THE ULTIMATE SUPERYACHT TENDERS: STYLE THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

Are you one of those boaters who owns a large charter luxury yacht but also likes to fish, and sometimes wants to stack a smaller tender or keep a second boat in a fishing hot spot? Or are you simply one of those boaters who likes to keep track of the latest yacht trends? No matter what type of boater you are, we would like to share with you our four favorite stylish superyacht tenders for this season.

1. Yachtwerft Silverline

Elasticity is the mark of the Silverline range, which extends from 8 to 9.5 meters. Silverline brings deluxe materials together with an elegant design and an extensive collection of custom options from interior materials, to a series of options such as an engine box-mounted bike rack. Silverline seeks to bring higher levels of sophistication, performance and practicality to discerning boaters.

In addition, the Silverline can also be personalized as a closed limousine, an open tender with foldable Bimini and dodger, or a D-RIB.

2. Technohull Omega 41

This wonderful tender characterizes itself by having a great design which allows you to accommodate a large crowd on the surface. It is useful for leisure activities and cruising, and is easy to operate. The Omega 41 is a true 45 ft. vessel, designed to travel long distances, in any kind of weather conditions. With a maximum speed of 69 knots, the Technohull Omega 41 can without a doubt position itself among the world’s fastest superyacht tenders. Nonetheless, it deservedly appears on our list due to the luxurious finish it has.

3. Invictus 200FX

This small size Invictus, with the prestige of its brand, is a jewel among the tenders. Enhanced with comfort and high quality accessories, it is dedicated to the boaters who wish for a vessel with its own character, that offers safety and performance without missing the flair. In addition, it incorporates fine features frequently found on larger yachts, such as 3-D fabrics and leather coverings with contrast sewing. The deep exterior is made for speed and shows an incredible condition with full safety. Even though it has a compact size, it contains what a boater with taste would long for.

4. Canados 428 Gladiator

This vessel has the most elegant design on the list.  It also possesses the best high-tech components and equipment which makes it “the ultimate” day cruiser.

The outdoor space makes it ideal for cruising and leisure moments with family and friends. It also has an external dining area and lounge sofas, and everything has been designed for fun and safety with a true luxury touch.

The 428 Gladiator is the smallest boat ever built by the Iconic Shipyard, Canados.  With a 16-inch touch-screen “Crystal Cockpit,” the boater can control the entire boat including engine parameters, autopilot, depth sounder, chart plotter and sound system, giving an ultimate touch of style.

Now, you might be thinking about going to your favorite fishing spot, remember that even Whiticar may be best-known for our Custom Tournament Sportfishing Boats. Whiticar has been a full-service repair facility since 1947, so if you have any questions regarding your boat, we recommend contacting Whiticar Boat Works! Founded in 1949, by Curtis “Curt” Whiticar, we are a well-known Florida company and a proven leader in the marine industry.

Whiticar Boat Works has survived and thrived by operating our business with integrity and producing quality work. For more information about us, check out our website: http://www.whiticar.com/, or call us at (772) 287-2883.

References

Canados . (16 de February de 2016). Gladiator 428. Obtenido de Canados: http://www.canados.com/index.php/gladiator/gladiator-428

Yachting Magazine. (11 de June de 2014). Top Yecht Tenders . Obtenido de Yachting Magazine: http://www.yachtingmagazine.com/top-yacht-tenders

Yachtwerft Meyer. (2 de June de 2016). The Silverline. Obtenido de Yachtwerft Meyer: http://yachtwerft-meyer.com/superyachting/silverline/

The “3” Boating Skills Needed For The Safety Arsenal

The oceans and waterways can be unpredictable and challenging environments. That’s why, for most boaters, being in the water is exciting and the source of their joy and leisure time activities. To keep the fun in boating while increasing the safety, all sailors, from experienced to amateurs, should always have a couple of key skills up their sleeve. Here are 3 skills every boating lover should learn and keep on hand.

1. Dead Reckoning - Navigating

Before the modern navigational instruments such as the GPS and ECDIS, positions at sea were mostly determined through celestial and terrestrial methods. In the past, sailors used speed measured in knots, distance in nautical miles and time measured in minutes. They could plot their present position or project a future one from a previously known spot or fix. In other words, they just needed a paper chart and a compass in order to find their way home. Accuracy depended on the frequency of fixes and compensation for wind and current. Not a big deal!

Nowadays, learning this technique could save the day. It could bring you home safely in the event your chart plotter or GPS do not work, or simply increase the fun factor on your way back to port.

2. Docklines - Tying Up 

Tying up at a dock is one of those elegant techniques every boater is proud to learn, but what about the docklines? Docklines limit a boat's movement, ensuring its safety when it is on a stop. The key is to be able to recognize how many docklines will limit your boat's motion, and decide on the most effective combination.

Spring lines limit how much the boat can move forward or backward. Breast lines limit how much the boat can move closer or away from the dock. Bow lines and stern lines may do both. The following image (figure A) shows all the possible docklines you could use. However, when tying up, the goal is to use only the ones needed to secure the boat.

For a short stop, you should be able to tie up with just three lines (Figure B). The best combination of docklines is typically at least one spring line, plus a bow line and a stern line.

For heavier weather and longer stays, add a second spring line in the opposite direction of the first, as shown in the next image. Don’t forget to adjust the line lengths to allow for tidal rise and fall.

When tying up in a slip (Figure C), try to avoid breast lines. Instead, run your bow lines forward a bit and cross your stern lines. In this case, four docklines are the optimum: two bow lines, and two stern lines. As for leaving room for the water to move up and down, the same caveats still apply. This way, all the lines are working together to limit motion forward, and side to side. 

3. Shallow Water - Reading

Everyone loves a beautiful sunny day, and the set of blues the sea can dress itself up with. But be careful, don’t get distracted by the refreshing sea spray and beautiful blue water. Instead, use the water colors to assess the water you are in, looking for color-change and contrast too. Remember, colors are key to reading the water! 

• Blue, green or turquoise water: bright colors normally indicate that the depth is probably acceptable for most pleasure boats to navigate. 

• If the colors are very pale, the water could be too shallow and should be avoided.

• Brown water surrounded by blues or dark green is probably mud, sand or shell shoals. 

• White water indicates a very shallow sand bank.

• Yellow water indicates a shallow bank, either of sand, marl (rocky hard sand) or rock.

• Light brown or yellowish-brown water indicates a shallow rocky bar.

• Darker or yellowish-brown, with some green or blue over it, also indicates a rocky bar but one that is deeper under the surface. 

• Coral attaches only to rock, not sand.  If the water is bright blue but you can see yellow, brown or other light colors just beneath the surface, there may be a very tall coral reef close to the surface.

Keep always in mind that there are several light situations that affect visibility, so it is a great idea to scan the chart plotter regularly to identify potential hazards well in advance.

"Fair Winds and Following Seas."

References

Bhattacharjee, S. (18 de May de 2017). What is Dead Reckoning Navigation Technique at Sea? Obtenido de Marine Insight : http://www.marineinsight.com/marine-navigation/what-is-dead-reckoning-navigation-technique-at-sea/

Murphy, T. (15 de July de 2015). Tying Up At The Dock. Obtenido de BoatUS: http://www.boatus.com/magazine/2015/june/tying-up-at-the-dock.asp

Soundings . (29 de April de 2005). Sea Savvy - Colors Are Key To Reading The Water. Obtenido de Soundings: https://www.soundingsonline.com/news/sea-savvy-colors-are-key-to-reading-the-water

Contemporary Seamanship: Boating Technological Innovations

The 3 most trilling boating technological innovations we have witnessed over the past 12 months.

Technological changes in our modern world are giving boaters more comfort and freedom to enjoy their lives and all boating activities. At the same time are setting the scenario for manufacturers to do wonders that few years ago would have been unconceivable. 

When talking about boats, from structural improvements till technological changes we have seen how innovation is sweeping the boating world. These wonderful vessels for travelling over water, are nowadays built better and faster. A lot of this innovative technology has also prepared the stage for other boating tools and devices designed to make your time away just as comfortable as on land.

Are you the type of person that always has the coolest new products and gadgets? Are you always looking for something innovative and fun to have on your boat?  If that’s you… keep tuned. We’ve gathered some details and information about 3 really awesome gadgets for your boat.

Joystick

Joystick systems essentially replace the conventional outboard controls and cables with fly-by-wire electronics. The joystick allows you to control your twin engine boat with ease, making the task of docking a large vessel in windy conditions seem routine. Due its angling advantages, the joystick allows the operator to synchronize engines with one hand. Even if you are just a boating beginner, you will see the benefits of the high intuitive working style it has, it takes very little practice to become an expert.

With the joystick, the owner can even adjust the detents and throttle resistance for their personal preferences, even though you are not a control freak, this system will seduce you.

GPS-Assisted Boat Motor

It is common to find motors with variable speed, which dial in the speed and let Digital systems deliver the right amount of power, while conserving the battery. Driving these motorboats can be a bit spine-tingling at times. Regardless of all that power, we still find ourselves depending on the wind and the wave’s behavior, making it difficult to keep the boat stable and balanced. An old solution was to use the anchor in a quiet cove, fortunately there’s a new attractive innovation, and that is the GPS technology imbedded in the boat motor. These GPS-assisted boat motors keeps the boat steady, although it's going to be a long way until we can find a fully autonomous boat, these motors should still make life easier. Therefore when in need to relax, this positioning system is the one you can trust most.

Thermal & Infrared Sensors

Nowadays people is getting more and more 'techie', as a result everyone with a straightforward boating knowledge knows that the GPS should tell how to get from Point A to Point B. That the plotter gives an overview of the boat position, and the known obstacles and landmasses one can encounter. The radar should tell about other vessels and big obstacles that are in the way. But none of these actually helps to see what’s coming at night.

Someone spending money on a new boat, or improving the old one wants the best and latest, here is when the Thermal & Infrared Sensors find their place within the set of boating devices every sailor should have.

There are numerous benefits to thermal imaging in the marine industry, but probably the most important one is the one related with safety. These “see in the dark” sensors keep the user out of danger. They can even find people in the water, allowing fast scanning and recording of stationary targets in real time.

As you can see, once again a number of fascinating tech features are making boating safer, extra reliable, easier, and the whole experience way more delightful. The days of looking for changes in wind speed and direction, temperature drops, rapidly accumulating clouds and even a stronger salty odor to assess the weather conditions are in the past!

As well as the industry is in continuous evolution, Whiticar Boat Works has survived throughout the time, evolving and thriving by operating the business with integrity and producing quality work. For additional information about Whiticar please visit our website www.whiticar.com or call us at (772) 287-2883 for additional details about electronic services, including:

• Complete Electronics Repair and Installation
• Communications System-Vsat- Vhf- Wi-Fi
• Entertainment System- Sat TV - Stereo - AV
• Personalized Consultations in Outfitting and upgrading
• Sell and Specialize in all Marine Electronics brands
• NMEA Certified
• Mobile Service anywhere in the world

Whiticar North

 2010 Harbor Town Drive, Suite K, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 

Office (772) 460-0660

Whiticar South

 3636 SE Old Saint Lucie Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996 

Office (772) 287-2883

References

Barrett, R. (2016, January 14). Boating industry says technology, new features are fueling sales. Retrieved from Journal Sentinel : http://archive.jsonline.com/business/boating-industry-says-technology-new-features-are-fueling-sales-b99652007z1-365354001.html

McDonald, P. (2016, May 31). How To Boat Without Modern Technology. Retrieved from Boating Magazine: http://www.boatingmag.com/how-to-boat-without-modern-technology-1

Thompson, D. (2016, March 15). 14 REASONS TO JUMP FOR JOY(STICKS). Retrieved from BoatingWorld: http://www.boatingworld.com/feature-stories/14-reasons-to-jump-for-joysticks/

Fantastic Downeast yachts you can’t miss out!

Downeast-style yachts were an inspiration from the iconic lobster boat designs of the 1900s. The classic lobster boat has been described as the “work truck of the Maine coast,” For decades, lobster boats have been the working vessels of the Northeast, used by fishermen to tend their lobster traps and, as such, these boats have been developed and advanced to meet those needs. 

Since imitation is the genuine form of flattery, the lobster boat style should be flattered indeed. By the middle of the 20th century, and bustling through to today’s modern yet classic yachts, the Downeast-segment of the market is active and prosperous.

Find below some of the greatest Downeast yachts between 20 and 70-plus feet, which have managed to keep  some of the classic look from “the lobster boats” while incoporating the modern structure and functionality  of today’s boat industry. 

* 20-29 FEET: HINCKLEY T29R*

A Hinckley is perhaps the ideal Down-east boat. Known for their low profile, sweeping sheer line, gorgeous tumblehome, exquisite workmanship, and classic good looks, Hinckleys have also proven to be industry leaders over the years. Indeed, the company was one of the first builders to use fiberglass (in 1956) and was the first production builder to use jet propulsion.

Designed by Bruce King, the T29R is built in the spirit of a gentleman’s runabout. It has a small cuddy cabin with a V-berth, a satin-varnished interior, and even a Vacu-Flush toilet. But this boat is meant to be enjoyed for the day; indeed, it can hold up to ten people for watersports, a cruise around the bay, or evening cocktails at the dock. And its proportions are just right, particularly if viewed from the stern quarter, where the pronounced tumblehome, graceful sheer line, and flare of the topsides translate into a nautical form of eye candy. The varnished teak caprail and instrument panel (with carbon fiber accents) along with the Nardi steering wheel are just icing on the cake.

They’re also much safer when anyone is engaging in water sports. Hinkley’s patented fingertip JetStick control and standard bow thruster make low-speed maneuvering and docking easy. The hull is laid up with an outer skin of Kevlar and E-glass, a foam core and inner layer of carbon fiber, fused with a vacuum resin transfer process.

*30-39 FEET: BACK COVE 32*

All Back-Cove models share the same Downeast styling. The new Back Cove 32 is true to that heritage, and it was named Best New Powerboat Under 35 Feet at the Newport, Rhode Island, boat show last September.

The 32 is designed as a couple’s cruiser, but it’s found on a cruise last summer through mid-coast Maine from Rockland to Portland, it’s much more than that. In addition to the helm to starboard and a mate’s seat to port, at least two people at any time seemed to congregate on the large, comfortable, U-shape settee on the port side. Its high-gloss, inlaid table converts to a berth.

It’s seems easy to move around the boat, even underway with four people, because it’s all one level from the transom forward to the companion way leading to the cabin. The galley is up, on the starboard side, with the basics: a Thetford two-burner cooktop, stainless sink, convection microwave, and drawers for storage. The bridge deck is protected by a hardtop and large side windows, which slide open for ventilation. So, does the middle window on the windshield, and the hatch overhead. The view from the helm, as I found driving in Maine, is excellent all around. Docking is easy with the standard bow thruster and optional stern thruster.

*40-49 FEET: PALM BEACH 42*

This elegant Down east boat has an aggressive, low profile, graceful sheer line, and it is the first new Palm Beach model since Grand Banks bought the Australian builder in 2014. Even though it’s built half the world away from Maine, the new Palm Beach 42 has enough teak and brightwork inside and out to satisfy even the most traditional and salty New England purist.

“This is well known as the most gorgeous and feature-rich yacht of its size out there,” Indeed, the fit and finish are impeccable throughout: Electric windows, Ultra leather upholstery, Silestone countertops, are all surrounded by hand-built teak cabinetry. And you can customize the interior, choosing between a single stateroom and a large galley down, or two staterooms below with a galley up.

                                *50-59 FEET: MJM 50z*

The classic, low-profile MJM Yachts 50z is a boat with a pedigree. Its founder, Bob Johnstone, also cofounded J/Boats, and its designer, Doug Zurn, has been one of the most recognized designers of Downeast yachts since he drew the lines for the head-snapping Shelter Island Runabout two decades ago.

S-shape sheer line, harmonious styling elements, Carolina flair in the bow, and gracious tumblehome aft, the 50z arguably hits that mark. The standard Seakeeper gyrostabilizer damps roll underway or at anchor, and the Certified Category an Ocean rating by the International Standards Organization means the boat is safe offshore. The MJM Yachts 50z is unique in its combination of looks, performance, safety, and innovation.

*60-69 FEET: SABRE 66 DIRIGO*

“Dirigo” is Latin for “I lead.” It also is the motto for the State of Maine, where all Sabres are built. The 66 Dirigo clearly takes the leading spot in the Sabre lineup, which starts at 38 feet and previously had ended at 54. But the new Sabre flagship is the company’s leader in more than length alone: In fact, it is the most elegant Sabre yet, the most sophisticated Sabre yet, the most technologically advanced Sabre yet, and the most yacht-like Sabre yet.

The Sabre 66 is a full-size luxury express cruiser—with three staterooms, three heads and various social areas inside and out—that was specifically designed to be an owner-operator boat. You can board the boat via the large teak swim platform, which drops down at the push of a button for direct water access.

*70-79 FEET: HUNT 72*

With a combination of legendary design, superior performance and exquisite craftsmanship, the new Hunt 72 seems to have it all. So it’s no surprise that this just-launched Down east beauty was named Best Overall Powerboat at last September’s Newport, Rhode Island, boat show. “It is impressive to see a boat this size that can be operated by the owner,” the judges said. “This boat has over 80,000 man hours in its build and every hour was well spent. There is not one detail that hasn’t been addressed. Fit and finish are immaculate…This is a timeless design.”

What you notice when you look at the boat are that the proportions are just right; the lines are classic; the sheer is long and seems to stretch on forever. And then there’s the gleaming brightwork—absolutely everywhere, inside and out, up and down. It would be hard to find a saltier-looking 72-foot boat floating anywhere today.

If you have any questions regarding your boat, we recommend Whiticar Boat Works! We are a leader in the marine industry. We are a well-known company in Florida founded in 1949 by Curtis ´Curt´ Whiticar. Whiticar Boat Works is a family owned & operated company. we have various division in the state! For more information about us check out the website  http://www.whiticar.com/ or call us (772) 287-2883

*Stuart Boat Yard Office (772) 287-2883 

* Fort Pierce Boat Yard Office (772) 460-0660 

*Whiticar Yacht Sales Office (772) 219-3425

References

Janssen, P. (2017, February 7). Dreamboats. Retrieved from Passage Maker: http://www.passagemaker.com/cruiser-reviews/39098

Considerations before sailing rough waters

A boating lifestyle is great fun but it also means you must be prepared to spend time and money on repairing systems, safety equipment, running gear, electronics, food, water, and many other expenses that are part of the deal.

There are a few important recommendations you might consider before sailing away, including  The type of boat, the owner’s personal skills for navigation, and the way the boat will serve the  captain and passengers ( family and friends).

The Type Of Boat 

One of the main purposes for repairing and making adjustments on “motor yachts, sport fishing yachts and other vessels” is to make sure boat is in optimum condition before you sail away and therefore reducing the risk of getting stranded in the middle of the ocean.  A vessel survey or inspection will almost always result in a list of “findings”—parts of the boat or its systems that are less than stellar and in need of attention. It is common to hear, that part of your boat does not comply with the guidelines. In many cases, the cost to correct all the problems exceeds the budget and might reduce the time or distance planned for a cruise.

Such information can be confusing and alarming to many boat owners. But “Do we have to fix everything on the list?” Any answer other than “you should fix it” might be seen as taking on exposure to a lawsuit or an unwanted risk on the sea. In many respects, this is a question that only the boat owner can answer. after all, the goal is to enjoy your vessel and go cruising ( keeping in mind that cruising the deep seas always involves some risk.)

If you have six months to enjoy your yacht, losing a week fixing repairs may not be a big deal. But if you have two or four weeks, losing a week can be crushing. As you work your way through a self-assessment, remember to describe yourself as you are, not as you think you should be. At this stage, you are meeting the facts about the problems found on your boat, assessing the risks, and having an honest talk with yourself about your personality tendencies and your plans. 

As with any personality tool, when you are cruising you should make smart decisions and that start when you are prepared to be self-awareness.

The owner’s personal skills for navigation 

In order to make smart decisions about boat maintenance, we have to be skilled at risk assessment. Unfortunately, numerous studies have shown that people are not very good at it. We have a tendency to respond to the dramatic, and to overlook the more mundane. Chicago economist and author of Freakonomics, Stephen Levitt, gives some examples of this tendency. “most people are pretty terrible at risk assessment”. They tend to overstate the risk of dramatic and unlikely events at the expense of more common and boring events.

With regard to risk assessment on our boats, we can temper our tendency to overreact and imagine the dramatic by asking ourselves a specific question:

If it fails, can it kill or injure us? The answer might include fire, electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, or sinking. This one gives you the chance to imagine the dramatic. But you should also take the position that anything that can stop the boat is potentially life-threatening. Even along the coast, bad weather or bad inlets can become a life or death situation if the boat stops. While less dramatic than a fire, a quiet engine can be a serious problem.

The way the boat will serve the navigator

Getting to know your boat electronic navigation system is as important as having your boat repaired and adjusted when needed, but the way the boat will serve the navigator depends more on the number of times you are cruising and how you adapt your boat to a different situation while on water.

Cruising inherently involves taking some risks. By identifying and eliminating flaws on your boat, you can reduce the risks, but not eradicate them. But there is another risk at play here—the risk that by feeling the need to correct every problem found, you will spend your way out of cruising, or limit your cruising time.

|At the end you do not have to be an expert to make smart decisions, but you should understand and know your boat as well as be prepared to take right decisions when addressing difficulties.

In the 1800s, William Shedd wrote, “A ship is safe in harbor, but that is not what ships are for.” 

If you have any questions regarding your boat, we recommend Whiticar Boat Works! We are a leader in the marine industry. We are a well-known company in Florida founded in 1949 by Curtis ´Curt´ Whiticar. Whiticar Boat Works is a family owned & operated company. we have various division in the state! For more information about us check out the website  http://www.whiticar.com/ or call us (772) 287-2883

References

Zimmerman, S. (2013, May 06). How To Make Smart Decisions About Repairs To Your Boat. Retrieved from Passage Maker: http://www.passagemaker.com/articles/lifestyle/how-to-make-smart-decisions-about-repairs-to-your-boat/

Curt Whiticar, The Son, The Father, The Friend, The Captain…A legacy of life that will remain in our hearts forever!

1.Picture: Front Row… Jim D, Curt, JW, Dot Whiticar. Back Row…Deva Dragseth, Tara Darvill Shelly (Laura Kay’s Daughter), Scott Shelly, Laura Kay Darvill Whiticar, Jill Roller (Joanne’s Daughter), Joanne Talley,JW, Laura Kay, Joanne siblings of Curt

G. Curtis “Curt” Whiticar, founder of Whiticar Boat Works, first came to the Stuart, Florida area in 1917 with his parents and two brothers. Addison Whiticar, Curt's father, would hand-line commercial fish during the winter months and make a decent living due to the abundance of fish at that time. Summers were spent fishing in Fortecues, New Jersey. Due to competition from commercial net fishing in the late twenties, Addison started to use his boat more frequently for sport fishing.

Initially splitting time between his native New Jersey and Stuart, Whiticar worked with his father in the fishing industry as a kid, coming to Florida in the winter for the warmer temperatures and bountiful catch. 

He eventually settled down on the Treasure Coast, raising his three children with his late wife, Elsa, in Stuart.

Curt built his first boat when he was 14, and by the age of 23, he had designed and built a 33-foot single screw boat called the “Shearwater.” This fishing boat, based on local inlet problems and demanding fishing needs, is the backbone to the design of the modern Whiticar sport fisherman of today. Addison - more fondly known as Capt. Add - had Curt build him a boat shortly afterward in 1938. “The “Gannet,” a twin screw 38-footer was Capt. Add's pride and joy.

"He was a remarkable man, and a living library full of history of Martin County," said Rick Crary, himself a member of a longtime local family and historian. "I had dinner with him a few years ago, and the story that impressed me most was when he told us about the day Gov. John Martin came to Stuart to celebrate the creation of the new county bearing his name. Curt pointed out the spot where Martin gave his speech in 1926, a few months after the county was formed in 1925. Curt remembered because he was there, a teenager of about 14."

By the late 1930s, had begun to make a name for the family with his craftsmanship. By the 1950s, his boats were in demand by anglers who wished for good sea boats built to handle the sometime choppy Treasure Coast waters offshore. They were known to have a sharp entry bow and steep deadrise, which made them perfect for slicing into a 4-to-5 foot high wave. More than 60 Whiticar boats have been built since Whiticar assembled his first.

Due to ever increasing demand for these boats, Curt moved the Mess Hall from Camp Murphy, at what is now Jonathan Dickinson State Park, and reassembled the wood on a slab at its present location in 1947. The first boat built at the new facility in 1954 was the 38 ft “Hobo” – made for Curt's brother, Jack. Powered by a pair of 225 horse power Chrysler engines, it proved to be fast and exceptionally seaworthy

Before founding Whiticar Boat Works in 1947, Whiticar ran a charter fishing business that came to include seven boats called the Whiticar Fleet. Considered among the early conservationists in the area, he devised a plan to present anglers who were coming to the “Sailfish Capital of the World” with a special golden pin if they released the billfish back into local waters. This would allow tourism to the area to continue without putting the fish's population in danger. The mission was taken up by the newly formed Stuart Sailfish Club, which included local fishing charters like Whiticar's, in 1941.

*Captains Johnson Whiticar (left), Curt Whiticar (kneeling), Addison Whiticar and Jack Whiticar (right), all of Stuart, work on a boat's motor in this 1950s era photo. (Photo: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY JOHN WHITICAR)

The 70’ by 90’ building became the foundation from which Whiticar Boat Works evolved. In 1949 Curt hired his brother-in-law, John Dragseth, to help him run the company. The company’s success came as a result of quality repairs and the famous line of custom fishing boats. John Dragseth and Curt Whiticar relied on a trained staff and attention to customer needs for Whiticar Boat Works to become a known destination for the East Coast recreational boater.

Much the same way that a father teaches his son to fish, it was fitting that both John Dragseth and Curt Whiticar had sons join the company and continue the family tradition of excellence in marine service and repair. Sons Jim Dragseth and John Whiticar were at the helm as the recreational boating life style continued to grow and become more demanding.  To maintain the ability to meet the needs of the boating community Whiticar Boat Works established new divisions of the company, including:  Shearwater Marine in 1996; Whiticar Marine North in 2003; Whiticar Yacht Sales in 2004; and Whiticar Custom Boats in 2000.

Whiticar retired from the boat building business in 1986 when he was 75. But he continued to play golf three times a week at Martin County Golf and Country Club well into his mid-90s. He may have played longer except a friend accidentally hit him in the knee with a golf cart and he was unable to play without pain after that.

Whiticar dedicated also more time to painting, a favorite pastime. He gave some of his works to family, friends and even the Historical Society and Stuart Heritage Museum. At the age of 96, he wrote a book about what life was like in Stuart in the early 1900s. 

Whiticar celebrated his 106th birthday on Feb. 13, shortly after which he was presented with a Legendary Captains & Crew award by the International Game Fish Association. 

"Everyone uses the word 'amazing' and 'great' and 'accomplished,' and I think probably the one word that probably says it all is 'accomplished,'" John Whiticar said, recalling how people often referred to his father. "He's an accomplished fisherman, boat-builder; he was an accomplished golfer—he wasn’t the best golfer, but he was dedicated… just an all-around great person." 

Curt Whiticar is survived by his children, Laura Kay Darvill-Whiticar, Joanne Talley and John Whiticar; John's wife, Dot Whiticar; eight grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of Whiticar's life April 9 at Indian RiverSide Park in Jensen Beach at a time yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make contributions in his name to the Stuart Sailfish Club, the Stuart Heritage Museum, or Treasure Coast Hospice.

References

Killer, E. (2017, March 9). TCPALM. Retrieved from http://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2017/03/09/curt-whiticar-boat-builder-charter-and-commercial-fisherman-golfer-and-artist-dies-106/98968126/

Llorens, I. (2017, March 8). Curt Whiticar, Founder Of Whiticar Boat Works, Dies At 106. Retrieved from Stuart Magazine : https://www.stuartmagazine.com/up-front/noteworthy/curt-whiticar-founder-whiticar-boat-works-dies-106