March 2017 – Boating World Magazine by Duncan McIntosh Company

BOATING WORLD • MARCH 2017 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 3

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : S P O R T B OAT S , D E C K B OAT S , WA K E B OAT S , F I S H B OAT S , P O N T O O N S A N D M O R E !

T H E L E A D E R I N R E C R E AT I O N A L T R A I L E R B OAT I N G

OFFSET THE

Oops! MOMENTS 22 AVOIDABLE ON-THE-WATER MISTAKES

BOATS TESTED STINGRAY 206CC TRIFECTA 23RF TS ARCH SCARAB OPEN 195 PRINCECRAFT VECTRA 25 LT

$5.00 USA and Canada

MARCH 2017 boatingworld.com

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Introducing The Cutwater 242 Sport Coupe 300 HP Yamaha Outboard • Garmin 7610 Chartplotter • Livewell Fish Box/Cooler • Kenyon Grill • Refrigerator/Freezer • Microwave Private Stateroom & Head • TV/DVD • Stereo System Beaching Ladder • Ski Pylon All Included at Introductory Price of $109,937.00*

Learn more about the new Cutwater 242 Sport Coupe at:

CutwaterBoats.com

MADE IN USA *Options, freight & taxes extra. Prices, specifications, equipment and options may change without notice.

contents

M A RCH 2017

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XXXVIII NUMBER 3

boats tested pg. 48

Scarab Open 195 Scarab’s new Open 195 brings the art of tailgating to the sport of boating. p. 32 Trifecta 23RF Arch Trifecta’s 23RF Arch is ready to help expand your sporting lifestyle … in style. p. 36

Stingray 206CC The fishing chops of a center console combine with the family friendliness of a deckboat. p. 40

Princecraft Vectra 25 LT Princecraft proves you don’t have to spend big to live large. p. 44 pg. 40

Editor’s Letter Peer-to-peer grows in the boating space p. 4

features

Currents Bits from the boating

Don’t Be Denied Boat owners can do a lot

world p. 8

to ensure their claims are paid in their time of need. p. 48

22 Avoidable On-the-Water Mistakes Common sense is the boat opera-

departments

Trailering Choose and maintain tires p. 14 pg. 36

Watersports How to practice without water p. 16

tor’s best defense against oops moments. p. 54

Fishing Catch-and-release techniques p. 18

Engines Evinrude E-TEC G2 150 p. 20

DIY How to replace a rotted transom p. 22 pg. 32

Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions p. 24 Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics p. 28 Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make p. 47

pg. 20

Contest: Name the Boat Win a $350 boat care package from Bel-Ray p. 64

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editor’s letter

BY A L A N J O N E S

Alt Boating P

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS: Upon your passing, what unusual thing would you like to have named after you?

EER-TO-PEER EVERYTHING IS HOT NOW, from Airbnb,

where people rent space in someone’s house or apartment, to Uber, where drivers give others a ride in their personal car. The concept is quickly gaining traction in boating, on a smaller scale. Companies such as Boatbound, Cruzin, BoatSetter and GetMyBoat are options for boat owners who are looking to help pay for their boating habit by renting it out when they aren’t using it.

The keys for boat owners are insurance and qualifying potential renters to make sure an owner doesn’t put a rookie behind the wheel of his “baby.” For renters, the prices can vary wildly. Some spot checking revealed many prices that seem to be pretty high, as if the owners don’t really want to rent the boat but perhaps are listing it to appease a spouse. In my hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., on Boatbound, I saw an 18-foot, 10-year-old Sea Ray for rent for $600 a day, which seems steep unless a couple of bottles of Dom Perignon are included. Checking out Boatsetter, I saw a

For certain people, interval ownership might make sense. Sea Ray 340 for rent for only $129 a day; I was intrigued until I saw it had to remain tied to the dock and was only for sleeping aboard … doh! But most seemed to be reasonably priced. Boat clubs have been around and seem to be gaining traction. It’s a concept that can make sense for people who like boating but prefer to leave the responsibility of ownership and maintenance to others. Freedom Boat Club and Carefree Boat

Club are the biggest players and can be found in most decent-sized cities. Basically, members plunk down an initiation fee and pay monthly fees. After that, they can make reservations and take out one of “their” boats whenever they like. The only other cost is for the fuel they use. The initiation fee is lower for longer enrollment periods, and the numbers vary depending on location. Most of the clubs are independently owned or operated, so the products and cost of what members are “buying” vary greatly. The devil is in the details, so spend some time researching the reputation of the potential locations. Look at the fleet itself. Some fleets are nearly new — some operators sell the boats as demos when they amass only 100 hours or so — while others can be well-used. One key is the number of members per boat; after all, members are competing with one another for the use of the fleet. Weekend reservations might be hard to come by, which can be a major source of discontentment. Check all the online reviews and contact the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed. To me, there’s nothing like owning a boat, but for certain people, this sort of interval ownership might make sense. And for folks who aren’t sure if they will be into boating, it can be a good way to try before they buy. BW

Duncan McIntosh Jr. The docks at Lido Village Marina ASSOC. EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming King crab EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones Rum Drinkers Hall of Fame MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling The Great American Beer Fest ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata A newly discovered species of sloth, the Slothbata ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan Julie’s Law (a felony for chatting with grocery checkers) PRODUCTION Mary Monge A gallery at the Getty CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Amelia Salazar Chai tea latte with coconut milk at 7 a.m. FULFILLMENT OPERATIONS MGR. Rick Avila A urinal in the Lakers’ locker room PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Call (949) 660-6150 Janette Hood A car on the Napa Valley Wine Train

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Annabelle Zabala Whitening toothpaste Felice Lineberry Led Zepplin’s drum kit MARKETPLACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson A CoinOp museum AD COORDINATOR Jennifer Chen A spare tire on the Killers’ tour bus TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen A sprinkler head in a gentleman’s club DIGITAL DIRECTOR Bryan Sheehy The center of the universe SUBSCRIPTIONS

Boating World – Subscriber Services P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799 (888) 732-7323 circulation@boatingworld.com PUBLISHED BY DUNCAN MCINTOSH CO. INC.

Boatingworld.com 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (949) 660-6150 • Fax (949) 660-6172 Duncan Mcintosh Co. is founded by Editor and Publisher Duncan McIntosh Jr. and Co-Publisher Teresa Ybarra McIntosh (1942-2011)

Boating World Editorial and Advertising Offices, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; (949) 660-6150. Boating World (ISSN 1059-5155, USPS 16200) is printed in the U.S.A. and published nine times a year in Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul./Aug., Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec. at 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 by Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Santa Ana, CA 92799 and at additional mailing offices. Editorial contributions are welcome. Please submit all contributions to the editor, accompanied by return postage. We M AG A Z I N E assume no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited materials. Boating World retains reprint rights, via print and electronic media. Contributor retains all other rights for resale, publication, etc. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Boating World, P. O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. CANADA POST: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: Please send all subscription correspondence to Boating World, P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. Please allow at least six weeks for the change of address to become effective. Include both your old and your new address enclosing, if possible, an address label from a recent issue. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: U.S. and its possessions, $11.00 per year. Additional postage for Canada is $15.00 per year and other foreign countries $30.00 per year. Single copy price $5.00; back issues, $8.50 (in the U.S. only) includes postage and handling. Boating World is a registered trademark of Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: Material in this publication may not beMreproduced in any form without written permission. AG A Z I N E

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MARCH 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM M AG A Z I N E

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Leading the way with technology, comfort and CHOICE. Every Starcraft pontoon boat is built on three pillars of a better experience: advanced technology, luxurious comfort, and more choices to help you customize your pontoon and make it your own. From the Murphy touchscreen control system, to plush overstuffed loungers, to great floorplans and features packages, you’re sure to find something you love. And with tube options like stylish black painted tubes and our award winning HMX performance strakes that allow you to dig and pivot on the water, tow sports become a thing of ease. It’s all dedicated to giving you great days on the water, and it’s all from Starcraft. Learn more at starcraftmarine.com.

215 SS

Four Great Models To Choos e E1 XS

215 SS

YOUR CHOICE $44,995

Mercruiser 4.5L Alpha (250 HP) • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit, Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) 6” Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Dual Battery Switch • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Stitched Brow & Black Executive Racing Wheel • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Gelcoat – Premium Pattern: Double Hull Band w/Middle Deck Band & Color Matched Deck Vents • Interior: Color Matched Super Sport w/Driver & Passenger Deluxe, Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seats w/Stainless Steel Logo, Aft Facing Sundeck w/Adjustable Lean Back • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack and Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Stainless Steel Cupholders, Grab Handles, Ski Tow Rail w/Eye, Bow Scuff Plate, Aft Crownline Nameplate, Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Lock & Four-Step Boarding Ladder • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Stereo Speakers: (6), 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Trailer - Deluxe Tandem Axle w/Brakes on One Axle, Color Matched

E1 XS

Mercury Four Stroke 150 HP w/Hydraulic Steering • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit - Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Docking Lights • Dual Battery Switch • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Handheld Shower, Freshwater – Cold • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Stitched Brow & Black Executive Racing Wheel • Interior: Color Matched J-Shape Cockpit, Driver & Passenger Deluxe, Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seats w/Stainless Steel Logo, Aft Convertible Sun Lounge w/Three Positions • LED Lighting Package – Cockpit • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack & Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Sea-Star Hydraulic Steering • Stainless Steel Cupholders, Grab Handles, Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Lock, Ski Tow Pylon & Four-Step Boarding Ladders at Bow & Stern • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Six (6) Stereo Speakers: 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Storage Areas w/Impact Resistant, Non-Marring Surface • Table: Side Mount, Portable • Trailer – Deluxe Tandem Axle w/Brakes on One Axle, Color Matched • Under Mount Cockpit Storage Drawers

Please visit www.crownline.com for more information on these models.

11884 Country Club Rd., West Frankfort, IL 62896

225 SS

Wake Board Tower is an option.

s e From.

S T Y L I N G •Q U A L I T Y •C O M M I T M E N T

NAP only available for North American sales in U.S. dollars. Freight and Prep not included.

225 SS

$49,995

Mercruiser 4.5L Bravo III (250 HP) • Aft Bench Seat With Integrated Cooler & Storage • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit - Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) 6” Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Dual Battery Switch • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Needle Stitched Shroud & Black Executive Racing Wheel • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Gelcoat: Premium Pattern, Forte (Full Hull Band w/Additional Accent Color Stripe, Middle Deck Band w/Color Matched Deck Vents) • Interior: Color Matched L-Wrap Cockpit w/Max Storage Seating, Driver Deluxe Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seat & Passenger Flip-Flop Seat, Aft Facing Sundeck w/Adjustable Lean Back • Keychain Remote Control For Courtesy Lights • LED Lighting Package – Cockpit • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack & Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Soft Touch Swim Platform Mat • Stainless Steel Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Header, Windshield Lock, Ski Tow Rail w/Eye, Cupholders, Grab Handles, Crownline Transom Nameplate, Air Intakes & Deck Close Outs, Bow Scuff Plate & Four-Step Boarding Ladder • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Six (6) WetSounds Stereo Speakers, 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Storage Areas With Impact Resistant, Non-Marring Coating • Table: Side Mount, Portable • Trailer: Deluxe Tandem Axle w/LED Lights, Color Matched • Walk-Thru Transom w/Filler Cushion

$59,995

Mercruiser 4.5L Bravo III (250 HP) • Bow Flip-Up Arm Rests • Bow Walk Thru Door, Flush Fit • Canvas: Bimini Top, Bow & Cockpit - Color Matched • Carpet: Highlander Cockpit Carpet, Snap-In • Cleats: (6) 6” Stainless Steel Pull Up, Embossed • Depth Sounder w/Outside Air & Water Temperature • Docking Lights • Dual Battery Switch • F.A.S.T. TAB® Vented Hull Chine w/Reversed Chines & Delta Performance Pad • Gelcoat: Premium Pattern, Inverse Razor w/Color Matched Deck Vents • Handheld Shower: Freshwater – Cold • Head: Enclosed w/Light, Opening Portlight Window, Handheld Shower, Sink, Porta Potti & Pressurized Water System • Helm: Moonrock w/Black Hand Wrapped, Double Needle Stitched Shroud & Black Executive Racing Wheel • Interior: Color Matched J-Wrap Cockpit, Driver & Passenger Deluxe Shock Absorbing Flip-Up Bucket Seats, Aft Convertible Sun Lounge w/Three Positions • LED Lighting Package - Cockpit • Premium Smooth-Actuation Throttle & Shift Cable • Rack & Pinion Steering w/Tilt Wheel • Stainless Steel Rubrail w/White Extrusion, Windshield Header, Windshield Lock, Cupholders, Grab Handles, Vents, & Four-Step Boarding Ladders at Bow & Stern • Stereo: Marine Audio, Waterproof, AM/ FM/WB/USB/Aux/iPod/iPhone Ready, Bluetooth & Six (6) WetSounds Stereo Speakers, 2 in Bow, 2 in Cockpit, 2 at Transom • Storage Areas w/Impact Resistant, Non-Marring Coating • Swim Platforms (Front & Rear) w/Soft Touch Mats • Table: Side Mount, Portable • Trailer: Deluxe Tandem Axle w/LED Lights & Brakes on One Axle, Color Matched

currents

BY STE PH A N IE S H IBATA

LEAD BOAT • ASPEN L90 LX

CROSSOVER CAT

Aspen’s latest is a multitalented inboard model that’s a fuel sipper. It’s a catamaran. It’s a center console. It’s a bowrider. It’s a fishing boat. The folks at Aspen Power Catamarans, known for their Proa cat designs from 28 to 40 feet, have struck again with their latest, the Aspen L90 LX, which is a 30-foot-long, 10-foot-wide crossover of sorts. Wraparound seating nearly encloses the bow, while the cockpit is wide open for fishing. Between them is a dual-chair helm station with a compact but fully featured dash, including a Garmin 7612 MFD. The Washington-state-based builder typically builds enclosed boats with cockpits that are fishable, but it changed things up for the L90 LX, opting for an oversized T-top instead of a cabin roof and bow seating instead of a master cabin forward. Designer Larry Graf managed to fit a small berth and a head into the port hull, accessed via a hatch that serves as steps up to the bow seating area. A 220 hp Volvo Penta D3 inboard diesel powers the L90 LX, and it pushes the 5,800-pound cat to a top speed of 29 mph, at which point fuel burn is only 12 gph, according to manufacturer tests. At a comfortable cruise speed of 19.8 mph, fuel burn is 4.9 gph. That’s 4 mpg in a 30-foot boat, giving it a range of 260 miles with the standard 65 gallons of fuel. Add the Expedition tanks, and range at 20 mph increases to 420 miles. Owners can go a long way to chase fish. Each cat is built to order, so buyers can do what they want with the boat, but some features most owners will want to include are the two fishboxes, the aft fishing rail and the 94-quart Igloo cooler. Add a rail-mounted grill, and the fish can go from cockpit to bow table as quick as a cat. Aspen Power Catamarans, aspenpowercatamarans.com

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Enter Your Dog Now

S A LT Y D O G

WIN THIS

This month’s winner:



BAILEY OWNER: Matt Siordia HOMETOWN: Redondo Beach, Calif. For your chance to win a CWB Dog Vest (ridecwb.com), send a picture of your boat-loving dog to editor@ boatingworld.com or Boating World, Salty Dog, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include a photo, along with your name and your dog’s name, your address and phone number.

M I S S I N G A S A LT Y D O G

The crew here at Boating World lost its own salty dog, Bobby, in December. A fixture in the magazine offices and on the boat show docks for more than 13 years, Bobby was wellknown on the Southern California boating scene. The Wheaton terrier was playful, energetic and quick to make friends of both the four- and two-legged kind. He will be missed by all of us at Boating World.

tktktktk

“OWNERS CAN GO A LONG WAY TO CATCH FISH.”

WHERE IN T H E WO R L D?

Can you figure out the location pictured in this image? Find out if you’re right on page 12. We’ll give you a couple of hints. Bueller. Anyone? Champs. Finally.

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currents

name the boat

To participate in this month’s contest, turn to page 64

contest winner



BIG NUMBERS

America’s Great Loop

Rick Martin illustration

> N OV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R ’ S W I N N E R : T KT KT KT KT K

Number of segments that make up the loop

6,000

Approximate average distance, in miles, to navigate the Great Loop

Elaine Petrillo from Tampa, Fla., was the first to submit the winning name, Big Mackerel. For turning turf into surf, Elaine receives a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350. MORE OF JANUARY’S BEST ENTRIES:

Quarter Flounder with Flies

Baited Breath

Crawsant

Nick Franki, Rochester, NY

Gene Pedoto, Lincroft, NJ

James Gleason, Altoona, IA

Baitalicious

Eggstream Fishin’

SS Minnow

Ralph Ferrie, Brick, NJ

Tony Petrillo, Tampa, FL

Robert Slay, Ft. Pierce, FL

Float Thru

Bait, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

Special Sauce

Judy Anderson, Puyallup, WA

Ken Beach, Homosassa, FL

Mary Gacka, Cape Coral, FL

McChum

A Mixed Bag

Unhappy Meal

Donnie Holmes, N. Topsail Beach, NC

Ken Quayle, Redondo Beach, CA

Scott Duink, Sarasota, FL

Bait’s Hotel

Slooper-Sized

Plop Plop Fish Fish

Bob Scheidhauer, Parkville, MO

Rose Ann Tucci, Seminole, FL

Bait & Switch

I’m Loathin’ It

Bruce Conn, Trabuco Canyon, CA

Ron Jansen, New Richmond, WI

Connie Alleshouse, Sylvania, OH

McFish or Cut Bait Alan Schein, Harrisburg, PA

D I D YO U K N OW ?

While Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, that moniker actually shortchanges the state. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the state has 11,842 lakes of 10 acres or more. That’s a lot of opportunity for boating.

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145

Number of locks faced by Ron and Eva Stob, the first to traverse the loop

Number of Great Lakes included on the route (only Superior is excluded)

1,300

Distance, in miles, of the longest segment, from Chicago to Mobile, Ala.

250

Maximum distance, in miles, between fuel stops

Minimum number of U.S. states and Canadian provinces included on the route Sources: GreatLoop.org, GreatLoop.com

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. O G T S U J

Chart your course with the Simrad GO9 XSE, and go safer with Broadband Radar™, and SiriusXM® satellite weather integration. Take control with a super-bright 9-inch touchscreen, and discover the ultimate all-in-one system for fishing, cruising and water sports. Leverage CHIRP-enabled Broadband Sounder™ sonar and StructureScan® HD imaging with the TotalScan™ transducer, and expand your view with support for Simrad radar solutions. Download and upload maps, software, and apps direct to your fishfinder / chartplotter.

Go With Confidence

NEW GO9 XSE StructureScan™ HD imaging

SiriusXM® Weather compatible

CHIRP fish-finding sonar

Built-in GoFree™ Wi-Fi

Radar compatible

NMEA 2000® Engine Interface

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/GO

currents

Tour de Seine

POWER A PARISIAN passage on a new cruise concept, the Paris Navigating Gym, where passengers’ fitness is the fuel. The 65-foot-long “vessel” can host up to 45 people on exercise bikes, and their pedaling powers the floating, moving gym. The gym boat can be enclosed for wintertime use and then be open during the warmer months, and the concept, according to the design firm (carloratti.com), pays tribute to the passenger ferries that have been plying the Seine for more than a century. The early informational materials don’t make clear what sort of engine will be used, but it will be electric, and solar panels will supplement human power.

Rescue Crew Honored

LAST NOVEMBER, THE Coast Guard Foundation honored the members of the 7th Coast Guard district for their achievements. At the event, Coast Guard Sector San Juan (Puerto Rico) received the Coast Guard Foundation Award for rescuing 511 people aboard the ferry vessel Caribbean Fantasy after its engine caught fire. The events that unfolded marked the largest mass rescue operation in the U.S. waters in 60 years, with Sector San Juan leading the rescue with port and interagency partners.

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W H E R E I N T H E WO R L D?

The photo on page 9 is of the Chicago River as it’s being dyed for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city. The longtime tradition brings a bit of Ireland to the U.S.’s Second City, which is still riding high on the Chicago Cubs winning their first World Series since 1908.

FA S T FA C T Top speed, in mph, of Brad Rowland’s South Bay pontoon, Tooned In, believed to be the fastest any production pontoon has gone

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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sylvanmarine.com I 866-766-9698

With patented Revolutionary Planing Technology (RPT) Sylvan changes everything about pontoon performance. Our exclusive tube design slices through the water with sports car handling and runabout exhilaration. The unique V-shaped tube provides increased top speed per horsepower and dramatically improved fuel efficiency. RPT is a revolution in pontoon performance. AND ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ONLY FROM SYLVAN.

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THRILL RIDE.

trailering

TR A ILE R TIR E S

Keep ’Em Rollin’

Trailer tires are more specialized than boat owners might think. Know how to choose and keep an eye on them. BY CHRIS CASWELL

IRES: YOU FIND THEM HARD to live

with, but you can’t live without ’em. And if you think the tires on your car or truck are a pain, trailer tires are even worse. That’s mostly your own fault, because you never look at them and you never check them, so they feel unloved. Here’s what you need to know to keep your trailer tires happy. First, trailer tires are completely different from car and truck tires, so don’t get some cheapo specials from Honest Eddie’s Tires. The sidewall — the area from the rim to the tread — is strengthened on trailer tires to handle the considerable weight of a boat and not flex while wheeling around curves on the way to the water.

Sidewall There is a spot on the side of every tire that is the Cliff’s Notes to everything necessary to know: capacity, dimensions and age. It is where owner meets tire. It should always — always! — have the letters “ST” or, at the very least, a molded label that says Trailer Use Only.

Inflation This is the one thing everyone knows about tires: They need air. But how much? On the sidewall are labels that include the proper inflation level for a cold tire — one that hasn’t been driven and is being checked in the driveway — or a hot tire — one that’s been driven, even around the block. This will read in PSI (pounds

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To make the trip to and from the water go more smoothly, be sure the trailer’s tires are the correct size and on the proper rims — 14 inches in the photo below — and are inflated properly.

per square inch), which will also be the reading on the tire-pressure gauge that should be in every glove box.

Bias Trailer tires are created in one of two ways: bias ply or radial. Which way will be marked on the sidewall. Bias-ply tires are generally stiffer, almost always less expensive and better for short-haul trips. Radial tires build up less heat during long trips, they create less road noise or “drumming,” and they have a greater load capacity than a similarly sized bias-ply tire.

in the tanks. Oh, don’t forget the ice chest stuffed with six packs. A single-axle trailer can carry a load right up to the maximum limit, while double-axle trailers can carry about 12 to 15 percent below the max load — in our hypothetical case, around 6,000 pounds.

Other Gobbledygook A trailer tire will have a row of large numerals on the sidewall to indicate the size, width and wheel diameter. Let’s look at a tire that shows ST200/60R15. The ST means it’s a trailer tire. The 200 is the

Never, ever, mix bias-ply and radial tires on a trailer. One important caveat: Never, ever, mix bias-ply and radial tires on a trailer. It should go without saying to never mix tire sizes on a trailer.

Load Range Once again, the sidewall will indicate a load range or, simply, a max weight, in pounds. The listed weight is what that single tire can support safely. Let’s say the max load for a single tire is 1,700 pounds. That means a single-axle trailer can safely carry 3,400 pounds — total. That includes the weight of the trailer itself, the boat, the motor, and the fuel and water

width of the tire, in millimeters. The 60 is the ratio of the height to width; in this case, the tire height is 60 percent of its width, or a fairly “low profile” tire. The R means radial (a D would indicate a biasply tire). The 15 means the tire requires 15-inch rims.

Old Age Ain’t Fun Getting old is just as tough on trailer tires as it is on boaters. Aside from road hazards and alignment problems, tires can just wear out. Cracks in the sidewalls point to dry rot, often in combination with the effects of sunlight, which is why many

boaters (and RVers) put little “hoodies” over their tires, to keep the sun away. Tires will naturally stiffen with age, and every tire is required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to have the date of manufacture molded into the sidewall. Look for a set of four numbers. The first two indicate the month and the last two the year, so “0501” means the tire was manufactured in May 2001. Just because a tire is 10 years old doesn’t mean it has to be replaced. If it has been taken care of and inspected for wear, it will be just fine. The older the tire, however, the more it needs to be checked.

Lazy Man’s Tire Pressure Yes, it’s a pain to walk around and bend down to check the tire pressure on each tire, which is why the task is often overlooked, sometimes with dire consequences. The good news is that modern technology offers a solution: a wirelessly connected tire gauge right in the car. Several companies offer kits for $100 or slightly more. They install easily by screwing tire sensors onto the tire stems (they usually include four). A receiver plugs into an accessory plug in the car. The bonus is that in addition to showing the pressure for all tires, it also displays the tire temperature, which can point to bearing or brake problems that are heating the tire. BW

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watersports

O FF-TH E- BOAT PR AC TI CE

High and Dry We present five facets of watersports you can practice, even if the lake is frozen over.

HILE WINTER STILL HAS ITS cold arms wrapped around much of the U.S., the number of watersports enthusiasts starting to experience withdrawal is on a steady incline. Even people who enjoy many different winter sports feel that tug at their heart to be on the boat. It won’t go away. So, while we can’t make summer come any sooner, we can provide drills and exercises that don’t require access to a boat or water and that will keep your mind and body sharp for the much-anticipated first day back on the lake. Plus, they’ll help keep away the winter blues.

BY TARAH MIKACICH

Handle Passes The idea for this exercise is to practice handle passes. Take the handle section of your rope, about five feet worth, and tie a half-full water jug to the end of it. At first, just stand still and try to swing the water jug around your body, passing the handle in front of you and behind you. As you get more comfortable, start spinning in the opposite direction that the rope is swinging. Practice handle passes in both directions. As you get really comfortable, move this exercise to the balance board.

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Balance, Strength, Stability Important aspects of any behindthe-boat activity are balance, leg strength and core stability, all of which can be worked on during the off-season. Enter a balance board — a wakeboard-looking board, a roller and stabilizer wedges — an excellent tool for anyone who loves wakeboarding or wakesurfing. It can be set up in the living room, in front of the computer or in a nice carpeted area. No matter where it’s set up, you can practice. As you get better, move around more, add weights or mimic on-the-water movements. If you get the hang of it pretty quickly, take a look at Indo Board’s (indoboard. com) social media feeds, where you’ll find posts that show how people around the world get creative in their cross-training.

Takeoff and Landing

Grabs

For this exercise, you need a sturdy wooden or steel box of a height you’re comfortable jumping up onto. The focus of the exercise is twofold: full hip extension on the takeoff and soft, silent landings. First, send your hips back, and really load through your glutes before you jump. As you go to leave the ground, drive your hips up and forward, so you get every inch of height out of your legs before you bring them up to land on the box. This is very similar to the movement you should use when leaving the wake on a wakeboard. Then, as you set your feet down to land, try to cushion the landing as much as you can, so it makes next to no noise at all. Avoid a big thud by setting the balls of your feet down first; don’t land flat-footed. Actively absorb the landing with your ankles, knees and hips. Don’t fold over at the waist or let your chest drop.

Find yourself a nice carpeted area. Put your wakeboard on — yes, in the house! Now lie down on your back and raise your feet up so the board is directly above your stomach. It will feel weird at first, but go with it. Start moving your legs so you can grab the board in different places. What you’ll find is that it’s extremely difficult to grab anywhere on the board if you bend both knees at the same time. However, if you bend one knee and straighten the other, you actually bring one end of the board closer to you for a grab. On the water, such a move would look like a super stylish poked out grab. Do this exercise in every direction. Find the ways you can grab the nose of the board, the tail of the board, between the toes of your feet and between your heels. Do all of these with your right hand. Then change the movements and grab all those spots with your left hand.

Air Awareness This one may sound pretty obvious, but the value of bouncing on a trampoline is high enough that it lands on every cross-training list. But how do people — pros and weekend warriors — get the most benefit out of their time on a trampoline? One thing to remember is to keep your head up. Fix your eyes on something while you bounce, which is a huge tool for air awareness. Your body will settle into a better balance when your eyes are focused on the horizon. Try to stay in the same spot while jumping up and down — and do it without flailing your arms or legs. Even this simple time in the air will make you feel more comfortable back on the water. If you decide to work on flips, remember to drive the rotation of the flip with your lower body, not your head and shoulders. BW

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fishing

C ATCH -A N D - R ELE A S E TECH N I Q U E S

Stayin’ Alive How you hook and fight a fish you are going to release is a big deal … to the fish BY ALAN JONES

OR ONCE, I DIDN’T SCREW up the

cast and fired the only blue crab we had just in front of a quickly moving school of permit. A 40-pounder inhaled it and took off, ripping line from the spinning reel at an alarming rate. The commotion didn’t go unnoticed by a 6-foot-long bull shark, which sensed an easy meal and closed in for the kill.

OUT ON “BAIL”

It was like a WWI dogfight. The “man in the gray suit” was all over the permit’s tail. Just when it looked like the shark was going to take a crescent-shaped bite o’ sushi out of the permit, I did something I’d only heard of before: I flipped the bail open on the reel, which released the pressure on the fish. The permit shifted gears. It immediately put a few feet between it and certain death, and its sudden gain in speed and mobility caused the shark to lose interest. I thought I’d lost the fish, but when I reengaged the reel, the circle hook was still connected. I was able to reel it in, grab it by the tail, hoist it out of the water for a quick photo for my article and revive it while keeping a wary lookout for a reappearance of Jaws Jr. This bail-flipping technique is also beneficial to use with a fish that’s heading toward tangled roots or a dock, because it thinks it’s gotten free. FIRST-ROUND KO

One of the most serious side effects for a fish that’s hooked by an angler is a buildup 18

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X-RAP LONG CAST

X-RAP LONG CAST SHALLOW

of lactic acid in its system. Prolonged fights can lead to blood acidification, which can disrupt the fish’s metabolism. If a fish can’t get its blood chemistry back to normal levels, it may die, sometimes days after the fight. Anglers can do two things to help the fish. The first way to shorten a fight is to use appropriately sized rods and reels. Most anglers have a pretty fair idea of the fish they will be catching, so gear up accordingly. When trolling for species such as mahi-mahi (dolphin fish), use heavier gear, because you never know what size fish will attack the bait. It could be a 5-pound dolphin or a marlin. You can still have light-tackle fun if the mahi you reel in is a small schoolie. Just keep one hooked next to the boat, break out the smaller rods and flip cut bait to the ones that are visible. Another way to keep a battle short is to fight fish aggressively. Always keep heavy pressure on them and try to gain line whenever possible, and follow the fish with the boat, to avoid having to drag the fish all the way in. Inexperienced anglers tend to hang on and let the fish dictate the fight. Use short pump-and-reel motions on larger fish to gain line, and don’t let up. Tarpon will fight for hours if you don’t apply max pressure from the start. When one comes to the top, use a sideways sweeping motion of the rod to try to turn its head. Once accomplished, a tarpon will often give up.

X-RAP SALTWATER SUBWALK

immediately aggressive to get them out of reefs or rocks. Once they are clear, however, use slow but steady pressure. Doing so often allows the fish to acclimate to the reduced water pressure and come to the top with its bladder uninflated. I’ve found that sometimes a slow, steady retrieve can

X-RAP TWITCHER MULLET

cause of fish catch mortality, but using circle hooks when fishing with natural bait will prevent that too. With treble hooks, more than one hook often bites home, making it difficult to gently remove it without damaging a fish’s mouth. For the last decade, I’ve used single

Instead of using a lure with treble hooks on a catch-and-release day, tie on to one with single hooks, which do less damage to the fish’s mouth.

keep a fish from panicking, so it will go with the path of least resistance — leaving it healthier after the fight.

WHEN TO GO SLOW

TROUBLE WITH TREBLES

Bringing up a deep-water fish too quickly will cause its swim bladder to inflate, at which point the angler will have to use a venting tool to deflate the bladder so the fish can go back down (before being eaten). Of course, most fish in deep water are caught on structure, so you have to be

Treble hooks are highly effective at snaring fish, especially when two or three of them are on a lure. As I’ve discovered over the years, they are also really good at sticking anglers. There is some evidence that treble hooks save fish lives by reducing gut-hooking, which is the most common

hooks instead of trebles, but single hooks can affect a lure’s action. So I was really pleased when I received some sample lures from Rapala, including the Twitchin’ Minnow and Twitchin’ Mullet X-RAP Single Hook Series. I’ve used them to catch trout, which have very fragile mouths, without harm. To make single hooks even less invasive, mash down the barb. As long as you keep steady pressure on, fish stay hooked. Plus, it’s far more sporting … which is what catch and release is all about. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

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engines

E V I N RU D E E-TEC G 2 150

Monsters of the Midrange The second wave of Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards is here and taking care of business in the midrange. BY ALAN JONES

LE EVINRUDE WOULD HAVE FREAKED out if he saw what I was looking at from a dock on Okauchee Lake, not far from Milwaukee. It was on this very lake 110 years ago that he offered to row his boat a couple of miles to fetch his fiancée a bowl of ice cream. Since it was 90 degrees that day, the result was pretty predictable. He vowed to find a way to remedy the situation, and in 1909 he became the first person to successfully bring to market an outboard engine. It cranked out an amazing 1.5 hp. If he had been standing with me 107 years later, he would have seen the E-TEC G2

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150 hp. It has an angular look, clean rigging, and changeable side and top panels, and it is exactly 100 times more powerful than the original Evinrude. Who wants chocolate? WEIGHTY ISSUES

A couple of years ago, Evinrude introduced the marine world to its first generation of E-TEC G2 direct-injected two-strokes, which used a 3.4L V-6 platform to generate 200 to 300 hp. For 2017, version two of the G2 family brings its advanced technology to the 150 to 200 hp class with a slightly smaller 2.7L version that features the same power and versatility of the original. Unlike competing four-strokes that all use an in-line four-cylinder platform, the E-TEC G2 150, 150 H.O., 175 and 200 feature V-6 engine blocks, like their 300 hp big brother. The bigger block does negate the weight advantage usually enjoyed by two-strokes. The lightest 150 is the Mercury 150 FourStroke, which weighs 455 pounds, compared to Evinrude’s lightest version of this new platform, which tips the scales at 496 pounds. Evinrude still offers the previous generation E-TEC 150 hp (also a V-6), which is considerably lighter, at 418 pounds. The difference, on paper, is even more pronounced on the higher horsepower versions of this new G2 family, because of the integrated Dynamic

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enough not to reach from one battery that’s buried in a bilge to another, but with the G2, two jumpstart poles are immediately under the easy-to-remove panel. The top panel gets removed to fill the whopping three-gallon oil reservoir located inside the cowling; it holds enough oil for 50 hours of operation. Evinrude is the only outboard brand to have a magneto-style alternator, so there’s no belt or chain to adjust — or break.

Power Steering system, which adds even more weight. The 2.7L version of the G2 200 weighs 530 pounds, which is only seven pounds lighter than the 300 hp E-TEC G2 with a bigger block. Part of the reason for the heft of a G2 150 to 200 is it uses the same beefy SLX gearcase as the G2 300 model and includes the weight of the internal oil tank. HIT THE EASY BUTTON

The G2 family of 150 to 200 hp directinjected two-strokes features a host of userfriendly features, including drive-by-wire shift and throttle, which is smooth and remarkably quiet. Many boaters don’t know how to trim a boat; fortunately, Evinrude’s i-Trim takes the guesswork out of that equation, and it’s not an option like other outboards’ auto-trim systems. When the throttle is jammed, it automatically adjusts trim to match the boat’s speed, which boosts performance and fuel economy. Evinrude makes ownership an easy proposition. No break-in period is required and no maintenance is needed for five years or 500 hours, whichever comes first. One annoying aspect of outboard maintenance is not knowing the level or condition of the gear oil, unless an owner wants to crack the seal on the fill screw, which can compromise its integrity. The G2 fixes that dilemma with a clear gear-oil tank. It also has a self-winterizing function. Owners might never see their dealer again, unless they want to change the colored side and top panels. Ever try to get a jumpstart from another boater? Usually, jumper cables are just long

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

SPECS Type V-6, direct-injected two-stroke Displacement 2.7L WOT Range 5000-6000 rpm Weight (150 hp) 496 lbs. 20 in. shaft Gear Ratio 2.17:1 Price $16,170 PERFORMANCE Tested with Ranger 1850MS Reata Time to plane 2.4 sec. 0-30 mph 5.8 sec. Top speed 48.4 mph Decibels @ idle 64 dBA Cruise 30.6 mph/4000 rpm/86 dBA Peak 48.4 mph/6000 rpm/96 dBA Bombardier Recreational Products, evinrude.com

The E-TEC’s stratified RPM combustion mode gives it a tremendous boost out of the hole. I tested it on a variety of boats, including the Ranger 1850MS Reata, a multispecies family fishing boat, and the SunChaser Classic 8522 SG, a midsized triple-tube pontoon. Both got on plane in 2.4 seconds. Midrange throttle response was excellent, and the Ranger reached 30 mph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 48.4 mph. Top speed for the SunChaser pontoon was 36.6 mph. Being a two-stroke, the G2 has a throwback sound that harkens back to the old days but is quieter than previousgen Evinrudes. At WOT on the Ranger, the decibel meter measured 96, while the pontoon was slightly quieter at 95, both of which were a couple of decibels higher than comparable four-strokes. The G2’s warranty is the longest in the business, with a five-year engine and non-declining corrosion warranty, but Evinrude is running a special that lasts until the end of March 2017. With it, buyers get a decade of coverage at no extra cost other than a $50 deductible per repair after five years. BW

INSIDE MATTERS The unseen advantages of the E-TEC G2 150 include efficient combustion settings, a strong SLX gearcase and an advanced engine management module.

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diy

R E B U ILD A TR A NSO M

Rebuild a Rotten Transom A wet transom core is not good. Here’s how to replace it yourself. BY JARED JOHNSON

WAS LOOKING FOR A CENTER console hull that had great seakeeping ability in order to fish offshore in Florida. I found a used 28 Whitewater hull, which was perfect because I wanted to put some low-hour Yamahas on it. A new fully rigged 28 Whitewater costs about $150,000, but I got the hull for $15,000. With engines, I would have a rugged, reliable offshore boat for about $60,000.

When I drilled a hole in the transom, water leaked out (1), which was, to say the least, really depressing, because a surveyor gave the boat a clean bill of health. Further delving revealed the transom’s wood core was totally rotten (2). Hiring a boatyard to replace the transom’s core would totally blow my budget, so I did it myself. Replacing the transom’s core from the inside is the preferred method, because it keeps the boat’s original structure intact. The first step is to gain access to the interior of the transom, so I used a Rockwell Sonicrafter Oscillating Multi-Tool to cut the cap and deck off the rear of the boat, which proved to be one of the easier steps. The key is to not cut into the corners; doing so makes it very difficult to repair and can create a weak spot. When cutting back the knees/stringers that were connected to the 22

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transom, I had to cut back until I got past the rotted wood. I cut off about six inches of a stringer (3) and could see by its appearance I was past the wet wood. If you are uncertain, use a pin-type moisture meter to measure the wood’s water content. Removing the old core of wet wood from the transom proved to be the most difficult part of this project. I started using a chisel, hammer and crowbar to remove small pieces at a time. Some parts will be super easy if they’re really rotten. At this point, the fiberglass transom had bits of leftover wood (4), so I used a grinder to grind it all down to bare fiberglass, then used a belt sander to create the flattest possible surface. Make sure to cover up completely. I taped my sleeves to my gloves and used a respirator. Somehow, the glass still got to my skin and itched like crazy. If — when! — that happens, use packing tape to pull the ground glass off your skin. I began beefing up the transom by adding a couple of layers of fiberglass to the existing fiberglass transom shell. I started with 1708 biaxial cloth, which has a 45-degree weave. Then I laid down 1808 biaxial cloth, which has a 90-degree weave. I used vinylester resin, which is orders of magnitude better than polyester resin. I laid the cut piece of fiberglass down on a piece of plywood and applied the resin until the mat was soaked through before putting it in place on the transom. The key to creating a strong bond is to make sure all

the bubbles are rolled out and let it cure for at least 24 hours. I used Coosa Board Bluewater 26 to replace the wood core, because it doesn’t absorb water and has very high compression strength. I made a cardboard template of the transom inside where the new core was going, which I used to mark the one-and-a-half-inch Coosa Board Bluewater 26 (5). I cut the board with the Rockwell Multi-Tool (6). Holding the board in place, I used a half-inch drill bit to drill through the existing mounting holes whenever possible in the transom, through the cured fiberglass I just laid and then into the Coosa board. I then placed the two-by-fours and drilled through them, so everything lined up. I created a thickened resin with Cabosil and put it on the fiberglass, laying it on thick with a plastic trowel and being careful to leave space at the edges for it to spread out. I placed the Coosa board core against the transom and bolted on the two-by-fours (7), which acted as a vise to create a very strong bond when fully cured. If there are any spaces between the core on the sides and bottom, apply more thickened epoxy and smooth it down, so it’s even with the Coosa board. After 24 hours, I removed the two-by-fours, filled the mounting holes with thickened resin and sanded down any areas that weren’t smooth. Again, using the vinylester resin, I glassed down the transom with 1708 and 1808 fiberglass mat — in this order: 1708, 1808, 1708, 1808 — all the way to the top of the transom and out four to eight inches on the sides and bottom (8). It cured overnight before I trimmed excess fiberglass off the top of the transom. I cut out new pieces of Coosa board for the stringers/knees, to fit the old ones, and glassed them in with a layer of 1708, then 1808. Make sure the glass extends four to six inches onto the transom, old stringers and bottom. Last, I sanded and painted the area with Interlux BilgeKote primer and paint (9). The final result is an incredibly strong transom that won’t absorb water whenever I drill a hole. BW

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THE MATERIALS

PRICE BREAKDOWN

15 yards 1708:

$96

15 yards 1808:

$105

15 gallons vinylester resin w/hardener: $600 3-inch Chip brushes:

$9/10 pack

Fiberglass rollers (3):

$15

10 1-quart mixing containers:

5 quarts Cabosil:

$30

1 sheet 1.5-inch Coosa Bluewater 26: Total:

$525 $1,387

4 4

8 4

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ask the experts

MAINTENANCE

Hard-to-Reach Bilge Pump

Q The bilge pump starting blowing the fuse, so I attempted to change it out. On our 2009 Sea Ray, it is located directly under the center of the engine. I received suggestions such as “epoxy a replacement in another place” and “pull the engine,” but there has to be a way to replace the pump in the original spot. Any idea how? Lee Komich, via BoatingWorld.com

Boats are assembled in stages, and builders install equipment (such as bilge pumps) at whatever stage access is easiest. The problem is that easy access during the assembly process may not carry over to the poor end user faced with replacing said equipment. I’ve

got arms like an orangutan, but I come across many such installations while doing marine surveys. Some bilge pumps I can barely see with a mirror and flashlight, much less physically access. That being said, I’m sure the factory technician had plenty of room to install your bilge pump prior to the engine being installed. He also probably didn’t dwell too much on how much of a pain it would be to replace when it failed — heck, that’s years in the future, man. Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet

 OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS:

Frank Lanier Capt. Lanier is an accredited marine surveyor with more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry and owner of Capt. FK Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants.

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Zuzana Prochazka Grid Michal With 50 years of experience as a marine tech, Michal is also American Suzuki and OMC/ Bombardier (BRP) certified.

Prochazka is a freelance writer and photographer. She holds a USCG 100-Ton Master license, is the editor of her boat and gear review website, TalkOfTheDock. com, and serves on the board of Boating Writers International.

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When it comes to pontoon Boats, Godfrey is the Pioneer. Godfrey introduced the world’s first aluminum pontoon boat over half a century ago, and continues to lead the industry with new innovations in styling, quality, safety, comfort and performance. Godfrey knows pontoon boats, and doesn’t just set the standard—they raise the bar. As the true original, Godfrey makes pontoon boats for every family, every lifestyle and every body of water.

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Wherever the day may take you. The Yamaha VF225. Godfrey Boating World Ads March.indd 1

1/31/2017 8:15:26 AM

ask the experts — no closely held trick of the trade passed down through generations when it comes to replacing an unreachable bilge pump. I know a guy who had his seven-year-old kid bilge-dive in order to replace a similarly unreachable pump. But unless you have a skinny kid, a bucket of degreaser and a wife who is out of town for the day, I wouldn’t recommend his approach. If there’s just no room to squeeze around the front or sides of the engine to access the pump, then as sad as it sounds, removal of the engine just might be the only way to replace it. My advice in that case would be to install a second pump in a more accessible location and call it good. Of course, if you’re lucky your engine may crap out, in which case you could justify pulling it and getting at that pesky pump. — FL B OAT M A I N T E N A N C E

Don’t Get Towed Every day, boaters get stranded and

need a tow. Sea Tow is one organization that performs a lot of those ignominious tows back to port. As such, it has gained a lot of knowledge about the most common reasons boaters need a tow. With the season approaching (or ongoing, depending on where you boat), we thought we’d share a list Sea Tow compiled based on conversations with its captains from around the country. Engine or equipment breakdown. “Most of the reasons we tow people are due to mechanical failure,” said Capt. Mike DeGenaro of Sea Tow Charlotte Harbor (Florida). The cure? “What it all comes down to is proper maintenance. Be sure to change your water impeller as well.” Fuel-related issues. “We always suggest full spring maintenance on the fuel system. This means changing out all fuel filters and inspecting fuel lines and fuel bulbs,” said Capt. Chris Ward of Sea Tow South Mississippi. He recommends putting 100 0.125”gasoline bleed in every percent ethanol-free

gas-powered boat’s tank. “If boaters do insist on using ethanol fuel, we suggest a fuel additive such as Star Tron, and using all ethanol-resistant fuel components.” Ran out of gas. “Don’t trust your boat’s fuel gauge. They’re all different. Know your average fuel burn usage per hour and track your hours of use in between fill-ups,” said DeGenaro. Dead battery. “Battery issues are our second largest call in the springtime, even on newer boats,” said Ward. “I suggest having a marine trickle charger plugged in during winter months and get a new battery every three to five years. Most of the newer four-stroke engines require so much more amperage for cranking and the computer.” Ran aground. “Boaters unfamiliar with the area will call us and ask for help with local navigation,” said Capt. DeGenaro. “That’s great. But our advice is, don’t take shortcuts or unmarked passages unless you have local knowledge.” BW

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2/2/17 1:02 PM

gear

STU FF YO U WA NT

Status Speaker

$149, aquaticav.com

Aquatic AV Pro-Series speakers have been designed, engineered and built to provide sound quality under the most demanding conditions on the water. Rated at 100-watts max power output and frequency response of 52Hz-20,000Hz, these 6.5-inch cone marine speakers are capable of delivering quality audio with all music types, from a quiet session of classical music to pumping out dance tracks at high volume. Available in white, black and chrome with blue LED illumination, the Pro-Series speakers feature a removable, classic style grill, a fully waterproof design, and UV and salt/fog protection. It will mount directly into an aperture of 130mm and requires a depth of 70mm.

Coast Is Clear $27.49, magicezy.com MagicEzy’s UV Shield is a water-based, nano polymer formula that provides safe, long-lasting UV protection that flexes with the movement of clear plastics, vinyl and canvas on board. The advanced water-beading technology not only repels rain but releases sand, salt and dust naturally to keep surfaces clear. It will also improve the clarity of minor scratches in clear plastics for clearer vision. It’s guaranteed to clean and protect glass, hard and flexible clear acrylic windows, vinyl and also the fabric seam stitches on vinyl and canvas Biminis or dodgers for up to three months.

Trailer Security Light It Up $449.10, oceanled.com OceanLED Sport S3116s is an underwater LED light for small and medium-sized boats that packs 9,800 lumens in a low-profile, compact design, with Midnight Blue and Ultra White options. Advanced optics, designed exclusively by OceanLED, offer a 90-degree surface beam angle with a focused 20-degree side beam angle, providing greater water penetration and a significantly larger illuminated area. It’s easy to install — a 12mm hole in the hull to feed the cable through and three screws to keep it in place — and there is no bonding required. The Fish-Strobe mode offers bright, randomized strobing to attract more fish and catch more bait.

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BOATINGWORLD.COM

$74.99, boltlock.com The new Bolt Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock brings the convenience of Bolt’s one-key technology to boaters who routinely use and store their trailers. The one-key technology is easily programmed the first time the ignition key is inserted into the Bolt lock cylinder, as spring-loaded plate tumblers move up and down to uniquely mold the cylinder to that specific key. Additionally, the lock delivers a visible and functional sign of security. The coupler lock works with 1 7/8-inch and 2 15/16-inch couplers to keep a variety of trailers secure while unattended. It’s made of highly durable powder-coated finish to keep dirt and moisture out while protecting the lock mechanism from harsh weather.

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

2/2/17 12:59 PM

THIS YEAR, MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DAY ON THE WATER

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Cash Rebates on select models. See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new outboards (OAC).*

Offers end March 31, 2017. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki outboard motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/17 and 3/31/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki outboards made between 01/01/17 and 3/31/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki marine engines. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki marine engines purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/17 and 3/31/17.“Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2016 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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gear

STU FF YO U WA NT

Power Pliers

$52.99, rapala.com

A little help when removing a hook or crimping a barb is something anglers can appreciate. The new 9-inch Salt Angler’s Double Leverage Pliers from Rapala has enlarged grips designed to offer comfort and delivers a 60 percent increase in power, according to Rapala. The tool is made of carbon steel and has a nickel-plate finish, to keep the harsh marine environment at bay.

Double Fisting $14.99, davisnet.com Vessels of all sizes have an endless assortment of equipment that needs to be stowed. For items that require ready access, there’s Quick Fist from Davis Instruments. Offered in two sizes, these patented devices secure a wide range of gear and mount almost anywhere, inside or out. Quick Fists are manufactured from heavy-duty, UV-resistant, transportation-grade rubber. Internal ridges hold equipment in place, and offer a wide range of clamping diameters and tensions. Non-conductive, they won’t rust or corrode. Sold as a pair, the standard Quick Fist easily mounts with one #10 bolt or screw through a provided base. It will hold objects up to 22 pounds.

New Cleaning Concept $49.98, shurhold.com Shurhold has a One-Bucket System that’s made in the U.S. and features a soft braided nylon rope handle for comfortable carrying. In the bottom of the pail is a removable Bucket Grate. The dirt and debris fall through the grate, so the wash tool is always in clean water. Brushes can be scrubbed against the grate to remove grime. It has two built-in three-ounce measuring cups for accurate proportioning of cleaning products. Built of sturdy, high-quality plastic, the Bucket Seat/Lid snaps onto the bucket rim and keeps both the system and supplies secure. It’s also padded for a nice seat to take a break.

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BOATINGWORLD.COM

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tested

SC A R A B O PEN 195

Grand Opening Scarab’s new Open 195 brings the art of tailgating to the sport of boating. BY ALAN JONES

CARAB HAS UNDERGONE SEVERAL METAMORPHOSES since Wellcraft built the first

Scarab 300 in 1976. Fast forward (pun fully intended) to 1986, when the public saw a 38 KV piloted by Sonny Crockett on the TV show “Miami Vice.” That exposure propelled the go-fast brand into boating history and provided a huge bump in sales. While racing Scarabs are history, the iconic brand is now a tale of two boat lines, both owned by the Beneteau Group. Scarab Offshore is a line of outboard-powered tournament fishing boats — multiple outboards — that pound the waves at high speeds in events such as SKA fishing tournaments. But in 2013, Scarab Jetboat was christened, thanks largely to the sudden availability of Rotax engines after Sea-Doo exited the sportboat market to concentrate on personal watercraft. For 2017, Scarab designers once again make history with the Open 195, which includes an innovation not found on other trailerable powerboats. UNIQUE FACTOR

To experience the Open 195’s signature feature, stand at the transom, pull two slide bolts and let go. Passengers are sure to “oooh” at the sight of the transom gently dropping to horizontal, which creates a couple more feet of usable space. The Tailgate is clad in gray Marine Mat, which provides a soft, foot-friendly surface that has a high non-skid factor. When deployed, the tailgate gives anglers a place to stand or sit and cast, or passengers can simply lounge with their feet in the water. It also provides an open invitation to dive in, although getting back aboard requires flipping the Tailgate up to access the boarding ladder that’s on the swim platform, unless buyers purchase the optional boarding ladder for $340. Of course, more fit folks can lift and twist themselves onto the deployed Tailgate without a ladder, since it’s low enough to the water. Swimmers will appreciate the grabrail to hang on to while they’re still in the water. PERFORMANCE

Powering the Scarab Open 195 is a single Rotax 1503 1.5L three-cylinder

engine, sourced from BRP, the parent company of Sea-Doo. The decision to use this proven power plant rather than start from scratch to build one in-house was a good one. Countless boaters spending countless hours flogging this mighty but small engine, often at wide-open throttle, have confirmed its reliability. There are two available power variations of the 1503. The first is a supercharged SC model that Scarab posts as having 200 hp. The other is the supercharged HO version that has an external intercooler and produces 250 hp. The latter powered our test boat. During our test, there were four buffet-loving Americans on board, which is two more than usual, but it gave us a more real-world look at what to expect. The supercharger kicked in immediately and the Open 195 took off quickly and planed in four seconds with little bowrise. Time to 25 mph was 8.5 seconds, and it reached a top speed of 40.2 mph. Although Rotax puts the horsepower of the two 1503 variants closer together than Scarab (207 hp vs. 244 hp), I can’t recommend anything less than the max power for this model. The boat is built for fun, so it will be $1,799 well spent.

(Clockwise from top center) A head compartment is hidden behind a flip-up panel that includes a seat at the front of the helm console. With the fishing chair removed, a sunpad emerges. The bow fishing seat is surrounded by casting deck. The Tailgate can be operated by one person. Electronics choices abound on a large dash.

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owner feedback 

Purchased by Darren and Kimberly Rubin, Largo, Fla. Purchased at Lightning Powersports, Port Richey, Fla. >

W H AT W E L I K E D :

Drop-down Tailgate/Roomy head compartment/No-prop jet drive/Flip-up jumpseats/ Rod holders and livewell/High gunwales >

W H AT W E W O U L D C H A N G E :

We would like to add a freshwater shower for rinsing off after swimming and diving, and scuba tank racks. >

When deployed, the tailgate gives anglers a place to stand or sit and cast.

WHY WE BOUGHT IT:

It had been a little while since we’d owned a boat, and living in the Tampa Bay area really made us want to own one. We liked the idea of a jetboat because they don’t have props and can run in shallow water, which is in abundance here. We wanted a compact boat that would fit in our garage but one that had the ability to handle choppy water, since Tampa Bay is so expansive. We plan on getting into fishing this year, and I like the numerous rod holders and center console design. We loved the Tailgate, because we plan on scuba diving, and it will make getting in the water much easier. There are many day destinations, including Caladesi Island and Egmont Key, that are awesome places to visit, and restaurants such as the Largo Yacht Club, The Pub Waterfront Restaurant and Shepherd’s Resort. We hope to trailer our Scarab Open 195 down to the Keys to get into some turquoise water. Bob at Lightning Powersports has been great before and after the sale. I’ve been asking lots of questions and he’s been very responsive.

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HANDLING

Taking control is easy thanks to a driveby-wire system that ensures smooth shift and throttle control. The Info Center has both analog and digital displays, and the speedometer is GPS-based, so it delivers accurate info, which is a big plus for waterskiing. A worthy option is the Digital Speed Control Package, which includes a variety of enhancements. Eco Mode limits engine torque, which ensures the best fuel economy possible. Cruise Mode lets the driver hold a steady speed that can be tweaked by bumping a toggle switch up and down. Probably its coolest feature is Ski Mode. With it, drivers can set their terminal speed and control the ramp, or rate of acceleration, with six different gradients. This is important because the acceleration on a jetboat can be pretty abrupt, especially for younger skiers. For drivers used to “regular” boats, docking can be a challenge, but Scarab makes it really easy with Docking Mode, which, when engaged, limits the throttle to 3500 rpm and spreads it out over the entire throw of the shift lever, allowing drivers to make small, precise corrections. The Rotax pump is always circulating water, so

when the Scarab is in neutral, the boat will still turn at the spin of the wheel. A cool trick: drivers can spin the 195 on its axis when it’s in neutral. The fun of having a jetboat such as the Scarab Open 195 is the ability to turn really sharply. When I cranked the Open 195 hard-over at speed, the reaction was immediate and we were able to nearly swap ends, though the speed tended to bleed off quickly with four people on board. BEST USES

We tested two versions: the Open 195 and the Open 195 Fish. Buyers can order a number of fishing options on the Open 195 (e.g., three types of rod holders and a baitwell), but if fishing is a primary activity, the 195 Fish is the way to go. The MSRP is $1,098 higher for the Fish model ($31,250 vs. $32,348), but in addition to the standard rod holders and baitwell, a number of options are available that aren’t on the Open 195, including fore and aft fishing seats ($600). Scarab describes this boat as an SUB (Sport Utility Boat), and its functionality as a multitask platform is enhanced by the addition of a T-top ($2,467), which

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provides a high tow point that can handle 1,800 pounds of force and serves as a place for clamp-on rod holders ($467). Plus, it provides shade with its canvas awning. Cranking two twist knobs lowers the T-top for storage or ducking under low bridges. The Open 195 has a center console design, but what’s unusual is the pair of flip-up jumpseats on either side, providing four-abreast seating. In front of the center console is another jumpseat with twin bow benches. The boat has a passenger capacity of eight, and there’s more than enough seating for all. PREFERRED SETUP

Scarab provides many options for customizing the Open 195. The extra-tall helm includes an incredible amount of real estate for adding electronics, and Scarab offers a 9-inch Raymarine GPS/ fishfinder for $1,500, but there is space for even larger displays. An unusual feature for a sub-19-foot boat is the

flip-up forward section of the helm, which raises to expose a changing station/head compartment. A worthy addition is the pumpout head, for $313. To beef up seating and sunning comfort, opt for the stern seating pad ($300) and the three-piece bow cushion set ($833). Another comfort enhancement is the full cockpit Marine Mat padding with the

Scarab logo, for $1,060. For entertaining, add a cockpit table for $307. A stern ski tow is standard, but if wakeboarding is in the picture, add board racks on the optional T-top for $600. To beef up the wake, a Wake Blast System is available for $1,033. Unlike most boat companies, Scarab includes a custom trailer as part of the standard package. BW

SPECS Length 18 ft., 10 in. Beam 8 ft. Deadrise 20 degrees Capacity 8 people Dry Weight (hull) 2,730 lbs. Fuel Capacity 31 gal. Max HP 250 PERFORMANCE Peak 40.2 mph/7800 rpm/99 dBA Cruise 23.9 mph/6500 rpm/93 dBA Time to Plane 4.0 sec. Time to 25 mph 8.5 sec. POWER Test Rotax 1503 HO 250 hp Cylinders I-3 Displacement 1.5L Weight w/outdrive 186 lbs. WOT Max 8000 rpm Base Price w/test power $31,250 Value-Added Standard Features: Trailer, Tailgate w/Marine Mat padding, stereo, ski tow, built-in cooler, aft casting platform, tilt steering, changing room Must-Have Options: Pumpout head, Bimini top, T-top, cockpit table, bow cushion pads, stern cushion, full cockpit Marine Mat, Raymarine GPS/fishfinder, rod holders, baitwell Builder: Beneteau Group, scarabjetboats.com Financing: $224/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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tested

TR I FEC TA 2 3 R F TS A RCH

Triple Threat Trifecta’s 23RF TS Arch is ready to help expand your sporting lifestyle … in style BY ALAN JONES

HE NAME TRIFECTA MIGHT BE new to many pontoon aficionados, but this new

marque, formerly known as Xcursion, has used the knowledge gleaned by parent company Forest River Inc. to position itself as a sporty brand with multiple tiers of luxury. UNIQUE FACTOR

The 23RF TS Arch is all about edgy styling, great performance, luxury and versatility. And our test boat reinforced that ’tude with the Black-Out Package ($1,646), which gives it black anodized aluminum rails, deck trim, rubrails and corner pads, to name a few features. Our model doubled down on this theme with Black Onyx fencing that served as a strong counterpoint to the really luxurious Camel Soft Touch upholstery. Both the artsy forward-swept arch and rear-leaning ski tow were black (of course) and featured a subtle sparkle that dovetailed nicely with the similarly bedazzled Yamaha on the engine bracket. Sometimes arches can be a handful to lower and raise for one person, but this one can be “muscled” by pressing a button — an extra bit of wow factor. PERFORMANCE

While this model is rated for up to 350 hp, it performed well with 100 fewer wild horses. It didn’t hurt that the 250 hp outboard powering it was the Yamaha V MAX SHO 250, which is Team Blue’s hot rod, originally designed for life on the bass boat pro tour as a two-stroke buster. But Yamaha quickly found it translated well to a wide variety of boats, including pontoons. Although it sports a whopping 4.2L of displacement, the 25-inch shaft version only weighs 555 pounds. Throttle response was immediate, and the Yamaha put the 23RF on plane in 2.4 seconds and propelled it to 30 mph in 6.8 seconds. We spent some time at wide-open throttle trying various trim positions to 36

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crack the 50 mph barrier, but came up less than 1 mph short. Its linear acceleration curve makes it a good choice for watersports, and the driver can roll on the power as smooth as he likes, even though it’s a cable-actuated throttle. Modern pontoons tend to have a lot of gadgets, our test boat included. It had a Kicker stereo with a subwoofer ($1,775) and lighting everywhere — on the speakers, in the cockpit and even underwater. Sometimes alternators need the engine to be humming far into the rpm range to produce maximum amperage, but the V MAX SHO cranks out 46 amps (out of its peak 50) at only 1000 rpm. So even with the boat ambling along in full leisure mode, the house batteries are being kept fresh. HANDLING

Our test boat had the 3.0+ tube package ($10,611), which is Trifecta’s top-of-theline setup. It starts with triple tubes that are pressurized to make them more rigid. To demonstrate the effect, squeeze an unopened two-liter bottle of soda and a used two-liter bottle refilled with water. There is a big difference in how they feel. The 3.0+ tubes have unusually shaped lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the outer tubes, an arrangement that allowed the 23RF to lean in slightly during hard turns as it carved a tight radius. The tubes have flattened areas toward the stern called the Pad Running Surface, a feature that helped its quick 2.4-second time to plane. For cleaner and quieter running though choppy water, the aluminum underskin

improves the boat’s hydrological slipperiness. The 3.0+ Package is more than just tubes; it also includes the Sport Ski Tow Bar, SeaStar hydraulic steering, power steering and a 52-gallon fuel tank that replaces the standard 37-gallon tank. The helm is positioned pretty far forward, a weight distribution configuration that may have accounted for the fact we couldn’t trim the forward part of the tubes out of the water very far. The tubes themselves have 52-inch nosecones, a bit longer than the usual 47 inches, which causes them to protrude a few inches (Clockwise from top right) Bow seating works as a chaise for one or a bench for a few. The companion seat mimics the captain’s. Black anodized rails add to the “wow” factor. Reboarding is easy with the stainless ladder. The helm is accented by a sporty steering wheel. A black ski tow matches the boat’s theme.

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owner feedback 

Purchased by Stephen and Nikki Klein and their combined family of seven kids, Atlanta Purchased at N&C Marine, Martin, Ga. >

W H AT W E L I K E D :

Wakeboard tower/Great stereo/Comfortable ride in choppy conditions/Luxurious appointments/Comfortable seating/Great performance from the Yamaha VF250 >

W H AT W E W O U L D C H A N G E :

All it needs to be perfect is a head and a refrigerator. >

WHY WE BOUGHT IT:

We have a cabin on Lake Hartwell and owned an inboard ski boat for 10 years. For a while the kids were really into wakeboarding, but most of them moved away from it, so we were looking for something more comfortable. The lake is huge and has many really long tributaries, including Tugaloo where our cabin is located. To get to the main lake was a 45-minute ride in a cramped boat that tended to beat us up in a chop, so we never went there. I have a great relationship with N&C Marine and told them exactly what I wanted, and they suggested the Trifecta, which met all my needs. It’s comfortable and fast, and we can load it up with our seven kids and two grandkids, bring a bunch of food and go out all day, party and explore the many places we’ve never gone before. On our lake we can cruise right up to the Clemson stadium and go to the game. I felt a little bad about selling the ski boat, but the 23RF has an arch and while the wake’s much smaller, the kids can still wakeboard. I felt like I got a really fair deal from Wayne at N&C. If I have a problem out on the lake, I can call them and they will even come and get me if I need them.

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beyond the extremely short forward deck. Combine that with the tubes’ pointiness and it creates a bit of a hazard for things it bow-bumps. The helm layout is driver friendly thanks to a Murphy display front and center that keeps the skipper in control of most of the boat’s systems, the radio and the GPS. The Yamaha shifter was positioned a little higher and farther away than I prefer, but thanks to the comfortable helm seat, which is adjustable fore and aft, I was able to scoot far enough forward to be comfortable. I appreciated its height adjustability too. BEST USES

The arch and Sport Ski Tow Bar leave no doubt this pontoon is ready for watersports. The arch’s tow point is very high, which will make wakeboarders happy, and the lower tow point is really well-braced and can be optioned with a stylish wakeboard rack ($578). Our boat had the optional realistic-looking teak floor ($946), which is also available as part of a Deluxe Option Package ($4,047) that includes a JL Audio stereo/subwoofer/speaker upgrade, a battery switch and a charger. Set into the deck, along the centerline, is a roomy ski/ PFD/mooring cover storage compartment ($1,750). The rear platform is large and has a four-step polished stainless steel boarding ladder with swimming pool-style grab handles. All four full-size chaise recliners, built by Lexington, have Sonora Soft Touch vinyl. And set into the rear of the port bow lounger is a popup changing room. Our test ran until

after sunset, and we used the occasion to flip on all the ambiance lighting. Cockpit and speaker lights are standard, but our boat had the optional LED lighting on the exterior deck, under the deck and underwater. Those elements comprise the Optional Lighting Package ($1,846), which bathed us in a blue/purple glow. Anglers can fish on any pontoon, but if fishing is high on one’s list of will-dos, Trifecta offers models such as the 24RFC, which combines an entertainment-style layout on the front two-thirds of the pontoon with a dedicated fishing module at the stern, which includes twin fishing chairs and a large rigging table that can be used for entertaining when the rods are stored. PREFERRED SETUP

Trifecta allows for a wide range of customization at no extra charge, giving buyers a choice of eight exterior fence colors, seven furniture accent colors and four furniture base colors. Also standard is a choice of two tropical weave floors with nary the threat of carpeting anywhere. An oval faux mahogany table and a tilt-out trash receptacle come standard. Trifecta doesn’t have a huge list of options, but they are carefully chosen. High on the list should be the bow filler cushion ($849), which creates a great semicircular conversation pit up front. To complete the bow’s transformation into a living room, add a coffee table and a cooler for $958. To extend boating season or turn the boat into a weekender, there’s a full camper enclosure available for $4,972. BW

SPECS Length 23 ft., 7 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter 25 in. Capacity 12 people Dry Weight (hull) 2,700 lbs. Fuel Capacity 52 gals. Max HP 350 PERFORMANCE Peak 49.2 mph/6000 rpm/94 dBA Cruise 30.4 mph/4000 rpm/82 dBA Time to Plane 2.4 sec. Time to 30 mph 6.8 sec. POWER Test Yamaha VF250 Cylinders V-6 Displacement 4.2L Weight w/outdrive 555 lbs. WOT Range 5000-6000 rpm Base Price w/test power $81,501 Value-Added Standard Features: Pillow-top furniture, 165-Watt stereo w/lighted speakers, LED docking lights, stainless ski tow bar, changing room , tilt steering, Murphy display Must-Have Options: Trailer, teak floor, JL Audio upgrade, double Bimini top, in-floor storage, camper enclosure, dual battery switch bow filler cushion, power steering, 3.0+ tube package Builder: Forest River Inc., trifectapontoon.com Financing: $585/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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tested

STI N G R AY 206CC

Find your Center Stingray’s 206CC combines the fishing chops of a center console design with the family friendliness of a deckboat. BY ALAN JONES

T’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE Stingray has produced an outboard-powered center console fishing boat, but for 2017, the South Carolina-based boat builder makes up for lost time with the 206CC. Center consoles not only make sense for fishing but provide a good recreational platform as well.

UNIQUE FACTOR

Stingray earned its reputation by delivering fast and sporty sterndrive-powered trailerable boats that don’t need a lot of horsepower to deliver outstanding performance. And now, its designers are breaking the mold to produce a center console fishing deckboat that doesn’t forget it’s a Stingray. Fish-and-ski models have been in its lineup for years, but the 206CC and its little brother, the 186CC, boast more fishing amenities and casting space than larger center consoles from builders that have been offering purpose-built fishing boats for decades. This is clearly a boat designed by someone who has gone fishing and understands the need for rod holders — lots of rod holders. The 206CC is a mini-trolling machine with four holders set into the gunwales and two more at the transom. The capacity increases at the center console, with three vertical rod holders on each side. Then, under-gunwale storage for another four brings the total to 16. Live-bait anglers will be pleasantly surprised to find a 26-gallon livewell under the leaning post and the option to add another 18-gallon livewell by converting a built-in cooler under the forward jumpseat ($423). Both have lids with friction hinges that keep them open. One of my pet peeves is the dearth of cupholders on many hardcore fishing boats. Stingray solved that by setting four of them

into the gunwales and transom, placing two up front and including two wire holders at the helm. PERFORMANCE

Powering our 206CC test boat was a Yamaha F200, which is the max. The boat jumped on plane in 2.5 seconds and hit 30 mph in 6.8 seconds. Its speed peaked at 53 mph. Stingray will rig the 206CC with a Yamaha, Mercury or Suzuki outboard, and buyers can go as low as 115 hp, but doing so would create the rarest of Stingrays: a waterborne pooch. I haven’t seen 206CC test data with 115 hp, but the closest model with test results is the 204LF, which is a much lighter bowrider hull (1,674 vs.

Fishing is high on the 206CC’s list of doables, but its design is also ideal for other purposes. 2,500 pounds), and it only reached 41.2 mph, according to Stingray tests. A 150 is my minimum suggested power, and the $5,026 price difference between Yamaha’s F150 and F200 is something to consider. For this model, going with a Suzuki DF200 seems to be the performance/price sweet

(Clockwise from top right) A head compartment on a 20-footer? Yep. The helm and transom will seat six. The bow seats include storage. Under the helm seat is a livewell. The bow is a combo bowrider/ fishing space. A tackle station is hidden near the bow.

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spot; it costs $1,192 more than the Yamaha F150. The largest Mercury available on this model is the 150 hp FourStroke, which has a price that falls between the Suzuki DF150 and Yamaha F150. A performance test by Suzuki with the DF150 showed the 206CC reaching a top speed of 48.2 mph. HANDLING

The destroyer-style stainless steel tilt wheel is a standard feature and has a

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it securely in position. The advantage to that is someone can stand behind the seat and hold the backrest for balance without jostling the driver every time the boat goes over a wave. Our test boat’s upholstery had black onyx panels throughout. I was worried they would mimic the temperature of the sun, but even on a cloudless day, the black sections stayed within five degrees of the white upholstery thanks to Cool Touch technology. The vinyl is treated with Nano-Block, which makes it highly stain resistant. PREFERRED SETUP

spinner knob, which comes in handy for sharp, one-handed turns. The leaning post’s backrest has three positions, the middle of which delivers a secure and comfortable feel and puts the driver the correct distance away for standing and driving. Unlike most other leaning posts, the seat bottom doesn’t sit so high that it is uncomfortable for long hauls. An unexpected upgrade is a real glass windshield that is solidly braced. There’s a non-skid surface on the top of the dash, to prevent items from sliding around, and there’s enough space to install a 10-inch GPS/ fishfinder display. The 206CC’s turning ability was impressive. I was able to turn the wheel all the way to the stops without the prop losing traction. And boaters who live in coastal areas or on lakes with shallow spots will like that the outboard doesn’t mind if the prop is trimmed almost out of the water when going skinny at idle. The 206CC has 20 degrees of deadrise, which is more “V” than many other deckboats, so it’s designed to be more of a slicer than a banger over a chop. Its pleasing heft, 2,500 pounds (dry), made it feel substantial and gave it more of a Cadillac-like ride than lighter hulls. BEST USES

Obviously, fishing is high on the 206CC’s list of doables, but its center console design also makes it ideal for other purposes. The tall helm houses a roomy head compartment that’s perfect for changing in and out of swimming suits. It can be made more 42

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useful by adding an optional portable toilet ($300). Waterskiing can be part of the picture with the addition of either a removable stern ski pylon ($492) or a wakeboard tower ($4,454). The center console includes plenty of room for ski storage. The 206CC is rated for nine passengers, and there’s comfortable seating for everyone. Up front, two bowrider seats have backrests, although they are nearly vertical. In full-out fishing mode, removing the seat bottoms creates more casting deck space, adjacent to the large forward deck. A rather unusual design element are the twin sinks behind the bowrider backrests; curiously, however, neither has an option for a spigot. In back, a pair of flip-up jumpseats flank the stern bench seat. At the helm is a leaning post seat for two. I’ve seen center consoles that have leaning post backrests that flip, but this one has a lock that keeps

The MSRP of the 206CC with a Yamaha F200 and the requisite Sea-Star hydraulic steering is $47,839, a price that includes the Convenience Package — 12 items valued at $2,429 — at no charge. A few of the items are ones buyers would expect — an aerated livewell and a boarding ladder — but most are items that would normally be options, including bow cushions, tilt steering, a 160-watt Marine Audio stereo and a 48-quart portable cooler. Years ago buyers could have a Stingray in any color, as long as it was white, but for a reasonable upcharge of $577, they can choose between five colors, including Abaco Green, which our test boat had. A few other options will complete the package. The Bimini top supplies shade for $1,115. The bow pedestal seat ($354), trolling motor mount and harness ($346), and tournament-style recirculating pump for the main livewell ($323) will boost the boat’s fishing capabilities. BW

SPECS Length 20 ft., 1 in. Beam 8 ft., 4 in. Deadrise 20 degrees Capacity 9 people Dry Weight (hull) 2,500 lbs. Fuel Capacity 46 gal. Max HP 200 PERFORMANCE Peak 53.0 mph/6000 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 33.2 mph/4000 rpm/82 dBA Time to Plane 2.5 sec. Time to 30 mph 6.8 sec. POWER Test Yamaha F200 Cylinders I-4 Displacement 2.8L Weight w/outdrive 487 lbs. WOT range 5000-6000 rpm Base Price w/test power $47,839 Value-Added Standard Features: Leaning post w/aerated livewell, 16-watt Marine Audio Bluetooth stereo, tilt steering, bow cushions, twin sinks, spring-line cleats, 48-qt. portable cooler Must-Have Options: Trailer, Bimini top, wakeboard tower, ski tow pylon, bow cushion, choice of 5 hull colors, battery switch, underwater and speaker lighting, deluxe console, livewell pump for forward cooler Builder: Stingray Boats, stingrayboats.com Financing: $343/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

BOATINGWORLD.COM

2/2/17 12:51 PM

JET D AHEA ent sales ev

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PR I N CECR A F T V EC TR A 25 LT

Pontoon For the Populous Princecraft proves you don’t have to spend big to live large. BY ALAN JONES

HE COST OF ACQUIRING A pontoon with the ability to tote a dozen lake lovers around in style can get pricey, especially if the kids want to ride a tube all day. Fortunately, frugal boaters can look to our friends to the north — Princeville, Canada-based Princecraft — for some help. Princecraft’s Vectra Series just got a new flagship for 2017. Called the 25 LT, it has the pricing flexibility to allow buyers to stay within budget without having to make luxury or performance sacrifices.

UNIQUE FACTOR

From the get-go, the Vectra Series was a hit with dealers who had customers looking for a deal. But they wanted more … literally. So this year, the Vectra line’s biggest vessel went from 23 feet, 6 inches (23 LT) to 25 feet, 8 inches (25 LT), and what a difference a couple of feet makes. With a price difference between the two of just $512, we’re talking no-brainer here,

the Speed package ($5,665), which includes lifting strakes on both sides of both tubes, so it got on top of the water better. The package includes a bump from a Mercury 40 to a 90 hp FourStroke. In addition, there’s a motor pod that has a flat planing pad that gives the stern a little extra lift during takeoff. The package also includes an aluminum underskin that covers the cross members, which is nice because they

Its philosophy is to provide a boat with a lot of standard features for its price range. especially for anyone with room to park it. First, instead of a short port sofa that doesn’t have a forward-facing backrest, the 25 LT includes two full-length chaise lounges in the bow that are the same length. Then, Princecraft designers included a rare starboard boarding gate, giving it egress on all four corners and allowing drivers to pull up to a dock on the side where they have an unobstructed view. PERFORMANCE

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can make a pontoon really noisy when the water hits them, and they can slow the boat down. The 25 LT comes standard with a 90 hp outboard with the Sport tubes, but our test boat had the Mercury 115 hp FourStroke, which pushed its performance just to the level where watersports become feasible. It’s $950 well spent. The strakes on the 25-inch tubes and the planing pad helped the Vectra 25 LT get on plane in 2.8 seconds. Time to 25 mph was 8.3 seconds,

and it fell short of the 30 mph mark by just four-tenths of a mph. Since Princecraft is a Brunswick company, its boats are going to have a Mercury on the bracket, and with twin tubes, the 115 FourStoke is all you need. Princecraft does offer the option of taking a Vectra to the next level by adding a third tube, which is surprisingly affordable at just $1,766. Of course, the power will need to be bumped up, and the 150 FourStroke helps that transition for an additional $3,899. It’s also the lightest of any four-stoke on the market, at 455 pounds. The next jump up in power is to the Mercury Verado 175 or 200, which adds supercharged power and Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS), but it comes at a pretty steep price increase — $5,665 and $6,465, respectively — over the 150 FourStroke. HANDLING

Most of the time, a two-tube pontoon with a 115 hp outboard will feature either cable steering or the BayStar hydraulic steering system, and the latter might be OK if you usually go in a straight line. Cable steering is a bad choice no matter how the boat will be used. Our test boat, however, featured a different option, SeaStar hydraulic steering, which was a great call. It made whipping the 25 LT into a hard turn easy, and the large strakes kept it flat instead of leaning far to the outside, which is normal with two strakeless tubes. The strakes also keep the Vectra riding high

(Clockwise from top right) A cooler stows in a convenient spot in the base of the helm console. The layout points to entertainment, especially the signature table adjacent to the helm station. Drivers are cradled in luxury. All lounges have storage underneath, even in the backrests. The helm is compact and well equipped. Storage abounds under the sunpad, including room for a portable gas tank.

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owner feedback  in the water for better seakeeping. The Vectra Series doesn’t come with a huge list of options, but at $1,197, SeaStar hydraulic tilt steering should be on the must-have list; the option also includes an upgraded captain’s chair, for some reason. BEST USES

Purchased by Jim and Marlaina Recknagel, plus Kailey, 25, Colby, 23, and Alyssa, 19, Oconomowoc, Wis. Purchased at Dave’s Turf and Marine, Watertown, Wis. >

W H AT W E L I K E D :

Good value/Great looks/Open layout/Mercury 115 outboard/Powerful standard stereo >

W H AT W E W O U L D C H A N G E :

We added a fishfinder to be used mainly as a depthfinder and wish there were a transducer bracket on the port side instead of the side with the boarding ladder, to avoid accidental breakage when swimmers are boarding. >

WHY WE BOUGHT IT:

We recently moved from Lake Nagawicka — where we had accumulated a fleet of boats — to another location that wasn’t on the water, so we wanted to consolidate down to one boat. To replace our other boats, it had to be versatile and roomy, and we really liked the roomy layout of the Princecraft Vectra. It seemed to offer more value than other pontoons we saw and looked to be really well built. We had a pontoon with a 40 hp outboard that we called “the floating picnic table,” but we wanted one with better performance to replace our bowrider. We leased space from a neighbor’s dock at Lac La Belle and can still jump on our boat and go. We usually load up the boat with our kids, friends, and dog and primarily cruise around for a while then pull up in the shallows and go swimming. Dave and Lena at Dave’s Turf and Marine are really nice folks and they gave us a fair trade on our boats. Their service department is first-rate, and they pick up our boat at the end of the season, store it and then deliver it to us in the spring, ready to go.

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The LT in the Vectra 25 LT’s name stands for its signature feature, the cockpit’s Lunch Table. Its large size makes it truly a smorgas”board.” It’s rectangular and has four cupholders, making it ideal for dining, playing games or just chatting with family and friends. The downfall of most pedestal tables is that they are as wobbly as a newborn colt. Wisely, Princecraft anchors its table with twin pedestals to give it stability. I like the forward bench seat’s reversible backrest, because it allows people seated there to either face the table or turn around and face forward while underway. For full-bore entertaining, the bow table ($374) almost doubles the snacking acreage. To include watersports on the list of doable activities, get the tall stainless steel ski tow ($687), which is anchored in four spots for rigidity. The smallish rear deck doesn’t provide a lot of room to move around, and I wonder if the designers wouldn’t have been better served to borrow a couple of feet from the ample front deck, especially since, thanks to the starboard gate, it isn’t needed for passenger boarding. If fishing is one of the main priorities, the Sportfisher LX 25-4S, with its four fishing chairs in all quadrants, would probably be a better fit, although it’s more expensive.

PREFERRED SETUP

With the Sport tube package, Mercury 115 hp FourStroke and SeaStar hydraulic tilt steering, the base price without taxes or delivery is an astoundingly low $26,305. Princecraft doesn’t paralyze buyers with endless options that can really ratchet up the price. Its philosophy is to provide a boat with a lot of standard features for its price range. Items such as the Lunch Table are included, as are a robust 160-watt Jensen Bluetooth stereo, a Bimini top, mood lighting and a cooler. The rear sunpad provides a huge amount of storage for items such as tubes, skis and life jackets, but it is also a perfect place for the optional changing station ($374) and pumpout head compartment ($483). Probably the best bet for equipping the Vectra 25 LT lies in the American Package bundle of options ($2,736), which includes items found on our test boat, including the non-skid vinyl deck that replaces the standard carpeting. Like the name implies, it offers excellent grip for passengers, even when wet, which we discovered on our rainy test day on Lac William in Quebec, not far from where Princecraft aluminum boats are built. The American Package also includes a stern snack table, a mooring cover, raised rails, a battery switch and a side door for the driver’s console. The helm’s console, like the seat bases, is rotomolded plastic and includes all needed instrumentation. Princecraft offers a wide range of affordable Lowrance and Humminbird electronics. BW

SPECS Length 25 ft., 8 in. Beam 8 ft., 5 in. Tube Diameter 25 in. Capacity 12 people Dry Weight (hull) 1,999 lbs. Fuel Capacity 29 gal. Max HP 175 hp (two tubes), 200 (three tubes) PERFORMANCE Peak 29.6 mph/6000 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 20.2 mph/4000 rpm/82 dBA Time to Plane 2.8 sec. Time to 30 mph 8.3 sec. POWER Test Mercury 115 FourStroke Cylinders I-4 Displacement 2.1L Weight w/outdrive 359 lbs. WOT Range 5000-6000 rpm Base Price w/test power $26,305 Value-Added Standard Features: Jensen 160-watt Bluetooth stereo, Lunch Table, carpeting, Bimini top, interior lights, cooler, starboard gate Must-Have Options: Trailer, portable toilet, changing room, camper enclosure, extra tables, ski tow, exterior underdeck lighting, choice or Lowrance and Humminbird electronics Builder: Princecraft (a division of Brunswick), princecraft.com Financing: $189/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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bonehead blunders

BY G R I D M I CH A L

Forever Oil BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Not adding any

engine oil THE BONEHEAD: A new boat owner BONEHEAD RATING: The full five (multi-

plied by 10) WHAT HAPPENED: A month or so ago I found myself with a boat broker, a seller too old to boat in a gorgeous cuddy powered by an Evinrude Ficht, and a buyer who had his mind set on calling out sick for two months so he could fish the entire striped-bass season. All I had to do was pass judgment on the Ficht and the little Yamaha 8 hp four-stroke kicker. Checking over the kicker gave me time to think about what to do about the Ficht. The kicker was perfect, cutting my “waffle time” by two-thirds. As I was hooking up my laptop to the Ficht, I started by telling him the history of carburetion, fuel induction systems and finally, because there was no way around it, I explained that because kibitzers are the way they are, he was going to get plenty of negative comments about his engine purchase. I felt like Daniel in the lions’ den for a few minutes. Then I explained that when Bombardier bought OMC, it had set about honorably standing behind the engine and making changes that corrected the problems of the past. (Weren’t aware Daniel had a silver tongue, were you?) Besides, the computer download showed a 12-year-old engine with 47 hours and no faults. The deal was consummated and life went on. The Call came a week ago, after a month of ownership: “Grid! The CK ENG light is on! What do I do?” “Where are you?” “Just coming into the bay from the ocean.” “Chop your throttle, make sure the engine’s pumping water and has oil. Come on in at an idle.” Yesterday I made the two-hour trip to Hampton to extricate his boat from dry storage and check the systems. I turned the battery switch to BOTH. I turned the ignition key to ON. The LOW OIL light came on. Key off, LOW OIL off. Key on, LOW OIL on. CK ENG came on only as a System Check item.

I called him. “Have you added oil since you bought the boat?” “No, why?” “The CK ENG light isn’t lighted; it’s the LOW OIL light that’s lighted, and it’s definitely correct.” “You didn’t tell me to add oil when I bought it!” “All I was asked to do was evaluate the engine’s condition, not teach a flippin’ class! The broker and seller gave no indication that you were anything but experienced, yet here you are acting like it’s your first boat! “It is.” He left work and bought some OMC synthetic oil. I filled the reservoir, and ya know what? The light went out. Imagine that. LESSON LEARNED: All reciprocating engines require oil in some sort of delivery fashion

HAS YOUR DOG GOT THE SALT?

BONEHEAD RATING SYSTEM Acceptably assinine Slightly slow Distinguished dunce Massively moronic Seek mental help

in order to run. He will use this one tenet through striper season, then come to my home where I will ply him with coffee and The Nurse’s homemade scones and teach him how to take care of his outboards. Yes, there will be a test. Then we’ll see if a lesson has been learned. BW

Enter your pooch in our Salty Dog of the Month contest. Email your pet’s photo and name, your name, address and phone number to bobby@boatingworld.com, or snail mail to Boating World Salty Dog Contest, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Your pet could win a cool PFD from CWB.

This month’s Boating World Salty Dog will win this cool CWB dog vest.

*Shown above is our current prize, a CWB Dog Vest valued at $24.95. Prizes are subject to change.

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nsurance companies want to do right by their policyholders, but some of the onus for claims denials falls at the feet of the insured. Boat owners have to do their part to ensure their policy is utilized to the fullest. Sometimes, an extra few minutes of attention can mean the difference between a disaster that gets remedied and one that gets exacerbated. We reached out to a few marine insurance carriers and asked them for some of the reasons a claim might end up on the denied list — and for how policyholders can avoid such a fate. They were kind enough to contribute to a delicate subject and give boat owners a leg up in prepping for the worst.

DON’T BE DENIED $

Neglect

boat is often the second biggest purchase most people make, $ A but that doesn’t mean it receives all of the care it should.

Overlooking the small but important things can lead to unintended consequences.

The Insured lived in a climate where freezing temperatures were the norm. This particular year, he failed to drain the water from his engine, and we all know water expands when it freezes. Well, the winter freeze resulted in a cracked engine block. Since the Insured didn’t winterize his engine properly, the damage wasn’t covered. Most watercraft policies will not cover these types of preventable

damages. Properly winterizing one’s boat is a must. Some insurance companies will pay for this kind of damage if the boat is stored in a region where winterization is not the common practice because of mild winter temperatures. — PROGRESSIVE The Insured was driving along in his boat when his engine suddenly failed. The adjuster, after examining the engine and speaking to the Insured, found that he had not changed the oil in over 10 seasons, which led to a lack of lubrication in the engine, which seized the motor. Lack of reasonable care and due diligence in the maintenance of a boat is a cause of loss that is not covered in most policies, so do the little (and big) things a boat requires: maintain your boat and document all services. — SEA INSURE Five consecutive days of rain filled the Insured’s boat while it was sitting on its trailer. On the sixth day, the boat came crashing down on its stern when the weight of the water caused the boat

Boat owners can do a lot to ensure their claims are paid in their time of need. fall backward. That will typically not be covered by insurance, because it was not a sudden occurrence (i.e., the water in the boat accumulated over a period of time). In another case, a family of raccoons decided to feast on a boat’s upholstery and wiring. The Insured didn’t have a fitted cover on his boat, so his claim was denied. Something as simple as having a fitted cover on your boat when it’s not in use for a few weeks can make a huge difference. — PROGRESSIVE

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Dearth of Documentation

agents are pretty good at anticipating people’s needs, $ Insurance but they can’t read minds, so it’s up to policyholders to update their agent about new equipment and any thefts.

The Insured was missing a fishing rod that he had been storing in a rod holder in his boat. He filed a claim for the theft of his fishing rod. Unfortunately, without physical evidence that the equipment was stolen and with no police report to verify the Insured’s statement, the claim could not be paid out. Loose equipment should be stored in a locked storage locker aboard the boat or taken off the boat to be stored somewhere secure. And if, despite your best efforts to secure all of the property on your boat, something is ever stolen, get the proper documentation. — SEA INSURE The Insured had a new sound system and updated electronics installed in his boat for his birthday a few months ago. The boat and the equipment were damaged in a recent accident, but his new equipment wasn’t fully covered, because he hadn’t added it to his policy. He had 30 days to contact his agent to update his policy for the added equipment value. Make sure to contact your agent as soon as you make updates to your policy. — ALLSTATE

Policy Choices

properly reviewing $ Not the policy language — or

assuming coverage is provided in some other way — may cause an insured to submit a claim that is clearly not covered per the policy. The Insured’s small, low-horsepower boat sank in the shallow water at the dock. He assumed his homeowner’s policy would cover him, and it did — to an extent. While it covered his small boat, it didn’t cover things like wreckage removal and fuel spill liability, so he was exposed to some hefty expenses. Don’t assume homeowner’s coverage covers anything except your home. Find out. — PROGRESSIVE The Insured’s boat sank while he was fishing in the middle of the lake. He lost his fishfinder, poles and tackle box. Insurance covered his boat but not his lost gear. This fisherman did not have the right coverage. He should have added Personal Effects coverage to his policy so his fishing

Many Insureds assume they have many benefits that they don’t have. 50

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Make no mistake, there are a lot of uninsured boats out there .

gear or other sporting equipment was covered in the event of a loss. — ALLSTATE Many Insureds assume they have many benefits that they don’t have. Benefits such as Disappearing Deductibles, Small Claim Forgiveness, and even Pet Coverage are examples of those small intangibles that can make a big difference. Check your policy contract or call your agent to see what you have. — PROGRESSIVE Make no mistake, there are a lot of uninsured boats out there. If an Insured’s boat is struck by an uninsured watercraft, injuring him and his passengers, he might have no recourse unless he has his own boat insurance policy with Uninsured Boater coverage. With Uninsured Boater coverage, the Insured’s policy will pay for the injuries caused by the uninsured boater. — PROGRESSIVE

“

Mechanical breakdown refers to a part or mechanism on the boat that malfunctions or breaks down. Examples might include a bilge pump that fails or a thrown rod that causes internal engine damage. Often, these types of losses are not the fault of the owner, yet many insurance policies exclude damage that results from mechanical breakdown. *Read your policy closely or call your agent to find out what type of coverage you have. This will help avoid some very unpleasant surprises in the case of a claim. — Sea Insure

Left Lacking

a claim-worthy $ Sometimes, event isn’t so much denied

as “not applicable,” because the boater never had a policy or he allowed it to lapse during the off-season. Oops.

Over the winter, the marina where the Insured stored his boat caught fire and his boat was damaged. Normally, not an issue. This fisherman, however, had dropped his boat insurance over the winter months, not realizing he still needed coverage even when he isn’t on the water. Even if you store your boat, you should have insurance coverage year round. — ALLSTATE Boater A owns a relatively inexpensive boat and made the decision to “self-insure,” figuring that if his boat sinks or is stolen he’ll be bummed but life will go on. What Boater A and many like him often don’t consider is the liability piece. What happens if they collide with another boat on the water and injure the people on that other boat (or their own passengers)? This puts the boater at tremendous financial risk, but for some reason they don’t even consider this! — PROGRESSIVE

Too Fast, Too Slow

is such a thing as $ There moving too fast and too slow

when it comes to a claim. Don’t be too fast to effect a repair, and don’t be too slow to pick up the phone.

The Insured notified his insurance company after an incident caused damage worthy of a claim. But for some reason, BOATINGWORLD.COM

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he waited a significant amount of time, leading to issues with his claim. In some cases, not having the insurance adjuster take a look at the boat right after the claim occurred can make it harder and harder to determine the cause of the loss — and further loss to the vessel can occur. If the carrier cannot determine the true cause of loss, there is no way to find out if it was a covered claim, leaving the insured out of pocket. Be sure to notify the insurance company in a timely manner. — SEA INSURE The insured had an engine claim and took the boat to his mechanic before notifying his carrier. The mechanic fi xed the engine but didn’t hold on to any of the old components. Once the insured filed the claim and a surveyor was called to go take a look, there was nothing to determine the cause of the loss. Therefore, the insured was left out of pocket. Putting a claim through after seeking out a repair is not recommended. — SEA INSURE

Going Off the Chart

“

Knowing how to read a

$ chart is essential for safe

on-the-water navigation, but do you know how to read the “chart” included with your policy?

Not doing the simple things — such as changing gear oil, bellows and through-hull fittings — can cause catastrophic damage to your boat or its mechanicals. In many cases like these, your insurance policy might not pay for repairs because you failed to properly maintain your boat. — Progressive

The Insured took his boat down to Florida from New York to use on vacation. He hit a sandbar that damaged his lower unit while in Florida waters. The Insured’s navigation area is from Eastport, Maine, to Morehead City, N.C. Since he did not notify the carrier that he was going to be using the boat outside of his navigation area, the claim was denied. Make sure you know your navigation area, and update your carrier if you plan on boating outside that area. Coverage can often be amended to include trips outside the navigation area, on a case-by-case basis. — SEA INSURE BW

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Sea Tow is dedicated to helping boaters with the very best service and products. So it is only natural for us to share the very best in boat insurance which was created for boaters, by boaters – Sea Insure.

Call 877-568-1672 for a free policy quote and to take advantage of this bundle. *Must be a new Sea Tow Member. New & Existing Sea Tow Members save 10% off Sea Insure Policies.

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Common sense is the boat operator’s best defense against oops moments. B Y D E A N T R AV I S C L A R K E

The oft-used adage “common sense isn’t very common” rings especially true on the water these days. Boat operators are making mistakes that can be easily avoided with just a little thought and care. With that in mind, we wanted to compile a list of actions that can lead to detrimental results, followed by suggestions to help drivers avoid an oops moment or two. Every one of the “suggestions” contained here really amounts to nothing more than sound reasoning — common sense. Think before you act and you’ll quickly see the wisdom in paying attention.

D LE AV O IAB ON-T H E- WATE R

M ISTAKES 54

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EXCEEDING ONE’S SKILL LEVEL

Whether on a dare or out of sheer ignorance,

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! exceeding one’s skill limits can prove disastrous.

Witness four NFL players fishing 40 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico in bad weather; three of the four died. Recently, a major-league pitching phenom was speeding back into port at night without any night-navigation skills or experience; he and his passengers died when he ran the boat up onto the outer jetty.

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W HAT TH E. ..

Always check that your helm is centered prior to giving it the gas.

OFF-CENTER HOLESHOTS I tested a boat with the builder’s chief ! engineer at the helm who forgot that he had turned the wheel hard-over when we stopped. When he throttled up again, the boat tipped up on its beam end, green water came over the gunwale and the boat swamped. Most boats today don’t have such a problem, but why take a chance. Always check that your helm is centered prior to giving it the gas.

UNCHECKED BOWRISE If your boat suffers from dramatic bowrise when you advance the throttle, never start up without adding tabs and/or making sure the outboard or outdrives are in the full-down position. After getting on plane, ease off on the tabs and raise the drives to cruise configuration.

UNANNOUNCED SUDDEN STARTS

It’s for good reason that airport trams make announcements such as “The

train is about to move. Please hold on.” If you aren’t holding on, you can fall down and be injured. Same thing applies to boats. Never throttle up without everyone aboard being aware it’s about to happen! Ask, “Everybody ready?”

Don’t get outrageous in your maneuvers. Someone will get hurt. In fact, you should warn all your passengers prior to any “dramatic” maneuver.

HARD-OVER TURNS See “Crazy Driver.” The same admonishment applies.

Once when I was young, I played chicken with another boat. We headed obliquely toward each other at cruising speed. At the last moment we both turned away. Unfortunately, the other boat was old and in disrepair. The entire steering helm of his 13-foot skiff came off in his hands and his boat ran right up and over the bow of my skiff. Yes, I dodged a bullet by a hairsbreadth — and learned a lesson that has stuck with me for life.

TRIMMING TOO MUCH

NOT MATCHING SPEED TO CONDITIONS

Yes, trimming the boat’s bow down in a chop makes the ride smoother, to a point. But over-trimming can cause something called bow-steer, where the boat suddenly and unexpectedly swerves in one direction or another. That’s scary and dangerous.

Just because a boat can exceed 60 mph doesn’t mean it should always go fast. A boat’s speed should be such that the ride is smooth enough to not throw any passengers

PLAYING CHICKEN

CRAZY DRIVER

around. Remember, the ride is never as rough for the helmsman as it is for the passengers! Be considerate of everyone on the boat — and of the boat itself.

LAUNCHING OVER WAKES

Another youthful tale: Friends and I went

! wake-jumping. The helmsman in our boat

chickened out at the last moment and cut the throttle. But just as our bow lifted over the wake, he shoved it forward again. We went straight up into the air and landed on our transom, swamping our boat. Luckily, we were in the first vessel designed to be unsinkable. But matters got very messy with both the cleanup and with our parents. Even if you just launch and land safely, it is so easy to get injured when a boat flies through the air rather than running through the water.

CROSSING WAKES

I suggest you watch a video about a boat running along happily until the driver crosses a wake

! improperly (tinyurl.com/kg543ge). People got injured. Always use prudence and learn how to cross a

wake safely.

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GOING TOO FAST UNDER BRIDGES

I’ve lost two friends in separate accidents involving

! boats passing under bridges at cruising speed or

faster. You just never know when someone might pop out from behind a bridge abutment into your path, and boats don’t have brakes. No matter what the local laws say, use prudence and slow to idle speed when going under a bridge.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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2/6/17 9:13 AM

W HAT TH E. ..

You often can’t outrun a storm.

NOT RESPECTING SHALLOW WATER

Having a chart or an electronic chartplotter is not the same as

! having local knowledge of an area. Smart boat operators stay in

the marked channel and don’t take unnecessary chances that insurance companies are sure to frown upon. Don’t depend on official or unofficial charts to be accurate. Queen Elizabeth II ran aground on a rock in Massachusetts because the sounding data hadn’t been updated since 1812! Surveying America’s navigable waters is not a budget priority. If it isn’t a major commercial shipping port, chances are it won’t see a survey crew anytime soon. Take it slow and watch the depthsounder. And be sure to calibrate your sounder specifically for your boat, to get the most accurate readings possible.

BOWRIDING

NOT PAYING ATTENTION

Besides being illegal in most, if not all, states, letting passengers ride with their legs hanging outside the rail on the bow is extremely dangerous. Hitting a wave, bouncing a passenger up off the rail and over the side where, a nano-second later, he meets with a spinning propeller will surely generate disastrous results. Use common sense and don’t do it.

Combine knowledge of the Rules of the Road with always having someone responsible for situational awareness, and you can have a safe trip. Remember, that boat crossing your path may not have the right of way, but if he hits you and someone gets injured or dies, right of way will be small consolation.

ANCHORING INCONSIDERATELY Anchoring seems like an easy exercise, right? Drop the anchor over the side and wait till it grabs. But if you have anchor line coiled on deck, make sure nobody’s feet or hands are in one of the coils, because when the line comes taut, it acts like pruning shears. • Don’t anchor near other vessels without considering what will happen when the tide or wind changes and swings the boat around in another direction. Who might it hit? • Don’t drop an anchor on top of someone else’s. • Don’t drop your anchor if you see a sign on shore that says “No Anchoring — Power Line!” • Back down gently on your anchor to make sure it sets properly. Never just assume that it will. • Never drop your anchor on patch coral. Seek out the bare, sandy spot nearby. • Never anchor from the stern unless you already have a bow anchor deployed. Many a vessel has swamped this way. (The actual nautical term is being pooped. How appropriate!) • When maneuvering during deployment or retrieving your anchor, be very careful to not run over your own anchor line. It will foul the prop, perhaps causing the boat to drift uncontrollably. It’s always best to have a person on the bow pointing in the direction of the anchor and keeping you from overrunning your rode when retrieving the hook. • Don’t ever throw your anchor overboard without ascertaining that the bitter end of the anchor line is tied to your boat! Losing your anchor in this fashion is both expensive and appallingly embarrassing.

•

MARCH 2017

WAITING UNTIL THE STORM ARRIVES Sure, the fishing bite might be red hot, but those big, dark clouds and lightning on the horizon seem headed your way. Believe me when I say that you often can’t outrun a storm. And lightning, which scares me more than wind and rain, often strikes 20 to 30 miles from the visible storm. Head home early. Lay all your fishing rods down flat or store them in lockers. Extend your outriggers as close as possible to parallel to the water to decrease electrical potential. Now go home!

DOCKING POORLY I watched a YouTube video recently where single-screw fishing boats competed for the fastest “back-into-a-slip” docking time. If I ever tried that as a kid, my father or grandfather would have killed me. I’d have been old before I ever ran one of our boats again. Try never to use your throttle(s) when docking. Each time you do, the amount of counter-thrust needed to balance the maneuver seems to increase. Remember, reverse is the only set of “brakes” you have. Don’t approach any close-quarters maneuver without first determining what the wind and current are doing and how they might affect your boat.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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Don’t ever try to stop a large boat from hitting a dock or another boat with your hands, feet or any other body part. That’s what fenders are for. Don’t assume the dock worker is putting the filler hose into the correct pipe. You may end up with water in your fuel, which is almost (but not quite) as bad as your wife taking a shower in diesel or gasoline.

CROSSING IN FRONT OF SHIPS Many boaters believe they have the right ! of way in a crossing situation with a ship. While it may be true if both boats are offshore, it probably isn’t true in a channel, since the big ship is less maneuverable than a smaller vessel. Either way, remember that a helmsman standing on the bridge of a ship cannot see closer than several hundred yards ahead due to the height of the bow. A boat that disappears into this blind zone could easily get run down — and chances are very good the ship won’t

ROOKIE RAFTING Don’t simply assume that everyone else knows how to anchor properly. Always assume they don’t and take care of your own boat. Drop your anchor where it won’t foul on someone else’s. Make sure you have your own fenders set and a helper with a mobile fender. Prepare your bow, stern and spring lines in advance. Don’t ever start your engine and maneuver without counting your passengers and having a dedicated watchstander at the transom.

even feel a bump. So even if you do have the right of way, you may end up being dead right. Use common sense.

anyone stand near or in-line with the tow rope. If it breaks under high tension, it could remove a body part someone might miss.

TOWING TERRIBLY

POOR PWC OPERATION

While various types of line might work to tow skiers and water toys, don’t use any line other than polypropylene. It’s the only material that floats, helping to keep it out of the prop. If you are towing another vessel, don’t let

Never let off the throttle completely in a turn when driving a boat equipped with water-jet propulsion. Doing so immediately cancels your turn and sends your vessel in a straight line — often directly into the obstruction you were turning to avoid. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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2/6/17 7:59 AM

marketplace

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

Insurance for Powerboats & Sailboats • Competitively priced products • 24-hour claims reporting • Exceptional service • Dedicated expertise

Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

Call Us At 800-227-2643 www.boatangel.com 60

•

MARCH 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 60

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4000 PEAK/3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATORS ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69675/69728/63090/63089 CALIFORNIA ONLY

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$ Wheel kit sold separately.

339

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LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/23/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

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hft_boatingworld_0317_M-REG102423.indd 1

8999 comp at

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comp at

ITEM 69387 62744/63271 68784 shown

$349

• Weighs 245 lbs.

$446.61

LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/23/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

379

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LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/23/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

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thickness

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SAVE 77%

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LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/23/17. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

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Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, StormCat, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/23/17.

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ANY SINGLE ITEM

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comp at $ 99 $17 .97

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comp at

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LIMIT 9 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/23/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

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by calling HarborFreight.com or after 30 days at our stores or es LIMIT 4 - Good used with other discount or coupon or prior purchas Non-transferable. while supplies last. 800-423-2567. Cannot be er per day. original receipt. Offer good from original purchase with ed. Valid through 6/23/17. Limit one coupon per custom Original coupon must be present

• HarborFreight.com • 800-423-2567

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the "comp at" price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

1/26/17 3:37 PM

marketplace C A LL 949/660 - 6150

advertiser index PR O D U C T I N FO R M ATI O N A N D PH O N E N U M B E R S

BOATS

GEAR & ACCESSORIES

Apex Marine (989) 681-4300 ............... 3

Bel-Ray Company, Inc. (732) 938-2421 ............................. 31

Crownline Boats (618) 937-6426 ........................... 6-7 Cutwater Boats (800) 349-7198 ........... 1

Cook Manufacturing Corp (800) 654-3697 ........................... 63

Godfrey Marine (574) 522-8381 .......... 25

Harbor Freight Tools (800) 423-2567...61

Rec Boat Holdings/ Scarab (231) 775-1351 .............................. 43

The Durabak Company (303) 690-7190 ........................... 63

SmokerCraft, Inc/Starcraft (866) 719-7873 .................... 5, 13, 63

WM Barr (888) 326-7743 ................... 26

Stingray (843) 383-4507 ................... 27

SERVICES

ELECTRONICS

Allstate Insurance Co. (847) 402-5000 .................................. CV4

1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737 .... CV2 SIMRAD (800) 628-4487 .................... 11

Boat Angel (800) 227-2643 ...............60

ENGINES SternDrive Engineering (813) 925-7127 ..........................................62

Five Star Houseboat Vacations (417) 988-1387 ............................. 59 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846....... 39

Suzuki Marine (800) 247-4704 ........................... 29

National Marine Underwriters (800) 262-8467 ...........................60

Yamaha Outboards (800) 962-7926 ......................... CV3

Sea Tow + Sea Insure (877) 568-1672 ............................ 52 Water Sports Foundation (407) 833-0383 ........................... 53

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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â&#x20AC;¢

2/2/17 2:54 PM

R E A D ER CO NTE ST

Rick Martin illustration

name the boat

If he’s not careful, he may break the record and land in Oz at the same time. Send us your name for this boat. If it wins, we will give you a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350, and your name will appear in the May 2017 issue of Boating World. > SEE THE WINNING ENTRY AND THE BEST OF THE REST FROM THE JANUARY CONTEST ON PAGE 12.

WIN THIS 64

•

The first person to turn in the best boat name will receive a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350.



YOURS FREE

A Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray (bel-ray.com) can include All-in-One Fuel Treatment, High Performance Gear Oil, Rust Preventative Coating, Multipurpose Lubricant, SemiSynthetic Engine Oil, Contact Cleaner, Extreme Pressure Waterproof Grease and more.

HOW TO ENTER:

We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the May 2017 issue. Submissions are due by March 16. Email editor@boatingworld.com with “Name the Boat” in the subject line, or send snail mail to Boating World Magazine/Name the Boat, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include your full name, address and phone number, along with your entry. Duncan McIntosh Co. and Bel-Ray employees and their families are prohibited from entering. Prizewinners are responsible for any applicable taxes. Decisions of the judges and the editor are final.

MARCH 2017 BOATINGWORLD.COM

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ONE POWERFUL DESIGN. TWO RELIABLE NEW OUTBOARDS.

FOUR STROKES THE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED F90 AND F75 MIDRANGE FOUR STROKES. Yamaha’s all-new 90-hp and 75-hp four strokes feature SOHC designs with four valves per cylinder. This increases volumetric efficiency, and at the same time, saves weight. In fact, they’re each 13 pounds lighter and have increased to 1.8L displacement. Their lighter, more powerful design creates an outstanding new F75, and makes the F90 a top performer in torque and acceleration. That’s one rock-star design and two thrilling new outboards.

Learn more about the all-new Yamaha F90 and F75 four strokes at 2017NewProducts.YamahaOutboards.com.

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 1-800-88-YAMAHA

YMOB0745-B-F90-75_Sgl_9x10.875.indd 1

1/25/17 10:23 AM

Does home insurance cover your boat when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not at home?

You might not be sure, so let an Allstate Agent help. Allstate Agents can help you understand where your home insurance ends and your boat insurance begins. You can trust them to help you tailor your Allstate protection to make sure you avoid coverage gaps. Call today to see what the personal service of an Allstate Agent can do for you.

Local Agent Allstate.com 866-414-BOAT

Auto Savings vary. Based on coverage selected. Subject to terms, conditions, availability and qualifications. Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. and their affiliates: 2775 Sanders Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062. ÂŠ 2017 Allstate Insurance Co.

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