If you’re amongst the lucky and have been invited aboard a private yacht, then get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure no matter where it set sails. But remember you are a guest and it’s good to know some basic yacht-board etiquette to make sure you get invited again.
If you happen to be at a boat show for yachting and get invited aboard one of the amazing vessels, ask for permission to come aboard. Of course you’ve already been invited, but it’s standard courtesy to ask the Captain for “permission to come aboard?” While you don’t have to be overly formal about it, the gesture will be appreciated and it only has to be asked once.
More standard etiquette requires that you remove your shoes after boarding. Regular shoes can mar a well-maintained deck so if you need shoes, use flip-flops or have a clean pair of tennis or running shoes handy with light-colored, clean soles.
Make sure to not waste the fresh water on board. One of the key considerations in yacht ownership and maintenance is water supply. On any yacht there is only a certain number of gallons of fresh water on board and running out can be a serious matter. Just respect the regulations set for use of fresh water, like not letting the water run when brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
Make sure to leave roll-on luggage with wheels and hard cases at home and instead pack using soft luggage and duffel bags. This type of luggage will store better on yachts and cause less damage. These are just some of the basic etiquette rules to follow when on a private luxury yacht. Check with your captain or peruse the internet for a few more helpful tips to insure your yachting adventure is smooth sailing.
Florida's Waters
Florida has over 8,000 miles of coastline and 4,500 square miles of inland waterways, making it a paradise for boaters! From mega-yachts to wooden skiffs, having a boat is as normal as having a car for some Floridians.
Also known as "the ditch," the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is a natural but dredged channel that extends 500 miles down the east coast of Florida to the tip of the Keys. It's a very popular boating route that runs through rivers, creeks and dredged canals. It is maintained by the Florida Inland Navigation District.
The 135-mile Okeechobee Waterway, which cuts through the state, is another popular boating route, especially during the summer. It runs along the St. Lucie Canal from Stuart, across Lake Okeechobee and then on to Sanibel Island via the Caloosahatchee River.
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Anchoring Restrictions
New Florida Law Eases Anchorage Restrictions
Boaters cruising Florida waters may find it easier to anchor for extended periods of time in a number of cities where local ordinances limited anchorage to as little as 48 hours.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed H.B. 1423, a general legislative package for the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that includes a provision that prevents local Florida communities from forcing boaters to leave an anchorage unless the boat is a live-aboard vessel. The law specifically defines a live-aboard vessel as one that is used solely as a residence and not for navigation; one represented as a place of business; and/or one that is declared to be a domicile. The new law also prohibits local governments from regulating anchorage outside of established mooring fields unless the boat is a live-aboard vessel.
Many marine organizations have advocated for clarification within the law since 2006, when Miami Beach set an anchorage limit of seven days within any 30 day period. Ft. Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Gulfport, Marco Island and other coastal communities soon enacted similar restrictions, with the most restrictive law being a 24-hour window for boaters anchoring in Ft. Lauderdale. “This law will not only have a positive impact on boaters in the area, but generate revenue for local businesses by allowing boaters more freedom to anchor,” said David Dickerson, NMMA director of state government relations. “We are encouraged by this law’s effort to make Florida more boater-friendly than ever.”
Great Places To Anchor Out
Miami - Across from Baker's Haulover Inlet in front of Florida International University; in front of Watson Island, by the cruise ships at the port; the anchorage in Boca Chica Harbor or pick up a free mooring on the bayside by Sand's Cut.
Palm Beach County - Peanut Island across from Lake Worth Inlet.
Charts
Technology has caught up with charts & maps and many can now be downloaded. Always have the latest version, as shoals, wrecks and other navigational influences can cause changes.
Captain's License
Thinking of becoming a charter captain or running a water taxi? You'll need a license from the United States Coast Guard which can be obtained from many schools and organizations that offer maritime training & education in Florida.
Paying for Your Boat
If you plan to finance your vessel, you'll need a down payment of roughly 10% - 20%, but often there are programs available through various manufacturers that could allow you to qualify for less, or zero-down on new boat specials. If you choose to get financing through a marine lender, you can usually get longer terms on boat loans than local banks and credit unions and your monthly payments are likely to be much lower than you have expected.
Ownership Alternatives
There are several alternatives to owning your own boat; including Boat Renting & Leasing, and Charters. Yacht charters are obviously going to be far more expensive that renting a boat for an afternoon outing, but if you are considering chartering the yacht of your getaway dreams, keep these tips in mind:
Use a professional Yacht Broker
Ask about special foods and provisions
Budget: Charter costs are not all inclusive. Ask about fuel, gratuities and extra activities.
Number in your party: The maximum number of charter guests allowed by law is 12.
Activities: Ask if there will be equipment for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, etc. Different yachts often specialize in different pastimes.
OUR VISION
A Safer Florida!
OUR VALUES
We Believe in:
Service by exceeding expectations;
Integrity by upholding the highest ethical standards;
Courtesy by treating everyone with dignity and respect;
Professionalism by inspiring confidence and trust:
Innovation by fostering creativity, and
EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO!
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