A boatload of benefit to the economy

MIKE WHITEHEAD

Ahoy.

Last week, I mentioned how other cities are recognizing the

economic value of boating, and as such, these cities are actively

enticing marine businesses to their areas.

The National Marine Manufacturers Assn. reported that the recent

Miami Boat Show alone adds $600 million to the local economy and that

the marine industry in Florida more than doubles the economic output

of the citrus industry.

Yet, we forget how vital boating and the marine businesses are to

our area, and that our harbor is a diamond in the rough that we have

the potential to polish into the world’s boating mecca. We have two

boat shows in April, and these shows are huge boosts for local

economy. What’s interesting is that I cannot find any reference to

the boat shows on the city of Newport Beach, the conference and

visitor’s bureau, nor the Chamber of Commerce’s websites.

How many boats are there in Newport Harbor? I have heard figures

from 9,000 to 12,000, creating a demand for boat slips with waiting

lists that can take years. Many boat sales teeter on closing the deal

only if the salesperson can find a slip for the yacht. This demand is

a major indicator for the potential to capitalize on the economic

value of the multibillion-dollar-a-year boating industry.

However, I am very concerned that our on-water dependent marine

businesses are leaving as redevelopment occurs spottily around the

harbor. Presently, there are plans to redevelop the area that

encompasses the South Coast Shipyard, thus losing another

water-dependent marine business. A shipyard will be nearly impossible

land-wise or economically to replace anywhere else in the harbor.

The proposed site plan shows residential units neighboring

shipyards, restaurants, marinas and bay boat traffic. I will be very

curious to see how soon after the residents move in that the

complaints start to flood the City Council about these activities

affecting residents’ quality of life. Former City Councilwoman Norma

Glover compared it to moving next to a park and then complaining

about the noise from a ballgame.

I am in favor of renovations, and like other cities are

discovering, we need to value the importance of boating, especially

in areas that are water-dependent, such as ship yards, fuel docks,

yacht brokers, launch ramps, marinas.

On another note, a lot has been said in the media lately about

boating safety and lack of recreational boater training. Well, a big

salute to Bayport Yachts of Newport Beach, which held an all-day

seminar free for its clients. I was invited to be the lecturer for

this event that included clients from as far away as the Bay area.

We began in the dealership’s office, where safety equipment was

the first item and each participant received handouts. The topics

varied from sights for a day-cruise or a weekend to diagraming

anchoring techniques.

Then, we gathered in the parking lot, where I performed a

demonstration on how to put out a fire with dry chemical

extinguishers. After which, everyone had a chance to actually fire an

extinguisher, most for the first time.

That afternoon, we boarded four Carvers and rafted in the

anchorage area, where my vessel performed a surprise man-overboard

drill, with Lee Scheele volunteering to go in the water. The group

was able to witness an actual MOB drill that included a follow-up

explanation and questions. After lunch on board, everyone had a

chance to practice tossing a ring buoy and to ask questions of the

staff and myself.

Good job, Bayport Yachts, and a perfect example of how marine

businesses are getting involved to promote boating responsibly and

safely. However, the highlight was watching J.R. Means and Chris

Herman wrestle each other in the chilly bay water.

Tune in to my “Boathouse Radio Show” this and every Sunday from 4

to 5 p.m. on KCBQ-AM (1170), or listen over the Internet at

https://www.boathouseradio. com. You can call in to the toll-free

listener line at (888) 344-1170 and join in on Southern California’s

only boating talk radio show, broadcasting along the coast from San

Diego to Oxnard and out to Santa Catalina Island.

Safe voyages.

* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send

him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by

e-mail to mike@boathousetv.com or visit https://www.boathousetv.com.