Meet William Demler, 57, who works for Headhunter Inc. and lives in Fort Lauderdale. He owns a 1993 Proline Stalker that, “I repowered last year after 27 years of great service from my old Merc. I repowered with a 140 Suzuki.”

How did you take up boating?
I grew up fishing in any body of water we could find as kids and it’s progressed ever since. I was a guide out of Chokoloskee for a few years as well as in lower Biscayne Bay and the upper keys. Now I admin two local groups on Facebook: Fort Lauderdale Sandbar Club, and Fort Lauderdale River Rats, which is geared more towards fishing.

Where do you usually take the boat?
Chokoloskee, the Keys and Flamingo would have to be my favorite places, although I’ve trailered my boat all over the state.

Has Covid-19 changed your boating habits?
I usually avoid crowds except when maybe hanging out with friends at the Sandbar.

What stands out to you the most about being on the water in South Florida?
Our rapid growth here in South Florida, uneducated boaters and the lack of any sort of courtesies especially while fishing.

Must have item during trips?
Basically everything safety-related, which can change a bit according to locale. I was once pulled over in Lostmans River and the park ranger asked for a few things. As I dug through everything he said, ‘wow you’re prepared for just about anything.’ When fishing these remote areas you have to be prepared, especially before we had all the technology we have today.

Describe your most challenging experience on the water:
When you’ve been boating as long as I have, there’s been quite a few challenging experiences and a few very close calls. Keeping your calm and facing what needs to be done is your only choice sometimes, so be prepared and run different scenarios through your mind and consider how you would react.

What is your dream boat?
I honestly think I own my dream boat since I got it in 1993. I can just about do it all in the boat I own. I’m seriously considering maybe a trawler type where I can tow my skiff and do even more exploring.

Best advice to new boaters:
Educate yourself and take a safe boating course. Nothing can replace experience, so start out slow and never stop learning as you’ll never know it all. Be courteous, know the regulations and laws, and always remember, as the captain or skipper of the vessel, you are responsible for the safety of everyone aboard.