Jump Ship!: Award-winning Local Activities for Non-Boat Owners

Jump Ship!: Award-winning Local Activities for Non-Boat Owners

Let’s be honest: As much as we love boating (and we do love boating), of course not everyone owns their own craft or even wants to spend every day being in charge of where it’s going. With that in mind, we were thrilled to see a recent roundup from our local Bradenton Herald of eight local attractions that have won the Travelers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor. We’ve gathered a few of them below to add some variety to the end of your summer. Full Boat Charters Backed by over 30 years of local fishing experience, Captain Brook Wallace operates the MISS KENZIE, a 31-foot Pursuit open for boat tours, charters, and even kids’ fishing with free fishing licenses, Rates for a date out with Captain Brook vary depending on your species goal and the size of your party (up to 6), and you can contact Full Boat Charters directly at their website. With recent reviews highlighting a captain who is “extremely attentive,”...
Read More
Preparing For And Weathering Hurricane Season

Preparing For And Weathering Hurricane Season

“Hurricane season” isn’t really anyone’s favorite phrase, let alone a boat owner’s. Unfortunately many of us have seen the damage that can come from these storms when they come through the area, but that means we also have tips for protecting your boat when they do. We’ve borrowed a few below from Sea Tow Services International, Inc., which offers boaters a few pieces of advice for preparing your vessel for a hurricane: 1. Remove all loose items from your boat, especially any items that clouds fly and cause more damage–sails, poles, electronics, even cushions. High winds can create dangerous conditions for flying items and debris. Anything you can’t remove should be lashed down, and in case the worst comes to pass, don’t leave any essential documents on board. 2. Disconnect the shore power. If your boat is in a slip, be sure all power is turned off, all power cords are wrapped and stowed securely, and again, that all electronics possible are...
Read More
Take a Hike: 3 Trails and Parks to Explore Around Bradenton

Take a Hike: 3 Trails and Parks to Explore Around Bradenton

We’ve heard the rumors (mostly from kids) that “summer’s already almost over,” but we’re not sure we believe them. If you don’t either, you know there’s still plenty of time to get outside, stretch, and take a long walk down a trail or through a local park. We’ve listed a few local hikes below to give your perfect summer day a perfect destination. LAKE MANATEE STATE PARK 20007 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212 With three separate trails making up the Main Park Trails, totaling just under three miles, there’s plenty of room to spread out at this state park, with excellent views of the prairie, a nearby lakefront to walk, and even bicycle and canoe rentals. Looking for an overnight outing? The park also offers camping, fishing, and a separate area for boat put-in. ROBINSON PRESERVE 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209 Looking for something a little longer? Robinson Preserve is a county-managed former farmland that’s undergone restoration to include over 8 miles of walking and...
Read More
‘Tis The Season for Fireworks

‘Tis The Season for Fireworks

Happy 4th of July, boaters! With the long holiday weekend right in front of us, we wanted to give you a heads-up and a roundup of some of the best fireworks displays around the marina, and how to catch them. The Bradenton Marauders’ Independence Day Celebration Sunday, July 3 | 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Maybe you can’t stay for the holiday itself, or maybe you just want to catch a baseball game while you’re here. On Sunday, the Bradenton Marauders host the Tampa Tarpons for their annual Independence Day game, with all the fun of the regular season plus souvenir T-shirts for the first 1,500 guests through the gate and a post-game fireworks show. Check the Marauders’ website for tickets and availability. Red, White, and Boom at The Bishop Monday, July 4 | 6 - 10 p.m. This year, the Bishop Museum is hosting a family-friendly, all-ages event with some of the best views of the Manatee River you’ll find. You’ll have plenty of room to...
Read More
Being A Good Neighbor, At Sea and Seaside

Being A Good Neighbor, At Sea and Seaside

Whether you’re tagging along for the day, or you’ve owned a boat for years, there are a lot of things to think about when you’re getting ready to get out on the water. What time are you going? Does everyone coming know where to meet? Is everything charged that needs to be? Are there enough life vests? Fishing poles? Sandwiches? With all there is to keep track of, though, there’s one big thing to keep in mind: your fellow boaters. No one likes a nuisance on the water or the docks, and certainly no one likes to be the nuisance. Here are some things to keep in mind to be a good neighbor, whether you’re boating past or tying up next to someone. Be efficient when loading up or docking. You’re probably going to have a bit of gear with you when you’re headed out, but be mindful that you’re not the only person looking forward to the day. Load your things...
Read More
4 (Non-)Essential Accessories for Your Summer on the Water

4 (Non-)Essential Accessories for Your Summer on the Water

Life jackets. Lights. Spare gas. Oars (just in case). You probably already load up your boat with must-haves like these before you step off the dock–but what about the (truly) nonessential accessories that just add that extra something to a day out in a boat? Below, we’ve put together an incomplete list of things you may not need, but just may want, for a day on the water. The Essential Playlist “You can’t please all the people all the time” may be a true statement, but with the right playlist, you can get pretty close. Whether you’re out for a quick ride along the beach or a full day a little farther out, taking time to put together a soundtrack for the day can be just as exciting as making sure your snacks are packed. If you’re looking for a go-to, Spotify has put together an essential Yacht Rock playlist to keep the good times going. The Quint-essential Footwear A boat ride may not be a...
Read More
Around The Marina: 3 Spots for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Around The Marina: 3 Spots for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Whether you’re a year-round local or just in the area for a vacation, you’re bound to wonder at some point, “What’s for dinner?” It’s a good question, but (obviously) grabbing something to eat isn’t just for sunset after a day on the water. Below we’re highlighting three local spots not too far from the marina to keep you covered and full all day long. And who knows? Stay long enough for dessert and you might run into just the person with all the best hidden fishing spots. Breakfast: D’s Breakfast and Burgers 423 10th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34211 Open for the early birds, D’s is just west of the marina and just a few blocks away from the river. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can stop by for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner, from country-style skillet breakfasts and traditional house-special plates to half-pound burgers, specialty sandwiches, and D’s “mighty melts.” (And don’t worry–D’s also has a few items on the...
Read More
SOUTH FLORIDA BOATING TIPS: 7 SMART TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

SOUTH FLORIDA BOATING TIPS: 7 SMART TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

The food is delicious. A thriving culture. South Florida has everything, from beautiful beaches to some of the world's most famous cruising destinations. If you're planning a vacation, you'll probably spend a lot of time on the water. Now is the time to get ready for the upcoming sailing adventure! Take a look at the seven simple recommendations below for making the most of the South Florida boating scene. 1. Make sure to cover-up Are you planning a trip to South Florida? Even in the dead of winter, when temperatures hover around 70 degrees or higher, you'll want to be warm. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with you so you can stay comfortable no matter what the day brings. What's the best part? South Florida style is all about embracing the sun and heat, so you'll find plenty of stylish ways to do it. Lightweight, long-sleeved tops and leggings (think breezy linen) are ideal for enjoying warm days while keeping your skin protected...
Read More
Renting Vs. Owning

Renting Vs. Owning

Renting Vs. Owning If boating is a passion of yours, the question may have come up whether you should just rent or actually own a boat. When this question comes up, many don’t know where to begin, but start by asking yourself a few questions: How often do you plan on using the boat? What is your budget? What kind of boat do I need? If you plan on using the boat often and have the appropriate resources and funds available, it might not be a bad idea to consider owning a boat. One of the drawbacks of owning a boat though are the costs. The upfront costs to purchase a boat can be costly, but then there are things to consider such as regular maintenance, registration, title, and insurance, and storage space. Once you determine a budget, you will next need to decide what type of boat fits your needs.  If you’re not sure you are up for the responsibility and tasks of boat ownership,...
Read More
Best Florida Cruises and Boat Tours

Best Florida Cruises and Boat Tours

If you’re looking for some of the best waterways to explore in the country, look no further than the sunshine state. Florida features over 1,800 miles of coastline and 12,000 miles of rivers and streams. Some visitors bring their own boat or opt to rent one, but there are other options for travelers such as taking a cruise or boating tour.  Here are some of the top cruises and tours that you’ll want to check out in sunny Florida: Tarpon Springs Take a boat tour from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock where you tour the Anclote River while learning some history about Tarpon Springs. You will also be able to gaze out on the gulf waters and spot dolphins as well as make a stop on the beautiful Anclote Key, a white sand barrier island that is only reachable by boat.  Celebrity Spotting at Miami Beach Many celebrities pay millions of dollars for a home with waterfront views in Miami. If you want to see...
Read More