Great Southern Yacht Company

Great Southern Yacht Company Great Southern Yacht Company is a North Florida yacht brokerage focused on quality yachts and thoughtful representation.

We serve buyers and sellers through a consultative, relationship-driven approach. Great Southern Yacht will offer consulting on yachts at present and projected future values, expertize in vessel performance, knowledge of the industry and market and management of storage. GSYS will offer Captains referrals, placement of crew and trip/cruising destination planning. Focusing on this type of high-end customer service will help our clients have a fuller and more rewarding yacht ownership experience.

Thinking about buying your first boat along 30A and wondering where you’ll keep it, how long it takes to close, and what...
09/10/2026

Thinking about buying your first boat along 30A and wondering where you’ll keep it, how long it takes to close, and what “slippage” really means? Here’s a quick, honest FAQ from the Gulf Coast front lines to set expectations and help you plan with confidence.

Marina waitlists: In peak season, popular marinas from Destin to Panama City Beach can run 3–18+ months for wet slips, especially for larger beams and 50A power. Smaller vessels and dry stack often move faster. Be flexible on location and term—neighboring bays, municipal facilities, and yacht clubs sometimes open sooner than resort marinas.

Slippage realities: Marinas quote based on true LOA (including pulpits, davits, and swim platforms), beam, and draft, not just model length. Expect requirements like insurance certificates, current survey, shore power compatibility, and adherence to liveaboard rules. Pricing may include utilities, pump-out, and seasonal premiums—ask for the full rate sheet.

Realistic timelines: A clean cash deal can close in 30–45 days; financed purchases often run 45–60. Surveys and sea trials typically book 1–3 weeks out, with another week for reporting and negotiations. USCG documentation or state registration can add 2–6 weeks. Plan transport, electronics installs, and insurance underwriting in parallel to stay on track.

Quick-start checklist for new owners:
- Define LOA/beam/draft and shore power needs before you shop for slips.
- Join multiple waitlists early; consider dry stack or a temporary mooring.
- Pre-approve financing and line up insurance to avoid last-minute delays.
- Book surveyors and hauls the day your offer is accepted.
- Secure a contingency slip or short-term option for your first 60–90 days.
- Confirm delivery logistics and captain availability ahead of closing.

Need a tailored slip search and purchase timeline for 30A? Let’s chart it together.

Step aboard a true Gulf Coast icon. This custom 54' Biloxi Schooner blends classic heritage with practical charter-ready...
09/09/2026

Step aboard a true Gulf Coast icon. This custom 54' Biloxi Schooner blends classic heritage with practical charter-ready design—offering wide, welcoming decks and a proven platform for dolphin cruises and day charters in Destin, Florida. Built of pressure-treated southern yellow pine with laminated spruce spars, she delivers the timeless feel of a traditional schooner with the reassurance of robust construction.

Her retractable steel centerboard opens up shoal waters, drawing roughly 3.5' board-up and just over 6.5' down, while a Lunenburg Puritan steerer with 32" bronze wheel and Lunenburg Foundry ratchet gypsy windlass speak to her authentic gear pedigree. Expansive 40" side decks, a 15' x 11' aft deck, and additional seating on the top cabin create generous guest flow—ideal for sightseeing, events, or private charters. Below, four cabins and three heads support flexible operations or comfortable overnights. Auxiliary power is 150 hp.

This vessel has successfully run dolphin cruise/day charters for over a decade, and a topside inspection is needed to bring the COI current—contact the broker for details. Offered at $295,000 and lying in Destin, FL, she’s a standout opportunity for operators and enthusiasts seeking a distinctive, revenue-capable wooden schooner with real presence.

Ready to see her under sail? Inquire today to request details, discuss COI steps, or schedule a private showing.

Fall is your efficiency window. If you plan it right, you can refresh bottom paint, replace zincs, check alignment, and ...
09/09/2026

Fall is your efficiency window. If you plan it right, you can refresh bottom paint, replace zincs, check alignment, and service sea valves in one haul—no surprise second trips to the slings. Here’s a proven sequence to keep you on schedule and in the water.

1) Pre-haul prep: Two weeks out, confirm parts on hand—zincs by size and thread, valve kits or full replacements, shaft/strut hardware, new cotter pins, shaft seal spares. Book specialists (prop shop, alignment tech) to your yard dates.

2) Day 1 haul and inspect: Pressure wash, photograph running gear, valves, and thru-hulls. Identify any pitting, weeping, or bent hardware before sanding starts.

3) Sea valve service first: Pull, rebuild or replace valves and hoses while the hull is being prepped. Pressure test before paint. This parallel work saves days.

4) Running gear and alignment: Pull props if needed for scan/balance. Check cutless bearings, shaft runout, and engine mounts. Do a baseline alignment on the hard; plan your final fine-tune at the dock post-splash, not a second haul.

5) Paint with protection: Mask bonding studs, anode contact points, and transducers. Apply antifoul and allow full cure per manufacturer—use that cure time to finish valves, props, and hardware.

6) Zincs last, right before launch: Clean contact areas to bare metal, torque correctly, and verify continuity on the bonding system. Spin shafts and check clearance after props go back on.

Final step: On launch day, perform a dockside alignment verification and valve leak check. One haul, everything done.

Talk with your yard manager now to build a single, coordinated work order and lock the timeline.

Headed to FLIBS with questions? Meet GSY with a purpose. Instead of wandering the docks and collecting brochures, arrive...
09/08/2026

Headed to FLIBS with questions? Meet GSY with a purpose. Instead of wandering the docks and collecting brochures, arrive with a plan and leave with a shortlist that fits how you actually boat.

Bring three essentials:
1) Your operating profile: where you’ll run, how far, how often, crew preferences, draft/bridge limits, slip or lift constraints, charter or private use.
2) Your must-have list: layouts, guest count, range and speed targets, stabilization, tenders/toys, tech, finishes.
3) Your budget ceiling: not just acquisition, but ongoing ownership—moorage, crew, maintenance, fuel, insurance, upgrades.

On site, we’ll execute a fiduciary-led walk plan designed to streamline the show:
- Map an efficient route to the right builders and models.
- Compare like-for-like options with an objective lens.
- Pressure-test claims against your profile and budget realities.
- Identify total cost of ownership drivers early.
- Capture notes and rank each vessel so the strongest candidates rise to the top.

You’ll trade overwhelm for clarity—what fits, what doesn’t, and why—plus a clear next step after the show, whether that’s deeper spec review, preliminary numbers, or timing a visit away from the crowds.

If you’re serious about finding the right yacht, not just any yacht, let’s make your time at FLIBS count. Message us to reserve a fiduciary-led walk with GSY.

Happy Labor Day from Great Southern Yachts! ⚓Today, we celebrate the hardworking men and women who keep our communities ...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Great Southern Yachts! ⚓

Today, we celebrate the hardworking men and women who keep our communities moving forward. Whether you’re spending the long weekend on the water, at the beach, or relaxing with family and friends, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

Turnkey, captain-maintained, and upgraded where it counts. This 2014 Sea Ray 540 Sundancer in Destin stands out with new...
09/07/2026

Turnkey, captain-maintained, and upgraded where it counts. This 2014 Sea Ray 540 Sundancer in Destin stands out with new pod drives—a major investment that elevates handling, reliability, and owner confidence. Joystick docking makes close-quarters maneuvering a breeze, while twin Cummins diesels (approx. 1,400 hours) deliver the smooth, capable ride the 540 is known for.

Entertaining is effortless in the spacious cockpit with a wet bar, icemaker, L-shaped seating, and a retractable sunroof under the fiberglass hardtop. Zone-controlled air conditioning in both cockpit and cabin keeps every space comfortable year-round. Inside, Sea Ray’s fit and finish shine with high-gloss wood, LED lighting, and thoughtful storage. The full-beam master stateroom anchors a versatile layout with additional VIP and guest accommodations and two well-appointed heads with VacuFlush and teak-seat showers.

Cruising is dialed in with Zeus joystick control, SmartCraft VesselView displays, and a Raymarine suite featuring dual E125 screens with radar and GPS. Quiet power at anchor comes from a 21.5 kW Onan generator. From the forward sun pad to the extended swim platform, this 540 blends performance, comfort, and practical luxury.

Professionally cared for and ready for immediate enjoyment—not a project boat. Offered at $569,000 in Destin, FL. Step aboard and see why this clean, upgraded 540 Sundancer is the smart choice in today’s market. Call to learn more or schedule your private showing.

Early September is the quiet edge of the curve from Destin to Charleston—water’s still warm, fishing’s good, but contrac...
09/07/2026

Early September is the quiet edge of the curve from Destin to Charleston—water’s still warm, fishing’s good, but contractors and yards haven’t hit peak backlog yet. Locking in winterization now means you get choice dates, full attention, and the parts you actually want before supply chains tighten. You’ll also sidestep the late‑October rush when haul-out lists stack up and a single storm watch shifts schedules for a week.

Here’s a practical 12‑week plan that keeps you ahead of bottlenecks:

1) Weeks 1–2: Assess and book. Confirm your storage strategy (in-water, dry stack, or on the hard). Reserve haul-out and shrink-wrap or cover services. Pre-schedule engine, generator, and outboard service dates.
2) Weeks 3–4: Parts and prep. Order filters, anodes, impellers, antifreeze, fuel stabilizer, and any canvas or electronics upgrades. Lead times creep later in the season.
3) Weeks 5–6: Fluids and fuel. Stabilize and top off fuel. Change oil and filters. Flush and treat raw-water systems. Inspect and service batteries; load test and label.
4) Weeks 7–8: Bottom and topsides. Haul, pressure wash, inspect running gear. Address bottom paint touch-ups, props, and zincs. Wax topsides while temps help cure times.
5) Weeks 9–10: Systems and soft goods. Winterize freshwater and heads. Pull and clean canvas, isinglass, and cushions. Back up electronics and update firmware.
6) Weeks 11–12: Secure and document. Verify bilge pumps, dehumidify, and set ventilation. Photograph systems and inventory spares for insurance and spring commissioning.

Start the calls this week and claim your slot. Your spring self will thank you.

If your yacht lives on a lift in Destin or along 30A, now is the time to choose your storm plan—before named systems com...
09/06/2026

If your yacht lives on a lift in Destin or along 30A, now is the time to choose your storm plan—before named systems compress yard schedules and supply chains.

Early haul-out: Pros
- Removes surge and lift-failure risk altogether.
- Gives you controlled prep time for de-rigging, bottom inspection, and securing ashore.
- Often aligns with insurer preferences and can simplify claims documentation.

Early haul-out: Cons
- Yard capacity disappears quickly; logistics and transport take coordination.
- Added cost for haul/block/store and potential delay re-splashing after the storm.
- Improper blocking can create hull point loads if not managed by a qualified yard.

Reinforced tie-downs on the lift: Pros
- Faster and usually more cost-effective if you already have access and hardware.
- Minimal downtime; you can secure quickly between forecasts.
- Keeps the boat in familiar waters without moving crews and gear.

Reinforced tie-downs on the lift: Cons
- Still depends on lift structure and pilings; extreme surge can overtop cradles.
- Windage remains a factor; straps and lines can chafe or fail if underspecified.
- Power loss and debris can complicate post-storm recovery.

Quick decision checklist:
- Compare predicted surge heights to your lift’s cradle elevation and piling integrity.
- Confirm yard haul-out windows and blocking resources now, not after watches are posted.
- Review insurance language; document with photos either way.
- Audit hardware: rated straps, through-bolted eyes, chafe protection, and cradle locks.
- Complete a 48–72 hour prep plan: remove canvas, antennas, and loose gear; seal hatches; double-check batteries and bilge.

Need a second opinion or a reserved slot? We can secure haul-out bookings or deploy reinforced tie-down kits and on-site prep across Destin and 30A.

Turnkey diesel express with big-ticket upgrades already done. This 1999 Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser in Destin stands out...
09/05/2026

Turnkey diesel express with big-ticket upgrades already done. This 1999 Sea Ray 370 Express Cruiser in Destin stands out with twin Caterpillar 3116s showing about 2,000 hours, a Westerbeke generator around 1,000 hours, and a major refit in November 2025 that added a new 300-gallon fuel tank and a fresh bottom job—delivering confidence and value for the next owner.

Exceptionally clean and privately kept by just two owners, she presents the spacious 37-foot layout and wide 14-foot beam the 370 is known for. The cockpit is set up for easy cruising and entertaining with generous seating, a removable aft bench, and a full canvas enclosure for versatile, all-weather use. Below, the cabin offers inviting finishes and comfortable accommodations for weekends aboard or longer getaways.

At the helm, trusted navigation gear includes a Garmin touchscreen chartplotter, Furuno radar, and autopilot for confident passages. Twin 30-amp shore power supports your onboard systems, and systems are reported operational.

If you’re seeking a well-cared-for, diesel-powered Sea Ray with recent preventative investments already made, this 370 checks the boxes—ready to cruise now at $94,900 in Destin, FL. The owner is moving back to a center console, creating an excellent buying opportunity.

Ready to step aboard? Contact us to request full details or schedule your private showing in Destin.

Haul-outs move fast. A solid plan keeps your boat safe and the yard on schedule. Here’s a concise, do-right-the-first-ti...
09/04/2026

Haul-outs move fast. A solid plan keeps your boat safe and the yard on schedule. Here’s a concise, do-right-the-first-time checklist for sportfish, trawlers, and cruisers:

1) Sling placement notes: Mark factory lift points and clearance zones. Flag no-sling areas like shafts, struts, trim tabs, pods, stabilizer fins, and transducers. Note keel type and balance. Print a simple diagram and hand it to the lift operator.

2) Thru-hull tagging: Tag every seacock open/closed. Color-code by system (raw water, head, air con, generators). Photograph tags and valves for your records and the service writer.

3) Battery shut-down plan: Decide what stays powered (bilge pumps, alarms, float switches) and what comes off. Label battery switches, breakers, and chargers. Note shore power status and where DC loads are isolated.

4) Gear secured and clearance check: Stow outriggers, antennas, hardtop gear, and loose deck items. Confirm bridge clearance and total height for the travel lift. Remove or guard prop flags and protect transducers.

5) Fluids and weight: Record current fuel and water levels to anticipate sling balance. Capture engine hours and any leak points you want inspected once she’s blocked.

6) Who to brief at the yard: Have a 5-minute huddle with the lift operator, yard manager, and service writer. Hand over your sling diagram, valve tags list, battery plan, and contact info. If you’re not present, designate a captain or trusted crew to sign off.

Save this checklist, share it with your yard, and head into haul-out day confident and prepared.

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Destin, FL

Telephone

+18504245344

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