DOCK BUZZ

BOAT SHARING GENERATES MORE THAN JUST INCOME FOR OWNERS

The average US boat owner spends fewer than 12 days per year enjoying time on his or her vessel, but pays expenses for all 365. Maintenance, dockage, fuel and storage add up quickly.

Thousands have discovered a safe and seamless way to offset the costs of boat ownership:Boatsetter.com, the online community where they can safely share their vessels with others. It creates not only an income opportunity, but also a way to enhance the overall ownership experience.

Akin to AirBnb and Uber, boat sharing created a marketplace for both owners and boaters. While relatively new, it’s taking the boating world by storm and quickly gaining traction among those whose vessels often sit for months unused.

Before Boatsetter, if someone without a boat wanted to get out on the water, they turned to a commercial charter company. It was a lucrative time for these businesses, even those with less than pristine fleets. Now, private owners have a safe and easy way to earn income by sharing their well-cared-for vessels with renters seeking a better rental experience. It creates a win-win for both groups.

Boatsetter, the leader in the boat sharing space, touts that it offers people a way to own a better vessel. The company was founded by boaters and marine industry insiders who truly understand that a vessel is more than just an asset to its owner.

The Boatsetter model provides peace-of-mind to its owners in the form of world-class insurance from the beginning to end of every rental. It also offers the largest available network of US Coast Guard-licensed captains, something that can be required if the owner prefers. In fact, all the details from rental price and availability to final approval of the rental request remain in the owners’ control at all times.

Boat sharing is not just about the rental income that owners generate. The program also allows them to keep their vessels active and in good working order for when they’re ready to go boating themselves.

Listing a boat is similar to creating a profile on social media. Posting a few pictures, the vessel details, and setting the calendar and price is quick and easy—as well as free.

“At Boatsetter, we’ve built our reputation on creating a platform that allows people to get more out of boat ownership in a worry-free way,” said Jaclyn Baumgarten, Boatsetter founder and CEO. “They can trust that we’ve taken care of all the details.”

Boatsetter.com, the leading boat sharing company, is dedicated to creating better boat ownership experiences. The South Florida-based company has career opportunities for licensed captains who want to drive their own schedules, and boaters, with or without boating know-how, who want to spend time on the water.

Contact Boatsetter, 2890 NE 187th St., Aventura, FL 33180. 844-262-8738; info@boatsetter.com;www.boatsetter.com.

 

Dock Buzz

NEW YACHT TENDER INCLUDES HIGH-CLASS AMENITIES

Big things come in small packages and this tender can fill the bill.

The most prestigious yachts deserve an equally luxurious tender. Argos Nautic introduces its exclusive 305 model, created by renowned designer Patrizio Facheris. It sets the standard in quality, performance and status in rigid inflatable boats.

At 10′, the 305 Yachting Tender is designed to fit in tight spaces. Thanks to its unique hull design that elevates the tubes from the water, it planes in three seconds. This structure also reduces friction and improves navigation. Small but powerful, the 305 can accept up to a 40 hp outboard motor, reach speeds up to 36 mph and carry four passengers.

Exceeding owner expectations, Argos Nautic spares no expense when it comes to the details. The center console layout provides ample leg room, and features an Isotta steering wheel with premium leather option. UFlex Tilt Steering provides easy and smooth control. This is complemented by stainless steel push switches and teak flooring. Custom Italian cleats and fittings add even more elegance to this small vessel.

Argos Nautic’s 305 Tender offers crisp styling and an ample list of high quality features.

A Fusion sound system means the entertainment never has to stop once leaving the yacht. Ample storage compartments enable users to bring their belongings without crowding the seating. In addition to a spacious bow locker, the 305 makes clever use of space beneath the console seat with a removable fiberglass bin.

The 305 is highly durable while still emphasizing an attractive appearance. Its hand-laid fiberglass and composite construction incorporates a textured Orca Hypalon inflatable collar. Argos Nautic utilizes the thickest Hypalon available on the market for its tubes. Dependable, long-lasting LED navigation and courtesy lights add safety. The dual layer, cross-linked polyethylene nylon fuel tank has a 10-gallon capacity for leisurely shoreside excursions.

Argos Nautic’s new 305 Yachting Tender holds USCG approval.

Contact Argos Nautic, 1572 NW 165th St., Miami, FL 33169. 786-520-4700. www.argosnautic.com.

 

Dock Buzz

BOATSETTER AND CRUZIN MERGE COMPANIES

Two powerhouse entrepreneurs join forces to create one formidable company on the leading edge of the next big thing in the boat-sharing market.

With boats like this 53′ Azimut, Boatsetter covers the offerings with a host of vessels in just about every size category and, if necessary, supplies captains as well. Photo Credit: Boatsetter.com

Looking to transform the $121B marine industry, Boatsetter and Cruzin, both recognized leaders in the peer-to-peer (P2P) boat-sharing market, announced that they have merged their companies. The combined venture carries the Boatsetter name with a unified brand that incorporates the Cruzin look and feel.

Jaclyn Baumgarten is the new CEO of Boatsetter and Andrew Sturner the executive chairman. The company has headquarters in both the boating capital of the world, South Florida, and the global technology epicenter, Silicon Valley.

Careful planning and a solid business plan typifies Jaclyn Baumgarten’s strategy for the future. Photo Credit: Lisa Gershman

“The merger with Cruzin accelerates our business and boosts our appeal to our boat owners, captains and marina partners, and provides a superior experience for our customers,” said Sturner. “Together, we’re positioned to be the market leader, offering the only complete boat-sharing solution.”

The new Boatsetter offers increased capacity, capital and presence. It has the largest network of marina partnerships in the industry.

Andy Sturner has big things popping up on his radar screen. Photo Credit: Southern Boating Magazine

Boatsetter offers thousands of boats across the US and abroad and is the most comprehensive solution in the market. The company maintains trust and credibility by vetting all boats, owners, captains and renters. With best-in-class insurance in both US and abroad, it offers trusted, reliable and safe rentals with 24/7 on-the-water assistance. Its Captains Affiliate Network is the largest network of US Coast Guard licensed captains in the industry.

The new company combines the rental mechanics of Airbnb with the on-demand labor dynamics of Uber. It delivers a premier boating experience in which everyone wins: captains get more work, owners offset their cost of ownership and renters get luxury experiences on private and pristine boats at competitive prices.

“We’re elated about the merger with Boatsetter,” said Baumgarten. “We have remarkably complementary assets and look forward to accelerating the speed of innovation in the multi-billion dollar marine industry. We’re jumping on the burgeoning collaborative consumption movement by bringing great on-the-water experiences to the more than 80 million Millennials of the share generation who are looking to participate in something new and exciting.”

Boatsetter is led by a team of savvy entrepreneurs with strong business backgrounds in the marine and technology industries. It has created a community that connects all of the players in the boating industry. Its website is www.boatsetter.com.

Contact Boatsetter, 2890 NE 187th St., Aventura, FL 33180. 844-262-8738; info@boatsetter.com;www.boatsetter.com.

 

Dock Buzz

Floating Hotel

An innovative concept from a group of young design visionaries may change the way you choose to take a vacation.

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

You’ve most likely never heard of the Novi Sad, Serbia-based Salt & Water Design Studio, the daring, highly contemporary multi-award-winning group that has, well let’s just say, quite the different slant on things ranging from aircraft, to architecture, to yachts. But you’re going to, and that’s a good thing.

With owner Svetlana Mojic, along with designers Marijana Papic, and Nikola Stjelja, these three dynamic young visionaries are taking the kind of risks that often leads to industry-changing trends. And they seem to have the credentials to make it happen.

A member of the Serbian sailing team for over a decade, Svetlana has a masters degree in architecture and another in yacht design and construction. She was the recipient of the 2010 Belgrade Design Week award for being one of the 10 most successful creative people during the previous year.

Marijana also has a masters degree in architecture and became interested in floating structural design while pursuing her studies. Her studio work includes interior design and decoration.

As well, Nikola holds the same advanced architectural degree as the two other members of the team do and specializes in design and visualization.

The dynamic members of the Salt & Water Design Studio are Svetlana Mojic (center), Marijana Papic (right), and Nikola Stjelja (left).

And now, they’ve put their unique creative visions together and come up with a concept that is most interesting and exciting.

The Floating Hotel with Catamaran Apartments is a project that aims to promote tourism on inland waters. So daring and innovative is this idea that it was awarded the 2015 Millenium Yacht Design Award for its “…elegant interpretation of the house boat…and maximum utilization of interior space.”

The concept calls for a central unit off of which, individual catamarans can be accessed.

The design calls for a central floating unit consisting of a reception space, restaurant, café, event hall, and office area. Guests can then, by using the connecting walkways, have access to individual apartment catamarans, each with the ability to separate from the main complex then to explore the local environment at their leisure.

Each catamaran unit offers large windows for maximum viewing of the environment.

The units consist of a salon, galley, head, hallway with storage space, and a sleeping area located above the salon. The original looking design, with large, forward-facing windows, also features two separate exterior locations; that being a bridge deck and what Salt & Water describes as a beach platform. Each apartment can accommodate up to four guests with the salon doubling as an additional berth.

The interiors are light, airy, and quite comfortable.

Innovative. Exciting. Daring. Inventive. That’s just what Salt & Water Design Studio intends with their Floating Hotel and Catamaran Apartments concept. They’ve got my attention.

For more information about Salt & Water, please visit their Website at www.saltandwater.rs

 

Dock Buzz

Hodgdon Steps Out

Infusing a 100-foot carbon fiber hull places this renowned boat builder in rarefied air.

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

If you’ve been keeping up with my DOCK BUZZ postings, you will recall the 26Feb article on revered boat builder Hodgdon Yachts’ winning a prestigious and well-deserved Showboats Design Award for Fledgling, a limo tender to the 203’/63m, Feadship-built Sea Owl.

The Hodgdon legacy began in 1816 and has continued through five generations of the family launching their prized vessels into the waters of the Damariscotta River on the shore of East Boothbay, Maine.  Through two turns of centuries, world wars and conflict, economic booms and downturns, the name Hodgdon has been associated with visionary and cutting edge boat building.

The 1999 launch of Liberty, a Bruce King design featuring an interior by Allan Walton, harkens back to the commuter express yachts of the 1900’s used by Wall Street financiers. She is just one of the many exciting and unique projects Hodgdon Yachts has accomplished in its amazing career.

 

Infusing a 100-foot hull mold is a complicated process and involves careful monitoring of the resin flow and pressure.

In yet another move forward, Hodgdon has announced the successful infusion of a 100-foot, carbon fiber hull mold making it one of the USA’s largest, single hull infusions and only one of a few done a worldwide scale. “The amount of planning, organization and coordination required to effect this successful work is formidable,” said Tim Hodgdon, President of Hodgdon Yachts. “Our talented team along with the vast experience and leadership of our project partners Tim Hacket and Brandon Linton continues to strengthen our core competence in advanced composites.”

This ‘interior’ view shows the scope of the project.

Hodgdon’s success with infusing large composite parts, such as this 100-foot hull, and along with other boat builders doing the same, will only serve to increase the interest to designers all over the world on the advantages of using advanced composites in their projects as well. “We are pleased to be one of a handful of shipyards in the world capable of executing projects like this, and to be a leader in this technology in the USA”, Hodgdon added.

The Boat & Yacht Report will be keeping tabs on this project as it moves forward. If you would like any further information about this particular topic, or any of the other designs and builds from Hodgdon Yachts, please visit the company Website at http://www.hodgdonyachts.com

 

Dock Buzz

                    HATTERAS YACHTS LOOKS EAST

The iconic American sportfish builder inks an agreement with European SNO Yachts.

                                    By Capt. Ken Kreisler

Since it appeared on the scene in 1959, and led by its no-nonsense and visionary founder Willis Slane, Hatteras Yachts has continued to be in the forefront of sportfish design and technology.

With such innovations as full hull infusion, its GT Series of sportfish yachts, and a newly designed motoryacht line up, led by the 100 RPH, New Bern, North Carolina-based Hatteras Yachts is an industry leader.

Hatteras/CABO President John Ward.

Recently, and with the same determination that continues to drive the iconic builder forward, Hatteras Yachts has launched Hatteras Yachts Europe. This joint venture with SNO Yachts, its dealer for Italy, France and Monte Carlo, will see SNO oversee the distribution of the Hatteras boat range across Europe.

“This partnership will allow us to be the official voice of Hatteras in 32 European countries, providing customer service and an exclusive and direct contact with the American shipyard,” comments Andrea Pirro, president of SNO Yachts. To commemorate the event, the GT63 will be available for the first time Europe and be at both the 2014 Cannes and Genoa boat shows.

The awesome GT63 will be available in Europe for the first time.

“SNO Yachts is an important partner for us and a significant way to show our appreciation will be the degree of independence with which the brand Hatteras Yachts Europe will be promoted,” commented John Ward, president of Hatteras Yachts.

The SNO team is ready for its new partnership with Hatteras Yachts.

SNO Yachts is based in Olbia, in Sardinia, Italy. Other locations include Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Puntaldia, Roma, La Spezia, Lavagna, Lignano, and Monte Carlo.

For more information, please visit http://www.hatterasyachts.com and http://www.snoyachts.com

 

Dock Buzz

BOSTON WHALER’S NEWEST FLAGSHIP

The 420 Outrage will soon lead the model line up.

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

Founded in 1958, Boston Whaler has always been in the forefront in the design and advancement of outboard-powered boats. The iconic brand, noted for bringing new and innovative offerings to this sector of the market, now makes a major announcement to bolster its top-of-the line models: the Outrage 420.

With its Boston Whaler heritage, the 420 Outrage is sure to a favorite with both offshore fishing enthusiasts as well as recreational, family boaters.

“The Boston Whaler legacy is defined by its most groundbreaking moments—those important leaps forward in design, technology and manufacturing,” said Whaler president Huw Bower in a recent statement on the new boat’s forthcoming launch. “The 420 Outrage marks an exciting new chapter in our legend with a bold declaration of performance and capability.”

Designed to maximize entertaining spaces as well as being a serious sportfishing boat, the 420 Outrage offers quad Mercury 300-hp Verado engines with joystick control including SmartCraft VesselView display, power steering, and digital throttle and shift.

For more information on the 420 Outrage, or any of the other fine offerings in the Boston Whaler model line up, visit the company Website at http://www.bostonwhaler.com

 

Dock Buzz

2014 ShowBoats Design Award For Superyacht Tenders

An iconic Maine-based builder wins a well-deserved award.

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

If you’re an anything–that-floats watcher as I am, you’ve certainly seen your share of dreamboats underway, at anchor, or tied up in a dock or along side a pier. One of my favorite sightings is when, in my humble opinion, the beautiful, green-hulled, Feadship-built Sea Owl comes into view.

The uber beautiful Sea Owl, yet another Feadship masterpiece. Photo Credit: Kees Torn

So, it was not too much of a surprise to this nautical scribe that the 2014 ShowBoats Design Awards in the superyacht tenders category is Fledgling, the Hodgdon Yachts-built, Andrew Winch designed tender to Sea Owl.

Sea Owl, launched in 2013, is designed by Winch in collaboration with De Voogt Ship Design. She is 203’/62m in length, has a beam of 40’03”/12.20m, draws 12’4”/3.7m, and is powered by a pair of MTU 16V 4000 M53R diesel engines.

Ed Roberts, Hodgdon’s Director of Sales & Marketing commented, “Hodgdon Yachts, and its in-house engineering team, is proud to share the limelight with winner Andrew Winch Designs in receiving the coveted Showboats Design Award for the best Limo Tender.” Observations were also made as to how the tender’s design emulated that of Sea Owl’s beautiful lines.

Due to weight requirements necessary for use aboard Sea Owl, Hodgdon took special care in the Fledgling’s engineering and construction using infused epoxy carbon fiber, ensuring a strong, solid build.

Elegant and sophisticated by any standard, Fledgling is a perfect match for Sea Owl.

The tender features the exceptional craftsmanship and sophisticated systems engineering that Hodgdon is so well-known for. Outside, a defining characteristic of the Winch design is a well-executed compound curve teak clad transom. Inside, guests are greeted with teak wood finish, separate head and washroom, and luxurious leather seating for eight. Systems highlights include NEMA 2000 systems integrated iPad in the salon, electrically retracting glass moon roof, electrically retracting glass aft bulkhead, hydraulically lifting roof, and lithium-ion smart battery system among many more items.

Comments by the judges included not only wanting to own such a vessel but that, on its own, it would make a wonderful day boat as well. Air conditioning and charging and docking stations for phones and iPads are a nice touch, as is the 40-knots top speed.

SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 27’10″+/8.5m
LWL: 24’6’+/7.49m
BEAM: 9’0″/2.75m
DRAFT: Drive up: 1’7″+/0.5m; Drive down: 3’3″/1.0m
DISPLACEMENT: 101,191 lbs/4,590kg
POWER: Volvo D6/400-hp DuoProp Outdrive
CAPACITY: 8 guests/2 crew
BRIDGE CLEARANCE: 5’2″+/1.59m
TENDER BAY CLEARANCE: 6’11″+/2.13m

Further information on the Hodgdon custom tenders, including video, can be found at http://www.limotenders.com or at http://www.hodgdonyachts.com

ABOUT HODGDON: Having started in 1816 during the era of clipper ships, Hodgdon is America’s oldest boat builder. Still family owned, today this East Boothbay, Maine company has evolved into a leader in advanced composite construction while maintaining exceptional skills for world class traditional and modern interiors. The company’s divisions include high-end superyacht interiors (up to 80M), custom sail and power yacht construction (up to 60M), defense contracting and custom superyacht tenders. The company currently employs over 150 employees, most of whom are skilled and highly skilled labor. Hodgdon is a fifth generation family run company still in the heart of Maine’s famed Boothbay Region

 

Dock Buzz

NEW ADDITION

Taking up the middle slot in its Pro FourStroke Series of outboard engines, Mercury presents a 200-hp model to round out the offerings.

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

Mercury Marine’s Pro FourStroke line up included the 250- and 300-hp engines designed with the same notable acceleration and top speed of its other Pro Series engines, including the OptiMax Pro XS and Verado.

Joining the already sea-tested model offerings is the 200-hp Pro FourStroke, an engine built on the same six-cylinder Verado platform as its proven predecessors.

According to the company, the 200-hp Pro delivers exceptional hole shot speed with punchy mid-range acceleration. Furthering its performance, the state-of-the-art supercharged technology, developed for Verado, allows exact and programmable control with regards to strategizing fuel consumption and air intake.

The outstanding torque and overall performance of the 200 Pro FourStroke make it ideal for pontoons, saltwater bay and flats boats and freshwater fishing boats and comes standard with the Advanced Mid Section (AMS), Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) and electro-hydraulic power steering for an unrivaled driving experience.

For more information about the 200-hp Pro FourStroke, or any of the other fine Mercury Marine products, visit the company Website at http://www.mercurymarine.com

 

Dock Buzz

NISI SELLS FIRST XPRESSO CLASS MULTI-HULL YACHT

New NISI 50 XPRESSO Commissioned

Founded in 2004, NISI is a European wholly owned luxury yacht builder led by CEO Christos Livadas. In 2009 NISI finished construction on it’s own shipyard, a facility positioned just outside of Hong Kong and Macau in the city of ZhuHai in China, followed by a fresh product portfolio launch in 2010. Collaboration with world-renowned naval architect, Ward Setzer of Setzer Yacht Architects has resulted in the unveiling of award-winning vessels from industry topping yacht manufacturers.

The X-citing Xpresso 50 from NISI is sure to impress and delight.

Coming into the business now, NISI announced it had been awarded a contract by an American entrepreneur for Hull #1 of the first 50 Xpresso model, a new line up of luxury catamarans in its Xpresso Class.

The X50’s salon, as seen from aft, offers the kind of spaciousness only found on this type of vessel.

According to the company, the X50’s appeal is focused on attracting monohull owners to catamaran styling, strength, large social and entertaining area, and performance. Both the concept and design comes from the collaboration between NISI’s engineering team and Setzer Yacht Architects. The mission: To deliver exceptional and efficient offshore performance with unprecedented exterior and interior spaciousness.

NISI is also doing some R&D on a hydrofoil design–dubbed SonicFoil by NISI–for the company’s GTX model that, according to Product Development Engineer Don Marshall, will deliver some 20-30 knot speeds, a top speed of 35 knots, and a 50% reduction in fuel consumption as compared to a mono hull vessel.

YACHT SPECIFICATIONS

• LOA: 54.8′ (16.7m)
• LWL: 48.9′ (14.9m)
• Beam: 23.0’ (6.96m)
• Draft: 2.10’ (0.86m)
• Displacement Lightship : 21,500 lbs (9.75ton)
• Displacement Max: 24,000 lbs (10.9ton)
• Fuel: 700 gallons (2,650L)
• Fresh Water: 200 gallons (757L)
• Black Water: 150 gallons (568L)
• Accommodations: 6-8 (3-4 staterooms)

YACHT PERFORMANCE

• Top Speed: 30kts
• Cruise Speed: 26kts
• Range:
  • 375nm @ 26kts
  • 1100nm @ 9kts
• Boat Propulsion:
  • Horsepower options from 75hp – 550hp
  • Cummins Zeus, Volvo IPS
• Generator:   13.5kw Onan
• Build Class:  CE and RINA Class (on request)
• Concept and Design:  NISI Yachts
• Naval Architecture: Setzer Yacht Architects
• Interior Styling: NISI Yachts

 For more information on the exciting new Xpresso 50, or any of the other fine products from NISI, visit the company Website at http://www.nisiyachts.com

 

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