November/December 2019 - Boating World Magazine by Duncan McIntosh Company

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Contents

N ovem ber/Decem ber 2019 • Vol u m e 40 N o. 9

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XL NUMBER 9

form.

Editor’s Letter

Currents

Be prepared, especially for next season Bits from the boating world

12 Fishing Rig a PWC for fishing 14 Watersports Prep gear for the off-season 16 Trailering Tow a catamaran safely 18 Engines Volvo Penta D4/D6 diesels 20 Electronics The latest tools help anglers 22 Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions

RIB Revolution

Rigid inflatables aren’t confined to yacht garages anymore. They’re often the primary family boat. BY ZUZANA PROCHAZKA

36 Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make 64 Contest: Name the Boat Win a pair of Voyage combo skis from Connelly

Check out our 36-item list sure to satisfy the boaters, anglers, boarders and others on your list. BY BOATING WORLD STAFF

If one Salty Dog is a good thing, multiple Salty Dogs must be a better thing. BY BOATING WORLD STAFF

Gift Guide for Boaters

Salty Dog Roundup

boats tested

24 Ranger Z519 Get a bass boat with the size, style and performance to run with the big dogs … without the big-dog price tag.

28 Bennington 25 RFBWA This luxury pontoon drives like a sports car and can handle a wide range of activities.

32 Trifecta S-Series 23 SB2 Arch Rigged and ready for watersports and entertaining, Trifecta’s latest is sure to be an on-the-lake looker.

• JUNE 2018 BOATINGWORLD.COM 2 • 2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

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More than just making great boats! More than just making great boats!

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Editor’s Letter

by Ala n Jones

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS:

“

Santa’s reindeer decide to make themselves stars, but they need a clever hash tag for their holiday season social media campaign. What’s your suggestion?

PUBLISHER

Duncan McIntosh Jr.

#SantasSleighers ASSOC . EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming

#EscapedClaus

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones

B E P R E PA R E D

#DeerFlabby

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling

#AllPlayAndNoWork…

A REPORTER ONCE asked Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell, “Be prepared for what?”

He replied, “Why, for any old thing.” I’m not sure if Baden-Powell was a boater, but his phrase should be tattooed on the forearm of everyone who spends time aﬂoat.

ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan

#GetBlitzedWithBlitzen

PRODUCTION Mary Monge

#DeerSanta

CIRCUL ATION

This is the time of year when many boaters tuck their pride and joy away for the winter, but what they are actually doing is preparing the boat for the spring. Every action they take or don’t take doing hibernation prep work will be rewarded or punished at recommissioning time. A good plan starts with a checklist, and the ﬁrst thing on it should be to remove everything on the boat that’s stowed in hatches, including life jackets and oil and cleaning supplies. Remove all electronics, especially those with liquid crystal displays; some warranties are void if the equipment is left out in the cold. Next should come the deepest cleaning of the year. This is the time to detail the boat, because small spots of rust and corrosion tend to metastasize during the off-season, and owners who cover their boat won’t see it until the springtime reveal … and almost all springtime surprises are bad ones. Lubricate every moving part that needs it. Taking care of the engine is a matter of reading the owner’s manual and following instructions. Opinions vary whether to totally seal a boat with shrinkwrap or use a cover that permits ventilation without allowing snow or rain inside. With either method,

combating condensation that can form inside is a priority. Being prepared also means having a plan for when things go wrong, so spend some time visualizing the various maladies that could befall the boat and the people on board. Is a first-aid kit aboard? Do you know how to administer first aid, including CPR? Is a ditch bag aboard, in case everyone has to jump ship? No one expects to have anything go wrong, which is why the word unexpected was invented. Anyone who has to think about what to do instead of immediately jumping into action could hesitate at the wrong moment. During Hurricane Dorian, a friend of mine wanted to be prepared, so he planned to pull his boat out of the water, until he discovered his trailer — he had ignored it for a year — had a broken axle. So his boat rode out the storm on the water, and he was just lucky conditions weren’t worse in Florida. But people in the Bahamas weren’t as fortunate. Anyone who has seen images of the Abacos and wants to help should first prepare by checking out prospective nonprofit organizations on charitynavigator.com. Sadly, disasters attract con artists, so make sure donations are going to the right place.

Dustin Nguyen #TheOriginalAmazon ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

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AD COORDINATORS

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TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen

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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. 9 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

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M AG A Z I N E

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FIBERGLASS

BOAT BUILDING

EXCELLENCE

YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE UP FOR MOST ANYTHING. SO IS THE F200.

Currents

RIDING L E A D B OAT C H A PA R R A L 2 5 S U R F

( AND MAKING)

th Wav

The newest model in Chaparral’s Surf line is a 25-footer with a party persona.

Stretching exactly 25 feet from swim platform to bow tip, the new Chaparral 25 Surf creates a crisp surfing wave, packs in maximum seating, converts easily from action to lounging and, oh yeah, includes a head compartment with a standard portable toilet or an optional electric head. It’s all-day bona fides are enhanced by a 65-gallon gas tank. Surf Gate technology from Malibu combines with a standard ballast system to create a surfable wave that is not only tall and powerful but that can be switched to the other side on the fly — by 6

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With plenty of bow and cockpit seating, the 25 Surf can accommodate its 14-passenger capacity. The driver has everything necessary to facilitate a successful day on the water.

the surfer, if the boat owner opted for the Surf Band, which the rider wears to control things. A 14-passenger capacity gives the 25 Surf several hundred more pounds of ballast. Despite all four power options — all Volvo Penta V-8s, 300, 350 and 380 hp — being attached to sterndrives, surfing is safe thanks to Volvo Penta Forward Drive, which turns the twin counter-rotating props forward and tucks them farther under the hull. Finding a place for every rear end to sit on the Chaparral 25 Surf isn’t going to be an issue, though finding enough friends for every seat might be, depending on the owner’s social disposition. An aft-facing bench seat at the transom, an L-shaped settee and two-person bench in the cockpit, a captain and companion

seat, and a wraparound settee in the bow comprise the seating. The transom bench and the forward-facing portion of the L-settee share a backrest, and when it’s pushed forward, the area becomes a multiperson sun lounge. Skiers will appreciate the ski tow that’s integrated into a stainless steel transom grabrail that resides in a cutout at the aft of the swim platform. A stainless ladder is hidden under a hatch next to it. Surfers and boarders will get good lift out of the water from the watersports tower. Hand-stitched upholstery, multiple flooring options, teak table inlays, electronics upgrades and tower speakers are just a few of the ways buyers can dress up this $123,575 base price model. Chaparral Boats, chaparralboats.com

tk caption

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CURRENTS

name the boat JULY/AUGUST CONTEST WINNER: Drivewake

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

Bryan Withem from Salem, Ore., was the first to submit the winning name, Drivewake. For reaching the top of the crest, smashing words together and impressing our online voters, Bryan receives a pair of Voyage combo skis from Connelly (connellyskis.com), valued at $169.99. MORE OF JULY/AUGUST’S BEST ENTRIES:

Treadmilling Water Rick Martin illustration

Tom Walton, Queensbury, NY

Surfin’ Turf Mitch Seigle, San Jose, CA

Fakeboarder Lori Heayberd, Milledgeville, GA

Surf Bored

Wake-R-Cise

Under Tow

Martin Dorfman, Plainview, NY

Donnie Holmes, Burgaw, NC

Jim Cantwil, Flushing, MI

WaveWalker

Turf’s Up

Cardio Vessel

James Librande, Oregon City, OR

Ralph Rufrano, Amityville, NY

Larry LeBlanc, Surprise, AZ

Mid Wife Crisis

Insufficient Seas

Pied a Terre

Aimee Tesoro, Seminole, FL

Robin Berke, Yankton, SD

Greg Lowell, Chevy Chase, MD

Ski Notique David Holden, Cary, IL

A N AT O M Y L E S S O N

Going Full Circle

KAYAK ANGLERS ARE big fans of Hobie’s MirageDrive 360, which allows them to use

their feet to move the kayak and one hand to provide direction while their other hand is otherwise occupied. It’s an elegant system that still requires human power but does it in such a way that maximizes efficiency. 1.

Pedals allow anglers’ legs to do the hard work.

Adjustable bands provide personalized tension settings.

A simple arrow indicates which direction the drive is facing.

Operators use a handle next to the seat to turn the underwater portion of the drive in any direction, allowing them to go forward, backward, side to side and even to spin in a circle.

2 4

New Kick-Up Fins are designed to collapse when they hit an underwater obstruction and reset once clear of the obstacle.

Revered Historical Structures LAKE SUPERIOR’S SHORES are home to many lighthouses, which have spared countless mariners trouble. Six such historic buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places as the Apostle Island Lighthouses, included as a group in 1977, and located off the very northern tip of Wisconsin.

1. Michigan Island Lighthouse (two structures) 2. Raspberry Island Lighthouse (pictured) 3. Outer Island Lighthouse 4.Sand Island Lighthouse 5. Devils Island Lighthouse

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Safety for All Enter Your Dog Now

WIN THIS Dog Vest

S A LT Y D O G OF THE MONTH

Dog: Maggie Owner: Melissa Garrison, Harrison, Ohio 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

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers a range of free materials for boaters who want to establish a Life Jacket Loaner location at marinas, clubs, fuel docks or campgrounds. More than 140,000 life jackets are loaned out each year, and to date three lives have been saved. To apply to become a location, go to BoatUS.org/Life-JacketLoaner/Apply. Selected sites are given a weather-resistant storage bin that contains 12 jackets in infant, child, youth and adult sizes with return tags. Organizers also receive promotional signs, flyers, a log book and sample press kit.

D I D YO U K N OW ?

Hawaii is the 41st mostpopulous state in the U.S., and has the fourth-most miles of coastline at 750, but it is dead last in boat registrations, with only 12,371 registered vessels. Wyoming has half of Hawaii’s population and more than twice as many registered boats. Any guesses as to how much coastline Wyoming has?

750 12,371 41st

Miles of Coastline Registered Boats Population Rank

0 25k 50th

Source: NMMA

Combat Ready

The U.S. Navy recently commissioned USS Billings (LCS-15) as the eighth Freedom-class littoral combat ship. Built by Marinette Marine, she can reach 45 knots, with twin Rolls-Royce MT30 36 MW gas turbines, two Colt-Pielstick diesel engines and four Rolls-Royce waterjets.

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LABSSeaSpread20.qxp_Layout 1 8/28/19 2:22 PM Page 1

Come see the largest selection of boats on the West Coast, latest marine gear and tech gadgets, accessories and anything and everything a boater needs to kick off the new year. The LA Boat Show is a one-stop shop for water enthusiasts . . . no couch potatoes here!

LABSSeaSpread20.qxp_Layout 1 9/30/19 10:18 AM Page 2

Jan. 9-12, 2020 Fairplex — Pomona 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768

Largest selection of boats on the West Coast The Los Angeles Boat Show is the ultimate destination for boating and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts, featuring sport fishing boats, performance boats, ski boats, cruisers, jet skis, pontoons, motorboats, cabin cruisers, dinghies/ inflatables, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and a lot more! See ’em, touch ‘em and sit yourself down at the helm! The fun starts here! Official Sponsors:

Admission: $15 for adults; Children 12 and younger, FREE Military ID, $5 discount

Duncan McIntosh Co., producers of:

Hours: (Rain or shine) Thurs.: Noon to 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LABoatShow.com

Fishing

PWC Ang ling

The best platform is a PWC with the largest carrying capacity possible. – Spencer Hull, PNW Jet Ski Fishing

Getting Personal Consider 5 factors when you choose and rig a PWC for fishing. BY ALAN JONES

• SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF PERSONAL watercraft, people have been taking fishing rods along, but only

in the past few years has the idea of doing some serious fishing on a PWC moved from a possibility to the way to go fishing. Earlier this year I got to fish on the Sea-Doo Fish Pro, the world’s first purpose-built production fishing PWC. I thought it might be a little claustrophobic, but the personal nature of the experience made it very pleasurable. It’s sort of like kayak fishing but with the ability to cover far more water thanks to a top speed of 55 mph and an 18-and-a-half-gallon fuel tank, and it included other features that matter to anglers. For more details about this industry-first PWC, check out our review in the May 2019 issue of Boating

World or on boatingworld.com. While my experience was enlightening, we wanted to hear from dedicated PWC anglers about their experiences on other rigs, so we talked to Spencer Hull, the founder of Pacific Northwest Jet Ski Fishing (pnwjetskifishing. com) who primarily fishes on the Columbia River in Oregon and offshore, and Mike Nelson, the founder of Xtreme Fishing Products (xtremefishingproducts.com) who fishes inshore and offshore on the east coast of Florida.

1. Size Matters

Spencer Hull: The best platform is a PWC with the largest carrying capacity possible, not just for safety but so owners can load it up with gear. Most run a three-person ski that’s non-supercharged, for simplicity and better fuel economy. My PWC is a Kawasaki Ultra LX, which has a huge 20.6gallon gas tank and can carry up to 496 pounds of gear. Mike Nelson: I run a Yamaha FX HO, which is one of the most popular PWCs for fishing. It’s a large, very stable WaveRunner that can hold up to 600 pounds of gear. You could fish two at a time, but it’s better with only one.

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FISHING

most PWCs have rear boarding ladders, a loaded rear rack can make it difficult to get back on. I saw a guy who had a smaller PWC with a huge raised rack on the back. He loaded it with a giant cooler and four very large offshore fishing rigs, and when he got on, it tipped over right at the dock. Keep the weight to a minimum and as low as possible. SH: Many people don’t understand just how harsh the marine environment can be and don’t rig their ski to withstand the hard impacts and vibrations that can occur. Another common mistake is bringing too much gear; take a minimalistic approach and only bring what you know you are going to use.

Spencer Hull outfitted a Kawasaki Ultra LX as his fishing machine, including a custom aluminum rack that holds a fixed-mount VHF radio and a GPS/fishfinder. Sea-Doo’s Fish Pro (below) is the first PWC purpose built for fishing.

Sea Doo Fish Pro

2. Advantage, PWC

SH: I love the freedom and simplicity of fishing on a PWC. If I want to move spots, I don’t have to discuss it with a crew or have multiple lines to clear; I just radio my buddy and run to a different spot. Working in tandem with someone else is safer and we end up finding the fish much faster. MN: Compared to larger center consoles, PWCs are

comparatively inexpensive to buy and much cheaper to run. On most trips, I only burn about $20 of gas. Plus, you don’t need a boat ramp to launch one.

3. Fish It Up

SH: I fish up to 45 miles off the Oregon coast, so many of my modifications are to make it safer. I had a local fabrication shop install an aluminum rack up front to open up space for

5. Thrill Factor

a fixed-mount VHF radio and GPS/fishfinder. I use a Blue Sea System Mini Add-a-Battery kit ($132) to separate my start battery from my auxiliary battery, so I always have a fresh battery in reserve. I also installed navigation lights for use in low-visibility situations. MN: The best modification I’ve seen is also the most expensive, often costing more than $4,000. Called “tubbies” or “pods,” they are large compartments you attach to both sides of a PWC that act like pontoons and can usually be removed easily. They take PWC fishing to a whole different level by adding buoyancy and stability and providing room for gear storage.

4. Watch Out!

MN: Rear racks have their plusses and minuses. You can bring a cooler and maybe six fishing rods with you, but since

MN: Fishing from a PWC is a surreal experience. There is nothing like getting that mahi-mahi bite while trolling, or bottomfishing and fighting a huge red snapper or grouper. The first time you get dragged around by a huge fish, you’ll be hooked forever. SH: The biggest fish I’ve caught so far is a 65-pound halibut, which I had to haul up from 200 feet down. Not all the excitement comes from fishing, though. Once, I was crossing the Columbia River Bar and had house-sized walls of water that would just rise up out of nowhere in front of me. It was pretty intimidating but it illustrates that a PWC can handle these conditions better than most boats, because they are so maneuverable and have great throttle response. They also tend to float like a cork over the tallest seas, and if you tip over, it’s not a big deal if it’s rigged correctly. BW

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Watersports

Eq u ipm ent Clea n ing

BY BOATING WORLD STAFF

Equipped for the OffSeason

FOR FOLKS IN MANY PARTS of the country, boating season is already a memory. For others, it’s winding down. Still others will enjoy it all year. Whenever it is that watersports are no longer on the agenda, don’t forget to properly prepare all the gear for its off-season nap. Leaving it aboard the boat and “dealing with it in the spring” isn’t really an option. Check out our quick-and-dirty guide to equipment cleanliness.

Towable Tubes

While towable tubes are built for life outdoors on the water, too much sun can damage them. The sun, while it adds color to fair-skinned tube riders’ complexion, drains color from an inflatable tube. It can also fray a tube, so make sure tubes are stored where 

Putting watersports equipment away ready for next season is key to making it last longer.

harmful UV rays can’t get to them. Make sure tubes are clean and dry before they go into storage. Partially inflated tubes hold their shape better; partial inflation also keeps unwanted tiny guests outside the tube, where they belong. Folding them is not advised, because they can get creases in them, which could weaken the PVC. Spray them with Aerospace 303 Protectant or a similar product and wipe them with a clean, dry towel.

Boards & Skis

Skis, wakeboards and kneeboards require a thorough cleaning with mild soap and warm water before they are put away for the off-season. To clean those hardto-reach places, remove the bindings and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to detail the nooks and crannies. When you’re satisfied with the 

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W AT E R S P O R T S

job you’ve done, wipe everything dry with a soft towel or hit it with a blow dryer, but be sure it’s on the no-heat setting. Rubber bindings on boots are subject to dry rot during storage, so spray them with a product such as 303 Aerospace Protectant and wipe them with a clean, dry towel. Screws that are showing signs of rust need to be cleaned well. To make them look like new again, partially fill a plastic water bottle with vinegar, drop the screws in and shake the bottle periodically for about 10 hours. If you want skis that are warped, dinged or otherwise in worse shape than when you put them in storage, by all means, lean them in a corner. Let the kids and dogs try to avoid them all winter as cabin fever sets in. Any skis can easily be marred by a tumble, and wood skis can warp. Long-term storage of high-end skis and wakeboards is enhanced by a case, which many of them come with, but in the absence of a case, wrap the skis in a blanket or a towel and put them under a bed or on a closet shelf. Don’t, however, wrap up the bindings. They can deform if they’re folded over for months. No matter the chosen storage location, observe one rule: Ensure it’s out of the sun, because UV rays will age just about everything.

Ropes and Vests

Make sure vests are fully clean and dry — a thorough rinsing after each use holds odor at bay during the season and can alleviate the need for a really deep cleaning at the end of the season — and then store them in a cool, dark place. Dishwashing liquid and warm water are the keys here. Tow lines and anchor rode, especially those used in salt water, can accumulate salt or other impurities and are often overlooked during post-outing washdowns. To keep them clean and supple, presoak them in a light solution of mild detergent and fabric softener. After that, rinse and coil them tightly. To ensure a thorough cleaning, place them in a pillowcase, secure it with a tie wrap and run the bundle through the washing machine on the gentlest cycle. Air dry them and find a cool, dry spot to store them. 

Don’t forget to properly prepare all the gear for its off-season nap. UV rays damage all watersports equipment, from ropes to vests to tubes to bindings, but beyond that each piece of equipment needs its own regimen of care. Don’t neglect any of it, or it could disappoint you come spring..

Wetsuits

Boat owners are always looking for a way to extend the season or tolerate the chill of cold-water locations. A wetsuit certainly answers that call. But store one improperly just one time and you’ll need a new one next season. Treat it like you would vests. Rinse the suit after every use; if you don’t, it can acquire a strong funk. A high school locker room comes to mind. If a deep cleaning becomes necessary, do not use a washing machine, because it can damage the neoprene. Instead, use mild dishwashing liquid, warm water and a soft-bristle brush, and clean it by hand. When the time comes to store a wetsuit, the most important factor is to make sure it’s thoroughly dry. Don’t try to fast-forward the process, though. High heat and the sun’s UV rays are contraindicated for a wetsuit and can damage the exterior, so never sun-dry it or store it where the temperature can get high, such as in the trunk of a car. Turning it inside out is always a good idea, because doing so protects the outside from random UV rays; plus, if you have to use it before it’s totally dry, it’s easier to put on if the inside is dry. Neoprene is very heavy, so don’t store a wetsuit on a regular coat hanger; instead, use a wide hanger that is specially made for wetsuits. If folding it is required, don’t treat it like it’s a T-shirt going into a drawer; rather, make only one fold, which will minimize creasing. BW 

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Trailering C ata m a ra n s

MN:

I estimate I have more than 10,000 miles of towing on the road and have encountered countless police cars, and I’ve never been bothered. But I always have a permit and I’m going to continue getting them. Permit dodgers not only get a citation and fine, of course, but also have to park by the roadside until they do get a permit, which can wreck a weekend adventure. An annual permit in California is about $90, in Oregon it’s a steal at $20 (with some restrictions) and Florida offers an annual permit for up to 12 feet wide for $20. Some states may require an “Oversize Load” sign across the transom (about $20 on eBay). I like Mercury Permits (mercurypermits. net), which also helps program one’s route to avoid construction, road closures, etc. Owners planning a multistate adventure need a permit for every state they pass through.

Lead a Cat to Water Catamaran owners need to take beam and windage into account if they want a stress-free day to, from and on the water. BY CHRIS CASWELL

I HAD TOWED all manner of single-hull boats across the country, back and forth, before I hitched up to

my first catamaran. Towing a cat on the road was as much a new experience as running my first cat on the water. I’ve been waiting to say this: They’re a different breed of cat. The popularity of catamaran center consoles in towable sizes means many readers already have one or are thinking about getting one. Either way, cat owners should take it slow when trailering until they get the knack. Catamaran owners face two basic trailering issues: width and windage.

Width 

One of the benefits of cats is they are wider than boats of similar size, but that’s where owners run into width restrictions on the road. PERMITS

Every state sets its maximum trailerable width limit at 8 feet, 6 inches, with the exception of New York, Tennessee, Texas, New Jersey and some Arizona roads, which are at 8 feet. Wider than that, trailer haulers need a permit, and some popular cats have oversized beams: Twin Vee 240 (8 feet, 8 inches), Glacier Bay 2665 (8 feet, 9 inches), Aspen L90 LX (10 feet) and

ArrowCat 320 (10 feet). Yes, a lot of skippers forgo a permit, thinking they’re only towing a few miles to their favorite ramp. All well and good, except if they have an accident and someone is hurt, the lawyers will go after them if they didn’t have a permit. In addition, their insurance company may not want to cover them if they were doing something illegal, so a permit is cheap and easy insurance.

DRIVING

The problem of width also means the tow vehicle needs improved rearview mirrors. The inside center mirror is going to be useless, so extendable side mirrors are essential. Good oversized mirrors show the road behind the vehicle and the trailer tires on each side. More on that in a moment. When it comes to driving, owners should change their habits. The first mistake they make is turning too sharply, especially backing up. Yes, one of my first tow cars had a perfectly molded indentation from my catamaran bow because I thought the boat was farther back on the trailer when it was turning. It wasn’t.

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Turns need to be as wide as possible, because turns sharper than 90 degrees are going to be an issue. Curves and roundabouts shouldn’t be a problem: take it slow and wide and watch what’s going on in the mirrors. Which brings us to using the mirrors. Cat owners especially need to learn to drive with their mirrors and keep their eyes moving all the time. A constant mirror scan should become a subconscious habit, and they need to enhance what fighter pilots call “situational awareness.” On a narrow road, drivers

should use a mirror to put the outside trailer tire as close as is comfortable to the roadside, especially when there’s oncoming traffic or a bridge to traverse. Considering the limitations imposed by the big, wide boat behind the vehicle, drivers can’t go anywhere their brain hasn’t gone first. Burger King drive-throughs are out, and so are roads or parking lots that may not have easy exits. If backing up becomes a necessity, use a spotter outside — not in the passenger seat looking backward — as a guide.

Cat owners especially need to learn to drive with their mirrors.

Windage

When it comes to wind, cats shouldn’t have more windage than a conventional boat, but sometimes they feel like it. If the rig is being blown around, slow down, get in the right lane and soldier on. One item of note: The tunnel between the two hulls can sometimes act like a wing when there’s a strong headwind, so the driver needs to be wary of any “lightness” in the way the rig is towing. Again, slowing down or pulling off is the smart move. The driver’s guard should never let down, no matter how close he is to home or a ramp, and he needs to watch for bad drivers, leave plenty of braking space from the cars in front, use turn signals early, tap the brakes to let trailing drivers know he’s slowing down and keep scanning the mirrors. Having just towed from Florida to California, I forgot my own expertise as I pulled into my driveway. So my last piece of advice is: Always have a spare mailbox. I nailed mine. BW 



Catamaran owners have to get used to turning less sharply than they would with a monohull, especially when backing up. Extended side mirrors are a trailer-cat owner’s best friend.

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Engines

Vo l vo P e n t a D 4/ D 6

Diesels Are Forever Volvo Penta gives its new-gen D4/ D6 diesels and Aquamatic DPI sterndrive some impressive updates. BY ALAN JONES

ON TEST DAY in Gothenburg, Sweden, the wind was howling at 64 kph (sounds more impressive than 40 mph). Most Americans, me included, would stay indoors on such a blustery day and binge watch their favorite show. But for Swedes like Carl-Henrik Hård, who was driving our Sargo 33 test boat, it was just another day at the office. Hård is a Volvo Penta technician who commutes to work via boat — no matter the weather — from one of the 60,000 islands that surround Sweden. I was across the pond to test the new generation of D4/D6 diesel engines, and while both of the quiet, smoke-free D4 320s on our test boat were impressive, the new DPI sterndrives were the real stars of the show.

Volvo Penta unveiled the world’s first sterndrive at the 1959 New York Boat Show. Called the Aquamatic, it allowed boat builders to harness more power from the marinized car engines they were using, which until then were limited to inboards. While inboards are simpler, they are inefficient because the downward-angled propshaft vectors thrust away from its intended path. The Aquamatic was more efficient and did away with the need for rudders, because the thrust could be

directed, which also gave the driver much more control. Fast forward 60 years and Volvo Penta has another sterndrive innovation. The new Aquamatic DPI features a hydraulic clutch that’s smoother than anything I’ve ever shifted. And it gets smoother at the press of a low-speed button at the base of the standard drive-by-wire shift/throttle levers, which allows the clutch to slip on purpose and create a gentle engagement of power. Diesel engines inherently have loads of torque and tend to gallop lustily when the driver clunks them into gear, which can make docking more difficult. But this new clutch allows operators to shift the engine with as little as 10 percent of it engaged, which passengers can’t even feel as it is

smoothed into gear. Not only is this useful when docking but also for moving slowly and trolling live baits during a fishing outing. The new Aquamatic DPI also features power steering and Dynamic Positioning, which holds a boat’s position and heading constant, with the press of one button, no matter the sea conditions. This really comes in handy while getting the fenders ready for docking or for fishing over a deep reef. MORE FEATURES

A testament to the success of a propulsion package is longevity between redesigns. In 2003, Volvo Penta released its first generation of D4/D6 diesels, and aside from making some minor tweaks, it stood pat on this design after a production run of 100,000 units, until a model year

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V O LV O - P E N TA D 4 / D 6 Type Inline 4- and 6-cylinder diesel engines

Displacement 3.7L/5.5L Horsepower D4: 150-320; D6: 300-480 Full-throttle Range 3400-3700 rpm Weight w/DPI 1,444-1,742 lbs. Price $TBD

PERFORMANCE Tested on Sargo 33 Boat Weight 14,771 lbs. Engines Twin D4 320-DPI Top speed 41.1 mph @ 3700 rpm Volvo Penta, volvopenta.com

Welldesigned diesels can last up to 15,000 hours before a major overhaul.

2019 redesign. The first most noticeable changes are a wider range of power and an increase of the top horsepower rating from each. This new-gen family stretches from 150 to 480 hp (up from 435 hp) and is available with a dual-prop Aquamatic DPI sterndrive, inboard, waterjet, or the new and improved IPS (D6 only) propulsion system with forward-facing props. Fuel economy is improved by up to 7 percent thanks in part to a new Engine Management System that allows for a more precise calibration of the parameters that control the injection process. The 3.7L inline four-cylinder D4 and 5.5L inline six-cylinder D6 diesels employ a common-rail injector system that operates at 29,000 psi (2000 bar). To put that into perspective, Yamaha’s new 425 hp XTO/ Offshore outboard has a direct-injection (DI) system that operates at 2,900 psi. In addition, the Volvo Pentas have a new turbocharger and supercharger that give them better throttle response, which came in handy in the 6-foot seas we encountered during our test in Sweden. Both engines have been beefed up with features such as a stronger cylinder head, piston and crankshaft. And there’s a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the piston pin that reduces friction and makes it more durable. POTENTIAL BUYERS

So who needs a diesel? Diesels typically cost more than gas engines. The new Volvo Penta diesels will yield greater fuel economy, but owners will have to run them thousands of hours before they break even with gas power. And that’s the key to owning any diesel. They are for people who run their boat a lot — boaters into island hopping, running the Great Loop or fishing all the time. Another benefit of diesels is their longevity. A gas engine will run about 1,000 to 1,500 hours before it needs serious maintenance. Well-designed diesels can last up to 15,000 hours before a major overhaul, according to their technicians. But unlike gas engines that can be used infrequently without issue — provided the gas doesn’t go bad — diesels don’t fare well when they are neglected and not run often. BW

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Electronics

Fis h ing Tools

Electronic Tools for Anglers In today’s world, even old-fashioned fishermen have gone high-tech. BY LENNY RUDOW

• WHETHER THEY TARGET bass or barramundi or anything in between, anglers almost certainly improve their fishing game by using electronics. Those who don’t are missing out in a big way. A huge range of electronic tools is at anglers’ disposal these days, and the tools are often far more advanced yet significantly less expensive than those of yesteryear. Plus, they can help do more than merely spot fish beneath the water’s surface.

FISHFINDERS

The number-one digital device most anglers own, fishfinders are no longer used merely to peek under the boat. These days, fishfinders can look down, off to the sides, all around, and in front of the boat. Ultrahigh frequencies bring detail levels that in some cases make it possible to ID the species of fish on the screen and see every sprig of weed on the bottom of the lake or each branch on a submerged tree. The biggest surprise with today’s units,

however, is probably pricing. This sort of tech is now available in even small, relatively inexpensive fishfinders. Remember when we were shelling out thousands of bucks just to get color? Those days are long gone. We can choose from a range of models that have advanced scanning capabilities yet cost less than some toaster ovens. Bonus Fact: Fishfinders used to be solely for boat anglers, but that’s no longer true. Now there are several transducers that

anglers can use while fishing from the shore or a pier; the transducer is attached to the line and cast into the water, and then it beams imagery directly to a cellphone. At least one advanced version (Deeper) can stitch together the data from multiple casts to create an underwater map on a phone screen. RADAR

Here’s another electronic apparatus that people who don’t fish think is for navigational use. Anglers know better, however, since they utilize radar to spot birds over schools of feeding fish, find commercial fishing gear floats around which fish congregate and locate groups of other boats that have gathered on a hot bite. AUTOPILOT

Who says autopilot is just for steering the boat? Not anglers. An autopilot can be used to take over the wheel when three

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ELECTRONICS

Anglers can use fishfinders, radar and AIS to find more fish, and MFDs from manufacturers such as Lowrance (opposite page) and Garmin can display the images in high resolution for maximum effect.

A huge range of electronic tools is at anglers’ disposal these days. rods go down at once and a short-handed crew requires the captain to spring into action. It can be used to make incremental turns, so the captain doesn’t swing the boat too tightly and cross up the lines. And in some cases, autopilots have pre-programmed trolling patterns that can be accessed at the press of a button. CHARTPLOTTERS

Most boaters think of chartplotters as navigational tools, but anglers harness their tech to catch more fish. We ID and mark hotspots, keep track of drift or trolling patterns down to a couple of feet, and look at bottom contours long before we arrive on the scene. Oh yeah, we also use ’em to navigate to those hotspots in the first place. Bonus Fact: Underwater mapping has progressed by leaps and bounds, and companies now provide detailed bathymetric charts for virtually every major body of water. Want even more and better data? Maybe a favorite back-country waterway hasn’t been mapped? No problem. Many modern units match up the pings from a fishfinder with constantly gathered GPS coordinates, so chartplotter owners can create their own underwater maps in real time.

TO THE WEB To find out more about the electronic tools mentioned in this column, visit the manufacturers’ websites: • Furuno.com • Garmin.com • Humminbird.com • IcomAmerica.com • Lowrance.com • Raymarine.com • Simrad.com • Si-Tex.com • StandardHorizon.com

AIS

The Automatic Identification System is probably one of the least-utilized tech tools available to anglers, and that’s a shame. Ships and shipping can have a big impact on fishing, and anglers who know how to harness the knowledge AIS provides can seriously boost their catch rate. Predators often swarm around shrimpers, scallopers and trawlers; anchored freighters can provide fish-attracting structure in an open bay; and the mere presence of a commercial fishing boat is a good indication fish are nearby. With AIS, a boat owner will know where all these types of vessels are with one glance at the screen. CELLPHONES & APPS

Even most technology-averse people own and operate a cellphone, and that little device is good for a lot more than mere communications. Hundreds of apps have been designed to help folks catch more fish, ranging from those that predict the best times and places to fish, to those that help choose the most effective lure. There are even apps that interact with other high-tech tools — weather sensors, cast-able video cameras, fishfinders — to provide an endless display of angling information. Of course, I’ve only covered the most common and important items here. I didn’t touch on electronic strike alarms, underwater video cameras, programmable electronic reels and electric trolling motors that possess a surprising amount of computing capacity. And one thing is for sure: Day by day, week by week, month by month and year by year, the electronic options available to anglers will only continue to grow. BW

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Ask the Experts

TRAILERS

Do I have to worry about rust on my aluminum trailer? I’ve heard yes and no. It would be great if your answer is no. Charles R., via BoatingWorld.com

Rust is the enemy of marine trailers, and boat owners need to keep it in check. Rock chips and scratches need to be covered to keep rust from spreading quickly. “The worst thing is a painted trailer going in and out of salt water, because they only paint the exterior of the metal,” said Buck Powers of A&A Trailer Hitch Center in Florida. “They can’t get to the inside, especially if it’s tubing. If you back into the water, you’ve just got bare metal with salt

water running through it; it’s going to rust out extremely quickly.” Even an aluminum trailer can develop rust issues. Powers said it’s wise to inspect the bunk brackets, because trailer manufacturers sometimes use galvanized brackets mated to the aluminum trailer frame. The two dissimilar metals will cause oxidation, which will eventually break down the aluminum. A well-maintained trailer, especially one given regular checkups, should last at least a decade. Bill Tweedie, sales manager for MYCO Trailers in Bradenton, Fla., has a customer who has put more than 1 million miles on a painted steel trailer. “Have the trailer serviced once a year

and you should have no problems,” Powers said. This answer was taken from the July/ August Trailering column by Gregg Mansfield. ENGINES

Make it Work

I went out this afternoon and almost immediately the motor started missing at slow speed. When I throttled up, it ran fine. I was worried it might quit, so I came home. I put in a can of Sea Foam when I launched but have only been out a couple of times. Any suggestions?

Pete, via BoatingWorld.com

MEET OUR EXPERTS Zuzana Prochazka 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.

Grid Michal

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

Capt. Prochazka is a freelance journalist and photographer. She’s the founder of Zescapes, a charter operator with voyages organized around the world. She coordinates new gear and boat award programs and often tests products before their introduction to the public.

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When you launched it X weeks ago and ran it, did it miss then? Was it missing when you came back in? Did you file a missing outboard report? How could you return to port if, in fact, your engine was missing? I find a delightful irony in a guy who isn’t bothered at all by 30,000 feet of empty between his overloaded airline humidor and splat [Pete is a pilot.] but an engine that misses a tad might just put him in a “Wind In The Willows” situation floating safely hither, thither and yon. My guess is that the injectors are cleaning themselves. Your engine is very economical, so fuel tends to stay in the pressurized injector rail and the injectors’ filters, solidifying, and when fuel strikes it, it peels off into erratic combustion material. Make it drop and beg forgiveness. Run it like ya stole it. Remember the Mechanics’ Creed: Always test into the wind; it’s easier to paddle back. And its corollary: Never go any farther than you want to paddle back. — GM

MAINTENANCE

Steer Me Right

I noticed the steering on my 150 hp outboard was getting stiff toward the end of the season. Not alarmingly so, but it was noticeable. Is that something I can remedy early next spring, or is that asking for bigger problems?

Gil, via BoatingWorld.com

Steering resistance only increases over the winter. If your mechanical steering was tight in the fall, it’ll be impossible to move in the spring, and what happens following launch is fodder for many an observer’s story. The tilt tube on many engines — where the mechanical steering ram goes through — still isn’t stainless, while the ram is. The tube “grows” rust, which the ram tries to scrape off. There comes a point when it’s scraped as much as it can and the rust that’s growing clamps down on the ram. Grease will help, but not retroactively.

If you want to get your boat dirty without a tech ever touching it, remove the steering arm from the ram. Remove the big nut from the cable where it attaches to the tube. Remove the ram from the tube and use a household radiator brush to clean the tube’s insides. On the front of the engine will be two grease fittings, often mistaken for steering fittings. They’re tilt fittings. Remove the fitting on the right where the ram exits. Using a drill bit smaller than the threaded hole, drill into the tilt tube and clean up the metal bits. Reinstall the grease fitting and check that when you hook up your grease gun, grease squirts into the tube. Voila! Now your engine is just like the new ones, and the steering is free again. Reassemble it the way you disassembled it. Then give the steering fitting halfway down the vertical midsection a little shot of joy. This answer was taken from our January 2019 Engines column by Grid Michal.

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Tested

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R A N G E R Z 5 1 9 // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Budget Bassin’ The Ranger Z519 features the size, style and performance to run with the big dogs … without the big-dog price tag. • MANY AVID BASS anglers spend most of

their leisure time either fishing or watching the pros go strike for strike in events such as the Bassmaster Classic. For them, competing in local tournaments is as close as they can get to emulating their fishing heroes. But even then a little thing called reality rears its ugly head and forces them to settle for a boat within their budget, and it may lack the performance and panache they crave. Sure, they can get out on the water in an aluminum model or one of the B-brand boats at a lower price, but for many bassers the gold standard is a fiberglass Ranger capable of hitting speeds faster than 70 mph. Guess what? The Ranger Z519 just 24

checked all the boxes, with a price that starts at $50,095 with a 225 hp Mercury FourStroke outboard engine. That price includes a custom Ranger Trail trailer that has fiberglass fenders with steps, hydraulic surge disc brakes, aluminum sport wheels and the Cool Hub lubrication system. UNIQUE FACTOR

The first thing I’m sure many people will do after they see the price is visit the Ranger Boats website to find out what the Ranger Z519 is missing. There has to be a catch, right? Not really, except for an electronics package that needs an upgrade. This is a pro-style bass boat that no one will confuse with a budget boat. It’s about

a Vienna sausage short of 20 feet long and has a front casting deck with enough room for a pair of XL anglers. The Ranger Z519 was completely upgraded for 2019 with items such as new consoles and seats. Our test boat’s optional portside console ($1,049) featured twin stainless steel grabrails for the passengers and a huge glovebox with a charging station for electronic goodies. The driver’s console was the same one found on Ranger’s higher-end models and featured a pair of matte-black accent grills and plenty of room for electronics up to 16 inches, though Ranger only offers Garmin and Lowrance options to 12 inches and Humminbird up to 10 inches. A pair of upgraded extra-wide SRS bucket seats augmented with a suspension system give the Ranger Z519 a soft ride when the going gets rough. In between is a center chair whose seatback flips down to double as a step-up to the ample rear deck. PERFORMANCE

Our test boat was rigged with the new Mercury Pro XS 225, a V-8 that has a displacement of 4.6L and some extra attitude. Turning the key results in a macho growl caused by the engine having one muffler instead of the usual two. And this rig is quick. Lots of bass boats are a little slow out of the hole no matter how much power they have, thanks to a point-thebow-at-the-sky bowrise, but the Ranger Z519 pops a medium “wheelie” and hooks

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up fast. Our test boat’s bow dropped down in just 2.2 seconds, and it passed 30 mph in 6.3 seconds and reached a top speed of 70.4 mph, just cracking the magic number that delineates serious bass boats from the rest. Ranger Boats was acquired by Bass Pro Shops in 2014, and its boats — Nitro, Tracker, Mako and Regency — all have

than the FourStroke’s 6000 rpm. The Evinrude option is the E-TEC G2 225 HP direct-injected two-stroke, which pushes the overall price to $55,595, making it the most expensive of the 225s offered, but it has an integrated power steering system and can be winterized in minutes with the push of a button. With Yamaha, Ranger broadens

This is a pro-style bass boat that no one will confuse with a budget boat. Mercury outboards. But the parent company has, more or less, let Ranger operate as an independent entity with its own dealer network, so in addition to Mercury, buyers can choose Yamaha and Evinrude engines. With the upgraded Mercury V-8 Pro XS 225, the price is $51,595. That represents a $1,500 upcharge over a V-6 Mercury FourStroke 225 but is totally worth it for two reasons. First is the extra torque provided by having two more cylinders; second is different engine mapping that allows it to reach 6200 rpm rather

the range of power to include an F175, which drops the overall price to $47,395, and an F200 ($50,595), but 225 hp is the way to go, and the F225 bumps the price to $51,995. HANDLING

The Ranger Z519’s 8-foot, 1-inch beam is only an inch narrower than the flagship Z521, which is nearly two feet longer. That beam gives it plenty of stability at rest and at slow speeds. On plane, it didn’t feel precariously balanced on its delta pad like some bass boats I’ve tested, which

should give the driver the confidence to seek that extra bit of speed. On test day on Table Rock Lake, near Branson, Mo., the wind was up and there was a steep 1- to 2-foot chop, but the Z519 had little trouble skipping over the top with total control. With the trim down, I could crank it in a hard turn without it losing its grip. And its sub-20-foot length made it feel more nimble than larger bass boats. BEST USES

The standard split livewell has multiple pumps and holds 26 gallons of water, five less than the Z521L. Up front is a standard Minn Kota Maxxum 80 24v trolling motor with a recessed foot control. Two massive storage compartments set into the foredeck feature 18 rod tubes between them and plenty of room for an embarrassing number of 3700-series Plano tackle boxes. A smaller compartment on the starboard side is perfect for life jackets and a Coast Guard kit, and a cooler set into the deck just in front of the helm has an elevated shelf to keep sandwiches dry. A second cooler

(Clockwise from top right) A suspension system gives the bucket seats a smooth ride. A fold-down SRS seat is a comfy way to fish. Mercury power is standard. Drivers get the same console higher-end owners get. Bow anglers have access to a recessed foot control, a Minn Kota motor and up to a 12-inch MFD. The helm can accommodate a 16-inch screen.

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OWN E R FE E D BACK

resides under the step-up to the foredeck. All storage areas have thick seals and rain gutters to keep contents dry. Twin pedestal seats and padded decks make long days on the water more relaxing. With an optional ski tow ($567), the crew can engage in watersports when the fishing is slow, although skier-spotting on a bass boat is a bit tricky, since all three seats face forward. P U R C H A S E D B Y WA D E A N D D E B I H A M M , Z ANESVILLE, OHIO

PREFERRED SETUP

PURCH A SED AT K NOX M A RINE,

Buyers who check a lot of boxes on the options list can easily blow up the bottom line, but anglers can trick out the Z519 without doing so. The first step is an electronics upgrade. The boat comes with a single Lowrance Hook2 5-inch screen, in a space designed for up to a 16-inch

FREDERICK TOWN, OHIO W H AT W E L IK ED

It fits in our garage/Great handling and performance/Lots of rod and gear storage/Pro-style livewell/Built-in cooler/SAS seating W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

RANGER Z519

I have a 12-inch display at the helm but wouldn’t mind upgrading to a 15-incher, since there’s room.

Length 19 ft., 9 in.

fishfinder/chartplotter, and nothing at the bow on a panel that can hold up to a 12-incher. These spaces are crying out for at least a 12-inch screen at the helm and a 9-incher at the bow, and Ranger offers the Lowrance Elite 12-inch and 9-inch models for $2,141 and $1,263, respectively. Also, the livewell doesn’t come with a pumpout, which can be remedied for $91. Anglers who need a soundtrack while fishing can add a Bluetooth Infinity stereo for $561. For $1,440, the standard trolling motor can be upgraded to a Minn Kota Ultrex 80 MDI that includes iPilot, which features a virtual anchor and can be programmed to follow contours on a chartplotter. All decked out with a Mercury V-8 225 Pro XS and the aforementioned options, the price comes to $57,091. BW

Beam 8 ft., 1 in. Capacity 5 people Dry Weight (hull)

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

I’ve owned a number of boats, mostly for bass fishing, but my last three have been Rangers. I think they are a quality boat and love their performance. I owned the larger Z520, which a lot of pro anglers use, but when I asked Steve, the owner of Knox Marine, to recommend a new boat for me, he said I should get the less expensive Z519. He said it met my needs better, and he took me out fishing on his personal Z519 to prove it. The smaller size makes it lighter, faster and more agile, plus it fits in my garage, which is great. I fish most of the time in Ohio, but I also take it to my other house in Ocala, Fla., in the winter. I’ve fished on some big lakes, including Chickamauga Lake and Kentucky Lake, and have gotten into some rough water, but the Z519 handled it well. I’ve bought boats from a lot of different dealers but the folks at Knox Marine are the best group of guys I’ve ever worked with. They all fish and are very experienced, and they’re even open on Sundays in season.

1,750 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 39 gal. Max HP 225

PERFORMANCE Peak 70.4 mph/ 6200 rpm/97 dBA Cruise 45.3 mph/ 4500 rpm/86 dBA Time to Plane 2.2 sec. Time to 30 mph 6.3 sec.

POWER Tested Mercury Pro XS FourStroke 225

Cylinders V-8 Displacement 4.6L Weight 505 lbs. WOT Range 5600-6200 rpm

Base Price w/test power $51,595

Buyers have to upgrade the electronics to get a screen on the bow, at least a 9-incher.

Value-Added Standard Features: Ranger Trail trailer, 5-inch Lowrance Hook2, onboard Dual Pro charger, Minn Kota Maxxum 80 24v trolling motor, stainless steel prop, boarding ladder

Must-Have Options: Upgraded electronics, manufacturer’s gauges, port console, ski tow, custom color, retractable rod buckles, Infinity Bluetooth stereo, hydraulic jackplate, Hot Foot throttle

Builder: Ranger Boats, rangerboats.com Financing: $436 w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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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

Tested

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B E N N I N G T O N 2 5 R F B W A // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Letter Perfect The Bennington 25 RFBWA is a luxury pontoon that drives like a sports car and can handle a wide range of activities. •

boat a sportier angled sheerline and create more entertaining space, including four built-in cupholders that invite passengers to hang out on the extended swim platform. The “W” is for the full wraparound smoked windshield, something not seen on many pontoon boats. It’s not really tall enough to provide much protection but certainly adds to the cool factor. The final letter in the name is for a forward-facing sport arch that also supports a 10-foot Bimini top and has a ski tow for watersports. A Power Cladded Sports Tower with Roswell speakers can be added for $16,297. PERFORMANCE

BUYERS LOOKING FOR a no-compromise pontoon loaded with a wide variety of options will

find they are covered by the Bennington 25 RFBWA. And given a choice of 13 bold colors, 13 color accents and eight upholstery colors, we’re not likely to see two that are alike on a given lake. UNIQUE FACTOR

When a boat company creates a boat name with a lot of letters strung together, the letters tell a story. In the case of the Bennington 25 RFBWA, the sequence

the top of Bennington’s luxury food chain. Only the Q-Series is swankier and can be easily identified by the raked bow section that gives it a sleeker look. The R-Series has more traditional vertical fencing, and

Bennington bundles the 25 RFBWA with the Elliptical Sport Package so it will have fantastic handling. also describes what’s unique about it. The number 25 is a little misleading, though; the boat is 27 feet, 3 inches long, but the pontoons are 25 feet, 4 inches. The first letter stands for R-Series, which is near

the exterior features a new Storm Graphics option ($1,278) that looks like angry clouds splashed on by Jackson Pollock. The “FB” in the name calls out the Fastback fiberglass stern pods that give the

Bennington offers the 25 RFBWA with a huge number of power options, including all the major outboard companies and electric options from Torqeedo and Minn Kota. Our test boat featured the new Mercury 300 FourStroke, which is now a V-8, but anyone who doesn’t want that Mercury has 54 more choices that range from 150 hp (don’t do it!) all the way to a Mercury Racing 400. Buyers can take the power all the way to its max with Yamaha’s 425 XTO Offshore, a torque-beast of a V-8 that can swing up to a 17 1/8-inch prop, which is bigger in diameter than a Domino’s extra-large pizza (16 inches). The Mercury 300 FourStroke hits the performance/cost sweet spot. It adds $22,499 to the price tag, which might sound like a lot until it’s compared to the $41,087 cost of the Mercury Racing 400 (with the Cold Fusion white color variant). An aforementioned Yamaha 425 that includes a built-in power steering system power will add $32,834 to the cost. The Bennington 25 RFBWA performed well with the Mercury 300 FourStroke pushing it, getting on plane in 2.8 seconds with no hesitation. I clocked it to 30 mph in 6 seconds flat and trimmed the engine out to help it reach the max 6000 rpm, which netted a top speed of 45.7 mph. HANDLING

Bennington bundles the 25 RFBWA with the Elliptical Sport Package (ESP),

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Both the helm (left) and the passenger console (right) are tucked behind a tinted wraparound windshield that adds to the pontoon’s cool factor.

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OWN E R FE E D BACK

P U R C H A S E D B Y J O N A N D LY N N V U K O V I C H , DOTHAN, AL A. PURCH A SED AT L A K ESIDE M A RINE, DADEVILLE, AL A. W H AT W E L IK ED

Plenty of room for entertaining/Power Tower/Easy-to-clean vinyl flooring/ Powerful and quiet Suzuki DF350 W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

I wish it had a glovebox and maybe more storage in the copilot console.

(Clockwise from above) A low windshield provides a modicum of wind protection but maximum cool factor. The companion seat is as comfy as the captain’s. Twin settees aft boost seating capacity, and the sport tower folds down. Bow seating can accommodate several people or just a couple, chaise-style, with angled backrests (top left). BENNINGTON

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

I’ll be honest, the reason we own a pontoon is because my wife, Lynn, really wanted one and slowly wore me down. We owned an Air Nautique wakeboard boat, and while it’s great for watersports, I started to see the advantage of owning a pontoon. And they are far sportier than I imagined. When Matt from Lakeside Marine took us for a ride at their in-water boat show in April, I was really impressed by the performance. Our boat has a Suzuki DF350 with counter-rotating props, which helps it get on plane quickly and makes it easier to dock. We have three grown kids and two grandkids, and our Bennington has plenty of room for everyone. We do our boating on Lake Martin, which can get rough, but our pontoon cruises over the chop at 30 mph with no problem. I was reluctant to beach my fiberglass boat, but with our Bennington we can ease it onto shore. The service at Lakeside Marine is fantastic. For the boat’s first service, they picked it up and returned it to my lift and also came to our house to replace a defective GPS.

2 5 R F B WA Length 27 ft., 3 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter (as tested) 25/32/25 in. Capacity 15 people Dry Weight (hull) 4,154 lbs.

Fuel Capacity 50 gal. Max HP 425

PERFORMANCE Peak 45.7 mph/ 6000 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 30.4 mph/ 4500 rpm/84 dBA Time to Plane 2.8 sec. Time to 30 mph 6.0 sec.

POWER Tested Mercury FourStroke V-8 300

Cylinders V-8 Displacement 4.6L Weight 527 lbs. WOT Range 5200-6000 rpm

Base Price w/test power $122,525

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The sports tower and Bimini are worthwhile options that increase the 25 RFBWA’s versatility and fun factor.

which means it will have fantastic handling. A giant 32-inch center tube is elliptically shaped to be flatter on the bottom, to get on plane quickly and help during hard-over turns. This tube generates so much lift there’s no need for lifting strakes, which most boat builders install on center tubes. The only strakes on this boat are on the inside of the 25-inch outer tubes. This setup allows the Bennington

BEST USES

Entertaining is high on the list of activities at which the Bennington 25 RFBWA excels. It features a quad layback lounge layout that yields plenty of seating for its 15-passenger rating. I was a bit concerned by the dark gray vinyl that dominates the two-tone upholstery look for 2019. Usually, dark vinyl on a sunny day is a recipe for searing leg flesh, but it remained cool on a

With the tower and enough power to push it, the 25 RFBWA makes an excellent watersports pontoon. 25 RFBWA to bank steeply in turns, thanks to the pivot point created by the oversize center tube and its lack of pushback (which wouldn’t be the case if it had strakes on the outside of the outer tubes). This maneuverability will come in handy for picking up downed skiers or when the driver feels like showin’ what she’s got. But always warn passengers before spinning the beautiful custom Corvina wheel like it’s a fad stress-relief toy.

warm northern Indiana test day thanks to the high-tech Simtex vinyl. An under-seat cooler stores refreshments and then drains overboard when the weekend’s over, and there’s a built-in trash can for empties. An oversized black rectangle-shaped bow table is a $428 option that will provide plenty of snack presentation space. Bennington’s solution for tunes gets an upscale start with a Rockford Fosgate amp and lighted RGB Kicker speakers. A

Value-Added Standard Features: Master power switch, fold-down tower w/10-foot Bimini top, windshield, changing room, Rockford Fosgate stereo with lighted Kicker speakers, remote control

Must-Have Options: Rectangular table, portable toilet, gate filler cushion, power tower, Ottoman cooler seat, subwoofer and amp, Blackout package, Corvina steering wheel, upgraded vinyl flooring

Builder: Polaris Industries Inc., benningtonmarine.com Financing: $879/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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serious audio upgrade comes in the form of a Roswell six-speaker ($6,372) system that includes tower speakers. Or beef up the stereo’s low end with a Kicker subwoofer and amp for $1,691. With the tower and enough power to push it, the 25 RFBWA makes an excellent watersports pontoon. For board storage, a wakeboard rack costs $1,772, and a centerline storage locker ($1,507) will provide even more storage space thanks to this pontoon’s center tube. To create a lower tow point, which is recommended for towing tubes, a removable ski tow pylon is available ($1,104). Although Bennington doesn’t offer a fishing model in its upper echelon of luxury pontoons, buyers can get a four-rod horizontal rack ($128) and fish off the roomy fore or aft deck. PREFERRED SETUP

For buyers on a tight budget, the Bennington 25 RFBWA is probably not their cup of Dom Perignon, since its bottom line runs to $122,525 with the Mercury 300 FourStroke and mandatory options such as power steering, a centerline fuel tank that bumps the capacity from 37 to 50 gallons, the ESP tube package, pillowtop upholstery and a fold-down tower. Its standard feature list includes such goodies as a pair of new-for-2019 V2 Pure Comfort reclining captain’s chairs that have adjustable height pedestals, a master power switch that allows the driver to shut down all systems with one push of the button, woven vinyl and a 10-foot Bimini top. Anyone checking a lot of options boxes might as well get a dream pontoon by adding a few more options, such as the Blackout Luxe package our test boat had, which includes black anodized rails, an exterior accent panel ($388 by itself), matching hardware, and either a powdercoated or black anodized tower. A bow- or side-gate seat ($888) maximizes seating, and underwater RGB lighting ($1,103) enhances nighttime ambiance. BW

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Tested

First D rive

T R I F E C TA S - S E R I E S 2 3 S B 2 A R C H // B Y A L A N J O N E S

Sultan of Swing The stylish Trifecta S-Series 23 SB2 Arch is rigged and ready for watersports and entertaining. • BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY — run by Warren Buffett and boasting a stock price of $300,899

for one share — didn’t get where it is by investing in companies that offer shoddy products. That’s Trifecta’s parent company. Backed by that pedigree, the Trifecta S-Series 23 SB2 Arch should pay strong dividends for boaters looking to invest in their future on-water happiness. UNIQUE FACTOR

Doublewide stern recliners are still among the most popular configurations for pontoon boats, but often the accompanying swingback backrest creates some limitations. When 32

flopped rearward, most create a comfortable backrest for passengers sitting on the forward-facing stern bench, but it kills the comfort for passengers who want to sit or recline facing aft. The engineers working on the Trifecta S-Series 23 SB2 fixed this issue with a secondary backrest. It flips up for rear-facing passengers, but when the swingback backrest is flipped forward, the second backrest can be folded down to become part of the expansive stern sunpad. The Trifecta S-Series 23 SB2 Arch model we tested had this year’s new arch, which is two feet longer than last year’s and extends over the helm station, so when the Bimini top is deployed, the driver is just as shaded as the passengers in the stern. The arch is color-coordinated and has a high tow point for watersports such as wakeboarding. A Sport ski tow bar costs $1,000, but it’s a

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(Clockwise from top right) Four lighted speakers are standard. The driver has an MFD and analog gauges as information sources, and he can rotate the seat to join passengers on the aft settee. A swingback backrest creates two bench settees or one large sunpad (top left), depending on its placement.

work of art that complements the arch with similar styling and is also color-matched to the fencing’s vertical accent panel. PERFORMANCE

Our test Trifecta S-Series 23 SB2 Arch had the 3.0 Performance Package, which includes three 25-inch full-size tubes and a 37-gallon fuel tank. Four-inch lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and strakes on the inside of the outer tubes create plenty of lift out of the hole. Buyers can power this tube package with up to 250 hp, but our test boat had a Yamaha VMAX SHO 200 (VF200) that pushed it well. The

biggest difference between the VF200 and the standard F200 — aside from a $2,700 upcharge — is displacement. The F200 is part of the 150/200 hp inline four-cylinder family that displaces 2.8 liters, while the VF200 is in the V-6 line with 4.2L of displacement. The V-6 block of the VF200 provides lots of torque, which helped put the 23 SB2 Arch on plane in 2.3 seconds and pushed it to 30 mph in 7.8 seconds. Top speed reached a respectable 44.8 mph, but buyers who need greater speed can upgrade the tube package to the 3.0+ ($2,000), which includes power steering, planing pads, a

50-gallon fuel tank, a ski tow and a beefier transom that allows the boat to be powered by up to a Mercury Racing 450. Trifecta will rig any other brand of outboard. HANDLING

Pontoon boats can be a little tricky to dock in certain conditions, which points to another advantage of going with the Yamaha VMAX SHO 200 over the F200: the former’s greater steering angle range. While the F200 has a steering angle of 32 degrees — the same or better than the Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 (30 to 32 degrees depending on model) — the VMAX SHO 200 can rotate 35 degrees in either direction. While this doesn’t sound like a lot, it’s amazing what a difference a few extra degrees makes. We stage our tests in a very narrow channel on Lake Wawasee BOATINGWORLD.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

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T R I F E C TA S-SERIES 23 SB2 ARCH Length 24 ft., 5 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter 25 in. Capacity 13 people Dry Weight 2,450 lbs. Fuel Capacity 37 gal. Max HP 250 (w/3.0 tube package) PERFORMANCE Peak 44.8 mph/ 5800 rpm/93 dBA

Cruise 31.1 mph/ 4500 rpm/84 dBA Time to Plane 2.3 sec. Time to 30 mph 7.8 sec. POWER Tested Yamaha VMAX SHO 200 hp

Entertaining is obviously on the 23 SB2’s agenda, given its abundance of seating and a Bimini that can be deployed and shield passengers from the sun.

in northern Indiana, and it usually takes about four forward and reverse maneuvers to turn around. With this rig I accomplished it in only two, and I wasn’t sure why until I noticed this difference on the spec sheet. Trifecta is the newest line of pontoons from Forest River Marine and shares a lot of the sporty DNA of its sister brand South Bay, which is more widely known. People are still talking about Brad Rowland’s 114 mph run on a South Bay 925RS at the 2013 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, a speed he still hasn’t been able to beat (112 mph this year). Part of the reason Rowland chooses South Bay are the pressurized pontoons. The pressure makes them more rigid and better able to handle punishment — think of the rigidity of an unopened two-liter Coke bottle — so performing maneuvers such as ridiculously tight turns is child’s play for the 23 SB2, despite the extra stress.

Cylinders V-6 Displacement 4.2L Weight 555 lbs. WOT Range 5000-6000 rpm

Base Price w/test power $86,812

Value-Adde d Standard Features: Cockpit table, Kicker Bluetooth stereo, stainless steel 4-step boarding ladder, woven vinyl flooring, Soft Touch upholstery, LED docking lights, Simrad GPS Must-Have Options: Changing station, Blackout Package, in-floor ski locker, wakeboard racks, Polk stereo upgrade w/subwoofer, pillowtop furniture, RGB lighting package, high-back captain’s chair

Builder: Forest River Inc., trifectapontoon.com Financing: $623/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

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OW N E R F E E D B AC K

PURCHA SED BY ANDRE W AND SHERRY NORMAN, PARIS, TENN. PURCH A SED AT M A L ONE’S M A RINE, A boarding ladder gives skiers, swimmers and boarders easy access to the boat.

BUCHANAN, TENN. W H AT W E L IK ED

BEST USES

With its electro-hydraulic power arch and optional stern Sport ski tow bar, the Trifecta 23 SB2 Arch is well suited for watersports of all kinds, except wakesurfing. Board storage can be increased with optional tower racks and an in-floor ski tow locker. And what better way to spot for skiing than by reclining on a doublewide stern lounge? The driver keeps an accurate accounting of the pontoon’s speed thanks to a standard Humminbird or Simrad color GPS/fishfinder that’s flush-mounted at the helm. A pair of analog gauges is there for drivers who prefer old-school data scanning. The 23 SB2 Arch stretches 24 feet, 5 inches and is rated for up to 13 people, so it has the size to be a good party platform. There’s plenty of seating on the twin lounges up front and to the left of the driver. The seats are a little different on this pontoon; the rails are 27 inches tall, which is higher than normal, so the seatbacks are higher but they have larger seat bottoms as well. They feature what Trifecta terms a “teardrop” shape at the edge, which is more ergonomically pleasing to the back of one’s legs, as is the Soft Touch upholstery. A second captain’s chair can replace the amidships lounge to port. But it doesn’t have to. Trifecta offers 15 other configurations in its 23-foot pontoon class and 20 more in its line of 25-footlong pontoon boats, including more than a few fishing models. This ’toon is well-tuned thanks to a

standard KMC10 Kicker Bluetooth stereo with four lighted 165-watt speakers. Buyers this year can upgrade to a Polk stereo system with a subwoofer. PREFERRED SETUP

Buyers can get downright creative with the wide color palette Trifecta offers, inside and out. Outer fencing can be had in any of 13 colors for the top or bottom panels and also for the vertical sweep accent panel. Eight choices are available for the Bimini top. The upholstery features four basic colors that can be accented by eight different splashes of color. Odds are good owners won’t see another one that looks the same as theirs. On the Trifecta website, interested parties can see what each color combination looks like by clicking the mouse … a far better way than just looking at inch-long swatches in a catalog. Trifecta line models are premium pontoons, as evidenced by the $86,812 price tag for the S-Series 23 SB2 Arch model when powered by a Yamaha VF200. (One share of Berkshire Hathaway stock could yield a family three of them.) Subtract $6,293 from the bottom line by eliminating the arch, but the boat’s cool factor will drop according. The list of standard features does a lot to explain the price. Included is an all-woven vinyl deck, stainless steel cupholders, a ski tow and a boarding ladder. For increased nighttime ambiance, an RGB lighting package costs $3,000. BW

Distinctive, power arch/Attractive styling/Huge amount of storage/Raised helm/Powerful Mercury Verado 250 W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE

The fencing to the side and behind the helm needs more bracing. WHY WE BOUGHT IT

I asked my wife, Sherry, if she wanted to go out for dinner at a place nearby and on the way noticed a boat show, so we checked it out. When we came to the Trifecta I liked, there was someone on the boat with Ben, the sales manager from Malone’s, and I said, “Hey, you’re on my boat!” Love at first sight. Sherry fell in love with it too, and we made a deal. We have five grown kids and four grandkids, and this boat has really helps us all spend more time together having fun. We do our boating on Kentucky Lake, which is part of the Tennessee River, and love to raft up with our friends and socialize, and sometimes we head to The Breaker’s Marina to eat. Malone’s Marine has been fantastic. We bought our boat in January and they stored it in their showroom and gave us visitation rights, so we would go to the dealership with friends and hang out on our boat. Mercury was behind on production of the 250, and Ben worked really hard to get one in time for Memorial Day, with the offer of a loaner if he couldn’t.

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Bonehead Blunders BONEHEAD SCALE:

By G rid M ich a l

1 Acceptably assinine

2 Slightly slow

3 Distinguished dunce

4 Massively moronic

Patience Is a Virtue BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Being quick on the throttle THE BONEHEADS: Boat owners 35 years apart BONEHEAD RATING: 4 WHAT HAPPENED: What if a bonehead taught you a lesson — that’s a switch! — that you remembered long enough to use once, just once, but the timing was perfect? Many years ago we had a customer “upcountry,” an older gentleman who’d been a waterman and boated as his only pleasure. I’m not sure how he got our name — phone booth where Superman changed clothes, maybe? — but he said each time he attempted to leave his dock, his 70 hp Evinrude would shudder and stall. That spelled certain carburetion problems, so off my brother and I went

5 Seek mental help

one afternoon after work to resolve the problem. There was enough light left when we arrived to be able to pull the carbs, clean them pretty well, reassemble them and test the throttle response while we were still snugged to the pier pilings. No problem there. The boat veritably jumped in the air. Home we went, ice cold ginger ales to celebrate on the way. The next morning the gentleman — and I use that term loosely — was waiting at the shop’s front door, steam practically rising from his head. He was hollering before we even got the door unlocked: He’d attempted to go out that

HAS YOUR DOG Enter Your Dog Now

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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.

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morning but the problem he’d paid us hardearned money to correct was still there and we were a couple of thieves. We relocked the door and back upcountry we went to see what we’d done wrong. We hopped into the boat so the owner could drive and duplicate the problem for us. As soon as we’d pulled away from the pier he pushed the throttle hard forward. Unlike his low-powered crabbing scow, this boat’s stern squatted quickly, and the prop churned up stakes, oyster shells and all kinds of junk until it overpowered the engine, which stalled. “See!” He yelled. “That’s what happens! Can’t you fix it right?” My brother, the calmer of the two of us, told the owner if he’d done one of two things — waited until the tide came in and raised the water level or waited until he’d gone another few hundred yards before he accelerated — the problem would be non-existent. He sheepishly offered to pay

us more, but the pleasure of being arrogant outweighed financial recompense by a long way. Thirty-five years later (last week) a new client calls me. A neighbor’s referral. The lady is not from Massachusetts, but Haverhill, she says, as though the elite seceded from the wallowing masses. She also has a horse farm in Virginia horse-country and a waterfront mansion in our area, so she’s either stone-broke, leveraged to the hilt or mired in gold pieces like Scrooge McDuck. Regardless, I listen to her rant at the top of her voice about this boat having been delivered with a red check-engine light blinking, and every time she began to accelerate after removing the boat from the lift, the engine shuddered and quit. Shhhh … why does that sound familiar? First thing I did was reset the oil service reminder, which is why I encourage all boat owners to have a copy of the owner’s

manual on the boat, to know what the alarms mean. The depthfinder, a reliable Garmin, was showing less than 1 foot of water as we pulled away from the lift. She spun the boat around as though she were riding a quarter-horse, then nailed the throttle, at which point the prop buried itself in mud and century-old oyster shells, and quit. “See!” She shouted triumphantly. “There’s no excuse for returning a boat in this condition!” I pointed to the mess floating to the water’s surface as I tilted the muddy lower unit out of the water, offering only the soft suggestion that she might want somebody to give her a tide clock for her next birthday. We became friends as well as business acquaintances that day, and I should have plenty of winter work ahead. LESSON LEARNED: History does repeat itself, sometimes profitably. Nothing like a lesson learned that generates income! BW

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Gifts for boaters. You need ’em. We got ’em. Check out our 36-item list sure to satisfy the boaters, anglers, boarders and others on your list. By BOATING WORLD STAFF HOLIDAY ALERT! YES, the time is fast approaching when a succession of holidays creates a haze

from which few of us emerge unscathed. If you haven’t started shopping, or at least created a list, you’re already late — just check the aisles of the nearest big-box store. While we can’t physically conduct a shopping run for you, we’re here to help in the idea-generation department. We have 36 items on our list, and these suggestions are sure to arouse your imagination and lead to other ideas, and so forth. Some of these items are for boat owners; some are for the boats; some are for guests; some are for folks who spend all summer doing battle with the wake behind the boat; still others are for four-legged first mates. The first and most important item, as we see it anyway, is a subscription to Boating World. At only $10 for a two-year, 18-issue subscription (boatingworld.com/subscription-services), it’s the kind of gift at the kind of price point that could make several people happy. A new gift nine times each year delivered directly to loved ones’ mailboxes.

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™

FANTASTIC FALL SAVINGS There's plenty of fish to pull in this fall season and your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals to get you out on the water. See your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for all the details!

INSTANT

SAVINGS SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

REP OWE R FIN AN

SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION

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REPOWER FINANCE

3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection No extra charge.

Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.

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

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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19 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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. 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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. “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.

LESS THAN $100 01

Portable Utility Rack CarryMe123.com, $35.95 With no metal or suction cups to scratch paint or mar a window, the CarryMe123 portable utility rack installs quickly and can transport fishing rods safely outside the car. The racks are strong and small enough to store in a glove compartment.

01 02

Women’s Deck Shoe Xtratuf.com, $90 A traditional leather deck shoe gets a modern interior with a Sea Green Kelp Print from Alaska’s Salmon Sisters. The Xtratuf Women’s Salmon Sisters Finatic II deck shoe has a slip-resistant outsole and a memory-foam insert that deliver comfort and security on board and on land.

Women’s Shoe Sperry.com, $69.95 A memory-foam insole, a non-marking rubber outsole and a classic profile give the Sperry Crest Vibe BIONIC sneaker its nautical chops. Its upper is made with materials manufactured from plastic recovered from marine environments, so both gifter and giftee can feel good about doing something for the ocean.

04 Sunglasses GillFishing.com, $89.95 If a saltwater angler on your list has complained about eyewear, check out Gill’s new Corona sunglasses. They’ve been saltwater tested and are shaped to allow airflow around the wearer’s face, not block air completely. Polarized, hydrophobic lenses offer protection from the sun’s rays and deliver views that cut the water’s surface.

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Combo Children’s Rod

Pressure Washer

Zebco.com, $17.99

Make it easy for the boat owner on your list to keep his boat clean and ready to roll. The Portland 1750 PSI 1.3 GPM Electric Pressure Washer from Harbor Freight delivers the power necessary to wash a boat’s hull, outboard(s) and decks, and the trailer. A 20-foot hose and wheels make things even simpler.

Mermaid Boat Fender WestMarine.com, $44.99

TheBilgePumps.com, $19.99 (download) What nautical party couldn’t use an infusion of nautical tunes? “Planned Piratehood” from The Bilge Pumps is a mix of traditional sea shanties, original songs, cover tunes and more in a 36-song collection. The Dallas-based group delivers two-plus hours of audio fun.

07 Line Management Tool GerberGear.com, $40 Anglers always need a tool of one sort or another, and the folks at Gerber have an aluminum multitool anglers’ families can give them. The LineDriver includes a split-shot crimper, hook threader and scissor snips at one end, while the other end rotates to tie knots and clear eyelets.

SavinoWine.com, $49.95 Cocktail hour cruisers might love wine but don’t always love the idea of bringing a wine bottle aboard. The glass Savino Connoisseur Wine Saving Carafe can simplify things. It holds the contents of a standard bottle of wine, can keep it fresh for up to a week and a rubber seal on the lid prevents spills. A plastic version costs $24.95.

11 Neck Protection FroggToggs.com, $19.99

Nautical Music

Wine Carafe

HarborFreight.com, $99.99

Get ’em hooked young. That’s the key to creating lifelong anglers. To facilitate that mission, Zebco has a line of Star Wars-licensed fishing rods and reels. The Kylo Ren combo features a 4-foot-long two-piece rod, a QuickSet reel and a tangle-free tip. And it looks like a light saber.

Classic Mermaid Fenders from Taylor Made Products protect a boat’s hull and do so with a bit of flair, if there’s a boat owner on your list who appreciates such things. In addition, Taylor Made will donate $1 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for each pink fender sold.

Able to serve as a balaclava, a headband, a sun guard, a neck gaiter, a face mask and more, the FroggSkinz Sun Scarf from Frogg Toggs is a multifunctional moisture-wicking UPF 40-plus guard against sun damage. It’s available in many designs and colors.

12 Dog Life Vest

PlayaPup.com, $30-$40

With a neoprene outer cover, form-fitting EVA foam filling, adjustable straps, high-visibility accents and a strong grab handle, the Pet Flotation Device from Playa Pup is ready for a long day on, in and around the water. Sizes range from XXS to XXL.

13 Dog Vest

ConnellySkis.com, $29.99

Neo Vests from Connelly deliver the flotation four-legged crewmembers need. A thin neoprene shell dries quickly, and a grab strap and reflective tape add to the safety factor. The vests come in Otis and Bella styles.

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$101 TO $499

Odor Alleviator

ScentLok.com, $179.99 A boat can accumulate odors over time, especially of the fishy kind. OZ Radial Nano is an active odor destroyer from Scent Lok that uses ozone technology to capture and destroy odors. Use it in fishboxes, lockers, cabins and tackle storage areas. The battery on the soda can–sized device lasts up to five hours and can be recharged on the go.

Portable Jump Starter

UnchartedSupplyCo.com, $149.99 Don’t let a loved one get stranded on the water with a dead battery — especially if that person drives the boat you use for recreation. The Zeus Portable Jump Starter from Uncharted Supply Co. can start the boat in an emergency and also charge cellphones, tablets and other electronics through its USB input.

Foul Weather Jacket WestMarine.com, $189

15 42

Extend a gift recipient’s season on the water with a Women’s Third Reef Jacket from West Marine. Its seams are taped and waterproof, its roll-out hood articulates with the wearer’s head, its mesh inner lining wicks away moisture and its reflective trim delivers visibility. Available in red and blue, the Third Reef Jacket is ready for the elements.

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Women’s Sunglasses CostaDelMar.com, $269 Featuring polarized glass lenses in three colors or polarized plastic lenses in gray, and a bio-resin frame with angled temples and in four color choices, the Waterwoman style from Costa is part of its sport performance portfolio. Waterwoman is ready for a day of fishing or other on-the-water activities.

20 Trolling Adapter DavisInstruments.com, $145.99 & $149.99

18 18 Camera Lure

Give someone on your list the ability to troll for fish without a trolling motor. A Happy Troller from Davis Instruments mounts to an outboard or sterndrive’s anti-cavitation plate. A cable allows users to move the plate from level to 45 or 90 degrees, which slows the boat. The small version works with 20 to 50 hp engines, and the large is for 50 hp and higher.

Eco-Net.com, $239.99 Eco-Popper is a lure that allows anglers to see the fish coming. Equipped with a high-definition 720p wide-angle camera that can stream to a phone or tablet equipped with an app, Eco-Popper floats on top of the water but takes video down to 12 feet with its 135-by-90-degree wide-angle camera.

19 Mooring Line Device BoatRope.com, $154.99 Does someone on your list — maybe you — have a boat dock behind the house? Bõt Rõp is a flush-mounted canister that stores and hides mooring line and simplifies the mooring process by making it easy to extend and retract the line. It locks to protect the rope and includes a solar LED light, to mark the dock for nighttime. returns.

22 Marine Cooler WestMarine.com, $299.99 With 70 quarts of storage space, 10-day ice retention and non-marking raised feet, the Premium Marine Cooler from West Marine can accommodate a crew for a day or a weekend on the water. It has twin bottle openers, an embossed ruler on the lid, a tethered drain plug, a nonskid lid surface and more features that make it marine ready.

20 21 Towing Service BoatUS.com, SeaTow.com, Varies The gift of a year of towing service could save someone hundreds or thousands of dollars. BoatUS and Sea Tow offer memberships that cover towing across the country. The Gold Card from Sea Tow costs $179, while BoatUS offers an Unlimited Towing Membership for $159 and a Freshwater Membership for $85.

23 Portable Livewell Frabill.com, $179.99 Anglers who use live baits need to keep them alive and well. Give your angler the Frabill Magnum Bait Station 30, which has a 30-quart capacity, a center divider, bait-friendly rounded corners, twin aerators, a 12v adapter, an integrated ruler on the lid and more.

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$500 TO $999 Light Bar LumitecLighting.com, $689 Extra lighting on a boat is much appreciated, especially by owners who fish or cruise till dusk and have to clean up after dark. Lumitec’s 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 facing downward.

25 VHF Radio

Raymarine.com, $500 Small but fully functional, Raymarine’s Ray53 VHF radio includes Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and a built-in GPS/ GNSS receiver with a connection point for an optional external antenna. The Ray53 can be surfaceor trunnion-mounted — kits are included — and its audio output connection has an optional passive remote speaker.

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Tower Speakers

FusionEntertainment.com, $999.99 Pump up the jam quotient on a friend’s boat or yours with Signature Series Wake Tower speakers from Fusion. Acoustically optimized and engineered for quality audio at any volume level, they are made for the harsh marine environment. Rated IP65, the speakers are sealed against water and dust ingress and are protected against UV rays and salt fog.

Marine Binoculars

FujiFilmUSA.com, $700 Give an angler on your list an advantage when it comes to spotting the birds that lead to fish. Polaris FMTR-SX 7x50 binoculars from Fujinon (a division of Fuji Film) feature water- and fog-proof seals, field-flattening lenses that deliver edge-to-edge sharpness, a rubberarmored body and more.

Sport Steering Wheel

SchmittOngaroMarine.com, $710+

Give someone’s old boat a new look by dressing up the helm with a new steering wheel. Schmitt & Ongaro’s Primus steering wheels are powder coated and come with a control knob. Black is the primary color on the 13-and-a-half-inch wheels, but others are available.

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$1,000+

Dive System BrownieDive.com, $5,495 Somewhere between snorkeling and scuba is hookah diving, and Brownie’s Third Lung has systems for single and multiple divers. Sea Lion is a battery-operated system that can support up to four divers. The base system is for two divers, and it can support them for more than three hours, depending on depth. Kits to add divers cost $310 each.

30 Standup Paddleboard/Skiff BoteBoard.com, $2,499 Rover Aero from Bõte is an inflatable paddleboard and skiff in a bag that stows aboard even small boats. A wireless pump inflates the board in minutes. Also included with Rover Aero is a rack to attach a motor (6 hp, sold separately), a hand pump, an adjustable paddle, a paddle sheath, a sandspear, a travel bag to carry the essentials and a Remora bag to carry accessories.

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Dive Watch

Buy.Garmin.com, $1,499.99 More than just a dive watch, the Descent MK1 Dive and Multisport Watch from Garmin is rightly called a dive computer, complete with GPS. Plan the dive ahead of time with the watch and let it provide key data in real time under the water. Way too much to cover here.

32 32 Electric Outboard ePropulsion.com, $1,999 Give someone on your list the opportunity to toodle around the lake quietly and cleanly. Spirit 1.0 is a 3 hp electric portable outboard for light-duty boats to 12 feet. It lasts about an hour at wide-open throttle — maximum 5.5 mph — and from three to five hours at lower cruising speed.

VARIABLE 33 Boards & Skis Behind-the-boat fanatics will always appreciate a new wake-, surf- or kneeboard, or a ski or skis. Or maybe get really crazy and make a gift out of a new wakefoil board. Manufacturers include Connelly, Liquid Force, Hyperlite, CWB, Ronix, Evo and many more. Your teenagers will thank you. Maybe not in a way or with words you can understand, but they’ll be thankful.

34 Inflatable Towables Much fun can be had behind the boat on an inflatable tube. Kids and kids at heart love the thrill of a tube ride. Every year, manufacturers go to great lengths to improve on their designs. Check out the offerings from SportsStuff, WOW, Rave Sports, HO Sports, Full Throttle, Airhead, Hydroslide and many others.

35 Personalized Gear Always appreciated by gift recipients are items that are personalized with their boat’s name. And the list of available items is endless, with everything from glassware to clothing and hats, to boat mats and fender covers, to towels and pillow cases, and more. Check out the offerings from Boat Name Gear, SS Nautical, Welcome Aboard, Cape Hatteras Marine and Everything Nautical. BW

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RIB Revolution Rigid inflatables aren’t confined to yacht garages anymore. They’re often the primary family boat. By ZUZANA PROCHAZKA

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S I Z E & PAY LOAD Modern RIBs are growing. It’s not difficult to find a RIB longer than 40 feet, but they don’t have to be big to carry a sizeable payload. A 16-foot RIB has so much buoyancy that it can accommodate more people and gear than a comparably sized fiberglass or aluminum boat. Due to their inflatable nature, RIBs are also lighter than their solid counterparts. That means owners don’t need a pickup truck or SUV to tow one. “Americans are used to big things, and it seems everyone has an F150,” said Tom Watson of Highfield Boats. “But you can tow RIBs under 25 feet with a smaller car or a hybrid, which is great for the more urban crowd.” RIBs are somewhat collapsible. With a RIB’s tubes deflated, owners can legally tow a large (and wide) one without a permit, and they likely can fit a RIB into a tight shed for storage. And because they’re lighter, chances are owners can find a hard river or lake bank to launch a RIB off the trailer, rather than being bound to the boat ramp. R I D E & STAB I LIT Y RIBs ride well even in rough seas. The fiberglass or aluminum V-hulls help them track well, slice through chop and keep the center of gravity low, and the large tubes make them stable by keeping the buoyancy far outboard. A day of fishing in a RIB will result in less fatigue, and even if several anglers fish off one side, a RIB will stay upright and keep crewmembers on their feet. To a degree, the tubes also absorb the stress of pounding into head seas, someboat (RIB) has been the backup singer to the mothership for decades. I thing everyone’s back will appreciate. say “RIB,” and most people say “tender” without a second thought. But Dual floors have become popular, and in Europe, RIBs are used as standalone primary boats for all sorts of they provide a level platform — rather than family-friendly boating activities, including fishing, towing, cruising and the angled hull floor of a tender — and a more. With an eye toward bringing that mentality to this side of the Atlantic, softer ride. Finally, squared-off bows such RIB manufacturers have designed boats that are stronger, faster and more as those on Walker Bay and Brig models versatile. In so doing, they’re getting Americans to think out of the boating help block spray when the boat is on plane box and test new waters. and allow for extra stowage space, which is RIBs have plenty of attributes that make them worthy primary boats. We sometimes used for a fuel tank. rounded up 11 that stand out, and there are many more, both within these 11 and others that stand alone. E F F I CI E N CY & H O R S E POWE R For their length, RIBs are lighter, so they need less horsepower and get better fuel economy. As a result, buyers will spend less on a smaller outboard and put the beast on a meager diet. They’ll still go faster. RIBs today can shoot over the waves at speeds greater than 90 mph, and with stepped hulls they get on plane faster. Using jet propulsion, the Lighter weight means buyers can go with smaller outboards, but Americans like big Williams Sportjet 435 can reach 50 mph, but it can also things, so it’s not unusual to see 300 hp (and larger) single outboards hanging off a RIB seat seven people and serve as transom — or twins and triples. Williams Jet Tenders are powered by inboard Rotax jet a platform for on- and in-theengines. Its Sportjet 435 skims the waves at 50 mph and can comfortably seat up to seven water activities. people in 14 feet of length.

THE RIGID INFLATABLE

RIBs have plenty of attributes that make them worthy primary boats.

WE ROUNDED UP 11 THAT STAND OUT

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MAI NTE NAN C E Last generation’s rubber boat may have been more fragile and needed constant care, but that’s not the case today. RIB materials and construction methods have changed. Fiberglass hulls have been made lighter with vacuum infusion and have been shaped with chines and vents for better performance. Most RIBs share the common aesthetic of a V-hull and a flotation collar that is made of PVC or a neoprene-coated nylon fabric called Hypalon. PVC is a less expensive material and is easier to work with — it can be welded without melting — so construction is faster. Hypalon is more expensive, has better UV-fighting properties and its seams must be glued, since it cannot be heated. Both materials are durable and take little maintenance. Just wash with soap, rinse with fresh water and

<Head:> To the Web BrigBoats.com BullfrogBoats.com FoilingRibs.com (Hyfoil) HighfieldBoats.com SAFEBoats.com SEAir.fr/en Technohull.com WalkerBay.com WilliamsJetTenders.com Zodiac-Nautic.com

periodically apply a sun protectant. For best results, a cover will keep the sun, bird droppings and dirt off; it’s an inexpensive way to get 10 to 15 years of service from an inflatable boat. DU R AB I LIT Y RIBs are durable enough for new boaters. Docking or joining a raft-up can go very wrong for a nervous driver. In a hard boat, the damage incurred may require (at the very least) a buff and wax of the ding. With a RIB, not only can that driver maneuver easily, but the boat bounces off docks and other boats, so new boaters are likely to drive more frequently and with greater confidence. Anyone who argues that RIBs are too fragile to be used as a fishing boat should take note: “I’ve never had anyone come back to me with a tube punctured by a fishing hook,” said Brandon Ricci of

Squared off bows help block spray RIB Negatives There are a few negatives to RIB design: > Large inflatable tubes eat up room in the cockpit more than the straight gunwales of a hard boat. > Gear such as fishing rods may be more difficult to stow. > The really high-end fully loaded models get expensive.

Swim platform with ladder and ski tow 50

Smaller outboard means less fuel and weight

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Highfield Boats. “Not one.” As for a misplaced fishing knife sinking a RIB, that’s a myth. RIBs are constructed with multiple separate buoyancy chambers, so they stay afloat even if someone gets careless while cleaning a fish. “Inflatables are used as river boats where they bash against rocks all day long,” said Michael Carroll of Walker Bay Boats. “They’re tough, and even if there’s a puncture, a RIB still floats.” Perhaps the best argument for sheer toughness is that the military, law enforcement and the Coast Guard have all chosen

Romain Sandt photo

Whether an open model such as the Highfield DL 500 (above) or a T-top model such as the Zodiac Open 5.5, a RIB can be a family boat, not just a yacht tender.

To the Web BrigBoats.com

Technohull.com

FoilingRibs.com (Hyfoil)

WalkerBay.com

HighfieldBoats.com SAFEBoats.com

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BullfrogBoats.com

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RIBs for heavy-duty work. SAFE Boats, which works with these organizations, just unveiled a Multi-Mission Interceptor (MMI) that includes an aluminum hull and T-top. Civilians can probably get one — minus the gun on the bow. And by the way, military organizations take RIBs to gunfights, so you should be OK with fishhooks and knives. Anyone who likes the idea of a RIB but just can’t make peace with a soft boat should check out Bullfrog Boats. Aluminum V-hulls carry “tubes” or flotation collars made of rigid polyethylene. The Washington company has built more than 700 hulls and calls its boats indestructible.

While the Technohull Omega 45 (top) might be a bit big for some folks, models such as the Brig F570, Walker Bay Venture 14 and Williams Sportjet 435 provide smaller platforms for diving, wakeboarding and day cruising.

VAR I ET Y Here’s the best part, standalone RIBs can be whatever owners need them to be. They come in a wide variety of styles and can be outfitted a number of ways. Options on larger models include Biminis, swim platforms with ladders, dining tables, refrigerators, grills, rod holders, baitwells, heads, cabins, sunpads, embroidered upholstery, serious navigation and communication electronics such as chartplotters

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and fishfinders, entertainment options and towing pylons for watersports. Fuel tanks are integrated into the hull to keep the center of gravity low, and built-in coolers and underwater lights add customization options. VE R SATI LIT Y Imagine a day on the water in a 16-foot RIB such as Highfield’s new DL500. Dad can run to the Canyons to fish in the morning and return in plenty of time to take the kids wakeboarding or tubing. When the kids get tired, the family can cruise nearby coves or go whale watching. A family that’s more into underwater action than on-the-water thrills can drop anchor, prep the scuba tanks and go for a dive. Later, owners can take the neighbors out for a cocktail cruise while cool tunes and an underwater lightshow bring the “wow.” Later, mom and dad can take the RIB to dinner. An added benefit is that a RIB may be allowed at a dinghy dock even if it exceeds the 14- or 16-foot limit, whereas a 15-foot bowrider will be shooed away. “Like pontoon boats, RIBs are great

for entertaining,” Watson said. “They’re popular at the bar zone because you can sneak up to the dinghy dock or you can beach them, so they can go anywhere. Try that with a hard boat.” Rear platforms are making fishermen happy by providing a place to stand or stow buckets of bait, and more handholds, both textile and metal, provide added safety for kids. Brig models come with SeaDek premium flooring, which adds a nonskid surface, so everyone, including the dog, can be surefooted. VALU E Finally, it’s a matter of value. Short of the large and fully loaded models, RIBs are usually more affordable, foot-for-foot, than similarly sized and equipped hard boats. Furthermore, resale values of standalone RIBs have been good. “Because these boats are still catching on, they’re valuable on the secondary market,” Highfield’s Ricci said. “When my customers come back to upsize, we’re finding little deprecation on boats that have been well cared for.” Brig’s Eagle 6 (below) includes a prominent ski tow, pop-up cleats, a fully equipped helm and seating for seven.

Cool Stuff

Today’s RIBs are head-turning sport utility vehicles packed with features found on traditional upscale center consoles, tow boats and runabouts. Brig’s 19-foot Eagle 6 comes with a retractable ski pole and popup cleats. Some of the builder’s larger models (33 to 36 feet) offer a refrigerator, a sink, outriggers and a suite of Garmin electronics. “With our stepped hulls, we don’t need trim tabs either,” said Boyd Tomkies of Brig Boats. “We reach 55 mph and can carry twin 350 hp engines, no problem.” Walker Bay is coming out with a 21-footer destined for its Generation Series that’s positioned more as a dayboat than a tender. It’s expected to run with a 200 hp outboard and potentially include numerous amenities including a deck shower. Meanwhile, its current 14-foot Venture model reaches 40 mph with a 70 hp outboard and has a 150-mile range with a 17-gallon fuel tank. Options include four flush-mount rod holders that can be used to hold a wakeboard rack, a flush-mount ski pole, a ladder, and a 9-inch MFD on the dash beside a stereo head unit and a VHF. With three seating areas, Zodiac’s 21-foot Pro 6.5 center console offers 25 percent more interior space to accommodate up to 10 people. With increased tankage — 50 gallons of fuel — it can go farther with either a single 175 hp or twin 80 hp outboards. For 2019, Zodiac launched the 24-foot single-engine Medline 7.5. The dual-seat center module lifts to reveal a wet bar and a refrigerator. The bow accommodates a massive sunpad while the aft end will seat six around a table. Twin swim platforms provide easy access to the water and the through-stem anchor can be retrieved with an electric windlass. Add a composite arch loaded with speakers and lighting or a watersports tow bar. Every builder I spoke to agreed on one point: Once people actually drive these new versatile RIBs, the benefits hit them. “The biggest hurdle to changing the American mindset about the use of the RIB is getting people in one,” Tomkies said. “Then they wonder where these boats have been all their lives.” BW BOATINGWORLD.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

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(from left to right)

Una

Sarah and Daniel Brooks, Apple Valley, Calif.

Katie

Dave and Julie Baker, San Dimas, Calif.

Leaders Pack of the

IF ONE SALTY DOG IS A GOOD THING, MULTIPLE SALTY DOGS MUST BE A BETTER THING. Dogs. Many of them possess humans who own a boat, and while the lack of an opposable thumb (and a complete lack of regard for written regulations) keeps them from driving the boat at high speed, boat dogs are the captains, admirals, first mates and lifeguards that take a day on the water and make it awesome for everyone around them. Here at Boating World, we receive many photos of dogs on the water, and we call out one per issue as our Salty Dog of the Month. That lucky pooch receives a canine life jacket from our friends at Connelly/ CWB (ridecwb.com). We are always left with dozens of dogs who don’t get their picture in the magazine. To remedy that (somewhat), we like to publish a Salty Dog roundup at the end of the year. While still far short of being all of the photos we 54

receive, the eight pictures and nine dogs here represent the best traits of boating dogs everywhere: stature, fearlessness, dedication, awareness, stamina and a dash of cuteness. The dogs featured here won’t receive a life vest for their appearance, but they will receive their 105 minutes of fame. They’re big and small, wet and dry, and dark and light. Most of all, they’re ready to go for a ride, at all times and in all bodies of water.

We encourage dog owners to remember a few things when they take their pooch out on the boat. Dogs swim instinctually but do benefit from wearing a life vest. Dogs can get motion sickness, so break them in slowly on the boat. Sunburn isn’t just a human thing. Dogs, especially short-hair breeds need UV protection too. Bring fresh water for them to drink. Also, their bathroom needs don’t go away while they’re enjoying the water. Have a plan. OK, so please enjoy this roundup of boat- and water-loving dogs, and if you think your dog has the moxie to be our Salty Dog of the Month in 2020, send his or her photo to editor@boatingworld.com.

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(Clockwise from above)

Fergus

Dennis McGovern, Plympton, Mass.

Maxwell Smart

Dianne Pfeiler, Seal Beach, Calif.

Goosey and Daphne

Sim Rimarenko, Mine Hill, N.J.

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(Clockwise from top left)

Chase

Jessie Teichmiller, Muskego, Wis.

Callie

William Roudebush, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Maui

Karen June, Bayport, N.Y.

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We answer the questions that really matter to you - before you buy a boat. Ride along with Boating World’s executive editor Alan Jones as he tests hundreds of makes and models, from ski boats to pontoons. Our boat test video vault includes over 460 clips — each with in-depth walk-throughs highlighting features and options, and running footage showing how the boat accelerates and corners (including the type of wake). We put ourselves in your shoes and deliver practical and objective opinions on how each boat measures up. ®

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Splendor: 239 SunStar

Splendor Boats 239 SunStar, the outboard configuration of their ever popular 240 SunStar is sleek and stylish and just as capable as its sterndrive counterpart. Offering a large deck space with a capacity for up to 12 adults, an oversized head compartment complete with a standard portable toilet and custom installed options of your choice, the 239 SunStar offers all of the essentials needed for a day of fun on the water, but that’s just the start. So, what makes this boat different from the rest? How about the full planning catamaran hull that offers a very stable, smooth ride and only drafts 12" of water. Pair those features with the 239 SunStar’s standard 225 horsepower Suzuki outboard and you have a combination of class and power that no one can compete with.

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C A LL 949/660 - 6150

“Boating World” · 2. Publication Number “1059-5155” · 3. Filing Date “10/1/19” · 4. Issue Frequency 9 Times A Year “Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec.” · 5. Number of issues Published Annually “9” · 6. Annual Subscription Price “$11.00” · 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not Printer) (Street, City, County, State, and Zip + 4) “18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, Orange, California 92708-7000” ° Contact Person “D. NGUYEN” ° Telephone “949-660-6150-255” · 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not Printer) “18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, Orange, California 92708-7000” · 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) ° Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) “DUNCAN McINTOSH JR., 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, Orange, California 92708-7000” ° Editor (Name and complete mailing address) “Jeffrey Fleming, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, Orange, California 92708-7000” ° Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) “Mike Werling, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, Orange, California 92708-7000” · 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address. ° Full Name “Duncan McIntosh Company, Inc.” “Duncan McIntosh Jr.” ° Complete Mailing Address “18475 Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley CA 927087000” · 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box  None ° Full Name Complete Mailing Address · 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates)(Check one) ° The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: °  Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months °  Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) · 3526-R, July 2014 · 13. Publication Title “Boating World” · 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below “September/October” · 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation ° Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date · a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) “51,638” “51,779” · b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By Mail and outside the mail) ° (1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

•

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and internet request from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies.) “28,957” “29,742” ° (2) In-County Paid/Requested Mail subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 (Include direct written request from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies) ° (3) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS “1,975” “2,175” (4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g. FirstClass Mail) ° c. “Total Paid Distribution and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b. (1), (2), (3), and (4)) “30,898” “31,647” · d. Non-requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail) ° (1) Outside-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include samples copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists and other sources) “20,393” “19,842” (2) In-County Nonrequested copies stated on PS Form 3541(include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists and other sources° (3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g. First-Class Mail, nonrequested copies mailed in excess of 10% limited mailed at Standard Mail or Package Services Rates). ° (4) Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (include pickup stands, trade shows, showrooms and other sources) “0” “0” · e. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4) “20,393” “19,842” · f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e) “51,325” “51,489” · g. Copies Not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3)) “384” “291” · h. Total (sum of 15f and g) “51,638” “51,779” · i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by f times 100) “60.20%” “61.46%” · 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership ° Publication required. Will be printed in the Nov/Dec, 2019 issue of this publication.  Publication not required · 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner ° ° Date 10/01/19 · I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanction (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

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 Apex Marine (989) 681-4300.............................................................................CV4 Avalon & Tahoe Pontoon Mfg. (800) 681-4300..................................................3 SmokerCraft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873.........................................................5 Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835............................................................................ 61

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

Stingray (843) 383-4507........................................................................................... 1

ENGINES GM Marine .............................................................................................................. CV3 Suzuki Marine (800) 247-4704............................................................................. 39

GEAR & ACCESSORIES Allied Battery (314) 426-0100............................................................................... 37 Harbor Freight Tools (800) 423-2567................................................................ 63 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286....................... 23

SERVICES 1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737.................................................................. CV2 Boat Angel (800) 227-2643.................................................................................. 62 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846....................................................................... 27

THE VOICE OF PACIFIC COAST BOATING SINCE 1908

SHOWS Los Angeles Boat Show (949) 757-5959........................ 10-11

seamagazine.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM

•

+ BW Marketplace2.indd 62

10/3/19 10:10 AM

SUPER COUPON

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

21 GALLON OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR

125

125 PSI

135 PSI 2X LIFE*

Customer Rating

STANDARD NOISE LEVEL

25% QUIETER*

PSI

27% MORE RUN TIME*

STANDARD OIL-LUBE MOTOR

SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION OIL-LUBE MOTOR

169 99 $18999 $174 99

SAVE 69 $

ITEM 61454/69091 62803/63635/67847 shown

135

STANDARD RUN TIME

COMPARE TO

HUSKY

MODEL: C201H

239 SAVE 75 $

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

Customer Rating

WITH ANY PURCHASE

SUPER BRIGHT LED /SMD WORK LIGHT/FLASHLIGHT

20 GALLON OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR

STANDARD LIFE

PSI

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*Based on other compressors in its class

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PORTER-CABLE $ MODEL: 118903799

249

*84376300 * 84376300

*84376784 * 84376784

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

*84374778 * 84374778 ITEM 56241 64857 shown

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/18/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

MODEL 3800

SUPER COUPON

26" x 22" SINGLE BANK 7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE EXTRA DEEP CABINETS WEATHER RESISTANT TARP

NOW

99 $299 $

$4 COMPARE TO

SNAP-ON $

Customer Rating

1,750

WEATHERMASTER $ 99

MODEL: KRA4008FPBO

Item 64434, 64432, 64162, 56104, 56105, 56106

MODEL: 300083999

COMPARE TO

SAVE $ 94

7 Customer Rating

$ 99

VENOM $ 97

MODEL: VEN4145

ITEM 63927

Case contents and locks not included.

ITEM 97581, 37050, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

*84381449 * 84381449

*84385982 * 84385982

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

SUPER Customer Rating COUPON

1500 WATT CONTINUOUS/ 3000 WATT PEAK POWER INVERTER

10 FT. x 17 FT. PORTABLE GARAGE

Customer Rating

$9999 $

SAVE 50%

3999

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SUPER COUPON

NOW

129

NOW

9 $1 69

99 $

COMPARE TO

16499 SAVE $65

TRAVELLER MODEL: 107055899 ITEM 63427/63432 shown

ITEM 62314/63066/66383 shown

290

75 SHELTER $ MODEL: 76377 LOGIC

SAVE $ 120

199

ITEM 62859 63055/62860 shown

SUPER COUPON

20V LITHIUM-ION 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT • 450 in. lbs. of torque • 1.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.4 lbs.

Customer Rating

SAVE $ 39

COMPARE TO

RYOBI $

NOW

9 $599

ITEM 64754 63531 shown

MODEL: P1811

*84388382 * 84388382

*84388971 * 84388971

*84389058 * 84389058

*84389093 * 84389093

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

Customer Rating

• 9 hour run time

NOW

$ Wheel kit and battery sold separately.

$549

649

SAVE 2,119 $

ITEM 63086/68530/56169/56171/63085 shown ITEM 68525/63088/56168/56170/63087 CALIFORNIA ONLY

Not available in AZ, OH, OK and VA.

COMPARE TO

HONDA $

2,669

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8750 WATT MAX. STARTING GAS POWERED GENERATOR

SOLID RUBBER WHEEL CHOCK Customer Rating

NOW

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9 $749

$ 99

99 $

MAXXTOW MODEL: MNT70072

SAVE 71%

ITEM 69326/69853/56891/96479 shown

ITEM 56148/63316 shown

SAVE 95 $

WAYNE $ 99

169

MODEL: PC4

shown

YOUR CHOICE

5 8999 $

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PIECE FULLY POLISHED 1/2 HP CAST IRON TRANSFER 9COMBINATION WRENCH SETS • 1525 GPH UTILITY PUMP Customer Rating max. flow at 0 ft. W O N Item 42305

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TYPE ITEM SAE 69043/63282/42304 MODEL: HCW10PCSAE METRIC 69044/63171/42305

COMPARE TO

HUSKY

$ 99 $

17 97

*84390602 * 84390602

*84391141 * 84391141

*84393084 * 84393084

*84393313 * 84393313

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

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1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA

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SUPER COUPON 3/8" x 75 FT. CAMOUFLAGE POLYPROPYLENE ROPE

capacity

• Weighs 78 lbs.

TEQ CORRECT $ 99

NOW

MODEL: T830018Z

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ITEM 56618/56619/56620/56617 shown

EVERBILT

$ 97 MODEL: 18614

ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown

$1 9

SAVE $ 99 66%

*84394299 * 84394299

*84394737 * 84394737

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 12/18/19.

hft_boatingworld_1119_M-REG162510.indd 1

NOW

COMPARE TO

COMPARE TO $

MIBRO

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON 3/8" x 14 FT., GRADE 43 8", 5 SPEED TOWING CHAIN BENCHTOP • 5400 lb. DRILL PRESS

Customer Rating

• 300 lb. working load Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

189

124

MODEL: 1450

$5 99

SAVE 59%

NOW

*84379542 * 84379542

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

COLEMAN

SAVE 50%

ITEM 61765/46411 shown

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100 • 5 mil thickness

COMPARE TO

PELICAN $ 95

SUPER COUPON

84378659

$1 999 99

Customer Rating

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE ALUMINUM SPORTS CHAIR NOW

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COMPARE TO

SAVE 1,450 319*9984378659 *

$29

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, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Central Machinery, 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 12/18/19.

SUPER COUPON

ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF WEATHER-RESISTANT LOCKABLE CASE • 14-7/8" L $ 99 W NOW 10-5/8" 6-1/8" H

Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE OF 6 COLORS

*84374934 * 84374934

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ANY SINGLE ITEM*

ALL IN A SINGLE SUPER POWERFUL LIGHT

19999

COMPARE TO

SUPER COUPON

$ 99 6499 SAVE 69% 39

MODEL: 426920

ITEM 40462/60658/97711 shown

*84752190 * 84752190 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

Customer Rating COMPARE TO

BUFFALO TOOLS $ 35

113

MODEL: DP5UL

SAVE $58

NOW

9 $549 $

6799

ITEM 38119/62520/60238 shown

*84754657 * 84754657 LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 12/18/19*

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.

9/25/19 2:01 PM