Vacationing by Boat
We’re lucky here in Florida because, besides the fact that the weather is nice for boating pretty much year-round, there are so many great marinas and places to stop along our majestic coastline. And since we don’t have to travel far from the shoreline to reach our destination of choice, we can navigate virtually any […]
Sea Turtle Update
Here in Florida and definitely in New Smyrna Beach sea turtles are a treasured commodity. They are an endangered species which faces an abundance of threats, including armadillos and racoons that make tasty meals out of their eggs and pollution which results in dangerous debris and has caused the water temperatures to rise. Consequently, as […]
Protect the Wildlife
With some of the largest estuaries in the world, teeming with diverse species, Florida is a haven for wildlife. The protection of our treasured flora and fauna is essential for the prosperity of nature’s bountiful beauty and a healthy economy for now and future generations to come. The waters of Florida are home to our […]
Who to Call When You Break Down
If your boat quits, runs out of fuel or you end up stuck on a sandbar and need a bit of a tug to get back to the dock and the safety and comfort of home, do you know who to call? One option for emergency towing services is your boat insurance company, as many […]
Ten Tips for Seasickness
Boating can be a blast, but not so much if you’re feeling sick. Seasickness is caused by an inner ear imbalance. Since boats have a tendency to bob up and down and they can move erratically from side to side when things get a little choppy out there, some passengers may suffer from motion sickness […]
Can You Visit Those Little Islands?
New Smyrna Beach is a magical place full of fun and beauty, but when you have a boat, a whole new world of recreation is open to you. For instance, the islands that pepper this picturesque boating corner of the world are prime for exploring! One amazingly enjoyable island to drop anchor is Disappearing Island […]
Shark Fish the Shark Bite Capital!
It only makes sense that if you want a better chance at catching a shark, it is best to fish the waters where they roam in the greatest numbers. So, when you look at the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” how does New Smyrna Beach stack up when you do the math? Claiming ownership […]
Manatee Update
Our precious manatees…They are Florida’s unofficial mascot and gentle giants of the sea. Recently, there has been quite a bit of speculation surrounding the manatees and their protection. Manatees were first placed on the endangered species list in 1967. Then, in 2017, these treasured sea cows were eliminated from the endangered species list and instead […]
Boating in New Smyrna Beach…Easy and Fun!
Virtually surrounded by water, New Smyrna Beach offers an unsurpassed playground for boaters, as well as numerous boat ramps providing ample opportunity to enjoy it! In and around New Smyrna Beach, you can launch your boat from ramps including Swoop Site on Boat Ramp Drive. There are also public boat ramps in Ponce Inlet and […]
Which Boat Is Best for You?
The boat that is best for you is the boat model which most effectively meets your needs. For instance… Do your boating preferences lean toward leisurely cruises to check out the scenery, explore and wildlife watch? Are you thinking that you would like to enjoy lots of quality family time on a boat that offers […]
Boating: Good for the Soul
Boating is a restorative tonic for the soul and an excellent elixir for all that ails you. It’s definitely a stress reducer, putting you smack dab in the middle of gentle sea breezes, glorious sunshine and ocean views that just won’t quit. Boating also offers us so many ways to increase and improve our quality […]
How Boating at Night Can Differ from Daytime Boating
Usually, when we think of boating, we picture throwing the ropes on a nice, sunny day or maybe an overcast one if we are in search of those crafty fish that tend to easily spot a glistening hook. However, how about those times that lend themselves to nighttime boating, like a sunset cruise or catching […]
Gerry’s Marina Boat Trailers – Head and Shoulders Above Where Others Trail Behind
What sets Gerry’s Marina boat trailers apart from the rest? At Gerry’s Marina, choose from Magic Tilt or AmeraTrail Trailers. Enough said, but here’s saying just a little more… Magic Tilt Trailers An industry leader and innovator in trailer manufacturing since 1953, Magic Tilt Boat Trailers are family-owned and operated; and excel in the building […]
Boating Hacks and Tips
If you’re a boater, you know that boating comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some innovative boating hacks that may help you enjoy your boat just a little bit more… Ever have the tip on your caulk dry up and gum up the works? A bit of petroleum jelly in the tip […]
Boating: Fun Facts…and Fiction
Facts Boating is amazingly popular. In fact, there are 140 million boaters world-wide and 100 million Americans boat each year. The world’s most pricy boat is gold plated and custom crafted from over 100,000 kg of precious metals. This nautical treasure took three years to construct. The youngest person to sail around the world on […]
Water Safety for Boaters
Water safety is important for all types of aquatic environments, including boating. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of death in boating fatalities. So, what sort of things should boaters learn to do around the water? It’s all about being prepared, educated, responsible and using all three to ensure your time out on the […]
Boating Offers Something for Everyone
In a day and age when we are consistently bombarded with harsh, real-world realities, isn’t it nice that we can enjoy boating – a respite unlike any other, offering a menagerie of wonders for every personality and desire? When you have a boat, the world is your oyster, allowing you to choose from a myriad […]
All the Boons of a Pontoon!
The versatility of pontoon boats is what makes them a great value and so much fun for so many reasons… Maybe you have a lot of friends or a big family. If so, a pontoon, which offers an enormous amount of deck space for big family outings or socializing with a large group of friends, […]
Whoa! Slow Down
While we are out and about in our boats, it’s important to adhere to posted speed limits because the rules of the “road” out on the water were created to keep us all (as well as our boats, property, the environment and marine life) safe. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boating fatalities increased over […]
Tide Times and Why They Are Important
Remember those old pirate movies where you couldn’t get to the treasure chest in the underwater caves until the tide rolled out; or all the fun we’ve had when Disappearing Island in New Smyrna Beach reappears at low tide? Those are some pretty good reasons to pay attention to tide times, but there are others […]
Leading Pontoon Dealer in Central Florida
With a huge inventory of new and pre-owned Bennington pontoon boats for every type of lifestyle and budget, a quality service department with highly trained, on-site service technicians and carrying a full line of parts and accessories that you may leave you drooling, Gerry’s Marina is a family-owned business that has been providing Central Florida […]
Stock Your Boat!
Let’s face it, we humans weren’t built for survival on the ocean, so we have to do a few things to point the percentages in our favor…and by a few things, I mean properly stocking your boat. When it comes to stocking your boat, there are three boxes you need to check before you head […]
Federal Requirements for Power Boats
You must register your vessel and properly display your registration numbers, as well as stock your boat with the required safety equipment, including: U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers (how many will depend on the size of your vessel); a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every person on board – each in good […]
Boats Are a Better Investment Than Ever Before!
The pandemic really took its toll, but it also taught us to stop and smell the roses, taking more time out to enjoy life. This new mindset has made boating a better investment than ever before, and certain types of boats are popular for a variety of reasons. For example, pontoons – offering ample deck […]
Reading the Clouds
Experienced boaters know that the weather can not only make or break your boating, it can even be dangerous. Some storms even seem to develop within the blink of an eye and come from out of nowhere. That’s why checking the weather is imperative if you are planning some time out on the water. These […]
When Should You Place a Mayday Call?
No matter how well-prepared you are for being out at sea, there may come a time when a dire situation arises that you can’t handle without emergency assistance. A mayday call, the out at sea version of an emergency 911 call on land, is there for those times. A mayday call will reach the Coast […]
Affordable Boat Models for Beginners
What is the best, most affordable starter boat for a beginner? That can depend on your specific needs, but even so, it’s a good bet that a pontoon or a center console are both excellent options for a first-time boat owner on a budget. Pontoons are an extremely stable, easy to handle boat and they […]
Waves, What to Do
Rough water can make operating any boat difficult. While heavier boats and boats offering a hull with a deeper V are more stable in choppy seas and a more powerful engine will often help you muscle through building wave heights, a lighter boat may be easier to maneuver when seas start getting rough. Regardless of […]
Did you know that the ocean, which contains almost 95% of the planet’s wildlife, is the largest ecosystem on earth? However, that fact only skims the surface. Here is another huge number that may surprise you. Phytoplankton living on the surface of the ocean produce up to 80% of the earth’s oxygen through photosynthesis and, […]
Boating Etiquette
As with life in general, boating requires a certain amount of etiquette so that we all can remain safe while having fun. Obviously, first and foremost, it is important to keep your boat passengers and other boaters safe and to avoid accidents at all costs, but there are some other things we can do to […]
Boat Accident?
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so implementing proper foresight and planning is key to avoiding boating accidents. Know the rules of the “road,” check the weather before you head out and always remain aware of your surroundings. A boat accident can be scary, but you want to […]
How to Register Your Boat
Nearly 1 million boats are registered in Florida. Do you need to add yours to that list? Here’s how: First, you should know that not all types of boats require a registration. Vessels exempt from registration include non-powered boats under 16 feet, vessels used on private lakes and ponds, those visiting the state for less […]
Renting vs. Buying
Are you a spontaneous person – someone who might like to, on a whim, just jump on a well-maintained boat with your buddies and head out to Disappearing Island for a day of fun in the sun? Someone who also prefers not to worry about details like boat maintenance or anything other than jumping off […]
Must Sees in the Keys
The Southernmost Point in the continental United States and a one-of-a-kind locale you just have to experience at least once in your lifetime, Key West is an eclectic mix of Duval Street nightlife which gives New Orleans a run for its money; delicious grub which can start with bloody Mary breakfasts of rich, syrupy Belgian […]
Before Buying, Think Storage
While pondering all of the options you’d like on your new boat is fun, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you buy. One of the most important is where you will store your boat. Ask yourself a few questions…Does that boat storage provide easy access to the open water and the […]
Common Boating Mistakes to Avoid
You may think it goes without saying, but don’t run out of fuel. People do and they do it more often than you think. So be sure to check your fuel gauge and overestimate the amount of gas you need to return to shore since boat gauges aren’t always as reliable as the gas gauge […]
Boat Insurance
As with many of the things we care about – our health, life, house and car; we protect them with insurance. It may not be the first thing you think about when you think about insurance, but don’t forget your boat…because we like them a lot too! Although boaters’ insurance is not required by law […]
Preparing Your Boat for a Storm
Although Mother Nature can wallop us with her unpredictable hurricanes, there are some things you can do to protect your boat before a typical storm… If your boat is docked, you always want to put bumpers in place between the dock and your boat. If stormy weather is approaching, lengthening secure lines a bit can […]
Boating the East Coast
Let’s face it, the airport experience has become absolutely dreadful. So why not trade in that painful air travel and, when you feel that navigational pull, chart your course for the sea…and what better place to peruse by boat than the East Coast? Starting at the top is Portland, Maine and all its rugged coastal […]
Boat Owning 101
There’s a lot that goes into boating. I mean, we sure don’t just hop on and off at the dock. If you are a boat owner, you already know to be vigilant about checking the weather before heading out; you make sure you have what you need on board just in case; you practice Coast […]
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Your Boat
Obviously boats end up seeing a lot of water if you’re using them right; and moisture can create the perfect storm for a boat full of mold and mildew. Once mold and mildew get a foothold on your boat, they can be difficult to remove, and boat insurance doesn’t even cover mold or mildew damage. […]
Can I Pull That?
Knowing your towing capacity limits and utilizing the proper rope size for your particular towing needs can provide a safer, more enjoyable ride. Yep, I said rope size, which is also important when towing. Did you know that using a tow rope rated for two people when you are towing four can cause your rope […]
Christmas in a Water Town
When you think of Christmas, you might conjure up memories of freshly fallen snow and everyone suiting up in puffy coats to brave the bitter cold. However, here in the beachside town of New Smyrna, we kick the holidays up a notch. Christmas in quaint, historical New Smyrna Beach still delivers charming streets filled with […]
Winter Events and Adventures in Volusia County
We’re a world full of people of varying tastes. While some folks picture a winter wonderland filled with snow, big puffy coats, mittens, scarves and cheeks flushed pink from the cold; here in Volusia County, we prefer our winters ice and snow-free with weather so temperate that you may still choose to boat or swim […]
Check. The. Weather.
There’s almost nothing better than a gorgeous day out on the water…filled with wildlife watching, fishing, sightseeing down the Intracoastal and stopping along the way at your favorite seaside restaurant or just simply having fun or lounging in the sun. However, once those clouds darken, the wind picks up and wave heights get dangerous, out […]
Boat Winterizing
Worried about boat engine damage due to freezing temperatures, corrosion or the growth of mold or mildew over the winter months? Should temperatures drop to chilly levels, winterizing your boat plays a vital role in protecting it against all the havoc cold weather can wreak. The specifics for winterizing your boat can depend on its […]
What Does Gerry’s Marina Offer?
Gerry’s Marina is a full-service marina perfectly positioned just south of Daytona with plenty of access to all kinds of water. If you’re wondering what else has made Gerry’s Marina the Central Florida boating community’s trusted destination for many years, the answer is simple…although a little lengthy! Want to buy a boat? Gerry’s Marina offers […]
Game On!
If you’re interested in game fishing, Florida certainly runs the gamut on fish species and some serious fishing fun… Of course, the Florida Atlantic Coast is full of the big boys, like marlin, sailfish, swordfish and tuna. It’s also a mind-blowing mecca for wahoo and king mackerel. If you like your game fish jumping, both […]
Boater Safety Course Near You
Boating safety education is a requirement for every personal watercraft (PWC) operator age 14 or older and anyone of any age who operates a motorboat which is 10 HP or greater. Here are some boater safety education options that may help you set a course on your way to getting your boating safety ID card… […]
U.S. Coast Guard: What to Expect
The primary goal of the U.S. Coast Guard is to ensure the safety of everyone on the water. A Coast Guard inspection may seem intimidating, but just remember that they are the good guys and if you are respectful and properly prepared, your Coast Guard interaction should be as smooth as glass – just like […]
