Choosing the Right Boat for Your Gulf Coast Lifestyle
By Meredith Amon, Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor

Gulf Coast Boats

Living along the Gulf Coast provides unparalleled access to some of the best boating waters in the country. Whether you’re drawn to deep-sea fishing, inshore excursions, or simply cruising to waterfront restaurants, the right boat can enhance your coastal experience. In this section of my blog, I highlight individual boats and their features to help you determine which type best suits your lifestyle and home setup.

Popular Boats on the Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast is home to a variety of boats tailored to different activities. Understanding how you plan to use your boat is key to making the right purchase.

  • Deep-Sea Fishing Boats: If your goal is to venture offshore into the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll need a boat designed for handling rougher waters. Offshore fishing boats are typically larger, equipped with deep-V hulls, multiple engines, and advanced fishing technology.
  • Inshore Saltwater Fishing Boats: Navigating the back bays, estuaries, and shallow flats requires a smaller, more maneuverable boat. Shallow-draft bay boats and flats boats are ideal for these conditions, allowing access to hidden fishing spots without worrying about running aground.
  • Cruising and Island-Hopping Boats: Many homeowners prefer a boat built for comfort, relaxation, and easy access to local hotspots like Robinson Island. Pontoon boats, deck boats, and luxury center consoles with ample seating are great for cruising, socializing, and visiting destinations like Perdido Pass, Flora-Bama, or The Wharf.

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Boat Storage & Slip Considerations

Before purchasing a boat, it’s important to think about where and how you’ll store it.

  • Dry Storage vs. Wet Slips: If you own a waterfront property with a private dock or lift, wet storage may be a convenient option. However, marina dry storage can help protect your boat from weathering and reduce maintenance costs.
  • Size & Slip Requirements: The size of your boat will dictate what type of slip or dock you need. Some marinas have length and beam restrictions, so verifying these details beforehand is crucial.
  • Trailer Storage: If you plan to trailer your boat, consider HOA restrictions and whether your property has adequate storage space.

Popular Boat Types and Their Advantages

Center Console Boats

Arguably the most popular type of boat on the Gulf Coast, center consoles are versatile and well-suited for both offshore and inshore use. They offer 360-degree fishability, ample storage, and strong performance in various water conditions. Many models are equipped with multiple outboard engines, making them a favorite for deep-sea anglers.

Why They’re Popular:

  • Excellent for both fishing and cruising
  • Open deck layout allows easy movement
  • Can handle offshore waters but still function well inshore

Catamarans

Catamarans have gained popularity in recent years due to their stability and fuel efficiency. These boats feature dual hulls, which provide a smoother ride in rough waters compared to traditional monohull boats. They are great for long-range cruising and offshore fishing.

Why They’re Popular:

  • Increased stability, reducing motion sickness
  • More deck space and storage than monohull boats
  • Fuel-efficient and capable of long trips offshore

Fishing Yachts & Sportfishers

For serious offshore anglers or those who want luxury and power, sportfishing yachts are a top-tier choice. These boats come with enclosed cabins, high-tech navigation systems, and liveaboards for extended trips.

Why They’re Popular:

  • Designed for long offshore excursions
  • Luxurious features, including cabins and full kitchens
  • Built for catching large game fish like tuna and marlin

Final Thoughts: Matching the Right Boat to Your Lifestyle

Finding the right boat is just as important as selecting the perfect coastal home. Whether you’re looking for a boater-friendly property or planning to purchase a slip at a marina, making sure your boat complements your lifestyle and storage capabilities is key.

Check back often as I highlight individual boats and their features to give you even more insight into what might be the perfect fit for your Gulf Coast adventures. If you’re in the market for a new waterfront home or condo with boat access, let’s connect and find the ideal property to match your boating lifestyle.


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Why the Cabo 35 Express Is a Standout Sportfishing Yacht for Orange Beach and Ono Island

By Meredith Amon | Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor – Licensed in Alabama & Florida

Orange Beach Alabama Cabo Express Yacht

Living on Ono Island and spending countless hours on the water here in Orange Beach, I’ve come to appreciate the boats that strike the perfect balance between performance, function, and beauty. One vessel that consistently turns heads—and delivers on every front—is the Cabo 35 Express. Whether you’re chasing marlin in the Gulf or cruising over to Robinson Island, this sportfishing yacht is a true standout.


What Makes the Cabo 35 Perfect for the Gulf Coast

The Cabo 35 Express was built with both offshore performance and coastal comfort in mind. At 37'6" overall with a …

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COMMANDING THE GULF: A POWERHOUSE YACHT IN THE HEART OF ORANGE BEACHOrange Beach Alabama Fishing Yachts Boats

 

By Meredith Amon | Real Estate Advisor & Coastal Lifestyle Enthusiast

There’s something about the way a sportfishing yacht slices through the water at full throttle that gets your heart racing. I had the chance to photograph this absolute beast of a yacht as it made its way through the pass in Orange Beach, Alabama, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Graceful, aggressive, and unmistakably elite—it’s the kind of vessel that turns heads from every balcony and beach chair.

This yacht isn’t just transportation—it’s a statement. 

Built for Speed. Designed for Power.

 With its sky-blue hull and sleek black window profile, this sportfisher roared through Perdido Pass…

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Why the Freeman Boat is a Game-Changer in Orange Beach, Alabama

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

freeman boats orange beach alabama

As someone who lives, works, and plays on the water here in Orange Beach, I can tell you—there’s a reason you’ll see heads turn when a Freeman boat glides by. These vessels are more than just beautifully engineered; they’re purpose-built for serious offshore adventure, coastal cruising, and everything in between.

I recently spotted a stunning Freeman cutting across our turquoise waters, and it reminded me why this boat is so desirable for Gulf Coast living.

 What Makes Freeman Boats So Special?

Freeman Boatworks has earned a legendary reputation in the offshore community for one big reason: performance. These boats…

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Boating in Orange Beach, Alabama: Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Boat


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

www.searchthegulf.com

Boating Orange Beach Alabama Ono Island

Boating is at the heart of the Orange Beach lifestyle, and as a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, I’ve seen firsthand how owning the right boat can completely transform your time on the water. Whether you’re fishing in the back bays, heading out into the Gulf, or cruising to waterfront restaurants, having the right vessel makes all the difference.

I often get questions from homeowners and prospective buyers about what kind of boat is best for living in Orange Beach or on Ono Island. So, I’ve put together the top 10 questions I’m most often asked—along with my answers based…

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Century Walkaround: A Great Boat for Ono Island and the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

century_boat


As an Ono Island homeowner and real estate advisor, I often see some of the best boats on the water, and the Century Walkaround Cuddy Cabin is a model that stands out. Whether you're looking for a boat that’s great for fishing, cruising the bays, or heading offshore for a deep-sea adventure, this vessel checks all the boxes.

Why the Century Walkaround is Popular on the Gulf Coast

Boaters in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Ono Island need a vessel that can handle everything from inshore fishing in Perdido Bay to deep-sea runs in the Gulf of Mexico. The Century Walkaround is built for this kind of versatility.

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Experience Deep-Sea Fishing on the Sea Spray in Orange Beach, Alabama


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Seaspray Boating Charter Orange Beach Alabama 

If you're looking to experience world-class deep-sea fishing in Orange Beach, Alabama, the Sea Spray is one of the top charter boats for serious anglers and adventurers alike. Whether you're an experienced offshore fisherman or a first-timer looking for an unforgettable experience in the Gulf of Mexico, this 65-foot sportfishing vessel delivers comfort, luxury, and top-tier fishing opportunities.

About the Sea Spray Charter Boat

The Sea Spray is a 65-foot Resmondo sportfishing vessel, renowned for its deep-sea fishing excursions from Orange Beach Marina. With over 25 years of experience navigating the Gulf waters,…

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The Yamaha VX Series: The Best Jet Ski for Gulf Coast Adventures

Orange Beach Alabama Jet Ski

Embracing the coastal lifestyle in Orange Beach, Alabama, means enjoying the water, and there’s no better way to do that than with a jet ski. Among the top choices for a personal watercraft (PWC) in 2025, the Yamaha WaveRunner VX Series, specifically the VX Cruiser and VX Deluxe, stands out. These models balance affordability, performance, and reliability, making them an excellent fit for Gulf Coast waters.

Why Choose the Yamaha VX Series for the Gulf Coast?

Living on the Gulf Coast means dealing with a mix of calm inshore waters, the occasional choppy Gulf waves, and long distances between destinations. The Yamaha VX Series is built to handle these conditions with ease,…

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Cabo 40 Express: The Ultimate Offshore Sportfishing Yacht for the Gulf Coast


By Meredith Amon, Gulf Coast Real Estate Advisor

Cabo 40 Express Boat Yacht Gulf Coast

For those who love serious offshore fishing while maintaining luxury and comfort, the Cabo 40 Express is an ideal choice for Gulf Coast waters. This express-style sportfisher combines power, performance, and an enclosed helm to handle everything from deep-sea fishing excursions to weekend cruising along the coast. Whether you're exploring the Gulf of Mexico, fishing off Orange Beach, or docking at a waterfront home in Gulf Shores, this vessel is built to meet the needs of avid anglers and boaters alike.

Why the Cabo 40 Express is Perfect for the Gulf Coast

Owning a sportfishing yacht like the Cabo 40 Express on the…

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Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser: The Ultimate Boating Experience for the Gulf Coast & Orange Beach, Alabama

 By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Searay Boating Gulf Coast Alabama Orange Beach

The Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser, a classic sportfishing and cruising yacht, remains a sought-after vessel, particularly for boaters along the Gulf Coast. While this model is no longer in production, its modern equivalent, the 2025 Sea Ray Sundancer 370, carries forward its legacy with upgraded features and technology.

2025 Sea Ray Sundancer 370 Pricing in 2025

The new Sea Ray Sundancer 370 has a base price of approximately $995,000, depending on configuration, optional upgrades, and dealer location. Additional customizations, such as enhanced electronics, upgraded upholstery, or joystick…

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Navigating the Yellowfin 39 Offshore Boat on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Yellowfin Center Console Boat Orange Beach Alabama


The Yellowfin 39 Offshore is a premier center console boat that has become a favorite among boating enthusiasts along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Orange Beach, Alabama. Through conversations with friends, family, and fellow marina visitors, I've gathered insights into why this vessel stands out in our local waters.

Key Features and Specifications

  • Length Overall: 39 feet 8 inches
  • Beam: 11 feet 6 inches
  • Approximate Weight: 13,000 pounds
  • Fuel Capacity: 564 gallons
  • Maximum Horsepower: Up to 1,800 HP, accommodating triple or quad outboard configurations

The boat's stepped-hull design ensures a smooth, dry…

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