Boaters Beware!
This past January I was taking my 45' sportfishing vessel to Key West from Fort Lauderdale. My plan was to go through Key Biscayne and Florida Bay then come into the ocean via Channel Five bridge. I have made this trip six or seven times in the past. During the trip, while passing Steamboat Channel, I asked my mate what number on the marker we had just passed and he responded, "97.” Checking the charts, I confirmed we were at Peterson Key and should start heading 210º to the cut at Channel Five Bridge. However, we were actually at marker 91. While heading to where I thought Channel Five Bridge was and looking for lobster traps, I ran my boat aground on a sand bar. It was high tide and only 4 inches deep (yes, inches!). I called BoatUS and Poseidon Towing responded. The local EPA "police" were also called because the area I ran aground was a "protected turtle grass" area. The towing cost me $5,700 because it was determined I was "hard aground" versus "soft aground." More shockingly, I was fined $27,587 for "destroying a government protected area"!! Even though no damage was done to my boat, I guess the sand I unsettled was extensive enough for such a large fine. I am told that the EPA is considering doubling the per foot fine basis. I think I will avoid the inside route next trip!
Richard Adler
Mettawa, IL
If you have to ask...
By chance one day I picked up a copy of your magazine in the dockhouse at my marina, and boy was I shocked! I’ve been a longtime subscriber to Power and Motor Yacht and love it. But now it seems I have a choice! Your articles are clear and detailed, but yet simple and easy to read and to the point. My compliments. One big request: when you write up a boat, put the price in. Keep up the great work.
Dennis Porcelli
via e-mail
Ed: Your wish is my command. We’re adding them to the new boat features with this issue.
After Sales-Service Kudos
In 1999, I purchased a Monterey 242. Right from the start of the relationship this incredible company provided to me a customer service level of excellence that I can only describe as extraordinary. This excellence has never wavered in 10 years. I have been stunned at the number of boats sitting at docks with mechanical difficulties and witness to the process owners must go through to get satisfaction. Many owners and manufacturers [seem] ingrained with the tired philosophy of, “well, it’s a boat, what do you expect?” I take exception to this adage. When one purchases something as expensive as a boat, there needs to be some expectation of reliability and quality. For many big-ticket boat manufacturers, service after the sale is non-existent. My good fortune was purchasing a boat from Charles Marshall and VP of sales Kevin Mahoney. I wish there was some way that Monterey could bottle up this level of customer service and school the rest of the manufacturers and dealers around the world.
Peter Luchini D.D.S.
Port St. Lucie, FL
Local Boater Option
I remember reading in a recent issue that the Customs Department changed the requirement that a personal visit upon returning to the country from the Bahamas was no longer necessary if you had purchased a sticker previously and reported in by phone upon returning to the U.S. Is this correct? What is the current requirement? Last time we reentered it was a $45 cab ride to report.
Arnold Karp
via e-mail
Ed.: The Customs and Border Protection program of which you speak is called the Local Boater Option (LBO). It is available to frequent pleasure boat operators AND passengers in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. Enrollment is free. Participants registered in the LBO under most circumstances can report arrival from a foreign port or place and make customs declarations by phone to 1-800-432-1216. Both vessel masters and passengers are allowed to register. You have to register in person with your documents, but you can register at most official ports of entry.