Boats Reduce Stress

So, the doctor says that you have high blood pressure. You need to reduce your salt intake, increase your potassium intake, lose weight, drink less alcohol, take some meds and GO BOATING! Yes, boating reduces stress and here are the many variations of a good boating blood pressure reduction regimen to which you should adhere… […]

Boating in the Wake of the Pandemic

In a world bereft of so much of the fun we used to enjoy without a thought, boaters are viewing the recreational release provided by their boats as quite a bit more these days. Much like the inhabitants of Gilligan’s Island, in the wake of COVID-19 and its deadly variant, we are now viewing our […]

Boating Pre-Departure Checklist

Accidents can happen everywhere and when you are out on your boat there may very possibly be no one, but you to count on for help. So even on a short boating trip, you don’t want to get caught with your proverbial pants down; and it’s always a good idea to run through a pre-departure […]

Taking Care of Your Teak

Teak is a beautiful, durable, versatile material; and whether you are lucky enough to have it on the exterior or the interior of your boat – on areas like your deck, your trim and your ladders – you need to properly maintain it. Don’t be intimidated by the unique nature of teak. Teak maintenance is […]

Grilling on Your Boat

Ok, so what are some of the things you enjoy most? If boating and grilling make your list of preferred pastimes, why not do both at the same time? Grilling on your boat is legal. In fact, they even make grills specifically for boats that come with brackets for railing mounting. There are a bunch […]

How to Handle an Emergency on Your Boat

The first thing you want to do to make sure an emergency on your boat ends well is to make certain you are always prepared before you even get out on the water. Try to imagine anything that might happen and have a solid solution in place for it. Start by making certain that all […]

What to Do If You See a Gator

The good news is that alligators have a natural fear of humans and if you happen to unintentionally approach them, they will most likely high-tail it out of your way. You should, however, always try to leave at least 30 feet between you and any alligators because they aren’t quite as slow as they might […]

Boat Rentals: A Great Option When Boat Buying Is Limited

I think that this pandemic has taught us all that we can make things a little more interesting when it comes to ratcheting up our fun; and one great way to do that is by renting a boat!  If you are in the market to buy a new boat or upgrade your existing boat, you […]

All the Things You Can Do by Boat in New Smyrna Beach

With all the beautiful, bountiful water surrounding it, you’d be hard-pressed not to think New Smyrna Beach was made for boating! There’s the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon to the east, Canaveral National Seashore to the south, and the Coronado Beach Bridge crosses the Intracoastal Waterway south of Ponce Inlet. Needless to say, boaters […]

Shallow Water Fishing in New Smyrna Beach

If what “the shallows” means to you is fishing inshore around New Smyrna Beach and not some Lady Gaga song, we’re in the same boat! Although reeling in that humongous, once-in-a-lifetime fish is a dream to which we all aspire, shallow water fishing can be boatloads of fun. It’s easier to prepare for, can provide […]

What Makes a Boat Float?

f you are a boater in New Smyrna Beach, you can fish the rivers, inshore and big water; you can island-hop and waterside restaurant-hop; or you can take a relaxing cruise along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. Basically, you can do whatever makes your boat float, but do you know what makes your boat float? Here […]

The Fishing Is Fine in New Smyrna Beach!

Surrounded by rivers, lagoons and the deep blue sea, it’s no wonder that the fertile waters of New Smyrna Beach have produced a rich fishing heritage that is centuries long.  Ponce de Leon Inlet toward the north provides deep water access for sport fishing; New Smyrna Beach’s wide, long shoreline is fed by the Gulf […]

What Kind of Fishing Pole Is Right for You?

You can’t expect to catch a big game fish with a tiny bass pole. Nor should you use a heftier deep sea fishing rod for light casting on a lake or river. The right kind of fishing pole is an essential part of any good angler’s gear. Hopefully, the following tips will help you make […]

Fun Times of Deep Sea Fishing

To some of us, there is nothing more exciting than hearing that familiar whir of the fishing line…unless it is the whir of multiple fishing lines. With the thrill that only the depths of the ocean can provide and the anticipation of what is hopefully to come, there is nothing that comes close to matching […]

Dos and Don’ts of Boat Buying

When boat shopping, the most important things to consider are how you plan to use your boat and if the layout of a boat – from whether there is a bathroom onboard, to your engine, seating, berth, hull and more – will meet your needs.  If you do a lot of day trips with the […]

Why New Smyrna Beach Is So Enjoyable for Boaters

Why is New Smyrna Beach such an enjoyable place for boaters? There are so many reasons they are hard to list! Okay, let’s start here…Got a date? The waters of New Smyrna beach offer a romantic backdrop for a date dreams are made of. There are also scads of waterfront dining and bar-hopping options in […]

Flush It! Flush It Real Good!

When we hit the dock after an enjoyable day out on the water, we wash our boats without question or delay. So what about your boat motor? Did you know that most outboard manufacturers suggest a freshwater flush for your boat motor every time you run your boat in saltwater?  It’s true! Without regularly flushing […]

Motorboats and Their Evolution

Motorboats, some with outboard engines, some propelled by internal power, some built for speed or fishing and others still created for luxury cruises down scenic waterways, have a long and illustrious history and it pretty much all belongs to England. The screw propeller was added to a steam engine in the early portion of the […]

Sea and River Life to Expect While Boating

Boating along the picturesque Florida shoreline is tons of fun, but it also affords us glimpses of some beautiful and varied aquatic life…in both our rivers and on the ocean. Florida’s rivers, boasting bountiful seagrass, provide manatees with food that is essential for their survival. These beds of seagrass within the rivers, as well as […]

BUI: What You Need to Know About Boating and Drinking

Did you know that nearly one-third of all boating fatalities include alcohol; and in over one-half of fatal boating incidents, the victim fell overboard or the boat capsized? So as you can imagine, boating under the influence (BUI) cases are aggressively prosecuted. Florida law prohibits anyone from operating a boat while impaired. This translates into […]

Always Check the Weather

Boating can be extremely enjoyable when the weather is nice, but when the weather isn’t so nice; boating can become a harrowing and even potentially life-threatening experience. That’s why you always want to watch the weather report before you head out to sea. Check the weather before every boating trip, no matter how far you […]

Manatee Awareness for Boaters

One of Florida’s most prized possessions is its manatees. These magnificent creatures are peaceful, slow-moving aquatic mammals that paddle with their flippers to get around. Measuring up to 13 feet and weighing up to 1,200 pounds, they are quite hefty creatures as well! The lazy lifestyle of the manatee may have something to do with […]

Why Fuel Stabilizer Is Important

We all like our stuff stable. A stable home life tends to produce good stock; a stable marriage is one with the fortitude to last the duration; and stable footing will help keep all the right things topside. We boaters also like to protect our equipment, so everything keeps running in optimal condition. One great […]

Dos and Don’ts: Boat Cleaning Edition

Saltwater and exposure to the sun’s rays can be very hard on your boat. Consequently, the most important rule of boat washing is that no matter how tired and sunburnt you and your boat washers are, your boat needs a good washing after every single use. Pressure-washing can be a good option for quality cleaning […]

Fun Activities That Go With Boating

Wondering how to keep your fun afloat amidst a pandemic? Boating! There are numerous boating activities that can fill your days with great fun. As we all know, the New Smyrna Beach area is one of the most beautiful places on earth; and when you’re on the water, its majesty only increases. So take a […]

Different Channel Markers and What They Mean for You

There are boating rules that were designed to keep you, the passengers in your boat and everyone else on the water safe. One of the most important of those rules is to obey channel markers. Channel markers will help you safely navigate the waters on which you boat.  Here is a helpful list of the […]

We’re Here for All Phases of Your Boating Needs

Gerry’s Marina is a full-service marina and premier provider of new and pre-owned boats in Central Florida. We know boats and boaters and make it our business to help you through all phases of your boating experience. Are you a boater who prefers to purchase your quality boat from a local boat dealer you know […]

What’s So Special about the St. John’s River? Plenty!

At 310 miles long, the St. Johns River is Florida’s longest river and one of the few that flows north. Stretching half the length of this beautiful state, the St. Johns River is home to manatee, the gentle giants of the sea, and gators, who earn a much different reputation. The animals that make their […]

Pontoon Boats: The Family Boat

In these crazy times, we’re all looking for something to wash away the boredom and keep our family entertained. Well, here’s a great idea! Rent or purchase a pontoon boat from Gerry’s Marina. Pontoon boats are the perfect family boat! Pontoons are extraordinary boats for so many reasons. They hold 10-15 people, so they are […]

Sailboat vs. Powerboat

What you experience on a sailboat and a powerboat is pretty much two totally different things. Basically, it all comes down to how you prefer to spend your time on the water… If we’re talking speed, you should know that most sails tap out at seven knots. Calm waters can allow for much higher speeds […]

What Makes a Yacht?

Ever wonder what is it about a boat that makes it a yacht and when that yacht becomes a ship? It may sound like a strange question, but in actuality it is a very good one; and here’s your answer… It all began way back with the Dutch word, jaght, which means hunter. In other […]

What Permits and Licenses Are Required for Boating and Fishing in Florida?

Here’s how it works for boaters…A boating license is not required in Florida, but boater education is mandatory for all Florida residents born after January 1, 1988 who operate a powered watercraft of ten horsepower or greater. Once you obtain your recreational credentials, you will be issued a Florida Boating Safety ID. You must be […]

Flush Muff? Flush Muff!

Saltwater and brackish water can affect your boat’s engine like kryptonite can render Superman powerless. If not battled as Superman fights his foes (Actually, it’s not really that hard.), you could have a whole lot of hurt on your hands.  If left unchecked and poorly maintained, your engine may suffer from build-up, causing cooling blockages […]

First Time Boat Owners

If it is your first time as a boat owner, this is a very exciting time for you. Here are some tips that can help keep you safe, eliminate hassles and up your fun factor… Before you even make your purchase, you need to check your maximum tow rating because you don’t want to buy […]

Wash Your Boat! The Effects of Saltwater

Salt is abrasive and harsh and, like a cancer, saltwater can wreak havoc on a boat’s hull, engine and all of its mechanical components. Salt will stick to metal surfaces promoting rust and corrosion, dull the shine on your fiberglass or wooden boat and even eat into paint to make easy work out of depreciating […]

Hard Top vs. Soft Top

Both are good options, but there are several differences in a hard top and a soft top on a boat. Some are true benefits or detriments and some are solely dependent upon your personal preference. Let’s take a look… First, it is important to note that a hard top is hard to top when you […]

Boat Safety Equipment Checklist

There are a number of things you need to keep on board your boat and inspect regularly to ensure the safety of your passengers. The U.S. Coast Guard requires the following: You will need a wearable, personal flotation device for each person on board, including anyone you are towing while waterskiing or tubing, etc.; and […]

Take Your Friends or Family Out on the Water with Our Boat Rentals

Why buy a boat when you can enjoy one for pennies on the dollar, hassle-free when you rent it at Gerry’s Marina? It’s a lot like, “Why buy the cow when the milk is free?” Maybe not exactly… The true takeaway here is that when you rent a boat from a reputable marina like Gerry’s […]

River vs. Ocean Boating

Boating can offer worlds of fun, but there’s a question you need to ask yourself…”Do I want to boat in the ocean or on the river?” Both certainly have their own sets of perks! Take ocean boating, for example, a glorious setting where there are no lines except fishing lines and weed lines. It’s the […]

What Boat Is Good for You?

No matter who you are, if you live in Florida along the water, it’s very likely that you like to boat or fish. Most of us do, but what particular boat is right for you? Are you that guy who wakes up with tiny elbows or feet in his ribs…that guy who lives for the […]

You Can Practice Safe Social Distancing While Boating

When you are waterskiing, is there anyone within six feet of you? Nope.  As you glide over wake upon wake in an inner-tube until your face splits into a Cheshire cat-like grin, is there anyone within six feet of you? Nope. When you crank up the engines and get up on a plane, is anyone […]

Many Turn to Boating for Their Preferred Activity During Covid

This Covid crisis has turned our lives upside down, but one thing you can count on is that it can’t touch the hours and days of fun we can have while boating. Boating is one activity – often the most preferred one during this debacle – that we can still enjoy in a variety of […]

We Offer Boat Storage

  For your boat, first and foremost, you want to store it in a marina that is reputable. Nothing less will do. Gerry’s Marina was voted Central Florida’s Best Boat Dealer by Daytona Beach News Journal readers. As a family owned business, Gerry’s Marina’s reputation is paramount to us. Our business thrives because we continually […]

Boating without the Commitment

Maybe you don’t have the scratch right now to buy the boat you want or maybe you just don’t want the hassle. Let’s face it, boats are great fun, but just their normal upkeep alone can be a great deal of work. Buying a boat is a big commitment. Ever hear someone say that the […]

The Perfect Recipe for Summertime Fun!

Boating can be different things to different people. It can be a refuge from day-to-day drudgery and stressors; it can be the best way to reach your favorite fishing hole or spend quality time with your family; and boating can be the perfect catalyst for summertime fun! So, here it is…that recipe you’ve been looking […]

Boats Are Perfect for Social Distancing

Having trouble finding fun things to do while social distancing? Try it on your boat! Social distancing is a whole lot better if you’re doing it on a boat. So here’s the deal. Take your family out just like you’ve always done. You’re stuck with (I mean, you’re lucky to be with) each other anyway. […]

Boating Is Great Fun for All Ages

No matter what your age, boats offer something for everyone. The younger crowd (and a large portion of the older crowd too!) like water skiing and island parties with their friends. Have a need for speed? Boats with a little more kick are fun when you’re younger (and older) too! If you plan on cruising […]

Servicing Your Vessel Regularly Saves You Money in the Long Run

Keeping the things we own in tip-top shape is always a good thing. It can keep hassles at a minimum, extend the life of an item and even save you money. That goes double for your boat.  It’s not like you can walk to a service station or your spouse can just pick you up […]

Why Fresh Fish Caught Right off the Boat Is a Satisfying Dish

There is nothing fresher than serving up fish caught the same day right off your boat, and nothing more satisfying than harvesting your own delicious dinner. Now let’s talk about specifics! Mahi has become spectacularly famous worldwide as a popular sportfish as well as a very tasty treat. Mahi are aggressive eaters that jump and […]

Learn How You Can Get Involved to Protect Wildlife

If you haven’t already, you’ll find that New Smyrna Beach residents take our wildlife conservation and protecting our coastal oasis very seriously. For nature enthusiasts who also value the protection and security of our local eco-systems, there are a host of New Smyrna Beach parks and preserves that act as refuge centers where animals are […]

Let's find the right boat for YOU