With Florida’s storm season in full swing and the current state of gas prices, local boaters are buying two specific lines of boats that address both issues, according to a local boat dealer.

Bulldog Boatwerks manager and owner Dave Douglass reports that the Triumph line (nicknamed the “world’s toughest boats”) and the C-Dory line by Fluid Marine are two of his top sellers.

“With gas prices today, the outboard’s latest technology really makes boating affordable,” said Douglass. “We at Bulldog Boatwerks select the proper motor and horsepower to provide the most economical and efficient power. Both of these lines are selected for that reason.”

Triumph is becoming known for durability.

“The Triumph is considered totally indestructible and unsinkable, and is proof of the latest state of the art technology,” said Douglass. The Triumphs are made with a single mold, foam injected design, which no other manufacturer implements. They are durable and tougher and provide a shock absorbing ride, better than the average boat because of the construction.

Concerning the C-Dory line, Douglass said, “The C-Dorys are rugged and practical, simple and sensible. If you are in the market for a shallow draft, stable boat that can handle a sea and provide shelter from the weather, we think the C-Dory, especially the cruising version, deserves a second look.”

Douglass’ background includes aviation and engineering from the service and private sector, and he “cut his teeth” in boat dealing management. He’s at his business six days a week to ensure the customer service and personal touch his clients expect.

“We’ve been through 9/11, Hurricane Charley and more,” he said, noting why he thinks boats that can withstand the worst are important to him.

Douglass has served his country both in the U.S Navy and Air Force, is a Vietnam veteran and served extensively in overseas locations. He supports veterans groups and offers discounts for them. He worked around the world in the private sector, and worked civil service from Alaska and Hawaii.

About eight years ago he began visiting Southwest Florida and fell in love with the area. He moved to Cape Coral, and not one to retire, he opened shop in North Fort Myers but serves boat lovers from the Cape, Fort Myers and around the area.

Bulldog Boatwerks Inc. is a boat sales and service retailer that offers a variety of marine products and services to the west coast of Florida.

“Our services include sales of new and pre-owned boats ranging from 12 to 34 feet in length. We keep a large inventory of consignment boats to include bowriders, cabin cruisers and fishing boats. We have a full marine service center with certified technicians on board,” noted Douglass.

Other services include shrink wrap, boat detailing, bottom painting and pickup and delivery for service.

“We are dedicated to providing our customers with quality, timely service and are noted for exceptional customer satisfaction,” he said.

He also said that Bulldogs is a factory-trained service center for Yamaha, Sazuki and Johnson Evinrude motors. Bulldogs Boatwerks has partnered with DOMO-online.com and provides door-to-door-service for discount marine oil.

Savings are as much as 35 percent. To take advantage of that discount, go to: dono-online.com.

Douglass recently returned from a Triumph Dealer meeting in Savannah, Ga., where his team was awarded a “Top Ten Triumph Dealer” in the entire U.S., noted for customer service. With a CSI score of 95, boaters will know the distinction. His wife, Pam, and parts manager and service writer, Lenette Gilyard, accompanied him on the trip, and he got to test 2009 Triumph line.

The management team at Bulldog Boatwerks includes Douglass as general manager/owner; Kathy Hall, administrative manager; Dave Harvey, lead tech; Tom Feeney, service tech; and Lenette Gilyard, parts manager/service writer. In sales, Vivian Miller and Ray Boomhower lead the team.

Bulldogs Boatwerks is located at 17771 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.