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Be your own captain: Valley Isle Marine Center puts you on the water

A mother and her children have a day of fun off Kihei with their own Ocean Kayak on their own time. -- Valley Isle Marine Center photo

With four decades of boating in Maui County waters, Valley Isle Marine Center CEO Mark Tracy has had countless whale sightings, from a complete out-of-water breach just offshore of Waianapanapa in Hana to counting 144 consecutive pectoral fin slaps off of Molokai’s scenic north shore.

Most sightings occurred while captaining his own boat with friends and family around the islands.

“The joys of guiding your own craft into the ocean wilderness surrounding Maui County is especially rewarding,” enthuses Tracy. “Whether you are on an Ocean Kayak or at the helm of your own power boat, the thrill of seeing 40-ton humpback whales, spinner dophins and other marine mammals in their habitat will leave you with a lasting desire to do it again.”

Valley Isle Marine Center is the go-to place for many styles of power boats, propelled by quiet, fuel-efficient four-stroke outboards, which afford the opportunity to fish, dive, snorkel, whale watch, towboard or provide personal transportation between islands.

Kayaking is without a doubt an affordable, accessible way to experience the ocean and its many rewards — from fishing, diving and riding waves to observing aquatic wild life. Valley Isle Marine Center carries the full line of sturdy Ocean Kayaks by the company that invented the sit-on-top concept, including the Predator with its advanced fishing platform and pedal propeller, which can be powered by a lithium battery.

Valley Isle Marine Center takes trade-ins, offers a boat brokerage service and provides boat hauling and delivery. Its service department is staffed with trained technicians. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Call 244-2000 or go online to www.valleyislemarinecenter.com.

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