2024 January/February Marina World

New transporter –
fit for a Princess
A brand new heavy-duty self-propelled HBC45M HF recently rolled out of the
Roodberg factory in the Netherlands.
The customised transporter, with a
capacity of 45 tons, was built for Benny
and Jessica Martinsson, owners of four
Rental service
boost in
South Florida
Port 32 Marinas, a leading owner, operator,
developer and acquirer of a growing collection
of marinas in Florida, has expanded boat rental
services at its facilities in Tierra Verde, Naples,
Cape Coral and Marco Island.
The company’s fleet of newer and larger boats
from trusted brand names is designed to suit busy
families, frequent travellers and avid boaters. Each
boat is outfitted with top-of-the-line technology and
comfort amenities and is kept in optimal performing
condition. Boaters can choose between half or full
day rates. Pricing for a half day ranges from $275 to
$399 and a full day from $350 to $525 depending on
locations and boat type.
“We are thrilled to expand our boat rental amenities
at our southwest Florida marinas,” says CEO Austin
Schell. “From beginners to seasoned boaters, we
aim to create world-class boating experiences for the
waterfront communities we serve.”
Additionally, through its partnership with
Gulfstream Boat Club, Port 32 offers boat rentals
at its other Florida locations including Lighthouse
Point Marina, Tierra Verde, Tampa and Palm Beach
Gardens.
Princess dealerships in Scandinavia
and thus the third largest distributor for
Princess Yachts. The couple already
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
owned around seven Roodberg
products due to company take-overs
and were thus familiar with the quality
of the brand.
The Martinssons discussed their
need for a transporter with higher
capacity, self-drive and remote control
functions at Metstrade 2022. With the
yachts getting ever bigger, adjustments
were required in the way they are
handled and, despite having sufficient
manpower available, they both liked
the idea of Benny being able to singlehandedly
transport and stow a boat
safely and in optimal condition from the
boat crane to the storage hall.
All work, from concept drawings,
welding, coating, motorisation to
automation took place in-house in a few
months and the Princess dealers flew
to the Netherlands to personally receive
the new machine. A smiling Benny,
with his hands-on mentality, was able
to check and try out all the technical
aspects and, after some last-minute
adjustments, the HBC45M was on its
way to Sweden by special transport in
October 2023.
www.roodberg.com
Freedom adds two
Sydney clubs
Freedom Boat Club has opened two new locations on Australia’s
Sydney Harbour: Freedom Boat Club Mosman Bay at Mosman Bay
Marina and Freedom Boat Club Manly at North Harbour Marina.
Both locations will be corporate-owned and add to Freedom’s
growing Asia-Pacific business, which now has nine locations.
“We are thrilled to be expanding
our presence on Sydney Harbour
by opening at these two iconic
and unique marinas set within
the heart of the local community,”
said David Kurczewski, general
manager shared services
Asia-Pacific. “Both locations are
highly sought-after and give our
members additional opportunities
to explore Sydney’s Waterways
and provide truly local boating
opportunities for more of the
broader Sydney region.”
“We’re inspired by the support
from our marina partners as we
expand the Freedom brand on
Sydney Harbour and throughout
Australia. We look forward to
continuing to deliver remarkable
member experiences and seeing
our members create incredible
memories on the water this
season and beyond.”
The new clubs, which opened
in December 2023 for the
peak of the Australian boating
season, grant unique access to
Sydney Harbour. Mosman Bay
Marina is highly regarded as
one of Sydney’s most desirable
marinas enabling Freedom to
offer its innovative boating model
in the heart of Lower North
Shore neighbourhoods. North
Harbour Marina serves as the
boating hub of Sydney’s famous
Northern Beaches.
www.marinaworld.com – January/February 2024
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