Yachting Trends for 2023

 

There are many aspects to yachting in the Pacific Northwest that make boating here unlike anywhere else in the world. The thousands of boaters and yachters here create a community comprised of remote workers, fishers, crabbers, shrimpers, bluewater explorers, and wild life watchers embarking on travels anywhere from Alaska to Mexico. To meet the demands of ever changing conditions, special equipment and features can help to optimize the experience. Over recent years, we have compiled a list of a few latest trends that reflect key features among this adventurous community. Here’s our list of the most popular trends:

 

Starlink RV

Last May, Elon Musk released the Starlink RV allowing for consistent and fast internet access currently in the process of expanding all over the globe. Developed by SpaceX, Starlink is the first in a new generation of low-earth orbiting satellite communications services that promise to deliver low-latency broadband internet to places unreachable in the past. This means consistent and fast internet to work remote work, stream movies, or communicate abroad from the open ocean which has been nothing short of a game changer for the cruising industry. Starlink RV has one-time hardware costs promising unlimited data for a small monthly.  A Starlink stainless steel  bracket is available for purchase and installation on top of a yacht but some boaters have found creative ways to install theirs via fishing rod holders or 3D printed brackets.

Quality Fishfinder / Depthsounder

Fishing is a huge industry in the Pacific North West, whether commercially or recreationally. Each year hundreds of boaters set out for salmon, cod, halibut, and lingcod for a fresh dinner on board. In 2023, it’s predicted that 2023 will be the largest spring return of Chinook salmon since 2015. Regardless of supply and demand, having a quality fishfinder or depthsounder on board will be critical to helping fishers find the type of fish they desire to catch. Due to the varied seabed topography found between lakes, beaches, straits, and open oceans, the depthsounder of fishfinder you purchase will determine what kinds of fish are typically found in certain habitats. Garmin has done a nice job in this area. There are other quality depthsounders, however we have been spoiled with Garmin, which conveniently comes built in to all Riviera Yachts.

 

Comfortable tender / day boat

This may be fairly obvious to the experienced boater, but having a high quality tender is crucial for getting the most out of your yachting expeditions in the Pacific Northwest. Once you reach a destination of interest such as one of our many islands, yachters find that anchoring in a calm spot then taking out a strong tender is the ideal way to explore or “gunkhole” a shore or coastline. A powerful and comfortable tender allows you to explore all day despite common currents and wind changes. There are an abundance of tenders available on the market, but for anyone looking for a powerful pre-owned tender, we recommend or our 30′ Rayglass Protector available (shown by appointment only). Whether cruising through kelp forests or stopping in town for dinner, it’s important that your day boat or tender has locking storage for valuables such as purses, camera, binoculars, groceries, or any other gear or supplies needed while away.

 

Volvo Penta Assisted Docking

Another feature we predict will become a staple in the PNW is assisted docking. No matter the level of experience, help with docking is always appreciated especially if you’re running shorthanded on deck. The all new Volvo Penta assisted docking system is designed to make docking boats safe and easy even in challenging conditions by simplifying and removing the dynamics of wind and current while improving your maneuverability into tight spaces. While this feature is currently only available for yachts equipped with Volvo Penta engines and newer, Volvo Pentas have become an industry standard over the past decade due to their power, pod drives, durability, and reliable warranty policy.