Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “blog”
The rules of the water are put into place and enforced to ensure our safety and fun on the water. They are easy to follow because they are mostly common sense and just plain old decent behavior. Here are the boating regulations you need to follow in Florida: It can be dangerous on the water when accidents happen or people …
The wonderful thing about Florida is that our weather is typically temperate year-round, enabling residents and visitors to boat all year long if they wish to do so. However, if you stay here a while, they say your blood can begin to thin, and temperatures that you once thought to be mild, now may seem a bit chillier to you. …
In Florida, there are a number of types of permits from which to choose – each with different purposes, lengths and costs. The type of license for which you apply will also depend on whether you are a Florida resident or not. If you live in Florida, you will be required to produce proof of residency, such as a driver’s …
Florida…the sunshine state…can be simply bursting with sunny skies and fair weather, but – as any Floridian can tell you – our weather can also be volatile, with lighting, thunder, raging seas, winds that can change direction in a New York minute and wave swells that can cover the bow of a boat. The skies can turn black, and wind …
Watch the bait fish swirl on the ocean’s glistening surface. Toss in a line, and lounge around in the sun with a beer until you feel that tell-tale tug. Take a leisurely ride down the Intracoastal as the sun sets upon the water. Sound good? Sounds like you own a boat. Boat ownership opens up a whole new world. There …
Holes in any boat may look bad, but unless there is structural damage, fiberglass is pretty easy to patch. You can get a fiberglass repair kit at any marine store and gel coat to match your boat from your boat’s manufacturer. Let’s get to it. First, you grind the edges of the hole so that the fiberglass around it is …
In the most recent year with complete data (2014), the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4062 recreational boating accidents, in which 560 died and 2620 were injured. Of the 560 deaths, 77% drowned, and 84% of those who drowned were not wearing a life vest. Since the major cause of drowning is failing to wear a life jacket, it just makes …
I’ve always loved to boat and fish, and never had a problem with seasickness, until…a fateful trip in search of big eye off the coast of North Carolina. The Carolina coast is known for big seas, but did I worry? No way! I should have. In preparation of our journey, we shared a huge box of Krispy Kremes. Once properly …
The definition of responsibly is “in a sensible or trustworthy manner.” We all try to live responsibly by acting responsibly toward others, driving responsibly, raising our children responsibly. If we drink, we try to drink responsibly. Behaving in a responsible manner is also very important when it comes to boating…for a variety of good reasons. Boating responsibly includes following the …
If you are drinking and driving, even the tiniest amounts of alcohol can contribute to an accident, so even if your blood alcohol level isn’t off the charts, you can suffer from: Impaired judgement and coordination – which are crucial to safe driving Reduced perception/compromised assessment of situations and hazards Slowed reaction time – up to 25% Inability to multi-task …
We are all familiar with the old flip flop soft shoe routine across a slippery, wet boat deck. Fishing boat decks can get greasy from bait and, if we are lucky, fish slime. Even recreational boats that are not used for fishing can quickly get wet and slippery. It’s easy to lose your footing in these conditions. It’s also easy …
Ever hear that famous saying about life that says, “If something can go wrong, it will”? Well, that saying pretty much applies to everything about fishing too. If you don’t replace that line regularly, you WILL get a nice hit by a huge fish, and your line will most definitely break. If you don’t fill up your tank, you may …
In the market for a boat, but not sure whether you should buy new or used? There are great arguments for each, and Gerry’s Marina can help you make the right decision for you. Gerry’s Marina, meeting Central Florida’s boating needs for over 23 years, is THE place to go for an enormous selection of new and preowned boats to …
With deep water just off the coast and hundreds of miles of river that is home to a thriving ecosystem, Florida is a fisherman’s dream come true. Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway encompasses some of the state’s most productive waterways. Abundant with mangroves and weed lines, it attracts bait species such as menhaden, shrimp and crabs…and great fishing opportunities for jack crevalle, …
Ever taste fresh Mahi that was cooked on a cedar plank? You don’t even have to do much to it to make it a mouthwatering morsel. Maybe you like to catch fish more than you like to eat them. Either way, if you are in New Smyrna Beach, you are in luck. Sport fishing is one of the favorite pastimes …
With literally miles and miles of parkland, beachside shopping and dining, a wide array of historical sites to see, and marine life and activities out the wahzoo, New Smyrna Beach is one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the country, but that is not all it offers. The majestic beach town of New Smyrna also offers islands! Vacationers and …
Think of coral reefs as the rain forests of the sea. They support an extensive biodiversity of fish, invertebrates and sea mammals – an estimated 25% of all marine life! Home to over 1 million diverse aquatic species, coral reefs produce food and billions of dollars in tourism. They hold potential treatments for many of our worst diseases; and they …
Sparkling, crystal clear water, picturesque bottom structure reminiscent of the finest roman architecture and thousands of species of sea creatures make Florida one of the absolute best choices for snorkeling. Florida’s waters are simply teaming with marine life. It’s a virtual symphony of color and movement. If you are wondering what you will see while snorkeling in Florida…let’s put it …
Ah, the wonders of boat sleepovers, but don’t be mistaken…there can be perils too. We are land creatures, so when on the sea, we are out of our natural element. Everything can go very smoothly as long as we play it safe. To best enjoy overnighting on your boat, just remember – “safety first”. Make certain that you are docking …
At 310 miles long, the St. Johns River is Florida’s longest river and one of the few that flows north. The fishing options here are diverse, and the moving water resulting from seasonal rainfall stimulates feeding. Stretching half the length of this beautiful state, it is one of Florida’s greatest locales for bass fishing. Year after year, the St. Johns …
Framed by picturesque oak trees and discharging an historical average of 165 million gallons of water each day, Blue Springs is the largest spring on the St. John’s River. The spring run flows approximately 1,050 feet through hardwood and palm forest to the St. John. Timucuan Indians made the Blue Springs area their home until the mid-1800s when they were …
Florida’s subtropical beauty and allure have inspired and demolished dreams for centuries. In fact, Florida has earned the title of the state with the most ghost towns east of the Mississippi…upwards of 240. Let’s give you just a little taste, shall we? Perky Ghost Town, R.C. Perky’s ill-fated 1920s investment in a bankrupt sponge farm, is located on Sugarloaf Key. …
Florida offers one of the world’s best places to enjoy the water – from the ocean, to the gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway, to peaceful lakes, rivers and lagoons…and pontoon boats are a great way to get you and a bunch of other people there! Pontoons make particularly great party boats because they are so roomy. The more room you have, the …
Ever see some dark clouds, hear thunder in the distance or feel the breeze begin to pick up and wonder “weather” you should still go boating as planned? It’s always a good idea to error on the side of caution when it comes to weather and boating. Always take shelter as quickly as possible in the case of thunderstorms, lightning …
In Florida, approximately 25 to 30 percent of manatee deaths are attributed to watercraft. These gentle giants, which are at risk of becoming extinct, are protected by rules established by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. When coming into contact with manatees while boating, the best policy is to look, but don’t touch. Interaction with manatees can be considered harassment, which …
Want to hear some arguments for buying a pre-owned boat? No problem! Just like with buying a car, a new boat diminishes in value the minute it leaves the dealership. Additionally, today’s boats are built from fiberglass and aluminum – materials that stand up to the elements a lot longer than they used to. And, in Florida, there are a …
Boating is a lot of things, but predictable isn’t always one of them. Sometimes you need a little help, a quick fix or just a question answered. Gerry’s Marina can help keep your boat owning experience on an even keel. Think of it this way, we are a family owned business, so once you buy a boat from us, you …
New Smyrna Beach, known for its small town charm and beachside appeal, hosts some truly remarkable events… The Annual Festival of the Arts, with fabulous art displays by over 230 talented artists, live music, a student art exhibit, a creative education tent, food court and more, is held every January. Get your groove on for the New Smyrna Beach Blues …
Whether you are freshwater or saltwater fishing, Florida is one of the world’s top fishing destinations. Florida offers some of the largest rivers and lakes in our country, and a whole pile of trophy fish just waiting to be caught. Here are just a few of Florida’s best spots for river fishing: Indian River Lagoon is actually three lagoons stretching …
Daytona Beach is world famous for its beautiful beaches and its action-packed events! If you are a race fan, you probably think of the Daytona International Speedway as the Taj Mahal of racing venues. If you aren’t necessarily a NASCAR enthusiast and you visit the recently renovated home to the Daytona 500, you just may become one! Aside from hosting …
What’s in a name? A lot if you are a boater. The language used by boaters can sometimes seem foreign. Let’s see what we can do about that. Here are some of the main terms you may need to know if you are boating: Aft or Abaft – toward the back of boat Stern – the back of the boat …
Load up that cooler with mile-high sandwiches, refreshing beverages…and lots of bait! It’s time to hook that monster catch. Or maybe just head out for some clamming or crabbing. That is great family fun! Take a relaxing cruise to your favorite restaurant, or break out those inflatable tubes and water skis! It’s definitely time for some boating fun! Gerry’s Marina …
Safety first! The most important tips for boating are safety tips. First of all, since the major cause of drowning is not wearing a life jacket, it is a REALLY good idea to wear one when you are boating. Also, if you are going to spend time around the water, it is best if you know how to swim. Always …
Any law enforcement officer may stop a vessel at any time to check for boating safety equipment compliance, so besides the fact that the required equipment is imperative for the safe operation of a boat, you want to adhere to all regulations to stay out of trouble… All vessels are required to have a personal flotation device (PFD) for each …
Manatees are peaceful aquatic mammals that paddle with flippers and can measure up to 13 feet and weigh up to 1,200 pounds. They are slow moving – typically about three to five miles per hour, and they sleep submerged half the day – only surfacing to breath every 20 minutes or so. The lazy buggers graze in shallow water the …
Boating is great fun, but it is important for us to respect the water. There are a few simple safety measures that should be put into place that will help us continue to enjoy our fun as safely as possible: First and foremost, there should always be a life jacket for each person on the boat. The U.S. Coast Guard …
Purchasing a used boat anywhere is a big deal. There’s a lot to consider. In Florida, where boats are everywhere and the options are endless, it is an even bigger deal. Gerry’s Marina, can help you navigate those troubled waters. We have been meeting Central Florida’s boating needs for over 23 years, and we are THE place to go for …
Florida is well known for being a boating and fishing oasis, so it is no wonder that it is host to so many terrific boating events throughout the year. The Florida Sportsman Fishing Expo was held in February in Fort Myers this year. There are also a slew of annual boat shows. Some of the biggest and best include the …
From new or pre-owned sport fishers, to center consoles, pontoons, whalers and jet skis, Florida is one of the best places in the world to own a boat. It is a virtual boating and fishing paradise. You can take a nice easy cruise down the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, tube down peaceful rivers, pull up to one of our many islands …
Late fall and winter are the best time of year to buy a boat – a time when sellers lower their prices to move inventory…a real buyers’ market. There are a few things you want to make sure of when you are purchasing your boat. First and foremost, you should buy your boat from a reputable dealer, such as Gerry’s …
Are you ready to party? Then you need to check out the pontoon boats at Gerry’s Marina in New Smyrna Beach. Pontoons are the best party boats around! First of all, they are roomy – so roomy that they can hold 10-15 people, so they are excellent for a party full of friends. Roomy boats are also more comfortable; they …
Everyone loves a good outing – from a party to a parade. In New Smyrna Beach, we are particularly fond of great events, and what better place to hold them than our charming, beachside town? After spectacular fireworks in honor of the New Year, New Smyrna Beach will host the 41st Annual Festival of the Arts January 27th through the …
Gerry’s Marina in New Smyrna Beach would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2016 Christmas Boat Parade. It was a dazzling spectacle full of sparkling lights and Christmas magic. New Smyrna Beach boaters definitely pulled out all the stops. Following our traditional parade through the Waterfront Loop along Canal Street’s Historic District – as soon as night began …
It all comes down to the age old adage, “Size matters,” but, when it comes to boats and motors, does the person with the biggest toys win? Not necessarily. The winner is the one who gets the right size boat and motor for their particular desires. It’s important to make certain the size of the boat and motor you choose …
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River (which is part of a 3,000 mile Intracoastal water system), New Smyrna Beach is a fisherman’s dream. While the angling options are endless both inshore and off, the lines between fresh water and salt water can become a little blurred here. On the northern end, you’ll find Ponce Inlet – providing deep …
The holidays are coming, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a parade…and when it comes to Christmas parades, New Smyrna Beach pulls out all the stops. Prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular sights and sounds of the holiday season! The theme of this year’s annual New Smyrna Beach Christmas parade will be themed “Candy Canes …
The holidays are almost here, and Daytona Beach is full of cheer! How could it not be? With 23 miles of gorgeous, white sand beaches and a “Fun Coast” moniker, Daytona is the place to be during the holidays and all year round! Are you an auto enthusiast? Visit Daytona International Speedway, the World Center of Racing any time from …
Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially in New Smyrna Beach. The summer heat has all but melted away, and the cool gentle breezes of the new season have blown our way. The water is warm, and the sun is prevalent. As boaters glide through the inlet or pass through the Intracoastal in the early morning hours, the sun …
Aside from being a quaint, beachside town with historic charm and home to some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, New Smyrna Beach is full of engaging events. There are so many, it’s hard to name them all, so let’s focus on the rest of 2016, shall we? The entire family can compete for prizes or simply appreciate sand sculpture at …
Some of the best fishing Florida has to offer aside, Daytona Beach is absolutely full of engaging events. There’s certainly something for everyone in Daytona Beach! Daytona Beach is even known as the Festival Capital of Florida! Fun-filled festivals, including the Celtic Festival, the Festa Italiana and the Greek Festival, run throughout the year, but let’s just fill you in …
