# Scaling Masts > Real-world insights for catamaran sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Owner Intelligence™ URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/scaling-masts-owner-intelligence/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T16:08:44.000Z ***LAUNCHING 2027!*** Every boat has a story. Some are told by the manufacturer. Others are told by reviewers who spend a few hours aboard at a boat show or on a sea trial. 💡 ****The most valuable boat reviews come from the people who live with the boats every day** **Scaling Masts Owner Intelligence** was created to bring those stories together in a way that helps buyers and owners make better decisions. We begin by analyzing publicly available information including professional reviews, owner blogs, forums, videos, technical documentation, and current market data. From there, we identify recurring themes, common questions, and areas where owners consistently agree…or completely disagree. Then the most important part begins, owners themselves validate the findings. Throughout every report, owners can agree, disagree, or add context based on their own experience. Every contribution helps improve the report, making it more accurate over time and creating something that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else. This isn’t another boat review. It’s a living knowledge base built from real-world ownership experience. **How It Works** 1 ### Research We analyze professional reviews, technical documentation, owner experiences, forums, videos, market data, and other public sources to identify the recurring themes that matter. 2 ### Owner Validation Actual owners review the findings, confirm what rings true, challenge what doesn't, and add the context that only comes from living with the boat. 3 ### Continuous Improvement Reports evolve as more owners contribute, making each new version more useful, balanced, and representative. ## Our Commitment **Evidence before opinion.**We distinguish documented facts from published owner experiences, community sentiment, and Scaling Masts owner feedback. When sources disagree or the evidence is limited, we’ll say so. Owner Intelligence is designed to evolve. As more owners contribute, reports will be updated to reflect additional experience, new evidence, and areas where the owner community reaches clear agreement or sees things differently. **Current Reports** Leopard 45 Owner Intelligence **Status:** In Development *(publishing October 2026)* Our first report will analyze one of the most popular cruising catamarans of the past decade. We’re combining AI research with direct owner feedback to create the most comprehensive Leopard 45 ownership resource available. If you own a Leopard 45, we’d love your help. Your experience will directly improve future versions of the report. Join the Leopard 45 Project Signing you up... You're in! Check your email to confirm. Something went wrong. Please try again. CONTRIBUTE Have or do you currently own a catamaran and would like to contribute to our Owner Intelligence project? [Notify Us! ](mailto:scott@justcatamarans.net?subject=I%27d%20like%20to%20be%20part%20of%20The%20Owner%20Intelligence%20project) More reports are already in development and will be added here as they are released. ## Posts ### Meet Tyler: A Life Under Sail, a Voice Built on Experience URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/meet-tyler-a-life-under-sail-a-voice-built-on-experience/ Last updated: 2026-10-12T23:22:45.000Z ### Introducing a New Voice to Scaling Masts Growing up in Southern California, Tyler was essentially born into water sports. He was swimming competitively by age 4, followed by surfing and sailing in his mid-childhood years. In the 1990s, this was standard practice for kids in Newport Beach. It wasn't until his early 20s, however, that a rock-climbing fall left him with a permanent injury, forcing him to find a new passion. In the summer of 2007, he fell back on his roots, and sailing became the focus of his life. His story from sailing bum to professional captain is a clear example of how dedication and mastery lead us down paths previously unknown to us. It was never his intent to sail professionally. In fact, the inspiration came from his sailing hero Bernard Moitessier, who in 1962 started a sailing school as a way to fund a voyage to Polynesia. Tyler realized that his high standards of seamanship had conditioned him quite well to become a sailing instructor. At age 27, Tyler became a licensed captain and started his own sailing school in Portland, Maine, in the summer of 2012\. In many ways this was the beginning of his sailing experience, not because he hadn't put miles under the keel, but because now there were no more distractions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/10/D85_0777-copy.jpg) Tyler alongside Captain Dasiel, the new Owner of the sailing school Tyler founded in Maine Sailing had become life in every way. There was no car, no other job, no wife or kids, only wind, sails, and a compass heading. That course eventually took him south. In 2015, he rounded the lighthouse that marks the entrance to Portland Harbor and steered toward Key West, Florida. He landed a temporary job with another sailing school to get started. Eventually his talents were recognized, and he was given the opportunity to start his own sailing school with access to all the brand-new boats of a local charter company. These doors led into the heart of the sailing industry itself, and he stood out because he had what everyone else didn't: experience. They had the money, but their time had been spent working land jobs, while Tyler had been at sea. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Travel to Cuba had just opened up with the Obama Administration easing travel restrictions for Americans, and Key West was the epicenter. Scores of yachts set sail for Havana each month, and Tyler was among them. Brand-new catamarans and monohulls fresh off the press were tested in the Straits. That meant 25 trips and 50 crossings to Cuba alone, plus the Bahamas and the entire eastern seaboard. Watch Tyler’s Knot Tying YouTube Series from his time in Key West, Florida The business changed, but the sailing rolled on. More boats, more clients, more charters, more deliveries, more students, more ports. The experience piled up. He saw where boat buyers did it right and where they got it wrong. He saw through the glamour and into the pocketbook. He saw what broke and what didn't. What started as a passion became an industry of products, buyers, and sellers. Tyler was just a bystander, able to watch and record. His job was to sail, watch, and learn. He listened to customers' stories and took part in repairs and broken dreams. He instructed and guided many sailors to safe haven, both at sea and in decision making. Now Tyler lives his own dreams, sailing aboard his modest 37-footer in the Caribbean. He is retired from the daily grind of the sailing industry, yet living closer than ever to the heartbeat of the sea. We’re excited to bring Tyler’s voice to Scaling Masts. His stories will offer an honest look at sailing and boat ownership, along with a little inspiration to turn “someday” into something real. Tyler has helped others find their way onto the water, and we hope his words help you take the next step toward your own adventure. --- ### U.S. Flagging vs. Importation: Clearing up the Confusion URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/us-flagging-vs-importation-clearing/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T13:06:26.000Z When working with buyers and sellers, one of the most common statements I hear these days goes a little something like this… 🇺🇸 **"The boat is U.S. flagged, so the import duty is already paid."* It sounds perfectly logical. If the United States issued a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation (aka: federal documentation, title), surely somebody in the federal government along the way verified that the boat was legally imported into the United States, right? **NOPE!** A boat's flag and its importation status in the United States are two entirely different things, governed by two different federal agencies for two very different purposes. And with so many cruising catamarans built overseas, sold internationally, and moving back and forth between the Caribbean and the United States, understanding the distinction can save you from a very expensive surprise. ### Two Agencies, Two Completely Different Questions The easiest way I've found to explain this is that the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection aren't asking the same question. When the Coast Guard documents a vessel, it is primarily concerned with the vessel's nationality, ownership, documentation eligibility, and endorsements. When Customs looks at a vessel, it is concerned with something different: ***Has this boat been imported through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and if so, have the applicable duties and entry requirements been satisfied?*** Those two processes exist completely independent of one another. In fact, CBP addressed almost this exact issue in a ruling involving a yacht that obtained U.S. documentation while remaining outside the United States. Customs concluded that documenting the yacht under the U.S. flag did not constitute an importation because the yacht had never actually been brought into U.S. customs territory. That's about as clear as it gets if you ask me. ### What U.S. Flagging Means For larger recreational vessels, what we yacht brokers casually call “U.S. flagging” means obtaining a Certificate of Documentation through the U.S. Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center, which ultimately becomes the title for the vessel. A Certificate of Documentation essentially establishes ownership and a U.S. nationality for international maritime purposes. #### U.S. Flagging, Foreign-builds, and Commercial Charter A foreign-built recreational vessel can usually qualify for U.S. documentation. The domestic-build requirement in the United States only becomes particularly important when a vessel seeks commercial permissions such as coastwise trade (aka: charter) or fishery endorsements. If you have a foreign-built vessel providing crewed charter in the United States, you must have a coastwise trade endorsement on your U.S. Certificate of Documentation. The alternative option, under The Passenger Services Act 46 U.S.C. 55103, is renting the boat, often referred to as bareboat or demise, where food, fuel, and crew are not provided. Because the distinction between a legitimate bareboat charter and a passenger-for-hire operation is highly fact-specific, owners should consult a qualified maritime attorney experienced in bareboat charter structures and U.S. coastwise trade laws before offering the vessel for charter. [Read more about bareboat charter regulations here…](https://www.scalingmasts.com/u-s-coast-guard-bareboat-charter-regulations/) ### Importation Is a Customs Issue Importation lives on the other side of the federal government, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP has ruled that duty (tax) is due on most pleasure boats when imported into the United States and in accordance with Chapter 89 of the [Harmonized Tariff Schedule](https://hts.usitc.gov/?ref=scalingmasts.com). Classification, country of origin, and the circumstances surrounding importation, to name just a few, can impact the final duty amount. And with the ever-changing tariff environment impacting imported products into the United States since January 2025, understanding the applicable rate for your boat is critical to know. This is where a licensed import broker earns their fee. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/Scaling-Masts-Catamaran-Import-Duty-Final-Spaced-1.png) ### A U.S. Flagged Boat Can Still Be Duty-Unpaid This is the part that almost always seems to surprise folks. Imagine an American buyer purchases a foreign-built catamaran in Europe. The buyer documents the boat with the U.S. Coast Guard and spends the next several years cruising the Mediterranean and Caribbean without bringing the boat into the United States. That boat could be completely legitimate, properly U.S. documented and flying an American flag. If the boat has never entered U.S. customs territory for importation, she remains entirely legal and properly documented while still being duty-unpaid; and there is nothing inherently contradictory about those two facts. 👉 U.S. Customs has ruled that federally documenting a yacht that is located outside the United States does not constitute importation.1 This is why I never use the flag hanging off the stern or a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation, as evidence of a boat's duty-paid status. I need the paperwork to prove it; more specifically, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form 7501, as seen below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/US-Customs-Form-7501-Example.png) Sample of a U.S. Customs Form 7501 #### Can a Boat Lose Its Duty-Paid Status? Yes and no. CBP has ruled that a transfer of ownership does not, by itself, eliminate a vessel’s duty-paid status. The same is true when a boat is sold to a non-U.S. resident and registered under a foreign flag. A vessel’s flag and ownership remain separate from its customs status.⁴ If, however, a subsequent sale and departure constitute an exportation, returning to the United States could be treated as a new importation.⁴ U.S. Customs regulations require the importer of record to retain importation documentation for five years from the date of entry/importation.⁵ Because Form 7501 is the best evidence of a vessel’s duty-paid status, a copy should remain aboard and the original should be retained with the vessel’s permanent records. ### What About a Cruising License? This is probably where more confusion enters the conversation than anywhere else. Certain foreign-flagged pleasure vessels can qualify for a U.S. cruising license under CBP regulations. Depending on the vessel's flag and circumstances, that license can simplify cruising within U.S. waters by relieving the vessel from some of the normal formal entry and clearance procedures. A cruising license can generally be issued for up to one year.2 But an important thing to note is that a cruising license is not the same thing as importing the boat, nor is it a blanket one-year exemption from import duty. CBP has specifically described cruising licenses as being intended for brief pleasure cruising rather than as a mechanism for keeping a foreign-flagged vessel permanently in the United States. The vessel's ownership, intended use, permanence of its presence in the United States, and whether it is being offered for sale or charter to U.S. residents, are all factors that matter with regard to cruising licenses. ### Selling a Non-imported Boat in the United States This is where the distinction stops being academic and starts impacting actual transactions. CBP has taken the position that a boat brought into the United States for sale to a U.S. resident *may* become subject to customs entry and duty.3 And “offering it for sale” also matters. CBP recognizes advertising or listing a vessel for sale to U.S. residents as evidence that the vessel was brought into the country for sale. That's why you'll sometimes see brokerage listings containing language that reads something like *"*Not for sale to U.S. residents while in U.S. waters.”** That sentence isn't just marketing. It's there for a reason. A duty-unpaid boat may be physically sitting at a dock in Fort Lauderdale, but that doesn't necessarily mean it can simply be marketed and sold to an American buyer as though it were already imported. ### Why I Usually Prefer Imported Boats When Selling in the U.S. From a brokerage standpoint, this is where the practical answer becomes pretty simple. If an owner intends to seriously market a boat to U.S. buyers while it's physically in the United States, having the importation handled properly usually makes the boat considerably easier to sell. Otherwise, you've introduced another issue for the buyer to understand. Now we're explaining customs status. We're discussing who pays the duty. We're potentially coordinating an importation around closing. We're adding another professional to the transaction. And we're putting warning language in the listing that some buyers will interpret as *“This boat is complicated.”* None of those things necessarily kills a deal, but friction absolutely matters in cases like this. When two similar boats are competing for the same buyer, the boat with cleaner paperwork and fewer hurdles usually has an advantage. It also doesn't mean the non-duty paid boat will sell for an amount that is equal to the duty percentage, but if the buyer is looking for an imported boat, there certainly is a theoretical value they may assign to the imported option vs. non-imported. In some cases, which I experienced several times this past year, I had clients that simply refused to purchase a non-imported boat simply because it was too complicated and they didn't have confidence that the rules would remain consistent the day after closing. As a result, they eliminated all non-imported options, regardless of price, features, location, or condition. ### How Do You Know Whether a Boat Was Actually Imported? In case I wasn't clear earlier in the article, let me be crystal clear on this: - Don't rely on the physical flag - Don't rely on the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation - Don't rely on a state title - Don't rely on an email from the dealer that sold the boat to the first owner new - Don't rely on a text from the listing broker stating the boat is imported - Don't rely on what the listing states - Don’t rely on an invoice from 8 years ago that implies the duty was paid And most importantly, don't assume that because a boat has spent time in Florida or anywhere else in the United States, that somebody must have paid the importation duty. Ask for documentation supporting the customs entry and duty payment, U.S. Customs Form 7501. When I'm dealing with a boat where importation status matters, I want the documentation provided and reviewed as part of the transaction. If there's uncertainty, that's the time to involve a licensed customs broker or an attorney, rather than trying to reconstruct a boat's customs history based on assumptions. ### The Part I Want Buyers to Remember If you take nothing else from this article, remember this: 👉 Flagging establishes the boat's nationality. Importation establishes its customs status. ***They are not the same.** A U.S. flagged boat can be duty-unpaid. A foreign-flagged boat can be properly imported and duty-paid. A foreign-flagged boat can, under the right circumstances, visit and cruise in the United States without being permanently imported. For most boat owners, none of this needs to be intimidating. It just needs to be addressed before money changes hands rather than after. When I'm helping someone buy a foreign-built catamaran, particularly one moving between Europe, the Caribbean and the United States, importation status is one of those pieces of paperwork I want to understand early in the process. Similarly, when I'm listing a boat for sale in the United States, importation status is one of the most critical pieces of information that establishes how we can legally sell the boat, who we can sell it to, and how to best position the boat for sale both from a marketing perspective as well as geographic listing location. 💡 Finding out that the American flag flying off the stern of your boat didn't mean what you thought it meant is a pretty expensive way to learn the difference between flagging and importation. --- ### Disclosure This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax or customs advice. Vessel importation can depend on ownership, residency, vessel use, country of origin and the specific circumstances of entry into the United States. Buyers, sellers, and current boat owners should consult U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a licensed customs broker and/or qualified maritime attorney regarding their specific situation. ## Sign up for Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- ### Sources 1. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Dutiability of Sailboat Documented in the United States but not Brought into the United States, Headquarters Ruling 223889, July 8, 1992\. ([U.S. Customs and Border Protection](https://rulings.cbp.gov/ruling/223889?ref=scalingmasts.com)) 2. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Pleasure Boats – Obtaining a Cruising License, updated February 27, 2026\. ([U.S. Customs and Border Protection](https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1198?language=en%5FUS&ref=scalingmasts.com)) 3. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yacht Dutiability; Non-resident; Foreign-flag Vessel; Foreign Owner, Headquarters Ruling 113485, June 27, 1995\. ([U.S. Customs and Border Protection](https://rulings.cbp.gov/ruling/113485?ref=scalingmasts.com)) 4. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yacht; Dutiability; Documentation; Importation, Headquarters Ruling 114301, March 25, 1998\. ([U.S. Customs and Border Protection](https://rulings.cbp.gov/ruling/114301?ref=scalingmasts.com)⁠) 5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Recordkeeping, 19 C.F.R. Part 163, §§ 163.4 and 163.6\. ([Electronic Code of Federal Regulations](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-163?ref=scalingmasts.com)⁠) ### 2021 Fountaine Pajot Isla 40 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2021-fountaine-pajot-isla-40/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T18:29:33.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **August 2026, Google Review** *"Kyle and Scott exceeded our expectations. We felt confident with them from our first consultation. They handled the sale of our vessel quickly and for the best price. Communication was excellent--we always felt in the loop and the transaction went to closing with ease. We would not hesitate to use them again in the future. If you are looking to buy or sell a boat, I would recommend Scott and Kyle with no hesitation."* **Derek Robertson & Steve Weeks | Sellers, SV WANDA JEAN** ### **Listing Video** --- ### What Kadey-Krogen’s Bankruptcy Should Teach Every Foreign Catamaran Brand Selling in America URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/what-kadey-krogens-bankruptcy-should-teach-every-foreign-catamaran-brand-selling-in-america/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T13:00:43.000Z For nearly fifty years, Kadey-Krogen Yachts represented one of the most respected names in cruising. They didn’t chase speed, trends, size, or mass production. They built trawlers for folks who wanted to travel comfortably and confidently across long distances without the need for speed. That reputation makes their recent Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing especially significant. Kadey-Krogen Yachts filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 6, 2026, along with parent company KKY Holdings and sister company American Tugs.1 2 Unlike Chapter 11, which is used to reorganize and restructure a company while it continues operating, Chapter 7 means liquidation. The company’s assets are likely to be sold by a bankruptcy trustee, with proceeds distributed to creditors according to the priorities established under bankruptcy law. 💡 A respected brand, loyal owners, and quality boats aren’t always enough. The business behind the boats matters just as much. That means protecting customer deposits, managing growth carefully, maintaining enough cash to weather a downturn, building strong factory relationships, and being prepared when the market doesn’t cooperate. The immediate story is about Kadey-Krogen, its customers, employees, suppliers, and owners. The bigger story, however, extends well beyond the trawler market. Foreign catamaran builders that depend on American buyers should study what happened closely. Kadey-Krogen appears to have done many of the difficult things exceptionally well. They built reputable boats that stood the test of time, developed a devoted owner community, and established a brand with nearly unmatched credibility in its segment. What it may not have done well was protect the brand from the financial risks surrounding it. ### **Not a Failure of Kadey-Krogen Boats** It‘s easy to look at a bankruptcy and conclude that the underlying product was no longer competitive. That doesn’t appear to be the case here. According to their filing, Kadey-Krogen built about 700 boats over its operating history. Its most successful model, the Krogen 42, sold over 200 hulls spanning more than 20 years. Their boats earned a strong reputation for offshore capability, fuel efficiency, practical engineering, and comfortable liveaboard accommodations. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/IMG_0225.jpeg)](https://www.seattleyachts.com/used-yachts-for-sale/42-kadey-krogen-42-1988-nirvana/2852202%5F1?ref=scalingmasts.com) The Krogen 42 saloon set the standard for trawlers in the 40-foot range (image courtesy of Seattle Yachts) The company also understood its customer remarkably well…something that I harp on regularly with catamaran builders today. Kadey-Krogen was neither trying to convince performance-oriented boaters to slow down nor convince sailors they should move into a trawler. They marketed directly to those who already valued range, efficiency, seaworthiness, and time aboard a live-aboard trawler. They offered a clear solution for a specific type of dreamer, not a solution in search of a dreamer. That clarity matters, and is something many catamaran builders today seem to be missing. Some builders attempt to be everything at once to as many boaters as possible: fast, luxurious, competitively priced, innovative, traditional, sustainable, fuel-efficient, and customizable. Kadey-Krogen’s brand was far more disciplined and narrow. Buyers knew what the name meant and they knew what they were getting. Kadey-Krogen most notably cultivated a strong owner community, one that I remember even as a kid growing up in Chicago, where many owners gathered to sail The Great Loop. They held rendezvous, had direct relationships with their owners, shared their stories, and offered a platform of customer support that made ownership feel more like membership. This feeling of belonging and being part of a family is one of the most valuable assets any boat builder can create because owners oftentimes become the company’s most persuasive salespeople. #### Xquisite Yachts Ownership Community [Xquisite Yachts](https://xquisiteyachts.com/?ref=scalingmasts.com) is probably the most well known catamaran brand today to have embraced the ownership community concept. Much like Kadey-Krogen has done in the trawler world, Xquisite intentionally created an ownership community that extends well beyond the purchase itself. Through regular owner gatherings, ongoing factory support, the [Xquisite Catamarans Center](https://xquisite.center/?ref=scalingmasts.com) in the Bahamas, direct customer access to the CEO, and a genuine commitment to long-term relationships, owners become part of a close-knit family rather than simply customers. It’s an approach that seems to be fostering remarkable brand loyalty and creating an ownership experience that is just as compelling as the catamarans themselves. Foreign catamaran builders should take note, and fast. Strong brands are not created by publishing longer options lists, announcing new larger models, and scaling up the shipyard to pump out more hulls in the fleet. They‘re created by delivering a thoughtful, smooth, and consistent buying experience, supporting owners after delivery, and giving buyers a clear reason to choose them over a growing list of competitors. ### **An American Brand with an International Supply Chain** Kadey-Krogen was widely perceived as an American boat builder. Even I thought that until I read through the bankruptcy filing; their production strategy was very different. Design, sales, customer relationships, and support were managed from the United States, while the boats themselves were constructed by Asia Harbor Yacht Builders in Taiwan. That model isn’t necessarily unusual. Many of the most recognizable brands serving American buyers build boats in France, South Africa, Poland, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan to name a few. Even Xquisite Yachts deploys this model, with boats being manufactured by [Phoenix Marine](https://phoenixcatamarans.com/?ref=scalingmasts.com) in South Africa with the rest of their operation primarily based in the Bahamas. Kadey-Krogen’s strategy appears to have worked for decades. A long relationship with a capable overseas shipyard allowed the company to deliver a specialized, labor-intensive product without owning an expensive American production facility. There are advantages to that type of strategy, but the vulnerabilities of an international supply chain quickly rose to the surface. The bankruptcy filings identify Asia Harbor as Kadey-Krogen’s largest unsecured creditor, with about $1.53M owed. The filing also describes boats at several stages of production, including some under construction, completed boats awaiting shipment, and at least one hull that had not yet been started.2 This illustrates one of the most important risks facing any builder that separates sales and administration from physical production. When cash comes into one company, construction occurs at another, and the customer’s boat is located thousands of miles away, the relationships among the buyer, brand, factory, lender, and corporate owner must be extraordinarily clear. A financial breakdown at the sales company can leave the factory unpaid, the buyer without a completed boat, and both parties arguing over who owns the unfinished hull. ### **The Financial Decline Happened Rapidly** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/image-5.png) The bankruptcy filing shows how quickly a respected builder can lose its footing. Kadey-Krogen generated approximately $14.96M in gross revenue in 2024\. That fell to about $10.11M in 2025, a decline of about 32%. Revenue reported for 2026 through the bankruptcy filing was only about $404K.2 Court filings listed approximately $2.26M in assets and $2.48M in liabilities. More troubling than the gap between those figures was their liquidity. The company had no cash assets and a zero balance in its bank accounts. 2 3 For a manufacturing business, and especially a boat builder, cash is not simply a cushion to use for a rainy day; it keeps the production process moving while retaining the most talented and skilled labor necessary to maintain brand reputation. A builder has to fund design work, tooling, engineering, shipyard payments, components, freight, commissioning, warranty work, boat shows, payroll, sales infrastructure, and ongoing customer support just to name a few. Most of those expenses arrive long before the builder recognizes profit from a completed boat. In other words, based on its order book a builder can appear healthy while in parallel being dangerously exposed if customer payments are already committed to overhead, operating expenses, and other direct costs. Kadey-Krogen’s filing does not yet provide enough information to determine what caused the rapid collapse, but the information available does suggest that they entered the current shipbuilding downturn with very little margin for error. ### **Expansion May Have Increased the Risk** In 2021, Kadey-Krogen announced that it had secured additional capital to support expansion and a broader growth plan. The company was also developing Summit Motoryachts, a more contemporary product line intended to reach customers outside their traditional customer-base. 4 In May 2023, they acquired American Tugs, adding another established brand and shipyard operation to its portfolio. Less than three years later, Kadey-Krogen, KKY Holdings, and American Tugs all filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on the same day.1 2 I’m not suggesting that locking down growth capital and executing strategic acquisitions are inherently mistakes. When executed well, they can strengthen purchasing power, increase production capacity, share overhead across several brands, and ultimately expand the customer base. The danger arises when scaling up adds complexity faster than it adds cash flow. Kadey-Krogen went from operating a highly focused niche brand with highly successful and profitable product lines to overseeing multiple brands, new product lines, facilities, teams, and customer types. The acquisition of American Tugs may have created strategic opportunities, but it also seems to have introduced additional working capital requirements, overhead, and integration challenges. Timing also matters. The American Tugs acquisition occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic-era surge in boating, just as the recreational boating market was beginning to normalize. By 2025, new boat sales in the United States had declined 8.8% from the prior year on top of a large decline in new boat contracts tied to higher importation tariffs deployed by President Trump. Industry data continued to show softness into 2026, with elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment weighing on demand for the foreseeable future. 5 6 The lesson here is not that builders should never expand, but rather that expansion should be supported by conservative market assumptions, substantial liquidity, and a plan for what happens if sales fall significantly more than expected. 💡 The boat market is cyclical, so a business plan that only works when every production slot is sold, customers don’t cancel builds, and economics remain steady or improve, is not a sustainable plan. ### **Deposits Should Not Be Treated as Operating Capital** The most painful consequence of a boat builder’s collapse is usually taken on by customers with boats on the production line. Kadey-Krogen seems to have had new boats at several stages of production. Those customers may now have to establish their rights through the bankruptcy process; a painful process that anyone who has gone through it can tell you. Depending on how their contracts, payments, and ownership rights were structured, buyers with new-build slots may have to file creditor or ownership claims through the bankruptcy process. For buyers whose payments are ultimately treated as unsecured claims though, recovery of anything meaningful could be limited. This is where some foreign catamaran builders should take note, and can still make a meaningful change to how they operate. Buyer deposits and progress payments should be matched as closely as possible to the actual construction of that buyer’s boat. Funds intended for hull number 15 for example, should not be required to finish hull number 10, fund shipyard expansion, acquire another company, or cover discounts to future buyers as incentives to sign a new-build contract. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_0259.png) New Build of a Kadey-Krogen 60 Open from Trawlerforum.com ### **Silence Creates a Second Crisis** At the time the bankruptcy filing became public, several industry reports noted that Kadey-Krogen had not issued a public statement and that its website remained active without any published news updates.2 3 I imagine the company’s bankruptcy lawyers advised them to communicate cautiously, particularly when ownership rights, creditor claims, and unfulfilled contracts are still being sorted out. That being said, silence creates its own damage. Owners begin wondering whether warranties still exist. Buyers under contract don’t know whether or not work is continuing. Third party suppliers don’t know if they’ll be paid. Dealers and other sales team members don’t know what they can responsibly tell clients. Rumors essentially fill the empty space that should be occupied by facts. The builder should be prepared to acknowledge the problem, explain what they know, identify what questions remain to be answered, and provide a reliable channel for updates. How a builder communicates during a crisis can influence the residual value of its brand. Even if the original company won’t survive, in my opinion the builder has a moral duty to its boat owner family and for those who will purchase them on the pre-owned brokerage market for years to come. ### **Existing Kadey-Krogen Values** A bankruptcy filing doesn’t automatically make existing boats of the now bankrupt company irrelevant. Kadey-Krogen yachts remain the same well-built, capable cruising boats they were before the bankruptcy. Their completed hulls, systems, and craftsmanship don’t change because the parent company liquidated. In the near term, however, buyers may become more cautious about warranty coverage, proprietary components, replacement parts, technical documentation, and support. That uncertainty can easily create downward pressure on the entire brand. As for older Kadey-Krogens, they’re likely to be less impacted. Once a boat is well outside its warranty period, buyers tend to place greater weight on overall condition, maintenance history, survey findings, upgrades, and model reputation than on the current financial health of the original builder. The late catamaran builder that comes to mind is Manta Catamarans, which even today has an exceptional following for its 40 and 42 models. As for the Kadey-Krogen brand itself…it could also return. A liquidation trustee could sell the Kadey-Krogen name, designs, tooling, molds, intellectual property, and other assets to a new owner. ### **Seven Lessons for Foreign Catamaran Builders** 1. Figure out who your customer is and focus on them, and don’t spread yourself thin with too many growth initiatives. New models and brands should strengthen your identity, not dilute it. 2. Preserve your cash. Profit on paper with a long order book doesn’t finish a boat. Maintain enough liquidity to survive delayed deliveries, slower sales, cancelled build slots, warranty claims, tariff changes, and supply chain disruptions. 3. Grow your business, but in a careful and calculated way. Acquisitions and new models can look compelling during strong markets but are far less forgiving when sales decline. 4. Protect your customer’s money. Progress payments should be taken directly by the shipyard and follow measurable construction progress. Protect your customer’s funds from unrelated corporate obligations whenever practical. 5. Formalize your relationship with the shipyard in cases where the boat is being built by a different company than who designs and sells. Buyers should not be left hanging about whether they own their boat, whether the factory has been paid, or whether construction can continue if the brand fails. 6. Build a real support infrastructure. A sales office is not the same as a comprehensive support network. Foreign builders need trained service techs, parts inventory, warranty reserves, and people empowered to solve problems after the boat has been delivered. 7. Plan for uncontrollable external variables. Foreign built catamarans sold to American buyers now face not only changing demand, but also significant uncertainty surrounding tariffs and import expenses. ### **The Final Lesson** Kadey-Krogen’s bankruptcy is sobering because the company got so much right over the past 50 years. They built a reputable product, created loyal owners, and developed 50 years of brand equity through multiple economic cycles. None of that was enough to overcome the company’s final financial position, though. For foreign catamaran builders, the lesson should not be to avoid the American market, as The United States remains one of the most valuable markets in recreational boating. The lesson here is that success in America requires more than selling boats. It requires cash reserves, transparency, customer protections, disciplined growth, dependable after-sales support, strong shipyard relationships, and a business infrastructure capable of surviving economic downturns and extended periods of consumer confidence dips. A boat builder’s reputation is created on the water, but its survival is determined on the balance sheet. ## Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- ### Sources 1. Kadey-Krogen Yachts Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Boating Industry, July 9, 2026\. ([Boating Industry](https://boatingindustry.com/news/2026/07/09/kadey-krogen-yachts-files-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy/?ref=scalingmasts.com)) 2. Kadey-Krogen Yachts Enters Liquidation, Marine Industry News, July 9, 2026\. ([Marine Industry News](https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/kadey-krogen-yachts-enters-liquidation/?ref=scalingmasts.com)) 3. End of the Passage: Kadey-Krogen Files Chapter 7 After Nearly 50 Years, itBoat, July 2026\. ([itBoat](https://itboat.com/en/articles/kadey-krogen-bankruptcy?ref=scalingmasts.com)) 4. Kadey-Krogen Yachts, Kadey-Krogen Yachts Announces New Models, Sales Expansion and Marketing Initiatives, September 2021\. ([kadeykrogen.com](https://www.kadeykrogen.com/kadey-krogen-yachts-announces-new-models-sales-expansion-and-marketing-initiatives-at-newport-international-boat-show/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com)) 5. National Marine Manufacturers Association, Latest NMMA Data Shows Retail Boat Sales Softened in 2025, March 11, 2026\. ([NMMA](https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25432?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com)) 6. National Marine Manufacturers Association, Latest NMMA Report Shows Continued Softness in Powerboat Market Through March, June 15, 2026\. ([NMMA](https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25534?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com)) 7. National Marine Manufacturers Association, U.S. and European Union Finalize Trade Deal,” July 28, 2025\. ([NMMA](https://www.nmma.org/press/article/25171?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com)) 8. Kadey-Krogen Yachts Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Ceases Operations, YachtBuyer, July 16, 2026\. ([yachtbuyer.com](https://www.yachtbuyer.com/en-us/news/kadey-krogen-yachts-files-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy-and-ceases-operations?ref=scalingmasts.com)) --- ### Why I Traded My Rotary Pin for Trash Bags URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/why-i-traded-my-rotary-pin-for-trash-bags/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T17:19:05.000Z In July 2026 I was elected to the Board of Directors of the [Conch Republic Marine Army](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com). It's a sentence I’m proud to write, yet a few years ago if you'd ask me where I'd be investing my volunteer time today, I'm not sure this would have been my answer. Not because I didn't believe in the mission, but because I simply didn't see the path that would lead me here. Looking back now, it seems almost obvious. Like most meaningful things in my life, it started with an introduction and a conversation. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/image.jpeg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DbLKZ%5FEkWPG/?igsh=MXc5bGkzMnc5aWg0Yg==&ref=scalingmasts.com) ### **A Friendship I Didn't See Coming** Several years ago, at a weekly [Rotary Club](https://www.keywestrotary.com/?ref=scalingmasts.com) lunch meeting, our guest speaker was Brian Vest, Founder of the [Conch Republic Marine Army](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com). There was no flashy presentation, polished fundraising pitch, or a hard ask for folks to open their checkbooks. Brian simply showed up, grabbed the mic, and talked about Hurricane Irma in 2017 and how him and a bunch of his neighbors went out on a boat after the hurricane to solve a problem - remove storm debris and trash from local waters. What struck me wasn't how much trash they were removing, although that was impressive, too. It was how the organization had come to exist in the first place. The [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) wasn't built from a business plan or grand proposal. It grew from a handful of people looking at a problem in front of them, grabbing a case of beer, and off to work they went. They didn’t ask permission, they had no funding or any sort of plan; just a bunch of people that cared enough to solve a big problem. Then they showed up the next day with more people, and the day after that even more, and the rest, as they say, is history. I've always admired people who build things that way. At that meeting Brian mentioned one of their biggest obstacles: they had volunteers, boats, and momentum, but no permanent home to operate from in Key West. After that meeting I offered to introduce Brian to a good friend of mine, who happened to be the General Manager at [The Perry Marina](https://www.integramarinas.com/marinas/the-perry-marina/?ref=scalingmasts.com). I had a good feeling they’d be interested in supporting the cause. A few conversations later, [The Perry Marina](https://www.integramarinas.com/marinas/the-perry-marina/?ref=scalingmasts.com) donated dockage to [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) worth nearly $35,000/year at the time. No strings attached, just a private marina recognizing the need and giving what they could to do their part to support the cause. At the time I didn't think much of it. It felt good to help, but figured all I really did was connect two people who could benefit from knowing each other. What I didn't realize was that I hadn't just made an introduction but rather helped to lay some of the groundwork for the next major chapter in CRMA’s story…Key West! Over the next 1-2 years, Brian and I stayed in touch, keeping me up to speed on all the traction [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) was getting. The organization grew and brought in a full time Executive Director, [Carla Burns](https://visitfloridakeys.com/plan-your-trip/plan-book/insiders-guide/stewards-of-the-keys/carla-burns?ref=scalingmasts.com) and began building out a board of directors, which was led by a gentleman named Natalino (Nat, for short). Fundraising was coming in, a new boat was donated, and the organization really got its footing in a meaningful way. Every few months Brian or Nat would check in with exciting updates. One time they needed a marketing recommendation, so I referred them to [Overseas Media Group](https://overseasmediagroup.com/?ref=scalingmasts.com) and [Jenny Lorenz](https://thelocallifemedia.com/?ref=scalingmasts.com) (now also a board member of the [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com)). Last year Nat asked for CPA referrals who understood nonprofit accounting. A few months back they asked me to look over their boat insurance to make sure they had the right coverage at a fair price. None of those calls felt significant on their own, and I was happy to help of course. Yet with each interaction I became more vested in their success. Every new partnership they marketed, every cleanup published, every Instagram photo of a boat coming back loaded with debris felt like a step forward for an organization I'd come to genuinely care about, even from the sidelines. ### **A Different Kind of Burnout** Around the same time I began to take notice of how much traction the [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) was getting, another part of my life was starting to shift. The Rotary Club became an important part of my life after moving to Key West. I volunteered at the annual golf tournament for several years before becoming a member, and along the way I met incredible people, built friendships I still value today, and served alongside an outstanding group of volunteers. I’m especially proud to have helped grow Rotary’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, which expanded each year and even grew to include a children’s holiday carnival this past year. Being on the planning committee for [Casino Night](https://kwrotarycasinonight.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) in 2026 was another highlight. In just three months, an amazing team of volunteers created an event that not only set attendance records but also raised more money for local student scholarships than ever before. Ironically, that same Casino Night would become my final event as a Rotarian. Over the past 1.5 years I found myself leaving weekly Rotary meetings with a different feeling than years prior. The more involved I became, the more I realized that as volunteer organizations grow, they naturally become more complex. More people, more perspectives, more personalities, and more layers of coordination can sometimes mean it takes 2x-3x the effort to accomplish the same goal. That’s not unique to Rotary though, and I don’t necessarily view it as a flaw. In many ways, it’s simply the reality of scaling an organization. For me, though, it led to a simple question: Where could I make the greatest impact with the time and energy I had available? I wasn’t looking for a better mission, as Rotary’s mission and what it delivers to our community is incredible. I was looking for an organization where I could spend more of my time doing the service work itself, and less time navigating the politics and the process of getting it done. The answer had been sitting in front of me the whole time. ## Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **An Easy Yes** A few weeks after I stepped away from The Rotary Club, Nat from the [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) reached out. He heard I was no longer an active member of the club and asked if I'd ever consider serving on CRMA's Board of Directors. Nat had approached the topic earlier in the year as well, but I couldn’t commit back then as I was already fully dedicated to Rotary. This time was different, and his timing couldn’t have been better. Honestly, Nat’s call to serve didn't feel like an invitation to join something new. It felt like an invitation to formally join the team I'd already been quietly supporting for the past few years. It was an easy yes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_7972.jpeg) What started as a few neighbors, a boat, and a case of beer has now mobilized into an army of more than 7,500 volunteers. They’ve removed over 650,000 pounds of marine debris from the Florida Keys, pulled out more than 3.5 million feet of abandoned trap line, and hauled out everything from refrigerators and bicycles to fishing gear and mountains of plastic waste. But what actually inspires me most is the culture behind the effort; an organization built by people who saw a problem and took it upon themselves to solve it. Nearly 9 years later they’ve never once lost sight of why the organization exists. ### **What are People Really Buying from Me** The longer I work in the yacht brokerage business, the more I realize people aren't really buying yachts. They're buying quiet mornings at anchor in crystal-clear water. They're buying the chance to snorkel a healthy reef with their family followed by a cocktail on anchor in a place that still feels wild and uncharted. They're buying an experience that only exists because someone, somewhere, decided it was worth protecting. Living in the Florida Keys has made that impossible to ignore. You can't spend real time here without understanding how fragile this ecosystem actually is. The reefs, the mangroves, marine habitats, and everything they support aren't guaranteed; they're still here because enough people decided to care. ![a large body of water surrounded by land](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1709335658145-69519325cdd7?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE5fHxGbG9yaWRhJTIwUmVlZnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3ODU2MTk1NDR8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Florida Keys Photo Courtesy of [Julius Hildebrandt](https://unsplash.com/@julihi007?ref=scalingmasts.com) The longer I sit with that, the harder it becomes to separate my professional life from it. Helping someone find the right cruising catamaran is genuinely rewarding work. Doing my part to protect the waters they dream about exploring now feels just as important. ### **Where I Fit in at The CRMA** My role on the board won't involve hauling trap line out of the mangroves; I’ve got far too many physical ailments to do that labor-intensive work. My job will be helping build out strategic partnerships, awareness, fundraising, and long-term strategy that supports our volunteers in making a lasting impact on the waters and marine habitats of the Florida Keys. When I titled this piece "Why I Traded My Rotary Pin for Trash Bags," I wasn't suggesting one is better than the other. The Rotary pin represents a chapter I'll always be grateful for, and that helped me understand the true meaning of the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. The trash bag represents something different - action, stewardship, leaving a place a little better than I found it. My hope is that I’ve left Rotary with something positive and more beneficial than when it began, and that I can do the same thing as I transition my service work to the [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com). I now have the honor of helping guide an organization that lives out action and stewardship every single week in its clean-up efforts. And looking back, it feels like I've finally caught up to a journey that started a few years ago over a conversation with Brian Vest at a Rotary Club lunch meeting. If you’re already a [CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) supporter, thank you. You’re the reason this organization has grown from a handful of volunteers in Big Pine Key into a powerful force for protecting the Florida Keys. If you haven’t gotten involved yet, I’d encourage you to join us, whether that’s by volunteering at a weekly cleanup or making a donation. What many people don’t realize is that every cleanup mission costs about **$1,100** to put on, and that’s *after* generous donations of dockage and other in-kind support. From boat maintenance and fuel to captains, equipment, and the countless operating expenses behind the scenes, every dollar is put to work removing marine debris before it can do more damage to our reefs, wildlife, and shoreline. If this mission speaks to you, I’d be honored if you’d click below and join me in supporting the [Conch Republic Marine Army](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com). [Donate to CRMA](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/become-a-member?ref=scalingmasts.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1019.jpeg) Hundreds of pounds of debris removed by volunteers at Isla Bella ### 2021 Xquisite X5 Plus URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2021-xquisite-x5-plus-apres-ski/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:17:34.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **July 2026, Google Review** *"Scott and the Just Cats team are amazing. I highly recommend Scott if you are selling or buying a cat. His expertise and his network of people who can help get your boat sold is amazing."* **Dave Hill | Seller, SV APRES-SKI** ### **Image Gallery** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----3.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----5.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----10.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----14.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----15.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/APRES-SKI----23.jpeg) --- ### 2023 Leopard 45 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2023-leopard-45-r4ever/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:17:43.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **July 2026, Google Review** *“Had the absolute pleasure of working with Scott as our broker to sell our boat, and it was a flawless experience from the very first phone call to the completion of the sale. His advice was thorough, forward-thinking, and made a process that can often feel foreign and overwhelming run smoothly—and dare I say, enjoyably!* *Scott worked every angle, handling everything from dockage and cleanings to negotiations and proactive paperwork. Meanwhile, Laurent and the team worked seamlessly around the buyer's tight schedule for repairs. It was truly a dream experience. Was a white glove service from both Scott, Laurent, & the whole Just Cats team. I cannot recommend them enough!”* **Taylor Lizzadro | Seller, SV R4EVER** ### **Image Gallery** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----1-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----3.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----5.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----7.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----12.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----13.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----14.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/R4EVER----17.jpeg) --- ### 2000 Voyage 440 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2000-voyage-440/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T18:28:52.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **June 2026, Google Review** *"I was very pleased and impressed with the way Kyle Redding handled the selling of my catamaran. He made the whole experience a pleasure. Very professional and went well out of his way to make himself available to always personally be there to insure both the potential buyers as well as I always stayed informed and furnished with anything we might need. Kyle learned well from his protege Scott Mayer whom I worked with when I bought the boat Kyle sold. I would definitely recommend Just Catamarans and particularly Kyle and Scott to handle any boat sales anyone might be considering."* **James Neff | Seller, SV LEAP OF FAITH** ### **Listing Video** --- ### Voyage Yachts: Designed for The Bluewater Cruising Community URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/voyage-yachts-designed-for-the-bluewater/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T02:19:29.000Z There’s a moment offshore when conditions build and you find out what your boat is really made of. The wind kicks up, seas begin to stack, and the nearest land is far beyond the horizon; that’s when the difference becomes obvious, and that’s exactly what Voyage Yachts is known for. If you’ve spent any time cruising you’ve probably come across the name. Whether in an anchorage, offshore on passage, or at a boat show. Wherever they show up, Voyage sailing catamarans tend to get noticed, having carved out a well-respected, hard-earned place in the industry. ## Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Who is Voyage Yachts? The company was founded in 1994 by Tom Lubbe with a simple but important idea: build boats around what offshore sailors actually need. Not what sells best at a boat show, and not what looks good in a brochure, but what works. From the beginning with the Voyage 400, Voyage focused on bluewater capability and performance, but also didn’t force owners to choose between comfort and speed. At the time, most sailing catamarans leaned heavily one way or the other. Performance-driven designs that sacrificed livability, or comfortable floating homes that struggled to sail well. Voyage recognized that gap and built directly into it. The result is a line of catamarans that are strong enough for extended offshore passages, efficient enough to keep experienced sailors engaged, yet also comfortable enough to live aboard without feeling like you’ve given something up. Just as importantly, Voyage never chased volume. While other manufacturers scaled production, Voyage took a more deliberate approach, prioritizing build quality and long-term owner satisfaction. That philosophy led to a consistent lineup of capable and proven catamarans coupled with a reputation that’s been earned the hard way, over time and miles at sea. ### An Award-Winning Debut: The Voyage 440 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/77c9366f-0d87-4244-b1ce-f905d9659e29_4000x2250.png) 2000 Voyage 440 S/V LEAP OF FAITH... It can be argued that Voyage truly stepped into the spotlight with the debut of the [Voyage 440](https://youtu.be/veUkSrzl93Y?ref=scalingmasts.com). Building on the strong foundation of the Voyage 400, the 440 refined the earlier model’s strengths in livability, and offshore performance. In 2001, it made its debut at the Annapolis International Sailboat Show, one of the most competitive stages in the sailing world. I had my first experience working the Annapolis show last year as a yacht broker with Just Catamarans, and it’s hard to overstate the scale of this show. The docks are packed with both new and established builders from around the world, each unveiling their latest concepts and pushing aggressively to stand out from the crowd. That’s what makes what happened with the Voyage 440 so impressive. Right out of the gate, this catamaran didn’t just blend in like most boats at the show, it stood out from the crowd. In its first year, the 440 earned [Cruising World’s Best Overall Boat of the Year](https://www.cruisingworld.com/sailboats/voyage-440-0/?ref=scalingmasts.com), followed in 2002 by Best Cruising Multihull and Best Design of the Year. In a field filled with some of the most established names in sailing, the immediate recognition wasn’t just notable, it was a clear signal that Voyage had fundamentally hit the nail on the head. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/699e126b-f4b9-4288-8dc4-ddd41121011a_1344x256-jpeg.jpg)](https://justcatamarans.net/kyle-redding/?ref=scalingmasts.com) ### Expanding The Vision: The Voyage 580 and 590 Voyage didn’t stop with the 440\. Instead, they doubled down on what was working and continued to evolve their lineup. The Voyage 580 quickly followed and became another standout. Larger and more versatile, it was designed to serve both crewed charter and private cruisers. With multiple layout options and a reputation for capability, the 580 struck a balance that appealed to a wide range of sailors. In 2003, it earned Cruising World’s Best Cruising Multihull, reinforcing Voyage’s position as more than just a one-model success story. Years later, Voyage built on that foundation with the release of the 590\. With a more modern look and updated systems, the 590 carried forward the core strengths of the brand while refining the onboard experience. In 2022, it was named [Cruising World’s Charter Yacht of the Year](https://www.cruisingworld.com/sponsored-post/the-voyage-590-best-charter-boat-of-the-year/?ref=scalingmasts.com), further validating the direction Voyage had been moving for years. Taken together, these models tell a consistent story. Voyage wasn’t chasing trends or designing for the dock. They’re building catamarans for people who spend real time at sea, owners who cruise full-time over long distances, and require a balance of performance, comfort, and reliability they can count on. ### A Lasting Presence in the Market More than three decades after its founding, Voyage Yachts remains a recognizable and respected name in sailing. While many manufacturers have come and gone, Voyage has held its position in the multihull community by staying consistent in what it builds and who it builds for. Today, that focus continues with newer models like the Voyage 590 and the Voyage 510, introduced in 2025\. These boats carry forward Voyage’s core philosophy of performance-oriented cruising, while incorporating more modern systems, improved sail handling, and a cleaner, more contemporary design. Just as telling, though, is the strength of the pre-owned market. Earlier models, especially the Voyage 440, continue to attract serious sailors. Their durability and proven offshore track record still hold weight, and many buyers seek them out specifically for that reason. In a market where newer isn’t always better, that kind of long-term relevance says a lot. ### The Voyage Legacy In many ways, Voyage Yachts reflects the core of the bluewater cruising community. Whether you’re looking at newer models like the Voyage 590 and Voyage 510, or stepping aboard a proven classic like the Voyage 440, each one is built with a clear purpose, practical capability, thoughtful design, and the ability to handle real miles at sea. And that’s exactly why boats like the Voyage 440 continue to hold their place in today’s market. They’ve already proven what they’re capable of. For those looking to experience one of these legendary vessels firsthand, consider [LEAP OF FAITH](https://justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/voyage-440-leap-of-faith/?ref=scalingmasts.com), a 2000 Voyage 440 Owner’s Version located in St. Augustine, FL. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/4e383e94-7dbd-4963-b17c-155f4d626c26_4000x2250-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/69b563a5-7a65-4a68-a700-6ac58ec1b263_3664x2750-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/8bde4856-f2f0-4a5d-8f88-b95cf910c94b_3664x2750-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/7191f58b-1e47-425d-b59f-318cbbdbe047_3664x2750-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/29f65bd4-bd3b-4b91-be70-08a580ee49a4_3664x2750-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/318fa1f5-a24c-4069-8d2c-4750a6527dbc_3664x2750-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/99d6ab22-b881-4955-b4dc-0b16100ed03e_3664x2750-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/772de373-d92a-4107-9ff9-ea7fb34dc8c8_3664x2750-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/7f5c8188-0fee-4a56-8956-5cf572d4acd8_5712x4284-jpeg.jpg) 2000 Voyage 440 LEAP OF FAITH [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/3a11e7ab-06bb-4740-9753-9979f0b7ab54_1344x256-jpeg.jpg)](https://justcatamarans.net/kyle-redding/?ref=scalingmasts.com) ## Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 2022 Leopard 45 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2022-leopard-45-russian-dove/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:18:01.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **March 2026, Google Review** *"My wife Amy and I worked with Scott at Just Catamarans for several months while searching for and purchasing our Leopard 45, and we can’t say enough great things about the experience.* *From the beginning, Scott brought a huge amount of knowledge about catamarans, the market, and the buying process, which made a big difference for us as we worked through all the decisions. He was patient, never pushy, and always willing to explain the details so we understood exactly what we were getting into.* *One of the things that really stood out was his network. Scott had solid recommendations for everything a great surveyor, insurance, documentation, financing, yards, even new Code 0 sails and more. And every single person he connected us with turned out to be excellent. That alone made the process FAR less stressful than it could have been.* *Another big advantage was his connection to Just Catamarans. Because of that, we felt like we instantly had a support group for all things catamaran even after the purchase. Knowing we have experienced people we can call for advice, parts, service, or just general questions gave us a lot of peace of mind going into ownership.* *Buying a boat can be overwhelming, but Scott kept things moving, stayed on top of the details, and was always available when we had questions.* *We would absolutely work with him again and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a catamaran."* **Brian Martin | Buyer, SV RUSSIAN DOVE** ### **Survey & Sea Trial Photos** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/unnamed--1-.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/unnamed--2-.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/unnamed--3-.webp) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/unnamed.webp) --- ### 2021 Maverick 440 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2021-maverick-440-aurora/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:18:12.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **February 2026, Google Review** *"Highly recommend Scott! He helped us purchase AURORA while we were overseas. He managed the complex international process with ease and made everything feel simple and pleasant. Professionalism at its best!!"* **Hila Angelman | Buyer, SV AURORA** ### **Image Gallery** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------1-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------6.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------7.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------10.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------11.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------12.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------15.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------21.jpeg) --- ### 2021 Maverick 440 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2021-maverick-440/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:18:22.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **February 2026, Google Review** *"Scott made buying our boat, Aurora, from abroad an absolute pleasure. He provided incredible end-to-end service, handling every challenge with care and creative solutions. He truly goes above and beyond for his clients. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a seamless, professional experience!"* **Idan Angelman | C0-Buyer, SV AURORA** ### **Image Gallery** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------1-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------6.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------7.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------10.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------11.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------12.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------15.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------21.jpeg) --- ### 2021 Maverick 440 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2021-maverick-440-3/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:24:06.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **February 2026, Google Review** *"Scott Mayer from “Just Catamarans” was very helpful and knowledgable from the first step until closure.* *Throughout the process he was very patient and communicative, He’s definitely one of the best yacht brokers we’ve ever worked with!"* **Roi Ben Zvi | Buyer's Consultant, SV AURORA** ### **Image Gallery** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------1-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------6.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------7.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------10.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------11.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------12.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------15.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/AURORA------21.jpeg) --- ### From Mangrove Cleanups to Million-Dollar Catamarans URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/mangrove-cleanups-to-windelocatamarans/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T14:58:18.000Z Since its debut in 1970, the Annapolis Sailboat Show has marked the unofficial kickoff to boat-buying season. This year carried even more meaning for me personally, because it was my first boat show as a yacht broker. While I’ve been in the boat business for a number of years, I recently joined [Just Catamarans](https://justcatamarans.net/kyle-redding/?ref=scalingmasts.com), the exclusive North American dealer for [Windelo Catamarans](https://www.windelocatamarans.com/?ref=scalingmasts.com), and I was excited (and honestly a little nervous) to represent a brand I had admired long before landing in Annapolis this past October. “The deeper I went, the more I realized that Windelo is not simply building boats; they are reshaping the conversation around what boats can be.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c5941e6c-d86d-436f-9164-1449942bb663_5120x3412-jpeg-1.jpg) Photo courtesy of Uliana Tikhonova of Just Catamarans In the months leading up to the Annapolis Sailboat Show, I threw myself into Windelo’s world. I studied where the company came from, how their boats are built, and both how and why their mission balances performance and sustainability rather than choosing one over the other. I wanted to be ready for anything, from big-picture design philosophy to the finer construction details. The deeper I went, the more I realized that Windelo is not simply building boats; they are reshaping the conversation around what boats can be. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c4e5fc3b-2352-46e0-9df6-226fc6af0cd8_1344x256.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/kyle-redding/?ref=scalingmasts.com) When the show opened on October 9, all my preparation came to life. With seven years in the marine industry and a personal passion for environmental stewardship, representing Windelo felt like standing at the intersection of everything I care about: boats, technology, and conservation. I was able to share that passion in parallel with other visitors stepping aboard the Windelo 50 we had on display, as they came to realize just how thoughtfully designed and constructed these boats actually were. One of my favorite memories from the show was touring two materials engineers. As soon as I mentioned that the boat was built using basalt fiber (made from volcanic rock), their expressions changed from casual curiosity to total astonishment. When I added that the PET foam core is made from recycled plastic bottles, they were hooked. Their excitement reminded me of my own reaction when I first learned that what we as consumers use once and throw away, especially plastic bottles that often end up in our waterways, can be transformed into something strong, efficient, and capable of crossing oceans. That connection hit close to home for me. Living in Key West, I have had the opportunity to join [The Conch Republic Marine Army](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) for mangrove and beach cleanups. We haul out all sorts of trash from the ocean - from fish nets and packaging to bicycles and even refrigerators - but plastic bottles are oftentimes the most relentless offenders. They wedge into the mangrove roots, drift across the flats, and gather under docks; reminders of how easily our waste finds its way back to us. Seeing those same bottles reborn as PET foam inside a multi-million-dollar performance catamaran feels almost poetic. It’s one thing to recycle. It is another to transform waste into a platform that takes people deeper into the natural world they are trying to protect. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/71036977-6642-4470-9c72-61706cb47123_1320x1744-jpeg.jpg)](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com) Photo courtesy of The Conch Republic Marine Army ### A Catamaran Made from Rocks and Recycled Plastic The question came up a lot during the show: Why would anyone build a boat out of volcanic rock and recycled plastic bottles? The short answer is that it simply makes sense. Producing basalt fiber requires less energy than fiberglass, which lowers its environmental impact. It is also lighter, stronger, and more resistant to UV, heat, and chemicals. The technology isn’t new either. Paul Dhé patented basalt fiber in 1923, and both the United States and Soviet governments have been using it for aerospace and defense applications since the 1960s. Paired with PET foam made from recycled bottles, Windelo reduces construction emissions by roughly 47% compared to similar fiberglass boats. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c390f35e-1c66-44d7-92d8-ac590e261252_1440x960.webp) 3 phases of PET Foam | Photo courtesy of Windelo Catamarans The more I learned, the more the story resonated. For years I’ve been showing up at cleanups through various organizations, including [The Conch Republic Marine Army](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com), feeling proud but also conflicted. I was taking trash out of the ocean while working in an industry that produces plenty of it. Annapolis 2025 and Windelo changed all of that for me. Spending five days standing onboard a sailing catamaran built from the very materials I had seen trapped in mangroves and floating across the waters of the Florida Keys felt like a huge step in the right direction. As brokers, our job is to connect people with boats. This time, though, it felt bigger. It felt like I was helping people connect with a vision for what our industry could become. Looking back, my first boat show with [Windelo](https://www.windelocatamarans.com/?ref=scalingmasts.com) and [Just Catamarans](https://justcatamarans.net/?ref=scalingmasts.com) was more than just five days of tours and conversations. It was a turning point, a reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to mean compromise. With the right ideas, it can mean progress. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/e43666ad-2c23-42c2-945b-18f4221d4990_3020x1700-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/21dac114-6e7e-4e27-98c8-4c2023dc1476_2946x1656-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/a4bf8bec-38be-4f1c-bb8d-56a90c43efb0_3020x1696-jpeg.jpg) 2024 WIndelo 50 Yachting VAGABOND | Photos courtesy of Scott Mayer ### The Big Picture I could not have asked for a more passionate and welcoming team with Just Catamarans and Windelo, and I’m already counting down to my next opportunity to showcase these incredible boats and to help others find their passion for conservation. Whether I’m helping someone find the right Windelo catamaran or recruiting more bodies to help clean up our oceans with [The Conch Republic Marine Army](https://www.conchrepublicmarinearmy.org/?ref=scalingmasts.com), I’m simply happy to be where I am, making a meaningful impact. Originally from Pennsylvania, I grew up in the Boy Scouts, where the principle of “Leave No Trace” sparked my lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. Today in Key West, I try to live out that mission, on the water, in the mangroves, and now at boat shows. I believe the future of sailing can be both high-performance and environmentally responsible. It’s a future worth pursuing, and one that I’m proud to be part of. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c4e5fc3b-2352-46e0-9df6-226fc6af0cd8_1344x256-1.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/kyle-redding/?ref=scalingmasts.com) Thanks for reading Scaling Masts! This post is public so feel free to share it. ## Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Crowds to Cockpits: What Annapolis 2025 Revealed About the Future of Sailing URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/crowds-to-cockpits-what-annapolis/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:15.000Z It’s been just over two weeks since the boats sailed off and docks were disassembled, allowing Annapolis to slip back into its normal rhythm after the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show. Since then, I’ve spent most of my time finalizing new listings, catching up with clients and friends I met at the show, and just taking a minute to process the show as a whole. If I’m being 100% honest, heading into the Annapolis show this year my expectations were pretty low. The last 12 months or so, consumer confidence indexes have been either drifting down or wobbling around (depending on which index you follow), so I assumed attendance, and overall energy, might reflect that. But I was happily proven wrong almost immediately. Day 1 showed up strong - Annapolis showed us some perfect fall weather, the crowds were out in full force, and it turned into one of the busiest opening days I can remember. Each year I usually cover the Annapolis Sailboat Show as a whole, highlighting standout boats and brands, new technologies, and innovative accessories. This time, though, the Windelo 50 display kept me so busy that I barely had time to grab a sandwich, let alone walk the docks. From what I heard though, the show was exceptional. Since I didn’t get to explore much beyond the Just Catamarans + Windelo display, today I’ll focus on what turned out to be the most talked about feature on the private tours I conducted of the Windelo 50. Over the past several sailboat shows representing Windelo, I’ve spent most of my time introducing sailors to the company’s history, what the brand represents, and how the technology works: its mission, sustainable construction materials and methods, and the innovative DNA that goes into each and every hull. But this show felt much different. For the first time I can recall, visitors were largely already familiar with Windelo, and came by specifically to check out the features that intrigued them most. From engine bays that are more like storage bays, to massive lithium power banks and solar panel arrays, we covered everything under the sun. The single feature that seemed to draw more interest and attention than anything else though, was the protected forward cockpit. [Subscribe now](https://www.scalingmasts.com/subscribe) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/0183baf7-c6ae-4f3c-9f98-9f716aed7e42_3840x2160-jpeg.jpg) 2024 Windelo 50 Yachting S/V VAGABOND forward cockpit ### Designed for Short-handed Sailing With dual helms and the option for dual navigation stations, plus electric winches and all the control lines leading directly into the forward cockpit, short-handed sailing on a Windelo is simply enjoyable. The workflow is intuitive; everything you need is close, organized, and sheltered from the elements, which means fewer trips, and in most cases, no trips up on deck. Functionally, that equates to far less drama when the breeze kicks up unexpectedly, which leads me to reefing. Reefing is one of the most notable for me as a solo sailor. On a Windelo it’s a quick and confident choice to reef rather than an internal debate on pros/cons vs. effort. When it comes to managing sail trim, after a few times out on the water it’ll feel like part of your natural rhythm rather than a chore. The result is a cockpit and control station that encourages smart decisions to take place earlier, and keeps you fully engaged with the fun part, sailing! Simply put, for solo or short-handed sailors, the layout of the Windelo forward cockpit builds trust, minimizes stress, and makes stretching your horizons a pleasant part of the experience. ### Systems Monitoring at Your Fingertips The forward cockpit also gives you direct access to core systems without ever leaving your dry, protected workspace. Everything is centralized, so checking battery and solar charging status, toggling between navigation systems, and even turning lights on and off throughout the boat, becomes a seamless part of your everyday flow and rhythm. From evaluating your battery levels heading into an overnight sail and activating hydrogeneration, to transferring fuel and monitoring weather and wind conditions, the information you need is right where you’re already working. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference, especially when you’re on an offshore passage, on watch, or short-handed: fewer steps, fewer distractions, and a stronger sense of control over the entire boat. ### Center of Gravity for a Stable Sail One of my personal favorite features of the forward cockpit is its relationship to the boats center of gravity. On a Windelo, the forward cockpit sits just forward of the salon and galley, placing it just inches from the boat’s natural balance point. Because this is one of the most stable areas of the boat, you feel less motion when working sails, adjusting systems, or standing watch. To someone like me who suffers from motion sickness in heavier conditions, that stability matters in a big way. It is yet another small design feature that pays off every time you step forward to handle the boat, especially in heavier weather conditions. ### 360 Degree Protected View One of the things I heard most from visitors was that they were surprised with the view from the forward cockpit since it sits forward and at deck level rather than perched above like most other sailing catamarans. When you choose the U-shaped galley layout with the larger bulkhead windows, you gain an almost full-circle line of sight from both helm stations, making it easy to keep an eye on your sails, the foredeck, the salon, and the water around you all at the same time. And now with Dockmate available as an upgrade, you can step anywhere on the boat while docking and position yourself from the vantage point you’re most comfortable operating from. On a personal note, it took me only once docking this boat to get comfortable with the view from the cockpit. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/09412bc9-ed73-4e4e-a67f-f53d3e00eed1_3840x2160-jpeg.jpg) 2024 Windelo 50 Yachting VAGABOND ### Connectedness to Life Onboard One of the most visible benefits of the Windelo forward cockpit is how it naturally connects to life onboard. It’s not a separate work station like on many production catamarans. And unlike most of the performance catamarans out there, line handling is protected and integrated into the living space, but is easily separated if necessary using sliding doors. The indoor/outdoor forward cockpit opens into the salon and galley through these doors, so the skipper, whether trimming sails, adjusting daggerboards, reefing, or anchoring, remains part of the conversation onboard. On most sailing catamarans, skippers feel cut off while at the helm or line handling, and only rejoin the group once they reach their destination or when someone relieves them from watch duties. The forward cockpit changes all of that. It supports the social side of cruising without sacrificing anything operationally, allowing for a sense of connection that makes long passages, mooring, and day to day life feel more communal, calm, and enjoyable. ## The Big Picture The Windelo 50 forward cockpit drew more interest than any other feature onboard at the boat show. It represents the evolution so many sailors came searching for: practical innovation that makes sailing easier, safer, and more enjoyable, but without sacrificing the journey that all of us sailors dream about. Standing there, you could sense how this single design choice completely reshapes life at sea. From trimming, anchoring, and reefing, to socializing from one protected space that keeps you connected to the water and life aboard, rather than separated from it. The 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show made one thing clear: the future of sailing will be defined not just by speed or style, but by thoughtful design that brings sailors closer to the experience and those they choose to share it with. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/2487ead8-9b74-4775-be66-6ec6d7f3cd34_1344x256-1.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/?ref=scalingmasts.com) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## Pre-owned Windelo 50 Yachting Opportunity **VAGABOND**, a 2024 Windelo 50 Yachting, is the first ever pre-owned Windelo 50 Version 2 to hit market! I’m excited to showcase this listing for those in the market to **take immediate delivery** of a lightly sailed, very well-equipped Windelo 50. Below are some of VAGABOND’s most notable features: - 4-cabin/2-head w/full skipper forepeak cabin + L-shaped galley layout - Port forward cabin includes home office setup with 2 fold-out beds - Award-winning Windelo forward cockpit design - Full-batten squaretop mainsail, solent, Code 0, and Gennaker - Garmin full electronics and navigation package - Air conditioning throughout cabins and living spaces - 56 kWh + 7.5 kWh LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) battery banks w/4,516W of solar ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/df024002-e67b-413b-a477-f1cbfecc2069_3020x1700-jpeg-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/f261e25d-71fa-480e-babc-636279253fe3_2946x1656-jpeg-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/5a8e6ec2-8295-4aa5-9dbd-639f1af23bfc_3840x2160-jpeg-1.jpg) [See VAGABOND Listing Details](https://justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/windelo-50-vagabond/?ref=scalingmasts.com) ### The 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show is Here URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/the-2025-annapolis-sailboat-show/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:19.000Z **Tomorrow is Day 1 of the annual Annapolis Sailboat Show, and the unofficial start of the buying/selling season! Scott, Kyle, and the rest of the Just Catamarans and Windelo team will be available throughout the show!** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/2b9a82ac-6d17-4e00-bbf9-f89a5c50bd88_1210x420-jpeg.jpg) It feels like we just wrapped up the 2024 Annapolis Sailboat Show, yet here we are again, October 2025, putting the final touches on what we hope will be the best show yet! As I write this, part of the Windelo team is already in Annapolis positioning the Windelo 50 Adventure for display, while myself, Kyle, the rest of the Just Catamarans crew is en route — flying, driving, and gearing up for another exciting week in historic Annapolis, where sailing roots run deep. The show kicks off **October 9–12**, and if you haven’t made a plan of attack yet, now’s the time. The docks can get busy fast, and having a short list of must-see boats, accessories, and service partners will help you make the most of your time. If you’re in the market, it’s also a prime opportunity to lock in some of the best boat show deals of the year…deals that won’t be available once the tents come down and the docks move out. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/45776cae-4ef6-4fc8-b7d7-7f8377afca66_1175x985-1.png) ## What We’ll Do on the Docks I’ll be at the show with Kyle Redding, one of the newest brokers to join the Just Catamarans and Scaling Masts team, along with our colleagues from Just Catamarans and Windelo. Together we’ll be hosting guided walkthroughs of the Windelo 50, showcasing some of the most innovative sailing and boat-building technology in the world, and talking through real-world Windelo ownership scenarios. - **Windelo 50 Private tours** ➡️ Layout choices, helm ergonomics, forward-cockpit workflow, energy systems. - **The 51 and 55 Sport** ➡️ These new high performance models evolve the Windelo 50 and 54 product-line, and the brand’s future-minded energy management and construction platform with a focus on environmental consciousness, luxury accommodations, and most of all sailing performance. - **The 58 and 62** ➡️ From world renown naval architects Christophe Barreau and Frederic Neumann, comes a series of larger performance catamarans with Windelo’s award winning forward cockpit along with the same performance, environmental focus, and value as prior models in the 50 - 55 foot range. ## From Production Catamaran to Windelo 50: A Smart, Manageable Step If you’re comparing the usual **45-50 foot range production catamarans** (Lagoon 450, Leopard 45, Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47, etc.), the shift to a **Windelo 50** is shorter than it may seem, and often less expensive from a total cost of ownership perspective! - **A footprint you can manage.** On a Windelo 50 you’ll gain volume and range without the typical complexity that comes alongside most larger catamarans. Docking and deck workflow stay approachable, aided by Windelo’s breakthrough and intuitive forward cockpit. - **Performance you can feel.** Hulls designed for performance and efficiency keep passages quiet, smooth, and calm, with the sailing “feel” many buyers miss in heavier production catamarans from Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, and Lagoon. - **Reduced operating costs.** Windelo’s practical and proven Bellmarine electric drive architecture means ZERO fuel burn and virtually no routine maintenance compared to comparable catamarans with twin diesels and saildrives. Net savings will vary based on your operating profile, but just know there are Windelo owners who have crossed oceans without using an ounce of diesel fuel! Beyond the fuel and maintenance savings, rest assured those owners enjoyed sailing more, and performed frustrating boat yoga in the engine bays….never. Suffice it to say, if you’re considering a new or used 45-50 foot production sailing catamaran, you might want to swing over to see Just Catamarans and Windelo on C-Dock at the Annapolis Sailboat Show for a free private tour of the Windelo 50 Adventure. [Book a Windelo 50 Tour](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/cbdd8c948da24b6e923e8cb2a5929d89@Justcatamarans.net?ref=scalingmasts.com) ## Pre-owned Windelo 50 Yachting Opportunity **VAGABOND**, a 2024 Windelo 50 Yachting, is the first ever pre-owned Windelo 50 Version 2 to hit market! I’m excited to showcase this listing for those in the market to **take immediate delivery** of a lightly sailed, very well-equipped Windelo 50. Below are some of VAGABOND’s most notable features: - 4-cabin/2-head w/full skipper forepeak cabin + L-shaped galley layout - Port forward cabin includes home office setup with 2 fold-out beds - Award-winning Windelo forward cockpit design - Full-batten squaretop mainsail, solent, Code 0, and Gennaker - Garmin full electronics and navigation package - Air conditioning throughout cabins and living spaces - 56 kWh + 7.5 kWh LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) battery banks w/4,516W of solar ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/df024002-e67b-413b-a477-f1cbfecc2069_3020x1700-jpeg-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/f261e25d-71fa-480e-babc-636279253fe3_2946x1656-jpeg-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/5a8e6ec2-8295-4aa5-9dbd-639f1af23bfc_3840x2160-jpeg-2.jpg) [See VAGABOND Listing Details](https://justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/windelo-50-vagabond/?ref=scalingmasts.com) ## Like-new Mystique Silhouette 800 **SKYE**, a 5 stateroom performance-oriented luxury sailing catamaran was custom built for high-end yacht charter or long-range private cruising. She also just had a massive $246,000 price reduction last week! SKYE is ideal for Caribbean cruising, long passages, or launching a premium charter program. Below are some of SKYE'’s most notable features: - U.S. importation duty/tariffs paid - 5 dual-occupancy luxury staterooms + crew quarters for 5 - 1,000Ah of lithium on a 24v system - Fully equipped with galleyware, linens, and essentials – ready to cruise day one! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/64eb1035-3df9-436f-9bf8-f6db3871772a_5272x2962-jpeg-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/acf5f95e-b707-422d-90bb-10c3e9450eb8_8640x5760-jpeg-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/ed5dd49f-6a73-4b4e-bc84-6d6d0ae80077_8640x5760-jpeg-1.jpg) [See SKYE Listing Details](https://justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/2023-mystique-silhouette-800-skye/?ref=scalingmasts.com) ## Leopard 45 Pricing Guide | 2025 - 2026 [**Kyle Redding**](https://justcatamarans.net/kyle-redding/?ref=scalingmasts.com) takes us through the latest on Leopard 45 resale trends with his 2025–2026 Leopard 45 pricing guide, based on real sales data in North America and the Caribbean. From charter models to top-tier owners’ versions, Kyle’s report reveals key value drivers for both buyers and sellers to know, such as charter history, premium upgrades (solar, lithium, etc.), and how “U.S. duty paid” status can change the marketability of a Leopard 45\. If you’re planning to sell, knowing which tier your Leopard 45 falls into, and how to strategically position your listing, can dramatically shorten days on market and maximize your sales price. If you’re looking to buy, understanding which tier your budget falls into can help you hone in on the right model quickly. [Read Kyle's Pricing Guide](https://www.scalingmasts.com/p/leopard-45-pricing-guide-2025-2026) ## Not Ready to Buy? Still Swing By! You don’t need to be “ready to buy” to get together at the show. If you’re weighing **Windelo** against other brands, or if you’re genuinely curious about about buying or selling, swing by and ask for Scott or Kyle! - **Dates:** October 9–12, 2025 - **Windelo 50 On Display:** Dock C - **Sales/Brokerage Booth:** Tent AB 5-7 - Kyle’s Sales Booth Availability: Saturday, October 11 10:00am - 12:30pm - Scott’s Sales Booth Availability: Saturday, October 11 2:00pm - 6:30pm - **Tickets:** [Click here!](https://annapolisboatshows.ticketspice.com/annapolis-sailboat-show?ref=scalingmasts.com) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/2487ead8-9b74-4775-be66-6ec6d7f3cd34_1344x256-2.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/?ref=scalingmasts.com) Click the image above to book a Windelo 50 Adventure tour with Scott ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/5640e8c7-4786-4592-bc81-b2ec75602941_1344x256-1.png) Click the image above to book a Windelo 50 Adventure tour with Kyle ### Leopard 45 Pricing Guide | 2025 - 2026 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/leopard-45-pricing-guide-2025-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-12T02:20:05.000Z The Leopard 45 is easily one of the most popular and recognizable catamarans on the water, and rightly so. First introduced at the Annapolis boat show in 2016, it was designed by Simonis & Voogd and built by the world-renowned Robertson and Caine. Not long after, it was awarded [Cruising World’s Best Charter Boat of the Year](https://www.cruisingworld.com/best-charter-boat-2017?ref=scalingmasts.com) (2017) thanks to its balanced performance, comfortable living quarters, and abundant outdoor lounging areas. Since its arrival, the Leopard 45 has built a solid reputation as one of the most well-balanced cruising catamarans in its class, striking the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and innovative design. The goal of this article is to give sellers a clear picture of the Leopard 45’s current market value and the factors that drive pricing. All data being utilized has been sourced from BoatWizard’s ProSeller Platform**,** covering all 14 Leopard 45 listings sold across North America and the Caribbean in the past 12 months. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/233ad014-c833-4c54-8595-222ddcc682bc_2050x1153-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c5e671d9-dacd-4597-938e-8a5527108fba_2864x1610-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/180a2ff3-850a-44e7-884f-1351e9744912_1182x665-jpeg.jpg) ### Market Tiers Overview The pre-owned Leopard 45 market separates into three tiers ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/71f574c3-50a9-4dc2-9b59-c321fbe2a58c_936x168-jpeg.jpg) #### Tier 3: $380,000 - $420,000 At the bottom of the market are the basic Leopard 45s, most of which have spent considerable time in charter service. As a result, they show heavier wear and come with minimal upgrades. Within this tier, all seven vessels share near identical layouts and equipment, either the 4-cabin/4-head or 4-cabin/5-head configurations built for charter use. They are outfitted with standard AGM battery banks and lack the higher-value upgrades today’s buyers are looking for. For example, a 2019 model in Rodney Bay sold at the very bottom of the market for $380,000 after sitting for 868 days. This calls attention to the direct correlation between a vessel’s time on the market and the final selling price. By comparison, the fastest-selling Leopard in this tier was a 2020 model, also in Rodney Bay, which sold for $420,000 after 300 days. **Average days on market (DOM):** 517 Days **Key Insights:** - Heavily chartered, minimally upgraded boats are the slowest movers on the market. - As the days on market increases, the price buyers are willing to pay decreases. At the same time, the seller’s carrying costs continue to rise. Learn more about this concept in Scott Mayer’s article entitled [*The Catamaran Sales Smoothie: Blending for Success*](https://www.scalingmasts.com/the-catamaran-sales-smoothie/)*.* #### Tier 2: $420,000 - $689,000 While the most recently sold Leopard 45s fall clearly into either the top or bottom tier, two vessels land in the middle of the data. Like those in Tier 3, these boats spent time in charter fleets and lacked major high-value upgrades. Both were listed in Road Town: a 2020 model that was professionally crewed and well maintained, sold for $460,000 after 244 days on the market. A 2018 model with a similar history and described as being in “very good condition” sold for $450,000 after 588 days. This suggests that while better vessel conditions can command a slight increase in value, extended time on the market is still common at this tier. **Average Days on Market (DOM):** 416 days **Key Insights:** - Being well maintained adds some value, but not much. Even what was described as “very good condition” only brought a minor bump in price. - This tier represents a middle zone. Not upgraded enough to reach the top tier, but in better shape than the bottom tier. #### Tier 1: $689,000 - $784,000 At the top of the market sit the premium Leopard 45s: newer builds, owners’ versions, and heavily upgraded private boats. All of which benefitted from having U.S. import duties paid, which significantly boosted their value and broadened the buyer pool. For example, a 2020 owners’ version in Fort Lauderdale sold for $689,000 in just 99 days, thanks to high value upgrades like lithium, and solar. A 2021 owners’ version, with U.S. import duties paid, reached $700,000 after only 48 days on the market. At the top, a 2022 model in Fort Lauderdale reached $784,000 after just 59 days, highlighting how newer, fully equipped and imported boats consistently command the highest resale values with minimal time on the market. **Average Days on Market (DOM):** 52 days **Key Insights:** - 3 cabin Owners’ Versions consistently outperform 4-cabin layouts in resale value. - Premium upgrades (solar, lithium, watermakers, Starlink, advanced electronics) not only boost sale prices but also drastically shorten the time on the market - “U.S. duty paid” status is one of the most significant price drivers in today’s market, and vessels that have proof of importation are consistently seen as more valuable to buyers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c6d0cf14-01ff-4219-a1fd-f59419e403b3_956x550-jpeg.jpg) ## Final Thoughts for Sellers The pre-owned Leopard 45 market divides clearly into three tiers. At the bottom are 4-cabin models with extensive charter histories. These vessels sell in the low $400,000s and often spend a year or more on the market. The middle tier consists of 4-cabin models that were well maintained during their charter service, achieving slightly higher prices, but still spend significant time on the market. At the top are premium, private owners’ versions that have never been chartered, commanding $689,000 and above often selling within just a few months. **Key considerations for sellers:** - Accurately position your vessel within the appropriate tier. Mispricing leads to prolonged time on the market and lower final offers. - Limit charter exposure, as charter history is consistently tied to reduced resale values. - Prioritize targeted upgrades that deliver measurable returns such as solar and lithium. - Capitalize on “U.S. duty paid” status when applicable, as it significantly broadens the buyer pool. - Work with a broker who understands these factors, ensuring your vessel is positioned on the market to achieve the best possible outcome. Understanding these established market patterns enables sellers to maximize the sold price of their vessel while minimizing time on the market. While the figures presented here represent current conditions, they are subject to change as economic, geopolitical, and market dynamics evolve. What remains consistent are the valuation methods themselves, which provide a reliable framework for assessing pricing across all makes, models, and cycles. [Click here](mailto:kyle@justcatamarans.net?subject=I%27m%20Interested%20in%20a%20FREE%20Leopard%2045%20Valuation&body=Hi%20Kyle%2C%0A%0AI%27d%20like%20to%20take%20you%20up%20on%20the%20offer%20to%20receive%20a%20free%20valuation%20on%20my%20Leopard%2045.) to request a free valuation of your Leopard 45! [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/3c22d9eb-24b0-4597-b74e-715cc5f12979_1344x256.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/kyle-redding/?ref=scalingmasts.com) ## Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Buyer in the Search Process URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/buyer-searching/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:29:58.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **September 2025, Google Review** *"We love Scott Mayer! We would highly recommend Scott as a buyer side boat agent for his professionalism, knowledge, and the fact that he is not pushy. We flew down from Canada and had the pleasure of spending 2 days with Scott as he showed us inventory all around south Florida. He managed to fit us in around a major boat show commitment and made us feel welcome and valued. Scott made a significant effort to make sure that we saw a number of boats to make the right decision. One boat came close to an offer, but Scott was worried about undersized engines, and he took the time to get one of engine guys from Just Cats on the phone - who agreed with Scott's initial thought.* *We did not buy on that trip, but Scott was clear about needing to understand our requirements, preferences and price point so that he could find us the best option. He never tried to push us above the we were comfortable with. We thoroughly enjoyed our two days with Scott - and our sense is that he wants to get to know his clients and deliver a highly personalized service. This is not a sales job type of guy. We highly recommend Scott and truly value our relationship with him! Gavin and Ellen Embury, Calgary, Alberta, Canada"* **Gavin and Ellen Embury | Buyer** --- ### Join me in Annapolis October 9 - 12, 2025 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/join-me-in-annapolis-october-9-12/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:24.000Z **Before we get deep into the upcoming United States Sailboat Show, let’s do a quick 2025 Market Check**… ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/2b9a82ac-6d17-4e00-bbf9-f89a5c50bd88_1210x420-jpeg-2.jpg) It’s been an interesting year to say the least - inventory swings, cautious buyers and sellers, and several market resets amid an ever-changing political and economic climate. That said, the past month shows stability and traction returning to the catamaran market. Several headline tariff negotiations are nearing conclusion, alongside diplomatic summits aimed at bringing major global conflicts to an end - all of which should boost **consumer confidence** and shorten listing-to-offer timelines for boats that are priced and marketed appropriately. Recent July activity, such as [Uliana Tikhonova’s July 2025 Brokerage Report](https://justcatamarans.net/july-in-numbers-back-in-business/?ref=scalingmasts.com), also point to more qualified inquiries and value concentrating in well-known brands. This is typically a pattern that precedes steadier pricing going into prime buying/selling season. With less than **45 days** until the **United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis (Oct 9–12)**, it’s a great time to tighten up your plans with a shortlist of options so you can identify the right boat, new or used, and pull the trigger with confidence. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/249c6b00-51e6-451f-bc64-6f00d752ab75_2086x1264.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/july-in-numbers-back-in-business/?ref=scalingmasts.com) Click on the image above to see Uliana Tikhonova’s full July 2025 Market Overview ## From Production Catamarans to a Windelo 50: A Smart, Manageable Step If you’re comparing the usual **45-50 foot range production catamarans** (Lagoon 450, Leopard 45, Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47, etc.), the move to a **Windelo 50 Adventure** is smaller than it looks, and often less expensive in the long run! - **A footprint you can manage.** On a Windelo 50 you’ll gain volume and range without the typical complexity that comes alongside most larger catamarans. Docking and deck workflow stay approachable, aided by Windelo’s breakthrough and intuitive forward cockpit. - **Performance you can feel.** Hulls designed for performance and efficiency keep passages quiet, smooth, and calm, with the sailing “feel” many buyers miss in heavier production catamarans from Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, and Lagoon. - **Reduced operating costs.** Windelo’s practical and proven Bellmarine electric drive architecture means ZERO fuel burn and virtually no routine maintenance compared to comparable catamarans with twin diesels and saildrives. Net savings will vary based on your operating profile, but just know there are Windelo owners who have crossed oceans without using an ounce of diesel fuel! Beyond the fuel and maintenance savings, rest assured those owners enjoyed sailing more, and performed frustrating boat yoga in the engine bays….never. Suffice it to say, if you’re considering a new or used 45-50 foot production sailing catamaran, you might want to swing over to see Just Catamarans and Windelo on C-Dock at the Annapolis Sailboat Show for a free private tour of the Windelo 50 Adventure. [Book a Windelo 50 Tour](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/cbdd8c948da24b6e923e8cb2a5929d89@Justcatamarans.net?ref=scalingmasts.com) ## What We’ll Do on the Docks I’ll be at the show with my **Just Catamarans** and **Windelo** colleagues, holding **guided walkthroughs** to showcase some of the world’s most innovative sailing and boat-building technologies, and talking through real-world Windelo ownership scenarios. - **Private tours:** layout choices, helm ergonomics, forward-cockpit workflow, energy systems. - **What’s next at Windelo:** the **51** and **55 Sport** ➡️ these new models evolve the Windelo product-line, and the brand’s future-minded energy management and construction platform with a focus on environmental consciousness, luxury accommodations, and sailing performance. [Book a Windelo 50 Tour](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/cbdd8c948da24b6e923e8cb2a5929d89@Justcatamarans.net?ref=scalingmasts.com) ## Pre-owned Windelo 50 Yachting Opportunity In about a week I’ll be visiting **VAGABOND**, a 2024 Windelo 50 Yachting that will be hitting the market in September. I’m excited to showcase this listing for those in the market to **take immediate delivery** of a like-new and very well-optioned Windelo 50. Below are some of VAGABOND’s most notable features: - 4-cabin/2-head w/full skipper forepeak cabin + L-shaped galley layout - Port forward cabin includes home office setup with 2 fold-out beds - Award-winning Windelo forward cockpit design - Full-batten squaretop mainsail, solent, Code 0, and Gennaker - Garmin full electronics and navigation package - Air conditioning throughout cabins and living spaces - 56 kWh + 7.5 kWh LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) battery banks w/4,516W of solar ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/512ba52a-8ce6-4a70-887d-7fecac876c30_1344x256.png) [Get More VAGABOND Info…](mailto:scott@justcatamarans.net) ## Not Ready to Buy? Swing By Anyway! You don’t need to be “ready to buy” to get together at the show. If you’re weighing **Windelo** against **Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, HH, Outremer,** etc., I’ll give you a **straight and honest data-driven** take on trade-offs, performance, carry costs, and resale expectations, so you can weigh this option against your objectives and ultimately make a decision that is best for you. Or, if you’re simply just curious about some of the advanced tech that Windelo has brought to market, just swing by and ask for Scott! - **Dates:** October 9–12, 2025 - **Location:** Dock C at The United States Sailboat Show, Annapolis, MD - **Tickets:** [Click here!](https://annapolisboatshows.ticketspice.com/annapolis-sailboat-show?ref=scalingmasts.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/09ff6ced-0a8c-41a0-9f8a-0194550d32b0_942x783.png) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/2487ead8-9b74-4775-be66-6ec6d7f3cd34_1344x256-3.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/?ref=scalingmasts.com) Click the image above to see Scott’s active listings and biography ### 2011 Lagoon 400 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2011-lagoon-400/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:37:04.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **August 2025, Google Review** *"Thank you Just Catamarans for having such a professional broker on your team. Scott Mayer, my broker, the consummate professional from initial contact through closing.* *Like so many other people, I found my Lagoon catamaran while browsing listings. I was in the Philippines when I sent my first inquiry to Scott and the boat in Virgina. I figured I wouldn't get a response right away but Scott proved me wrong.* *After many communications, I realized Scott had a strong background with sailing and catamarans, just the type of broker I was looking for to guide me through a known to be very complicated processes. My purchase was further complicated since I opted to register in the Marshall Islands. Scott met me at the boat when I flew back to the states. After doing my due diligence, I decided that this was the boat for me. Scott took point for the many people which needed to be involved from initail offer, deposit escrow, inspections, insurance requirements, sea trial then on to final closing. Scott's professionalism and expert assistance got the job done even though i'm known to be difficult in such situations. When an issue did arise, Scott explained thoroughly my options and what needed to be accomplished to resolve the issue as efficiently as possible. Just Catamarans, thank you again for having a great broker. Thank you Scott, for being such a professional and knowledgeable broker and making my purchase happen smoothly."* **JN | Buyer, SV ALYTES** ### **Image Gallery** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/-OLD--1--PROFILE-PIC.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/3.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/5.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/7.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/8.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/9.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/11.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/18.jpeg) Lising Images for 2011 Lagoon 400 ALYTES --- ### 2017 Leopard 40 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2017-leopard-40/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T19:51:26.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **July 2025, Google Review** *"We are so grateful to have had the pleasure of working with Scott throughout our boat buying experience. He has a wealth of knowledge about boats that was super helpful when searching for the right vessel. He was always quick to respond and kept us very well informed, happy to talk with us no matter how often we were calling him. He truly had our backs and we appreciated that. Thank you for everything Scott!"* **David & Sheryl Greenbury | Buyer, SV KING TIDE** ### **Listing Images** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005167910.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168218.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168241.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168243.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168247.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168262.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168264.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168266.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/0005168267.jpg) --- ### Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/fountaine-pajot-elba-45/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T20:46:20.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **June 2025, Google Review** *"There were a lot of moving parts to our purchase and a tight time frame. Scott stayed on top of everything and everyone to get the deal done. We honestly couldn't have succeeded in purchasing our dream boat without him. I texted him once we arrived to pick up our new boat: "We are sitting on the boat right now, trying to convince ourselves that this really is our boat. It's a dream come true and we couldn't have done it without you."* **Holli & David Gibson | Buyer, SV ST NICHOLAS** --- ### 2014 Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2014-fountaine-pajot-lipari-41/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T12:48:30.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **May 2025, Google Review** *"It is hard to fully articulate what an amazing experience we had buying our boat with the help of Scott at Just Catamarans. From our initial conversation until closing day Scott was always available, helpful, honest, and just a great human to work with. We were nervous to say the least going into our first boat purchase and Scott made every decision and step along the way seamless. When we had questions on anything, Scott had the answer, and if he didn't he would find the right person to ask. We can not recommend Just Catamarans and Scott Mayer more for your boat buying needs!"* **Hillary Fuller | Buyer, SV UNLEASHED** ### **Listing Images** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6621.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6723.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6725.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6741.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6745.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6763.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6780.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/Profile-Pic-2-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/PROFILE-PIC.JPEG) --- ### 2014 Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2014-fountaine-pajot-lipari-41-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:34:56.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **May 2025, Google Review** *"Our broker Scott Mayer was super responsive from the first contact and did a great job helping us navigate through the inevitable twists and turns that come with listing while living aboard and cruising through multiple countries. Scott connected us with the perfect buying couple who shared our sailing style. We felt good about selling our boat to someone who would love it and care for it as much as we did, and we are confident that Scott matched the buyers with the right boat to help them meet their cruising goals."* **Rich Lundy | Seller, SV UNLEASHED** ### **Image Gallery** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/Profile-Pic-2-2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6621-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6649.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6656.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6661.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6723-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6745-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6763-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6768.jpeg) 2014 Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 Listing Images --- ### The Lacey Act and Foreign-Built Vessels URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/the-lacey-act-and-sailing-catamarans/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:27.000Z Importing a foreign-built boat into the United States used to be fairly straightforward. Fill out a form, pay the duty, get an Entry Summary, known as Form 7501, to prove it, and you were in business. But that changed with the 2008 amendment to the Lacey Act, an obscure law that now adds a critical layer of environmental compliance to the importation process, and it’s catching many boat sellers, buyers, and brokers off-guard. If you’re considering importing a Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, Nautitech, Bali, Outremer, Knysna, Windelo, or any other foreign-built catamaran, it’s essential to understand how this law works, and how it could impact your ability to bring that boat into the U.S. [Subscribe now](https://www.scalingmasts.com/subscribe) ### A Brief History of the Lacey Act The Lacey Act was enacted in 1900 to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in the United States. It’s one of the oldest wildlife protection laws in the country[1](#footnote-1). But it wasn’t until 2008 that the Lacey Act was significantly amended to include plants and plant products, such as wood-based goods. Following the 2008 amendments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) adopted a phased rollout strategy to enforce the new requirements, which began applying to the marine industry starting in December 2024.[2](#footnote-2) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/39425207-22c4-44e7-b8f1-588c20ef1e60_4808x3606-jpeg-1.jpg) The updated law makes it illegal to import products made from illegally sourced wood into the U.S. The goal was to reduce illegal logging and associated supply chains around the world. It also aims at protecting forests and endangered wildlife that rely on them, but can also be used for political reasons as a means of placing embargoes on products from certain countries under the guise of environmental protection. The profound effect on industries outside of logging has been significant, and include musical instruments such as guitars, home furniture and furnishings, picture frames, and now boats. ### From Guitars to Catamarans: The Unexpected Impact The first industry to feel the weight of the amended Lacey Act was the musical instrument industry. Companies were raided by federal authorities and fined for importing wood into the U.S. that didn’t meet the documentation requirements, even if the wood was harvested years earlier. Gibson Guitars is the most well known to feel the pain of the Lacey Act, which included a raid on its Nashville location in both 2009 and 2011, resulting in over $600,000 in fines, confiscated products, and penalties payable to U.S. Fish & Wildlife for service and awareness programs.[3](#footnote-3) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/74ea4336-6e21-4d26-9a16-0c7a5e0f76ba_6048x4024-jpeg.jpg) Today, a similar problem is hitting the boating industry, particularly in the world of sailing catamarans, where boats are often built overseas using a variety of wood products sourced globally. This is where it gets complicated: As of December 2024 The US Department of Agriculture now requires importers to file a Lacey Act Declaration for vessels, identifying the species and country of harvest for every type of wood used in the build, and to also identify where that piece of wood is located on or in the boat, how much was used, and the value[4](#footnote-4). Much of the wood used on boats, especially older boats, are not easily accessible either, so if the manufacturer doesn’t have wood sourcing records, there’s often no way to fulfill this requirement retroactively, and the boat may never be capable of being imported unless the law is changed or enforcement ends. For Sellers of previously imported foreign-built boats that are older than 2013 model years, this adds value to your boat in theory, especially if you have a rare make/model. For Buyers, you may have to pay more if you want a boat that has been U.S. imported, especially if it’s a rare older boat. ### What’s Required to Import a Foreign-Built Vessel Today? Until recently, most boat owners only worried about the typical 1.5% import duty assessed on the value of a foreign-built recreational vessel. These rates changed in 2025 by Executive Order of the President of the United States, and now not only vary by country of origin, but with the implementation of the Lacey Act, payment of the duty, no matter the amount, is no longer enough. To legally import a boat under the Lacey Act, you now need a signed Lacey Act Declaration (Form PPQ 505) and be able to provide detailed wood species and country of harvest documentation from the builder or manufacturer, along with verifiable information for all wood and plant-based materials used in construction. On a boat, think of flooring, veneer, cabinetry, wood core, equipment mounting blocks, marine plywood used in or around mast compression posts, bulkheads, and more! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/7c0d0e0a-d7bf-4ea8-9e19-4a2ffbd5a8a8_2174x1348-jpeg.jpg) [Download Form PPQ505](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ppq505.pdf?ref=scalingmasts.com) In short, if your boat contains wood (and it almost certainly does), you need the builder to provide a traceability report showing the legal sourcing of those materials. Without it, you cannot complete a Lacey Act filing, and the boat cannot be legally imported into the U.S., regardless of whether duty has been paid. ### Why Older Boats Are at Risk The biggest risk lies with older boats. If your boat was built before 2013, the manufacturer may not have the wood traceability records needed to satisfy Lacey Act requirements. That’s because Europe’s equivalent regulation, the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), didn’t go into effect until March 2013. Boats built prior to this often lack the required documentation, making it virtually impossible to comply with current U.S. import laws. And because the Lacey Act has no grandfather clause, older boats are held to the same standard as new builds. If, however, the owner of a boat imported their boat into the U.S. prior to the December 2024 Phase VII Lacey Act rollout to the marine industry, the owner will NOT need to have a Lacey Act filing, or reporting information about woods used in the boat construction process. ### What This Means for Sellers and Buyers If you’re selling a foreign-built catamaran to a U.S. buyer, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer and confirm whether they can supply the necessary Lacey Act documentation. Without it, the buyer cannot import the vessel, even if they’re willing to pay duty. If you’re a buyer, make sure your broker understands the Lacey Act compliance process and how it may or may not impact you as a buyer. Not all do, and failure to comply can result in delays, legal complications, and even forfeiture of the vessel. [Subscribe now](https://www.scalingmasts.com/subscribe) ### The Big Picture The Lacey Act is more than just red tape. It’s a well-intentioned environmental safeguard with very real implications for the boating world. And while the law doesn’t specifically target catamarans, the ripple effect on foreign-built vessels is becoming impossible to ignore. As the U.S. becomes stricter on environmental compliance and documentation, buyers and sellers of sailing catamarans must do their homework, and that starts with knowing whether your boat can even be imported. The Lacey Act is codified in Title 16 and Title 18 of the United States Code. Specifically, it is found under 16 U.S.C. §§ 3371-3378 and 18 U.S.C. § 42. Thanks for reading Scaling Masts! This post is public so feel free to share it. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/9d89f5ad-326d-4d18-86cf-1f1ffb1c3e82_1344x256.webp)](https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/?ref=scalingmasts.com) --- 1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). “Lacey Act Overview.” [https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/lacey-act](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/lacey-act?ref=scalingmasts.com) [↩](#footnote-anchor-1 "Jump back to footnote 1 in the text.") 2. APHIS. “Implementation Phases for the Lacey Act Plant Declaration Requirement.” (Updated March 1, 2024). [https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/lacey-act-declaration-phases](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/lacey-act-declaration-phases?ref=scalingmasts.com) [↩](#footnote-anchor-2 "Jump back to footnote 2 in the text.") 3. Roy Carpenter, “The Gibson Raid,” The Environmental Narratives Project, June 2, 2018, [https://envnarratives.com/2018/06/02/gibson-raid/](https://envnarratives.com/2018/06/02/gibson-raid/?ref=scalingmasts.com). [↩](#footnote-anchor-3 "Jump back to footnote 3 in the text.") 4. APHIS. “Filing a Lacey Act Declaration (PPQ Form 505).” [https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/file-lacey-act-declaration](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/file-lacey-act-declaration?ref=scalingmasts.com) [↩](#footnote-anchor-4 "Jump back to footnote 4 in the text.") ### 2024 Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2024-fountaine-pajot-tanna-47/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:43:54.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **February 2025, Google Review** *"We had no idea how to choose a yacht broker to buy our boat but we found the needle in the haystack with Scott Mayer. Our experience with Scott surpassed all of our expectations; his exceptional knowledge of the market, keen attention to detail and offering creative solutions, and his commitment to providing top-tier customer service - delicately smoothing edges of issues outside of his or our control - he was a teacher, counselor, and coach along the way.* *Scott's contacts, knowledge, and reputation in this industry are unparalleled. Scott is an excellent communicator; he was always available, providing timely updates and ensuring we were well informed every step of the way. His follow-through was impeccable - no detail was overlooked and he consistently went above and beyond to answer our questions and mitigate our concerns. We truly appreciated Scott's professionalism and dedication and we highly recommend him to anyone looking for a seasoned and trustworthy yacht broker. He has earned our business for life and we are grateful to call him our friend."* **Tony and Lisa Dulas | Buyers, SV HELLO BEAUTIFUL** --- ### The Catamaran Sales Smoothie: Blending for Success URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/the-catamaran-sales-smoothie/ Last updated: 2026-08-29T13:53:02.000Z Selling a boat isn’t just about tossing a listing onto YachtWorld and hoping the right buyer shows up; it’s about crafting the perfect blend of strategy, marketing, execution, and continuous improvement. Think of it like making a smoothie: even the best ingredients, if mixed incorrectly, can leave you with a lumpy, unappealing mess. But with the right planning, balanced mix, fresh ingredients, and regular adjustments, you’ll get a smooth, satisfying result. Choosing a catamaran broker follows the same logic. It’s not just about who offers the lowest commission, tells you the sales price you want to hear, or has access to a listing platform and a book of contacts. It’s about working with someone who can blend all the essential ingredients into a cohesive sales strategy. A skilled broker doesn’t just list your boat; they refine the approach, adjust to market feedback, and ensure every part of the process works together to attract serious buyers, maximize value, and create the most seamless sales experience possible. ### The Base: A Well-Maintained Boat with Records Just like a smoothie needs a solid base (think yogurt or a splash of oat milk) a successful sale starts with a well-maintained boat. Buyers don’t just want a catamaran that looks good in photos; they want one that has been cared for over time. Service records, maintenance logs, and recent upgrade records show buyers that the boat has been loved, not just listed. A well-documented maintenance and upgrade history makes for a smooth transaction, and avoids the unpleasant aftertaste of unexpected survey issues. ### Fresh, Appealing Imagery: The Fruit That Makes It Irresistible Ever seen a picture of food on a menu that looked unappetizing? Imagine that with a boat image. When multiple boats come up in a search, do you think buyers will click on a grainy, outdated photo with clutter and bad lighting, or the one with professional-looking shots? Your boat’s imagery should be like fresh fruit in a smoothie; vibrant, high-quality, and enticing. Professional photos, detailed walkthroughs or cinematic tour videos, and even drone shots can showcase your catamaran’s best features. **Pro tip:** Think about what excites buyers. A shot of the helm at sunset? A clean, inviting salon? An aerial shot of the boat with a beautiful landscape in the background? These details matter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/b26cf9e1-b776-41a2-978e-9f6e83164caa_1024x575-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/67d7ebf6-8e6f-44a3-9194-474ba3126b00_2946x1656-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/5411b60c-ba7f-4145-9914-f66cfa3fd1b5_1182x665-jpeg.jpg) Boat Listing Photo Examples: HH50, Windelo 50, and Leopard 45 ### A Detailed, Buyer-Focused Listing: The Right Blend of Ingredients If you’ve ever had a smoothie that tasted off, it’s probably because the ingredients weren’t balanced. Too much kale? Not enough mango? Same goes for a boat listing. It needs to highlight the right features that align with what buyers perceive to be valuable to them. Has your broker determined what your buyer profile looks like? Cruising couple? New to sailing, or experienced? Charter investors and vacation sailors? Young family with children? A strong listing isn’t just a spec sheet. It should tell a story that connects with your ideal buyer. If your catamaran is optimized for bluewater cruising, emphasize long-range capabilities. If it’s perfect for live-aboard life, showcase storage, layout, and comfort features. Charter vessel investment? Highlight how the layout, features, and pricing will maximize an investor’s cash flow and return on capital more quickly than other options…but not necessarily focus as heavily on, for example, a solar array and lithium batteries that typically appeal more to full time cruisers. A great listing isn’t about showcasing everything, but rather the right things for the right buyers, and organized such that it captures their attention in the first 15 seconds. How does your broker approach the listing? Is it a well-planned strategic approach geared toward a buyer profile, or do they use ChatGPT and spend 2 minutes developing an AI-generated text that is both robotic and void of value? ### The Pricing Strategy: Perfecting the Consistency A smoothie that is too thick won’t go through the straw; one that is too thin feels watered down. Pricing works the same way. If your catamaran is priced too high, you’ll sit on the market without offers. Too low, and you leave money on the table or buyers will think there is something wrong with the boat. A focused broker will provide you with a 6-month pricing strategy that is based around: - Recorded sales (actual transaction data, not just asking prices) - Competitive listings (what else is on the market right now) - Brand reputation (how the market perceives your brand of catamaran) - Market events (boat shows, elections, economic factors, seasonal demand shifts) - Buyer psychology (how buyers perceive value, urgency, and emotional connection with your boat) - Listing location (how convenient access for viewing and surveying influences buyer interest and perceived value) A well-blended pricing strategy ensures that buyers see value, while sellers maximize returns, with the ultimate goal of selling your boat to meet your specific financial objectives and timeline. ### Speedy Buyer Communication: Don’t Let It Separate Like a smoothie, buyer interest needs to be handled at the right time. Wait too long, and it separates into something far less appealing. The same is true for boat sales. If a broker takes days to respond to inquiries, chances are that buyer has already moved on to another opportunity or broker. This is where many brokers, especially those juggling a high volume of listings, can fall short. Discount brokers, in particular, often operate with thinner margins, meaning they need to handle more listings to stay afloat. While the lower commission might seem appealing upfront as a seller, the trade-off is often reduced bandwidth for consistent and quality communication with both buyers and sellers. When brokers are stretched too thin, inquiries may be delayed, and opportunities slip through the cracks. Ultimately this means your boat sits on the market longer, causing your asset to depreciate further along with added carrying costs. But timely communication isn’t just about answering emails quickly, it’s about managing the entire sales process with focus and precision. This includes ensuring high-quality imagery is updated regularly, refining the listing to attract the right buyer, monitoring analytics, adjusting pricing strategies based on market feedback, and staying proactive with market shifts. When these elements are neglected, listings sit longer on the market. This not only increases carrying costs for the seller but also accelerates asset depreciation, ultimately reducing the final sale price. Boats, unlike houses, are constantly depreciating, and the longer they remain unsold, the greater the financial hit. A hot lead today can easily turn cold tomorrow. The right broker ensures every inquiry is handled quickly and strategically, keeping the momentum going and maximizing the chance of a successful, timely sale. In the world of boat sales, speed isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/116de864-27ab-459f-871e-cd95e11bac10_1024x575-jpeg.jpg) SV TRIBUTE | 2020 HH50 Performance Cruising Catamaran ### Analytics and Market Feedback: Adjusting for the Perfect Taste Just like perfecting a smoothie requires a few tweaks, selling a catamaran is about constant refinement. By closely monitoring market data, website analytics, and buyer behavior, a skilled broker should adjust throughout the listing period to keep your boat competitive and appealing. If buyers are browsing but not reaching out, it may be time to revisit pricing or enhance listing details. When inquiries come in but offers stall, repositioning the boat’s value proposition could make the difference. Shifts in the broader market, like rising lending rates and importation duties (ie: tariffs) might signal the need for more aggressive pricing, while high website traffic with low engagement points to messaging that needs to resonate more clearly. Ultimately, a listing that evolves with market feedback will outperform one left to sit idle, turning interest into serious offers. ## The Big Picture Selling a catamaran isn’t about one magic trick to get her sold, it’s about blending the right elements in the right proportions, and executing in a timely manner. A well-maintained boat, high-quality imagery, a buyer-focused listing, strategic pricing, fast communication, and data-driven adjustments all come together to create the perfect sales smoothie. But here’s the thing: not every broker has the time to properly blend these ingredients. Discount brokers in particular, often operate on high-volume, low-service models, meaning they simply can’t devote the necessary time and attention to every listing. That’s why their listings tend to sit on the market longer, ultimately selling for less while increasing your carrying costs. The example below illustrates this concept on a $750,000 catamaran. Selling early in the listing process will yield a much more favorable financial outcome relative to your initial listing price, but with each passing month the rate of obsolescence and depreciation compounds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/00e745c8-464b-43bd-a885-25fe3c011ad9_1803x1097.png) The risks of an improperly blended sales smoothie can be painful, and oftentimes irreversible. Miss an ingredient, and things can get lumpy. Get it right, and the process is seamless, successful, and (dare I say) enjoyable. Got questions about blending your own catamaran sales smoothie? Let’s talk—because let’s face it, no one likes a chunky smoothie. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/678c4bfd-56e1-48f6-82e5-c29cef7d6d2f_1344x256.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/?ref=scalingmasts.com) ### Windelo: Bridging the Simplicity of Nature to the Innovations of the Future URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/windelo-bridge-to-the-future/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:32.000Z My sailing journey began on Lake Buckatabon in Northern Wisconsin, where I learned to sail on a Sunfish. As a kid, you could not get me off the water for 6 straight summers—every moment felt like an adventure, yet I had no clue what I was doing back then. I’m a self-taught sailor, having never taken a formal lesson until I was about 36\. I learned through feeling—the effects of wind, waves, current, and sail trim, all became my guide. In 2007, I bought my first boat, a Hobie 18, and discovered the thrill of multihull sailing. Sold just a few years later due to a job relocation, I went about six years before purchasing a new Dufour 382 monohull. In 2018 I started sailing production catamarans from brands like Fountaine Pajot and Leopard. And while I found them to be extremely comfortable and nearly perfect for cruising, I also found them challenging because they lacked the speed and thrill I fell in love with years before. When I sailed a Windelo for the first time, it changed everything. Windelo brought me back to the connection I had with the water—offering not only an exhilarating experience, but also a deeper connection to environment, all while enjoying the same comfort afforded by traditional production cats. Gone are the days when we have to choose between performance, sustainability, and comfort. With Windelo, you can have it all. Windelo catamarans come in two base models — the 50 and 54, with the 54 offering additional space and options thanks to mold extensions. Windelo also recently introduced two new models, the high-performance 51 and 55, enhancing their standard design components while maintaining the core features that define the brand. Today, we will dive into the top five reasons I personally have geeked out on this catamaran brand. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 1\. Hybrid Electric Propulsion The Windelo hybrid propulsion system combines two 20kW electric motors with a massive dedicated 48v lithium battery bank and a 24v house bank, offering a cleaner, quieter, and worry-free power management experience. No need to worry about losing power, you can option this girl out with nearly 6,000W of walk-on solar panels, or deploy the huge Gori props to activate hydro generation capability. Functionally all this means is you can easily keep your battery banks continuously topped off using solely what mother nature provides. You also won’t need to worry if it is cloudy for weeks on end without enough wind to create sufficient speeds to hydro generate. This girl comes with an 18.5kw backup generator with 250L of fuel capacity. In an emergency situation, this can take you about 1,000nm on the generator alone. The brushless and virtually maintenance-free Bellmarine electric motors operate almost silently, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sound of wind and water, and without the distraction of exhaust that comes from traditional diesel engines. The hybrid system ensures that you can enjoy longer, quieter passages with reduced reliance on fossil fuels, making it perfect for eco-conscious performance sailors. Long story short, this catamaran lets you focus more on the best of sailing and less on the supporting power and propulsion systems, just like my first sailing experiences on the Sunfish and Hobie. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/9d6a296c-bc5c-4619-aa44-686ddea15ad5_1200x900-jpeg.jpg) ## 2\. Lightweight Hull Design for High-Performance Sailing Windelo’s lightweight hull is constructed from basalt fiber and recycled PET (plastic bottles), which ultimately drives both higher speeds and hull strength. This also reduces the boat’s weight, which significantly improves responsiveness and agility—key factors for any high-performance sailing catamaran. Sailing a Windelo is about feeling the wind’s effect on the boat, just like I did with the Hobie 18 and Sunfish many years ago. The lightweight hull enhances that connection, allowing for faster and more efficient sailing. If you have ever tacked a production catamaran in light air, I bet you had to turn on an engine to get your bow through the wind at least a few times — with Windelo, those days will be far behind you, even in extremely light air. The Windelo quickly and easily responds, creating a more seamless and intimate experience with the boat, wind, and water. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/b4fa54ef-1407-4a98-9f61-8e3e43c1cd21_1032x1032.png) ## 3\. Optimized Sail Plan for Efficient Sailing Windelo catamarans are designed with an optimized sail plan that maximizes efficiency across various wind conditions. The tall mast, which comes in aluminum with the ability to upgrade to carbon, reduces drag and allows the boat to maintain high speeds, even in lighter winds, no matter which sails you’ve deployed. The Windelo sail plan offers the basic inventory you’ll need right out of the factory, including a full-batten main and a self-tacking solent on a furling system. If you really want to take your sailing to the next level, they have options to add a Code 0, Gennaker, and recently added the highly sought-after ISTEC symmetrical Parasailor spinnaker option, ideal for downwind sailing. From gliding along at 100% of wind speed up to 8 knots, to handling stronger winds and downwind sailing at 20+ knots of speed, the boat remains responsive and easy to control, keeping you connected to the experience the entire time, just like the old days at summer camp. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/dd8d5b18-59fb-4e5e-a523-d95b5aceefd0_4856x3640-jpeg.jpg) ## 4\. Single-Handed Sailing in the Forward Cockpit One of Windelo’s standout features is its forward cockpit, which makes sailing and anchoring single-handedly incredibly easy. This innovative design allows for nearly 360 visibility and access to sail and auxiliary power controls, all from one centralized location. For sailors who prefer solo sailing or with minimal crew, the forward cockpit transforms how you interact with the boat. Everything is a short reach away, making the boat more intuitive to handle, especially during anchoring or sail changes. It’s a feature that adds ease without compromising performance, enhancing both safety and convenience for sailors of all skill levels. Whether you’re docking, handling sails or daggerboards, or maneuvering in tight spaces, the forward cockpit simplifies the processes, giving you confidence knowing full control is just an arms reach away. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/031133b2-742f-43a9-bb85-5006d5afa9ec_5184x3466-jpeg.jpg) ## 5\. Luxury Interior and Sustainability Windelo offers a spacious, customizable interior that seamlessly blends luxury and comfort with sustainability. With eco-friendly materials used throughout, the interior offers modern amenities cruisers often seek—air conditioning, heads and full showers, interior volume, and a fully equipped galley—without compromising the boat’s environmental impact. All four Windelo models provide an open, light-filled layout, with spaces that can be customized for any lifestyle. From a huge salon for entertaining guests on anchor to embarking with your salty crew on a passage across The Atlantic Ocean, Windelo’s interior, offered in a U or L-shaped galley with both 3 and 4 cabin layouts, are designed to be comfortable and practical. What is special about Windelo’s approach to interior design is that the luxurious feel of their interiors do not come at the expense of anything else. Sailors no longer have to choose between Luxury and sustainability — Windelo achieves both in harmony together. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/4f2e70e7-62c3-42d8-a8b3-2ee872ed23f8_5184x3684-jpeg.jpg) ### The Big Picture Helping my clients find the right boat is about more than matching features—it’s about finding a catamaran that connects them to the experience they are looking for. Windelo catamarans offer that connection for those seeking comfort, sustainability, and high-performance, allowing sailors to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, without sacrifices. As I look back on my time at summer camp on Lake Buckatabon, I remember the pure joy of sailing—the freedom, the endless tranquility, and the connection to the water. Windelo gives me that same feeling today, but with the added knowledge that I am sailing more sustainably than any other performance catamaran on earth. Windelo is more than just a boat—it’s the bridge between the simplicity of nature and the innovations of the future. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/678c4bfd-56e1-48f6-82e5-c29cef7d6d2f_1344x256-1.png)](https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/?ref=scalingmasts.com) caption... ### 2022 Leopard 45 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2022-leopard-45/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:59:47.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **December 2024, Google Review** *"I can't speak highly enough of the service that we have received from Just Catamarans. Everything from aftermarket installation of solar and lithium batteries, cabinet modifications, electrical work, you name it, they can do it. And their willingness to support you after the work is done, years later, while you are in remote locations, is absolutely invaluable.* *On the brokerage side, Scott Mayer made the process of selling our boat as easy as it could be. I can't imagine getting through that without him."* **Dave Pullen and Lynda Jenkins | Sellers, SV AWAY TO ME** [Read Dave & Lynda's Blog](https://sv-away-to-me.ghost.io/?ref=scalingmasts.com) --- ### How to Capture Stunning Photos to Sell Your Boat URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/how-to-capture-stunning-photos-to/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:36.000Z If you’re planning to sell your boat, capturing high-quality photos can make a significant difference in how quickly and successfully she sells. Well-executed media not only showcases your boat’s best features but also grabs the attention of serious buyers. Below, I’ve compiled some essential tips and tricks to help you take amazing listing photos of your boat. These tips are designed for both novice cell phone photographers and are optimized to help you stand out in a competitive market. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c4f62f71-7afb-40b4-bffb-06b8417028ce_2097x1323-jpeg.jpg) [Subscribe now](https://www.scalingmasts.com/subscribe) ## Clean and Stage Your Boat Before you pick up your iPhone or Android camera phone, ensure your boat is clean and staged to look her best. Plain and simple, boat photos that aren’t clean and tidy will sit on the market longer, be tougher to get traction on, and send a message to prospects that you may not be taking care of your boat. **Clean thoroughly:** Remove clutter, personal items, and unnecessary gear. Tidy lines, polish windows, and wash off salt and rust. **Stage thoughtfully:** While flowers or plants aren’t necessary, setting the saloon or deck table with dishware and adding decorative pillows to seating areas and made-up beds can enhance the presentation. **Focus on the details:** Sparkling stainless steel, streak-free glass, unwrinkled bed sheets/covers, and a tidy deck create an inviting atmosphere that resonates in photos. ## Leverage Good Lighting Lighting can make or break your boat photos. **Shoot during golden hour:** Early morning or late afternoon sunlight creates soft, diffused light, perfect for interior and exterior shots. **Turn on all lights:** Even in well-lit spaces, turning on interior lights adds warmth and minimizes shadows. **Avoid harsh midday sun:** Overhead light can cause glare and harsh shadows, detracting from your boat’s appeal. Consider taking cabin shots with hatch screens closed/covered, especially if you’re shooting in midday sun. ## Nail Your Composition Framing your shots properly is crucial to presenting your boat in the best light: **Use gridlines:** Enable your camera’s gridlines and follow the Rule of Thirds for balanced, visually appealing shots. [Click here](https://youtu.be/GfpZsL7ghwA?si=RxltTujjQOu0Y7xB&ref=scalingmasts.com) for a short tutorial about the Rule of Thirds. **Capture wide shots:** Use a wide-angle setting (-.6x to -.8x zoom maximum) for both interior and exterior spaces when necessary to provide context and highlight key features. Feel free to take the same shot with multiple zoom settings - again, the more shots we have the better! **Level your shots:** Keep your photos straight with your camera’s built-in leveling tool to avoid tilted horizons. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/bb98cdc4-b119-46c6-92e6-ab922e0006ec_3840x2160.png) ## Highlight Unique Features Showcase what sets your boat apart from others on the market. Capture upgrades like custom finishes, navigation systems, solar panels, upgraded stainless appliances, or tidy lithium battery installations. Clean engine bays make a strong impression—buyers notice clean mechanical systems, especially engine bays, so put some elbow grease in and showcase the muscle under the hood. Take multiple angles, zoom settings, and lighting changes of standout features to ensure they grab attention. ## Use HDR Mode for Better Exposure High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode balances bright and dark areas in your photos. This feature is especially helpful for capturing both interior details and bright outdoor views through portlights. Turn it on to ensure your images are clear and evenly lit. ## Include Drone Shots Drone photography can elevate your listing by capturing stunning exterior shots. **Key shots:** Under sail or anchored in a scenic location are great to have, though stay away from artsy sunset shots - remember, you’re showcasing the boat, not a beautiful sunset. **Optimal settings:** Position the drone at 60–90 feet in altitude and no more than 250 feet away for the best results. Take multiple shots as you move around the boat in a half-circle pattern as well as moving closer to the boat. This is a great time to use the [Rule of Thirds](https://youtu.be/GfpZsL7ghwA?si=RxltTujjQOu0Y7xB&ref=scalingmasts.com). **Pro tip:** Exterior shots always look better when sunshades and canopies are put away, and the deck isn’t cluttered. Consider stowing fishing gear and other accessories. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/7086eb90-308f-425e-9589-d555b3e77ee7_3840x2160-1.png) ## Avoid Reflections and Glare Reflections on windows, mirrors, and stainless steel can distract from your boat’s features. Experiment with angles to minimize unwanted reflections and clean all surfaces to ensure they shine, as fingerprints and smudges are tough to edit out. ## Take Multiple Angles and Lots of Photos When in doubt, take more photos than you think you need, and **always shoot in landscape orientation** since the major listing sites don’t publish portrait oriented images too well. **Variety is key:** For every shot, capture angles from above, eye level, and chest height at a minimum, and don’t be afraid to take shots from other angles as well. **More is better:** The more photos you take, the more options we’ll have to create a compelling listing. It’s not uncommon to have 300+photos from an exercise like this, and if I’m your broker you’ll have a folder with unlimited capacity to upload into, so don’t hold back. ## Organize and Upload Your Media Once your photos and videos are ready, if I’m your broker you’ll have a folder setup to upload photos into. **Upload in bulk:** I encourage you to share as many files as possible, including video files—there’s no limit. **I’ll do the rest:** One of the things you pay a broker for is editing and selecting the best images that showcase the best of what your boat has to offer. ## Why Great Photos Matter Quality media is often the first impression buyers have of your boat. Listings with professional-grade visuals not only stand out but also sell faster and for higher prices. Whether you’re showcasing custom upgrades, a pristine deck, or cozy interiors, these tips will help you present your boat in the best possible light. Ready to get started? If you have any questions or need help along the way, feel free to reach out. Let’s make your boat the next one under contract! ### Time to Buy That Catamaran: Approaching the Bottom URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/time-to-buy-that-catamaran-approaching/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:36.000Z The cruising sailboat market, particularly for catamarans, has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for catamarans skyrocketed, creating an unprecedented seller’s market. From spring 2020 to late 2022, catamaran availability dwindled as buyers snapped up inventory faster than ever before. Lead times for new catamarans extended to 3-5 years, brokers handled bidding wars, and sellers saw profits on what historically had been a depreciating asset. Today, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. The market has corrected itself, with supply chains back to pre-COVID norms and demand tapering off to “normal” levels. While the 2024-2025 market may seem uncertain, buyers have a lot to look forward to. Political uncertainty, concerns over the Atlantic hurricane season, and broader uncertainty economic factors are now mostly in the rearview mirror—this is a golden opportunity for savvy buyers looking to secure high-quality catamarans at exceptional value. [Subscribe now](https://www.scalingmasts.com/subscribe) **Why the Catamaran Market is Favorable for Buyers** One of the key drivers of today’s buyer-friendly market is the influx of post-COVID catamaran listings. Many who purchased during the pandemic boom are now selling, resulting in increased supply. Combine this with continued inflation stabilization, improving GDP metrics, and more favorable lending conditions, and we have a trifecta win for serious buyers. **Catamaran Market Trends: Leopard 45** Consider the award-winning Leopard 45 catamaran as an example. Models from 2021 and 2022 are now listed for approximately $750,000, compared to their original purchase price of $1,000,000-$1,100,000\. That’s a remarkable 30% depreciation in just 2-3 years—almost double the typical rate. Earlier this year, six highly upgraded Leopard 45s (3-cabin models) were listed across North America and the Caribbean, with an average time on the market of three months. These listings often saw price reductions of $50,000 or more. Just months earlier, similar Leopard 45s were selling for close to $900,000\. This sharp decline underscores the tremendous value now available for this model in the catamaran market. **Catamaran Market Trends: Lagoon 42** Another standout opportunity is the Lagoon 42 catamaran, a favorite among cruising enthusiasts. As of this writing, 14 Lagoon 42 owners’ versions are available in North America and the Caribbean. These listings average 180 days on the market and have an average list price of $603,568, with 70% of them experiencing at least one price reduction. Over the past six months, six Lagoon 42s sold for an average price of $582,353, with an average market time of 149 days. A year earlier, the same period saw only four Lagoon 42 sales at an average price of $602,500, with a much shorter market time of just 52 days. Historically, when the gap between list price and sales price narrows to 3% (currently at 3.5%) and market times exceed 182 days (now at 180), demand increases, and the supply of high-quality pre-owned catamarans begins to tighten. If you’re considering a Lagoon 42, now may be the perfect time to act. **Why Act Now?** The Leopard 45 and Lagoon 42 are just two examples of the unique opportunities for the 2024-2025 catamaran buying season. As boat sellers come to terms with current market realities, experienced buyers have the chance to capture exceptional deals. Waiting for the right metrics—such as narrowing price gaps and longer market times—can pay dividends for buyers. For sellers, this shifting market underscores the importance of working with an experienced yacht broker. A knowledgeable broker can position your boat strategically, ensuring she stands out in a competitive landscape. Sellers who price and market their boats correctly will see faster results, while others may struggle to attract offers, ultimately leading to a stale listing that is extremely tough to recover from. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/75407f1f-9a49-434d-8379-4a8c747b2c61_1920x1080-jpeg-1.jpg) **The Bottom Line** Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a catamaran, understanding current market trends is essential. The influx of nearly new, well-optioned catamarans from the post-COVID boom has created a rare window of opportunity for buyers. With popular models like the Leopard 45 and Lagoon 42 showing significant value, now is the time to act. Are you ready to make your move? Whether you’re buying your first catamaran or upgrading to your dream boat, the 2024-2025 season offers unparalleled opportunities to find the perfect fit at an exceptional price. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Easy Gifting Ideas for Your Live-aboard Catamaran Friends URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/gifting-for-your-live-aboard/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:39.000Z Buying gifts for your live-aboard catamaran friends and family is no easy task. Space on a boat is limited, and everything onboard needs to serve a purpose—or at least have a really good excuse for taking up precious room. If you’ve ever been onboard, you know the drill: what’s there is what works, and if it doesn’t, it’s heading straight to the “find a new home” pile. So, what do you get for the boat owner out sailing the world (or anchored off a beach somewhere you wish you were)? Here are a few tried-and-true gifts that I’ve seen—and loved—on boats. These aren’t flashy gadgets; they’re practical, useful, and perfect for your catamaran cruising friends and family. [Subscribe now](https://www.scalingmasts.com/subscribe) **1\. Sena Wireless Headsets – “Marriage Savers”** You’ve probably heard the term “marriage savers” tossed around by sailors before. Trust me, it’s not hyperbole. These **Sena Wireless Headsets** are a lifesaver for anyone trying to dock a boat without destroying their relationship in the process. I’ve been on boats where docking sounds more like a shouting match than a coordinated effort. “STARBOARD!” “WHAT?” “NO, YOUR OTHER STARBOARD!” With these headsets you get clear, calm communication, which is key when you’re trying to squeeze a catamaran into a tight marina slip or dropping the anchor in sideways rain. They’re rechargeable, compact, and work even when the wind is howling. Honestly, these handy headsets might be one of the best gifts you can give a sailor—or their spouse 😉. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/73870ea9-a089-457b-a336-96b645e8db96_1584x396.png)](https://amzn.to/4gaEPph?ref=scalingmasts.com) **2\. SeaSucker Vacuum Mounts** Every experienced live-aboard catamaran owner I’ve met knows about these magical little suckers! These things are incredible, take up very little space, and are perfect for any catamaran. These handy mounts stick to just about any smooth surface (yep, gelcoat included) without drilling holes—a feature every boat owner appreciates. I’ve seen them used for hanging dive gear, GoPro cameras, iPad mounts, and as a towel rack to name a few. Recently I even had a client attach a Ring camera to point it at their breaker panel and battery monitor screen while they left town for a month. They hold up to 120 pounds of pressure as well, so you can trust they’ll stay put, even in rough conditions. Practical, heavy duty, takes up very little space, and affordable. These things don’t suck - or do they? 😂 [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/1d00b849-743d-4c1b-bf47-785cfdecaa05_1584x396.png)](https://amzn.to/3VgxLj1?ref=scalingmasts.com) **3\. Amazon Gift Card** I know what you’re thinking: an Amazon Gift Card? Really? But hear me out. Every single sailor I know has had that moment of desperation: they’re days or weeks from the nearest Target or West Marine, or even a decent chandlery, and something crucial is needed. Nine times out of ten, the solution is found on Amazon. From a simple tube of Loctite or foul weather gear to USB fans and clothesline clips to hang laundry - that trusty “Buy Now” button can come in super-handy. Giving an Amazon Gift Card is like saying, “I know you’ll need something at some point - I don’t know anything about sailing, but I still appreciate and support you.” Practical, easy, guaranteed to be used, and literally takes up zero space aboard. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/5b595906-7342-4792-abbf-c2d1113aa05b_1584x396.png)](https://amzn.to/3OugNKc?ref=scalingmasts.com) **4\. Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription** Many live-aboards love a good book, but let’s face it—space for a physical library onboard is about as realistic as carrying a grand piano on deck. That’s why an **Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription** is a brilliant gift. With Kindle Unlimited, your sailor friends get access to millions of books, audiobooks, and magazines, all on demand. And they don’t even need an Amazon device—they can use the Kindle app on any tablet or smartphone. Whether they’re into thrillers, sailing memoirs, or learning a new skill, they’ll always have something to read while on passage or at anchor. Plus, this gift takes up zero space. Trust me, you can’t lose with this one! [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/c202c307-3c22-4368-a064-0930c6fdb22b_1584x396.png)](https://amzn.to/4190bz7?ref=scalingmasts.com) **5\. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo** Every sailor wants to document their adventures, but not every camera is cut out for life on the water. I’ve become a huge fan of DJI products this past year, so it’s no surprise the **DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Combo** made the gift guide. It’s waterproof, tough, and shoots stunning 4K video. I’ve seen sailors use these for everything from capturing sunsets on passage to filming underwater dive adventures. The dual OLED touchscreens are perfect for framing the perfect selfie (because yes, even sailors like good selfies), the video quality is top-notch, and the battery life is impressive. If you’re shopping for a sailor who loves to share their travels, this is the gift they didn’t know they needed. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/32eb74df-6670-4883-a2b4-768cc86d5a98_1584x396.png)](https://amzn.to/4ePgzs0?ref=scalingmasts.com) **6\. Helly-Hansen HH Ocean Dry Bag** Here’s the thing about dry bags: you can never have too many. The **Helly-Hansen HH Ocean Dry Bag** is the one I’ve seen pop up on boats over and over again, and for good reason. It’s the go-to for keeping gear safe when dinghying ashore, especially in choppy conditions. Need a ditch bag for emergency gear? Perfect! Want to protect your laptop or camera? Done! I’ve even seen sailors even use them as makeshift grocery bags because, well, cruisers are nothing if not resourceful. If there’s a dry bag onboard, odds are it’s already pulling double duty. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/1e27c0c1-fac2-4439-919d-5938ca249c9d_1584x396.png)](https://amzn.to/3CZAK99?ref=scalingmasts.com) **Final Thoughts** Boats are a world of their own, and everything onboard earns its place. These six gifts are thoughtful, practical, and bound to get used—no “new home” pile for these items. Whether it’s keeping your sailor friends connected, organized, entertained, or capturing their adventures, these are the kinds of gifts that make life on the water just a little bit smoother. And hey, if you’re not sure what they’ll love most? Stick with that Amazon Gift Card or Kindle Unlimited subscription. You really can’t go wrong there! Fair winds, happy gifting, and here’s hoping you get an invite onboard soon! ### How to Access the Best Beaches in Key West URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/how-to-access-the-best-beaches-in/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T00:03:23.000Z When you think of Key West, Florida, what comes to mind? Turquoise waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, vibrant orange-pink sunsets, and pristine white sandy beaches, right? While Key West certainly offers stunning coastal views, many of its natural beaches are made up of coral rock rather than soft sand. But for those who know where to look, the Florida Keys are home to incredible beaches, sandbars, and hidden spots that are well worth exploring, especially if you’re sailing on a catamaran. **Coral Rock vs. Sandy Beaches: What’s the Difference?** Key West’s unique geography owes much to the coral reef that stretches from Key Largo to [Dry Tortugas National Park](https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm?ref=scalingmasts.com). This living reef protects the islands from large waves, which means soft sandy beaches don’t naturally form here like they do on mainland Florida and parts of The Bahamas. Instead, the shoreline consists of coral rock and coarser sand, often mixed with fragments of shells and coral. While these beaches are beautiful, they’re different from the soft, sprawling shores from all the brochures you may have come across. **Can You Swim at Key West Beaches?** Yes, swimming is definitely an option at many Key West beaches, but it may not feel like the typical Florida beach experience. Public beaches such as [Fort Zachary Taylor](https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-zachary-taylor-historic-state-park?ref=scalingmasts.com), [Higgs Beach](https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/235/Higgs-Beach?ref=scalingmasts.com), and [Smathers Beach](https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/facilities/facility/details/Smathers-Beach-5?ref=scalingmasts.com) are all excellent places to swim, with clear water and easy access. While the shoreline may be a bit rockier in some areas, these spots offer a great introduction to Key West’s coastal charm. If you’re a sailor cruising through the Florida Keys, you’ll likely notice how active the waters around Key West are. Boats of all shapes and sizes crisscross the turquoise expanse, heading to secluded destinations and offshore reefs. However, most of the best beaches in the Keys are not on the mainland but are instead accessible only by boat, adding an adventurous twist to the experience. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/f4fe29d7-aa9f-434e-a19d-f738ff95ebd2_1433x1078.png)](https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/235/Higgs-Beach?ref=scalingmasts.com) **So, Where Are the Best Beaches in Key West?** For those sailing through the Florida Keys, some of the best beaches can be found on offshore islands and sandbars. The Maquesas Keys, Boca Grande Key, Woman Key, and Snipes Point are just a few standout destinations that offer soft white sand, clear water, and a sense of seclusion you won’t find on the busier mainland beaches. Another must-visit destination is The Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this remote paradise features stunning beaches, historic Fort Jefferson, and some of the best snorkeling in The Florida Keys. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/e4a19bba-8cab-4aa2-94b5-e325125b8054_2360x890-jpeg.jpg)](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1oLxU3SUz-LstzEhLKZyHMlOOMidgFtk&usp=sharing&ref=scalingmasts.com) **Snipes Point** A favorite among Key West locals, Snipes Point is a stunning sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters and mangroves, offering a perfect escape for a day of relaxation. Barely out of cell phone range, it provides a sense of seclusion while still being close enough for an easy trip. The easiest access is from the north, but sailors approaching from the south will enjoy a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful backcountry areas, including Jewfish Basin and the Mud Keys. Keep in mind, a shallow-draft boat (less than a foot when on plane) is essential for navigating the shallows from the south. At low tide, Snipes Point transforms into a pristine oasis, ideal for anchoring, wading, and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Don’t forget to find the tree swing and post the pic to Instagram! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/4af234f1-685d-4b42-8981-a9ea2ba66d92_2360x1323-jpeg.jpg) **Woman Key** Located about 10 miles west of Key West, Woman Key is part of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge and itself is off-limits to visitors. However, just south of the island lies an expansive and breathtaking sandbar that’s perfect for a day of relaxation. Bring along a foldable tent or some water-safe lawn chairs, and you’ll feel right at home in this serene spot. The sandbar is most easily accessed from the south, and it’s best to visit when the winds are calm or lightly blowing from the north. Be cautious of south, west, or east winds over a few knots, as they can make this otherwise tranquil area choppy and less enjoyable. If you’re visiting during the calmer summer months, bring a frisbee, football, or other beach-friendly games…you won’t regret it! **The Marquesas Keys** Situated about 25 miles west of Key West, the Marquesas Keys are a ring of uninhabited islands forming a natural atoll—the only one of its kind in the continental U.S. While navigating the shallows inside Mooney Harbor at the center can be tricky, the south end of the island chain features a stunning sandbar area worth the journey. The best time to visit is with an east wind, allowing you to anchor on the west side of the islands, dinghy ashore, and walk along the beautiful sand beaches toward the sandbar. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, which frequent the area, and for derelict Cuban chugs—remnants of dangerous migrant journeys that serve as poignant reminders of the Keys’ unique relationship and history with Cuba. **Boca Grande Key** Located about 14 miles west of Key West, Boca Grande Key is a favorite destination during the busy charter season, which runs from November through May. This uninhabited island offers crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and mangrove tunnels perfect for exploring by stand-up paddleboard or kayak. However, be mindful of the strong currents, which can rip up to 3 knots, and take care when launching. Anchoring in the channel on the west side of the island is possible, but sailors should watch for shallows and shifting tides. By sunset, the area is usually quiet, offering a peaceful retreat for those who stay a bit longer. **Dry Tortugas National Park** About 70 miles west of Key West lies the stunning Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote paradise famed for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the historic Fort Jefferson and Lighthouse at Loggerhead Key. Accessible only by boat and seaplane, this protected area offers sailors a unique mix of history and natural beauty. Anchoring here provides the chance to explore the 19th-century fort, snorkel among colorful protected marine life, or relax on the pristine beaches. If you’re into bird watching, make sure to visit the park between February and April, as migratory birds from Mexico, South and Central America will be occupying Bush Key, which extends just off of Fort Jefferson. The park’s isolation and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for any sailor cruising through the Keys. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/1018f47e-031e-4eae-b06b-307b7b71c5d0_5117x2875-jpeg-1.jpg) **Tips for Visiting Florida Keys Beaches by Boat** Sailors exploring the Florida Keys should come prepared for a mix of environments, from sandy shores to rocky coastlines. Be sure to check charts and local weather conditions before heading to offshore beaches or sandbars. Many of these spots offer shallow waters ideal for anchoring, but it’s always a good idea to double-check depths and tidal changes to avoid running aground. Snorkeling gear is a must in the Florida Keys, where vibrant coral reefs and marine life are just a swim away. Paddleboards or dinghies can also make it easier to get to shore when you anchor offshore. Lastly, bring everything you need for the day. ## Sign up for Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Redefining the Role of a Catamaran Broker URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/redefining-the-role-of-a-catamaran/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:42.000Z The yacht brokerage industry has long been clouded by the stereotype of a money-hungry salesperson, fixated on closing deals at any cost. This perception, fueled by aggressive sales tactics and high-stakes transactions, has often overshadowed the true potential of the industry—to guide clients through the complex and deeply personal journey of buying or selling a boat. A late mentor and good friend of mine, Rick Paschall would often quote Michelle Lederman’s 11 Laws of Likability when referring to business - *PEOPLE DO BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE THEY LIKE!* Not a day or deal goes by where I don’t think about those simple words. As a seasoned boat owner and licensed broker, my mission is to charge forward with those words of wisdom in hopes of changing the narrative on brokers, and establish a relationship-centric approach that redefines the broker-client experience. It’s a simple equation if you think about it. Flexibility + Integrity + Transparency = TRUST, and likability is born out of a solid foundation of trust. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/7dc156a9-685a-4937-9d80-1dd8e60a4e3b_1280x716-jpeg.jpg) “Flexibility + Integrity + Transparency = TRUST” **Beyond the Sale: A Relationship Built on Trust** The process of buying or selling a boat is more than just a transaction; it’s a pivotal moment in someone’s life. For sellers, it marks the end of an era filled with memories, adventures, and personal growth. For buyers, it represents the start of new journeys, dreams, and opportunities. Understanding these emotional stakes is essential, and that’s why my approach prioritizes building trust, empathy, and connection. In short, my goal is to get to know my clients, become friends, and use my skills, knowledge, and experience to not only help achieve the objectives at hand, but do so in a way that aligns with how my clients feel most comfortable. I don’t do what I do for the money; I do it because I genuinely love what I do. The passion I have for my work stems from the pride I take in building lasting friendships and using my experience to help families turn the page on the next chapter of their story. This approach fosters long-lasting relationships where my clients are genuinely supported, not just sold to. **Listening First, Guiding Second** It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being a successful broker is all about persuasion. Real success comes from listening. When I meet a client, my first step is to understand their unique story: What’s motivating their desire to sell or purchase? What challenges have they faced? What dreams do they harbor? Only then do we get into the nitty-gritty about budget, features, experience, etc. By asking these questions and paying close attention to their answers, I can offer tailored guidance that goes beyond the superficial. My priority is not to push the most expensive or fastest moving deal, but to align my clients with the right boat that suits their vision, budget, and lifestyle. For sellers, it means strategizing the sales process in a way that highlights the unique value of their boat while maintaining transparency, trust, and most of all, ethics. This also sets the foundation to allow me to position their boat best to achieve their financial objectives, timeline, and other requirements. **The Value of Expertise and Integrity** When people choose me as their catamaran broker, they aren’t just hiring a sales guy; they’re gaining a partner with deep industry and product knowledge, a commitment to integrity and honesty, and a track record of results. Years of experience in the yachting business have taught me that expertise is vital, but integrity is indispensable. “…expertise is vital, but integrity is indispensable.” I leverage my corporate background to simplify complex processes, from market analysis to sea trials and negotiations, and everything in between. At every step, my goal is to keep clients informed, and confident in their decisions, and move forward with the least amount of stress possible. It’s not just about closing the deal; it’s about delivering a seamless, boutique-level experience that clients can ***TRUST***. It’s about the people, and the relationships we build. After all, people do business with people they like, right? **A New Chapter for Buyers and Sellers** Whether transitioning from your family catamaran or taking your first step into boat ownership, your journey should be exciting, fulfilling, and smooth. I’m here to help make that happen, not by pushing a sale, but by guiding you through the process as a trusted advisor and friend. I was in your shoes in 2015 when I purchased my boat, and again in 2024 when I sold that boat - I get it! I take pride in the friendships I build with my clients and the joy that comes from seeing them embark on new adventures. Being a catamaran broker is not just a job for me; it’s a passion and a commitment to helping people turn the page on the next chapter of their lives. In an industry too often defined by bottom lines and quick-cash transactions at any cost, I stand for a new kind of broker—one that values relationships over revenue and service over salesmanship. Because at the end of the day, I don’t do what I do for the money; I do it because I love it. ### 2022 Leopard 45 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2022-leopard-45-lucky/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T17:52:33.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **October 2024, Google Review** *"Top line: Broker Scott Mayer did a great job selling our catamaran* *We initially chose a different broker. After five months with minimal traction, we started to investigate new approaches. As I knew Scott even before he even became a broker, I called for advice. To his credit, he made suggestions, including changing brokers, without pushing for the listing himself.* *Scott shared a vision for marketing and positioning our boat more effectively, answered every question we had along the way, and worked closely with us to bring that vision to life in the timeline we had requested. He helped us secure a dock in a better location, covering some initial costs to make the transition easier as well.* *He had excellent market insight, with a good handle on what competitive boats were on the market, how much they were selling for, and what boats were coming. He did a comprehensive market analysis and pricing strategy. Within 10 days of listing, LUCKY was under contract. And, thanks to Scott’s proactive networking efforts, we also secured a strong backup offer. When the first deal fell through, we were able to pivot quickly and move forward with the backup, which turned out to be an even better offer from an amazing couple that we feel would take good care of LUCKY moving forward, which made us happy.* *Being a thousand miles away, we appreciated Scott’s efforts to arrange things like detailing and bottom cleaning, so we did not have to travel. He also arranged excellent photography and videography, and did all the editing to make LUCKY stand out in a crowded market of Leopard 45 listings, at no cost to us,* *When it came time for sea trials, Scott provided captain options and managed logistics, so we didn’t need to return to Florida. His attention to detail, dedication, and regular communication made the entire experience seamless and successful and gave us confidence at every stage of the process.* *We are very pleased with the outcome, and highly recommend Scott and Just Catamarans to anyone looking to sell their catamaran."* **Ted and Cat Grant | Sellers, SV LUCKY** ### **Listing Video** --- ### Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Catamaran URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/top-questions-to-ask-when-buying-a-catamaran-2/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:43.000Z ![Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Catamaran](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/bb173a0c-dcd2-49f8-a656-e64fa2bb656e_2000x1125-jpeg.jpg) Buying a catamaran is a significant investment, and making an informed decision requires asking the right questions during the buying process. While there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer to many of these questions, the responses and detail you’re able to get will help to assess the condition, suitability, and value of the boat relative to other options you are considering. #### 1\. What is the Maintenance History? One of the first questions to ask when viewing a catamaran is about her maintenance history. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping any boat in top condition and can reveal how well the previous owner, or owners, have cared for her. Obtain the most detailed maintenance records as possible, including dates of service, types of maintenance, and any repairs or upgrades completed. Understanding maintenance history can help you anticipate future maintenance needs, and therefore project your expenses more accurately, not to mention mitigating the need for unscheduled and embarrassing maintenance events when you’d rather be enjoying your boat with friends and family. #### 2\. Has the Catamaran Been Involved in Major Any Accidents? Accidents and major repairs can significantly impact a boat’s structural integrity and resale value. Ask if the catamaran has been involved in any collisions, groundings, or has had significant repairs. If she has, inquire about the extent of the damage, the quality of repairs, and who performed them. The term “material damage“ is most commonly used amongst yacht brokers, however subjectivity runs rampant using that phrase. Consider asking if the boat has had any insurance claims, as the answer is binary, and forces the owner or broker to be transparent. Knowing this information can help you assess the catamaran’s current condition and any long-term implications. #### 3\. What are the Condition of the Sails and Rigging? The sails and rigging are essential components of a catamaran and can be costly to replace. Ask about the age and condition of the sails, including the mainsail, genoa, code zero, and any additional sails that convey with the boat. Have a licensed and accredited surveyor inspect the rigging for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage; specifically the standing rigging as this is a very expensive undertaking, especially if you’re not prepared for it. Standing rigging generally needs to be replaced about every 10 years, so if the boat you’re looking as is nearing a 10-year age interval, this should be at the top of your list. Knowing the condition of these critical areas can help you budget for any necessary replacements or repairs. #### 4\. How Old Are the Engines and What is Their Condition? The engines are amongst the most expensive parts of a catamaran to repair or replace. In addition, an engine problem can turn a great day on the water into an embarrassing memory you’d rather forget. Ask about the age of the engines, the number of hours on each, and their maintenance history. If the engines are Volvo Penta, ask if the MDI boxes have ever been replaced as this impacts the hours shown on the meter. Look for any signs of leaks, rust, or other issues. If the owner has oil lab analysis records, request those as well. All engines will have some level of wear and tear, but knowing the history and understanding the condition of the engines can help you avoid unexpected repair costs and ensure reliable performance. #### 5\. What Electronics and Navigation Equipment Are Included? Modern electronics and navigation equipment enhance the safety and convenience of sailing a catamaran. Ask about the types of electronics included, such as GPS, radar, autopilot, and other equipment. If the listing simply states something like “Raymarine electronics”, that’s a cue to inquire about exactly what that means. Recently we had a buyer that didn’t realize until after they accepted the vessel that while the boat had an AIS transceiver and Radar onboard, neither worked properly, which is why the Seller did not include these in the listing details. This one question could have saved them nearly $2,000\. Inquire about the age and condition of the equipment included, whether any recent upgrades or repairs have been made, and why. Ultimately these are items a professional surveyor should asses as well. #### 6\. What are the Condition of the Hulls? The hulls are fundamental to the performance and safety of a catamaran. Inspect the hulls for any signs of osmosis (blistering), cracks, or previous repairs. Ask about the materials used in the construction and any anti-fouling treatments applied. A thorough hull inspection by a licensed and accredited surveyor can reveal potential problems and help you determine the overall condition of the catamaran, alleviating unexpected repair costs down the road. #### 7\. What is the Layout and Condition of the Interior? The interior layout and condition of a catamaran can greatly affect your comfort and enjoyment while sailing. Ask about the layout of the cabins, galley, heads, and saloon. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as stains, mold, peeling veneer, or damage to the upholstery and finishes. Consider whether the layout meets your needs for space and functionality, and consider any improvements you might make in order to meet your needs. ![Top Questions to Ask When Buying a Catamaran](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/31e59088-479d-4723-8c90-7cdd5f1ac26e_907x548-jpeg.jpg) 2022 Leopard 45 3-cabin Owners Version Layout #### 8\. What Safety Equipment is Included? Safety is paramount when sailing, so it's important to know what safety equipment is included with the catamaran. Ask about life jackets, life rafts, EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Many boat owners spend a small fortune on safety equipment, and don’t include it in listing details because they plan to bring much of it over to their new boat. Verify what is included along with the age and condition of the equipment and ensure it meets current safety regulations. A licensed and accredited marine surveyor is a great resource to help with this part of the process. #### 9\. What are the Sailing Characteristics? Understanding the sailing characteristics of a catamaran can help you determine if it meets your performance expectations. Production catamarans have a wide array of performance characteristics, and oftentimes what you gain in interior volume and comfort, you lose in performance, and vice versa. If you’re looking at both a Lagoon and an Outremer, consider engaging with a licensed yacht broker to help you understand the differences between these catamaran types, and to ensure you make the best decision for your needs. Ask about how the catamaran handles in various weather conditions, her speed, and overall sailing performance. When you get to the point of survey, ensure you include a contingency to take the boat out for a sea trial to experience the catamaran’s performance. #### 10\. Are There Any Pending Issues or Required Upgrades? Finally, ask if there are any pending issues or required upgrades/replacements that you should be aware of. This could include anything from minor gelcoat repairs to major system overhauls, to name a few. Just last week I met a Seller who had B&G electronics that worked flawlessly, however everything was about 20 years old; well beyond the expected useful life. A new owner should anticipate fully upgrading all these electronics within a few years. Knowing about these items in advance can help you not only to negotiate the fairest price up front, but also will hep to budget for future expenses. #### The Big Picture Asking these key questions when viewing a catamaran can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its condition, suitability, and value. It’s always a good idea to engage a licensed yacht broker and have a professional surveyor conduct a thorough inspection to ensure you make an informed decision. By doing your due diligence, you can find the perfect catamaran that meets your needs and provides years of enjoyable sailing. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## ### Why Sailing Catamaran Insurance Premiums Have Increased Over the Past Few Years URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/why-have-sailing-catamaran-insurance-premiums-been-rising/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:44.000Z ![Why Sailing Catamaran Insurance Premiums Have Increased Over the Past Few Years](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/506fdcb1-82d4-4070-8c23-d0209646ab1e_1552x873-jpeg.jpg) In recent years, sailing catamaran owners have noticed a significant rise in insurance premiums, not to mention coverage limitations. Understanding the reasons behind these increases is crucial for both current and prospective catamaran owners. Several factors contribute to higher insurance premiums, which tend to be influenced by market dynamics and various cost drivers. There are, however, practical ways to potentially mitigate these rising costs that every catamaran owner should know. **The Rising Cost of Sailing Catamaran Insurance** **1\. Increased Number of Intense Natural Disasters** According to the Environmental Defense Fund in [their article about climate change and hurricanes](https://www.edf.org/climate/how-climate-change-makes-hurricanes-more-destructive?ref=sailr.ghost.io), “the most damaging U.S. hurricanes are three times more frequent than 100 years ago, and that the proportion of major hurricanes (Category 3 or above) in the Atlantic Ocean has doubled since 1980.” One of the primary reasons for the rise in sailing catamaran insurance premiums is this increase in frequency and severity of natural disasters. These natural disasters cause significant damage to boats, leading to more frequent higher value claims. Insurers, in turn, raise premiums to cover the increased risk and cost of potential payouts. **2\. High Repair and Replacement Costs** Sailing catamarans are increasingly complex vessels with specialized parts and equipment. The cost of repairing and replacing these components has risen dramatically due to recent inflation, supply chain disruptions, and technological advancements. For example, modern catamarans often feature advanced navigation systems, higher-tech sails, and advanced lithium and solar technology, all of which are expensive to repair or replace, especially in an elevated inflationary environment. These increased costs are factored into insurance premiums. [![Why Sailing Catamaran Insurance Premiums Have Increased Over the Past Few Years](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/622e3597-46c0-4833-b3a7-c259bc99abdf_807x663-jpeg.jpg)](https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/?ref=sailr.ghost.io) **3\. Increasing Hull Values** The value of sailing catamarans has been steadily increasing, in part due to inflation, but also due to the increase in demand (and limited inventory) experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As more people enter the market more quickly, inventory becomes more limited and demand drives up prices. Higher boat values mean higher replacement costs, which in turn leads to increased insurance premiums. Additionally, some new buyers finance their catamaran purchases, requiring more comprehensive insurance coverage as a condition of their loan, further driving up demand for more expensive insurance coverage. **4\. Rising Medical and Liability Costs** Injuries and accidents on the water can lead to substantial medical and liability claims. Like many other industries over the past few years, the cost of medical care has also been rising, and this is also reflected in the insurance industry. According to the [Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker](https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/?ref=sailr.ghost.io), the average annual growth rate of spending per person on medical claims through private insurance has increased by nearly double since 2020 when compared to the average annual rate in the prior 10 years. Insurers account for these expenses, which boat owners will then see reflected in higher insurance premiums. **Market Dynamics Affecting Sailing Catamaran Insurance** **1\. Limited Competition** The marine insurance market is relatively niche, with only a few specialized A-rated insurers offering comprehensive coverage for sailing catamarans operating in both the U.S. and Caribbean. This limited competition can lead to higher prices as insurers have greater control over premiums. In 2018 there were at least 4 insurers if you sailed in both the U.S. and Caribbean. Today, all but 2 A-rated insurers have exited that market due to high claim volumes and profitability concerns, further reducing competition. **2\. Regulatory Changes** Regulatory changes and compliance costs have also played a role in increasing insurance premiums. Stricter regulations around safety, environmental protection, and insurance practices require companies to invest in compliance measures. These costs are often passed on to boat owners in the form of higher premiums and limited coverage. **3\. Claims History** The claims history of the sailing catamaran community affects insurance premiums. A high number of claims, whether due to accidents, theft, or natural disasters, can lead to higher rates. Insurance companies analyze historical data to assess risk and set future premiums accordingly. Unfortunately, recent years have seen a spike in claim frequency and values, contributing to increased costs for insurers, and as a result policyholders as well. **Tips to Manage and Reduce Sailing Catamaran Insurance Premiums** **1\. Define Your Use Case then Shop Around** One of the most effective ways to manage insurance costs is to understand your use case and coverage needs, then shop around. If you are American and plan to sail in both the U.S. and Caribbean, or you have a charter vessel, sadly your options may be extremely limited, with Concept Special Risks being one of the only A-rated carriers available. It’s still worth exploring options to find the best rates and coverage though. If you sail a non-charter vessel in the U.S. and limit sailing to less than 100 miles from shore, additional options may exist, such as [State Farm](https://stevebotkin.net/?ref=sailr.ghost.io) which typically come with lower premiums and deductibles, plus expanded coverage. Working with a knowledgeable marine insurance broker, such as [Hanham Insurance](https://www.hanhaminsurance.com/?ref=sailr.ghost.io) or [Brown & Brown](https://www.bbrown.com/us/?ref=sailr.ghost.io), can also help identify potential savings and tailor coverage to your specific needs. **2\. Increase Your Deductible** Raising the deductible is a common strategy to lower insurance premiums. Not all insurers will offer this option, though if they do, agreeing to pay a higher out-of-pocket amount in the event of a claim, may lead to reduced premiums. However, it's important to ensure that the deductible is still manageable in case you need to file a claim. Ask yourself “*how much can I afford to pay in the event of a claim before the financial impact would become unmanageable?*” **3\. Bundle Policies** If you own other types of insurance, such as home or auto insurance, consider bundling these policies with your sailing catamaran insurance. While not always available, especially if you’re sailing outside the U.S., insurers such as State Farm oftentimes offer multi-policy discounts that can lead to premium savings. Bundling can also simplify your insurance management by consolidating your policies with a single insurer and broker, who can then help manage your risk and coverages more comprehensively. **4\. Maintain a Clean Claims History** A clean claims record can positively impact your insurance premiums. Avoid filing small claims that you can afford to pay out-of-pocket, as frequent claims can lead to higher premiums and limited coverage. By demonstrating responsible boat ownership and operation, and minimizing claims, you may qualify for lower premiums. **5\. Evaluate Coverage Needs** Regularly reviewing and adjusting your coverage needs can help manage premium costs. First and foremost, ensure you’re not over-insured or paying for coverage you don't need. Secondly, be sure you have adequate protection for your catamaran's actual value and your personal liability. If you’re unsure of your sailing catamarans value, obtain an insurance survey from an [accredited surveyor](https://www.clayton-marine-surveys.com/?ref=sailr.ghost.io), or contact a [licensed yacht broker](https://justcatamarans.net/scott-mayer/?ref=sailr.ghost.io) to request a valuation. Tailoring your policy to your specific needs can result in more cost-effective coverage. **The Big Picture** The rise in sailing catamaran insurance premiums can be attributed to several factors, including increased natural disasters, higher repair and replacement costs due to inflationary spiking, rising boat values, and elevated medical expenses. Market dynamics, such as limited competition and regulatory changes, also play a role in shaping premiums. While insurance premium increases may seem daunting, there are steps owners can take to manage and potentially reduce insurance costs. Shopping around, increasing deductibles, bundling policies, maintaining a clean claims record, and regularly evaluating coverage needs are all effective strategies. By understanding the reasons behind the rising premiums and taking proactive measures, sailing catamaran owners can navigate the insurance market more effectively and ensure they have the necessary coverages through reliable insurers, at the lowest premiums. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### 2009 Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/2009-fountaine-pajot-lavezzi-40/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T23:49:35.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **March 2024, Google Review** *”We had the pleasure of working with Scott Mayer as our boat broker, and we couldn't have been more impressed. We met Scott after purchasing our boat in Key West, and from the start, he was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. As newcomers to boat ownership and sailing, Scott provided invaluable insight and guidance, always steering us in the right direction.* *Scott's honesty and upfront approach were refreshing. He took the time to explain the intricacies of boat ownership, ensuring we understood the process and felt confident navigating the waters of boat ownership. Even as we sailed to Annapolis, MD, Scott remained a reliable resource, offering advice and connecting us with others in his network.* *When the time came to sell our boat, there was no question that Scott was the right person for the job. He took the time to understand our goals and timeline, developing a comprehensive marketing plan. Thanks to his expertise, we were under contract within a week of listing, and the deal closed smoothly, even with a last-minute issue with one of the engines.* *Scott's professionalism and dedication to his clients are unmatched. As a full-time broker, he is committed to ensuring a seamless buying or selling experience. If you're in the market for a boat or looking to sell, Scott Mayer is the broker you want in your corner.”* **Marion Shelton | Seller, SV LA REINA** ### **Sales Video** --- ### 1986 Irwin 52 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/1986-irwin-52/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T12:56:07.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **December 2023, Google Review** *“Scott Mayer from day one has treated us like family and his attention and promptness to our messages and emails is by far been the best experience we’ve had. We were his only client when he was with us and he has remained in touch throughout the process walking us through each step. Making time for us no matter his schedule. He truly cares about his clients.”* **Regina Iams | Buyer, SV OLIVIA** [Sailing OliviaWe’re restoring and refitting a classic sailboat, sharing the real work, lessons learned, and everyday moments along the way. From woodworking and systems to careful restorations, this channel documents the journey one project at a time. This isn’t a highlight reel - it’s honest progress, patience, and craftsmanship, all in pursuit of a dream. For what is life without a dream?![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/icon/favicon_144x144-f94f9769-688a-42d2-964b-f4e969039d26.png)YouTube![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/thumbnail/-qP9--HtmGTzKNvEgRSTOFqEcHm6PjzovZUuwkCWQ8M_TVaEh6t56ZdlGj6GJRpEVAwoVRjs-s900-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj-dfb2f141-dbd9-41a6-992f-5c06f239687b)](http://www.youtube.com/@Sailing-Olivia?ref=scalingmasts.com) ### **Sales Video** --- ### The Fed Maintained Interest Rates Again URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-the-fed/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:45.000Z ![The Fed Maintained Interest Rates Again](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/2cef1488-e1f5-477b-bdb2-a3ac5bd9fa2b_2000x1333-jpeg.jpg) As we bring 2023 to a close, the United States Federal Reserve (aka The Fed) has maintained interest rates for the 3rd straight time this year and signaled the potential for rate reductions in 2024\. If I had a dime for each time since then someone asked me if it means it's a good time to finance a boat, I'd be a wealthy man. And to tell you the truth - it's complicated! It could result lower interest rates, however that's not guaranteed as there isn't a direct link between marine lending and The Fed's interest rate decisions. Boat loans are aligned with long-term borrowing, but The Fed's decision applies to shorter-term borrowing; and while The Fed decision will impact long-term borrowing indirectly, the most significant factors impacting your ability to secure a boat loan will be credit market trading and the cost of money, your specific needs and credit score, along with credit history and your overall financial profile, amongst several other factors. Lucky for you this article isn't going to bore you to tears on how The Fed's interest rate decisions indirectly impact boat loans; just know that when you do quality for a boat loan, the interest rate and terms are mostly based on factors outside what you see on the news. Today we'll dive more into the types of loans, how they work, and who to contact to get the process started so that you can come to the table with a pre-approved amount to spend on your dream boat. ## Secured vs. Unsecured Loans Traditionally you'll find 2 types of boat loan options. Secured boat loans are probably the easiest to understand for most folks, as they work similarly to a home loan. In a secured loan you'd borrow money with a set interest rate plus collateral in case you default on the loan. And you guessed it, typically that collateral is the boat itself, meaning if you default on the loan you'll wake up one day and your boat could be gone, safely sailed into the capable hands of your lender. Secured loans are typical for borrowing above $100,000, come with lower interest rates, terms up to 20 years, and are the most common loans we see. The second option, known as an unsecured loan, is when you'd borrow money without any collateral, which means the bank will take on much higher risk. This type of loan is secured via individual factors such as credit score, credit history, income, and your overall individual abilities to make timely and consistent payments. Should you default the bank will not have the ability to directly seize the boat since it wasn't put up as collateral, and can generally only resort to state and federally regulated legal avenues to reclaim the debt itself. In this scenario, while the interest rate will certainly be higher, your boat will be much more secure should you fall on hard times. We've seen unsecured loan terms up to 7 years, and typically are under $100,000\. ## Do I Need a Pre-approval to Buy a Boat This will vary dependent upon your specific scenario, but generally speaking if you are not paying 100% cash you'll want to speak with a boat loan professional to obtain a pre-approval **BEFORE** you start searching for your dream boat. This will not only save you, your broker, and everyone involved a "boatload" of time and effort, but knowing what you can actually afford before you start the search will be immensely helpful. Imagine falling in love with a $700,000 catamaran only to learn after you've viewed 10 boats and have an accepted offer that the bank will only lend you enough to afford a $400,000 catamaran. Not good, right? ## Boat Loan Calculators **DO NOT** base your buying decisions on what an online boat loan calculator tells you. Those calculators are a wind indicator only, and will never replace the expertise and knowledge of an experienced marine lending professional. While there is no shortage of marine lenders out there, we personally love referring clients to Zack and Greta at [Azul Marine Lending](https://azulmarinelending.com/english?ref=sailr.ghost.io), based out of Sarasota, Florida (and no, **I DO NOT** get a referral fee or kick-back for sending people there). Zack and Greta are lending brokers with access to a number of different lending options. One of the many things we love about Zack and Greta is they take a holistic approach to lending, not only to aid in identifying loan options, but also offer guidance to support how a boat, the associated loan, and long term boat ownership costs, could impact your total financial picture. [Click here](https://www.azulmarinefinance.com/?ref=sailr.ghost.io#/interested) to request a free online application from Zack and Greta. ## What Does my Credit Score Need to Be? While a FICO score of around 650/700+ is generally considered favorable, it's important to understand that banks look at much more than a credit score when making lending decisions. Personal credit history, liquidity, income stability, and debit-to-income ratio are only a few of the many factors that will drive a lending decision. With that being said, a credit score below 650/700 doesn't necessarily mean you won't be able to secure a boat loan, especially if all the other factors at play are favorable ## The Big Picture Navigating boat loans involves understanding a broad array of economic and personal financial factors. While The Fed’s interest rate decisions do indirectly play a role, boat loans are influenced most by a lender's costs, your financial profile, the boat you're looking to purchase, and the type of loan you choose, to name a few. Comprehensive guidance tailored to your financial situation is a critical first step in the boat buying process, so be sure to reach out to an experienced marine lending professional as a first step. Their expertise can ensure that your dream boat aligns seamlessly with your overall financial health, and ensures the buying process goes smoothly. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Marine Diesel Engines and Cleaning the Raw Water System URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/marine-diesel-engines-and-cleaning-the-raw-water-system/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T14:55:08.000Z Marine diesel engines stand as the powerhouse of choice for seasoned sailors, valued for their efficiency, durability, and reliability. Their ability to efficiently consume fuel not only reduces operating costs but also extends a vessel's range. That being said, maintaining these robust engines is crucial, especially when it comes to their raw water systems. Regular cleaning is essential, particularly for boats in seawater where calcium buildup and biological growth can significantly impact performance and longevity. Today we'll delve into a best practice for cleaning your marine diesel engine raw water system, which was originally shared with me by Chad at [Just Catamarans](www.justcatamarans.net). Our focus will be on diesel engines of 80HP and below with saildrives; however, you can modify this for larger diesel engines and those with drive shafts as well. ## Supplies List - Gallon of [Barnacle Buster Concentrate](https://amzn.to/48hvOqN?ref=sailr.ghost.io) per Engine - [Safety Gloves](https://amzn.to/46PlRja?ref=sailr.ghost.io) ## Frequency & Duration While frequency may vary depending on the salinity of your geography, I find that once every 6 months will do the trick. With 2 people, the process should take about 20 minutes per diesel engine, and is one of the most simple and inexpensive maintenance tasks you can do to extend the life of your marine diesel engine. ## Overall Purpose Over time marine diesel engines, especially those in seawater, will build up heavy calcium and biological growth throughout the system. This causes engine performance to suffer, and ultimately resulting in irreversible damage to hoses, fittings, seals, pumps, heat exchangers, and exhaust elbows. Cleaning your system regularly will extend the life of these components by YEARS, and ensure the performance of your marine diesel engine remains top notch! ## The Process 1. Remove engine sea strainer cap and pour approximately 1 quart of [Barnacle Buster Concentrate](https://amzn.to/48hvOqN?ref=sailr.ghost.io) into the strainer, or until it fills to the label line. 2. Close the valve to the saildrive raw water intake 3. Have one person start the engine while the second person pours the remainder of the gallon of [Barnacle Buster](https://amzn.to/48hvOqN?ref=sailr.ghost.io) into the sea strainer 4. Kill the engine once all the [Barnacle Buster](https://amzn.to/48hvOqN?ref=sailr.ghost.io) is inside the system/strainer 5. Place cap back on the sea strainer 6. Open the saildrive intake valve, then wait 15 minutes 7. Start the engine and watch the exhaust - calcium deposits, growth, and all sorts of other garbage will likely come out along with discolored water 8. Run the engine until the exhaust air and water are back to normal, then shut down the engine ## Summary Maintaining the raw water system of your marine diesel engine is a critical aspect of boat upkeep, particularly for those being used in seawater. By utilizing [Barnacle Buster](https://amzn.to/48hvOqN?ref=sailr.ghost.io) and following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily clean the system regularly, preventing harmful calcium build-up and biological growth. Investing a little time and effort into cleaning your engine's raw water system can add years to the life of major components and ensure optimal performance, making your boating experience more enjoyable, trouble-free, and less expensive to maintain. ## Scaling Masts Real-world insights for sailors, buyers, sellers, and boat owners navigating life on the water. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Critical Maintenance for your Anchor Gear URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/critical-maintenance-for-your-anchor-gear/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:46.000Z ![Critical Maintenance for your Anchor Gear](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/d4/0ed438f7-b249-453e-aa5f-cefa1eb4faf8/content/images/2026/07/93b01d88-0b3d-4f08-a9d6-aaa41fe0c8ec_1478x822.png) As sailors up North begin to bid farewell to another sailing season, it's time to shift focus to a task that often falls through the cracks - tending to anchor gear maintenance, also known as ground tackle. Overlooking these essential components could lead to a less-than-smooth start to the next chapter of your sailing adventure. Whether you're on The Great Lakes and preparing for winter hibernation or you're about to sail down the coast toward the Caribbean, join me as I walk through post-season care for your anchor system, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and longevity. ### Safeguarding Your Investment **Extending Lifespan:** Imagine your anchor gear as a steadfast crew member, serving you faithfully through each sail. By investing time in proper maintenance, you're effectively granting it a longer, more dependable service life. In essence, you're prolonging your adventure and saving your hard-earned shekels from your gear reaching end-of-life sooner than necessary. **Safe Harbors Await:** Safety and reliability is of utmost importance to any sailor's journey, and a well-maintained anchoring system is a critical piece of that journey. It's not just about finding a protected anchorage to avoid rough waters – it's about knowing you have reliable tools to use when you need them most. Keep your gear shipshape to ensure you're always prepared for the unexpected. **Smoother Anchoring:** Well-kept ground tackle operates with reliability and precision, reducing hassle during anchoring process. Picture the satisfaction of effortlessly setting anchor in your favorite cove as you watch the sunset dip below the horizon. That's the promise of a finely-tuned ground tackle system. ### Guide for Post-season Anchor Gear Maintenance **Cleaning:** Begin your maintenance ritual with a thorough fresh-water rinse of your anchor, chain, and any additional mooring lines connected to your system. Wash away all the salt, sand, growth, and remnants of the season. There is no such thing as too much fresh-water rinse, so take your time here. For a more meticulous cleanse, a gentle brush can work wonders. Leave no nook or cranny unattended. If you can drop your anchor onto a dock and lay out all your anchor rode it'll be much more effective. Finally, ensure everything dries completely to stave off corrosion, especially for those of you in saltwater environments. **Eagle-Eyed Inspection:** Inspect your gear meticulously. Seek out any signs of wear, rust, or corrosion. Study your chain link by link, and your nylon rode strand by strand. Vigilance here can prevent potential mishaps down the line. Don't be that sailor that loses $2,000 in chain and an anchor (or worse!) because $100 in 3-strand nylon rode snapped due to wear. A 30 minute inspection will save you loads of cash not only on replacing gear, but also potential insurance claims from a failed system that caused you to collide with another nearby boat in an anchorage. **Lubrication:** Consult your equipment's manufacturer and follow their recommendations for lubrication, but we'll provide some general tips here. Proper lubrication ensures that all moving parts of your anchor windlass operate like a finely-tuned instrument, protecting against the corrosion dragon's fiery breath. Generally speaking, look into cleaning and greasing the inside of your windlass, replacing any worn or corroded parts and seals, and of course checking and securing electrical connections. Doing this annually can extend the life of your windlass by 2-3x. **Trial Run:** Whether your boat is in the yard or at a marina, it's wise to perform a test run of your ground tackle in a controlled environment. This ensures the gears turn smoothly and the mechanisms engage without any hitches. While you're at it, renew the length markings on the chain and give a reassuring nod to the shackle and swivel securing your anchor stem to the chain. If you're dropping the anchor into the water, when you pull her back up again the final time you'll want to be sure to spray it down with fresh water, ensuring any salt, sand, and other residue is removed. Again, if you can allow everything to dry afterward, that's best. **Safe Haven for Hibernation:** For those of you putting your boat into winter hibernation, protect it from the sun and elements if at all possible. This final act of care will deter further corrosion and keep your equipment in tip-top shape when your next season comes around. ### The Big Picture While post-season maintenance is vital, remember that a watchful eye should be cast throughout the year. Regular inspections can nip potential issues in the bud before they grow into anchoring nightmares. Dedicating time and care to your ground tackle system is the promise of smoother and safer operations down the road. As the sun sets on the current sailing season, give your ground tackle the attention it deserves, and you'll sail into next season with the wind in your sails knowing you are prepared for the journey ahead. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### 1976 Camper & Nicholsons CN31 URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/1976-camper-nicholsons-cn31/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T15:18:52.000Z ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ **March 2023, Google Review** *“I'm not sure I can say enough good things about Scott Mayer. I was having a pretty tough time selling my beloved sailboat on my own, but that changed very quickly after I hired him.* *Right from the outset Scott's integrity and level of customer service was incredible. He was always there when I needed him, quick to respond, and genuinely dedicated to making sure I was well taken care of. He went above and beyond just closing the deal; his dedication was ensuring I felt comfortable and well-informed at every step. With his professional yet down-to-earth approach, the entire experience became a breeze, transforming what might have been a stressful ordeal into something actually enjoyable.* *His wealth of knowledge about the yacht market is truly impressive. He has a deep understanding of the industry, and I think this played a crucial role in getting my sailboat in the right spot for potential buyers. His keen insights into market trends, smart pricing strategies, and his grasp of the competitive scene were like having a secret weapon. I had complete confidence in his ability to navigate the market and make the best decisions for my sailboat.* *Scott is clearly passionate about sailing and has a wealth of knowledge about various boat types. His ability to highlight the unique features and advantages of my sailboat undoubtedly played a crucial role in attracting the right buyers.* *One aspect of Scott's service that made a substantial difference for me as an absentee owner was his ability to coordinate with local service providers. Living at a distance, I faced logistical challenges in preparing my sailboat for sale. Scott went above and beyond by connecting me with reliable service providers who handled everything from maintenance and cleaning to staging for showings. This level of support was immensely helpful and eliminated many of the hurdles I anticipated.* *To sum it up, Scott Mayer truly stands out as a yacht broker who gets the job done without any unnecessary fuss. His exceptional customer service, deep market insights, and boat knowledge are truly unmatched. With his guidance, I not only secured an excellent price for my boat but also sailed smoothly through the entire process, even though I wasn't physically present. I wholeheartedly endorse him for anyone thinking about buying or selling a yacht!”* **Captain Jack | Seller, SV CHANCE ENCOUNTER** ### Sales Video --- ### U.S. Coast Guard Bareboat Charter Regulations URL: https://www.scalingmasts.com/u-s-coast-guard-bareboat-charter-regulations/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:55:47.000Z In September 2018 the U.S. Coast Guard boarded a fishing vessel in the Halifax River to conduct an inspection of safety equipment and examine licenses of the crew operating the vessel. No violations were found and the charter was able to safely continue. Just a few weeks prior a 48' charter vessel was boarded in the Miami River that had 18 passengers aboard. It turns out there were more paying passengers aboard than the vessel was certified to carry. In addition the vessel also did not have a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) nor did it have a credentialed mariner in control and operating it. Both of these stories were released by the U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District Headquarters based in Miami, and are a stark reminder that regulatory enforcement is alive and well in the 1.7 million square miles in and around Puerto Rico, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. With the accelerated rate of foreign-built vessels being delivered to American buyers, it's also critical to understand the U.S. build requirements as set forth in the Passenger Services Act (46 U.S.C. 55103). In particular, if you own a foreign-built vessel that is less than 3 years old, you are not permitted to operate the vessel as a traditional charter vessel that includes crew. You can, however, offer the vessel on a "bareboat" basis, until the vessel is 3 years old, then you can apply for a Small Vessel Waiver from the Maritime Administration. A demise charter, oftentimes referred to as bareboat charter, requires a written agreement between the owner of a vessel and a charterer where the charterer has use of the vessel for a defined period of time and is considered the de facto owner. A bareboat charterer may take on legal obligations to the owner of the vessel, the crew, the passengers carried, and others. ## Elements of a valid Bareboat Charter 1. The charterer must have the option of selecting and paying crew, although the owner may require general levels of proficiency for the crew 2. The master/crew are paid by the charterer 3. All food and fuel are provided by the charterer 4. Insurance is obtained by the charterer 5. The charterer is responsible for navigating the vessel 6. The charterer may discharge any crew member onboard 7. The vessel is surveyed upon its delivery and return Any indication showing possession or control of the vessel by the owner, the owner's operator, or the owner's agent would be a contradiction that a valid and legal bareboat charter exists, and may be considered an illegal charter operation. ## Common Bareboat Charter Mistakes 1. A chartered vessel may NOT carry more than 12 passengers without a Certificate of Inspection (COI) 2. A chartered vessel may NOT carry more than 12 passengers while moored. A charter vessel is considered to be carrying "passengers" whether moored or underway. This includes a boat bed and breakfast, oftentimes referred to as an "AirBnb" 3. The owner, or owner's agent, of the vessel may NOT be the vessel master or part of the crew. The vessel owner is NOT permitted onboard during a bareboat charter 4. A bareboat charter contract may not provide or dictate a crew. The charterer must be able to select a crew and have the ability to discharge the crew 5. The charterer is not considered a passenger, and there can only be one charterer, even though the vessel may be chartered by several individuals. In this case, one person (typically the individual signing the bareboat agreement) would be considered the charterer and the rest would be counted as passengers 6. Both U.S. flagged and foreign-flagged vessels may be chartered, however foreign flagged vessels cannot carry passengers for hire between U.S. ports and must be chartered by and/or operate as a recreational vessel. Foreign-built vessels owned by U.S. citizens must meet coastwise trade rules before carrying passengers for hire. 7. Using a vessel as a boat bed and breakfast, also known as an "AirBnb" in which the owner or operator receives consideration for people to remain overnight on the vessel is a commercial operation, is still limited to 12 passengers, and requires a written contract (bareboat agreement) if the vessel is foreign-built and does not carry a MARAD Small Vessel Waiver + Coastwise endorsement on the vessel's Federal Certificate of Documentation. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup)