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When hurricane season approaches, it’s vital to be ready in every way possible. Besides ensuring the safety and security of you and your family during any potential hurricane threats, being prepared is the key to mitigating potential risks and protecting your investment. Below are some tips to help you adequately plan and minimize possible damage. 1. Create an Emergency Plan: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, safe harbors, and marinas designated as hurricane shelters. Ensure you have updated contact information for local authorities, marinas, and our insurance agency. If you intend to take your vessel to another location, filing a float plan is also recommended. 2. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Verify that your boat or yacht insurance policy is up to date and provides adequate coverage for potential hurricane-related damages. Understand the extent of coverage for damages caused by hurricanes, storms, or other weather-related incidents. Check your policy to see if you have hurricane haul-out reimbursement. This coverage can offset the cost of having your boat moved or hauled when a “watch” or “warning” is declared for your area. 3. Secure Your Vessel: If possible, move your boat or yacht to a safe location well in advance of any approaching storm. If relocation is not possible, secure your vessel with appropriate lines, anchors, and fenders to minimize potential damage from wind and waves. Use a ratchet strap to tie the vessel to the ground or a lift to prevent it from floating away. Double-check that all hatches, ports, and other openings are securely closed to prevent water intrusion. 4. Remove Valuables and Essential Documents: Safeguard valuable items, personal belongings, and important documents by removing them from the vessel before a storm hits. Consider creating digital backups of essential documents and storing them in a secure location.. Preparedness is key and vital for reducing potential risks and safeguarding your investments. If you have any questions or need any guidance concerning your boat or yacht, feel free to reach out to our team of marine insurance experts. We are dedicated to supporting you during hurricane season and beyond.

With Newcoast by your side, finding the right boat or yacht can be an amazing experience! Newcoast specializes in personalized service, vast experience in the boating world and unmatched expertise in the marine industry. But first things first - you've got to find the boat or yacht you want. Here are some quick tips to insure success in your search:: 1. Decide the type of boat do you want. Consider what activities you like to do on the water. Do you want to catch your dinner? Are you looking to ride the wake? Or does an afternoon anchored up in your favorite cove or at the beach sound like more your speed. Different types of boats are more geared to different activities. DiscoverBoating.com has a great tool for helping you determine the type of boat that best match your interests. Try it out. 2. Research you favorite boat brands. Once you know the type of boat that matches your style, take some time to look at the different brands (manufacturers) that make those kind of boats. Quality and reputation are key factors to consider. 3. Get to know boat dealers in your area. Most offer new and used boats, but will only be able to sell specific brands of new boats. So before falling in love with one brand of boat, it's important to learn about your local dealers. Different dealerships will offer various levels of service - some may offer basic services to buy the boat and service to maintain your boat while others may go above and beyond to offer classes for learning to use your boat, events for enjoying your boat and more. Your dealer can offer support throughout your boating life that makes days on the water easier. Make sure to consider who you want to do business with and what type of relationship you want with them. 4. Decide if you're buying new, used or brokerage. Like cars, you may choose to buy a new or used boat. New boats offer the benefit of a warranty and if you're new to boating it's a good place to start. Used boats can be a great deal, but you definitely need to do your homework. You also have the option of purchasing a boat through a broker (known as brokerage). If the boat or yacht is used, brokers may represent the seller (similar to real estate) to help them sell their boat. 5. Get Pre-Approved. If you will be financing your boat or yacht, it's a great idea to consider getting pre-approved if you're really serious about buying a boat and know what you want. This will allow you to move faster once you find the boat of your dreams as well as allow you to know how much your loan is approved for. 6. Take a Test Drive! Buying a boat is similar to purchasing a car, once you've narrowed down the type of boat and brand you want, as well as dealerships, it's time for a take it out for a spin (sometimes called a sea trial).  

For buyers looking for their next vessel purchase, the return of 100% Bonus Depreciation presents an unparalleled financial opportunity made possible by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This legislation allows you the opportunity for your luxury asset to qualify for bonus depreciation. Here's how this powerful tax strategy could work for you: Acquire the yacht or asset that fits your lifestyle; must be acquired after January 19th, 2025. Consult your CPA or tax advisor to setup correct ownership and operational structure Ensure operational logs and documentation are audit ready. This could lead to potential significant tax savings. For example, if you purchase a yacht for $250,000 and are in a 35% tax bracket, a 100% deduction could result in a potential tax savings of up to $87,500. What You Need to Know To qualify for these deductions, the vessel must be used for qualified business purposes and be operated in U.S waters (including Puerto Rico and U.S Virgin Islands) more than 50% of the time while under your ownership. U.S. and foreign flagged vessels could qualify which allows for flexibility on how to structure ownership in accordance with your tax advisor’s recommendations. At Newcoast, we specialize in helping yacht owners navigate these complex opportunities. Our team is here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you can take full advantage of this strategic financial benefit while working alongside your tax and legal team. Learn More

OLDSMAR, FL (August 14, 2025) – Newcoast, a leader in marine financing and insurance solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Devine as Vice President of Insurance. Devine brings a distinguished track record of executive leadership and a forward-thinking strategic vision that will guide Newcoast’s Insurance Division through its next phase of growth and success. Over the last four years, Newcoast Insurance has experienced exceptional expansion, driven by a commitment to achieving strong financial results and delivering world-class customer experiences. Devine’s addition comes at a pivotal time, positioning the company to accelerate growth and strengthen its standing as the premier marine insurance agency in the industry. In his new role, Devine will focus on driving insurance financial performance and FANS growth across Newcoast’s retail locations, marinas, and Superyacht Division—all in alignment with the company’s mission and values. He will also play a key role in modernizing the customer experience and expanding the company’s offerings through innovative distribution channels. “Scott’s proven expertise and leadership in the high-net-worth insurance market make him an invaluable addition to the Newcoast team,” said Tyler Layton, President of Financial Services. “His ability to build high-performing teams, foster strong client relationships, and deliver strategic growth will be instrumental as we continue to elevate our insurance division and enhance the value we provide to our customers.” Devine brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the high-net-worth insurance sector. Most recently, he served as Regional Executive at Lockton, where he successfully led the growth of their Private Client business and producer team. His career also includes senior leadership positions at Hagerty, Marsh, Willis, and Aon, where he spearheaded business growth through distribution model expansion, product innovation, and cultivating long-term relationships with high-net-worth clients. He holds a B.A. from William Paterson University and has completed an Executive Education Certification Program at Harvard University.

If you're looking for the best rates and terms for your RV or Boat purchase, here are some tips from the Newcoast experts: 1. Know Your Credit Score – You score is very important. For instance, if your score is over 800, you can even expect rate discounts across the board. If it's on the low side, your options are very different. While credit scores are important, they are not everything. There are several different rating agencies, as well as rating models and an experience specialist can find you interesting offers no matter what your score. Each lender has specific criteria that they will request from the credit reporting agencies, based on the type of financing requested. Remember: The only credit score that matters is the one the bank looks at when you apply for a loan. Newcoast TIP: High credit scores do not always equal good financial sense, but it helps! 2. Down Payment or Trade in? – While a lender may require a minimum down payment or not, most lenders have down payment or LTV (loan to value) discounts. In Marine or RV lending down payments can range from 10-20%, but a down payment of 30% can sometimes get you a rate discount. Remember down payments can come from cash OR Trade. 3. Understanding Loan Terms – Marine and RV terms are generally 10-25 years in amortization. Your lender may offer terms for your loan as long as 20 or 25 years. However most prefer that the term to be shorter than that. Many lenders offer rate discounts for terms less than the maximum.   4. Be Prepared – Know your credit rating, have your financial information in order, and provide your loan officer with all the documentation they request. Limited Doc loans are possible, but are at the discretion of the lender. Many lending institutions offer lower rates with a complete financial package as opposed to the quick application only loans. 5. Our Best Tip! Reach Out to Newcoast – Newcoast has all the lending options mentioned above, personalized service from seasoned specialists, and access to the best rates and terms in the industry. At Newcoast, there's always be someone available to give the advice you need to make your boat or RV dream come true. Contact a Newcoast specialist today at (866) 639-2627. 

One of the many benefits of taking an RV on a camping adventure is the ability it gives you to cook your own meals instead of having to eat out in pricey tourist destinations. Although your RV is your “home on wheels”, however, it typically will not offer the same amount of food storage, prep and cooking space as your actual home. Here are some tips to help you prepare easy and delicious meals while you are enjoying the RV lifestyle. Do: Plan meals in advance. Given the limited amount of pantry space you probably have in your RV, it’s essential to plan the meals for your trip in advance. Break each menu down into a shopping list of ingredients you can buy and stow on board before you set out. Try to include several different meals using the same ingredients on your list to save space. Remove the contents from bulky packaging and store it in a plastic bag or container that will fit more easily into the RV’s stowage compartments. If any of the menus require following an online recipe, print it out beforehand in case there is no internet when you go to cook that meal. Do: Prep meal ingredients. Before setting out on your trip, prep the ingredients for as many meals as possible. This not only will save time while you are on vacation, but it also will help if your RV has limited counter space. For example, cube meat for kebobs and pack them in a separate container. Wash and chop the vegetables for each meal and bag them accordingly. You can even prepare marinades and sauces for various dishes in advance. Make sure to label each bag and container, and as you pack the RV’s fridge and freezer, start with the items you will need last, then work your way forward to the ones you will use first. Do: Pack a snackle box. Snacks are a fun part of the camping experience and help to stave off hunger between meals. If you have an empty fishing tackle box with multiple tiers and compartments, it makes a great “snackle box” container. Be sure to clean it thoroughly first, however! Fill each compartment with your crew’s favorite salty and savory snacks, veggies and dip, or go all-out and create an elegant charcuterie box with sliced meats, cheeses and crackers. If you prepare the snackle box in advance, be sure to store it in the fridge or on ice in a cooler that is large enough to hold it. Having a pre-made snackle box on hand is also an easy way to entertain new friends you make while RV’ing. Do: Bring outdoor cooking equipment. Even if your RV is equipped with a stove and has adequate ventilation, cooking smells can linger inside. If you are parked in a campsite, it also can be more fun to cook outdoors when the weather is nice. While many RV parks and campgrounds offer communal outdoor grills, if you bring your own portable charcoal or propane grill, you won’t have to wait your turn. Also consider packing a cast iron Dutch oven that can be placed on the grill or in a campfire. It will expand the variety of meals you can cook on your trip to include casseroles and stews. Don’t: Forget food safety. Pack fresh, potable water so you won’t have to rely on unknown water sources, even for dish washing, and never drink out of lakes or streams. Add a food thermometer to your galley gear so you can ensure all meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature, especially when you grill outdoors. (For a chart of the proper cooking temperatures for different types of meat, visit foodsafety.gov.) Don’t serve cooked meat on the same platter that held raw meat. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures starting at 40 °F and up, so be sure to put perishable leftovers in the fridge or in a cooler on ice as soon as possible after eating. Bring along plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for cleanup as well. Don’t: Let dirty dishes pile up. No matter how big your RV may be, it’s easy for dishes to stack up in the sink and on the counters. If you clean up as you go while preparing meals, it will help to keep clutter to a minimum and save time at the end of the evening. Designate a dish washer for each meal on a rotating basis so no one is stuck with the job. If you are in bear country, make sure to pack and dispose of any food scraps safely and securely so you won’t get any unwanted visitors! With some advance planning and preparation, cooking while on vacation with your RV can be a pleasure rather than a chore. With mealtime handled, you can focus on relaxing and having fun in the great outdoors!

If you live in the northern part of the U.S., the time finally has come to take your boat out of winter storage and prepare it for the season ahead – a process called “spring commissioning”. Many boaters rely on their boat dealer, service shop or marina to winterize their boat in the fall and commission it in the spring. Others, particularly owners with trailerable boats they can store in their garage or the backyard, prefer to do this process themselves. Either way, this checklist will take you step by step through the basics of spring commissioning. 1. Remove the winter cover.  If your boat was shrink-wrapped and you remove it carefully, you might be able to reuse it in the fall. If it isn’t usable, check with your state or county to see if if has a shrink-wrap recycling program. 2. Inspect and service the engine.  No matter what type of engine(s) drives your boat, it’s crucial to check the engine and running gear, including the gearcase, hoses, belts, and prop(s), for damage, wear and tear. Repair or replace parts as needed. If you have an inboard or sterndrive engine, and the engine oil and filter weren’t changed in the fall, do so now. Change the gear lube in your outboard or sterndrive lower unit. Additional steps may be required to commission the engine – Check the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. 3. Prepare the fuel.  If you stored your boat without adding fuel stabilizer or with less than a full tank, the fuel inside may have broken down or condensation formed over the winter months. If that’s the case, have the old fuel pumped out and replace it with fresh fuel. If your boat takes gas, fill the tank with ethanol-free blend, if possible. Consider adding fuel stabilizer if recommended by the engine manufacturer. 4. Flush the freshwater system.   Your boat’s freshwater system should have been treated with antifreeze prior to winter storage in a cold climate. If so, flush the entire system with fresh water. Open all the faucets, turn on the shower, and let the water run until you don’t see the pink tinge of antifreeze. Then, run the wtaer a minute or two longer, just to be sure. 5. Check the battery(ies).   If you stored your boat’s battery on a maintenance charger over the winter, put it back in the boat and make sure the leads are properly connected. If the battery stayed on board, clean the terminals and cable ends and check they are tight, then hook it up to a charger. There’s nothing worse than getting to the ramp on the first day of the season, only to find your boat’s battery is dead! 6. Detail your boat.  Go over the whole interior with a fine-tooth comb to make sure no mold or mildew has grown in hidden spots on board over the winter. Assemble your favorite cleaning supplies (use environmentally friendly products if possible) and give your boat a thorough cleaning, including washing any canvas and soft tops, and all vinyl seats and cushions. Wax the hull and topsides to preserve the gelcoat and finish from the harmful effects of salt water and discoloration from sun. A sparkling clean and shiny boat will make you proud when you take it out for a run on that first warm day. No matter how impatient you are to get back out on the water, it’s important to dewinterize and commission your boat properly. The more thoroughly you inspect, repair if needed, and service your vessel in the spring, the fewer days on the water you will miss during the summer months. Newcoast is a leading insurance and finance provider in the marine and recreational industry. Newcoast offers competitive and customized boat loans and RV financing options, as well as tailored boat insurance plans and RV insurance programs with robust carrier options, industry-leading experience, and access to world-class partners. To obtain a loan or insurance plan that’s right for you and your boating or RV lifestyle, call (866)639-2627 or visit www.newcoast.com.

Each time boat show season comes around, it offers a great opportunity to look for new gear and accessories that can improve both your safety and enjoyment on the water. In addition to new boats and engines, the show’s aisles are always packed with the latest and greatest new marine accessories to hit the market. From chart plotters to coolers, fishing rods to fenders, sunshades to swim fins, you are bound to find a fun or functional new item you can use to enhance your boat.  Marine electronics. This huge category of accessories gets bigger and more innovative every year. If it has been a few years since you upgraded your boat’s chartplotter or fishfinder, you will be amazed by the quality of the high-definition displays on the newer models you will find in the boat show’s electronics tent. Today’s fishfinders virtually enable you to “see” individual fish swimming under your boat! If your boating adventures take you offshore and your current VHF is not equipped with an AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder, a boat show is also a good place to shop for an upgrade. AIS can be an important safety feature when you are boating in the same waters as large commercial ships. Your AIS-enabled VHF radio will keep them posted about your GPS position and vice versa. Underwater lights. When you are heading down a waterway after dark these days, it seems like nearly every boat you pass is pulling a brilliant wake of light behind it. Thanks to LED technology, today’s marine underwater lights are more efficient and offer lots of cool options like the ability to strobe the lights or scroll through multiple colors. There are even high-end, Bluetooth-enabled underwater lighting systems that let you sync your boat’s lights with the tunes you play onboard. But there are also inexpensive underwater lights available that simply screw into your boat’s drain plug. Safety gear. While the boating safety equipment may not as exciting or geek-worthy at your local boat show as some of the other accessories, it is always worth investing in for your sake and that of your crew. If you still have pyrotechnic flares on board as part of your required safety kit, consider replacing them with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved e-flare for use as a nighttime distress signal. Bright, battery-operated lights that flash the Morse S-O-S code, e-flares don’t expire and need to be replaced periodically like red pyrotechnic flares. You will still need a separate distress signal for daytime, however. Sunshade. Today, boaters in sunny climates have many options beyond bimini tops to help protect themselves and loved ones from the harmful effects of UV rays while on the water. At a boat show, you will find both manual and electric shade systems that extend from your boat’s roof or hardtop to cover the cockpit and other open areas on deck. We also have seen smaller shades you can mount to a railing or insert in a rodholder. Polarized sunglasses, another essential piece of boating gear, typically are on sale at the show as well. Coolers. Cooler technology keeps getting better, with some of the larger now units capable of keeping ice solid and drinks cold for up to two weeks! At the boat show, you should be able to find a hard-sided cooler perfectly sized to slide under a boat seat – as well as slide-mount systems you can install that let you slide the cooler in and out for easy access. But soft-sided coolers often make a better option as you can store them in just about any sized space on board. They also have handles that make it convenient for you to take them ashore and refill them. Fishing gear. If you are an angler, you will find a section of nearly every boat show that is dedicated to showcasing the latest fishing equipment and tackle. You can upgrade your rod and reel or choose from a huge selection of lures specially crafted to attract the species you like to target. At the bigger shows like the Discover Miami International Boat Show, you also will have the opportunity to meet the pros and attend a series of seminars designed to help you hone your angling skills. Water Toys. For many people, a boat is the perfect platform for launching myriad watersports adventures. A boat show is a great place for enthusiasts to check out the latest kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, wakeboards, water skis, and inflatable towing toys on the market. In recent years, we have also seen a trend toward superyacht toys such as inflatable slides and floating docks that are sized and priced for recreational boats.  Kid-Friendly Gear. If you have children, consider bringing them along with you to the boat show. In addition to educating them about the technology behind your favorite pastime, most shows will have a “kid zone” where they can try their hand at fishing, meet a pirate, or play a boating-related game. Together, you can look for kid-friendly gear like a floating mat made of high-density foam that will support them like a raft the next time they swim behind your boat. If you have an infant, you also might find a swing you can rig from your boat’s hardtop that will rock them gently when your boat sits at anchor. Whatever age your children might be, make sure they have a lifejacket that fits them and is free from wear and tear. If not, you easily can find a replacement at the show. Simple solutions. Most boat shows have booths with innovative yet affordable solutions on display that boaters like yourself have created in response to a nagging issue on board. A great example is a set of fenders you can clip to your boat’s railing without having to tie any knots. If your boat doesn’t have enough drink holders, you also can find a whole range of aftermarket solutions to choose from – including refrigerated cup holders that will keep your drink cold all day. You also may want to retrofit your boat with a wireless cellphone charger you can mount to your boat’s helm console to ensure you never lose your battery charge while you are out on the water. The next time you visit a boat show, take some time out from touring the new boat models to take a stroll through the marine accessories displays. You may find a piece of gear or equipment that is essential you will never want to leave the dock without it again.  Boat Loans and Insurance. Though not a marine accessory, most boat shows have vendors who offer showgoers marine financing and insurance solutions. Taking the time to speak with industry experts like our team at Newcoast can help you explore the different loan and protection options that are unique to you and your vessel. Whether you’re buying new or used, boat shows are the perfect place to request a free quote, try a loan calculator, ask questions, and secure insurance or financing all in one place; making the entire process a quick and seamless experience. However, if you’d rather connect with a specialist at another time, you can always call (866) 639-2627 or visit www.newcoast.com to learn more.   

RVers and boaters share a love for pristine natural vistas, whether on land or on the water, and a desire to protect the environment. Here are six ways you can help to make your adventures more eco-friendly. 1. Improve fuel efficiency Maximizing the number of miles per gallon you get en route to your destination will help to reduce your vehicle’s or vessel’s carbon footprint. Before you set out on your next trip, make sure your RV or boat is up to date on service and maintenance. Proper tire pressure also helps to maintain fuel efficiency – and that goes for tow vehicles and trailers as well. Mapping your route in advance on a trip-planning app or chartplotter also can help you to avoid wasting fuel.  2. Reuse and recycle In preparing for your trip, pack refillable metal water bottles for everyone on board rather than bringing along bottled water. When provisioning the galley, take food out of its original, throwaway packaging and store it in reusable containers. Keep a separate bag on board for recyclable waste and dispose of it separately instead of tossing it out with the rest of the garbage.  3. Use eco-friendly products While in the past, some green cleaners had a reputation for being weak and ineffective, today, many of the eco-friendly products on the shelves are just as tough on dirt, grime, and stains as traditional products. Some manufacturers even offer complete lines of environmentally friendly products for cleaning and maintaining every part of your boat or RV. Look for the terms “biodegradable” and “nontoxic” on the label. 4. Consider solar power In recent years, solar panels have gained significant ground in both the marine and RV industries as an alternative method to using a generator to power the electrical equipment on board. The batteries utilized to store the energy gathered by the panels also have gotten smaller, more efficient, and less expensive. Not only can solar power help to lower your carbon footprint, but it also has the benefit of being quiet. 5. Minimize your impact on animals Seen or unseen. RVers should be sure to maintain full situational awareness while driving, especially at night. Don’t feed the wildlife or let it get into your garbage as it can easily become dependent on humans for food. Boaters should be careful where you drop your anchor. If you snorkel or scuba dive on a reef, use eco-friendly sunblock and don’t touch the coral to avoid killing those fragile living organisms.  6. Leave no trace behind Whether you are in the woods or on the water, the best thing you can do for the natural environment around you is to leave it undisturbed. According to the Ocean Conservancy, at least 11 million metric tons of plastic pollution enters the world’s oceans each year. Be sure to keep all your waste and refuse, including used fishing line, stored on board until you reach a designated place where you can dispose of it properly. Pick up any trash that has been left by others and dispose of that as well. Try to leave every natural setting you visit just as pristine as you found it, or if possible, even cleaner. If everyone follows these simple tips during their boating or RVing adventures, we can all help to preserve the environment so future generations can enjoy it.