van isle yacht sales

Canada’s West Coast on-the-water choice for over 60 years. We have two of the finest West Coast locations to serve you, as well as the highest standards in yacht brokerage.

Thunderbird Marina

West Vancouver, BC

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From Victoria, Vancouver, and the Gulf Islands to the Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound, Thunderbird is a name you can count on to make the most of your on-the-water experience.

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Not only do we offer two fabulously located marinas to moor your boat, we also provide a wide selection of services 
to help you maintain, buy or sell your boat in Vancouver or on Vancouver Island.

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What is a Yacht? (History, Types of Yachts, Styles and Sizes)

In this article, we explain the definition, history and origin of the word yacht, and break down some of the more common types of yachts along with various styles and sizes.

Yacht Definition & Origin

The word yacht comes from the Dutch word “jacht”, which means to hunt, and refers to the quick and lightweight sailboats the Dutch navy used to pursue pirates and other enemies in shallow waters. Today, the word takes on a very different meaning. While there is no strict definition of the word today, a yacht is generally considered as a boat used for pleasure, whether you’re cruising open waters, racing or island-hopping for the weekend. Typically, we consider a boat to be a yacht if it has an overnight cabin onboard, is more than 33 feet long, and generally looks nicer than your average vessel.

Pleasure boats have been around for hundreds of years, which is no surprise when you consider our options for transportation around that time. Without planes, cars, bikes or scooters, humans turned to the one form of transportation they knew well for pleasure – the ship.

Sailing Yacht History

Sailing yachts have been a thing since at least the beginning of the 1660s in Europe, when King James of England commissioned a sailing yacht for his son Henry, the Prince of Wales. But it was Charles II, the Kind of Scotland, who brought the term “yacht” into the mainstream after spending time exiled in the Netherlands. Once Charles got home, he began commissioning royal yachts left and right.

Steam Yacht History

Steam Yachts also have quite the history, which started as massive and luxurious sailing yachts with steam auxiliary engines. These yachts were much larger, and carried full crews complete with a cook, captain, engineer, stewards and deck hands. By the late 1700s, screw propellers were installed and the engines became far more efficient. Eventually, compound engines came about and persisted until the internal combustion took over.

Power Yacht History

Powerboats with 4-stroke gas engines were first developed by Nicolaus Otto and Gottlieb Daimler in 1876. Then in the 1900s, diesel engines became the more popular option because of their lower cost and improved reliability.

Yacht Types

Today, yachts fall into one of two general categories – sailing yachts and motor yachts.

Sailing Yachts

A sailing yacht is a leisure craft that relies on its sails for the primary method of movement, made from natural, synthetic or carbon fibers. Sailing yachts are split into two main categories: cruisers and raisers.

Cruising Yachts

A cruising yacht is designed for comfort above anything else. These yachts are ideal for overnight and lengthy journeys, typically equipped with all the comforts of home, including full kitchens (galleys), bathrooms (heads) and beds. They’re also designed to be slightly easier to maintain.

At the smaller end, we have what’s called as a “trailer sailer”. These yachts are generally shorter than 25 feet, and can be pulled by the average car. But anything shorter than 33 feet is considered a small sailing yacht. The next level is 33-45 feet, referred to as near-shore yachts. Offshore yachts are the largest category, including vessels larger than 45 feet.

Racing Yachts

A racing yacht is designed with performance top of mind, rather than comfort. World Sailing, the governing body for the sport of international sailing, recognizes 11 different classes of sailing yachts, but each share some general characteristics.

On a racing yacht, aerodynamics is prioritized. These yachts come in a variety of shapes and weights, but performance is the underlying motivation for all. Similar to aerodynamics but underwater, hydrodynamically efficient hulls allow boats to pull through the water with minimal drag or extra motion. Finally, for peak performance, these sailing yachts typically use full-battened Kevlar or carbon fiber sails.

Motor Yachts

Motor yachts come in all shapes and sizes, built with a variety of different materials. Generally speaking, they range from 30-130 feet in length, but there are superyachts out there exceeding 500 feet (that’s over 150 metres!).

The hull of a motor yachts comes in three basic styles. A yacht with a full-displacement hull moves the water up and away, creating waves. These boats have the potential to be plenty powerful, but their speed is limited. Semi-displacement hulls are slightly faster, because they’re able to partially rise above the water. Last are the yachts with a planing hull. These yachts are the fastest, because of a flat underside and enough power to lift them onto the surface of the water.

The majority of modern motor yachts have at least one diesel engine. A boat with two engines is certainly more expensive, but well worth it when you consider the reliability and increased handling/performance.

When it comes to motor yacht styles, there are many. Here’s a brief introduction to a few different motor yacht styles:

• Sport Motor Yacht : These powerful crafts are built with a semi-displacement and planing hulls, making them fast boats great for weekend adventures and short trips.
• Trawler Motor Yacht : A trawler is known for its more traditional style with a displacement hull, designed for medium distance passage-making.
• Cruising Motor Yacht : A cruising yacht is built for comfortable longer distance travel, equipped with a displacement hull.
• Expedition Yacht : Similar to a cruising motor yacht, expedition yachts are built with a displacement hull for long distances, but these crafts specialize in passage-making in remote areas.
• Mega Luxury Yachts : The mega luxury yachts is what you see and hear about on TV and in magazines. They’re hundred of feet long, designed for dozens of family and friends, and reserved for the super-rich.

• Sports Fisherman Yacht : These yachts have semi-displacement or planing hulls for quick fishing trips where you need to be able to move well. On a sports fisherman yacht, there will also be extra space for fishing gear and large fish.
• Lobster Yacht : A lobster yacht is similar to but quicker than a trawler, built with a semi-displacement or planing hull. These yachts get their name from their unique style – looking like classic Maine lobster boats.

If you’re looking for a new yacht, browse our current listings of sailing and motor yachts at Van Isle Marina. You can also visit us in Sidney at 2320 Harbour Road to see our stock in person, and our staff will be happy to help you out.

Vancouver Island’s Premier Destination for Boat Travelers

For boaters touring the beautiful BC coast, Vancouver Island is a must-see. Among the many islands dotting the flank of our lengthy province, Vancouver Island is not only the largest but the most visited by tourists across the country and around the world. Over 4 million people each year come to the island to experience its natural beauty, thriving arts communities, and culinary adventures.

To the south you’ll find the busier part of the island and the Provincial Capital of British Columbia, Victoria, complete with attractions, museums and is the hub of hospitality. Travelling north up the island, you’ll find stunning coastal towns like Qualicum Beach, Tofino and Port Hardy.

If you decide to make Vancouver Island your destination by boat, you’ll need a safe place to moor, fuel your boat and body, and to get some maintenance done before you embark on your island adventure. In this article, we’re going to highlight Van Isle Marina in Sidney, BC, the one-stop shop and premier destination for Vancouver Island boaters :

Full-Service Fuel Dock

The fuel dock is a vital part of any marina. At Van Isle, boaters can find both diesel and ethanol-free premium gasoline along with a helpful fuel dock crew. The recently upgraded facility complete with electronic stainless-steel fuel dispensers has three marine gasoline and four marine diesel hoses to service you faster, with fuel flow control to accommodate both slow and fast flow requirements. Van Isle Marina is also proud to offer our Marine Fuel Discount Program for recreational and commercial marine vessels.

While you’re getting re-fueled, pop into the fuel dock store for anything else you may need. Here, you can purchase Chevron oils, fuel additives and other boating supplies like ice, fishing tackle, charts and tide books, cruising guides, snacks and more.

Learn more about the fuel dock prices and details on the Van Isle Marina website.

Yacht Park with Haul Out

If you’re arriving on the island after days of travel, it would be wise to find a marina that is a hub for different trades that provide a range of services. At Van Isle, we have a complete maintenance and storage facility that allows us to haul-out boats up to 45 tons or 75 feet. At our Yacht Park, boat owners will have a full range of maintenance options at their fingertips.

A full haul-out with Van Isle Marina includes the haul, position, block, and launch, while the half haul-out remains on a trailer. Inside the storage facility, you will have peace of mind knowing that your boat is being protected by a fully fenced yard, live web cams, security access, and is in the hands of fully insured contractors.

Aside from regular repairs and maintenance, you can also have a range of services completed on your boat, like bottom painting and power washing. More information about haul-out maintenance service can be found on our website.

Secure Moorage

To explore the island, you’re going to need a safe place to moor your boat. Van Isle Marina is proud to offer boaters nightly, monthly, and annual moorage for boats up to 200 feet. With over 500 berths both covered and uncovered, your boat will be safe while you explore what the island has to offer.

Along with a safe space to store your boat, you’ll have access to electrical service, parking, water supply, waste disposal, and Wi-Fi. At Van Isle Marina, we pride themselves on being the true one-stop-shop for boat owners, providing full service and safe moorage .

Waterfront Dining

After completing your voyage to the island and docking your boat, head up to Sea Glass Waterfront Grill to experience contemporary west coast dining. With stunning views of the marina and surrounding area, sit back and relax while you enjoy your lunch or dinner.

At the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill, we pride ourselves on creating nearly everything from scratch and with local Vancouver Island ingredients. We specialize in fresh seafood and west coast entrees, with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options for all diners. And don’t forget about dessert! We’ve got four options (all gluten-free!), including Citrus Basque Cheesecake and Crème Brûlée.

Throughout the summer months, popular among boaters, the Waterfront Grill is open 7 days a week. Lunch is served from 11am – 3pm and dinner is available from 4:30 – 8pm. To make a reservation, give the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill a call at (778) 351-3663, or check out the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill menus .

Yacht Brokerage

While your boat is in moorage or has been hauled-up for maintenance, why not take a stroll over to the Yacht Sales dock. Maybe you’ve been thinking about selling your current vessel and opting for an upgrade in the near future? Or maybe you’re just looking for some inspiration.

Here in Western Canada, Van Isle are the yachting experts and the region’s exclusive authorized dealer of Pursuit Boats . This is the place on the island for buying (or selling) yachts. Whether you’re just browsing or planning your next upgrade, our Yacht Sales team will be ready to show you their collection of recreational vessels. We’ve got everything from pre-owned yachts to brand new sporting, sailing, motor and cruiser yachts.

When the time comes to make a purchase or sell your current boat, Van Isle offers the complete suite of Vessel Documentation Services to help any anxiety or headaches that come with finding and filing paperwork. We can do it all: Title & Lien Search, Closing Statement, Transfer of Funds, Bill of Sale, License Transfer, and the Casual Remittance Return Form.

Check out our current selection of boats and yachts for sale here at Van Isle.

Proximity to Town

Photo credit to Tourism Victoria

One of the great perks of starting your Vancouver Island exploration at Van Isle Marina is the proximity to both Sidney and Victoria. The marina is located in the Sidney area, with downtown Sidney just a few minutes away. Stroll Beacon Avenue and take in the sights and smells of the quaint seaside town, while stopping at attractions like the Sidney Pier, Sidney Street Market and one of the several museums.

If you want to explore Victoria, the highway is just minutes away from Van Isle Marina. Hop on the highway and drive directly south for about 25 minutes and you’ll arrive in the heart and soul of Vancouver Island.

If you’re hoping to explore some of the other Gulf Islands with your boat resting safely in moorage, the BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal is just minutes away from Van Isle Marina, and can whisk you to Pender, Salt Spring, Mayne, Galiano and Saturna Island.

5 Reasons to Consider Buying a Pursuit Offshore Boat

Life in coastal British Columbia is nothing short of spectacular. From the appealing mild weather to the stunning BC scenery dotted with quaint islands, lush forests and towering mountain ranges, we’ve got plenty to explore. But in order to fully take advantage of everything this beautiful province has to offer, you’re going to need a boat – and not just any boat.

Pursuit’s line of offshore boats are perfectly designed for exploring the coast of BC and its surroundings. Their award-winning offshore boats are designed with comfort top of mind. Completely safe in the open ocean, these boats will allow you to live, work and relax for extended periods of time, both securely and enjoyably.

In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the key reasons to consider buying a Pursuit boat for your weekend fishing trips, romantic island getaways, family day trips and everything in between.

Comfortable for Long Trips

One of the biggest selling points for Pursuit’s line of offshore boats is the comfort level, meticulously designed and built for weeks long and even months long trips. Ranging from 32 feet – 46 feet, the offshore line provides true live-aboard space for you and your passengers.

In each model, you’ll find berths in either the forward or aft sections (or both), which will allow 2-4 people to sleep comfortably. You’ll also find a fully functional galley complete with maple cabinets, a glass cooktop, microwave and stainless-steel refrigerator, along with an enclosed head with a stand-up shower.

But aside from the galley and head, which will provide you the functionality of home, Pursuit’s offshore boats also come standard with various entertainment options, from the JL Audio System to LED TVs.

Everything from the complete functionality down to the specially crafted upholstery will ensure you’re truly equipped for long, comfortable trips in a Pursuit offshore boat.

Fishing Capabilities

If you’re passionate about fishing or curious about diving into the hobby, coastal BC is an excellent place to be. And with a Pursuit offshore boat, you’ll have all the capability you’ll need. Like all Pursuit models, the offshore line comes standard with plenty of rod holders, live wells, fish boxes, tackle storage and cabin rod storage space. To learn more, check the specifications that are available with each Pursuit offshore model .

Along with specific features designed for fishing, there are other aspects of the Pursuit offshore models that make them ideal for fishing. Standard in every model is an anchoring system, bow thruster and dedicated transducer location. There are also safety features built in that can go a long way when fishing, such as grab rails and anti-slip cockpit flooring.

Beauty in the Details

The Pursuit offshore series are highly functional boats designed for fishing and longer trips with family and friends. But that doesn’t mean that anything has been sacrificed when it comes to style and design. Front to back and top to bottom, the offshore series is beautifully designed and meticulously crafted.

Every model features a hand-laminated hull and moulded frameless tempered glass windows. When you custom order a Pursuit boat, you’ll have your choice of hull, helm, boot stripe and interior colour packages. And when you head down into the cabin, you’ll notice no detail has been left out. From the stainless steel and countertops to the upholstery to the luxurious head, the Pursuit offshore line exemplifies beauty in the details.

Purpose Built & Protected

For decades, Pursuit has been committed to designing and building high quality offshore boats. Whether you’re buying an offshore boat or a model from one of their other lines like Dual Console, Centre Console or Sport, they like to say every Pursuit Boat is ‘purpose-built’.

While the term ‘purpose-built’ is usually applied to necessity, Pursuit boats are built with a very different purpose in mind – for romantic weekend getaways, beach days with the family and fishing expeditions with your friends. The purpose is bliss. And it’s evident in every stitch, fixture and surface.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. Pursuit is willing to put their money where their mouth is with the Pursuit Protection Plan. Regardless of which model you end up purchasing, each Pursuit boat comes standard with:

• 5-year hull/deck structural warranty
• 5-year blister-free warranty
• 2-year limited warranty

As a new Pursuit boat owner, the Pursuit Protection Plan goes a long way in providing you with real peace of mind. After all, it’s a big investment. And you can rest easy knowing the manufacturer has your back.

Availability

Pictured: OS325 model

Along with being one of the largest full-service marinas in the province, Van Isle Marina is proud to be the exclusive dealer of Pursuit Boats in Western Canada. So if you’re looking to purchase a Pursuit yacht, you’re in the right place. At our docks right now, we have a selection of both the OS325 and OS355 models.

The OS325 model is the smallest model in the offshore collection at 34 feet, but it is every bit of stylish and will comfortably sleep two guests. You’ll still find the hardwood, sleek stainless steel and LED TV. It’s got twin Yamaha F300 engines that give you cruising speeds of 30 mph and a fuel tank capacity of 370 gallons.

The OS355 model is the midsize offshore model at 38 feet, powered by triple Yamaha engines for an extra kick. This model sleeps four with a little more seating and storage, and a larger galley, TV and live well.

When it comes time to actually purchase your new boat, Van Isle Marina can provide some real peace of mind. Apart from our highly experienced Yacht Sales team, we offer the full collection of vessel documentation services, including:

• Title & Lien Search
• Closing Statement
• Transfer of Funds
• Bill of Sale
• License Transfer
• Casual Remittance Return Form

To browse our collection of Pursuit offshore boats, come visit our docks at Van Isle Marina. Located at 2320 Harbour Road in Sidney (Google Maps), in Tsehum Harbour, our marina is just minutes away from the BC Ferries Swartz Bay terminal and the Victoria International Airport. Reach us by phone at 250-656-1138 or contact us today !

SOLD: 34′ CHB Trawler Aft Cabin

Comfortable 2 Cabin 2 Head layout

Bow thruster, diesel heat

Sea Wise Davit w/ AB tender and 15hp Honda 4 stoke

SOLD: 47’ Bayliner 4788 Pilothouse Motoryacht 1998

Furnace, water maker, inverter

3 Upgraded 12″ Raymarine multi-function displays

Absolutely immaculate & cruise-ready

Yacht Sales Testimonial – Cameron Williams

Here is a lovely note from one of our satisfied yacht sales clients. we are always glad to hear such nice things about members of our staff.

To Whom it may concern:

I recently listed my Sea Ray for sale with Van Isle Marinas’ Cameron Williams. We agreed on the boat’s value and I’m happy to advise that the boat sold quickly and at a fair price for everyone involved.

I found Cameron Williams an absolute pleasure to deal with. He demonstrated a very high level of professionalism in regards to every component of the transaction. The sea trial and mechanical inspections that Cameron co-ordinated, where executed in a timely and professional manner. The sale closed quickly and I received payment promptly thereafter. I would highly recommend Cameron Williams and the Van Isle Marina company to anyone thinking of selling or purchasing a boat.

Yours truly,

Monte Graham

Victoria Day

Happy Victoria Day! The Marina Office is open 8 am – 4:30 pm today and the Fuel Dock is open 8 am – 8pm.

Victoria Inner Harbour Boat Show starts today!

The 25th Victoria Inner Harbour Boat Show takes place April 30 – May 3, 2015!

The Victoria Harbour Boat Show is hosted by the British Columbia Yacht Brokers Association (BCYBA) and has grown to become the largest in-the-water boat show on the west coast. The show is an opportunity for yacht brokers to display and sell boats for sale to a wide audience who can go on board all of the boats and discuss the many features with knowledgeable and professionally certified brokers. There is usually around 200 boats of all sizes in the water as well as many marine related business displays located under a large tent on Ship Point featuring everything from boat yard services, hardware, equipment, navigation electronics, clothing, etc. There will be something for everyone in love with the idea of boating whether you are still dreaming, new to the boating scene, an experienced sailor, on a modest budget or want only the best. It will all be there. Everyone is welcome and children are encouraged to attend with their parents. (Adults – $10, seniors and students – $8, children under 16 – free if accompanied by a parent, adult 3 day pass – $25)

SOLD: 26’ Sea Ray 260 2004

5.0 L MPI Bravo III Sterndrive 260 hours

New electronics Garmin GPS 720s

Dual Axle Trailer included

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• What is a Yacht? (History, Types of Yachts, Styles and Sizes) January 15, 2024 - 10:35 am

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Van Isle Marina

Van Isle Marina in Sidney, BC is a Pursuit Boats factory authorized boat dealer. Van Isle Marina sells Dual Console, Offshore and Sport fishing boats at their Sidney, BC location. Stop in today to see all the boats available.

2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, BC V8L 2P6

Phone: 250-656-1138 Website: vanislemarina.com

PURE. PURSUIT.

What does Pure. Pursuit. mean to us? It means each and every one of our boats are engineered to yacht quality standards.

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