by Bruce Longman
Pam & Armond Sikes’ objective this year was perfect weather, calm seas and no major boat problems. 9 boats arrived safely to enjoy the beautiful Naples Boat Club on Naples Bay September 17 – 20. The trip down bound from Sanibel was glass calm.
Most boat owners will tell you that it’s far cheaper to keep your vessel in good condition than to fix things when they break. But what are the most common problems that strike boaters in our area? We asked the experts at MarineMax and The Boat House what boat repair or service issues they see most often here in Southwest Florida. They identified five common culprits and, even more importantly, what you can do to avoid costly repairs.
Read more “EXPERT ADVICE: HOW TO AVOID 5 COMMON BOAT REPAIRS”
A cleaner hull, immediate access to the water, no more towing or boat ramp drama, safety from fluctuating water levels. There are a lot of reasons why so many boaters in Southwest Florida choose to keep their vessels above the water using a number of boat lift options available. As with anything in boating, tips from industry experts can help make sure you get it right.
Boating isn’t just our favorite pastime, it’s a major—we’re talking billions of dollars—economic engine for Southwest Florida. And a lot of effort is required to keep our waterways navigable for us boaters. That’s where the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) comes in, with their mission to preserve and enhance the commercial, recreational, and ecological values of District waterways. We recently sat down with WCIND Executive Director Justin McBride to get the inside scoop.
Read more “Meet WCIND: Boaters’ Best Friend”
Southwest Florida is an angler’s paradise year-round, but springtime is when our local fishing really shines. As the waters are warming up, tarpon, reds, snook, and many other species are becoming more active both inshore and offshore. So now is the perfect time to prep for your next big catch.
Read more “Spring Fishing Has Arrived in SWFL”
Learning the rules of the waterways and learning how to handle the boat go hand in hand. However, boating etiquette isn’t included in your owner’s manual. If you’re new to boating in SWFL or simply need a refresher, we’ve gathered some of the most helpful written and unwritten rules to make your day on the water more fun, less stressful and safer for everyone.
Read more “Boating Etiquette”
While waking up to a white Christmas may be tradition in other parts of the country, here in Southwest Florida we celebrate the season in our own unique way. We put a tropical spin on some of the classics to create our own winter traditions, Floridian style. Here are a few telltale signs that you’re celebrating the season here in sunny SWFL.
With endless options for gear and gadgets, picking a perfect gift for the boater in your life can send you overboard! Thankfully, our Go Boating Florida team knows a thing or two about making a day on the water even better—consider us your holiday lifesavers. These handselected gifts range from sentimental to practical and with a budget in mind for everyone, there’s bound to be something on our list for your favorite boater.
The 46th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show will be hitting the streets and waters of the River District from November 15-18, 2018. The event will run Thursday through Sunday, bringing all the top marine industry brands, products and services together in one place. Although construction on the Harborside Event Center is underway, it’s not stopping us from putting on the biggest and best boat show yet!
by Pam Sikes & Sue Longman
After washing out last year due to Hurricane Irma, Pam & Armond Sikes finally accomplished their objective this year. With perfect weather, calm seas and no major boat problems, 8 boats arrived to enjoy the beautiful Naples Boat Club on Naples Bay September 18 – 21.
Read more “Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Naples Boat Club”