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ianfortey

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure. Fully licensed to operate all pleasure craft throughout Canada,

Articles by ianfortey

What Is A Gunwale?

The gunwale is the upper edge of your boat along the hull. You might also refer to it as the rim, lip, or border, but it’s officially the gunwale. Though it looks like you might pronounce it “gun whale,” it’s pronounced “gunnel,” so it rhymes with funnel. The History of the Top Edge of Your…

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Best Snorkeling in Maui

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

Hawaii is a land inextricably tied to the sea. Along with the other Polynesian lands, Hawaii has been linked to boating for as long as there have been people there. Of course, may of the early boaters there could cross the sea in something as simple as an outrigger canoe. Not that you need to…

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167 Patriotic Boat Names

Being proud of who you are and where you came from is great and it has inspired a lot of boaters as well. A strong, patriotic boat name can show off your love for your country while also offering up a cool, strong and memorable name for nearly any vessel. If your pride in your…

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The 138 Best Boat Names for Dog Lovers

For many boaters, taking their dog out on the water is an absolute must. For some of us a dog is the only companion we even want on our boat. So it’s no surprise to learn that as many as 93% of boat owners also own dogs. Boating and dogs go hand in paw and…

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Sailboat

75 Cool and Unique Irish Boat Names

Choosing a boat name is often a very personal experience for people. You want something that captures a sense of who you are and what boating in general means to you. For some people this can be done with a really funny boat name that keeps things light hearted. Others want a cool boat names…

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88 of the Best Italian Boat Names

Italian is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful languages in the world. It has a very lyrical quality to it and when it comes to giving your boat a sophisticated or flashy sounding name choosing between the English “Beautiful Life” or the Italian “Bella Vita” is a no brainer.  If you…

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What is the Steering Wheel of a Ship Called?

For such a simple question there are actually a few answers for a few reasons that you can explore to get the full understanding of what we call the steering wheel of a ship and why. That said, you may hear someone refer to the steering on a ship by any of the following terms:…

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Lonian Yacht: An Insider’s Guide

The Lonian Yacht, with an “L”, is a one-of-a-kind luxury yacht built by world-renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship in 2018 with naval architecture by De Voogt Naval Architects. The Lonian features exterior design handled by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, who handled all the interior design alongside Richard Hallberg Interior Design, and they succeeded in making…

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A Closer Look at the Madsummer Yacht

The luxury yacht Madsummer has built itself a reputation as a party boat. The name “Madsummer” seems to just be a play on Midsummer with a twist. While still under construction, Madsummer was known by the codename Project Fiji.  The yacht features an interior design by Studio Laura Sessa Design while the exterior design of…

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Your Insider’s Look at Steve Jobs’ Yacht Venus

The Venus Yacht was built for Steve Jobs, or it almost was. Though Jobs commissioned the yacht, it was launched in 2012, a year after Jobs passed away. He never got to see the finished product. It’s been said that he actually spent the last several years before his death helping to custom design the…

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Your Insider’s Guide to the Aviva Yacht

The Aviva Yacht was built in 2017 by German shipyard  Abeking & Rasmussen. The yacht’s interior design was styled by British design house Reymond Langton Design. Outside, the exterior design was handled by Reymond Langton Design. The yacht features a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and composite decks. One of the most unique features of the Aviva…

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Solandge Yacht: Ultimate Guide

The yacht Solandge was built in 2013 by the German shipyard Lurssen. The exterior design of the yacht was handled by Espen Øino International and the interior design was done by Rodriguez Interiors along with Dolker and Voges. The yacht features a steel hull over an aluminum superstructure, as well as teak decks. The yacht…

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LunaSea Yacht : An Insider’s Guide

LunaSea Yacht was built in 2017 with naval architecture by the Feadship shipyard. Both the interior and exterior design was handled by Redman Whiteley Dixon. The hull is made of steel, while the superstructure is made of aluminum. The vessel also features teak-laid decks. The yacht is known for having one of the most extensive…

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Scout Yacht 101: An Insider’s Guide

The Scout yacht was built by Hakvoort Shipyards in the Netherlands back in the year 2019. Both the interior and exterior design work was done by English design house H2 Yacht Design with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. Ownership of the yacht actually changed hands during the construction process in 2018. It started life…

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Valor Yacht Uncovered: The Inside Scoop on Design & Features

Few yachts have had such a whirlwind of existence as the Valor, which had been around the block once or twice. The yacht was built in 1990 by Feadship yacht builders and was designed by De Voogt Naval Architecture. She has a steel hull over an aluminum superstructure. The interior design was handled by McMillen…

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Lady Michelle Yacht: Behind The Scenes

The Lady Michelle yacht became famous on the show Below Deck: Mediterranean season 6 where it was featured prominently. It’s worth noting that the Lady Michelle has since been renamed and is actually called the Next Chapter now. However, most people still know her as the Lady Michelle because of her time on the TV…

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Digging into the Secret’s of Judy Judge’s Luxury Yacht

Judge Judy’s yacht was built by Sterling Yachts back in 1985 making it one of the older luxury yachts out there owned by a celebrity. The exterior design was handled by Bannenberg & Rowell. Both the hull and superstructure are GRP or glass-reinforced plastic, which is also something you’ll rarely find in newer superyachts which…

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Kisses Yacht: An Insider’s Guide

Kisses Yacht was built by yacht shipbuilders Feadship in the year 2000. The naval architecture comes from De Voogt naval architects, and the interior design is thanks to George Larson and Robert Knack. The eStudio De Voogt handled exterior design. While the Kisses Yacht was the launch name of the yacht, it’s undergone a couple…

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Explore the Gallant Lady Yacht With Our Insider’s Look

The Gallant Lady dates back to 2007 when it was designed by De Voogt Naval Architects and built by Feadship Shipyard. The yacht was originally built for billionaire Jim Moran however Moran did only a short time after the yacht was finished, in April 2007 so he was never able to personally take ownership and use…

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Silver Shalis Yacht: Your Insider Guide

The Silver Shalis yacht was built back in 2010 by US shipbuilders Delta Marine. The ship design was handled by Langan Associates and interior design was done by design house Jonathan Quinn Barnett. The yacht was built with an aluminum hull and composite superstructure as opposed to the somewhat more common aluminum superstructure and steel…

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Octopus Yacht Uncovered: An Insider’s Look at the Luxury Yacht

Launched back in the year 2003, the Octopus yacht was built by famous shipyard Lurssen out of Germany. Lurssen has been behind numerous other superyachts such as Kismet and Dilbar and many more. The exterior design was handled by Espen Øino Naval Architects while the interior was handled by American designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett. Who…

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Black Pearl Yacht: An Insider’s Guide

Launched back in 2016, the Black Pearl was designed under the codename Oceanco Y712 and then that was switched to Project Solar. The final name, Black Pearl, is an obvious nod to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  As the codename suggests, it was yacht maker Oceanco, based in the Netherlands, who designed and built…

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Nord Yacht: An Insider’s Guide

The Nord yacht was known as Project OPUS when it was still being built. It is one of the largest yachts in the world and was launched back in 2021. Like many yachts in the last year this was the target of international investigations and sanctions. However, unlike some other vessels, Nord managed to elude…

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Amadea Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

The Amadea Yacht was built by German shipyard Lurssen, makers of many of the most high-profile superyachts at sea today. Like many others, this was purchased by a Russian oligarch and, as such, fell victim to sanctions that were imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine. In 2022, Amadea was seized by authorities in Fiji after they…

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Shahid Khan’s Yacht Kismet: An Insider’s Look

Kismet is a superyacht built by the shipyard Lurssen back in 2014. For years, Lurssen has been behind the largest and most luxurious yachts on the water. It is managed by Moran Yacht Ship Chartering on behalf of owner Shahid Khan. He had a previous yacht named Kismet, so this is technically the Kismet II,…

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The Ultimate Guide to Azzam Yacht: Specs, Design, and More

The Azzam was launched in 2013. She quickly became world famous for her incredible design and unheard of size. Even years later the Azzam remains the biggest yacht in the world. The designer has surpassed calling it a superyacht or even a mega yacht and has settled on the term gigayacht.  Who is the Azzam…

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Vladimir Putin’s Yacht: Everything You Want To Know

Vladimir Putin’s yacht is enshrouded in mystery. As with many Russian officials, it has been hard to determine ownership and sightings of the yacht. While there are rumors that Putin owns several yachts, this is the only one confirmed to be his. Another yacht known as the Scheherazade may be his, but that’s still unconfirmed. …

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Aluminum Boats in Saltwater: Everything You Want To Know

If you’re in the market for a jon boat for saltwater fishing you’re probably looking at an aluminum hull. They’re sturdy, usually well-priced, and they last a long time. A well made aluminum hulled boat can last much longer than boats made from wood or fiberglass but the initial investment will likely be a little…

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Alisher Usmanov’s Yacht Dilbar: Everything You Want To Know

Dilbar can be translated a few ways but, in general, it means “lover” or “one with a blossoming heart” and other things along those lines. It was also the name of the yacht owner’s mother. The yacht bearing the name has become one of the most famous yachts in the world thanks to its size,…

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Alumacraft Waterfowler 15 Review

As the name suggests, Alumacraft’s Waterfowler 15 is a jon boat that can serve as a fishing boat but also is intended for duck hunting. The shallow draft and camo paint allow you to get into those shallows and weeds quietly, easily and unnoticed.  This is part of the alumacraft waterfowler series models which includes…

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