Biz Buzz Exclusive Partnership
Suzuki Marine USA, LLC announces an exclusive business partnership with pontoon manufacturer Forest River. Through this partnership, Forest River’s new line of Nepallo Pontoon Boats will be paired exclusively with Suzuki four-stroke outboard motors, providing boaters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts with state-of-the-art, reliable power for all their family adventures. Suzuki-powered Nepallo Pontoons will be available and exclusively sold at select Camping World and Gander RV & Outdoors locations. Suzuki Marine USA, LLC also announces a new five-year limited warranty on all of its new outboard motors, from the ultra-compact 2.5 HP portable to its flagship DF350A. This significantly longer coverage (Suzuki’s previous standard limited warranty was three years) applies to all motors purchased for pleasure use and warranty registered on or after April 1, 2021. To qualify, motors must be purchased new from an authorized Suzuki Marine USA dealer in the continental United States, Alaska, or the Bahamas. Motors purchased for governmental agency or commercial/rental fleet use are covered by a separate warranty that remains the same as in the past. “Suzuki 4-stroke outboards have long had a reputation for performance and rugged durability over the long run,” said Suzuki Marine USA vice president George “Gus” Blakely. “We’re excited to now be offering customers even more confidence and peace of mind, by covering their new motors for 60 months from the time of purchase. We are moving into the 2021 boating season with a new company and new headquarters in Tampa, FL, a growing product line, and now, one of the strongest standard warranties in the business. This is exciting news for our company and our customers alike,” added Blakely. suzukimarine.com
Startup
Dockshare, a Maryland-based startup, announces the launch of its new online platform that connects boaters with private dock owners to rent their docks for hours, days, weeks, or longer. Dockshare is a safe and secure, easy-to-use, and mobile-friendly platform that caters to all types of watercrafts and makes the waterways more accessible for all. Dock owners can list a dock on their mobile phone or desktop computer for free without any upfront costs. They share information about the dock: photos, description, amenities, availability, pricing, and specs on the profile. Pricing is determined and finalized by the private dock owner. Upon arrival by the boaters, dock owners accept payment through the secure Dockshare system and start earning income. The process is easy. Boaters can log onto the site; search for a dock that meets the necessary requirements: distance from location, dimensions, and cost; select the dates and times (shortterm and long-term options available); reserve the dock in advance or make a same-day reservation; and pay through the secure platform. All transactions are facilitated securely through Dockshare’s online platform, providing a convenient, transparent, and cost-effective way for boaters and dock owners to share the waterways. As a team of individuals from different backgrounds, Dockshare’s hope is to build bridges that connect all people who love life on the water. dockshare.app
Donation
Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) Foundation announces that Pocket Yacht Company has donated $25,000 to the foundation to fund their marine and maritime education programs. “As an EYC member, I was happy to support the charitable arm of the club,” says Mark Schulstad, owner of Pocket Yacht Company. “They have a great impact on our local youth and their programs create a sustainable pipeline for students interested in pursuing a career in the Marine or Maritime Industry.” The donation was made from the proceeds of a boat sale. Tim Wilbricht, sales director of the Pocket Yacht Company, also serves as the chair of the EYC Foundation. “As soon as Pocket Yacht took in a trade on a small sailboat, Mark and the Pocket Yacht team were instantly onboard with the idea,” says Tim. “The EYC Foundation pulled back its fundraising efforts in 2020 due to Covid-19 and this generous donation from Pocket Yacht helped tremendously. We’d like to encourage people who are interested in supporting the foundation to donate their boat or go to their website and make a donation of any kind.” The EYC Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit and serves as the charitable arm of the Eastport Yacht Club. The mission of the EYC Foundation is to connect education and workforce in the Marine and Maritime fields. eycfoundation.org
Welcome to the Team
Pocket Yacht Company welcomes Captain Lee Cook to its Maryland sales team, serving customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic. “We are confident that Captain Lee will raise the bar for our sales team in Maryland,” says Mark Schulstad, owner of Pocket Yacht Company. “With his extensive experience on the water and charismatic personality, we know customers will enjoy working with him.” Lee was born and raised on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, learning to drive a boat before he could drive a car. After a decade of working in the national security and defense industry and dabbling in the national political arena, he has returned to his marine roots. Lee brings a lifetime of working on and around pleasure and commercial boats from the engine room to the pilothouse. He provides personalized service with integrity and forethought and resides on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with his wife and two children and his beloved English Lab, Marshall. An avid boater and weekend Chef, Lee spends as much time as he can in Florida, his second home. To contact Lee directly please email him at leecook@pocket-yacht.com. pocketyachtco.com.
Send your Chesapeake Bay business news and high-resolution photos to kaylie@fishtalkmag.com 62 August 2021 FishTalkMag.com