“Today, my 11 year old fishes with his great grandfather’s custom fishing rods and Penn reels from back in the 50’s and 60’s. And I continue the knowledge and respect of boating and share it with my son, as his great grandfather did with me.”
Latitude Adjustment, Robalo 22′
Interview with the Captain – Dennis J McBride
About the boat
Why did you choose to buy this particular boat and what else did you consider?
Robalos are one of the nicest mid tier price with quality. I owned the 18 foot version and was extremely pleased, except for the size and person capacity. She is also trailerable without wide permit for Florida Keys and has the best looks and quality. I also considered other manufacturers like Sea Pro Cobra.
What boats have you previously owned?
2017 Robalo R180
2014 Bayliner Element
1999 Bayliner Capri CC
Grew up on a 1978 Fiberform 28 flybridge
And then a 24 Trophy
What are the features you like most about your boat?
For starters, the integrity of Robalo Name. I also like the weight of boat holding in the water on rough days. She has a 250 Sho Yahama for peak performance, hydraulic steering, as well as a bow table with dedicated storage and dedicated rod storage.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
This boat was ordered with raw water and fresh water shower, trim tabs underwater lighting, porta potty, chart plotter fish finder garden 942xs, fold up bolster seats with leaning pad, a fiberglass top underside painted to match, a T-top electronics box with VHF
seadeck helm pad, and I plan on adding outriggers and radar dome.
Where have you traveled with your boat?/what do you have planned?
Crystal River for scalloping and the Bradenton FL area. I also plan on bringing her to the Florida Keys for snorkeling and fishing, and also out to Outerbanks for some fishing, as well.
Do you belong to a yacht club/marina or other boating organizations?
Just the locals in the Tampa Bay area hanging out at Three Rooker Island!
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Waiting 4 to 6 weeks for service – everyone is always backed up, so I try to schedule my annual service in the winter months. The Gulf Coast of Florida allows for mostly year round boating.
Who first introduced you to boating?
My Grandfather Lou Ambrose a.k.a. Patsy had me driving his boats off of New Jersey and New York at age 5. I had to clean, compound, wax and also treat the teakwood twice a year for beauty. October would come and we would prepare it for winter storage.
His boat was kept at the Roosevelt Marina in Jersey City, NJ. My grandfather made sure everyone else was having fun and happy prior to himself lowering a line in the water, this man never cursed a day in his life and always put everyone before himself.
On Sunday afternoons in the summer, we would come home and he would share our catch of fluke and blue fish with the neighbors. All the fish would be cleaned and filleted and individually bagged.
Today, my 11 year old fishes with his great grandfather’s custom fishing rods and Penn reels from back in the 50’s and 60’s. And I continue the knowledge and respect of boating and share it with my son, as his great grandfather did with me.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a boat like yours?
Most importantly, take a safe boating class at your local Coast Guard Auxiliary or power squadron. Know the rules of the waterway and protecting them, along with the safety of others being the most important. Also, have a coast guard inspection performed annually.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
I changed latitude lines from New Jersey to Florida back in 1993. If you drop the L in latitude it becomes attitude, I expect all passengers to have an attitude adjustment when boarding, leave behind all your troubles and headaches! Enjoy the sound of the waves hitting the boat and the birds above. While out on the water, there are no car sounds, sirens or any of our everyday sounds. That is all left behind at the dock.
Although I do miss home, the Tampa Bay area is an ideal area for boating.
Do you have any other notable resources you use (apps, devices, etc)?
Radar x boatus and active captain, along with local weather maps, as Tampa Bay is beautiful but in the blink of an eye the storms are up on you!
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