DEAR Visitor,

Upcoming Boat Shows

Miami! Once again we look forward to taking part in the absolutely fantastic Miami International Boat Show from February 16 - 20 at the Sea Isle Marina, 1635 N. Bayshore Drive in Downtown Miami, FL. The Miami International Boat Show is Florida's largest annual event and spans four locations -- the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center and Miamarina At Bayside, as well as the Yacht and Brokerage Show on Collins Ave and features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. There's no better place to see what's available and make a deal before boating season!

Wefing's will have the new Ranger R31 and more displayed right where they belong, in the water. Make a point to hit this show and come see Marc and Dom at the Wefing's/Ranger Tug display.

You can find lots of information about the show, including directions, parking, schedules, etc. on the Wefings.com website listed under "More" in our main menu.

Next on our schedule will be the Bay Point Outdoor Expo and In-Water Boat Show, March 16, 17 & 18 at Bay Point Marina off Thomas Drive out on the beach side of The Hathaway Bridge in Panama City. We have done this show a number of times in the past and it is one of our favorites. Close to home for us, it is an fun show, low key and demo-friendly. Admission and parking are both free and in addition to the In-Water Boat show the Expo has exhibits from RV, Auto, Fishing and various other outdoor related vendors as well as a popular Nautical Flea Market. We'll have boats in the water and ready to run. Watch our website for more details about what exactly we will have with us as the date gets closer. More show information on the Show's website.

The next month we will be making a trip to The 16th Annual Southeast US Boat Show, formerly known as the Jacksonville spring boat show, which will take place April 20, 21 and 22 at the Metropolitan Park & Marina in Jacksonville, FL. This will be our first trip to this show and we are confident it will be a good one. They have seven acres of dry park space as well as a huge fixed floating dock marina and on site parking for 80,000. We will have Ranger Tugs and C Dorys at the show , check the Wefing's website for more info.

So, make plans now to join with Wefing's Marine at one of these popular boat shows and get a good start on the 2012 Spring Boating Season. We look forward to seeing all our old friends and making new ones at all the shows.

Ranger Tugs

Of course, the big news of this year so far with Ranger Tugs is the introduction of the brand new R31 which, as expected, is an absolutely amazing boat. We haven't forgotten the other -- all very popular and exceptional --  Ranger Tugs though. Right now we have every model of Ranger Tug, all prepped and ready to demo. Call Marc anytime to make an appointment for a demo or just drop by the lot or a boat show for a chance to get an up-close look at these beautiful and comfortably equipped Trailerable Trawlers.

The R-21 is a nice basic model, which has earned a loyal following among enthusiasts who enjoy cruising at its classic best.

The new R-25SC cockpit (aft deck) is 25% larger than the original R-25 giving it nearly 50 Square feet of aft deck space. Designed to provide maximum comfort and versatility in an easy-to-own, easy-to-operate trailerable mini-yacht, the R-25SC offers a full 8-½-foot beam for roomy on-deck areas and large interior spaces. Private compartments allow sleeping accommodations for up to five. Ours is comfortably equipped and ready to go.

The R-27 also has nearly 50 Sq. Ft. of aft deck space with a cabin that is 25% larger than the original R-25 cabin. The well appointed cabin has a midship office with desk and chair, this space also converts to a berth that sleeps two. The dinette table is on a hydraulic piston that allows for an easy conversion to a berth or lounging area. The spacious front v-berth sleeps two adults and is over 6'5" in length. Cooks will love the standard galley which includes a sink, refrigerator, inverter, microwave and a combination propane stove/oven. The marine head is standard with an electric flush toilet, glass vessel sink and shower. Ours is loaded with all cruising amenities and is a truly incredible cruiser that needs to be seen to be appreciated.

The R-29 is a comfortable family cruiser that has more in common with most 40-foot cruisers than the average 29 foot trailerable vessel. Offering admirable range, a smooth ride, responsive performance and all the standard features you need for a cruise itinerary that could be measured in weeks, not just weekends, the R-29 is another amazing offering from Ranger. Among the R-29's many noteworthy features are two private double staterooms plus a convertible dining banquette that converts to a third berth as well as a fully-equipped galley that's ergonomically arranged for efficient meal preparation. Like our R-27, the R-29 at Wefing's Marine is loaded with all available cruising amenities and is ready to offer you -- and your family -- entry into the world of inshore and near shore cruising with a level of comfort and luxury that is hard to find in anything less than world class ocean going yachts.

The R-31 is, as we have already stated, the newest and perhaps the brightest of the Ranger Tug offerings. A completely new design, the R-31 offers many amenities and features from a retractable flybridge to front deck seating as well as expandable seating in the cockpit area. With a cabin that is beautifully and efficiently laid out, the R-31 offers comfortable cruising and on-board living for six adults with almost unlimited possibilities for entertaining.

We have lots more information about this and all the Ranger Tugs on our website including videos of the boats and slideshows of the boat plant.

C-Dory

The new owners of C-Dory are, by all accounts, doing a fantastic job. We are impressed with the continued quality and fit and finish of these boats, boats which have over the years built up an almost fanatical following and user base. Triton Marine Industries -- the new owner and builder of the entire C-Dory lineup -- has not let this user and fan base down and has continued on with the tradition of building quality C-Dorys that has existed for years and, in our opinion, is building the best C-Dorys we have even seen.

Wefing's Marine currently has two new 23 Ventures as well as a 25 Classic and a 26 Venture on our lot. Come see these boats and make an appointment for a demo with Marc at Wefing's.

 Sea Ark

If your boating needs run more toward a small river or bay boat that will last you the rest of your life , we have the perfect solution for that as well. We are dealers for Sea Ark and currently have a selection of light tackle and tunnel hulls on hand. Our Sea Ark inventory changes often and the available options are almost overwhelming so if you are looking for a specific model or want to know what is currently available call Marc -- 850 670 8100 -- or stop by the lot if you are in the area. These all-welded aluminum hull boats are built for a lifetime of use and have a wealth of features that put them head and shoulders above most other boats in this class.

Service Department

As always, our service department, headed up by Service and Parts manager Tim Lowe and staffed with some of the best and most well trained service techs in the business, is ready to take care of your boat in a way that only a full service Boat and Marine Dealer can. Like so many other things these days, you may well be able to go online and find a little bit cheaper deal on a motor, parts, or even a full boat package but when things don't go exactly according to plan or your next service interval comes around, you will find that the far-away-discount-dealers who exist only as a warehouse and web page won't be much help. Of course we service boats and motors for everyone that brings them to us and needs help, but we most certainly take care of our own customers first and give them every bit of help with warranty and service that our standing as a long time dealership allows us to leverage with the boat and motor companies. Doing business with a locally owned dealership not only makes good common and financial sense but can build and foster a long term rewarding relationship that pays dividends in many ways over time.

No matter what kind of boat and motor you have, don't neglect an annual checkup and maintenance. Waiting until something breaks can be a disaster when you are talking about being out on the water. Winter time is a great time to at least get your oil changed and everything else checked out. Don't forget your trailer either. Wheels and bearings need to be greased and checked for wear. Doing this before you watch one of your trailer wheels pass you by on the highway is really a better idea than waiting until something happens and you and your prized boat are stuck on the side of the road -- or worse.

Stop by or call Tim at 850 670 8100 to make an appointment soon so you can get your boat into the shop and back to your driveway or slip before the springtime is fully on us. We're sure you'd much prefer to spend your spare time on the water rather than waiting for your boat to come out of the shop..

Where To Dine On The Forgotten Coast

We've been doing a feature on "where to stay while in our area" for as long as we've been writing these newsletters. Well, where to stay is important but a person has to eat and we happen to have a number of excellent restaurants in our area that we feel deserve our mention. We are going to feature one of those in each newsletter for a while.

Tamara's Cafe Floridita

Tamara's Cafe, 71 Market Street in Apalachicola, was awarded four hats by food critic Ashby Stiff of the Tallahassee Democrat back in 1999 and has spent the last 12 years building on that start. Owned and operated by the husband and wife team of founder Tamara Suarez's daughter Marisa Getter and her husband, Chef Danny Itzkovitz, the restaurant offers a blend of Tamara's originals and new additions by Itzkovitz, former chef at The Soup Kitchen in Savannah, Georgia.

A few years ago Danny and Marisa renovated a 1920's-era historic building in the center of Downtown Apalachicola and moved the restaurant from its original location, which they had outgrown, to the new one with its stamped tin ceiling, original brick walls, and fresh bright color scheme.

The dining room seats 60 and offers patrons a wide-angled view of the downtown's center from a raised front section.

In addition to dinner, Tamara's Cafe also offers breakfast and lunch, each with a menu featuring both Latin style foods as well as some American standards and daily specials, often Marisa's original creations.

The dinner menu features such favorites as Tamara's Paella, and Pecan Crusted Grouper as well as newer additions like the Margarita Chicken sauteed in a honey-tequila-lime glaze with scallops and the Salmon Fillet wrapped with prosciutto and topped with a fresh mango-cilantro sauce.  Also, for the dedicated carnivores, there is a rib-eye steak available.

The menu also features a delicious selection of Soups, Salads and Appetizers along with some scrumptious deserts.

In addition, every Wednesday from 4:00 PM is Tapas Night at Tamaras.

The restaurant is open Tues - Sunday (closed Monday). Their hours are Breakfast: 8 - 11 AM, Lunch: 11AM to 4PM, and Dinner: 4PM to 10PM. It's a good idea to call ahead for dinner reservations at 850 653 4111. Stop by soon for an enjoyable dining experience and excellent meal.

Until Next Time . . .

OK folks, stay warm -- hopefully in the cabin of your "trailerable Trawler" -- for the rest of the winter. Don't forget to get your boats serviced before springtime gets here and if you are in the market for a new boat, or just want to kick some tires, now is the best time to be looking and buying.

Thanks for reading, that's all until next issue.  Please come and visit us soon and, if nothing else...

We'll See You On The Water!

Thanks for your interest,
Marc Grove
Wefing's Marine
850 670 8100