Southwest Boating Magazine Vol. 1 Issue 2

S O U T H W E S T BOATING
76’ HORIZON
“DO IT NOW”
VIKING YACHTS
50 Years & Growing!
CHOOSING YOUR PONTOON
MAGAZINE
Vol 1 • Issue 2 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

MAGAZINE
Publisher:
Peter Bryant
Editorial Director:
Marion Daly
Creative Director: Martin Humphrey
Email: martin@mancdesign.com
Editorial Department:
info@southwestboatingmagazine.com
Contributors to September/October Issue:
Capt. Lucy Newman
– South Coast Sailing Adventures
Dan Armitage - Freelance Boating Writer
armitage@wowway.com
Gerry Laster, CPYB – JK3 Nautical Enterprises
John Tiger – Freelance Boating Writer
jtigerjr@hotmail.com
For information on advertising:
Tel: 561.842.8808
Email: info@southwestboatingmagazine.com
or
South West Sales Representative: League City, TX
Chris Ann Conn
chris@southwestintlboatshow.com
Tel: 214. 298.5246
Register for a free online subscription:
www.southwestboatingmagazine.com/sub_form
Digital Distribution: Global Online Publishing
www.globalonlinepublishing.com
Southwest Boating Magazine
Published bi-monthly, online, by
South West International Boat Show, Inc.
618 US Hwy 1, Ste 404
North Palm Beach
FL 33408
The views and opinions of the contributors to this
publication are not necessarily those of the publishers
or editors. Accordingly, the publishers and editors
disclaim all responsibility for such views and opinions
Well, the first issue is behind us and we hope that you enjoyed
reading it as much as we did putting it together.
The Summer months seem to have flown, and with the kids
back at school and schedules filling up, make the most of
your spare time out on the water with family and friends.
For this issue we chose to focus on family and feature 3 sets
of brothers, innovators in different fields, who created world
class brands from sheer determination and hard work,
brands that continue to evolve many years later with the
involvement of family. You will find these articles throughout
this issue.
In addition, I was delighted to sit down and chat with Bob
Roscioli, a legend in the boating industry, whose entire
family work alongside him on a daily basis and ensure that
tradition continues.
With September already here we enter the Fall Boat Show
season, and whether you’re participating at, or attending,
one of the shows over the coming months we hope you
have a great time.
Remember to mark your calendars for the 7th annual South
West International Boat Show - which takes place March
26-29 at the South Shore Harbour
Marina in League City,
the time is going to fly by!
Don’t forget we value your feedback and welcome
suggestions
on future articles.
Enjoy the issue!
Peter Bryant
Publisher
FROM THE PUBLISHER
6 Southwest Boating Magazine

Features
Southwest Boating Magazine Vol 1 • Issue 2 • September / October 2014 CCoontnenttsents
15 YETI COOLERS
Born out of frustration, molded by
experience!
20 VIKING YACHTS
5 0 Y e a r s a n d G r o w i n g !
52 SEA SCOUT BASE
GALVESTON
Engaging a New Generation of Sailors
12 HANSE 415
Come sail with me on the
Hanse 415
36 76’ HORIZON
YACHT “DO IT NOW”
Embodies her Texan owner’s lifestyle
25 J/BOATS
W h a t a d if fe r e n c e a ‘ J ’ m a k e s
17 CHOOSING
YOUR PONTOON
Departments
10 DOCKSIDE
28 DEALER PROFILE: Dockside Marine
32 INTERVIEW: Bob Roscioli
Roscioli Yachts International
35 MARINA SPOTLIGHT:
Harborwalk Yacht Club & Marina
41 BOATING COLUMN: Capt. Dan Armitage
The Case for a Compass
45 CAPT. LUCY’S LOG: Capt. Lucy Newman
Learning to Sail
47 WATERFRONT DINING: Sundancer Grill
Sail & Ski Yacht Club, Lake Travis
48 BOATING TECH: John Tiger
Don’t Be Fuelish - Fuel Systems
Check & Tune-up
49 ADVERTISER INDEX
50 PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY
54 MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION PAGE

Dockside
E/V Nautilus mission into the Gulf of Mexico
E/V Nautilus mission into the Gulf of Mexico this July to better comprehend the BP oil spill was part of the Gulf Integrated Spill Response (GISR) Consortium, funded by the BP/Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI), with a vision to understand and predict the behavior of petroleum fluids in the ocean and to prepare for future disasters. Essentially a floating science lab, Nautilus is run by Dr. Robert Ballard, who discovered the Titanic in the 1980s. The exploration also included the site of the SS Robert E. Lee and the German U-boat U-166 – the only known U-boat to be sunk in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Lee was among 56 Allied ships sunk by German submarine crews in the area. Ballard, a marine geologist and geophysicist, makes all information from the Nautilus available to the public and scientists through his nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust. www.nautiluslive. org/expedition/2014
Sign up for 2015 Key West Race Week
Registration for Quantum Key West Race Week 2015 is live! Classes and sailors from Europe and the US already have January 18-23 marked on their calendars.
www.premiere-racing.com
2014 WWA
Wakeboard
World
Championships
Headed to
Ft. Lauderdale
More than 200 of the planet’s best amateur and professional wakeboarders and wakeskaters will flock to Mills Pond Park, Ft. Lauderdale, from Sept. 11 – 14 for the 2014 Championships presented by Supra. The prestigious annual event attracts athletes from all corners of the globe. The 2014 competition will feature more than 20 division categories, highlighted by its top two – the Pro Men and Pro Women’s divisions. It is also the final stop on this season’s Wakeboard World Series and the King of the Wake Series.
New Owner for Deep Impact
Mark Fischer, owner of Boats Direct USA, has purchased the assets and trademark of Deep Impact Boats and is relocating its manufacturing HQ to Miami, where he builds Blackwater and Ocean Hawk under the supervision of renowned boatbuilder Eugenio Uriarte. Fischer said “The opportunity to combine the customized beauty of Deep Impact with the fit and finish of Blackwater was like a dream come true.” “Our goal is to produce the most complete and incredible luxury line of center consoles on the market today.”
Diversification for Tartan Yachts
Tartan Yachts, known for their elegant performance sailboats announced their line now includes cruising power boats – Legacy by Tartan. The company achieves a long time goal of diversification to service both the sail and power sides of boating. Combined with Tartan’s current sailing line up, this new portfolio will appeal to many different types of discerning buyers.

Southwest Boating Magazine 11
Beneteau America and ASA Partner on the ASA First 22
Beneteau America and the ASA announced their joint collaboration on the design of a new ASA-exclusive sail training vessel. The new sailboat, ASA First 22, is being produced at Beneteau’s factory in Marion, SC. Features include an extended cockpit to give students and instructors more room, a rig designed specifically to enhance the learning experience of the students, as well as ergonomic and safety innovations to ensure that every sail is comfortable and safe. The research and development team at Beneteau used input from ASA instructors, students, and leading competitive sailors to perfect the design. The ASA First 22 will be revealed at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October.
Industry Tour of Cuba
Cuba is gaining attention as a potential trade partner for the marine industry as some speculate whether the U.S. will lift its half-century trade embargo with the country. A U.S. sanctioned industry tour of Cuba, led by Marina consultant Richard Graves & Associates, is scheduled for Feb. 18-22, following the Miami Boat Show. Graves fears the US will be left out of potential growth and development if it doesn’t lift the embargo sooner rather than later. “Spain is building the marinas, France is building the hotels, the Chinese are investing, and even Putin is offering help in the construction of their shipping port - and the U.S. is left out,” Graves said. Cuban state enterprises have begun to prepare the island for yacht tourism and U.S. boaters. Although there are only 15 marinas with 789 slips, there are plans to add 23 more marinas with more than 5,000 slips. Those interested in participating in the tour with Graves must submit paperwork and be approved by Oct. 1.
Simrad Partner with Sportsman Boats
Simrad Yachting has announced its exclusive partnership with Sportsman Boats Manufacturing.
The Simrad NSS evo2 system is now the standard navigation system on all 2015 model year Sportsman high-performance bay boats, center console and dual console boats.
YETI Cooler Winner!
The winner of our drawing for a YETI Cooler is
Craig Wood – Dallas
Congratulations and thank you for subscribing!
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Existing for decades, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is attracting renewed attention from scientists and environmental experts with the return of a research vessel that has been collecting data for several months - one of five major garbage patches drifting in the oceans north and south of the Equator at the latitude of terrestrial deserts. Charles Moore, credited with discovering the gyre—a circular system of rotating currents - led a team of scientists on a two-month expedition to the heart of the Garbage Patch, beginning in July.
Moore wrote that he was “utterly shocked” to see the enormous increase in the quantity of plastic waste since his last trip in 2009. “Plastics of every description floated past our research vessel Alguita for hundreds of miles without end. We even came upon a floating island bolstered by dozens of plastic buoys used in oyster aquaculture that had solid areas you could walk on.”
Plastics are now one of the most common pollutants of ocean waters worldwide, pushed by winds, tides and currents, plastic forms with other debris into large swirling glutinous accumulation zones, known to oceanographers as gyres, which comprise as much as 40 percent of the planet’s ocean surface —roughly 25 percent of the entire earth.

“She just ¬looks fast and aggressive.” I have heard
this or other paraphrased versions of it so many
times in recent months as someone views the Hanse 415
moored in the slip. Sitting at the dock she already looks
as if she is moving… or certainly wants to be.
This Hanse 415 is 41 feet of pent up energy waiting to be
released. Over 39’ LWL, she has more waterline than
many 45-foot boats. It begins with this aggressive look
at the dock and continues under sail.
Boarding from the large, teak swim deck at the stern, we
note things like oversized hardware, big hinges, gas pis-tons
on lockers and the stern platform. Built to use; built
to last. Step aboard and we are greeted with the sleek
and sexy black Y-spoked twin wheels at the helm. Teak
flooring and seats in the spacious cockpit give a rich-ness
and appeal of that step-above feeling. The Hanse
coamings provide seat-backs in the cockpit and are
without a doubt some of the most comfortable found.
That second look, as one recognizes big differences in
EASY SAILING – all lines are led all the way to the helm.
The halyards, sheets, boomvang, reefing lines, and out-haul
are led through line clutches to electric winches
at the HELM. There are no other winches or lines on the
cabin top. There is nothing forward but clean, line-free
teak decks and flush hatches.
Structurally, every Hanse is built with a grid that is tabbed
and glassed into the hull and bulkheads that are also
tabbed and glassed both to the hull and the deck to
make a very stiff vessel that is both quiet and fast.
Let’s sail: That Volvo D2, with sail-drive, is started and we
pause and listen to super quiet operation with very low
vibrations. The bow thruster is retractable so that when
in use and deployed it is down below the hull where is
has better bite and thrust. Yet, when retracted, there is
no drag and certainly no tunnel hole in the hull as this
is closed off behind a flush hull door. We cast off and
motor out the channel with only a bubbling of the prop
behind the boat as little or no wake is created by this
long and sleek hull.
Reaching the channel, I turn upwind. Can you imagine
Come Sail
with Me
ON THE
HANSE 415

single-handing the helm where you raise a fully- battened, tri-radial cut laminate performance sail with the push of one button while steering the boat? I lock in the halyard clutch and turn slightly off the wind. Finger pressed on the electric winch with the “German Sheeting” mainsheet and the battens pop into shape and the boat begins to accelerate. Wrapping the single jib sheet around a winch and, still with one button, unfurl the jib and trim to the relative point of sail.
As I stop the engine, the folding prop closes and reduces the drag even more. Sail drive unit with no shaft or strut dragging; retractable bow thruster with no tunnel or hole drag in the hull; and folding prop with no prop drag when sailing. Match that with lots of waterline, an L-shaped keel, Jeffa rudder bearing system, and a great deal of beamy hull surface makes this beauty glide effortlessly through the water.
In light chop, the Hanse 415 is making nice speed. I start to turn a little higher into the wind and, still with that one-finger winch control from the helm, I sheet in the main and stroll over to the other helm to trim the jib similarly. I apply some back stay adjustment to flatten the sail with the “Americas Cup” cascading backstay adjuster. We are now close hauled as the apparent wind angle (AWA) is 29 - 31. Our SOG (Speed over Ground) is now climbing and the ease of handling and fast sailing is impressive. Everyone onboard is equally impressed albeit with nothing required of them except to enjoy the ride.
Turning the helm, we tack through 85 degrees without touching a single line. Simply drive through and focus on the direction. Main and jib pop to the new tack and I begin to head up a bit. One of my crew, looking for
something to do, notes, “Your boat speed dropped less than a knot through that tack.”
Driving off the wind, the sheets are eased and the outhaul is adjusted to add camber to the main. The back stay is released and boomvang is sheeted in to power the boat downwind. All from the helm and all requiring only one person. The jib has vertical battens to stiffen the leach and the boat surges through the waves, cruising with a quite neutral helm as she did upwind. Wait until we add a spinnaker!
Our trial includes setting and then shaking out various reefs – from the helm with no assistance. I put the boat in two consecutive 360 turns in almost her own length, straightened and powered out with no one touching any lines – strictly steering at the helm.
Returning to the dock, we all knew we had to do this again. Come sail with me. You will be impressed.
Written by: by Gerry Laster, CPYB
www.jk3yachts.com
Hanse: “Breaking rules, setting trends” this was the motto from the very beginning.
Founded in 1990, in Greifswald, Germany, this same facility has grown to the second largest boat building facility in the world.
JK3 Nautical Enterprises: The Houston Office in Clear Lake Shores, on the Gulf Coast, is managed by Gerry Laster, CPYB, together with Jon Jones, and offers both new boats and full service Brokerage. Founded by Jeff Brown, with their HQ in San Diego, CA., JK3 Yachts is the exclusive dealer of Hanse Yachts throughout the West and Southwest United States.

Growing up Roy Seiders and his brother Ryan always had a passion for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, traveling to outdoor industry trade shows with their teacher, turned entrepreneur, father - the founder of Flex Coat.
They were raised with an appreciation for wild game, unfamiliar territory and high quality gear but the coolers that were available just didn’t stand up to their outdoor adventures - the handles would break, the latches would snap off and the lids would cave- in. Not only was it a hassle to replace coolers every season, but these cheaply built, ordinary ice chests were limiting the Seiders’ good times, and it was that frustration that led them to a solution.
So in 2006 they founded YETI Coolers with a simple mission: build a cooler they would use every day - if it existed, whether taking it off the map or keeping it in the backyard. A cooler built for the serious outdoor enthusiast rather than for the mass discount retailers. A cooler that could take the abuse they knew it would be put through out in the field and on the water. A cooler that simply wouldn’t break!
They decided early on that product innovation would come from necessity and firsthand experience - NOT from market research and data analysis – and never at the expense of sacrificing quality for a few extra bucks, because having your cooler’s lid cave-in when you’re using it as a casting platform should never be part of anyone’s fishing trip!
It turned out that the Seiders weren’t the only ones looking for a YETI – today YETI is the cooler of choice for outdoor enthusiasts, pros, tailgaters and backyard BBQ kings - and that is what still drives the passion.
With the introduction, this October, of the portable Hopper, YETI again offer fans the performance they’ve come to expect – durability and superior ice retention - in a product they can take with them to an even broader range of environments and adventures. Convenient, easy to carry and designed for those on the go
Roy and Ryan believe that ultimately, life is about having a good time doing what you love, and for them that is being outdoors hunting whitetail, catching a tarpon on the fly and spending time with family and friends. These guys are wild at heart, so their coolers couldn’t be anything less.
Visit www.yeticoolers.com for information on coolers, apparel and gear.
YETI
– Born out of frustration, molded by experience!

When you’re looking for a family boat, there’s
only one thing you want- everything!
You need a boat that’s ready to play hard and
perform well, trip after trip, year after year, no matter
what adventure you have in mind. If you’re thinking
a versatile boat that handles easily, features plenty
of seating and storage, and is designed to hold a big
crowd - sounds like you may have already narrowed
down your choice to one of the fastest-growing
categories in the boating industry: the Pontoon.
Since the very first aluminum pontoon was introduced
in 1958 at the Chicago World’s Fair, this boat type has
come a long way, being refined to a point that it
really stacks up against any other powerboat style.
Today’s high performance pontoon boats pull skiers,
wakeboarders and tubers, they can accommodate
passengers into the double digits, blow your hat off
your head, pivot on the proverbial dime and retrieve
it before it sinks!
Pontoon boats are two-tube watercraft (bi-toon) –
with tubes that are sleek and bear lifting strakes and
keels, although most manufacturers offer performance
models with a triple tube system (tri-toon), producing
speedsters that handle like V-hull boats. As pontoon
boat size and sophistication has increased, so have
power options that will add to the performance and
functionality of your boat – including large and/or
multiple outboard engines or sterndrive power plants.
Style
Up top, the state-of-the-art amenities include high
-quality seating, moveable tables, tough and attractive
marine-grade carpet, wet bars, serious stereos,
and
even underwater and mood lighting - a living room
that can hit more than 50 mph!
Handling
Even with a full load, pontoons are going to plane
easily with less horsepower than a deck boat. Sharp
turns are helped by the addition of hydraulic
steering systems, but you will still cut a wider swath in
a pontoon, unless you choose a performance model,
which provides extra buoyancy and stability.
Versatility
This style of boat truly shines when it comes to the ability
to do a lot of different things on the water. Fishing,
watersports, cruising, camping, entertaining are all
Choosing YourPontoon
Hurricane Fundeck

right in the wheelhouse of pontoons. In fact, depending on your family’s needs, there are all sorts of different packages to accommodate your preferred activities, such as rod holders, tackle storage, livewells and GPS/ fish finders for more hardcore anglers. If you are considering a pontoon boat, you will find that even the basic features will serve you well, allowing you to fish in the morning, pull the kids on skis in the afternoon and finish the day with a beautiful sunset cruise.
Operation
In the world of trailer boating, you really can’t get much easier than pontoons. With their stable platforms they are fairly easy to master when it comes to everything from launching and retrieving to cruising out on the water. Look for a raised helm or a captain’s seat that features a fold-up bolster to increase visibility. Pull-up cleats conveniently installed around the deck will make it a cinch to pull up and dock from any angle. Make sure you’ve got docking lights for bringing the boat in safely in the evening, and an all- off master switch to make sure you don’t run down your battery when you leave the boat.
There are lots of options in this category so do your homework when choosing the right boat for you and your budget – visit your local Texas dealers to view many different makes, models and features and try them out before you buy.
Premier 275 S-Series PTX
Premier is doing its part to bring stylish lines and sporty looks to the Pontoon range, with boats like the new 275 S-Series PTX.
Avalon Windjammer Funship
Now everyone can enjoy a day of sliding, skiing, sunbathing and cruising, the Funship is equipped with three 27’ Waveglider pontoons, a ski tow bar and hydraulic steering.
Harris FloteBote Crowne 250
The all-new luxurious Crowne, more than the flagship of this fleet - it’s one of the most extravagant pontoon boats on the planet. Expertly designed, with dramatic power and agile handling for the most discerning boat owner, and priced to match!
The Marker One
Cobalt charters a new direction and introduces the Marker One Platform Series of pontoon boats!
Hurricane Fundeck (Main Photo)
With the legendary performance of a fiberglass Hurricane hull and the spacious comfort and deck layout of a top-of-the-line pontoon, you really can have it all with the FunDeck series.

the annual dealer
meeting in September where they will unveil their three exciting
new models: the impressive addition to the Viking stable of tournament contenders the 52 Open/Sport Tower boat with the choice of Man V8 and V12 packages. The eagerly awaited and magnificent 75, making a return to the Motor Yacht market and unlike anything in its class – and Viking’s largest boat ever, the 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible….
VIKING 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible
Building some 4,660 boats over the past 50 years is
Back in April 1964, Brothers Bill and Bob Healey opened the doors to the Viking Yacht Company and focused on building wooden sportfishing and cruising boats in a modest 26,000 sq ft building with dirt floors and no heat. The early years were tough but the brothers persevered – their passion to build a better boat every day. The dedication and hard work paid off and 50 years later, the Viking Yacht Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance, luxurious sportfishing convertible yachts ranging from 42 to now 92 feet.
In addition to being family-owned and operated with second generation Healey members running the day-to-day operations, the company is vertically integrated - virtually 90 percent of what goes into a Viking yacht is designed and manufactured in the 810,000 sq ft facility on the banks of the Bass River near Atlantic City, NJ.
This year, Viking are celebrating a half-century of uninterrupted service, and currently are focused on
VIKING
YACHTS
50 Years and
Growing….

The yacht’s profile is stunning, beautiful and artfully proportioned - no mistaking its Viking lineage.
The salon is massive, complements of the yacht’s 24 ft.1 in. beam, and the volume is immediately apparent the moment you enter through the sliding glass doors on the upper mezzanine deck.
Large side and bulkhead windows bathe the area with natural light. To port, a pair of L-shape lounges, twin hi-lo wood inlay cocktail tables, and two free standing upholstered chairs frame the inviting and relaxing entertaining area. To starboard there is a wet bar, a custom designed home theater system featuring a 60-inch flat screen television, which rises from the walnut cabinetry, and the staircase to the enclosed bridge. The walk-in galley features an L-shape granite counter faced with five bar stools for informal meals and snacking, while opposite there is an eight-place formal dining area. Forward of the galley is the walk-in
an amazing story in its own right, but in May this year when the Viking 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible left Line 1 for its historical ride to the launch well, the largest boat in the history of the Viking Yacht Company, and the largest of its type to splash in the US, had become a reality.
Milestones continued over ensuing months like installing the MTU V16 Series 2000 M96 engines, the generators, staterooms, and galley appointments - each day and each step bringing the boat closer to fruition.
The Viking 70 Convertible.

We can handle them both.
Full Service Yacht Repair Yard
We know you would rather be on the water with your family. We also know that careful planning
can cut down on unexpected problems due to everyday wear and tear on your boat. We have a
35 Ton Marine Travel Lift that can haul a beam of 16’ 5”. We specialize in Awlgrip paint applications,
bottom jobs, fiberglass repair, bow thruster installations or anything else you need to do to protect
your boat or maximize its performance.
We are the only full service boat yard on Clear Lake where all dry dock charges are included
in your price.
281 334-7245
HURRY UP or Take Your Time
Watergate Yachting Center I 1500 Marina Bay Dr., Kemah, Texas 77565 I www.STYSyacht.com

pantry, where you can stow supplies for a six-week
cruise, or outfit it as an additional stateroom. A day
head is standard.
The master suite runs the full beam and as you would
expect from Viking is extravagant, including a king
size bed, his and her heads and a spacious walk-in
maple-lined closet. Hull side windows provide natural
lighting and overlook a vanity on the starboard side
and a lounge on the port side. Four additional state-rooms
are forward each with its own private head
and shower. A sixth stateroom abaft the engine room
gives the crew privacy as well as discrete access from
the cockpit.
Viking has built more climate controlled enclosed
bridges than anyone, and chose to outfit the first few
92 Convertibles with this command station because
it adds considerable space to the overall accommo-dations.
With its helm forward (plus a docking station
on the aft deck), a Stidd helm seat and companion
seating port and starboard, there also is significant
room to feature an L-shape lounge refrigeration and
an entertainment system, in essence, a spectacular
second salon.
To fully appreciate its size, consider that the enclosed
bridge is 37 ft long – longer than the total LOA of the
first all fiberglass boat Viking built in 1971, the Viking 33
Convertible!
While the 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible is guaranteed
to draw admiring glances underway, or docked at
the yacht club, the 238 square foot cockpit has the
mettle to garner plenty of attention at tournament
fishing time. The lower cockpit is all business and two
mezzanine levels provide ample observation and
relaxing room for fishing and cruising in perfect comfort.
Viking’s dealer network covers waterfront locations
all across the U.S., plus additional international sales
facilities. Each location is staffed by marine profes-sionals
with intimate knowledge of the Viking product
line, and can answer any questions about Viking
models, engine choices and availability.
Galati Yacht Sales, Galveston, Texas, are uniquely
located to serve the boating needs of the Texas Gulf
Coast and surrounding areas. From their floating of-fices
at the Pelican Rest Marina, across from Moody
Gardens, they represent a wide range of world class
yachts, as well as pre-owned and brokerage vessels.
Visit www.galatiyachts.com for further information.

Rebuilt and restored, the renovation and repair
of the three storey Bridge Harbor Yacht Club is
near to completion.
Amenities include:
Covered and open slips, 300 slips full service.
Fuel Dock and Valvtect Marine Fuel
Pump-out station
Transient boater slips
Clean restrooms with showers
Laundry facilities
Two swimming pools with grill and swim-up bar
Controlled gate access
Charter fishing and Dive boats
Located at 28º57’45”N 95º17’26”W
Ph. (979) 233 2101
www.bhycfreeport.com
The best location for blue water fishing
on the Gulf Coast.
Restored to its former glory

TThe story of J/Boats is a classic entrepreneurial tale
- a speedy 24ft sailboat, built by Rod Johnstone in
his garage, a $20,000 investment and Rod & his brother
Bob went into business.
With Rod contributing the design and his prototype and
Bob investing the $20,000 to cover start-up costs their
partnership was launched - and with it the J/24, which
has become the most popular fixed keel sailboat ever,
changing recreational sailing the world over.
The story began in 1977. Rod an active one-design
sailor built a sailboat he had been designing since
completing a Westlawn School of Yacht Design
correspondence course in the 60’s. With $400-worth of
fiberglass and wood, some rigging and hardware left
over from a Soling of Bob’s, he built the 24’ x 9’ wide
RAGTIME on weekends in his garage at his home in
Connecticut. During the summer of 1976, with an all
family crew aboard, RAGTIME beat everything in sight
and Rod realized he had created something special.
Enter Everett Pearson, the owner of Tillotson Pearson, Inc,
a highly respected boat builder in Warren, RI. Agreeing
to produce the boat on spec in return for the U.S.
building rights, that winter they set up a makeshift
factory in an old textile mill in nearby Fall River, Mass.,
and began producing J/24s.
By 1978 the class was popular enough to hold a
one-design regatta in Key West - with the first J/24 Mid-winters
taking place. Twenty J/24s went to Key West for
the event that would unofficially rocket the J/24 into its
20-year orbit. It was the first time the boat had been put
under the microscope of prominent dinghy, big boat
and Olympic sailors.
“We didn’t know how these guys would react to a boat
with no adjustable jib leads, a fixed headstay length
and very few other things to fiddle around with” Rod
has said, recalling the first Midwinters. “But when the
week was over, everyone told us, don’t mess around
with the boat, you’ve got a great thing going here” -
this good advice was followed, and J/24 racing today
remains the same battle of skill it was in 1978, only now
with another 5,400 boats to sail against worldwide.
In addition to the J/24s cruising the waves, today there
are over 13,500 J/Boats, from the International J/22 to
the J/65, with the J/70 one-design speedster becom-ing
the world’s fastest growing sportsboat ever! Styles
range from one-designs to racers, cruisers to daysailers
and, of course, the ubiquitous J sprit boats.
J/Boats also has the best track record in sailing for
innovation and designs as evidenced by: 20 Boat-of-the-
Year Awards; the SAIL Award for Industry Leadership;
WHAT A
DIFFERENCE
A J MAKES

two American Sailboat Hall of Fame Designs; and five ISAF International One-Design keelboat classes (J/22, J/24, J/70, J/80 and J/111). www.jboats.com
J/Fest regattas have been a part of J/Boat history for at least 30 years, taking place in Annapolis, San Diego, San Francisco, New Orleans and Seattle. The focus of the J/Fest is to give J/Boat owners a chance to compete in one-design races. This year sees the 5th annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta return to Lakewood Yacht Club in November. The regatta is open to the public and all races will be held on Galveston Bay. The overall theme of the J/Fest Southwest Regatta is to provide a venue that is all inclusive to J/Boat owners, their family and friends. While the racers are on the water, spouses and family can enjoy activities and attractions in and around the Bay Area Houston.
www.lakewoodyachtclub.com for further details.

Drive North out of Houston to Lake Conroe and located off Interstate 45 N. on Hwy 105 - just a few miles west on the left hand side - you will find Dockside Marine.
In just eight years since Charles Mueller bought the company in 2008, this Premier full service Boat Dealership has not only established itself as one of Houston’s top dealers, but has been voted one of the Top 100 Boat Dealers in the US by Boating Industry Magazine, and is the first of very few dealers to ever have both MasterCraft and Nautique brands on the same showroom floor.
No mean feat when considering these two high-end brands, but factor in Charles’ passion for boating, reputation and longtime wake boat and ski boat experience and it makes perfect sense.
Charles was a member of the US Water Ski Team for ten years from 1997 through 2006, and holds the Mens 1 South Central Regional Slalom Record and the Mens 2 South Central Regional Slalom Record - as well as being the Open Men’s Slalom Regional Tournament Record Holder and a member of the 200-Foot Club, with a best jump of 202ft off a ski jump.
It is this background, along with his experience of selling other boat lines that provide the qualities his customers appreciate when looking to purchase a new MasterCraft or Nautique. Choosing to specialize in just two world class brands, Dockside Marine are also able to offer an individual and unique customer service to their buyers.
DEALER PROFILE
Dockside Marine

They are the largest inboard boat dealer in South Texas - a wake boat and ski boat superstore, offering sales, service, parts and a full range of ski accessories. Full service capabilities on all brands - including competitive boat lines, and a staff of certified and fully qualified technicians in PCM, Ilmor, Mercury, Mercruiser and Indmar engines, are all under the watchful eye of Kyle Waters, an ex-peace officer, which makes for impeccable service and an extremely efficient operation.
Enter the showroom and you’ll meet JT and Josh, two of the friendliest and most knowledgeable sales guys in Houston, true boaters to their core. It is this knowledge, attitude and enthusiasm for their impressive products, that begins with Charles and spreads throughout the dealership, that allows customers to get the most out of their investment - and keeps Dockside Marine as one of Houston’s, and the Nation’s, top rated boat dealers.
Charles and the team will tell you their biggest reward is hearing their customers share their stories about driving their new boat for the first time, learning to ski, landing a new wakeboard trick, and any other of their boating adventures.
They are dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services to their most discerning clientele of boating enthusiasts. In addition to offering the game-changing Super Air Nautique G23, they have also just added the newly launched Mastercraft X20 to their inventory…
29
Charles Mueller U.S. Water Ski Team
Photo credit: U.S. Water Ski

Redefining luxury. E SERIES | E56 | E62 | E66 E70 | E73 | E78 | E84 | E88• Island friendly draft. • Superior performance and stability. • Spacious layout, clean design. • Sleek, stylish, sophisticated. WWW.HORIZONYACHT.COMHorizon Yacht USA | 561- 721-4850 | info@horizonyachtusa.comHorizon Group | +866-7-860-7770 | info@horizonyacht.comSEE THE E88 AT THE FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW! F DOCK, SLIPS 600-604E88

Mastercraft X20
“With the X20 we put our full attention on doing what it takes to create the ultimate surf boat.” said Terry McNew, president and CEO of MasterCraft. “Wakesurfing is a growing trend that also brings with it a whole new culture and enjoyment. We recognize this and want the experience to be as fun on the water as it is for the audience in the boat.”
MasterCraft engineers took a scientific approach to developing the ultimate surf wake by modeling and analyzing various approaches. As a result, the new hull is deeper and stouter, resulting in a phenomenal surf wave - as with all of the MasterCraft X Series boats, the award-winning Gen 2 Surf System is custom-fit for this hull. Each surf experience can be personalized and controlling the X20’s surf system is futuristic yet intuitive – simply touch the optional seven inch Murphy screen to instantly access customized user profiles, fill or drain the 2,000 pounds of stock ballast and instantly shift the wake for regular or goofy riders.
The performance, capacity and passenger comfort of the X20 delivers on a scale beyond its 20-foot size and accessories and options abound - like all MasterCraft boats the X20 features a powerful, reliable and efficient 5.7 L Ilmor Marine engine, it also offers exclusive tricked-out sound and entertainment system options, and even the ability to light up the wake at night. The X20 also comes standard with a five year bow-to-stern warranty, the only offer of its kind in the industry.
Super Air Nautique G23
The Super Air Nautique G23 features the all-new Nautique Configurable Running Surface (NCRS) which fine- tunes the hull surface under any condition using the latest technology in the Nautique LINC system. Every inch of the boat’s hull was designed to create a wake that will work for every level of riding, at any speed and line length without sacrificing a clean lip, long transitions and solid pop. Additionally, with over 2,800 lbs. of sub-floor internal ballast, the G23 offers maximum ballast with maximum storage and a world class wake without the need for additional weight. The long list of new, innovative features in the G23 includes integrated, custom-designed navigation and docking light arrays with LED lights and unique bow design offering deep and comfortable seating.
Check out www.dmboats.com for more information on the full range of Mastercraft and Nautique models offered by Dockside Marine. Charles and his team are always ready to share their passion for boating and their unsurpassed product knowledge.

I first met Bob Roscioli fifteen years ago when I was organizing the International Yacht & Jet Shows in The Bahamas.
Forever the gentleman, it was a real pleasure to sit down recently with this pioneer in painting and boat building at his offices in the yachting capital of the world, on SR 84 in Fort Lauderdale, and talk about his life and passion, all centered around boats and his family.
Peter: It seems like every time I come here you have added something new and this time is no exception, but where and how did all this start?
Bob: It’s been 50 plus years since I left Philadelphia to move south to Florida, I came down as a young man just 12 years old with my mother. I attended high school here and afterwards became a life guard. I spent my summers on the New Jersey Shores and did odd jobs here in Florida during the winters. I delivered ice to docks, back then there were ice boxes on the yachts! I would do any job and I even loaded trucks at the Port Everglades. After some time I eventually signed on as an apprentice in a small shipyard. I literally started at the bottom with the daily grind of sanding for prep work until I finally convinced my boss to let me apply paint to my first vessel, a very modest 26ft steam launch called Smokey. Then I was fired after 9 months because I asked my boss for a small 10 cent pay raise. I realized that if I was to achieve my early goals I needed to do something about it. I went out on my own; I walked the docks looking for cleaning, painting and varnishing work all along the New River, not far from here and, if I say so myself, I became, after years and years of hard work, one of the best brush painters and sprayers in the industry. I had also begun to develop the painting technique that would launch, over the course of about 19 years, the Roscioli name. I took a gamble on the once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a small shipyard, by leasing one for a year and a half and buying it after that time. I was a young guy, I loved what I was doing and still do and that, as they say, is a brief snapshot of how all this started.
Peter: What came next is one of the most incredible entrepreneurial success stories in the boating industry, tell me a few of the things which helped along the way to bring all this about and how you have kept moving forward.
Sitting Down with
Bob Roscioli
- a boating
legend

Bob: I got here by always working hard with a passion to succeed and by building a reputation of honesty and good character with my customers. We formed bonds with our customers and made absolutely sure that the finished job was exactly what they wanted and I inspected the work myself to make sure. My early days in the marine industry enabled me to combine a touch of the science of the chemistry of painting with good old fashioned experience and the customers saw that and appreciated my thoroughness.
Things have changed a lot since then, we tend to deal more and more with boat captains, versus the old days when we worked more with boat owners, and so I had the vision to build a first class yachting center here at Roscioli and over the years we have created our facility with enormous multi-million dollar upgrades, an investment which caters to boat captains and crews. It really is state-of-the-art with the emphasis on a good environment and the wellbeing of yacht owners, personnel and crews.
The boatyard now encompasses fourteen acres and is a totally enclosed and guarded facility with haul and launch capacity up to 360 tons. Our services include a custom machine shop, with master mechanics, a full propeller service, custom carpentry, painting and refinishing as well as a computerized design center, electronic and installation department, custom fabrication and yacht extensions. All of our projects are managed personally by project managers, but I still check each project, step-by-step, to ensure that only the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship is maintained or surpassed.
Peter: Tell me about the Donzi line of Sportfish yachts you took on in the 80’s.
Bob: There has always been a certain mystique about the Donzi line of boats and it all began with Don Aronow, the offshore power boat racer and builder of Donzi Boats. There is a lot of history surrounding the line that lead to me becoming a dealer and in 1987 Roscioli acquiring the Donzi “Big Boat” division and separating from the small Donzi boat brand. Roscioli International, Inc. began to design and built the first of our fleet of Sportfishing yachts. We built a monster which was fast and would absolutely handle any type of weather
you could throw at it. Since then we have developed the 58 Express, 58 Convertible, R-73, R-80, R-92 and our latest concept boat the Evolution. In fact, I have two factory demo boats in stock right now, just waiting for the perfect owner, we have actually sold quite a few boats in Texas and would love to sell two more. One is a 2010 R-80 and the other is a 2010/11 R-73, both loaded and very low hours. We will always consider trades and encourage those interested to contact our office any time if they’re interested.
Peter: I understand you do a lot of work with schools in the area, how does that work?
Bob: Over a hundred men and women make up the Roscioli Team, all masters of their individual trades, but one of the most difficult things in our business these days is finding really good labor when we need it, so we work with local schools college and vocational schools with training programs for the marine industry to assist the students with their education. Another passion of mine is working with Vets and supporting our troops here in this country once they have been discharged, upon hiring Vets we can always train them in house and send them to these programs at the schools. It’s a win-win situation as it helps us with our recruiting later.
Peter: Lastly, you are very involved with the day to day working of the yard as well as running a very large company. How does this affect your family life?
Bob: Thank goodness, I have been really fortunate. I have a really great family. Sharon my lovely wife and both our two kids Robert Jnr. and Heather all work here, so they understand what it takes because they are all a part of it.
For further information: www.rycshipyard.com

Dockside Marine
14981 HWY 105 W. Montgomery, TX 77356
Tel: 936.447.6161 • Toll Free: 888.577.5470 • Fax: 936.588.6070
www.dmboats.com
There’s no better way
to spend your day
Welcome to the Wake and Ski boat capital of Texas... Dockside Marine
Specializing in Mastercraft and Nautique.
We also offer a wide range of quality
pre-owned boats.
Our ultimate goal is your
complete satisfaction.

The HarborWalk Marina features state-of-the-art amenities in a fabulous bay front setting on West Galveston Bay, with a private Yacht Club featuring a swim center complete with a lap pool, family pool, children’s pool, hot whirlpool area and Flamingo Bar.
Slips at this full-service Marina are available for a month-to-month or 12 month lease program. Transient boaters can acquire temporary membership and experience for themselves what the Yacht Club has to offer.
The Marina is located next to Buoy Marker #59 on the Intracoastal Waterway and for those arriving by boat -the coordinates for the entrance to the Marina are: N29° 17’ 21” W94° 57’31”
Travelling by road from Houston – Take I-45 South (Gulf Fwy) to Highway 6 (Exit 7), travel West on Hwy 6 for 3 miles (cross the railroad tracks), and turn left on Harbor Dr. for 3 miles. Then left on HarborWalk Blvd.
As a true convenience, members will enjoy concierge service for boating supplies at the Marina, Ship Store & Bait Camp, Galveston area information and reservations, special holiday events and the opportunity to reserve the Yacht Club for private events - as well as discounts on fuel, bait, deli and other supplies at the Ship Store and Floyd’s on the Water - offering four-star coastal cuisine and a stunning waterfront location.
Features:
• Wide, highly stable aluminum truss floating docks
with hardwood decking
• Slip sizes from the mid-30’s up to 125’ yachts at
the end of the dock’s T-heads
• Broadband internet, electricity and potable water
at docks
• Marine grade diesel & gasoline available at our
fuel docks
• Floating bathroom, shower, changing and laundry
facilities
• 600 yards from the Intracoastal Waterway
HarborWalk Living
Exquisite architecture, a world-class marina and yacht club, resort-style amenities and trademark boardwalks planned for the future, define a new standard for Gulf Coast living. Custom Homes and Coastal Cottages maximize dramatic seaside views, and offer wide-open living space with breeze-filled patios and decks. The new home designs at HarborWalk reflect the best of Gulf Coast tradition and ensure a distinctive community flavor.
For more information www.Harborwalk.com
Yacht Club & Marina
Marina Spotlight

Everyday life for Jo is in Dallas, Texas, where her husband built his insurance company and also where the ranching headquarters are currently located. Through the years Bill and Jo developed five ranches under EE Ranches Inc., within several western states and spent much time traveling and managing the ranches, leaving little time for their second passion: boating. “We would get to boat 2-3 times a year, which would be a lot for us,” Jo notes. “That’s still kind of the case for me but I’ve been on ‘Do It Now’ for a total of six weeks, so I’ve done my biggest boating this past year”.
If you ask Jo Ellard her personal philosophy, she will sum it up for you in three small but powerful words: Do it now. It is a way of life she and her late husband Bill Ellard shared together and one she continues to apply to everything she does, from her expansive horse ranching operation EE Ranches Inc., to her love of boating on board her appropriately named 76-foot Horizon “Do It Now”. “It is definitely a company and a personal philosophy”, explains Jo. “A lot of times I will say - I’ll start that later but it’s always in the back of my mind: don’t procrastinate, do it now. It has inspired me in everyday life”.
Embodies her Texan
Owner’s Lifestyle
“Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.”
- Pope Paul VI
“Do It Now”

for and had every design detail layout-wise that I wanted,” she states. “and the interior was a tasteful Western design with leather and rich colors; it was more of a masculine feel, which was very appealing to me”. Jo found the yacht’s performance equally as impressive, as it met with her speed pre-requisite while also proving sea worthy even in less-than-ideal conditions.
When it came time to christen the boat, there was, of course, only one choice -- the 76-foot Horizon is the third yacht to carry the “Do It Now” name and follow in a philosophy that originated in Bill’s insurance background with Combined Insurance of America in Chicago. During his time at the company, he was mentored by CEO, W. Clement Stone, who became one of the greatest influences in Bill’s life, and developed sales teams with positive attitudes and a slogan of “Do It Now.” The slogan then carried into Bill’s own insurance company, their ranching business and transformed into a lifelong attitude for the Ellards - even the yacht dinghy plays a part as Done Done It.
The Ellard’s foray into boating began in 1976 with a Chris Craft 33, moving up to a 53’ Hatteras and then a 64’ Hatteras, which they had for almost 20 years. When it was time to start looking for a new boat, Jo had a list of specific requirements that needed to be met - three staterooms, a His and Her’s Master Stateroom layout, an open flybridge and last but certainly not least speed. She viewed 15 boats from five different manufacturers before stepping on board the 76-foot Horizon and, as she tells it, exclaimed, “Yep, this is it!” The yacht met everything on Jo’s list and even some things that weren’t on there, such as the spacious salon and country kitchen forward of the galley. “She was everything I was looking

When Jo is able to spend time on her Horizon, she enjoys cruising to the Keys and has taken trips to Miami, the Bahamas and Key West; she also likes to take day cruises on the West Coast of Florida, stopping in Naples, Sarasota or Clearwater. “I like nice, calm weather and slow cruising in the Gulf or intracoastal” she says. “There’s a perception that Horizons are not suited for the West Coast and that you can’t get in because of the shallow draft; but you definitely can, there’s plenty of water and it’s fun boating!” Jo participated in both the 2011 and 2012 Horizon Owner Rendezvous, which gave her the chance to extend her time onboard into two memorable trips with friends, and says she would love to go to Cuba, cruise up the East Coast and take a trip into the North East.
As time on board “Do It Now” is precious, Jo places great importance on service and credits Horizon with timely service and support, even during emergencies. During a vacation trip last July, an issue popped up that needed to be immediately fixed and Jo called the Horizon Yacht USA office for assistance; the team happened to be in Taiwan at the Horizon shipyard at the time, but she notes that they were quick to get into contact with “Do It Now” Captain Glen Williams regarding the issue. Within 24 hours, Captain Glen had the part needed to fix the problem and “Do It Now” was able to continue on her journey. “It’s the service you give your customers that they appreciate” Jo states. “When you talk to another Horizon owner, you don’t hear ‘I won’t have another Horizon again’ and I include myself in that; if I were to purchase another boat I would look to Horizon. There’s a great management team behind this company; the whole North American team - Roger, Jim, Elise and Jillian - have established camaraderie with the rendezvous, getting owners together and building a loyal face... that speaks highly of why people are happy”.
Jo has tentative plans to take a trip next spring, and though she’s not exactly sure when in her hectic ranching schedule that will occur, there is one thing she does know: her 76-foot Horizon “Do It Now” will be waiting for her. “She is my one real escape, the one place I have to go that I don’t have to do anything or be the boss,” she says. “I can be a guest and just have fun!” After all, isn’t that what boating is all about?
www.horizonyacht.com

There’s solid justification for a basic
navigation tool retaining front and
center position before the helm of most boats
today. With the advent of GPS and the vast array
of electronic devices like large screen sonar and chart-plotters
to clutter the dash, it may be hard to justify the
space to accommodate a device so basic that it may
appear obsolete. But the first time the power to your
GPS fails or you need a quick, reliable heading refer-ence,
you’ll appreciate having a simple magnetic
compass in view.
Magnetic compasses all work on the same principle,
centering around a magnetized needle or metal bar
that is free to spin on an axis to point to the earth’s
magnetic north pole. There are two major types of
compasses available for use on recreational
watercraft: standard card and flux gate.
Standard card models use a magnetic bar on a
pivoting dial -- called a card -- that is free to rotate and
usually suspended in fluid under a clear, hemispherical
dome. The card is marked “North” off the end of the
bar that seeks to point in that direction, other directional
points are noted, and on most marine models the card
is graduated at 5- or 10- degree intervals.
Flux gate compass models offer a digital readout and
rely on solid-state electronics to amplify the earth’s
magnetic field rather than moving parts, and are powered
by
the boat’s
electrical system.
The latter makes then
vulnerable, like GPS, to power
failures, which is why I recommend
standard card model compasses on boats. On the plus
side, the sensing unit of a flux gate-style compass can be
placed far from disruptive magnetic influences, which can
make installation simpler.
It you are ordering a new boat, most manufac-turers
offer a compass as standard equipment or as
an option. Getting a boat pre-rigged with a compass
is a good way to go and may mean you can get a
flush-mounted model built into the helm console.
Aftermarket compasses can come housed in a
closed, top-mount base, called a binnacle, that may
offer a shade and be illuminated for night use. Af-termarket
compasses are also available in flush-mount
styles, models that are clutched in a top-mount base
that allows the compass to pivot, and gimbaled mounts.
Capt. Dan Ar mitage
Dan Armitage is a popular freelance boating and outdoor writer, photographer and radio show host who
presents boating and fishing pr ograms at boat sport and travel shows nationally.
He is a licensed USCG Captain with Master credentials and has been recognized by the Safe Boating Council
for his work to pr omote boating safety.
Case
C o m pass
The
for a
This boat’s console features
a molded-in mounting area
dedicated for a compass right
where it belongs: front, center
and in full view of the operator.

Compass Point to Ponder:
The smaller the boat, the bigger the compass: Be-cause
small craft tend to rock, pitch and yaw more
violently than larger craft, larger compasses are bet-ter
choices for trailerable-sized boats because they
are less influenced by the motion and are easier to
see and read when the going gets bumpy.
Compass Selection Tips:
• Buy the best you can afford; with compasses, the
higher the price the better the quality.
• Make sure the compass can be mounted in the
location you have selected, be it top mount, side
mount, or flush.
• Test for damping, which is how quickly the card
stops fluctuating after a directional change. Use a
small magnet or piece of metal and place it next
to the magnet and move it so that the card rotates
and deflects 30-45 degrees. Pull the object away
quickly and watch how long it takes the card to
get back on track, noting the amount of over-swing
as the card returns and passes the north position.
• If you intend to use it at night, make sure you select
a lighted model, preferably red, so as not to affect
your night vision.
• Make sure there is an expansion chamber to
compensate for temperature changes. Compasses
mounted on boats can get extremely hot, expand
and can leak their suspension oils without such a
chamber.
It’s important that a compass be installed properly,
which means in clear view of the helm, aligned with the
boat’s centerline and far enough away from magnetic
influences such as electronic devices or metal objects.
Entire books and magazine articles have been written on
the subject of compass installation alone, and there are
professionals who install compasses for a living. An ex-cellent
reference for basic compass installation is found
in Chapman’s Piloting Seamanship & Small Boat Handling.
In a best case scenario, a magnetic compass should
be located at least two feet from gauges, instruments and
radios to prevent their electrical charges from interfering
with the compass. I once missed an inlet by several miles
when I placed a hand-held VHF radio atop the helm con-sole
next to an otherwise properly positioned compass
on a test boat, and I have a file full of similar stories from
skippers who suffered from temporary magnetic mishaps
caused by everything from ill-placed pliers to trash cans
filling with metal beverage cans over the course of a day
on the water that disrupted the directional magnetics.
Portable, hand-bearing-model compasses are made
specifically for boaters, and even pocket-sized hand-held
models made for hikers have their place as emer-gency
back-ups in small craft. For when you need to
get your bearings, even a small compass is better than
no compass at all.
What, no compass!? This boat’s helm boasts all
the electronic bells and whistles but lacks a basic
navigation tool that the author feels should be
aboard all watercraft: a magnetic compass.

So, you have always dreamed of sailing off into the sunset. You have imagined the freedom of cutting the ties to the land-lubber’s world, releasing the dock lines and sailing away on a crazy adventure to tropical ports, sipping cocktails as you relax in your own cockpit and watching the sun drop below the horizon. You have been reading hundreds of articles in the sailing and cruising magazines, bought numerous books about sailing and looked at hundreds of boats at boat shows. Finally, you think you found the perfect boat! Your excitement is overwhelming and then you realize “I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO SAIL YET!”
Not to worry, you have many resources to get the hands-on, practical experience you need. The largest and most widely recognized sailing organization is the American Sailing Association (ASA). ASA is the leader in sailing education in the United States with over 300 Certified Training Centers and over 3000 Certified Instructors. The Basic Keelboat course (ASA 101) is the first level and teaches each student basic sailing terminology and nomenclature, safety, hoisting and dousing the sails, proper sail trim, communication, right- of-way rules, docking, and much more. The course is taught on a boat of about 25’ in length and ensures each sailor is competent in safety and both skipper and crew skills. Usually the course is offered on weekends and it can be completed in just 2 days! Many schools in our area follow up with some additional free training.
After completion of the first level, new sailors should continue to gain more experience in various boats and in different weather conditions. Some schools have a charter fleet that students can rent boats after earning their certification. Some schools also have sailing clubs where members can rent boats at a discount and they also offer group sailing events to share the cost of boat rentals.
Once you feel confident at the Basic Keelboat level there are several other courses offered by the ASA to allow student sailors to increase their knowledge and expertise. Some of the courses are Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Chartering, Coastal Navigation, Advanced Coastal Cruising, Celestial Navigation, and Offshore Passage Making. In addition, ASA also has several endorsement certifications like Catamaran Cruising, Docking Techniques, Weather, and Radar. You can find a list of all of the ASA Certified Training Schools on their website at www.asa.com.
Now you have to figure out which school is right for you, and before you select a school do your homework. Some of the following questions should be on your list to consider before making a final choice:
What classes they offer, what boats are used for teaching, will I earn a certification, how many boats are available for renting after completion of the class, does the school have a sailing club, where is the school located, what body of water will you be trained on, are the instructors ASA certified, and are all of the instructors licensed U.S.C.G. captains. Check the internet review sites like Google, Yelp, and Trip Advisor to see what other sailors have reported. Websites and phone calls are a good start and if you are still confused, why not go visit the schools and meet their staff, see their facilities, and ask to look at the boats.
The best advice that I could offer would be to take sailing lessons BEFORE you buy your dream boat. The lessons will help you determine what size boat is practical and will also allow you to determine exactly what equipment and features are important to you.
Captain Lucy Newman South Coast Sailing Adventures www.southcoastsailing.com
LEARNING
TO SAIL
Capt. Lucy’s Log

On the water dining
Sundancer Grill opened its doors earlier this Summer on Lake Travis to rave reviews. Located at the Sail & Ski Yacht Club, the only full service marine dealership in Central Texas to own its own marina, and offering a private boat ramp that is the deepest in the area.
Arrive by car, or boat up and dock at Hurst Creek Cove at the Sail and Ski Yacht Club - while enjoying a day on the water - and experience first-hand what is being billed as an upscale dining experience with a casual lakeside atmosphere.
The grill will be open year-round for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, with a menu that includes chef crafted salads, sandwiches, steak and seafood - prepared with the freshest ingredients by Chef Caitlin Simmons, a 26 year old hailing from Central Texas who had previously worked alongside Chef Ben Nathan at Cafe Blue.
When asked about why she got into the culinary field Chef Simmons replies, “I grew up with food as an integral part of the day with my family. Everyone was involved with cooking dinner and my parents made sure we ate together at the table every night.” She gets inspiration for her dishes and features due to her passion for new and interesting ingredients, and enjoys learning how to combine new flavors.
She adds that she learned a great deal from Chef Bruce Auden of Biga on the Banks in San Antonio and credits him with truly helping her become the chef she wanted to be. “He gave me my first opportunity in the industry and took a chance with me. He was very patient and taught me a great deal, modest but very demanding.”
One of the most popular menu items is the Mixed Grill - a weekly rotating special of local and eclectic ingredients: spiced lamb chops, Coca-Cola beef tips, Andouille sausage, tzatziki sauce, hatch green chile mac and cheese and sautéed baby squash. The most popular brunch item is the Stuffed French Toast - two pieces of Texas toast stuffed with a bananas, chocolate chips, and cream cheese, dipped in French toast batter, topped with fresh Strawberries, bacon (yes!) and powdered sugar.
The Sundancer grill offers a full liquor license along with a well-balanced wine menu, and is open Sunday through Thursday: 11:00am-10:00pm and Friday and Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm.
www.sundancergrill.com
SUNDANCER GRILL

Continued pressure from the federal government to increase the amount of alcohol in fuels has brought serious concerns and changes to the marine industry and the way fuel systems are manufactured, rigged and maintained. E10 fuel (fuel extended with up to 10% alcohol) has been difficult to adapt to, but the marine industry has made the necessary changes to parts such as gaskets, carburetor repair kits, fuel lines, pumps, filters and injectors to combat the ravaging effects of so much alcohol in the fuel. Thankfully, the implementation of E15 fuel (previously mandated by the EPA) has so far been successfully delayed by strong lobbying in significant part by lobbyists from the marine industry. E10 is bad enough. Let’s take a look at how to combat the effects of alcohol- laced fuels, as well as general maintenance and good practice.
FUEL LINES
The engine can’t run if it can’t get fuel. If your fuel lines are older than three years, they should be replaced with new EPA-compliant hose and new clamps. The innards of older fuel hoses are highly susceptible to alcohol deterioration, and if left unchecked can literally disintegrate and cause clogging, poor running and even engine failure. The new, EPA-mandated fuel line solves this problem by using a very tough inner liner; it’s visible by looking into the end of the open fuel hose. It does make the hose somewhat less flexible; it’s tougher, for example, to push the hose onto a fitting. The new hose is also quite a bit more expensive; expect to pay about twice what the older hose cost. Take care when routing the lines; tight curves will generate kinks and flow stoppages.
FILTER
The fuel filter should be replaced as well. If your rig doesn’t have a water-separating fuel filter, now’s a good time to add one. Quality brands like Racor are head-and-shoulders above the rest because they use better components, and finer-micron filters. How48
Fuel Systems Check & Tune-up
Written by John Tiger
DON’T BE FUELISH:
BOATING TECH

ever, the typical marina-brand ones are fine too, and work well to filter out water, dirt and other contaminants. Placement in the fuel line should be between the tank outlet and the engine inlet.
PRIMER
Many outboards use primer bulbs; if your rig has one these can be damaged by alcohol extended fuels too. These have check valves inside that can fail and leave you stranded out on the water. If it feels squishy, and the engine can “suck” the bulb flat, it’s toast—replace it.
CLAMPS
The clamps that keep the fuel lines tight are critical, and warrant checking. They prevent fuel leaks, and just as important, prevent air leaks. Air leaks can starve an engine for fuel. The result is a ruined engine. Use new clamps if the old ones won’t hold, are corroded, or are falling apart. Hose clamps are cheap compared to a damaged engine. Be careful about using cheap hose clamps. They typically rust and fall apart very quickly.
TANK
Finally, check the tank carefully for leaks, cracks, and loose mounting. Vibration and wave pounding can do a number on your fuel tank, and unless it’s leaking fuel into the bilge, you might not even notice it. If yours is cracked, broken or corroded, replace it. While a new tank can be expensive, a boat fire is surely worse. When remounting your tank, be sure it’s not sitting directly on the boat floor; suspend it slightly above, or use a rubber mounting cushion pad underneath. If possible, create an access hole in the floor so that you can use through-bolts, nuts and large fender washers to mount the tank instead of wood screws.
One last word, about anti-siphon valves. These reside in the outlet fitting from the tank to the engine, usually threaded right into the fitting, with a hose nipple on the other end where the fuel line is installed. The anti-siphon feature is to keep fuel from flowing into the bilge if a failure occurs in the fuel line. Some cheaper valves can cause fuel restrictions to the engine; if you experience this, don’t be tempted to simply remove the check valve from inside the anti-siphon fitting. It’s against the law and could get you in a heap of trouble if you experience a fuel related boat fire due to fuel in the bilge. Instead, replace it with a quality anti-siphon valve, available at local marine dealers. Hint: the high quality ones cost three times as much as the cheap ones, and are usually made in the USA.
John Tiger is a freelance writer and photographer with monthly columns appearing in Angler (&Coastal Angler)Magazine, a Technical Contributor and Field Editor with Boating Magazine, Contributing Writer with BoatUS, BoatUS Trailering, BoatUS Angler magazines, Cabin Life magazine and ProPickup magazine.
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Sea Scout Base Galveston (SSBG), a one-of-a-kind, high-adventure sailing destination located on Offatts Bayou on Galveston Bay, officially opens the doors to its state-of-the-art facility this fall – presenting the Gulf Coast region with an unrivaled offering of nautical experiences to enjoy. Envisioned as an organization that helps people of all ages discover and nurture a lifelong passion for the water, SSBG introduces outdoor enthusiasts, including the Scouting community, individuals, veterans, those with disabilities and school groups to the joys of sailing, kayaking and other seafaring pursuits – bringing a new generation of sailors to the water.
A central component of SSBG’s offerings is the Galveston Community Youth Sailing Center (GCYSC). The only U.S. Sailing-sanctioned Community Sailing Center in Texas, the GCYSC offers individual and family memberships, and emphasizes sailing education with a special focus on disabled individuals and veterans.
Through the GCYSC, SSBG also offers high schools in the region the ability to participate in high school sailing clubs. To start a club, schools need a minimum of two interested students (ages 14 years or older) and one faculty advisor. The program runs every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. throughout the school year, and will feature racing with FJ and Sonar boats. Coaches will teach everything from basics to more advanced racing techniques and the clubs will be affiliated with the Interscholastic Sailing Association, which governs secondary school sailing in the U.S.
As a certified sailing center, SSBG also can host competitive sailing events, and even serve as an Olympic training ground. In fact, U.S. Sailing selected SSBG to host the 2014 National Disabled Sailing Championships.
Additionally, SSBG recognizes the importance of educating the region’s future workforce, particularly when it comes to maritime careers. Through its BaySmart programs, SSBG delivers a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-based curriculum to connect what students are learning in the classroom with the real-life marine and maritime world, and allows STEM participants to experience first-hand the marine and maritime environments of the Gulf Coast.
SSBG’s BaySmart Express, the primary vessel for the BaySmart program, is a 100-foot Swiftship crew and supply boat converted into a state-of-the-art, three- deck floating classroom, which provides students the
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opportunity to explore the marine world via the water and online. The fully seaworthy vessel features two classrooms, a galley and sleeping quarters. Day trips and overnight expeditions focus on STEM training.
“As a non-profit foundation, our programs educate and foster independence of body, mind and spirit, while instilling lifetime leadership and team building skills,” said Ed Carrette, executive director of SSBG. “The demand for STEM-based educational opportunities and careers continues to grow, especially here in Galveston, and we’re able to provide the children and educators in our community and across the region with a unique tool to pursue these opportunities.”
For maritime students in vocational programs, the BaySmart Express also offers opportunities for internships that include working alongside the vessel crew, accumulating sea time toward Merchant Mariner credentials and gaining valuable on-the-job training.
SSBG offers a variety of on-the-water adventures for students, families, Scouts and members of the community. In partnership with the Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, SSBG has developed a unique high-adventure Scouting program that includes a five-night Galveston Nautical Adventure and a three- night Privateer Adventure. These programs are open to Scouts from across the country and run from June to August each year. Registration for Summer 2015 is already underway.
Founded on the belief that water is a pathway to independence, SSBG’s programs are designed to empower youth and build confidence in their abilities both on and off the water. For more information about SSBG and any of its varied programs, please visit www.ssbgalveston.org
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SOUTHWESTBOATING 76’ HORIZON “DO IT NOW” VIKING YACHTS50 Years & Growing! CHOOSING YOUR PONTOON MAGAZINEVol 1 • Issue 2 • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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