boating tips – Riviera Dunes Marina

What Makes a Good Marina?

08/13/202208/13/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Hospitality and Customer service Hospitality and customer service is the number one item to consider when choosing a marina. Our Marina is known for the friendly faces and relationships we build with our customers. Our customers become more like family and know every time they come to see us, they will be greeted with smiling faces. Proper Equipment It is extremely important to be sure your boats are sheltered from wind, waves, and boat traffic. It provides a sense of security when it comes to the safety of your boat. The percentage of boat owners who prefer having shelter is significantly higher than boat owners who do not for good reasons! On Site Services Having a place to dock is extremely important, however what is available to you on location is also important. RD Marina has an extensive list of on site services that we provide to our customers. Click Here to see our full list of on-site services. Events/Socials Hosted by the Marina Hosting...

Winter Boat Maintenance Tips

12/21/202112/21/2021 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

In most parts of the country, boat-owners have to take extensive precautions to protect their vessels through the cold weather months. Winter is officially here and even though boating is a year-round activity in Florida, there are some steps you can take to protect your boat this season. Here are some tips to keep your boat in tip-top shape: Engine Maintenance While Florida’s winter temps are warm enough to be on the water, your boat still may be sitting for an extending period of time if you are traveling or just busy with holiday activities. Any time your boat is going to sit for longer than 6 weeks, it’s a good idea to fog the engine to prevent corrosion. If you are going to use your boat more frequently and choose to skip this step, be sure to start up your boat on a regular basis. Prop Performance Winter is a great time to make sure your propellers are in good shape. Use this...

Boaters Gift Guide 2021

12/17/202112/17/2021 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

With the holiday season in full-swing, now is the time to finish your shopping for the boat-lover in your life. It can seem like boaters have a never-ending list of gadget needs and you may not know where to start. Here are some ideas that are sure to be a hit! Boat Scuff Erasers by Better Boat In boating, dings and scuffs are bound to happen. What could be better than a magical eraser for your boat? These boat scuff erasers will gently remove marks and dirt without harsh chemicals. Better Boat Boat Erasers Docktail Boat Table This incredible table attaches to your boat via an adjustable rod holder mount and securely holds all your bar needs. It has perfectly-sized spots for cups and bottles and includes a cutting board and snack bowls. Whether you’re at a dockside party or on the sandbar, this is the perfect way to get your party started. The Docktail Boat Table Caddy with All Angle Adjustable Rod Holder Mount Squid Cup...

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your First Boat

10/29/202110/29/2021 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Purchasing your first boat is a big decision. It’s a commitment, both in terms of maintenance and finances. You have to consider many aspects such as storing it, maintaining it and operating it. Here are 5 common sense questions to help you as you think about buying a boat. How do you plan to use your boat? First of all, you want to consider how you will be using a boat. What kind of activities are you interested in? What’s pulling you to make this purchase? If you’re an avid angler, this might be a no brainer. But if you want to get out on the water more for leisure boating or low-key fishing, you’ll have to really think about the best option. And depending on what you want to use a boat for, you’ll also need to think about how big it should be. You’ll also need to think about how you’re going to tow the boat and where you’ll store...

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

07/20/2019 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family PortraitIf you’ve been searching for tips on how to get the perfect family picture without a professional, look no further! See below for some photography tips to help you get that album-worthy family photo. Timing is Key!Finding the right timing for your family photo is the key for getting the best shot. Sarasota beaches have some of the most pristine sunsets in Florida; but that’s not when you want to take your family portrait. The best time to shoot? The “golden hour” is what you want to aim for; about 45 minutes after sunrise or prior to sunset. There is a very slim window of time when the light will be ideal, so be ready! Location, location, location!Location is another key factor you will want to include in your family photo. A unique location in your background that has a special memory associated with it can make the entire shot! Not sure where to...

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

07/09/2019 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3There’s no place like Sarasota in the summertime! Seas the day in sunny Sarasota with the hottest events of this August. Read below for the complete guide to a beachin’ vacation! August EventsVenice Cabaret FestivalJuly 12 - August 25 Enjoy an evening on the town with Venice Theatre’s riveting Cabaret Festival performances this August! Originally opened in 1950, the Venice Theatre is a frequent favorite of Sarasota locals and visitors alike. Recognized as the largest community theatre in the United States, Venice Theatre brings you the 7th annual Cabaret Festival, featuring many different acts from top performers. Shark DaysAugust 4-10 Head over to Mote Marine Aquarium for Shark Days, starting August 4th! This fin-tastic shark frenzy is going to be full of fun activities and family-friendly events. Learn all about Sarasota’s shark population while getting a unique perspective on these jawsome aquatic creatures!Sarasota Slam Fishing TournamentAugust 8-10Get ready for a reel good time at Sarasota Slam...

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2

06/27/2019 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2There’s no place like Sunny Sarasota this summer! Seas the day in Sarasota county with the hottest spots of the season. Read below for a complete guide to your best vacation yet! July EventsSarasota Powerboat Grand PrixJune 29 - July 7Ready, set, go - get ready for the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix! An annual Sarasota favorite, this family-friendly, fun event takes off on June 29th, running through July 7th. Some dates to remember: July 3rd - the festival kickoff at Van Wezel, a spectacular evening of fireworks and more! July 5th - the Boats on Main block party. July 6th - Car show and motorcycle event at Rossiter’s Harley Davidson. July 7th is the highlight of the festival, where you can watch the powerboat races at Lido Beach. Looking for more places to sit back and watch the fireworks? Check out this guide to Independence Day Fireworks in Sarasota! Art and a Movie at The...

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide

06/19/201906/19/2019 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide There’s no place like Sarasota in the summertime! Seas the day in sunny Sarasota with the hottest events of the summer. Read below for a complete guide to your best vacation yet!June EventsSarasota Music FestivalJune 1-22Don’t miss Sarasota Music Festival’s 54th annual music extravaganza! This event is a prominent music festival for professionals from all over the country. Presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, there are an array of performances to enjoy, including Friday Festivals, Saturday Symphonies and more!Summer Circus SpectacularJune 11 - Aug. 3Summer really starts to heat up in Sarasota when the Summer Circus Spectacular comes around! Located at the Historic Asolo Theatre, The Ringling works with the Circus Arts Conservatory to bring a thrilling family adventure featuring performers from across the globe!Players Centre Summer Sizzler SeriesJune 12-23, July 23-28, Aug. 14-25; Players Centre for Performing ArtsA Sarasota hotspot, The Players have been annually performing in Sarasota for 83 years! This carefully crafted...

The Best Of Sarasota: 6 Exquisite Waterside Dining Experiences

05/05/2019 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Whether your dream Sarasota vacation includes water activities, safari adventures, or relaxing by the waterside with a good book, you will want to make time to grab a bite at some of these six breathtaking waterside restaurants. If you want to make the most of your time in Sunny Sarasota, you’ve come to the right place! Below you will find Sarasota’s best waterfront restaurants; sit back, relax and enjoy Florida’s freshest bounties with serene saltwater on your horizon. Fin’s at Sharky’sTake a short trip to the south end of Venice Island, where you will find Fin’s at Sharky’s, the only local restaurant situated right on the Gulf of Mexico. Sip on a carefully crafted cocktail while drinking in the beauty of the Gulf. Famed for their Tuna Tacos and unbelievable view, Fin’s at Sharky’s will be a lunch or dinner treat to remember. Old Salty Dog - City IslandComplete your Sarasota adventures with a lunch break at Old Salty Dog. Their...

Dive Into Sarasota’s Tastiest Seafood Spots

04/22/2019 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Dive Into Sarasota’s Tastiest Seafood Spots By Hannah M. Are you planning your Sarasota vacation and on the search for the best seafood spots? Southwest Florida has the freshest fish on the Gulf of Mexico! Take a look below at some of Sarasota’s favorite fish restaurants. Walt’s Fish Market, Restaurant & Tiki Bar4144 S. Tamiami Trail, SarasotaOriginally started as a fish market by the Wallin family, this restaurant took off in the 40’s when Tom Wallin began to cook up the catch of the day for local fishers. Since then, they have relocated and refreshed their entire business to include a full bar and a variety of fresh fish, including a rotating catch of the day. The grouper sandwich is a local favorite and said to be the best in the area! Crab & Fin 420 St. Armands Circle, SarasotaA fundamental pitstop on St. Armand’s Circle for over four decades, Crab & Fin is known for the freshest fish in...