Welcome Building

A Very Warm and Personal Welcome to You …

From our Entire Crew, Welcome to Emerald Coast Marine!

Dear fellow boating enthusiast,

Thank you so much for investing your valuable time to visit our online port here at Emerald Coast Marine!

We know that you have many opportunities and choices to service your boating needs in the area. We very much appreciate your interest in our organization and the full range of products and services we offer.

By way of introduction, I’m an active local boater and a marine industry veteran. My founding partner Keri Doscher and I created a vision for Emerald Coast Marine with the goal to create a truly world-class boating experience for our clients. Our desire is to provide access to exceptional facilities, outstanding products and service offerings, facilitated by an experienced and passionate staff who is dedicated to delivering the best boat ownership experience possible. Our entire team is committed to this vision and it has become an integral part of our culture. I want you to know you have my personal commitment to your satisfaction, along with the unwavering support of our entire team. I hope you will give us the opportunity to truly earn your business!

To facilitate a brief introduction, I’ve assembled a list of the most common questions newcomers have about Emerald Coast Marine. We hope this FAQ is helpful in your research. In addition, this website includes more detailed information on all of our products and services offered. If you have any additional questions, please call our office at 850-389-8318. 

We invite you and your family to come tour the property, meet the members of our team and experience what we believe is the Emerald Coast Marine difference. We hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Shawn Sig 01

 

 

 

 

 


FAQ

For your convenience, we have grouped questions by topic.   

 

BOAT SALES

What brand of new boats do you sell?

In our New Boats division, we are very proud to represent: Key West, Blackfin, Sea Pro, Monterey, Crevalle, Hurricane, Crownline, Solace, Beneteau, Nautique, Crest and Godfrey Pontoons. These are all top brands within their niche and very popular for our regional boating conditions.

How significant is your used boat business?

Premium pre-owned boats are a very significant part of our business. We represent and sell a wide array of both premium pre-owned and brokerage boats and yachts featuring multiple brands.

We are very aggressive in acquiring quality products in this niche. In fact, we pre-sell many used boats before we’re even able to advertise them due to the strong demand in our market, our active boater wish list, and our willingness to help buyers source the boat of their dreams! We have very strong connections throughout the region and country and work exceptionally hard to help our customers find their dream machine!  

In addition, due to our strong military presence in the market and our customers using our 300+ marina facility, our used boat inventory is constantly evolving.

Do you offer yacht and brokerage sales?

We have experienced brokers to service the brokerage division of our sales operation. Their experience and resources to help pair buyers with their dream yacht.  Additionally, we work closely with our sellers to determine the most aggressive marketing strategy in a constantly evolving brokerage boating market.

Do you have an active consignment program for boat owners?

Yes, due to the strong demand for used boat sales in the market, we are always looking for quality pre-owned boats to represent. Our highly successful consignment program includes a very strong marketing support initiative that makes it very easy and convenient for boat buyers to promote and sell their boat.   


FINANCE OPTIONS

Do you offer in-house finance programs?

Yes, we have an in-house finance department. Our finance and business Manager brings more than a decade of finance expertise to this position and is highly experienced and exceptionally well connected with multiple finance resources.

Typically, what are the maximum finance options these days?

Most lenders will finance a boat from between 8 to 20 years, depending upon on the amount financed. We are more than happy to review your specific financing needs and to provide the best options and alternatives available.

How much money is required as a down payment on a boat loan?

In some cases, you can put down as little as $0 depending on the circumstances. However, most lenders will request between 10 and 20%, down, depending on the customer’s credit profile.

Do you source different lenders for finance options?

Yes!  Think of us as the “Lending Tree” of boating.  We have multiple banks that have their own specialties. We review your credit profile, the particular boat of interest and amount financed and provide you with the best option for YOUR situation.

What type of interest rate might I receive on a boat loan?

The rate that you qualify for is dependent on many variables including your credit score rating, the amount you are financing, your down payment and current market rates.

 

INSURANCE

Do all new and used boats require insurance coverage?

Insurance requirements are based on the state in which your boat is used. It is also determined on if your boat is financed and if it is stored at a marina. If you have financing, your lender will require that you insure your investment. Likewise, if you store at a marina, the marina will likely ask to be added as an “additional insured.” If you pay cash for your boat, the state of Florida does not require insurance; however, we strongly encourage you to consider liability coverage.

What does boat insurance cost?

Insurance costs are based upon several variables including the value and type of boat you purchase, your boating experience, where you plan to store your boat and your credit rating. Typical for the Gulf Coast market is anywhere from $75-135 per thousand of your purchase.

How do you choose the best boat insurance carrier?

We utilize multiple insurance brokers. Each of these insurance brokers represent 15+ MARINE SPECIFIC insurance carriers, all with A+ Ratings. We provide brokers with the details of your purchase and they in turn shop to insure you receive the best rating available in the market.

We boat in Florida and understand we must consider and plan for hurricanes here. What is a ‘hurricane plan’ as it relates to boating insurance?

Hurricane plans are often required by insurance companies for those customers who do not dry store in a high and dry storage facility. In this instance, the insurance carrier will require a plan for how you plan to protect your boat in the event of a named storm.

Emerald Coast Marine is pleased to offer a hurricane plan for customers who desire advance planning. Our Hurricane Plans are offered as early as January and have discounted pricing through June. After June, the rates are increased due to limited availability. Secure your spot early to save and to secure a location.

 

SERVICE

What specific boating-related services do you offer?

Emerald Coast Marine Group offers a full service and parts department specializing in everything from motor maintenance to installation of accessories (power poles, trolling motors, etc.). In addition, we also have an in-house detail department, bottom paint department, fiberglass repair department and canvas/upholstery department.

Are your service technicians factory certified?

Yes, all technicians are factory certified. Each member of our tech team attends specialized school annually and throughout the year. We currently have certified mechanics for Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Volvo and Mercruiser on staff. In fact, our shop foreman has achieved the highest level of training and education with Mercury and Yamaha and is a certified Master Technician.

What kind of parts do you stock?

We have parts for all of our engine manufacturers. In fact, we carry everything from engine oil to spark plugs … just ask, we probably have it! If not, we have a great relationship with our suppliers and can often offer next day delivery with no shipping costs!

In addition to boat parts, we also stock many of the most popular accessories that go along with boating including Costa sunglasses, Sun Bum sunscreens, UV Protective fishing shirts, dock lines … and much more!

Do you offer fiberglass repair?

Yes. We are fully qualified to perform extensive fiberglass work onsite and handle anything from minor scratches to major insurance claims.

Are you an electronics dealer? 

We are both a Simrad and Raymarine authorized dealer, as well as being well versed in Garmin too. 

What type of canvas work is available?

We can do anything from stitching a frayed bimini top to complete seat replacement. Our canvas specialist has over 20 years of experience, with specialized tooling and machinery to ensure long-lasting results.

 

MARINA SERVICES & STORAGE

What services does your marina offer?

We offer an array of services including wet slips, fish cleaning station, full service department, full parts department, bottom paint, fiberglass repair, detail department, hurricane plans and much more! If what you’re seeking is not on this list, just ask!

What type of boat storage programs are available?

We offer both dry (building/under cover) and wet (slip space in water) storage on a monthly or annual basis.

What all is included with a dry storage contract?

We offer two levels of service to include a basic membership and yacht club membership.

The basic dry storage package provides boat launches, restaurant access, service access and a wash from the rubrail down. If you choose to add the Yacht Club Upgrade to your dry storage contract, you’ll receive additional discounts at the restaurant, service and on fuel. Additionally, you’ll have access to our waterfront pool and spa, a member’s only lounge, Sunset Vista Deck and spa-like locker-room facilities.

How much does it cost to store a boat?

Storage costs fluctuate depending on the length of your boat, the length of term you select and the type of storage you select (wet or dry). We also offer special seasonal promotions.

For an example, if you had a 26’ center console you wanted to store for a year in dry storage, you might expect a monthly storage fee of $520 per month. If you had a 30’ cruiser you wanted to store in a wet slip for a year, you might expect to pay $500 per month. Keep in mind, these are just rough estimates for illustration purposes. We are happy to quote a firm price based on your specific needs. The per foot rate is higher with a month-to-month contract versus an annual contract. There are also additional rates for boats with towers or with extra wide beams. Military discounts are offered to active and retired military members. Give us a call for a firm quote.

 

YACHT CLUB MEMBERSHIP

What is included in your optional yacht club membership?

Yacht Club membership has its privileges!  Some of these privileges include discounts on fuel, service labor and the on-site restaurant. Other freedoms are access to the waterfront pool and spa, access to the member’s only lounge and locker rooms and a view of the bayou on the specialized “Sunset Vista Deck” overlooking Boggy Bayou. 

What are the benefits of belonging to the Emerald Coast Yacht Club?

In addition to discounts and additional facility amenities, Yacht Club Members can participate in special “members only” events. These events range from special restaurant tastings to rendezvous events along the Gulf Coast. Each event allows you to meet and experience boating with others who share the same enthusiasm for the boating lifestyle!

What is typical cost of joining the yacht club?

Yacht Club Membership can be added on to a dry storage or wet storage contract for as little as $50 per month. Members who are not a storing their boats with ECM can still participate the discounts and activities with monthly dues of $199 per month.

EMERALD COAST BOAT CLUB  

What is a boat club?

A boat club provides members a unique boating experience where they can access a variety of newer boats for a one-time initiation and flat monthly fee. There are a few affordable membership programs to meet the needs and boating lifestyle preferences of our customers.  

What type of boats are in the club fleet?

Emerald Coast Boat Club features a variety of well-maintained power boats from 20’-25’ including our most popular tritoons, deck boats and center console fishing boats.

What if I’m brand new to boating?

The boat club is actually ideal for newcomers to boating! It allows members to experience a variety of boating types to determine what best suits their lifestyle. Other than your own fuel and provisions, there is no extra cost such as storage, insurance or service. In addition, our crew helps provide basic orientation so you feel comfortable and confident at the helm.

What about insurance coverage?

Emerald Coast Boat Club provides insurance coverage for each vessel in the fleet. That insurance also extends to the member in the event of personal injury as long as the member is the operator of the vessel. See our boat club membership representative for complete coverage details and limitations.

How do I reserve a boat?

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!  Each member is provided with login information to an online app, Boat Cloud. You select a date, which boat you’d like and a time you’d like the boat to be available. You can even choose to provision your boat with extras such as soda, snacks, ice or even rent a floating aqua pad to make your day on the water even more enjoyable. If you prefer to make your reservation by telephone, you may do so during regular business hours.  

How will I get a boat when I want it?

Our reservation system allows members to confirm two reservations on our scheduling system, up to six months in advance. Advance reservations allow members to lock in a boat for a specific day. However, if you want to take a boating adventure at the last minute and a boat in our fleet is available, it’s yours. Our member-to-boat ratio is the best in the industry so your odds are greater to access a boat when desired … more so than with any other club in our region!

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