The Golden Isles is synonymous with the wonderful waterways which we call home. Over the past 20 years, these waterways have changed and there has undoubtedly been an increase in boating traffic, especially in recent years due to the housing boom. There has been an influx of new boaters throughout the industry, in the last couple of years in particular, with a notable increase in the number of younger boaters. The Golden Isles is no exception. Local marine businesses are also seeing more people returning to boating, retirees wishing to enjoy the waterways, and tourists new and old enjoying island life.
One of these marine businesses is Dunbar Yachts. They have been selling boats in the Golden Isles since the 1970s and have grown to become an award-winning dealership with a regular customer base spread over eight states.
“What sets us apart is that we are still a bricks and mortar brokerage, where customers are welcome to walk-in and be greeted with a friendly smile. We don’t restrict our offerings to an internet buying experience like some brokers, and this certainly increases our turnover of boats,” says Lucy Bowie. “The overall trend is towards a more educated buyer, who has often researched online and on social media, but boaters still want and appreciate a personal experience. There is a real value in enabling customers to pick up a flyer or brochure, to look at a window full of listings, and to speak to a knowledgeable broker in person.”
It’s easy to see why a large boat dealership would have a head office somewhere as picturesque and welcoming as the Golden Isles. As Lucy explains, “When customers come off I-95, they see a vast landscape of waterways ready to explore. It creates a far more memorable experience than a busy intercity lot and sets the perfect scene to imagine a lifestyle and lifetime of boating.”
Looking back 20 years ago, the dealership was primarily focused on sailboats. Over the last five years, Dunbar has heavily invested in adding a versatile portfolio of powerboats, being awarded exclusive manufacturer contracts. Lucy sees this combination of offering both sail and power as continuing long into the future. She notes a significant increase in both power and sailboat customers since the COVID pandemic began.
“Our aim is to have a versatile marine business with a complete offering for everyone interested in spending time on the water,” Lucy shares. “The next 20 years are likely to see an increasing range of products for consumers, with a particular focus on greener alternatives, provided these don’t detract from the overall boating experience. Alternatives to traditional ownership, such as an increase in the boat club experience are also likely.”
Dunbar Yachts offers new sail and powerboats, full boat brokerage, sailing schools and training, as well as the option to join Freedom Boat Club, all supported by an experienced technical team. As part of a wider global footprint of Freedom Boat Club locations, with 346 of those in North America, local members enjoy an increasing fleet of boats operating from Morningstar Marina/Golden Isles and have access to boats at every other location, both in the U.S. and abroad.
“We opened our Freedom Boat Club location to provide more locals with access to the waterways. Members of the Club use the entire fleet without ever having to clean, maintain, fuel, or insure the boat,” explains Lucy. All members are provided with full training, both on and off the water, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and provided by a local U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain. It is a safe and convenient way to boat and has proven to be very attractive. The Golden Isles Freedom Boat Club currently has more than 100 local members and grows weekly. Boat choices include fishing, cruising, and pontoon style vessels. Member Gary Davis says, “With the Freedom Boat Club we’ve discovered the joy and ease of boating life. The professional and courteous staff always has the boat ready when we are and are waiting for us at the dock on our return. We only wish we had joined sooner!”
The great part is there is no cap on membership. The more members join; the more boats enter the fleet. Over the next few years, it seems certain that the Golden Isles will see an ever-expanding membership base.
Ben Fendig, another member, says, “As most people around here know, our family have been here a very long time. During that time, the many generations have enjoyed the water boating in this area. In my early 30s, I sold my last boat and became boatless. I’ve missed it for quite some time until this year. A good friend of mine told me about Freedom Boat Club, and I ran into Dave Jordan, who sells memberships. Dave told me about the fabulous membership and how it would be the best fit for me. I’m always so excited now that I have multiple boats ready for me at a moment’s notice. The staff is fantastic and has the boat checked out and running when I arrive. They cast off the lines and meet me when I come back. It’s only that: no washing, no fueling up, and no maintenance. I feel so blessed to be a member and back in the waters I so love.”
Historically, the Golden Isles has always attracted seasonal boaters who benefit from the geography which makes it a boater’s hurricane hole. This allows many to benefit from the reduced boat insurance premiums by crossing over the Georgia / Florida line. Over the last 20 years, local marinas have increased their offerings to these “cruisers,” who often bring their boats up for 6 months of the year, and other transient travelers who are looking to enjoy the Southern hospitality of the Golden Isles. Many of these boaters inevitably stay longer than they initially planned and start to call the Golden Isles home.
When Bob Torras, Sr. first shared his vision to have a marina in downtown Brunswick, he was met with across-the-board skepticism. People asked why someone would keep their boat in Brunswick when there were perfectly fine marinas available on the islands. Despite the headwinds, Mr. Torras was determined to see his dream come true. That was 30 years ago. Today Brunswick Landing Marina is the largest saltwater marina in the state of Georgia with nearly 400 boats in the water alone. Thousands of people come through the marina each year, venturing out into the downtown and surrounding areas and contributing a great deal to the local economy. “While the marina has fully built out its nearly one-mile of waterfront,” says Marina Manager Michael Torras, “there are still 25 acres between the marina and downtown Brunswick that we also own and intend to develop. This is where our next big expansion project will begin.”
Across the causeway, in June 2020, Morningstar Marina/Golden Isles, completed a $6 million rebuild resulted in the facility being named “Marina of the Year for Building and Growth” by Marina Dock Age magazine The project included a state-of-the-art coastal aluminum dock system with a Brazilian hardwood decking known as Ipe, new transient dock with 36 concrete piles that are 70’ long and weigh 20,000 lbs. each, new electrical system and power centers, dockside pump-out at every slip, new fuel system, dock office etc. Morningstar Marinas continues to enhance the property having recently rebuilt the main boardwalk and outdoor pavilion. Additional improvements are planned for late 2022 into 2023.
This investment in boating infrastructure has been coupled with an increase in opportunities for boating over the last 20 years for locals, tourists, and visitors. A prime example is the Spirit of St Simons, the only certified sailing vessel in the State of Georgia authorized to carry up to 24 passengers. The boat was designed for the day charter trade, and was homebuilt and first splashed by owner Charles Elkins in 2014. It’s perfect for a relaxing sunset sail with a group of friends. Local fishing charters have also seen an increase in business and are heavily invested in the future of fishing and the island’s surrounding waterways.
Whether you choose to enjoy the waters by pontoon, sailboat, fishing charter, speedboat, or luxury yacht, boating in the Golden Isles offers many opportunities for memorable experiences. Come aboard and cast off for your own adventure.
