InTheBite

Hatteras Yachts and Fish Tank Sportfishing Team Up

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HATTERAS YACHTS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH FISH TANK SPORTFISHING

World-Class Anglers Will Help Design Next Generation Hatteras Sportfishing Yacht

 NEW BERN, N.C. – JUNE 12, 2018 – Hatteras/Cabo Yachts LLC (“Hatteras Yachts”), a world leader in the construction of convertible sportfishing and luxury motor yachts from 45 to 105 feet, announces a partnership with sportfishing couple Chris and Laura Jessen, world-renowned anglers and owners of Fish Tank Sportfishing. Along with their captain, Ben Horning, the Jessens will collaborate with Hatteras to design a next-generation sportfishing yacht.

“We’ve been fishing on our Hatteras GT63 since 2012, and we chose Hatteras again because we have had a tremendous experience,” said Chris Jessen. “They build a high-quality boat at Hatteras with amazing attention to detail. We’re honored that our ideas and designs will live beyond our boat and influence the legendary Hatteras Sportfishing line.”

“Hatteras is thrilled to collaborate with Fish Tank Sportfishing,” said Hatteras Yachts President and CEO Kelly Grindle. “Chris, Laura, and Captain Ben have incredible expertise, have logged thousands of hours on the water, and have released countless fish. We will be designing a boat where every detail has been considered by world-class anglers.”

The partnership officially begins today. In the coming months, Hatteras will work closely with the Jessens and Captain Horning to design the new boat. Caterpillar Marine will also be a key partner in the building of this new sportfishing yacht.

For more information on Hatteras sportfish yachts, visit www.hatterasyachts.com/sportfish.

Follow @hatterasyachtsnc and @fishtanksportfishing on Instagram for regular updates on the partnership between Hatteras and Fish Tank Sportfishing.

Uncovering of Bertram Yachts Cutting-Edge 61

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BERTRAM YACHTS REVEALS CUTTING-EDGE 61

TAMPA, Fla., June 13, 2018 — Florida-based Bertram Yachts announces the debut of its second new model under the ownership of industrialist and yachting enthusiast Beniamino Gavio. The Bertram 61 is designed with the durability and quality of the original battlewagons, while utilizing the most advanced technologies and techniques, to build a better Bertram. The new model sets a new standard for Bertram and competitors in its class.

Since its inception in Tampa, Fla., Bertram has completed seventeen 35s, with delivery across North American, Puerto Rico, Japan, Italy, Bermuda, and Panama. The 61 prototype will debut in Fort Lauderdale, July 2018. To-date, reservations on hull numbers two through five have been placed.

The hull, designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design, is projected to provide top-of-the-line performance and speed, with twin CAT32s, 1900-HP diesels. A Seakeeper 16 gyro stabilizer unit will also be found in the engine room, just aft of the engines. Projected to eliminate 95% of the boats roll, the unit is critical to providing comfort for trolling anglers and cruisers alike.

“Our boats are designed to handle the worst of conditions with ease. Nothing about that has changed. Standardizing the Seakeeper is just one of the advanced features we’re adding to the boat, to take that next step into unprecedented quality of sportfishing boats. If we’ve got a hull that can go through anything, we need to make sure our customers are comfortable when they get there – and it is a testament to how we take care of owners,” says Tommy Thompson, VP Sales and Product Development.

Construction features an infused vinylester solid fiberglass hull bottom with Kevlar centerline and strake reinforcements. At full-load, the projected displacement is 92,450 lbs.

The spacious cockpit allows anglers to maneuver quickly and seamlessly, when the bite is on. The center console helm gives great visibility and affords a comfortable ride for more than just a couple passengers. The exterior is designed to take on the most rugged conditions, while the open salon-galley layout and full-beam master stateroom, are just a few of the features that make the interior one of luxury and comfort.

“In the spirit of Bertram’s relaunch, the salon wrap around windows are actually another great blast-from-the-past but done now using modern technology and virtually military grade glass. These windows are amazing,” says Thompson. “I can’t wait for everyone to see the view from inside a 61 Bertram.”

 

“Reel Addiction” with 796.9lb Blue Marlin to Win Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

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Reel Addiction Wins the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic with 796.9-Pound Blue Marlin

After a pursuit lasting more than a decade, Team Reel Addiction finally topped the field of 117 boats to win the 2018 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. Angler Chase Pate of Pensacola, Florida, Capt. Scooter Porto, owners Rocky and Laurie Jones, and mates Zach Taylor, Seth Brennan and Nate Dennis boated a 796.9-pound blue marlin after a 30-minute fight Saturday morning. The largest marlin of the week earned the team $405,705 for the top tournament award and optional entries. The overall tournament prize money was nearly $2.2 million.

“Winning this one was on my bucket list,” Rocky Jones explained before Sunday’s awards breakfast. “We won top release boat 12 years ago and I’ve been trying to win the whole shooting match ever since. We finally did it!” Reel Addiction, a 56 Viking and regular on the Gulf big-game circuit, is based in Pensacola Beach. With the win, the team also earned an invitation to compete in the 2019 Offshore World Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica.

Team Supreme, with anglers Alex Krake, Chris Howell and Capt. Chase Lake, didn’t go home empty-handed, even though their Friday night marlin weighed 739.1 pounds. The 76 Viking from Destin went back out and caught a 156.6-pound yellowfin to boost the overall winnings to $313,115 for the second-place tournament award and optionals.

Pearl took the third-place tournament award and pocketed $122,970. Angler Edgar McKee and Capt. Shawnie Clemons and the team aboard the 48 Viking based in Orange Beach boated a 611.5-pound blue to earn that payout.

The Catch and Release Division was close and final standings were determined by time of catch. Relentless Pursuit (Capt. Robbie Doggett), was the overall winner with 1,800 points (three blue releases), earning a check of $265,050. The 95 Jim Smith calls New Orleans home. Done Deal (Capt. Jason Buck) came in second in the division, also with 1,800 points. Angler Katie Gonsoulin took top Lady Angler honors and the team won $133.830. Money Shot (Capt. Dale Bergeron) was the third-place release team with 1,200 points, good for a $12,000 payday. A Work of Art, Born2Run and Wynsong also won optional money in the release division. Ryan Cooper, fishing on CE, was named the top junior angler based on his two white marlin releases.

Angler Robeau Whibbs and the family/friends team aboard Swee Pea, a 50 Topaz from Pensacola, captured the top tuna. Their yellowfin weighed 182.3 pounds, good for $24,000. No tuna topped the current Mississippi record of 205.8 pounds, so the special $500,000 bonus went unclaimed. Bennie Goldman and his team on Reelentless, a 37 Freeman from Dauphin Island, took second place tuna honors with a 172.8 yellowfin. That fish was worth $139,725 in category and optional money. Fourteen-year-old Sawyer York, competing aboard First Choice, a 60 Hatteras based in New Orleans, whipped a 166.3-pound yellowfin tuna to earn his team $90,585 in prize money. Triple Threat also won optional prize money for its 159.2 tuna.

Anthony Stauffer (Hayride) boated the largest swordfish, a 144.1 broadbill, good for $39,600 in tournament and optional money. Matt Carpenter, on Long Straw, was second with a 125.2-pounder ($20,160), followed by Anthony Lopez on Titan Up (123.5 pounds/$26,940).

Johnny Moore, fishing aboard Alma-Ann, a 48 Cabo (Capt. Nick Jones), made MGCBC tournament history when he finally landed the new record dolphin after a two-hour waiting game. The 57.2-pound bull earned the team $66,750. Kevin Berry, on Deadline, a 52 Viking, was second with a fishing weighing 45.2 pounds ($18,000), while Michael Burroughs whipped a 44.6-pound dolphin for Team Quicktime ($37,650). Amnesia, Big Torch, Heads N Tails and Questionable Judgement also took home optional prize money for their dolphin.

The wahoo this year didn’t quite meet normal Classic averages but were respectable fish nonetheless and earned nice payouts. Lined Out and Jeff Dees caught the largest, 61.4 pounds, good for $48,300. Seament’s Doug Lake was second with a 48.5 wahoo ($37,125) and Neal Foster, betting heavily on Team Intensity, took home $82,425 for three entries in the optional categories.

“We had great weather and some exceptional fish brought to the scales this week,” said Tournament Director Bobby Carter. “I’d like to congratulate our champion Reel Addiction and thank all the teams, our wonderful sponsors and my staff for making this 22nd annual event so special. We hope you’ll join us again next year from June 3-9, 2019.”

The Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel was this year’s tournament host. High Roller sponsors included the City of Biloxi, Release Marine, Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gorenflo’s Tackle and Marina Store and Yeti Coolers.

Team “Wynsong” Wins 2018 Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic

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Wynsong, 66’ Viking, takes the Hardware!

The 14th Annual Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic, presented by H&E Equipment Services, the second leg of The Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship, is now in the record books. With a fleet of 46 boats, ranging in length from 32′ to 95′, our participants fished for a total purse of $662,400.00, plus trophies and prizes.

Our festivities started Tuesday evening, May 29, with our Dock Party, sponsored by our host facility, Cypress Cove Lodge & Marina. Everyone enjoyed the boiled shrimp, smoked pork, and of course, the bread pudding. A good time was had by all. Wednesday, May 30, was our official Registration Day, Captains Meeting, and Kick-Off Party. As usual, we were slammed with last minute arrivals of boats due to the weather that came in over the Memorial Day weekend. Acme Oyster House lived up to their reputation at our Kick-Off Party, sponsored by our friends at Le Beouf Towing, with seafood pasta, oyster bar, fried fish and all the trimmings. Thank you Acme and LeBeouf Towing!

Thursday, May 31, started a little slow (as a result of too much fun Wednesday night maybe?). Optional entries closed at 11:00 am with a total purse of $662,400.00. Father Gerry Stapleton from St. Patrick’s Cathedral of Port Sulphur, Louisiana visited to continue our tradition of the Blessing of the Fleet. At 1:00 pm, boats departed for the river, the rip, rigs, Mississippi Canyon and Green Canyon in the Gulf of Mexico, led by Chasin Tail an 80′ Weaver, with owner John Engquist of H&E Equipment Services and Captain Clayt James and crew.

The phones started ringing early Thursday afternoon with Carrie Gerber-Collins, fishing on the 64’ Tribute, Cut N Run, calling in a White Marlin release at 4:38 pm. This was followed quickly by Jr. Angler, Ryan Cooper, age 15, fishing with his dad Scott Cooper on their 37’ Freeman catamaran, Triple C, calling in a Blue Marlin release at 5:55 pm. Maybe the bite was going to be good. Next, owner/angler John Engquist, of H&E Equipment Services, our Presenting Sponsor, fishing on his 80’ Weaver, Chasin Tail, with Captain Clayt James calling in a Blue Marlin release at 6:25 pm.

Friday, June 1, our phones started ringing at 8:13 am, with Team Reel Addiction, Rocky Jones’ 56’ Viking, with Captain Scooter Porto reporting a 111” Blue Marlin in the cockpit for angler Tyler Massey, and heading to the scales. When they weighed in at Cypress Cove Marina, it tipped the scales at 545 lbs. Then, the phones started blowing up with 18 more Blue Marlin releases, including Captain Robbie Doggett on the 95’ Jim Smith, Relentless Pursuit, with owner Dennis Pasentine having 3 Blue Marlin releases and multiple boats with 2 releases. Also, Second Wind, a 68’ Viking with Captain Marlin Brown and owner Mitch Jurisitch calling in a boated 110” Blue Marlin for angler David Schaefer heading to the scales. Second Wind’s Blue Marlin weighed in at 488.9 lbs. At 6:30 pm, A Work of Art, a 92’ Viking with owner Art Favre and Captain Ron Woodruff called in a 117” Blue Marlin for angler Kevin Courville, but they chose to stay out fishing and come in on Saturday. When A Work of Art came in, their Blue Marlin weighed in at 521.3 lbs.

Saturday, June 2, started out a little slow until the 66’ Viking, Wynsong, owned by Will Wilson with Captain Allen Staples calling in a hook up for angler Zach Tokheim. All they could say is it a BIG one. 5 ½ hours later, Wynsong, reported a really fat 117” Blue Marlin in the cockpit! During Saturday, the 70’ Viking, Done Deal, with sponsor/owner Jon Gonsoulin and Captain Jason Buck had called in 2 Blue Marlin releases for Jon’s daughter, Katie Gonsoulin (another gold cap special). Wynsong backed in and their Blue Marlin weighed in at 699.3 lbs to take over 1st Place, putting Reel Addiction in 2nd Place at 545 lbs, with A Work of Art coming in with 3rd Place at 521.3 lbs. in our Blue Marlin Division.

Wynsong 1st Place Blue Marlin 699.3 lbs $90,450.00
Reel Addiction 2nd Place Blue Marlin 545 lbs $46,170.00
A Work of Art 3rd Place Blue Marlin 521.3 lbs $119,520.00

Our Release Division, sponsored by Release Marine, ended with the following standings and all winners receiving custom inlayed step boxes from Release Marine:

Relentless Pursuit 1st Place 1500 points $105,300.00
Wynsong 2nd Place Release 1500 points $40,230.00
Chasin Tail 3rd Place Release 1000 points $49,770.00

Our Dolphin Division saw some nice Dolphin weighed in for this early in the season with the following standings:

Money Shot owner/angler Ross Sampey 1st Place at 44.9 lbs $5,175.00
Snafu angler Bart Barre 2nd Place at 39.7 lbs $3,105.00
Carib owner/angler Larry Wireman 3rd Place at 38.0 lbs $2,070.00

Our Tuna Division ended with the following standings, with Wynsong again in the money:

Wynsong angler Pickett Reese   1st Place at 156.4 lbs  $27,000.00

Relentless Pursuit angler Mike Akiu    2nd Place at 115.0 lbs  $58,770.00

2×4 angler Chris Scott 3rd Place at 94.7 lbs  $2,520.00

Triple C Youth Angler Ryan Cooper 1st Place at 40.3 lbs $8,595.00
Crawgator angler JD Dugas 2nd Place at 32.6 lbs $2,565.00
Crawgator angler Mike Butler 3rd Place at 28.7 lbs $1,710.00

Our Top Billfish Boat Award, the Bob Potter Memorial Award went to Team Wynsong with 3 Blue Marlin releases and a 699.3 lb Blue Marlin for 2199.3 points. With the Top Billfish Boat Award came an invitation to fish the Offshore World Championship in 2018 in Quepos, Costa Rica, produced by Marlin Magazine and Bonnier Corporation. Top Captain and Top Mate trophies, in Memory of Benny Collins, were presented to Captain Allen Staples and Mate Caleb Brown of the Wynsong. Congratulations goes to Team Wynsong taking 1st Place Blue Marlin, 2nd Place Release, 1st Place Tuna, Top Billfish Boat, along with Top Captain and Top Mate prizes, winning them a total of $157,680.00.

Our Top Money Boat was Relentless Pursuit, taking 1st Place Release, and multiple Tuna jackpots for a total purse of $164,070.00.

Our Top Female Angler Award, sponsored by The Roosevelt Hotel of New Orleans, went to Katie Gonsoulin, fishing with her dad, Jon Gonsoulin on their 70’ Viking, Done Deal, with 2 Blue Marlin releases for a total of 1,000 points.

Our Top Youth Angler Trophy, in Memory of Jim Peachey, was awarded to 15 year old Ryan Cooper, fishing with his dad Scott Cooper on their 37’ Freeman, Triple C. Ryan had a Blue Marlin release, a White Marlin release, and 1st Place Wahoo at 40.3 lbs, along with a 33.9 lb Dolphin.

All our winning Captains received Mustad gift bags with loads of prizes from Costa Sunglasses, Professional Sports Shop, comefishla.com, Squidnation, CAZA Offshore, and the Billfish Foundation. Our 1st Place winners, along with Top Female Angler, Top Youth Angler, also received custom remarked prints from our Official Artist Steve Goione, gorgeous custom logo Orca Coolers, in addition to their Mustad and Costa gift bags. Our Top Captain and Top Mate also received custom logo Orca Coolers, in addition to their Mustad and Costa prize bags.

Saturday evening, Acme Oyster House put out their spread again of wonderful Cajun food and desserts, hosted by our friends at Florida Marine Transporters. Thank you Acme and Florida Marine Transporters!

Sunday morning, our Awards Breakfast was hosted by our Presenting Sponsor H&E Equipment Services with food by Cypress Cove Grill–thank you Charlotte and Rene!

1st Place Blue Marlin Wynsong

Top Billfish Boat Wynsong

Top Captain and Top Mate Wynsong

1st Place Release Relentless Pursuit

Our fleet had a good bite with 26 Blue Marlin releases, 4 White Marlin releases and 2 Sailfish Releases, with 4 boated Blue Marlin.

We would like to thank our wonderful sponsors, new and old participants, and the staff of both Cypress Cove Marina & Lodge and Venice Marina along with our tournament staff for a wonderful week in southern Plaquemines Parish! See you in Venice next year or trolling the rip. Thank goodness Tropical Depression Alberto went East! Best of luck to everyone fishing the Gulf of Mexico tournament circuit this summer!

Thanks everyone,

Steve Thomas Tournament Director

1st Annual Hatteras Cup: Open to Anglers on Hatteras Sportfishing Boats

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HATTERAS YACHTS ANNOUNCES $1.15 MILLION HATTERAS CUP
Open Exclusively to Anglers Competing on Hatteras Sportfishing Boats

NEW BERN, N.C. – JUNE 1, 2018 – Hatteras/Cabo Yachts LLC (“Hatteras Yachts”), a world leader in the construction of convertible sportfishing and luxury motor yachts from 45 to 105 feet, announces the launch of the inaugural Hatteras Cup, an elite fishing tournament beginning today that is open exclusively to participants fishing on a Hatteras sportfish. At stake is $1.15 million in potential prizes.

“At Hatteras, we want to feed the passion we share with our sportfishing customers for going after big game offshore. The Hatteras Cup is an opportunity for the brand that started it all to recognize the passionate anglers who fuel us – Hatteras owners,” said Hatteras Yachts President and CEO Kelly Grindle. “Our boats are built to break both waves and world records.”

“While there are many highly competitive teams fishing on Hatteras sportfish boats in tournaments around the world today, we wanted to give Hatteras owners and their teams a chance to compete against each other for big prize money,” said Joe Cacopardo, Hatteras Yachts director of marketing. “Hatteras Cup winners are going to have serious bragging rights.”

The Hatteras Cup officially begins today. The $1 million prize category, for the registered team that catches the Heaviest IGFA-Verified World Record Atlantic Blue Marlin from a Hatteras sportfish, ends on December 31, 2018. Competition for a total of $115,000 in purses for the Heaviest Blue (non-world record), Catch & Release and Game Fish Divisions ends on January 31st, 2019. Special Recognition Awards also will be presented to the top Lady Angler and Jr. Angler. The awards will be presented during the 2019 Miami Yacht Show.

The Contest Rules for the 2018/2019 Hatteras Cup are as follows: All participants must register on the Hatteras Cup website at www.hatterasyachts.com/hatterascup at least 24 hours prior to submitting any catch, regardless of Division. All fish submitted for prize consideration must be caught while the angler is fishing on board a Hatteras yacht of any year or model with a verifiable HIN number. No other brand of boat is eligible for the Hatteras Cup. Entrants must submit images (video and/or still) of each fishing day including action shots of fishing, weigh-in (where applicable), Captain, crew, anglers, and boat.

There are three Divisions and each has its own unique set of rules beyond the Contest Rules stated above. Please visit www.hatterasyachts.com/hatterascup for a complete list of rules. The three Divisions and prizes are as follows:

HEAVIEST BLUE DIVISION
PRIZES

ATLANTIC BLUE MARLIN
Place Prize Tournament Entry Required
World Record $1,000,000 Yes
First (Not a World Record) $50,000 Yes

CATCH & RELEASE DIVISION
PRIZES

CATCH & RELEASE
Place Prize Tournament Entry Required
First $10,000 No
Second $7,500 No
Third $5,000 No

GAME FISH DIVISION
PRIZES

TUNA – ALL SPECIES
Place Prize Tournament Entry Required
First $5,000 No
Second $2,500 No
Third $1,000 No
WAHOO
Place Prize Tournament Entry Required
First $5,000 No
Second $2,500 No
Third $1,000 No
DOLPHIN
Place Prize Tournament Entry Required
First $5,000 No
Second $2,500 No
Third $1,000 No
SNAPPER – ALL SPECIES
Place Prize Tournament Entry Required
First $5,000 No
Second $2,500 No
Third $1,000 No
GROUPER – ALL SPECIES
Place Prize Tournament Entry Required
First $5,000 No
Second $2,500 No
Third $1,000 No

For more information and to register for the Hatteras Cup, please visit www.hatterasyachts.com/hatterascup.

Greenstick Licenses Approved for Commercial and Charter Fleets in Costa Rica

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When it comes to fishing regulations, changes in Costa Rica are usually slow and deliberate. The government typically requires extensive technical and scientific support before it considers adding or changing fishing laws or agreements. The studies are also usually conducted in Costa Rica territorial waters.

Greenstick fishing or “palo verde” as it is known in Spanish is not a new technique. It has been used successfully for years in Japan and the United States in commercial and sport tuna fishing. The set-up of a tall single center outrigger trailing surface baits behind the boat’s stern is an effective way to harvest tuna without almost any bycatch.

Studies on local greenstick fishing were directed by fisheries biologist Moises Mug of FECOP (a Costa Rican sport fishing advocacy group), INCOPESCA, (the government agency in charge of fisheries) and INA, the technical learning institution that teaches different trades including preparing students to work in the fishing industry. The joint project to study greenstick fishing began in late 2016 with the purpose of offering an alternative method to capture tuna by the national fleet and reduce bycatch at the same time. Mug was appointed last month to head INCOPESCA by Costa Rica’s new president, Carlos Alvarado.

The required criteria was submitted to the government by FECOP in December 2017, approved this past March and recently published in the Government Gaceta, the official publication of Costa Rica’s Laws and Decrees. Commercially, only yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, skipjack tuna, swordfish and dorado (dolphinfish) can be harvested using the greenstick method and all other species must be released alive.

“The possibility is approved that, for a period of 12 months counted from the publication of this Agreement, any interested party that holds a longline fishing license, whether commercial or medium-scale commercial fishing, may request INCOPESCA to add it to their vessel the art of Green Stick; or completely change the traditional longline for the art called Green Stick. For this purpose, the interested parties must comply with all the requirements established by INCOPESCA for this purpose,” the agreement states.

“These boats will be authorized to carry up to six lures with lines attached to the rod and reel or winch. In no case shall INCOPESCA allow a boat that uses the Green Stick to carry and use other fishing gear in the same boat, except for the traditional longline and the hand rod (rod and reel).

“In cases in which INCOPESCA serves as certifier that the catches have been made using the Green Stick art on a vessel that also has traditional fishing gear, the Institute should require that the vessel carry an observer on board or a technological device that guarantees the traceability of the product. In this case, when the longline vessel has an observer on board, catches of non-target species made with Green Stick, should be released alive in the best possible condition.”

Recreational fishing in Costa Rica is divided into two categories: sport-fishing and tourist fishing for those that hire for charter. The new agreement allows boats with tourist fishing licenses to fish green sticks but not boats with regular sport-fishing licenses. The charter boats are allowed to pull three lures at a time attached to rod and reel. No type of winch is allowed.

Changes to better protect Costa Rica’s marine resources are slow coming and this one regulating greenstick fishing will need to be fine-tuned. But the country also recently joined Global Fishing Watch to combat illegal fishing and the equivalent of the Supreme Court upheld the ban on shrimp trawling for the second time, outlawing the practice. So FECOP and concerned citizens are hopeful the country continues in this positive direction.

For more information, contact: info@fecop.org

Gamefisherman Owner Matlack Hands Over the Helm

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[Stuart, Fla. — April 12, 2018]  Mike Matlack, owner of Gamefisherman, Inc. has recently announced the sale of his company to Erwin Gerards and Scott Dunnuck.  Matlack has been at the helm of Gamefisherman since it was formed in 1985 and has built many legendary sport fishing boats; many of these boats are currently traveling the world over.  Matlack is currently in the process of finishing a 50 foot Express and will remain with Gamefisherman to supervise and finish the project, and ensure a smooth transition.

Gerards, who, among other high profile builders, has designed for Mike since 2008.  Dunnuck, has owned, operated, and maintained many custom sport fishing boats.  They are working on releasing a new line of composite Sport Fishing boats purposely designed and built for today’s demands.  The Next Generation Gamefisherman’s are a perfect blend of sport with all the creature comforts. Simple, but functional with clean lines and ultimate performance.

The new line of 43 foot models will be built of 100% advanced composite materials utilizing today’s construction techniques to reduce build time without sacrificing quality.  The 43’ Nex Gen models will include a Walk-Around inboard or outboard,  Express inboard or outboard, and Flybridge inboard with several interior layouts.   In addition, Gamefisherman will continue to be available to build your ultimate custom model, in a variety of sizes.

Gerards and Dunnuck are both very grateful to Matlack for this opportunity to keep his line of legendary sport fishing boats accessible for many years to come.  For more information on what Gamefisherman is up to and how we are preparing to grow within the industry, please call (772) 220-4850 or if you are in the area, stop by our shop in Stuart, Fla. To connect with us on social media, like Gamefisherman on Facebook, and begin following us on Instagram – @gamefisherman.

 

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23rd Annual Grand Slam KDW Honoring Richard Black

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The 23rd Annual Grand Slam KDW was held at the Riverwalk Events Plaza in Jupiter on May 11 & 12, 2018. This year’s tournament continued to be in memory of Grand Slam KDW founder, Richard Black, who passed away in October of 2014. The tournament saw 125 boats compete for over $50,000 in cash and prizes. “Thanks to the community’s tremendous support, we are so happy to continue Richard’s vision to bring the community together for a great day of fishing while benefitting local charities,” said Kathy Black, Richard’s wife. Since 1996, the KDW has raised over $550,000 for various local charities.  Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be donated to charities including the Coastal Conservation Association, Rendina Family Foundation and AustinBlu Foundation.

As the boats returned to the docks the excitement grew. The competition started right away as the reining heaviest overall KDW female winner Kari Townsend brought her 49.4lb Kingfish to the scale at Sailfish Marina to regain the title again this year. To make the festivities even more enjoyable, participants family and friends could hang out at the Square Grouper or Sailfish Marina to cheer them on and take pictures.

In the heaviest overall KDW male angler division, Rich Luchini weighed in a 32.1lb dolphin aboard “Cape Horn”. The kingfish division also saw some nice size fish with first place winner Dawn Wayland weighing in a 36.9lb kingfish.  In the dolphin division, Tom Godino on the boat “Katalyst” brought in a 22.7lb dolphin to take first place. In the wahoo division, first place went to Jeff Hayden with his 15.1lb wahoo on the boat “Baby Doc”. Jeff was also the winner of the Richard Black Memorial Grand Slam Award which is awarded to the angler that catches the heaviest accumulated weight of all three fish.

Michael Murray Jr. on the boat “Taggin Sails” took home first place in the Junior Division with a 35.4lb kingfish. The meat division saw a 24.9lb blackfin tuna caught by Carl Lombardo, an 8.4lb mutton snapper by Hunter Hansen and a 4.6lb red grouper by David Wetten. All of the winners received their checks, trophies and other great prizes during the awards party. For more information on the tournament and a full list of all of the 2018 winners you can visit the website at fishgrandslamkdw.com

Six Tips to Prepare Your Boat for Hurricane Season

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Is Your Boat in Hurricane Country?

Top 6 things to know about insuring a boat in a hurricane zone

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 13, 2018 – Will you have a recreational boat located in hurricane country as of June 1? According to recently released predictions by experts at Colorado State University, the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season could be a doozy. If your boat may be in the crosshairs of one of the 14 tropical storms or seven hurricanes predicted, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recommends that boat owners check their boat insurance policy now for these six most important things to know.

Even though this sailboat had been fully prepared for the storm, Hurricane Irma swept it ashore into the end zone of a football field. 

1. Who pays for salvage? When a hurricane throws your boat across the boatyard into a big pile, sinks it in the slip, or carries it into a football field end zone, you end up with a salvage situation. If the boat is not a total loss and needs to be recovered and brought to a repair facility, salvage costs can escalate quickly. Most boaters assume that the cost of raising or moving a damaged boat to a safe location – salvage coverage – is included in their insurance policy. And with better policies that’s true: They offer salvage coverage that is separate but equal to the boat’s hull coverage limit. This means a boat that’s insured for $40,000 (hull coverage) has another separate $40,000 available to raise or move the boat (salvage coverage) to a repair facility. Lesser policies limit salvage coverage to either a small percentage of the boat’s insured hull value, perhaps just 5 to 10 percent, or they may subtract salvage costs from the insured value of the boat, reducing the funds available to repair the boat or the amount paid in the event of a total loss.

2. You can lower your “named storm deductible” by preparing. “Storm deductibles,” which increase your deductible for boat damages incurred in a named storm, are common with recreational boat insurance policies today. One way to reduce the deductible is to make active preparations when a storm approaches, such as hauling the boat, lashing the boat to the ground, and removing any windage items such as enclosures, canvas and/or sails. Take pictures because some insurers will reward you for the effort and lower your deductible if you have a claim. BoatUS also has free storm preparation information at BoatUS.com/Hurricane.

3. Know your hurricane haulout coverage, and use it if you have to. For boats in hurricane zones, “hurricane haulout coverage,” also sometimes known as “named storm haulout reimbursements,” is a must. This coverage helps pay boat owners a portion of the labor costs to have a boat hauled, prepared and tied-down by professionals, which include marina or boat club staff, or to have the boat moved by a licensed captain. While a hurricane haulout does cost the boater some money, it’s potentially far less than if the boat sustained damage or became a total loss. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program pays 50 percent of the cost of labor, up to $1,000, to have the boat hauled or moved to the safety of a hurricane hole, and the haulout does not penalize the policyholder.

4.Is your boat trailer insured? Not all boat insurance policies cover boat trailers as a separate item, so if a hurricane topples a tree onto your boat trailer breaking it in half, ensure it’s covered. Your insurance company should know the cost of the trailer separate from the boat’s value.

5. A heads up if you have a liability-only boat policy. Some boaters choose liability-only insurance. That can meet their needs just fine, but ensure that it also includes coverage for salvage and wreck removal, and that separate coverage is available for fuel-spill incidents. Liability-only policies are generally very affordable and especially valuable to boaters when an expensive recovery effort is needed to salvage a boat.

6. How much will be dumped in your lap? BoatUS estimates that more than 63,000 recreational boats were damaged or destroyed as a result of both Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, meaning tens of thousands of vessels required salvage. Not all insurers provide the same level of service, so ask around. Some insurance companies leave the difficult task of arranging salvage in the owner’s hands.

Boat owners not happy with their current coverage can get a free quote from BoatUS at BoatUS.com/Insurance or by calling 800-283-2883.

ZF Increase Research and Development Activities After Record Sales in 2017

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ZF posts record sales in 2017; announces increased research and development activities

  • ZF chief executive officer announces further expansion of research and development activities during presentation of the company’s annual financial statements
  • The technology company produced record sales of €36.4 billion in 2017
  • Adjusted EBIT was higher at €2.3 billion, despite increases in research and development spending
  • Scheider believes that start-up culture could also be fostered in big companies

Friedrichshafen, Germany. ZF Friedrichshafen AG will increase their research and development spending again and work even faster to produce technologies for the future of mobility. CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider, who has been in office since February 1, made this statement at the company’s annual press conference in Friedrichshafen today. ZF ended the fiscal year 2017 with record sales of €36.4 billion, which, when adjusted for exchange rate effects and M&A activities, elicited organic growth of 6 percent. ZF also further reduced the debt incurred from the acquisition of TRW Automotive and posted a higher adjusted EBIT of €2.3 billion, despite increased research and development costs.

“The world of mobility is spinning at high speed,” said Scheider. “We plan to provide our customers with pioneering solutions in all fields under our motto ‘See – Think – Act’, which is why we will further increase our research and development spending.”

In 2017, ZF spent €2.2 billion on research and development, an increase of almost 15 percent compared to 2016. This year, significantly more than two billion is set to be channeled into development work around the world, with the aim of advancing electric drives and the hybridization of transmission technology as well as vehicle safety systems and automated driving. This means that the share of the budget allocated to R&D will be raised from 6.1 percent to around 6.5 percent this year. Equally, ZF wishes to continue investing in property, plant and equipment (2017: €1.4 billion). Two new plants for the production of electric drive components are planned, among other things.

Sales increase by six percent
In 2017, ZF experienced a nominal increase of 3.6 percent to €36.4 billion in Group sales (2016: €35.2 billion). Adjusted for exchange rate effects and M&A activities, organic sales growth is six percent. “This result shows our employees’ commitment and high level of motivation,” said Scheider. The Commercial Vehicle Technology and Car Powertrain Technology Divisions had above-average sales increases of 7.2 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively. “Our extremely efficient automatic passenger car transmissions contribute to reducing CO2emissions. They are therefore a key component in attaining the European limit targets and global climate targets, and are in high demand. Combined with the highly integrated electric motor, this technology still features great growth potential,” said Scheider.

Regional growth was mixed. In both Europe and North America, sales rose by over three percent. Organic growth of eight percent in the Asia-Pacific region was reduced to around two percent by the negative currency effect of the Chinese Renminbi. It appears that the economic crisis in South America has, to a large extent, been overcome. Sales there increased significantly by around 26 percent, coming from a low level.

The headcount for the ZF Group was 146,148 on the effective date, December 31, 2017 (2016: 136,820). Additional posts were created mainly in China, Mexico, Portugal, the USA and Germany, most of them within the Active & Passive Safety Technology, E-Mobility, Car Chassis Technology and Car Powertrain Technology Divisions. Of these, around 1,700 worldwide were attributed to research and development alone.

Stable profits, greater productivity
Last year, ZF not only increased its sales but also its profit situation. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased from €2.2 billion to €2.3 billion; the adjusted EBIT margin was equal to the previous year’s, at 6.4 percent. Both sales and earnings are therefore at the upper end of the amounts predicted early in 2017. The adjusted free cash flow amounted to €1.8 billion at the end of last year (2016: €2.0 billion). The equity ratio has risen again, from 21 to 24.4 percent. “We are looking back at a profitable and successful year,” said Dr. Konstantin Sauer, chief financial officer at ZF. “We have improved our processes and cost structures within a challenging environment, and have become even more productive. We have therefore been able to finance higher budgets for research and development, at the same time improving the earnings quality.”

In around two and a half years after acquiring TRW Automotive in May 2015, ZF succeeded in reducing gross debt to €6.4 billion, almost half of the original amount, by the end of 2017. “Based on the strong free cash flow, our aim is to further reduce financial liabilities and continue to drive forward the debt relief of the ZF Group in 2018,” said Sauer.

Prospects for 2018
Market development is volatile around the world. Taking this into consideration, ZF CEO Scheider predicts organic growth of around five percent for 2018. ZF expects to conclude the sale of the Body Control Systems Business Unit to Luxshare soon, which will result in a proportional drop in sales. Consequently, ZF expects Group sales of around €36.5 billion. As in the previous year, ZF is aiming to achieve an adjusted EBIT of around six percent and an adjusted free cash flow of over one billion euros.

More speed for innovation
The requirements of the dynamic development in the automotive industry are highly demanding, so ZF’s CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider wishes to accelerate project-related cooperation within the Group. “We are reinforcing the implementation of cross-divisional teams with a high level of autonomy in decision-making and cooperation,” said Scheider. “They are better able to adapt to the requirements in the new fields of technology, which are changing so quickly. We work even more closely with our customers for these projects and at an earlier stage so that attractive products can be brought into volume production much more quickly. However, this also means that a project can be abandoned swiftly if the expectations cannot be met. With this approach, a start-up culture can be present in a big group.”

ZF teams would constantly have to be recreated, strictly according to the current project requirements so that they can answer the questions of the future, in order to quickly develop the best possible solutions for the customers. Several automated driving projects serve as examples for this. “In conjunction with our tried-and-trusted development of volume production projects in the traditional fields, we now also work with a dual operating system,” explained Scheider.