Originally a simple Fort Myers Offshore lunch outing, this weekend’s Spring Fling Fun Run to Three Fishermen restaurant has become a mini-demo event of the catamaran kind. That means the 60-plus club members and their guests signed up so far will have more than the usual waterfront menu-fare to enjoy come Saturday at the Southwest Florida eatery.
Here’s a quick run-down of the trio of cats that will be on hand and available to experience:
- The media sponsor for the run, Doug Wright Powerboats/DWR is bringing its demo 39 XTR catamaran to the event. Company principal Justin Wagner will be there to take would-be buyers for rides
- Platinum Powerboats is bringing at 428 model to showcase and show off. Company owners and Scott Grants Edwin Scheer will be on hand throughout the day.
- Located in relatively nearby Palmetto, Manatee Marine Unlimited is bringing its latest 38 Valor catamaran. Company co-owner Julian Maldonado is coming and he’s eager to show the latest Valor creation finished by his full-service dealership.
More than an entertaining diversion for the Fort Myers Offshore faithful, the trio of demo catamarans speaks volumes about the growing traction of the Southwest Florida go-fast boating community. This year alone, the FMO scene has attracted first-time sponsorship support from the likes of Concept Boats, Deep Impact Custom Boats and Performance Boat Center. That simply doesn’t happen if the people behind those brands don’t recognize and find value in the club’s events and the burgeoning village of serious high-performance powerboating enthusiasts it has fostered.
Whether they are an appetizer, main course or dessert, demos definitely are on the Spring Fling menu.