Comments for Southern Boating & Yachting

Comment on Passing of a Legend by Donald Flippen

Donald Flippen — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:24:12 +0000

I worked for Viking Yacht in the late 1960s in product development department, only working there for a little over a year. Bill was still building wood boats at the time. My career in boat building spans decades but that’s another story.
Years later January 1997, I again was hired by Viking Yacht this time for the Viking Sport Cruiser project and stayed for three years. Viking Sport Cruiser offices and Viking offices were intermingled. I could see Bill’s office from my cubical and spoke to him regularly.
Anyway, to the point. Years after leaving the company to accept a position with a Miami boat Builder and while attending and working at the Miami Boat Show, I literally ran into him on a crowded dock. Interestingly as our eyes met he, without hesitation, said “Don Flippen, how the heck are you”. I was so impressed that he remembered my name. How many people do you know could do that? He was a genuine people person.

Comment on Passing of a Legend by Robert Hochstein

Robert Hochstein — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:30:35 +0000

We certainly did lose a pioneer, having been as my first career when I was younger and sold boats and motors it was a wonderful career I am very familiar with the Viking yacht, definitely one of the finest boats ever built. I do pray for his family and his friends for their comfort, and he will always leave his legacy. God bless him in heaven.

and sold boats and motors

Comment on Passing of a Legend by Jose Millan

Jose Millan — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:48:09 +0000

I remember Bills words at the Miami Beach international boat show in the early 70s watch out Bertram and Hatteras here we come!!

Comment on Passing of a Legend by Bill

Bill — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 19:32:11 +0000

I was never aware of the backstory as regards Viking Yachts. What a class act Mr. Healey must have been.. I’m sure his workforce as well as the rest of the industry will miss him sorely.

Comment on Passing of a Legend by Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 17:06:04 +0000

legend of boat builders for sure. I owned chris craft and cruisers yachts always dreamed of a viking for sure but unfortunately never achieved that level. beautiful yachts

Comment on Passing of a Legend by Juan A Galan Jr

Juan A Galan Jr — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 02:06:05 +0000

Quite the person& he built one huge company & legacy.

Comment on Tilt and Trim Troubleshooting by Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:20:21 +0000

It works but is slow going up and down

Comment on Increased Cruising Permit Fees – Bahamas’ New Rules Take Effect July 1 by William

William — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:28:05 +0000

People will continue to go to the Bahamas as usual, all of the complaints about the new fees are senseless, considering the abuse boaters have been doing for years throughout the islands. Remember, the Bahamas belong to the Bahamians, you are simply a guest, so act like it and maybe they want raise the fees again next year. This includes not overfishing, not damaging their Coral Reefs, not polluting the waters, respecting their people, etc. I lived in the Bahamas for over seven years and spent over 25 years running yachts through their waters, I’ve seen the abuse first hand, and it’s not a pretty sight. The Bahamas is a gift for anyone that goes there, everyone should treat as such.

Comment on Increased Cruising Permit Fees – Bahamas’ New Rules Take Effect July 1 by Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:07:21 +0000

As a 40 year veteran captain, Bahama’s will not be in my schedule, we already support them and they think they can keep putting it to outside vessel’s and owners . I help the owner decide where to travel, Bahama’s will be in the rear view mirror. Lot’s of other place’s to go!
Watch what happens to the millions they are already receiving from outside vessels.
Captain Bill

Comment on Increased Cruising Permit Fees – Bahamas’ New Rules Take Effect July 1 by Christopher Oschek

Christopher Oschek — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 02:25:23 +0000

If you are in South Florida go to The Key’s where the people do not hate you and spend Money in The US….