The next boating Bible from dealer/broker and author, Darren Finkelstein is poised to release: 'Honey, let’s go BOATING!'
According to Darren, it was the logical next step after 'Honey Let’s Buy a Boat!' 'The first book focused on explaining how easy it is to get in to boating, so the natural progression was where do we go now?'
The new 880-page tome, due for release in October, is dedicated to Victorian waterways, which Darren has developed his knowledge for 35 years.
'To do it justice, I focused on my local region. Local knowledge is key. I would like to be able to get together with other experts in each state and create a similar guide to their regions.'
From inland waterways to the world-renown rugged coastline, rich in history, Honey, let’s go BOATING! is the definitive book on Victorian boating destinations – The 101 destinations you must visit.
The book, which Darren acknowledged was 'a labour of love', took over 12 months to write, and is replete with history and information for boaties of all levels, including boat ramps, re-fuelling docks, photographs, maps, and even good coffee destinations and culinary experiences for the entire family.
'I have been keeping records for most of my boating life, 35 years, and have been to most of these destinations. I wanted to write a guide for boaties, including parents, that covered the things we did with our kids when they were younger.'
As Darren explains: 'Mums and dads can talk to their kids about the history of the boating destination, and the meaning behind the names. ‘Toot Garook’ for example, which means ‘croaking frog’ in the Aboriginal language. Heaps of kids must have asked about that name!'
He has also included interviews with a dozen or so boat owners, which contributes to the massive volume of 800 pages! Darren includes their favourite locations, hidden gems, fishing tips, favourite bait, places where you can get the best coffee, best value fuel and what to do with kids.
'They were very willing to share,' says Darren. 'And that is absolute gold! They too realise how important sharing knowledge is, for the camaraderie, to keep people inspired and keep them in boating.'
Darren is widely known as 'The Boat Guy', and he is an industry accredited boat dealer and broker with an enviable client base. Darren is co-owner and Dealer Principal of St Kilda Boat Sales, based at St Kilda Marina in Victoria.
'Honey Let’s Go Boating!' covers Port Phillip, Melbourne CBD and Rivers, Western Port, Gippsland Lakes, Bellarine and Mornington Peninsula, West Coast and Wilsons Prom, and inland waterways, lakes and rivers. It will retail for $49.95.
Darren is hopeful he will be on the boat show circuit next year, with his new book, and showing boaties and dealers how to get the most out of their boat.
'The BIA Victoria has expressed their support,' he adds. 'I would love to get up on stage and present it. I have a couple of events at marinas and other boating destinations coming up soon.'
You can order your copy now www.honeyletsgoboating.com.au
