May 2019 - Boating World Magazine by Duncan McIntosh Company

Introducing the first 27-foot boat from Yamaha. The shape of what’s next.

The new 275 Series, Yamaha’s signature stamp on luxury. This new 27-foot TM lineup features DRiVE , the industry’s first dual paddle control system for effortless low-speed handling and docking, as well as supercharged twin SVHO engines that deliver a class-leading 500 horsepower. Yamaha275boats.com

©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel and USCG-approved personal flotation device. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Never drink and ride.

Contents

M ay 2019 • Vol u m e 40 N o. 5

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XL NUMBER 5

Editor’s Letter

Currents

Knowing CPR might be the most valuable boating skill Bits from the boating world

14 Trailering Launch ramp safety 18 Watersports Keep the crew safe all day 20 Fishing How to fish rip-rap 24 Engines All-season comfort

pg.

features

A 900-mile PWC vacation from Georgia to Key West inspires awe (and advice for anyone who might want to try it). BY JOHN CACCIUTTI

Find out more about the kind of fishing boats that are ideal for anglers who love chasing fish of all varieties. BY LENNY RUDOW

Rocket Tour

Bet You Don’t Know Multispecies Boats

28 Electronics Keep screens and housings clean 30 Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions 34 Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics 64 Contest: Name the Boat Win an Atlantis 4 non-towable four-person float from Connelly

boats tested

36 Crownline E 285 XS Entertaining is elevated to a whole new place with this new dayboat.

40 Manitou 25 Legacy LT SRS Dual Some pontoon boats have seats, and others have thrones fit for royalty.

44 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Meet the first PWC designed for America’s favorite watersport.

• JUNE 2 • 2 MAY 20192018 BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW TOC new.indd 2

4/4/19 8:20 AM

Life is all about balance.

Discover yours at Sea-Doo.com ©2019 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a personal flotation device and wetsuit bottoms. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. See your authorized BRP dealer for details.

Editor’s Letter

by Ala n Jones

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS:

“

Your name is drawn for a colonization mission to Mars. What is your astronaut moniker?

PUBLISHER

Duncan McIntosh Jr.

Tranquility Tom ASSOC . EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming

Neil Before Me

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones

M O S T VA L U A B L E B O AT I N G S K I L L

ALpha Dog Star

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling

Red Planet Redhead

KNOWING HOW TO handle a boat is important, but knowing how to handle a medical

emergency might be the most valuable on-water skill. When someone stops breathing in an urban setting, a phone call to 911 usually brings a response within 10 minutes. But on the water, help can be far away and you might be the only chance someone has for survival.

ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata

Grocery Outlet Martian Market

ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan

Cyber Space (Cadet)

PRODUCTION Mary Monge

Judy Jetson

CIRCUL ATION

The difference between kinda knowing how to provide CPR and knowing the correct technique will likely determine how you’ll respond during an emergency: Will you freeze? Be tentative? Or will you confidently take command of the situation? Fortunately, I can now say I am ready, willing and able to assist, because I just completed the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED class. Every year for a decade, I’ve attended the Water Sports Industry Association’s Summit in the Snow, which is a gathering of watersports industry leaders who collectively try to find ways to make sports on the water more popular, accessible and safe. WSIA presented various seminars, one of which was a class in CPR, so I took it. Our instructors, Janet Celli and Susan Whitney, were two enthusiastic and skillful registered nurses from Orlando-based CPR Associates of America. Also in the room were a dozen horizontal dummies for us to resuscitate. Here’s what I learned: First, call 911, put the dispatcher on speakerphone and then get to work. Place a hand on the stricken person’s chest, just below the breastbone,

and put the other hand on top of the first. Perform 30 chest compressions before delivering two breaths of air. Most people are afraid of hurting the receiving party and apply compressions that aren’t vigorous enough — we were told injuries seldom happen — so make sure the strokes travel about 2 inches. Humming the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees will help you deliver the compressions at the correct pace. After 30 compressions, tilt the victim’s chin up, make sure his airway is clear, cover the nose and blow twice into the mouth within 10 seconds; look out of the corner of your eye to make sure his chest rises. Repeat the process until he breathes on his own or help arrives. After taking the class, I can’t stress enough the need to experience hands-on training to realistically simulate the CPR process. Reading about a procedure might stay with you for a short while, but actually doing it tends to make it stick. To find a nearby in-person CPR class, go to cpr.heart. org or redcross.org. Sure, online classes abound, but they are no substitute for hands-on training. BW

Emily Wells-Horneff Epic Emily Dustin Nguyen Dustin the Solar Wind ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Call (949) 660-6150

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Annabelle Zabala Mini Martian

Felice Lineberry Rocket McBurny MARKETPL ACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson

Spuds Sorenson

AD COORDINATORS

Jennifer Chen Nebular Penguin Lacee Garcia Star Fish

TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen

Get-Out-Of-The-Way Dave

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)

VOLUME 40 • NO.5 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 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 © 2019, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: MMaterial AG A Z I Nin E this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. M AG A Z I N E

APRIL2019 MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

M AG A Z I N E

+ BW EdLtr new.indd 4

4/4/19 7:32 AM

Experience the thrill of surfing the waves behind Starcraft Marine’s full line of surfable deckboats. All Surf Series boats come complete with wave boosting ballast, Zero Off speed control and wave control tab system so you can switch sides in seconds. Rounding off every Starcraft Surf Series boat is the revolutionary Volvo Penta FWD Drive that allows you to use your trim to boost and shape your wave – something the inboards simply can’t do. You will love the space that the side console layout provides and when you add in options like RGB color changing lights and Murphy Touch Screen System you’ll have a boat that will impress your crew both inside and when they’re shredding the waves. Surf over to starcraftmarine.com to see what everyone is talking about.

Easier on the Wallet

Easy to Surf,

Currents

by Steph a n ie S h ibata

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 8

4/3/19 12:53 PM

LEAD BOAT AQUILA 30

DOING DOUBLE DUTY A CATAMARAN THAT CAN DAYBOAT WITH 16 PEOPLE AND SLEEP ONLY TWO MIGHT BE JUST RIGHT FOR MANY BUYERS.

CATAMARANS HAVE GAINED traction in recent years in the powerboat world,

getting bigger, getting smaller, getting more powerful, getting more versatile. Aquila Power Catamarans is part of all of that, building a cat as large as 48 feet and now introducing a 30-footer (32 feet, 7 inches LOA) that is party in the front and the back.

This catamaran dayboat can seat 16 and sleep two — not including passengers who fall asleep during the day on the multiple lounges. A hydraulic swim platform around the outboards creates an aft beach at anchor.

Seating in the bow can accommodate three people chaise-lounge style with their feet aimed forward. That’s on a single chaise to starboard and a doublewide one to port. Backrest-like padding along the inside of the hull also allows at least six people to sit with their feet aimed toward the center. Cupholders abound. Aft is the signature feature on the Aquila 30. Two outboards — Mercury 225s, 250s or 300s — occupy the transom, but they’re not the feature we’re referring to. The swim platform is. It nearly spans the 12-foot, 8-inch beam (its width makes it a better fit for owners with a dock behind their house or who have a slip in a marina) and extends a couple of feet behind the outboards, and it is hydraulically driven, capable of lowering down into the water. Basically, it is a large

platform that has cutouts in it for the outboards, creating a hangout spot for at-anchor water activities. Between the transom and bow is a lot more seating, making this sporty dayboat a 16-passenger beast. The helm seat is doublewide. The companion seat to port is doublewide. Aft of both are settees; the one to starboard has a table. Aft of both settees are sun lounges, and the seatbacks on the aft settees swing forward and aft, giving the sun lounges the versatility to be layout long or a chaise-like length. Belowdecks in the port hull is a cabin with a berth, shelves, reading lights and hull windows. A head occupies the forward portion of the starboard hull. The sink faucet doubles as a handheld shower head. Aquila, aquilaboats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 9

•

4/3/19 12:53 PM

CURRENTS

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

MARCH CONTEST WINNER: Wishing Pole

Laura McKerrow from Silverdale, Wash., was the first to submit the winning name, Wishing Pole. For hooking our attention and impressing our online voters, Laura receives a Theory kneeboard and a Proline EVA wake/ski/kneeboard rope combo from Connelly (connellyskis.com), valued at $330.

Rick Martin illustration

MORE OF MARCH’S BEST ENTRIES:

Garage Sail

Frost Bites

Ice Fish-in

Reely Blue

Carol Oberfoell, Monticello, IA

Adam Metzger, Battle Creek, MI

Kevin Haesche, Lodi, CA

Nicola Heslip, Auburn, WA

One-Carp Garage

Sigh & Dry

Surf & Turf

Garage Mirage

Corey Stone, Los Angeles

Bob Basta, Oyster Bay, NY

Aimee Tesoro, Seminole, FL

Jim Brown, Mays Landing, NJ

The Untowed Story

Fishful Thinking

Sighlent Bite

Trailer Troller

Ed Messer, Bennington, VT

Brian Barbour, Apex, NC

Gary Thornton, Edwards, CO

Mickey Matsumoto, Torrance, CA

Paradise Lost FIRE WA TE R

H RT EA

AI R

R AI

WATER

EARTH

RE FI

FI RE

In 2011 one of the last island prisons in the U.S. closed for good. McNeil Island Corrections Center was known as “the prison without walls,” because the icy waters of the Puget Sound were enough of a barrier. Here are other examples of island, barge and oceanside prisons around the U.S.

ER AT W

San Quentin State Prison is the oldest prison in California and is located on San Francisco Bay in Marin County, north of San Francisco. Boaters can easily see it from the water.

■

EA RT H

AIR

Vernon C. Bain Center (VCBC), also called the “boat,” is an 800-bed jail barge used to hold inmates for the New York City Department of Corrections.

■

D I D YO U K N OW ?

The 12 signs of the Zodiac are divided into four groups that are tied to the four classical elements: water, fire, air, earth. Each group is called a triplicity. Were you aware that the water triplicity consists of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces? No aquarius?

■ Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed in 1963. “The Rock,” as it was known, was used to incarcerate troublemaker prisoners from other federal prisons. Machine Gun Kelly, Whitey Bulger and many other notorious criminals spent time there.

Sing Sing Correctional Facility was built in 1826 and is a maximum security prison located 30 miles north of New York City on the east bank of the Hudson River.

■

Top to bottom: Alcatraz Island, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, San Quentin State Prison FA S T FAC T

The notorious Croc sandal was introduced to the world first at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2002. Crocs were initially developed as a boat shoe.

MAY 2019

• •

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 10

4/4/19 8:08 AM

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM

CURRENTS

QUIZ

What’s That Sound? A SOUND IS defined as a large sea or ocean inlet, or a narrow sea or ocean channel between two bodies of land. Can you match the sound with its state? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Sitka Sound Port Royal Sound Mississippi Sound Broad Sound Hobe Sound Albemarle Sound Chandeleur Sound

Florida Alabama C. South Carolina D. Louisiana E. Alaska F. North Carolina A. B.

ANSWER KEY: 1, E; 2, C; 3, B; 4, G; 5, A; 6, F; 7, D

Maritime Merriment

UNITED STATES NATIONAL Maritime Day is

Steamship Savannah

observed May 22, the day in 1819 that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Ga., on the first transoceanic voyage under steam power. Celebrations take place around the country. Check local port websites to see what’s happening in your waters.

Start Safe, Stay Safe

THE TRADITIONAL KICKOFF to boating

season is nearly here, and with it come more crowded waterways, the occasional inattentive operator and the need to be ever-more aware on the water. The National Safe Boating Council is a big sponsor and proponent of the Safe Boating Campaign, which goes to great lengths to remind boat operators how to keep everyone safe. NSBC provides rafts of PSAs, posters, graphics and lists for people and organizations to use (safeboatingcampaign.com). In the spirit of National Safe Boating Week, May 18–24, we share one of those lists here. Important Reminders about Life Jackets:

Enter Your Dog Now

WIN THIS Dog Vest

S A LT Y D O G OF THE MONTH

Dog: Zeus Owner: Adam Schnurman, Mukilteo, Wash. 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

MAY 2019

•

• Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved. • Double check that your life jacket is appropriate for your favorite water activities. Read the label! • Take the time to ensure a proper fit. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems. • Check your life jacket is in good serviceable condition, with no tears or holes. Test to make sure it works properly. • Life jackets meant for adult-sized people do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets based on their weight. Do not buy a life jacket for your child to “grow into.”

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Currents2 copy.indd 12

4/3/19 12:54 PM

Keep the whole crew happy. Oh they’ll be smiling all right. After all, what’s not to love about a SunChaser? It’s the perfect pontoon for fishing, cruising, or just dropping anchor and practicing cannonballs. We know you never want to get off the pontoon, and with a full fiberglass console, rounded bow, recessed cup holders, and a changing room on board you might not have to. So c’mon dad. See your dealer for a test spin. Now look who’s smiling.

To see all of our fine Smoker Craft Inc. products, visit thebestboatbrands.com

Trailering Ra m p Safety

Observe Launch Ramp Safety Plenty can go wrong at the ramp, so be prepared and practice safe techniques. BY CHRIS CASWELL

• TO PREP YOURSELF for the potential craziness at the launch ramp, especially if you’re heading to the water on opening weekend, search online for “boat ramp bloopers” or “boat launch fails.” Be prepared to be inundated with videos of boats (and tow cars) getting into all kinds of trouble: sliding backwards into the water, jackknifing sideways, boats falling off trailers. Yes, boat ramps are Petri dishes where weird problems grow. With that in mind, here are some tips to keep you, your family and your boat safe during that crucial time between the highway and the high seas.

SCOPE IT OUT

Don’t even think about launching at an unfamiliar ramp until you’ve had a chance to check it out. A visual recon mission is best, but if you’re traveling far to get there, online maps and sources such as state waterways departments can provide good intel. At an unfamiliar ramp, don’t be shy about asking other skippers for advice. Boaters are helpful types. They can definitely point out a nearby underwater obstruction or a spot where the ramp apron is undermined and a vehicle’s tires may drop off. Look at the steepness of the ramp, the quality, the slick spots (algae or weeds at low water?) and the general layout.

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Trailering3.indd 14

4/3/19 1:00 PM

Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

INSTA

SAVINNT GS SAV

SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS

REPOWER FINANCE

Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 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. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) 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 Outboard Motors. 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 Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

TRAILERING

Check for overhead wires or other obstructions. I’m amazed at the number of situations when a tall VHF antenna tags a power line, zapping the boat. At the ramp, you should know enough to prep the boat away from the actual launch ramp. Remove the tie-downs, put in the plug(!) and otherwise be ready to go. At this point, get everyone out of the tow car, including pets, and roll the windows down. If everything goes sideways, you may need to get out of a submerging car, and it’s nearly impossible to open a door against water pressure. Besides, the electric windows will short out immediately. Turn off the stereo too, so you can hear outside commands.

CHILD CARE

Kids should be in life jackets anytime they are near the ramp, and there should be someone to herd them. Without a shepherd, they can get into a world of trouble by running around to see the many fascinating things at a ramp. It should go without saying that nobody should be swimming at a launch ramp, and that goes for kids and adults alike. There are just too many props looking for something to dice. A second reason for tending to the kids is that a launch ramp is a zone full of distracted drivers. They’re all focused on getting their boat in and out of the water and, frankly, common sense goes out the window. They’re looking back when they should be looking forward and vice versa. Be forewarned. 16

STAY UPRIGHT & ATTACHED

TRAILER TIME

Boat ramps are, by nature, slippery, so be very careful walking around. Some kinds of algae are almost invisible and make walking on ice look easy. Some skippers pull their boat’s drain plug as they drive up the ramp, which can leave an oily surface. Tread carefully. Don’t undo the bow wire or strap until the trailer is actually in the water. This may seem counterintuitive, but watch a few videos of tow vehicles that back up, stop suddenly and launch the boat onto the concrete ramp to understand. Keep the boat on the trailer until it floats off. Put a long bowline on the boat and tie it to the trailer. Too many skippers have launched their boat and watched as it drifts away.

Make sure children, like the one in the bed of this truck, always wear a life jacket at the launch ramp, even before they’re in the boat.

That brings us to trailers. Even if you’ve added nonslip tape to every trailer surface you might step on, be careful! Falling off a trailer can cause more than just a skinned knee: it can break bones and heads. So be very, very careful when you step from a slippery, wet ramp onto the wet and narrow rails of a trailer. This is where most launch ramp injuries happen. Don’t become a statistic. Probably the second biggest danger zone around a ramp is the trailer winch. If it’s manual, it can easily get away from you, spin in a blur and break a wrist. If it’s electric, it can overload without your knowledge and put huge strains on the trailer wire or strap. The strap or wire should have a breaking strength of at least one-and-a-half times the weight of the boat, and the hook should be another one-and-a-half times stronger. But kinks, frays and nicks can reduce that strength immensely. Never let anyone stand around the winch or wire, because it can cause serious injuries if it pops and lashes back. That’s one of the benefits of electric winches with remotes: the operator can stand away from the danger zone. BW

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Trailering3.indd 16

4/3/19 1:00 PM

www.facebook.com/towables

360Ë&#x161; LED RGB LIGHTS WITH 10 LIGHT SETTINGS

Easy carry handle & carabiner

WATER BALLAST SYSTEM SO SPEAKER FLOATS UP OUT OF THE WATER EVENLY

Fits most cup holders

Convenient bottle opener

WORLD OF WATERSPORTS

Removable base

WOWWATERSPORTS.COM

Connect multiple speakers

1-844-969-9063

Watersports

Safety

Before You Go

Know the waterway. Stay away from docks and the shore. Avoid shallow water, boating channels, areas with stumps or debris, or sandbars. It’s best to perform wakesports in at least 10 feet of water. It is safer and more fun to find calm water, especially for beginners.

Stay Safe All Day Safety and fun don’t have to run counter to each other. Keeping a few tips in mind will enhance riders’ time behind the boat. BY ZENON BILAS

• WAKESPORTS ARE A FUN, HEALTHY way to enjoy your boat, but they add

safety concerns. The driver is primarily responsible for keeping everyone safe, but safety is a collaboration between the driver, the observer, the rider and the passengers. Heed a few tips to make every day on the water productive, fun and safe.

Know the ideal boat speeds. Every tow sport has its own range of boat speed: XX 10 mph for wakesurfing XX 15-21 mph for wakeboarding XX 26-36 mph for slalom skiing Speeds within the range vary depending on skill, weight and personal preference. The driver should develop a sensitivity to the throttle, so he can provide a smooth pull out of the water and help the rider perform better and fall less frequently. Establish clear communication signals. The rider should know and use the standard hand signals: XX Thumb up for faster XX Thumb down for slower XX Swipe hand across neck to stop the boat XX Pat the head for return to dock XX Hands clasped over one’s head after a fall is the “OK” signal. When starting, the person being towed says “in gear”

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW Watersports3.indd 18

4/3/19 1:03 PM

W AT E R S P O R T S

To stay safe all day, every rider needs to wear a vest (1), the driver should use a rearview mirror (2), and spotters should always watch the rider (3).

for a tight line and “hit it” to be pulled up. These commands tell the driver to go from neutral to gear and then to accelerate. If the driver has the boat in gear and the towed person wants him to return to neutral, the command should be “stop” or “neutral.” Never say “no,” since it can be misheard as “go.” If the person falls, the observer should say “fall.” Check equipment. There should be a Coast Guard flotation vest for everyone on board. Make sure the vest for the rider fits snugly. Bindings should fit firmly around the rider’s foot and ankle but should not be overly tight. You want to keep the foot from moving in the binding but ensure the bindings will come off in a fall. Lines and handles are made specifically for each wakesport, for both safety and performance. For example, lines for tubing are only 60 feet long, to minimize whipping the riders during a turn, and are of various thickness to tow tubes of different sizes. Wakesurf lines are 20 to 30 feet long and feature a small handle or no handle, to keep the surfer’s hand from going through the handle in the event of a fall while releasing the handle.

During the Action

You know the waterway, the proper boat speeds, the communication signals. You have checked your equipment and secured your observer and are ready to hit the water. Donning equipment. On an inboard or sterndrive boat, the best place for participants to don a vest and bindings is on the swim platform. With an outboard, riders should put their feet in the bindings in the water near the boat, and the driver should have the engine turned off until their feet are in the bindings and they are in the water away from the boat. Driver awareness. When towing anyone, the driver must be acutely aware of the other boats on the water. Using a dash- or windshield-mounted mirror is a must. The driver’s eyes should always be moving, scanning in front and behind, to port and starboard. Avoid other boaters. After a fall or when ending a pass, the driver should return to the person in the water, keeping him on the driver’s side of the boat, which keeps him in the driver’s view. Passenger responsibilities. Passengers should stay seated and never sit on the gunwale. They should not distract the driver or observer. They can help keep skis, boards, vests, lines, etc., stowed in a ski locker or on board racks, to minimize tripping hazards. Always use an observer. An extra pair of eyes are needed to watch the person behind the boat and for other boat traffic. The observer should focus on the action behind the boat and sit next to the driver to immediately

convey information. Keep any music muted so that the driver can hear the observer or the person behind the boat. Respect the line. Before anyone gets in the water, let the line out in the water and check for knots. Once it is completely stretched, the rider can get in and swim toward the handle. Passengers should never touch the line when someone is being towed. However, when a wakesurfer is ready to release the handle to surf, he should toss the handle to the center of the wake and a designated passenger should pull the line into the boat. When someone finishes a pass, the person should release the handle before the boat slows down, which ensures the handle will be past her as she sinks into the water. Riders should never put their hands on the line while being towed, nor should they put their hand or arm in the handle. If there’s too much slack line during a pass, the rider should let the handle go and fall back into the water. Avoid fatigue. Be careful not to get fatigued, which can lead to injuries. The sun and cool water can cause fatigue before anyone is aware of it. Stay under the boat’s Bimini top, wear long sleeves, a hat and sunscreen. Wearing a wetsuit will help conserve energy in cooler water. Eat lightly and stay away from alcohol. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+ BW Watersports3.indd 19

•

4/3/19 1:03 PM

Fishing

R ip - Ra p Tips

Become a Fishing Rock Star Rip-rap lines many shorelines, and it’s always a fish magnet. Here’s how to work it. BY LENNY RUDOW

•

MAY 2019

•

+ BW Fishing2.indd 20

RIP-RAP CREATED BY piling rocks and boulders is an effective, popular way to protect a shoreline from erosion. Luckily for anglers, that rip-rap also attracts fish. The countless nooks and crannies provide hiding places for baitfish and crustaceans in all types of waters, and they also provide a substrate for critters such as barnacles and mussels in saltwater environments. As a result, there are nearly always predators patrolling those rocks. Take advantage of these tips to work them effectively.

READ THE RIP-RAP FIRST

Look for oddities in the rip-rap that stand out, which may indicate hotspots. As a general rule, a long stretch of rocks could hold fish just about anywhere or they may be scattered along the rip-rap. But usually, there will be certain spots where the fish congregate. Points are often hotspots, since they almost always extend out underwater. Chinks and partial holes in the rip-rap are excellent indicators of a hotspot; these often reveal areas where some of the rocks fell off the main wall and will be lying on the bottom nearby, creating some additional structure separate from the bulk of the rip-rap. Another good oddity to scope out is an area where the rocks are piled

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/3/19 1:02 PM

FISHING

3 1

Here’s the thing: The predators aren’t usually facing the boat; they’re facing the rocks, where their prey is. And in most cases, they won’t be more than five or six feet away from the rocks. So if casts fall short and splash down eight or 10 feet from the rip-rap, the fish may never see your offering. This is particularly important to keep in mind when hitting one of those potential hotspots you identified earlier. If you make five or more casts without getting a hit, you’ll be tempted to move on, right? But if four of those five casts fell short, you’ve really only had one effective shot. Stay there and keep making casts until you’ve dropped a bait or lure within a foot of the rocks several times. CHECK THE TROUGHS

7 Rip-rap is often a great source of fishing success, if it’s worked correctly. If your boat has a bowmounted trolling motor, try working into the wind (1) for better control. Look for rocks that are piled higher than the rest (2), which may indicate deeper water close by. Keep in mind that points are often hotspots (3), because they often extend out underwater.

Depending on the geography of the area and whether there’s current, in some places troughs get scoured out near rip-rap. Quite often, large fish will sit in this deeper water between attack runs. Always keep track of the depthmeter as you work along a rip-rapped shore, and mark any troughs or holes. After hitting the rip-rap itself, it’s

higher than usual, which may indicate a section of the barrier where there’s deeper water close by, and the landowner needed to give the shoreline additional protection.

It’s usually best to cast as you creep along outside the structure, spending extra effort in any potential hotspots.

PRIORITIZE DIRECTION ACCORDING TO WIND AND/OR CURRENT

allows the wind or current to continually push it in the right direction and the bow will stay pointed the right way. Then, brief applications of power will make small course corrections.

With a few potential hotspots sighted, work your way along the rip-rap while casting up to it. It’s usually best to cast as you creep along outside the structure, spending extra effort in any potential hotspots. Obviously, this means choosing a starting point and moving in one direction. Before deciding which way to go, however, take careful note of the wind and/or current. If the boat has a bow-mounted trolling motor, working into the prevailing force provides the most control. If it doesn’t, however, trying to work into the wind or current means you need to constantly apply power and steer, or the bow will blow around in the wrong direction. In this case, having that prevailing force behind the boat

STICK WITH ARTIFICIAL BAITS

There will be exceptions to this rule, but generally rip-rap is best worked with artificial lures, allowing everyone to cast and retrieve repeatedly without having to constantly freshen baits as they are beaten up. Plus, if you toss a lively bait up to rip-rap, it will likely attempt to swim into a crevice or hole to hide — and you’ll end up snagged. CAST ACCURATELY

Yes, I know this is easier said than done.

always a good idea to try working a lure or placing a bait down near bottom in these deep spots. You may find the bites a bit lethargic, because the fish in these places often aren’t in a hard-charging feeding mood, but they’ll produce the biggest fish of the day with some regularity. SPACE VIEW

Are you ready to hit the water and work that rip-rap? Here’s a bonus tip: Prior to fishing a new body of water, spend a few minutes on Google Earth. Rip-rapped shorelines are easy to identify, and in some cases the images will reveal rocks that were misplaced during construction and lie just beneath the surface off the main body of rip-rap, providing yet more fish-attracting structure. BW

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW Fishing2.indd 22

4/4/19 8:03 AM

SolasÂŽ Propellers

Engineered to meet the needs of performance-driven boaters, Solas propellers deliver peak characteristics to a wide range of applications. Solas Aluminum Props are squeeze-casted to make them stronger and easier to repair than any other prop. Pressed rubber hub provides for long-lasting consistency. Ultra durable Solas Stainless Steel Props are highly wearresistant and have a high rake design for outstanding acceleration and notable bow lift. Extra cupping ensures handling performance.

Aluminum 3-Blade

Stainless Steel 3-Blade Aluminum 4-Blade

Solas Rubex Propellers With RBX Interchangeable Hub Kit

RBX Hubs feature a vibration-reducing, all rubber design with no plastic parts that will deteriorate. Its interchangeable design will not spin in the propeller housing and allows you to reuse the hub when changing the prop due to damage or preference. RBX Hubs are also interchangeable with Mercury Flo TorQ and Michigan Wheel XHS Hub Systems.

For Our Full Selection Of Propellers SHOP ONLINE AT OVERTONS.COM

overtons.com 1.800.334.6541

Free Shipping On Orders Over $99 Use code VBW0519 when ordering to receive 10% OFF your order. Offer expires 12/31/19. Some restrictions may apply. Visit us online for full details.

Engines

B reeze by Weba sto

Group Beneteau, Volvo Penta and Webasto created a cooling and heating system for open boats that starts with a V8-350 sterndrive and a Webasto compressor (far left).

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE with air conditioning on an open boat

All-Season Comfort Breeze by Webasto gives owners of open-cockpit boats an all-in-one heating and air-conditioning system. BY ALAN JONES

•

was aboard a Scout 350 center console. We were escorting a gaggle of PWCs to Bimini on a hot July day in 6-foot seas, so the going was slow. And we were traveling with the wind, so we weren’t generating much of a net breeze. When the boat owner asked if I wanted AC, I thought he was kidding, but when he turned it on, I directed a cockpit vent onto my face. It was 5,000 Btu of pure bliss. The downside was that his Marvair system required a dedicated bank of batteries, and before we arrived he said he had to shut it down, because the batteries were getting low. When most people think of boat air conditioning, they picture cabin cruisers with generators, which can get pricey. The concept of air-conditioning for open boats such as center consoles is a relatively new one, and while it seems counterintuitive to blast cold air into the great outdoors, AC is a great addition to hot-weather boating. Same goes for open-air heating. Anyone who’s done April waterskiing in Wisconsin with a boat such as a MasterCraft X24 will understand the pleasure of plunging a hot-air hose under his shirt after a chilly run. But

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Engines2.indd 24

4/4/19 6:51 AM

Fish & Cruise While the 236CC was designed for use as a coastal fishing boat, it's really a multi-purpose boat that can be used for lots of activities — pulling kids on a tube, cruising to dinner, or just a leisurely ride along the waterways.

With seating for up to twelve passengers, rod holders and storage throughout, and a changing compartment that can be upgraded with an optional porta potti, the 236CC is ready for a full day of fun on the water with family and friends! 236CC Deck Boat 23’ 8” | 101” beam | 3648 lbs (w/ popular engine) | 68 gal fuel capacity | 12 ppl, 3250 lbs VISIT STINGRAYBOATS.COM /236CC FOR MORE INFORMATION

ENGINES

these $1,120 units don’t provide relief from the heat.

Breeze by Webasto uses a Volvo Penta V8-350 sterndrive to create from 7,000 to 30,000 Btu of AC or heat. The (bottom, from left) engine, engine-driven compressor, seawater pump and seawater strainer reside in the engine compartment, the condenser assembly is hidden beneath a seat, and the evaporator assembly is installed behind the dash.

HAPPY ACCIDENT

Sometimes great ideas happen during a moment of serendipity, as was the case with Breeze by Webasto, the brainchild of Christophe Lavigne, Group Beneteau’s president of U.S. Brands. He was driving his Mini Cooper convertible on a hot day, he had the top down and the AC cranking, and he was struck by a thought: Why can’t we do this with boats? So a few years ago he contacted representatives from Webasto (webasto.com), an industry leader in marine air conditioning. They said they needed to involve an engine partner in such a system’s development, so they brought Volvo Penta into the huddle to see if together they could come up with a viable system. They did. At a Group Beneteau press event last year in Sarasota, I got to see the first boat with the new system, a Four Winns HD 270 deckboat that offered Breeze with

MAKING SUMMER FUN SINCE 1965

A LEGACY AND A LEADER IN WATERSPORTS #connellycollective

MAY 2019

•

+BW Engines2.indd 26

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/4/19 6:51 AM

both AC and heat as a $6,600 option. And it’s powerful. When the boat’s engine is at idle, Breeze produces a respectable 7,000 Btu, but at higher rpm it can crank out 30,000 Btu of comfort. It’s not like they had to start from scratch; the first factory-installed air conditioning for cars was introduced on a 1940 Packard and the basic concept remains the same. Designing a reliable system for the rigors of the marine world, however, is more demanding. Because this electrical system is in an enclosed gas engine compartment, it is ignition-protected, adhering to ISO 8846 regulations, which is the marine-industry standard used to prevent explosions. And to counter corrosion, all materials are marine grade and seawater resistant. HOW IT WORKS

So far, Volvo Penta is only offering Breeze on V8-350 sterndrives, and as of press time it is only available on the Four Winns HD 270 and Cobalt’s new A29. The system starts with a belt-driven compressor, which

initiates the “high side” of the system by compressing the R134a refrigerant into a high-pressure gaseous state and then sends it to the condenser, which is the part of Breeze that is most different from an automobile AC unit. The condenser on a car resides under the hood and gets plenty of air flow, so it is air cooled, but because the Volvo Penta engine resides in a closed compartment, Breeze uses a 12v DC pump to circulate sea water through the condenser coil, which helps evacuate the heat from the refrigerant where it becomes a high-pressure liquid. After it exits the condenser, the liquid refrigerant passes through a filter dryer that contains a desiccant that filters the refrigerant and removes any water, because water could cause ice crystals to form and damage the system. From there, the refrigerant flows into a thermal expansion valve (TXV) where it becomes a gas again on the “low side” of the system. The gas then flows to an evaporator — installed near the helm — that absorbs heat passing through its

evaporator fins and leaves cooler air behind. A fan blowing over the evaporator directs the cold air into the cockpit via strategically placed vents. The gaseous refrigerant in the system then travels back to the compressor where it repeats the cycle. To provide heat, Breeze uses a special evaporator that has two heat exchangers: one for the refrigerant and one for the hot coolant from the Volvo Penta engine’s closed cooling system (it resembles a radiator). Breeze’s simple control system has an on/off switch, a dial to control temperature and a three-speed fan control. Activating the heat is as simple as turning the thermostat into the red zone, at which point a 12v DC valve connected to the coolant line opens and lets the hot coolant from the engine flow into the heat exchanger at the helm. The coolant then flows back to the engine’s coolant sub tank. Not only does Breeze by Webasto provide relief from the heat, but it can actually extend boating season with its heating feature, particularly on a boat with a full Isinglass enclosure. BW

Visit us at connellyskis.com BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019 27 /connellyskis Insta

+BW Engines2.indd 27

•

4/4/19 6:51 AM

Electronics

C a re & Clea n ing

Cleaning Up Caring for onboard electronics is easier now than ever. BY ZUZANA PROCHAZKA

I ONCE INSPECTED a boat that had been tucked into a shed for the winter. It was neatly

covered and the canvas was propped up to ensure good airflow to the cushions and gear stored inside. It wasn’t until we got the boat on the water and turned on the electronics that it became clear all was not quite as it seemed. The cover over the fixed-mount VHF radio was fused in place and the chartplotter was encrusted with salt. Why is it that some of the most important and expensive components on our floating toys are so overlooked and under-cleaned?

MAY 2019

•

+BW Electronics.indd 28

Although marine electronics have proliferated on boats of all sizes and it seems there’s more to clean these days, the job has actually gotten easier due to better technology. Dave Dunn, director of marine sales at Garmin, said Garmin’s products are waterproof to an IPX7 standard, so they can simply be washed with water. “Most of the dash-mounted multifunction displays today — from us and others — are glass, and that makes things easier,” he said. “It used to be that a special antiglare film covered the screens, and that scratched easily. Today, the film is bonded between the LCD and the glass, so that’s no longer an issue.” Jim McGowan of Raymarine agreed. “Instruments, VHF radios and other helmmounted devices can be lightly rinsed with fresh water — no high-pressure hoses, please — and dried using a microfiber towel that will prevent scratches,” he said. “It’s really simple.” Some people like to use a diluted mixture of water and vinegar that cuts salt and grease nicely, but this can lead to yellowing, or it can break down the plasticizers in the case and the bezel. Never use ammonia-based cleaners on those sunscreen-induced fingerprints on a touchscreen. “With MFDs in particular,” McGowan said, “just make sure the chart-card reader door is securely closed and latched, to keep the cleaner out.”

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/3/19 12:50 PM

be compatible with the rubberized faces on the transducers and to not break them down over time,” McGowan said. Don’t forget the connections, plugs, wires and cables. Check these for corrosion and lubricate them with dielectric grease to protect against moisture intrusion. DOS & DON’TS

Today’s multifunction displays are easier to clean than ever, with water or a specialty cleaner and a microfiber towel. No ammonia and no T-shirts or beach towels.

BEYOND MFDS

Radar (open arrays and radomes), satellite TV domes and topside sensors (e.g., GPS, heading sensors) can all be washed with standard boat soap and rinsed during a normal boat washdown. A soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth — not the hem of your T-shirt — is great for stubborn water spots or bug splatter. Dunn said that waxing radomes helps to keep the color from fading and keeps the enclosure from getting chalky and burned by UV rays. Today’s marine cameras are pretty sturdy too. Whether it’s the bow camera on a Malibu towboat, a backup camera or a FLIR thermal camera, it’s best to use boat soap and microfiber on the camera body

and the lenses. Dry everything thoroughly to prevent spotting on the lens. Beware rough deck brushes, however, which can scratch gelcoat much less a lens. Transducers should be cleaned whenever the boat’s bottom is cleaned. Paddlewheel speed transducers should be checked and cleaned regularly for fouling as dictated by local conditions such as water temperature and growth. You can easily inspect a boat on a trailer at the end of a trip. For boats that live in the water, transducer antifouling paints from manufacturers such as MDR or Petit should be applied to the transducer’s surface once a season. “These paints are specially formulated to

There are only a few ways to really damage today’s high-tech electronics when cleaning them. As previously stated, pressure is bad because most electronics are waterproof to normal conditions such as rain, spray, mist, and possibly short and shallow immersion. A pressure washer does not create normal conditions and may damage seals and gaskets. Rinse first. Don’t rub salt-covered surfaces. You wouldn’t do that to your sunglasses, would you? If you’ll be away from the boat for an extended time, remove handheld devices such as a GPS unit and a VHF. Keeping them clean and out of the elements helps prolong their life. For long layups, put an open paper bag of rice or silica behind the helm of a center console boat to absorb moisture. Another way to do damage is with chemicals. No ammonia cleaners — think Windex — should ever be on a boat, because they will harm other surfaces beyond electronics, such as Isinglass, Strataglass or Makrolon, which are normally used in enclosures. Don’t use alcohol wipes or detergents stronger than boat soap. To make things extra shiny, some electronics service folks use Shurhold’s Serious Shine. This spray cleans and polishes and contains UV inhibitors and anti-fingerprint/ anti-static properties. It won’t leave an oily film and works on touchscreens, glass, frames, buttons, chrome, and the nooks and crannies of gauges. Due to advances in the waterproof characteristics of today’s electronics and the quality of their construction, the best way to care for them is to power them down and rinse, wipe and cover them. Make sure the covers are clean, too, so you don’t need to use a screwdriver to pry them off after a long winter. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+BW Electronics.indd 29

•

4/3/19 12:50 PM

Ask the Experts

+ CARE & CLEANING

Deep Undercover Q I’ve always been a trailerboater and

stored my ski boat inside where I can leave the cover off while the interior dries out, since waterskiers get things really wet when they climb back into the boat. This summer I would like to keep my boat on a covered boat lift 30 minutes from home. I’m afraid that if I put the cover on immediately after use the interior will get mildewed. If I leave it for a week uncovered, the dock roof should keep it dry, but then anybody can see inside the boat and steal something, or birds could decorate it. How would you suggest avoiding mildew, yet protecting from prying eyes and animals?

James Peltier, via BoatingWorld.com

As the boat will be under a dock roof, where rainwater shouldn’t be a problem, one easy solution would be to have a boat cover fabricated of a good quality mesh material. This would allow things to dry while keeping the interior screened from prying eyes and protected against bird calling cards. Another option would be to use your existing cover but install vents, if it doesn’t currently have them, to ensure plenty of air flow. These vents can be either passive or active. Passive

MEET OUR 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.

MAY 2019

•

+BW ATEr.indd 30

Grid Michal

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

Zuzana Prochazka

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.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/3/19 2:18 PM

Unforgettable Adventures.

Feel-Good Savings. Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.

geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2019 GEICO

ASK THE EXPERTS

vents rely on the wind blowing over them to move air. Active vents are outfitted with a small solar-powered electric fan installed in the vent body. A well-designed ventilation system should exchange the air beneath the boat cover roughly once every hour. Each active vent should be matched with a corresponding passive vent. If two passive vents are installed, they will

automatically adapt to intake or exhaust mode as needed. Passive vents should be mounted in pairs at opposite ends of the cover — to the extent possible — to provide an intake and exhaust. — FL ENGINES

Running Down a Leak

Q I am thinking I seriously know the

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION

PROTECTION

answer to this question; however, I would rather be on the safe side before I throw the boat back in the lake. I have never noticed any oil draining from the lower gearbox on the old Johnson 90. Whenever I checked or changed the gearbox oil, it always had sufficient oil and never any water. Then the other day, after I reinstalled the VRO and ran the motor in a water barrel, when I pulled the barrel I noticed some oil running down the skeg on the port side. There was also a very small amount showing on the starboard side, but again, very little. I cleaned the mess off and noticed that it did not appear to be fresh oil, but rather thin oil, mixed with a very black residue, much like what I would expect in exhaust. I let the motor sit for a day; all the while I was pricing out a gearbox seal kit. After a couple of days I checked it again and nothing. I put muffs on it and started it up. Almost immediately I noticed this water/ oil mix again running down the skeg. It appeared to be emanating from the spacing between the back of the prop and the gearbox. Since this puppy does not show signs of leaking when it’s sitting and the mixture is blackened, I am thinking this is a drain-off from the exhaust in the through-hub system, not a seal issue. Since I ran it off the VRO last year, and thus burned a constant 50/1 even at low idle and trolling, I am thinking this is my payback and I need to burn this oil buildup out. So the question of the day is simple: Do I buy a seal kit or put the boat in so we can go fishing? Lane Patton, Mexia, Texas

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. Go confidently with ECSTAR. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

ECS-NewIslandHalf.indd 1 MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

Lane, I’ll bet I deal with this question a dozen times a year. As expensive as gearcases are, I admire people who take the time to question what they see. You have diagnosed yours properly. That solution must have come from something I said, or wrote. I’ll be sending you an invoice under separate cover. Thanking you in advance. — GM

8/2/18 7:05 AM

•

+BW ATEr.indd 32

4/3/19 2:18 PM

ENGINES

Spring Routine

Q This has been an extraordinarily long winter for boaters everywhere. It seems to me that if we’re going to be fortunate enough to go boating this year it would be prudent to take extra precautions before launch time. What do you recommend? Dean O., via BoatingWorld.com

Ha! Hopefully I’ll find some time to work and play this year. In 2017 I was working too long and too hard to get out on the water in our boat. In ’18 the few days it stopped raining, the temperature was 105 degrees or more. Our boat has been unused for almost two years. Given that, slowly and thoroughly is the only safe way to get ready for the water. Knowing that varmints will take advantage of a long-term situation, I’ll start with the easy stuff. I shoot wasp spray into the engine cover and wait for any back-talk.

If I don’t hear the bad wasps planning my demise, I pull the cover and remove mud dauber nests that are likely covering the powerhead and ready to be sucked into the intake. I’ll clean the battery cable ends thoroughly, put freshly charged batteries in the cases, use dielectric grease when I connect the cables and then use lock nuts or lock washers with regular stainless nuts to make the connection. I’ll turn the battery switch on and test all safety-related functions at the console, from lights to bilge pump. I’ll tilt the engine all the way up, then completely down a couple of times, then check for any trim-cap leaks. I’ll turn the steering several times all the way, both ways, then look for steering seal leaks back at the engine. Then I’ll use a strong vacuum cleaner to clean the bilge of whatever detritus the animals brought in. Anything they can bring in will lodge itself in the bilge pump and run the battery down, or melt the pump motor or wires. If I can get access to the town ramp, I’ll

hook up a portable fuel tank with pre-mix, back the boat — drain plug in! — down the ramp and immerse the water pump impeller for 30 minutes. If I don’t have that access, I’ll hook up the muffs, turn the water pressure on High and lubricate the impeller that way. Only then will I attempt to start the engine, and I will not run it hard, or full throttle, for at least the first hour — longer if I can avoid it. Having practiced this any number of times, I can tell you the engine needs to loosen any lubricated or water-cooled parts before the joys of boating are experienced. I won’t do more than I’ve done in the past, but I’ll do it more slowly and carefully. I’d never hear the end of it if I broke down due to my stupidity. — GM Editor's Note: To read more about spring engine routines from Grid Michal, visit BoatingWorld. com/engines and look for "Avoid Spring Engine Issues" and "Are You Ready?" He might be a curmudgeon, but he can also save you lots of hardearned dollars.

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+BW ATEr.indd 33

•

4/3/19 2:18 PM

Gear 1.

St u f f You Wa nt 1

Personal Utility Case

$39.99, pelican.com

New Pelican RUCK personal utility cases provide security and versatility in a compact traveling companion for watersports enthusiasts. The watertight case is built to withstand drops, shock, dust, dirt and water. Users can easily toss them in a backpack, strap them to a kayak or carry them independently. RUCK cases feature a removable lid and a divider tray with nylon loops.

HDTV Antenna

$129, winegard.com

The WAVU W1 Marine Amplified Omnidirectional HDTV antenna from Winegard is manufactured to provide reliable performance and durability in the harsh marine environment. Crafted from high-impact, weatherproof and UV-protected material, the WAVU W1 antenna weighs only 2.11 pounds, has a head diameter of 14.9 inches and is 7.25 inches tall, including the pedestal base. Omnidirectional, the antenna is designed to capture and amplify VHF/UHF/FM signals from any direction at a range of up to 35 miles, providing boaters with free, overthe-air local HD programming.

Outrigger Mount

$9,500, tacomarine.com The new Grand Slam 1000 Electro-Hydraulic Outrigger Mount from Taco Marine has a unique system that allows boaters to safely adjust outriggers from the comfort of the helm with a simple push of a button. The GS-1000’s microprocessor-controlled system adjusts lift from 0 degrees through 75 degrees with incremental stops at 30, 45 and 60 degrees. Lift and rotation are driven by a 1,000-PSI hydraulic pump, which is routed through a micro-controlled manifold and valve assemblies. The GS-1000 is installed flush with the top, allowing the hydraulic lines and wiring to be hidden below the mount.

High-Performance Speaker

$399.95+, polyplanar.com

Available in 6.5- and 8-inch models, the new PolyPlanar 2-way, waterproof (IPX6 Rated) Ocean Series of high-performance speakers are low profile, blue LED lit, and sun-, salt- and corrosion-resistant. The 6.5-inch speaker is peak power rated at 480 watts per pair, and the 8-inch speakers at 500 watts per pair. Both models feature a high-power, long-excursion woofer with a 35 mm voice coil.

• MAY • MAY 34 34 2019 2019BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW Gear3.indd 34

4/3/19 12:57 PM

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

6 5

Electric Motor

$1,600, epcarry.com EP Carry is designed specifically for tenders, small rowing boats and other crafts less than 13 feet and 600 pounds. The new motor, which delivers ship-to-shore simplicity and quiet electric power, includes patented features that provide easy control, comfort and safety, weighs just 17 pounds and is sold complete with a sevenpound buoyant battery pack. Boaters can set up and operate the motor, which clamps onto a transom or motor mount and sets up in less than a minute, from a seated position.

Shallow-Mount Speakers

$99.99, fusionentertainment.com

Fusion’s EL Series full-range shallow-mount marine speakers come in two styles and feature a modern design, including LED lighting options, durable construction and accessory grill options. Meant for installation where mounting depth is limited, the EL Series features a shallow basket design. Two grill styles, Classic and Sports, provide cone protection and complement any vessel’s look. Users can choose from seven different colors with the Sport style’s multicolor LED lighting option. The series meets industry standards for UV and salt fog protection.

Emergency Rope

$19.99, cabelas.com, basspro.com Res-Q-Rope brings potentially lifesaving power to any boat, dock or marina. The kit features 50 feet of MFP braided reflective rope in a reflective bag with a drawstring closure. The high-visibility design makes it stand out even in low-light conditions. When thrown, the rope in Res-Q-Rope automatically uncoils out of the bag, allowing the stranded swimmer to grab the bag and put his hand through the knotted end so it won’t slip away.

Light Bar

$689, lumiteclighting.com Specifically created for marine applications and carefully designed to be integrated into most existing hardtop, arch and pilothouse designs, Lumitec’s flush-mount Razor LED bar can be surface mounted for a low-profile installation on existing flat or slightly crowned tops. Razor has more than 10,000 lumens of white light output, is dimmable, and can be mounted forward or aft, horizontal or downward facing.

BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY MAY2019 2019 • • 35 35

+ BW Gear3.indd 35

4/3/19 12:57 PM

Tested

First D rive

C R O W N L I N E E 2 8 5 X S // B Y A L A N J O N E S

All Day Long The Crownline E 285 XS is a new dayboat that takes entertaining to a whole new place. •

WE ALL KNOW the game: MSRP starts low but all the goodies any buyer really wants are

expensive options. Then there is the Crownline E 285 XS, a near 28-footer with a list of features that checks off all the must-have boxes … at no additional cost. UNIQUE FEATURES

Crownline designers went back to school to create a dayboat that earns a major in entertainment. At the heart of this design is an entertainment center that features an electric grill and a drawer-style refrigerator. Normally, items such as these are found on cruiser-type boats with generators — or on boats stranded at the sandbar because their electrical system couldn’t handle the load. Typically, anything that generates heat or cold is a battery killer. Crownline, though, worked with its electrical systems supplier for 18 months to make sure boat owners could enjoy hamburgers right off the grill without having to call for assistance at the end of the day. To counter the big drain, Crownline created a dedicated battery system just for the entertainment system. A pair of class 31 36

house deep-cycle batteries deliver an hour of grilling time. Anyone who needs longer than that is overcooking the food anyway. To keep everything running, the E 285 series, which includes a sterndrive model, utilizes a voltage-sensing relay (VSR) for the charging system; it samples each battery and directs charging power to the one that needs it the most. During the day, when the boat is running it will be recharging the batteries, thanks to the high-output alternators featured on today’s big-horsepower motors. Then, at the end of the day, owners just plug an extension cord into the 1,500-watt charger and it

automatically charges all the batteries. The Crownline E 285 XS also has an inverter, so frozen beverage fans can bring their blender from home and plug it in. PERFORMANCE

Crownline doesn’t low-ball buyers with inadequate outboard power just to hit a special price point, as evidenced by the E 285 XS’s standard Mercury 300 hp Verado, complete with Digital Throttle and Shift drive-by-wire controls. Our test boat upped the ante with a Mercury 350 Verado, this boat’s max power, and it proved to be a great match. This inline six-cylinder engine might be small in displacement at 2.6L, but it’s big on low-end power thanks to its intercooled supercharger. Keeping vibration low and countering some of the prop torque is Mercury’s Advanced Mid-Section (AMS), a feature that has migrated up to select models of Mercury’s new V-8 platform. AMS uses four motor mounts, instead of the usual two, and all four have variable amounts of cushion. At slow speeds, they are soft and stiffen as the speed rises. This mounting design also acts like a 4-inch jackplate setback, which helped push the Crownline on plane in just 3.3 seconds. Also notable was the lack of significant bowrise during holeshots. During our test at famed Lake X, Mercury’s central Florida test site, the supercharged Verado 350 kept the smooth acceleration pumping well enough to give the E 285 XS a time to 30 mph of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 52.5 mph at 6000 rpm, which is 400 shy of its max. A bit unusual is Crownline’s use of outboards with 30-inch shafts, which keeps the powerhead high above the water. HANDLING

Featuring the F.A.S.T. Tab hull, the Crownline E 285 XS uses a vented chine design to introduce air under the hull and

(Clockwise from top right) A 7-inch Raymarine display is standard. A grill, sink and refrigerator complete the entertainment center. The Social Swim Transom’s electronic seatback facilitates sitting up or lying down. To starboard is a walkthrough. Bowrider seats are hot tub–style. A second captain’s chair is to port. Bow seating is abundant, as is storage.

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Crownline.indd 36

4/3/19 2:19 PM

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+BW Crownline.indd 37

•

4/3/19 2:19 PM

OWN E R FE E D BACK

P U R C H A S E D B Y J O E A N D D A N I L O VA R E I D , BONI TA SPRINGS, FL A. PURCH A SED AT C A REFREE BOAT SA L ES, POMPANO BE ACH, FL A. W H AT W E L IK ED

Suzuki DF350A/Abundant storage/Fit and finish/Attractive styling/Performance and handling/Grill and refrigerator W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

I would like to have a glove compartment on the driver’s side for personal items, and we are thinking of adding a rearview mirror. WHY WE BOUGHT IT

Our main residence is in Davie, on the east coast of Florida, where we went boating with several friends who have boats. When we got a second residence in Bonita Springs on the southwest coast of Florida, we decided to get our first boat. We searched for about a year and saw a lot of different brands but really loved the way the Crownline E 285 XS looked and how comfortable it was. We love having friends come over for the weekend, and the grill and refrigerator make it perfect to entertain them. We have three adult kids and two grandkids and enjoy taking them out to places like Lover’s Key, where there’s a sandbar the kids can wade from and enjoy the water. We bought the boat on the east coast, but Tony from Carefree Boat Sales delivered the boat to us on the west coast and spent all day showing us how to operate it. He said he wasn’t leaving until we were comfortable with everything. Carefree’s after-the-sale follow-up has been outstanding.

Crownline offers outboard or sterndrive power for its 285 class. CROWN LI N E E 285 SX

reduce drag. Such an arrangement improves fuel economy and increases top-end and cruise speeds, but missing part of a chine can sometimes inhibit a boat’s ability to turn. Crownline thought of that. Its hull acronym stands for Fin-Assisted Safe Turn, and it refers to a pair of fins just behind the vents that more than make up for the reduced chine. When I threw the E 285 XS into a hard turn, it leaned over and allowed me to turn the wheel all the way to its stop without prop ventilation. The Crownline E 285 XS features 20 degrees of deadrise at the stern and a cleaver-sharp 39 degrees where the hull greets the water. Combined with a narrow-for-its-length 8-foot, 6-inch beam and a solid 5,865 pounds of hull heft, it can handle choppy conditions smoothly. The beam makes the boat towable in all 50 states without a permit or red flags on the back. And the E 285 XS comes standard with a dual-axle trailer, so even owners who live in Indiana, where the boat is built, can hook it up in the dead of winter and head for the Keys. BEST USES

Probably the most impressive standard feature on the E 285 XS is a Kicker KMC10 stereo system that features eight high-end Wet Sounds speakers, two of which are rear-firing 6.5-inchers on the Social Swim Transom Design. Further enhancing the key-off fun is a doublewide rear lounge. Unlike other lounges whose backrests only have a couple of positions, this one comes standard with an electric backrest that ups the cool factor and

Length 27 ft., 10 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Deadrise 20 degrees Capacity Yacht certified Dry Weight (hull) 5,705 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 75 gal. Max HP 350 PERFORMANCE Peak 52.5 mph/ 6000 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 39.2 mph/ 4500 rpm/83 dBA Time to Plane (w/trim tabs) 3.3 sec. Time to 30 mph 7.4 sec. POWER Test Mercury 350 Verado four-stroke

Cylinders Inline 6 Displacement 2.6L Weight 668 lbs. WOT Range 5800-6400 rpm

Base Price w/test power $129,369

Value-Added Standard Features: Kicker Bluetooth stereo w/8 Wet Sounds speakers, transom shower, refrigerator, grill, dual-axle trailer, electric aluminum arch, 8 hull color choices

Must-Have Options: Choice of snap-in vinyl flooring, subwoofer, underwater lighting, bow filler cushion, trim tabs, wakeboard tower, bow shower, upgraded interior and exterior options

Builder: Crownline, crownline.com Financing: $928/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

• MAY • MAY 38 38 2019 2019BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM

+BW Crownline.indd 38

4/3/19 2:19 PM

provides an infinite number of backrest angle options, including all the way forward to form a tanning bed. Despite having an outboard, the boat has a large swim platform padded with Soft Touch matting that matches the bow platform, where a boarding ladder facilitates beach landings. This Crownline is ready for watersports with a standard — getting tired of that word yet? — aluminum arch equipped with a high tow-line anchor point and a Bimini top. The electronically actuated arch can be dropped down for storage or to transit under low bridges; simply remove two bolts with hand-knobs and then press a toggle switch. Ski storage abounds in the bonus storage area under the rear sunpad/recliner, courtesy of the vacant sterndrive engine housing. And there’s more room for boards in the centerline storage compartment that also houses a side-mount cockpit table that stores out of the way in a dedicated pull-out drawer.

+BW Crownline.indd 39

PREFERRED SETUP

The Crownline E 285 XS can be rigged with Yamaha or Suzuki power in either 300 or 350 hp flavors, all with drive-bywire controls. With the Mercury Verado 350, the MSRP is $129,369. Not cheap, but considering the quality of build and the items that are included, the word “value” comes to mind. Suzuki lovers can go twin-prop with a DF350A motor for $125,223, and buyers who want Yamaha power can choose an F350 V8 ($136,277) that comes with a five-year warranty. Only the Mercury includes a built-in power steering system. Crownline calls the E 285 a hybrid, because while it has the sleek profile of a bowrider, the bow is nearly as wide as a deckboat. Up front a pair of hot-tub layback seats feature 16 degrees of recline, which is spot on. The seat bottoms are contoured for better ergonomics, but in recent years the raisedfor-better-thigh-support middle section

has been lessened, so sitting with one’s feet on the deck doesn’t feel like riding sidesaddle on a dromedary camel. Both bow seat bottoms lift up gull-wing style for easy access. In the stern is a curved L-lounge that creates plenty of seating on this yacht-certified boat. Several interior upgrade options are available, but the new Pure Platinum upholstery with a multi-gray palate is classy. The helm comes with a 7-inch Raymarine color GPS/sonar screen, and the only things missing are trim tabs with indicators, though they can be added for $1,325. The head compartment features a real granite countertop that matches the entertainment center. Also down below is a vessel sink, a hand shower and an electric-flush head with a holding tank. Snap-in Highlander carpeting is standard in the cockpit, but a good upgrade would be the snap-in driftwood woven vinyl for $1,492. BW

4/3/19 2:19 PM

Tested

First D rive

M A N I T O U 2 5 L E G A C Y LT S R S D U A L // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Game of Thrones Some pontoon boats have seats, and others have thrones fit for royalty. • MOST PONTOON BUILDERS OFFER VARIOUS floor plans, and while many are similar, each

reflects how a customer plans to use it. It’s all about the seating configuration, and the design of the Manitou 25 Legacy LT SRS Dual Outboards makes one thing clear: Its goal isn’t to provide the most seating, but rather it focuses on making each seat a place the occupant doesn’t want to leave. UNIQUE FACTOR

It’s good this pontoon is such a hoot to drive, because otherwise owners might abdicate all piloting duties just so they can luxuriate in the rear-facing stern seating on either side of the Manitou 25 Legacy LT SRS. With a shaped fiberglass frame and built-in armrests, they resemble home recliners and are extra wide. The backrests are overstuffed and electronically adjustable, their flush-mounted buttons within easy reach to dial in the exact amount of recline. A middle seat-bottom section can be flipped rearward to form a backrest for a stern forward-facing seat, creating two opposable club seats instead of one chaise lounge. 40

Manitou has featured these convertible seats before, but this iteration has a larger center cushion that fits more snugly between the other two seat bottoms and creates a bigger, better backrest when it’s flipped up. Owners can even install a sidemounted table between both sets of club seats. The only downside to having layback lounges with fixed armrests like this is they reduce seating capacity when passengers sit facing the centerline. Twin outboards on a pontoon have space between them, so Manitou designers placed a four-step boarding ladder there. They got creative and surrounded the ladder with a matching polished stainless steel ski tow. It reaches far enough back that reboarders won’t clunk their head on it and it provides additional line clearance behind the engines, twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 300s on our test boat.

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Manitou.indd 40

4/4/19 7:46 AM

The bigger, lower center tube allows the boat to turn incredibly quickly.

PERFORMANCE

So what does it feel like to jam the twin throttles on a pair of these new-gen direct-injected two-strokes that total 600 hp? Let’s put it this way: anyone sitting down will become one with the back of the chair, and standing passengers will know what it feels like to f ly. Seriously, on high-power pontoons like this, the driver has to warn people before he jams the throttles. Same goes for quickly chopping throttles attached to a pair of 300 Evinrudes. The fuel f low control is so precise, it’s like having brakes, and anyone standing might

(Opposite page, clockwise from far left) The captain’s throne sits atop a dais. The helm has room to flush mount electronics. Dual engines create space for an innovative tow bar and ladder arrangement. The convertible stern seats’ backs can fold down.

suddenly decide to kiss the woven vinyl f looring. While its time to plane was an impressive 2.3 seconds, this Manitou’s time to 30 mph was exceptionally quick at 4.3 seconds. Its top speed was a glasseswobbling 63.7 mph. If that isn’t thrilling enough, buyers can strap a pair of Mercury Racing 400R outboards to the slightly longer 27 Legacy LT, which is the f lagship of this line.

HANDLING

Going fast in a straight line is probably the easiest task for a high-performance pontoon — everyone loves a big number — but the more difficult part is adding crisp handling to the mix. In 2005, Manitou introduced its revolutionary Sport Handling Package (SHP), which features a larger center tube mounted to sit lower in the water. And that innovation is still BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+BW Manitou.indd 41

•

4/4/19 7:46 AM

OWN E R FE E D BACK

PURCHA SED BY GREG AND K AREN DR ALLE, K ANK AKEE, ILL. PURCH A SED AT BIG T HUNDER M A RINE, L A K E OZ ARK, MO. W H AT W E L IK ED

Evinrude G2 300s dual-engine setup/ Cornering ability/Good rough-water performance/Seating layout and quality/ Modern look with a fiberglass exterior/Fit and finish W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

We would like even bigger engines and a built-in trash can.

MANITOU 25 L E G A C Y LT S R S Length 26 ft., 8 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter 25 in./27 in./25 in.

Capacity 13 people Dry Weight (hull) 4,310 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 90 gal. Max HP 600

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

I’ve owned a number of pontoon boats and really wanted one with dual engines and great handling, and the Manitou 25 Legacy 25 LT Dual delivers on all counts. The Evinrude G2s are great engines and provide excellent acceleration. I am really picky about the appearance of our boats, and I find the fiberglass exterior makes it easy to maintain in pristine condition. We have four adult sons, five grandkids and one great-granddaughter, and they love going out on this pontoon. We mostly just cruise around but the younger ones love tubing. We also have a house on Lake of the Ozarks, so we trailer our Manitou down there. This big lake can get choppy, because of all the large cruiser traffic, but with three tubes this pontoon handles it well. We really hit it off with Tim and Larry at Big Thunder Marine. They gave us a great trade-in and even delivered our boat — a long drive — and spent lots of time making sure we knew how to work everything. The service has been fantastic.

With a 63 mph top speed, the 25 Legacy LT will exhilarate everyone. Rear-facing seats (opposite page) are a great place for watersports spotters to sit.

PERFORMANCE Peak 63.7 mph/ 6000 rpm/96 dBA Cruise 50.2 mph/ 4500 rpm/88 dBA Time to Plane (w/trim tabs) 2.3 sec. Time to 30 mph 4.8 sec.

POWER Twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 hp direct-injected two-strokes

going strong. This year’s Manitou 25 Legacy LT SRS Dual has a 27-inch center tube that’s mounted 5 and a half inches lower than its 25-inch outer neighbors. The arrangement isn’t just for looks. The bigger, lower center tube allows the boat to turn incredibly quickly and provides a pivot point so it banks hard in turns, as we discovered during our test at Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana. Sometimes dual-engine pontoons can be a little ponderous in turns, because many of them are 30 feet long or more and extra wide, but the 25 Legacy is a midsized boat that stretches 26 feet, 8 inches and maintains the standard 8-foot, 6-inch beam. To make turning easier, the Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 hp outboards have an integrated Dynamic Power Steering system. With the added weight of twin outboards, this Manitou tends to run a little bow-high, which reduces wetted surface to produce higher speeds. During the test, I noted it tended to turn a little more quickly if I trimmed the engines so the bow was even higher above the water, which makes it respond like a shorter boat thanks to the reduced drag.

Cylinders V-6 Displacement 3.4L Weight 537 lbs. WOT Range 5400-6400 rpm

Base Price w/test power $159,450 (without joystick)

BEST USES

Our test boat was rigged for watersports with an optional aluminum arch ($11,875) that has a high tow point and a Bimini top. An extra $2,500 yields a forward Bimini. When I spied our test pontoon coming across the lake, I noticed it was predominately white, which is one of the latest trends. Some buyers might find a mostly white boat boring, especially

Value-Added Standard Features: Stern layback seats w/electric backrests, raised helm, Bimini top, privacy enclosure, SHP triple-tubes, 800-watt JL Audio Bluetooth stereo w/subwoofer Must-Have Options: Choice of snap-in vinyl flooring, watersports tower, upgraded speakers, centerline ski locker, Simrad or Garmin electronics, Blackout Package, joystick docking

Builder: Manitou, manitouboats.com Financing: $1,144/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW Manitou.indd 42

4/4/19 7:47 AM

compared to some of the other Manitou color schemes, but when our test boat got closer, I noticed it had a sparkly luxury-automobile finish. Plus, this top-of-the-line model features fiberglass sides rather than aluminum fencing, which allows it to really showcase any of the five standard colors a buyer chooses. The watersports tower was color-coordinated in sparkly white and matched well with the Evinrude G2s, which have six custom color options, including white. The Manitou 25 Legacy LT SRS Dual’s passenger capacity is a baker’s dozen, but the seating configuration makes it best suited to slightly smaller parties. All the seats, including the two layback lounges up front and the companion captain’s chair, feature soft and comfortable Dolce upholstery. The standard stereo is an 800-watt, six-speaker JL Audio Bluetooth stereo complete with a 10-inch subwoofer, and it blows away most optional models from other builders.

PREFERRED SETUP

Make no mistake, Manitou’s top-ofthe-line LT Legacy series pontoons are premium rides and buyers are charged accordingly for the privilege of owning one. With twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 hp outboards and the joystick docking system our test boat came with, the price starts at $170,575 (before adding any extras). A few of the preferred extras include a choice of nine upgraded woven vinyl flooring options ($1,275) or snap-in Marine Mat ($2,500), an in-floor ski storage locker ($1,500) and a battery charging system ($400). A rearview mirror ($525), even on a boat that might not pull kids on tubes all day, adds to the driver’s situational awareness. At the helm is a variety of electronics options from Garmin and Simrad. One of the things Manitou does differently than most other builders is it offers the option of using custom colors. And the fiberglass outer shell makes an outstanding canvas for the high-end automotive paint. BW

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+BW Manitou.indd 43

•

4/4/19 7:47 AM

Tested

First D rive

S E A - D O O F I S H P R O // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Fishing Focus The Sea-Doo Fish Pro is the first PWC designed for America’s favorite watersport. • BOMBARDIER INTRODUCED THE FIRST PERSONAL watercraft in 1968. Called the Sea-Doo, it featured an air-cooled 18 hp engine that pushed it to a top speed of 25 mph. And I’m sure it wasn’t long before someone figured out, “Hey, if it floats and moves, I can fish on it!” Fast forward 51 years, to 2019, and Bombardier Recreational Products is first again: a purposebuilt fishing PWC called the Sea-Doo Fish Pro.

THE PROBLEM

Fishing aboard a PWC presents complications not found on more conventional fishing boats. I fished aboard a more traditional touring-style PWC, and it wasn’t the greatest experience. The main issues were twofold: no place to rig my gear and the highly sculpted saddle made moving around difficult, because it was designed to be used facing forward. Spinning sideways to cast or land a fish was downright uncomfortable. Then there was the lack of electronics and the relative instability when I stood up to cast. I found it possible to 44

MAY 2019

•

+BW SeaDoo.indd 44

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/3/19 12:47 PM

troll, but the no-wake mode on most skis is designed to move it along as quickly as possible, and often a slow presentation is the key to success. These deficiencies are a lot to overcome, so when Tim McKercher, who coordinates Sea-Doo’s press outings, invited me for a full day of fishing aboard a new PWC, my gut told me it might be a long day on the water. LET’S ROMP

Our day begins at dawn, at an east-central Florida boat ramp that serves a decidedly rectangular pair of connected manmade lakes collectively called Stick Marsh/Farm 13. While Lake Okeechobee and Rodman Reservoir get most of the accolades for great bass fishing, more 10-pounders are caught here, where it’s all catch and release for bass, than anywhere else in the Sunshine State. A shallow body of water averaging 6 to 8 feet deep, this purposely flooded marsh and farm impoundment has numerous underwater channels and an army of submerged trees — some just beneath the surface — that can play hell with a traditional boat’s lower unit. Score the first advantage to the Fish Pro; its draft is virtually non-existent underway. When our gaggle of five Sea-Doos exits the no-wake zone, I put the whip to the Rotax 1503 NA (normally aspirated) engine, and the sled zips to 30 mph in 3.2 seconds before settling into a cruise speed of 40 mph. Despite not having a supercharger like its 300 hp Sea-Doo Performance stablemates, its throttle response is excellent, and anyone who isn’t a hair-onfire kind of driver will be more than satisfied by its performance. Another plus is it has a closed cooling system, so piscatorial pursuits that venture into salt water or fresh water that should only be consumed in extreme emergencies won’t affect the engine’s innards. Top speed is 55 mph, which is only about 12 mph less than the fastest stock machines (PWCs are speed-limited by an agreement between manufacturers and the Coast Guard).

(Opposite page) A sound system is optional and a Garmin echoMAP is standard (bottom). A custom cooler with a recessed working area uses a LinQ connector. (From top) Gunwale footrests are angled for comfort. At the helm, an electronic display keeps the driver informed. An extended rear deck provides another LinQ connection.

HULL, YES

The Sea-Doo Fish Pro features the ST3 hull, which is a hybrid design that melds the T3 hull used on buoy-racing machines such as the RXP-X and the S3 hull, which was Sea-Doo’s breakthrough design in 2008. It takes the T3’s wave-penetrating 22 degrees of hull entry to about the middle of the running surface but does away with the soft, rounded chines that promote its ultra-aggressive turning ability (and also make it difficult to ride with two or more riders or take large waves at an angle). Instead, the ST3 hull has hard chines that promote side-to-side stability, and a second set of chines farther back that add an inch of width BOATINGWORLD.COM

+BW SeaDoo.indd 45

MAY 2019

•

4/3/19 12:47 PM

for better stability at rest and in heavy sea conditions. The center of gravity is lower, both for the engine and the rider, which also greatly improves stability. The hull tweak that makes the Fish Pro unique, however, is a rear deck extension that greatly contributes to its stability at rest or when trolling, especially in choppy conditions. But since it’s raised above the hull’s running surface, it hovers above the water’s surface at cruising speeds, so there’s no additional drag to hurt its high-speed performance. This is simply Sea-Doo’s best all-around hull. An extended rear deck gives the Fish Pro a second LinQ connection. First seen on last year’s GTX Limited, LinQ — maybe the best crossover feature ever to migrate to the water from the Ski-Doo line of snowmobiles — is a system of connecting accessories that attach to the rear deck quickly and securely. The standard 13-and-a-half-gallon LinQ cooler for the Fish Pro is one item that makes it so fishable. Not only is a high-end cooler capable of keeping fish and beverages cold for days, it’s also a one-stop rigging station. Its top is recessed and has a rubberized surface that allows anglers to rig without watching their sinker roll into the water. The top also makes a great picnic table for alfresco dining. Tools are handy and secure in dedicated holders, and a convenient mesh bag is attached to the front of the cooler to hold pouches of soft baits or small tackle boxes. My cooler has a pair of rod holders attached to the each side, and there’s room to add at least four more on the back.

SEA-DOO FISH PRO LOA 12 ft., 3 in. Beam 4 ft., 1 in. Deadrise N/A Passenger Capacity 3/600 lbs.

Dry Weight (hull) 887 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal. Max HP 155

PERFORMANCE Peak 55 mph/7500 rpm Cruise 40 mph/ 5500 rpm

Time to Plane 1.5 sec. (est.)

Time to 30 mph 3.2 sec.

POWER Test Rotax 1503 NA four-stroke

Cylinders I-3 Displacement 1.5L Weight 180 lbs.

FISH ON!

Soon, we stop along a shoreline rife with water hyacinth, an invasive species

WOT 7500 rpm Base Price w/test power $14,799

Riders can use the flatter seat to turn around and sit sideways (top) during the fishing action. But underway, as our own Alan Jones found out, the saddle delivers a comfortable and secure ride.

Value-Added Standard Features: LinQ system w/special cooler, Intelligent Brake and Reverse (iBR), cruise control w/Troll Mode, boarding ladder, extended rear deck, 6.2-in. Garmin Color fishfinder/GPS

Must-Have Options: Premium stereo, USB plug, extra rod holders, anchor, cover, ski pylon, Ski Mode launch control, trailer, LinQ accessories

Builder: Bombardier Recreational Products, sea-doo.com Financing: $106/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

that can quickly take over a lake but also provides great bass habitat. To my surprise, a bucket inside my cooler (and everyone else’s) holds a dozen wild shiners, which are bass candy. After shutting down the engine, I spin around on a specially designed saddle that is much flatter than normal and allows me to scoot around easily. I grab a rod out of the holder and, using the cooler lid, tie on a live bait hook before extracting one of the 6-inch-long shiners, all of which are lively thanks to a battery-powered bubbler. After hooking it at the tail, I stand up and am pleasantly surprised by the Fish Pro’s stability, which makes it easy to lob the bait underhanded to the edge of the vegetation. With my bait in position, I turn sideways and prop my

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+BW SeaDoo.indd 46

4/4/19 7:43 AM

feet on gunwale rests that are angled for comfort. Soon, I feel a tug and set the hook on the first bass of the day. One notable asset is the huge main storage area in front of the driver, which the driver can access without getting out of his seat, because the entire steering assembly lifts. My backpack is overstuffed with clothes and camera gear, and it fits easily. A separate mesh net section is handy for quickly needed items such as my video camera, and a waterproof smartphone glove compartment secures phones between foam pads. Adding a USB port costs $110. My ride has the optional stereo system, which pushes the MSRP from $14,799 to $15,599 but is totally worth it. Not only does it sound great but the tunes are directed toward the riders and not the surrounding landscape. As is often the case in Florida, someone turns on a giant wind fan and the shallow

lake gets a bit lumpy, but the deep-V ST3 hull eats it up. This brings up another point. How many other 12-foot, 3-inch boats can owners safely use for offshore fishing? McKercher will no doubt have a Fish Pro along the next time he takes a group cruising from Florida to Bimini. SLOW TROLLING?

Our search for fish takes us to a channel on the other side of the lake that has a solid wall of vegetation to the left and small islands to the right. I explore one of the gaps between islands with the standard Garmin echoMAP Plus 62 CV, a 6.2-inch color GPS fishfinder that has a transducer flush-mounted into the hull bottom, and start marking scattered fish in the 10-foot depths. Using trolling mode, which has nine presets, I select the slowest speed and drag a wild shiner at 1 mph. Any faster and it wouldn’t swim right. Any concern about

engine noise scaring the fish is dispelled when I land the day’s biggest fish, a threepounder, and later catch a two-pounder. Keep in mind, I had to drive directly over both of these fish to put the bait in position. CRUISE/SKI/FISH

After six hours of cruising and trolling, I happen to glance at my gas gauge and am startled to discover I’ve burned less than a quarter of the oversized 18-and-a-halfgallon fuel tank. PWCs aren’t known for their range, but with a four-gallon LinQ auxiliary fuel tank ($170) this rig has the ability to reach far-flung places for fishing or touring. Owners can even attach a LinQ Sport Bag ($170) on top of the fuel tank for more storage. This three-up PWC even has a tripod ski tow that attaches to the LinQ connector and further increases its versatility, though some fishing veterans might claim that’s just a way to troll for sharks. BW

H AS YO UR DO G

Enter Your Dog Now

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+BW SeaDoo.indd 47

•

4/3/19 12:47 PM

c k o e T R TOUR

ith a twitch of the throttle, our vacation roars to a start. In seconds, we are moving faster than a mile a minute atop our near-12-footlong water rocket. Wind blows our hair, pine-scented oxygen rushes into our sinuses and stress falls far behind.

MAY 2019

•

THE FIRST LEG OF OUR VACATION TRIP BEGINS in southern Georgia. We navigate the Flint and Apalachicola rivers, on which lush greenery is set atop cookie dough–colored banks and occasional tin shanties fly by in our peripheral vision. My girlfriend, Barbie, has both arms wrapped tightly around me and yells, “This is so cool!” We have 900 miles to go before we reach our goal in Key West — and 11 glorious days to have fun getting there. Exhilarating watercraft vacations such as this can be compared to motorcycle getaways on the highway, but we carry a lot more baggage on our luxurious Yamaha WaveRunner FX Cruiser SVHO

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW feature pwc adventure4.indd 48

4/3/19 2:13 PM

A 900-mile PWC vacation from Georgia to Key West inspires awe (and advice for anyone who might want to try it). BY JOHN CACCIUTTI

and the world looks incredibly different on the aquatic roadways we traverse. In sharp, twisty bends, Barb and I lean in unison, way out over the side with only our smiles greeting the wind and water head-on. On long straightaways, we recline back in the comfy saddle seats, set the cruise control and take time to spot alligators, ospreys, great blue herons and other wildlife. Day one takes us 135 miles to Apalachicola, an old-school Florida town dotted with rustic mom-andpop motels, oyster-based restaurants and roadhouse bars such as the Bowery where musicians still commonly play the washboard. We had to stop once to

A pristine island beach in the Florida Keys is a perfect place to stop for a private lunch.

top off the main fuel tank with the auxiliary cans we brought along. Just two extra five-gallon cans are all we need to travel the whole route to the southernmost tip of the continental U.S. (Actually, they are all we have needed on any of the other PWC vacations we have taken, from North Carolina to Montreal, Canada.) We check into the Apalachicola River Inn and stealthily enter the room without disturbing the moths and mosquitoes attached to the door. The carpets are inexplicably damp, but we’re tired and the sheets are clean. In minutes, we’re asleep; our trusty steed is docked right outside, ready for action. BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW feature pwc adventure4.indd 49

MAY 2019

•

4/3/19 2:13 PM

W E AT H E R WA RY The next leg of the trip, over the open Gulf of Mexico to the Clearwater area, threatens to end our vacation. The 6 a.m. NOAA forecast is terrible: 25 mph east winds, 3- to 5-foot seas offshore and building. The temperature is predicted to drop into the 40s and small craft warnings are on the way. We must make it to St. Marks, at the Big Bend in the Florida coast, if we are going to get protection from the east wind. On our comparatively tiny WaveRunner FX Cruiser SVHO, we are the only boaters to chance the inlet, and upon turning northeast, we are smacked in the face by the frothy, wind-blown three-foot chop. Leaping and splashing back down is never comfortable, but in waves this close together there’s no choice. We stand to absorb the landings and slog our way to St. Marks, feeling like we traveled via pogo stick. The Doubletree Hilton in Tallahassee — a $30 Uber ride away — brings divine comfort and nourishment over the next 38 hours as we wait out the wind.

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW feature pwc adventure4.indd 50

4/3/19 2:13 PM

BACK AT I T What a difference a day makes. With the sun peeking over the horizon, nearly calm seas and no land in sight, it feels like we are sprinting across the planet on a Star Wars speeder bike! No one is faster than we are out here. Wide-eyed fisherman swivel their neck at the sight of our gear-laden meteor that streaks by at 75 mph, barely skimming the surface of the water. We make one stop — Steinhatchee for fuel and a salad at Roy’s Restaurant, which overlooks the gulf — and then hug the coast until we arrive at Cedar Key, population 690 locals. This remote island city, the second oldest in Florida, has a laidback vibe, few traffic lights and a police force that patrols in tricked-out golf carts. The Island Hotel and Restaurant is believed to have been used as a Confederate barracks during the Civil War, but today the folks here are serving us Yankees locally farmed Sunray Venus clams with artichokes, mushrooms and tomatoes over capellini pasta. We have just one more half-day of running outside, and we plan our fuel consumption carefully, because on the lonely Nature’s Coast, gas stations are scarce and far inland. After passing Tampa, Tranquility Bay Beach Resort in Marathon, Fla., (top left) is a relaxing spot for a stop. Duval Street is within sight (left) as the couple nears Ocean Key Resort. Keys Fisheries (below) is an open-air fish house in Marathon that specializes in stone crab claws, one of Barbie’s favorite dishes.

Our Chariot

The Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO is ideally suited for long trips. It stretches 11 feet, 9 inches and has a 4-foot, 2-inch beam, which makes it a very roomy, stable platform. Even without extra tanks it has plenty of range thanks to an 18-and-a-half-gallon fuel tank. The Connext color touchscreen display kept us informed of all aspects of engine performance, including precise fuel monitoring information, which is critical on long trips. RIDE is a twin-lever control system that allows the operator to shift from forward to reverse without taking his hands off the adjustable handlebars, and he can use it as a brake if needed. Its NanoXcel hull keeps the weight down to 810 pounds and it has 44 gallons of storage capacity. Powering this model is Yamaha’s most powerful engine, the SVHO, which has an intercooled supercharger for incredible throttle response (even before we modified it). The touring seat gives up to three riders plenty of comfort and support while little touches such as footwells that drain make all the difference when cruising. The occasional healthy workout is part of what we sign up for on these trips — unless one’s plan eliminates the Gulf crossing, Lake Okeechobee and Biscayne Bay — but we reward ourselves by staying and dining at the finest resorts and restaurants.

Awards • Best Meal. Fresh stone crabs that we bought right off the boat at St. Marks Seafood and stopped to enjoy on remote beaches along the way. • Best Lunch Stop. Cabbage Key in Pineland and Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia. These Florida sister restaurants are legendary boat stops and also have nice rooms for overnight guests. BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+ BW feature pwc adventure4.indd 51

•

4/4/19 7:41 AM

A simple-to-install, RIVA MaptunerX kit (rivaracing.com) increases top speed by a few miles per hour over stock. Installing it kills the warranty, so it’s wise to wait a year before boosting a PWC’s performance this way.

Gear and Setup Instructions

Be sure to take along the following items and get set up correctly: 1 GPS or Navionics app for a smartphone. 2 Handheld VHF and flares. 3 Spot satellite locater. Purchase the optional insurance that covers a private rescue company. 4 Fully charged phone and portable USB charger. 5 Gear dry bags. Use a quarter-inch drill bit and parachute cord to make 4-inch diameter loops on the watercraft to fasten these in a saddlebag fashion on each side.

6 Rise luggage shelves. This collapsible shelving system keeps clothes folded and neatly organized, and speeds packing and unpacking.

7 Two five-gallon gas cans and an AO Hybrid SoftSided Cooler. Fasten these in the stern with Roku motorcycle straps and marine bungees. Use enough so they won’t budge, and then add more for safety. 8 Polarized glasses, rain gear and gloves.

we pull into the Holiday Inn & Suites Harbourside in Indian Rocks Beach, where a bellman intercepts our WaveRunner in waist-high water to take our bags. We tip him well. This proves to be one of our favorite stops, since it boasts a marina, resort and waterpark, all in one place. The next leg to Fort Myers is cruising heaven. The few no-wake zones inside are a small price to pay for the endless, pristine beaches we cruise past under bright sunshine. After stopping to enjoy lunch on a tropical shoreline, we rip along the coast in a freshening breeze atop a short chop that our speeding bullet easily spans. On day seven we reach the entrance to Lake Okeechobee and fly home to work for a few weeks. It’s a familiar tactic for us on these long trips with such a small watercraft. We prepay Sweetwater Landing Marina in Fort Myers $120 for one month of rack storage.

9 Collapsible paddle. 10 Factory tool kit plus a 3/8-inch ratchet with an 11mm socket, to remove the intake grate in case something gets lodged in the impeller. 11 Waterproof camera and rechargeable Bluetooth speakers. 12 Two docklines, bumpers and a heavy-duty watersports tow rope. Pass the long line around the far piling, then get off on the dock and use it like a pulley to move the watercraft back into the center of a slip.

Lesson Learned What would we do differently next time? Bring more clothes! It is not as warm in North Florida in April as we thought it would be.

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW feature pwc adventure4.indd 52

4/3/19 2:13 PM

The pampering at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo begins in the water. A Spot satellite messenger (below left) is a musthave on a trip like this. Using quarter-inch holes on both sides of the rear seat handle, Cacciutti ties 4-inch-diameter loops of parachute cord and snaps the front of dry bags together through them. On a PWC, it’s easy to get close to the action in Ft. Lauderdale (middle) and Key West (top, bottom).

CH A NGE OF COASTS To fast forward the trip a bit, at a cost of $250, a UShip driver reunites us with our WaveRunner three weeks later at a boat ramp just outside the West Palm Beach airport, and we are off again. Glistening yachts, go-fast speedboats and mega-mansions line the Intracoastal Waterway all the way to Miami and are incredible to take in from our tiny perspective. The next day we enter Biscayne Bay, which is a bit choppy, but we make it to the Keys by noon and are rewarded by countless beautiful beaches to ease onto, stretch our legs and enjoy a snack. From Key Largo onward, the water turns Caribbean and the vistas etch a permanent place in our memory bank. We’re in no hurry to cruise this final 100 miles and stop at the Playa Largo Resort & Spa Autograph Collection in Key Largo for some pampering and fine dining. That theme continues at our next stop in Marathon at the trendy Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort in Marathon. As we finally idle into Key West Harbor, a tiki bar boat comes out to greet us — a fitting start to our victory celebration. Within 30 minutes, a UShip driver departs with our WaveRunner while we toast champagne on our private balcony at the swanky Ocean Key Resort and reflect on the highlights of our amazing journey. The best memories of the trip — and all our PWC vacations — are the people we meet along the way. We become instant celebrities and everyone wants to know our story. Most onlookers are in a state of disbelief, but today’s best cruising models, including our Yamaha, are more than capable of slip-sliding away on adventurous vacations that can be safe, comfortable and lifelong memory makers. BW

Some enthusiasts prefer slower speeds to save fuel on long trips, but the hourmeter is more costly in depreciation than gas will be.

Larger seas spaced far apart are actually easier on a PWC because drivers can set the trim down, tack into the face and turn the opposite way to stay in contact with the back side. Keeping the hull in the water is always the secret to the softest, driest ride.

Fast Fact

Homework

Beware of environmentally sensitive areas in the Florida Keys and Everglades that are closed to PWC. Avoid them.

To find out more about long-distance PWC riding, read “Dreamrider: Adventures on America’s Great Loop” by Larry Harcum. He details his 5,805-mile adventure on a PWC.

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+ BW feature pwc adventure4.indd 53

•

4/3/19 2:13 PM

BY LENNY RUDOW

MULTISPECIES FISHING BOATS ARE IDEAL FOR ANGLERS WHO LOVE CHASING AFTER FISH OF ALL VARIETIES.

The Tracker Targa V-19 WT has a deadrise on the line between a semiand deep-V hull, at about 20 degrees.

MAY 2019

â&#x20AC;¢

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW feature fishingboats.indd 54

4/3/19 12:56 PM

S A GENERAL RULE OF thumb, the more specialized a boat is for one specific use the less it excels at others. A low-slung bass boat provides the ideal example. Sure, it’s perfect for flippin’ and tossin’ spinner baits to shoreline structure, but it doesn’t have any downriggers or flush rod holders, and it’s far from ideal to hit the big water and go trolling for walleye. The solution? Multispecies boats, which prioritize versatility over a narrow, laser-like species-specific focus. But there are tons of different hull forms and materials, lengths and features to be found carrying the multispecies moniker. What makes one type or another more or less desirable, and which might be best given one’s specific needs? Here’s the lowdown on many multispecies matters.

Fiberglass and aluminum hulls have their pros and cons, so it’s often buyer preference when it comes to a Ranger 2080MS fiberglass boat or a Crestliner 1950 Fish Hawk aluminum model.

HULL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Multispecies fishing machines are built with varying hull-forms, but most fall into the semi-V category. Since anglers with diverse interests may want to probe the shallows one day and go out into unprotected water the next, a moderate deadrise is important to maximize stability, minimize draft and offer enough V in the hull to split open waves without taking a pounding. As a result, most multispecies fishing boats will carry a semi-V with between 12 and 20 degrees of deadrise. The Tracker Targa V-19 WT provides a good example of one end of the spectrum. Tilted mostly toward rough-water handling, it carries a 20-degree transom deadrise, which is right at the edge of what most people would consider a semi-V vs. a deep-V. On the flip side of the equation, the G3 Angler V19 SF carries a more moderate 13-degree transom deadrise. Not only is there a wide range of hull designs among multispecies boats, but there’s also a difference in the hull material itself. Both aluminum and fiberglass are popular for this type of boat. Along with the abovementioned models — both aluminum — there are fiberglass multispecies boats, including the Ranger 2080MS. Not only is this option molded fiberglass, it’s also built with Ranger’s trademark construction features, including a pultruded transom, foam-filled belowdecks cavities, and Zone-Tempered fiberglass layup.

FIBERGLASS OR ALUMINUM

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW feature fishingboats.indd 55

MAY 2019

•

4/3/19 12:56 PM

M U LT I S P E C I E S F I S H I N G B OAT S

BVIOUSLY, there are many differences between aluminum and fiberglass boats, but both materials make excellent multispecies fishing machines. Remember that aluminum boats tend to be lighter, which means easier towing and launching. They also have lower power requirements and, quite often, better efficiency at equivalent speeds. Aluminum has another edge, specifically in rocky waters where impacts are a possibility: It tends to dent during a solid strike as opposed to shattering like fiberglass. And aluminum boats in this size range are usually a bit less expensive than comparable MANEUVERABLE VS. ROOMY fiberglass models. On the flip side, the extra heft of a fiberglass boat and the ability to mold in more complex hull forms with multiple strakes and chines mean glass boats often ride a bit smoother and drier. They can carry bigger engines without a stability loss and often have higher top-end speeds. And finally, many people simply like the slicker looks of a fiberglass hull. One other choice to consider is going in a completely different direction: choosing a pontoon boat for a multispecies fishing platform. True, a pontoon’s boxy shape isn’t for everyone, and it may not excel at tasks such as sneaking through tight, winding cuts in weed beds. On the other hand, an open deck, a broad beam and a top with rocket launchers — the Qwest 820 Pro Fish & Cruise is an example — mean a big crew can troll a huge swath of lines and do so comfortably. Plus, an optional third log can make these boats surprisingly seaworthy, for fishing in tough conditions.

(Right) A centerline rod locker gives the Crestliner 1950 Fish Hawk the kind of easily accessible storage anglers need and depend on.

The Princecraft Sport 172 is more maneuverable than the Qwest Pro Fish & Cruise, but the latter has more room.

S I Z E M AT T E R S Length and beam are big considerations when it comes to any sort of fishing boat, and that’s certainly true for multispecies boats. There’s a wide range to think about here, with offerings in this class usually between 17 and 22 feet. Sure, there will be outliers, but again, a multispecies boat needs a balance between big-water capability, the ability to fish small coves and creeks, and other considerations. But size will also dictate flexibility when it comes to factors such as how many people can go fishing, how much gear can fit aboard and maximum range. In many cases, however, size considerations must go beyond fishing alone. How big of a boat can fit in the garage 56

MAY 2019

•

G3 Angler V19

Tracker Targa V19

Ranger 2080MS

Length, beam, storage and seating, easily seen from above, are all major considerations when it comes to a multispecies fishing boat.

or driveway? What is the tow vehicle’s towing capacity? How much draft can the local waters accommodate? Are there low bridges nearby that may affect access to a local fishing spot? Let’s think back to that Qwest 820 Pro Fish & Cruise vs. a boat such as the Princecraft Sport 172, to illustrate the point. The Qwest is much larger and

roomier, which has obvious advantages, but that tall profile can’t squeeze under some bridges, and between the boat, motor, trailer, gear, and fuel, any tow vehicle will need to be able to haul several thousand pounds. The Princecraft is quite a bit smaller, and as a result it can go just about anywhere and can be towed by a much wider range of smaller SUVs or pickups.

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW feature fishingboats.indd 56

4/3/19 12:56 PM

G3 Angler V19 F convertible seating

To the Web AlumaCraft.com Crestliner.com

G3 Anger V19 SF gear capacity

Ranger 2080MS abundant seating

Nitro ZV21 Pro dedicated battery storage

Many people like the slicker looks of a fiberglass hull. The Ranger 2080MS is a nice example of a fiberglass fishing boat.

G3Boats.com KingFisherBoats.com LoweBoats.com LundBoats.com Nitro.com Princecraft.com QwestPontoons.com RangerBoats.com StarcraftMarine.com TrackerBoats.com

BOATINGWORLD.COM

+ BW feature fishingboats.indd 57

MAY 2019

â&#x20AC;˘

4/3/19 12:56 PM

M U LT I S P E C I E S F I S H I N G B OAT S

ATTRACTIVE FEATURES

Princecraft Sport 172 livewell

Lowe Skorpion 17 tackle storage

GETTING THE GOODS Just how a multispecies boat is accessorized is often up to the buyer, and most of the boats in this genre come with a wide range of options. Some critical items, however, are more important to take into account. Consider these carefully, because they’ll have a huge impact on just how wide a range of fisheries a boat is suited for.  Livewells are present in most of these boats, but their number and capacity can vary greatly. Buyers who want to fish in tournaments need a boat with the ability to keep more than mere minnows alive. And if they have anglers fishing live baits from the bow and the stern, a boat with livewells both forward and aft will save the crew from having to elbow each other out of the way every time someone needs a new bait.  Rod holder number and design is a huge variable. Flush-mounted holders and/or rocket launchers are absolutely necessary for trolling, and how many a boat has will often be the limiting factor to how many lines anglers can deploy. But when it comes to drifting in a lake for crappie or setting out livies for lake trout, a crew needs rod holders that can be angled out from all parts of the boat. Meanwhile, remember that

while surface-mounted rod holders often offer the most flexibility and can be rotated and adjusted to face this way or that, they can also get in the way during docking. And, as many anglers have learned the hard way, some tend to be less secure than flush-mounted holders when the quarry is very large, strong fish. plates, or gunwales designed to be strong enough for downrigger mounting, are a critical feature for anglers who like to troll with downriggers. Give bonus points to boats with built-in downrigger ball stowage slots, because those heavy weights can cause damage if they’re not secured underway.

Triton 206 Fishunter rod holder

Crestliner 1950 Fish Hawk windshield

 Mounting

 Windshields can be a big deal for multispecies anglers, because they’re the main form of protection for passengers when the spray starts flying, and many boats of this type are available with differing

Lund 202 Pro-V GL storage

Lowe Skorpion 17 bow seating

windshield styles and sizes. Tall wraparound windshields with a fold-over center filler pane offer the most cover and are usually favored by anglers who fish open waters or tend to go out even when the temperature is low. Smaller windshields can be advantageous when height restrictions are an issue, and as a rule they also cost less.  Stowage is an important feature on any boat, and none more so than a multispecies boat. To facilitate fishing for smallmouth in the morning and salmon in the afternoon, a boat better have rod boxes with plenty of capacity built in (I love those that lock). Built-in tackleboxes are another good feature, as they allow an owner to leave that clunky tackle bag at home and keep all her lures right on the boat. Also pay attention to dedicated battery stowage; boats such as the Starcraft 2050STX have lots of room designed for batteries, which is great for powering a potent electric trolling motor and serious electronics.  Seating is just as important for fishability as it is for comfort when it comes to multispecies boats. Having seats in the bow or on a bow deck can lead to longer fishing days with less wear and tear on one’s body, though there may be times — fly fishing, for example — when it’s better that a portion of the boat be clear of seats. For maximum flexibility, having multiple pedestal receivers placed throughout the boat is best, since anglers can move those seats around as necessary. We also give extra credit to aft jump seats that fold flat to create a casting deck. BW

MAY 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW feature fishingboats.indd 58

4/3/19 12:57 PM

BWSubInfoFP.qxp_Layout 1 3/15/19 1:16 PM Page 1

Subscription/Renewals

Renew Your Subscription Go to: boatingworld.com/renew Enter your 8 digit order number* located on your mailing label to renew your subscription.

8 digit order number can be found on * Your the mailing label #1234 5678 1234#

NOV 2018

RECIPIENTS NAME STREET ADDRESS OR P.O. BOX CITY, STATE ABBREVIATION, ZIP+4

12345678

New Subscription Subscribing to Boating World is easy. Simply go online: boatingworld.com/BW519

2 Years, 18 issues for only $10!

Or you can just mail the coupon below and we’ll get your subscription activated ASAP!

OFFICIAL SAVINGS COUPON 2 Years for Only

Our Best Offer!

55¢

an issue

Enter my 2-year subscription (18 issues) to Boating World Magazine at the low rate of just $10. Name Address

Mail Subscription Coupon to:

Boating World P.O. Box 25859 Santa Ana, CA 92799-9907 Offer good in U.S. and Canada only. Canadian orders $40 (includes postage): U.S. funds only.

City, State, ZIP E-mail (You’ll receive our digital edition and newsletter FREE!)

BW519

Check enclosed (Do not send cash)

Bill me later

Insurance for Powerboats & Sailboats • Competitively priced products

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

• 24-hour claims reporting • Exceptional service • Dedicated expertise

marketplace

MAY 2019

•

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 60

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/4/19 6:53 AM

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOW 9 9

$449

BEATS HONDA* 2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR

PREDATOR 2000 ITEM 62523

SAVE 559

4.7 HOURS

RUN-TIME

3.4 HOURS

2000

MAX. STARTING WATTS

2000

1600

RUNNING WATTS

1600

61 dB

NOISE LEVEL

59 dB

48 LBS.

WEIGHT

45.6 LBS.

1.2 GAL

TANK SIZE

.95 GAL

OUTLETS

YES

OVERLOAD PROTECTION

YES

79.7 cc

ENGINE SIZE

98.5 cc

LOW OIL ALERT

YES YES

YES

POWER SAVER

YES

PRICE

1,009

COMPARE TO

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

29 PIECE 30", 5 DRAWER TITANIUM MECHANIC'S CARTS DRILL BIT SET

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

NOW

COMPARE TO

DEWALT

6814 SAVE 85%

MODEL: DW1369

1799

ITEM 5889/62281/61637 shown

BLUE-POINT

830

MODEL: KRBC10TBPES

21999

SAVE $ 640

$1 89

Customer Rating

NOW

$1 49 COMPARE TO

292 44 SAVE $ 142

MODEL: 50180

PSI

Customer Rating

GREEN

Not available in AZ, OH, OK and VA.

ITEM 64061 64059 64060 shown ITEM 56237 64721 shown

YELLOW

19999

135 PSI

STANDARD LIFE

2X LIFE

STANDARD, 90 dBA

25% QUIETER 27% MORE RUN TIME

STANDARD OIL-LUBE MOTOR

SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION OIL-LUBE MOTOR

SAVE 79 $

99 $ 17499

COMPARE TO

HUSKY

MODEL: C201H

MODEL: 74410

SAVE $80 PORTER-CABLE $24999 COMPARE TO

ITEM 56241 64857 shown

MODEL: 118903799

*64899409 * 64899409 LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

SUPER COUPON

10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY MECHANIC'S GLOVES Customer Rating Customer Rating

NOW

$99

$1 799

ITEM 69780/41005 shown

169 99 $19999

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

NOW

COMPARE TO

239

PSI

*64898849 * 64898849

ITEM 56239 64720 shown

Customer Rating • Height range: 12-1/2" to 24"

REESE $ 99

135

Customer Rating

STANDARD RUN TIME

159

ITEM 61454/69091 62803/63635/67847 shown

1000 LB. CAPACITY SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK

99 SAVE 64%

ITEM 64335/63585 shown

125 PSI

SUPER COUPON

SUNFORCE

21 GALLON OIL-LUBE 20 GALLON OIL-LUBE 125 AIR COMPRESSOR AIR COMPRESSOR

RED

ITEM 56238 64722 shown

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

BLUE

ITEM 64031

ORANGE

• 15,000 cu. in. of storage • 700 lb. capacity • Weighs 139 lbs.

*64895241 * 64895241

*64894026 * 64894026

100 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT

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, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/19/19.

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/19/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

ITEM 64032 64030 64033 shown

YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR

*64892412 * 64892412

BLACK

Customer Rating

Snap-on

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

*64904091 * 64904091

*HONDA EU2000i stated specs

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

PURCHASE

PERFORMANCE $ 52 MODEL: W2364 TOOL

HONDA EU2000i

*64892941 * 64892941

ANY

ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT

PARALLEL CAPABLE

WITH

• Super-Strong, Ultra-Lightweight Composite Plastic • Magnetic Base & 360° Swivel Hook for Hands-Free Operation • 3- AAA Batteries (included) • 144 Lumens

YES

OVER 5,000

5 STAR REVIEWS Customer Rating

SUPER BRIGHT LED /SMD WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT

YES

499 99

20% OFF

FREE

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

SUPER COUPON

2599

199 SAVE $ 99

$ SHELTER LOGIC MODEL: 23522 COMPARE TO

11999

NOW

$4 5

SAVE 66% COMPARE TO

VALEO $ 99

MODEL: 25521

$ 99

ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, ITEM 63054/62858 shown 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown

*64899490 * 64899490

*64899557 * 64899557

*64900624 * 64900624

*64902642 * 64902642

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

SUPER COUPON

2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER AND 200 LUMENS LED SUPER BRIGHT ENGINE STARTER FLIP LIGHT

18" WORKING PLATFORM STEP STOOL Customer Rating

NOW

COMPARE TO

GPL

MODEL: H-21

9 $299

5145 SAVE 61% ITEM 62515 $2999 66911 shown

130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE

Customer Rating • Wireless, tool-free and easy installation Customer Rating

• 350 lb. capacity

$1 9

SUPER COUPON

$ 99 SCHUMACHER $ 77 MODEL: SE-1250 ELECTRIC ITEM 60581/3418/66783/60653 shown COMPARE TO

SAVE 49%

Customer Rating

NOW

$299 $449

COMPARE TO

PROMIER $ 99

MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24

SAVE 40%

COMPARE TO

ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown

ANVIL

9 $299

6639 SAVE 54%

MODEL: A137HOS

ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown

3869

*64902884 * 64902884

*64903034 * 64903034

*64896643 * 64896643

*64895522 * 64895522

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

BUFFALO TOOLS MODEL: BTTRDOLLY

SAVE 52%

NOW

COMPARE TO

BLACK+DECKER $ 06

SAVE 67%

ITEM 37510/60533 MODEL: HG1300 64794/69898 shown ITEM 35776/62340/62546/63104/96289 shown

72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET

*64898540 * 64898540

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

• Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Weighs 34 lbs.

SAVE $ 91

COMPARE TO

*64897153 * 64897153

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/19/19.

hft_boatingworld_0519_M-REG162506.indd 1

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating • 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles

NOW

$39

Customer Rating

1500 WATT DUAL RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON TEMPERATURE HEAT GUN LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM (572°/1112°) FLOOR JACK

HEAVY DUTY TRAILER DOLLY • 600 lb. capacity

SUPER COUPON

K TOOL $ 42

151

MODEL: KTI63094

NOW

$59 $

Customer Rating COMPARE TO

BLUE HAWK $ 99 ITEM 64545/64552/64832/64980 62160/62496/62516/60569 shown

MODEL: 77280

SAVE 70%

ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

NOW

$ 99

$5 99

*64894498 * 64894498

*64894945 * 64894945

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/19/19*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

3/26/19 10:56 AM

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

marketplace

BOAT - RV - DASH PANELS - ACCESSORIES REPLACE, UPGRADE AND ADD VALUE WITH A CUSTOM DASH PANEL OR ACCESSORY FOR YOUR BOAT OR RV. CREATIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP SINCE 1998 INFO@TECNOGRAFIC.COM WWW.TECNOGRAFIC.COM

Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

Call Us At 800-227-2643 www.boatangel.com 62

MAY 2019

â&#x20AC;¢

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 62

BOATINGWORLD.COM

4/4/19 6:53 AM

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

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

Apex Marine (989) 681-4300......... CV4

Sea Doo/Bombardier Recreational Products (800) 882-2900..................... 3

Crownline Boats (618) 937-6426..... 6-7 SmokerCraft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873............................ 5, 13, 62

SERVICES

Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835........63

1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737...................................... 11

Stingray (843) 383-4507.....................25

Boat Angel (800) 227-2643...............62

Yamaha WaterCraft (800) 962-7926...............................CV2-1

Five Star Houseboat Vacations (417) 988-1387....................................... 43

ENGINES

GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846......................................31

Suzuki Marine (800) 247-4704...........15 800-88-YAMAHA (800) 889-2624..................................CV3 GEAR & ACCESSORIES Cook Manufacturing Corp (800) 654-3697.....................................62

National Marine Underwriters (800) 262-8467.................................... 60 Tecnografic (954) 928-1714................62 WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT Connelly (425) 775-5416............... 26-27

ECSTAR....................................................32

Rave Sports (651) 255-4810.................21

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

WOW World of Watersports (402) 516-8034.......................................17

McGard, Inc (800) 669-6887............. 60 Overton’s (800) 334-6541...................23 Swim Platforms (602) 431-8225........63 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286.....................................39

BOATINGWORLD.COM MAY 2019

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 63

•

4/4/19 6:53 AM

Reader Contest

Rick Martin illustration

Name the Boat