Biz Buzz: Business News for the Marine Industry. Vol 1
- beth443
- Nov 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 11
SPF-360's Biz Buzz brings you the Chesapeake buzz about who's making waves, debuting new products, on the move, and more—plus, new places to pick up SpinSheet, PropTalk, and FishTalk.
MAKING WAVES
New Platform: Current Yachts announced its official launch with a mission to transform the yacht brokerage industry by eliminating excessive commissions and putting consumers first. The company's innovative model is a service-based patent-pending approach where traditional eight to 10 percent commission structures are replaced with transparent, flat-rate pricing while maintaining the highest professional standards. Current Yachts also launched the beta version of a new seller platform designed to shorten the time to list, boost listing quality, and elevate the overall customer experience. Current Yachts is co-founded by industry experts Amanda Haley of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Maryline Bossar of Annapolis, MD, together with their technical co-founders Jeff Dorso and Sean Walsh, seasoned startup founders and developers with the deep know-how, technical expertise, and robust track record in scaling solutions to solve complex problems.
The firm's consumer-centric approach delivers significant cost savings to sellers, facilitates faster transactions, and promotes unprecedented transparency throughout the buying and selling process. Another important differentiator of the Current Yachts model is the collaboration of two skill sets with every transaction: a yacht broker and a transaction manager. “This approach will allow the broker to focus on the customer and their vessel sale or yacht search, while the support team will oversee the entire transaction,” explained Maryline Bossar, co-founder of Current Yachts and the marketing lead behind the project. “We’ve surveyed hundreds of boaters and learned that the lack of urgency is a real concern to them. With our team approach, we expedite every step of the sale or purchase from qualification and showings, to trial runs and surveys, all the way to the settlement table.” currentyachts.com
Service Center: Annapolis Boat Sales shares that a brand-new, state-of-the-art marine service center will be opening in early 2026. This expansion is a big step forward in how the company plans to serve the Chesapeake Bay boating community—faster, better, and with even more care. The new facility will include climate-controlled bays designed for service in every season, extra-large 19-foot doors to bring in larger vessels, more designated service space for quicker turnaround times, and an employee break room and upgraded work areas to support its team. “This expansion is about more than just servicing boats,” said owner Walter George. “It’s about continuing to grow with our boating community. Whether you purchased your boat from us or not, our certified team is here to keep you out on the water, doing what you love.” Annapolis Boat Sales extends a heartfelt thank you to its loyal customers for trusting them with your boats, and to its incredible staff that also helped make this possible. annapolisboatsales.com
Dealer Network: Legasea Marine has been appointed as an authorized dealer for Monterey Boats, a leading manufacturer of premium sport boats. This new partnership brings Monterey’s award-winning lineup to customers throughout Legasea Marine’s sales and service territory in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. In over 40 years of boat building, Monterey Boats has established themselves as leaders in the marketplace, focusing on cutting edge design, craftsmanship, and technology. Matched with high-quality construction techniques, a high-capacity facility, and a committed team of experts, Monterey has achieved an unparalleled level of customer satisfaction in the marine industry. “We’re proud to add Monterey Boats to our portfolio of premium brands,” said Legasea president Chris Hall. “This partnership allows us to offer our customers even more choices in high-quality performance boats, backed by the personalized service and support they expect from us.” As an authorized dealer, Legasea Marine will offer the full range of Monterey sport boats featuring Mercury Marine’s industry leading power options and supported by the company’s experienced sales staff and factory-trained service team at their waterfront facility in Yorktown, VA. Two of the first Monterey models slated to arrive at Legasea this fall will be the Elite 27 and Elite 30 bowriders. legaseamarine.com
DEBUTING NEW PRODUCTS
Tender Debut: Tenero Tenders, LLC announced the debut of its new 12-foot tender at the fall Annapolis Boat Shows. Designed by the internationally acclaimed Farr Yacht Design, this vessel sets a new benchmark in performance, customization, and engineering excellence. The hulls are manufactured from fiberglass or carbon/glass hybrid laminates with foam cores and infused with epoxy resins by Ghostworks Marine of Holland, MI. The tender weighs just 218 pounds empty and supports a payload of over 500 pounds. The hull features a flat pad keel and low deadrise stern for efficient planing and stowage, while the forward sections and rocker distribution ensure smooth handling in short chop. Operational ease was a key priority. A flat, fendered bow surface allows for straightforward boarding, and the recessed outboard motor mount adds stern protection and buoyancy in turns. Wide side decks and a deep cockpit provide secure footing and easy trim adjustment for crew. The prototype on display was powered by a 30-hp four-stroke outboard, reaching speeds up to 22 knots with two passengers aboard. The hull is designed to accommodate up to 40-hp outboards, offering flexibility for heavier loads or longer-range cruising. Tenero has also engineered the tender for electric propulsion, including compatibility with ZeroJet’s electric jet drive system. With next-generation batteries, the electric configuration delivers up to 40-hp and operates in less than a foot of water—quietly and cleanly. tenerotenders.com
ON THE MOVE:
Retirement and Welcome Aboard: Scott Croft, VP of public relations at BoatUS announced his retirement earlier this summer with this message: “My 23-year journey at Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) and my 35-year career in tourism/travel and recreational boating public relations drew to a close on September 30, as I head into retirement. I am grateful for the friendship given to me, our professional experience together, and possibly the thousand acts of kindness and camaraderie that all contributed to my wonderful PR career. I have felt valued, made an impact, and most importantly, had fun. But as they say, one chapter ends, a new one begins. My wife, April, and I are headed to Saratoga Springs, NY, where I will continue my volunteer work on Hudson River boating issues. I also plan to explore Adirondack lakes and ponds on a small sailboat and maybe cruise the Erie Canal (now celebrating its incredible bicentennial). Yep, I’ll still be ‘messing about in boats.’ After September 30, I can be reached at dscroft3@gmail.com.”
With this announcement, Croft also shares that Alisha Sheth is the new BoatUS manager of Public Affairs. He says, “Alisha would be more than welcome to help you with any BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation news and information, whether it be our TowBoatUS on-water towing fleet, helping to remove abandoned derelict vessels from the nation’s shores, speaking up on Capitol Hill, growing boating safety education and saving lives, or other myriad programs, policies, and advocacy that helps make boating better for the nation’s nearly 12 million boat owners and our more than 740,000 BoatUS members. Just like me when I came to BoatUS in 2002, Alisha has over a decade of public relations agency experience. I know she will carry on our Public Affairs mission with the highest service—listening, helping, brainstorming, and getting answers or interviews for the media we serve. Feel free to send her a short note to say hello!” She can be reached at alisha@boatus.com or (703) 245-2300. boatus.com
Welcome to the Team: Josiah Carbone has joined the sales team at Yacht Brokers of Annapolis. Growing up a Navy brat, the water was never far from reach for Josiah. Frequent moves were part of life, but it was in Maryland where he first put down roots. During high school, he spent his evenings working at a family-owned sailboat marina in his neighborhood, the place where his passion for the marine industry took hold. After restoring several dinghies, Josiah came across an opportunity to purchase a 1989 Catalina 30. Though he hasn’t yet embarked on a long expedition, it’s on the horizon. He went on to earn his OUPV Captain’s License and spent several years sailing the Chesapeake Bay. His professional journey continued at Riverside Marine, where he sold Sportsman and Bayliner boats for four years. His performance earned national recognition, receiving Top 10 Salesman awards from Sportsman for two consecutive years. “We’re thrilled to welcome Josiah to our sales team,” said Matthew Sansbury, owner of Yacht Brokers of Annapolis. "His experience, energy, and customer-focused approach make him a perfect fit for our growing team. We’re confident he will help drive new opportunities and strengthen relationships with our clients.” Josiah is committed to continuing his growth in the industry, combining deep experience, authentic passion, and a lifelong connection to the water. You can reach him at (757) 510-0154 or josiah@yachtbrokersofannapolis.com. yachtbrokersofannapolis.com
New Places To Pick Up SPF-360 Publications:
Baltimore City Harbormaster in Baltimore, MD
Captain Groovy’s Grill and Raw Bar in Hampton, VA
Exxon in Chesapeake City, MD
Surf Rider Bay Point in Hampton, VA
410 Seafood in Chesapeake City, MD
Edwards Pharmacy in Centreville, MD
James T. Wilson Fishing Pier in Hampton, VA
Realistic Holistic in Hampton, VA
Captain Groovy’s Grill and Raw Bar in Hampton, VA
James T. Wilson Fishing Pier in Hampton, VA
Realistic Holistic in Hampton, VA
Surf Rider Bay Point in Hampton, VA
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