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THE BEAUTY OF A CARVER YACHT IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP. A lot of boats at the dock are all glitz and glamour. But how well do they perform when the going gets rough? All that pizazz is small comfort when you’re bouncing off the wave tops or wallowing in the troughs. At Carver, we’ve been building boats for more than 60 years that can handle the roughest water on the planet—the Great Lakes.

Unlike salt water, fresh water is hard. Rock hard. And those waves can be steep and breaking. That means you take it on the chin, one wave after another in rapid succession. So we support our hulls with an extraordinary stringer system that reinforces the bow as much as the hull bottom. It’s not } > À ÕÃ] LÕÌ Þ Õ½ Li } >` v Ì Ì i w ÀÃÌ Ì i ̽à L Ü } hard out at sea.

No wonder Carver Yachts is taking the marine industry by storm. Sea trial one at your Carver Yachts dealer soon.

Stringers extend up the bow to prevent “oil canning” and reduce vibration in the hull when running into head seas.

he entire interior of the hull is coated with a white epoxy paint for easier maintenance and service.

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BOATING X NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

2016

82

Departments 20 Making Waves X Meet Erica, the woman you voted cover model of the year X What happens to you when you boat in winter?

X We compare three portable space heaters X Swingers from the ’60s X Gifts you should return, now

X Mick Hannock knows the answers to your boating questions X Choose the right boat cover X Install a tow-vehicle air-suspension system X Winterize your outboard

PAGE

66 FEATURES

58 Motorhead

602016 Holiday Gift Guide

78 Electronics

66Rare Forms

80 Short Casts

72Max Power

Columns

X MasterCraft Dockstar, reviewed

The latest and greatest gear and gifts for boaters’ wish lists

X Real-time charting explained X Ken explains AIS

B Y T H E B O AT I N G T E C H T E A M

Six amazing hull designs you’ll never (or rarely) see in recreational boats

X Insulated cooler additions

B Y D E A N T R AV I S C L A R K E

Ten tips from Superboat Stock racers to get the most out of your outboards

BY ERIC COLBY

16

Editorial The danger of running inlets

Tests

26 Seamanship Eight cold-weather boating tips ALSO:

X COBALT CS3

82 Boating Lab GPS and sonar for $300? Yep.

p. 52

X CROWNLINE E1 XS p. 54

MJM Yachts

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A boat that evokes classic yachts above the waterline, with modern propulsion below. p. 44

A new day boat with mega seating, lots of amenities, and twin outboards on the transom. p. 48

12

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

90 Off My Dock Of marriage and boat maintenance

X PREMIER 250 SOLARIS RF p. 56

X BASS CAT JAGUAR p. 57

W ON T HE COVE R The Regal 29 OBX puts twins on the transom for a sweet ride.

Photo: Tom King

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY ULSTEIN GROUP, COURTESY LOWRANCE, COURTESY RAYMARINE, COURTESY GARMIN, TOM KING, COURTESY MJM YACHTS

28 The Boat Doctor

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PRESENTS

E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F D E P U T Y E D I TO R E L ECT RO N I C S A N D W E ST COA ST E D I TO R M A N AG I N G E D I TO R A RT D I R ECTO R STA F F P H OTO G R A P H E R

MISS NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER

CO PY E D I TO R S E N I O R D I G I TA L E D I TO R B OAT I N G L A B D I R ECTO R CO N T R I B U TO RS

ROBIN / REGAL 29 OUTBOARD I L LU ST R ATO RS G RO U P P RO D U CT I O N D I R ECTO R P RO D U CT I O N M A N AG E R G R A P H I C D E S I G N E RS H U M A N R E S O U RC E S D I R ECTO R

Kevin Falvey Pete McDonald Jim Hendricks Sue Whitney Ryan Swanson Bill Doster Nicole Paskowsky Brian Daugherty Randy Vance Dean Travis Clarke, Eric Colby, Capt. Vincent Daniello, Ken Englert, Michael Folkerts, Joe Friedman, Steve Griffin, Michael “Mick” Hannock, Jeff Hemmel, Forest Johnson, Tom King, John Linn, Charles Plueddeman, Capt. John N. Raguso, Ed Sherman, Heather Steinberger, John Tiger Jr., Capt. John Page Williams Tim Barker, Tim Bower, Colin Hayes Michelle Doster Rick Andrews Shaira Barnette, Jennifer Remias Sheri Bass

G RO U P P U B L I S H E R / B R A N D D I R ECTO R

Glenn Sandridge 407-571-4747; glenn.sandridge@bonniercorp.com P U B L I S H E R / B R A N D M A N AG E R

John McEver 407-571-4682; john.mcever@bonniercorp.com D I R ECTO R O F B R A N D ST R AT EGY

Rhonda Mock 407-571-4696; rhonda.mock@bonniercorp.com N O RT H E A ST SA L E S M A N AG E R

Matt White 212-779-5405; matt.white@bonniercorp.com M A R K E T P L AC E / ACCO U N T M A N AG E R

Brian Luke 407-571-4788; brian.luke@bonniercorp.com D I G I TA L SA L E S M A N AG E R

Mike Staley 407-571-4803; mike.staley@bonniercorp.com D E T RO I T A DV E RT I S I N G D I R ECTO R

Jeff Roberge 248-213-6154; jeff.roberge@bonniercorp.com D E T RO I T ACCO U N T M A N AG E R

Joy Gariepy 248-213-6156; joy.gariepy@bonniercorp.com V I C E P R E S I D E N T , D I R ECTO R O F B R A N D ST R AT EG I E S E D I TO R I A L D I R ECTO R E D I TO R I A L D I R ECTO R , B OAT I N G A N D WAT E RS P O RTS G RO U P C R E AT I V E D I R ECTO R CO N S U M E R M A R K E T I N G D I R ECTO R G RO U P M A R K E T I N G D I R ECTO R M A R K E T I N G D I R ECTO R S E N I O R M A R K E T I N G M A N AG E R M A R K E T I N G M A N AG E R B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R

CHAIRMAN H E A D O F B U S I N E S S A R E A , M AG A Z I N E S C H I E F E X EC U T I V E O F F I C E R CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER C H I E F D I G I TA L R E V E N U E O F F I C E R V I C E P R E S I D E N T , I N T EG R AT E D SA L E S V I C E P R E S I D E N T , CO N S U M E R M A R K E T I N G V I C E P R E S I D E N T , D I G I TA L O P E R AT I O N S V I C E P R E S I D E N T , P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S G E N E R A L CO U N S E L

Matt Hickman Shawn Bean Kevin Falvey Jerry Pomales Leigh Bingham Haley Bischof Elaine Grime Kelly MacDonald Tabatha Hunsinger David Erne

Tomas Franzén Lars Dahmén Eric Zinczenko Joachim Jaginder David Ritchie Elizabeth Burnham Murphy Sean Holzman John Graney John Reese David Butler Perri Dorset Jeremy Thompson

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Editorial

By Kevin Falvey Running Inlets Is Dangerous A TRAGEDY MAKES THIS BOATER REFLECT we boaters can use to ensure the present and AM WRITING THIS HAVING JUST future safety of our crews and our boats. In been notified of the death of Miami any event, this accident is what has given me Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez. pause and cause to write this reminder about Fernandez along with two companions running inlets. Death has a way of putting a died when the boat they were cruising struck fine point on things. The abrupt end to the the north jetty of Miami’s Government Cut lives of these three young men grants the in the wee hours of September 25, 2016. perspective to see what is most important.

It seems like a simple thing, this running Running inlets requires experience and of inlets. In reality, it may be the most judgment that come only with time at the dangerous bit of navigation boaters attempt. helm. Conditions change from tide to tide, There are those out in the world — both with changes in wind speed and direction, new, inexperienced boaters and nonboaters — who may disagree with that statement. After all, tens of thousands of boats transit coastal inlets on a weekly basis, and most this running of inlets. In reality, it may do so without incident. Boats be the most dangerous bit of navigation today are built better than ever before, and a select few, like the boaters attempt.

SeaVee in which Fernandez was cruising, are superbly crafted and vary by what stage of the moon it is. vessels that can take just about anything.

Leave the inlet at 1 p.m. and it may be a Marine electronics and communications totally different body of water at 2:15. ensure instant and constant contact with the Be careful. Wear life jackets. Learn to time physical environment, along with weather, the waves. Stand off and assess the situation, tide and current information that boaters if need be. (Fools do rush in.) Get local would have never imagined just 15 years knowledge from those who know — hire a ago. If, by chance, we do end up in trouble, well-regarded local captain to accompany you it’s common now to have satellite-enabled aboard your own boat if that is what it takes. beacons aboard that call the rescuers to an Almost every inlet along the coast has a accident location faster than sea gulls flock to bad reputation. Some are worse than others. unattended groceries, and with the precision I’ve been through most of them and of satellites and GPS. can attest that these reputations are all Despite all this wonderment, three young men died while boating on the morning of September 25, 2016.

I don’t know the cause of this tragedy.

At the time of this writing, the investigation

by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is ongoing. Perhaps by the time you read this, there will be some answers. And Kevin Falvey, Editor-in-Chief in those answers there may be information editor@boatingmag.com

I

W It seems like a simple thing,

16

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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Making Waves ON BOARD WITH ...

Erica G. Icom Cover Girl of 2016 Every issue, we hire a helicopter to shoot our cover boat and also a model to grace its deck. We put all the cover models from 2016 on Facebook for a vote, and you, our readers, picked one as our Icom cover girl of the year and helped her win an Icom IC-M25 VHF. Meet Erica G. who, when not modeling, goes boating.

— Pete McDonald

When you’re not working on a Boating photo shoot, do you like to boat in your free time?

Of course, that is the best boating there is — no agenda!

What is your favorite thing to do on the water?

Fish. I was raised fishing with my dad, and those are some of the most treasured memories I have.

How was your day on board the Everglades 360 LXC? I felt like I was dreaming most of the day. The weather could not have been more perfect, and so it made for a smooth and gorgeous boating day.

PRESENTS

COVER GIRL

SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR COVER GIRL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Do you do other types of modeling photo shoots in your career?

Living in Florida, I feel like I’m always shooting in swimwear, which works out because I love being in the sun, sand and water.

If you were to buy a boat, what kind would it be?

It’s the skiff life for me, mainly because I like to fish in shallow water down here in Florida. A skiff is really easy to trailer too.

20

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

PHOTO: BILL DOSTER

How does shooting on a boat compare to other modeling jobs you’ve done?

It’s high on my list of favorite shoots, for sure.

THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF FORM & FUNCTION The 355SY. Where life on the water begins.

The 355SY is our most popular sport yacht. Life’s stresses melt away as you cruise under cloudless blue skies. Featuring our exclusive Sun Island seating, a roomy deck with bar and fridge, 35’ LOA with swim platform and aesthetically magnificent accommodations below deck, it’s an idyllic union of luxury and sport.

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Making Waves FOR All New Exclusive Programs

FULL THROTTLE INSURANCE CANCELLED? NON-RENEWED? SKYROCKETING RATES?

C O M PA R I S O N ’ S S A K E

Portable Heaters Whether you’re a live aboard or someone who likes to spend the weekend aboard, a portable heater can be a vital accessory when temperatures fall below freezing.

We took a look at three popular models. — Eric Colby

WE CAN HELP. CALL TODAY!

Caframo Marine DeltaMax Ceramic Heater THE WARM: It has high- and

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low-power settings (750 and 1,500 watts) and a built-in adjustable thermostat. It uses 110-volt DC current, and it draws 14 amps. The DeltaMax comes with overheat protection and an automatic shutoff. The heating element is PTC ceramic, and the unit comes with a two-year warranty.

THE COOL: At 67/8 inches

Comfort Zone Ceramic Utility Heater

West Marine Portable Cabin Heater

THE WARM: For maximum control, this unit features a four-position rotary switch for heat settings “off” and “fan only.” An adjustable thermostat lets you set the temperature, and the heater has a safety tip-over switch and an overheat-protection system. The ceramic element puts out 5,120 Btu of heat, and the wattage is 750 on low and 1,500 on high. Amperage draw is 12.5 amps, and the dimensions are 7 inches long by 8 inches wide by 8 inches high.

THE WARM: With the lowest

wide by 75/16 inches tall and 71/8 inches front to back with a boxy case, it’s the bulkiest to store and presents the biggest tripping hazard on a rocking boat of the trio.

framework could be sturdier, and it could also be a tripping hazard.

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THE COOL: The pipe

profile of the three, this model is only 5 inches tall, 11¼ inches long and 8 inches deep. It has three heat settings: 600 watts (2,080 Btu), 900 watts (3,120 Btu) and 1,500 watts (5,200 Btu). On the lowest position, it draws only 5 amps.

The adjustable thermostat allows you set the temperature, and an antifreeze setting automatically turns on when the temperature drops to 38 degrees.

THE COOL: You pay a lot for older technology. The other two heaters have ceramic elements, and this one moves air across hot wires.

PRICE: $99.99;

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Online This Month If you missed our Holiday Gift Guide for boaters last year, be sure to enjoy some holiday shopping this year on our site. Visit boatingmag.com/giftguide or scan this tag.

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Making Waves

5 THINGS FIVE BOATING GIFTS TO RETURN IN 2016

Life-preservershaped toilet seat Diesel-scented candles

Waterproof flip-phone case

Bilge-water Super Soakers

Ethanol homebrewing kit

In Our Wake: Two Interpretations

24

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

ILLUSTRATIONS: COLIN HAYES; PHOTO: BOATING ARCHIVES

Double entendre in the words, glamorous beauty in the pictures: The formula proved to be the path to advertising success during the Mad Men era; ads in Boating were no different.

Look at this twopage spread created

by OMC in our July 1969 issue. The headline and photo are combined to tout — what else — the OMC drive’s reported 10-inchhigher tilt than the competition’s.

We’re sold.

— Pete McDonald

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

X

Captain’s Test

Cold-Weather Boating People stretch the boating season more than ever these days. Whether you want to go after winter fish or just head out on the water during a thaw, test your knowledge of winter boating. — Eric Colby (Answers below) 1 You fall overboard, but you’re a strong swimmer and not far from shore. If you start swimming, how much faster does your body lose heat than if you remain still?

A. 30 percent B. 35 percent C. 40 percent D. 45 percent

HOW TO FLOAT ON CLOUD NINE

2 We know you are going to wear a life jacket when boating during the winter. If you fall overboard, what position should you be in while in the water?

A. Draw your knees up together, keep your arms tight against your side, and lean your head back.

B. Draw your knees up together, wrap your arms around them, and clasp your fingers.

C. Lie on your back with your knees pulled up to your chest and your arms around them.

D. Do the back float.

FIND YOUR ESCAPE.

3 Now let’s take a look at your boat and equipment. What is the biggest threat to your boat’s gasoline fuel system during the winter?

A. Evaporation B. Condensation C. Freezing D. Gelling 4 What piece(s) of equipment on your boat is most susceptible to problems in the cold?

A. The battery or batteries B. The fuel/water separator C. The oil filter D. The propeller 5 At a temperature of 32 degrees, how much cranking power does a battery lose?

A. 10 percent B. 20 percent C. 30 percent D. 50 percent

RT SERIES

5 C.

Answers

TTT SERIES

cold morning?

4 A. Ever had to jump-start your car on a a good idea. fuels. An additive such as Star Tron would be

3 B, especially with the ethanol in today’s LARSONESCAPE.COM

lessening position, or HELP for short.

1 B. 2 A. This is known as the heat escape

won’t flow out of the scuppers. Prepare to shovel out your water-stored boat if the white stuff falls. In fact, even if it rains go check the boat; an overnight freeze can block drains with frozen water, even if water elsewhere has returned to a liquid state.

Easy Does It

NINE TIPS FOR BRACKET-SEASON BOATING

T

HE WEATHER MAY HAVE COOLED, BUT THE PASSION TO continue boating burns bright for many. Once fall sets in for good, the skies get bluer, the air gets crisper, and the crowds get thinner. Use these tips to maintain personal safety and convenience during the cold months.

Wooly Bully The adage “Dress for the water, not the weather” applies. Odd balmy days will spur boaters to cruise. But cold water behooves us to wear fabrics such as wool that retain heat, even when wet. Also consider an insulated float coat, which will keep you warm and serve as a life jacket should you end up in the water.

Killer Tradition The survival technique of floating in place while lowering one’s head into the water will cause you to lose body heat and die faster. If 26

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

you end up in the water without a life jacket on, experts such as the Minnesota Sea Grant advise to tread water.

Captain Fantastic Good skippers are ever mindful of crew comfort, and this is especially so in colder weather. A rejuvenating blast of spray that has everybody gleefully shrieking in July may cause a different reaction in October. Be wary of your speed and course, especially when running across the wind or in quartering seas.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Morning Don’t

Winterize your

head and buy Frost is often Snow Tow a portable invisible, especially Snowmobilers, head for when it forms on hunters, and cold-weather white boats. Frost landscapers movboating. also renders even ing snowblowers the most aggressive to job sites are nonskid surface among the myriad useless. Be careful when boarding people who pull loaded trailers on your boat — and do likewise while snowy, icy roads. It’s best to have disembarking — since spray can a trailer with brakes, but safety sometimes freeze on the decks can be reasonably assured by as well. taking it slow enough to anticipate planned moves — and react to unplanned events.

Snow Job That bit of advice is as good Your boat may have a self-bailing on the road as it is on the water. cockpit, but, unfortunately, snow

ILLUSTRATION: TIM BOWER

Cold-Weather Seamanship

Hit that millimeters-thick skim ice at planing speed and you’ll During freezing temperatures, water almost certainly create deep scratches and gouges in your below the surface stays warmer. boat’s gelcoat. Approach ice For that reason, it’s a good idea for slowly. Allow the owners of outboards boat to slide up on to leave the engine top until its weight trimmed down at the breaks through, dock if air temps are then proceed. expected to get frigid.

Having crew memA trimmed-up engine QUICK bers on the bow holds water, which, if TIP poke holes with a it freezes, can cause boathook is often all kinds of damage. just the ticket.

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XThe Boat Doctor Q&A

By Michael “Mick” Hannock

Max Service [ Q ] I was excited to see my letter today in the July/August issue (“Rattle and Hum”).

I must give kudos to my local Marine Max dealership for solving the problem. It felt that the noise was louder than normal, removed the lower unit, and found a thin aluminum plate had broken in two. I am not sure what its function is, but replacing the $3.50 part solved the problem, and the motor now sounds and runs like new.

JIM HOGAN

Stuart, Florida

[ A ] Glad you got the problem solved, Jim. A dealer you can count on is one of the best boating resources. Enjoy your boat.

New Carb Blues [ Q ] Hi Mick. I replaced the carburetor on my 2001 MerCruiser V-6 engine with a Rochester 866141A02 marine carburetor, and now it burns 25 percent more fuel at cruising rpm (3,200). At idle and lower rpm, it is almost even, but as soon as I get up to 2,500 to 3,000 rpm, the burn rate rises dramatically. I recorded the consumption with fuel-flow meters. On start-up, there is a strong smell of unburned gas in the exhaust, and when it’s running around 5 knots, the smell is still evident. My mechanic suggests it may be the wrong carb or incorrectly sized jets. The choke is fully open at all times. I had to send back the first carb because the linkage was damaged, and the problem persisted with the second one.

BOB DREGER

Via email

[ A ] Why did you replace the carburetor in the first place? If everything inside the carb is right, the jetting could be wrong, but I’d start by having either your mechanic or you pull off the air horn on the carb and take a look inside. Make sure the float level is correct. Also, given the age of your 28

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Rx

boat, inspect the whole fuel system. Make sure that ethanol isn’t deteriorating the insides of your fuel lines, especially near the bowl itself in the carburetor.

Hard Starting

Often, a tarp used as a boat cover fits loosely, with excess fabric at the bow. Or there may be sections where a tie-off point is not handy or causes a line to run in the wrong direction.

Duct tape is one solution we have seen used to address these foibles, but consider using tent stakes or sandbags (old socks will do).

The staked or weighted line can be tensioned easily and neatly, at low cost. These aren’t for every application, but keep them in your bag of tricks.

— Kevin Falvey

[ Q ] Hi Doc. My son’s 1979 Fiberform Baja Flybridge 2300 boat won’t restart instantly, but after five minutes of cranking, it will restart. My son thinks the problem is bad ground cables to the starter. But after

(

WE TEST STUFF

)

Turning Point Props Turning Point Propellers says its squeeze-cast aluminum powder-coated propellers provide a tight grain casting, offering properties similar to stainless steel. Both its three-blade and four-blade props boast tuned rake and progressive pitch angles, plus vents for added performance. The four-blade design delivers added lift without loss of top-end speed. We tested the 13.5-by-19-inch three-blade prop and the comparable four-blade and proved Turning Point was right, clocking 48 mph (fourblade) and 47 mph (three-blade) on our 1979 Glastron CVX 16 with a Johnson 115 outboard.

Both props beat the stainless-steel prop that is commonly included but undersize. See the full results online at boatingmag.com/ turningpointproptest. — Randy Vance

PHOTO: COURTESY TURNING POINT PROPELLERS

ASK THE MASSES Go to boatingmag.com/forums to ask fellow boaters your questions or to answer theirs.

The Boat Doctor reading about similar problems in the July/August issue, I decided to ask you. Do you have any suggestions?

JOHNNY RFD

Via email

[ A ] Thanks for your faith in me, Johnny. If the engine cranks over and it’s not restarting, it’s more than likely an issue with the fuel system and some kind of vapor locking. It sounds like the engine is heat soaking, which means that after it’s shut down, the motor, fuel and lines actually get hotter, which vaporizes the fuel. Inspect how close the lines are to the thermostat housing, cylinder head, and other accessories that generate heat quickly. Gently push the metal line away from these components or reroute it with new lines to keep the fuel cooler.

it was a little slippery, indicating the presence of oil. I cleaned it up, figuring it was residue from an oil change. I always check the bilge for the obvious when I head out and again noticed it

and often the plastic fitting on the transom plate can be cracked, causing a slight leak. If the oil you’re seeing is brown, it’s coming from the front of the engine, most likely the seal on

Q ] In the July/August issue (“Sticker The paper came up with some oil I put a plastic tray under the engine and went out a few times to see what accumulated. After about two hours of run time, there was about a half-teaspoon of oil in the tray. I’m estimating because the paper towel absorbed some oil as well. After the engine cooled, I ran my hand around the bottom of the engine to try to

Where’s the Oil Coming From?

New York, asked where he could find Starcraft emblems and decals. I had the same problem locating a Four Winns logo for my 1985 boat, and I found what I was looking for at vinylapproach.com.

It has replacement and reproduction boat logos and decals for many boats, Starcraft included.

DENNY JONES

Angola, Indiana

[ A ] It’s awesome that you’d take the time to reach out. Thanks Denny.

[ Q ] Dear Boat Doctor, I am grateful for your articles and answers to so

Subprime Performance with 24 hours on it in August 2014 maintenance records. Before I put it in the water this year, I had the impeller changed and the engine looked over. I have since put 100 hours on it.

About two months ago while cleaning out the bilge, I noticed that

are. Let’s start with the basics. Is the oil brown or does it have a greenish tint? If it’s got some green, it’s lowerunit gear lube. There’s a connection between the drive-lube bottle on the motor and the transom plate,

Pressure or No Pressure

MICHAEL ESPOSITO

[ Q ] Dear Boat Doc, I need to replace the bunks on my boat trailer. I assumed that I should use pressure-treated wood and wrap it in marinegrade carpet, but a friend said that he heard the wood should not be pressure-treated. What’s your opinion?

Via email

MARK ROBERTS

Dallas, Texas

[ A ] I talked to the folks at Venture Trailers (venturetrailers.com) in Maryland. They prefer kiln-dried, nonpressure-treated wood for their bunks. Pressure-treated wood is more prone to warping and will hold water. Kiln-dried is less prone to warping and releases water more easily.

Remember, the trailer isn’t always in the water, so the kiln-dried holds less moisture. Additionally, chemicals from pressure-treating can stain gelcoat through the carpet.

30

[ Q ] Hi Mick. I have a 2013 Cobalt 242 with a Volvo Penta V-8 380. I recently purchased a lift and noticed every time I pull the boat out of the water and put it back in, it has difficulty priming (impeller housing gets hot). I have replaced the impeller twice, checked all the hoses, pulled the drive looking for obstructions, even checked the outdrive seals, and nothing. The dealer tells me it has chased this problem before on other V-8 380s. It says the solution is to simply run the engine at 1,000 rpm for a few seconds when putting the boat back in the water, and the engine will prime. This works, but it doesn’t seem like a real fix, especially considering how new the engine is.

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

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[ A ] Are you lowering the boat to the point where it floats, or is the drive just barely in the water? Volvo Penta has upgraded the pump seals, but I’m not aware of this being an acrossthe-board issue with the V-8 380. If your engine is still under warranty, contact Technical Support, or if it’s out of warranty, go through Customer Relations to see if it will replace the seawater pump. Whether the boat is on a lift or on a trailer, there should be no issue with priming when launched.

PHOTO: ERIC COLBY

Glastron powered by a MerCruiser

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The Boat Doctor Bad Wires

How Much of a Sacrifice?

[ Q ] Hi Mick. I own a 1994 Cobalt 200 with a 5.7 MerCruiser Alpha Gen II. I’m running a stainless-steel 14-by19-pitch propeller. Wide-open throttle on this engine is 4,400 to 4,800 rpm.

Last year the boat ran a top speed of 52 mph at 4,800 rpm. At the end of the season, I noticed the engine water pump dripping, so this spring I had the water pump rebuilt and replaced the belts. The engine runs like a champion, but now the problem is it won’t rev past 4,300 rpm, and top speed is 45 mph. What’s your take on this underperformance?

[ Q ] Hi Mick. I have magnesium anodes on the Alpha One drive of my Mariah SX19. I dock the boat in fresh water during the regular season. I know that magnesium and salt water do not mix. I am going to be using the boat in salt water for a few days. It will not be docked in the water. I will be storing it on its trailer. Do I have to worry about changing the anodes for those few days? Or will I be OK, since I am not docking the boat in salt water?

Alexandria, Kentucky

[ A ] It sounds like one of the cylinders isn’t firing. MerCruiser had some issues with ignition wires on engines of this vintage. The easiest way to tell if a wire isn’t properly firing a cylinder is to look at the spark plug. If the porcelain is brown or tan, the plug isn’t firing. Also, pull the plugs, and if you find one that’s all fouled and gunked up, it’s not firing.

Who Does Windows? [ Q ] Boat Doc, last year you answered a question for me, which I appreciated, and now I have a new dilemma. At the end of the winter, I took off one of my port windows, looking to buy two new ones. For the life of me, I cannot find them anywhere. The previous owner somehow broke six of the screws on the windows. Any help finding new or used windows would be appreciated.

DON NEUBAUER

Via email

[ A ] Have you checked eBay, Craigslist or thehulltruth.com? Also, depending on the brand of boat you have, there are many owners-forum websites that are great resources.

Inaccurate Tach [ Q ] Hi Mick. I have a boat powered by a 1995 Mercury High-Performance V-6 outboard. I bought Livorsi gauges for my boat and set the tachometers to V-6, but I’m not getting accurate readings. Where did I go wrong?

BLAKE ADAMS

Raymond, Maine

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B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

TOM RUSSO

Auburn, Pennsylvania

[ A ] If you are keeping it in the water, install zinc or aluminum anodes. If you are hauling every night, simply remove the anodes and replace them when you head back to the lake. We have to err on the side of caution with these kinds of recommendations.

ASK THE DOCTOR Send questions with your name and address to: boatdr@boatingmag.com or The Boat Doctor, Boating, 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL 32789.

NAUTICAL NO-NO

Uncaulked Deck Seams While caulk gets a bad rap (“boatbuilding in a tube” is one pejorative often heard) because it can be used to fill the big gaps that result from poor design or sloppy workmanship, it does have a proper and legitimate use aboard fiberglass boats. That’s why we were distressed to see the complete lack of caulk in the seams surrounding the “soft patch” — a screw-down hatch — in the cockpit sole of this pleasure boat.

As you can see in the photo (right), this brand-new boat already has the seams filled with dust, fasteners and wire cutoffs. The metal may rust, the copper is certain to turn green, and, of course, spray, rain and wash water are going to have an easy time getting into the bilge. Once there, mildew and the corrosion of wiring, clamps, fixtures and fittings will run rampant, especially if the boat is used on coastal waters.

All for lack of a bead of caulk. — K.F.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY LIVORSI, KEVIN FALVEY

MARC HEHN

[ A ] Most likely, the tachometer is set to the wrong switch settings. There’s a choice of engine stamped on the back of the gauge, and many owners of V-6 outboards click that setting, but the switch position is for inboards and sterndrives. Outboards use the number of poles and pulses. Consult the service manual for your specific outboard for this info. Then, look on the back of the gauge for a small, removable black plastic cap. Gently remove it with a small screwdriver and, using a small pointed instrument, set the three switches to the correct position. But before you do any of that, check the ground to the gauge.

([WUDYDJDQFH LV XVXDOO\ FRQWHQW WR PDNH LWV RZQ EROG VWDWHPHQW <HW WKH LPSUHVVLYH &UXLVHUV 6SRUW 6HULHV %RZ 5LGHU LV GHÆ&#x201C; QLWHO\ WKH H[FHSWLRQ Replete with luxurious features and amenities, its advanced styling and thrilling performance bring plenty of attitude to command any water.

With the largest cockpit entertaining-area in its class, and spacious, air conditioned cabin and private head below for all-day exhilaration.

Experience the Cruisers Sport Series difference.

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The Boat Doctor B OAT D O C S P EC I A L

Cover Up THERE’S A LONG AND VARIED LIST OF FACTORS THAT DETERMINE WHICH BOAT COVER IS BEST FOR YOU. HE BOAT COVER PROTECTS YOUR VESSEL’S FINISH, interior and instruments from weather degradation, and helps keep critters out as well. In summer, the cover also helps keep rain out if your boat is kept in the water, preserving your boat’s batteries, bilge pump and, possibly, buoyancy. But is a custom cover worth it, or will an off-the-rack boat cover serve you just as well? Consider these issues.

T

Custom or Stock?

Owners of popular, late-model brand-name boats can purchase custom-fitted covers for their boats at discount prices online.

Type in the year, make and model, and chances are good there’s a cover for your rig for less than half of what it would cost to get a high-quality cover made at a local custom-canvas shop.

For owners of older models or boats built in smaller quantities, or for those who have added accessory tops or towers to their boats, buying an off-the-shelf cover gets chancy. Most vendors offer semicustom covers listed under generic headings like ski boat, bass boat and runabout. This means they sort of fit. This is where paying a local custom shop more money may prove to be the better choice.

What’s It Made Of? Buy the cover that best suits your intended use. If your boat stays outside year-round, then buy a higher-grade cover; it’ll last longer and protect your investment better.

If you have a garage queen that sees the light of day only when you use it, a lesser-quality cover that keeps the dust off will do just fine. Generally, polyester fabrics, like West Marine’s Hot Shot or the ever-popular Sunbrella, will wear better, be less prone to mildew, and last longer than natural fabrics such as cotton or cotton blends. These cost more too.

Cost Considerations We compared some off-the-shelf cover prices against custom quotes from Jill Brinson, owner of M&J Tops in Hampton, Virginia.

Online, covers for boats in the popular 20- to 23-foot range averaged less than $750 in mid2016, while Brinson would charge over $1,000, depending upon the specific customizations required.

Custom-top shops, like M&J Tops in Hampton, Virginia (top), make covers the old-fashioned way: by hand.

Generic boat covers (above) are sold at big-box retailers. These will fit but are not custom-fitted.

That’s no surprise. Do note that custom covers made locally will almost always fit tighter, look better, last longer and have custom features, like cleat flaps, Velcro closures, or vented support poles or access, that mass-produced covers won’t have. Also, Brinson notes: “While a cover from a local shop like ours may cost more than an Internet or mail-order cover, we’re right here, available, and we service what we sell. You can’t get that from a mail-order supplier.” — John Tiger

The cover ordered from an online retailer for a ski boat (generic fit, left) fits too tightly over the rub rails and is difficult to keep in place. For specialty boats, like a wakeboard boat (below, middle), a custom-cover shop is the likely place to go.

For a cockpit or other specialty cover such as a box cover, seat cover and dash/equipment cover, you’ll have to work with a local shop.

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PHOTOS: JOHN TIGER

The Boat Doctor

WEEKEND WORKBOOK

Installing a Tow-Vehicle Air Suspension System AIR LIFT AIR SPRINGS BOLSTER THE REAR SUSPENSION WHILE TOWING My boat and trailer hit the towingcapacity limit of a ½-ton pickup, but a ¾-ton truck is too bulky to serve as my daily driver. Air Lift has a solution that adds stability and improves my 2015 Ford F-150’s ride characteristics when towing my 8,500-pound rig.

The Air Lift Ride Control system

tightened up the ride surprisingly well, leveling the truck and trailer, minimizing bucking when crossing humps such as railroad tracks, and also reducing sway.

Installing this Air Lift took more than two hours, but with the tips below, you’ll be able to

complete the job in even less time. The F-150 installation is the most complex of any of the light trucks on the market; Ram and Chevy are simpler. If you have ever played with Lincoln Logs, Legos or an Erector Set, you will enjoy this project. — Randy Vance

GETTING STARTED SKILL LEVEL

TIME TO COMPLETE

2 HOURS X Kit No. 59570 ($246.38;

autoanything.com) X 3/8-inch end wrench X 3/8-inch socket driver, ratchet

and short extension

X 6-inch adjustable wrench X Bench grinder or hand grinder X Box cutter with a fresh blade

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B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

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1

JOUNCE BUMPERS Set the rear

axle on jack stands and remove the wheels. Remove the jounce bumpers and grind off the flange on the outside edge of each, then paint the bare metal black. This gives clearance for the air bladders.

UPPER BRACKET Attach the upper air-spring brackets with U-bolts. There are cables and brake lines along the frame, so be sure to slide out the U-bolts from inside the frame and under all cables and lines. Bolt the upper bracket finger tight and reinstall the modified jounce bumper through the bottom of the top air-spring bracket.

2

AIR SPRING Bolt the air spring to the bottom bracket. Screw the air fittings into the top of the air spring. Set the spring and lower bracket assembly on the leaf spring directly below the upper bracket and fit the air port through the top bracket. Fasten U-bolts finger tight. Slip the washer and jam nut over the air fitting and tighten finger tight.

3

4

5

Installation Tips X Mark the jounce bumpers right and left on the outside edge so you know which side of the flange to grind off.

X Trim the air lines to perfectly crisp, square ends. If you don’t, the snap connectors may not seal.

We used a new bladed box knife. You can buy a tubing cutter at the hardware store.

ILLUSTRATIONS: TIM BARKER; PHOTO: COURTESY AIR LIFT COMPANY

X The instructions say to mount the Schrader valves in the license-plate area of the bumper, but we actually used the plate’s bottom bolt holes and the drilling was less strenuous.— R.V.

INSTALL AIR LINES Run air lines rearward from each air spring. On the Ford truck, it was easy to slip them between the box frame and the bed corrugations, keeping them safe from road hazards.

If this doesn’t work on your vehicle, use zip ties to secure them to the frame. Ford prefers that no holes be drilled in the aluminum frame and body parts to avoid corrosion from dissimilar metals of screws or fasteners.

SHRADER VALVES Install left and right Schrader

valves through a steel area on the bumper.

Inflate the springs to 5 psi and align them to fit perpendicular to the upper and lower brackets. Torque all the bolts and the jam nuts on top of the air-spring air ports and inflate to 30 psi. Spray soapy water on all the connections, looking for bubbles. Overnight, immediately after installation, the system can lose 2 to 4 psi, but if it loses more than 5 psi, inspect for leaks again.

WirelessAir It is a simple matter to adjust the air springs after hitching the trailer or deflate them to a street-ready level of 5 psi when unhitched. But if you want a more seamless system, WirelessAir (No. 72000, $419.99; autoanything.com) connects to the air springs and maintains the ideal psi for a safe ride. A dualchannel system even allows inflating one side to a higher psi to account for an uneven load. You control it wirelessly from inside the cab. — R.V.

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

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37

High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body Fully boxed, high-strength steel frame Weight savings reinvested to make the truck even stronger The most capable heavy-duty pickup in America* THIS IS THE NEXT LEVEL FORD.COM ///

*Most capable based on best-in-class towing, payload, torque and horsepower when properly equipped.

Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation.

The Boat Doctor

QUICK STUDY

QUICK TIP A bit of fogging oil or winterizing mix might drip out the exhaust over the winter, so put a scrap of cardboard beneath outboards stored

2

Winterizing Outboards Boatyards winterize lots of boats in just a few weeks, so for tips on how to quickly store outboard engines, we went to Thurston’s Marina (thurstonsmarina .com) on Lake Winnipesaukee, which preps 150 outboards against New Hampshire’s brutal winters each fall. — Vincent Daniello Add fuel stabilizer, top off tanks, and run the engine in fresh water for at least 10 minutes. “With the green Sta-bil, it’s easy to see when the additive makes it through all the fuel lines to the fuel filter,” says Assistant Service Manager Nicholas Thurston.

1

Thurston connects a portable tank directly to the motor with his winter-storage blend — 50 percent gasoline with fuel stabilizer, 40 percent fogging oil,

2

the spark plugs to spray oil into each cylinder, and it lubes intake valves and seats. With the engine running, spray for about 45 seconds. You can fog two-stroke outboards by spraying into the carburetors or each sparkplug hole.

plus a bit of two-stroke oil and gasline antifreeze — that protects the fuel system and fogs the motor in five minutes’ running time.

On the lower unit, pull the lower drain plug and check for cloudy, milky or emulsified oil. That indicates it’s mixed with water, which will either freeze and crack the lower unit or pit and ruin steel bearings.

If he uses traditional fogging oil rather than his storage blend on a four-stroke outboard, Thurston disconnects the hose that carries oily air from atop the cylinder head back to the engine’s air intake so he can spray fogging oil into the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve. It’s faster than removing all

“As long as the engine is left vertical, the water will drain out, so there’s no need to run nontoxic antifreeze through the cooling system,” Thurston says.

His yard stores boats on racks, but trailered boats might require digging a hole to drop the skeg in at the stern of the boat.

3

over concrete.

1

4

3

5

Advice for Saltwater Boaters “Flush the engine with fresh water for 20 minutes, then run Salt Away through it to eat up any remaining salt,” says Jim Patnaude, who owns HHB Marine on New Hampshire’s seacoast.

“Grease all the fittings on the tilt assembly, and take the cowling off and spray the entire engine with WD-40 to ward off corrosion on surfaces coated by salt air.” — V.F.D.

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PHOTOS: CAPT. VINCENT DANIELLO

4

- © JJ Bernier / J Kelagopian - 19462 - 07/2016

PERFORMANCE AND ELEGANCE

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LEADER 36

LEADER 46

The Boat Doctor

W H AT T O L O O K F O R

Thrusters

on-off thrusters cost less.

Boatbuilders now offer thrusters on boats as small as 20 feet. Thrusters should not be looked upon as crutches; skippers of tugboats and large yachts use them.

A thruster is simply another tool in the boater’s box. So, if you’re considering installing one, here are some elements you should look for. — Joe Friedman

for most thrusters. It should be an addition to and not take the place of a hard-wired joystick or touch pad. Remote batteries can die at the

REMOTE This is an available option

12-VOLT VS. 24-VOLT A 24-volt thruster will have less current draw when running and, as a result, may be installed with smaller cables.

In general, we recommend 24-volt thrusters be powered via a dedicated bank of two or more batteries.

HYDRAULIC VS. ELECTRIC

INTERNAL VS. EXTERNAL Watercooled, electric-powered external thrusters, like the Yacht Thruster

PROPS Biased props (that look like models at the top of this page, can be run for long periods of time. They may also require less amperage and, thus, fewer batteries. For these reasons, external thrusters are more DIY-friendly to install — though they are not suited for boats capable of very high speeds.

they came off Red October) deliver better thrust than older Kaplan-style propellers. Dual props provide more thrust, though smaller boats will do fine with a single-prop thruster.

THRUST Proportional thrusters cost more but allow finer control: The more you push the joystick, the

A Better Mousetrap?

Installation of the Jet Thruster from Holland Marine Parts involves three 2-inch-diameter holes below the waterline, two valves, a pump and a joystick, and sizes range from 66 to 170 pounds of thrust. Prices vary; usmarineproducts.com — Kevin Falvey

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wrong time, and remotes can mysteriously fall overboard.

LOCATION Measure to be sure the thruster will fit in the available space. The top of the tunnel should, at a minimum, be 75 percent of its diameter below the waterline, preferably up to 1.5 times the diameter.

SHEAR PIN An internal shear pin accessible inside the hull is easier to replace than one located in the tunnel.

Tunnels will suck in poly bags, mooring lines and other potentially pin-busting materials. Forewarned is forearmed.

BOTTOM LINE A 5 hp bow thruster for a 35-foot cruiser might cost $4,000. Small, 2 kW thrusters are available for about $1,100. Installation will vary, but a yard-installed internal thruster could start at $3,500 and go up from there.

PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY YACHT THRUSTER (5), COURTESY US MARINE PRODUCTS

Hydraulic thrusters make sense when the vessel is already equipped with an existing hydraulic system.

Hydraulic thrusters don’t build up heat or cut out like electric models if you lean on the switch too long.

(For an exception, see below.)

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Virtually every boater’s preference is satisfied in the 430 SSC cockpit, from up-front exhilaration in the expansive bow to the flexible coupe design with full-width motorized glass sunroof and triple command seating, to the U-shaped lounge aft with convertible rear-facing sunpad and extended swim platform.

Add to that cabin accommodations which offer surprising amenities previously encountered only in closed bow vessels, including a convertible dinette/sleeping berth, aft stateroom with queen-size Sensus® memory foam bed, private stand-up head compartment, full galley and premium AV entertainment.

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The 430 deep-V hull with FAS 3TECH® multi-step design and quad outboard power delivers the swift, stable Formula performance that is respected worldwide. Go offshore without compromise, in a vessel that so smartly balances purpose with pleasure, where every feature is on target for your needs. Make plans now to experience the best of all worlds – the Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover.

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Tests

( #2976 )

MJM Yachts 40z

T

HE MJM 40Z IS A UNIQUE VESSEL, BORN of experience, refined through the input of active owners, and realized at the highest levels of the boatbuilder’s art. Above the water, its lines take design cues from classic yachts, yet the 40z resides in a class of one, melding blue-blooded looks with the highest degree of functionality. Below the waves, a thoroughly modern hull form and Volvo Penta’s IPS pod propulsion deliver a seakindly experience, combining spirited handling, economy of operation and the dockside confidence provided by joystick control. What else did we learn about this new epoxy-composite-built boat? Read on.

During our testing, the 40z delivered startlingly good fuel efficiency, as our data chart shows, posting 1.2 mpg or better in the cruising NOTEWORTHY range. That kind of performance not only results in thrift at the fuel dock, but it also provides longer range and is environmentally friendly as well. Most cruisers of similar size with conventional inboard or jet power can’t touch this kind of performance; generally, these will not best 0.75 mpg.

The Intrepid 400 C ($415,000 powered by triple Yamaha F350 outboards), however, which we tested with triple Yamaha F350 outboards, did achieve 1.07 mpg at 56.7 mph. The Intrepid has a posh cabin but lacks the private stateroom and split head arrangement found aboard the MJM. One might also look to the Legacy 42 ($842,000 powered by twin 330 hp IPS 450s). This is a larger, heavier, slower boat than the 40z — less a day boat and more a pure two-stateroom cruiser — that reportedly achieves better than 1 mpg.

Besides the efficiency of diesel fuel and pod drives, the MJM 40z can credit its design and build for allowing its owner to pass most fuel docks without pulling in. Designed by Doug Zurn, the 40z features a svelte beam-to-length ratio that, along with other refinements, results in a slippery hull that minimizes resistance while delivering a good ride in a seaway.

The top of the hardtop

provides space for stowing stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other paddle craft, making the MJM 40z a great expedition vessel.

The MJM 40z runs fast and efficiently on its refined hull form. Belowdecks, an inviting cherry interior spans the stateroom to the companionway to the salon.

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PHOTOS: COURTESY MJM YACHTS

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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MJM Yachts 40z

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SCAN ME!

To see a photo gallery of the MJM Yachts 40z, scan this tag or visit boatingmag.com/2976.

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R : POD DRIVE

High Points X Ease of handling is ensured thanks to the IPS joystick and Dynamic Positioning System.

X It’s one of the most fuel-efficient boats of this length that we’ve tested.

X Style, function, durability and confidence are built in.

Low Points X Drain hole needs to be added in the shower shelf. Though the shelf is generously sized, sturdily fastened, and designed to prevent items from sliding off, water will collect and puddle there.

XLOA: 44'2" XBeam: 12'0" XDraft (max): 3'3" XDisplacement (approx.): 18,900 lb.

XTransom Deadrise: 19 degrees XBridge Clearance: 10'0" XMax. Cabin Headroom: 6'6" XFuel Capacity: 350 gal. XMax Horsepower: 860 XAvailable Power: Twin or triple

Yamaha outboards to 1,050 hp total

Price: $1.1 million (with test power) T BOATING Certified Test Results SPEED rpm

knots

mph

gph

900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400 2700 3000 3300 3570

6.65 8.30 9.52 12.56 16.64 20.73 23.20 29.90 33.46 38.00

7.65 9.55 10.95 14.45 19.15 23.85 26.68 34.40 38.50 44.40

1.70 3.50 6.00 4.90 13.00 16.20 21.50 26.00 32.00 41.00

EFFICIENCY naut. stat. n. mi. mpg mpg range

s. mi. range

angle

3.91 2.37 1.59 1.26 1.28 1.28 1.17 1.15 1.04 0.86

1418 860 575 455 464 464 424 417 379 341

0 1 2 5 4 4 4 3 3 2

4.50 2.73 1.83 1.45 1.47 1.47 1.35 1.32 1.20 1.08

1232 747 500 396 403 403 369 362 328 271

OPERATION sound level 75 75 76 78 76 79 79 83 83 86

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Twin 370 hp Volvo Penta D6-370 diesels DRIVE/PROP: IPS drives/T6 bronze IPS propsets GEAR RATIO: 1.96:1 FUEL LOAD: 200 gal. WATER ON BOARD: 12 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 600 lb.

MJM Yachts 401-862-4367; mjmyachts.com

PHOTO: COURTESY MJM YACHTS

The use of epoxy resin, unidirectional reinforcement, and Corecell coring in the hull and deck results in a boat that is lighter in weight yet retains stiffness and strength.

Out on open water, we experienced confident control. It’s no surprise, since this boat is one of only two 40-foot-lengthoverall vessels carrying the ISO CE Category A ocean rating.

(Nordhavn’s 40 is the other.) The MJM 40z tracked well on all points, didn’t hesitate climbing the backs of waves, and was hardly slowed when running in the seas. There was plenty of acceleration on tap, and we couldn’t damp the windshield with salt spray, even when crossing back over our own wake while into the wind and making a sharp turn.

Visibility forward, aft and abeam proved generally excellent.

This is no surprise, since the 40z exceeds the ISO standards for visbility from the helm. Noise is minimized, and we recorded a hushed 78 dBA at the helm while cruising.

With joystick control of the IPS drives, maneuvering the 40z around the dock proved stress-free. Push the button to activate docking mode, tilt the joystick, and the MJM 40z moves in that direction. We slid it sideways, fore and aft, and diagonally, discovering that it can be made to spin 360 degrees in its own length. The joystick controller is proportional. The harder we pushed it, the more power we were provided. A special “high” mode can be entered for really windy days and times when current runs strong.

Another feature, Volvo Penta’s Dynamic Positioning System, provides station keeping. Hit the button and the MJM 40z stays in place with GPS precision.

Finally, our test boat was fitted with the Seakeeper gyrostabilizer. When engaged, the Seakeeper eliminates roll.

Period. Boating’s testing of Seakeeper on numerous boats produced the same roll-taming stability we noted aboard the MJM 40z. The addition of this accessory is worthwhile.

Experienced boat owners will appreciate the MJM 40z’s accommodations. In the morning, we boarded off a floating dock through one of the two hullside doors, which proved convenient. The hardtop geometry also allows getting out of or into the boat from farther forward, so if you have to clamber in via a fixed dock at low tide, you can grab the top, step down onto the gunwale, and clamber through the generously sized openings. This same wide-open access will prove helpful when you are by yourself and need to get a line onto the dock; just step up and out right from the helm.

Such wide-open spaces enable great airflow under the shade of the long top. The cockpit provides luxuriously upholstered, single-level seating for 15. If the weather turns,

just utilize the easy zipper system to secure the side curtains and enjoy the climate-controlled comfort.

Belowdecks, the master stateroom is privatized by a raisedpanel door, features private access to both the head and the shower, and boasts an arrow-shaped berth that provides spacious sleeping yet facilitates boarding from the sides. The split design of the head and shower allows more than one crew member to take care of business at a time. Both are nicely appointed, though we’d like to see a drain hole drilled into the shelf in the shower.

In the salon, a full galley and a dinette convert into a double berth. Curtains deploy to provide privacy for guests.

The yachty interior boasts port lights with powder-coated bezels and matte-finished cherry along the hull sides.

A couple could cruise the MJM 40z, handling it as easily as a smaller boat. Its potential as a day boat is also tough to beat. Arrange a sea trial to discover how it might best suit your boating style. — Kevin Falvey

Time to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moving.

Looks like a storm coming onâ&#x20AC;¦or is it? Nope, moving DZD\ $QG ZKDW DERXW WKDW ERDW" *RRG PRYLQJ R my course, too. But that guy? Hmmm. He could be an issue. I may need to make a move. Better keep an eye on his movements. Good thing I have Fantomâ&#x201E;¢ radar with

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR TIME.

G M R fa n t om â&#x201E;¢ s e r i e s Garmin.com

© 2016 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

Tests

( #2977 )

Regal 29 OBX

T

HIS NEW OUTBOARD-POWERED RUNABOUT restores the promise of smooth-running, reliable power that was nearly suspended by sterndrives.

It was horsepower that gave sterndrives the nod back in the day, but that advantage is now gone as General Motors downsizes engine blocks and replaces them with smaller, more expensive super- and turbo-charged engines that don’t seem to marinize as well as big displacement motors.

Sure, Mercury has scored big with its Verado series, and a pair of them would be a joy to drive on this full-size luxury day boat. But Yamaha got the nod on this transom and for good reason. Yamaha’s newly refined in-line four-cylinder 200s are weight watchers on the scales but have Indy-car muscle on tap at the throttles.

Outboards! Always the luxury builder, Regal has a long tradition of top-shelf engineering, ISO-rated manufacturing processes and innovation — like bringing the first runabout to families with a safely stepped hull for maximum performance from its power plant.

At the helm, we pivoted away from the dock smoothly, a maneuver all dual-engine enthusiasts enjoy immensely. Yet with this vessel, the engines NOTEWORTHY are so closely aligned to the centerline (thanks to the slim 26-inch center mounting) that the OBX would feel equally familiar to those accustomed to single-engine power. Away from the pier, we pushed the throttles forward, stepping the 29 OBX up on plane in only 4.9 seconds. In no time it achieved a 52 mph top speed and glided across the windriffled lake. Still holding at 50 mph, trim down, we cut back through the wake once, then cut the helm to starboard and hit the wakes from the other direction. Then, yet again, we maneuvered to aim at the taller double-up wakes and crushed them without rattling a thing on board, whether it was screwed down or, like our test gear, loose on the deck.

Big-lake sterndrives beware: Here is an outboard ready to challenge the confused washboard wakes of notoriously rough impoundments, especially the temperamental waters of the Chesapeake, Florida’s Big Bend, or anywhere boaters won’t be held back by anything less than dangerous weather.

Regal’s patented FasTrac hull, upon

which the 29 OBX rides, was first developed in 1995.

The Regal 29 OBX charges through chop. The bow lounge is convertible, the captain’s helm is sharp, and the aft cockpit is sociable and functional.

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PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) TOM KING, COURTESY REGAL BOATS (3)

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

49

Regal 29 OBX flipping the bolsters forward. Another adjustment makes them forward-facing lounges, and still another makes them lean to an aft-facing position. To get to the swim platform to boot up a board, step through the walkway between these convertible seats. The platform is astonishingly wide and deep, and clear of engine rigging thanks to Regal’s design to keep it below deck. The ladder is accessible from in or out of the water, adding safety as well as convenience.

Further convenience comes from the useful changing compartment located beneath the passenger helm. Inside, a tempered-glass basin is plumbed with stainless-steel faucets, and a flushing china head nests against a vinyl-upholstered bulkhead. The dark-cherry wood accents are a nice touch.

If you are shopping, another twin-outboard day-boat runabout is the 30-foot Jeanneau Leader 10.5 (starting at $220,000 with twin Yamaha F250s). With a stepped hull, it’s no bowrider, but it features a lounge atop the cabin on its bow. Of course, schedule a demo of the Regal 29 OBX so you can make your own comparison. — Randy Vance

SCAN ME!

50

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R : OUTBOARD

High Points X Electric hatch gives access to hangarlike stowage in the centerline compartment.

X Stowage-compartment hatches are supported on durable scissor hinges that hold them open when needed.

X Outboard rigging runs under the transom platform for clear footing.

Low Points X Decorative coaming pads crowd the passenger-seat cup holders.

X Premium-grade cooler would be more appropriate to the OBX’s high stature.

XLOA: 29'1" XBeam: 9'0" XDraft (max): 2'7" XDisplacement (approx.): 6,550 lb.

XTransom Deadrise: 19 degrees XBridge Clearance: 8'2" XFuel Capacity: 148 gal.

XMax Horsepower: 400 XAvailable Power: Yamaha dual I4 2.8L F200XCAs

Price: $201,120 (with test power) T BOATING Certified Test Results SPEED rpm

knots

mph

gph

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5850

4.61 6.34 7.73 8.86 14.95 23.64 31.20 34.15 39.10 44.06 46.36

5.30 7.30 8.90 10.20 17.20 27.20 35.90 39.30 45.00 50.70 53.35

1.60 2.60 5.00 7.00 8.60 11.00 16.80 19.00 28.00 37.00 39.00

EFFICIENCY naut. stat. n. mi. mpg mpg range

s. mi. range

angle

2.88 2.44 1.55 1.27 1.74 2.15 1.86 1.80 1.40 1.19 1.19

441.2 374.0 237.1 194.1 266.4 329.4 284.6 275.5 214.1 182.5 182.2

0 0 2 5 7 4 3 2 1 1 1

3.3 2.8 1.8 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.1 2.1 1.6 1.4 1.4

383.4 325.0 206.0 168.7 231.5 286.2 247.3 239.4 186.0 158.6 158.3

OPERATION sound level 70.0 70.0 72.0 75.0 82.0 85.0 87.0 90.0 92.0 94.0 96.0

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Twin 200 hp Yamaha 2.8L F200 outboards PROP: Reliance 13¾" x 19" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.86:1 FUEL LOAD: 80 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 600 lb.

Regal Boats Orlando, Florida; 800-US-REGAL; regalboats.com

PHOTO: TOM KING

With the sea trial over, we turned to the helm itself and noted its intrigue. Where were the circular gauges longdemanded by meticulous skippers who monitor speed, rpm, engine temps and all, constantly scanning between the readings and the horizon above? In a nod to their own aviation enthusiasm, the Regal owners designed this helm with a single Garmin touchscreen display, and on it were images of both analog and digital engine gauges. As with modern airplanes so often equipped with Garmin avionics, this display provided navigation, depth and engine functions in a streamlined tribute to modern marine engineering.

And in a further nod to high tech, the OBX’s stereo system

by Fusion is the first to be controlled through that very same display, allowing the skipper to adjust biaxial and subwoofer speakers at the touchscreen, and raise or lower sound levels or change tunes via Bluetooth from any iOS or Android device with equal ease.

So, when we stepped aboard the OBX, we weren’t astonished like others might be at the crisply contoured upholstery. We were impressed, sure, like we were when we noted the brushed steel color of the sea-weave sole mats.

Underneath is a nonskid fiberglass sole as sharp-looking as its removable covering. And we were equally impressed by the way the sole treatment complemented the rich textures and tastefully contrasting colors of the upholstery. Then we sat at the helm and noted its BMW-like firmness with a Cadillac touch of soothing comfort. The helm seat has a flip-up bolster, making room for a standing skipper. It was wide enough for two to share the driving experience in a cozy embrace.

Let’s not waste time discussing the cavernous stowage, but let’s do note the electric lift for the center stern locker that resides where a pair of sterndrives might have. There’s an electric lift on the PowerTower as well, and it boasts a sturdy tow point.

Seats on either side of the deck convert into sun pads by

Watch a video highlighting key features of this boat by scanning this tag or visiting boatingmag.com/2977.

Powerful. Agile. Responsive.

Move almost any trailer with our powerful, compact dolly.

With Stablelock technology, our dolly wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tip, tilt or pivot and is easily controlled with a simple thumb control switch. Our units have the ability to freewheel and smart trailer brakes are an available option for added control.

1-888-926-5517 | www.parkit360.com

Tests

( #2978 )

There’s seating along the transom and both gunwales, with an adjustable backrest on the port console seating so the co-pilot can face forward or backward. Anyone tapped for spotter duty during a tubing, skiing or boarding session will appreciate this handy feature. The full windshield keeps everyone in the main cockpit protected from wind and spray, and the optional sport arch adds shade from the sun.

So you have high expectations in terms of performance?

The Cobalt CS3 does not disappoint. When paired with the 300 hp Volvo Penta sterndrive package, it topped out close to 50 mph. Planing speed was particularly impressive, taking just 2.9 seconds from a dead stop. It reached 30 mph in a zippy 5.5 seconds. That’s a lot of oomph out of the hole. More important for the captain, the boat tracks true at low speeds, carves graceful, sporty turns at 30 mph, and handles any lake chop thrown its way without any discernable pounding, flexing or rattling. — Pete McDonald

MORE ONLINE

Cobalt CS3

AVA I L A B L E P O W E R : STERNDRIVE

T

HE NEW CS3 FROM COBALT BOATS IS TRULY a new design from stem to stern. Cobalt designed the CS3 to be a gateway boat the way the 3 Series is to the BMW line of cars. That is to say, Cobalt did not skimp on quality and performance to build a bowrider with a more affordable sticker price.

You can see that at the dock with the CS3’s sporty profile and graphics. The swim platform extends well aft of the transom and features Cobalt’s signature flip-down swim step. When actuated by a simple stainless-steel lever, the swim step drops down to create a seat or step in the water that makes for easy reboarding after a towing session or a swim at anchor. Note, too, how the swim platform is EXTRA POINT protected on either side by integrated L-shaped fenders — they look like hockey sticks featured Volvo — with stainless-steel rail inserts. These help both firstPenta’s EVC and veteran boaters keep (electronic vessel time their hull sides free from dings control); push in the gelcoat, or worse. Also note there are two transom its Trim Assist walk-throughs, one to either button to autoside of the sun pad mounted matically adjust on the engine hatch, so access to the swim platform and that the boat’s ride. flip-down swim step is quick and easy, with no climbing necessary.

Once inside the cockpit, you’ll note the spacious feel of the interior. Cobalt achieves this with its Free Space Reclamation process during the build, which adds nearly an extra foot of interior width to the cockpit. The process works by shaving excess materials off both the hull and deck in the mold and building to precise tolerances.

Our test model

52

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

To watch our video review of the Cobalt CS3, visit boatingmag.com/2978.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

High Points X Fold-down sport arch is easy to deploy and helps with trailering,

off-season storage, and even going under low bridges on the water.

X New Titanium fabric on the seat cushions gives the boat a sleek,

stylish appearance.

X Flip-down swim step makes reboarding from the water a nonissue.

Low Points X Although entry level by Cobalt standards, it still carries a premium price tag.

X Gauges can be hard to read behind the steering wheel.

Toughest Competitor X Sea Ray’s slightly smaller 230 SLX ($81,254 with a 300 hp MerCruiser 6.2L

Bravo Three sterndrive) is another hot bowrider with options that appeal to the sporty set.

XLOA: 23'8" XBeam: 8'6" XDraft: 3'1" XDisplacement: 3,700 lb. XTransom Deadrise: 20 degrees XBridge Clearance: 6'10" XFuel Capacity: 50 XMax Horsepower: 350 XAvailable Power: MerCruiser or Volvo Penta gasoline sterndrives to 350 hp

Price: $79,212 (with test power) T BOATING Certified Test Results SPEED rpm

knots

mph

gph

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5700

3.91 6.34 7.91 12.69 18.07 23.64 28.59 33.11 36.58 42.67

4.50 7.30 9.10 14.60 20.80 27.20 32.90 38.10 42.10 49.10

1.30 2.20 3.40 4.80 5.60 8.50 10.00 12.00 16.00 23.00

EFFICIENCY naut. stat. n. mi. mpg mpg range 3.01 2.88 2.33 2.64 3.23 2.78 2.86 2.76 2.29 1.86

3.46 3.32 2.68 3.04 3.71 3.20 3.29 3.18 2.63 2.13

135 130 105 119 145 125 129 124 103 83

OPERATION sound level

s. mi. range

angle

156 149 120 137 167 144 148 143 118 96

1 2 4 5 3 2 2 2 2 2

70 72 75 77 79 81 83 84 86 89

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Volvo Penta V-8-300 DRIVE/PROP: G-DP/F6 Duoprop GEAR RATIO: 2.14:1 FUEL LOAD: 20 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 380 lb.

Cobalt Boats Neodesha, Kansas; 620-325-6253; cobaltboats.com

PHOTO: COURTESY COBALT BOATS

®

CURES & PREVENTS ETHANOL FUEL PROBLEMS

• Stabilizes Fuel For Up To 2 Years; Engines Start Easy & Without Smoky Exhaust • Provides Maximum Performance, Even from Ethanol-Blended Fuel • Removes and Prevents Gum, Carbon and Varnish Deposits • Keeps Fuel Injectors and Carburetors Clean • Helps Prevent Phase Separation by Dispersing Water Throughout Fuel as Submicron-Sized Droplets That Can Be Eliminated as the Engine Operates RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN ALL

OUTBOARD & INBOARD ENGINES

SCAN FOR INFO

OTHER RECOMMENDED USES

All logos, registered trademarks and names are the sole and exclusive property of the respective companies indicated above. This product is not connected with or sponsored by any of the named companies.

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Tests

( #2979 )

pivots through three positions to create a lounge or a forwardor aft-facing seat. The transom platform features a step surface forward of the motor well and the wide, four-step boarding ladder and rinsing shower. The E1 XS is also equipped with a ski pylon. A nifty tower is a $7,700 option but also a must for those seeking to enjoy wakeboarding at a higher level.

A six-speaker audio system, Bimini top and canvas covers, LED cockpit and exterior accent lighting, a depth finder and docking lights are also standard equipment.

The E1 XS features the Crownline F.A.S.T. Tab running surface with drag-reducing vented chines and finlike tabs to keep those vents from producing handling quirks. The ride and tracking through lake chop were outstanding. We were really impressed with the fit and finish Crownline has lavished on this boat, and the choices of colors and materials, level of equipment, and tight-and-tidy construction belie this boat’s price. — Charles Plueddeman

Crownline

MORE ONLINE

To see a photo gallery of the Crownline E1 XS, visit boatingmag.com/2979.

E1 XS AVA I L A B L E P O W E R : OUTBOARD

T

HE NEW CROWNLINE E1 XS IS ANOTHER volley fired in the outboard runabout revolution.

This 21-foot-4-inch broad-bow sport boat anchors the five-model Crownline Cross Sport EX line of outboardpowered models. Changes in the way engine maker General Motors does business with boatbuilders is one reason outboards are hot. Demand by boaters is another.

Are outboard runabout sales booming? Crownline says its E4 XS and E6 XS are its best sellers. When the outboardpowered E1 XS was revealed, dealers told Crownline to just drop the similar sterndrive-powered Eclipse E1. To add to the momentum, Crownline is offering the E1 XS packaged with a Mercury 150 FourStroke, a tandem-axle EXTRA POINT trailer and some nice extras for just $44,995.

Crownline created the E1 XS by modifying the transom of the Eclipse E1 so Crownline coats that it would accommodate the inner hull outboard power. From the surface with transom forward there’s actually little difference GatorHyde, a in layout. Because it durable polyureincorporates the sun lounge and rear-seat base, the thane/polyurea E1 XS even retains what material similar had been the sterndrive to a truck-bed motor box, now converted liner that creates a into a nifty stowage with a slightly cushioned, compartment smooth liner. A pop-off nonslip surface panel in the back of this compartment provides in the ski locker access to aft rigging and and underseat to the mounts for dual compartments. batteries. The seat backrest

Before installing the deck,

54

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

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High Points X Standard ski pylon keeps a towline well above the outboard cowl and is

anchored to the stringers.

X Windshield sweeps air over the driver and front-seat passenger.

X Outboard power is smooth, quiet and efficient.

X It’s a tremendous bang for $45,000.

Low Points X Service access to the batteries is challenging.

X Standard 25-quart cooler might be OK for a couple but won’t service

a family.

X Skids just a little in turns rather than biting the water.

Toughest Competitor X Sea Ray’s SPX 210 OB starts at $41,027 with a 150 hp Mercury outboard

and a dual-axle trailer.

XLOA: 21'4" XBeam: 8'6" XDraft (max): 2'9" XDisplacement (approx.): 3,935 lb.

XTransom Deadrise: 19 degrees XBridge Clearance: 4'9" XFuel Capacity: 27 gal.

XMax Horsepower: 200

Price: $44,995 (with test power) T BOATING Certified Test Results SPEED rpm

knots

mph

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5650

0.00 5.47 6.34 7.99 16.08 21.12 26.07 31.20 33.89 0.00 39.01

0.00 6.30 7.30 9.20 18.50 24.30 30.00 35.90 39.00 43.30 44.90

gph

EFFICIENCY naut. stat. n. mi. mpg mpg range

s. mi. range

0.00 #DIV/0!#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

1.50 3.65 4.20 89 102 2.40 2.64 3.04 64 74 3.70 2.16 2.49 53 60 4.90 3.28 3.78 80 92 5.30 3.98 4.58 97 111 6.80 3.83 4.41 93 107 8.80 3.55 4.08 86 99 10.70 3.17 3.64 77 89 14.00 0.00 3.09 0 75 14.30 2.73 3.14 66 76

OPERATION sound level

angle 0 3 5 8 9 5 5 4 4 4 4

0 70 72 73 82 78 81 83 84 85 85

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Single 150 hp Mercury 150 FourStroke DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 145/8" x 17" 3-blade stainless steel GEAR RATIO: 1.92:1 FUEL LOAD: 14 gal.

CREW WEIGHT: 370 lb.

Crownline Boats West Frankfort, Illinois; 618-937-6426; crownline.com

PHOTO: COURTESY CROWNLINE BOATS

I d o n â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t n e e d h e l p .

84% of fatal drowning victims are reported as not wearing a life jacket.

YO U R N E X T E XC U S E , C O U L D B E YO U R L A S T.

BOATINGMAG.COM/BOATINGSAFETY

Tests

( #2980 )

Premier 250 Solaris RF The 250 Solaris RF is Premier’s most popular pontoon model, which shows you that despite all the innovations in speed, size, shape and handling, many people are just looking for a ’toon to take on a relaxing ride. The Premier 250 Solaris RF is an excellent choice for that objective.

Our test model sported the traditional twin-tube construction and featured a

WE SAY

115 hp Evinrude outboard. While we did not exceed 30 mph, we enjoyed a comfortable, safe and secure ride. The RF in the model name stands for “rear facing,” which describes the furniture arrangement abaft the luxurious helm and co-pilot chairs. The twin opposing couches both feature rear-facing backrests that create an ideal spot to kick back and relax.

At the wheel, the captain enjoys an expanded view thanks to the fiberglass Liberty Sport helm, which is elevated 4 inches above the deck. The standard in-dash Garmin Striker 5 aids navigation. Both the captain and passenger seats have flip-down armrests.

With three boarding gates — bow, stern and portside midship — invited guests will have no problem climbing aboard. The pearl hammered rails give the 250 Solaris curb appeal, as does the Coastal flooring underfoot. The bow couch and love seat have forwardfacing backrests, so the view is good from there too. — Pete McDonald

WHO’D WANT ONE A family looking for a safe, relaxing pontoon model with a quality build.

Lowe offers the Infinity 250 RFL, which starts at $50,108 with a Mercury 150 OptiMax.

ANOTHER CHOICE

BOTTOM LINE

$50,869 with test power;

pontoons.com T BOATING Certified Test Results SPEED rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 5700

EFFICIENCY OPERATION naut. stat. n. mi. s. mi. sound gph mpg mpg range range angle level

knots mph 2.95 4.34 5.65 6.95 9.12 12.25 14.86 17.47 18.94 21.03 23.29

3.40 5.00 6.50 8.00 10.50 14.10 17.10 20.10 21.80 24.20 26.80

0.40 0.60 1.10 1.70 2.50 4.50 5.30 6.80 8.20 9.20 10.50

7.39 7.24 5.13 4.09 3.65 2.72 2.80 2.57 2.31 2.29 2.22

8.50 199 8.33 196 5.91 139 4.71 110 4.20 99 3.13 74 3.23 76 2.96 69 2.66 62 2.63 62 2.55 60

230 225 160 127 113 85 87 80 72 71 69

1 2 2 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1

69 70 72 73 74 76 77 81 82 83 84

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

XLOA: 25'5" XBeam: 8'6" XDraft: 2'10" XDisplacement: 2,550 lb. XFuel Capacity: 30 gal.

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: 115 hp Evinrude E-Tec PROP: 14" x 11" 3-bladed aluminum GEAR RATIO: 2.00:1 FUEL LOAD: 10 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 380 lb.

joYSTICK CONTROL PACKAGE

ENJOY JOYSTICK CONTROL OF YOUR BOAT!

THRUSTER + JOYSTICK PACKAGE External Stern Thruster Joystick Control System LCD Panel Display

EASY TO INSTALL ON ANY BOAT! ALMOST 10,000 SYSTEMS INSTALLED! ON 180+ BRANDS OF BOATS Wireless Remote Available

PHOTO: COURTESY PREMIER

Bass Cat Jaguar The Jaguar is Bass Cat’s latest model and the finest extension of its performance DNA. On pad, the Jaguar can hit 80 mph with a modest load of fuel, one angler and three deep-cycle trolling-motor batteries. Just jump it up on plane in a negative trim position to about 45 mph. When throttled up, feed in trim to let the rpm climb to wideopen throttle. Once on pad, the Jaguar

PHOTO: COURTESY BASS CAT

WE SAY

is stable and steady, thanks to its rigid construction accomplished with a fullbeam, compression-molded composite transom and a stringer grid vacuum molded into the hull.

While the Jag’s performance and ride are solid and rugged, the angler is pampered with amenities: bucket seats for two, a center seat for a third angler, and lush, durable and washable 24-ounce marine carpet of the highest grade. Open the forward center hatch and a scissor storage system practically hands you tackle boxes so you don’t have to get down on your knees to grab them.

Bass Cat is for serious anglers only and even includes a well-designed locker aft of the seats to store a spare trolling motor and additional gear.

Digital switching is water-resistant for long life and easy operation, plus Bass Cat rigs its boats with premium stereo equipment and leaves plenty of space on the dash and at the bow for the largest GPS/sonar displays.

— Randy Vance

Tests

WHO’D WANT ONE Serious fishermen who want performance and fishability.

Charger’s new 210 Elite ($74,995 with a Verado 300) is lightning fast and has padded decks.

ANOTHER CHOICE

BOTTOM LINE

$97,597 (as tested);

basscat.com T BOATING Certified Test Results SPEED rpm 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 6000 6400

knots mph 4.48 6.21 6.86 7.91 24.98 30.76 35.98 43.88 50.36 60.96 68.13 69.91

5.15 7.15 7.90 9.10 28.75 35.40 41.40 50.50 57.95 70.15 78.40 80.45

EFFICIENCY OPERATION naut. stat. n. mi. s. mi. sound gph mpg mpg range range angle level 1.23 2.13 3.27 5.13 7.03 7.97 10.60 13.23 15.53 18.77 25.87 30.63

3.63 2.91 2.10 1.54 3.55 3.86 3.39 3.32 3.24 3.25 2.63 2.28

4.18 3.35 2.42 1.77 4.09 4.44 3.91 3.82 3.73 3.74 3.03 2.63

173 139 100 73 169 184 162 158 155 155 126 109

199 160 115 85 195 212 186 182 178 178 145 125

1 2 5 7 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

67 73 73 73 85 86 87 93 92 93 94 95

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

XLOA: 21'5" XBeam: 7'10" XDisplacement (approx.): 2,150 lb.

XFuel Capacity: 53 gal.

HOW WE TESTED ENGINE: Mercury Verado 350 DRIVE/PROP: 14" x 26" Fury GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 35 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 180 lb.

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MasterCraft Dockstar DOES MASTERCRAFT DOCKSTAR MAKE INBOARD-POWERED TOW BOATS MANEUVER LIKE STERNDRIVES AND OUTBOARDS IN REVERSE?

T

HE WIND PINNED THE STARBOARD SIDE OF THE MASTERCRAFT I was testing against the dock. For most single-inboard-powered boats, clearing the dock would require the use of a spring line or lots of inelegant pushing and shoving. But since this boat was equipped with MasterCraft’s new Dockstar system, I simply spun the wheel to port and backed away without hitting the dock, doing so just as easily as when running an outboard or sterndrive.

In forward gear, a watersports boat’s propeller delivers a steady flow of water over the rudder, producing agile, spirited handling. Shift into reverse and that rudder is effectively nullified.

There’s nothing forward of the prop to deflect prop wash and no vectored thrust as with outboards and sterndrives, so no matter which way the wheel is turned, the boat backs effectively in only one direction, which is determined by prop torque, the directional force created by the spinning propeller. Now MasterCraft brings us Dockstar, a steering enhancement intended to make maneuvering an inboard in reverse easier.

Dockstar adds a pair of smaller rudders forward of the propeller.

These flanking rudders, as they are called aboard large yachts and ships, are each half the size of the primary rudder and operate in

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unison. They flank the driveshaft and fall within the propeller’s perimeter to direct prop wash and provide the sideways force necessary for more precise turning. The system is available as an option on multiple MasterCraft models.

I tested two Dockstar-equipped boats on Lake Tellico adjacent to

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

ways force that results in the boat actually turning more quickly.

Drag may be increased slightly.

A patent is pending on the system, a patent that MasterCraft MasterCraft’s Tennessee factory claims is broad enough to prevent and can vouch for the system’s competitors from easily jumping handling prowess. Most notable on the bandwagon. Still, the is that Dockstar is, ultimately, not company prefers to keep its cards all that noticeable in use. In addi- close to its chest. Reps did not tion to having the ability to back allow us to view details of the patto either side as described above, ent, publish actual measurements I also backed the boat into a slip of the Dockstar rudders and their and spun it — to port — roughly location on the hull bottom, nor within its own length. reveal a piece of engineering Yet does Dockstar truly deliver that’s key to the system’s success. the handling of a sterndrive or Bottom line, however, is it outboard? No, it’s hard to beat works surprisingly well. Reverse vectored thrust. But it’s close and maneuverability worries may have will certainly remove the stigma kept some boaters from buying that has long plagued inboards. inboard tow boats, despite their Forward handling at speed did strengths. With Dockstar, not appear hampered. In fact, the MasterCraft may have found a inboard Dockstar rudder deflects way to maneuver around the water to create an additional side- objections. — Jeff Hemmel

Davis Instruments Lube II Designed for both cable and hydraulic outboard steering systems, Lube II seals the steering rod and lets you easily lubricate the assembly with Davis Instruments’ Max-Lube. The system includes a stainless-steel lubricating nut with an oil seal and a Zerk fitting. $34.99 (including lube); overtons.com — Jim Hendricks

PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY MASTERCRAFT, COURTESY DAVIS INSTRUMENTS

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day season. It doesn’t even have to be something from the pages of this guide. If you really want one of the six boats we’ve tested in this issue, for example, circle it with a pen and see what happens. Happy holidays!

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Somebody started a landslide trend in thermal glasses because, well, apparently, when our boat’s at the dock or on the hook, we drink sooooo slowwwly. If you’re a stand-up guy, the most annoying martini is the one that got warm in your glass while you sipped it responsibly. We’d chill the Chasertini in the freezer, then add any libation and count on it to remain cold until tomorrow. $44.99; shoporca.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OUTDOOR RECREATION COMPANY OF AMERICA

ORCA CHASERTINI GLASS

Engel 30-ounce Cerakote Tumbler This tumbler is treated with Cerakote, a ceramic coating that adds durability and resistance to corrosion, chemicals and UV light to the stainless-steel cup. A rubberized base prevents slippage, but if your mug does take a tumble, the Ketch-It lid ensures a

liquid-tight seal, even when holding the cup upside down. It comes in various colors. $49.99; westmarine.com

Engel High-Performance 25 QT Cooler Distinctive, this cooler is roto-molded for toughness and durability. It’s filled

with 2 inches of insulation in the lid and on the sides and bottom to retain ice for up to 10 days. The allsilicon gaskets create an airtight seal that is durable and will never lose its shape. It’s sold exclusively at West Marine. $239.99; westmarine.com

West Marine Blanket

PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER (6), COURTESY ICOM AMERICA (VHF RADIO)

Whether used as a lap warmer or for snuggling in on a cold wintry night, these refined blanket sizes are conveniently suited for indoor and outdoor usage.

They’re machine washable for easy care and repeated use. Available designs are Frost Gray, Tidepool, and Nautical Knots Blue. $29.99; westmarine.com

ACR GLOBALFIX V4

ICOM M93D HANDHELD VHF

Beacons save lives and may be the best gift you can give. The ACR GlobalFix V4 is a floating EPIRB with GPS for ultimate precision and operates on the 406 and 121.5 MHz frequencies. Available as Category I (hydrostatic) and Category II (manual), it will operate for 48 hours. $500 and $400, respectively; acrartex.com

This newest handheld VHF radio from Icom packs the features boaters need, including exclusives such as Float and Flash, Aqua Quake, and active noise canceling, which have proven themselves in use during dozens of Boating photo shoots. It also includes built-in digital selective calling. $349.99; westmarine.com

BODY GLOVE PERFORMER 11 ISUP Everybody needs a stand-up paddleboard to tool around on, but not everyone can fit one on his boat. Enter this inflatable SUP designed by GoPro Games champion boarder Luke Hopkins. Stow it on board to inflate when ready. $899; bodyglove.com

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Here are three lures just begging to be tossed in front of stripers, hybrids and white bass: the Magic Swimmer is weighted to sink quickly, and its jointed body twerks up a strike; the Flat Shad is ideal for jerking off the bottom for hybrids and white bass; and twitch the suspending Stick Shad for berserk action just below the surface. $14.99, $6.99, $9.99, respectively; sebile.com

SIMRAD GO9 XSE SONAR, RADAR, PLOTTER BUNDLE

Who says you can’t bring your precious vinyl collection on your boat? Just bring this portable turntable too, throw on an old record when you’re at anchor, and enjoy that crisp analogue coming out of the internal speakers. When not in use, it folds into a bag with a shoulder strap. $89.99; crosleyradio.com

Designed for smaller boats, the GO series provides powerful navigation functionality in an easy-to-use-and-install format. For a limited time, special packages are available.

This bundle includes a TotalScan transducer, 3G radar and Navionics+ chart card. $2,499; westmarine.com

Innova Kayak Inflatable Solar 410 C

Lander Powell iPhone 7 Case

Inflatable kayaks used to be glorified pool toys, but the latest offerings, such as this Innova, let you bring a boat on board in a bag. Yep, stow the ’yak out of the way when you’re enjoying your big boat.

When you’re at anchor and want to go exploring in skinny water, inflate the Innova and you’re good to go. $759; innovakayak.com

You just blew some cash on the latest iPhone, so why risk damaging it on board? Made for mountain climbers, this case offers military-grade drop protection if the phone slips out of your hand on deck. Lander Powell also offers an iPhone 7 Plus case for $5 more. $34.95; lander.com

Cuda Titanium-Bonded Snips Shears are great tools for cutting bait and fishing line.

Cuda Tools’ titanium-bonded 8-inch snips are three times harder than untreated steel and will stay sharper for a longer period of time.

There’s also an internal spring system, integrated wire cutters, microserrated edge for increased cutting performance, and nonslip grips. $19.54; cudabrand.com 62

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GRUNDENS ELASTIC BELT No one likes droopy drawers, an affliction that seems to grow exponentially worse with age.

So give the old boater on your gift list a Grundens elastic belt. The quick-connect snap buckle is adjustable and the belt stretches, so it will fit a wide range of waist sizes. The bright-orange Grundens logo is the cool new fashion brand for boaters and anglers. $8.99; lfsmarineoutdoor.com

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PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER (6), COURTESY CROSLEY RADIO (TURNTABLE), COURTESY INNOVA KAYAK, COURTESY LANDER (IPHONE CASE)

SEBILE LURES

CROSLEY CR1806 MESSENGER PORTABLE TURNTABLE

Canyon Quest Backpack Cooler This backpack cooler is soft but rugged. Made from raftgrade tarpaulin, it even resists bottle-cap scars. Special IceSkin insulation keeps ice for days. The roll-top, waterproof seal, tie down, and lashing points make it perfect for boaters. There are two sizes: 22.5 by 10 by 7 inches and 32 by 13 by 11 inches. $100 and $150, respectively; canyoncoolers.com

ScotteVest System 8.0

Marmot PreCip Jackets

There are 43 specially formed pockets for everything — your MacBook Air, iPhone, sunglasses, wallet, passport, keys, snacks, water bottle, notebook, pens — along with dedicated storage features, and RFID protection for your wallet. The fleece zips into the shell, and the sleeves zip off. $325; scottevest.com

Available in men’s and women’s styles, Marmot weaves its latest technology — NanoPro — into the PreCip jacket line. These seamtaped jackets are lightweight, waterproof and breathable. Perfect for the boat and the boater, they’re available in a range of sizes and a variety of colors. $100; westmarine.com

INavX app This may be the most powerful, seamless navigation app we’ve tested. Download NOAA raster charts and navigate by contours, markers, and all the detail you’d expect on a chart plotter. Set a course and navigate to it.

PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER (10), COURTESY SCOTTEVEST (SYSTEM 8.0 JACKETS), COURTESY INAVX (APP SCREEN)

OLUKAI PEHUEA These OluKai Pehuea look and fit great, and have a grippy sole and a mesh top. These slip-ons feature a dual density foot bed for utmost foot support and comfort. $80; westmarine.com

A navigation bar provides data, like speed over ground, course, ETA and more.

Here’s the deal maker: INavX even allows you to download and overlay weather radar, satellite SSTs, and other grib data at will. $24.99; INavX.com

MOB+ WIRELESS ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH Install this wireless device alongside your kill lanyard and slip on the sensor wristband, and the boat will stop if you fall in the water. Solo anglers can move about the boat, adjust lines or reel in fish and never worry about being left behind if they fall overboard. $199 (additional FOBs $39.99); buy.fellmarine.com

OLUKAI NOHEA MOKU, FOG/CHARCOAL (MEN’S)

SPERRY FOWL WEATHER CHUKKA, NAVY (MEN’S)

SPERRY DUCK BOOT, SEA CREATURES (WOMEN’S)

The Nohea Moku features an elastic lacing system for easy on and off, and bootee stretch construction. $95; westmarine.com

Sperry’s Wave Comfort foot system enhances comfort. Trademarked wave-siping delivers great traction. $89.99; westmarine.com

These duck boots have a microfleece lining, rawhide lacing with rustproof eyelets, and a nonmarking sole. $120; westmarine.com

TEVA PAJARO THONG, BROWN (MEN’S)

REEF ROVER CATCH, MINT (WOMEN’S)

This rugged thong cradles your feet with a molded top sole and extra-wide strap. Shoc Pad technology ensures traction and support. $55; westmarine.com

These sandals have a Nubuck strap and moisture-wicking jersey-mesh liner.

Reef’s Swellular technology gives comfort. $45; westmarine.com

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WILEY X WX BOSS

Real Deal Brazil Belem Backpack Tough, water-resistant and versatile in a rugged, casual style, the Belem backpack, made from recycled Brazilian cargo tarps proven over thousands of highway miles, says you’re not a fresh-off-theshelf boater. External pockets can hold phones, tablets and charts. The divided interior is great for beach towels, a change of clothes and other gear. Tuck your laptop and office gear in it to travel. $79.99 (plus shipping); realdealbrazil.com

Real Deal Brazil Hat Real Deal Brazil hats have been everywhere with us, from the UK to Arkansas bass waters and the Cape Canaveral coast to Havasu Lake, Arizona — everywhere.

They’re the best things that ever happened to recycled truck tarps, and the best sun and rain protection we’ve ever had. Smart, casual and clearly not off the shelf, they beat straw cowboy hats to pieces. Order by your hat size or head circumference. Fit is guaranteed. $39.99 (plus shipping); realdealbrazil.com

BODY GLOVE 3T BAREFOOT WATER SHOES These waterproof shoes are designed to fit your feet like a glove. They have a rugged grippy sole, an integrated drainage system, and a three-toe design that allows your big toe and index toe to move independently like they would if you were shoeless. $59.99; bodyglove.com

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IRON SMOKE WHISKEY

PAPA’S PILAR RUM

We knew this whiskey would make its mark on lovers of brown liquors. Iron Smoke is distilled from local grain sour mash, some of which is applewood smoked to lend its unique flavor. It’s buttery smooth now, but we can’t wait to see what a couple more years in the barrel will do for it. Drop anchor and take a sip. $38; ironsmokewhiskey.com

We tested this gift ourselves and can say it’s worthy of evoking the name of Ernest Hemmingway’s boat. With ingredients sourced from Florida, Central America and the Caribbean, we knew it would be a treat. Now available in special nautical gift packaging. Papa would be proud. $30 (light), $40 (dark); papaspilar.com

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PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER (3), COURTESY GARMIN (CAMERA), COURTESY WILEY X (SUNGLASSES), COURTESY REAL DEAL BRAZIL (BACKPACK AND HAT)

Garmin Virb Ultra 30 Tell this camera to start or stop recording and remember the best take. Its highly sensitive mic records sound and takes orders in or out of the dive case. Threeaxis image stabilization makes amateur video look professional, 1080p and 4K video are stunning, and you can live-stream with it via your smartphone or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Myriad accessories were simultaneously released to accommodate any shooting style. $499; garmin.com

The matte-black frame and polarized Venice Gold Mirror lenses provide the durability, good looks, protection and crystal-clear vision boaters require for comfort — and safe navigation.

Patented Facial Cavity climate control keeps out dust, wind and reflected light. $150; wileyx.com

standard DeWalt accessories. $17.59 for a 21/8-inch hole saw; acmetools.com

GSI Outdoors Microlite 500 Vacuum Bottle

DeWalt Flexvolt Carbide Hole Saw DIY boaters will love DeWalt’s carbide wood-cutting hole saws. Part of the new Flexvolt accessory line, the saws range from 13/8 to 61/4 inches in diameter. The thin kerf design minimizes chipping while the self-feed pilot bit provides fast drilling speed. The new line is engineered to deliver more holes per charge than

In the winter, fill it with hot coffee. In the summer, fill it with your favorite ice-cold beverage. Either way, the stainless-steel Microlite 500 will keep what’s inside hot or cold for up to eight hours while you cruise, fish, board or whatever. $25.95; gsioutdoors.com

Garmin GPSMap 78 SC

PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER (5), ZACH STOVALL (FUSION), COURTESY STRIKER CONCEPTS (FLASHLIGHT), COURTESY MIZCO CORPORATION (RE-FUEL DIGIPOWER BOTTLE)

Waterproof? Check. Floats?

Check. Full-color chart plotting?

Check! The Garmin GPSMap 78 SC is a full-featured GPS and plotter, and includes built-in Blue Charts, a high-sensitivity receiver, molded rubber side grips, and a microSD slot for loading more charts. Expect 20 hours of use from two AA batteries. $349.99; garmin.com

WEEGO 44 JUMP STARTER Equip the boater on your gift list with the Weego 44 Jump Starter for gas engines up to 6.4 liters or diesels up to 3.2 liters. It features a waterproof, compact lithium-polymer battery pack and Smart Clamps that easily attach to a boat’s battery terminals. A USB port accommodates mobile devices, a 12-volt port powers accessories, a 19-volt port quickly charges laptops, and there’s a 500-lumen LED flashlight. $149.99; myweego.com

STRIKER BAMFF FLASHLIGHT

FUSION STEREOACTIVE A hot holiday gift is the portable Fusion StereoActive. It secures onto any craft, including kayaks, and features built-in Bluetooth connectivity, an AM/FM radio and a rubberized keypad. The PuckIt system lets you mount the StereoActive onto any surface. An optional waterproof ActiveSafe box keeps valuables such as your mobile phone dry. Available in red, white or blue accent colors. $299.99, plus $99 for ActiveSafe; westmarine.com

Can’t find what you need on board? Shed some light on the situation with a Striker BAMFF flashlight. It comes in three models: the 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0.

All sport dual Cree LED heads, aircraft-grade aluminum bodies, and waterproof construction ideal for boating. $39.99 for the 4.0; strikerconcepts.com

SUPER ZINGER GEAR KEEPER WITH CARABINER The Super Zinger Gear Keeper with Carabiner keeps your pliers, knife, scissors and keys more secure and ready for use. The carabiner clip is the same type used by mountaineers, so you can trust it. The retractable Spectra line extends 3 feet and holds 40 pounds. $12.99; gearkeeper.com

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RE-FUEL DIGIPOWER BOTTLE This little unit combines a portable water bottle with an IPX4 waterproof Bluetooth speaker so you can save storage space on board.

It supports MP3, WMA and WAV file formats, and also works with a microSD card. Play your tunes while sipping your drink and keep cool in two ways. $29.99; re-fuel.com

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RARE FORMS Six amazing hull designs you’ll never (or rarely) see in recreational boats BY DEAN TRAVIS CLARKE

THE AMERICAN BOATING CONSUMER BEARS A REMARKABLE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE WHEN IT COMES TO WANTS AND NEEDS.

A

cursory glance at the lines of most boats proves that profiles haven’t changed dramatically over the past 60 or so years.

Certainly, construction methods such as resin infusion and injection molding have altered business as usual, and ingredients have also changed to include all manner of space-age composites, epoxies,

paints, computer mapping for engines that produces vastly greater horsepower from smaller blocks, and so on. Even propulsion has changed with the advent of pod drives and big outboards. But here’s the weird part: Any time a designer or builder introduces a model that looks significantly different, whether it is Euro-styled or functionally clunky, it fails. It doesn’t matter how well the boat performs, the typical boater rejects it because it doesn’t look like what he knows. We, as an enthusiast niche involving boats, are horribly set in our aesthetic ways.

Look at how well multihulls handle heavy seas. When it comes to seakeeping ability, efficiency and performance, the catamaran has a lot going for it, as anyone who happened to catch some of the most recent America’s Cup racing can attest. And yet, to date, production multihulls have enjoyed only moderate acceptance by boaters.

Here are six of the latest hull-design innovations and technologies being used elsewhere in the maritime world that we will likely never accept for our recreational boats — even though they all work well.

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Ulstein X-Bow, an innovative hull design from Norway. Find out why this unique hull is so cool on page 71.

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PHOTO: COURTESY ULSTEIN GROUP

Is this boat backward? No, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an

WavePiercing Hulls Most accounts cite wave-piercing technology as coming on the scene around the start of the 20th century.

However, it has been employed as far back as the times of the Phoenicians and ancient Romans.

The design concept consists of a bow with little buoyancy, a hull that slopes inward from the waterline and, ergo, a large reduction in wavemaking resistance.

While it works well in heavy seas, the drawbacks include reduced interior volume forward and a very wet ride because the waves come up and over the bow as a matter of course.

Wave piercers fell out of favor for a period of time due to these same drawbacks but have recently enjoyed a resurgence of popularity because of their dramatic fuelefficiency gains.

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Stepped Hulls

Asymmetrical Twin Hulls This unique design concept comes from the drawing board of Larry Graf, the pioneer who put power catamarans on the map here in the U.S. when he founded Glacier Bay Boats in 1987. His new company, Aspen Powerboats, employs a cat design where one hull is narrower (35 percent) than the other. His patent calls it a Power Proa, and it relies on a single engine in only the wider of the two hulls. The hull shapes, alignment and placement compensate for the offset propulsion thrust, allowing the vessel to run straight and true. With only one set of running gear in the water, inherent appendage drag is reduced by 20 percent.

Combined with the efficiency of the hull designs, overall fuel efficiency of the Aspen rises to an impressive 70 percent over monohulls of comparable size. Aspen won an award for the best 30- to 39-foot catamaran in the world in 2014.

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) COURTESY MULTIMARINE, COURTESY ASPEN POWER CATAMARANS, COURTESY REGAL MARINE

OK, this hull form has achieved a certain level of acceptance in our recreational boats, mostly in performance boats or offshore center consoles.

But why isn’t it more popular? The stepped bottom has been around as a V-bottom refinement since at least 1912. Steps are grooves in the hull stretching outward from the keel to the chines. Most hulls sport one or two steps per side. And a vessel should really be capable of cruising in excess of about 30 knots for a stepped hull to be worthwhile. Steps work by allowing air to be “injected” against the running surface, breaking contact between part of the hull and the water, which in effect turns the running surface into numerous short, wide planes, rather than one long, narrow one.

How much the hull surface contacts the water directly determines the amount of drag a hull suffers. Steps (also called vents) decrease the amount

of hull contacting the water (called the wetted surface), thereby decreasing drag, increasing speed for the same horsepower, and increasing fuel efficiency.

It all sounds good.

But steps also come with potential drawbacks.

Though modern deep-V designs have enough deadrise to counteract the problem in most cases, stepped hulls have been known to suffer from transom slide in sharp turns at speed. They also require attention to loading and trim because the steps need the proper angle of attack to function correctly; they don’t offer an advantage in flat, calm water; and they require a special trailer.

Most owners of steppedhull vessels are experienced and want to travel at high speeds in moderate to heavy seas, and/or achieve good economy and range. Yet to date, performance and center console builders aside, only Regal Boats, with its FasTrac hulls, and Formula have committed to using steps in production cruisers and sport boats.

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SWATH

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designs include the fact that each hull must be custom designed. Draft runs deeper than standard hulls (especially planing hulls).

The underwater “torpedoes”

providing buoyancy must run parallel to the water’s surface, which requires a fairly complex trimcontrol system. And the underside of the deck must

be far enough above the sea surface to avoid waves slamming up into it. Finally, SWATH vessels cost more to design and build than conventional hulls.

Hydrofoils Once the strict province of commercial ferries and a few high-speed military vessels, the most recent America’s Cup has spurred hydrofoil acceptance to new heights. Will it catch on with powerboats?

The hydrofoil design acts exactly like an airplane wing, providing more lift than the drag coefficient the vessel produces, thereby lifting the entire hull out of the water. Only the hydrofoils remain in the water, unaffected by surface wave action. In fact, hydrofoils cut inherent resistance to zero while the hull is out of the water. In the case of power-driven boats, you still suffer drag from the propulsion system (prop, shaft or the like).

The most significant disadvantage to this system on recreational boats is definitely the deployment of the foils. Unless you want the added draft of these struts sticking down below your hull all the time, you must be able to extend and withdraw them — a complex engineering feat.

There is at least one recreational powerboat employing hydrofoils: Twin Vee builds a catamaran with foils that don’t actually lift the hulls completely out of the water. It does improve fuel economy and ride stability nonetheless. Still, boats ride more smoothly in a sea and go much faster with hydrofoils. With the dramatic acceptance of this technology in sailing, is it only a matter of time before recreational powerboats incorporate foils into their designs?

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PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/DR. LOTHAR GINZKEY, COURTESY ULSTEIN GROUP/MARIUS BECK, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/ARNOWINTER

A quick glance might lead you to believe that a SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) vessel is a catamaran. And it is but only to the extent that it has two hulls in the water with a bridge across the top.

But that’s where the hulls’ similarities end.

Consider a submarine.

Once under the surface, it runs stable, with no roll or pitching from wave action. All that wave energy remains on the sea surface.

That basically explains how a SWATH design functions.

If you’ve ever dived under a wave at the beach to avoid being smacked by it, you know that the water beneath the wave is calmer. SWATH minimizes a vessel’s volume where the water meets the air (which is where all the wave energy is at its peak).

The bulk of the vessel’s displacement and buoyancy runs beneath the waves, affording amazing stability, even in big seas and at high speeds. Please think of high speeds as a relative term here, as this is not a planing hull. What SWATH does provide, however, are a wide, stable deck and unsurpassed ride quality, especially in rough seas.

Drawbacks to SWATH

Ulstein X-Bow The Norwegian Ulstein Group has been designing offshore vessels since 1917. Presently, it has the notoriety of creating the most advanced bow design in history. The Ulstein X-Bow looks like it might be upside down, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proven itself in more than 100 offshore support vessels to date. The X-Bow allows higher speeds and smoother rides in even the worst seas. Gone are the slamming and vibration that occur when the bow of a ship drops off a wave. It functions better on all points of sea, and its lower hydrodynamic drag substantially decreases fuel consumption. The SCAN ME!

X-Bow has proven so successful that Ulstein is in the

View more than a dozen wacky hulls by scanning this tag or going to boating.mg/ wackyboats.

process of creating an X-Stern design now.

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever see this on small recreational boats, but you can nod knowingly when someone points one out on a mega-yacht in the near future.

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PHOTO: KEN MILLER

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T

They were the 2014 national champions under the sanctioning body Super Boat International. The Stock class is one of the most competitive in the sport because all the teams run stock Mercury Racing 280 hp 2.5 EFI Offshore outboards.

(Because Mercury Racing stopped building the 280 hp 2.5-liter engine in 2005, Super Boat International has pushed to make the Mercury Racing OptiMax 300XS the Stock motor moving forward, although the 200XS remains in play.)

In each of the sport’s seven classes, the national championship goes to the team that accumulates the most points in a season, so the recent season’s finale came down to the 7th Annual Clearwater Bright House Super Boat National Championship off Clearwater Beach.

Lawrence and Nunziato definitely got the setup right on

Sunday. They nailed the start, taking a lead they would never relinquish during the 13-lap race on the calm, 3-mile course. Second place went to Kyler Talbot of Bremerton, Washington, and Jay Muller of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, in their 32-foot Doug Wright, Talbot Excavating, while Chris Schoenbohm of Orlando, Florida, and Taylor Chastelet from Cottleville, Missouri, finished third in their 32foot Doug Wright, Patriot Vapor.

The owner of a performance boat powered by twin Mercury high-performance outboards myself, I went to Clearwater hoping to learn how to get the most out of my engines by talking to the guys in the Stock class, many of whom I’ve known for decades. The fact that I got to watch a competitive race among my friends was a bonus.

Here are 10 tips I learned.

PHOTOS: COURTESY MERCURY

STRAIGHTEN UP Lawrence sets up his boat to use less positive trim. “The boat is much more efficient if you don’t need to trim it out,” he says.

Lawrence wants the noses of his outboards’ lower units pointed as straight forward as possible.

When the lower units are pointed straight, the thrust from the propellers goes straight aft. When the outboards or lower units are

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5

JACKED UP

4

PHOTOS: ERIC COLBY (2), COURTESY CMC MARINE (JACK PLATE)

trimmed out/up, the noses point down and the thrust is directed up, not aft. This increases fuel consumption and reduces efficiency.

Lawrence’s competitor Schoenbohm, who owns Smart Marine Group and Smart Marine Service in Orlando, echoes Lawrence’s point about trim and says, “More than 3 degrees nose up is detrimental at 55 mph.”

TURNING TAIL Regardless of the class of boat, during a race you can tell which team is running at its most efficient because the roostertail lowers as the boat accelerates. When a high-speed catamaran or stepped V-bottom runs at high speed, it has virtually no roostertail at all. So if your boat’s roostertail gets smaller as you make improvements, you are probably doing things right.

Dan Lawrence

To get the most out of your outboards, Schoenbohm recommends mounting them on a jack plate such as those made by CMC Marine (cmcmarineproducts .com), Bob’s Machine Shop (bobsmachine.com) or T-H Marine (thmarine.com). Expect to pay about $1,000 for a hydraulic unit. Manual models cost about $400 to $500 and are intended for lessfrequent adjustments.

A jack plate helps you get the most out of a boat because the best engine position might be between two sets of mounting holes on the transom.

Brad Holbrook, a naval architect at CDI Marine Company in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and the crew chief for the Talbot Excavating team, explains why. “Most everybody’s motors are mounted too low,” he says.

Higher mounting reduces drag but requires low-placed water intakes like those found on Mercury Racing outboards.

Jack plates can also be used to adjust the setback, or how far back the motors are from the transom. For example, you can get an Atlas jack plate from T-H Marine in 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-inch setbacks. Setback helps ensure the prop is not in aerated water.

Gary Ballough is a 14-time world champion and 13-time national champion in offshore racing, and the throttleman from Boca Raton, Florida, won all those titles in outboard-powered boats.

“Propeller, motor height and setback are everything,” he says. “You can make your boat pretty much do what you want if those three things are right.”

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SEEK COUNSEL

All the racers advise to find a knowledgeable resource to turn to with questions about your engines. Most of the Superboat Stock competitors turn to Diamond Marine in Fort Lauderdale (diamondmarine.com) with questions because the high-performance outboard shop deals primarily in Mercury Racing outboards.

“Talk to your boat’s manufacturer, and find another customer who has the same power and ask what he did for setup,” Ballough says. “If a guy has done Bravos [Bravo One sterndrives], and gone through the hub and over the hub [routing exhaust], he’s done a lot of the work for you.”

In other words, don’t be afraid to reap some benefits from others’ experiences.

7

If you go to watch the races in Clearwater, the area offers protected bodies of water and the open ocean.

Clearwater Beach Marina and Clearwater Harbor Marina both offer slip rentals and fuel docks, and there is a public launch with six lanes at Seminole Boat Ramp. Learn more at myclear water.com. If you don’t bring your own boat, there are rentals in the area or let someone else do the driving and charter a fishing trip.

For something more exciting, take a ride on The Thriller, a 50 mph speedboat.

Get rates at thrillerclearwater .com. — E.C. 76

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HOOK SHOTS Using tape and a straightedge are the most effective ways to find an efficiency-scrubbing flaw such as hook or rocker in the hull bottom.

When there’s hook, the running surface is scalloped or shows a hollow just forward of the transom.

This creates the same effect as

having large trim tabs in the down position, which forces down the bow and scrubs speed. To check for hook, place a straightedge on the running surface at the transom running forward — a 3- to 4-foot level works well. If you see daylight between the straightedge and the bottom, there’s hook that needs to

be repaired by filling and applying fiberglass.

Rocker is the opposite of hook and is usually designed into the bottom to help the boat rock back onto the aft section of the running surface to help carry the bow at cruising and high speeds. Be sure to check for rocker and hook.

PHOTOS: ERIC COLBY

RENT-ATHRILL

Gary Ballough

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

MAINTAIN

To make your boat more efficient, take a hard look at how much gear you carry when you head out. Lawrence estimates that every 100 pounds is worth 4 mph in his race boat, so it can make a difference.

Boating’s own test of the effect of weight on speed and efficiency concluded that, for the test boat, a 1 percent efficiency gain was achieved for every 100 pounds we removed from the test boat (visit boatingmag.com/expert-tips-saving-fuel).

9

PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER (GEAR), ERIC COLBY (2)

LET LOOSE Finally, as crazy as it sounds, make sure you spend enough time on the water. “So many problems are because people don’t use their boats,” Holbrook says. “Don’t be afraid to run it

at wide open and let it clean out every now and then.” Just pretend you’re racing in the Superboat Stock class.

No matter what boat you own, “go boating more” may be the best advice ever offered.

On the maintenance side, Beckley recommends that boat owners make sure they run the correct octane fuel and use a quality two-stroke oil such as the Mercury synthetic blend he runs at a 40-to-1 gas-oil ratio. Change the lower unit’s oil frequently, and when you do, inspect the drain plug, which is magnetic, for metal shavings that could indicate wear. He also recommends changing lowerunit impellers and propeller nuts annually.

Pull the cowlings and inspect your outboards’ powerheads to make Ryan Beckley sure nothing looks out of the ordinary.

Keep the propeller shaft greased and, if you boat in salt water, take the cowling off and wipe down the motor with CRC or another lubricant. In short, become a DIY boater.

The Fastest Boats in the World Super Boat International has been sanctioning races for more than 30 years.

Seven national champions, including Bob Bull’s CMS Mechanical team in the Superboat Unlimited class, were crowned in Clearwater. Bull runs a two-boat team with a 48-foot MTI catamaran and a 52-foot MTI catamaran. Legendary

throttleman John Tomlinson and driver Jeff Harris had a tough day in Clearwater, only running a limited number of laps, but they won the national championship. Bull drove the 52-footer with MTI President Randy Scism throttling, and they dominated the race, winning at an average speed of 116.13 mph. In the

Superboat class, Keith Holmes and Ed Smith won the race in their 38-foot Skater, Cleveland Construction, while Billy Mauff and Jay Muller won the national title in Mauff’s 40-foot Skater, WHM Motorsports.

To get caught up on the season, check out superboat.com, and you can watch the live streams from this season’s races. — E.C.

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Ask K Ken

Real-time Charting The latest enhancement to electronic charting technology gives boaters the ability to instantly create their own high-resolution marine charts — cartography with more detail and up-to-date depth data than anything you can buy off the shelf. This is real-time charting that you can utilize immediately and in the future. — Jim Hendricks Three marine electronics brands now offer this technology: Humminbird with AutoChart Live, Garmin with Quickdraw Contours, and Raymarine with the Navionics SonarChart Live. Older plotters might require software upgrades (usually free online).

Activating live-charting functions is as easy as pressing a few buttons on the touchscreen

menu of your compatible plotter or fish-finder system. Depth contours are selectable down to 1-foot increments. You can make the live-chart overlay semitransparent, allowing you to read chart data underneath for safe navigation.

Humminbird’s AutoChart Live and Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours are free. An annual

Humminbird AutoChart Live

Garmin Quickdraw Contours

Real-time Charting Systems Do you want instant-chart capabilities? Three brands offer this technology.

SYSTEM

COMPATIBLE CHARTS

COMPATIBLE DISPLAYS

Humminbird AutoChart Live

C-Map, Lakemaster, Navionics, ZeroLine Card

Helix, Ion, Onix series

Garmin Quickdraw Contours

BlueChart g2, Bluechart g2 Vision, LakeVu HD Ultra

EchoMap, GPSMap 7400/7600, 8000/5x7/7x1/8x10/10x0 series

Raymarine SonarChart Live*

Navionics+, Navionics Update, Navionics Platinum

a, c, e, eS, gS series

* Requires an active subscription to Navionics Freshest Data to enable live charting

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Q A

How does the automatic identification system (AIS) work?

AIS signals are transmitted from vessels through VHF radio frequencies. An icon appears on the navigation displays of any craft equipped to receive AIS information, indicating the transmitting ship’s location on screen.

Clicking on the icon reveals the transmitting vessel’s position and visually tracks its course while providing you with its speed, heading and, if it is on a collision course with your boat, the time it will take to reach your location.

AIS can also broadcast a vessel’s name, radio call sign, length, beam, draft and rate of turn, and often its destination, port of origin, and even if it is carrying hazardous material.

Recreational boats equipped with a Class B AIS transponder not only receive AIS signals but also have the ability to broadcast similar position and navigation information to other boats. This means your boat will appear as an unmistakably large object to other boats in your area receiving AIS. In addition, an audible alarm sounds when AIS-equipped vessels approach each other within an unsafe distance. — Ken Englert

ASK KEN ONLINE For more exclusive electronics content, visit boatingmag.com/askken.

PHOTOS: (COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT) CRAIG HASHIMOTO, COURTESY RAYMARINE, COURTESY HUMMINBIRD, COURTESY GARMIN

Navionics SonarChart on the Raymarine eS12

subscription ($99) to the Navionics Freshest Data club is needed to use SonarChart Live with a Raymarine plotter.

The technology can save you money. “Since you’re adding new HD chart data all the time, you don’t have to buy updated chart cards as often,” says David Dunn, senior manager for marine sales and marketing for Garmin.

Real-time charting systems work with any networked fish finder, such as a conventional 50/200 kHz system, chirp fish finder, or scanning sonar. To create the most complete outline of the seabed, experts advise that you go slow and make several passes over the area you wish to chart in greater detail.

Essex Credit, a division of Bank of the West, has affordable boat loan options that can help you get out on the water quickly. Our experienced consultants make getting your loan easy and stress-free, so you can look forward to what’s really important — enjoying your boat. Changing market conditions can affect rates, so act now to take advantage of our low APRs.

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WE ALSO OFFER: Live-Aboard financing I Loans for older boats (1919–1995) I Loans for part- and full-time charters *Estimated APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Subject to consumer loan program requirements and credit approval. Certain fees, closing costs, and restrictions may apply. APR applied to the loan is the APR in effect on the date the application is received and is valid until 30 days after the loan is approved. APRs may vary with loan term. Boat must be 1996 model year or newer; for boat model year 1996 to 2005, add .25% to above rate. 90% maximum loan to value. Maximum loan term based on model year, loan amount, loan type, and lender guidelines. Other rates with different loan terms are available. Example of a recreational use Boat loan: A 10 year fixed-rate $55,000 loan. Based on an APR of 3.99%, this loan has 120 monthly payments of $556.59 each.

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Short Casts [1]

[2]

Insulated Cooler Additions for Your Boat With 14 different charter boats spanning four decades under my Top-Siders, and having chartered trips on hundreds of other boats, I can say that having enough built-in chill space on board for bait, ice and the catch of the day is an afterthought to some boatbuilders. My trio of deep-freeze solutions for this challenge follows the logic of my “Easy TackleStowage Additions” article (October): portable, transitional and permanent. — Capt. John N. Raguso [2] TRANSITIONAL: Traditional plastic or fiberglass coolers manufactured by Igloo, Coleman, Frigid-Rigid, Yeti, Canyon, Engel, Icey-Tek and others earn the transitional tag. cushion. Forward of the console, I When you need them, they serve installed a Canyon 75-quart cooler as an integral part of that, in addition to your vessel’s layout icing down two cans of like a seat but can be shark chum and a flat removed as needed. of mackerel, doubles as QUICK These box coolers a bench-style seat. The TIP range in size from 54 2-inch-thick closed-cell to 600 quarts, and the polyurethane foam R-value on some in insulation combined A piece of the latest generation is with the O-ring seal in foam-board off the charts, with up the lid keeps the deep insulation or a to 2 inches of closedchill intact for a week. product like the cell foam insulation.

If you have a smaller Kooler Cap ($20 to $30, kooler I utilize two tranfishing boat, you will cap.com) placed sitional boxes aboard need to be creative atop the ice my EdgeWater. A when installing and will help keep 94-quart Igloo Marine using these coolers to ice in a cooler cooler tucks under not compromise foot frozen longer.

— Kevin Falvey the leaning post and space. I incorporated takes up zero cockpit a pair of Frigid-Rigid space. If my charter 210-quart fiberglass customers want to sit on something coolers on my old Phoenix 27 as soft, I snap on its 2-inch-thick combo bench-style seats and fish

Garmin Striker 4

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[3] boxes, and it was a perfect solution, since the roomy 27-by-10-foot layout and huge cockpit offered enough room to make that work.

[3] PERMANENT: Unfortunately, the permanent insulated fish-box storage aboard many boats is often inadequate, which is why portable and transitional fish-box storage solutions need to be implemented. The best boatbuilders thoroughly think through the engineering of built-in fish boxes, but others do not. I prefer a permanent fish box that drains its watery contents overboard, whether while underway or at rest, via gravity rather than electric pumps that can clog or fail at the worst possible moments. Some famous builders do not employ this higher level of engineering, so as my Roman forebears used to say: “caveat emptor,” or let the buyer beware.

PHOTOS: (FROM TOP) CAPT. JOHN N. RAGUSO, COURTESY GARMIN

[1] PORTABLE: The roll-up, insulated fish bag was a great invention when it hit the scene in the 1990s.

Roll-up bags are currently offered

by Canyon, Boone, Reliable, Smith and others. I purchased a Canyon medium boat bag (30 inches high by 65 inches wide) in 1999 that I still use today. For this season, I downsized to a Canyon Striper bag (30 inches high by 54 inches long) that tucks away neatly in my EdgeWater 228CC’s head area and is eminently portable when chartering trips on other anglers’ boats. Most of these roll-up fish bags feature ½- or ¾-inch closed-cell foam insulation on either side, easy-cleanup neoprene inner and outer skins, heavy-duty zippers, convenient carry handles and straps on each end, plus handy drain plugs. Portable fish bags don’t have the extreme R-insulation value of big-box coolers, but when you don’t need them, they are out of sight and out from underfoot in the cockpit.

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BY RANDY VANCE

GPS and Sonar for $300 In November 2015, we tested sonar/GPS devices at $600 for efficacy, features and, well, for fun. Screen sizes for these shockingly inexpensive devices were 5 to 7 inches. Then we spotted these 4.3-inch diagonal devices (480 by 272 pixels) equipped with GPS, chirp sonar, and proprietary forms of wide-scan sonar that use narrow beams 60 or more degrees wide to chart broad swaths of water under the boat. And these devices also had custom charting and surface-temperature sensors. At $300, industry experts say manufacturers are in a race to the bottom of the price pile.

Why are they racing to the bottom? Every manufacturer notes that if it captures customers initially, they tend to remain with the brand over years as they upgrade boats and electronics. Interestingly, two players aren’t participating in this race as of now: Humminbird and Furuno.

These devices are equipped with sonar comparable to those we tested last year, transducers and all. You’ll find our testing of sonar charting capabilities along with new on-water tests of these sonar capabilities online at boatingmag.com/boatinglab/Sonar300.

Here’s how they compare on paper.

Garmin EchoMap Chirp 43 DV

CHART COMPATIBILITY:

LakeVu HD Ultra, BlueChart g2 or BlueChart g2 Vision DEPTH RANGE: 2,100 fresh; 1,100 salt POWER OUTPUT: 500 watts

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OPERATING VOLTAGE:

12 volts (10 to 17 volts) MULTIPANES: 2 WARRANTY: 1 year IPX: 7 XDUCER/CABLE LENGTH:

GT20/20 feet BEAM WIDTH:

DownVu 45 degrees (77/200 kHz); chirp 15 degrees (455/800 kHz) MOUNTING OPTIONS: Flush mount or gimbal STORAGE WAYPOINTS: 5,000 STORAGE TRACK-LOG POINTS: 50,000 in 50 tracks,

100 routes ANALYSIS: Garmin’s NMEA

0183 connectivity is an important safety feature for VHF users, and its onboard Quickdraw Contours system provides useful contour maps on location. Thumbs up for the convenient quickrelease mount.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

PHOTO: COURTESY GARMIN

Chirp sonar with DownVu features “rewinds” to recall screens and capture waypoints associated with sonar points. It will capture screenshots, and the firmware can be upgraded via a microSD card slot.

Its built-in GPS antenna is 16-channel. Sonar logging and custom charting come from Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours system. Two panes can simultaneously display both sonars or sonar and GPS chart plotting.

ONLY ONE TO: Offer a convenient snap-on gimbal for easy mounting without manipulating wires, ideal for boats stored in the open.

To see more BoatingLAB tests, visit boatingmag.com.

Raymarine

Hook-4

Dragonfly 4Pro

The TrackBack feature allows users to scroll back through sonar screens to capture waypoints on associated bottom targets.

It can capture screenshots and log sonar to create custom charts via Navico’s Insight Genesis-only system.

Its firmware can be upgraded via the microSD card and online downloads so its highly capable hardware remains up to date and able to service. Lowrance’s internal GPS antenna has 16 parallel channels.

ONLY ONE TO: Offer DownScan overlay on chirp sonar screens to give extremely clear target distinction and bottom detail. It offers optional NMEA 0183 connectivity.

STANDARD CHARTS: 3,000 U.S. lakes, rivers and coastal contours to 1,000 feet TEST CHARTS: Embedded CHART COMPATIBILITY: Lake Insight, Nautic Insight Pro, Navionics HotMaps Premium, Fishing Hot Spots Pro;

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global chart upgrade options include Navionics+ and Jeppesen C-Map Max-N. DEPTH RANGE: 1,000 feet POWER OUTPUT: RMS PTP; 500 watts RMS OPERATING VOLTAGE: 12 volts (10 to 17 volts) MULTIPANES: Up to 3 predesignated patterns WARRANTY: 1 year IPX: 7 XDUCER/CABLE LENGTH:

20 feet BEAM WIDTH: HDI Skimmer XDCR 83/200 kHz 20 degrees; 455/800 kHz 60 degrees MOUNTING OPTIONS: Flush kit is available STORAGE WAYPOINTS: Up to 3,000 STORAGE TRACK-LOG POINTS:

Up to 100 routes and trails with 10,000 points per trail ANALYSIS: Lowrance and its parent company, Navico, are the most nimble in terms of innovating new features. Its user interface is logical, and its onboard charting capabilities are powerful.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

A chirp sonar with DownVision, it can also recall pages along with related sonar data for waypoint capture. It can capture screenshots on the device as well and log sonar readings for custom charting through Navionics. Firmware can be upgraded, and it boasts an internal 72-channel GPS antenna that is also compatible with the Russian GLONASS system, an important feature to European users.

ONLY ONE TO: Offer Wi-Fi connectivity allowing multiple iOS or Android devices to repeat screens and control the device via the WiFish app. It’s also the only one to offer GLONASS capability.

The optically bonded screen may sport the same number of pixels as the competition, but it is clear, clear, clear.

STANDARD CHARTS: C-Map Essentials at $300 TEST CHARTS: Navionics (available at $350) SONAR LOGGING CAPABILITY:

Only with Navionics option

CHART COMPATIBILITY:

Lighthouse, C-Map, Navionics DEPTH RANGE: 600 feet; chirp DownVision and chirp sonar models 900 feet POWER OUTPUT: 20 watts through more than 60 frequencies for true chirp detail OPERATING VOLTAGE: 12 volts (10.8 to 15.6 volts) MULTIPANES: 2 over and under or side by side WARRANTY: 1 year IPX: 6 and 7 XDUCER/CABLE LENGTH:

CPT-DVS/20 feet BEAM WIDTH: Chirp DownVision 60 degrees; chirp sonar 25 degrees MOUNTING OPTIONS:

Optional flush-mount kit STORAGE WAYPOINTS: 3,000 STORAGE TRACK-LOG POINTS:

15 tracks ANALYSIS: Wi-Fi connectivity

is the coolest. The ability to control different screens on iOS and Android devices turns this system into a Goliath.

PHOTOS: COURTESY LOWRANCE, COURTESY RAYMARINE

Lowrance

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

89

Off My Dock

By Charles Plueddeman deadline, I needed Chuck to focus on my cottage project.

“You work for that boat magazine,” Chuck said. “Maybe you could help.”

Of course! I’d fix the outboard.

If only I knew what to fix. Time to call Dan. When the Outboard Man answered, wind noise through the phone told me he was on a boat.

“Chuck’s 1996 Merc 115 sputters and —” and Dan cut me off.

“It’s the fuel pump,” he shouted.

“Ethanol eats the check valves. There’s a rebuild kit. It’s $25. You can do it yourself. I gotta go.”

W Now I was set,

Working in a Phantom Black Hole OFTEN, A GOOD OUTCOME DEPENDS NOT ON WHAT YOU KNOW BUT WHOM YOUR DAUGHTER MARRIES.

M

Y DAUGHTER (NUMBER TWO) MARRIED DAN THE Outboard Man, a Mercury-certified technician. I was hoping for a plumber, but there are other daughters not wed. Dan’s knowledge was critical on the day I needed to fix Chuck Larson’s outboard.

In the summer of 2015, I engaged handyman Chuck to replace a section of rotted sill plate under our 90-year-old lake cottage. Chuck is an old friend and a talented carpenter who unfortunately suffers from seasonal distraction disorder (SDD), which makes it difficult for him to work during fishing season, various hunting seasons and maple-sap season. So I was not surprised when, as stage one of the cottage project neared completion just after Labor Day, Chuck told me he was feeling the first tremors of SDD around the deer bow-season opener. Chuck offered that it might be best if we put off stage two until spring 2016.

For Chuck, spring arrived on the first Saturday in May — the Wisconsin fishingseason opener. On the following Monday, I arrived at Chuck’s house with a load of lumber and found him cleaning a bucket of walleye. Ah, I thought. Fish in the freezer is an antidote to SDD, and we can get to work. But Chuck was moping.

“My outboard sure gave me trouble yesterday,” he confessed as he ran his fillet knife up the belly of a keeper. “We had to limp across Lake Poygan on the kicker.”

Oh no, I thought. Now the ill outboard will be a distraction. With a July 4

Now I was set, because knowing what to fix is 90 percent of the battle.

The kit (P/N 21-857005A 1) even came with a sheet of instructions. I grabbed some tools and headed for Chuck’s.

So here’s the thing about Mercury outboards. They are black all over.

Phantom Black, in fact, a shade of darkness that absorbs all light and turns the powerhead into a black hole.

We pulled the cowl on the old 115 in the garage and could see nothing.

We rolled the boat onto the sunny driveway. Still blackness. With my fingers I traced the fuel line from the splashwell and found the fuel pump: a black cube mounted to the black engine with black bolts and black zip ties. Might as well do this blindfolded.

We got the pump off and started the rebuild, which was easy because each pump part and gasket has a little tab to align as you put it back together.

You really could do it blindfolded.

Because I didn’t see anything wrong inside the pump — no gunk or rotten rubber — I had to have faith in Dan’s diagnosis. Of course, the motor ran strong. Chuck relaxed. Carpentry commenced. Turns out, I didn’t need a plumber for this home-repair project. I needed an outboard mechanic.

BOATING (ISSN 0006-5374) (USPS 504-810), November/December 2016, Volume 89, No. 10. ©2016. Boating is published monthly, except July/August and November/December, by Bonnier Corp., 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL 32789. Subscription rates for one year (10 issues): $15 in the U.S., $25 in Canada, $35 for other international. Orders outside the U.S. must be prepaid in U.S. funds. Periodicals postage paid at Winter Park, Florida, and additional mailing offices. Authorized periodicals postage by the Post Office Department, Ottawa, Canada, and for payment in cash. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BOATING, PO Box 6364, Harlan, IA 51593-1864; BGMcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com; boatingmag.com/cs. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement No. 40612608 Canada. Returns to be sent to IMEX Global Solutions, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 Canada. If the postal service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

90

B OAT I N G M AG .C O M

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

ILLUSTRATION: TIM BOWER

because knowing what to fix is 90 percent of the battle.

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