Wards Way Podcast

Wards Marine Electric
  • 5.0 (2)
  • LEISURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Kristina Hebert, the dynamic President and CEO of Wards Marine Electric, hosts the Wards Way Podcast. In this captivating series, she engages with prominent leaders from the yachting industry, each bringing their unique insights and experiences to the table. The discussions delve deep into a variety of compelling industry stories, where guests share their successes and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Listeners are treated to invaluable lessons gleaned from years in the field and thought-provoking perspectives on the future of yachting, making each episode a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for anyone passionate about the maritime world.

  1. 5D AGO

    Inside Cigarette Racing: Craft, Culture, And Global Reach

    Sun, salt, and surge: that’s the surface. Underneath, a living engine of people and craft keeps Miami’s water culture roaring. We head straight into that engine room with Cigarette Racing’s Alex Thompson at the Miami International Boat Show, where heritage meets restless innovation and a legendary name proves why it still draws a crowd. From the aura of Miami to the hum of a tuned-outboard idle, this is a story about speed, design, and the communities that form around both.  We dive into Cigarette’s global expansion and why Japan, with its tuner car roots and love of power, has become an unexpectedly perfect fit. Alex unpacks how deep customization turns boats into signatures: hand-stitched upholstery, cool-touch materials, disappearing TVs, and layouts that reflect how owners actually live on the water. Events like poker runs and the Lake of the Ozarks rendezvous reinforce that culture, gathering old-school classics and new models in one place to celebrate the brand’s shared DNA. Along the way, we surface the true origin of the Cigarette name, a piece of lore that adds texture to its myth without veering into nostalgia.  Then comes the new: the 42 Huntress Unlimited, a center console designed to deliver real overnight capability without losing the crisp handling and performance buyers expect. Alex explains how the team balances R&D with restraint, keeping the silhouette and feel that signal Cigarette while iterating where comfort, storage, and tech make the biggest difference. We also talk talent—how long-tenured craftspeople, some over 40 years in, protect quality standards, and why breaking into marine careers often starts with the simplest move: show up, shake hands, be remembered.  If you love performance boats, luxury design, and the intersection of brand, culture, and craft, this one runs wide open. If this conversation sparked ideas or gave you a fresh view of Miami’s marine world, follow and subscribe, share it with a friend who loves fast boats, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us.  Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    12 min

  2. MAR 4

    Can Tech And Boaters Team Up To End Ship Strikes

    A sunny day at the Miami International Boat Show turns into a masterclass on how boaters and whales can safely share the same ocean. We sit down with Virgil Zetterlind, co‑founder of the Whale Alert app, to unpack the real‑world tools, data, and collaborations that help prevent vessel strikes and keep crews safe. If you’ve ever wondered how marine tech, policy, and industry initiatives come together at the helm, this conversation brings the whole picture into focus. We trace Whale Alert’s journey from early eNavigation experiments to a multilingual mobile platform that now supports boaters across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Virgil explains why the 10‑knot threshold isn’t arbitrary, how seasonal management areas work for larger vessels, and what happened with the proposal to extend speed limits to smaller boats. Rather than dwelling on gridlock, we highlight momentum: the Whale and Vessel Safety (WAVES) Task Force, led by industry partners like Viking Yachts, is pushing voluntary measures, education, and innovation that meet mariners where they are. The most exciting breakthroughs are at the chartplotter. PredictWind’s DataHub now ingests Whale Alert sightings and displays them as AIS virtual buoys on your existing navigation screen, turning wildlife awareness into a native part of your route planning. We also preview new NMEA standards for marine megafauna messages, paving the way for consistent, manufacturer‑agnostic integrations. And for anyone who wants to stay informed, SeaReportSave.org launches as a clean hub for best practices, live maps, and the latest tools that fit your style of boating. Right whales remain critically vulnerable, with fewer than 400 individuals and roughly 80 breeding females, so every avoidable strike matters. The takeaway is refreshingly practical: slow down when advised, keep wildlife layers active, and treat information as essential safety gear.  Subscribe, share this episode with a boater you care about, and leave a quick review to help more captains find tools that protect both people and whales. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    17 min

  3. MAR 4

    Deep Impact And Blackwater: Speed, Fishing, And The Business Behind Miami’s Lifestyle

    Miami’s water life doesn’t just happen; it’s built by people who obsess over hulls, hardware, and the moments that make families and friends fall in love with the ocean. At the Miami International Boat Show, we sit dockside with Mo Urbina of Deep Impact and Blackwater to explore how two “sibling” brands thrive under one roof while serving very different captains—those who chase speed, sound, and sandbars, and those who point their bows at the Bahamas before sunrise. Mo breaks down why Deep Impact stretches from 36 to 49 feet with up to six outboards for performance‑minded owners who live for poker runs and big‑water confidence. He contrasts that with Blackwater’s offshore fishing DNA, where range, deck layouts, and ride comfort turn rough forecasts into routine trips. We get practical on build times, custom options, and what changed after the pandemic surge: new boat pricing held steady while used values reset toward reality, reshaping trade‑ins and upgrade paths across the boating market. The conversation dives into the culture behind the specs—sandbar tie‑ups that feel like neighborhood block parties on water, multi‑day poker runs hosted by Florida Powerboat Club and Fort Myers Offshore, and the unspoken tests that happen at 60 knots in three‑foot chop. Mo explains why they prioritize ride quality over bragging‑rights speed and how a slightly heavier hull keeps passengers relaxed when conditions turn messy. He also shares how going factory direct, scaling production from roughly 18 to a target of 24–30 boats a year, and operating out of a 120,000‑square‑foot Opa‑locka facility set the stage for smart growth. If you geek out on center consoles, offshore fishing, performance rigs, and the business of boat building, this one is for you. Hear how social media and YouTube deliver real‑world proof—sea trials, deliveries, and offshore footage that help buyers worldwide feel the brand before they step aboard. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a boat‑obsessed friend—what’s your perfect day on the water? Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    19 min

  4. MAR 4

    From Paper Bulletin To Global Marine Media Powerhouse

    Boats turn heads, but people power the wake. We sit down with the force behind Abordo Media Group to unpack how a scrappy fishing bulletin grew into a global marine media platform with magazines for anglers, families, and women in yachting—plus a film division capturing iconic shows from Miami to Palma de Mallorca. What comes through is a blueprint: show up everywhere that matters, invest in relationships, and let service lead the story. From there we go deep on impact. Abordo’s pages do more than spotlight beautiful yachts—they champion eco-friendly products, safer navigation, and a kids’ section that helps families raise confident young mariners. That early spark connects to workforce growth: training pathways in the Dominican Republic through INFOTEP, support for Spain’s Nautical Congress, and a practical bridge to convert building electricians into marine specialists. We share why our new Wards Way Academy focuses on marine electrical systems, the backbone that powers modern navigation and onboard tech, and how industry partners can open doors for the next generation. The Caribbean’s moment is now. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are selling boats faster than slips can be built, while updated laws promise easier financing and sensible registration. We highlight marinas such as Casa de Campo, Cap Cana, Puerto Bahía, and Ocean World, along with the fishing records that draw global attention. Back in Miami, the Boat Show’s renewed focus on buyers and experience signals a healthier marketplace—each show with its own DNA, from sportfishing upgrades to megayacht elegance. We close with concrete steps: invest in docks and service yards, expand local distribution, support training, and use media to align investors, brands, and communities.  Subscribe, share with a friend who loves the water, and leave a review telling us where you want the next training hub to launch. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    28 min

  5. MAR 4

    A Family That Fishes Together Shares Better Stories

    Salt on the breeze, stories on deck, and a family who measures time by tides—join us at the Miami International Boat Show as we sit down with the Donnells, a Miami crew who live the boating life across offshore runs, bay days, and kid-powered fishing wins. We dive into what keeps a young angler hooked—hands-on fishing classes, clear tips that build confidence fast, and the small rituals that turn a weekend trip into a lifelong habit. From first casts to mahi dreams, it’s a front-row seat to how the next generation learns the water. We pull back the curtain on the skills and systems that make family boating feel effortless: safety culture rooted in 50 years of Coast Guard Auxiliary service, smart boat selection for the day’s goal, and the judgment calls that protect kids and gear when seas and schedules shift. The Donnells share fast, funny lore—like the mid-air fish that smacked glasses—and practical lessons from near-misses with cobia and elusive billfish. We talk ethical angling, releasing undersized grouper, and why accurate measurements beat “the fish that got bigger” storytelling. The highlight reel stretches to the Dry Tortugas, where overnighting in the cabin, starry skies, and a giant goliath grouper turn adventure into awe. We balance that with real life: post-holiday house projects, choosing rest over rush, and saving stoke for the next weather window. Along the way, the Boat Show becomes a classroom—gear to touch, tactics to try, and yes, the mythical “spin the wheel” the kids still want back. If you love Miami boating, family fishing, or the art of raising water-wise kids, this story is your map and motivation. Subscribe now, share with a friend who misses the ocean, and leave a review to tell us your best fish tale—what memory keeps you going back to the water? Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    8 min

  6. MAR 4

    How Modern Outboards Made Big Boats Faster, Quieter, And Easier To Run

    At the Miami International Boat Show, we sit down with Ryan Donnell, in-house service manager at Eric’s Outboard, to explore how Yamaha outboards are reshaping the way Miami boats run, dock, and get home. If you’ve wondered why so many builders have moved from inboards to outboards, or what triple setups actually deliver beyond wow factor, this conversation pulls back the engine cover. We dig into the shift toward bigger, quieter power—up to 450 horsepower—and how that unlocks faster planing, better efficiency, and easier service on larger boats. Ryan breaks down multi-engine redundancy with real South Florida context: most triples run all three, but many hulls can plane on two when it counts. Then we go deep on Helm Master EX, Yamaha’s integrated system that layers digital throttle and shift, steer-by-wire, autopilot, and joystick control. Think precise docking, crab-walking into tight slips, and dynamic positioning modes like Stay Point to hold you on a wreck without dropping anchor. There’s even a handheld remote so you can dock from the bow when you’re solo. Service and training tie it all together. Eric’s Outboard anchors two locations—Miami and Key Largo—with a single delivery standard, walking owners through every feature at handover and backing it up with Yamaha resources. With support from Wards Marine Electric keeping cable, connectors, and breakers flowing, installations stay on schedule and boats stay on the water. Ryan’s journey—from Miami kid to math teacher to marine pro—reminds us why this industry keeps people for life: passion, purpose, and days that end at the dock with a good story. Ready to rethink your power, your docking, or your next repower plan? Hit play, then subscribe, share with a boating friend, and leave a quick review so more people find the show. Got a dream setup or a docking tip that saved your gelcoat? Tell us—we’re listening. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    12 min

  7. MAR 4

    Inside Flux Marine: Building The Future Of Outboards

    From the floor of the Miami International Boat Show, we sit down with Flux Marine CEO Ben Sorkin to unpack how electric outboards are moving from hype to daily use—without asking boat builders to reinvent their world. Ben shares his journey from Lake George tinkerer to Princeton-trained engineer, and how that path led to a purpose-built electric propulsion system that slots into boats people already love. We get hands-on with the 115- horsepower Flux Marine outboard on a Scout 215 XSF, where instant acceleration, quiet cruising, and zero fumes redefine what a demo ride can be. The surprise isn’t just the performance; it’s the simplicity. Most marinas already have shore power, so charging works within today’s ecosystem. And thanks to cloud-connected telematics, the data paints a clear picture: typical trips use less than 10% of the battery. That reality calms range anxiety and opens the door to smarter batteries, better trip planning, and more time on the water. Ben walks us through a closed-loop cooling design that eliminates winterization, a modular service approach that enables 90-minute powerhead swaps, and an AI-driven maintenance engine trained on thousands of data points per second. Fleets like Freedom Boat Club and Princeton’s rowing program are already tapping into live dashboards to see where boats are, how they’re used, and when to intervene before issues surface. We also dig into the business side: why Flux builds its own lower units, motors, and inverters; how a dealer-first strategy honors the hands-on nature of boating; and what scaling looks like as they expand power levels and ship beyond North America. If you’re curious about electric boats, marine electrification, charging at marinas, or what real-world data says about range, this conversation delivers a clear, practical view of what’s here now—and what’s next. Subscribe, share with a boating friend, and leave a review telling us the one question you still have about going electric. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    19 min

  8. MAR 3

    Inside LocMarine: Smart Monitoring For Every Boat

    Sunshine sells the dream, but the truth is in the dock lines. We sit down at the Miami International Boat Show with Erick Martinez, founder of LocMarine, to reveal how a smart, simple monitoring system turns boat ownership from anxious guesswork into calm, data-backed confidence. If you’ve ever shown up to a dead battery, a tripped shore power breaker, or a soggy fridge, this conversation shows exactly how to stop losing weekends to preventable surprises. Erick walks us through the signals that matter most: bilge pump cycles, high water alerts, battery voltage, door and hatch sensors, shore power status, and precise GPS tracking. The twist is the install—no NMEA network required, analog-friendly inputs, and rugged 16-gauge tinned marine wire that dealers and capable DIYers can trust. We dig into the philosophy behind the app as well: an Apple-like interface that’s obvious at a glance, easy to share with captains, and powerful enough for fleets, rentals, and management companies to reduce wasted dock checks. We also unpack a reality of boating in Florida and the Bahamas: theft pressure and insurance requirements. With a built-in SIM covering the U.S., Keys, and Bahamas, the system doesn’t rely on flaky marina Wi‑Fi and often helps meet carrier mandates with reliable tracking. The price case is strong—a $580 kit with six months of service included, then $168 per year—less than a tank of fuel to protect a high-value asset and reclaim precious family time. Erick shares what’s next too: a purpose-built security layer to deter electronics theft without adding complexity. Built in Miami, engineered for reliability, and backed by a growing warranty, LocMarine captures the spirit of the city: bold, practical, and laser-focused on the water. Subscribe, share with a boating friend, and leave a review to help more owners find smart peace of mind on the water. Which alert would save your weekend first? Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Kristina Hebert, the dynamic President and CEO of Wards Marine Electric, hosts the Wards Way Podcast. In this captivating series, she engages with prominent leaders from the yachting industry, each bringing their unique insights and experiences to the table. The discussions delve deep into a variety of compelling industry stories, where guests share their successes and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. Listeners are treated to invaluable lessons gleaned from years in the field and thought-provoking perspectives on the future of yachting, making each episode a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for anyone passionate about the maritime world.

Information

  • Creator
    Wards Marine Electric
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wards Way Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wards Way Podcast