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 […]
Tips on Driving a Boat for the First Time
We all have our firsts…like smooching Megan Kelly behind the tree in elementary school, riding that sweet electric blue bike with the banana seat without its training wheels and that sip of decades old single malt. All those firsts (except the scotch…that just sort of works) work better when you have a few good tips. […]
Right of Way: Who Has It on the Water?
Minding your manners also applies to boating. So who has the right of way when you’re out on your boat? That depends… First of all, always keep in mind that not everyone knows the rules of the “road” on the water. So, no matter what, you should behave defensively – providing other vessels and yourself […]
Fish Tales
There’s nothing like being out on the water on a boat. I’ve been lucky in my life. I was introduced to boating when my dad got this hot, little red speed boat. I was just in grade school. As my age increased, so did my love for fishing…and I have seen and experienced some pretty […]
Storm Warning Signs
Just as the phrase, “Red sky at night, fisherman’s delight,” means that when you notice red or pink hues in the evening sky, you can expect good weather the following day; “Red sky in the morning, fisherman take warning,” conversely indicates that if you see those colors in the sky once it is morning, the […]
Versatility of Pontoon Boats
Pontoon boats are quite popular and it’s no small wonder why. Their versatility makes pontoon boats a great value for the dollar and a boatload of fun in so many ways…important in a locale like Florida where we often like to boat year-round. Safety first! Pontoon boats are flat and stable for sure footing. They […]
Properly Securing Your Boat
Tying off your boat too tightly can cause damage to your boat and too loosely can cause damage to other boats, not to mention creating the possibility of your boat drifting away. So, you should always properly secure your vessel. First you need the right equipment. Bow lines are used to stop the bow of […]
The Joys of Small Boats
Many of us love cutting a wake while we cruise along Florida’s gorgeous waterways in a big boat and the zip of the lines that only deep sea fishing can provide, but don’t be too quick to dismiss the joys of owning a smaller boat. Bigger can certainly be better, but not always! Big boats […]
Boating Navigational Tips for You
When navigating your boat, of course you always want to remain aware of your surroundings, your direction of travel and, if you can, landmarks which will help you maintain a decent frame of reference; but you also want to chart your course. On your GPS, you need to create a waypoint (or in other words, […]
We’ll Service Your Boat
Gerry’s Marina isn’t just a pretty face with plenty of great boat slips, premier access to the big water (and other water), acres of secure boat storage and boat sales for quality new and used boats; we offer a reliable service department…at your service. Gerry’s Marina employs ONLY trained professionals, our experienced technicians have over […]
Knowing Your Fish
It’s good to know your partner, the way your vehicle works before you step behind the wheel, and your own personal limitations; but here in Florida, it’s also good to know your fish! It’s important to know your fish size limits and bag limits to help preserve our prolific waters and, of course, to keep […]
Emergency Signal Flares on Your Boat
Out to sea can be a very lonely place if something goes wrong. Let’s face it, we were built as land dwellers and we can be somewhat out of our element in the case of an emergency out on the water. That’s why good boaters gear up for all those “what ifs” with safety items […]
Don’t Forget Your Water
The human body is made up of a bunch of amazing materials, 60% of which is water and 90% of our blood is water, delivering valuable oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Water can regulate body temperature, maintain blood pressure, reduce fatigue and replenish energy, improve cognitive function, help keep airways open, improve the immune […]
Boating Terminology
Whether you are the captain of a boat or merely a guest on board a boat, it is important to know boating terms. When everyone aboard knows boat terminology it can eliminate confusion and resulting optimal boat handling and boating safety. For instance, when people are positioned at different places within the boat and facing […]
Man Overboard!
Do you know what to do if someone falls overboard while you are out on your boat? Believe it or not, it happens more than you think. Wet decks and gunnels are slippery and if you are lucky enough to get into fish, that can add a slime element to the whole deal. When wind […]
Places on Florida’s East Coast to Visit by Boat
With so many exciting, beautiful places to visit and nearly perfect weather year-round, it is no wonder Florida has earned its reputation as the boating capital of the world. In fact, there are plenty of incredible ports of call right here on the East Coast. Let’s take it from the top, shall we? Up north, […]
Seasick? Tips and Tricks!
A following sea…the slow rocking motion of a boat from stern to bow and a surefire way for some of us to lose our lunch. Seasickness can incapacitate you and leave you begging for a quick death, or at the very least, some well-deserved mercy. Seasickness is basically a skirmish between your inner ear and […]
Marine Discovery Center Activities
New Smyrna Beach is home to one of North America’s largest and most diverse estuaries, and the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach is dedicated to its preservation. In fact, the overall mission of the Marine Discovery Center is to restore Florida’s coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems while, at the same time, providing […]
Fishing Groups near You: Facebook and Other Online Access
Are you a fisherman who loves to be embroiled in meaningful conversations about the best rigs and where the game fish are running? So where do you find like minds, as well as valuable information related to fishing? Believe it or not, Facebook is an excellent source and there are plenty of other online fishing […]
Spring Break Fun on the Boat
I think everybody’s idea of spring break includes a good bit of fun in the sun; and what better way to get that than on a boat? You get a bunch of your good friends together, pack a cooler full of your favorite beverages and snacks, hop on board, and that’s when the magic happens! […]
You’ll love everything about Gerry’s Marina!
First off, Gerry’s Marina, which has been meeting the needs of Central Florida boaters for 30 years, has an unsurpassed inventory of high quality, new and pre-owned boats. Gerry’s Marina also offers friendly, knowledgeable service with an on-site certified Yamaha master technician and a large parts and accessories department. We are a Certified Yamaha Five-Star […]
Sea Turtles in New Smyrna Beach
Since pretty much everywhere you look in New Smyrna Beach there is water, the area is basically an aquatic playground for everything fishy; and it’s not just our surplus of varied species of fish we love in New Smyrna Beach. One of the things we are very passionate about in New Smyrna Beach is our […]
The History of Legendary Yamaha Engines
It all began in 1955 with the belief that you could use the knowledge from crafting exceptional musical instruments to manufacture remarkable motors…and with that, the founder of Yamaha propelled his business of piano manufacturing (which was the largest in the world) into the engine manufacturing arena. His marketing strategy was genius. As a complete […]
How You Know It Is Time to Buy a New Boat
One big reason people know it is time to buy a new boat is that your boat just doesn’t meet your boating needs anymore. Maybe your family is growing or maybe your desire for fishing bigger water is growing. Whatever the reason, it’s no fun to have a boat that doesn’t work for you. The […]
Where to Get Your Fishing License
Most local bait and tackle shops are permitted to sell fishing licenses. Sporting goods stores, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or a Walmart with an outdoor department, usually provide fishing licenses as well. For the convenience of an online fishing license purchase, one can easily be obtained through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission […]
Basic Need to Knows for Fishing First Timers
First off, getting in trouble for not having a fishing license can really put the kibosh on any fishing excursion. You can check out the Gerry’s Marina blog on fishing licenses to find out what you need and how to get it. You will also need a fishing rod, fishing reel, fishing line that is […]
What Are the Chances?
As you may have heard, New Smyrna Beach is known as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World”. Your chances of getting bit by a shark in New Smyrna Beach are ten times higher than anywhere else in the nation. So, it only stands to reason that if you want to fish for sharks, you […]
There’s Something Fishy in New Smyrna Beach!
New Smyrna Beach is a charming, beachside oasis, but it is also a paradise for people who love to fish! Surrounded by the ocean, gorgeous waterways and scenic rivers, New Smyrna Beach is simply teeming with aquatic life. If you’re fishing here, you’d be hard-pressed not to catch something. Actually, you’d be hard-pressed not to […]
And for NSB’s Next Trick…Disappearing Island!
Bippity, boppity, boop, abracadabra and all that stuff. Now you see it, now you don’t! Yes folks, New Smyrna Beach is well-known for its unique charm forged by an intoxicating mix of a beachy surfer vibe, rich history and a lively local nightlife; but it is also known for an enchanting island that disappears and […]
A Boat Purchase from Gerry’s Marina Entitles You to…
There is nothing more important to the folks at Gerry’s Marina than providing a pleasurable boat purchasing experience and helping our clients get the most enjoyment possible out of their boats. That’s why your Gerry’s Marina boat purchase comes with a pre-purchase boat demo including an onboard professional who will take the time to go […]
Goliath Grouper Fishing: Should the Ban be Lifted?
Goliath groupers can weigh up to 800 pounds and grow approximately eight feet in length. These amazing creatures which can be found hanging out right here in the coral reefs of Florida almost became extinct over three decades ago, and they have been protected ever since. Recently, however, according to NPR 90.7 WMFE, the Florida […]
Gerry’s Marina Can Help Get Your Boat Ready for the Holiday Boat Parade!
There is no better way to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than with a floating holiday display full of lavishly decorated boats and dazzling lights twinkling like magic on the water. Prepare to be delighted and amazed by unparalleled pageantry and the spectacular sights and sounds of the holiday season because […]
