Whaler Volume 7 Issue 1

T H E U N S I N K A B L E L E G E N D

WHALERB O S T O N W H A L E R B O A T S M A G A Z I N E

volume 7 issue 1

www.bostonwhaler.com

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010-TCTCNMG5001 (b1341-001668 Boston Whaler Magazine PG4CB

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Univers LT Std, StratumGMC

Optional equipment shown. ©2016 General Motors. All rights reserved. The marks appearing in this ad are the trademarks or service marks of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors.

THE MIDSIZE PICKUP ONLY GMC COULD BUILD.

THE NEW CANYON IS HERE.

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

S:17”

S:9.5”

T:18”

T:10.5”

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F:9”

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010-TCTCNMG5001 (b1341-001668 Boston Whaler Magazine PG4CB

B1124-002345 4/1/16 3/15/16

18.25” x 10.75”

18” x 10.5”

17” x 9.5”

1”

Actual Size

Jana K Jack C None

Stewart Gerich usdetlbw7713

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Univers LT Std, StratumGMC

Optional equipment shown. ©2016 General Motors. All rights reserved. The marks appearing in this ad are the trademarks or service marks of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors.

THE MIDSIZE PICKUP ONLY GMC COULD BUILD.

THE NEW CANYON IS HERE.

1ST Assembly 03/08/2016188448A01g swop

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

S:17”S:9.5”

T:18”T:10.5”

B:18.25”B:10.75”

F:9”

FS:8”

F:9”

FS:8”

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PPresident, Boston WhalerHuw Bower

Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Customer ServiceJeff Vaughn

Manager of Content & Event MarketingTraci Davis

Marketing & Sales Event CoordinatorAnna Collins

Digital Media SpecialistKatie Toot

Marketing Administrative Assistant Kristin Osweiler

Whaler magazine is published two times a year for Boston Whaler by Dino Publishing LLC. Any correspondence should be directed to:Dino Publishing350 W. Hubbard St., Suite 400Chicago, IL 60654www.dinopublishing.comemail: [email protected]

The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered official expressions of Dino Publishing or Boston Whaler. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or artwork. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in U.S.A.

Copyright © 2016 Boston Whaler.

Fishing, cruising with friends, pulling your kids on a tube—these activities are far from casual, despite being things we do with our “leisure” time. They’re activities we do with our full attention, our whole heart and mind. They’re passions, and there’s nothing casual about that.

At Boston Whaler, we build every boat around the concept of Core Confidence—performance, safety, comfort, reliability, function and fun, instilled from the inside out, designed into every fiber, every component. In the pages of this issue, you’ll read about some of the choices we make to ensure that every outing on a Whaler goes smoothly. And you’ll meet some of the many owners who use this Core Confidence to engage every ounce of their passion for boating.

This issue is bittersweet, as it will be my last as president of Boston Whaler. I’ll be moving to a new position with our parent company, Brunswick, and while it’s a tremendous op-portunity, I will forever be grateful for my time at Whaler. This is a company of outstanding individuals, working together as true teammates to produce the best boats on the water—boats enjoyed by customers who are, likewise, a truly remarkable group. Thank you, sincerely, for making this role something to feel passionate about.

Passion

Huw BowerPresident — Boston Whaler

This is a company of outstanding

individuals, working together as true

teammates to produce the best boats on the water.

Keeping the legend growing.

whaler president’s letter

President/Publisher Douglas Leik

Account ExecutiveAnnie Brown

Editorial DirectorRandy Hess

Managing EditorAmy Wideman

Senior Content EditorElli Purtell

Editor at LargeJennifer Chesak

Editor at LargeAlexa Poteet

Creative DirectorRussell Duncan

Digital Creative DirectorKraig Devenport

Art DirectorJustin Goode

Graphic DesignerBrittany Huisenga

PhotographersMike Calabro, Steven J. Conway, Robert Glover, Richard Steinberger

WHALERMagazine

I’m willing to bet your boating is not a passive activity. A life built around the water doesn’t

happen by accident; it’s something you make happen, because it matters deeply that your days include it.

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volume 7 issue 1

whalermagazine

On The Cover:The Patronis family with their 240 Dauntless and boat-loving pup Kyleigh.Photo by Mike Calabro

Contentsf e a t u r e s

16Going for Grouper

Angler Andy Shanahan and his pals enjoy major tournament success and a

healthy dose of fun courtesy of one very capable 370 Outrage.

26Amazing Abu Dhabi

A city that dually embraces tradition and innovation is a perfect playground for a

Boston Whaler Conquest.

32All the Right Moves

The legendary Outrage family welcomes its newest member, the comfortable,

confidence-inspiring 230 Outrage.

36 Running Strong

Mercury® outboard power combines industry-leading technology with

boating savvy, propelling every outing on your Whaler to the next level.

42Panhandle Pastimes

For one Florida family, a 240 Dauntless is the key to enjoying the best of Panama

City Beach, from waterskiing to scuba diving to waterfront dining.

04Navigate

Delve into gyroscope technology, go hunting underwater, feast on a

seafood triple play, learn where to find superior

replacement canvas and more.

d e p a r t m e n t s

Going for Grouper 16

12Towing

Hit the road! Travel across Virginia with a Boston

Whaler in tow, and check out the state’s best inland lakes with this trailering

itinerary.

14Watersports

Whether you favor skim-ming the surface on a tube or carving wake on a board or skis, life looks good from

the end of a towrope.

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4 | vol. 7, issue 1 | www.bostonwhaler.com

E

H O O K S , N E W S , G E A R A N D I N F O

Easy operation doesn’t have to mean simplistic. The Boston Whaler Montauk family strikes the perfect balance between cutting-edge design and no-frills functionality. It’s this hose-and-go readiness—combined with purposeful amenities like built-in livewells, spacious bow seating and ample rod holders—that has made the classic Montauk a popular choice among families and anglers for generations. And with an array of available options including a deluxe fishing package, a canvas sun-top, a tow arch and more, it’s easy to find a Montauk that suits your boating style. Visit bostonwhaler.com to view the complete lineup.

Effortless MeetsSOPHISTICATED

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READY, STEADY, GOSeakeeper’s revolutionary gyro stabilization technology significantly reduces boat roll, dramatically cutting down on the type of movements that can cause seasickness. How does it work? Inside Seakeeper’s vacuum encapsulation, a flywheel spins at speeds up to 10,700 rpm. When a boat begins to roll in the waves, the gyro tilts fore and aft, creating a powerful torque that counteracts the port-to-starboard rocking. Seakeeper’s computer sensor automatically adjusts the torque based on sea conditions so the captain doesn’t have to. “With Seakeeper, factors like the weather, time of day and sea conditions won’t keep you from using your boat and enjoying your experience on the water,” says Andrew Semprevivo, Seakeeper’s vice president of sales and marketing.

To incorporate this technology, Whaler thoroughly examined the effects of Seakeeper forces acting on hull laminate and foam. “We put the boats through extensive endurance testing to prove the system is structurally sound,” says Bobby Garza, senior naval architect for Boston Whaler.

The Seakeeper 5, available as an option on Boston Whaler’s 350 and 420 Outrage models, delivers a 70 percent to 90 percent roll reduction. The lightweight product uses modest electrical pow-er, no outside appendages, and can be installed off centerline, if necessary. To find Seakeeper’s products for other boat sizes and learn more about this game-changing technology, visit seakeeper.com.

ARMED FOR THE UNDERWATER HUNT

The pre-dawn hunt is thrilling. As you steer your Whaler out of port and aim for the horizon, you anticipate returning home with a fishbox full of the day’s hard-won trophies. Now, treat yourself to a fish-finder that gets you on your prey even faster, putting you ahead of your fellow anglers in the race for success: The Dragonfly® 7 Pro from Raymarine.

Dragonfly sonar pinpoints the fish like no other product can. Using wide-spectrum CHIRP DownVision™ technology, it easily identifies underwater structure and fish, while Raymarine’s bright, all-weather displays are guaranteed never to fog. Plus, with Raymarine’s Wi-Fish Sonar Module, you can even pause, zoom and rewind images right on your smartphone and share with friends online. It’s not a question of whether you’ll find your next big catch, but when—and with a Dragonfly 7 Pro, “when” comes a whole lot sooner. To learn more, visit Raymarine.com.



SEAFOOD TRIPLE PLAYStep up to the plate: Nobilo Wines and New Zealand’s Matt Lam-bert, head chef and owner of acclaimed restaurant The Musket Room, have developed a recipe for Whaler owners that spotlights the sea’s bounty in multiple ways. Lambert recalls growing up in Auckland, fishing with his father and uncle: “There is an instant con-nection for me with cod, summer and fishing,” he says. “Same thing goes with pickled mussels! At almost every barbecue my parents had someone who would bring a tub of pickled mussels. The way I brought the two together in this dish is very simple, and nearly the whole preparation can be made ahead of time.”

It practically goes without saying that this dish pairs beautifully with a glass of Nobilo Icon’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc—excellent for raising a toast to the boating season.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTSCod4-1/3 lb portions of a very large cod, filleted by local fishmonger4 tbsp butterSalt, to tastePickled mussels2 lb steamed mussels3-1/4 cup cider vinegar1 cup sugar2 cups Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc10 peppercorns2 tbsp salt4 stems tarragon6 bay leaves

Crab and Fava Sauce4 tbsp crab meat7-3/4 cups blanched fava beans3 tbsp liquid from the pickled mussels2 tbsp Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc1 tbsp chopped chives1 tbsp chopped cilantro1 mussel1 tbsp salted butter

Fava Puree2 cups blanched warm favas1 cup hot heavy cream1 tsp salt1 tbsp unsalted butter

GarnishBlack mintDillFava flowers1 lemon, cut into wedges

METHODPickled MusselsHeat ingredients until sugar and salt are dissolved. (You may adjust the sugar to your personal taste, adding more if you prefer a sweeter pickle.) Let cool to around 180°F/80°C. Add mussels and store, refrigerated, for at least 5 days.

Crab and Fava SauceGently warm ingredients in a saucepan, adding butter last, and mix in to incorporate without breaking the liquid and

butter. When you remove from the heat, add the herbs as you are serving and mix through.

Fava PureePlace all ingredients into a blender, except for the cream. Add cream slowly and purée on a very high speed to ensure the purée is as smooth and silky as possible.

CodMelt the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season fish with salt, then sauté, skin-side down, until golden and crisp. Flip over to finish the cooking.

Plating and GarnishSmear the fava purée at the base of the plate. Place the fish on top of that and carefully place the stack of crab/favas next to the fish. Accent plate with the mussel and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

EVERYDAY HEROActive families require ease and versatility. One day on the water might involve watersports, and the next deep-sea fishing. The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia Denali is designed to anticipate your ever-evolving needs, with accommodations and technologies to deliver unprecedented ease.

Smart Slide Seats and the Hands-Free Power Liftgate make carpooling to the marina effortless: When your hands are full with wakeboarding gear, your foot can open the rear liftgate, and a single hand can move the second row seat to access the third row. The Rear Vision Camera with Tow Vision adds a center grid line to help when hitching a trailer, and real-time viewing of your trailer while driving.

Premium seating for up to seven passengers delivers comfort throughout, and a comprehensive suite of Driver Alert and active safety technologies help prepare you for the unexpected. Keep your journey on track and the family satisfied with Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ compatibility*, which displays select phone functions onto Acadia’s full-color screen, including music and directions.

No matter what the day ahead on your Whaler will bring, the 2017 Acadia Denali is ready to help you get there hassle-free. Available Spring 2016. Visit gmc.com to learn more.

*Vehicle user interfaces are products of Apple® and Google® and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. For more great recipes and wine pairing ideas, visit the Entertaining section of nobilowines.com.


W E L I V E TO B E O N T H E WAT ER

Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc. sunbrella.com/marine

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Witness an Elite Feat You know Sunbrella as the manufacturer of the beautiful, durable canvas featured on many Boston Whaler models, but did you know the company is also an avid supporter of the elite athletes of the US Sailing Team Sperry? “Uncharted Waters: In Pursuit of the Athletic Dream” documents the drive, determination and sacrifice of athletes pursuing the chance to compete against the world’s best this summer in Brazil. “Uncharted Waters” is a series of videos, blogs and social media posts focused on the personal stories of 11 athletes to show what it takes to be a top-ranked sailor—from grueling travel around the world for competitions to the demands of an unrelenting training schedule. Get to know these remarkable athletes as they overcome incredible odds on the path to achieving their dreams. It’s must-see content for any lover of water. Made possible by Sunbrella®. Follow the story at sunbrella.com/uncharted.

INSURANCE DECISIONS MADE SIMPLEChoosing the right insurance for your beloved Boston Whaler shouldn’t be left to chance, nor does it have to be difficult. Boater’s Choice’s team of knowledgeable marine underwriters have access to multiple A-rated carriers and “shop” for the best price and coverage options based on your needs. They’ll provide a no-obligation quote right away and support you throughout your policy life cycle.

As a trusted provider of comprehensive boat insurance for Boston Whaler owners for nearly 25 years, Boater’s Choice makes the process of selecting insurance easy. Because every aspect of your boating life should be stress-free. Visit boaterschoiceinsurance.com to learn more.

GENERATIONS OF INNOVATIONS

Families choose to pass on the Whaler tradition to the next generation not because they know everything will remain the same, but because they know that what’s already great will only continue to get better. The same goes for Interlux® Micron Technology antifouling paint. For more than 30 years, boat owners have relied on the Micron lineup to deliver better performance and easier upkeep with every passing year. The short film “Micron: Generations of Innovations” chronicles the story of four generations of Whaler owners and their passion for the water that Micron’s antifouling technology has helped support. From Micron CF with Biolux® Slime Blocking Technology to the award-winning Micron 66, there’s an innovative paint solution to protect your Whaler for generations to come.

“Families have to deeply trust a brand to pass it down to their loved ones,” says Interlux Marketing Manager Matthew Anzardo. “The Micron lineup has proven its high quality over the decades, and a commitment to innovation will ensure it continues to instill confidence for a very long time.” Visit yachtpaint.com/usa to watch the film.


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SUPERIOR CANVASGood canvas not only provides shade and shelter from the elements, extending your boating excursions in comfort, it can also spruce up the look of your Whaler. If time has taken its toll or you’re simply seeking a new pop of color, replacement canvas from Great Lakes Boat Top is a great way to go.

Trusted by Boston Whaler to deliver high-quality aftermarket canvas options and superior customer service, Great Lakes Boat Top has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the largest and best manufacturers of marine canvas products. Count on sturdy construction and durable marine hardware to deliver years of great performance. And Great Lakes offers industry-leading Sunbrella canvas, which comes with a 10-year fabric warranty, for extra peace of mind.

Visit greatlakesboattop.com/boston-whaler to get your season started in style.

EXPLORE. BOOK. BOAT.™Now you can reserve boat slip space online without ever picking up the

phone. Snag-a-Slip is a brand-new online boat slip rental system that

lets you search for and reserve space in minutes. “What was previously a

time-consuming and frustrating part of planning a boating vacation is now

a lot easier,” says Snag-a-Slip Founder Dan Cowens. “Our goal was to get

boaters quickly back to the fun part: being on the water!” Snag-a-Slip is add-

ing new marinas daily. Visit snagaslip.com to learn more.

Refinancing Made Easy

TRUE BLUEBJ Braden wrote to share the story of Blue Chip, the 1998 21-foot Conquest that he and his family restored. The boat had been sit-ting on a neighboring farm for about 10 years when BJ’s son, Boston (how’s that for destiny?), purchased it and kicked off the restoration process. Blue Chip ’s interior was black with mold and the gas tank was shot, but structurally the boat was sound. With a pressure washer, a good dose of Lysol, and a whole lot of hours, BJ, Boston and their respective wives, Carol and Kaleigh, got the Conquest looking and running like new again.

These days the four of them take the boat out frequently, exploring Florida’s Gulf Coast and inland waterways. “It took a little elbow grease, a little love,” BJ says. “But Whalers—they last forever. We knew it would be worth the effort.”

Essex Credit shares Boston Whaler’s commitment to providing a worry-free experience. Essex is pleased to offer Whaler owners who wish to seek refinancing a low rate of 3.99% APR*. When paired with Essex’s popular 10-year loan, this interest rate may save you up to $25,565* in interest over the typical life of a loan. Or choose one of Essex’s many other loan term options—from five years to 12 years to 20 years. With far more boat loan offerings than standard banks, Essex can find the ideal plan for you and your lifestyle. Make your refinance process as quick and easy as possible. Visit essexcredit.com for more information.

*Estimated APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Subject to consumer loan program requirements and credit approval. Certain fees, closing costs and restrictions may apply. Other rates and terms are available. Saving example: loan of $80,000 with a rate of 3.99% for 10 years as compared to a loan of $80,000 with a rate of 4.62% for 20 years.


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Trailering your Boston Whaler behind a sophisticated GMC vehicle is a surefire way to enjoy Virginia’s many wonders, including historic attractionslike Mount Vernon (top right), and the water-based pleasures of Smith Mountain Lake (bottom right) and John H. Kerr Reservoir (bottom le).

Photo by James Roney

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T Lake AnnaClose to Richmond, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville,and just 72 miles south of the nation’s capital, Lake Annais eminently reachable and understandably popular withboaters throughout the region. Hitch up your Whaler andhead for the lake’s public eastern shore, where several boatlaunch ramps await. Nearby attractions include golf, hik-ing, vineyards, theme parks and more, but the real actioncan be found under water: Anna boasts more than 30species of fish, including large-mouth and striped bass,crappie, catfish and perch. Should you have questionsabout your Whaler, just call the friendly staff at Chesa-peake Boat Basin over in Kilmarnock.

Smith Mountain LakeSecond in size to Kerr Reservoir (see below), Smith Moun-tain features an incredible 500 miles of shoreline withmultiple easy-access points: Smith Mountain Lake StatePark to the north, Franklin County to the southwest, orPittsylvania County to the southeast.

Known locally as “SML,” this “Jewel of the Blue RidgeMountains” draws campers, vacationers, anglers and water-sports enthusiasts from near and far. Come for the boating,stay for the views; sunset on the lake is a joy to behold.

Buggs Island Lake (John H. Kerr Reservoir)Virginia’s largest lake offers more than 50,000 acres offresh water and 800 miles of winding shoreline. ismeans an abundance of flat surfaces to skim across on yourtube or wakeboard, and a multitude of quiet coves to ex-plore. Anglers will appreciate the healthy fish populationhere, too; Kerr earned the title of “number-one crappiefishing lake in the U.S.” and supports state and nationalfishing tournaments each year. Visit on a weekday if youcan to avoid the summer crowds. For any service or salessupport, the kind folks at Lynnhaven Marine are just afew hours away in Virginia Beach—a vacation destinationin its own right.

The East Coast of the U.S. holds great natural appeal,and Virginia ranks high on the list of must-see states. From itshistorical landmarks like Mount Vernon and Monticello, to itsmany oceanfront beaches, it’s a paradise for tourists and localsalike. Yet one often-overlooked resource is the array of inlandlakes and reservoirs that offer boaters nearly endless opportu-nities to relax, fish, pull a tube and more. For Boston Whalerowners, hitching up to a highly capable GMC vehicle and trai-lering to one of the following lakes can provide a perfect escapefrom the everyday.

An Ounce of PrecautionBefore you go, you’ll want to make sure your tow vehi-cle and trailer are in good working order. thefollowing suggestions, courtesy of the experts at gmc,are intended to help you set out with peace of mind.(find additional tips at gmc.com/trailering-towing.htmlor consult your local Boston whaler dealer.)

❚ Before starting your pre-tow preparations at home, takeyour vehicle and your Boston Whaler for a service checkfrom their respective professionals. Nothing beats atrained eye.

❚ Safe boating begins long before you reach the dock; itbegins when you hook up your rig. Make sure yourtrailer is properly attached to the hitch ball, the latch islocked, the safety chains are attached and the trailerlights work properly.

❚ Most importantly, make sure your tow vehicle is properlyrated and equipped for your boat/trailer combo. Your ve-hicle’s requirements can be found in the owner’s manualand on the manufacturer’s online towing guides.

WHALER

towing

Meet Virginia Hitch your Boston Whaler to a sophisticated GMC vehicle and

prepare to fall in love with the state’s beautiful inland lakes.Story by Tre Travers | Trailering photo by Mike Calabro

“ ”Come for the boating, stay for the views.

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Riding in a Whaler is always a goodtime, but there’s fun to be had

behind the boat as well. With thepairing of a 230 Vantage and

Hyperlite wakeboard (far right), aDauntless and a wakeskate (right),

or a RAD or inflated towable(above), thrills are guaranteed.

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E From the water, bring your knee up to your chest. Using along vee handle like HO Sports’ Elite Deep-V, extend yourarms and point the tip of your ski toward your Whaler.Keep your shoulders down as your driver hits the throttle,letting the boat do the work. Allow the top of your backfoot to skim the water for balance, press down on your frontfoot, and slowly pull your hips to meet the handle. Voila!You’re one-footing it like a pro.

Retro Thrills: Back in the 1960s, before wakeboardingwas invented, determined watersports pioneers experi-mented with various sizes and shapes to ride behind theboat. Wooden discs wound up being among the more suc-cessful devices, and would eventually form the inspirationfor HO’s Round Aquatic Device (RAD) towable. Great forriders of all skill levels, the RAD allows for a variety of po-sitions, while machined EVA traction pads keep you fromslipping off.

Wakeboard Ways: Once you’ve mastered basic wake-boarding maneuvers like crossing the wake and surfaceturns, you’re ready to take to the air. The secret to a cleanjump is to hit the wake square at moderate speed, keepingyour knees slightly bent. As you travel up the wake,straighten your knees for extra pop, but make sure not to flatten the board until after you’ve left the surface and are ready to land again. It’ll feel like it’s happening in a split-second and in slow motion, all at the same time—but, as any adrenaline lover knows, that sensation is whatit’s all about.

Each spring, as the mercury begins to climb, watersports fans of all ages start to feel a pleasant tickle inthe back of their minds. Latent memories emerge fromsummers past, when the moments just before dawnmarked the best time of day because of the glassy waterthey contained. The craving for adrenaline can never fullybe sated, but a hearty dose of action can help to take theedge off that craving: a lick of spray, a fistful of towropehandle, the rushing of wake underfoot… And so, whensummer returns, it’s our duty to once again feed the need—the need for speed.

For those familiar with this hunger, you know the bestsustenance is a combination of a Boston Whaler, a colorfullife vest, and a totally rad pull-toy. Having the right boatand the right gear can make the difference between an or-dinary lap around the lake and a full day of watersportsbliss. The 230 Vantage, for example, delivers a powerfulwallop of performance and comfort; paired with a cutting-edge piece of equipment like the RAD towable from HOSports, or Hyperlite’s high-tech Shaun Murray signaturewakeboard, new heights of fun are easily achieved. Hy-perlite and HO’s expert designers incorporate the insightsof professional athletes to develop wakeboards, skis, tubesand gear that maximize capability and enjoyment. Beloware a few tips and factoids to help fuel your season.

Flamingo Style: It’s an impressive move that’s easierthan you might think: skiing on one foot. The trick isusing your back foot as a rudder to help with balance.

WHALER

watersports

The Pull of the Water Whether skimming the surface on a tube or carving wake

on a board or skis, life looks better from the end of a towrope.Story by T.R. Masters | Photos courtesy of Boston Whaler & HO Sports

“ ”Having the right boat and the right gear can make thedifference between an ordinary lap around the lake and

a full day of watersports bliss.

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GROUPERGOINGfor

Angler Andy Shanahan and his crew enjoy major tournament success and a healthy dose of fun

courtesy of one very capable 370 Outrage.

STORY BY AMY WIDEMAN PHOTOS BY MIKE CALABROGROUPER PHOTO BY RODRIGO FRISCIONE



AAsk Andy Shanahan for his best fishing tip, and his answer reflects the mentality of someone who truly enjoys spending time on his boat. “The key is finding the good fishing spots, your little honey holes, and having a lot of them,” he says. “Because you can’t always predict how the fish are going to behave.

“There are times when your fish finder is lit right up, but for whatever reason they won’t bite,” he continues. “So it’s always good to have another area you can head to. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing locations, and that one just works.

“Of course, that’s the advantage of being on the Gulf with a boat that’s up to the job,” he adds. “In my case it’s worked out pretty well.”

“Pretty well” is a bit of an understatement. In the last two years, Andy and his fishing partners Jason Kaufman, Brian Brandfass and Ralph Andrew have earned three first-place wins and one second-place ranking out of four tournaments competed in, including the famed Grouper Grapple. Based in the Fort Myers, Florida, area, the team goes by the name “Snake in the Grass,” owing to their skill at sneaking up on the competition and striking when it counts.




(Above) Andy, at left, works the rod while fishing buddy Ralph Andrew mans the hook. Andy's 370 Outrage serves as the ultimate platform from which to score tournament wins as well as memorable weekends. Thanks to their Gulf Coast location, he and his friends have access to the

healthy fish population and hospitable weather that make those boating goals eminently achievable.




And as for the “boat that’s up to the job,” that would be Andy’s formidable Boston Whaler 370 Outrage. “It’s just been a sweetheart of a boat,” he enthuses. “Nice and easy to maintain, no fuss, no muss. In 15 minutes you can jump on and take off, but the ride is such that you don’t get beat up offshore. The Outrage really is the best of both worlds.”

Andy credits pal Ralph for getting him started down the tournament path. “Fishing’s been in Ralph’s family for generations. His father comes out with us once in a while too,” Andy explains. “I got to know Ralph when I first moved down to Florida. He took me out on the water, showed me some fishing spots, and said, you know, maybe we should enter tournaments… So we went for it! He’s really the brains of the outfit; I’m more of a work in progress. But with my boat and his skills, between the two of us we do alright.”

In fact, the team’s impressive winning streak caught the eye of a TV producer working on a pilot for the Discovery Channel featuring competitive anglers on the Gulf Coast. The fate of the pilot is yet to be determined, but the guys say they’re flattered to have been involved. The novelty of being followed by a camera crew while they flexed their fishing muscles didn’t hurt either.

Formerly a contractor and developer in the Chicago area, Andy officially retired about 10 years ago, though his pace hasn’t noticeably slowed. “People tell me, ‘You’re probably the busiest retired guy I know,’” he says, citing pastimes like investing and fixing up houses. Still, his schedule affords him the flexibility to enjoy his Outrage often. Having grown up a boater, he was intent on making that an integral part of the life he and his fiancée, Marci Colas-Notaro, have carved out in Fort Myers.

“It’s been great living down here. We’ve had a lot of fun getting into the Florida lifestyle, the Boston Whaler lifestyle,” he says, crediting his dealership, MarineMax, with helping him land in the 370 Outrage. “MarineMax has been excellent, above and beyond. The GM, Ryan West, and my salesman, Brian Kemmis—all of them, really a stand-up group of guys.”

(Near right) Jasper’s Bait, a colorful

supply store on the Caloosahatchee

River, sits atop a giant floating

barge. The house was originally

used as a prop in the Hulk Hogan

movie “Thunder in Paradise." (Above

and opposite) Twin Mercury Verados

reliably power Andy’s offshore and inshore adventures.

“ ”It’s just been a sweetheart of a boat. Nice and easy to maintain, no fuss, no muss. The Outrage reallyis the best of both worlds.



“24 | vol. 7, issue 1 | www.bostonwhaler.com

When Andy’s not out winning tournaments, he and Marci readily embrace the social side of boating. A favorite trip involves getting together with about 30 of their friends and a few other boats for a cruise up the Caloosahatchee River. They like to stop and “whoop it up a little” en route to their destination, Lake Okeechobee.

“We’ll take about 12 or 14 friends on our boat and it’s very comfortable with all of them,” Andy says. “That’s the beauty of the Whaler—it does a great job fishing and it’s a great pleasure boat. The finish is so much nicer than on a lot of these fishing boats you wouldn’t want to spend much time on. And yet I can still go out with my buddies 100 or 150 miles offshore into deep seas.”

Andy and Marci have been to several MarineMax gatherings, and plan on attending Boston Whaler’s Bimini Rendezvous in the future. They also enjoy regular excursions to the Florida Keys. On longer trips, amenities like the cabin on the Outrage come in quite handy. “If we get caught in a little squall, we can go in there and ride it out. Having that ability to stow away for a little bit was important to us,” Andy explains. “Plus, if Marci gets bored of us fishing, she can duck down there to watch TV.”

Fishing with a crew that sees so much grouper action, though, boredom seems unlikely to be a factor. ”

It’s been great living down here. We’ve had

a lot of fun getting into the Florida lifestyle, the Boston Whaler

lifestyle.


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bw.sp16.indd 25 5/6/16 9:47 AM

A M A Z I N GABU DHABI

A C I T Y T H A T D U A L L Y E M B R A C E S T R A D I T I O N A N D I N N O V A T I O N I S A P E R F E C T P L A Y G R O U N D F O R A

B O S T O N W H A L E R C O N Q U E S T

An obscure form of chanted Emirati poetry, Al-Taghrouda, holds the key to many secrets of Abu Dhabi. While the timeless themes of Al-Taghrouda highlight the desert traditions of the United Arab Emirates, the poetry itself takes on the modern trappings of a rap battle. Performed by a group, one participant recites a line, to which the next person must respond with a similar line in rhyme. Through these challenging exchanges, a new and complex verse is strung, full of creativity. A poet adept in Al-Taghrouda manages to balance old-fashioned motifs with cutting new satire or social commentary. This silver thread of modernity running through a 2,000-year-old tradition illustrates what lies at Abu Dhabi’s heart: the dual embrace of rich history and vibrant innovation.

Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that Abu Dhabi is the perfect playground for a Boston Whaler. These unsinkable legends with modern amenities are right at home in the UAE, where technolog-ical advances and centuries-old culture converge. Only a few miles from where Bedouin women practice Al Sadu, a traditional form of weaving, the world’s first research facility to grow both food and fuel opened this year in the Abu Dhabi desert.

Using coastal seawater irrigation, the facility raises fish for con-sumption and grows salt-tolerant plants that can be converted into biofuel. For this desert city, water is at the center of life whether you’re an avid boater or not. But if you are, you couldn’t find a more inviting place to launch.

Story by Alexa Poteet | Photos by Mike Calabro

bw.sp16.AbuDhabi.C.indd 26 5/2/16 4:19 PM



Abu Dhabi itself is built on a T-shaped island that blooms into the Persian Gulf before an expansive cityscape. The turquoise sea around the metropolis is calm with many flat-water channels perfect for watersports or simply taking a dip in the warm water. When he’s not burning the midnight oil working on cases, local lawyer Ali Jasem takes his Boston Whaler 305 Conquest out in deeper surf to drop a line for barracuda or kingfish. The waters here yield nice catches, including cobia and grouper between the cooler months of November and March, when the daytime highs float in the upper 70s rather than the mid-100s.

The Conquest’s portside seat allows Ali to monitor his lines in com-fort, and with nearly 60 square feet of space, the cockpit provides him enviable room to fight the day’s fish or simply entertain over cold tea.

On a recent sunny spring day, Ali and his friend Felix John, a local captain, took the opportunity to cruise Abu Dhabi’s harbor and enjoy vistas of the city’s famous Corniche. A groomed 5-mile avenue along the Gulf where water lovers can enjoy bike paths, beaches and a wide assortment of restaurants, the Corniche is a major attraction for visitors to this Middle Eastern paradise.

Those who like a side of eco-consciousness with their sunbathing can breathe easy. The pristine beach here has been awarded Blue Flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education, meaning it meets strict water-quality and environmental standards. The guys simply love the look of it though, a clean edge of seashore in front of the glittering skyscrapers.

On the day’s cruise, Ali himself seems to embody the traditional- meets-modern aesthetic of Abu Dhabi, opting for a customary long tunic, or kandura, and a Western-style baseball cap to beat the heat. Before founding his own legal firm, Ali Jasem Advocates, Ali was a lieutenant for the local police force for 25 years, so it’s safe to say he knows how to work hard and play hard.

The 305 Conquest he purchased from Delma Marine was a natural fit. His office is within a quick boat ride of Mangrove National Park, a government-protected sanctuary for birds and wildlife. Whether he just needs a mental break or it’s a beautiful day he can’t resist, the local flamingos there provide him a bit of boating whimsy close to the city.

Captain Felix is an avid boater in his own right. While Felix cur-rently works for a local holding company, the water is his passion, and he helps connect many clients with the boat of their dreams.

”“Whalers are extremely versatile boats, which makes them perfectly

suited to the different kinds of activities Abu Dhabi has to offer.

We have amazing snorkeling, superb diving and a nice fishing season.


(Far left and following pages) Abu Dhabi’s beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is said to “unite the world,” drawing on materials and design influences from more than a dozen countries. (Above) Ali takes to the helm of his 305 Conquest while friend Captain Felix (left) provides expert company.




His experience with multiple brands makes him a wealth of knowl-edge for friends and family who want to get out and explore the Persian Gulf. In his mind, there’s no better fit for Abu Dhabi than a Boston Whaler.

“Whalers are extremely versatile boats, which makes them perfectly suited to the different kinds of activities Abu Dhabi has to offer,” he says. “We have amazing snorkeling, superb diving and a nice fishing season.”

For underwater adventurers looking to explore, the local du-gongs—friendly, manatee-like creatures that thrive in the Gulf’s balmy waters—are a special sight. The second-highest population in the world of these rare animals lives immediately off the coast of Abu Dhabi, granting visitors a memorable animal encounter.

If your sights take you farther afield than the city’s attractive har-bor, you’re in good hands. Captain Felix confirms that you’ve picked the right boat for the job. “Having a reliable boat allows you to explore far-ther into the Gulf and see more because you know your boat will always get you home safely,” he shares. “When I take out a Boston Whaler like Ali’s, I can go out farther and island-hop confidently.”

For those seeking a quintessential beach barbecue spot, Bahraini Is-land is a local favorite where Emirati businessmen and movie stars alike camp under the stars to enjoy the pristine beaches. Delma Island, which the late Sheikh Zayed proclaimed to be “a national treasure,” is another secluded spot to enjoy the Gulf’s unspoiled beauty.

For a country as in love with boating as the UAE, every day is about the water, whether you’re on your boat or not. One can’t-miss sight is the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a marvel of design and construction that is a key place of worship for the country. Those ex-ploring over land would also be wise to seek out the acclaimed Dubai International Boat Show, taking place in Abu Dhabi’s sister city each spring. Occurring annually for the last quarter-century, it’s the premier boat-show event in the Middle East and North Africa, making it a fab-ulous place to check out the newest models in the Whaler family. Plus, meeting likeminded boaters in a beautiful city is always a treat.

Back on the boat, a local sandstorm kicks up some clouds, so Ali and Felix decide to finish their sightseeing day with a last cruise by Emirates Palace. This architectural homage to Arabian culture is a luxury hotel, despite its royal moniker, and one of the world’s most famous, at that. Its opulent finishes are no joke; the top-most floor has six “Rulers Suites” reportedly outfitted in marble and actual gold.

Regular visitors, however, can still enjoy the building’s stunning ar-chitecture from the water or through Bedouin tent experiences on the grounds, complete with steaming cups of spiced Arabic coffee to greet you in the morning. The guys admire the view with the wind in their hair. Boating by day and desert camping by night is certainly a lifestyle to aspire to. As Abu Dhabi and Boston Whaler go to show, having it all just takes a nod to tradition and a little imagination.


All theRight Moves The legendary Outrage family welcomes its newest member, the comfortable, confidence-inspiring 230 Outrage.

When Boston Whaler’s team of naval architects, designers and engineers set out to improve upon the popular Outrage series, they did so with a firm ear to the ground. They wanted to learn more about how, precisely, boaters were using the Outrage models, from big-picture patterns down to the nitty-gritty details. It was as much a question of “Where do you plant your feet while driving?” as it was “Where do you like to fish and cruise?”

“We focused our attention primarily on three key aspects,” explains Jacob Wilson, lead designer on the new 230 Outrage. “We wanted to ensure that the boat is easy to operate, comfortable for all passengers, and highly capable for fishing.”

That high capability comes in large part from Whaler’s commitment to Core Confidence—the focus on hull designs that maximize performance, safety and ride quality. The 230 Outrage, just like its larger siblings in the Outrage family, impeccably balances ride stability

and softness; handling is responsive and predictable; and the boat is quick to get up on plane. In other words, no matter the conditions, you can trust that the 230 will rise to the occasion.

If that occasion happens to be fishing, well, count on an array of purposeful amenities and options to equip you for the hunt of a lifetime. For starters, rod holders placed strategically throughout the cockpit and a convenient rear portside livewell keep you armed and ready. The boat is also available with a new integrated fiberglass hardtop, making you even more impervious to the elements.

But perhaps the most standout feature of the new 230 Outrage is its remarkable Converting Leaning Post. At first glance, it appears to be a standard bench helm seat, but if you

flip down the back of the seat, you’ll find a hidden work station—a surface tailor-made for prepping lines, tackle or snacks. When you want maximum cockpit space, just flip it back up. Or, if you’d like additional seating, rotate the backrest down a full 90 degrees to form the backrest of an aft-facing seat.

Joining its venerable Outrage siblings, including the 420, 370 and 350 (above), the new Boston Whaler 230 Outrage (right) proves once again that a boat can be both highly capable and highly comfortable. Not to mention great looking.

WS t o r y b y A my W i d e m a n | P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f B o s t o n W h a l e r

bw.sp16.320Outrage.indd 32 5/5/16 12:47 PM


34 | vol. 7, issue 1 | www.bostonwhaler.com“ ”We really worked to make the 230 Outrage feel

bigger than it is. Initial feedback has been incredibly positive; people are surprised that a 23-foot boat can be this spacious.


For serious fishing runs, leisurely cruising with friends and family, or laughing in the face of a summer rainstorm, the 230 Outrage is designed for unsinkable success.

All this while preserving storage space for a 54-quart cooler. (Or, choose the optional Fishing Leaning Post to gain a 30-gallon livewell.)

One thing every boater can agree on: The more spacious a boat feels for its size, the better. “We really worked to make the 230 feel bigger than it is,” Jacob says. “Initial feedback has been incredibly positive; people are surprised that a 23-foot boat can be this spacious.”

To help achieve roomy-beyond-its-class status, the combing around the bow seat was pushed outboard as far as possible to maxamize floor space in the bow. This allowed for increased seating width, as well as additional legroom. “This configuration contributes to the feeling of stability and security for passengers in the bow,” Jacob adds, noting that cupholders are also strategically placed.

There’s also more room for the two-person forward-facing seat in front of the console, which lifts to reveal a large storage compartment. Another storage compartment under a hatch in the floor buys valuable storage space in the bow. An optional bow table lends itself beautifully to social gatherings, and stores neatly in the console when not in use. And for entertaining, your soundtrack

now gets the treatment it deserves: Select the JL Audio stereo package and get four premium speakers—two on the console facing aft and two in the bow—giving you that “surround sound” effect. Meanwhile, the standard head in the console helps make full days on the water more comfortable for all.

And for the captain, new refinements make the driving experience even more of a pleasure. A darker console face reduces glare, cup holders are within easy reach, and an intuitive control panel with optional Raymarine E95 touchscreens makes for seamless command. Cutting-edge Mercury FourStroke Verado® power fuels the fun, while the helm seat’s padded flip-up bolster ensures ergonomic positioning for an array of captain sizes and posture preferences.

“With the 230 Outrage, and the entire new Outrage lineup, we worked to improve on the boating experience by listening to the features and aspects our customers value,” Jacob says. “From there, our task was to make those features even better.”

No small task, to be sure. But with Boston Whaler’s four-time Innovation Award–winning team of naval architects, designers and engineers, the opportunity to design a new 230 Outrage meant the chance to hit a whole new set of pitches out of the park.


bw.sp16.Mercury.indd 36 5/3/16 11:46 AM

A Boston Whalerwith Mercury power

is the true path to Core Confidence.

STRONGRunning

Story by Randy HessPhotos courtesy of Boston Whaler

bw.sp16.Mercury.indd 37 5/3/16 11:46 AM

HHeading offshore is a reso‒lute act. You launch with a spark of adventure and a slight leap of faith. For‒tunately, Boston Whalers come standard with Core Confidence, the certainty that you are on a boat built to survive the worst that the sea can throw at you. But heading out and getting back requires more than just an unsinkable hull. It requires an integrated collection of reliable systems that routinely press on past breaking points to deliver you safely back to shore. Not least of these is the power providing the push.

“Boston Whaler has been known for reliabil-ity and safety from our founding, and Mercury outboards are a major contributor to that,” says Jeff Vaughn, Boston Whaler's vice-president of sales, marketing and customer service. “The legendary Boston Whaler customer experience includes the certainty that your boat will take care of you in the roughest seas, will deliver outstanding performance and ride, and will hold up for years to come. All of that requires dependable propulsion, which Mercury deliv-ers in spades.”

(Right) Standard quad Mercury® Verado 300 engines power the flagship 420 Outrage on any mission. (Opposite, top right) The 320 Vantage makes

a beeline for the horizon. (Opposite, inset) Mercury’s integrated Joystick Piloting, available on many new models, affords the captain nearly

effortless command and makes docking a breeze.

bw.sp16.Mercury.indd 38 5/5/16 12:52 PM

Mercury outboards have been powering Boston Whalers across the whole model lineup for decades, with continuous gains in per-formance, reliability, corrosion resistance, efficiency, and smooth and quiet running. Mercury and Whaler share a commitment to innova-tion that builds synergistically to make drivers ecstatic to be, well, in the driver’s seat. But the experience extends well beyond perfor-mance to include comfort and durability, among other benefits.

Today’s Mercury Verado® FourStroke outboards are practically silent, and really can’t be heard above the trickle of cooling water that streams out of them. They are fuel-injected, supercharged power plants that run more powerfully at lower rpm than competitors do, with strong torque curves, better hole shots and great mid-range ac-celeration. Verados come pre-rigged from Mercury with their power steering in place so that it’s done at the Mercury factory, not as an after-market substitution, as with some competitors. They also ben-efit from Mercury’s SmartCraft® engine management and Digital

Throttle & Shift control systems. Even the smaller Mercury engines outside the Verado line impress with their smooth, powerful, effi-cient four-stroke performance and other Mercury advantages.

“When we develop a new Boston Whaler, we are driven to lift the overall owner experience,” says Chris Wachowski, Boston Whaler's director of product development. “The original Unibond hull was the first product of that drive. Later, our rugged and smart hardtop sys-tems raised the experience at the helm. Our innovative approach to convertible seating provides next-level comfort and increases cockpit space when the bite is on. And so forth. We expect the same constant focus on progress from our propulsion partner. Mercury’s continued push to improve reliability, tied with ongoing innovation through-out their sizes and applications, matches our ethos perfectly.”

Consider Boston Whaler’s flagship 420 Outrage, Boating maga-zine’s 2015 Boat of the Year. After you stop gawping at its scale, beauty and loads of state-of-the-art features, you can’t help but notice

“ ”Mercury’s continued push to improve

reliability, tied with their ongoing innovation, matches our ethos perfectly.



the optional quad Mercury Verado 350s arrayed across the transom. When they are pushing the 26,000-pound boat to 50 mph, you really notice them, even though they are quieter than the wind rushing past your ears. In fact, it’s a little eerie to be riding along that fast with essentially indiscernible engine noise. The 420 and its 1,400 horses further inspire awe at the helm, where the captain enjoys a seamless command experience with Joystick Piloting, Digital Throttle & Shift, SmartCraft VesselView and a massive spread of displays to report on and control nearly everything except the weather.

Multiple-engine setups are a fantastic thing, not least because they include built-in redundancy. But perhaps Mercury perfor-mance in single applications, right down to the 15 FourStroke on the 110 Tender, is even more impressive. “We’ve compared the power, efficiency and reliability of other outboard manufacturers against Mercury to be assured in our choice, and none offer the complete package that Mercury offers to Whaler owners,” Chris explains. “From features to power-to-weight ratio to durability, Mercury FourStrokes and Verados are the only outboards worthy of a Whaler transom.”

One area where a focus on innovation has really paid off for Mercury is in corrosion protection, a crucial advantage in the harsh saltwater environment. Verados are built using a proprietary low-copper aluminum alloy throughout the engine and drive called XK 360, a resilient metal with the ideal weight-strength ratio of alu-minum, but with incredible corrosion resistance. Props, shafts, trim and various rams, housings and other components are built with 300-grade stainless steel. And if that weren’t enough, all of the internal water-cooling passages are treated with an exclusive Mercury Salt Shield, a durable corrosion-fighting coating that no other manufac-

turer uses. It’s invisible to the owner, but makes a huge dif-ference in fighting the impacts of saltwater. Think of Mercu-ry’s high-tech metals and their treatments as the foam inside a Whaler’s Unibond hull: Even if some-thing happens to the outside, you’re still protected from the inside.

But saltwater protection has to start on the outside, of course. And Mercury has developed the proprietary MercFusion Paint process to ensure its strong metals are never tested by salt in the first place. Three layers of sealant, primer and paint are applied using electri-cally charged processes that ensure absolute coverage and adhesion. The final powder coat is baked on for extraordinary hardness. Of course, Mercury warrants against corrosion failure just as it does against mechanical failure.

“Boston Whaler hasn’t gotten to where we are by not absolutely sweating the small stuff,” Jeff Vaughn says. “And as the saying goes, ‘It’s all small stuff.’ Core Confidence means you can take one of our boats and do with it what you want, knowing that it will take care of you. The Mercury outboards we hang on the back are a central part of that. Go with confidence. Whaler and Mercury have got your back.”

(Top) Boston Whaler’s 110 Tender benefits from Mercury's efficiency and reliability.

(Left) SmartCraft instrumentation and Joystick Propulsion. (Right) Easy

conversation, courtesy of Verado’s remarkably quiet operation.


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bw.su16.essex.ad_Layout 1 5/6/16 12:41 PM Page 33

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bw.sp16.PanamaCity.indd 42 5/5/16 5:07 PM

PANHANDLE PASTIMES

For one Florida family, a 240 Dauntless is the key to enjoying the best of Panama City Beach, from waterskiing

to fishing to scuba diving to waterfront dining.

Story by Alexa M. Poteet | Photos by Mike Calabro



A Florida native, Yonnie serves up some of the freshest seafood in the Gulf at his Panama City Beach restaurant, Captain Anderson’s Restaurant and Waterfront Market. But it was his love for boating that helped him reel in his wife, Lea, an avid angler, nearly 35 years ago back in high school. Ever since, things have gone swimmingly for this charmed pair, who can be found catching lobster and grouper whenever they can steal a moment.

Today the sweethearts and their three daughters, Maria, Anna and Alexa, make the restaurant a family affair. Lea delights the front of the house as hostess; former bartender Maria now attends Physicians Assistant school in Savannah, Georgia; Anna ping-pongs between serving and hosting; and Alexa is a cashier. While family dog, Kyleigh, doesn’t earn her keep in the restaurant, she is the number-one fan of the family’s other passion: boating on their 240 Dauntless. “Kyleigh is always first onboard and will not allow us to leave without her,” Yonnie says. “She is our sea dog.” His daughters, all in their late teens and early twenties, are equally enthusiastic.

When teenagers themselves, Yonnie and Lea were avid scuba divers who grew up on the water in Panama City. Yonnie was no stranger to Boston Whaler even then, using a 13-foot Whaler as his primary mode of transportation. “That boat was bulletproof and taught me to love the water,” he says. “As teens, we would ski all day long behind my parents’ home, and we are still doing that today with my kids behind our home.”

YYou could say boater Yonnie Patronis knows a good catch.


Whether serving up fresh seafood at their restaurant, Captain Anderson’s (top left), cruising with boat-loving pup Kyleigh (center), or fishing (top right), the Patronis family relishes every aspect of the Panama City Beach lifestyle.



Once Yonnie and Lea got married, they upgraded from Yonnie’s high school ride and opted for a bow rider when the kids were young. As the girls got older, though, the family yearned for a center-console fishing boat. There was really only one brand for them. “Without hesitation, I knew I wanted a Whaler,” Yonnie shares. “I wanted peace of mind that my family would be in the safest boat on the water.” Thankfully, he knew just the folks to make it happen: his restaurant’s next-door neighbors at Treasure Island Marina, MarineMax Panama City Beach.

Yonnie’s been a loyal customer of MarineMax for 15 years, and the 240 Dauntless he purchased there has only reinforced the dealership’s standing in his esteem. “Their service and support has been hands down the best I have experienced. They have developed a relationship with me and my family that will keep us there for years to come,” he says.

Without hesitation, I knew I wanted a Whaler.

I wanted that peace of mind that my family would be in the safest boat on the water.


The Dauntless is a perfect fit for the grown-up family’s various boating needs. On Sundays, the restaurant is closed, which means the whole crew is off, and everyone can enjoy the Dauntless to the fullest in the Florida sunshine. Lea typically grabs the fishing poles and Anna gets her skis. Maria loves to soak up the sun, and Alexa plays with Kyleigh while the whole crew island hops. Yonnie is just as keen on the Dauntless as the ladies in his life. “It is so versatile and does so many things well, from fishing to skiing to diving to floundering to just cruising and watching the sunset,” he says. “It is an awesome platform.”

Lea and the girls all wanted to put a name on the boat, but Yonnie maintains it’s too beautiful the way it is. So far, he is winning, but one thing’s for sure: The Whaler is a crowd-pleaser. On their old boat, the family averaged about 30 hours a year. With their new Dauntless, this adventurous bunch is on track to reach 200 on-water hours this year, and loving every minute of it.

The Patronises have quite a boating playground in Panama City as well. The largest city between Pensacola and Tallahassee, Panama City boasts sugar-white sand and nearly 320 days of sunshine a year. While the family’s partial to local hangout Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, visiting boaters should check out St. Andrews State Park, a 1,200-acre natural reserve with fishing jetties, campgrounds and tons of marine life. A typical Sunday finds the family packing up a cooler of drinks and sandwiches after church to get out on the water. “We’ll grab a couple of rods, bait and go offshore fishing,” Yonnie says. “Anna will often ski on her way back to the house at the end of the day.”



Of course, no trip to Panama City would be complete without a visit to the Patronises’ own dining room at Captain Anderson’s. Decorated with nautical curiosities, the restaurant features an oft-changing chalkboard menu of daily fresh seafood specialties. Whether amberjack, flounder or pompano strikes your fancy, Captain Anderson’s has you covered. The restaurant is a haven for diners to enjoy the stunning harbor views.

“We have more than 725 seats and serve more than 2,000 people on a summer evening,” Yonnie says. “It’s where we meet many of our friends to talk about our next boating plans.”

The Patronises aren’t tethered to the restaurant, though; they take their love of seafood on the water with them. “Every year, we like to travel to Port St. Joe to go scalloping,” Yonnie says. “It is a blast, and Lea and the kids love it. It’s usually our boating highlight of the summer.” No doubt the trip will be made even more special this year as they cruise over in their new Dauntless. The Patronises also help to preserve Panama City’s precious ecology through the restaurant by working with local seafood purveyors who preserve the natural oyster beds of Apalachicola Bay and build artificial reefs, so generations to come can enjoy waterside life as they have.

While the reliability of their Whaler is dear to them, the Patronises feel the boating culture they’ve inherited with the 240 Dauntless is even more precious. “Local boaters and boating families just seem to be great people who are very positive and fun,” Yonnie says. “The boat has been a great foundation to build a positive atmosphere around the children and family. All through life, the local waters and boating have been a magnet to keep our family active and together.”

With regards to his recommendations for prospective Whaler customers, Yonnie wants folks to know how discerning he was in the decision to buy a Boston Whaler. For him it all comes down to one thing: “Safety. Safety. Safety. I want only the best for my wife and kids. Whalers are of supreme quality. It gives me great confidence that this boat will serve me for years to come.”

Family comes first for this crew, and even though Yonnie and Lea have spent much of their lives in Panama City now, after all these years they still feel they’re in on something special. “The waters and beach here are among the nicest in the country. Panama City is one of our best-kept secrets,” Yonnie smiles. “Life is awesome here.”

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Every parent hopes their children will do well and have a better life thanthey did. At Interlux, we feel the same way about the products we make.With each new advancement and generation of Micron® Technologycomes better performing, higher quality solutions. Innovation is a traditionwe are proud to have carried on for over 30 years.From the long lasting and always dependable Micron CSC to our new,powerful water-based Micron Optima with Activated Biolux®, we build onour past success to deliver state of the art protection today.

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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2016.

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