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August 2020 Newsletter

Sep. 2 2020 News By Deb Ingram

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Introducing the Redesigned
2021 Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV

The best-selling towboat of all time just got even better!
 

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV has always been designed with versatility in mind in order to meet families' needs, whether towing surfers or just out cruising. The new 2021 model, however, goes above and beyond with features including "a transom walk-over, completely reconfigured interior, inspired billet accents, a custom-tuned Wet Sounds sound system, and double the hull graphic color options for more customization than ever before."

There are two running surfaces to choose from to customize the experience to the way you use your boat. The Diamond Multi-Sport Hull is designed for water skiing, but will also serve wakeboarders and surfers, while the Wake Plus Hull is built for serious board sports.

Additional features of the 23 LSV include:

  • Multi-View Wake Bench™
  • 2021 G5 gear tower
  • Cool Touch Vinyl
  • Malibu Command Center™ 
  • Forward- and rear-facing cameras
  • Stern Turn™ rider pickup system


“The 2021 23 LSV’s blend of luxury and enhanced performance along with cutting edge features and a bold new look make this the best yet. We designed a boat that not only lives up to its predecessors as the best-selling towboat of all time, but will continue to advance that legacy due to its customer-centric design," says Jack Springer, /CEO of Malibu Boats

Contact us for more information on this great boat.
 


From the Pros: The Best Boat Ramp Tip Ever!
 

Want to make backing your trailer down the boat ramp a little easier for you or your helpers? Here's a PRO TIP: Instead of putting the vehicle in reverse, put it in neutral and let the weight of the boat and slope of the ramp pull you backward. In addition to easing down the ramp, the neutral gear also makes movements of the steering wheel less pronounced, so you are less likely to get off course by a small turn of the wheel. Check it out on the video below from Mercury Marine.

 

Click the image to watch this pro tip demonstration by Mercury Marine.

14 Things to Know About Florida Lobster Season
 

  1. Mini-Season is always the last consecutive Wednesday & Thursday in July.
  2. During mini-season, bag limits are 12 lobster per person per day except in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, where it is 6 per person.
  3. The regular season starts August 6th and runs through March 31st.
  4. During the regular season, you can keep 6 lobsters per person per day.
  5. Lobsters must measure at least 3 inches in length from the hard part of the forward edge between the eyes to the rear edge of the carapace (the body shell.)
  6. You should measure lobsters in the water and not bag or remove them until you know they meet the size requirement.
  7. Lobsters hide under coral heads or rocks. Look for their antennae, or get down close to the bottom to look underneath the coral. You may need a "tickle stick" to coax them out.
  8. Male lobsters are more active during the day and therefore easier to catch.
  9. Male lobsters have a larger body and legs, but females have larger tails. Females have an extra set of pinchers that help them carry eggs.
  10. It is illegal to harvest female lobsters that are carrying eggs.
  11. You must take the whole lobster with you. It is illegal to separate the body and tail in the water.
  12. Recreational hunters may not use traps or any device that may puncture or crush the shell.
  13. Your boat must display a Divers Down flag, and swimmers should stay within 300 feet of the flag in open water (100 feet in rivers or inlets.)
  14. Unless exempt, a recreational saltwater fishing license and lobster permit are required.

Caring for Your Family's Life Jackets
 

No one wants to wear a moldy, smelly life jacket, so it's important to take some time after each outing to care for them properly. A good rinse will suffice on a regular basis, but occasionally you should wash them to remove sweat, sunscreen, mold, or mildew.

What to do or not to do? Here are some lessons learned the hard way.

Don't put it off. Rinse and properly store your life jackets after each use. Avoid letting them sit piled in the boat where mold may take root.

When you need to thoroughly clean your life jackets, don't use harsh chemicals like bleach. The best detergent is laundry or dish soap. Make a bath in a tub or bucket, and dip the jacket, then lightly scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

Don't lay your life jackets in direct sunlight to dry them. This will dry out the fabric and lead to tears. Hang them in a cool, shady place or in front of a fan.

Never put life jackets in a washing machine or dryer, as this will destroy the foam.

Your life jackets will last longer and maintain their shape and colors if you follow these instructions. When it is time to get new ones, you know where to go! We've got you covered.
 


Meet the Team:

Taylor⠀
⠀
Taylor has recently joined the TWS team as our Receptionist. She lives on Lake Weir with her father, Mark, and sister, Ashley. Taylor enjoys being out on the lake, playing with her 2 mini-Labradoodles, Max and Ike, and spending time with friends and family. We are thankful to have you on the team, Taylor!

Meet the Team:
Abby

Abby has loved growing TWS over the past eight years with her husband, Nate, and creating a future for their family and their employees. She handles many of the sales, processing, and management duties for the business. Abby and Nate have a one-year-old daughter, June, and a 5-year-old ragdoll cat named Marvin. Abby was a competitive equestrian growing up, and still enjoys riding horses in her free time, as well as cooking, traveling, being with her family, and being out on the water.

Meet the Team:
Nate
⠀
Nate started Transition Watersports 14 years ago, and today it’s a family affair with his wife, Abby, and brother, Mike, working alongside him (and daughter June making frequent appearances.) Nate’s favorite part about his job is helping people with their boating needs. When he’s not in the shop or with his family, Nate may be quail hunting, fishing, surfing, flying, or even driving a golf cart around an island in the Bahamas. Nate is too modest to share his hidden talents with us, but Abby says he is “annoyingly good at everything,” especially holding his breath and the Tiki Toss game in the shop! Nate has a passion for helping kids, which is evidenced by the many charitable events Transition Watersports supports every year.⠀


Seared Scallops with Grapefruit Sauce

If you have taken advantage of scallop season, whether harvesting them yourself or finding fresh Florida scallops at your seafood market, try this recipe adapted from the FloridaCitrus.org.

Ingredients
  • 2 Florida Grapefruit
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 5 tbsp. butter or margarine
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ tsp. sugar
  • 2 tsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 pound fresh scallops
  • 1 handful of fresh watercress
  • Salt and pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Zest and juice the first Florida Grapefruit; peel and segment the second; set aside.

Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté shallots and garlic with 1 tbsp. butter or margarine until fragrant, for 2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup of Florida Grapefruit juice, vinegar, and sugar. Continue to cook reducing the liquid to about half, approximately 8–10 minutes. Strain liquid to remove pieces, return the sauce to the pan.

Step 3: Add parsley, segments, and 4 tbsp. of butter or margarine; cook until butter or margarine has fully melted. Reduce heat to low to keep warm. 4. Pat scallops dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: In a large sauté pan over high heat, melt remaining butter, add scallops and sear for 2- 3 minutes on either side until dark brown.

Step 5: Spoon a small amount of sauce onto a serving plate, top with scallops. Spoon remaining sauce over scallops. Garnish with watercress and zest. Serve warm.