whaler volume 5 issue 1

T H E U N S I N K A B L E L E G E N D volume 5 issue 1

www.bostonwhaler.com

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

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WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

EJECTOR SEAT, NO. TOUCH-SCREEN, YES.HOW IS THE ALL-NEW GMC SIERRA 1500 THE MOST ADVANCED TRUCK WE’VE EVER BUILT? ONE WAY: TOUCH-SCREEN TECHNOLOGY. MODERN FIGHTER JETS USE IT TO GIVE PILOTS INSTANT DATA AND DYNAMIC CONTROL. SIERRA USES IT, TOO, AS PART OF THE AVAILABLE 8-INCH DIAGONAL CUSTOMIZABLE LCD SCREEN TO GIVE DRIVERS INSTANT DATA AND DYNAMIC RESPONSE. AND IF IT’S CAPABLE ENOUGH FOR THE SPEED OF SOUND, IT’S CAPABLE ENOUGH FOR US. GMC SIERRA. IT’S MORE THAN JUST A TRUCK. IT’S INCREDIBLE THINKING IN THE FORM OF A TRUCK.

©2014 General Motors. All rights reserved. GMC® Sierra® WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE®

THE ALL-NEW GMC SIERRA. THAT’S PROFESSIONAL GRADE.

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©2014 General Motors. All rights reserved. GMC®

T

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VPresident,BostonWhalerHuw Bower

VicePresidentofSales,Marketing&CustomerServiceJeff Vaughn

ManagerofContent&EventMarketingTraci Davis

DigitalMarketingManagerJessica Mogus

President/PublisherDouglas Leik

AccountExecutiveAnnie Brown

EditorialDirectorRandy Hess

DeputyEditorAmy Wideman

AssociateEditorMatthew Grosinger

AssociateEditorElaine Short

EditorialAssociateKit Fox

ContentMarketingAssociateKaz Suzuki

CreativeDirectorRussell Duncan

DigitalCreativeDirectorKraig Devenport

ProductionDirectorRobyn Bendle

GraphicDesignerBrittany Huisenga

GraphicDesignerArlene Waclawek

PhotographersJim Barrett, John Bildahl, Mike Calabro, Steven J. Conway, Jamie Elvidge, Robert Glover,Mark Kellum

Whaler magazine is publishedtwo times a year for Boston Whaler by Dino Publishing LLC. Any correspondence should be directed to:Dino Publishing350 W. Hubbard St., Suite 400Chicago, IL 60654Tel: 312-822-9266Fax: 312-822-9268email: [email protected]

The opinions expressed in this magazine arenot to be considered official expressions ofDino Publishing or Boston Whaler. The pub-lisher reserves the right to accept or reject alleditorial or advertising matter. The publisherassumes no responsibility for unsolicitedmanuscripts, photographs, or artwork. Re-production in whole or in part of any text,photograph, or illustration without priorwritten permission from the publisher isstrictly prohibited. Printed in U.S.A.

Copyright © 2014 Boston Whaler.

At Boston Whaler, we’re driven to create boats that minimize work and worry so that theonly thing left to do is savor the hours aboard them, whether spent fishing, cruising, play-ing or otherwise choosing your own adventure.

With each new model, our design and engineering team finds ever-more brilliant waysof accomplishing this. On the 345 Conquest, for example, time spent in the cabin takes onan innovative new ease—turn to page 24 to explore our award-winning Dynamic Cabin Sys-tem. We are committed to an aggressive new-product strategy that has included more thana dozen new models in the past three years. And the biggest is yet to come—check out page4 for an exciting preview.

Time and again, we’ve seen our customers taking full advantage of life on the water, asthe stories in this issue prove: ere’s the Wobby family, who use their Whaler as primary

transportation along Florida’s Intracoastal (page 14). ere's father-and-son duo Bobby and Jeff Amos, who relish fishing from aMontauk (page 28). Or, perhaps the most personal example, thereare the customers I was lucky enough to join on the recent CaptivaRendezvous (page 44), whose Whalers unlocked a weekend packedstart to finish with joyful relaxation.

How will you spend your time this boating season? I look for-ward to seeing you out there, making the most of every moment.

ValuedTime

WHALERMagazine

Huw BowerPresident — Boston Whaler

We are committed to anaggressive new-product

strategy that has included more than a

dozen new models in thepast three years.

Keeping the legend growing.

whaler president’sletter

Time is a precious commodity. In the boating community, we know this well. In fact it may be the primary reason we all boat in the first place—to fill our spare hours in ways that are

vibrant and memorable.

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volume 5 issue 1

whalermagazine

on the cover:A 270 Dauntless helps the Wobby family enjoy Fort Lauderdale to the fullest.Photo by Mike Calabro

22

Contentsf e a t u r e s

14More to Explore

Dan Wobby and his family have found that the key to unlock

Fort Lauderdale’s best living comes in the form of a Whaler.

22Inside & Out

e award-winning 345 Conquest elevates time on the water by

proving there’s more than one way to use onboard space.

28In the Clear

e Tennessee River’s crystal-clear Pickwick Lake delivers crappie

at dawn for a father and son team aboard a 210 Montauk.

36Islands in the Stream

A Boston Whaler Dauntless keeps a couple busy exploring the many waterways and islands along the

Georgia coast.

44Captiva Rendezvous

An inaugural Gulf Coast event brings Florida Whaler owners

together for a weekend of fun and relaxation.

04Navigate

A sneak peek at something BIG, a savory seasonal recipe, cutting-edge

navigation gear and a new way to rentout your Whaler for income.

12Towing

Hitch up your Whaler for a road trip to some of the Pacific Northwest’s sweet spots with an itinerary and advice from the experts at GMC.

d e p a r t m e n t s

Inside & Out

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4 | vol. 5, issue 1 | www.bostonwhaler.com

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h o o k s , n e w s , g e a r a n d i n f o

navigatevolume 5 issue 1

HOWDOYOU IMPROVE ONA LEGENDARY FLEETTHAT’SALREADY EARNED A REPUTATION AS UNSINKABLE?Boston Whaler is about to answer that question with itsbiggest, boldest, most inspired model yet: the coming 420 Outrage. Expect to see features never before found ona center console boat. Get ready for incredibly precisehandling and powerful performance. And prepare to beamazed. First teased with an intricate scaled replica at February’s

Miami Boat Show (shown here), the 420 Outrage willmake its official debut at the Fort Lauderdale Interna-tional Boat Show in October 2014. In the meantime, besure to visit www.bostonwhaler.com for the latest news.

whaler

The Next BIG Thing

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Founded in 1983, Sea Tow bolsters the peace of mind you

get from your boat by serving as a helping hand, should

you ever need it. On major water systems from coast to

coast, Sea Tow’s fleet of experienced captains is always on

call to assist you on the water. Every new Boston Whaler

comes with a standard 95-day Sea Tow Trial Membership

and yearly membership options offer a range of services

including free boat towing, jump starts and fuel drops.

And here’s one more way to lighten your load: Members

of the Boston Whaler Owner’s Club are eligible to receive

14 months for the price of 12. Just use the code BWF when

you visit www.seatow.com.

peaceofmind

e evolution of boat navigationtechnology now culminates in the latest from Raymarine®, theLighthouse II software. Behindthe simple and elegant design, aslate of robust navigation toolsensures you can command yourWhaler with confidence. Housedinside Raymarine’s cutting-edgeline of touch displays, Light-house II comes packaged with 20 new features, including en-hanced charts for U.S. waters,pinch-to-zoom capabilities, GPXwaypoint transfer, and a smarter,sleeker design for superior us-ability. Learn more by visitingwww.raymarine.com.

ALL HANDS ON TECH

Looking to ramp up your tubing, waterskiing or wakeboarding?Consider the TurboSwing® tow bar, a unique towing system foroutboard boats that’s ideal for Whaler owners seeking extra watersports oomph. Easily mounted on your boat, the TurboSwinglets you hook your tow rope to an EZpulley™ that runs smoothlyaround the motor cowl, meaning the rider’s pull force and theengine’s propulsive thrust converge right at the boat’s point ofrotation. e result is heightened stability and response, a towrope that stays above the wake and lower planing speed. In otherwords, greater control for the driver—and more fun for thelucky boarder or tuber at the end of therope. Check out www.turboswingus.comfor videos and more information.

Go Turbo



TTOTALLY HOOKEDRecently, new 210 Montauk owner Dwayne Vernon sentWhaler a batch of photos that revealed his considerable fishingskills, displaying trophy specimens including flounder, kingfish, sailfish and mahi-mahi. A customer of MarineMaxCarolinas, he uses the boat several times a week, seasonpermitting.“I am extremely satisfied with my Montauk—this boat is the perfect vessel for this area,” Dwayne says.“e hull design has allowed not only for great entertaining,but also opened a variety of fishing options. As I mostlyfish offshore, anywhere from 3 to 25 miles, the Montaukhas proven to be a very stable, reliable and capable vessel.”And he’s got the full fishbox to prove it.

Better Engine Protection and Better MileageMarine industry experts agree, the best way to prevent ethanol-related problems—which include corrosion, fuel desta-bilization and phase separation—is to use an ethanol treatment such as ValvTect Ethanol Gasoline Treatment, whichreceived a perfect “A” rating in independent corrosion tests. ValvTect Ethanol Gasoline Treatment contains the petro-leum industry’s most effective premium gasoline detergent that can clean up power-robbing carbon deposits (gunk)from carburetors, fuel injectors and combustion chambers. Cleaning up carbon deposits causes the engine to operatemore efficiently, generate more power and use less fuel—all good things for your boat’s engine and your wallet.

ValvTect Ethanol Gasoline Treatment is available in handy containers at West Marine and quality marine dealers.It is also contained in ValvTect Marine Gasoline, available at Certified ValvTect Marinas nationwide. For more infor-mation contact ValvTect Petroleum Products at (800) 728-8258 or [email protected] or visit www.valvtect.com.

The Real ThingWhat’s the difference between dreaming aboutcruising on a Boston Whaler and actually cruisingon a Boston Whaler? It’s something like the difference between pinning photos of chocolatesoufflé on Pinterest versus sinking your teethinto a gooey, glorious bite. Both are pleasant, butonly one delights all five senses. With superiorrefinancing options from Essex credit, you cango from dreaming to doing. Essex Credit makesrefinancing your Whaler simple with competitive fixed rates and a convenientonline loan application process.

For more information visit www.essexcredit.com/bw or call 866-377-3948.Subject to consumer loan requirements and credit approval.


Completely redesigned for clarity and simplicity, gS-Series with LightHouse II makes everything easier

Smart Displays – a step beyond black box systems, each gS-Series is a smart touch screen MFD

Navigate with new LightHouse vector and raster charts Network with any LightHouse powered MFD Pinch-to-zoom or take command with the RMK-9 remote

and Raymarine mobile apps For more information, go to www.raymarine.com

with gS-Series powered by LightHouse™ IITAKE THE EASY ROUTE

Series


lamb with Garden veGetables and herbed Jus

After a leisurely Sunday cruise or an early fishing excursionon your Whaler, what better way to round out the day thana meal celebrating the flavors of the season? New Zealand–born Chef Matt Lambert developed this recipe for rack oflamb (a regional specialty) with lightly sautéed vegetables—a perfect post-boating feast. As an accompaniment, ChefLambert suggests Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir, rich with berryaromas and the deep flavor of ripe cherries and plums. Itscomplex blend of oak and velvety tannins make it a greatcomplement to this dish—and a natural choice for toastingto a day well spent.

Ingredients2 New Zealand lamb racks6 cups chicken stock1 cup Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir2 basil leaves4 mint leaves

lemon juice1 tbsp. butter8 baby zucchini8 toy box eggplants8 yellow pattypan squash

Directions For the lamb: Trim and French the bones. Apply a liberal amount ofsalt. Wrap in plastic and let stand overnight. Grill or pan roast to aninternal temperature of 115°F and let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

For the jus: In a pan over medium heat, reduce the chicken stock bytwo-thirds. Add the basil and mint. Separately, reduce the Pinot Noirto 1/8 cup, then add to the reduced stock. Add butter and stir brisklyuntil incorporated. Finish by adding lemon juice to taste.

For the vegetables: Cut all vegetables in half. In a pan coated witholive oil, cook vegetables cut-side down on medium heat untilgolden brown and al dente, approximately 5 minutes.

To serve: Slice lamb and stack, bone side up, on a rimmed platter.Arrange vegetables around the lamb. Serve drizzled with warm jus.

FlavorsoF theseason

Choosing to enjoy life on the water is pretty much a no-brainer.The same goes for choosing to enjoy the water on a Whaler. When itcomes to choosing the right boat insurance, Boater’s Choice can helpensure that your next decision in the process follows suit. The repre-sentatives at Boater’s Choice will walk you through all of yourinsurance plan options, helping you “shop” for the right coveragefrom A-rated carriers. Let the professionals at Boater’s Choice helpyou complete your streak of great decisions.

Visit www.boaterschoiceinsurance.com for a competitive quoteor call (800) 768-2121 to speak with a specialist.

Chosen Wisely

Fun can be fueled by many different sources—adrenaline,adventure, family bonding or relaxation, to name a few.On a Boston Whaler, fun is also fueled by one source thatpromises to supercharge your day: the DieHard® PlatinumMarine battery, which provides reliable, durable powerwith 40 percent more reserve capacity than traditionalspiral AGM batteries. Wrapped in a military-grade shell,99.99 percent virgin lead plates produce enough juice topower all the accessories on your Whaler. Having fun onthe water is a powerful feel-ing. e DieHard PlatinumMarine battery makes surethat fun stays fully charged.For more information visitwww.diehard.com.

THE POWER OF FUN


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Boston Whaler is pleased to announce a new partnership with

Boatbound, the leading fully-insured peer-to-peer boat sharing mar-

ketplace. Now launching in Miami and San Francisco, with more markets

soon to come, Boatbound’s simple online platform allows you to earn

rental income by sharing your boat with its trusted community of

pre-screened, qualified borrowers. Now, it’s possible for you to share

the thrill of the Whaler experience with others and earn added

income when you’re too busy to head out on the water.

List your boat for rent and maintain full control over who can access

your Whaler, the duration of the rental and how much it costs. Every

rental includes $1 million in renter liability insurance and up to $2 million

in boat protection through one of the most trusted insurers in the

world, as well as 24/7 on-the-water towing and support from BoatU.S.®

For Boston Whaler Owners Club members, the first time you share

your boat is commission-free. Visit www.boatbound.com/whaler to

learn more.

Ask any Boston Whaler engineer: the details matter.Every inch, every stainless-steel toe rail, molded curve and sealed

hatch…it all adds up to a boat more than

the sum of its parts. The craftsmen

at single malt Scotch whisky dis-

tiller Glenfiddich know this as well.

Consider Glenfiddich 21 Year Old,

which undergoes an aging process

that uses Gran Reserva rum

casks from the Caribbean to

add a distinctive and complex

flavor. Sweet vanilla and floral

notes with hints of banana,

followed by a soft taste of lime,

ginger and spice and a long,

complex finish, all combine to

form an intensely enjoyable

sipping experience. Truly, the

magic is in the details.

IT ALL ADDS UP

[ Share the Thrill of your Whaler for Income ]

FULL-POWER TOWINGTrailering your Whaler opens up new possibilities for placesto explore, fish to catch and sights to see. Of course, traileringcalls for a vehicle with the technology and capability to confi-dently pull the boat. e 2015 GMC® Yukon Denali rises tothe occasion in many instances. With a standard 6.2L Ecotec3 V-8 engine, it’s the leader of its class in power with unex-pected efficiency. Magnetic Ride Control and Bose® ActiveNoise Cancellation technology help create a comfortable andquiet ride, all the way to your next far-flung locale. For moreinformation on the Yukon Denali and the complete GMClineup, visit gmc.com.

Visit www.glenfiddich.com to learn more.



The GMC® Yukon Denali makes an excellent tow vehicle for exploringthe Pacific Northwest’s charms, including Gene Coulon Beach Park

(shown here). Every 2015 Yukon model features Trailer Sway Control,which employs StabiliTrak® sensors to detect a swaying trailer andapply both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s brakes, keeping you and

your trailer heading in the right direction, automatically.

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F Portland, Oregon:On the Willamette River, you can hook Chinook, steelheadand other big-river fish or explore downtown Portlandthrough one of the city’s most unique vantage points—yourown Boston Whaler. e nearly 200-mile-long Willamettemoves at a relaxing pace. Coast along its wild edges to spotgreat blue heron or take in Oregon’s largest city via theRiverplace Marina, a 24-hour public dock within walkingdistance of downtown Portland.

Renton, Washington:As you head north of Portland, the state of Washingtonteases views of snow-capped Mount Rainier. Continue lessthan three hours to discover the small-town charm of Renton, Washington. Its key location drops you and yourcrew in the center of terrific freshwater fishing and water-sports fun at the southeastern edge of the 22-mile-longLake Washington. Stretching from North Seattle south-ward, Lake Washington is accessible to the public via GeneCoulon Memorial Beach Park’s eight boat launch lanes. Picnic shelters, golf and tennis, a swimming beach and abotanical walk provide additional entertainment.

San Juan Islands via AnaCortes:e boutique village of Anacortes sits 85 miles north onFidalgo Island and proves an excellent lunch-and-launchspot for the San Juan Islands. Savor the flavors of one ofthe many specialized local bistros, station your trustyGMC in the Anacortes Ferry Terminal parking lot andhit the water for the destination of your choice. Stretchyour legs on Orcas Island’s hiking trails in Moran StatePark, tour San Juan’s Friday Harbor by foot or get close tothe National Wildlife Refuge of Lopez Island by kayak.Whichever island you choose and whichever way youchoose to explore it, GMC and Boston Whaler will makethe San Juan Islands’ peaceful views of lush forests abreastthe Pacific’s blue waters yours to explore.

Few places in the world boast more awesome siteson both land and water than the Pacific Northwest. A playground for nature lovers, the region’s bounty of rivers,lakes, beaches, forests and mountain ranges creates a feel-ing of modern-day exploration. When the route is asrewarding as the destination, it only makes sense to hitchyour Boston Whaler to your GMC and take in the tree-lined roadways, historic waterways and rugged terrain ofa Pacific Northwest road trip.

Keep in Mind:Follow these trailering tips From the experts at gmCto ensure a smooth journey. (For more helpFul adviCe,head to gmc.com/trailering-towing.html or Consultyour loCal Boston whaler dealer.)

❚ First things first: As you perform maintenance andsafety checks before setting out, include the tow vehicle. Inspect fluids, battery and lights. Most importantly, check your tow vehicle’s brakes, whichprovide primary stopping power even if your trailerhas its own braking system.

❚ Attaching your trailer properly to your tow vehicle is crucial. Be sure the trailer coupler fits properly on the trailer ball and the latch is in the down, orlocked, position.

❚ When you arrive at the launch ramp, slow and steadywins the race. Give yourself as much room as possiblewhen turning while reversing. Go slowly and try to make lots of small corrections rather than a fewlarge ones.

WHALER

towing

Blazing a New TrailTake your Boston Whaler on a tour of Pacific Northwest

highlights with this trailering itinerary from GMCStory by Elaine Short | Photos by Mike Calabro

“ ”As you head north of Portland, thestate of Washington teases views of

snow-capped Mount Rainier.

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Wandering WaterwaysDan Wobby and his family have found that the key to unlockFort Lauderdale’s best living comes in the form of a Whaler

S t o r y b y A m y W i d e m a n | P h o t o s b y M i k e C a l a b r o


Iin some circles,fort lauderdaleis nicknamed the “veniceof america.”now, architecture, lan-guage and local cuisine may suggest otherwise,but in terms of pure accessibility by water, it’sa sound comparison. withits picturesque, windinglength of the intracoastalwaterway lined with palmtrees, restaurants and assorted stopovers, boatingthrough fort lauderdaleis more than a means oftransportation—it’s a way of life.

(Previous page) The Wobby family happily cruises through Fort Lauderdaleon their 270 Dauntless. Seen from overhead, the comparisons to Venice makeeven more sense. (These pages and following) Dan, Carol, Thomas andJoann—and loyal pup Maddy—all feel right at home, whiling away a holiday weekend onboard.



Dan Wobby knows this well. He and his wife, Carol, purchased a home in thearea about two years ago and quickly found their happy place was on the water.Dan’s job keeps him in Illinois for much of each month, but he makes the journeysouth more weekends than not. And thanks to a gleaming 270 Dauntless intheir backyard, the trip from home to sea is practically automatic.

“I’ve loved Whalers since I began spending time on Cape Cod and Martha’sVineyard years ago,” Dan explains. “ey’re great boats that handle the oceanwell and have a timeless beauty. And I’ve always found the unsinkable aspectcompelling.”

On Carol’s side of the family, one Whaler in particular has made its mark—a 1979 Sport that her father bought used and kept in pristine condition fordecades, motoring the rivers near his home in Virginia. He passed the boatdown to Carol and her twin sister, Diane, and together the sisters and theirgrowing families put it to great usearound Edgartown Harbor on Martha’sVineyard. Kids and grandkids grew upfishing, skiing, tubing and going to thebeach. e Sport served double duty as awater taxi and photo boat when membersof the family were learning to sail. Today,younger sis Susan and her clan still usethe boat on the lakes of North Carolina.

For Dan and Carol, though, the Fort Lauderdale house prompted the searchfor a vessel to call their own. Which manufacturer to go with wasn’t even aquestion. “We have loved that Whaler Sport for so many years, and we saw howmany people had them up in Martha’s Vineyard,” Dan says. “It seemed likepractically everyone had a Whaler that had been in their family for genera-tions! at experience definitely influenced our decision.”

Deciding on a specific model came down to how they planned to use it.“Whenever we’re in Fort Lauderdale, ours is a big house, so we always have abunch of family and friends around,” he explains. “We needed a boat that wasvery versatile. We needed to have a place for my daughter and her friends tosunbathe, it needed to be fishing capable, we wanted to be able to do someocean cruising, and we needed something that would be great for spending alot of time on the Intracoastal.”

ey soon narrowed their choicesdown to the Boston Whaler Vantageand Dauntless families, but as soon asthey laid eyes on the 270 Dauntless attheir local dealership, Lauderdale Marina, the decision was made. “eDauntless suited us perfectly. We lovedit right from the moment we saw it,”Dan says. “Clean lines, all the versatility“ ”

They’re great boats that handle theocean well and have a timeless beauty.And I’ve always found the unsinkable

aspect compelling.



we were looking for…I mean, to have seating for four adults in the bow, all facing forward, is very unusual—and for our application on the Intracoastal, it’sreally nice.”

e Intracoastal Waterway extends some 3,000 miles, running between theAtlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. Its main function is to provide transportships with a safe, easily navigable route, but it also makes for terrific sightsee-ing. At the point where it intersects Fort Lauderdale, the waterway is flankedby glamorous hotels, high-end real estate and entertainment complexes thatprovide plenty of places to stop and indulge, while wildlife including manatees,osprey and all manner of fish offer a natural counterbalance to the glitz. Fur-ther afield, the system of canals, rivers and inlets weaves through tranquilmarshes and flatlands, making it an ideal spot for relaxed cruising.

With son omas and daughter Joann off at college, the Wobbys are keen onanything that helps them all spend time together during school holidays. Win-ter and spring breaks are prime time to seize every boating option available.Florida’s “Venice” is rife with opportunity, and the Wobbys’ house happens to beon a stretch of canal with what Dan calls “an unlimited number of waterfrontrestaurants with dockage”—to the point where they jump in the boat more oftenthan the car to head to dinner.

When Dan is back in Illinois, Carol often takes the Dauntless out withfriends, following the same “my other car is a boat” outlook that makes FortLauderdale such a treat. And then there’s the ocean—a playground unto itself.e Wobbys have ventured as far as Miami and figure there may be a Bahamas

trip in their future. “e ocean side is a beautiful ride, with the beaches and thecoastline stretching out beside us. We can be in South Beach in a couple hours,”Dan says.

When they opt to stay closer to home, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers freemooring balls where the Wobbys can tie up for the day and snorkel or take theirkayak out on short trips from the Dauntless and back. “ere’s something aboutthat blue ocean…” Dan says wistfully.

He and omas also love to fish for tuna or mahi-mahi, with friends or justfather and son. More often than fishing, though, it’s the cocktail cruises thatcomprise a majority of the Wobbys’ outings. eir faithful dog, Maddy, is morethan happy to accompany. “She’s good with the boat—wherever we are, shewants to be,” Dan says.

Frequenting area eateries like Flip Flops and 15th Street Fisheries, they meetplenty of fellow Whaler owners and have run into neighbors who, like the Wob-bys, prefer boating as a means of transportation. Gondoliers they are not, butthe smiles on their passengers’ faces are as wide as any tourist’s in Italy.

As far as his dealership, Lauderdale Marina, is concerned, Dan gives a spe-cial nod to service managers Kevin and Jason, whom he credits with going outof their way to ensure he and Carol are happy with their new boat. “ey’ve actually sent people over to our house to check on it!” Dan says. “It’s been an incredibly positive experience the whole way.”

e Wobbys look forward to a summer packed with even more hours on theDauntless, cruising to new restaurants and scenic spots on the Intracoastal, fill-ing the livewell from time to time, and enjoying the rhythm of a city whoseveins course with boating. Maddy may learn a new trick or two, and Joann andomas may well pick up the art of captaining. ey haven’t taken to the helmyet, but Dan’s pretty sure it’s only a matter of time. “Boating’s a huge part of ourlives. I think they’ll feel the Whaler influence just like I have.”

(Left) The 15th Street Fisheries restaurant is a popular hangoutfor Fort Lauderdale residents like the Wobbys, in part becauseit’s so accessible by water. Friendly locals span a variety ofspecies, including the inimitable manatee.

“ ”The Dauntless suited usperfectly. We loved it rightfrom the moment we saw it.


• Original Boston Whaler canvas patterns dating back to 1997.

• Fast turnaround — ships within 7 - 10 business days.

• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee or your money back.

• Bimini tops, cockpit covers, bow/tonneau covers, full enclosures and much more.

• Sturdy construction and OEM specifi ed marine hardware.

• Industry-leading Sunbrella canvas with a 10-year fabric warranty.

Whaler Ad v2.indd 1 4/23/2014 3:42:14 PM

the award-winning 345 conquest elevates time on the waterby proving there’s more than one way to use onboard space

S t o r y b y A m y 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

INSIDE OUT

bw.sp14.345CQ_Layout 1 4/22/14 4:34 PM Page 22


quite literally does the work for you. It’s not only beautiful on the in-side, it’s smart on the inside.

While introducing the feature at February’s Miami Boat Show,Whaler Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service JeffVaughn took to the mic to expand on the subject. “e conversion fromtable to bed is effortless, and it instantly transforms the whole space,”he said. “It’s an advancement we’re very proud of. e Dynamic CabinSystem demonstrates perfectly our commitment to innovation, in theform of purposeful, cutting-edge design that comfortably and fluidlyaccommodates a variety of uses.”

Topside, there’s lots to love as well. Consider the reimagined helmcompanion area. Family members and friends will want to join the cap-tain in climate-controlled comfort inside the integrated openwindshield/hard-top enclosure—in other words, the best of both indoorand outdoor time. e helm companion space is designed to foster bet-ter conversations while lending a clear view of the horizon, with aportside seat that converts via an optional filler cushion into a fulllounge. Whether your copilot is a son or daughter home from college ora lifelong fishing buddy, the handy starboard cockpit wet bar—com-plete with refrigerator/freezer, sink, storage and cutting board—meansthey don’t have to duck into the cabin just to grab a snack or wash upafter a catch.

For the captain’s benefit, the console features an intuitive layout withan easy-to-read display. Ergonomics are well accounted for, with bol-sters that flip up or down and an integrated footrest. As for thatindefinable thrill factor? Consider it defined: Offshore or close to home,the 345 Conquest performs like a dream. Triple Mercury® VeradoFourStroke engines with the state-of-the-art SmartCraft™ VesselViewdisplay delivers a smooth, quiet ride and incredible efficiency. AvailableRaymarine® packages—including the advanced gS Series—and availablehigh-definition digital radar provide industry-leading navigation aid.

YIt’s a bit of a trip, in the best way possible. And it’s a roundabout wayof saying, when what’s outside and what’s inside are in harmony,everything just flows a whole lot better.

Boston Whaler designed the all-new 345 Conquest with thissense of harmony in mind, knowing that Whaler owners expecthuge capability and major versatility from their boats. The zones ofthe Conquest that are most open to the outdoors—cockpit, deck,swim platform—serve an array of functions, while the more enclosedareas—helm, port lounge, cabin—boast equal flexibility.

The prime example is a feature that’s already earning raves fromindustry experts: the Dynamic Cabin System, a recipient of the 2014NMMA Innovation Award. From a pure enjoyment standpoint, thecabin is an inviting place to get away from the sun, to relax in air-conditioned comfort and to connect with a group of friends or a goodbook. A full galley, refined head and sophisticated entertainmentarea provide all the amenities you could want during a long day atsea, an overnight trip, or a raft-up that stretches into the wee hours.A large settee along one side of the cabin converts to form guestsleeping quarters. (And parents of little ones will no doubt appreci-ate the nap-zone potential.) Abundant, dedicated storage—likeoptional rod racks above the settee and a cedar-lined locker—keepeverything tidily out of sight.

The part of the cabin with the highest “wow” factor, however, ishands-down the V-berth. Here, a large forward dining table offersseating for your whole crew to enjoy a meal or a spirited game ofcards, with elbowroom to spare. And when the time comes to call ita night, the dining area converts electronically to form a plushqueen-sized bed that’s easily accessible by steps on both sides andavailable with stylish blue LED lighting.

at’s right, electronically. With the simple push of a button. Nomore wrestling with cushions or telescoping tables. e 345 Conquest

Your boat takes you to places both far and wide andnear and dear. It’s a vessel in more ways than one, containing that rare, powerful combination of possibil-ity and certainty. It’ll take you offshore to where thewahoo are biting as confidently as it will transport yourfamily to a trove of shared memories. We climb aboardand our perspective shifts, so that facing outward—atnature, at the sun and the water and the sky—and facing inward—toward how boating makes us feel—occur simultaneously.


(Left) The helm area on the 345 Conquest features state-of-the-art navigation equipmentand convertible seats for ultimate comfort and confidence. (Below) For getting out of theheat, relaxing with a movie or book, or tuckingin for the night, the award-winning DynamicCabin System gives you options.

Scan this Tagwith your smartphone to see how the Dynamic CabinSystem works.


”“26 | vol. 5, issue 1 | www.bostonwhaler.com

As often as not, the main action takes place in the cockpit.Whaler’s design team ensured that the 345 Conquest was well pre-pared to accommodate every itinerary, from serious fishing trips tosummer cookouts to impromptu swims. The port lounge area’s re-versible portside seat switches easily to face aft, with a footrest belowthe seat that pulls out to let passengers rest their soles. Wheneverthere’s a fish being reeled in or a cannonball being perfected, ob-servers will find it’s an ideal cheering section. The cockpit also features a convenient work surface that slides

out smoothly, lifts to reveal a handy electric grill, and tucks away se-curely when your prep work is done or the burgers have all beenserved. Large drawers provide additional storage underneath, mak-ing it a cinch to stay organized. “The new 345 Conquest is tailor-made for experienced boaters

who know exactly what they want in a boat: reliable performance,tremendous fishing capability, ergonomic comfort, and the rightcomplement of features, without hassles or headaches,” Vaughn said.“While the technology of this boat is cutting-edge, it has the intu-itiveness that is a hallmark of the Conquest family, taken to a wholenew level.”

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i n t h e

The Tennessee River’s crystal-clear Pickwick Lake delivers crappieat dawn for a father and son team aboard a 210 Montauk

Story by Jennifer Chesak | Photos by Robert Glover

bw.sp14.pickwick_Layout 1 4/22/14 5:44 PM Page 28

O(Above and right) Jeff Amos and his father, Bobby, savor the hoursaboard their Montauk. Pickwick Lake and its tributaries offer anabundance of fish and have a way of deepening the father-son bond with each catch.

on a cool spring morningbefore the sun has even shown itsface, jeff amos and his father, bobby,head out on jeff’s new 210 montauk.Steam rises from the surface of Pickwick Lake in Alabama, creating an eerie scene as the pre-dawn light begins to set theinky surface aglow. Like a ghost ship, the Montauk drifts in and out of the fog bank looking at times as if it’s only half there.

The rising vapor is an indication that the water temper-ature is warmer than the air. And the warmer watertemperature is an indication that the crappie are feedingaggressively in preparation for spawning. Jeff and his father aim to take advantage of this sweet spot in thecrappie season over the next two weeks. In fact, Jeff has even taken time off from work so that he can camp with his father on the banks of Bear Creek, a tributary of Pickwick northwest of the Muscle Shoals-Florence area, and fish every glorious morning in his brand-new Boston Whaler. Jeff bought the Whaler from MarineMax Chat-

tanooga after doing plenty of research about what wouldbe the best fishing boat to get into. “What I had in mindwas a boat I could use to fish in both freshwater and salt-water,” he says. “I kind of knew what I wanted.Performance and safety were the main things. I saw theBoston Whaler at the dealership and really liked it.”



Jeff had his mind set on a center console layout for easy maneuveringwhile fishing onboard and had been specifically eyeing the Montauk,which he says has “top-of-the-line” customer reviews. Once he took alook at a few key options, like adding rod holders in the bow, he wassold. “The guys at MarineMax in Chattanooga were so professional,”he adds. “They understood exactly what I was looking for.”

is morning, Jeff and Bobby set to work targeting a slough. Herethey have a good chance of finding hungry crappie en route to shal-lower waters and shoreline cover. Crappie aren’t picky when it comesto bait; worms, minnows and artificials will do just fine. e fish are,however, a bit finicky when it comes to color. So the lure of choice—depending on water clarity and amount of sunlight—might make allthe difference between simply fishing and actually catching. Darkerlures are best in clear water, but brighter presentations work well inmurkier depths. On cloudy days, rumor has it they prefer darker lures,and on brighter days, they opt for color. Obviously, the most importantrule is to switch it up if the fish seem bored.

“is time of year, I go for chartreuse and whites,” says Jeff, “butlately they’ve been hitting on blues.” Jeff and Bobby swear by Go-Get-ter lures. In the early spring, they troll the flats at about 10 to 15 feetdown. “We’re actually getting ’em at about 6 feet now,” he says. eguys fish Pickwick all year for crappie, but they switch to trollingwith crankbaits in the summer. “I like the rod holders off the back,”Jeff says. “ey work really well for trolling.”

e Whaler’s versatility was a huge selling point for Jeff, whowanted something that can get in the shallows on Pickwick but alsowork well for plying the coast for redfish and trout. “Anywhere I go andfor whatever I want to catch, I should be able to use this boat,” he says.

While he hasn’t had a chance to test it out on the sea yet, Jeff saysthat massive Pickwick holds its own when it comes to rough waters,and the Montauk has proven its mettle so far. “When it gets realwindy out here, it gets rough,” he says. “But I feel really safe. e boatis sturdy.” e 200-hp Mercury® Verado also does a stellar job of get-ting the guys from location to location on the big lake. “It’s very quiet

“ ”Anywhere I go And for whAtever I wAnt to cAtch, I should be Able to use thIs boAt.


(Above) Steam rising offthe lake bodes well for theearly-morning fishermanin search of crappie. (Left)Jeff shows off a samplingfrom the day’s bounty.



and it gets up on plane easily,” Jeff says. Aside from the Montauk’s mer-its in durability and performance, Jeff says he doesn’t mind the fact thatit earns him lots of compliments, too.

e sun finally peeks its head above the high banks, casting a sheenon the blossoming shoreline. Among the evergreens are the showy vio-let shades of the redbud trees and the white sprays of dogwood. As thetemperature climbs, the guys peel off their outer layers. ey use themorning light to reconfigure their setups, and it’s not long before Jeffhooks up with a bite. e prize is on the smaller side, but soon he snagsanother. Although Pickwick is also known for its bass, Jeff and Bobbysimply prefer going after crappie. “ey’re good eatin’,” Jeff says. Ulti-mately, that’s what the choice comes down to. e guys are also big intohunting deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel and anything else that pleases theirpalates. But there’s more to fishing than just catching dinner. “It’s relax-ing to get out on the water, and it’s a lot of fun,” Jeff adds.

With the sun on his face, Bobby smiles at his son. ey work around

each other on the boat as if they’ve been doing the exact same thing to-gether forever. In truth, they have. Bobby used to take Jeff out on his boatwhen Jeff was a kid, and now Jeff gets to return the favor.

Jeff, who grew up in Muscle Shoals, now lives in Chattanooga, wherehe works for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), but he makes it backto Alabama as often as possible to fish with his father.

“is boat hasn’t been broken in yet,” Bobby says to his son with asmile. “I think you’d better leave it with me.” Bobby, now retired fromworking as an electrician for the TVA, has just a little bit more time toget at those crappie these days.

e Chattanooga area has a lot to offer for an angler as well. It’s situ-ated on the Tennessee River, and TVA reservoirs like Chickamauga andNickajack are in close proximity. Jeff says he hasn’t had a chance to fishthem yet. He claims he prefers Pickwick because it’s terrific for crappie,but now that the sun has burned off the fog, the truth is a little clearer:He simply likes having his number-one fishing buddy onboard.


(This page) Thanks to the Montauk’s reliable performance

and fishing capability, Jeff and Bobby look forward to many

fruitful seasons ahead.


I s l a n d sin the s t r e a mA Boston Whaler Dauntless keeps a couple busy exploring the manywaterways and islands along the beautiful Georgia coast

Story by Jennifer Chesak | Photos by Mike Calabro

bw.sp14.savannah_Layout 1 4/24/14 3:40 PM Page 36


Dbw.sp14.savannah_Layout 1 4/22/14 4:51 PM Page 38

DDan and Patty Cook tie up their Boston WhalerDauntless at A-J’s Dockside Restaurant, a favoriteon Georgia’s Tybee Island near Savannah. Patty ogles the standup paddle boarders and kayakerswho are making their way out into the WilmingtonRiver and its maze of tributaries that cut throughthe marshlands.

“We should do that sometime,” she says to Dan.Patty’s love of the water surprises her. “I actuallygrew up in the desert in Texas,” she explains. “I wasa military brat.” Yet it was Patty who chose the cou-ple’s second Whaler, which they bought in 2009from Hall Marine. “I picked out the 200 Dauntless,”she adds. “It’s got the head and it seats a lot of people.We can get the whole family onboard.” The familyincludes two adult daughters and two grandchil-dren who like to tag along on the weekends.

Dan and Patty find a sunny spot on the patio andorder up a Southern-style smorgasbord of conch frit-ters, buffalo shrimp, fries, chicken fingers and slaw.While they eat, they reminisce about their previousWhaler as if talking about an old friend. “She wasan awesome, awesome boat,” Patty says of the 210Conquest the Cooks had for 13 years. The couple isquick to point out that even after more than adecade of solid use, the Conquest is still a fantasticvessel and that another local boater is currently en-joying the heck out of it.

(Previous page) The Cockspur Island lighthouse was established in 1849 toguide travelers through the island-dotted stretch of river leading to the port of Savannah. These days Dan and Patty Cook (previous inset and left) rely ontheir Dauntless to ferry them safely around the area’s waterways.



“I made six trips to Bimini with that boat,” Dan says. “I was evenfeatured in a documentary about the Bermuda Triangle. e first yearwhen we went to the Bahamas, there was a hurricane. ere are notmany 21-foot boats I would trust to be out in 6-foot seas.”

Luckily, close to home, the Cooks generally get to contend with thebest that Mother Nature has to offer. “In the late afternoon or earlyevening, you can take advantage of some really nice cruising,” Dansays. ey take it over to the Barrier Islands when they’re looking to getaway. Conservation laws have prevented over development, which pro-vides Georgia with one of the most uninterrupted coastlines on theeastern seaboard.

Only four of Georgia’s eight clusters of Barrier Islands are accessibleby car: Tybee, Sea, Jekyll and St. Simmons. e other four, accessibleonly by boat, offer wide stretches of ever-changing soft and sandybeaches and beautiful dune scapes. ese islands are also colored withstunning wildflowers and fringed with golden sea oats. A maritimeforest provides a canopy of southern magnolia, pine, palm and theiconic majestic live oak dripping with silvery Spanish moss. e Bar-rier Islands protect the mainland from wind and waves coming in offthe Atlantic, but the varying habitats also create a home for faunaranging from alligators to ghost crabs.

If Dan and Patty are in the mood for a little wining and dining in-stead, they’ll head to Hilton Head, South Carolina, about a 75-minuteride by boat to the north. e island offers everything from world-classtheater and symphony performances to destination food and wine fes-tivals. Hilton Head is also a PGA tour stop and features a famous coursedesigned by golf legends Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus.

e Georgia coastline is 110 miles long, but the many islands createmiles and miles of navigable waterways for when the Cooks get theitch for a little discovery. Tybee, Wilmington and Skidaway Islandsprovide a magnificent trifecta right near metro Savannah. e creeksand rivers that carve through these landmasses would take months andmonths to completely explore. e Cooks will have fast access now thatthey are building a home on Skidaway at South Harbor, a boatingcommunity. e couple is excited to pick up the plans from the archi-tect for their new house tomorrow. At South Harbor, they’ll haveaccess to a community dock, a lift and dry storage and be near plentyof other likeminded water lovers.

Dan pushes the baskets of fried fare to the side, wipes his hands ona napkin and looks out over the water. e high tide has dredged upthe pluff mud, which creates a beautiful dark bloom around the char-treuse sea grass. “I grew up around Whalers and always wanted to have

(This page) Georgia’s Barrier Islands give the Cooks ample playground to put theirWhaler through its paces. A natural abundanceof wildlife sweetens the deal and inspires delicious local fare.


one,” he says. Dan was raised in Fort Myers, Florida, and spent a lot oftime out on the Caloosahatchee River.

“Whalers are very dry boats,” Patty adds. “ey’re durable and safe.And they’re also well-rounded boats.” Patty has full confidence in theWhaler when Dan takes it offshore on fishing trips. She knows he andhis buddies will come back safe and sound, especially with the de-pendable 200-hp Mercury Verado FourStroke powering it.

“I like the Mercury for its durability,” Dan says. “It’s quiet and hasgood fuel economy.” Dan, who has mostly favored offshore excursionsin the past, is looking to get in on the inshore scene. “We call it the in-shore slam,” he says. “Redfish, trout and flounder. at’s what happensaround here. People get into catching versus fishing. But I’m not com-plaining. I’ve got the right boat for just about anything, and I like thepeace and tranquility.”

When Dan is out fishing, Patty likes to catch mischief. One day sheheaded out to get a goldfish, something to keep her company, but sheended up coming home with Winston, a Lab and golden retriever mixshe rescued from Save-A-Life. “It’s his dog now,” Patty says, smiling androlling her eyes.

Dan nods in agreement. He was a little surprised about the new ad-dition to the family at first, but he and Winston became fast friends.“He absolutely loves the boat,” he says. “You pick up the beach bag andhe knows we’re going.” Curious by nature, Winston favors checking outthe coastal wildlife.

“e dolphins will come up to the swim platform and they will talkto him,” Patty explains. e Cooks even opted to add a freshwater wash

to their Whaler, just for Winston, so that he can freshen up after a dipwith his finned friends.

Winston gets to tag along on most excursions, especially if Dan andPatty head in to downtown Savannah to enjoy the city’s beautifulsquares. “We love to go down there, take the dog and get pizza at VinnieVan GoGo’s,” Dan says. e New York–style pizzeria sits on the cornerof Savannah’s famed City Market, where visitors can enjoy live music,run in and out of shops and dine alfresco.

Architects and planners have lauded Savannah’s city layout for itsbeauty and abundance of green space. Founder General James Oglethorpeoriginally intended the first squares, designed in 1733, as space for mil-itary training and exercise. In recent decades, the American Society ofCivil Engineers has honored Savannah as a National Historical CivilEngineering Landmark. Today, the squares feature statues honoringgenerals, presidents and other important figures.

Patty works in Savannah, not far from the historic district, as acivil mediator for the state of Georgia. Dan is the service director for amajor car dealership. He’s even sold his Whaler salesman, PaulWilliams at Hall Marine, various vehicles over the years. “Paul set usup great,” Dan says of his Dauntless. “Before it’s all over, I will proba-bly work for Paul, selling Whalers. I like the boating industry.”

After their early dinner, Dan and Patty climb back onboard theirboat and shove off from A-J’s dock. e sun hangs low in the sky, light-ing up the silky fronds in the marsh and casting a golden glow onWilmington. At the helm, Dan takes a deep breath and looks over athis wife. “Well, dear,” he says, “which way would you like to go?”

The Dauntless’s soft, dry ride means Danand Patty can crank the throttle without

hesitation. Vistas like the Tybee IslandLighthouse (opposite) lend additional

reason to sightsee by water.


an inaugural gulf Coast event brings florida Whaler oWners together for a Weekend of fun and relaxation

endezvousR Captiva

•Story by Amy Wideman | Photos by Mark Kellum

bw.sp14.captiva_Layout 1 4/24/14 2:44 PM Page 44


By definition, a legendis an historical account—often one that can be hard to believe and gathers momentum like a wave.

OAh, the age-old competitive tradition that is tug o’ war. His-torians trace its roots to ancient Greece, where displays ofbrute strength were a surefire way to draw a crowd. Twoteams square off, positioning themselves at intervals along arope’s bristled length. A dozen or more pairs of feet staketheir claim in the sand; forearms flex and burn with antici-pation; and sweat beads on foreheads like condensation on anice-cold piña colada. In those laden moments before the offi-cial’s signal, the teams crouch lower, staring daggers intotheir opponents’ eyes. And then the cue is given. And then afew seconds of full-on exertion dissolve into peals of laughteras bodies collapse in a sandy, elated heap.

One… two… three… TUG!


Such was the scene at Charlie Pass on March 8, where teams from theMarineMax and Boston Whaler staffs went head to head in a fiercelyentertaining showdown. ey were there to host a lively group ofWhaler owners, all gathered for the inaugural Captiva Rendezvous.Sandy competition was a marquee event at the afternoon’s island cook-out, but just one of many. On that brisk spring afternoon, cannonballswere perfected and doggy paddles practiced. Fishing poles were ex-pertly wielded and boats put through their paces. Sunscreen wasgenerously passed. And a feast of potato salad, sun-warmed cookiesand freshly grilled burgers and dogs was happily consumed.

In addition to the activities at Charlie Pass, the Rendezvousagenda was packed with album-worthy moments. ings had officiallykicked off Friday evening with a welcome party at the luxuriousSouth Seas Island Resort, where guests mingled over appetizers andmusic. Earlier in the day, many had taken the opportunity to demothe new Boston Whaler models available for test rides, including theinspired 270 Dauntless and the all-new, Innovation Award–winning345 Conquest (see page 24).

e group had faced less-than-ideal weather on the trip down,braving high winds and a chill in the air, but nothing that couldquash the unsinkable Whaler spirit. “Friday we didn’t have the best

conditions but our salesman, Diamond Neely, encouraged us to go, andit worked out great,” said MarineMax Naples customer Jody Newhouse,who boated down with her husband, Ronald, on their 270 Dauntless.“It was our first time on a group trip like this, and everybody was sosweet and kind and gracious.”

“We were pleased to see nearly 100 percent attendance from everyonewho registered, despite some iffy weather at the beginning,” said Jeff Vaughn, Boston Whaler’s vice president of sales, marketing and customer service, who attended with his wife and parents. “Gatheringslike this prove, time and again, that Whaler owners truly know how tohave fun. We’re always happy to provide opportunities for our customersto get together in a relaxed, beautiful setting and just enjoy nature,their boats, and each other’s company.”

Saturday morning, many awoke bright and early to prepare for theWest Coast Slam, a catch-and-release fishing tournament. Participantsdocumented each catch with a photograph, and then sent the resultsto the honorable Captain Wil Rogers. “We saw quite a showing,” Wilconfirmed. “We’ve got some skilled fishermen in this bunch.”

Not long after the fishing teams set out, a flotilla of Whaler clansdeparted from South Seas, setting out for their ultimate destination,the cookout at Charlie Pass. It was an impressive sight, more than a

(Previous page) Setting out from Captiva for Saturday’s flotilla, the merry band ofWhalers made an impressive sight. (These pages) Highlights of the Rendezvous

included beach games, swimming, fishing and a cookout feast. (Top right) Nightfall at the South Seas Island Resort, a welcoming home for the Boston Whaler group.



dozen boats stretched across the turquoise horizon in a gleaming array.“ey led us on a tour around the area, and we all had our radios

and communicated back and forth,” Jody described. “e leaderspointed out different sights, the lighthouse and so on. We saw all sortsof things you can only get to by water, which was really interesting.”

After the cookout, the victories and heartaches of the aforemen-tioned tug o’ war, and several hours of premium-grade Vitamin D, thegroup headed back to Captiva for the evening. But not before preservingsome of the highlights on their smartphones—posting shots to Facebookand Twitter with hashtag #WhalerCaptiva2014 earned them entryinto the weekend-long Selfie Contest. The resulting portraits were creative, colorful and, in many cases, downright hilarious.

President Huw Bower was there to partake in the whole works. “Itwas such a pleasure to spend time with a really terrific group of owners,and to have my family share in the experience,” said Bower. “Captivawas a perfect setting for the event. There were a lot of standout

moments, but nothing topped seeing several generations of Whalerfans all fishing, swimming and playing beach games together at thecookout.”

at evening, guests caught their second wind over cocktails on thewaterfront. Music wafted through the cool air on a breeze that rustledthe palms and fluttered the red Whaler flags dotting the harbor. endinner was served—a hearty spread of seafood, colorful salads, and, ofcourse, dessert.

“e food was great, the resort was beautiful, the people were won-derful. It was just such a relaxing weekend,” Jody said, summing up thepositive vibes. “Everyone was just so down-to-earth and real.”

As dinner and dancing came to an end, the guests slipped off to their respective accommodations—some in the resort, some onboard a Whaler bobbing gently in the marina, all of them delightfully stuffed with food, laughter and fond memories of an unforgettableCaptiva Rendezvous.

(Top left) An aerial shot of the island hints at the tranquility guests of Captiva enjoy. (Top right and above) With matching Captiva shirts and abundant Whaler pride, the group was readily identifiable. (Left) Whaler President Huw Bower and his son soak up the sunshineand flurry of beach activity.

“GatherinGs like this prove, timeand aGain, that Whaler oWnerstruly knoW hoW to have fun.”

Aerial photo courtesy of South Seas Island Resort, Captiva, FL


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