This is a bulletin from Eric Dybing, President of Florida Open Water Society. Food for thought.

"The 2006 state law restricting municipalities from limiting anchoring on state waters is under attack in the 2009 legislative session. Since the 2006 law was passed cities have continued to enforce local restrictions in direct violation of State Law.  As result legal action was taken with a few of the municipalities and they lost these cases.

The same Municipalities are behind House Bill 1423. This bill has language that will return control over State Waters back to the same Municipalities that have refused to comply with State Law. The bill would allow Municipalities to create no boating zones by city ordinance. In addition it puts into place a series of test cities that if approved, would have the authority to enact Anchoring ordinances if they had a "test" mooring field in place. The bill leaves all the details and rules to be worked out later.

As an example, South Florida has lost two thousand boat slips to development over the past 24 months. On-water storage needs to be the future of Florida. "Test" mooring fields that are designed to enable the municipalities to restrict anchoring are not the answer. A statewide system of not-for-profit mooring fields is the answer.

Florida is quickly gaining the reputation as the most boater-unfriendly state on the eastern seaboard. Florida's $18.4 billion marine industry is at risk. In these economic times, the last thing the state needs is to damage an industry of this magnitude.

All boaters need to band together and deliver the Florida legislature a message "remove these economically devastating anchoring restrictions from H.B. 1423" To learn more or join the fight visit Floridaopenwatersociety.org “

You're invited to stop by and visit with us at the Water & Wheels Show, February 27 through March 1, 2009 at Cape Harbour Marina located at 5828 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral, FL.

We'll have some of our quality listings on display and there's many other activities to enjoy while you're there. The marina will be filled with lots of exciting boats and magnificent yachts. Meet the preeminent wooden boat builder, Hugh Saint. On Saturday enjoy the Cape Coral Rowing Club Rowing Challenge. You also be able to view Classic Cars and Motorcycles, shop at waterfront shops, dine at the area restaurants, and enjoy live music.

Stop by and meet the Whiteaker Yacht Sales team and let's talk boats at this premier event.

This beautiful 2001 Perry 43 will be on display at the show!

Whiteaker Yacht Sales is proud to start the New Year off with the additions of Mike Fauser and Sam Sevier to our staff of brokers. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our staff.

Mike is a USCG Captain, ASA instructor, and Commodore for Manatee Sailing Association. He has been a yacht broker since 2000.

Sam is a retired airline pilot with over 30 years of boating experience. He has owned numerous boats from 30 to 46 feet and authored many technical articles published in various boating magazines. Sam is particularily knowledgeable about catamarans. He has been a licensed broker for 4 years.

You'll find both Mike and Sam personable, friendly, and ready to answer any questions you might have about purchasing a new boat or listing the boat you already have. We hope you will call on them soon.

Mark Your Calendar for the Florida Boat Shows in 2009

January 22-25, 2009 - The Naples Boat Show and Seafood Festival - Renaissance Village, Naples, Florida

February 12 - 16, 2009 - "The Big One" - The Miami International Boat Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The "Strictly Sail" portion of the show will be held at Miamarina at Bayside. As always bus shuttle service will be available to transport guests from one event to the other.

February 12 - 16, 2009 - 21st Annual Yacht & Brokerage Show (not to be confused with the Miami Intl. Boat Show) in Miami Beach on the Indian Creek Waterway.

March 26 - 29, 2009 - Palm Beach International Boat Show along Flagler Drive & the Intercoastal Waterway.

April 17 - 20, 2009 - Suncoast Boat Show, Ken Thompson Park, Sarasota, FL

Feb. 27 - Mar. 1, 2009 - Water & Wheels, Cape Harbour Marina, Cape Coral, FL

I want to tell y'all about our first offshore "big adventure".  I think y'all might find it interesting (and comical in a way).  Up until this trip all of our sailing had been up and down the west coast of Florida.  Pretty routine.

Last May, Frank and I headed to the Bahamas.  We left Burnt Store mid-afternoon and by dark we were several miles offshore.  The wind (what little there was) was on our nose so we were motoring.  The moon was almost full and the sky was clear so it was a beautiful night and we were all excited about finally heading out on our adventure.  We planned to take 3 hour shifts and I was to begin at 1:00a.m.  It was hard to go to sleep since I was so excited but I did.  Then about 10:45p I woke up because the boat was bouncing pretty hard.  I went up to see what was going on.  We had entered an unpredicted wind and wave event.  As time went on, the wind and the waves increased (no rain or lightning). The current was behind us and the winds became steady at 30knts with gusts up to 36knts.  The waves grew to approximately 6 feet with every fourth wave about 8 feet (I was counting).  With those 8 footers the bow would plow through the water and go completely over the entire length of the boat.  The first time it happened the reflection of the running lights on the bow spread about 3 feet to each side of the boat.  My comment was "Shoot, it broke our lights".  I wasn't worried about our situation; I was worried that it hurt our boat.  Quickly I learned it was just the light shimmering through the water.  All of us were harnessed and tethered to the cockpit.  We never felt scared - just a little queasy.  The boat handled beautifully!  It was as if it was on a joy ride! Although at times the power of the waves would slow us down to 1.5knts, our boat kept plugging along.  What a GREAT boat!  This lasted 7+ hours.  It started to calm down around dawn.  Whew!!! What a night!  To add a little insult to injury, Frank had not completely closed the forward hatch so you can imagine how everything in the forward stateroom was drenched, including all the linens under the bed.  I had asked him before we left if all the hatches were secure and in an "impatient tone" he said yes.  Well as we arrived in Marathon and discovered the "water issue" he looked so green I didn't have the heart to say anything - in fact nobody said a word, we just cleaned it up.  No harm.

What a way to experience our first overnighter.  But, after that, everything was a "piece of cake".  We absolutely loved the outer islands of the Bahamas (Exumas).  It was more than we ever expected.  We're looking forward to going back and with more time we plan to head further south, maybe the Turks and Caicos.

(Article appearing in the Sept. 28, 2008 Florida Mariner)

            Whiteaker Yacht Sales is proud to welcome William Mayberry to our team of yacht brokers. William is a licensed USCG Captain and is very knowledgeable about all types of boats. He has been an avid boater for more than 30 years having owned runabouts, houseboats, power cruisers, and sailboats.

            He has cruised the Tennessee River system, Gulf Coast, Eastern US Coast, and The Bahamas. He currently lives aboard his Island Packet 37 sailboat with his wife, Judy at Twin Dolphin Marina. He is a former business owner and has extensive knowledge in marketing and customer service.

            Those of you who have met William know he takes very seriously our pledge to provide "Exceptional Service" and to demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times. Plus, he's a darn nice guy! If you happen to work with William when buying or selling your boat, you'll be happy you did. And, you will probably make a friend for life.

Whiteaker Yacht Sales, Bradenton, FL

888-717-7327

www.whiteakeryachtsales.com

                         Keeping a Ship Shape Boat

Ahhh…fall in Florida.

Question: How do you know fall has arrived in Florida?
Answer: By all the presents left on your boat by the migrating birds!

Yes, the birds are beginning to make their way south for the winter and that means extra scrubbing and rinsing for all us boat owners.
It's a very good idea to rinse your boat often during this time because the toxic ingredients in those bird droppings can put an ugly stain on your gelcoat and canvas. Of course, we highly recommend regular cleaning in all four seasons; but it's especially important during 'bird season'.

Rinsing your boat regularly with freshwater will reduce the amount of time needed to wash and wax your boat. After a voyage we suggest first spraying the entire boat with a fine spray. This includes the cockpit area and the underside of the bimini. For sailboats you should spray as high up the mast and rigging as possible. It will take a few minutes for the dry salt crystals to begin to dissolve. Once you have given them time to dissolve go back over the entire boat with a high pressure rinse.

When it's time for a good scrubbing, using a high-quality marine soap is better for the boat's surfaces. Some household cleaners can have a high alkaline level and may cut short the life of your wax job. They can also scratch the gelcoat if not removed promptly.

Try to BE GREEN. Many cleaning products contain chemicals that aren't good for marine life. Phosphates for example are very unfriendly to aquatic life. Pay attention to the ingredients and try to stay clear of high chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide, and solvents. It is best to use a soft bristle deck brush for cleaning cushions and canvas and never use a brush of any kind on dodger windows. For bright finishes, imitation lamb's wool brushes are the least abrasive. For tough areas, try to avoid stiff bristles and opt instead for a natural bristle brush if possible. And if you want to avoid water spots, we suggest drying the boat thoroughly.

To restore the shine to gelcoat, some people like to use an oxidation remover. If you decide to give this a try, you should start with a less aggressive rubbing compound. If your boat simply has a moderately dull look, use a fine rubbing compound. If your gelcoat is severely oxidized, you should seek professional help.

For a good wax job you may want to hire a professional as it can be back breaking work. If you opt to do it yourself start the waxing process with a properly prepared surface by using a good fiberglass cleaner. Boat wax can contain powerful acid cleaners so protect yourself with gloves and avoid breathing the fumes for extended periods of time. Try to keep the wax away from metal surfaces as it can cause corrosion. Before beginning the job, be prepared with LOTS of soft clean rags. To save time and conserve your energy, we highly recommend an electric buffer.

A good cleaning kit should contain marine cleaner, sponges, squeegee, wax, lots of soft rags, compound (for deep scratches), good selection of brushes, boat pole with scrub brush attachment, and hose with good pressure water.

At Whiteaker Yacht Sales we believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For the best overall maintenance of your boat, preventative care is the way to go. Always rinse your boat after each voyage, give her regular scrubbings, keep her waxed, and keep all exterior teak touched up. If you're trying to sell your boat, the outward appearance is especially important because it is often considered to be an indication of how well you have maintained her other components. And remember that all important "first impression" goes a long way in attracting a buyer to your boat.

Happy cleaning!

A grassroots effort by many in the boating industry has led to an important victory for the estimated 17 million recreational boaters in the United States. On July 29, 2008, President Bush signed the Clean Boating Act of 2008. This is probably the biggest legislative victory for the boating industry since the repeal of the boat luxury tax in 1993. This important Act will permanently restore the previously long-standing exemption for recreational boats from having to obtain a discharge permit.  Under the Clean Water Act pleasure boaters were caught up in a law meant to mandate treatment of ballast water in large commercial ships. It would have required all vessel owners to get expensive permits in each state that the boat operated in.

It is estimated that 150,000 people sent emails to Congress on this issue. The National Marine Manufacturers Association, BoatU.S., and a coalition including outdoor enthusiasts, conservation groups with diverse backgrounds, and boat owners rallied together to help accomplish this important victory. It is even more impressive when you consider that on average it takes Congress seven years to pass a bill and in this instance the time was cut to 4 ½ years. Plus it was done at a time of gridlock in Washington resulting in Congress passing very few bills.

With all the obstacles we are facing in the boating industry from outrageous insurance rates to high fuel prices it is refreshing to have something go our way. Whiteaker Yacht Sales applauds everyone who participated and made their voice heard on this important issue. It is a very good example of what we can accomplish if we all work together.