VOLUME 44 - 2009
Patriot Press
NE W S AND INF ORMATI ON F R OM AMERI C A N C USTOM YAC HTS
AMERICAN CUSTOM YACHTS, INC. • 6800 S.W. JACK JAMES DRIVE • STUART, FL 34997 • (772) 221-9100
Fax: (772) 288-4993 • Web Site: www.americancustomyachts.com • E-mail: info@acyinc.com
INDEPENDENCE Day!
ACY Launches First 42 Walkaround Sportfisherman
ACY’s first walkaround sportfisherman recently made its mark on local waters, displaying a style and performance that is truly American. The headturning new ACY42 INDEPENDENCE is powered by triple 300 HP Mercury Verado® outboard motors combined with a bow thruster for precision
maneuverability. The boat features a full shower and head. The V-berth sleeps two comfortably with plenty of storage on each side. The bridge
can also be converted for sleeping. Additional storage is provided by a hanging locker and a cleverly designed rod and tackle storage locker, neatly
housing 20 custom rods and reels.
INDEPENDENCE sports a custom tower, hard top and tower control box by Bausch-American Towers and an integrated navigation package by
IMS American Marine Electronics. TCR American Custom Canvas fabricated the bridge enclosure, console cover and all cushions throughout
the boat. The hard top is smartly designed to accommodate navigation components, speakers and a pair of Miya Epoch® Teaser reels. The helm
station is outfitted with a Furuno NAVnet® 3D system, 12 kW radar and an AIS black box receiver. IMS also equipped the vessel with a Sirius®
Weather Module and a Simrad® AP28 autopilot featuring an LCD display with intuitive interface. The all-weather marine stereo system features
components by Clarion® and JL Audio®. A thermal-imaging camera from FLIR® completes the package, giving INDEPENDENCE the power of night
vision.
The boat was built for long-time ACY customer Matt Gaston, who was looking for a one-of-a-kind, low-maintenance fishing machine that could
accommodate the many different fishing techniques he has mastered over the years, including fly, live bait, kite, trolling and deep drop. Many of
the unique features found on the INDEPENDENCE were generated from the extensive fishing experiences of Matt and his captain, Moon Crossman.
To be prepared for swordfish and big billfish, they had a rocket launcher with a gimble mounted on the bow. They are also working with BAT to
develop a removable platform for fly casting.
According to Moon, the vessel’s inaugural trip proved both its seaworthiness and fishability. In choppy, four-to-six-foot seas, they maneuvered
flawlessly among numerous pods of manta rays, catching six cobia before heading further offshore to collect a box full of dolphin. “The boat
performed beautifully,” remarked Moon. “It was stable and dry in the rough seas, and because of the proximity of the tower, it’s easy for everyone
to communicate. We’re looking forward to fishing local tournaments and a number of live bait events in South Florida. Bahama runs are also on
the itinerary. Who knows, we might even jump on a transport to Los Sueños. With a boat like this, you can do anything.”
Keep up with the latest information from ACY at www.AmericanCustomYachts.com.
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Butters Named Captain of the Year!
Capt. Travis Butters of the ACY70 QUE MAS has been named the
2008 Captain of the Year by InTheBite Magazine
InTheBite Magazine has named Captain Travis Butters of Tavernier, FL as the Crews’ Choice 2008 Captain of
the Year. Butters was selected from a group of incredibly talented captains who have all won world class
blue water tournaments in 2008. The nominees included Glenn Cameron of Ft. Pierce, FL, Ronnie Fields
of Riviera Beach, FL and Butch Davis, of Ocean City, MD. Travis and the QUE MAS team, however, proved
unstoppable in 2008, winning the Bermuda Triple Crown Series Championship with first place finishes in
the Bermuda Big Game Classic and Sea Horse Anglers Club Tournament, and a second place finish in the
Bermuda Billfish Blast. Additional victories in 2008 include the Custom Boat Shoot-Out, the MTU Legend
Series and the World Sailfish Championship Charity Division – and, if that wasn’t enough, QUE MAS placed
a respectable second in the 2008 World Blue Marlin Championship.
“Captain Travis Butters is another fine example of a true professional sportfishing captain. Not only is he a
contender in any event he leads his team to fish, but his colleagues respect him for his character when not on the water fishing. He joins an elite
class of captains,” said InTheBite publisher Captain Dale Wills.
ACY Welcomes New Affiliate
TCR American Custom Canvas
Not many canvas specialists carry
a Master Upholsterer Certification;
Connie Robarge is one of the
few. Connie recently teamed up
with ACY to create TCR American
Custom Canvas, bringing over 20
years of award-winning canvas
and upholstery experience to ACY
customers.
Upon graduation from Atlantic Connie Robarge brings over 20 years of custom
Vocational School in Margate with canvas and upholstery fabrication to ACY.
her two-year upholstery certification, Connie entered the automotive
upholstery field, gaining valuable experience in detailed upholstery
installation before branching out into the marine canvas business. For
the next 15 years, she became a sought-after resource for South Florida
canvas shops, earning a reputation for her precision fitting and close
attention to detail.
In 1998, Connie decided to strike out on her own and open TCR
Upholstery in Margate. In 2000, she saw an opportunity to move north to
capitalize on the growing Treasure Coast and Palm Beach marine markets.
She set up shop in Port St. Lucie and quickly gained a reputation as one
of the region’s best. Over the next few years, she established strong
relationships with many of the local boat yards, ACY being one of them.
Realizing that having a custom canvas shop on site would fulfill ACY’s
mission to become a true “one-stop” marine service facility, ACY President
Dominick LaCombe approached Connie to see if she would consider
bringing her talents full time to American. In late 2008, TCR American
was born, and today Connie operates a full-service canvas shop on-site,
offering a wide range of custom products, including Bimini tops, canvas
enclosures, boat cushions and covers, wall coverings, headliners,
fighting chair arms, seats and backs, valances, combing, lounges, pillows,
carpet runners, and sun shade covers. Recent projects include the ACY42
INDEPENDENCE and the 101’ Palmer Johnson MOON RIVER. Her next big
challenge will be to outfit the new ACY68 SILVER ARROW.
“I just love what I do!”exclaimed Connie.
“Every day I get to create a truly unique
product and see how pleased my
customers are with the outcome.
Joining American is like being part of a
big family. We can all grow together.”
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ACY’s new 42 walkaround and Travelift® were christened together.
ACY Purchases 75-Ton Travelift®
ACY chose the sea trial of the new 42 INDEPENDENCE to christen both the
vessel and a new 75-ton Marine Travelift®. The decision to purchase a third
Travelift® was predicated by the recent expansion of ACY’s boat storage
facility. According to Project Manager John Resnik, the addition of
the new Travelift® will not only allow ACY to more effectively schedule
routine haul-outs, but will greatly increase the efficiency of emergency
storage during hurricane season.
“With the addition of a 75-ton lift, we can now assign our 150-ton lift to
larger vessels, while utilizing the 35-ton lift for smaller boats. The 75-ton
lift will be dedicated to mid-size vessels, allowing us to utilize all three
haul-out bays simultaneously. When it comes to hurricane preparedness,
you’re always battling the clock. By being more efficient, we can do a
better job of securing our customers’ vessels.”
Design & Production by AMG Creative
Managing Editor................................................................Chris Shultz
Art & Editorial Director....................................... Jennifer LaCombe
Editorial Support....................................................... Monica Falgout
Photography.......................................................................Chris Shultz
MOON RIVER Shines!
ACY is proud to announce the completion of a major refit aboard the
MOON RIVER. Carefully planned and executed over 12 months, the final
result is a visually striking tribute to this stately 101-foot Palmer Johnson motoryacht that has had a long relationship with American.
In 1999, ACY performed the vessel’s 11-foot transom extension, followed by ten years of
minor upgrades and routine service. To celebrate the vessel’s tenth anniversary, owners
Tim and Peg Horkings decided it was time to bring MOON RIVER back to ACY to
undergo repowering and a complete makeover under the careful direction of Captain
Eddie Smith. The vessel was outfitted with new Cat C32 ACERT diesel engines and new
running gear. ACY completed extensive modifications
and upgrades throughout the vessel, along with a
major overhaul of all systems and a total repaint.
The vessel received an integrated audio-video and
navigation system from IMS American Marine
Electronics, providing iPod, CD, DVD and XM satellite
radio throughout the boat. The media room was
outfitted with a 37” Samsung (... continued on page 7)
SILVER ARROW Readies
for Sea Trial
The new ACY68 SILVER ARROW has returned from the paint booth for
final bridge wiring, electronics installation and completion of mechanical
systems in preparation for its sea trial. Featuring ACY’s traditional
outline and signature water-slicing hull, the SILVER ARROW is the first
ACY to carry the new 2400 HP MTU 2000® Series engines. This unique
vessel has been meticulously handcrafted by ACY to meet the owner’s
every need. Look for the full story and photos in the next issue of
American Patriot Press.
Keep up with the latest information from ACY at www.AmericanCustomYachts.com.
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www.IMSAmerican.com
Zwicker Appointed Director of Sales & Marketing
Marc Zwicker, former director of sales and marketing for FOX Audio-Video, has been appointed as director of sales
and marketing for IMS American Marine Electronics. In his new position, Marc is responsible for overseeing the
sales and marketing efforts for both IMS American and the Fox Audio-Video home entertainment division.
Marc brings over 30 years of executive sales and marketing experience. While serving as vice president of sales and
marketing for a start-up computer company, Logicsoft Inc., Marc led the company to 128 million dollars in sales
after just five years, earning Logicsoft recognition as one of Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies. Marc was
then recruited by Systemax Inc. to oversee the start-up of their computer division. After 17 years with Systemax,
their international sales grew to over two billion dollars, with divisions in North America and Europe.
Marc joined FOX Audio-Video in 2007. His first order of business was to shift the company’s market focus to include
architects and interior designers. He achieved this by opening a custom design center, offering architects and
designers an opportunity to earn a home automation certification from Crestron® by attending a series of
instructional seminars. As director of sales and marketing for IMS American, Marc will continue to orchestrate
FOX’s emphasis on the custom home market, while focusing the IMS Marine Division on custom vessel refits and upgrades of navigation and A/V
equipment. Marc’s goals for 2009 include increasing customer knowledge of new products and technology through informative e-mails and company
websites, and keeping the IMS technical team on the leading edge with ongoing training and new product certification.
New Installations on the Cutting Edge
44 Garlington
IMS American joined Bausch-American
Towers in creating a truly unique look for the D&D, a 44’
Garlington. The newly-reconfigured helm was painted navy blue
to match the buggy top and control box on the custom tower
installed by BAT. IMS installed a Northstar® 6100i system with a
10 kW radar network system at the helm and in the tower
station. A KVH TracVision® M5 mobile satellite TV antenna was
also installed. The master stateroom, crew quarters and main
salon were outfitted with new LCD TVs, which included custom
mounts in the master stateroom. The D&D was also outfitted with
a new outdoor bridge marine stereo from Clarion® and JL Audio®.
33 L&H
IMS
American outfitted
RIGHT HERE, a 33’ L&H,
with a NAVnet® 3D
system, a 12 kW radar
at the tower and helm,
and an autopilot from
Simrad®.
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A DIVISION OF IMS AMERICAN
772-781-3992 · 257 SE Monterey Rd, Stuart
Home Entertainment News · Home Entertainment News
FOX Helps Raise Funds for Kids at Frances Langford Showcase
Recently, FOX Audio-Video teamed up with a group of elite local interior designers and the community’s esteemed philanthropist society to
host the Frances Langford Designer Showcase. Their mission was to remodel and decorate the former beach house of famed singer/actress
Frances Langford, while raising awareness and funds for the Children’s Home Society’s Youth Transition Center. The Center will house youths
ages 18 through 23 as they make the transition from the foster care system to independent adulthood. Once built, the facility in Vero Beach
will house these young adults and provide them with educational opportunities, on-the-job training and mentoring. The 16-day showcase far
exceeded anyone’s expectations and raised an estimated $140,000 for the Center!
During the remodeling process, FOX pre-wired the house for all low voltage systems. The installation included high-definition TV in all rooms,
distributed music throughout the house, surveillance cameras, and a telephone system that links all rooms and communicates with the front gate
to grant access to guests. During the showcase, FOX’s work was showcased in the “Bob Hope Suite,” which featured a 42” LG LCD TV and Pioneer
Elite® DVD player. FOX also installed hidden audio speakers in the “Ocean Room” and outside deck area, surround sound music in the “Cabana”
bedroom and audio in the “Langford Room.” Although the latter three rooms did not feature HDTV displays during the showcase, FOX installed all
entertainment equipment to the specifications of the new owners, Phil and Mary Greer, after the event concluded.
Mike Frantantoni Joins FOX Sales Team
FOX Audio-Video is pleased to welcome Mike Frantantoni as the newest member of
the sales team. Originally from Union, New Jersey, Mike moved to Florida 22 years ago.
He received his Associates Degree in Computer Hardware Technology from the New
England Institute of Technology. Prior to joining FOX, Mike worked as a sales consultant
for the marine electronics division of IMS American. Director of Sales and Marketing
Marc Zwicker says, “We are excited to have Mike at FOX. His personality, customer
service and attention to detail make him a valuable asset to our team.”
Mike brings over ten years of sales and customer service experience with him to FOX
Audio-Video. His duties include making new customer contacts and maintaining
relationships with existing customers. He is also responsible for communicating with
his clients throughout the installation process to ensure that their expectations are
being met every step of the way. Mike’s favorite part of his new position is seeing his
customers’ enjoyment and excitement when their project is complete and their expectations have been exceeded.
Mike lives in Stuart with his wife, Kim. His hobbies include boating, fishing, watching football and other sports, and spending time with his
wife and their friends.
Stop by the FOX Home Theater Showroom to see the latest in cutting-edge audio-video technology.
Keep up with the latest information from ACY at www.AmericanCustomYachts.com.
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Stuart, FL: 772-283-2771 · Beaufort, NC: 252-728-7332
Taiwan On!
BAT Installs Another
Tower in Taiwan
for Horizon Yachts
BAT’s globe-trotting Dave Purkey recently returned
from a trip to Horizon Yachts’ production facility in
Kaoshiung, Taiwan, where he installed the third tower
this year on a new Horizon 52’ sportfisherman. Two
more trips are planned over the next few months to
accommodate new Horizon tower installations –
one in Japan and another in Taiwan.
BAT Florida Highlights
BAT has installed three towers on new Horizon 52 ‘ sportfishermen over the past year.
44 Garlington Upon removal of the
original half tower on the D&D, a 44’ Garlington
sportfisherman, the vessel was retrofitted with
a new BAT custom tower package with recessed
teaser reels and spreader lights. The buggy top and control box were painted with custom metallic
blue accents to match the vessel’s boot stripe and helm detailing.
77 Whiticar
BAT installed a custom half
tower package with bridge ladder, bridge rail
and rod holders aboard SAPELO, a 77’ Whiticar
sportfisherman. The custom hard top is
equipped with an electric drop-down radio box,
recessed teaser reels and satellite dome pods.
BAT North Carolina Highlights
66 Jarrett Bay
The 66’ Jarrett Bay WASTE
KNOT was outfitted with a new BAT full tower
package, including a custom enclosure and Rupp
Power Riggers®.
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60 Hatteras
BAT designed a custom T-top/
hard top combination for this 60’ Hatteras GT
to be used by Cummins MerCruiser Diesel as an
R&D test boat.
56 Hatteras This 56’ Hatteras motoryacht
was outfitted for Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales with a
custom molded hard top with side and aft
enclosures affixed to the vessel’s arch.
CHACH, a 58’ Monterey, is visiting ACY for major
ACY modified the accent striping and performed
mechanical upgrades, including a complete
a complete repaint of the superstructure on EL
engine overhaul and a new exhaust system. The LOBO, a 90’ Affinity motoryacht.
vessel will also receive minor carpentry repairs and
a new electronics package from IMS American.
MOON RIVER Shines! The 70’ Jarrett Bay RAVAGANZA received a
complete hull repaint, bottom maintenance
and full varnish of its salon bulkhead and
mezzanine.
continued from page 3
LCD TV mounted on a Motivated Design®
pop-up lift housed within a custom cabinet
fabricated by ACY. Navigation components
include a complete NavNet® 3D system, a
custom switching system, Simrad® autopilot,
a Northstar® GPS, a navigation computer and
dual ACR® spotlights. Working in coordination
with ACY’s architects and carpenters, IMS
created a new helm configuration and custom
alarm panel. ACY’s machine and carpentry
shops teamed up to build a custom barbecue
for the aft deck. Canvas experts TCR American
fashioned the canvas enclosure for the bridge, floor runners and custom cushions for the helm station and sun
pad.
“We have been coming to American for service work for years,” explained MOON RIVER owner Tim Horkings.
“They performed an incredible job with our transom extension in 1999. Now ten years later, when we decided
to repower, we knew it would require quite a bit of demolition to get the old engines out, so we figured it would
be a good time for remodeling. As our kids are growing up, we are spending more time on the boat, so we enjoy having all the comforts of home.
The fit and finish provided by ACY is totally superior – just unbelievable. The crew at ACY are absolute craftsmen in every area of marine service
work. Their dedication, knowledge and experience is first-rate.”
Currently docked in Palm Beach, MOON RIVER will head to Newport, Rhode Island for the summer with plans to tour around Nantucket, Martha’s
Vineyard and Long Island. The vessel will then head south for the Bahamas and Caribbean, with stays in Palm Beach and Sarasota.
MOON RIVER was profiled midway through its 12-month makeover in Volume
43 of American Patriot Press. Go online to www.AmericanCustomYachts.com,
click “Newsletter,” and then go to Vol. 43.
Keep up with the latest information from ACY at www.AmericanCustomYachts.com.
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6800 S.W. Jack James Drive · Stuart, FL 34997
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
WEST PALM BCH, FL
PERMIT NO. 1946
COMING IN OUR NEXT ISSUE ACY LAUNCHES NEW 68’ SILVER ARROW
Ask the Yacht Doctors©
This feature answers commonly asked questions posed to ACY regarding
boat construction, maintenance and repair. Please fax your question to
772-288-4993, or e-mail it to info@acyinc.com, in care of the “Yacht
Doctors©.” If your question is selected, we’ll send you an ACY T-shirt. (To
protect your privacy, your name will not be used.) The doctors are always in!
Q: I am accustomed to having a bow pulpit on my boats, and I recently
purchased a custom sportfishing boat without one. I really like the way
the boat looks, but miss the convenience of a bow pulpit. Can a boat be
refitted with a bow pulpit without affecting the integrity of the toe rail
and altering the profile of the vessel?
YD: To install a traditional bow pulpit would require cutting the toe rail
and building a permanent fixture that would definitely alter the look
of the vessel. In order to maintain the aesthetics of your boat and the
integrity of the toe rail, you have two options – to install a completely
removable bow pulpit, or a retractable bow pulpit. While almost any
vessel can accommodate a removable bow pulpit, the retractable style
requires a large anchor locker cavity to fold back into. Unless you are
going to be doing a lot of anchoring, a removable bow pulpit will
probably be your best choice for maintaining the boat’s aesthetics.
The ACY65 BANDIT was outfitted with a removable stainless steel bow pulpit (shown above and
bottom left) that can be completely detached when not in use and stored in the anchor locker.
Congratulations to
Jennifer and Dominick, Jr.
Congratulations go out to Mr.
and Mrs. Dominick LaCombe, Jr.
The newlyweds were married in
January at a beautiful oceanfront
ceremony at the Breakers Hotel in
Palm Beach. Dom is employed by
IMS American as the operations
manager, and Jennifer is currently
working at American Marketing
Group as the art and editorial
director. The couple met while
working at neighboring booths
in the Big Game Room at the
Miami International Boat Show
when Jennifer was employed by
The Billfish Foundation.
Keep up with the latest information from ACY at www.AmericanCustomYachts.com.
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