DISCOVER EXCEPTIONAL … marinemaxvacations.com | 1
WELCOME I hope you have been able to slow down and make the most of your weekends and vacation time, enjoying boating with your family and friends. If you’ve gotten behind on finding time to relax—your MarineMax family can help you get back to what matters most— enjoying life and spending time with your loved ones. We can provide service, parts, accessories, and boating classes— whatever you need to take some of the prep and stress off of you so you can make the most of the boating lifestyle. We also have planned Getaways!® and activities to help you maximize your boating adventures. Or, if you want a change of scenery—MarineMax Vacations is just a phone call away. We have a fleet of Aquila Power Catamarans available for charter in the breathtaking British Virgin Islands (BVI). Some of our stores are helping coordinate BVI Changes in Latitudes Getaways! for groups. Our BVI experience is guaranteed to help you leave your daily responsibilities and worries behind. If you would like to learn more about planning a customized charter adventure for your family and friends, please visit us at marinemaxvacations.com.
Brett McGill Chief Executive Officer and President
LEADERSHIP
Dave Bigge
Raul Bermudez
Clarence Malone
VP of MarineMax and Aquila International Sales
VP of Charter Yacht Sales
Director of Operations, BVI Base
Dave’s 30-year career began as he pursued his sailing and powerboating passions, fueling his desire to become deeply involved in the marine industry, including manufacturing, design, and dealership operations. This combined experience drives all facets of charter delivery, as he supports the team to continually raise the standards of service.
With more than 20 years of experience in charter industry management, Raul’s enthusiasm for connecting people on the water shines through the successes enjoyed by the team and guests alike. Raul’s leads the team in daily operations focused on exceptional products, yacht sales, and strategy to deliver an outstanding vacation experience.
Clarence’s career in the charter industry spans more than 40 years and includes extensive experience in all aspects of charter operations. This, combined with his dedication to team members and exceptional guest service creates an environment that produces a high level of performance throughout the base.
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CONTENTS 6
8
10
13
16
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Planning Your Trip
Luxury Crewed Charter
Charter Guest Story
British Virgin Islands
Sample Itinerary
MarineMax 443
We make it easy so you
Let our professional crew handle the navigating, cooking, and logistics.
A Baton Rouge couple discovers the best way to reconnect is to disconnect in the BVI.
There’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy, including relaxing on secluded beaches and snorkeling through famous reefs and shipwrecks.
Natural beauty combines with a seemingly endless amount of activities – from the cultural and adventurous, to the indulgent – making each vacation unique.
On the MarineMax 443, you will enjoy the 360˚ view from the spacious salon that features a large seating area to make a liveaboard vacation easy and pleasant.
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MarineMax 484
MarineMax 545
Charter Guest Story
Charter Yacht Ownership
The MarineMax 484 is designed with optimal performance for charter in the BVI.
The MarineMax 545 is the definition of luxurious and designed specifically with vacation in mind.
Patience pays off for a first-time boat owner who finds exactly what he wants—and needs.
Imagine cruising the amazing waters of the Caribbean aboard your own custom power catamaran.
can enjoy your trip!
AT MARINEMAX WE CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES. We aren’t defined by fiberglass and steel. Boating opens doors that connect us with family, friends and places. We explore the unknown, which sometimes is a place, but more frequently, and importantly, a state of mind that’s unlocked only by water
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VACATION OPTIONS
PLANNING YOUR TRIP OF A LIFETIME WE MAKE IT EASY We make it easy so you can enjoy your trip! Experience a personally planned boating vacation with boating options that range from an intimate trip for two, to an adventure with family and friends. Our planning experts specialize in constructing the charter vacation of your dreams. No matter the location, time of year, or the number of people, they'll meet your wishes with the right boat and price. We don't want you to stress from planning the "best vacation ever." Our team makes it easy for you to relax and enjoy your trip! Our charters are catered to your lifestyle, and we want you to enjoy the things that interest you. We have created sample itineraries that cover the best spots at your destination and will work with you to plan the best trip for your party. Our MarineMax Vacations planning experts make your vacation a 'true vacation.'
The Marinemax U.S.team, Clearwater, Florida.
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GROUP CHARTERS At MarineMax, we are experts in showing people how to enjoy boating, and we take it to a new level on the islands. Join us with a group for even more fun. From a small group of three or four to more than a dozen boats and 100 people, we can host and support the trip of a lifetime! Guests from corporate
retreats, family reunions, and yacht club groups have all fallen in love with the islands on these organized adventures. Whether it’s planning activities or wrapping up loose itineraries, our team will take care of all the details and be there the entire way to ensure an amazing experience will be had by all.
What is a Chart Briefing? It's just one of the ways we welcome you and help you become familiar with your boat and the islands. We will show you around your boat, brief you on how things work, as well as make water navigation suggestions based on your vacation itinerary and individual desires. Safety first, so those procedures will also be part of the chart briefing. Our goal is to make you absolutely comfortable and confident with the boat and the islands before departing from the marina. Speak to your personal MarineMax Vacations planning expert for your chart briefing time, which is based on your arrival plans.
The Marinemax BVI team, Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola. marinemaxvacations.com | 5
CREWED YACHTS
LUXURY CREWED CHARTER EXPERIENCE
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Let our professional crew handle the navigating, cooking, and logistics while you enjoy the Caribbean turquoise waters and unforgettable islands. Our fully-crewed, all-inclusive yacht charter offers a carefree adventure while our crew devotes first-class service for simplicity at sea. The MarineMax Vacations Crewed Charter provides you with a professional captain and onboard chef. This includes all meals and snacks based on your menu selections and beverages such as spirits, beer, and wine. Additionally, this charter comes with fuel, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and more! All mooring ball fees, cruising taxes, and yacht insurance are also a part of the package.
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TESTIMONIAL
APART TOGETHER A Baton Rouge couple discovers the best way to reconnect is to disconnect in the British Virgin Islands. BY: LIZ PASCH
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P
aul Ferachi was at a business event and overheard his colleaguefriends reminiscing about a boat charter vacation they had taken in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). He was immediately intrigued, and they invited Paul and his wife Candi to join them on their next trip. That first trip launched 15 more years of chartering boats with MarineMax Vacations in the BVI with friends and family. Paul and Candi’s previous boating experience was primarily with much smaller boats near their home in Baton Rouge, LA. Paul is the third-generation owner of Capitol City Produce, a produce and food distribution company started by his grandfather in 1947, with distribution centers in Baton Rouge, LA and Robertsdale, AL. Their family of six children—three sets of twins—enjoyed waterskiing and other watersports on their two ski boats. But Paul had never operated a larger boat until his friend and colleague, Bruce Baker, who is also in the produce distribution business, invited him to the BVI.
“Bruce had been chartering for several years and taught me what I needed to know,” Paul explains. He describes his first experience with dual engines and throttles on the Aquila 484 was very different from the ski boats he was accustomed to, but after only a couple of hours of practice during the trip, he felt very comfortable.
After a few years of chartering with the same group of friends, Paul and Candi felt they had enough experience to book their own charters with their six children, the youngest of whom were six years old. “Years ago, I read an article about a family boating experience on Lake Powell and how the teenagers didn’t want to go because there was no WiFi but, it ended up being their best family bonding trip,” says Candi and adds that there’s absolutely nothing better than being on the boat together whether you’re with friends or family. Paul says part of the appeal about the Aquila is that it’s so easy to operate and not at all intimidating. “It was very easy to transition from operating a ski boat to the Aquila,” Paul explains. “When you’re on a charter, in a couple of hours, you get very comfortable so your whole vacation isn’t spent learning how to operate the boat.” After a dozen or so years since their first family charter, Paul has now taught the older Ferachi children how to operate the boat and the youngest how to navigate and pick up mooring balls. The galley setup also plays a big role on the Aquila adds Paul.
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The islands are close, the water is good, and you’re not docking all the time
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During the family’s most recent trip in July 2021, a pandemic lockdown was put in place the day they arrived and eating at restaurants was near impossible. “We usually have a big breakfast on the boat, go on the island for lunch, and then make reservations for dinner,” says Candi. “This time there was a curfew due to COVID, so we ate most of our meals on board. I called it glamping!” According to Candi, the key to a successful charter foodwise is to prepare in advance. “A lot of people provision the boat through the charter company, but the last ten years we’ve provisioned it ourselves. The taxi drops us off at the Rite Way [grocery store] and picks us up when we’re done. We have a system down.” Candi adds that she sometimes packs non-perishables in her suitcase that she knows aren’t available in the islands. She also suggests spending extra time getting familiar with the appliances before leaving the dock. “Even if you need assistance from the MarineMax base during your charter, they’re quick
to respond and get to wherever you are if needed.” Paul and Candi agree that a MarineMax Vacations charter in the BVI is one of their favorite trips with the family because it keeps everyone together in one place, and no one disappears with their friends. “A boat trip is a together trip,” says Candi. “Even so, there are several different areas on the boat to spread out if you need a little space. You never feel crowded.” One of their favorite spots is the island of Anegada since it’s a longer day trip, and they get to enjoy cruising on the open ocean. “Being in the food distribution business,” Paul says, “the fresh lobster dinner served family-style is certainly a draw.” They also enjoy Cooper Island and Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda. Paul sums up some of the multiple benefits to a BVI charter vacation. “It’s just so easy. You’re never out of sight of land. The islands are close, the water is good, and you’re not docking all the time. If you never do this trip, you’re missing out.”
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS With 60 stunning islands, year-round warmth, and amazing crystal-clear waters, the British Virgin Islands delivers a phenomenal vacation experience every time you visit.
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There’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy, including relaxing on secluded beaches and snorkeling through famous reefs and shipwrecks. Natural beauty combines with a seemingly endless amount of activities—from the cultural and adventurous to the indulgent— making each vacation unique. Set in one of the finest and most central locations in the BVI, Nanny Cay Marina and Resort is located on the south side of Tortola, between Road Town and West End with easy points of entry through Road Town. The resort includes a charming forty-room hotel nestled in a tropical oasis garden setting with three restaurants, swimming pool, coffee shop, marina, showers, chandlery, and secluded beachfront cove. Embrace the spirit of the Caribbean as you relax on the beach, at the pool, or on a comfortable stool at the beachside bar. As you settle into island life, the MarineMax team will welcome you with warmth and grace at our newlyconstructed marina facilities and floating docks.
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HOW
ARRIVING
PROVISIONING
TO GET THERE Located just east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands are served by multiple airlines and ferries, depending on your location. Your MarineMax Vacations planning expert can assist with questions regarding the logistics of your travel situation. Don't forget you'll need a passport to clear customs at arrival.
BY FERRY If you fly into the St.Thomas airport (STT), you have the option of taking the ferry to Tortola by going on a 10 minute taxi from the airport to the ferry dock. The ferries typically run during daylight hours and tickets may be purchased in advance. Ask your planning expert to recommend a private water taxi company.
Your MarineMax Vacations planning expert will assist you with making sure you have the provisions you desire on your boat before your arrival. Or, you may choose to shop upon your arrival. If you provision your boat through MarineMax Vacations, we will send you an order sheet in advance and work with our local vendor to stock your boat with the items you request. A small grocery store is onsite at Nanny Cay Marina and Resort for any last-minute items you may need. Throughout your charter, there are options for replenishing your supplies on various islands. You can also choose to dine out during your charter. Most destinations have restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious meals of local fare.
ARRIVING BY PLANE One option for U.S. travelers to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is to arrive in Puerto Rico at the Luis Munoz International Airport (SJU) which often offers flights directly from almost a dozen U.S. airports. Connections from San Juan into the BVI airport, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) are available on various airlines. and departure.
SHUTTLE IN TORTOLA Once you arrive in Tortola, shuttles are available from both the airport and the ferry dock to take you to your hotel. As residents of a British territory, shuttle drivers speak English. Your MarineMax Vacations planning expert can handle your transfer tickets and reservations so you can enjoy worry-free travel.
WEATHER It’s a tropical paradise with an ideal climate, subtle trade winds, and plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures average 80-85 degrees and nighttime temperatures are typically 75-80 degrees.
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Sample 7 Day Itinerary ARRIVAL Arrive at the beautiful BVIs via ferry from St. Thomas or fly into Beef Island and make your way by taxi to Nanny Cay. To get a head start on your charter, choose the sleep aboard option. Stow your gear and provisions, and enjoy your first night aboard your yacht. Or spend your first night in a hotel room at the Nanny Cay Hotel. Explore the various restaurants on-site, and have plenty of options whether you're hungry for pizza, BBQ, burgers, or sandwiches.
Norman Island
DAY 1 After completing your charter instruction, depart on your journey to your first destination. Cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel towards The Bight on Norman Island, rumored to be the site of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel, “Treasure Island.” Grab a park buoy at the Indians along the way to swim or snorkel before
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entering The Bight to pick up your overnight mooring. After tying up the boat, jump on your dinghy and head to The Caves to enjoy the wonders of the coral reef and its colorful inhabitants. End the night with dinner at Pirate's Bight Restaurant & Bar ashore, serving great food and offering the utmost in casual dining.
The Baths
DAY 2 Relax on the calm waters that will lead you to Virgin Gorda. Next up is one of the main attractions of the islands—the famed rock formations at The Baths' enormous granite boulders. Hike the trail through the boulders to the top of the Baths restaurant for some lunch and a dip in the pool. After lunch, head to North Sound on Virgin Gorda. Head to Leverick Bay and grab a mooring ball or stay in their marina facility. Conveniently, there is a store located in the area to grab provisions or ice, if needed. Use your dinghy to cruise the bay to look for many beautiful, deserted beaches, or snorkel the Eustatia Reef. Visit the local restaurants such as Hog Heaven Bar in Virgin Gorda or Fat Virgin's Cafe on Biras Creek. Or travel to the iconic Bitter End Yacht Club, stunning Saba Rock restaurant or Oil Nut Bay resort.
Scrub Island
The Indians
DAY 3 More to explore in Virgin Gorda. Find a quaint and quiet beachfront or enjoy a relaxing day by the pool on the The north Indiansend. You can even pull out the water toys and explore the marine life of this beautiful location through the turquoise blue water. Start your journey north to
Oil Nut Bay, where you will moor or dock up for the remainder of the night. Enjoy the many amenities offered in the area, from spas, to tennis and yoga, and so much more. Dine at one of their fabulous restaurants and bask in the sun while it sets across the water. marinemaxvacations.com | 15
Sandy Spit
Saba Rock
Great Harbor
DAY 4
DAY 5
Jost Van Dyke: Another day in paradise, and another day with endless options. Pick up a mooring ball in Great Harbor, then enjoy and explore Foxy’s. Take your tender over to Soggy Dollar Bar for drinks and food, and enjoy the views of White Bay. Finish the day at Coco Locos Beach & Sports Bar and make your way back to Great Harbor for the night.
It’s time to explore the other side of the coast. Cane Garden Bay is the center of activity in the BVI. You can spend the day at this northwestern beach swimming with the fish, snorkeling around the western edge, and enjoying great food. Happy hour and live music are aplenty in the area, so be sure to wear your dancing shoes, or follow the tradition of the BVIs with no shoes at all. Enjoy dinner at one of the lively local bars like Quito’s Gazebo, Elm, or Myett’s. When you’ve danced and you can’t dance anymore, grab your dinghy and head back to your home away from home at one of the various mooring balls.
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Leverick Bay
Soggy Dollar Bar
DAY 6 Cooper Island: This vacation isn’t over yet! Take a morning dip in the clear blue water, grab some breakfast—now it's time to go to Cooper Island. Pick up an overnight mooring (no anchoring here, please). Time for more snorkeling off Cistern Point, visiting the local shops and restaurants, soaking up the morning sun, and lounging on the beach all afternoon.
DAY 7 Nanny Cay: Take your last morning dive and make your way back to the MarineMax Vacations Nanny Cay base. You can enjoy lunch at the resort and relax on the beach. Once you complete your boat debrief with our MarineMax Vacations team, we won’t be saying our good-byes, but rather a, "see you later." You’ll head home with a week's worth of memories and an experience you’ll never forget. marinemaxvacations.com | 17
THE The British BRITISH Virgin Islands VIRGIN ISLANDS GUANA ISLAND
Green Cay Sandy Spit
JOST VAN DYKE
Sandy Cay
te Bay
RIDA
Monkey Point
Little Jost Van Dyke
Great Harbour
TORTOLA Cane Garden Bay Road Town
Great Thatch Island
MARINEMAX NANNY CAY Soper’s Hole Little Thatch
Frenchmans Cay Dead Chest Island
PETER ISLAND ABACO ISLANDS
The Indians
CUBA
ENLARGED AREA H AT I
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
PUERTO RICO
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NORMAN ISLAND
TO ANEGADA
Necker Island Mosquito Island Prickly Pear Island
Saba Roc
SHALLOW (DO NOT CROSS)
Leverick Bay
George Dog Great Camanoe West Dog
VIRGIN GORDA Great Dog
SCRUB ISLAND Marina Cay
Spanish Town
SHALLOW (DO NOT CROSS) Trellis Bay
AIRPORT
(EIS)
Beef Island
The Baths
Fallen Jerusalem Island
COOPER ISLAND
Ginger Island
Round Rock Island
Salt Island
MILES 0
1
( A P P R O X I M AT E ) 2
3
Map for reference only. Not for navigational use.
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4
OUR FLEET
MARINEMAX 423 OPTIMIZED SPACE, STORAGE AND STRENGTH
The MarineMax 423 encapsulates all you could want and need out of a charter power catamaran. The performance, innovation, and quality will help take your vacation to the next level. Our newest fleet vessel offers three spacious cabins, loads of storage, and comfortable spaces in the cockpit, flybridge, and foredeck. Its thoughtful design is perfect for the saltiest of captains to the most leisurely sun worshippers. Its size and power are perfect for all your friends and family as you island-hop through the BVI.
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TECHNICAL SPECS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Length: 41’ 6”
• GPS color chartplotter & autopilot
Beam: 21’
• Generator & air-conditioning
Draft: 3’ 7”
• Watermaker
Water Capacity: 132 Gal
• Electric refrigerator & freezer
Engines: Volvo to 300 hp
• Electric stove, BBQ grill, & microwave
Cabins: 3, Sleeps 4-6 people
• Full complement of towels and linens
Heads: 3
• All Galleyware for meals & cooking
Showers: 2
• Dinghy with outboard motor
Self-drive or captain-for-hire
• Masks, snorkels, & fins • Flat-screen TV with DVD player
SCAN THIS CODE OR VISIT MARINEMAXVACATIONS.COM TO SEE MORE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE MARINEMAX 423.
CABIN LAYOUT
MAIN DECK
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OUR FLEET
MARINEMAX 443
EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN, EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
On the MarineMax 443, you will enjoy the 360˚ view from the spacious salon that features a large seating area to make a live-aboard vacation easy and pleasant. Galley features include Corian countertops, an electric fridge and freezer, stove, stainless steel microwave oven as well as a double stainless steel sink. The large staterooms each feature ample headroom and large windows for excellent views. The forward master cabin spans the beam and includes a king-size berth with
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walk-around access. The watermaker, freshwater flush, separate shower stalls, and teak flooring compliment the boat’s design and exceptional living comforts. Additional features include an oversized flybridge, electric grill, and sunpad seating on either side of the central helm station. Complete with our revolutionary bridgeto-bow direct access, the 443 is a fresh revolution of classic boating traditions.
TECHNICAL SPECS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Length: 43’ 8”
• GPS color chartplotter & autopilot
Beam: 21’ 6”
• Generator & air-conditioning
Draft: 3’ 10”
• Watermaker
Water Capacity: 180 Gal
• Electric refrigerator & freezer
Fuel Capacity: 290 Gal
• Electric stove, BBQ grill, & microwave
Engines: Volvo D4 Diesel
• Full complement of towels and linens
Cabins: 3, Sleeps 6 + 2 in salon
• All Galleyware for meals & cooking
Heads: 3
• Dinghy with outboard motor
Showers: 4
• Masks, snorkels, & fins
Self-drive or captain-for-hire
• Flat-screen TV with DVD player
SCAN THIS CODE OR VISIT MARINEMAXVACATIONS.COM TO SEE MORE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE MARINEMAX 443.
CABIN LAYOUT
MAIN DECK
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OUR FLEET
MARINEMAX 484 EXTRAORDINARY COMFORT, EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE
The MarineMax 484 is designed with optimal performance for charter in the BVI. It sets a new standard for power catamarans with a long list of unique and luxurious features for live-aboard comfort. Upon boarding the MarineMax 484, the 360˚ view through the salon and galley provides a tremendous feeling of relaxation, space, and luxury. She has four private and spacious en suite cabins with ample headroom and storage.
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Additional features include a watermaker, fresh-water flush, chilled-water A/C, and a covered forward cockpit. The oversized flybridge features a centrally positioned helm station with excellent visibility, a wet bar, and an electric grill. Forward access to the bow is port and starboard surrounding the large sunpad, making it easy to pick up mooring balls.
TECHNICAL SPECS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Length: 48’ 3”
• GPS color chartplotter & autopilot
Beam: 23’ 6”
• Generator & air-conditioning
Draft: 3’ 8”
• Watermaker
Water Capacity: 206 Gal
• Electric refrigerator & freezer
Fuel Capacity: 356 Gal
• Electric stove, BBQ grill, & microwave
Engines: 2 x 330hp Volvo
• Full complement of towels and linens
Cabins: 4, Sleeps 8 + 2 in salon
• All Galleyware for meals & cooking
Heads: 4
• Dinghy with outboard motor
Showers: 5
• Masks, snorkels, & fins
Aft cabins have either queen or
• Flat-screen TV with DVD player
single beds. Self-drive or captain-for-hire
SCAN THIS CODE OR VISIT MARINEMAXVACATIONS.COM TO SEE MORE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE MARINEMAX 484.
CABIN LAYOUT
MAIN DECK
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OUR FLEET
MARINEMAX 545
EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE, OPTIMAL LUXURY
The MarineMax 545 is the definition of luxurious and was designed specifically with ‘vacation’ in mind. This model raises the bar in delivering a gold standard experience. Features on this exceptional vessel were carefully chosen to accelerate your charter experience with everything you could need for liveaboard comfort.
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You will delight in the panoramic views that fill the master cabin with natural light through large hull, side windows, adding to the spacious feeling of the fullbeam forward master cabin. Engineered with an open flybridge and solid glass front for optimal climate control and scenic views, the MarineMax 545 Power Catamaran features the versatility to appeal to a global audience of charter and vacations enthusiasts.
TECHNICAL SPECS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Length: 54’ 2”
• GPS color chartplotter and autopilot
Beam: 25’ 2”
• Generator and air-conditioning
Draft: 4’ 5”
• Watermaker
Water Capacity: 238 Gal
• Electric refrigerator & freezer
Fuel Capacity: 581 Gal
• Electric stove, BBQ grill & microwave
Engines: 2 x D6 Volvo Penta Diesel
• Full complement of towels and linens
Cabins: 5, Sleeps 10
• All Galleyware for meals & cooking
Heads: 5
• Dinghy with outboard motor
Showers: 5+
• Masks, snorkels & fins
Self-drive or captain-for-hire
• Flatscreen TV with DVD player
charter available.
SCAN THIS CODE OR VISIT MARINEMAXVACATIONS.COM TO SEE MORE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE MARINEMAX 545.
CABIN LAYOUT
MAIN DECK
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TESTIMONIAL
WORTH THE WAIT Patience pays off for a first-time boat owner who finds exactly what he wants—and needs. BY: LIZ PASCH
T
hree years ago, Alan Carter began to explore buying his very first boat, and a close friend gave him some very good advice: just because it looks like the one you want, it may not be the one you need. “I still had two kids living in my home, and they still needed parenting, so the timing wasn’t right then,” says the California-based TV director of awards shows, specials, and series, including The Voice and Shark Tank. “I had to factor in what worked
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in my life. I didn’t necessarily think the Aquila was the one to buy right away.” Alan considered the 44 or 48, but it didn’t fit his requirements at the time. Taking his friend’s advice, neither were any of the other boats he considered. So, he waited. “I was smart enough to not own a boat before,” says Alan and explains that his family life and demanding career were too busy to spend that much time and money to justify owning a boat. His interest in boating, however,
led him to charter boats on vacations in The Bahamas and British Virgin Islands. “The first time I brought my nieces, my mom, and their friends—six ladies in all. One of the girls grew up on boats so that was very helpful.” Alan had been to the BVI previously but had never chartered. “We were all experiencing it the first time together and at the end, they all agreed this was a trip of a lifetime. Every time I take someone new, that’s what they say.”
Alan loves to share his charter experience with others, and his professional experience in the entertainment industry came in handy when he launched his YouTube channel, The Wandering Hillbilly. He intended to primarily focus on videos in the BVI. “There’s nothing like going to a cove, dropping anchor, and you own the island while you’re there. It’s so unique for everyone who goes.” His channel generates 10-15 questions from YouTube viewers who dream of someday experiencing their own BVI charter, which Alan answers personally. “Anegada is magical, an hour away from all the other islands. Then there’s Foxy’s. The only way to get there is on your boat.” The opportunities that a charter offers are unique things that you cannot do from a cruise ship, which, according to Alan, is the most appealing benefit for him. “On one charter, there were eight of us, and we anchored by Dog Island. It was a surreal moment realizing that we were on our own boat, with each other, surrounded by beauty. That’s the unique part of chartering a boat.”
Years of BVI and The Bahamas charters have provided Alan with significantly more boating experience. He enrolled in a variety of boating courses to enhance his skills and has fostered friendships with many boat owners. He loves the challenge of learning something that’s completely different from his 25+ years in the entertainment industry. “Owning a boat didn’t fit in our lives before, but now it does,” says Alan. He had previously considered single-hulled boats, but his charter experience led him to focus on powercats and reconsider the Aquila brand that had expanded its product line since he first saw it three years prior. He also now had a much clearer idea of not only what he wants, but what he needs. Alan promised his wife their new boat would never feel like camping, so a full-beam master was his top priority. He also wanted comfortable cabins for friends that would be equally conducive to their children’s needs. There was only one model that met all his requirements, the Aquila 54.
“There was a long list of options to choose from, and I basically checked them all. This boat will be totally decked out,” jokes Alan. “It’s the right size and has crew quarters. It checked off everything in my list. By being patient, I found the boat I both want and need, and so it worked to wait.” Alan says he was very fortunate in his career and now wants to slow down. His Aquila 54 is planned for delivery in late December, and he looks forward to cruising the Atlantic coast on his own boat, spending time in Georgia, and exploring the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). “There’s a whole new phase of life coming,” he says and adds that he’ll continue chartering in the BVI. Following his friend’s advice proved to be valuable, and Alan offers his own to those who want to charter but are nervous about their ability. “Just ask MarineMax to hire a captain. It will relieve your stress of being responsible for the boat. They know where to go, you’ll have a great time, and you’ll realize that you can do this, too.”
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CHARTER YACHT OWNERSHIP
BECOME AN OWNER Each program offers advantages designed to meet the needs of our unique owners. We also offer a revenue share program for our fully crewed 54 yachts. Financing is available.
GET PAID TO VACATION Imagine cruising the amazing waters of the Caribbean aboard your own custom power catamaran. You can be one of the exclusive owners in the MarineMax Vacations fleet. There are two available ownership programs. The MarineMax Ownership Program is the easiest way to own an award-winning Aquila power catamaran while under the care and support of our trained professional team. There are a limited number of yachts placed into this program call regarding availability. There are two available programs. Here is a list of some of the features of each program.
MARINEMAX OWNERSHIP PROGRAM • Fixed payment between 6% and 9% regardless of charter activity • Up to 9 weeks of owner usage, depending on season • MarineMax covers the cost of dockage, insurance, parts and regularly scheduled maintenance • Sales, marketing, & operations support
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REVENUE SHARE PROGRAM • Unlimited owners use • Net yacht revenue is split 75/25 after sales expense • May qualify for potential tax deductions (Speak to your CPA) • Owner pays expenses, including dockage, insurance, and maintenance • Revenue potential could exceed the typical Fixed Owner Payment model
Raul Bermudez Vice President, Charter Yacht Sales (727) 228-8106 raul.bermudez@marinemax.com www.marinemaxvacations.com
YACHT OWNERSHIP FAQ We have a diverse group of owners: pilots, college professors, doctors, business owners, retired individuals who all have one thing in common—the love for boating, the islands and creating memories that last a lifetime. Why are the BVIs the place to buy a yacht in a charter fleet? The British Virgin Islands, “Natures Little Secret” are a collection of more than 60 islands for you to explore. The BVI caters to the charter yacht industry and offers something for everyone, including diving, snorkeling, beachcombing, white sandy beaches, famous beach bars, and restaurants. The currency is the US Dollar (USD), and the language is English. What type and brand of boats are accepted in the MarineMax Vacations charter fleet? The MarineMax Vacations fleet is comprised of the award-winning Aquila range of Power Catamarans, custom made for MarineMax. Aquila Power Catamarans is the world leader for high quality, innovation, and exceptional performance catamarans. No other vessel on the planet offers more features, reliability, durability, and value than our power catamarans. Which boat is best for me? The decision of which boat is best depends on two factors: how many people will be enjoying the islands with you, and what you plan on doing with the yacht at the end of the program. Some retain the boat for personal cruising, others resell to capture depreciation, and others trade-in for a new vessel in the fleet. How much usage do I get as an owner? Under the Charter Yacht Ownership Program, an owner has up to nine weeks of usage a year, depending on how time is used. Owners in the Split Revenue Ownership Program enjoy unlimited personal use.
What if I only use two weeks, can I get paid more? In the Charter Yacht Ownership Program, the payment from the charter company to you is fixed regardless of charter activity and how much the owner uses the yacht. The charter company assumes all risks that the boat will charter enough to cover all operating expenses, including dockage, insurance, and maintenance. Under the fixed payment option, the charter company benefits if they boat charters more than forecasted. What are the benefits of the Split Revenue Ownership Program? There is an option for a Split Revenue Ownership Program. Advantages to this program include unlimited owner usage; an owner can earn a higher return after expenses, and potential tax advantages. Under this program, an owner covers the operating expenses (dockage, maintenance, insurance, parts, etc.). How far in advance can I reserve my boat? As an owner, you can reserve your yacht as far out as you like. If you know there is a week that you want every year, you can book that week for the term of the program. How long does the boat have to stay in the program? The program varies in length between 12 months up to five years, depending on the program selected. After the first 12 months, you can exit the program with a three-month notice to allow us to relocate charters.
Is this time-share applied to multiple boats? No. Unlike time-share or fractional ownership, there is only one owner per boat. You even get to name her (with MarineMax approval). Can I finance the yacht? Yes. We can help you with financing. The banks usually require a 25% down payment and will finance the yacht for up to 15 years. Interest rates are driven by the bank at the time of purchase. Under the MarineMax Ownership Program, the payment from us is the same regardless of how you pay for the yacht. Is there a tax advantage to owning a charter boat? You may qualify for potential tax advantages. Check with your accountant, as all situations are different. What happens at the end of the program? You have options, and we will help you find the right one for you: 1. Trade-in for a new boat and stay in the program. 2. MarineMax Vacations Yacht Brokerage can sell the vessel for you. We have a long list of customers waiting for the boats coming out of the fleet 3. Go cruising. We have many owners that buy into the program with the plan of enjoying the cruising lifestyle. 4. Place the vessel into a second-tier charter company that takes older model yachts into their fleets. Most of the second-tier charter companies have a revenue split program.
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Charter Vacations: (813) 644-8071 Yacht Ownership: (813) 644-8070 marinemaxvacations.com
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