InTheBite

Two-Minute Warning: Health Alert

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Photo courtesy Matthew Spivey

By Capt. Scott “Fraz” Murie 

Everything that has to do with our business takes a great deal of maintenance. In order to keep our boats, tackle and equipment running the way they should, we perform maintenance. When we do that maintenance, we think nothing of the cost. We just want the best product for that particular job at that time.

As crew, we spend countless hours doing upkeep on our boats. Maintaining all the systems is a never-ending process. Think about it—from engine room maintenance and pumps, to interiors, metal, fiberglass, skiffs, davits, paint, from stem to stern, the maintenance never stops. But that’s a good thing because that’s what we do. The fact that boats need constant attention keeps us employed, and we enjoy our work.

A boat that is properly maintained will hold its value and last for many years and be very dependable. On the other hand, the boat with no maintenance stays broken down, is undependable, unreliable and is pretty much worthless. Now to my point…

The US Coast Guard has been cracking down on captains in recent years. They are holding back licenses and renewals because of numerous health conditions. Areas of Coast Guard concern include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, sleeping disorders and vision just to name a few.

As crews, we are always on the go! This is especially true for traveling crews and tournament fishing crews! We get very little sleep while underway, eat whatever the sea conditions dictate (and most of that is junk food). Some of us smoke too much and maybe ingest a little too much alcohol!

I believe it’s very important that we do the proper maintenance on our own bodies. Everyone needs to get checkups and do some preventative maintenance on our own bodies. With today’s technology and advancements in medicine, we can often reverse such things as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. No one thinks twice about maintaining our boats or what it cost, so I’m telling you to take time to maintain your health.

You young guys are “bulletproof”— or so you think. Some of us older guys have learned this the hard way and we need to think healthier, too. I see guys my age (and even younger) who are broken down with health issues that might have been preventable. If only they would have done the maintenance required, just as they would have done on their boat! I did it by changing my diet and losing some weight. I reversed some health issues that I was facing with a simple change of diet.

Take the time for yourself and get some maintenance done so you can remain dependable and reliable. You are more valuable than any boat. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Hold your value and last many years. Don’t be broken down and undependable! Do the maintenance on your own body and keep yourself in top running and working order. When you hit that 60 plus mark, you’ll be glad you did!

– That’s my two-minute warning. Fraz

Do you have any comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you.

American Sportfishing Association Cancels Physical ICAST Show

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American Sportfishing Association — For more than 80 years, the American Sportfishing Association has created a legacy of working hard to ensure our industry’s future. Nowhere is this more evident than at ICAST, our industry’s trade show, where lasting friendships and business partnerships have been forged and fostered.

However, given the ongoing stay-at-home orders and the desire to keep the health and safety of everyone in our recreational fishing family first in the decision-making process, ASA’s board of directors made the decision to cancel the physical ICAST Show that was scheduled for July 14-17, 2020, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Two weeks ago, we asked for your patience as we strived to make the best business decisions we could on behalf of our exhibitors, members, staff and all our show attendees. Cancelling this year’s show was the only decision that could be made when considering everyone’s well-being and the impact the pandemic is having on the sportfishing industry and our economy.

Despite cancelling our in-person show, we are committed to keeping all of us connected as a global community this July. As the largest sportfishing industry trade show in the world, we look forward to producing ICAST 2020 Online, our version of a “virtual trade show,” that will provide a wide variety of tools and a wealth of information that you’ve come to expect from us. We will share more with you very soon!

We ask for a little more patience as we shift gears. Please allow us to reach out to each of our exhibitors to discuss their options, including a full refund if desired.

There is no doubt that we are in unchartered waters, but we are confident that we will get through this together and stronger than ever! As we always have.

From all of us at the ASA, please stay safe and stay healthy.

Glenn Hughes
President

Palm Beach International Boat Show postponed until further notice.

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April 8, 2020 — The 35th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) – set for May 14 -17 along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach – has been postponed until further notice.

“Following Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order issuing a statewide stay-at-home directive through April 30, the Palm Beach International Boat Show has been postponed until further notice. We fully support the decision as the health and safety of our visitors, community, exhibitors, staff and vendors is our top priority.

We continue to assess the situation and will provide a detailed update on the show’s status on April 17. With that said, it’s everyone’s business to have a healthy economy. The marine industry is an important staple of the Florida economy, accountable for over $23.3 billion.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show has a total state-wide economic impact of $682.7 million and supports 4,394 full-time Florida jobs. We are all eager to get back on board and help to continue contributing as a major statewide economic driver.

We wish to thank our City of West Palm Beach officials, our Exhibitors and the boating community for their ongoing support as we continue to power through these uncharted waters.”

—Andrew Doole, President, Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows and George Gentile, President of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County

Check back to the website for updates on www.pbboatshow.com.

Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament Rescheduled due to COVID-19

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SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series — To our Gov Cup Family, As a result of the evolving situation with COVID-19, the Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament has been rescheduled for July 29 – August 1, 2020.

Nothing is more important to us than the health and wellbeing of our participants, staff, and attending public. We will continue to provide updates as other scheduling or related changes occur as the Advisory Board of Directors of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series continues to monitor the situation.

Please be sure to visit our website and social media accounts for the most up-to-date information about the Series.

First Leg of the Gamefish World Cup Canceled

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Gamefish World Cup — Despite our best intentions to host the first leg of the Worldwide Gamefish World Cup, due to the virtual shutting down for COVID-19 and early lockdowns in countries such as the DR, Bahamas, New Zealand and states in the USA such as Florida closing down public boat ramps and now also in lockdown, the first leg of the Gamefish World Cup on the 11 and 12 April is canceled.

We will refund in full by wire transfer all entrants entry fees or hold them for the second leg at their choice. The second leg is due to be fished over Memorial Day weekend. Please refer to www.gamefishworldcup.com and Facebook for further information.

Top Shelf Marine Products Manufacturing Face Shields for Anyone Fighting the War on COVID-19

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Photo courtesy Top Shelf Marine

Top Shelf Marine — Top Shelf Marine Products is humbled and thankful to all of the medical professionals, first responders, and everyone involved in the COVID19 war. Your selfless commitment is awe-inspiring.

We would also like to give a huge shout out to everyone still working to keep everyone safe, fed and comfortable. Too many to mention, but thank you all.
Top Shelf Marine Products is doing its part as well.

Photo courtesy Top Shelf Marine

We converted some of our tooling and production capability to manufacture Face Shields for anyone fighting the war on COVID19 that may need one. We are selling these at our cost and donating to anyone with a legitimate need that can’t afford one.

Anyone that needs a face shield please call 386-410-6410.

Please be safe, follow the CDC Guidelines and we’ll all be boating, fishing and diving before you know it.

Top Shelf Marine Products |386-410-6410 | info@topshelfmarine.com |www.topshelfmarine.com |

Viking to Reassess Current Suspension of Manufacturing Operations

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Photo courtesy of Viking Yachts

April 1, 2020 New Gretna, New Jersey — In a special letter on the 56th anniversary of the company, Viking President and CEO Pat Healey updated customers, dealers, vendors and the general public about the boatbuilder’s operating status and strategy going forward during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Our 56 th anniversary serves as a fitting reminder of our resilience,” Healey said in a statement distributed through the Viking and Valhalla Boatworks e-newsletters. “We have endured many hardships (recessions, storms and the Luxury Tax) since my father Bill and Uncle Bob founded the company in 1964. We build boats – and nothing is going to stop us from doing what we love to do. There is no question. We’ll get through this and come out stronger.”

To mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), protect the health and safety of its employees and adhere to state and federal guidelines, Viking effective March 19 suspended manufacturing operations for a 14-day period at its New Gretna and Mullica facilities. Viking planned to call its workers back on April 6, but recent developments in the fight against the Coronavirus (particularly President Trump’s extension of the social-distancing) prompted the company to reassess its date to begin manufacturing operations again.

The issue will be discussed on Monday, April 6.

Photo courtesy of Viking Yachts

“Our commitment to our customers, dealers and vendors is stronger than ever,” Healey said. During this period, Viking has been carrying out day-to-day operations as Viking staff attend to the needs of
customers, dealers and vendors. Design and Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Customer Service and other key departments continue to build a better boat every day remotely. The company’s operations in Florida remain operational. This includes the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, as well as the southern arms of the Viking subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers.

Throughout its history, Viking has prided itself on its commitment to the health, safety and general well-being of its employees. Viking has for many years operated an in-house medical services facility for all employees, which has been on call every day to attend to the needs of employees and their families in this unprecedented time.

The Viking family extends beyond its boatbuilding operations into the communities of southern New Jersey. To support regional medical institutions, Viking has donated a total of 2,650 of the 3M N95 respirator masks as well as 100 Tyvek suits, boots and hoods. “We’re all in this together,” said Healey. “We must do our part to ‘flatten the curve’ so we can return to the boating and fishing lifestyle we all love.”

About the Viking Yacht Company: Founded by brothers Bill and Bob Healey in 1964 on the banks of the Bass River in New Gretna, New Jersey, Viking has become the leading semi-custom production builder of sportfishing and motor yachts in the worlds, with roughly 5,000 boats delivered. The Viking fleet consists of yachts from 38 to 93 feet, and the company recently launched a lineup of outboard-powered center consoles.

A vertically integrated company where 90 percent of every boat is built in-house, Viking operates several subsidiaries, including Palm Beach Towers and Atlantic Marine Electronics. Viking, driven by the mantra “to build a better boat every day,” looks forward to continuing to serve the Viking family with industry-leading products, dealers and customer service.

For more information visit vikingyachts.com and valhallaboatworks.com.

Quest for the Crest Final Sail tournament Rescheduled for May 8 – 9

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From Bluewater Movements — update to Leg 3 of the Quest for the Crest, the 8th annual Final Sail tournament.
Based on the current marina closures and “shelter in place” policies that remain in place across South Florida, Leg 3 Crest for the Crest 8th annual Final Sail has been moved from April 3 – 4 and rescheduled for May 8 – 9.
The sailfish bite off Miami has been off the charts over the past few years in Miami during May and the meat-fish action is red hot at that time of year in Miami as well. Below is an outline of important updates.
  • Final Sail Fishing dates have been rescheduled for May 8 & 9
  • We are still maintaining a “fishing only” format at this time
  • Registration will remain open until Wednesday, May 6th. Link to register – https://fish.bluewatermovements.com/Login.aspx
  • Boat numbers, color cards, release cards, etc, will be mailed to registered teams
  • If you have already registered, and are unable to fish on the rescheduled dates, please contact the office for a refund

Focusing on Health, Paul Mann Custom Boats Closes Shop Doors For First Time in 32 Years   

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Photo courtesy Paul Mann

Manns Harbor, NC — For 32 years, Paul Mann has stood at the helm of Paul Mann Custom Boats (PMCB) with his wife, Robin, by his side. Together, with their exceptionally talented employees, they’ve built magnificent custom sportfishing boats. Throughout the years, Paul has poured his blood, sweat and passion along with his heart and soul into every boat he’s built. He doesn’t know any other way. And now, looking at the possibility of multiple surgeries to correct painful neck issues, Paul and Robin have decided to put boat building on hold and direct their focus on Paul’s health.

“This has been an agonizing decision for me and Robin,” noted Paul. “We’ve got current builds to begin and great prospects for the future, we’ve got wonderful employees, some I’ve worked with more than 20 years–but right now, I have to focus on my health.”

Once Hull 140 and several refurbish jobs are complete, PMCB will take a few weeks to get their facilities cleaned up, organized and looking good before they close the doors for an undisclosed amount of time. They anticipate this happening around the first of June.

“I have all the confidence in the world in my people and their ability to build boats, but I manage the shop and that’s what my customers expect,” says Paul. “I’ve always been a hands-on builder and when they contract for a Paul Mann custom boat, they expect Paul Mann to be at the helm on a day-to-day-basis.”

Recognized throughout the marine and woodworking industry for award winning craftsmanship, Paul Mann Custom Boats, in Manns Harbor NC, has built more than 40 yachts from 52 to 80+ feet LOA. The first hull launched more than 30 years ago, is still active in sportfishing today and serves as a testament to Paul Mann’s “hands-on” dedication to every aspect of the design build process.

Paul’s decision was heavily swayed by the fact that at some point he just wasn’t going to be able to continue working at the level he is accustomed to without this surgery. Instead of working until he was forced to stop, he wanted the decision to be on his own terms and in a way that is respectable to his employees and customers.

The fate of their employees was most important to Paul and Robin as they debated the future. “They’re good people and we truly care about their future,” said Robin. “We know they will be in high demand. The economy will bounce back after this virus and that’s what we’re counting on.”

Paul Mann has not only built custom sportfishing boats for thirty-two plus years – he has built a legacy. If the saying is right, and home really is where your heart is, then Paul has made a home out of every yacht he’s built. As Paul recuperates, he and Robin look forward to keeping up with his customers through e-mail and posts on social media. “We want to hear from you and look forward to reading about your sportfishing adventures,” notes Paul, who closes with, “And when I’m ready to go–I’ll go again!”

Coronavirus forces Return of Boats to U.S. Ports

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March 24, 2020 — InTheBite’s On The Docks editor Kevin Deerman sent us this short video of seven boats — Princess Lily, Stacked Up, Blackhawk, Artemis, Auspicious, Mama Who and Draggin Up — leaving the DR this morning heading back to U.S ports due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Virus.

The boats are running 10 knots to conserve on fuel. The plan is to clear customs and refuel in Long Island at Flying Fish Marina which has 20,000 gallons on hand.

We wish them all a safe journey as they return home to their families.