My name is Chris Suter, and I work as a sales manager at Strong's Marine company wide on the boat sales side. I've been with the company for over 18 years now.
What is your favorite boating memory?
When it comes to my favorite boating memory, it's tough to choose just one. I've been surrounded by the water my entire life. Growing up on Long Island as a summer kid, I developed a deep love for boating. I made the decision to permanently move here in 2001 and raise my family by the water. My boating adventures began at a very young age, sailing even before I turned three. I have fond memories of fishing with my grandfather on his boat, where we used to catch puffer fish and release them, always coming home with bags full of fish.
As I grew older, I learned to sail at the yacht club and even taught sailing to kids. I also got into sailboat racing during my college years and continued to participate in races across various locations in the United States, including Key West. Eventually, I came back to Long Island to settle down permanently.
One of my cherished boating memories involves my oldest son, Jackson, who took his first boat ride when he was less than eight weeks old. It was a late-season spin around Robbins Island on a boat I was in the process of selling. I vividly remember him sleeping peacefully in his car carrier beside the helm seat. Witnessing him grow and learn to wakeboard last summer was incredibly special. Now, my younger son is also starting to enjoy boating, which brings joy to our family. With a lifetime spent on the water, it's difficult to pick just one favorite memory.
What is a good family boat?
As for the boat my family currently uses, we have a Regal 26 OBX. It's based at the Strong's Mattituck Bay Marina in Valet, and we have the opportunity to use it frequently. Our typical boating day starts around lunchtime since we're usually busy with morning activities. We gather everyone on the boat and head out, allowing the kids to take turns driving under my guidance, of course. We usually start with a loop through Ketchup Harbor to see what's happening before heading to Robins Island Cove, which is our favorite spot.
Once anchored, we set up the bimini, play some tunes through Bluetooth, and enjoy a packed lunch together as a family. We swim off the back of the boat, engage in water sports, and sometimes even join our friends by rafting up. We spend a few hours there before doing another loop on the way back. It's a busy routine, but we try to make it happen at least twice a week. Afterward, we go about our day, attending to other responsibilities.
How are Regal Boats?
The new Regal LX series, launched in 2020, consists of three outboard models: LX2, LX4, and LX6. What makes these boats unique and fantastic is their versatility. They offer a day boating setup with multifunctional seating arrangements, providing ample storage space. This allows us to explore shallow areas, navigate docks with limited depth, and easily access beaches. The LX series also offers amenities for light fishing and is perfectly designed for water sports like tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding. The boats are equipped with state-of-the-art stereo systems, keeping the younger ones entertained with their playlists. With spacious layouts, kids tend to occupy the bow, while parents relax at the back, using the table for meals and enjoying the large swim platform. The engines are easily accessible yet safely positioned, providing a stepping stone for families as they grow and progress through the different models.