Photo: Courtesy Marine Industry Association Southwest Florida
TECH TONIC The solution to safe boating might be at your fingertips
By Craig Garrett For Boating on the Gulf
In the 1500s, Sir Francis Drake circled the earth with a device called an astrolabe, using the stars, the sun and the horizon to map his progress.
Until recently, boaters used paper charts, a compass, a depth finder and the experience of other people to negotiate the waterways. And that worked.
However, modern boaters have access to technology that measures their location within feet, displays real-time and predicted weather, pinpoints boat traffic or obstacles and adjusts a boat to cushion waves, see to the bottom of the ocean or directs it to fuel docks or safe harbors.
The only limit is your budget.
The last couple of years have brought the “biggest advancement” ever in consumer ma-
rine technology, said Jimmy Dailey, co-owner of Twin Screws Marine Service in Fort Myers.
Sionyx full-color night vision cameras and Seakeeper Ride stabilizers are just two new examples of devices changing the safety and comfort for modern boaters, he said.
“(We’ve) come a crazy long way,” Dailey said of the newest technology, noting though that he still relies on old-school radar technology for his fishing runs 30 miles into the Gulf.
There is also reliable emergency equipment, engine monitors, autopilots and other cool gadgets to research and consider for your boat. Tech shows fill convention halls with this amazing stuff.
And because technology is tough to comprehend, there are online and power squadron instructors to help us learn.
“New technology seems to arrive almost weekly.”
New technology seems to arrive almost weekly, however, much of it downloadable and easy to use, experts and professionals agree.
A good starting point is choosing a marine navigation app. Make sure you can access local charts in the app and understand the pricing (downloads are often free but monthly/annual fees can get expensive). Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, Furuno, Lowrance, Humminbird and others offer the latest and greatest in marine equipment. Dozens of marine-use apps are available, some like Savvy Navvy and Navionics (Garmin) are top digital applications for charting, weather, tides, information on marinas, waypoints and etc. but dozens of similar apps are super reliable (see list below).
Boaters should also have other gadgets onboard:
• Compass: Tech gadgets can sometimes be fritzy so a handheld or mounted compass is good in a pinch.
• VHF radio: Handhelds are great for limited distance. Masthead antennas will throw a signal 20-30 miles, however. Again, cellphones work well to certain limits.
• Anchor drag monitor: Most GPS systems have this feature or download an app.
• Fish-finding sonar.
• AIS (automatic identification system) tracking receiver: Knows when you’re in the path of larger boats and ships.
• Autopilot
• Boat stabilizers: For anchoring on rough days.
• EPIRB: An emergency position-indicating radio beacon is good in emergencies.
• Satellite internet/phone.
• Satellite TV/Starlink (for example).
• Sonar
• Wind meter
ActiveCaptain (Garmin)
Chartplotter, charts, maps and the boating community.
Aqua Map
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Waterway Guide data: charts, weather, tides, route planning, track recording, anchor alarm with remote monitoring and marine weather forecast, live sharing, chat and data exchange.
Argo
Navigation and connects with fellow boaters.
C-Map
Creating digital charts and developing marine navigation apps, known to be a favorite.
iNavX
Easy-to-use chartplotter, lots of resources; integrates with other chart providers.
KnowWake
Hundreds of rivers and lakes and coastal waterways, waterfront restaurants and tourist places, navigation, live reports and real-time user-generated information.
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!
Navionics
Probably the most popular boating app.
OpenCPN
Uses GPS software, crafted by sailors.
Ramp Assist
Ramp locator, ramp details and ramp traffic, weather and tide, parking and restrooms.
Savvy Navvy
Google Maps for boating. Charts, tides, GPS, wind, weather, route planning, waypoints and marina information and lots more.
Wavve Boating
Planning, chart library, weather and shares routes and experiences.
Some of the top boat navigation apps
RULES OF THE ‘ROAD’ Safe Boating Comes with its Own Lingo
By Craig Garrett For Boating on the Gulf
Boating basics never change. But technology does.
Satellites, night vision, stronger and lighter materials and motor technology make boating safer, more efficient and easier to navigate.
But skippers still need to master old-school rules of the road, boating lingo and managing everyone onboard. Those rules should include learning about buoys and beacons, what boat has the right-of-way and safe passing, chart plotting, useful knots, docking, filing float plans and dealing with an emergency, anchoring or steering clear of shallow water and obstacles. There’s a lot to learn.
And the technology is crazy. Your boat motor is super-efficient, for example, satellites map safe routes, cameras allow us to see at night,
free apps show and predict real-time weather, fish finders see to the bottom and social media platforms allow us to share or fix things, map safe passages, travel great distances or find marinas.
It is endless … and exciting.
And the best way for beginners to learn is a boating safety class at the local power squadron, said Neil Pignatano, education officer with the Cape Coral Sail & Power Squadron, a United States Power Squadron unit formed in the 1970s. Boating classes are an investment of time and commitment, he added.
“(You) might already know a lot,” Pignatano said of freshwater boaters, “but you’re going to get local knowledge, what to look out for, things you generally don’t get online, which can be woefully inadequate.”
Neil Pignatano
Coast Guardians
Start in boating by researching the United States Coast Guard, those people managing highways on the water.
The Revenue Cutter Service was Alexander Hamilton’s idea. He wanted boats to enforce American trade and tariff laws. President George Washington authorized 10 vessels.
That was 1790, the unofficial birthday of what in 1915, with merging of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, became the U.S. Coast Guard. President Franklin Roosevelt transferred the Lighthouse Service to the Coast Guard in 1939.
The Coast Guard’s job is search and rescue, law enforcement, marine safety and national defense under the Department of Homeland Security. Counties and towns often enforce these rules, though Coast Guard units patrol our waterways.
Local power squadrons such as the one in Cape Coral teach compliance classes based on Coast Guard standards.
Basic Navigation
The basics begin everything. Boating at night, safe anchoring, distance travel, chart-plotting and other advanced skills follow.
There is too much to list, so a beginner’s guide is in order.
Aids to Navigation, or ATONs, are the directional guideposts or markers on waterways. It is like driv-
ing your car. The term “red-green stay between,” for instance, means keeping your boat between red and green channel or open water beacons or buoys to get you from Point A to Point B, to steer clear of hazards or shallow water.
In boating, the saying “red-right returning” means that when returning from open water or heading upstream, keep red buoys or beacons on your right or starboard side. That isn’t necessarily the rule in the Intracoastal Waterway; going south means yellow triangles are kept to the right, while yellow square/ rectangles are kept left. Boaters should follow the yellow color on the ICW, not the color (red or green) of the channel marker, though red-green markers are easily spotted from a distance; use them as a reference. Again, apps or GPS devices identify beacons or buoys.
Beacons are permanently fixed aids. A beacon that has a light attached is simply referred to as a light; a beacon without a light attached is called a daybeacon. Both buoys and beacons can provide a variety of navigation information via shape, color, light and/ or audible signal. Dayboards are informational signboards. The term topmark refers to a non-lighting element, such as a sphere, that may be affixed to the top of an aid.
It is important to know about passing other boats. Again, boating is like road travel, knowing the rules and practicing them.
Remember, there are no brakes on a boat.
“Both buoys and beacons can provide a variety of navigation information.”
Give-way vs. Stand-on Vessels
Overtaking: The give-way or passing vessel can pass on either side of the stand-on vessel. Passing portside requires two short (1-second) blasts on a boat horn signaling the overtaking boat’s intention, and two short blasts for the stand-on vessel’s agreement. Passing to starboard requires one short blast. An agreement signal is only required when operating in narrow channels or in the ICW. Remember the boater being overtaken may not hear or see you, so move slowly, if possible.
Head-on: Like a car, port-to-port passing is preferred. Passing starboard-to-starboard is acceptable, when necessary. One a sunny day and motoring along, this isn’t always necessary, but passing port-to-port in haze or darkness, one short horn blast signals intention and one short blast for agreement. Passing to starboard requires two short blasts from each vessel.
Crossing situation: The give-way vessel skipper must act to avoid a collision. This may include altering course to pass astern of the stand-on vessel or slowing down. The stand-on vessel skipper should maintain course and speed.
“Safely moving from Point A to Point B is the goal in boating.”
Float Plans (U.S. Coast Guard recommended)
Emergency contacts know where a boater is expected and when, so they can alert authorities if the boater doesn’t return as planned. Float plans include vessel information: Make, model, color, size and registration number; trip details: Departure and return locations and times, planned route and stops along the way; people on board: Names, contact information and any special needs.
Safely moving from Point A to Point B is the goal in boating, and knowing how to navigate a river, ocean or ICW traffic is a good start. A class teaches other skills essential to gaining confidence.
BOATING SAFETY TIPS
Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device: Half of boating deaths are due to drowning.
• Be aware of your surroundings; pay attention and maintain 360-degree awareness while operating a boat. Designate a lookout to maintain vigilance.
• Designate a sober driver: Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal and operators can face arrest.
• Take a boating safety course: About three quarters of operators involved in fatal boating accidents have no formal boater education.
• Check your safety gear: In addition to all vessels being equipped with life jackets, boaters are must also have a whistle or horn. In addition, the Florida Wildlife & Conservation Commission or FWC recommends an onboard locator beacon. Boaters should also carry lights, fire extinguisher, flares and a first aid kit. Bring a cellphone and a good handheld radio.
• Know where you’re going: Familiarize yourself with local boating speed zones before setting out and always travel at a safe speed. No wake zones in the ICW are common.
• Weather on the water changes … rapidly. Check the forecast and keep an eye out for storms and rough seas.
• Engine cut-off switch/lanyard: Shuts off the engine if the skipper falls overboard or is thrown from the proper operating position Newer models have GPS shut-off switches that activate in the water.
• Stay with the boat: After an accident or capsizing, stay with the boat, even if it’s partially submerged. A vessel, even a small one, is more visible to rescuers.
• Use current navigation charts and check navcen.uscg.gov for any relevant Notices to Mariners before trips.
• While electronic chart systems can provide boaters with excellent information, keep relevant paper charts on board. Should the ECS or GPS malfunction, paper backups are lifesavers.
• Most accidents are human error. Do not let an electronic navigation device take the place of knowing and adhering to the Navigation Rules.
• Report boating violations and dangerous or irresponsible vessel operation to the Wildlife Alert Program.
• Know and follow the rules. Those born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat in Florida. The course completion certificate serves as a temporary means of complying with Florida’s Boating Safety Education Identification Card requirements
Learn more about regulations related to boaters, personal watercraft, skiers, divers and snorkelers at myfwc.com/boating.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Boating Checklist
BOATING LINGO
Port: Left side of the boat facing forward; shows a red light at night.
Starboard: Right side of the boat facing forward; shows a green light at night.
Fore/Bow: Front of the boat. At night a white light and the edges of the red and green lights should be visible from the bow.
Aft/Stern: Back of the boat, shows a white light at night.
Transom: Vertical surface of the stern.
Gunwale: Upper edge of boat’s side.
Deck: Floors or working surfaces of a boat. Multiple levels can be the poop, main, upper or quarter deck.
Lines: Cowboys call them ropes.
Draft: Depth a boat needs to keep afloat.
Hull: Body of a boat.
Beam: Boat’s width at its widest point.
Abeam: Right angle to boat’s side.
Underway: Boat moving.
Aground: Boat touching the bottom.
Weigh anchor: To lift the anchor and prepare to leave port.
Bilge: Lowest compartment of the hull for collecting fluids. A bilge pump discharges these fluids. It is critical that the bilge pump is clear of debris and that the boat’s battery or shore power work. Boats will leak or rain collects and a bilge pump is essential.
Nautical charts: Equivalent of road maps. Navigational apps are replacing charts but backup paper charts and knowing how to use them is smart (and fun).
Buoy: Anchored float serving as a navigational marker. Buoys come in various shapes and colors and each design has a different meaning. Some buoys have colored lights to be seen at night.
Green buoys: Square or have a squared-off top, have odd numbers and are referred to as cans.
Red buoys: Triangle shaped or pointed at the top, have even numbers and are referred to as nuns.
If a buoy is both red and green, the shape of the buoy or the top color tells you the preferred channel to take your boat.
White buoys or signs with orange markings are informational or regulatory, mark dangers such as rocks and swim areas prohibiting boats, provide a speed limit or mark no-wake notices.
White buoys with blue markings are for mooring or tying up in waterways.
Yellow buoys are used for special purposes to mark pipelines, cables or other areas to avoid.
Ahoy: Hello!
Avast: Pay attention!
Shiver me timbers!: Shock or surprise.
Bonita Bay Marina 27598 Marina Pointe Dr. SW Bonita Springs (239) 495-3222 www.bonitabaymarina.net
Walkers Hideaway Marina 1503 SE 46th Ln. Cape Coral (239)541-2988
Four Winds Marina, Inc. 16501 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia (239)283-0250 www.fourwindsmarina.com
Gulf Star Marina 708 Fisherman’s Wharf Ft. Myers Beach (239)463-9552 www.gulfstar-marina.com
Sunset Harbor Village 3446 Marinatown Lane, North Ft. Myers (239)997-2767 www.sunsetharborvillage.com
McCarthy’s Marina 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva (239)472-5200 www.mccarthysmarina.com
Monroe Canal Marina 3105 Stringfellow Road Saint James City (239)282-8600 monroecanalmarina.com
Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina 15107 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island (239)472-5800 www.gocaptiva.com
Florida’s boat show scheduled matches its boating enthusiasm SHOWTIMES!
Water you waiting for?
Florida is No. 1 in recreational boating. The impact each year equals about $32 billion in sales and jobs, according to state tracking figures.
Boat shows are great starting points. The U.S. recreational boating industry sold just over 260,000 new and more than 1 million pre-owned boats in 2022, ranging from fishing craft to pontoons, family cruising, kayaks and paddleboards and personal watercraft, to yachts worth millions, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Florida has more than 1 million registered boat owners.
Boats sales in Florida account for north of $6 billion in annual revenue. It is also estimated that 95% of boats sold in the U.S. are American made, with Florida alone providing hundreds of part suppliers or boat builders.
Trending are boats used for fishing, tubing and family outings such as pontoons and center consoles. Outboards are replacing inboard motors for ease of maintenance and replacements.
Here’s a list of the larger Florida boat shows:
GULF COAST HIGHLIGHTS:
Tampa Bay Boat Show, Sept. 26-28
www.tampabay.com /expos/boat-show/
The largest boating event in the Tampa Bay area offers free admission and showcases area boat dealers and manufacturers, from yachts to cruisers, kayaks to standup paddleboards, along with multiple vendors at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Situated along the Caloosahatchee River, the largest display of boats, boating products and services on Florida’s west coast is now in its 53rd year with more than 500 boats, from more than 130 manufacturers expected to take part.
Exhibits in Downtown Fort Myers district in Centennial Park, the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Edwards Drive from west of Monroe Street to east of Lee Street
Charlotte County Boat Show, Jan. 8-11, 2026
www.goboatingflorida.com/boating-shows/charlotte-county-boat-show. Four-day event, the country’s largest exhibition of boats and marine products, held at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte.
St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
Jan. 15-18, 2026
www.stpeteboatshow.com
The show, promoted as the is the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast takes place at Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park. It features a large lineup of powerboats and sailboats in water and on land, including a 40,000-square-foot tent housing an extensive selection of marine gear, accessories and equipment. The show also offers various clinics.
Naples Boat Show
Jan. 22-25, 2026
www.naplesboatshow.com
Largest recreational show in the Naples-Marco Island area. On Land at the Sugden Regional Park, in-water at the Naples City Dock with shuttle service. Run by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County.
Boats, marine accessories, engines, electronics, boat lifts, services and how-to boat info, to be held at Bonita Springs Poker Room, 28010 Race Track Road, Bonita Springs.
Suncoast Boat Show
April 17-19, 2026
www.suncoastboatshow.com
Held at Marina Jack in Sarasota, the event is touted as the Gulf Coat’s premier boat show along 65,000 square feet of dock space. In addition to various vessels on water and land — everything form motor yachts and sport-fishers to inflatables and kayaks — there are fishing clinics for all ages as well as tents are packed with marine electronics and accessories, along with retail items like clothing, jewelry and art.
“There are fishing clinics for all ages as well as tents are packed with marine electronics and accessories.”
“Local
AROUND THE STATE
Orlando Boat Show
Sept. 5-7
www.orlandoboatshow.com
Central Florida’s premier boat show with over 600 boats and a family-friendly atmosphere that includes free admission for children 12 and younger as well as activities geared towards kids. Held at the Orange County Convention Center
Daytona Boat Show
Sept. 26-28
www.daytonaboatshow.com
Sixteen Central Florida boat dealers representing over 70 boat manufacturers in one location at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Oct. 29-Nov. 2
www.flibs.com
Five-day event of 1,300 boats attracts 100,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors, spans nearly 90 acres, centered at the Broward County Convention Center, across 3 million square feet of exhibit space connected by a network of water and ground transportation services. Products range from superyachts to sunglasses.
Vero Beach Fall Boat Show
Nov. 22-23
www.verobeachboatshow.com
Local boat dealers and suppliers display product lines and have staff available to answer questions and help you get out on the water, from standup paddleboards and personal watercrafts to deck boats and pontoon boats, shallow-water skiffs to offshore fishing machines and cruisers, marine accessories and services and nautical goodies. Finance and insurance representatives onsite, parking and admission are free.
Island Boat Show
January 2026
www.islandboatshow.com
In Islamorada, top boat brands from dealers around South Florida; boating accessories, fun merchandise, art, food and vendor booths. Three-day event hosted by Island Community Church, profits going to local and global missions and ministries of the church, as well as higher education scholarships for local high school students.
Stuart Boat
January 2026
www.stuartboatshow.com
Largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast featuring over 205 local, national and international exhibitors. Many boat brands are represented at the show, including the latest motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, speedboats, sport fishing boats and pontoons ranging from 12 feet to over 90 feet.
Billed as a boat show for every budget, with hundreds on display by the area’s major dealers. Marine accessories, engines, electronics, boat lifts, services and how-to boat info.
Miami International Boat Show
Feb. 11-15, 2026
www.miamiboatshow.com
Billed as the world’s largest boat and yacht event, the show welcomes more than 100,000 visitors and features more than 1,000 boating and marine products among six locations:
Miami Beach Convention Center: Boats up to 49 feet, engine manufacturers, marine accessories, electronics and retail pavilions.
The Progressive Boat Show Experience at Pride Park: Collection of experiential boating lifestyle activations, entertainment, innovative cuisine and educational seminars.
Herald Plaza: Powerboats and motor yachts 30 to 125 feet, yacht tenders, engines, marine accessories and retail pavilions.
Venetian Marina: Test drive over 75 sea-trial vessels.
Museum Park Marina: Latest sailboats, catamarans and sailing accessories.
SuperYacht Miami at IGY Yacht Haven Grande Miami: Invitation only superyachts.
Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show
March 2026
www.emeraldcoastboatshow.com
Panama City Beach show with more than $40 million in marine inventory, also featuring kayaks, golf carts, cycling, outdoor living, live music and more.
Palm Beach International Boat Show
March 2026
www.pbboatshow.com
Since 1982, the boat show has grown to occupy a dominant position in South Florida. An analysis of the boat show from 2022 showed an estimated total statewide economic impact of over $1.05 billion. With over 55,000 visitors attending the show in previous years, this has contributed to over $725 million in total sales resulting from the show.
Jacksonville Spring Boat Show
April 2026
www.boatjax.com
The North Florida Marine Association displays a variety of boats, from skiing, fishing, cruisers, personal watercraft and more. Exhibitors, food vendors, live music, special surprises for the kids as well as seminars and education for adults.
Photo: Courtesy St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show
Lee County North Ft. Myers
Sunset Harbor (formerly Marinatown:
(Minimal Dockage)
Blackbeard’s Tavern
Sea Craft Tiki
Nauti Parrot
Cheeks
Three Fishermen
Fort Myers
Oxbow
Boathouse 31
Deep Lagoon
Sanibel Harbor
Pinchers
Ft. Myers Beach:
Dixie Fish Company
Pinchers
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
Junkanoo
Snug Harbor
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Fresh Catch Bistro
Doc Fords
Rude Shrimp Company
Wahoo Willies
Original Shrimp Dock Bar & Grill
Nervous Nellie’s
Matanzas on the Bay
Bayside Sports Bar & Grille
Pine Island
Jug Creak Marina
Lazy Flamingo
Cabbage Key
Tarpon Lodge
St. James City
Waterfront
Phuzzy’s
Low Key Tiki
Matlacha
Yucatan
Miceli’s
Cape Coral
Cape Harbour
Rumrunner’s
Fathoms
The Oyster Bar & Grill
The French Press
First Round Draft
Monarca’s
Slipway Park
Tarpon Point
High Tide Social House
Marker 92
Nauti Mermaid
Pinchers
Gather
Next Door
North Captiva
Over the Waterfront
Mainstay
Mangos
Sanibel / Captiva
The Green Flash
Grandma Dot’s
The Shipyard
Old Captiva House
Crow’s Nest Steakhouse
Bonita
Coconut Jacks
The Fish House
Flippers (Beach only)
Burnt Store Marina
Cass Cay
Trading Post
Boca Grande
Pink Elephant
Elephant Grill / Miller’s Dockside
The Outlet at the Inlet
Charlotte County
Englewood / Port Charlotte
Landy’s Restaurant
Backyard Grill @ Skips
Sandbar Tiki & Grill
White Elephant Pub
Beachcomber Trading Post
Tarpon Point Grill
Farlow’s on the Water
Village Brewhouse
Laishley Crab House
Rum Bay
Smokin Jerry’s Tiki Hut
Lighthouse Grill
Riviera Bar and Grill
Sarasota/ Bradenton
Palmetto:
Riverside Cafe
Riverhouse Waterfront
Rivera Dunes
Whiskey Joes
Woody’s River Pub
Sneed Island Crab House
Bradenton / Sarasota
Pier 22
Island Ocean Star
The Seafood Shack
Tide Tables
The Bridge Tender
Mar Vista Dockside
Shore Longboat Key
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Star Fish
Swordfish Grill
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Chart House
New Pass Grill
Marine Jack
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
The Old Salty Dog
Spearfish Grill
Turtle’s on the Bay
Ophelia’s on the Bay
Venice / Osprey;
Evie’s on the Bay
Casey Key Fish House
Waterfrontoo
Pelican Alley Restaurant
Pops Sunset Grill
Nokomis Sunset Hut
Crow’s Nest Restaurant
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Myakka Oyster House
Old Salty Dog Venlce
The Waverly
Cape Coral’s Waterfront Food Truck Park Drawing a Crowd – by Land and Sea
By Meghan Bradbury and Casey Bradley Gent For Boating on the Gulf
The opening of Cape Coral’s highly anticipated Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina has gone better than the owners had anticipated, complete with an incredible buzz of those that patronized the park.
“It’s been spectacular,” said co-owner Gary Aubuchon said. “People are very excited to have a waterfront destination of this caliber in Southwest Florida.”
The facility has 10 food truck spots, a marina with 26 boat slips, as well as space for four gas docks, slip store, six pavilions and a main pavilion with a bar, and seating on the water and by the store.
“We began talking about this project almost three years ago,” said Amber Vitale, interior designer for the Wegman Design Group. “We designed the space to be something very casual with a lot of clean lines. I think it’s a great space for family and friends to gather,”
Aubuchon said they have 75 employees – servers, bartenders, dock hands and individuals working at the slip store.
The marina also adds a splash of vibrancy with a “fantastic promenade that goes along the shoreline in
front of the all the docks for seating,” Aubuchon said. “You will see people sitting down by the water watching boats come and go. It’s really a vibrant waterfront.”
There are dock hands to help everyone come in safely and securely.
The waterfront connectivity was a very important element of the project, as well as waterfront views from the pavilions and seating areas.
The central pavilion, dubbed “The Helm,” has a large bar and seating for 150 people.
The store is another beautiful space at the park, Aubuchon said, as it has everything a boater would need for a day on the water, as well as logo merchandise.
“People were really enjoying walking through the space,” he said. “It’s again more views of the water – lots of sunlight and vistas. There is seating outside the slip store that was being used as well.”
There are various ways patrons can interact with the trucks. Every table has a QR code that gives patrons an opportunity to order from any of the 10 trucks and have their food brought to them. Individuals can also go up to the trucks and order what they would like.
General Manager John Torres reviewed more than 140 food truck applicants and chose the best 10, based on the quality of food, level of friendliness, services and cleanliness.
“Every food truck has a unique cuisine. We have 10 different restaurants in one location,” Aubuchon said.
Not Yo Mama’s Tacos food truck owner Vanessa Franco said they’re not traditional, with such food names as “My Corn Addiction” and “McDaddy Big Mac Tacos.” She said they also use local vendors, which makes them different.
GreekSpot is another food truck destination.
“We are ready for this park,” said GreekSpot owner Tina Chalkias. “Our brick-and-mortar restaurant over at Big John’s Plaza has a long history of family recipes and we will keep that going here. We make fresh tzatziki and hummus every single day.”
Aubuchon said it was amazing to see the culmination of what has been a five-year journey, open and be so well received.
“The one aspect that was even better than I thought, was the quality of the food from the 10 food trucks. The most difficult decision anyone is going to have when they come to Slipaway is what to eat. The options are almost limitless,” he said.
IF YOU GO
• What: Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina
• Where: 1811 Cape Coral Parkway E. (foot of Cape Coral Bridge)
• Hours: The park is open seven days a week, with the marina opening at 8 a.m., the bar opening at 10 a.m. and the food trucks opening at 11 a.m. The park closes at 10 p.m.
• For more info: www.slipawaycape.com
THE LINEUP
The food truck lineup at Slipaway:
Greek Spot
The Lobster Chef Chop It Up Sandwiches Not Yo Mama’s Tacos
Philly Junction Express
Addison’s on the Go Gigi’s Gourmet
Yunta Cuban Smokestream BBQ Crooked Cow Creamery
Menus: www.slipawaycape.com
A sampling of the food offered by Not Yo Mama’s Tacos.
A bartender hard at work at “The Helm” in the food truck park
A patron enjoys colorful homemade ice cream from Crooked Cow Creamery at Slipaway.
