Yacht Talk for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show | Everything you need to know

Owning a boat in Fort Lauderdale: Everything from Insurance to The Best Waterfront Communities in Fort Lauderdale

The David Siddons Group is getting ready for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. This installment of the Better Decisions Podcast is all about things you need to know when bringing home a new boat. Our Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Homes Expert, Elaine Tatum interviews Laura Sherrod the Yacht Insurance Specialist with Newcoast Insurance and Financial Services.

Guest Introduction

Laura “Merrill” Sherrod is a fifth generation Floridian and has spent her lifetime around the yachting industry. The Merrill family owned the first shipyard in South Florida. The shipyard is now RMK Merrill-Stevens on the Miami River and it’s where she grew up. Laura’s family realized that the yachting industry was growing and they partnered to start the world’s first Yacht Insurance Agency. Her career has specialized in the yacht insurance industry for more than 30 years.

Why Fort Lauderdale is Important to the Yachting Industry

In the early days the Yachting Industry was based in Miami. There were a few bad decisions by Miami City Officials to tax the industry so the yachting industry moved its base to Fort Lauderdale. Thus Fort Lauderdale became the Yachting Capital of the World. The defining event for the Yachting Industry is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Fort Lauderdale International B0oat Show has over 100,000 attendees and a yearly economic impact of almost $2B. This equates to a lot of boat and waterfront home sales.

Considerations for a Yacht behind the House

Yacht Insurers consider where the vessel will be kept and who will be in charge of the vessel. Having a Yacht Manager or full time crew gives Yacht Insurers confidence for issuing insurance. Did you know that in Fort Lauderdale you cannot have anyone live-aboard a vessel on a private dock? There are ordinances requiring sanitation pump outs. That means that separate crew housing must be provided for full time crew members. Some luxury homes in Fort Lauderdale actually come with Captains Quarters. Contact us to find the right home for your yacht and crew.

Harbor Beach is one of the best waterfront communities i n Fort Lauderdale

Have a Hurricane Plan

Having a good Hurricane Plan for your boat can get you discounted insurance rates. It is similar to homeowner insurance discounts that are given for new roofs, impact windows and good flood zone elevation. Laura recommends working out your Hurricane Plan with a Yacht Insurance Specialist. They understand what is important to the Insurers and how best to convey your plan for the greatest discounts and coverage.

Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Homes

Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of navigable waterways for boating enjoyment. These waterways are dotted with waterfront homes, condos and townhomes with dockage. Contact Elaine Tatum, our Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Homes Expert, to find the home right for your boat. We also have Territory Experts throughout Miami and the Miami Beaches. Call us at the David Siddons Group when you want to bring home a boat.

The Best Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Neighborhoods

Fort Lauderdale has many waterways, but what are Fort Lauderdale’s most sought after waterfront neighborhoods? There are several areas that offer exceptional waterfront homes and are very desired with boaters. These areas are: Las Olas, Harbor Beach and Rio Vista.