Tiki Water Sports salutes the men and women of the armed forces of the United States of America who have served and currently serving their country as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure the freedom and liberty of the nation. To our heros we salute you.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!  Finally the summer is here and that means family vacations, barbecues and trips to the beach.  So why not enhance your beach day with a Hobie boat, Triak, Future Beach kayak or an ATX SUP board.

We have a lot of exciting things going on this weekend.  Our Key Largo location at mile marker 94.5 will be decked out in patriotic colors for our men and women in uniform.  On Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10pm to 5pm we will have a boat show/open house featuring our new line of Hobie boats and we will have a special sale on select Future Beach Kayaks.  If you have any questions about this event call us at 305-852-9298 and please let Barbara and Chip Short know that you read about it on this blog.

Also we have some news, which we are very excited about.  Tiki Water Sports of Key Largo is proud to announce our new West Florida location at JM Marine, 19450 Peachlnd Blvd. in Port Charlotte.

Jeff Dreschler, Director of West Coast Operations for Tiki Water Sports and Mastor Sailor.

When Tiki Water Sports was awarded the Hunter Marine trailerable boats dealership for South Florida we soon realized that an expansion effort was called for to properly service this region. That’s when Tiki owner, Bob Chester contracted local sailor and businessman Jeff Drechsler to act as Tiki’s West Florida Director of Operations. A representation of the Hunter line was moved into JM Marine followed by a line of Future Beach kayaks, Triak sailing trimarans, SUP ATX paddle boards as well as Tiki’s own fiberglass kayaks and dock boxes.

With Tiki’s long standing Hobie dealership in Key Largo along with Jeff Drechsler’s love of multihull sailing as well as years of teaching sailing on Hobie 16 and Stilletto 27 catamarans, it hasn’t taken long to pursue the Hobie Sailing dealership for this area. In fact, we have just received delivery of 18 NEW sailing Hobies including Tandom Island trimarans with the revolutionary “MirageDrive” pedal system, Club Wave, Getaway, Bravo and of course the ever popular Hobie 16 Special Edition.

Jeff has been invovled and plans to continue being involved in the annual Charlotte Harbor Regatta bringing the support of Tiki Water Sports as the local Hobie dealership into the event. “We plan to help grow this event which has already brought in a large following of multihull sailors. It has proven that multihull sailors love Charlotte Harbor and I feel we can cultivate a good size beach cat community here year round, not just for 3 days in February” Jeff said.

Look for a demo sailing day for Hunter trailerable sailboats during Marina Days on June 9th at Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda. We will have a H18 with asymmetrical spinnaker package and a H22 available for demo sails.

A demo sailing day for Hobie Cats will coincide will the 12^th annual Summer Sailstice Celebration on June 23^rd at the Charlotte Harbor Community Sailing Center, 750 W. Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda at 10:30AM. We will be launching a Bravo, a Wave and a Getaway at the Bayfront Center launch ramp and we will possibly have the Hobie Adventure Island sailing trimaran on hand. (bring water socks or dive boots, not sandals) We would like to invite all current Adventure Island and Tandem Island owners to discuss forming a local chapter of the growing and popular Hobie Island Clubs.

For more information you can contact Jeff Drechsler at 941-735-8363 or e-mail at Jeff@MainsailNews.TV.

We are also planning a Summer Sailstice for our Key Largo location as well so we want you to stay tuned for more information on that event.  This is all the news we have for now we look forward to seeing you this weekend.  Remember, sailing should be fun for everyone!

Your Friends at Tiki Water Sports

www.tikiwatersports.net

Check us out on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiki-Water-Sports/302178966501473

Today we are going to talk about listings; mainly our listings which may be found on sailboatlistings.com and for which we will be providing you with the links.

2010 RS Q'BA Sailboat is a great boat for the beginner to start to learn how to sail as well as a great family boat.

Tiki Water Sports has a 2010 RS Q’BA Sport  http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27127.  The RS line boats are fast becomming popular amongst the racing circuit.  The RS Q’BA is designed for the beginer in mind.  Not only is it perfect for mom and dad to sail but also the kids.  Its easy to carry on the roof rack, easy to rigg and more importantly easy to sail.  This boat basically requires little if no maintenance and it makes sailing easy and affordable for the first time sailer.  This particular boat Tiki Water Sports has on consignment has been used three times comes with an additional sail, cover and dolly.  At $4,750 she is ready to set up and sail.

The next four boats which we will featured are all manufactured my Com-Pac Yachts which is located in Clearwater and they are known for their traditional looking hulls.  The first three are cat rigg boats with the last one being Bermuda rigg.  Com-Pac Yachts are known for the excellent quality and construction.  First up is a Picnic Cat daysailer http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27131.

The Picnic Cat is the perfect boat to take the family for a day of sailing. Wide open cockpit guarantees stability and the simplicity of the Mastendr mast raising system gets you set up and ready to go in seconds.

This boat is what its named for a boat to take the family out to your favorite island or sand bar and have a picnic.  The boat is 14′ long and unlike most other daysailers of her size she is wide giving the boat added stability.  The boat handles well and is a joy to sail.  For the beginer their can be no better boat.  As there is only one sail to worry about it makes sailing relatively easy.  The setup is also simplicity itself.  With the Mastendr system even a child could set this boat up in a matter of seconds.  Its just a matter of raising the mast and setting the pin. The Picnic Cat normally sells for $14,868 which includes the transom boarding ladder, navy sail cover, custom trailer spar tire, bimini top, anchoring hardware and retractable motor bracket; however, this particular boat is a 2011 which we have listed is on consignment.  It comes with a 2.5 hp Tohatsu engine and is being sold at $12,999.

2009 Horizon Cat White Hull with Pacific Blue Top Fabric in lieu of vnyl Transom boarding ladder Privacy curtain Navy sail cover Hatch screens Teak cockpit 12 volt outlet Magic Tilt custom trailer Spare tire Epoxy coat anti fouling paint Bimini top aluminum frame Electrical Package Freight/ Destionation Fee- $1,200 was $40,394 now priced at $33,000.

We also have listed a 2009 Horizon Cat which has never been used and never been in the water http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27135.  The Horizon Cat is Compac’s answer to the weekend get away boat with its two very comfortable berths and a port-a-potty with a privacy curtain.  Additionally the Horizon Cat has two sinks and a ten gallon water tank.  Also there is a table top which can be set up for your camping stove and to eat your meals.  Like all of Compac’s boats, this boat has a large roomy cockpit with teak grating and unlike the other boats has a wheel as opposed to a tiller.  The boat comes standard with bimini top, sail cover and trailer and although this boat has a value of $41,000, Tiki Water Sports has priced this boat to sell for $33,000 which is a great deal considering all of the comforts and amenities this boat has.  The final Compac boat we have listed is a Compact Eclipse which Tiki Water Sports has on consignment on behalf of a valued customer of ours http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27831. This boat is the Bermuda rig version of the Horizon Cat and has all of the same creature comforts and amenities found on the Horizon Cat.  This boat is equipped with 2 batteries with cables and a battery charger, portable marine head with hold downkit, life lines and stanchions, fabric cushions, 12 volt outlet, biminitop, cockput cushions, mast raising, drop board bag, a 9.8 hp Tohatsu outboard engine, stereo system, speed and depth gauge, and bulkhead mounted compass.  This boat is kept in great condition and is priced to sell at $30,000.

Hunter 23.5 Water Ballast.

Our next boats are Hunters.  First on the list is 1993 Hunter 23.5 water ballast sailboat http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27125.  This boat is listed for $8,000 and comes with a brand new 2011 jib with Sun Savor UV protection; brand new 2011 CDI roller furling unit; new mainsail conver; second jib sail; Tohatsu 5 HP engine; new tiller tamer; port a poty; 2 bank smart battery chargher; new 2012 deep cycle battery mounted in seats, interior lights; bilge pump; steaming lights; two fenders; 3 dock lines; two water bladders and a neww 2010 trailer with LED lights.

Interior view looking towards the port side. Boat has a little table and sink to put a microwave oven and coffee pot for convenient overnight trips.

This boat has plenty of interior room with a forward v-berth and two setee with a little dinette table.  This boat also has a little sink and galley area where you can put either a microwave oven and coffee maker or a little camping stove.  This boat is the perfect boat for people who want to camp out over the weekend and just get away from life in the big city.

The interior of this boat boasts a roomy v-berth as well as two settees and a dinette table. Great boat for a weekend get away.

The second boat we have listed is 2008 Hunter 170 which was sold but never used http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27126.  The Hunter 170 was a spacious and stable family daysailer.  The hull is impact resistant due to its construction and the cockpit is nice and wide to accomodate family and friends.  There is even covered storage in the front to keep your sailing gear dry.  This boat new was worth $11,483 however, Tiki Water Sports has priced this boat to sell at $7,990 which is a great deal on a day sailer. We also have a Hunter 18 boat http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27138. This boat was featured on our free sailing demonstration on March 10, 2012 and the feedback we got from those, who took it out for a sail was phenomenal.  The Hunter 18 is the model which replaced the 170 and it is every much fun as was the 170 and its the perfect boat to take the family out for a day of fun sailing.  The cockpit is large and roomy allowing for easy mobility from one side of the boat to the other during tacking or jibing and the boat comes with its standard cuddy cooler and dry storage to keep things on the dry side.  The base boat is $9,490 and boat includes the aft mast carrier and roller furling.  Available options not included are trailer with jack for $1,250, shrink wrap- $300, cockpit cushions- $680, motor mount-$140, sail cover- $250, Harken mast float- $200, spare tire for trailer- $120, spinnaker kit with sail- $1,500.  Finally the Hunter 22 is the ultimate in trailerable daysailing.  The large cockpit can accomodate up to six people and the cuddy cabin has v-berthing for two people for a perfect weekend get away.  In addition there is plenty of convenient storage for your things and to make the boat more comfortable you can get a port-a-potty and get an electrical package to run a simple galley.  There is also storage room for a cooler.

Catalina 22 Sport has lots of cabin space and is fun for the whole family.

In addition to the Compacs and Hunters, we also have a Catalina 22 Sport and a Catalina 250 Mark II Water Ballast.  The Catalina 22 Sport is the Catalina’s answer to Hunter’s 22 http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27142.  The cabin is much bigger than the Hunter 22 accomodating up to four people and the cockpit is roomy and comfortable.  Having sailed it myself I can tell you it was an enjoyable experience with the boat being very responsive.  Tiki Water Sports has this boat priced at $22,880.

Catalin 250 Mark II Water Ballast has everything you could possibly want in a yacht without the big yacht headaches.

The Catalina 250 Mark II Water Ballast has everything you would expect from a big yacht except for the big yacht headaches http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/27144.  This boat was designed for the active sailing familiy in mind with a cokpit big enough for the whole crew to move about and dine. The interior sports double berths for and aft.  There is a dinette table in the center of the interior and a small galley to do some cooking.  On the port side of the boat there is a totally enclosed head with sink and vanity. Tiki Water Sports has this boat priced at $40,981 which includes the cruising package consisting of pop top enclosure with screens and zippered door, single burner butane stove for galley, large removable ice chest, and self contained portable head.  Addtionally, this boat comes with a Road King galvanized trailer with a tandem axle winch raising system and extension tounge as well as a safety  package.

Our last boat is a listing we recently acquired a week ago and I must say is a rather unique boat but one that is guaranteed to satisfy the boating pleasure of anyone who is looking for a great cruising experience.  The final boat we would like to feature is a 1992 Nimble Nomad.  The Nimble Nomad is a unique looking boat almost like a cross between a sailboat, tug boat and a trawler.  It has a great pilot house with an excellent view forward for easy navigation and its paneling can accomodate the latest in boating technology.  The mate’s station on the port side is equally comfortable and has an excellent view forward.  In the main cabin there is a retractable dinette table and on one side of the boat there is a single settee and on the other a double.  This boat also comes with an enclosed marine head port-a-potty.  The owner of this boat has the original equipment in storage which he removed and preserved to keep maintenance simple, however it may be reinstalled to get the boat back to its cruising potential.  This boat is priced to sell at $30,000 however that figure is very negotiable.

Inside forward view of the cabin.

Single Settee.

Double Settee with dinette table.

Kitchenette

Pilot House.

Regatta Point Marina Manager Dan McClanahan taking the Triak out out for a sail.

In other news from our west coast store at JM Marine, Jeff Dreschler reports that on May 30, 2012 Tiki Water Sports had a free sailing and Triak demo at the Regatta Point Marina.  Featured were a Hunter 18 and 22 as well as a Triak and some stand up paddle boards from ATX.  Also featured were Future Beach kayaks which are very popular resort rentals for the beach.  Jeff reported that there was a lot of interest in the sailing demo especially in Tiki’s sponsered racing Hunter the 216 which is for sale for $15,888 which includes the trailer.  The

The Hunter 18 and the 22 docked next to each other waiting to take people out for a sailing demonstration.

Hunter 18 featured at the free sailing demo is equipped with a sail cover, spinakker kit and motor bracket.  The Hunter 22 comes with the electrical package, v-berth, cockpit cushions, motor bracket, port-a-potty, mainsail cover and trailer.  The 2011 Triak which was on demonstration is selling at $4,390 which is $1,600 under MSRP.  Tiki Water Sports has a new 2012 Triak in red in inventory.  The Triak can be sailed like a trimaran and paddled like a kayak.  According to Jeff the triak is fun and you do not get nearly as wet as it looks.  It is very comfortable with an elevated seat and pedal controls for the rudder.  The mast and sail set up easily in nine minutes.  For future events, Tiki Water Sports plans to hold a Hobie Boat grand opening and beach cat rally.  Watch out for future announcements and dates.

In other news Barbara Short reports two boats sold in as many days to close out the week! Exciting!  Thursday, April 26, Pete and Judy drove up from Key West to demo sail the Picnic Cat and the Sunday Cat.  They looked at the boats on two occasions and were down to making a choice between them. We launched the Picnic Cat first and headed out for a lovely sail bayside.  It was OK, but they weren’t in love with it. I suspected the Sunday Cat was going to hit the right note for them.  So while we were heading back in to the ramp Chip Short brought the Sunday Cat to the ramp and we swapped out boats. YES! The Sunday Cat was “the one.”  Again, we sailed on a beautiful afternoon in the Keys.  We packed up the boat and headed to the shop to work out the financial arrangements.  Expect customers to take delivery of their new pride and joy end of next week.

Walt beaming from ear to ear with his brand new Hobie Mirage Tandem Island. Just imagine this could be you too.

On the afternoon of April 27 brought in customer Walt from Marathon who needed a Hobie Mirage Tandem Island.  His family is sold on the Mirages.  He’s so enthusiastic about the boat he is likely to become the leader for the local Hobie Island Club that Tiki Water Sports will be supporting in the area.  Hobie Cat Company is promoting the creation of Island Clubs where there are groups of Mirage owners to gather and hold social sailing events with the support of their local dealer.

Finally in the future we will be having some sailing demos with some of our brands which will be exciting for us because it will give us a chance to show case our products and our valued customer service.  We want to show you why Tiki is a cut above the rest not just in price but in service.

We just got some news in from Barbara Short who is one of our sailing masters and she writes to us;

“Well, here’s a little news,Tiki customers John and Adrian went for a demonstration sail on the Atlantic off the shores of Key Largo today. It was a typical day in paradise, sunny skies and a gentle 10 knot breeze.  They are both very interested in the Com-Pac Picnic Cat. The Picnic Cat is a 14-foot gaff-rigged catboat that is a pure delight to sail. The Picnic Cat is very stable, and, with the centerboard up, is beachable — making her perfect for picnicing and exploring.  They were both wowed by the boat.  Adrian marveled over the roominess of the cockpit of the Picnic and how it is more spacious than the cockpit of his 26’ sailboat.  If you are interested in going for a demonstration sail in Key Largo contact Barb Short at barb@the-helm.com or 305-240-0937 to make an appointment.  The $150 demonstration fee will be credited to your boat purchase.”

In other news Steve Lohmayer down in Key Largo has a 40 foot Catamaran that he charters out for $35 per person minimum party of eight people for snorkel trips and sunset cruises, which is a favorite passtime in the Keys.  Jeff Dreschler from our Director of West Coast Operations is hard at work organizing regattas and our beloved President, Bob Chester is making sure we have more than enough Hobie Cats to satisfy demand this summer which we anticipate will be high.

For more more information about Tiki Water Sports please contact us at fcbarreda@gmail.com.  You may also go to our webpage at www.tikiwatersports.net and our facebook page.

We wish you happy sailing and warmest regards from Key Largo,

Tiki Water Sports

Satisfied new owner of a Picnic Cat.

We have been busy, busy, busy these last couple of weeks.  February 16-20 Tiki Water Sports was at the Miami International Boat Show at the Strictly Sail Venue at Bayside Market Place in Downtown Miami where Tiki Water Sports featured trailable Catalina Yachts, Com-Pac Yachts and Hunter Marine boats.  We had well over 100 people people stop by our Catalina, Com-Pac and Hunter booths to look at the variety of boats we had to offer.  Not only did we generate a lot of interest in our products but thanks to a referral from Christopher Cooke from United Yacht Sales, we were able to sell a Picnic Cat to a very satisfied customer.

Com-Pac Yacht Display at the Miami International Boat Show. From Left to Right, Suncat, Horizon Cat, and Picnic Cat.

The real work happens after the boat show following up on leads and talking to people about the boats that interested them the most.

Another hot item at the boat show, which we displayed at the Com-Pac yacht display was the Torqueedo electric engine built in Germany.  The engine which we featured at the boatshow was the Travel 1003 L (long shaft).  The batteries are lithium which can hold a ten and a half hour charge.  The engine has a four horse power equivalent output and has a GPS based range calculation.  This engine is great for anyone who does not want to deal with the hassle of gas or diesel fuel and have an interest in preserving the environment.  Tiki Water Sports was able to sell one in the post boat show follow up.  If you are interested in owning an engine, which is efficient and helps protect the environment, call Tiki Water Sports, authorized dealer for Torqueedo engines. Torqueedo Demonstration Video

Close up of the Picnic Cat.

On March 10, 2012 Tiki Water Sports held its annual sailing demonstration at the Upper Keys Sailing Club at Key Largo.  We had a terrific turnout with forty clients showing up to the event.  The sailing conditions were perfect and the water was crystal clear.  The boats which we put in the water were the Picnic Cat, Sunday Cat, the Catalina C-22, Catalina 250 Mark II, the Hunter 18, and the Hobie Wave.  In addition to these boats we also had the 2009 Horizon Cat at the Upper Keys Sailing Club and we are excited to announce that we recently reduced the price of this particular boat from $35,000 to $33,000 which is a great deal for a boat which has never been used and never been in the water before.

Sunday Cat under Sail comfortably accomodating four passengers.

Sailing is such a relaxing activity that when you do it for the first time you’ll want to do it again and again and again to the point where you will want to own your own sailboat.  The best part about these small sailboats is that they are affordable and anyone can purchase a sailboat for what it would cost you to buy a car and unlike a car it will last a long time if taken care of very well.

In addition to a great day of sailing, Tiki Water Sports provided a complimentary buffett lunch of roast pork, rice and beans, hot dogs for the kids and other delicious Latin fare whipped up by our own store manager, Willy Orellena.  In the afternoon I (Felipe Barreda, Sales Associate for Tiki Water Sports) and Jeff Dreschler, Director of West Coast Operations for Tiki Water Sports, took my wife, my son and a friend of mine out on the Catalina 22.  The afternoon breeze was perfect for taking the 22 out on the water.  I took the helm, Jeff took the mainsheet and my friend the headsail and my wife and son sat back to enjoy the ride.  It had been the first time I had gone sailing in over six years.  There were times we had are sheets tight in that we heeled and were doing a good steady clip along that I was able sit on the gunnels and look out in front of me.  It was a great feeling to be out on the water with my family and friends and it was great to be able to share my love of sailing with a bunch of people I had just met that day.

Finally, just this last week our CEO and owner of Tiki Water Sports was out to San Diego attending the Hobie World Dealer Meeting which brought together thousands of Hobie Deelers from around the world.  Bob came back very excited about a boat which Tiki Water Sports will be featuring over the next few months which will be the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island and the Hobie Tandem Mirage Adventure Island.  Hobie Mirage Adventure Island As you can see from the attached video, this sailing kayak is not only revolutionary with Hobie’s Mirage drive system but is versatile for whatever activity you wish to do whether it is fishing, surfing or camping.  In addition to this great boat, you can equip your Mirage Adventure Island with tons of accesories such as a live well and extra rod holders to go after big fish off shore, hang over your favorite reef or just hang around your favorite mangrove hole.  This boat has everything you could possibly want for an outdoor experience.  For more information on this and other Hobie products, contact Tiki Water Sports courtesy of fcbarreda@gmail.com or bob@tikiwatersports.net.

Well its been a pleasure to report to you everything that is going on with us down here but until next time, happy sailing.

Best regards,

The crew of Tiki Water Sports

Last month Tiki Water Sports participated in the 2012 Miami International Boat Show Strictly Sail at Bayside Marina with displays at Catalina Yachts, Com-Pac Yacts, and at Hunter Marine.  We are excited that the boat show generated a tremendous amount of interest in all of the products which Tiki Water Sports  is proud to sell to the public.  As in previous years, Tiki Water Sports will be hosting its annual FREE SAILING DEMONSTRATION on Saturday March 10, 2012 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Upper Keys Sailing Club 100 Ocean Bay, Key Largo, Florida.  We promise that this will be a family filled fun day of sailing which will include a complimentary lunch.  We cordially invite you to come down and enjoy the life of the keys.

We would like to congratulate our Tiki Water Sports Hunter 216 sailing team for taking third place in the non spiniker b class Conquistador Regatta at the Punta Gorda Sailing Club.

Tiki Water Sports being rounding the weather mark first.

Tiki Water Sports Sailing Team

On March 31, 2012 there will be another sailing demonstration at the Regatta Point Marina.  For more information you may contact Tiki Water Sports at JM Marine in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Hope to see you this Saturday in Key Largo and until next time happy sailing and kayaking.

What could be better than a no-cost advertisement that will introduce the MirageDrive to every visitor to your website? We have placed an animated .gif file of the Hobie MirageDrive in action on our Dealer Website and made it very easy to add it to your website home page.
In a few short seconds, this animated icon starts with underwater footage of the MirageDrive in motion, sure to stop the first-time viewer in their tracks (I’ve seen it a million times, and I have to pause to admire it every time – such a beautiful, fluid motion!). It then quickly shifts to a shot of fishing in the Pro Angler, then the eye-catching Tandem Island under sail, and ends with the ‘Powered by Hobie’ penguin icon. In mere seconds, you are exposing your visitors to the versatility and freedom that the MirageDrive offers, delivering an on-water experience that is uniquely Hobie.
Take advantage of your strength in the marketplace as a Hobie Authorized Dealership selling products featuring the amazing MirageDrive. Make sure that every visitor to your website knows that this incredible product exists, and that you are a stocking dealer who can get them on the water in a Mirage product that very day. Not only will this distinguish you from the other kayak dealers in town; as importantly, this increased exposure will capture non-kayakers who were visiting your website to view other non-kayak products you may sell, and ‘stumbled’ on this visual of the MirageDrive in motion. We all know that a large percentage of our Hobie Mirage buyers were not even considering a kayak purchase before they learned about the Mirage, so this will provide a very powerful boost to your sales effort.
Throughout the world, we have witnessed customers viewing the MirageDrive in action for the first time become immediately intrigued by the simplicity and effectiveness of the MirageDrive, and are then very eager to learn more about it. Talk about opportunity… you are representing a product line that resonates with people of all ages and both genders. Let us help you to shout out your unique message!
To upload this file to your home page, please go to http://dealer.hobiecat.com, click on Marketing Resources, and you will see the icon under ‘Other Assets’, along with the code you need to quickly and easily place this on your website. It will take very little space, and have a very large impact. Another great opportunity to spread the word!
HOBIE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES SCHEDULE UPDATE

A brief reminder to tune in to Hobie Outdoor Adventures on Thursdays at 11:30am EST on NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus). The feedback we have had from our dealers who have viewed the episodes that have already aired has been extremely positive, and the enthusiastic Facebook page activity this generated was off the charts. To view episodes you may have missed, please click here: http://www.hobiecat.com/community/hobie-outdoor-adventures/
For those of you lucky enough to live in the state of Texas, Hobie Outdoor Adventures airs three times weekly on the Texas Channel; air times can be found through the above link.
Great selling,
Ruth Triglia
rtriglia@hobiecat.com

Tiki Water Sports: Dealer in Sailboats, Dock Box manufacturer and Powder Coating

WELCOME TO THE TIKI WATER SPORTS BLOG!!!!!!!!!  This blog is for the Tiki Water Sports fan who is into small sailboats as well as the phenomenal products and services Tiki Water Sports provides.  Tiki Water Sports is located at Mile Marker 94.5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037.  We do appreciate a visit if you are in the area and a phone call if you are interested in any of the products you see in this blog.

Tiki Water Sports, Inc. and its affiliated company, Glander Boats, Inc.,have been providing marine services to the Florida Keys and South Florida since 1963. Beginning as a manufacturer of sailboats (The Glander Tavana and Cay), Tiki has grown into a provider of many marine related products.  Tiki Water Sports is a dealer for Hunter Marine, Catalina Yachts, Com-Pac Yachts, Hobie, RS Sailing and Tohatsu Engines.  In addition to this fine line of products.  Tiki water sports manufactures its own line of kayaks as well as dock boxes to fit on any marina or dock that is out there.  Additionally, Tiki Water Sports provides powder coating for your every day powder coating needs.

We hope your 2012 has started on the right foot.  Ours certainly seems brighter than 2011 and we are determined to provide affordable sailboats to the general public.  The Miami International Boat Show will take place from  February 16-February 20, 2012 and Tiki Water Sports will be there featuring its products and services.  I hope you will take the time and visit us at the Boat Show.  These boats are for the sailing enthusiast who doesn’t have the $50,000+ budget to spend on a sailboat or any other watercraft and who wants a trailerable sailboat that does not require much fuss to set up.  These sailboats are priced below $50,000 and are relatively within easy financial reach of anyone trying to get a fun recreational water craft for the whole family.  One of the things people fail to realize when buying a boat is set up time, maintenance and transport.  Most if not all sailing yachts are not trailerable and they require a lot of maintenance not to mention a large berth and time devoted to getting the boat out on the water.  Most yacht owners find very little time to devote to their yachts and they end up being large cash drains.  As a result most yacht owners will not spend that much time on their boats.  With a small boat you will be able to enjoy your boat anytime, any place without any of the hassles of a large yacht.

Com-Pac Yachts is owned by the Hutchins Company, Inc. located in Clearwater.  Originally a manufacturer of auto parts, this company has been building an excellent line of sailboats since the early 1970s.  The philosophy of Com-Pac is the same philosophy which drives the small sailboat market, “I love sailing but I hate setting up.”

The Picnic Cat is perfect for spending the day out on the water and beaching it at your favorite picnic spot.

The Picnic Cat is a 14 foot cat rigged boat which is perfect for what it is named after; taking the family out to a picnic.  One word about cat rigged boats.  Cat rigged sailboats are sail boats in which the mast is positioned well forward towards the bow of the vessel.   Their beam are half the length over all of the boat for stability and they have a centerboard and typically the main sail is gaff rigged although there are Bermuda rigged (non gaff rigged) cat boats which feature the common triangular sail.  The class was developed in New York around the 1840s and became popular because of their ease of handling, shallow draft and large cargo capacity.  Designer Fenwick Williams summarized the original design philosophy as: “The ample beam made the use of stone ballast feasible … the high bow provided good support for the unstayed mast … the barn door rudder provided adequate strength … high coamings served to keep water out of the large open cockpit … side decks provided a handy ledge on which to set a lobster trap.” (Courtesy of Wikipedia).  They are popular because they have traditional looking lines with the gaff rigged sail, high bow and the barndoor rudder.

The Picnic Cat comes equipped with the Mastendr Quick Rig Sailing System which make setup and retrieval done in a matter of 10 minutes.  All you need to do when you get to the ramp or beach is to raise the mast, attach the headstay with the quick release lever and sail off.  The centerboard and centerboard trunk is made of stainless steel fabricated in Hutchins’ machine shop ensuring that each centerboard and centerboard trunk are exactly the same and stay within machining tolerances.  The trunk is finished in a varnished solid mahogany box.  This boat is from the timeless designs of Clark Mills who designed the Com-Pac 16CB and the 23/3 as well as the Optimist Digny and Windmill One Design.  The total price of the boat with tax is $15,835.08.  This includes the transom boarding ladder, Navy sailcover, custom trailer, spare tire, Bimini top aluminum frame, anchoring hardware, retractable motor bracket, freight, commissioning and safty package.

The Com-Pac Sun Cat. Great boat for spending the weekend out on the water.

If you are looking for a trailerable overnight sleeper, then the Com-Pac Sun Cat is the sailboat for you.  The Sun Cat is a 16 foot catboat whose design is based on the Cape Cod Cat used in the early 1900s by fishermen working the clam and scallop beds of Cape Cod.  The Sun Cat has plenty of storage space; can accommodate galley equipment and comes with a single porta potty.  The great thing about this boat is the Mastendr Rigging System puts the mast up in a matter of seconds!  All you have to do is untie and lift the mast to vertical; insert the mast hinge lock pin; attach the forestay tang to the stemhead with the quick-clevis pin; tension the rigging by simply pulling down on the forestay self-locking lever; and you are off before you know it.  The total price of the boat with Florida tax (if applicable) is $26,625.88.  This includes the fabric in lieu of vinyl; transom boarding ladder; Navy sail cover; Bimini top aluminum frame; magic tilt custom trailer; electrical package, anchor hardware package; and the freight/destination fee.

If the Com-Pac Sun Cat is out of your price range, then may I suggest to you the Com-Pac Legacy which is the original boat designed for the Hutchins Company, Inc.  The base price is $11,500 and it is a less fancier version of the Sun Cat.

The Horizon Cat: a yacht like experience without the yacht like hassles.

For a more yacht like experience without the yacht like hassles, the 20 foot Com-Pac Horizon Cat combines the best aspects of a weekend cruiser with the simplicity Com-Pac yachts are known for.  The Horizon Cat like the Sun Cat is based on the design of the Cap Cod Cat which has the same ease of sailing and stability as the Sun Cat.  The absence of a head sail or jib makes tacking this boat much easier and she performs extremely well in weather.  In addition to berthing, the Horizon Cat comes equipped with a small galley and a small porta potty head which boasts ample ventilation and privacy with the optional privacy curtain.  She is also equipped with two sinks and is able to ten gallons of water.  Additionally there is an option for a seven horsepower diesel engine under the cockpit seat and even though she is bigger than other Com-Pac yachts, she is still trailerable; easy to set up in a matter of minutes and you can beach this boat without any problem.

Hunter Marine: quality yachts built since 1973

Although Com-Pac boats are easier to set up and sail, there are those sailors who still prefer the traditional looking sloop with mainsail and jib.  Henry Lurh was a German immigrant who came to the United States in the 1800s and outfitted trading ships as well as owning a chandlery (a chandlery is a place dedicated to the making and manufacturing of wax candles).  His grandson, Henry, started Hunter Marine in 1973 when he decided to combine his passion of building with his other passion sailing.  With designer John Cherubini, Hunter quickly developed a reputation for good quality sailing yachts.  The Hunter line of boats sold by Tiki Water Sports include the Hunter Edge (a power sailer), the Hunter 22, Hunter 216, Hunter 18, Hunter 170, Hunter 15, and the Hunter 140.  These boats offer the best fun found in similar boats combined with affordability and convenience.  These boats are not only designed with the expert sailor in mind but also for the novice who is first starting out in the sport of sailing.

Catalina Yachts was founded in 1969 by Frank Butler in California, whose goal is to produce a good sailboat at a good value.  In the last ten years Catalina has expanded into Florida and now every Catalina boat is built in Florida.  As stated in their promotional literature, “the Catalina philosophy is straightforward; design boats that stand up to real world conditions, sail well, are comfortable above and below, are easy to maintain, and hold their value.”  For forty years, this has been the driving force behind every Catalina boat built and while most 80 year olds have their working days behind them, Frank is still working hard and building boats for the enjoyment of the sailing public.

25' Catalina 250 MarkII winged keel- water ballast version also available

Another aspect of Catalina which makes this company and superb sailboat manufacturer is that no model is ever discontinued but is constantly updated with the latest design methods and technology thereby holding better values than most other boats whose models get discontinued after a few years.  Catalina listens carefully to owners and make improvements based on the collective experience and thousands of sea miles.

The models which are currently being offered by Tiki Water Sports are the twelve foot Catalina Expo 12.5 and the 15 foot Catalina Expo 14.2, the 16.5 and the 16.5K.  These boats are perfect for people who are looking for a small daysailer to spend the day cruising the bay.  For the weekend boater there is the Catalina Mark 18II with accommodations for up to 4 people; Catalina Capri 22 which offers a larger cockpit and the 22 Sport.  The Catalina 250 Mark II is the very definition of comfort and room onboard.  She has double berths aft and forward; a galley and an enclosed head with sink and vanity.  At $42,753.42 she is a very affordable floating RV.

Hobie in plain terms is just “pure fun.”  Started in 1950, Hobie has its roots in surfing and was the pioneer in making polyurethane surfboard which were lighter and more maneuverable.  The Hobie surf team with their innovative boards were breaking surf records in the 1950s.  Not content at being the best surf team and surf shop in California, Hobie began experimenting building boats based on the Polynesian catamaran design and thus was born what we now know as the Hobie cat.  Basically a Hobie cats are multi hull boats which are light weight and very fast.  Since they have less drag in the water, most catamarans can beat monohulls of similar size any day and they boast great stability.

Hobie Tandem Island Adventure equipped with the Mirage drive system

Hobie is always looking never to rest on their laurels and with that in mind, they have designed a line of kayaks and sailing kayaks which feature the mirage drive system which are like a pair of penguin flippers which flap vertically under the hull to create propulsion. Recreational fisherman love the Hobie mirage kayaks because they can pedal in the water which leave their hands free for casting.  Hobie kayaks can also be outfitted to have ammas or outriggers for sailing and for fisherman, Hobie has come out with a live well to keep live bait which is attached to the scuttles and has a battery operated pump to circulate fresh oxigenated water.  For us fisherman down here in Florida who like to use live shrimp, shiners or small soft shell crabs, this is a great bonus to having an awesome kayak.

In addition to Hobie products, Tiki Water Sports is also a dealer for Future Beach Products which produce high quality rotomolded kayaks, pedel boats and beach fun equipment.  Rotomolding has been around since 1855 but was recently adapted for plastics in the 1950s.  Rotomolding is a process by where you inject hot plastic in a mold which is then rotated until it cools forming a seemless hollow product.  This process is perfect for kayaks and other floating water fun products not just because of the added buoyancy but also the high quality of the finish.  Right now the small rental boat business is taking off and people are not just laying around the sand soaking up the rays but they also want to have fun.  Having a business in rental boats is a low cost way to start up a business of your own.  Also hotels and resorts are looking for additional ways to increase cash flow as well as increased customer satisfaction.  Future Beach is paving the way to be the leader in this small nitch market.

In addition to being a dealer for the boats mentioned above, Tiki Water Sports also produces its own line of versatile fiberglass personal  paddle kayaks.  Tiki kayaks are hand crafted one piece foam reinforced quality fiberglass construction approved by the United States Coast Guard for foam flotation.  The scientifically contoured designed cockpit affords maximum ergonomic comfort in a personal water paddle craft.  As with all personal water craft large and small, Tiki Water Sports recommends you use a personal flotation device when ever you go out on a boat.  Since 1984 Tiki Water Sports has been refining this kayak to offer the finest and most versatile water fun.  I love surfing and even though I can’t stand on a surf board to save my life, this kayak can be fitted with an optional fin which will allow you to surf any wave.  I am so excited about this kayak that I may just get one to go surfing.  However, this kayak is also superb on a lake or quiet bay to provide plenty of exercise and fun.  The Tiki Kayak comes in three different sizes.  There is the 8 foot wave rider and the 9 foot wave rider stretch.  Additionally there is the 12 foot tandem model which can accommodate two people or 500 pounds.  All Tiki Kayaks come with a leash cup to leash the paddle to the boat; a drain plug; tough black vinyl rub rail bow and stern bumpers to protect your Tiki; high gloss gelcoat finish in six attractive colors; reinforced keel for added strength and boat life; floating double bladed paddle and a six month limited warranty.  For the waverider and stretch, carry handles come standard and the tandem includes two double bladed paddles.  Optional features are storage; through the hull plexiglass water window for viewing fish and reefs (a must have for lobster fishing here in Florida); a paddle leash as well as a surf fin for the surf enthusiast; paddle clips which holds the paddle to the boat and a stainless steel eyestrap for securing the boat; custom gelcoat splash design (you may also consult the factory for custom color and designs); heavy duty fibercloth reinforced hull and corrugated box packaging for domestic shipments.

Tiki Water Sports popular 48" dock box.

Along with small sailboats and kayaks, Tiki Water Sports also produces a line of dock boxes adaptable to any marina or dock.  The most popular model is the 42 and 48 inch models.

Finally, Tiki Water Sports is a Tohatsu outboard engine dealer for those sailboats we sell that need the extra muscle to get out on the bay.

Whether your budget is a couple of thousand of dollars or less to just under $50,000, you can agree that Tiki Water Sports has the boat for you.