Boater Weekly #11
Yachting in Mauritius, Sea Rays, A Vicem Yacht, Wet vs. Dry Slips and The Weekly Highlights from the Boater Team
Welcome to the latest edition of Boater Weekly! Boater Weekly is published by a global crew of boat enthusiasts who also happen to be data scientists. We use data and analytics to curate the best opportunities, the most popular destinations and the most important terms from across the web for our subscribers. Let’s get to it!
“The art of the sailor is to leave nothing to chance.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Weekly Highlights
2013 Vicem Raised Pilot House 107
Keywords: “Owner is Motivated to Sell!”
Price Drop: -$400,000 (-10%)
New Asking Price: $3,500,000
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Broker: International Yacht Corp.
2018 Lagoon 620
Keywords: “Motivated Seller”
Asking Price: €2,000,000
Location: Olbia, Italy
Broker: Nicolle Associates
Mauritius
Coordinates: 20.3484° S, 57.5522° E
Body of Water: Indian Ocean
Favorite Marina: La Balise Marina
Located in the Indian Ocean roughly 600 nautical miles east of Madagascar, the island nation of Mauritius has been steadily gaining popularity as an idyllic destination for yachting enthusiasts. Known for its crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes and stunning beaches, Mauritius offers a delightful experience for Boaters looking for a unique getaway. Whether you're a seasoned yachtsman or a first-timer, you'll be sure to fall in love with the island's warm hospitality, vibrant culture and natural beauty.
La Balise Marina is a haven for yacht owners, offering world-class facilities and services. Located in the town of Black River on the west coast of Mauritius, this marina provides easy access to the island's prime sailing spots, as well as a wide range of amenities, including modern berthing facilities, fuel stations and 24-hour security. The marina's close proximity to shopping centers, bars and restaurants makes it an ideal base for exploring the local area.
Be sure to check out the amazing Nomad restaurant, a short walk from the marina!
Flic En Flac Beach
Mauritius boasts numerous enchanting beaches that will leave you mesmerized, including Flic en Flac Beach just north of Black River on Mauritius’ west coast. Another gem is Belle Mare beach, located on the east coast, known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters – perfect for swimming, snorkeling or soaking up the sun. Another must-visit spot is Le Morne beach, situated on the southwestern tip of the island, which offers an incredible view of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Morne Brabant mountain. Be sure to stick around Le Morne beach to witness an unforgettable sunset!
Le Morne Beach
After a day on the water exploring the island's beauty, indulge in Mauritius' rich culinary scene. One of our favorites is Escale Creole in Moka just south of the island’s capital Port Louis, where you can enjoy authentic Mauritian Creole cuisine like rougaille in a charming setting. For a more upscale dining experience, head to Château Mon Désir, an elegant colonial-style mansion that offers a fine-dining experience with a blend of international and local flavors, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the historic ruins of Balaclava.
A Leopard on Mauritius
Vessel: 2020 Leopard 53 Powercat
Asking Price: $1,583,481
Location: Grand Baie, Mauritius
Broker: Leopard Catamarans
Featured Manufacturer
For more than six decades, Sea Ray has been a leader in the boating industry, known for its commitment to innovation and quality. With a diverse range of models that cater to both seasoned Boaters and first-time boat owners, Sea Ray has become synonymous with luxurious and versatile recreational boating.
Founded in 1959 by Cornelius Nathaniel Ray III in Oxford, Michigan, Sea Ray began as a small fiberglass boat manufacturer with a focus on creating stylish runabouts. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include sport boats, sport cruisers and yachts, catering to a wide variety of Boaters. Sea Ray's dedication to craftsmanship and design has earned it numerous accolades and a loyal customer base, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s premier boat manufacturers.
Sea Ray Sundancer 370
In 1986, Sea Ray was acquired by the Brunswick Corporation, which allowed the brand to further expand its reach. Over the ensuing years, Sea Ray has developed strong international appeal, with its boats being sought after by Boaters globally. Sea Ray boats can be found in marinas from North America to Europe, Asia and beyond. This global presence is not just a testament to Brunswick’s resources, but also to the versatility and adaptability of the brand’s designs.
The Sundancer is one of Sea Ray's most iconic and enduring lines, offering a range of sport cruisers that blend performance, luxury and comfort. The Sundancer is perfect for weekend getaways, extended cruising and entertaining. Key features of the Sundancer models include spacious cabins, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and an efficient, yet powerful propulsion system. Meanwhile, the SLX line is Sea Ray's premium series of sport boats, and is popular with day Boaters and for water sports.
Sea Ray SLX 400
A 2015 Sea Ray SLX 300
Keywords: “All Reasonable Offers Will Be Considered”
Price Drop: -$4,095 (-3%)
New Asking Price: $124,900
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Broker: Revis Yacht Sales
Wet vs. Dry Slips
A wet slip is a type of storage where a boat stays in the water at a dock or marina. Wet slips provide easy access to the water and can accommodate a variety of boat sizes. These slips are usually equipped with utilities such as electricity, water and sewage. Additionally, wet slips often offer amenities such as fuel docks, restrooms and showers for the convenience of Boaters. However, because the boat remains in the water, it’s often subject to more wear and tear, as well as the potential for marine growth on the hull, which can lead to more long-term maintenance.
Wet Slips in Saltholmen, Sweden
A dry slip, also known as dry storage, is a method of storing a boat out of the water when it’s not being used. Boats are typically stored on racks or cradles in a covered facility, protecting them from the elements and reducing the need for more frequent maintenance. Dry slips are commonly used for smaller boats, such as powerboats, sailboats and personal watercraft. The Boater typically schedules a launch with the marina staff, who use a forklift to transport the boat from the storage facility to the water. This offers increased security and less exposure to potential damage or theft, while also mitigating the risk of marine growth on the hull.
Choosing between a wet and dry slip depends on several factors, such as the size of the boat, the frequency of use and the Boater’s desired level of maintenance. For larger, frequently used boats, a wet slip is generally more convenient, as it allows for immediate access to the water. However, for smaller, less frequently boats, a dry slip is often more cost-effective and practical, as it reduces maintenance requirements. Additionally, Boaters in regions with more harsh winter conditions may prefer dry storage to protect vessels in the offseason. Ultimately, the decision will be based on the Boater's needs, preferences and budget.
Material Price Drops!
Boater Weekly’s team has curated a list of boats that had material price drops in the last month. Asking prices here are below $100,000.
Featured Price Drop #1
Vessel: 2011 Chris-Craft Launch 25
Keywords: “low hour”, “freshwater” & “dry storage”
Price Drop: -$6,000 (-7%)
New Asking Price: $79,000
Location: Seattle, Washington
Featured Price Drop #2
Vessel: 1981 Ketch Kif 43
Price Drop: -€7,500 (-13%)
New Asking Price: €49,000
Location: Tahiti, French Polynesia
Stay tuned for some of the best opportunities, builders and destinations in next week’s edition of Boater Weekly! Subscribe below.