Turning Heads & Trolling Motors

Mark Berta has been turning heads since a young age. Most recently, it is because of a game-changing invention that has boaters gawking at its sheer ingeniousness. It has catapulted him into a whirlwind experience as the orders pour in, yet it still doesn’t compare to the first head Mark turned at only 9 years old.

In 4th grade, Mark transferred to Key Largo School and immediately caught the eye of Samantha Dellilo. He saw her giggling in the corner with a classmate and soon discovered she was determined to be his new friend— a discovery he was glad for, as they quickly became inseparable.

Even at a young age, Samantha sensed Mark’s potential. Mark was always tinkering with something, and Samantha was impressed by his determination to not only fix things but improve them.

Mark’s teacher at Coral Shores High School was similarly impressed. Mark quickly turned Mr. Catlett’s head in the Marine Technician Program, and he encouraged Mark to pursue marine mechanics as a career. However, with Mark’s family background and utter lack of funds, college wasn’t on his radar. He dismissed Mr. Catlett’s encouragement as nothing more than a compliment.

But Mr. Catlett wouldn’t be swayed. He contacted a recruiter from the Marine Mechanics Institute, who was so impressed by the recommendation that he drove down to Coral Shores to meet Mark. Tim Shull explained to Mark what the program offered and how he could afford it with scholarships and financial aid. Finally, Mark was convinced.

During college, Mark became certified in Yamaha, Mercury, Seven Marine, and Suzuki. He kept turning heads with his natural prowess, and upon graduation, he had job offers waiting for him. He went on to work as a mechanic on offshore race boats, then as the lead technician at Plantation Boat Mart, and then as the General Manager at Sea Hunter.

Over the past 16 years, Mark has made a name for himself, especially locally, but his name and that of his new business are quickly spreading not only nationwide but worldwide. His life of tinkering has led to a smart invention that all boaters can appreciate…

A Clever Solution to a Common Problem

Mark is known in the local boating world for his clever solutions to tricky problems, and he realized that one tricky problem kept arising. The popularity of trolling motors on bigger boats was growing, but there was no good way to stow these motors. They either protruded awkwardly on the side of the boat or encroached on forward seating.

A couple of clients came to Mark looking for a practical solution, and what he came up with has caught on like wildfire.

“I created a mounting bracket that could swivel the trolling motor to a stowed position to match any angle for any boat. It also moves to the deployed position for shaft clearance of the rub rail,” Mark explains. “This means no more covered anchor locker hatches, blocked forward seating, or protruding trolling motor heads when stowed.”

Mark posted the installed prototype on Instagram, and messages came pouring in. Mark was surprised and grateful for this interest, but the magnitude of his invention’s potential hadn’t fully sunk in. That is, until Garmin, Minn-Kota, and other boating titans started calling.

Multiple patents are now pending, and the Sea Swivel is turning heads across the industry. Local dealerships are becoming authorized installers, orders are coming in worldwide, and deals with top boating manufacturers and retailers are in the works.

This is no surprise since the Sea Swivel is a universal product that can be used with any trolling motor that exists now and in the foreseeable future.

“I do testing for multiple brands, including Garmin, so I have early access to upcoming motor designs and models. The Sea Swivel is already compatible with motors that aren’t even on the market yet, and it will always stay a step ahead.”

Growing up in the Keys, Mark has a strong appreciation for community, and he has expanded on that local pride by keeping the Sea Swivel American-made with American-sourced parts. As a technician, Mark has fixed way too many problems caused by cheap parts and refuses to put a product out there that doesn’t meet his high personal standards, let alone exceed industry standards. He proves the Sea Swivel’s strength and durability through voluntary tests and certifications.

Interestingly, this commitment to quality and the determination to make an easy-to-use product led to a benefit that Mark didn’t foresee.

Giving Fishermen Their Freedom Back

When Mark designed the Sea Swivel, he had practicality and functionality in mind and hadn’t realized another big perk of the productt: improved boater safety. With the Sea Swivel, people no longer need to stand on the bow to drop or stow their towing motor. They can now do it from the safety of their boat deck.

After installing the Sea Swivel on a seasoned fisherman’s boat, Mark was humbled by the gratitude he received. The fisherman explained that he hadn’t been able to go fishing on his own for a long time because his limited mobility made it unsafe to handle the trolling motor. The Sea Swivel has changed that.

“I can fish on my own again,” the fisherman beamed.

For similar safety reasons, the Sea Swivel also turned the head of Mark Gibson, the Co-Founder and Vice President of Fish With a Hero, Inc. He has been the Director of Operations specifically for the Florida Keys for the past 11 years, and every year, Fish With a Hero provides world-class fishing experiences for wounded veterans.

Gibson praised Mark’s invention for helping people with disabilities or injuries get out and fish. The Sea Swivel enables many people with limited mobility to safely and easily handle a trolling motor. On hearing this, Mark gladly donated and installed a Sea Swivel on Gibson’s boat, which is used to charter veterans with Fish with a Hero.

“There’s nothing more honorable than serving your country at the risk and cost of your own well-being,” Mark says. “I’m glad I could show my respect for these heroes in this small way.”

To further show his appreciation to those who serve, Sea Swivel offers a discount for all active-duty soldiers, veterans, and first responders.

The Innovation Continues

Since innovation never stops with Mark, he has recently announced another product that acts as the cherry on top of the Sea Swivel sundae. The Mag Mount is a support arm that magnetically secures the trolling motor while stowed. Its sleek, puck-like shape eliminates tripping hazards and is easy to install.

The Sea Swivel combined with the Mag Mount provides a complete secure mounting system for any trolling motor.

Since innovation is in his blood, there is no telling what smart solution Mark will come up with next, but only the best ideas will make it into production. In addition to Samantha, Mark runs all of his ideas past Ralph Montalvo, who has been a mentor and father figure to Mark for many years.

Ralph Montalvo is a respected figure in the boating industry and has been a profound influence on Mark, both personally and professionally. When Mark first built the Sea Swivel and, subsequently, the Mag Mount, one of the first people he presented them to was Ralph. Backed by his extensive experience in the industry, Ralph’s excitement over the products gave Mark the confidence to run full speed ahead.

“Ralph has been like a father to me,” Mark says. “He has helped shape me into the person I am today and helped direct my business onto the path of success.”

Continuing to Turn Heads

Mark and Samantha’s path to success is quickly expanding and branching out in numerous directions. Sea Swivel has been picked up by some of the biggest names in the industry, including CWR Wholesale Electronics, West Marine, Wintron Electronics Wholesale, Boat Outfitters, Port Supply, and local dealers in your area.

This quickly growing success isn’t going to their heads, though. Mark and Samantha have never been lured by luxury, but, rather, look forward to building a family alongside their business. Their two rescue dogs, Ziggy and Ziti, still hold their hearts more than any flashy thing they could buy, and they will someday have siblings of the human kind join their happy little family.

“Even if our success continues, you won’t see Lamborghinis,” Samantha laughs. “You’ll just see more dogs, hopefully a couple of kids, and lots of trips to Disney World.”

Mark has been blessed by turning the heads of all the right people. First, Samantha, the love of his life. Then, Mr. Catlett and Mr. Shull, who believed in his potential. Next, Ralph Montalvo, an invaluable mentor. And now, the leaders of the boating industry, who believe in his products.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for the people who have supported and encouraged me through the years, and I hope I continue to make them proud,” Mark says.

Sea Swivel and Mag Mount are available online at SeaSwivel.com, the one-stop shop for a complete trolling motor setup. When you shop through SeaSwivel.com, you enjoy 24/7 customer and tech support directly from Mark. He will personally help you find the best trolling motor package for your specific needs and answer any technical questions you might have.

Follow @SeaSwivel on Instagram for updates and more innovations. For general questions, text 305-908-3834. To join the Ultimate Sea Swivel Dealer Program, email info@seaswivel.com