Navigating the Future: Top Boat Manufacturers Leading the Gulf Coast Market in 2025

By Meredith Amon, Your Trusted Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor

boat manufacturers gulf coast

 

As a resident of Orange Beach and an avid lover of the Gulf Coast lifestyle, I've seen firsthand how the boating industry continues to evolve along our beloved shores—from the bustling marinas of Gulf Shores and Pensacola to the chic waterfronts of Destin and 30A. With 2025 ushering in a wave of innovative boat designs and cutting-edge technology, I’ve taken the time to explore which manufacturers are setting the pace for the offshore fishing boat segment, and I’m excited to share my insights with you.

Over the years, I’ve built relationships with local boat dealers and manufacturers who…

5350 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

2025 Gulf Coast Boat Buying Guide: The Best Offshore & Bay Boats for Fishing & Cruising


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Gulf Coast Boating Alabama Florida

As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and lifelong boating enthusiast, I know firsthand that choosing the right boat is just as important as choosing the right home—especially when you’re navigating the waters of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Pensacola, and Destin. Whether you're looking for a high-performance offshore fishing machine or a versatile bay boat for cruising backwaters, 2025 brings an exciting lineup of models tailored for the Gulf Coast lifestyle.

This guide breaks down some of the top offshore and inshore fishing boats for 2025, covering hull design, cockpit layout, bridgedeck features, cruising…

7336 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Top 5 Condos in Orange Beach with Tennis Courts

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida


Orange Beach Alabama Condos Tennis Courts


PHOENIX NINE CONDOS INDOOR TENNIS COURT


As a real estate advisor, Orange Beach homeowner, and avid tennis player, I know how important it is to have exceptional tennis facilities at your fingertips. Whether you love a competitive match, a casual rally, or simply enjoy the social aspect of the sport, these top five condos in Orange Beach offer fantastic tennis courts with incredible views and amenities to match.

1. Phoenix 9 – The Ultimate Indoor Tennis Experience

If you're looking for year-round play, Phoenix 9 is in a league of its own. This one-of-a-kind indoor tennis court is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows facing due…

4881 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Sand in My Boots Fest 2025: Experience World-Class Music on the Gulf Coast


By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida

Gulf Shores Alabama Sand In My Boots Morgan Wallen

From May 16-18, 2025, the stunning white sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama will set the stage for one of the most anticipated music events of the year—Sand in My Boots Fest. Curated by Morgan Wallen, this three-day festival blends country, rock, and contemporary music, bringing an exceptional lineup of artists to one of the most desirable coastal destinations in the country. With the Gulf as the backdrop, this event is the perfect way to experience live music while taking in everything that makes Gulf Shores such a sought-after place to visit—and live.

This year’s lineup is truly remarkable, featuring Morgan Wallen,…

11705 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

IS INVESTING IN A CONDO IN GULF SHORES OR ORANGE BEACH PROFITABLE?

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Many buyers considering a condo investment in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach are drawn by the potential for rental income, property appreciation, and the region’s thriving tourism industry. As a real estate advisor specializing in the Gulf Coast, I have helped numerous investors find the right properties that balance rental potential, long-term value, and financial feasibility.

The Appeal of Gulf Coast Condo Investments

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach attract millions of visitors each year, creating strong demand for vacation rentals. However, investing successfully requires an understanding of location, market trends, financing…

10096 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

This Week’s Interest Rates for a Second Home on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Financing Gulf Coast Second Homes Condos

If you are considering purchasing a second home condo on the Gulf Coast, understanding the latest interest rates is essential. Financing for condos differs from single-family primary residences, with rates and discount points varying based on the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) and other lending factors. Below is a breakdown of this week's financing options.

Current Interest Rates for a Second Home Condo Loan

80% Financing (20% Down Payment)

  • 7.625% interest rate – 2.125% cost to lock
  • 7.75% interest rate – 1.875% cost to lock
  • 7.99% interest rate – 1.00% cost to lock

75% Financing (25% Down Payment)

  • 7.49%…

140 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

FLOUNDER AND REDFISH STUDIES UNCOVER UNEXPECTED TRENDS

The Gulf Coast waters continue to surprise us with new insights into the behavior of our favorite inshore species. Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of South Alabama (USA) is shedding light on migration and spawning habits for southern flounder, speckled trout, red drum, and tripletail—and some of the findings challenge long-held assumptions.

Flounder Migration: A Deeper Understanding

One of the biggest revelations from these studies is that a significant portion of the flounder population remains offshore, contradicting previous beliefs that they primarily inhabit inshore waters. This was confirmed through two methods—chemical analysis of flounder ear bones and…

3433 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post


GULF COAST REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2025

By Meredith Amon

Gulf Coast Real Estate Market

 

As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor licensed in Alabama and Florida, I stay on top of market trends, planning commission decisions, and community developments to ensure my clients have the best insights for buying and selling along the coast. The real estate landscape here is ever-evolving, with new projects shaping the future of Orange Beach, Ono Island, Gulf Shores, and beyond.

This month, several key developments have caught my attention—some exciting for growth, others presenting challenges for local planning and infrastructure. Here’s what’s happening in our market right now.

New Developments & Community Expansions

Orange Beach Growth Continues

…

5287 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Luxury Boats of 2025: The Best High-End Vessels for Cruising, Fishing & Exploring the Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast Yachting and Fishing Alabama Florida

By Meredith Amon

 

Owning a luxury boat along the Gulf Coast isn’t just about transportation—it’s about fully embracing an elevated coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re gliding through the back bays, deep-sea fishing offshore, or cruising in total comfort, having the right vessel makes all the difference.

For 2025, I’ve curated a list of some of the best high-end boats and yachts that fit the Gulf Coast lifestyle. Based on insights from local captains, experienced boaters, and yacht owners, I’ve learned that choosing the right vessel is just as important as choosing the right marina or waterfront home. Below are my top picks, including …

6733 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Bluewater Canyons & Fishing Spots Off Orange Beach, Alabama: Exploring the Deep Waters of the Gulf of America

By Meredith Amon


Fishing Yachts Orange Beach Alabama

For those who crave the thrill of deep-sea fishing, few places compare to the offshore waters off Orange Beach. The Gulf of America is home to some of the most productive bluewater canyons and fishing spots, where billfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi patrol the deep. These aren’t your typical nearshore reefs—this is the kind of fishing that requires serious boats, strategy, and a bit of patience, but the payoff? Unreal.

I've gathered insight from local captains, seasoned anglers, and boaters who have made these runs countless times, and one thing is certain: once you experience big-game fishing off Orange Beach,…

3840 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post