58′ Hatteras Exterior

This boat is new on the market and ideally suited for a family who wants to enjoy boating in the waters of Vancouver and beyond. More details on the features of this boat house kept vessel will follow shortly. In the meantime the specs can be found by clicking here.

Huge End of Summer Pilothouse Sales Event!

At both Grand Yachts Inc locations:
Coal Harbour Marina, Vancouver, BC
Port Sidney Marina, Sidney, BC

ON NOW!

September 14, 10 am to 6 pm
September 15, 10 am to 5 pm
September 16, noon to 4 pm

Points covered include explanations on how and why to:

1. Ask the right questions before you buy a boat

• If you want to get the right answers, you need to start with the right questions;
• You will be provided with a list of questions designed to help you get the right information you need to get the best boat possible.

2. Create a plan to get the boat you want

• Plan for success and you are way more likely to get it than leaving things to chance;
• You will learn how to write a simple plan for buying a boat and will learn strategies to put the plan into action.

3. Understand available options and how to sort through them

• It’s always good to have options, but sometimes too many options can be overwhelming;
• You will learn how to quickly eliminate all of the boats that won’t work for you and concentrate on the many that will.

4. Do your due diligence

• Owning a boat is a privilege that brings with it some responsibilities;
• You  will learn how to access resources which will allow you to do your due diligence in a way that is both convenient and effective.

5. Understand paperwork involved in purchasing a boat

• Although the purchase agreements used in BC are fairly user friendly, a few key points need to be clarified;
• You will learn the meaning of key terms used in purchasing paperwork so as to avoid costly misunderstandings.

6. Find a trusted broker

• Different brokers specialize in different types of boats and some work better with different types of buyers; finding the right broker can make or break your purchase experience;
• You will learn how to find the broker who will best suit your shopping style and what services they can offer to help you before, during and after the purchase.

7. Go big or go home

• There are basically two types of people who attend boat shows: those who are dreaming of buying a boat this year, and those who realize the one they bought last year is now too small. Your perception of the size of boats will change as you get to know more about them. Choosing  the right size of boat to fit your needs is important;
• You will learn how boat layouts impact not only the performance of the boat, but also the comfort they provide in terms of living space.

8. Sort through what happens after you fall in love with a boat

• Buying a boat is a multistage process involving  specific actions;  the offer, counter, acceptance, subject removal and possession, all trigger events that need to take place to complete the sale;
• You will learn  what is involved in each of these steps and how the process generally unfolds.

9. Prepare to be safe on the water

• Safety is really, really important;
• You will learn how you can prepare yourself and your boat to be as safe as possible.

10. Understand the stuff beyond the boat, moorage, finance, insurance, maintenance and supplies

• Once you have purchased your boat there is still more to consider;
• You will learn how to prepare for the many other pieces of the puzzle that need to come together in order to own a boat.

PLEASE BE SURE TO SEND US YOUR CONTACT INFO SO THAT WE CAN LET YOU KNOW HOW TO GET YOUR TICKETS

Click to view slideshow.

“The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”

Dorothy Neville

I’m a writer and a speaker; if you cut me I bleed words. Starting a conversation is never a problem for me; stopping one? Well, yes that can be an issue. I had always put my “gift of the gab” down to being Irish, however there may be more to it than that. Part of my ease with words and story-telling comes from my ample use of conversation pieces, things in my home, or things I carry with me which serve to enkindle curiosity in those who might look upon them. Once the curiosity is sparked, conversation flows easily, and often toward subjects I am most fond of discussing. Choose the conversation piece well and you are half way there to enjoying an evening of inspiring communication. In a world of text messaging and e-mails, the art of conversation is prized now more than ever. If you are able to enjoy those fine words aboard your yacht in a place like Vancouver, well then the only thing left to do would be to count your blessings.

Given my propensity toward conversations and the pieces which inspire enjoyable ones, it is no wonder that a certain salt-cellar caught my eye while in for a visit with Jeanette Langmann at her gallery (Uno Langmann Limited). It may come as no surprise to you to learn that this “nef”, as it is more appropriately called, was in the shape of a ship. I love talking about boats and such a piece would no doubt direct one’s thoughts toward the finer points of that theme. Its beauty and intricacy coexist with its whimsy and utility. As with the best of yachts, the work that went into creating it is obvious the minute you see it.

Such works of craftsmanship often graced the tables of finer homes in France, Germany, Spain and Italy between the 13^th and 16^th centuries. This particular one originates from late 19^th Germany, but would be perfectly placed as a centerpiece in present day Vancouver. It would be a welcomed addition to my home or to that of any yacht aficionado. In fact its size and shape would make it a well-chosen piece to have aboard your yacht. Yes, you could leave a salt shaker on the table, but such an act at best would inspire the question, “Would you please pass the salt?” Add a silver nef like this one to your table and don’t be surprised if the questions sound more like, “Goodness, is that the sun rising already? Why we haven’t even finished dessert! Could this evening have come to an end already?” If you think I exaggerate, check out the little silver nef and all of its details. See how many questions come to your mind in an instant; multiply that by the number of guests on board your yacht for an evening cruise and you will understand why they call it a conversation piece.

In choosing art for your yacht, considering the types of conversations you might want to enjoy can be a great selection criterion. If you want to talk about your family, portraits of loved ones will set the stage; business conversations can be sparked by objects which relate to your industry. If you would rather keep the focus on yachts, selecting ocean scenes or paintings of ships will certainly help you out, as would the silver nef mentioned above. In perusing Langmann’s vast collection, it strikes me that it contains conversation pieces for any need; the collection itself is worth talking about. Many locals already will be familiar with this well-established gallery, while visitors to Vancouver will surely want to add a trip to it on their shopping itinerary; located in the South Granville district it is easy to get to from any marina in the downtown core.

If you enjoy conversations about yachts and art perhaps we might consider gathering a few like-minded people together, either to discuss art aboard the yachts, or yachts amid the art; either setting would inspire exalted discourse.  If you would be interested in being invited to such an event, drop me a quick e-mail (katrinaboguski@laetareconsulting.com) or add a comment to this post; if enough people are interested I’ll set the idea in motion and see where it ends up. I am sure the little nef will quickly find its way onto the table of some yacht or fine Vancouver home if it has not done so already. If that happens before you get the chance to see it fear not, Jeanette’s collection is filled with an endless banquet of conversation pieces to feed the mind and bring forth pleasant words. You will find the Uno Langmann Gallery located at the south side of the Granville bridge, where it has been inspiring art patrons, antique collectors and good conversations for many years.

To read the first article in this series please click here!

As an expression of thanks for the good work that the Council of BC Yacht Clubs is doing in the bid to save the Kitsilano Coast Guard, I decided to offer free ad space to any yacht club which is a member of this fine organization. Ad space may be used to encourage new members to join or to spotlight some of the good work current members are already doing. If you are a member of a BC yacht club associated with the Council of BC Yacht Clubs, please spread the word to your Commodore or Membership Coordinator. Boating in BC is such a wonderful use of recreational time and yacht clubs do much to support that enjoyment.  On behalf of everyone working to ensure that the Kits Coast Guard stays open, thank you for everything the yacht clubs are doing to ensure this happens.

Please send your press releases along with contact info to: katrinaboguski@laetareconsulting.com 

Boating Vancouver seeks to celebrate all that is true, good and beautiful about boating in and around the waters of Vancouver…yacht clubs surely fall under that description.

(Please send your press releases before June 30^th)

Click to view slideshow.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, it is a habit”

Aristotle

I wrote a post a while back on the rising demand for quality products in Vancouver luxury industries, including the demand for better quality yachts. This was a trend I had predicted would take place and one which drove me to get involved in the industry in the first place. Another line of boats leading that trend arrived in our waters recently; it’s sure to be a favourite amongst the fishing crowd, as well as with owners of large yachts looking for a high-quality, versatile tender. Innovation and leadership are hallmarks of Scout Boats’ culture, needless to say such characteristics are endearing to me and no doubt will be to the readers of  Boating Vancouver.

Scout Boats are 100% hand laid fiberglass, resulting in a strength to weight ratio that outshines any competitor. Precise engineering techniques lead to a consistent, a well-crafted product that undergoes many, many quality control checks prior to leaving the factory. Consumer satisfaction with these boats is predictably high.

Pride of craftsmanship is evident from the video the company posted on YouTube. In it, company founder Steve Potts, takes us on a factory tour showing many details of the manufacturing process and highlighting many of the elements of each boat system. The systemic perfection which Potts demands   ultimately leads to a “near perfect” boat every time. It is a mark of confidence in their product, and their people, that the makers of Scout Boats take us on such a detailed tour of their facilities.

Besides the aesthetic appeal which make them look hot on the docks or out on the sea, Scout Boats are unsinkable. Their method of construction includes adding 20% more foam than is required by US Coast Guard Regulations; a reassuring characteristic for any boaters who find themselves in rough conditions. Accuracy, safety and precision are essential to the makers of this boat. Fuel and electrical systems are designed to high standards of quality control and are assembled using the finest quality components.

The thoughtfulness of the design is found in detail after detail right down to the choice of colour on deck surfaces. To prevent glare on sunny days, designers chose a shade of white which looks great, but also minimizes the amount of sun reflected back into the eyes of those on board. Upholstery and seating layout are intended to provide those on board with the highest level of comfort, going over and above any competitor in its class. In the final inspection of each boat, details of fit and finish are tested in a light tunnel to ensure that no factor is missed. Excellence is a habit for this manufacturer and their reputation well justified.

Three unique running surface designs are available from Scout. The “Air assist hull”, available on models 15′-19,’ is one of those designs which helped Scout Boats to make their mark in the coastal fishing niche. This design has been around for over 20 years and allows for stability, easy planing, and fuel efficiency. Scout has different hull designs for each category of boat it produces; each design is driven by the consumer needs and high performance expectations. They look at the purpose for which the boat is intended and design a vessel that will perform well in the conditions in which consumers will  take it. Given that Scouts are so admired amongst world-class fishermen, they set their standard to surpass even the most demanding of consumers.

I viewed the 17′ that Grand Yachts had on their docks at Coal Harbour Marina  recently and plan to sea trial another model shortly. Be sure to check back for a detailed review of that experience as well as accompanying photos. If you are in the market for a boat and just can’t wait for that review, be sure to contact Dave Worland (dworland@grandyachts.com) at Grand Yachts and he will gladly set up a test ride for you.

Click here to watch the full tour of the Scout Boats Factory

Lets face it, for a girl who loves yachts, writing, and Vancouver, maintaining a blog about Boating in Vancouver is about as much fun as can be had this side of heaven. I research boats and issues pertaining to them, spend time on beautiful yachts and enjoy great exchanges with people who actually read what I post. As a way to pay it forward  for being able to enjoy this experience, I decided each week I would post details about arts and cultural events that readers may want to attend. Hopefully this provides a bit of useful info to readers and also gives some extra free exposure to local Canadian artists who do so much to add to the quality of life in Vancouver. If you  know of groups or individuals who would benefit from this exposure, please have them send in the details of their performances or events, and (space permitting) I will do what I can to get the word out to readers who may be interested. Whenever possible I try to get out to the events I post about, so if you decide to go, be sure to introduce yourself so that we can connect in person.

 Press releases can be sent to: katrinaboguski@laetareconsulting.com

This Friday (June 15th) The Track Arrows will release their CD “All Kinds of Time” at the Railway Club in Vancouver. I heard these guys play last December and they put on a great show. They will be joined by several other bands so it will be a jam-packed evening at a fun venue in the heart of Vancouver. The Railway Club has been around since 1931 and has hosted many a fine gig in its time; no doubt this will be a great one too.

If you are unable to get out to hear the Track Arrows  in person, you may want to download their CD and support them that way.

And just a little further down the line you, might want to check out these performances by Michael Coury and friends including his local Jazz group Butter and Egg Band. I haven’t quite figured out when these guys sleep; their many upcoming shows include:

• June 21st @ ~7:30pm: Butter and Egg Band Kitsilano Showboat (weather permitting)
• June 24th @ ~8pm:  Butter and Egg Band  (Jazz Fest) @ Ouisi Bistro
• June 28th @ ~8:30pm:  Butter and Egg Band  (Jazz Fest) @ Ouisi Bistro
• June 30th @ ~8:30pm: Mike Coury Trio featuring Caitlin Toom (Jazz Fest) playing standards at @ Ouisi Bistro
• July 1st @ ~7pm: Kitsilano Showboat w/Bob Liley’s Sanctuary All-Stars
• July 3rd @ ~8pm: Jam session @ The Kozmik Zoo
• July 4th @ ~7pm: Bob Liley’s Sanctuary All-stars in Mission
• July 12th @ ~8pm: Butter and Egg Band @ Ouisi Bistro
• July 26th @ ~8pm: Butter and Egg Band @ Ouisi Bistro
• July 28th @ ~8pm: Butter and Egg Band Kitsilano Showboat

To grab some tunes to play on board and support them that way,  you can download their 7 track album online