Whiticar - Boatyard of the Year!

Whiticar - Boatyard of the Year!

Awarded by the American Boat Builders & Repair Association

The 2015 Boatyard of the Year award was presented to Whiticar - www.Whiticar.com  by  the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) www.abbra.org  The honor and award was presented during the Boatyard Business Conference Awards Dinner held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from January 21^st –23^rd.

This prestigious and very special award is given to a service or repair facility that demonstrates excellence in all facets of their company through commitment to customer service, quality management, stewardship in environmental and safety issues, also positive vendor and employee relations, this award is one of ABBRA’s most prestigious Awards of Excellence. Jim Dragseth, president of Whiticar Boat Works accepted the award during the ceremony.

Whiticar has 2 convenient location on the Treasure Coast, including Stuart and Fort Pierce. The company has been in business for the past 60 years. Ownership of the company has passed between fathers and sons, and so too has the dedication to superior workmanship, outstanding customer service and in-depth knowledge of the boating lifestyle. Whiticar Boat Works was founded by Curt Whiticar who was later joined by his brother-in-law John Dragseth to run the business. The facility is designated a Florida Clean Boatyard by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Jim Dragseth and John Whiticar are at the helm leading the company into the modern era. Their expansions have included the establishment of Shearwater Marine in 1996, Whiticar Custom Boats in 2000, Whiticar Marine North in 2003, and Whiticar Yacht Sales in 2004. ABBRA president John Fitzgerald said, “Whiticar employs a wonderful array of talented professionals and the company relies on the old fashioned pride they take in a job well done.” However, in case you think they are a relic of past success, their web presence features two Facebook pages, a Twitter feed, google+, YouTube videos, a custom mobile site and a blog!  Whiticar/Shearwater was also honored last month with the “first place award” for best booth during the Stuart boat show.  Whiticar is a wonderful example of the great tradition of ABBRA boatyards with a storied past and a determination to service their customers into a bright future.

Jim Dragseth said, “It is humbling and very rewarding to be recognized by ABBRA, Thank you very much for this honor.”  Whiticar now joins a group of several other distinguished boatyards around the country which have also received the Boat Yard of the Year award. Some of these other prestigious boatyards include facilities such as Thunderbolt Marine in Georgia, Front Street Shipyard in Maine, Jarrett Bay Boatyard in North Carolina, Newport Shipyard in Rhode Island, and Keefe Kaplan Maritime in California.

For additional information about Whiticar visit our website www.whiticar.com

The 41st Stuart Boat Show 2015 – Shearwater/Whiticar wins best booth!!

The 41st Stuart Boat Show held over a 3 day weekend was a great success. This event has become one of the most important marine industry shows on the Treasure Cost and South Florida. With more than 180 exhibitors and 17k visitors, this great boat show features a huge selection of boats of all shapes and sizes including power boats, cruisers and yachts just to name a few on display in-water and on land. Several vendors such as Whiticar and Shearwater also featured marine electronics, generators, engines and every marine accessory imaginable from manufacturers and dealers worldwide.

This show has become an excellent platform for businesses because it allows them to exhibit their products and services in a privileged location for boating. Stuart is considered the sailfish capital of the world and offers great amenities, marinas and marine services for all type of boats. The Stuart Boat Show was a great event for families, visitors and anyone who enjoys boating and having a good time. It was also an ideal event for networking opportunities with other like-minded professionals and people from the marine industry.

One of the most exciting highlights of this event was the selection of the “best booth”.  Most companies and vendors take great pride in their company and the way they present themselves to the public and their peers. This year an outsider was in charge of the analysis of each booth. The judges took into consideration multiple design variables and product display presentation. The winner and best booth of the 41st Stuart Boat Show was “Shearwater” which is a division of Whiticar (www.Whiticar.com). Shearwater Marine is focus on engine and generator sales, retail parts sales and dockside service at your location.  As part of the Whiticar Boat Works team, Shearwater Marine brings the same exceptional service to the parts counter or to your boat. Whiticar provides an excellent service for all your marine needs at any of our strategically located facilities.

The booth was designed by one of the best marketing agencies in the Treasure Coast and South Florida “XMS - Xperience Marketing Solutions” www.XperienceMarketingSolutions.com. The team at Xperience Marketing Solutions specializes in digital marketing, however they have proven over the years to be one of the best creative design marketing agencies in South Florida. XMS has been working with companies and organizations from the marine industry for the past several years. Some of these organizations include MIAF, MIATC, www.XperienceFloridaMarine.com, Whiticar and Shearwater just to name a few. 

The Whiticar and Shearwater teams are proud winners of “best booth” at the 41st Annual Stuart Boat Show. For additional information about Whiticar and Shearwater services please go to: www.Whiticar.com

Great Tips for Buying a New Boat

If you already have decided to buy a boat we want to congratulate you and let you know that buying a boat is a big decision that can change your life for better, that’s why it shouldn't be taken lightly. On some occasions we find that many people that are not satisfied with their boats because they bought a boat that doesn’t meet their needs or expectations.

Before you pull the trigger and purchase your boat it's important to keep some aspects in mind. There are a few tips that we consider crucial and will help you to get the most of this experience.

Type of Boat

The first step for buying a boat is to know what type of boat you want, this phase is easy to know if you have a few things clear. First of all ask yourself, how am I going to use the boat? There are different reasons why you possibly want or need a boat; the main reasons may be cruising, fishing and watersports. Some boats can only be used for one of these activities so you have to keep this in mind.

Besides the reasons of why are you going to buy a boat, you have to think how often you will be using it. Boats have different characteristics depending of how people are thinking to use them. Daily trips VS week or month long trips.

The Right Dealer

Once you have narrowed the list of boats that interest you depending on what you need and how are you looking it, it's time to look into different dealers available. In order to find the perfect boat that fits your needs, you have to find the right combination of brand and dealer. When you visit a dealer don’t be afraid to ask everything and then compare to decide who do you want to go with. We recommend dealers from the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and MIAF.

Cost

You need to know how much money you can afford to spend on a boat because you don’t want financial headaches later. Remember that the price of the boat is just the first expense. There will be registration fees, equipment, insurance, maintenance, storage and taxes.

New vs. Used

You have to decide if you want to buy a new or a used boat, each has its pros and cons. The benefits of buying a new boat are obvious, is supposed to be perfect right from the start. A used boat can have mechanical problems but there are many great used boats out there. When you purchase a boat through Whiticar Yacht Sales, the great benefit is that our mechanics and maintenance team will make sure the yacht or boat you purchase is in optimum condition.

We hope we have been helpful with our recommendations and make it much easier to find the perfect boat for you. For additional information about purchasing a new or used boat, contact our professional Yacht sales team. http://www.whiticar.com/yacht-sales.html

Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Boat Looking Its Best

If you are a boat owner you know that your boat was a big investment and it’s important to take a good care of it. For most people, cleaning their boat is not an enjoyable thing to do but it is necessary to keep your boat looking like new which will help maintain its value for longer time than if you didn’t keep it clean and well maintained.

Many new boat owners think that cleaning their boats takes a long time because some of them spend so much more time scrubbing and polishing their boats than actually sailing or fishing in them. But cleaning your boat could be a simple task if done right.  You just need to have the right products and tools. It is also important to clean it regularly and efficiently.

The following tips will help you preserve your boat and keep it as clean as new.

Cleaning Equipment and Products

Before you go ahead and start cleaning your boat you first have to select the right cleaning equipment taking into consideration the type of boat you have. You have to pay special attention when selecting cleaning brushes because an inadequate brush can damage your boat’s finish. It is also imperative to pay attention to other tools needed to get the job done. This may sound obvious but we often see how many people don’t even have a long handle on a scrub brush that allows them to reach hard-to-reach areas.

It is important to select a good soap or cleaning product to clean up your boat. Make sure you look for products that will help you to remove the corrosive salt that can remain on your boa boat. If you care about the environment, you should also consider using cleaning products which are environment friendly and have a neutral pH factor (biodegradable).

Always rinse with Fresh Water

If you boat was in a saltwater environment. You should rinse your boat with fresh water after every trip. This habit will prevent the salt residue from eating away the boat’s finish.   Keep in mind, this should always be the first step when cleaning up your boat because you should never scrub a dry boat or you will risk damaging the finish. When you start cleaning we recommend you to start at the top and work all the way down. It is better to do it by sections to avoid missing any spots, this way you avoid that some sections dry before you can scrub them.

Dry the Structure

When drying your boat you should use soft drying clothes, these are highly absorbent and will soak up water without stripping or scratching.

Clean the Windows and the Upholstery

Besides the regular glass cleaner, many boat owners recommend using a water and vinegar solution because it works well and also is environment friendly. For the upholstery you can first clean using a damp cloth to remove dirt and salt and then you can apply a quality vinyl treatment to protect and preserve your boat upholstery.

For more tips and information on how to maintain your boat please go to: http://whiticarboatworks.com/

Tips for Choosing The Best Boatyard in South Florida

Boating is a hobby and a lifestyle that many of us enjoy with our friends and families.   An inevitable part of owning a boat is the maintenance required to keep it in good condition. Sooner or later your boat will need maintenance and repairs. Choosing the right facility and professionals can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a frustrating one.

In most cases, you will have many different boat yards to choose from, so you need to make sure you give it some thought before choosing where to go. Find below a few tips on choosing the right boat yard.

1. Should you go with a reliable dealer or independent shop?

If your boat is under a lease of a specific warranty, most likely you will have to take it to an authorized dealer. Even if your boat is not under warranty, dealerships have an advantage because they usually have better professionals and dealer parts. Engine manufacturers require their dealers to have the proper training on current models, as well as a sufficient parts inventory. Using a dealership give you the peace of mind about any disputes that can't be resolved at the dealership level may be able to be addressed with the manufacturer. The downside about using a dealer is usually a higher cost; dealerships are typically considerably more expensive due to higher costs for facilities, training, and wages. Most well-established independent shops also produce high-quality work, especially shops that are started by, or staffed by, former factory trained technicians. Unlike a dealership, they have to survive only on repairs, so they may work harder to solve problems but they may also cut costs and give you lower quality parts.

2. Make sure you ask for recommendations

Fellow boaters are the best source of information for local repair shops, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is. The most recent recommendations should carry more weight on your decision. The best advice is to talk to others who've had similar repairs done on their boats.  Keep in mind that recommendations are good as long as they're impartial and unaffiliated with any shop or boatyard. Surveyors accredited by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) and the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) are a good bet because they're required to be independent.

3. Don’t wait…! You should find a good shop before you need it

Most yards have a specialty, either the type of work they do or the type of boats they work on most often. Make sure so find a boat yard that deals with the type of repair your boat needs. Some yards are terrific with diesel engines, but don't have the facilities or personnel for fiberglass repairs. Others can do amazing woodwork, but don't have experience in welding. Likewise, a shop that works mostly on small runabouts is probably not a good choice for a large trawler. We recommend you to choose a yard that offers full service, and has experience on all the most common maintenance issues and repairs your boat will need. Also make sure you look for boat yards that offer dealer parts and expertise.

4. Look around when you are making a decision.

You can tell a lot about a facility by looking at it. Is it neat and well organized? or are there pieces of boats in every corner for no apparent reason?

Are the equipment and tools rusty and poorly maintained? If the shop won't invest in equipment and upgrades? Do they invest in the best technicians? And would you get the highest-quality work? Are the boats in the yard well-supported on stands? What are the people like? If you're greeted with indifference by the service manager? Or he's not interested in hearing the details of your situation? Does the shop had lots of boats in the yard?

Another point to have in consideration is to, took for shops that invest in American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) certifications for their technicians; they've made a commitment to make repairs that comply with crucial safety standards. There are eight areas of certification: electrical, systems (plumbing, water systems and tanks), diesel engines, gasoline engines, corrosion, air conditioning/refrigeration, composite boat building, and ABYC standards. Ask if they're a certified clean marina? Chances are if they are taking care of their waterways they will take care of you.

5. Do your homework, look for relevant reviews

Online recommendations are a mixture of good and bad, more reliable ones have real names attached and specific details in postings. Fellow boaters are likely the best folks to recommend a yard, but go one step further: be sure that the repairs are similar to what you need. Another option is to ask a marine surveyor. These professionals are often knowledgeable about the quality of work in local repair yards, as long as they’re impartial and unaffiliated with any shop or boatyard. On the other hand, a handful of bad reviews is probably reason enough to look elsewhere. Complete reviews with details are more reliable than simple postings.

A few more things to consider: Don't shop on price alone. Rates are partially determined by location. In popular boating areas near big cities, prices may be substantially higher due to overhead costs; some backwater shops might do equally good work at lower rates. Also, don't let convenience be the deciding factor. The shop on your way to the lake might be an easy place to drop off your boat, but do your homework and make sure they're up to the task.

At Whiticar you can expect dealer expertise, professional mechanics and multiple convenient locations on the Treasure Coast (Stuart and Fort Pierce.)  In addition,  Shearwater ( a division of Whiticar) offers a professional mobile service, authorized dealer parts and expertise.

Visit our website for additional information about our services. http://whiticarboatworks.com/  

Protecting Your Boat During a Hurricane

Hurricanes are enormous cyclonic storm systems covering hundreds or even thousands of square miles which usually develop in the tropical or subtropical latitudes during the summer and fall. Less intense storms are designated tropical depressions or tropical storms. Each hurricane is, essentially, an organized system made up of hundreds of individual thunderstorms.

The key to protecting your boat from hurricanes or any severe weather is proper planning, preparation and timely action. Most of the work needed should be done prior to the storm. Generally, you may have from 24-48 hours to take action after bad weather is predicted or a hurricane warning is issued but the key is to HAVE A PLAN ahead of time.

Before the Storm Hits

• Check your marina or storage area. Secure a copy of your rental agreement and know your responsibilities and liabilities as well as the marina or storage area’s responsibilities.
• Check with your state to see if drawbridges will be open for boats during evacuation procedures.
• Make a practice run or drill to check accessibility, depth of water, bridges, location of aids and/or obstructions to navigation and locations to secure lines or drop anchors.
• After you have secured the anchoring or mooring provisions, remove all movable equipment such as canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, Biminis, etc. Lash down everything you cannot remove, such as tillers, wheels, booms, etc.
• Seal all openings to make the boat as watertight as possible (duct tape works well).
• Turn off electrical system unless you plan to leave the boat in the water. If the boat doesn’t have to remain in the water, remove the battery to eliminate the risk of fire or other damage.
• If time allows, remove your boat from the threatened area or take your boat to a previously identified hurricane refuge.
• Keep all documents, including insurance policies, a recent photo or video of your watercraft, registration, equipment inventory, lease agreement and telephone numbers of appropriate authorities (harbor master, coast guard, insurance agent, national weather service, etc.). Store these documents in a safe place, somewhere other than your boat.

Moving your boat away from the storm path

If your plan calls for moving your boat away from the storm path, try to move it at least 48 to 72 hours before the hurricane or storm is estimated to strike the area. This may even be before a hurricane watch is issued. Make sure that:

• Fuel tanks are full.
• Fuel filters are clean.
• Batteries are charged.
• Bilges are clean.
• Cockpit drains are clear and open.
• Firefighting equipment is in good condition, in place and readily accessible.

Remove and/or secure all deck gear, portable gear, radio antennas, outriggers, fighting chairs, deck boxes, and side canvas/curtains, sails, booms, extra halyards, canister rafts, and dinghies. Make sure that you secure all hatches, ports, doors, and sailboat rudders. The dinghy may be required to take lines ashore.

If the vessel must remain dockside at a private dock or marina, heavy duty fender boards (2x6) should be installed on a bare wood center piling to prevent damage. Lines should be doubled and even tripled where necessary to hold a vessel in the center of a berth or off seawall or dock pilings. Preventer should be installed at the top of the pilings so lines cannot slip off the top. Note that nylon line will stretch five to ten percent of its length.

For boats in Dry Storage

• Determine the safest obtainable haven for your boat and make arrangements to move your boat there. When selecting a safe location, be sure to consider whether storm surge could rise into that area.
• Wherever you choose to locate your boat for the duration of the storm, lash the boat to its cradle with heavy lines. Based on the weight of the boat, consider adding water to the bilge to help hold it down.
• Never leave a boat in davits or on a hydro-lift.

Remember:

• Never stay with your boat. Your boat should be stripped of anything that can become loose during the storm. This would include nun-stepping the mast in sailboats. Boat documents, radios and other valuables should be removed from the vessel prior to the storm, since you never know how long it will take for you to get back to your boat once the storm passes.
• Hurricanes are among the most destructive phenomena of nature, their appearance is not to be taken lightly. Advance planning cannot guarantee that your boat will survive a hurricane safely or even survive at all.
• Planning can, however, improve survivability and is therefore certainly worth the time and money to do so.

Whiticar covers all of your boat and marine needs to have your boat in great shape. Visit our website for additional information about our services.  www.whiticarboatworks.com

Whiticar Boat Yard, Providing Services for All Types of Boats

Whiticar Boat Yard has been continuously operated for over 60 years and is designated a Florida Clean Boatyard by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.  Rapid response for all your boating needs is available at the Yard or at your boat. Whiticar Boat Yard’s ability to service your boating needs at competitive pricing with one call has resulted in a loyal customer base.   

Our yard, in combination with our mobile service capabilities, gives us the flexibility to support your boating needs whether large or small.

Whiticar Boat Works provides service mostly to “pilothouse boats and sport fishing yachts, but don’t categorize this great company as a service provider for just those two segments of the boating world.   Whiticar proudly offers services to a great variety of other boats (Ranging from power boats, to sailing boats and more...)

Last week, Whiticar was providing a great service to this “Chobee vessel” from the US Army Corp of Engineers.

This boat definitely falls into the “We service all types” category.

Whiticar hauled this tug for maintenance work.

Some of the worked performed included:

Removed rudders, replace rudder bearings, reinstalled.

Removed, reconditioned props and applied Propspeed treatment.

Prepped and painted the bottom and hull sides.

Recertified fire suppression systems.

Renewed exterior zinc anodes.

Prior to this Chobee coming into the Stuart boat yard, Whiticar had been servicing another of their vessels “Leitner” at the Fort Pierce location with a similar course of work.

For additional information about Whiticar’s boat yard in Stuart and Fort Pierce, please visit our website http://whiticarboatworks.com/