020 - Building A Custom Sportfish and Chasing Marlin w/ Rod Findlay
Release Date: 04/13/2025
The Rising Tidecast
In Episode 22 of the Rising Tidecast, Winn Willard, president of Ray Hunt Design, shares stories from his 50-year journey in the world of naval architecture. From his childhood on the water to working alongside the legendary Ray Hunt, starting Hunt yachts, and carrying on the Ray Hunt Design legacy, Winn provides a deep look into the evolution of boat design and the industry that has defined his life. He reflects on the transition from the tedious, manual calculations of early ship design for the Navy to the creative freedom he found at Hunt Associates. He talks about the impact of the...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
The Rising Tidecast is back for season 2 with a fresh new episode! Barry and Craig Martin, the father-son duo behind Assegai Marine, are currently building their biggest game boat yet, a 61-footer with 3,100 horsepower for Morris Nautical. They unpack what it really takes to build a reputation that sells premium boats before they are finished. They share how skipper feedback drives every design decision, why they prioritize seaworthiness and serviceability over flashy specs, and what most buyers misunderstand about custom builds: time, cost variability, and the difference between building to...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
Summary In this episode, Roddy Findlay shares his lifelong passion for fishing and boating, starting from building their family boat Murrifin and childhood fishing trips. He discusses the challenges and successes of boat building, memorable fishing adventures, and the transition to a professional fishing career, including experiences on the Great Barrier Reef. Rod emphasizes the importance of perseverance, learning from experiences, and the joy of fishing as a family legacy. This conversation explores the journey of a passionate fisherman who transitioned from a novice to a skilled captain and...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
Summary Josie Eastman, GM of Edencraft, shares insights into the company's journey since the Maher family purchased the legacy boat brand, the importance of community and family in their business model, and the innovative approaches they take in boat building. She discusses the significance of customer experiences, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and the impact of their events on customer relationships. Josie also reflects on her leadership style, the influence of her parents, and the balance between tradition and innovation in maintaining Edencraft's legacy....
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
In Episode 18 of the Rising Tidecast, Peter Jenyns takes us on a journey through his lifelong love of boating. From growing up in a family deeply rooted in sailing and fishing to forging a career in boat care, Peter shares how his passion for the water has shaped his life. He reflects on the evolution of fishing, the strong sense of community among boaters, and the lessons learned from years spent at sea. He also shares some wild stories, including a dramatic tale of a stolen family boat—and the camaraderie that defines the boating lifestyle. The conversation touches on key...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
In this episode, Adam Hickey shares his journey from the fast-paced world of motorsport racing to a career on the water. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning to the yachting industry, the skills required to thrive at sea, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. He also dives into the emotional highs and lows of competitive sailing, including his experience in the Sydney to Hobart race. Beyond sailing, Adam explores the world of yacht brokerage, sharing his perspective on building relationships, navigating industry challenges, and the emotional aspects of brokering...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
Summary Alex Qasabian shares his journey from a passionate fisherman, to an accomplished guitarist, to the owner of Fishing Station, a staple in Sydney's fishing community. He discusses the importance of building a supportive community, the influence of his family on his love for fishing, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a music career to entrepreneurship. Alex highlights the significance of customer service in his business and the resilience required to overcome obstacles, including government challenges and theft. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the deep...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
Summary Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior VP of Strategy and Operations at the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), discusses her journey from a water-loving family in Ohio to her impactful career in the marine industry. We talk about the importance of networking, the challenges of engaging new audiences in fishing, and the innovative campaigns RBFF has launched to promote fishing and boating. Stephanie shares insights on the significance of data-driven strategies and emotional storytelling in connecting with diverse audiences and retaining participants in the fishing community. We...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
Summary It's not all champagne and caviar. Jack Warwick shares his journey from corporate to becoming a successful yacht broker in Sydney. Jack discusses the allure of the marine industry, the hard work behind the scenes, and the innovative marketing strategies he employs to stand out in a competitive market. He emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with clients and creating valuable content to engage potential buyers. The conversation also touches on the realities of the job, the skills required for success, and Jack's aspirations for the future. In this episode, we...
info_outlineThe Rising Tidecast
Summary Leo Chapman, founder of Billfish Gear, shares the story of how his brand started and grew in the fishing apparel industry. The journey began with an Instagram page and the idea to provide a news source for fishing enthusiasts. Leo built a following and eventually added products to the mix, starting with stickers and then expanding to hats and apparel. Along the way, he relied on the help of individuals who believed in the brand and were willing to ship products for him. The company's culture of creativity and high performance continues to attract passionate individuals who want to be...
info_outlineSummary
Takeaways
- There's no substitute for time on the water.
- Building a boat is an unforgettable family legacy.
- Perseverance leads to success in fishing competitions.
- Saying yes to opportunities can lead to amazing experiences.
- Preparation and knowledge are key to successful fishing trips.
- Humility in seeking advice can lead to better fishing outcomes.