Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

July/August 2014 | www.gulfcoastmariner.com

Celebrating Coastal Life

STRIKER YACHTS: Builders of the Finest Yachts in the World

[Letter from the Publisher] Admiral (Publisher) Charles Milby Vice Admiral (President) Rick Clapp Rear Admiral (Editor) Mary Alys Cherry Captain (Director of Art) Brandon Rowan Commodore (Graphic Designer) Kelly Groce Sales Commodore (Director of Sales) Patty Kane Sales Crew (Advertising Executives) Shannon Alexander Judy Gaines Debbie Salisbury Editorial Don Armstrong Patty Kane Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Charles Milby Jarred Roberts

Homeward Bound

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urricane season has arrived.

Make sure you have a plan and stick to it. Run from the water and hide from the wind.

The U. S. Coast Guard wants you to always wear your life jacket and require the same for your passengers. The No. 1 cause of water fatalities is drowning.

The No. 1 way to prevent drowning is to wear a life jacket.

The Coast Guard requires recreational vessels to have a wearable life jacket for each person on board. All life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, the proper

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine

July/August 2014

size for the intended wearer, in good and serviceable condition and properly stowed for immediate use. Children must wear life jackets, it’s the law.

Most boating accidents are preventable.

Be sure to never operate a vessel under the influence. Check out the Texas Required Equipment Checklist for small boats in this issue.

Charles Milby Publisher

Photography Booby Trap Fishing Team Rick Clapp Rachel Jaspersen Patty Kane Charles Milby Brandon Rowan Dmitriy Yegorov Distribution Timothy Shinkle Company

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 For information on advertising: Phone: 281.474.5875 Fax: 281.474.1443 r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com www.GulfCoastMariner.com

July/August 2014

18|Texas Billfishing Lures

We talk to four tournament winning captains about which trolling lures are always in their spread and should be in yours, too.

20|Near shore, Offshore Fishing July and August are the most stable offshore weather months of the year and a prime time to take your smaller boat beyond the jetties.

By Capt. Joe Kent

22|2014 A-Class Catamaran North American Championship

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CO

34|Akkerman’s New Boat

Neil Akkerman’s modified Opti allows adults to more effectively teach their sailing students.

38|David Hunt

Getting acquainted with David Hunt, the President of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association.

40|2014 Ram 2500

Luxury meets ability in the 2014 Ram heavy duty.

Both engine options provide enough grunt to tow the biggest of boats.

By Don Armstrong

ON THE COVER

Bruce Mahoney of Houston Yacht Club comes in first during the championship on Croatan Sound.

Contents Snapshots Nautical Numbers Marine/fishing apps for your smartphone Boating with man’s best friend EPIRB vs. PLB

24|Striker Yachts

Texas fishing tournaments

Since 1951, the Striker Yacht Corporation has been crafting some of the best designed sportfishing yachts, commercial vessels and mega luxury yachts ever built.

2014 Laser North Americans

26|What’s in Your Bag?

Leukemia Cup

Must-have fishing and boating apparel and accessories for anyone spending time on the water.

By Patty Kane

Port dredging projects get OK

28|The Galley

Equipment essentials for your galley.

By Betha Merit

LF

ST

Fishing for grouper, tilefish and other deep water species is becoming more and more popular by the day. From rigging and baits, to depth, structure and how to target the big fish; it’s all here.

By Capt. Brett Holden

32|Ole Evinrude

The story of how ice cream changed the way we move on the water forever.

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12|Deep Dropping for Grouper and Tilefish

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FEATURES

Required boat equipment checklist Several of the fine vessels built by Striker Yachts www.GulfCoastMariner.com

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S N A P S H O T S

A magnificent sky paints the water atop the Clear Creek Channel in Kemah, TX. Photography by John Baker.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Photos: Brandon Rowan

NAUTICAL NUMBERS

50 knots The mahi-mahi or dorado (meaning “golden” in Spanish) can swim as fast as 50 knots or 57.5 miles per hour.

5 species The Gulf of Mexico is home to five species of endangered sea turtles, including kemp’s ridley sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles and leatherback sea turtles.

57 years Caught & Cooked Fresh This 19 inch flounder, caught by Debbie Salisbury and netted by Rick Clapp, quickly became lunch at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Chef Nate cleaned the catch and fried up the fish, shrimp, onion rings, french fries and coleslaw in his special batter. Served with cold beer, it was enjoyed by all at the bar.

Red snapper can live to be 57 years old. To have a sustainable red snapper stock, there should be an abundance of older/ larger fish to maximize the number of young fish coming into the fishery.

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Photography by www.boobytrapfishingteam.com

Chelsey Holden and a very colorful tilefish.

By Capt. Brett Holden

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eep dropping for tilefish and grouper is becoming more and more popular by the day here in the Gulf of Mexico.

I began fishing for these deepwater critters in the mid-1980s, and the sport has grown into a daily routine for many Gulf anglers.

Faster boats with longer range have now made fish like warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, yellowedge grouper, longtail sea bass, barrelfish, tilefish and others easier targets for many Texas sport fishing vessels. Most of these fun and great eating fish are found between 400–1,300 feet of water.

Species of the Deep

Warsaw, yellowedge and longtail sea bass are commonly found around mountain tops,

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

hard spots and deep water oil rigs in the 400–900 foot range.

Warsaw grouper, on average, run anywhere from 40–100 pounds. But over the years I’ve seen several fish up to 250 pounds and a couple in the 300-pound range. Regulations have changed and now only one warsaw per-vessel is allowed.

Yellowedge grouper are delicious and average 8–18 pounds, with a few 20–30 pounders still caught fairly regularly. The largest one we ever caught was around 50 pounds.

Longtail sea bass are another fish that seem to inhabit the same area. They are good eating but hold a little stronger taste than the deep-water grouper. Once again, these fish are mostly found in the 400–900 foot range.

Barrelfish and tilefish run a

little deeper on average. For big barrelfish, you want to fish down current from the edges and walls of deep water mountain tops. The edges will have well-defined drops and barrelfish can stack up very thick at the top and bottom of this structure. They’re usually found a bit higher off the sea floor and mark well on a good bottom machine. These fish are most often found between depths of 850–1,200 feet.

Many times the deeper you drop for barrels, the bigger the fish tend to be. Last year we found a pile of barrels at 900 feet that ran 3–8 pounds.

We moved off that ridge and found another school in

“We have bigger tilefish here in the Gulf than most people would think.”

1,170-to-1,225 feet of water.

All of the barrels off that ridge were running 12–18 pounds on average. These fish are a blast; they fight all the way to the surface, unlike many

deep water species that tend to “blow up” as they near the surface. The barrels fight hard and really put a bend in the rod.

Tilefishing is a fast growing sport and produces exceptional table fare. Not long ago, tilefish were pretty much unheard of as a rod and reel fish. I caught my first one in the mid-1980s and have been targeting them every since.

This fishery was kept very

quiet for a long time and was a pretty big secret. Back in the 1990s, there were no limits on tiles, and that is what we filled our freezers with. But still to this day, they are a fish you can actually go target and pick up a few meals.

We have bigger tilefish here in the Gulf than most people would think. Just a few years ago, the record tilefish was only around four pounds. But I have caught uncountable tilefish running 25–35 pounds (Continued on page 14) www.GulfCoastMariner.com

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and several that have been 35–45 pounds, including a couple near 50 pounds. Now that eyes are opening to the new daytime swordfishing industry here on the Texas coast, more and more tilefish are being boated.

Tilefish are probably the easiest of all the deep water fish you can target. The golden tilefish is most commonly found in the 900–1,250 foot range. Smaller tiles, averaging 2–10 pounds, can be targeted on the continental shelf wall without any special areas or specific “numbers.” Muddy areas anywhere from 900– 1,000 feet of open water will hold tilefish.

Finding better average sized fish will take a little more work. Tilefish will typically get bigger off the shelf, or in valleys against the shelf.

Drop on the down current side of small dips and slopes in 1,000–1,250 feet of water.

Tilefish tend to feed right on the bottom, so try to stop your bait and hold the boat on an area as tight as possible.

However, slow drifting will also produce tilefish and is great for covering ground.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Drag the bait against the bottom, stopping often, and then continuing the drift to explore new areas.

Finding bigger tilefish is another story altogether. I have learned a lot over the past few years about these large fish. The biggest ones will hold against ridges at 1,200 feet and are bold enough to follow baits headed for deep water. Drop your bait near the edge of a ridge that looks over 1,500–1,600 feet of water and be ready. The biggest tiles, those from 35–50 pounds, seem to live alone. I have caught most of these big fish away from the schools and many times, several feet off the bottom feeding in schools of squid or dragonfish. The big tilefish really don’t seem to like a lot of leader in their face.

Single rigs with the weight above the bait seem to work best. A whole squid, about 14-inches-long, works very well. Use a large hook and bait to avoid the smaller fish when targeting big tiles.

I seem to catch lots of big tiles early in the year, April through May, and sometimes in as shallow as 850–1,000 feet.

I’m not sure if it was due to spawning or what, but I’ve caught several in the 30–45 pound class during these months.

Other Species

Beware of spiny, toothy and venomous critters that you might pull up from the deep.

Spiny dogfish are small, deep water sharks that have spikes near the dorsal fins that can cause a painful sting. The spines on scorpionfish can also sting if you’re not careful. But these bright orange fish are pretty good to eat.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Once the sun goes down the tilefish stop biting and the eels take over in force. Conger eels have nice white meat but lots of bones. Banded shrimp eels and moray eels have mouths full of big teeth so watch out.

Hake, a small brown fish averaging 1–3 pounds, also bite at night and can be a nuisance. They will eat pretty much anything. Their meat is good and tasty but very soft. I use hake filets to replace crab meat in gumbo.

The tilefish don’t bite at night but grouper will if you’re in an area free of eels. Snowy and yellowedge grouper will take baits and warsaw will feed as high as 400 feet off the bottom in 900 feet of water.

see bites. On the Booby Trap, we use Diamond braid made

by Diamond Products. I like the orange 80 pound braid because it is easy to see.

With a light current and this braid, 3 pounds is a good weight to start with on your standard double bait leaders. I use cannon ball style weights because they don’t get hung up as easy on rough, rocky bottoms. If the current is strong then move up in weight size to 4 to 5 pounds. If it really cranking move up to 7 pound window weights or lead stick weights.

Some of these deep water fish have sharp teeth, so heavy mono leaders are a necessity.

Yellowedge, longtail sea bass and other smaller grouper are not so bad but tilefish, eels and

Rigging

For years I never used any kind of light or strobe to catch tilefish and did okay. But over the past 10 years or so, I’ve started rigging them up and I think it does work better. I also found that rigging the light further from the bait will produce bigger fish. If we are targeting BIG tiles I will rig the weight and light 15 to 20 feet above the bait. Big tilefish will eat regular double and triple bait rigs, but once again, you’ll do better on a clean single rig. The standard double and triple bait drops work well for yellowedge grouper and smaller tilefish.

Your size of leader and weight will all depend on how much current you are fighting.

The bite and fishing will be best when using less weight and smaller line. Thinner line means less bow in the line and that makes it easier to

small sharks have sharp teeth.

The grouper will wear through light leaders eventually and the tiles will bite clean through them. I use 300 pound LP or Momoi mono leader for our deep drops.

Use caribbean swivels to help keep the twist out of the leader and line. Most bottom fish will go into a spin on the way up.

Heavy duty circle hooks, from 8/0 to 16/0, work best for deep dropping. Tilefish and grouper have no problem

snagging themselves on a circle hook and I would say it definitely helps keep the fish on when cranking them up from the deep. A sharp hook is also important. It’s a long way up and down, so a needle sharp edge is very important.

Be sure to take plenty of extra tackle when deep dropping. It is a long ride to the deep water fishing grounds and you might lose tackle to rocks and snags. Also, carry an extra spool or two of braided line. One break off at 1,000 feet can end the day if you are without replacement line.

When it comes to reels, the Lindgren Pitman S-1200 electric reel is the reel of choice on the Booby Trap.

The LP is a deep dropping fishing machine that also has the strength and drag system to handle big warsaw grouper and swordfish. You can also hand crank tilefish and grouper on conventional tackle but it is a long way up and down.

The Reel Crankie is a must have, great product that can assist in getting your rig up from the bottom fast. It’s not made for fighting fish but for retrieving your heavy weight and empty hooks when you don’t catch a fish.

It does a great job of winding up all the line, instead of you wearing out your arm on empty hooks.

The Reel Crankie fits on a cordless drill and clamps onto several different makes of conventional reel.

You can also deep drop with two lines but it can be tricky fishing and requires some boat handling. The more bow in the lines you have, the more likely you are to tangle your expensive gear.

What Bait?

Over stuffing your hook with bait can result in fewer

hookups. It is more important to get less bait nicely hooked rather than too much bait, which will result in missed fish. Avoid hard, bony, bulky baits that can push a fish off the hook. Softer baits like fish fillets and squid will result in better hook ups. Larger squid are usually tougher and stay on the hook better than the small ones. I like to take a 12–16 inch squid and cut chunks for tilefish. Squid wings work well too but not as a whole squid or chunks.

Preparing Your Catch

Gut your grouper and tilefish ASAP for better table fare. These fish eat lots of shellfish, which can result in some nasty strong tastes in the meat if not taken care of properly.

Wash down your fish after gutting them and keep on ice.

Try and keep cooler drained at all times so the fish don’t soak in water.

Go Get Them

Now you’re ready to go out and find your own tilefish and grouper. The entire continental shelf from Texas to Louisiana holds great bottom structure, supporting tons of deep water species.

Some fish stay directly on top of structure, some live on the walls, slopes and drop offs and some species are found on flat bottoms. Don’t forget to mark your hook ups on your GPS and keep a track record of your best catches. This is the best way to build and notice patterns on the different fish.

It is a fun way to spend the day with miles and miles of perfect habitat for multiple types of great eating fish. You never know what you will come up with and that alone makes deep dropping fun in itself.

Brett Holden is the captain of the Booby Trap, which holds the record for largest swordfish in the Gulf of Mexico. Holden is a pioneer in daytime swordfishing along the Texas coast and holds numerous billfishing records.

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www.moldcraftproducts.com

Black/Purple skirt

Capt. Darrell Weigelt - Patrón “My favorite lure for Texas billfishing is the Moldcraft Wide Range in black and purple. I can pull it anywhere in the spread and get good action from it in almost any condition. This lure catches a lot of big blue marlin. It is responsible for a massive 1,742-pound marlin, as well as the 80 pound line class world record blue of 1,189 pounds.”

Capt. Kevin Deerman - LEGACY “On the Legacy, we have about 20 lures that I would consider our ‘A Team.’ These are the lures that have been productive for us on the Legacy and also on other boats that I have been on in years past.

As far as picking a favorite, I would have to say the Moldcraft Wide Range would be my choice in any color combo. This one always finds a spot in our spread either as a lure with hooks, at the end of a daisy chain or by itself as a hookless teaser. Because it’s a soft lure we get more bites out of a fish and more opportunities at hookups.”

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Some of Capt. Deerman’s favorite color combos.

MARS

www.makairapullinglures.com

Silver mirror head w/ red eye - blue/ pearl/black bars over black/blue

19 Chartreuse Paua Shell Blue/Silver over Green/ Chartreuse

BRUTUS

Blue Paua Shell/ Silver Mirror w/ Silver Eyes - Blue/ Silver/Black Bars over Purple/Black

Capt. Brett Holden - BOOBY TRAP “Due to weather, we only have so many days to fish here in the Gulf. So if I’m chasing billfish I’m going to make it count. Makaira Pulling Lures, custom handmade lures by Justin Roper in Louisiana, are my first choice for trolling. Justin has 19 different lure heads, from slant to yap to chugger, in a variety of colors and weighted in couple different ways. My favorites are the 19, Brutus and Mars. I prefer to rig them with a single stiff or single semi-stiff hook. I’ll always the remember the first day I trolled a Makaira. We were in 400–500 feet of water and a big blue marlin inhaled the lure off the flat line right away. We ended up catching 12 wahoo and four big dolphin in an hour and a half after that first big blue. Since that day, I’ve made it a point to always have Makairas in my spread.”

www.marlinmagic.com

Skirt combo 03/46 at www. meltontackle.com

Owner Jasen Gast - REHAB “My favorite lure for Texas billfishing is the Marlin Magic Baby Ruckus. It was designed by fishermen in Hawaii who catch more big blue marlin on lures than potentially any other place in the world. Run off the short or long rigger position, this lure is a proven billfish raiser for us. It creates a lot of noise in the water and pulls extremely well in a variety of weather conditions we see here in the Gulf of Mexico. Both the Ruckus and Baby Ruckus models are very aggressive and create quite the billfish attracting commotion.”

Capt. Troy Day www.GulfCoastMariner.com

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Target Species that can be found in near shore, offshore waters.

JULY & AUGUST Prime Time to Take Your Smaller Boat Offshore

By Capt. Joe Kent

T

here are many anglers

with boats capable of making offshore trips during periods of good weather; however, a large percentage of them are apprehensive about venturing beyond the jetties. July and August probably are the two best months of the year for the smaller boats to make an offshore fishing trip.

Barring an event in the Gulf, the weather is the most stable of the year and the winds tend to be lighter on average than most months. Just about every pelagic fish that visits the Texas Coast is within easy range of smaller boats with limited fuel capacity during July and August.

The conditions are good and the fish

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

are there, so what is keeping you from making that first trip to battle a king mackerel, ling, Spanish mackerel, shark or Dorado? For me, it was a lack of information on where to go, how to fish and what equipment would be needed.

Sure, the big boys with boats over 30 feet in length knew all of that stuff; however, for us bay fishermen with smaller boats we just did not know a king fish rig from a bottom rig.

In sharing some of my first experiences and frustrations with you, it is hoped that you will learn some of the basics of offshore fishing and, if your boat is suitable for a run of 10 to 15 miles out, you will give it a try.

My first trip into the new world of offshore fishing came in late June of 1972.

The first big issue was preparing my

boat for the trip. We had all of the safety equipment required and a C.B. Radio for so-called ship to shore communication.

Several extra six-gallon tanks of gas were on board and we had a good compass.

Extra water was carried along and a good first aid kit.

Ocean Apps Keep aware of weather, fishing regulations and marine traffic with these smartphone apps.

While all of that was necessary, the one thing we did not think about was extra anchor rope. Anchoring in 50 to 70 feet of water requires much more rope than at 12-foot depths.

Our biggest mistake was in the fishing equipment we chose. Our tackle was too heavy. We took “broom-stick” rods equipped with large reels filled with 80-pound test line. After all we were fishing offshore and the fish are big and require heavy equipment. That is not the case for the near shore waters.

Bait and riggings were the next big mistake. We only had bottom rigs typically used for red snapper and squid and cut mullet were the baits we brought along.

When we anchored at a spot 10 miles out of Freeport called the Middle Bank, other small boats were fishing there also, some trolling others anchored. We were close enough to other boats that we could see their fish and all were having a field day catching kings, bonito and sharks. Our bottom rigs produced hard heads, small snapper and lot of other bottom feeders.

Little did we know that the action came from baits floating near the surface?

After that trip we started becoming knowledgeable about how to fish offshore

and here are some tips to help you with your first trip.

First and foremost is safety. Keep a close eye on the weather and if potentially threatening conditions are in the forecast, reschedule your trip. There are a lot of days during July and August that are

excellent for heading offshore in a smaller boat.

Next equally as important is the condition of your boat. Regardless of size, is it seaworthy, does it have the proper safety equipment and fuel capacity? As a general rule you should carry 30 percent more fuel than you estimate using for your trip. Type I PFDs are a must also.

Now, let’s concentrate on the fishing.

If you have not been offshore before, it is quite different from inshore fishing. A good trout rod will suffice if the reel can handle 20 to 30-pound test line.

Wire and coated wire leaders with either single 6/0 to 8/0 hooks baited with fin fish or two to three hooks for ribbon fish are needed. Weights are used only if the current is so strong that the bait stays on top of the water. Ideally the baits consisting of sardines, ice fish, cigar minnows or ribbon fish should be suspended just below the surface.

A gaff and a club are needed as a landing net will not work for kings and many other surface fish.

Areas within 10 to 12 miles that are best for newcomers are the wells and platforms.

One of the best ways to fish them is to motor up to the platform and drop your baited line overboard. As your boat drifts away, the bait will stay just below the surface. Be prepared for a vicious hit as kings and other surface fish don’t nibble but usually strike hard at your bait.

When you gaff your fish, use a club or other blunt instrument to stun the fish by hitting it in the head. This makes it easier to place the fish in the ice chest and avoids your catch flopping around on the floor of the boat and avoids damage to your equipment.

From mid-July on, anchored shrimp boats also are excellent spots to drift using the same technique as drifting surface structure.

Once you get a trip or two under your belt, other techniques will surface such as trolling baits or bottom fishing. For the first trip or two, stick to drift fishing wells, platforms and anchored shrimp boats as other methods and techniques will catch your attention as you progress in offshore fishing.

Fish Rules The premier fishing app. Fish Rules gives you the limits and regulations on all fish and fishing for several of the biggest US fishing spot, Texas included. Built in GPS and calendar make sure you have the most updated regulations for your area and a huge guidebook of species always allow you to identify your catch.

Average app store rating: 4/5

Marine Traffic The freeway isn’t the only place you can encounter traffic. Follow the traffic of over 80,000 ships from 4,000 different ports all over the world and always know what is in your area. Arrivals, departures, wind conditions and more are all recorded in real-time per port for up to date information.

Average app store rating 4/5

BlooSee The app with a little bit of everything; BlooSee has charts, GPS, wind reports, tracking, a boat database and more. Social networking features allow you to upload and share pics of your catch or just you having fun.

Average app store rating: 4/5

The Weather Channel Hard to go wrong with ole faithful, The Weather Channel’s weather app is a solid choice with accurate up to date forecasts for anywhere in the world.

With tons of statistics this weather app can be as simple or as complex as the owner likes.

Average app store rating: 3.5/5

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P hotography by R achel J aspersen

Houston Yacht Club Sailor Wins the 2014 A-Class Catamaran North American Championship

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large group of international A-Class Catamaran sailors came together for a couple of days of great racing on Croatan Sound in Manteo, North Carolina. The racing was very competitive with the championship being won in the last race of the six race series. Bruce Mahoney, the winner, has been training hard. It showed in his performance, he never finished worse than a third.

Bob Webbon, a long time Galveston Bay catamaran sailor, cracked the top ten with a 7th place finish and Martin Hamilton showed the young guys that he can still bring it with 13th in the overall standings.

Two other sailors from the Houston Yacht Club sailing in the championship were Luke McAllum who finished 21st and Kevin Grice who finished 38th out of 45 boats.

Bruce Mahoney, top and bottom.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Bob Webbon, top and bottom left.

Martin Hamilton.

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Builders of the Finest Yachts in the World

Building the Finest Yachts in the World

When you say Striker Mega or Luxury Yachts to well seasoned mariners, they will tell you unequivocally they are the best designed and durable yachts ever built.

S

triker Yachts are well known worldwide for their attention to detail, craftsmanship and design. The finished yacht product is astounding and almost intimidating.

The Striker Sport Fishing Yachts are also designed and built by some of the world’s top naval engineers and craftsman. They are rugged and can withstand strong seas.

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They are made for luxury and performance, two very difficult engineering feats.

They accomplish these two feats with flying colors.

Striker Yacht Corporation was founded in 1951.

Originally its vessels were steel until 1956, when Striker was the first builder to use aluminum plating. Since then, Striker has produced more aluminum hulled vessels than

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

any other builder worldwide.

Combined with the highest quality craftsmanship and Alcoa’s new much stronger NAUTIC-AL aluminum plated hulls, Striker Yachts do not require zincs and

are impervious to galvanic corrosion. The Striker line extends from the finest sport fishing yachts, from 50 feet to over 150 feet, to the world’s largest super yachts up to 1,000 feet (300m).

Striker yachts have roamed the oceans of the world in search of giant tuna, blue and black marlin, and they are built to take their owners into sea conditions that others would not dare to ply. A true ship in her own right but clothed as a luxurious yacht, there is nothing like a Striker.

Striker welcomes you to visit their shipyards in beautiful Istanbul that will surely impress the most discerning client.

With record breaking super yachts becoming even more popular and with the top two being built in the last 24 months, Striker is capable now and well into the future to build the world’s largest super yachts. Building yachts up to 300 meters, which is far beyond any other yacht builder in the world. All yacht builds will be completed at our shipyards, built to the highest levels of ship building for safety and sea worthiness, and incorporated into a fine yacht with the style and comfort brought to us by our award winning naval architects, Donald Starkey, Gregory C. Marshall, and Luiz DeBasto, for truly unique world class yachts.

Commercial Vessels • • • • • • • • • •

Ships Supply Vessels Oil Recovery Tankers Trawlers Power Plants Tugs Fire Rescue Boats Patrol Boats Surface Naval Vessels

Repairs and Refit Striker, through an association with Sedef Shipyard and Tor Group, now operates one of the biggest yacht and shipbuilding facilities in Turkey based on a site with a total area of 291,936 square meters, making it capable of building multiple projects at the same time. Here Striker can construct all types of vessels, industrial projects and conduct repair and conversion works in the heart of Turkey’s shipbuilding district. They lead the shipbuilding industry in the region by using the best know-how and state of the art technology.

Yachts

Striker Yacht Corporation 300 S. Avenue of the Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

• • •

Contact - Phillip X. Orosco 832.423.6155 phillipbluewater1713@yahoo.com

Mega/Super Yachts Luxury Yachts Sport Fishing Yachts

Phillip X. Orosco Meet Your Striker Line Sales Agent - Gulf Coast Region Where did you grow up?

In Southwest Houston near Rice University.

What Junior High did you attend?

Lanier Junior High, the same school Walter Cronkite attended.

Where did you get your formal education?

University of Houston What do love most about living near the Texas Gulf coast?

The promixity to miles of coastal water and surf, as well as the beautiful lake country to the north near Austin.

How did you get into the yacht business?

I worked in the wholesale food business for 20 years at Sysco foods. When I left Sysco Corporation in 2010, the food business was no longer appealing to me and I ended up following something much greater; my passion for the open water, boats and fishing. I obtained a fantastic opportunity with Striker Yacht Corporation after making contact with Edward Ennis, Chairman/CEO. What do you enjoy the most about selling boats?

Everything is so positive because you are dealing with a product that is affiliated with nothing but pleasure. It’s also great meeting all the interesting people who enjoy boating and fishing.

What is your most memorable experience about the Texas Coast?

When I was a teenager in high school, we would make runs to Surfside Texas, sometimes in the middle of the night.

Camping on the beach, watching the sunrise and fishing the surf in the early morning hours gave a most memorable feeling of freedom.

I also recall several offshore runs off of Freeport and Galveston where the open water was so beautiful and alive with marine life.

What is so special about Striker Yachts?

Striker Yachts are the most dependable and quality built Yachts on the market today.

They are designed to the highest standards in the world and offer a unique hull design coupled with new engine technology. Striker yachts offer excellent range at medium speed and are more practical for the serious cruising captain. A shallow draft allows Strikers to enter ports where other yachts would dare not to enter.

These boats will take you to the far ends of the earth. All Strikers are designed by the many-time award-winning naval architects Gregory C. Marshall, Donald Starkey, and Luiz De Basto.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

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What’s in Your Bag? B y

A life preserver is a must if you take your dog boating. The Hedz UP Pets Watercollar™ is a new device designed to keep your dog’s nose and ears above the water. It has a unique design that attaches to your dog’s collar and drops away from the neck for allday comfort. The Watercollar is available at Encore Resale in Kemah and online at HedzUpPets.com.

One of a kind craftsmanship and engineering built into every reel is the reason anglers regard Abu Garcia reels as the benchmark for cutting edge design. Available at Marburger’s in Seabrook.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Pat t y

K a n e

A Dry Case with waterproof patented vacuum seal for your phone is the way to go when on the go this summer. It comes with an armband so you have it with you, hands free and protected. The case is crystal clear for taking photos and comes with a waterproof stereo and microphone 3 way jack. Available at Marburger’s in Seabrook.

Look good when fishing or just hanging out this summer in designs by Saltwater Soul. Made in Galveston

by Billy Ray Wagner, the shirts come in a variety of styles and colors. Available at Marburger’s in Seabrook.

Pelican™ brand containers are tough and watertight equipment cases, great for holding keys, camera, wallets or jewelry while at the beach, by the pool or off shore. Available at Marburger’s in Seabrook.

BOATING WITH MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Keeping Your Dog Safe Onboard Your Boat

S

ummer is here and

if you plan to take your dog for a cruise, the following safety tips can make you and your pet more comfortable and secure while on the lake, in the bay or off shore.

1. Visit the boat with your pet prior to your trip. Let your dog get acquainted with the boat before going out on the water.

2. Bring a first-aid kit. The Humane Society of The United States suggests you bring an antibiotic ointment for minor scrapes and have a good supply of any medications your dog may require.

3. Check local laws about dogs and boats. Regulations can vary by state and if you plan to enter international waters, research laws regarding dogs.

4. Keep your dog’s first outing brief. If it’s your dog’s first time to go out, have a quick trip so there is adjustment time to the vessel’s movement. A dog can get seasick, just as humans can.

5. Develop a plan in case your dog falls overboard.

Talk about your plan with

crew and guests before you leave the slip.

6. Invest in a life jacket.

Even at the dock a dog can fall overboard and although most dogs can swim, your pet may panic and not be able to get to where he can be lifted out of the water. It’s important for your dog to have a life jacket anytime it’s on the boat. The Hedz Up Pets Watercollar™, a new product on the market, easily attaches to your dog’s properly-fitted collar. Straps drop away from your dog’s neck, providing all day comfort and ease of movement. This floatation device is designed to keep your dog’s nose above the water. The Hedz Up Pets Watercollar™ is available locally at Encore Resale and online at HedzUpPets.com 7. Other reminders. Allow time for potty breaks or make arrangements onboard.

Summer heat can take a toll on animals so make sure your dog stays hydrated. It’s a good idea to carry your pet’s medical records with you and always remember… boating is a fun experience so make it enjoyable for your pet as well as the humans on board!

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

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Galley Equipment Essentials

By Betha Merit

W

hen purchasing

equipment for your galley, less is often more.

However, what are the essentials? What will fit your individual style and needs?

The following guide will direct you in your quest.

1. What are galley essentials specific to you?

The galley becomes your kitchen away from home.

You will want to recreate your daily cooking and meal style as much as possible.

For instance, coffee, “There is nothing more satisfying than a ceramic mug full of rich, aromatic, coffee in the morning while standing at the helm,” says Brian Holt, lifetime boating enthusiast.

For him, that means finding a coffee maker that works on the high seas, bringing a mug that is not stainless or plastic, and providing good water. Your needs can be personal and not all utilitarian.

2. Can I use it in the space available and stow it?

In the galley everything is smaller from counters to sink to drawers. Measure your areas of workspace. Measure your areas for stowing. This will assist you in choosing dinnerware, utensils, appliances and accessories.

When storing, especially on open water, decide if your items need to be cushioned to keep them safe and silent.

Factor that extra space into storing, and create a system that might utilize soft-sided thermal carry bags, used for shopping in hot climates or keeping drinks cold. Extra towels, bubble wrap or fleece are also options. Pressure cookers shorten your cooking time, as do crock-pots.

28

Nesting pots, pans, bowls, and dishes will save space. Ask yourself if you have room to store it and most importantly, will you use it often?

3. Is it break and scratchresistant, rust resistant, nonslip?

Higher quality makes the most sense over the long haul.

The most expensive items do not necessarily mean they will last the longest and stay in the best condition in a marine environment. Do as much research by reading or talking

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

to other galley cooks or boat owners as possible.

4. What materials work best?

You will want good knives, pots, and pans for cooking.

Stainless steel is rust resistant and a great choice. Non-stick can make wash-up easier and faster. Bowls come in stainless steel and soft (not brittle) plastic, as do measuring cups and spoons. The markings on plastic may wear off quickly.

Quality is a good thing.

Dishware should be

purchased for fitting in its cabinet or cubby, and has many options. Break-resistant is a must. Plastic-ware, melamine, and Corelle are options. If you need things microwave safe that will be a criterion. Some materials scratch more easily as well.

Cups, glasses, and stemware have a lot to do with personal preference. Is a stainless steel coffee mug your choice, or do you prefer only ceramic, like our sailor mentioned above? Glass is to be avoided for obvious reasons. But this is your vessel and your style and budget. Thicker glass is less breakable, but that rich cabernet sauvignon will present better in crystal. You decide.

5. What about conservation?

Using non-disposable cups, dishware, and utensils conserves on trash. Using minimal cooking items that are easy to wash conserves on water. Manual tools such as can openers and wire whisks, and non-electric preparation of food will conserve the generator. Time conservation is a matter of choice, and will be a guiding factor in how you run your galley and choose your items. Do you love being in the galley or do you prefer to make your time there short and sweet? Lucky you, you can have it both ways, with proper planning.

SOUTH SHORE GRILLE’S

Havana Avocado Soup A cold, refreshing soup for summer!

4 avocados 1 bunch cilantro 2 oz grilled onion Juice from 2 lemons 1 tablespoon of salt, black pepper, and cumin 2 tablespoons mustard 2 cups heavy cream 3 ½ cups chicken broth Blend all the above together. Add 3 stalks finely diced celery and1/2 whole cucumber finely diced.

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specifically to address the needs of the commercial maritime market. PLBs arrived on the scene in 2003, and were designed for personal use. Here are the differences and similarities between the two:

EPIRB vs. PLB

Which is right for you?

H

ello everybody! My name is Ken, and I am affiliated with a marine electronics company that has been serving the Clear Lake area for 23 years. The folks at Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine invited me to pen some content relating specifically to marine electronics – I hope you find this, and future columns, to be useful. I look forward to sharing our experience with you!

Our customers continually ask us about the difference between EPRIBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons). EPIRBs have been around since the early 1980s and were designed

30

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Activation - EPIRBs can be purchased for either automatic or manual deployment, while PLBs can only be activated manually.

Registration - EPIRBs are registered to a vessel, while PLBs are registered to an individual.

GPS - Both EPIRBs and PLBs can be purchased with or without an internal GPS. Having internal GPS is a benefit in that rescue resources are focused in a smaller area.

Flotation – All EPIRBs float. Most PLBs will not float unless fitted with a flotation sleeve.

Operational Battery Life – EPIRBs are required to function for 48 hours continuously, while PLBs are only required to operate for 24 hours.

Strobe Lights – All EPIRBs are required to have strobe lights. PLBs are not required to have a strobe light, but many of them do.

“So”, you ask “what’s best for my

application?” That of course, depends on you.

If your vessel falls under SOLAS regulations, or is any type of commercial vessel (fishing or passenger), then the law dictates that you must have an automatically deployable EPIRB. However for pleasure craft, it is simply a matter of personal choice.

Both products bring unique qualities to the table. The ideal installation would have both an EPIRB in a “ditch bag,” and PLBs affixed to the PFDs (personal flotation device). In this way, all the options are covered. Remember that the EPIRB is registered to the vessel, so when a distress activation is received, the rescue assets are looking for a boat. However the PLBs are registered to an individual, so rescue assets are aware that they are looking for a person.

As a multi-purpose device, PLBs offer the most “bang for the buck.” You can take your PLB along with you on a canoe trip down the Comel River, hiking in the Colorado back country, or simply keep it in your vehicle’s glove box. Carry it during any outdoor activity for which you desire that extra margin of safety. Because of this mutli-tasking capability and their lower cost, many customers are opting to rely exclusively on PLBs.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

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Ole Evinrude The story of how ice cream changed the way we move on the water

D

o you remember the first time you tried to start an outboard motor? Grab the handle and give it a tug, and, if you were lucky, it started on the second or third pull.

Back in 1907 Theodore Roosevelt was president, the Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers 4-0 to win the World Series and a young Norwegian immigrant was working hard on a new invention that would revolutionize the boating industry.

Ole Evinrude liked to build things.

He was fascinated with the new internal combustion engine and he saw the potential for a new idea that would one day make him famous.

Ole Evinrude started out as a mechanic and a pattern maker. After moving to Milwaukee he formed a company, Clemick & Evinrude. The sole purpose of this company was to manufacture standardized engines for the small automobile builders that were springing up all over the area.

After a while the business failed and Evinrude went back to pattern making in a small shop outside Milwaukee near the Kinnickinnick River. One hot August afternoon Ole and his lady friend, Bess, went on a picnic with friends. They rented a little boat and rowed out to an island on a lake near town.

During lunch Bess expressed her desire to eat some ice cream.

The closest town was a mile away. Ole rowed back to town, got some ice cream and then headed out for the long row back to the party. Along the way the ice cream melted. As soon as the picnic was over, he dropped Bess off at her home and he went back to the shop and started working on his

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

invention. The rest is history.

A short time later Ole took his new invention down to the Kinnickinnick River and rented an old row boat for 50 cents, which was a lot of money in that day. He strapped on the engine and then fired it up. To everyone’s amazement, the new invention worked, it pushed the little row boat around at five miles per hour. People stopped what they were doing and looked on in wonder as Ole demonstrated his new engine. The next day he loaned the engine to a friend who was going fishing. Later that day the friend came back with 10 orders for the new invention.

Ole married Bess. He started a company and they formed a perfect team. He was the mechanical genius and she handled the marketing and sales.

The Evinrude name has been associated with outboard motors for over 100 years.

Evinrude E-TEC was the first outboard engine technology to win the American Environmental Protection Agency 2004 Clean Air Excellence Award. Chances are you have owned an Evinrude at some point in your life. Today all Evinrude motors are built and assembled in Sturtevant, Wisc., south of Milwaukee.

A modern Evinrude 300 HP E-TEC.

Bastante – John Uhr Memorial Billfish Tournament July 9 – 12 Rockport www.johnnybastante.com

Lone Star Shootout July 22 – 29 Port O’Connor www.thelonestarshootout.com

Deep Sea Round Up July 10 – 13 Port Aransas www.deepsearoundup.com

Texas Center Console Shootout July 24 – 26 Surfside Beach www.pelagicgear.com/texas-centerconsole-shootout

Deep Sea Divas July 11 – 13 Surfside Beach www.deepseadivas.org

Texas Legends Billfish Tournament August 6 – 10 Port Aransas www.txlegends.com

Poco Bueno July 16 – 20 Port O’Connor www.poco-bueno.com

Texas Billfish Championship August 13 – 16 Freeport www.texasbillfishchampionship.com

Laser Full Rig 11th Greg Martinez TCYC 28th Marshall McCann TCYC 36th Keen Butcher TCYC

Laser Radial Gold Fleet 8th Haddon Hughes TCYC 19th Ford McCann TCYC 25th Clay Broussard LYC 34th Parker Hughes TCYC 39th Max Guerriero TCYC 45th Lenox Butcher TCYC 52nd Charlotte Rose HYC 53rd Robbie Nicholls LYC

2014 Laser North Americans

Alamitos Bay Yacht Club • Long Beach, California (June 12 -15) A group of Galveston Bay Laser sailors made the trip out to California to race in a highly competitive Olympic class regatta. These guys and gals trained hard and made their families, community and respective yacht clubs proud.

Laser Radial Silver Fleet 9th Sophia Sole TCYC 17th Daniel Kendrick HYC 23th Madeline Butcher TCYC 49th Reese Butcher TCYC

Laser 4.7 Rig 2nd Macey McCann TCYC

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33

child, the child’s first reaction is to cower down and want to go home.

Back then I knew a “coach boat” that was large enough for an adult to fun sail with a child was needed; a comfortable boat with all the same strings and foibles of the Optimist.

Are you pleased with the final product?

Neil Akkerman’s New Boat

N

eil Akkerman likes to build things. He is an engineer by training, and when he couldn’t find a good boat to teach his granddaughters how to sail, he decided to build one of his own. He launched his new boat with fun and fanfare to the delight of everyone around him. This is a great story, we hope you enjoy the interview.

When did you get the idea to build this boat?

When I was commodore of the Houston Yacht Club in 1995, the Optimist International sailing dinghy had recently become popular on Galveston Bay. The Optimist soon displaced the Sunfish as the youth sailing boat. Though there seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm among boys, I noticed that there seemed to be fewer girls sailing. All of the emphasis was on racing and almost none on simple fun sailing.

The Optimist International is a wonderful single handed youth racing boat. It is stable, responsive and not overpowered. At regattas the experienced youth sail in 20+ knots of wind.

Teaching kids to sail in an Optimist is much different that in a Sunfish. I taught my two

34

daughters to sail on a Sunfish.

We would go out sailing and I would, very casually, request help sailing the boat. They soon knew all the parts of the boat and how they worked.

Before long “lazy” dad was a passenger and the girls were sailing the boat.

I noticed that it was very difficult for an adult to get onboard an Optimist with a child. I could not have used my “fun sail” teaching technique on an Optimist.

The most common teaching method with an Optimist seems to be to put the child in a boat and shout instructions.

Inevitably in an emergency, shouts become even louder.

It seems that no matter how diplomatically a child is told that the instructor is speaking loudly because the wind makes it hard to hear and that the instructor is not mad at the

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

Yes, very much. Recently my granddaughters -- with their mother, their aunt and granddad -- all went out together on the boat. Later the sailing coach took out 10 beginner sailors in groups of five at a time for their first ever sail. By the way, the boat is named the EL&EM for my granddaughters.

The response from coaches is very encouraging. One of the sailing instructors said, “You have changed sailing forever. Some beginners go all the way through sailing camp and refuse to go out on a sailboat. The entire group just went out on the first day of camp.” That sounds like success to me.

It is a little early to call it a product as only one has been built. Another is under construction now. The plan is to have one for the sailing instructors to use at Texas Corinthian Yacht Club and the other at Houston Yacht Club. The young sailors swarm all over the boat.

The in-your-face demand “How quickly can I buy one” from one grandmother was unanticipated. The ladies’ sailing director reserving the boat for ladies’ sailing camp

was a pleasant surprise. When a friend and I took an 80-yearold gentleman for a fun sail and he commented “it has been a long time since I last boarded a dinghy, this boat is more comfortable than any dinghy I know of and many larger sailboats.”

Do you have any plans to build more boats?

Having a production mold makes it possible and practical to build more boats.

I have brand named the boat “GO” which has no formal meaning but is derived from “go sailing” bumper stickers; though some guess the moniker comes from granddads obsession or grand opti or whatever….

The short answer is yes; if people want one, it will be built in much less time than the first one. visit www.gulfcoastmariner.com for the full interview

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

35

Leukemia Cup 2014

Photography by Dmitriy Yegorov

Leukemia Cup Fundraising Winner, Brenda Cheney, with Houston Yacht Club Brenda Cheney with Clowns, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society staff and Cheryl Thomas Commodore Nancy Edmonson and Rear Commodore Gordie Keenan.

Henry May III catches a nice puff.

Laura Masterson at the helm.

Leukemia Cup Regatta At HYC raises $135,344

T

he Leukemia Cup Regatta

Sonars racing downwind.

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

at Houston Yacht Club is now history, raising $135,344 to fight leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers in a thrilling series of sailing events that combines the joy of boating with the important task of raising money to fight disease.

Since its inception, the Leukemia Cup Regatta has raised millions of dollars for lifesaving research and patient services, bringing help and hope to patients and their families.

This year 63 boats participated in the regatta.

The Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society congratulates and thanks everyone who participated, noting that this year’s event raised $14,000 more than last year.

Funds raised support the mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Port dredging projects get Corps of Engineers OK

T

wo proposed Port of Houston Authority dredging projects in the Bayport and Barbours Cut Channels have been given the go-ahead by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

When completed, the depth in both channels will match that of the Houston Ship Channel and enable both port facilities to accommodate larger ships The federal assumption of maintenance of the channels when construction is completed also was approved.

The improvement projects at the Port Authority’s two container terminals will deepen the channels from 40 feet to 45 feet, matching the depth of the Houston Ship

Channel, so the container terminals can realize the benefits of the HSC widening and deepening project completed in 2005.

The project will also widen or realign the channels by up to 100 feet to better accommodate larger ships that are expected to call with increasing frequency.

“This is great news,” said Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria, “We are investing in the future of our port. The projects demonstrate our commitment to facilitating commerce. I sincerely congratulate the

Port Authority staff for its diligent efforts working with PHA’s stakeholders, the community and the Corps to get these projects readied for construction.”

PHA awarded the $68 million construction contract to Orion Construction in mid-May and construction and dredging are expected to start soon and last about 15 months. The work includes modification of the existing Bayport and Barbours Cut channels and berths and increasing capacity of a placement area for future dredged material.

“PHA is pleased that we will be awarding a contract at an excellent, competitive price,” said Executive Director Roger Guenther. “Overall, the project has really progressed at a quick pace. The federal approval of assumption of maintenance, which means the Corps of Engineers will resume responsibility for the channel after PHA’s improvements, was a great team effort between the Corps and PHA on a complicated process that has taken only 18 months.”

The Port Authority is funding the projects at its sole cost to ensure the channels improvements are available as soon as possible to better accommodate larger, more efficient container ships, and in advance of the opening of an expanded Panama Canal in 2016. The work is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year.

For more information, visit www.portofhouston.com.

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his family and friends at Lakewood.

How long has the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association been in the area?

Since the early 1980s.

As the president of that organization, what are your duties and responsibilities?

As president, I am responsible for presiding over all or the meetings of the GCYBA, as well as planning all of the meetings and special events. There are also specific committees, and duties placed by the board of directors. I also spend time promoting our organization in the Bay Area, as well as the state of Texas.

If you could own any boat what would it be?

Bertram 64 Convertible. My father had several Bertram and Hatteras yachts when I was growing up.

David Hunt President of the Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association

D

avid Hunt is a native

of Seabrook, with a love of the water and passion for boats. That love was born early on at his father’s dealership, Gulf States Yachts, and nearly 30 years later, David is proud to continue the legacy at Texas Power Yachts.

He began his career as a yacht broker in 2007 with Lauderdale Yacht Sales, after a successful stint in real estate.

He then joined Lone Star Yacht Sales as sales director, under the famed international yacht broker James Hedges and excelled in the international yacht market as the Gulf Coast dealer for Azimut Yachts and Bertram Yachts.

Also representing Benetti Yachts and Atlantis Yachts as an official international agent, David had the opportunity to perfect the art of luxury

38

yacht sales. With his intimate knowledge of the global luxury yacht market, his clients praise him for his honesty, attention to detail and his desire to always act in their best interest.

Now in his role at Texas Power Yachts, he tries to match the right boat to the desired yachting experience.

His knowledge and experience with brokerage and new boats makes him an excellent partner in finding the perfect boat.

Passionate, patient and driven, he is an Eagle Scout, president of The Gulf Coast Yacht Brokers Association and an active third-generation member of Lakewood Yacht Club. When he isn’t at the office, he is on the water in his Boston Whaler with his beautiful fiancé, Lindsey, or enjoying spending time with

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

To many people buying a new boat can be a daunting process; could you walk us through the steps of purchasing a boat?

It can be a daunting process and the first step is to find a broker you can trust. The broker members of the GCYBA are all held to an ethical standard, as well as many being Certified Professional Yacht Brokers.

Brokers have resources available to them that most buyers do not have. We have access to multiple listing services, as well as boat information and knowledge that can save time in narrowing the search to meet the buyer’s needs. We can also assist the buyer by helping them define what vessel they want as well as defining vessels that will fit their needs.

Once the boat is selected, the broker will assist them with presenting an offer to the seller and negotiating a price, and terms.

A broker can assist the buyer in finding a qualified marine surveyor to survey the vessel and give an expert opinion of the condition and value of the vessel.

Once the survey is competed, the broker will assist the buyer in the closing phase of the process, helping with titles, documentation and closing documents. This will help make sure that everything flows smoothly, resulting in a happy experience for all parties.

What’s your favorite movie?

Pulp Fiction What changes do you see for the boating industry in the next 3 to 5 years?

In our Texas market the industry would be greatly changed with the adoption of a sales tax cap on boats.

Florida passed a bill in 2010 that limits the sales/use tax on boat sales to $18,000. By capping the sales tax on boat priced more than $300,000, Florida saw a dramatic increase in sales, as well as direct revenues to marine businesses such as marinas, shipyards, etc. Currently sales tax in Texas is 6.25 percent on boats under 65 feet and 8.25 percent on vessels over 65 feet.

A sales tax cap in Texas would increase the number of boats in the area, as well as much larger boats entering the state.

The local economy of our area would see dramatic increases in marine related jobs, as well as the other businesses that profit from the marine industry, such as restraints, marina’s and yacht clubs.

We are also seeing some great new designs in both sail and power yachts, and many new advances in performance, clean engines, and hybrid technology.

How many yacht brokers are in the area?

Around 60 What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?

I spend a lot of time on the water in my Boston Whaler with my fiancé and friends.

I also enjoy spending time at Lakewood Yacht Club with my family and friends.

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Luxury Meets Ability Ram Heavy Duty Gets Outdoorsman Nod

By Don Armstrong

I

t wasn’t that long ago that heavy duty pickups were relegated to the working class. Most came with stark interiors, pie tin hub caps and little else.

As leisure demand has grown, so has the amenities, and the Ram brand is leading the way.

The 2014 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4X4 is the epitome of luxury and capability. It now comes with a larger gasoline engine option and appears to have all the bases covered. Boasting the largest displacement V-8 in the segment, the 6.4-liter Hemi can also lay claim to a whopping 410-horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque.

This new gas engine doesn’t replace the standard 5.7 but rather adds to the options list that includes our favorite, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel. The Cummins delivers 385-horsepower and 850 lb.-ft. of grunt. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Ride quality in the Heavy Duty class usually suffers due to its stiffer springs, but Ram engineers developed a rear link coil system that helps mitigate some of the unloaded jounce. If that’s not enough, a factory rear air suspension may be what the doctor ordered.

A set of 20-inch wheels aren’t just for rapper rides anymore, you’ll find them as a $1,200 option on Heavy Duties.

Another new option for 2014 is the integrated fifth wheel/gooseneck

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

connection in the bed, a perfect, easy-touse hookup for the Gulf Coast Mariner who occasionally likes to visit inland water.

Towing and hauling are reasons to purchase a Heavy Duty. With up to a 17,000 pound tow rating and payload approaching 4 tons, you are sure to find the right configuration to meet your needs. Be sure to consider whether you’ll need all the muscle for trips to mountainous terrain, the highway or city.

Rear axle ratios are numerous. If slick boat ramps and/or jaunts to snowy areas are in your future, a 4-wheel drive system may be worth consideration, as well.

Inside the Laramie Longhorn, you’ll find an interior that is nicer than main house accommodations at Texas’ most famous ranches. Ram’s UConnect system delivers easy-to-use communications, navigation and entertainment features that will keep you informed, connected and productive through an 8.4-inch touch screen.

The entry level price for the Ram 2500 Crew is $33,685. Our Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4X4 model, with the new 6.4-liter engine, starts at $52,440.

www.GulfCoastMariner.com

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Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

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Galveston Bay Tides EAGLE POINT, TX NOAA Station Id: 8771013

JULY Tue 7/1 03:51 AM 02:09 PM

0.0 L 0.8 H

Wed 7/2 04:19 AM 01:45 PM

0.1 L 0.7 H

Thu 7/3 04:43 AM 01:19 PM

0.2 L 0.7 H

Fri 7/4 04:55 AM 12:54 PM 08:52 PM

0.3 L 0.7 H 0.3 L

Sat 7/5 12:28 PM 09:02 PM Sun 7/6 12:00 PM 09:29 PM Mon 7/7 11:27 AM 10:04 PM

0.7 H 0.1 L 0.7 H 0.0 L 0.8 H -0.2 L

Thu 7/17 04:51 AM 11:56 AM 07:16 PM

AUGUST 0.3 L 0.7 H 0.2 L

Fri 8/1 03:56 AM 10:58 AM 06:26 PM

0.5 L 0.7 H 0.4 L

Sat 8/2 10:35 AM 07:01 PM

0.8 H 0.3 L

Sun 8/3 10:12 AM 07:44 PM

0.9 H 0.1 L 1.0 H 0.0 L

Fri 7/18 02:22 AM 05:03 AM 11:42 AM 08:03 PM

0.5 H 0.5 L 0.8 H 0.0 L

Sat 7/19 11:26 AM 08:51 PM

0.8 H -0.1 L

Sun 7/20 10:59 AM 09:39 PM

Mon 8/4 09:53 AM 08:32 PM

0.9 H -0.2 L

Mon 7/21 10:19 AM 10:28 PM

Tue 8/5 09:49 AM 09:25 PM

1.1 H -0.1 L

1.0 H -0.3 L

Wed 8/6 10:09 AM 10:20 PM

1.1 H -0.2 L

Thu 8/7 10:46 AM 11:15 PM

1.2 H -0.2 L

Fri 8/8 11:31 AM

1.2 H

Tue 7/22 10:22 AM 11:15 PM Wed 7/23 10:55 AM

1.0 H -0.3 L 1.0 H

Tue 7/8 10:58 AM 10:46 PM

0.9 H -0.3 L

Wed 7/9 11:13 AM 11:32 PM

Thu 7/24 12:02 AM 11:36 AM

-0.3 L 1.0 H

Sat 8/9 12:09 AM 12:08 PM

-0.2 L 1.2 H

1.0 H -0.4 L

Thu 7/10 11:58 AM

Fri 7/25 12:45 AM 12:16 PM

-0.2 L 1.0 H

Sun 8/10 01:01 AM 11:28 AM

-0.2 L 1.1 H

1.1 H

Sat 7/26 01:24 AM 12:46 PM

-0.2 L 1.0 H

Mon 8/11 01:50 AM 10:52 AM 02:29 PM 05:55 PM

-0.1 L 1.0 H 0.9 L 1.0 H

Tue 8/12 02:36 AM 10:30 AM 03:20 PM 08:02 PM

0.1 L 0.9 H 0.7 L 0.9 H

Wed 8/13 03:19 AM 10:14 AM 04:13 PM 10:12 PM

0.3 L 0.9 H 0.5 L 0.8 H

Thu 8/14 03:58 AM 10:00 AM 05:07 PM

0.6 L 0.9 H 0.4 L

Fri 8/15 12:43 AM 04:23 AM 09:45 AM 06:03 PM

0.8 H 0.8 L 0.9 H 0.2 L

Sat 8/16 09:24 AM 07:00 PM

1.0 H 0.1 L

Fri 7/11 12:21 AM 12:51 PM Sat 7/12 01:10 AM 01:39 PM Sun 7/13 02:00 AM 01:45 PM Mon 7/14 02:48 AM 12:57 PM Tue 7/15 03:34 AM 12:29 PM Wed 7/16 04:16 AM 12:11 PM 06:33 PM 10:36 PM

-0.5 L 1.1 H -0.5 L 1.1 H -0.4 L 1.0 H -0.3 L 0.9 H -0.2 L 0.8 H 0.1 L 0.7 H 0.5 L 0.5 H

Sun 7/27 02:00 AM 12:53 PM

-0.1 L 0.9 H

Mon 7/28 02:31 AM 12:37 PM

0.0 L 0.8 H

Tue 7/29 02:59 AM 12:12 PM

0.1 L 0.8 H

Wed 7/30 03:23 AM 11:46 AM Thu 7/31 03:43 AM 11:22 AM 05:59 PM 10:24 PM

0.2 L 0.8 H 0.3 L 0.7 H 0.5 L 0.6 H

NOAA GULF COAST TIDAL PREDICTIONS

46

Item

Sun 8/17 08:53 AM 07:59 PM

1.1 H 0.1 L

Mon 8/18 08:34 AM 09:00 PM

1.2 H 0.1 L

Tue 8/19 08:54 AM 10:00 PM

1.2 H 0.1 L

Wed 8/20 09:27 AM 10:56 PM

1.2 H 0.1 L

Thu 8/21 10:00 AM 11:47 PM

1.2 H 0.1 L

Fri 8/22 10:26 AM

1.2 H

Sat 8/23 12:31 AM 10:38 AM

0.2 L 1.1 H

Sun 8/24 01:09 AM 10:32 AM

0.3 L 1.1 H

Mon 8/25 01:42 AM 10:17 AM 02:27 PM 05:54 PM

0.3 L 1.0 H 1.0 L 1.0 H

Tue 8/26 02:10 AM 09:57 AM 02:48 PM 07:21 PM

0.5 L 1.0 H 0.9 L 1.0 H

Wed 8/27 02:35 AM 09:36 AM 03:15 PM 08:47 PM

0.6 L 1.0 H 0.8 L 1.0 H

Thu 8/28 02:57 AM 09:14 AM 03:45 PM 10:20 PM

0.7 L 1.0 H 0.7 L 1.0 H

Fri 8/29 03:13 AM 08:53 AM 04:19 PM

0.8 L 1.0 H 0.6 L

Sat 8/30 12:22 AM 03:10 AM 08:32 AM 04:59 PM

1.0 H 1.0 L 1.1 H 0.5 L

Sun 8/31 08:13 AM 05:46 PM

1.2 H 0.4 L

NOAA GULF COAST MARINE FORECAST

www.tidesandcurrents. noaa.gov/tide_ predictions.shtml?gid=225

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine July/August 2014

www.nws.noaa.gov/ om/marine/zone/ gulf/gulfmz.htm

Texas Required Equipment Jet Ski and Boat Checklist Boater Education Certification Card and Photographic Identification on Board

PWC (Jet Ski)

Boat Less Than 16 Ft.

Boat 16 Ft. to 26 Ft.

1

1

1

2

3

3

4

4

Certificate of Number on Board Validation Decals Displayed PFDs: Type I, II, III, or V PFD: Type IV Type B-1 Fire Extinguisher Ignition Safety Switch Backfire Flame Arrestor Ventilation System Muffler Horn, Whistle, or Bell Daytime Visual Distress Signals Nighttime Visual Distress Signals Navigation Lights

5 6

5

5

6

1. Applicable if operator is under 18 years of age. See Who May Operate a Vessel.

2. Those on PWCs must wear a personal flotation device (life jacket) at all times.

3. Those under the age of 13 must wear a PFD at all times while underway.

4. Required on boats with inboard engines or stern drives.

5. Required when boating on federally controlled waters.

6. Certain items are not applicable to PWCs because they are not allowed to operate between sunset and sunrise.