachts for more details on these shows. Both of these will be an excellent opportunity to find the next “right one” or your dream boat!
Gulf Coast Yacht and Boat Show Has A New Location And Better Experience
The Gulf Coast Yacht and Boat Show has a new location for 2013!
This year’s show has moved from Orange Beach, AL to Gulfport, MS. The new venue will feature the tried and true exhibits and booths, plus much more.
The brand new 40 million dollar renovated Jones Park and Gulfport Small Craft Harbor can accommodate up to 100’ yachts and its new Sail Boat Row is sure to have something for everyone.
Features include prize giveaways, well-known names from Shark Wranglers, Shark Men, and Gator Boys, vessels from ski boats to motor yachts, marine and engine manufacturers, yachting accessories from sunglasses to boat lifts, and anything else you might need for a beautiful day on the water.
Make sure you mark your calendars and tell all your friends that the Gulf Coast Yacht and Boat Show has moved from Orange Beach, Alabama to Gulfport, Mississippi. April 4-7, 2013.
4 big days to look forward to in 2013.
You don’t want to miss the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast!
See you there!
The Panama City Yacht & Boat Show Kicks Off A New Tradition
The Panama City Yacht and Boat Show will kick off a new annual tradition this year.
In case you were wondering why you have missed this show before, it’s because it has been years since Panama City hosted a major boat show.
The Panama City Yacht and Boat Show will feature hundreds of new and brokered vessels ranging in length from 12′ all the way up and over 60′.
Center Consoles, Cruisers, Motor Yachts, Pontoons, Skiffs, Runabouts, and Deck Boats will be represented by dealers from all along the upper Gulf Coast.
Great Southern Yachts will be there, featuring 4 of our own amazing listings!
2007 32’ Cabo Express
2002 36’ Luhrs Convertible
2007 38’ Cabo Express
2008 39’ Tiara Sovran
There will be something for everyone, featuring over 50 vendor booths exhibiting everything from sunglasses, apparel, and art, to engines, fishing, electronics and boating accessories.
Major outboard engine manufacturers will be on hand with factory demo boats, giving rides every day of the show, with sign up.
As usual there will be Seminars and hourly prize giveaways! With over $5,000 in prizes, surely you can win something, right?
You won’t want to miss the fun!
Give us a call today to get more information on the Panama City Yacht and Boat Show and how you can experience this new tradition along the Florida Panhandle!
See Why The Palm Beach International Boat Show Is One Of The Top 5 Shows
Only 3 weeks until the Palm Beach Show! And you know how much we enjoy our boat shows!
The Palm Beach International Boat Show 2013 will take place on Intracoastal Waterway on Flagler Drive – West Palm Beach, Florida.
SHOW DATES & TIMES
- Thurs. Mar 21, 12 Noon – 7pm
- Fri. Mar 22, 10am – 7pm
- Sat. Mar 23, 10am – 7pm
- Sun. Mar 24, 10am – 6pm
The event features hundreds of boats from 8 foot inflatables, power boats, fishing boats, centerconsoles, bow riders, personal watercraft to super-yachts over 150’, and accessories from the world’s leading marine manufacturers.
Valued at more than $350 Million!
Shop for marine clothing, jewelry, and relax on one of the floating cocktail barges or attend the fishing clinics.
It is truly an international show for all members of the family.
Great Southern Yachts will be featuring two of our big beauties at the show:
2008 60′ Hatteras Convertible Yacht
Our 60′ Hatteras Convertible features a stunning ice blue hull that we previously introduced you to.
2006 62’ Ocean Super Sport
And for the “Reel Busy” type, our 2006 62’ Ocean Super Sport with a Caterpillar engine is definitely a must see.
You won’t want to miss the 28th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, which is one of the top 5 in the country!
Great Southern Yachts can provide any information you might need, such as the best hotels, best places to eat, and entertainment for adventure seekers and families alike.
We hope to see you there!
Miami Boat Show 2013 Is The Super Bowl of All Boat Shows
It’s that time of year again, spring has sprung! And the Super Bowl of All Boat Shows is going on at the beautiful shores of Miami Beach. Miami, the home and playground of stars and fun seekers everywhere.
Great Southern Yachts will be at the Miami Boat Show again this year. We had a blast last year and decided that we wouldn’t miss it for 2013!
Not only is the Miami Boat Show the best place to preview the new boating season, but it’s also a quick jump off location to the Bahamas!
Remember my trip to the Bahamas?
Come on down to the Miami International Boat Show, see what’s new, and kick a rub rail with us!
With 2.5 million sq. ft of exhibition space you can rest assured that there’s a boat for every budget and lifestyle.
See you on the docks!
Highlights:
The Big Game Room is celebrating 10 years at the Miami Boat Show and is sure to impress this year!
They offer everything the big game enthusiast could want like bait rigging instructions.
There will also be a huge raffle to give away a Carolina Skiff JVX 16CC Center Console boat, a Suzuki DF60ATL1W motor and Magic Tilt aluminum trailer with 13inch tires!
The Big Game Room also features the Marlin Bar and Lounge and this year they will have live reggae musician Pluto Shervington.
The Miami Boat Show schedules informative seminars and events and has everything from installing a new battery and propping your boat to one on one with marine techs to ask anything!
Call us for more information, directions, and ticket info! We can even suggest the best places to stay and dine with great access to the show!
My Private Yacht Charter To The Bahamas On A 65′ Viking Convertible
Back in December I shared with you my thoughts on planning the perfect boat trip to escape the Florida winter. Well, I would like to share with you my recent excursion to the Bahamas to explore the wonders of what it beholds.
We chartered a private 65′ Viking Convertible Yacht that Great Southern Yachts has listed, procured by a Great Southern agent and a great southerner myself, Steve Hall.
The plan was to meet the boat in West Palm Beach and ride across on a Tuesday. However, because of deteriorating weather, they went over to Grand Bahamas, Freeport on Monday.
The ride was so smooth there wasn’t even a need to wash the boat on arrival, and they made the roughly 70 mile trip in a leisurely four hours.
My lovely bride, Bonnie Hall, and I flew in the next day, arriving in Port Lucaya which is a beautiful dock and Marina with lots of new and colorful shops.
The 65′ Viking Convertible was anchored there at the marina which was only a 30 second walk up to all kinds of restaurants, and the casino.
While there, the owner, Jerry, Captain Pat and I went to explore the back canals of Port Lucaya and fish for bonefish. These fish are known for being elusive and notoriously hard to catch, but after some adventure, we were finally able to catch a few!
Back at the boat we got cleaned up and had a wonderful dinner.
Day Two In The Bahamas
The next day, we headed out for Hole in the Wall, which is a well known spot for fishing because the “tongue of the ocean” is there, where the Atlantic Ocean pushes up close to the islands.
After a great day of fishing and catching Wahoo, we headed back that evening and anchored behind the Point. There we went on the anchor, or “on the hook” as it’s frequently called, and fished for yellowtail and mutton grouper.
Having the 65′ Viking Convertible anchored in 15-20 foot crystal clear blue water, we were able to see the coral heads and all types of fish. We even set out a chum line and watched as the sharks gathered and swam around the boat.
We had a grand time on that beautiful day. That night we grilled thick steaks and ate them with baked potatoes, enjoying the perfect weather in our own little spot of heaven.
Day Three and the Spanish Wells
The next morning arose with more gorgeous weather and we cranked up the 65′ Viking Convertible and trolled while making our way to the Spanish Wells.
The Spanish Wells is one of the oldest communities in the Bahamas and is the only island that is completely populated by white Bohemians. From there, we contacted the harbor pilot, Woody, who for a nominal fee, guided us through a series of rock formations known as The Devil’s Backbone.
Woody always brings along a treat, usually Bimini bread, but this time he brought carrot cake and Johnny cake which was wonderful.
Once we got there, we went to Harbor Island, an exclusive island off the coast of Eleuthera, which is famous for its pink sands.
We stayed at Valentine’s Marina and rented a golf cart to travel as there are very few automobiles on the island. We took the girls to walk the beach on the famous pink sand and all agreed it was very unusual and impressive.
That evening we dined at a fantastic restaurant, The Rock, rumored to have been the meet-up spot for celebrities who are avoiding the paparazzi and photographs. We had a fabulous meal at the beautiful resort.
Day Four Includes More Fishing
We had even more perfect weather the next morning and spent the early part of the day snorkeling in gorgeously clear 15 foot water; watching the varied marine life and colorful fish swim around the coral reef.
After this delightful enterprise, we spent the rest of the day bonefishing. There are huge tidal flats, where you can literally walk out 5-10 miles, and cast at the bonefish as the water retreats.
We were able to have quite a successful day. Bonefishing, as mentioned before, is an exciting but difficult fish to catch.If you are interested, anyone at Great Southern Yachts can guide you to an exclusive spot to bonefish.
The dinghy we used was a 15’ Hell’s Bay, the tender aboard the 65’ Viking Convertible that we have listed.
That night we feasted on fresh caught Wahoo ceviche, yellowtail, and lobster while relaxing on the back of the boat.
Man, Life Is Good In The Bahamas!
The next morning we cranked up and decided to head down to Nassau. We fished the beautiful clear blue water, which you won’t see anywhere in the world like in the Bahamas.
Once in Nassau, we spent the night at Atlantis, backed up to the main entrance. This world class casino and resort offered all kinds of shopping, an aquarium, a playground, and other activities. It is a place that is really worth your time to investigate.
That night we went to one of the oldest restaurants in the world called Graycliff which has been a home since 1751, and over the last 100 years has been in service as a restaurant.
They boast the third largest wine collection in the world right in their basement, with over 250,000 bottles and a menu as big as a Miami phone book. It was a fantastic dining occasion.
Afterwards they took us on a tour of the wine cellar where we saw a rack of wine that was worth over a million dollars, a $38,000 bottle of champagne, and a $250,000 bottle of wine. Quite heady and impressive!
A Fantastic Close To This Amazing Vacation
The following day, ready to get back to Great Southern and our wonderful clients, we took off to the new and modern airport there in Nassau which brought us to Fort Lauderdale and then back home!
The only way to see the Bahamas is by private yacht. Let Great Southern get you started today!
Stunning 2008 60′ Hatteras Convertible Yacht With An Ice Blue Hull
When you first walk up to the 2008 60’ Hatteras Convertible “Just Teasing” you’ll notice the sport fishing boat’s ice blue hull. It is subtle and might be overlooked at first glance, but then the overall effect dawns on you: this is a stunning, clean machine.
It features a tumble home in the hull sides like a custom Carolina. This boat has a solid fiberglass bottom and a resin infused hull which produces a boat that weighs less than a lot of other brands at this size.
It also has a convex hull which produces a higher and dryer ride in the water. With its 1825 hp Caterpillar engines, it has an easy and capable cruising speed of 34 knots and is perfect to get out to the rigs, Mexico, or plan a boat trip anywhere you want to go.
In the upper area of the cockpit you will find a raised mezzanine level for lounging. You sit above and removed from fishing activity but still see everything while staying in the shade and out of the elements.
With its massive 19’ beam, it is wide and spacious. As you head inside, it is a warm luxury home. Satin finish Mahogany wood work, granite countertops, absolutely beautiful furnishings; soft leather sofas that invite, and muted air conditioning through overhead fluted wood valances are some of the features that will make you feel right at home.
It is ideal for spending the day fishing and cruising or powering through the waves to a far away destination, a truly livable yacht interior.
As you move down into the boat, you have the master stateroom to port, a bunk room to starboard and then forward is the VIP stateroom. It also features three private heads. The accommodations are extremely comfortable and of the highest quality.
Back top side you’ve got a full pipe welders tower and this baby is built for action. It has outriggers and in the tower you can see for a tremendous distance while sliding across the waves at 34 knots.
Extremely agile, friendly, and fast, the 60’ Hatteras Convertible is hard to beat. “Just Teasing” has got a seller and is ready to go!
2007 39 Foot Meridian Boat Is An Excellent Low Hour 2 Person Yacht
Are you looking for a user friendly boat that can easily be handled by two people? Husband and wife perhaps?
Or how about a cruiser yacht that is just the right size to handle the lines and still have room for family or entertainment?
We’ve found an excellent yacht that fits this description..
This well appointed, low hour, 39 foot Meridian boat is an ideal choice.
She features a huge flybridge that will entertain 6-8 people very comfortably. The walk-arounds on either side have high rails for safety when handling the lines.
It also features a luxurious interior where 3 couples can sit and talk face to face in comfort, and sleeping arrangements will accommodate up to 6 people.
The engine room has walk-in access which is unique to a boat this size. The integrated swim platform has a ladder for easy access in and out of the water.
And a nice size cockpit provides a great place for that morning cup of coffee or that evening cocktail.
All of these features and more add to the charm of this 39 foot Meridian boat, and it can still be handled by only 2 people!
This particular boat has enjoyed light use, low hours, and skillful maintenance. She is certainly worth a closer look.
Loving owner is reluctantly selling her to make way for his next love.
Benefits of Boat Donation As An Alternative To Selling Your Boat
Have you ever thought about donating your boat?
Maybe you have and just don’t know where or how to start.
We do! And can make sure that boat donation is right for you.
Aside from helping boat buyers find the perfect yacht, we work with boat owners who are looking to sell their yacht.
Sometimes the selling process goes extremely fast. Other times it’s a little challenging…
Before the end of the year, the option to donate your boat might be a smart and speedy way to divest yourself of that vessel you’ve been trying to sell.
Boat donation is a viable alternative to the process of listing and selling your boat.
At Great Southern Yachts, we work with companies that specialize in boat donation and we will be with you every step of the way.
Some great advantages when you donate your boat are:
- The donation can often net greater revenue than a traditional sale.
- It is a quick and uncomplicated process with only a few steps to donate your boat.
- There are immediate tax savings.
- You can donate your boat knowing that you are helping a great cause.
Start the new year with a clean slate and ready to move onto the next big thing!
If you are interested in hearing more about boat donations, please email us.
This must be done by December 31st so you have some time left before the end of the year to take advantage of this.
Hurry and give us a call today!
Planning The Perfect Boat Trip To Escape The Yucky Winter Months
Everybody knows that here on Florida’s northern Gulf of Mexico, the weather can sometimes turn pretty yucky, gray and rainy in the winter months.
This is not good if you bought a new boat and you want to set out on a grand adventure.
So what do you do to escape the Florida winter? And how do you do it?
Well, it’s as simple as a little boat trip planning.
Many people will hire a captain on the first expedition. Good, reliable captains will tell you how to outfit your boat and guide you from place to place.
It makes for an adventurous and wonderful trip, and we have helped many boat owners find the perfect boat captain.
Where To Take Your Boat Trip
Most people go to Port St. Joe, or to Carrabelle to station the boat, and themselves, for the first leg of the journey.
If your boat doesn’t have the range to travel across the middle of the gulf then you jump off from Apalachicola and head to Clearwater, which is approximately 170 miles.
It’s a good idea to pick a time frame to leave when the seas are not too rough. Once your time has been decided you can then gather your supplies, like fuel, spare filters, spare parts and lots of snacks.
A 20 knot boat will take about 7 hours, so if you leave bright and early you should arrive at Clearwater Municipal Marina around early afternoon. Once there, you’ll want to refuel and rinse off the boat from your ocean crossing, and then give yourself a big pat on the back!
Take yourself to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill for a celebratory grouper sandwich. And don’t forget your Frenchy’s t-shirt! On my son and I’s first crossing, I bought him a shirt. Here it is 30 years later and he still has it.
If a higher brow place is your style, you’ll want to check out the Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber, which has been in Clearwater since 1948 and is outstanding.
The next morning when you rise, your boat will already have a full tank of fuel, and is rinsed and ready to go. You’ll head out of the Clearwater pass and turn south, keeping the beach on your left side.
Now you have a decision to make. You can go into Boca Grande and start heading through the Okeechobee Waterway that crosses Florida, or you can go down to the Key West Area.
Lets take a look at the two legs.
Crossing Florida
Here is where the fun begins in our boat trip planning. If you are trying to reach the other side of Florida quickly, and the canal is open, this is a great option.
There are 5 locks and they are very simple to navigate.
- St. Lucie Lock and Dam near Stuart
- Port Mayaca Lock and Dam Near Canal Point
- Moore Haven Lock and Dam at Moore Haven
- Ortona Lock and Dam east of LaBelle
- Franklin Lock and Dam east of Fort Myers
There are ropes on each lock that they will toss to you, or that you can reach with a boat pole.
They have a system of lights and it’s pretty straightforward.
When you pull up in front of the lock the light will be red. They will equalize the lock to the level of water that you are on and then the light will turn green. The doors will then open and you can pull in. Once in, the lock tender will throw the lines down to you.
If you have never navigated the locks before, you should find it really quite fun. Once through the series of locks, you’ll find yourself at the bottom of Lake Okeechobee.
If your timing is right, and the speed of your boat gives you good time, a good place to stop is theMartin Marina at the base of Lake Okeechobee. They have good food and a fantastic band. The locals there are friendly and varied, as you can find boats from 80’ Hatteras’ to 15’ bass boats.
In the morning when you wake up you can head up Lake Okeechobee, where the water is shallow and clearly marked. Your GPS will lead you to the center of the lake and then a turn back to the northeast.
This turn will lead you through the remainder of the canal and take you out at Stuart. Stuart is a very nice place, and is dubbed “The Sailfish Capital of the World.”
Here, you have another decision to make. Another decision?
Yes. but it’s simple.
You can turn left to Manatee Pocket, where there are many great marinas, or turn right, south, to Jupiter, Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens. This is another beautiful area of the world, and is a great place to go on your boat trip.
Heading To Key West
Let’s get back to decision that we have to make at Clearwater. If you decide to head to Key West, a personal favorite destination of mine, you’ll head south and take a hard-dog-leg-left into Key West’s northwest channel.
That will bring you right into Key West Harbor where you can pull up at the dock and sip on some margaritas!
That’s it! You have now escaped the yucky, gray winter of Northwest Florida thanks to some easy boat trip planning.
In a 20 knot boat, you are looking at a 3-4 day trip either route. Once you get on board and get all of your systems running you can take your shoes and put them in a locker, as the weather gets warmer.
Life is wonderful! And there’s nothing like a boat adventure to see the world!
Now that you have made it this far….next stop, the Bahamas!
Have you taken a trip like this before? Let us know on Facebook about your boat trip planning, and where you went!
The Atlanta Boat Show 2013 Featuring Hundreds Of New Boats
It’s no secret that we love boat shows! It’s been documented here and here. But there is nothing like the Atlanta Boat Show.
The Atlanta Boat Show is Georgia’s annual premier boat show, but this year is different.
This year the Atlanta Boat Show is celebrating their 50th year as the best place to see and buy boats, gear and boating accessories!
Beginning on January 10 – 13, 2013, the Georgia World Congress Center will feature hundreds of new boats, including powerboats, sport fishers, ski boats and personal watercraft.
There will be some really great booths setup that will be showcasing the latest in brokerage vessels, engines, marine gear, electronics and accessories.
Some features for this year’s big anniversary show:
- Professional wakeboarders and brothers Phil and Bob Soven from the MTV Reality Show,WakeBrothers, will be at the show for autographs and photographs.
- Watch, learn and do! If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or boat owner interested in learning new techniques for taking care of your boat or motor, head to Fred’s Shed for practical, professional advice. Free daily sessions cover a variety of topics.
- The Fishing Center, with hourly seminars hosted by Ken Sturdivant and the area’s top captains and guides, will have sessions covering both saltwater and freshwater fishing. There’s even a catch-and-release trout pond for the kids!
- Windsong Sailing Academy will present a variety of exciting, educational Sailing Seminars. Perfect for new and seasoned sailors…learn how to get started in sailing, or sharpen and expand your skills.
And that is just a fraction of all there is to see and do at the Atlanta Boat Show!
Great Southern Yachts will have a spot again this year. We had a great time last year, even with the wakeboarding water tank that busted and soaked the coliseum with 200,000 gallons of water!
Show attendance was up last year and we had a great display. We spoke with so many people and were surprised at how many Atlanta natives came to Destin to do their boating.
Lots of clients were surprised to see a Destin, FL Yacht Broker in attendance and people came in with lots of questions. We couldn’t have had a better time!
Our booth this year is number 207, and we will be exactly like the one last year; Clean and classy, displaying all of our inventory and other great examples of how now more than ever is a buyers market.
So come visit (even if it is just to say hi!) and meet Co-Owner Greg Reidinger, Broker Ken Stiver, and Mascot Sugar! We are ready to help you find the boat of your dreams.
Tickets for the Atlanta Boat Show go on sale November 23rd. If you would like more information or are interested in tickets to the show, contact Greg Reidinger at (850) 225-6150 or greg@greatsouthernyachts.com.
How To Buy A Yacht For The First Time
So the time has come to reward all those years of hard long work and you have always wanted to own a yacht. You want to say yachtie things around your friends, casually letting drop “Have to meet Buffy and Biff at the yacht club for drinks at 6, must run”!
This guide will show you how to buy a yacht for the first time.
One of the first questions we hear at our brokerage is, “What is a yacht?”
The State of Florida, and most folks, define a yacht as anything 32 feet and above, and require a licensing and bonding system to insure boaters protection.
The old definition of a yacht for the ultra wealthy is when it is “too large to be put on the back of another vessel.”
What Type Of Yacht Should I Buy?
Most of the yachts available fall into several recognizable categories.
Sport Fishing yachts are sized from 30 feet to over a hundred. They are as fast as a thought and are tough enough to take on very rough water conditions. This type of boat is well suited for Big Game Hunters.
Sport yachts are 28 feet to 70 feet. These boats usually express style, and are designed for mostly daytime use and hanging out on the weekends. Think of bikinis and lots of drinks with umbrellas in them.
Motor yachts are 35 feet to 112 feet. They are primarily used for long distance, extended stay, trips to the Bahamas, and putting your shoes in a locker and not looking for them for months at a time.
Trawlers are 32 feet to 75 feet. These yachts are slow, and very salty. You would almost expect to see a grizzled fellow with a long beard singing sea ditties!
Center Console yachts are 28 feet to 42 feet, with lots of outboards. They have a typical speed of 40 MPH plus go 125 miles out and back by 2PM.
Gas vs. Diesel.
Honestly, most of the gas vs diesel questions are answered by the type of boat you choose. Pick the boat that you want, and fits your lifestyle.
Once you have narrowed down your yacht to a style you like, and your broker has found some that look good on paper, it’s time to move on.
Here is what you should look for next
The Hull.
Most finishes on all boats are time degenerative, meaning the longer they go the duller they look. Make sure that the paint or glass in good shape. Then determine if it needs refinishing or just a buff and wax.
You want to see how the hull looks out of the water. Check for any blisters. If there are, have the seller fix the issue.
The Engine.
You want to know and get a good report on the yacht’s engine. Check to see if the engine is in good or bad shape. Do the engines need servicing and how much will that cost?
Also, you want to know how many hours are on the engine, and how many until overhaul.
Is it missing RPM off the top? Could it be over-propped or is it something else?
When making an investment of this size, it’s smart to find out how much the service costs are, as well as when the last time the boat was serviced.
The company servicing your yacht should be able to determine these costs for you. If you do not have a company specializing in marine services, this is a great opportunity to shop around. Your broker can help in recommending a trustworthy shop, but you can also go talk to several service companies about what they can do for your style of yacht, and what the pricing would be.
Once you know the cost you can decide if you should fix it or walk away.
The Electronics.
It’s important to determine if the electronics on the boat okay. If not, do they need to be changed or is it a simple repair?
Maybe you are looking for a particular sound, or feature such as closed circuit TV. This is an area that should not be overlooked.
The Interior.
You want the yacht to be yours, and have an environment that you feel comfortable in. Check the seats and carpet, and determine if its ok or if it needs a change.
If you are not that fond of the current interior keep in mind that you can have it changed out.
Take a good look at the inside of your yacht, and think of how you might “freshen it up” so it looks modern and sharp.
Maybe it’s new furniture, or carpet. How about drapes, and new appliances?
Go all out and get shirts, glasses, cups, hats, mats, blankets, visors, tags and anything else you can think of with name of your boat printed on them.
Haul Out. Survey. Trial Run
Once you have negotiated a price, the next step is haul out, survey and trial run.
Picking the right surveyor is critical to the process. You want a yacht surveyor that is fair, and can help you avoid missing any condition that is likely to cost thousands of dollars to make it right.
When doing your trial run, make sure you pay attention to the speed of the boat. Does it make the speed advertised or is it off RPM.
Next, determine how is it handling the sea you have put it in.
- Is it good in a head sea, beam sea, or following sea?
- How does it handle a light chop in a three quarters head sea?
- Is it going to be okay for the type of use I am going to need?
How The Yacht Will Age.
The last thing you need to look at and understand is how the yacht will age. It’s important that you and your broker have a good way to figure the value of the yacht for when you are ready to sell.
And it’s that topic that always brings up a much larger question:
Do I Buy A New Or Used Yacht?
It is a supply and demand business and there is not a definable pattern that fits all. If it is a production boat, and there is a reasonable market, it could reduce by as much as 30% in a year.
A custom build, with a two year build, might resell for its full value because someone has a bad case of the “I want it now”.
It’s crucial that you look and see what the others selling for, and what is available elsewhere.
I, and a lot of other people, love a new yacht buyer but most people look on the secondary market. These boats are rigged with bugs worked out, and cost 60% less than a new one. All the same look and feel, just with a better cost.
For example, a new brand name sport fishing boat costs between $3.3 – $3.5 million. Onefour years old will go for under $2 million. New is nice, but it costs.
How do I insure this beauty and where do I get it?
There are basically two markets that underwrite most of the policies and several different types of coverage. Here at Great Southern Yachts we can help you figure it out and refer to the correct source.
As you can tell, it would be very handy to have a broker who is knowledgeable, resourceful, helpful, and will show you how to buy a yacht for the first time.
This is how we work at Great Southern Yachts. Our philosophy is, “If you do the right things the right things will happen”.
Please give us a call. I love to talk about living your dream.
IN-WATER BOAT SHOW, BAY POINT MARINA MARCH 16-18
The Bay Point Outdoor Expo & In-Water Boat Show features new and pre-owned boats from dealers across the Panhandle, as well as other outdoor sporting exhibits.
Panama City, Florida, Long regarded as the area’s premier boat show, the Bay Point Outdoor Expo & In-Water Boat Show will return this spring to Bay Point Marina on March 16-18.
Outdoor enthusiasts can gear up for summer, and visitors to the event are able to browse the latest offerings from camping, hunting, fishing, and biking vendors. Exhibitions of brand new automobiles, RV’s and powersports are also expected.
At its core, though, the show is all about boats, and virtually every style of vessel will be on display. Dealers from across the Panhandle will showcase new and pre-owned luxury yachts, sport fishers, performance boats, center consoles, pontoon boats and runabouts, as well as canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft and more. Even better, potential boat owners can schedule an in water demo to test drive the boat of their dreams.
Bargain hunters will also appreciate the Nautical Flea Market on Saturday March 17th from 10 am to 1 pm.
The Greatest Yachts In The South
As Florida's Gulf Coast boutique yacht brokerage company, Great Southern Yachts focuses on working for its clients with a servant's heart. Due to our upscale boutique approach we can react to market variations and conditions quickly to ensure that there are no missed opportunities. Our personal yachting experience has given us real world knowledge from our client's perspective which allows us to work as a team in order to find that special "one" for you.
Contact Us
Great Southern Yacht Company
314 Harbor Blvd
Destin, Florida
32541
info@greatsouthernyachts.com