Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy.
There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year and options with On-Water Towing. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM
WA K E S E R I E S Advanced technology and unique versatility of the Wake Series from Yamaha create a one-of-a-kind wakesports experience. Savor all the wakesurf-worthy features including a triple ballast system, customizable settings via a Connext® helm control touchscreen and a spacious interior. And this year, we’re making bigger waves with the new Yamaha Wakesurf package. This exciting option includes a specially designed Slingshot® wakesurf board, wakesurf rope and a Yamaha WakeBooster that creates an even larger cleaner wake transforming what you can do behind the boat.
YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M | #RunTheWater ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel and USCG-approved personal flotation device. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Never drink and ride. Shown with optional accessories.
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Contents
J u ne 2019 • Vol u m e 40 N o. 6
MAGAZINE
VOLUME XL NUMBER 6
5
Editor’s Letter
8
Currents
Participate in National Fishing and Boating Week Bits from the boating world
14 Trailering Be prepared for trouble at the ramp 18 Watersports Master balance and handle control 20 Fishing Qualities of good fishing garb 24 Engines Indmar 2.3L EcoBoost 28 Electronics Boat monitoring and security 30 Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions
TUBE TEST 2019
Our 10th annual roundup of inflatable tow toys put 15 new tubes (and seven testers) to the ultimate test to discover which was king of the thrill. p. 48 BY ALAN JONES
32 Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics 34 Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make 64 Contest: Name the Boat Win an Atlantis 4 non-towable four-person float from Connelly
boats tested
36 MasterCraft XT25 Watersports boats don’t have to be a one-trick specialty act.
40 Yamaha AR195 The builder’s 19-foot-class boats get more sportiness and luxury with the AR195.
44 Harris Grand Mariner 250 Only the owner will know this isn’t the most luxurious boat in the Harris lineup.
• JUNE 2 • 2 JUNE 2019 2018BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM
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Jump into Summer Fun Whether it’s a lady’s day out, family water sport fun, or casting a line towards the catch of the day, Sylvan has floorplans that are perfect for you. Led by class-leading technology, comfort and styling, we will leave you wondering why you don’t hop aboard sooner.
SYLVANMARINE.com
© 2019 Sylvan Marine. All rights reserved
Fish & Cruise While the 236CC was designed for use as a coastal fishing boat, it's really a multi-purpose boat that can be used for lots of activities — pulling kids on a tube, cruising to dinner, or just a leisurely ride along the waterways.
With seating for up to twelve passengers, rod holders and storage throughout, and a changing compartment that can be upgraded with an optional porta potti, the 236CC is ready for a full day of fun on the water with family and friends! 236CC Deck Boat 23’ 8” | 101” beam | 3648 lbs (w/ popular engine) | 68 gal fuel capacity | 12 ppl, 3250 lbs VISIT STINGRAYBOATS.COM /236CC FOR MORE INFORMATION
Editor’s Letter
by Ala n Jones
THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS:
“
How would you fill in the blanks and improve upon Shakespeare’s timeless brilliance? All the world’s a(n) ______ and all the people merely ______ .
PUBLISHER
Duncan McIntosh Jr.
Dumpster fi re; fast-food wrappers ASSOC . EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming
Galactic theme park; globetrotting tourists
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones
Tornado; swirling cows
G E T O T H E R S I N V O LV E D CHANCES ARE IF you are reading this you probably don’t need a date on the calendar to prod
you to go boating and/or fishing, but this month is a great chance to pay it forward. June is home to National Fishing and Boating Week, which seems to adhere to the Beatles’ “Eight Days a Week” theme by stretching from June 1–9. To bolster this event, 42 states offer free fishing days in June, days when no license is required, so it’s a great opportunity to invite a friend who has never been exposed to this great sport. Simply conduct an internet search for “free fishing days” and your state’s name to get specific dates.
MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling
Dog park; little blue bags
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata
YouTube page; envious trolls
ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan
Walking shadow; full of sound and fury PRODUCTION Mary Monge
Treadmill; hamsters
CIRCUL ATION
Emily Wells-Horneff Litter box; clumps Dustin Nguyen Amusement park; guests ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING
Call (949) 660-6150
Most people get into boating and fishing because of their parents, but for many it’s not on the family agenda, which was my story growing up in Wisconsin. But after I went waterskiing with my best friend’s older brother for the first time, I endeavored to spend as much time on Lake Monona in Madison as I could. The fact my family didn’t own a boat was remedied by simply building one of my own when I was 12, with the help of my friend and some adult oversight. It was possibly one of the ugliest boats ever built due to its ridiculously high gunwales — its silhouette screamed shoebox — but this made it nearly unsinkable. It was our gateway to learning how to fish. The bottom line is it took one time on a boat to create a lifelong desire to go boating and fishing. Boaters know the many benefits of boating, and every year I am reminded of the positive effect watersports have on kids when I hang out with the testers for the annual Boating World Tube
Test roundup. As a group, they are the most polite, overachieving, toughest kids I meet all year, and the fact they are avid boaters and skiers is no coincidence. Back to National Boating and Fishing Week, which is the brainchild of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and is being promoted by heavyweight organizations such as the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the American Sport Fishing Association. Every year, 70 million Americans go boating and 50 million go fishing, and if only a small percentage of them would help expose new people to the lifestyle that is boating, it would make a huge difference in the lives of many people. But you really don’t need an event on a calendar to tell you any day is a good day to get someone involved. Encourage your kids to bring their friends and parents along for a day on the water. The payoff is watching the boating and fishing spark ignite in someone, and that’s about as good as it gets. BW
REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS
Annabelle Zabala Joke; stooges
Felice Lineberry Insurance commercial; cavemen MARKETPL ACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson Written page; the spaces between the words AD COORDINATORS
Jennifer Chen Outdoor music festival; portable toilets Lacee Garcia IG page; flex
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen
Petri dish; bacterial
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. 6 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
BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM APRIL JUNE 2019
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Currents
by Steph a n ie S h ibata
SOMETIMES THE WORD CROSSOVER, when applied to a boat, means the manufacturer is trying to appeal to owners who want to do more than one activity, whether they be fishing, watersports or dayboating. Regulator is a bit different. Its newest model, the Regulator 26XO is a crossover — the XO doesn’t mean hugs and kisses — but in a nod to the builder’s mission, the boat is a fishing machine, one that can make inroads in skinny water and head offshore, thanks to a With a fishin’ mission enhanced 14-inch draft with the Yamaha F300 up and by family-fun-day features, the a 17-degree deadrise. Regulator 26XO encourages more Oh, and it’s capable of pulling tubers, time on the water. skiers and boarders, and it can cruise all day. OK, so it is a multi-activity crossover boat. It can cross over between fishing environments and between missions. But its fishing features abound. A 60-inch trolling motor and a 10-foot Power Pole Blade are options. The bow has more than 200 gallons of storage in three fishboxes, locking rod storage and a 56-quart cooler seat. The helm includes a Garmin 16 Fish package, and under-gunwale rod storage flanks L E A D BOAT R EGUL ATOR 26XO
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it. Built into the helm seat console is a tackle center with a 32-gallon livewell; folding transom seats convert to a casting platform. Rod holders and outriggers complete the fishing look. It’s ready to roll. When the rods are put away and the coolers and fishboxes are full of food and beverages, family activities are enhanced by a removable tow bar (optional), an integrated swim step, a retractable swim ladder, a T-top for shade, seating for at least 10 people and a standup head compartment in the console. Heading to shore for anything won’t cross anyone’s mind. Powered by a single 300 hp Yamaha, the 26-foot, 9-inch multitasker reached 45 mph during Yamaha testing and cruised most efficiently at 28.8 mph, where the outboard attained 2.36 mpg. Regulator Marine, regulatormarine.com
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Seating abounds on the 26XO, and storage hides under nearly every seat. The compact but fully functional helm is protected by a hardtop and windshield.
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CURRENTS
name the boat To participate in this month’s contest, turn to page 64
APRIL CONTEST WINNER: Oar-a-Gone Traveler
Joanne Safranek from Manahawkin, N.J., was the first to submit the winning name, Oar-a-Gone Traveler. For getting historical and impressing our online voters, Joanne receives an Atlantis 4 non-towable four-person float from Connelly (connellyskis.com), valued at $219.99. MORE OF APRIL’S BEST ENTRIES:
Flushdance
Floater
SS Irony
Oar Knot to Be
John Bachelor, Kenmore, WA
Brian Corbett, Seattle
Bruce James, Woodinville, WA
David Connors, Dighton, MA
The Proverbial Rick Martin illustration
Rush Riese, Medina, WA
Crapshoot Lisa Stovall, Mt. Sinai, NY
One Stroke Over the Line
Dis-oar-dered
Current Event
Seth Schade, Olympia, WA
Terese Laurance, South Pasadena, CA
Aimee Tesoro, Seminole, FL
I’m Upit
Gowitdaflow
Oh Crap ’Yak
Bill Shipman, El Cajon, CA
Jim McCann, Coon Rapids, MN
Dean Ettinger, Green Valley, AZ
1 / Boldt Castle: Located in the Thousand Islands region of New York, Boldt Castle is a major landmark and tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the grounds of the castle and the yacht house, which is only accessible via private boat or public ferry.
2 / Bannerman Castle: Along the banks of the Hudson River, about 50 miles north of New York City, a mysterious island is home to a simulated Scottish castle from the early 1900s. Boaters can check out Bannerman Castle and its attendant grounds from the river but will likely need to book a tour to actually visit. 1
3 / Gillette Castle:
Waterfront Castles
THE WORD “CASTLE” evokes visions of Tuscany, the French countryside or maybe Ireland. The U.S., not so much. But waterfront castles dot the landscape in parts of America. We found a few in the Northeast that boaters can cruise by for a visit.
Just off the Connecticut River directly east across the river from Chrisholm Marina in East Haddam, Conn., Gillette Castle is open to visitors, including river travelers, seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
4 / Hammond Castle:
2
3
In the Magnolia area of Gloucester, Mass., is a lovely castle that looks out on the Atlantic Ocean. It was once the home laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr., who invented the remote control.
4
CORRECTION
In our April issue, we incorrectly wrote that the Beneteau Flyer 23 SUNdeck (p. 6) includes a shower in the head. The only shower on the boat is in the cockpit. We apologize for the error.
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Learn more at STARCRAFTMARINE.com.
When it’s time to move up to a better pontoon, there’s no better choice than a luxury-minded Starcraft. With an unmatched heritage of quality and craftsmanship, Starcraft pontoons continually set the standard for better experiences on the water. It takes a heritage of pride and excellence to build Best-In-Class pontoons year after year. So from our family to yours, welcome aboard.
Bringing smiles to the water since 1903.
CURRENTS
NEVER BEEN CHRISTENED
TV HAS BEEN a big part of Americans’ lives since it was introduced to the masses in the 1940s, and TV dads have been there for audiences since the beginning, dispensing sappy, easy-to-digest advice in a stern but loving tone. With that in mind, and given that Father’s Day is June 16, we decided to name some boats in honor of a few TV dads.
• Herman Munster: Lily’s Pad • Homer Simpson: Dhow • Fred Flintstone: Hull #1 • Andy Griffith: Mayberry Ferry • Jed Clampett (The Beverly Hillbillies): Crude Craft • Phillip Drummond (Diff’rent Strokes): This Is What I’m Talkin’ ’Bout
FA S T FAC T
3 21.1
A N AT O M Y L E S S O N
Percentage growth of outboard engine sales in 2018, taking them to a 12-year high after seven consecutive years of growth. Source: NMMA Percentage growth of personal watercraft sales through February compared to 2018. Source: NMMA
D I D YO U K N OW ?
A channel is a natural stream of water that is flanked on two sides by banks and joins two larger bodies of water.
A Plug for the Plug
WITH ANY LUCK most of you have already hit the water at least once this season. If you haven’t, this reminder is for you. Hell, even if you have, this is for you. While we’re being a bit tongue-in-cheek here, this Anatomy Lesson is mostly meant to serve as a reminder to make sure the drain plug is in every time you launch. Every. Single. Time.
2
Enter Your Dog Now
This is the part you have to turn to make sure the first part does its job.
WIN THIS Dog Vest
S A LT Y D O G OF THE MONTH
Dog: Moe Owners: Ken & Erica Parsley, Lakewood, Calif. For your chance to win a CWB Dog Vest (ridecwb.com), send a picture of your boat-loving dog to editor@boatingworld.com or Boating World, Salty Dog, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include a photo, along with your name and your dog’s name, your address and phone number
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This is the part that makes sure no water finds its way into your boat through the drain.
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600+ TOWBOATS 300+ PORTS READY TO HELP YOU UNLIMITED FRESHWATER*
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With Unlimited Towing provided by the largest fleet of towboats coast-to-coast, there’s no better way to be prepared on the water.
BoatUS.com/Towing | 800-395-2628
Download the BoatU.S. App The fastest way to call for a tow Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.
Trailering Avoid Ra m p Trou ble
Deal with a Ramp Crisis Know what to do when the tires start slipping and a viral moment seems imminent. BY CHRIS CASWELL
PERHAPS THE GREATEST fear a trailerboater has, except for not being able to back up
smoothly in front of spectators, is having the tires start to slip as the boat — and tow vehicle — goes into the water. A quick “Launch Ramp Follies” search of YouTube yields dozens of videos that show sport utility vehicles underwater and pickup trucks being dragged out as water pours from the cab. Many factors can lead to this slow-motion disaster: launch ramps slippery with algae, steep ramps and tow cars pulling heavy boats. Here’s how to avoid going swimming. First, eyeball the ramp and talk to other skippers. If you can’t walk down to the water’s edge without slipping, stay away or find a spot on the ramp that isn’t so slippery. Once you’re set to launch, go slow. Really slow. The gang at the tiki bar overlooking the ramp was split on whether
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to use reverse all the way to the water or go into neutral on the slope and just roll backwards, out of gear, riding the brake. I like neutral, because then I know I’m never going to hit the wrong pedal. The weight of the rig pulls the tow vehicle backwards, but slowly. As a precaution, the driver should be the only person in the car, seatbelt off and windows down, in case he has to make a hasty departure. If it ever gets to the point where the boat is ready to launch and the driver has
to get out of the car, he should apply the handbrake. Hard. Put the tow car in park or the first manual gear forward. If you don’t have to get out of the car to launch the boat, stay behind the wheel, don’t use the parking brake and keep your foot on the brakes. Hard. The parking brake only locks the rear wheels on most cars, so keeping your foot on the brake adds the friction of two more tires higher up the slope to prevent slippage. SLIP SAVE
Feel the car starting to slip? You have a couple of choices that may, or may not, work. Pump the brakes several times, which may help the tires grab. Or drop into low and try to power out moving forward. Some of the tiki hut watchers said they’d seen drivers literally smoke the tires, but they agreed that was one way to burn
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TRAILERING
through the algae. Launch regularly at a slimy ramp? Make a couple of tire chocks out of lumber. A 4-inch-by-4-inch board works best. Tie ropes to them so they’ll follow the tow car up the ramp, and set them about where you expect either the front or rear tires to stop for launching. They are especially useful on ramps that have a grooved finish where the
another has a 10-foot trailer extension that allows him to keep the tow vehicle on the flat (and dry) area when launching. OTHER RAMP CRISES
You back the trailer into the water to retrieve your boat but find that you can’t pull the trailer out because the wheels have dropped over the edge of the paved or
Once you’re set to launch, go slow. Really slow. lumber can snag. Another possibility — beforehand, unfortunately — is to rethink the tow car’s tires. In many cases, so-called “off-road” tires, or snow tires, have less actual tread on the road than a conventional tire because of their deep sipes or grooves. One experienced trailerboater said he always carries a bag of sand in the back of his truck for just such a slippery slope, and
concrete launch ramp. What has happened is too many skippers have raced their boat engines to load onto their trailer, and those powerful underwater currents have eroded the bottom away from the end of the ramp. This is usually a low-tide/low-water problem, but it is still your problem. Start by unloading the boat, because you’ll never pull the weight of the boat and trailer up a 2-foot wall without a skyhook.
Have someone deal with the boat separately, so you can focus on getting the trailer wheels up onto the ramp again. If you have room, crank the car wheel hard left or right and back up slowly as far as you can go, being careful not to T-bone and bend your trailer. Get right to the water’s edge, straighten the wheel, go forward and repeat the process. Doing so allows you to take the trailer out at an angle. The trailer wheels are more likely to climb the edge if it’s just one side at a time. Pull forward slowly and see if one side pops free, then get the other side onto the ramp. To retrieve your boat in the same spot, back up carefully to the ramp drop-off, but no farther. You can usually find the drop-off easily by having someone wade (carefully) to the edge and guide you, or by using a boat hook from inside the boat to probe the depths. This is one of those times when it’s a good idea to talk to other skippers familiar with a ramp, because they’ve probably gone “over the edge” themselves and know where the safe launch areas are located. BW
H A S YO UR DO G Enter Your Dog Now
WIN THIS Pet PFD*
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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You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it. Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.
© 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.
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Watersports
Waters por t s B a sics This wakesurfer has great ankle flex, which distributes the body weight evenly from heels to toes and gives the surfer great control of the board.
Wakesports Basics Balance and handle control are key skills that provide a solid base and encourage advancement. BY ZENON BILAS
WHETHER THEY WATERSKI, wakeboard or barefoot, the pros know two basic keys that
keep them at the top of their game. Beginners and recreational enthusiasts rarely get coaching on them, but mastering these two skills will accelerate participants’ learning and dramatically reduce falls: 1. Balance: distribute weight perfectly over their feet. 2. Control: master the handle. Both are critical in waterskiing, wakeboarding and barefooting but also apply to kneeboarding and wakesurfing. Even though a rider is on his shins on a kneeboard, having his weight balanced over the kneeboard and controlling the handle are important keys to quicker learning, and although the rider isn’t being towed by a handle in wakesurfing, having his weight perfectly balanced over his feet will give him optimal control of the board.
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PERFECT BALANCE
Most beginners and recreational wakesport enthusiasts place too much body weight on their heels. This occurs because when they are first learning a wakesport they are tentative and adopt a defensive posture that includes pushing their feet in front of their knees, slouching at the waist or squatting excessively. All these body positions place weight on the heels and make the waterski or board ride unbalanced. For example, if a rider has weight on his heels: • A slalom skier will feel the ski bounce up when crossing the wake. • A wakeboarder will get less air time when jumping the wake. • A barefooter will experience a lot of spray in front of his feet. Several simple tips can help riders achieve a body position that centers their weight over their feet. Visualize a “stacked” body: head and shoulders over hips, and hips over knees/ankles. Imagine a vertical line running from your
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W AT E R S P O R T S
Riding a single ski, this skier has his body weight centered over his front foot, and his ankle and knee flex is good. Notice the handle is low too.
HANDLE CONTROL
shoulders through your hips to your ankles. Often when I’m coaching I encourage students to raise their seat higher to achieve a taller position. I hear many armchair coaches say riders should push their hips forward, but this is not the answer. Try it on land and feel how pressing your hips forward actually places more pressure on your heels. Instead, use your legs to raise your seat and hips higher, until they are in line with your back; you should feel your weight focused on the center of your feet. Next, flex your ankles. You might be told to “bend your knees,” but doing so forces you to squat with the weight on your heels. Flexing your ankles forward causes your knees to flex forward, keeping your seat over the center of your feet. Behind the boat, ask yourself where you feel the pressure on your feet. When your ankles and knees are flexed forward, you should feel even pressure from your heels to the balls of your feet. This will allow for better control no matter the behind-the-boat activity.
With the handle held low and his weight spread evenly over his feet, this wakeboarder is doing it correctly.
Once you are balanced over your feet and gliding effortlessly over the water, the handle will feel “light,” since your feet are supporting your body weight and the handle is just connecting you to the boat rather than supporting you. Balance means less upper body fatigue. Now you can concentrate on key two: handle control. A common mistake most wakesports participants make is they grip the handle with their arms outstretched, which causes the pull of the boat to come through their shoulders. Such a mistake often happens because beginners are apprehensive when they’re learning, so they commonly pull on the handle, which causes them to fall back. Letting your arms out does relax your hands and arms, and that keeps you on top of the water, but it also leads to poor control of the handle. When the handle is high and away from your body, you are vulnerable to being pulled forward over your feet … and onto your face. In wakesports, it is better to keep the handle low and in near your waist, which allows the pull of the boat to go through the center of your body, resulting in a strong body position with less chance of the upper body being pulled forward. To position the handle lower, bring your elbows in toward your body using your biceps, triceps and back. Don’t rely on hand strength; bend your elbows slightly into your waist. Once this feels comfortable, bring your forearms down, which places the handle near waist level. If you have been waterskiing/riding with your arms stretched out, this may feel awkward at first, but work on this handle position and soon it will feel very natural. These two basics work hand in hand. You can’t have optimal balance over your feet when your arms are stretched out, and you can’t have great handle control when your seat/hips are behind your feet. Each time you start a session on the water, think about these two keys. Be aware of where your weight is on your feet and of your handle position. BW
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Fishing
Protect ive Clot h ing
Fingerless gloves are but one part of a multifaceted wardrobe approach for anglers who know how to stay warm, dry, cool and comfortable all day.
5 Features of Quality Fishing Garb If it’s true that the right clothes make the man, then we say the right fishing garb makes a better angler. BY LENNY RUDOW
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IF YOU’VE EVER spent a fishing trip shivering, sweating or swearing, there’s a good chance you were dressed improperly for the elements. And if there’s one thing we know about fishing, it’s that anglers are exposed to the elements in a big way. We fish in conditions ranging from blowing snow to blazing sun, and if we’re not dressed right, we’ll pay for it. When it comes time to choose fishing garb, look for five prominent features.
1
BREATHABILITY
2
EASE OF ACCESS
Whether for bundling up on a chilly winter day or staying cool on a hot summer day, if your clothing doesn’t breathe you’ll eventually become uncomfortable. If it’s cold out and you’re wearing clothes that don’t breathe, you’ll start sweating while launching the boat and be miserable the rest of the clammy day. And if it’s hot out, obviously letting some air get to your skin is the best way to keep cool. TIP: Stay away from low-end polyester, Spandex and cotton/lycra blends.
It may sound silly, but wearing the wrong clothing for the situation can temporarily “trap” you in it. Ever tried to pull off a sweatsoaked cotton T-shirt? You know what a struggle it can be. That’s why many anglers prefer buttons or snaps instead of pullovers. This can be a particularly important issue when it comes to fingerless fishing gloves. Biting the fabric to get a grip and slide them off will lead to loose threads and tears. Look for fingerless gloves with finger-pulls, which
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FEEL GOOD LAKE LIFE
AMERICAS FINEST TOWABLES
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FISHING
AFTCO PATAGONIA
Layers are key to a fishing outfit that can last all day. A wicking T-shirt is a good base layer, and an easy-to-remove fleece makes a good outer layer. Vests serve double duty as warmth and portable storage, while fingerless gloves serve as warmth and protection.
are a must-have for anglers who rig as they fish, and having a built-in watertight zipper pouch can save a cellphone on a wet fishing trip. TIP: Pockets that seal with a metal snap are very easy to access and are a great choice for freshwater anglers. But saltwater sharpies will stay away from them, because once a snap becomes rusty it’s impossible to manipulate and can ruin the clothing.
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FISH MONKEY
COLUMBIA
Layer with a wicking fabric against your skin and add warmth barriers over it. make removal easy. TIP: For best layering results on days it’s forecast to start chilly but grow quite warm later, look at one-third-zip fleece tops, which are easy to slide on and off. WICKING
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No matter how you’re dressed, tugging against a mammoth fish for extended periods of time will cause you to sweat. If such a scenario is a possibility — why else would an angler be out there? — wear a fabric that has wicking properties. Such fabrics combine hydrophobic fibers, which repel water, and hydrophilic fibers, which absorb it, to literally suck the moisture away from your skin and push it out through the fabric. This not only keeps you
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dry but also boosts the effect of evaporative cooling and can help keep you cool as you cast. TIP: On very cold days, layer with a wicking fabric against your skin and add warmth barriers over it. This will pull sweat away from your body but still lock in the heat, for when you aren’t exerting yourself.
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ORGANIZATION
Many shirts and pants designed specifically for fishing have helpful loops and compartments that can become something of a personal portable tacklebox. Sure, regular old pockets are helpful, but pockets with strong loops at the top or side make it easy to attach clippers on a retractable lanyard. Pliers holders at the hip
SAFETY
We may not normally think of our clothing as safety gear, but in some ways that’s exactly what it is. The number-one factor here is often sun protection. Fabrics are rated by UPF — a measurement standardized for fabric by the FTC — as opposed to SPF for sunscreen. A regular tk caption dry cotton T-shirt has a UPF rating of about five, meaning it allows approximately one-fifth of the sun’s rays to pass through and hit your skin. A wet cotton shirt’s UPF rating can fall even lower as the fabric’s weave gets pulled apart. A well-made fishing tech shirt, on the other hand, usually has a UPF rating of 30 to 50. Only a tiny fraction of UV rays get through, and the weaves are designed to remain more effective at blocking the sun when the shirt is wet. Facemasks and balaclavas are also incredibly important in this regard, to protect your face and neck from the baking sun. Safety factors at the opposite end of the spectrum are preventing hypothermia and staying afloat. Float coats with built-in PFDs are an option all cold-weather anglers should consider, since they’re incredibly well insulated and will also keep your head above water in case of emergency. TIP: Stay away from long-sleeve cotton shirts as undergarments. If the cuffs get wet, the water will wick up the sleeve and keep your skin moist and miserable all day, increasing the possibility of hypothermia. BW
BOATINGWORLD.COM
5/2/19 1:09 PM
Unforgettable Adventures.
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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. Š 2019 GEICO
Engines
I n d m a r 2 . 3 L Eco B oost & EcoJ et
Taking Things Turbo The Indmar 2.3L EcoBoost engine is the first to bring the power of turbocharging to recreational boating. BY ALAN JONES
Indmar 2.3L EcoBoost
THE INDMAR 2.3L EcoBoost engine made a splash at this year’s
NMMA Innovation Awards, taking the win for being the first gas-powered turbocharged engine in the marine market. Indmar is mainly known for supplying ski boat engines to builders such as Malibu and Tigé, but the landing spot for this inline four-cylinder Ford engine that packs 310 hp and 350 pound-feet of torque is the burgeoning jetboat market. Many of today’s marine engines started life as car engines. Honda’s outboards are one example, as are GM-based sterndrives from Volvo Penta and MerCruiser, though the latter is now building everything itself. And it makes sense to use automotive technology, since carmakers have huge R&D budgets. But one technology has been slow to cross over to the watery side, even though its
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popularity on land has exploded: turbocharging. This technology uses engine exhaust gases to spin a turbine that forces more air into the combustion chamber, which allows more gas to be burned and makes more horsepower. Supercharging is the forced-induction system that has been more widely accepted by the marine industry. MORE FROM LESS
Both technologies allow smaller engines to produce the same power as larger, heavier, normally aspirated motors. Case in point is the supercharged Mercury Verado 400. It produces 400 hp from a 2.6L block. In contrast, Yamaha’s new normally aspirated V-8 425 XTO gets its power from
BOATINGWORLD.COM
5/2/19 1:10 PM
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ENGINES
a 5.6L block, which is more than twice the displacement. In the automotive world, turbocharging is by far the more popular technology. In 2018, there were 220 turbocharged models compared to only 30 supercharged models. Chalk that up to two primary advantages. Superchargers actually siphon energy from the engine before returning it as added horsepower, and they run all the time, whether the car needs the boost or not. (Their instant-on power, however, has made supercharging a popular choice for outboards from Mercury and Seven Marine.) Turbochargers get a free ride from exhaust gases and only operate when increased load demands it, so they tend to deliver better fuel economy. What’s the downside? Turbochargers need to be spooled up before they can pump air, so there can be an acceleration lag, and they can produce a lot of heat. That abundance of heat isn’t as problematic for cars, since their engines have a ready flow of air to cool them, but boat engines are contained in a
Aimed at boat builders in the jetboat space, the Indmar 2.3L EcoBoost engine (and its attendant EcoJet drive system) takes advantage of turbocharging to create more power with less displacement and at lower rpm.
Visit us at connellyskis.com 26 JUNE 2019 /connellyskis BOATINGWORLD.COM Insta
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dog house–like enclosure where heat can build up. SOLUTIONS
The Indmar 2.3L EcoBoost counters lag by employing twin scroll exhaust manifolds instead of one. Without getting too technical, this inline four-cylinder engine has a piston firing order of 1,3,4,2, which means when either piston 1 or 4 is at its exhaust cycle, one of pistons 2 or 3 is at the intake cycle. Since turbocharging uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, it makes sense for cylinders 1 and 4 to have separate exhaust manifolds from 2 and 3, so the intake/ exhaust pulses don’t interfere with each other, allowing the turbocharger to operate more efficiently, which vastly reduces lag. To counter the heat issue, Indmar created a special air-to-water intercooler instead of using the air-to-air intercooler Ford uses on models such as the 2019 Ranger, which can now tow a whopping 7,500 pounds. Indmar’s is a variant of the ones found in exotic cars, such as the 1,000 hp,
quad-turbo, 260 mph Bugatti Veyron. The Indmar 2.3L EcoBoost engine uses a closed cooling system and Twin Independent Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) to optimize the power throughout the power band. And unlike other jetboat engines that can reach 8000 rpm, this engine reaches its peak horsepower at 4800 rpm, which should make it quieter and create less vibration. It develops an impressive 325 pound-feet of torque at only 2800 rpm. It does require 93 octane gas, though. Indmar backs this engine up with a transferable five-year warranty. The Indmar EcoJet drive system promises an easier install for boat builders, because it comes as an already assembled unit, which could translate to lower prices for the consumer through reduced labor costs. It also requires just four installation holes instead of the usual 18 or so, reducing the potential for leaks. An integrated mounting flange mounts flush to the bottom of the hull where the whole jet drive is isolated in rubber for less vibration.
THE STATS
Indmar hasn’t named any boatbuilding partners yet, but the performance numbers Indmar technicians gleaned from their test of a 2.3L EcoBoost-equipped 20-foot, 3-inch boat with an 8-foot beam are pretty impressive. With a combined test weight of 3,300 pounds, the test boat’s time to 30 mph was 4.7 seconds and its top speed 54.7 mph. When the boat was loaded to its capacity of 4,500 pounds, it posted a time to 30 mph of seven seconds and a top speed of 49 mph. Clearly, the target market for the 507-pound 2.3L EcoBoost and EcoJet package is boat builders who jumped on the jetboat bandwagon after Sea-Doo’s decision to stop making boats (though it is still selling Rotax powertrains to interested builders). And it’s entirely possible Indmar could be using this as a test market to explore the feasibility of using larger EcoBoost engines — the 3.5L V-6 version, for example, which can make as much as 450 hp and 510 pound-feet of torque — for its ski boat clients. BW
MAKING SUMMER FUN SINCE 1965 CONNELLY SOFT TOP SERIES EDGE TO EDGE ULTRA-PLUSH SOFT TOP TOWABLES #connellycollective
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Electronics
M on itoring & Secu rity
1
actually be afloat. With today’s technology, boat owners don’t need to be a Rockefeller with a superyacht to have the latest tools at their fingertips to both monitor a boat’s health and track its whereabouts. The latest budget-minded solutions can update boat owners with notifications via text, voicemail or email, and owners can remotely watch video surveillance footage over Wi-Fi, cellular or satellite networks. SENSORS & BEYOND
Eye in the Sky Electronic boat monitoring and security are available for trailerable boats … and on a budget. BY ZUZANA PROCHAZKA
• REAL-TIME MONITORING HAS become a way of life. Parents can track their teenager’s date,
adult children can monitor their mother’s blood sugar, and pet owners can follow their dog’s visit to the park, all via a cellphone. So why do boats still sit at the dock alone and unprotected? According to BoatUS statistics, more than 5,000 boats are stolen annually, and only one in 10 stolen boats is recovered. Almost 75 percent of these are less than 26 feet long. Nearly 50 percent of boat thefts occur in Florida, and 75 percent of those are boats on a trailer. Nearly 70 percent of boats that sink do so at the dock, so even if a boat stays put, it may not
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Most electronic monitoring systems include a few different critical components, of which sensors comprise the lion’s share. Sensors can monitor batteries for low voltage, the refrigerator for loss of temperature, and on/off switches such as lights or an ignition start. Boarding and intrusion alerts are made possible by motion, window/door and pressure sensors under mats and rugs. Water sensors detect high-water levels in the bilge and pump cycles. In addition to sensors, many surveillance systems include cameras (that record) and GPS for geo-fencing, which means keeping a boat within a set perimeter. Comprehensive systems that include the above are many. SOME AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS
Yacht Protector [ 3 ] offers an all-in-one-box solution — literally in a
BOATINGWORLD.COM
5/2/19 1:16 PM
2
3
Low Tech, Low Cost
box — with colorful wireless sensors that communicate with a core unit that can be powered by a battery for up to two weeks. Installation requires no wire cutting, the system is expandable and monitoring is comprehensive. Alerts include instant push notifications via email or text, and the system works via apps on mobile devices or on a computer. An outlay of about $1,300 includes the system, four sensors and a year of subscription service, which may be split into two six-month periods, so buyers can ostensibly cover two boating seasons. Surveillance and tracking are done via 3G or 4G, Wi-Fi or satellite. Trailerboat owners may only need a geo-fencing function. Siren Marine’s MTC system [ 2 ] includes GPS/ geo-fencing tracking with wired or wireless sensors. The basic system starts at $599 plus a buyer’s choice of variously priced sensors that track location, high water, temperature (in case of fire) and motion, and detect unauthorized entry. Buyers can install the system on their own but will need Siren’s free app for iOS or Android and a subscription for $18 per month. Boat Command is another comprehensive DIY-ready solution. The base unit costs $300 and most of the sensors and a relay
Here’s a basic and low-tech solution boat owners can use while they consider their long-term needs. Antitheft dots are nearly invisible adhesive microdots and can be applied to the boat, trailer, outboard motors, fishing gear — everything, really. These microdots are chemically etched with a unique identification code that lives in a registered database. Users “paint” these dots on anything, register their property and apply a sticker that in itself may be security enough. Kits are available from various companies that are easily found via an internet search. They help law enforcement identify gear that may have been separated from the vessel and greatly increase the chance of recovering stolen property, from entire trailers to individual electronics.
To the Web BoatCommand.com Boatrax.com DotAnDo.com FineMeSpot.com Mazu-Marine.com MyBoatStatus.com Nautic-On.com SirenMarine.com YachtProtector.com YachtWatchman.com
unit are about $30 each. The monthly subscription is $8.99 and the system monitors numerous aspects, including leaks, unauthorized entry, low battery voltage, anchor drift, low or high interior temperatures, or unintended shore-power disconnections. The Android and iOS apps have a straightforward interface and the system works on 3G cellular service, so it’s effective even if a marina or personal dock doesn’t have Wi-Fi. Another solution is Spot Trace [ 1 ]. A small unit, just 2.6 by 2 inches, it can be kept aboard in a hidden location. It costs $120 and operates with a subscription fee of $10 per month. Spot Trace sends texts or emails with the boat’s latitude/longitude if the vessel starts moving and crosses its geo-fencing parameters. The waterproof unit runs on AAA batteries and acts like a watchdog as it rides along, out of sight. If a boat is moving at 70 mph down a highway when it should be on its trailer in a storage facility, the owner will know. Today’s electronic surveillance and tracking solutions are affordable, easy to install and reliable. Boat owners don’t need to break the bank to have an eye in the sky. BW
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Ask the Experts
Q
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ENGINES
Chase Down Q I have a 25 hp Evinrude on a little that’s about 10 feet long. At the Issue sportboat times the engine has become excessively
wet inside the hood and electrical problems have ensued. I changed the power pack and now it runs pretty well, but it won’t shut off by either the ignition or emergency switches. I changed the ignition switch, same problem. Can you help, please? A friend mentioned an external ground wire on the power pack. Reggie, via BoatingWorld.com
MEET OUR EXPERTS
Frank Lanier
Capt. Lanier is an accredited marine surveyor with more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry and owner of Capt. FK Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants.
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Grid Michal
With 50 years of experience as a marine tech, Michal is also American Suzuki and OMC/Bombardier (BRP) certified.
Zuzana Prochazka
Prochazka is a freelance writer and photographer. She holds a USCG 100-Ton Master license, is the editor of her boat and gear review website, TalkOfTheDock.com, and serves on the board of Boating Writers International.
BOATINGWORLD.COM
5/2/19 1:17 PM
ASK THE EXPERTS
May I make an assumption? The problem before you replaced the CDI was not that it wasn’t shutting off, but something else, like not starting, or missing, correct? This will help you identify or correct the “engine off” problem, but it may coincidentally cure other electrical problems. Start at one end, work to the other, divide and conquer. Don’t “shotgun” testing. Disconnect the battery! Go to the CDI (power pack) and separate the four- or five-pin connector that has the black and black/yellow wire. For reference, the black is the ground and the black/yellow is the “kill” wire. (Sometimes aftermarket CDIs have wires jammed in them with no regard as to what they go to in the other plug.) Make sure the male and female are making a firm connection and the pins haven’t been pushed out when you connected them. (A little dielectric grease goes a long way in easing their path.) You can also ohm the black pin on the CDI lead to ground; you should get continuity. Follow the harness forward, remove all the connections from the harness to the switch and ohm the harness black to the black/ yellow. It should show open. At the switch, the black will go to the “tree-stump” post; the B/Y goes to the other M post. If you connect just those two wires to the switch, turn the switch to ON and ohm the B and B/Y at the end where the CDI plugs in. That should show open. Turn the key to OFF and ohm the CDI end of the main harness again. Black to B/Y should show continuity, meaning your ignition switch and harness are fine — your CDI is a problem, or the pins where they plug together are. Plug the harnesses back together. I believe if it were the external ground wire it wouldn’t have spark to start, much less stop. ENGINES
Ready for a Four-Stroke? Q I just inherited my brother’s Hydra
Sports Vector 2000 CD, which has been sitting since he died 10 years ago. Unfortunately, time has rendered the mechanical portions of this boat inoperable. I have been searching for specifications for this boat and hope you can help me with some information.
I am in the process of removing the original 140 hp Johnson outboard and controls (been assessed as parts only) and am planning to repower to the fourstroke outboards of today. I understand that the two-stroke outboards weigh less than the newer four-stroke types, and the boat was designed for the two-stoke outboard motor weights. Therefore,
Steven Miyasato, via BoatingWorld.com
I know you’ll derive many hours of continued on page 34
KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION
PROTECTION
RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. Go confidently with ECSTAR. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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my question is a two-parter. One, would this boat be able to handle a 2006 225 Yamaha outboard, and two, what would be the maximum gross volume weight for this boat?
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Gear 1.
St u f f You Wa nt
Oversized Towel
$24.98, shurhold.com
Shurhold Industries’ new oversized Water Sprite Hand Towel makes fast work of sopping up and holding water, outperforming cloth towels, sponges and leather chamois. At 23 1/2 inches by 31 inches, the Water Sprite Hand Towel offers more than five square feet of absorbency. Made from a durable, lint-free PVA material, it won’t mold or mildew, so it can be stored damp. It’s unaffected by common boat-cleaning chemicals and soft, for working into tight corners and under handrails.
2.
1
2
Party Barge Cupholder
$200+, seasucker.com
The Party Barge is an accessory that can give any boat a bar. It holds two handle-sized bottles of liquor, a mixer, and five cups, cans or bottles. Party Barge attaches quickly and easily with a 6-inch SeaSucker vacuum mount that can be attached vertically or horizontally. It comes in black or white, and can be equipped with round holes or square, to meet boater owners’ needs.
3.
Bottom Paint
$599/gallon, adaptivesurface.tech SLIPS Foul Protect N1x is a nontoxic and environmentally friendly marine bottom paint designed for both freshwater and saltwater vessels, structures, and other equipment. The product uses Adaptive Surface Tech’s patented modular fouling-resistant coatings technologies to create an ultra-smooth, slippery surface that algae, barnacles, mussels and other fouling organisms typically present on submerged surfaces are reluctant to adhere to. And those that do are easily removed by natural water flow or during regular maintenance.
4.
3
Wireless Phone Charger
$149, scanstrut.com
Scanstrut ROKK Wireless Active securely holds and wirelessly charges a phone even in rough conditions. Position the mount where it’s needed, either indoors or outdoors. One-handed operation makes for easy docking and the instant charge connection means no plug is needed. Self-aligning, high-grip jaws fit a wide range of phone sizes and securely hold the device in place. Fully sealed, IPX6 waterproofing means the dock can be placed anywhere on board. Phones can charge through any non-metallic waterproof case up to 3 millimeters thick.
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SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM
5.
Battery Charger
$49.99, mycharge.com
AdventureMax is a portable battery charger that boasts 10500 mAh of power and 2 USB ports, so tablets, smartphones and Bluetooth speakers can last all day. AdventureMax battery chargers are encased in and insulated by a ruggedized exterior case with a flip lid that latches closed to seal off the ports. The design protects the device from drops from up to three meters and also protects the battery inside from extreme heat and cold, guarding against degradation and a loss of power. When the latch is closed, the charger is water-resistant.
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6.
Marine Class D Amplifier
$349.95, jbl.com
Engineered from the ground up to perform in the marine environment, JBL by Harman Marine amplifiers have weather-resistant enclosures. In its five-channel MA4505 model, JBL incorporated the latest in amplifier topology to include selectable all-, high-, or low-pass crossovers with variable electronic frequency adjustment for precision system tuning. A dedicated subwoofer channel takes care of the bass, while speaker- and low-level inputs allow it to integrate with just about any audio input.
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7.
All-Off All Purpose Cleaner
$29.99, starbrite.com
All-Off cleans and degreases boat surfaces including fiberglass, non-skid, fabric, upholstery, formica, stainless steel, chrome and teak. The cleaner and degreaser is versatile for decks, hulls, bilges, heads, sails, Bimini tops, covers and galleys using marine-grade polymers to leave a protective finish that resists dirt and grime. The All-Off formula is biodegradable, non-corrosive and made in the U.S. To use, apply directly onto the surface and leave for 30 seconds. Scrub lightly before wiping or rinsing clean.
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8
8.
Water Strainer
$98.99, vetus.com
Vetus Maxwell’s rugged and durable FTR33038M water strainer is designed for below-the-waterline installation. Designed to perform under pressure, the heavy-duty model has been developed by Vetus using a composite polymer blend, Navidurin, which is able to withstand high levels of heat and pressure. A Navidurin filter housing features 1 1/2 -inch hose connections and a newly designed metal lid on top of the housing. The strainer is tested up to 116 psi, making it appropriate for use below the waterline.
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continued from page 31
pleasure from this boat, not only because it was your brother’s but also because you have a fresh canvas to paint. The 1990 Vector 2000 CD is a fishing/cuddy boat, which was reviewed in Boating World’s sister publication, Sea, in 1990 with a 225 hp Evinrude two-stroke that weighed about 558 pounds. A 2006 Yamaha 225 weighs 562 pounds, so the manufacturers have helped you dismiss the weight disparity. The Vector came pre-rigged with a Johnson or Evinrude of 140 to 225 hp. With the hull being about 2,100 pounds and the engine 558 pounds, the total rig weighs 2,650 pounds. If you are concerned about engine weight, don’t be. Beyond that, the capacity plate shows seven people and 1,026 pounds of people, fuel and equipment. Its specs showed a 150-gallon tank. At seven pounds a gallon, that would be 1,050 pounds, so I guess you’d have to let it idle at the pier until its weight decreased enough to start allowing people aboard. Or, with no gas, that would allow the seven people mentioned. Reduce it to six people with PFDs. Get thy fuel pumped out, though. A couple of things you need to check carefully. The tank is aluminum; having sat as long as it did, there’s an excellent chance it has pinholes in the bottom from residual water. Second thing is the transom. If you can rock the 140 back and forth vertically using just the skeg and see the transom rock back and forth as well, do not install the “new” engine until that problem is resolved. There’s rotten wood in there somewhere. — GM
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Bonehead Blunders By G rid M ich a l
BONEHEAD SCALE:
1 Acceptably assinine 2 Slightly slow 3 Distinguished dunce 4 Massively moronic 5 Seek mental help
Wires, Wires BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Lack of inspection THE BONEHEADS: Unsuspecting boat buyers BONEHEAD RATING: 5 WHAT HAPPENED: Two young ladies who love to fish bought an older Honda-powered Carolina Skiff that needed work. I know Sunday is a hallowed day, but given last year, I jumped on the list of things they wanted done, getting to the site at 0830. I started explaining why I do things in order, and why I do them. Start with the water pump and thermostat replacements, crankcase oil and filter change, then a steering grease fitting, then set up the new transducer, then look at the wiring they described as a “bird’s nest.” One wouldn’t think that between the battery wedged under the stern seat and the small center console four feet ahead there could be so many wires operating so few items: depthfinder, lights, 12V power source. I spied at least 15 feet of #10 positive and negative running from the battery to the 12V outlet, with 12 feet bundled in electrical tape. There were two separate negatives running from the bow and stern lights Scotch-locked to a green wire — normally would be a gas tank ground if there were an internal tank — that wasn’t connected at either end. Another 15 feet of 12/3 wiring might have done something when it was on a spool at the dealer, but both ends were dangling; reds (+) were joined to intermediate blacks (-), which lengthened yellows (+) with household wire-nuts, then continued on to the Honda harness at the console and the battery posts aft. I assessed more than 50 feet of excess wire that the previous owner had used to operate a 12V power source, a depthfinder and a bow/stern light switch. We ripped it all out. We replaced wire-nuts and uninsulated connectors with heat-shrink connectors. We fuse-linked a one-piece positive/negative power source to the console to accommodate the light switch, ignored the rusted power source for now, and used the Honda spare power source to service the new in-line fused depthfinder. I assured them as they requested, that when they turned the ignition off, the depthfinder would be off as well, not draining the battery. It was one skinny looking wiring bundle headed forward when we finished. LESSON LEARNED: If you come upon a boat that is a deal too good to pass up, make your offer based on, among others, 1) any service records and 2) owner wiring. Correcting that “good deal” can sometimes run the purchase price beyond what was initially asked. BW
BOATINGWORLD.COM
5/3/19 8:30 AM
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To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
Tested
First D rive
M A S T E R C R A F T X T 2 5 // B Y A L A N J O N E S
Master of Fun The MasterCraft XT25 busts the notion watersports boats have to be a one-trick specialty act. • ON A BOAT that holds 18 people, it’s a solid bet the crowd will possess a variety of skill sets and enjoy a range of favorite watersports. And like snowflakes, no two participants will be alike in their preferences. The MasterCraft XT25 — the biggest in the builder’s Crossover line — has the ability to cater to everyone on board.
UNIQUE FACTOR
Pickle-fork bows seem to be a hot ticket on watersports boats, but the MasterCraft XT25 goes old-school with a pointy bow that is surprisingly roomy despite its helm-forward floorplan. Way up front, a rear-facing seat is perched atop the dedicated anchor locker and is one of the best seats in the house thanks to a wide, curved backrest that cradles the foremost rider in comfort. Six-foot-tall passengers have plenty of room to stretch out on the forward-facing chaise lounges, but the legroom comes at a cost: backrests are a bit more upright than most others. To help accommodate 18 people, the cockpit is ringed by seating; zero space is wasted. 36
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And because the show’s out back, MasterCraft designers made sure to maximize seats that face aft by using Chillax seating. These are flip-up seatbacks that are part of the bench seat bottoms when not deployed. The one to port is just behind an open section of the deck, so the two people sitting behind the console in the doublewide aft-facing seat have plenty of room for their feet on the deck. Add these seats to a convertible stern bench that quickly turns into a rear-facing bench, and seven really comfortable wake-viewing seats, counting the one in the bow, are available. I was a little concerned about the use of black panels on the upholstery, but one touch on a sunny afternoon confirmed it was Cool Feel upholstery ($490), which won’t get hotter than 140 degrees. For flooring, the boat had the Deckadense option ($1,350), which looks like ramen noodles and allows water to pass through, so it always feels dry. PERFORMANCE
Ilmor, MasterCraft’s exclusive engine
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supplier since 2010, is a company with an extensive racing heritage, and that expertise yields lots of power from smaller engines. Anyone who thinks the standard 5.3L Ilmor 5500GDI V-8 engine on our test boat might be too small to push a 25-foot, 3-inch-long boat that weighs 5,200 pounds — even before the 2,800 pounds of ballast that comes with the Gen 2 Surf System — would be wrong. This small-block GM engine can handle the workload with 365 hp and a hefty 400 pound-feet of torque, which is the more meaningful of the two numbers. An NMMA Innovations Award panel gave this engine an award not only for its great power-to-weight ratio but also for its host of user-friendly features,
The MasterCraft XT25 goes old-school with a pointy bow that is surprisingly roomy. including a water pump that can be replaced in a couple of minutes and a virtual fuse panel that lets anyone reset offline circuits by tapping a touchscreen display at the helm. It’s also the only gas marine engine that holds a Five-Star California Air Resource Board (CARB) certification for being a Level 5 Extremely Clean Engine. For our time-to-plane test, we ran the MasterCraft XT25 three ways. Our test boat was equipped with the optional Gen 2 Surf System ($7,220), which includes twin surf tabs that also act like regular trim tabs for getting on plane. Also in the mix is a big center tab called the Attitude Adjustment Plate ($1,160). First, we got to plane with no assistance: 3.1 seconds with moderate bowrise. Next, we tried it with the Attitude Adjustment Plate deployed: 2.8 seconds and practically no bowrise. Last, we deployed Launch Assist, which employed all three tabs: 1.9 seconds. The 5500GDI pulled strong all the way through the power band and pushed our test boat to 30 mph in 6.4 seconds. Top speed was pretty typical for a direct-drive ski boat at 39.3 mph.
(Clockwise from top) The layout maximizes seating. Taking control is easy with a helm setup like this. The XT25 goes old school with a pointy bow. Storage compartments have lids that stay open for easy loading. A cooler resides under the starboard cockpit seat. MasterCraft is the only skiboat company that installs Klipsch stereos.
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OWN E R FE E D BACK
PURCHA SED BY ROB AND JENELLE STE T TLER, BUFORD, G A. P U R C H A S E D A T WA T E R S P O R T S C E N T R A L , BUFORD, G A. W H AT W E L IK ED
Ability to handle a variety of watersports/ Seating capacity/Powerful Ilmor 6000 engine/92-gallon fuel capacity/Quality of fit and finish W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE
The 430 hp Ilmor 6000GDI is a great engine, but I’m an engine guy, so I would probably change it for the 522 hp 7.4L 7000MPI engine, because you can never have enough power.
My wife and I have had several PWCs and boats, but as our kids were getting older, we wanted them to experience the fun and challenge of watersports, so we bought what we thought was the perfect crossover boat. We soon discovered it couldn’t do what we wanted. So even though we only owned it for three months, we traded it in for a MasterCraft XT25 and are really happy with its performance and. The kids — Emily, 15; Braelyn, 12; Grady, 10; Joah, 8 — love to slalom and wakesurf, and this boat can do it all. We encourage our kids to bring friends along, and we’ve had as many as 12 people on board without feeling crowded. Ricky at WaterSports Central was fantastic. He actually advised me not to trade my three-month-old boat from a different dealership for a new one, because of the depreciation hit we would take, but [we decided to and] they treated us right and made the deal happen.
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When it’s time to watch the kids swim or join the conversation at a raftup, the sunpads include flip-up seatbacks to create aft-facing perches.
XT25 Length 25 ft., 3 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Deadrise N/A Capacity 18 Dry Weight 5,200 lbs. Fuel Capacity 92 gal. Max HP 520
WHY WE GOT IT
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MASTERCRAFT
PERFORMANCE Peak 39.3 mph/ 5500 rpm/96 dBA Cruise 23.3 mph/ 3500 rpm/84 dBA Time to Plane (w/all trim tabs) 1.9 sec. Time to 30 mph 6.4 sec.
POWER Engine Ilmor 5500GDI Cylinders V-8 Displacement 5.3L Weight N/A WOT 5500 rpm Base Price w/test power $127,780
HANDLING
Boat operators who didn’t grow up driving ski boats can attest to the difficulty in docking them. A straight inboard that uses a rudder for directional control puts the boat at the mercy of a little phenomenon called prop torque at slow speeds. With the rudder behind the prop, going forward is OK because the prop is blasting water at the rudder, which makes it work, but when the power lever is in reverse, the rudder becomes practically useless. To counter this deficiency, MasterCraft adopted and modified a tugboat feature called flanking rudders to create an option called DockStar ($3,250). The system puts two smaller rudders in front of the prop that are brought to life by the prop’s thrust when the boat is in reverse. The twin rudders are connected to the main rudder, so they offer additional directional control at faster forward speeds too. DockStar seems to be gaining popularity with owners. Last year when we reviewed the XT22, only 24 percent of buyers selected this option. This year, 46 percent of owners checked the DockStar box on the XT25. Optional tracking fins ($590) help even further to create a boat with zero slip in corners. BEST USES
For its Crossover series boats, MasterCraft uses a special hull design that gives different results based on the boat’s speed. Around 11 to 12 mph, the hull plows up a thick wave with a lot
Value-Added Standard Features: ZFT2 Tower, Murphy touchscreen display, Sundeck seating, triple hard-tank ballast, trash can
Must-Have Options: Dual-axle trailer, Klipsch tower speakers, sunpad flip-up seating, seat heaters, bow filler cushion, ZFT4/7 tower, dual touchscreen displays, Fast Fill ballast
Builder: MasterCraft, mastercraft.com Financing: $917/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years
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of push when the surf enhancements are employed, including the Gen 2 Surf system, which is custom designed for each hull length, and the Attitude Adjustment Plate, which allows the driver to tweak the wake’s shape. With the Surf tabs deployed and the Attitude Adjustment Plate left in the up position, the surf wake is at its shortest and steepest, which favors the shorter, more maneuverable boards used for advanced tricks. When the Attitude Adjustment Plate is added, the wave mellows out and the pocket grows longer, which is more beginner friendly. For slalom skiing — usually the weak link in the crossover chain — adding just the Attitude Adjustment Plate pushes the bow down and gives skiers the smallest wake possible at speeds in the low 30s. While better suited to freeskiing than attacking a buoy course, the wake is remarkably flat for such a large wakesports boat. For wakeboarding, use the ballast in the three hard tanks to control the wake’s size and move the human ballast around or adjust the tanked ballast to make the wakes symmetrical. The Attitude Adjustment Plate can also be used to soften the ramp for beginners.
A special hull design gives different results based on the boat’s speed.
PREFERRED SETUP
Pricewise, the XT series falls between the more affordable NXT series and the alpha dog X series boats. The MasterCraft XT25 starts at $127,780, but no buyer’s bottom line will be that low. For some reason, all the necessary accouterments to make this boat perform
as it should are options, including a ski tow pylon ($550), the Fast Fill ballast ($2,540), the Gen 2 Surf System ($7,220) and the Attitude Adjustment Plate ($1,160). While the ZFT2 tower is standard, most buyers will upgrade to the ZFT4 our test boat had ($4,500) or the more upscale ZFT7 ($8,160). With the standard tower, the real bottom line is $139,250. The Advanced Klipsch stereo system ($2,050) is outstanding and includes four 8-and-a-half-inch speakers and an 11-inch subwoofer, but a vast majority of buyers (82 percent) also get the Premium Audio System ($10,460), which includes a twinscreen display dash setup and a tower cam, two additional 7-inch speakers for the helm and another 11-inch subwoofer for the bow. Buyers are probably going to spend a little money on color customization, and the possibilities are endless, with eight external panels and eight interior items that can be different colors, including cupholders and upholstery thread. BW
TurboSwing is the Ultimate Solution for Watersports Towing with an Outboard Powered Boat
TUBE
RATED
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• Pull tubes, wakeboarders, waterskiers— virtually all water toys. • Corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel tow bar elevates the tow rope clear of the wake and prop wash • Install it yourself in less than one hour or contact a local TurboSwing dealer • Improves vessel stability, fuel economy and towing power • TurboSwing tow bar can be quickly removed
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Tested
First D rive
YA M A H A A R 1 9 5 // B Y A L A N J O N E S
Watersporty Shorty Yamaha’s 19-foot-class boats get more sportiness and luxury with the AR195. •
this boat is optimized to handle. Entry into the cockpit is via a new centerline walkthrough with a nonskid surface at the top. It features a step-down whose removable filler cushion can be used after all are aboard. To further assist passenger flow, the portside console’s corner is beveled to keep passengers from bumping into a squared off corner as they transit into the bow section through the
Top speed was a hat-wobbling 48.8 mph. wide walkthrough. This also puts the large storage console’s access door at an angle that makes it easier to stow large items. It’s an ideal place to stow the cockpit table (one of the features that’s migrated down from its larger siblings), which installs on a side mount behind a new driver’s seat that has side cutouts that make it easier to exit. The captain’s chair has a flip-up bolster and can spin 180 degrees to take advantage of the new table when the boat’s at rest. PERFORMANCE
ALL YAMAHA DESIGNERS did for 2019 was take one of the builder’s most successful jetboat designs and totally redesign it. The big news — quite literally — is it grew: 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than last year. And while this doesn’t sound like much, the effect is readily noticeable in the cockpit of the Yamaha AR195 where the portside lounge is 7 inches longer. Yamaha also added some features previously only found on its larger models.
UNIQUE FACTOR
Feng Shui originated in China about 4,000 years ago, but the concept has been heartily embraced by Japanese builders. It means wind-water and is the art of constructing a habitat that’s harmonious and promotes flow within its boundaries, which describes the layout of the Yamaha AR195, built at the company’s 40
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state-of-the-art factory in Vonore, Tenn. The signature feature of Yamaha boats is an inviting two-tiered transom area that makes it easy to board and creates a great environment for serious attitude adjustment. This year, the swim platform is even larger and has a pair of integrated cupholders. Its padded tiers are also the spot to get ready for watersports, which
Last year we tested the 190 FSH, one of Yamaha’s 19-foot center console fishing boats. Powered by a normally aspirated 1.8L High Output (HO) engine, it yielded adequate performance — zero to 30 in 9.5 seconds and 40.4 mph top speed — but wasn’t as thrilling as we’ve come to expect from Yamaha. We wanted more. And we got it with the AR195 thanks to its Super Vortex High Output (SVHO) engine. It has the same highest-in-class displacement as the HO version, but the main difference is the SVHO’s big, intercooled supercharger. This four-cylinder engine — the same one found on Yamaha’s stock racing WaveRunners, such as the GP1800R — features a six-vane supercharger that produces 60 percent more boost than its predecessor, the SVO, and the effect on acceleration is readily noticeable. With zero throttle lag, the SVHO pushed the 2,500pound Yamaha AR195 on plane in 3.3
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seconds and to 30 mph in 7.8 seconds. Top speed was a hat-wobbling 48.8 mph. On most jetboats, weeds or other debris pulled into the jet intake necessitate putting the boat on a trailer and addressing the problem from underneath the hull. A Yamaha exclusive is a clean-out port in a stern wet locker that’s also great for storing wet tow ropes. The engine flushing fixture was also relocated to inside the locker, for a cleaner external appearance. HANDLING
Yamaha added several innovations that make new models such as the AR195 easier to handle at all speeds. The Articulating Keel, a rudder attached to the engine’s jet assembly (on its single-engine models), provides enhanced tracking at high speeds and delivers directional control when the throttle is cut off. It also greatly reduces the maddening jetboat wander at idle. This year, the Articulating Keel’s design is more corrosion resistant and hydrodynamic. In addition, a newly redesigned V-shaped reverse bucket makes backing in a straight line far easier, because the thrust is partially shunted to the sides instead of just downward. At the redesigned helm, the driver uses a 4.3-inch Connext touchscreen to monitor and control all engine and boat systems. A universal
The extra beam on the new AR195 creates loads of interior space. A step-down into the cockpit (right) keeps guests off the upholstery.
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cellphone holder can spin and shift from portrait to landscape mode easily. To the right is a Cruise Assist rocker switch that has three no-wake speeds, can be set to a steady speed for cruising or for watersports, and can dial in the perfect speed for sports such wakeboarding, because the driver can bump the speed in 100 rpm increments. BEST USES PURCHA SED BY JEFF AND SHERY L GOFORTH, DALL AS PURCH A SED AT PHIL DIL L BOAT S INC., LEWISVILLE, TEX AS W H AT W E L IK ED
Roomy interior/Comfortable rear seating area/L-lounge in the cockpit/Sporty performance/Easy-to-access storage W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE
We added RGB LED boat lighting in the cockpit and underneath. It has about 100 color combinations and is really amazing at night.
The Yamaha AR195 is ready for just about any activity, including fishing from its roomy transom lounge, but it’s optimized for watersports. The great thing about Yamaha’s pricing is that boats such as the AR195, despite its low MSRP of $37,599, come loaded with standard features, including an aluminum wakeboard tower and an integrated Bimini top.
The tower includes another improvement over last year. It folds down low enough to fit in a standard garage, which is one of the benefits of owning a 19-footer. A positively cavernous centerline ski locker extends all the way forward to the bow section. There is no ballast option on this boat — the slightly larger 212X Wake series boasts 1,100 pounds of jump juice — but it is rated for eight movable ballast bags, aka passengers, who will help create a decent wakeboarding wake. Folks attempting to surf behind an AR195 will find themselves tethered to the tow rope, but they can bump up to a 2017 or newer 21-foot Yamaha and surf thanks to an invention that won an NMMA Innovation Award at the most recent Miami Boat Show. Called WakeBooster,
YA M A H A A R 1 9 5 Length 19 ft., 5 in. Beam 8 ft., 2 in. Deadrise 20 degrees Capacity 8 people Dry Weight 2,500 lbs.
WHY WE BOUGHT IT
My wife and I bought a 2018 AR195 and really loved it, but when we checked out the 2019 model and saw its extra interior space — especially up front — we had to have it. The new helm setup is much more ergonomically correct, with the radio and charging station to starboard. We do our boating on Lake Grapevine, a large body of water just north of Dallas/Ft. Worth. The kids — Jacob, 10, and Ella, 9 — love to tube, and this year Jacob wants to learn how to wakeboard. During the summer, they have fireworks on our lake, and my family loves to sit on the back of the boat and watch the show while gently rocking. The service, before and after the sale, at Phil Dill Boats was phenomenal. Travis is my sales guy and he gave me his cellphone number and encouraged me to call or text him anytime. When we bought the new boat, they came and picked up the old one, delivered the new one and made sure everything was operating properly before they left.
Fuel Capacity 40 gal. Max HP 230 (est.)
PERFORMANCE Peak 48.8 mph/ 7500 rpm/102 dBA Cruise 30.3 mph/ 6000 rpm/95 dBA Time to Plane (w/trim tabs) 3.3 sec. Time to 30 mph 7.8 sec.
POWER Test Yamaha SVHO supercharged four-stroke
Cylinders Inline 4 Displacement 1.8L Weight N/A WOT 7500 rpm Base Price w/test power $37,599
Value-Added Standard Features: Clarion 4-speaker Bluetooth stereo, single-axle trailer, Watersports tower w/Bimini, bow and stern filler cushions, snap-in woven vinyl flooring
Must-Have Options: Aluminum trailer upgrade, tower board racks, Magma gas grill, rearview mirror, bow shade, contoured fenders, floating raft
Builder: Yamaha Motor USA, yamahaboats.com Financing: $270/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years
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The Yamaha AR195 is ready for just about any activity, including fishing from its roomy transom lounge, but it’s optimized for watersports. it’s a wave-shaping device that easily attaches to existing hardware, is specially designed for Yamaha’s jetboats and costs less than $1,000 (including a tow line and a Hyperlite board). The 212X includes another surf enhancer called SurfPointe that redirects the twin jets to create a bigger, more well-defined surf wave that works really well when used in conjunction with WakeBooster.
The 4.3-inch Connext touchscreen includes a Boat Wellness function. The user-friendly helm is compact and simple.
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PREFERRED SETUP
The Yamaha AR195 is positively loaded with standard features most other companies charge extra for, including a single-axle painted trailer that can be upgraded to an aluminum model for $350. The stereo controller for the four-speaker Bluetooth Clarion stereo is now positioned at the helm, so the captain is in charge of everything … as he should be. Also included is a depthfinder and water temperature indicator. The bow section is the most noticeable beneficiary of the new wider beam, giving passengers sitting upright and facing the centerline more legroom. A pair of
standard filler cushions turns the bow into a playpen, and underseat storage has been upgraded. No longer must one remove the entire seat bottom and set it elsewhere. Instead, gullwing-hinged seat bottoms lift from front to back and stay open for easy loading. Another upgrade to the bow is a nonskid-coated flat section that makes it safer for passengers boarding up front. The AR195 and the SX195, which has a companion captain’s chair instead of an L-Lounge, are the kings of the hill in Yamaha’s 19-foot series. Their upgraded hardware includes chrome cupholders instead of plastic ones and upgraded aluminum accents and handles. Instead of the snap-in carpeting found on the SX190 and AR190, there’s woven vinyl mat. At the stern, both deck levels are padded instead of just the swim platform. About the only other option to consider is the deluxe swivel board racks ($490 apiece). BW
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Tested
First D rive
H A R R I S G R A N D M A R I N E R 2 5 0 // B Y A L A N J O N E S
Grand Style The Harris Grand Mariner 250 isn’t the most luxurious boat in the Harris lineup, but only the owner will know. • A COMPANY THAT’S been building pontoon boats since 1957, like Harris has, tends to set the trends, not follow them. Some pontoon builders are going big, with 30-footers and larger that have beams 10 feet and wider, but Harris is sticking to what it does best: build upscale midsized and compact pontoons. The Harris Grand Mariner 250 might be the second-largest pontoon in the second-most upscale boat line in Harris’s fleet, but it’s anything but a compromise.
The biggest difference between the Grand Mariner line and the top-of-the-line Crowne series is the latter features a fiberglass outer instead of our test boat’s more traditional aluminum fencing. Harris designers kept the look fresh, however, with curved front corners and two sets of D-rails that artfully swoop down in synchronicity with a contrasting fence panel that starts at the top up front and drops down at the stern. 44
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flipped rearward, it forms a backrest for the stern bench. Normally with a flip-flop stern lounge backrest, occupants can either recline or not based on the backrest’s position, but Harris provides a jumpseat far to port, so at least one person can always recline comfortably in back. The seat bottom of the rear part of the sunpad flips up to reveal a large storage compartment that works to store watersports toys, vests and tow ropes. There’s never enough readily accessible storage for often-needed items such as towels and fenders, so Harris carved out alcoves in the corners of the chaise lounges. The alcoves have wide Art Deco-like aluminum rails for containment and mesh pouches to keep items such as sunscreen at the ready.
UNIQUE FACTOR
Our test boat featured the Standard Lounge (SL) floor plan, which includes an expansive doublewide-plus lounger, skewed to port. It’s set behind a fencing/chain barrier, so it’s legal for passengers to occupy while the boat is in motion. Like many rear lounges, it features a convertible backrest. When it’s flipped forward, reclining passengers can see where they’ve been;
PERFORMANCE
Harris has been a member of the Brunswick Corp. since 2005, and Brunswick also owns Mercury, so I was a little surprised to learn Honda engines up to 250 hp are an option. Of course, a wide array of Mercury engines is available, starting with a 90 hp Command Thrust FourStroke that, like the 115 hp model,
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(Clockwise from top right) A safety gate keeps guests out of the splashwell. Twin bow chaise lounges have storage in the corners. Lighted cupholders add to the bling factor. Oversized grabrails make it easy to reboard. The Delta watersports tower folds down. A new helm is the same as the flagship Crowne series. The stern trunk stores watersports gear.
has the lower unit of a 150, so it can swing a much larger V-6 prop. Our Grand Mariner 250 was set up for life in the fast lane with a new-gen Mercury Verado V-8 300, which replaces the inline-6 Verado 300, which had a smallish 2.6L engine that relied on supercharging. Instead, the new normally aspirated V-8 has a large 4.6L block that produces loads of torque and moved the 27-foot, 2-inchlong pontoon with alacrity. The Verado also includes the Advanced MidSection (AMS), which features a 5.4-inch gearcase and an integrated electro-hydraulic steering system that can be controlled by Mercury’s Joystick Piloting for Outboards system. It also contains additional noise-management features under the cowl for even smoother operation than its FourStroke sibling. These features push the 25-inch Verado version’s weight to 606 pounds, compared to 533 pounds for the less-featured 300 FourStroke. This smooth beast pushed the Harris Grand Mariner 250 on plane in 2.4 seconds and to 30 mph in 6.8 seconds. At 6000 rpm it pushed the 250 to a 48.1 mph top speed, and at this rpm, its 115-amp alternator puts out an incredible 90 amps net to keep the batteries charged and ready for action.
Buyers who want more power can go all the way to 400 hp with either Mercury’s Racing 400R or the new Verado 400, which are both based on the 2.6L supercharged platform. HANDLING
For 2019, Harris unveiled the High Performance Pontoon Platform (HP3). Featured on our test boat, this setup includes a 27-inch center tube that’s mounted 1-inch lower than its 25-inch outer neighbors, and its advantage was evident as soon as I jammed the Digital Throttle and Shift lever. The big center pontoon provided extra lift out of the hole — a big plus for towing skiers — and when I threw it into a hard turn for the first time, the Grand Mariner 250 leaned over like a V-hulled boat and carved a really tight arc. Mercury’s Active Trim option ($955) kept the boat in perfect trim during the test once I hit the activation button on the dash; it’s a feature that will be especially useful when the driving duties are delegated to less experienced skippers. BEST USES
Harris knows buyers who select the HP3 tube package will likely be into watersports, so it bundled the package
with an in-floor ski locker that has an auto-bilge, an aluminum underskin that reduces drag, and a choice between a removable ski pylon or a fixed ski tow bar. Our test boat upped the ante with a Delta watersports tower ($6,345) that folds manually and has a Bimini top. Owners who eschew manual labor can get an EVO electronic tower ($15,970). In spite of the outboard, there’s plenty of room in back thanks to large platformettes that extend around the sides of the Mercury. And on the starboard side, a boarding ladder with oversized grabrails makes it easy to reboard. Entertainment is on the menu thanks to plenty of seating and deck space to support the pontoon’s 15-passenger capacity. Even with the sunpad seatback flipped back to form the stern bench, which is part of the cockpit’s L-lounge, passengers can still sit on the sunpad during parties. Up front are two chaise lounges; add the gate filler cushion ($1,030) to get even more seating. This is one of the rare pontoons with a starboard-side gate, supplying a boarding option in all quadrants. PREFERRED SETUP
With the triple-tube HP3 setup and a Mercury Verado 300, the MSRP is $92,338, but that includes a bunch of standard features. The new helm, imported from the top-of-the-line Crowne series, includes new touches such as a top-loading waterproof glovebox for storing valuables. Framing the dash is billet aluminum that BOATINGWORLD.COM JUNE 2019
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OWN E R FE E D BACK
PURCHA SED BY SPENCER AND ASHTON W R I G H T, H O T S P R I N G S , A R K . PURCH A SED AT GREGG ORR M A RINE, HOT SPRINGS, ARK.
adds a dash of modernity. The Harris Grand Mariner 250 comes standard with a Lowrance Hook 3X fishfinder, but our test boat had a 5-inch Simrad GO5 GPS/ chartplotter ($815) and analog/digital SmartCraft gauges. But buyers can get all yachty with a Glass Dash option ($8,730) that comes with a 12- and 7-inch touchscreen setup and the option of a rearview camera ($530). The standard stereo is an upscale Polk audio system with six Jensen speakers and transom and rear-lounge remote controls,
but buyers can bump up the jams with a JL Audio Platinum sound system that has upgraded speakers and twin subwoofers. There are 12 choices — four of them free — for main-deck vinyl flooring (no carpet) and 11 rear-deck designs with three freebies. For exterior customization, there are eight color choices that range from $0 to $455, and buyers can go monochrome or add an accent panel like our boat had, for $555 to $610. There are six choices of upholstery, including three pillowtop selections that will cost an extra $1,425. BW
W H AT W E L IK ED
Styling and available colors/Luxurious seating/Interior and underwater lighting/ Quiet and powerful Mercury Verado 300/ Great stereo W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE
I wish it had an electronically actuated ladder, so you don’t have to bend over to drop it down.
Well-placed features, including fender hangers, an in-floor ski locker and a second stereo head unit, make the Grand Mariner 250 stylish and functional.
HARRIS GRAND MARINER 250 Length 27 ft., 2 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter 25 in./27 in./25 in.
WHY WE BOUGHT IT
Capacity 15 people
I grew up boating in the Hot Springs area on variety of fishing and ski boats. My wife and I were looking for a new boat and loved the Harris Grand Mariner 250 for its unique styling and ability to do many things well. Our pontoon is white and gets a lot of attention when others see it. We do our boating on Lake Hamilton, a 7,500-acre impoundment that’s really scenic and can get a little rough, but our Harris has the size to handle waves well. We got our boat late in the season when the water was too cold for watersports, but this summer our 5-year-old daughter, Kennedy, plans on doing some tubing. We like finding a quiet cove and dropping the anchor and going out in the late afternoon and watching the sunset. Sometimes we head to the Backyard Grill or go listen to live music at Sam’s Pizza. The buying experience at Gregg Orr Marine was outstanding. Katherine and Robert did a great job of answering all our questions and came out to our house several times to explain all the boat’s systems and make sure we knew how everything worked.
Dry Weight (hull) 2,953 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 47 gal. Max HP 400
PERFORMANCE Peak 48.1 mph/ 6000 rpm/94 dBA Cruise 26.7 mph/ 4500 rpm/83 dBA Time to Plane 2.4 sec. Time to 30 mph 6.8 sec.
POWER Test Mercury Verado 300 four-stroke
Cylinders V-8 Displacement 4.6L Weight 606 lbs. WOT Range 5200-6000 rpm
Base Price w/test power $92,338
Value-Added Standard Features: Polk 6-speaker Bluetooth stereo w/twin remote controls, vinyl flooring, in-floor ski locker (w/HP3), Highback helm seat, tilt steering, cooler, 12-ft. Bimini
Must-Have Options: Pillowtop furniture, Glass Dash w/12-in. and 7-in. touchscreen displays, trailer, polished tubes, premium stereo, bow filler sectional, upgraded cockpit table, Active Trim
Builder: Brunswick Corp., harrisboats.com Financing: $662/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years
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F E AT U R E S T O R Y // B O AT I N G W O R L D ’ S T U B E T E S T 2 0 1 9
In the calm before the storm, our team of testers takes a moment to get to know the towable tubes they will test — and be tested by — on the shores of Lake Weir in central Florida.
OU R 10TH AN N UAL ROU N DU P OF
INFLATABLE TOW TOYS PUT 15 NEW TUBES
(AN D SEVE N TE STE RS) TO TH E U LTI MATE TE ST TO DI SCOVE R WH ICH WA S
KING OF THE THRILL . S T O RY A N D P H O T O S BY A L A N J O N E S
VERY YEAR FOR the last decade, we’ve gathered at
Sandy Hook Beach on Lake Weir in central Florida to put the newest towable tubes through their paces with the help of manufacturers’ target audience: kids. And like snowflakes, every test group is different. While this year’s riders — an intrepid group of four girls and three boys who ranged in age from 7 to 14 — were younger than last year’s, snowflakes they weren’t. The water was a bit nippy at 68 degrees, but I never heard one complaint. They were an enthusiastic group who tended to focus on what they liked about each tube instead of nitpicking minor deficiencies. And they liked to go fast, as evidenced by the ever-present thumbs-up sign to pick up the pace. Beau Briggs, a man we interviewed last year for a Tested Owner Feedback segment, did a masterful job keeping the tubes crossing the rampy wake produced by the new Malibu 22 LSV, which was provided by Nate Stockman of Transition Watersports, our host for the last decade. Even though the kids — three of them Briggs’ offspring — continually urged him to go faster, he kept it safe and, thanks to his excellent throttle control, saved a few testers from crashing. And for the 10th year in a row, we had zero injuries.
IN MEMORIAM During our previous nine years of testing, one thing we could always count on was help from Ephriam Stockman, Nate’s dad. Sadly, last summer, “Eeph,” as everyone called him, died at age 71 when a truck ran a red light and collided with his Harley-Davidson in nearby Ocala. He was a great guy who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
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RIDERS 4/680 lbs. (We snuck an extra kid on board because he was really small.)
2019
UNIQUE It’s a giant, watery spaceship with high sides for extra security. The backrests are curved and riders face each other, so they can see one another’s expressions when it launches. Three can sit on top of the tube. ERGONOMICS The curved backrests hold riders in place, so there’s no banging. Even taller riders can stretch out thanks to the opening in front, which also makes reboarding easier.
WOW GO Bot 2
KID FAVE
4/5
LOUNGEWORTHINESS: 5/5 Because the seats face each other, it’s a great tube for socializing in comfort.
FUN SCALE
WOW GO BOT 2 MSRP $290 SETUP 4/5 2 Speed valves with a zippered cover RIDERS 2/340 lbs. UNIQUE Enclosed cockpit has slotted EZ entries on the sides to make deep-water boarding easier. Crazy WOW design is an eyeful. Can be ridden chariot-style or facing forward.
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ERGONOMICS A high backrest that curves around the perimeter of the tube provides excellent rider security. Neoprene seat bottoms provide greater comfort. POSITIONS Sitting, kneeling LOUNGEWORTHINESS 4/5 Younger riders won’t get off this without being bribed with snacks. Tall occupants will have to bend their legs to lounge.
POSITIONS Sitting, kneeling
Connelly UFO!
VISIBILITY 5/5 The bold color designs WOW tubes are known for make it stand out, and being tall helps it gain notice.
4.5/5
COMMENTS “We rode it chariot-style and it was fun, but the forward-facing position is more comfortable.” “It corners really well and is very stable.” “You feel very safe on this tube.”
FUN SCALE:
CONNELLY UFO! ***KID FAVOR I TE * * *
MSRP $600 SETUP 4/5 2 Boston valves
VISIBILITY 4/5 It’s tall and has bright blue sections and would be a 5 except for its extensive use of gray. COMMENTS “It was fun watching the expressions on the other rider’s faces.” “It’s big, stable and comfortable.” “It’s a great ride for kids of all ages.” “It was surprisingly fast for being so big.”
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F E AT U R E S T O R Y // B O AT I N G W O R L D ’ S T U B E T E S T 2 0 1 9
TUBE TEST PILOTS
KEY TO R ATINGS SET UP:
1-5
1 = you’ll be swearing; 5 = easy
KID FAVE
FUN SCALE:
1-5 1 = stay on the couch; 5 = yowza LOUNGEWORTHINESS:
1-5 1 = stay in the boat; 5 = bring extra sunblock VISIBILITY:
HO Sports Glide 2
5/5
HO SPORTS GLIDE 2 * * *K ID FAVOR I TE * * *
SETUP 4/5 2 Boston valves RIDERS 2/340 lbs. UNIQUE A 70-inch round tube with HO’s Convex Construction creates a smaller running surface underneath that greatly reduces drag. The top is recessed, which helps keep riders aboard. ERGONOMICS Softshell Technology on the top feels good and reduces chafing. Its height makes it a little difficult to reboard after wipeouts.
1 = nearly invisible; 5 = Mardi Gras float
AGE: 11 FAVORITE SPORT:
Sawyer Brackett
Avery Briggs
Soccer
AGE: 10 FAVORITE SPORT:
DREAM JOB: Pro
Soccer
AGE: 7 FAVORITE SPORTS:
Wakeboarding and ballet DREAM JOB: Pro wakeboarder
slalom skier
DREAM JOB: Exotic
FAVORITE TUBES:
veterinarian
Rave Sports Warrior X3 and HO Sports Laguna 3
WOW Big Al and Connelly UFO!
Rave Sports Warrior X3 and WOW Big Al
Emma Joyner
Finley Briggs
Koen Ergle
AGE: 14 FAVORITE SPORT:
AGE: 9 FAVORITE SPORTS:
AGE: 12 FAVORITE SPORT:
Volleyball
Slalom skiing and ballet DREAM JOB: Robotics designer FAVORITE TUBES: HO Sports Glide 3 and Rave Sports Warrior X3
Wakeboarding DREAM JOB: Lawyer
FAVORITE TUBES:
FAVORITE TUBES:
(ED. NOTE: The Fun
FUN SCALE
MSRP $345
1-5
Cullen Briggs
POSITIONS Lying, kneeling LOUNGEWORTHINESS 3/5 Good for catching rays. Its height makes it difficult to paddle around on. VISIBILITY 4/5 It sits tall in the water, and its bright blue sides and red top help it get seen. COMMENTS “It’s really, really fast; the first time we got whipped, we just kept going until we were even with the boat.” “It’s like a sports car on water.” “It leans over when you go over the wake, which feels scary but it’s actually pretty stable.”
Scale rating is a bit subjective, based on testers’ age and familiarity with tubing. Kid Favorite tubes are ones that at least half the riders identified as their favorites.
5/5
DREAM JOB: Architect
or veterinarian
4.5/5
FAVORITE TUBES:
Connelly Convertible and Connelly UFO!
4/5
FAVORITE TUBES:
O’Brien Squeeze 2 and Connelly Convertible
3.5/5
3/5
To the Web Airhead.com
R.J. Joyner
Sarelle Gouin
ConnellySkis.com/tube
AGE: 12 FAVORITE SPORT:
AGE: 10 FAVORITE SPORT:
Baseball
Gymnastics
DREAM JOB: Doctor FAVORITE TUBES:
DREAM JOB:
O’Brien Squeeze 2 and HO Sports Glide 2
FAVORITE TUBES:
FullThrottleWatersports.com HOSports.com OBrien.com RaveSports.com TransitionWatersports.com WowWatersports.com
Veterinarian Airhead Thrust 3 and Full Throttle Mega Enforcer
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3/5
FUN SCALE:
AIRHEAD STARS AND STRIPES MSRP $109 SETUP 5/5 1 Boston valve
HO Sports Laguna 3
4.5/5
Rave Sports Warrior X3
FUN SCALE:
GREAT
HO SPORTS LAGUNA 3
VALUE
KID FAVE
MSRP $300 SETUP 4/5 2 Boston valves
POSITIONS Sitting, lying
RIDERS 3/510 lbs. UNIQUE The couch-like tube can be turned around and ridden chariot style. It features tropical styling and a low-back design. ERGONOMICS Neoprene panels are useful for both styles of riding. Low backrest offers good lumbar support, and there’s plenty of legroom. POSITIONS Sitting, kneeling
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ERGONOMICS The outer seat bottoms are covered in neoprene and are suspended over the tube’s deck. The center rider gets a neoprene elbow pad.
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 5/5 A great couch for floating around and hanging out with friends at the cove. VISIBILITY 5/5 Its bright blue, orange-red and yellow colors and a taller design add up to great visibility. COMMENTS “The backrest curves around to the side so you feel locked in.” “Really fast and stable.”
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 5/5 The outer seats make great lounging chairs, while the person in the center can work on his tan.
5/5
FUN SCALE:
RAVE SPORTS WARRIOR X3 * * *K ID FAVOR I TE * * *
MSRP $300 SETUP 5/5 1 Boston valve, 2 small valves RIDERS 3/540 lbs.
* * * GRE AT VALUE * * *
UNIQUE The two outer seats are hammock sling chairs with room in between for a prone rider. Tall outer seatbacks keep the center rider from sliding into the other riders.
VISIBILITY 4/5 Bright orange and blue colors help this tube get noticed. COMMENTS “The seats put you low to the water, so it feels like you are going faster, and there’s no way you’re falling out unless the whole tube tumbles.” “It’s really fast.”
RIDERS 1/170 lbs. UNIQUE Patriotic red, white and blue star-clad design is eye-catching. It’s a 57-inch round tube that sits a little higher than most small deck tubes.
FUN SCALE
HO SPORTS 3G XT MSRP $480 SETUP 3/5 1 Boston valve, 2 small beach-ball valves for armrests (difficult to seal before air escaped) RIDERS 3/540 lbs. UNIQUE A couch tube that’s built like a tank. Most nylon covers are 420 or 840 Denier, which
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ERGONOMICS It’s rated for two passengers but smaller riders will be more comfortable. POSITIONS Lying, kneeling LOUNGEWORTHINESS 3/5 It’s good for moving from boat to boat at a raft-up. VISIBILITY 3/5 Its predominantly dark blue color doesn’t help it stand out. GREAT
COMMENTS “It’s tall for its size and I thought it would be flippy, but it was surprisingly stable even when going over large wakes.”
VALUE
KID FAVE
WOW Big Al
FUN SCALE:
5/5
POSITIONS Sitting, lying, kneeling, standing
WOW BIG AL * * *K ID FAVOR I TE * * *
Airhead Stars and Stripes
refers to its weight. This one is 1680D and backed by a three-year warranty; all the others we tested have a 1-year warranty. ERGONOMICS High back provides great support for riders and there’s plenty of legroom for taller riders. The top is Softshell Technology but the reinforced, harder seat areas are less comfortable. POSITION Sitting LOUNGEWORTHINESS 5/5 Comfortable lounging tube for sitting and floating.
VISIBILITY 5/5 Its height and bright red and blue color make it very visible.
HO Sports 3G XT
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 5/5 There are several ways to lounge aboard this tube, and all are good.
* * * GRE AT VALUE * * *
COMMENTS “It’s really fast and jumps off the wake.” “It’s pretty stiff; when you go over the wake, it doesn’t bend.”
MSRP $350
RIDERS 4/680 lbs.
SETUP 4/5 4 Speed valves concealed by zippered flaps
UNIQUE It’s a giant gator! Four riders can wrangle this reptile, two sitting horsey-style on its Secure Saddle Seating and one lying to each side. This one probably confused the giant crocodilians that reside in Lake Weir. ERGONOMICS The gator’s back is wide, and even smaller kids’ feet can reach the deck for security. Huge EVA deck pads cushion the riders lying down.
VISIBILITY 5/5 A bright yellow and green perimeter and its extraordinary height won’t go unnoticed. COMMENTS “Riding on the gator’s back is awesome! You’re really high in the air and it’s comfortable.” “I loved Big Al; he’s cute and fast.” “You never feel like you’re going to crash on this one.”
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Rave Sports Halo 2018
FUN SCALE
2019
4/5
O’BRIEN BOOKER 3 MSRP $270 SETUP 5/5 1 Lightning valve RIDERS 3/510 lbs.
4.5/5
3/5
FUN SCALE:
FUN SCALE:
RAVE SPORTS HALO
CONNELLY CONVERTIBLE
MSRP $100 SETUP 5/5 1 Boston valve RIDERS 2/340 lbs. UNIQUE This round, low-profile 54-inch tube is the least expensive model in this lineup. Wild green and black styling is attractive and sporty. ERGONOMICS The grips are spaced perfectly for its size. Larger riders hang off the back pretty far. The only neoprene is under the handgrips. POSITION Lying LOUNGEWORTHINESS 3/5 This would be good for paddling around the boat when you’re tired of swimming.
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VISIBILITY 3/5 The green color is bright but its size makes it more difficult to see, especially in rough water. COMMENTS “It’s a really fast tube but is a little hard to stay on during aggressive maneuvers.” “This would be a good tube for smaller kids that you tow slowly.”
FUN SCALE: 4/5
FULL THROTTLE MEGA ENFORCER MSRP $270
UNIQUE Part of O’Brien’s U-Deck Series, the Booker 3 has upturned wings at each end to keep riders aboard during high-G maneuvers.
ERGONOMICS It’s covered in SofTec, which is much more skin-friendly than standard nylon. LOUNGEWORTHINESS 4/5 Great for sunning, and the wings can be used as backrests. VISIBILITY 4/5 Fluorescent green and blue on the upturned wings make it more noticeable. COMMENTS “A fast tube in corners.” “The upturned sides saved us several times”
POSITIONS Lying, kneeling
* * *K ID FAVOR I TE * * *
MSRP $369 SETUP 5/5 1 Boston valve RIDERS 3/540 lbs. POSITIONS Lying, kneeling
UNIQUE Big 80-inch-by-70inch D-shaped deck tube has a concave top that lowers the riders’ center of gravity for better stability. A slightly convex bottom reduces drag for more action.
ERGONOMICS Roomy enough for three bigger riders. The handles are close together, so kids can overlap arms if it’s rough or stay with their designated grips in normal conditions.
COMMENTS “It’s a fast tube that seems extra-cushiony.” “Because the middle is lower, the outer riders tended to roll toward the middle.”
SETUP 5/5 1 Boston valve (the second-fastest type of valve) RIDERS 3/510 lbs. UNIQUE D-shaped 80-inch deck tube is bright green and black with white accents.
ERGONOMICS Neoprene elbow rests reduce chafing. The riders doubled up on the middle handgrips, because the ones to the side were a little far back for younger riders. POSITIONS Lying, kneeling
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 4/5 This tube would make a good tanning platform and might be big enough for smaller yoga practitioners. VISIBILITY 3/5 Its low sides are mostly black, which makes it more difficult to see.
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 4/5 Because the loungers sink down toward the middle, the outside becomes a comfortable backrest. VISIBILITY 5/5 Electric lime is a color used on warning signs for a reason: it really stands out. Its extra tall deck design also helps it get noticed.
COMMENTS: “Scary in a good way.” “In hard corners, our feet tended to slide off.” “The middle position is the safest place to be.”
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F E AT U R E S T O R Y // B O AT I N G W O R L D ’ S T U B E T E S T 2 0 1 9
O’Brien Booker 3
Connelly Convertible
KID FAVE
Full Throttle Wave Shocker
FUN SCALE:
3.5/5
FULL THROTTLE WAKE SHOCKER Full Throttle Mega Enforcer
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 3/5 It would be good for one lounger to paddle around on at raft-ups.
MSRP $200 SETUP 5/5 1 Boston valve RIDERS 2/340 lbs. UNIQUE Low-profile, 70-inch round deck tube festooned with a wild red, white and black design. ERGONOMICS Neoprene pads for elbows and knees. Its relatively small size makes it better for two younger riders or a solo larger rider.
VISIBILITY 4/5 Bright red color makes it stand out, but it has a low profile. COMMENTS “It sits really low in the water, so its feeling of speed is magnified.” “In rough water, it gets pretty bouncy.” “Your face is close to the water, so it gets splashed when the rope drags.”
POSITIONS Lying, kneeling
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FUN SCALE:
5/5
O’BRIEN SQUEEZE 2 * * *K ID FAVOR I TE * * * * * * GRE AT VALUE * * *
MSRP $280 SETUP 5/5 1 Lightning valve (more than 50 percent faster to fill and deflate than the next-fastest valve) RIDERS 2/340 lbs. UNIQUE Its couch-like shape is very inviting and has plenty of room for two riders.
Airhead Thrust 3
4/5
FUN SCALE:
SETUP 4/5 3 Speed Safety valves
ERGONOMICS A generously sized deck that’s flat in front puts all the handles on the same level in front of the riders. Neoprene pads for elbows and knees add to its comfort.
RIDERS 3/540 lbs.
POSITIONS Lying or kneeling
UNIQUE Two giant conical sponsons that are larger in front put riders’ heads high above the water. Its width allows the outer tubes to act like independent suspension for a smooth ride over rough water. It would be ideal for big bodies of water.
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 5/5 Because the deck is angled, loungers can lie on their back and still see what’s going on around them.
AIRHEAD THRUST 3 MSRP $470
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VISIBILITY 5/5 If other boaters don’t see this, they are legally blind. Bright purple sides, a black and yellow radiation warning sign–like front, and its exceptional height make it highly visible.
COMMENTS “It’s really smooth going over the wake.” “It’s really fun being so high above the water, and your face stays dry.” “It’s not scary at all.”
Crash Cam catches the moment of impact!
ERGONOMICS The high backrest is angled for comfort and is very supportive. It’s covered in SofTec, which is really comfortable. POSITION Sitting
O’Brien Squeeze 2
LOUNGEWORTHINESS 5/5 It doesn’t get any better than this. You might take this tube home and put it in front of your TV. VISIBILITY 5/5 High sides in high-vis yellow and blue make it really stand out.
GREAT VALUE
KID FAVE
COMMENTS “If you like crashing — and we do — this is the tube for you.” “It’s really fast and you sit high above the spray.”
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MAKING SUMMER FUN SINCE 1965
A LEGACY AND A LEADER IN WATERSPORTS #connellycollective
Visit us at connellyskis.com /connellyskis
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TurboSwing® is the Ultimate Solution for Watersports Towing with an Outboard Powered Boat WATERTOYS
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WOW UTO EXCALIBUR
WOW LUCKY DUCKY
The UTO Series is a hit from out of this world! This Unidentified Towable Object is a BIG towable with a large, deep secure seating cockpit for up to 3 riders. The UTO Exacalibur is designed with a slot system for secure seating and or ez entry and exit from the cockpit. The secure seating cockpit is deep enough to stand in, if you wish! The floor of the central cockpit is a HOVER BOTTOM which is what this tube mainly rides on. The HOVER BOTTOM allows the tube to float, glide, and jump through the water.
The Lucky Ducky was specifically designed to be the lucky new friend to join in on the family fun! The deep cockpit seating with high backrest makes the riders feel more secure while the new drop speed bottom glides smoothly over the water creating less drag on the boat. With the Luck of the Duck, you will be able to enjoy this 2-in-1 towable. Front and back tow points allow for a variety of rides and is sure to be loved by the whole family.
www.wowwatersports.com
www.wowwatersports.com
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$17 $ 2599 $
COMPARE TO
4999
REESE TOWPOWER MODEL: 74410 ITEM 69780/41005 shown
SAVE $ 99
ITEM 63054 62858 shown
199
600 LB. HEAVY DUTY TRAILER DOLLY
$39 99 SAVE $ 99 52% 69 ITEM 64794 37510/60533/69898 shown
$
COMPARE TO
BUFFALO TOOLS
SUPER COUPON
7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE/WEATHER RESISTANT TARP
Customer Rating
MODEL: BTTRDOLLY
4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. RATCHETING TIE DOWNS
STRONGWAY
249
SAVE COMPARE TO $878 65% BLUE HAWK MODEL: BG8X10-Y *48132162 * 48132162
ITEM 69249/69115 69137/69129 69121/877 shown
Customer Rating
99
$6 $ 1199
99
MODEL: 53071
ITEM 63057/63056/63094 90984/60405/63150/61524 shown
SAVE 69%
KEEPER $ 80
22
MODEL: 5505
6" VARIABLE SPEED DUAL ACTION POLISHER
ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF WEATHER-RESISTANT LOCKABLE CASE Customer Rating
$49 99 $
7999
COMPARE TO
PORTER CABLE $
SAVE 119 $ 69 MODEL: 7424XP *48159538 * 48159538
ITEM 62862 64528/64529/69924 shown
SUPER COUPON
130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE
$29 99 SAVE $ 69 54% 38
99
$9 1499
SAVE $ 74% Case contents and locks not included.
Customer Rating
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
• 8-1/8" L 5-5/8" W 3-3/4" H ITEM 64550 63518 shown
COMPARE TO
PELICAN
$
39
95
MODEL: 1150
COMPARE TO
Customer Rating SAE AND
ANVIL
*48144451 * 48144451
*48147360 * 48147360
*48147860 * 48147860
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
JUMP STARTER AND POWER PACK
Customer Rating
$69 $
7999
99
COMPARE TO
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC
$ 99 SAVE ITEM 64412 $ 70 139 62749 shown *48149621 * 48149621 MODEL: SL1
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
12 VOLT MAGNETIC LED TOWING LIGHT KIT
$19 99 $ 3799
ITEM 64282
SAVE 53%
BLAZER $ 65
42
MODEL: C7300
*48154038 * 48154038 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/24/19.
hft_boatingworld_0619_M-REG162507.indd 1
COMPARE TO
SOLID RUBBER WHEEL CHOCK
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
$5 99 SAVE $ 99 65% 7 COMPARE TO $ 1746 MAXXTOW
MODEL: MNT70072
ITEM 69853/69326/96479 shown
6639
ITEM 63248/64080 METRIC 68998/64263/63091 shown
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
$
MODEL: A137HOS
*48136644 * 48136644 SUPER COUPON
17444
MODEL: 20600
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
Model 1800
COMPARE TO
• 400 lb. working load
$299 $ 99 4
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
99
ITEM 63426 63429 shown
83
50
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$
BRIGGS & STRATTON
ITEM 63255/63254 shown
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
COMPARE TO
199
MODEL: 23522
$
COMPARE TO $
*48118047 * 48118047
*48119802 * 48119802
SAVE $ 120
$
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
$129 $ 16999
COMPARE TO SHELTER LOGIC
$79 99 SAVE $ 94 9999
*48102402 * 48102402
*48119198 * 48119198 2000 WATT CONTINUOUS/4000 WATT PEAK POWER INVERTER Customer Rating
$99 99 $ 11999
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
99
ITEM 64335/63585 shown
• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle
*48101605 * 48101605 SUPER COUPON
99
1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
RENEWABLE ENERGY, ANYWHERE
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
99
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
Maintenance
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
99
$699 $ 76999
Storage
SUPER COUPON
4 FL. OZ. STA-BIL PROTECTION ETHANOL FUEL TREATMENT AND STABILIZER Customer Rating
$3 99 SAVE $ 99 43% 5
COMPARE TO
7
$ 10
ITEM 62602 GOLD EAGLE MODEL: 22204
*48155451 * 48155451
*48159121 * 48159121
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 9/24/19*
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.
4/24/19 12:13 PM
marketplace
C A LL 949/660 - 6150
Splendor
www
BOAT - RV - DASH PANELS - ACCESSORIES
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ENTER YOUR DOG NOW
Enter your our in Enterpooch your in pooch Salty Dog of the Month contest. Boating World’s
Email pet’s name, your name, Saltyyour Dog ofphoto, the Month contest address and phone number to editor@ boatingworld.com, snail mail to: your Email your pet's or photo, name, Boatingaddress World Salty Dog Contestnumber name, and phone 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley to editor@boatingworld.com CA 92708
Your petcould could a cool Your pet winwin a cool PFD. PDFD!
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Call Us At 800-227-2643 www.boatangel.com 62
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BOATINGWORLD.COM
5/2/19 1:03 PM
Splendor 1-2h4c.qxp_Layout 1 5/3/18 3:35 PM Page 1
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.
www.splendorboats.com│260.352.2835│Silver Lake, Indiana
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
Apex Marine (989) 681-4300 ........... CV4 SmokerCraft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873 .......................... 3, 11, 62
West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286.......................... 43 SERVICES
Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835 ......... 63
1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737 .............................. CV2
Stingray (843) 383-4507 .........................4
Boat Angel (800) 227-2643 ................ 62
Yamaha WaterCraft (800) 962-7926 .....................................1
Five Star Houseboat Vacations (417) 988-1387.................................... 43
ENGINES
GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846 ................................23
GM Marine................................................6-7 Honda Motor Corporation ..................... 17 Suzuki Marine (800) 247-4704 ............35 800-88-YAMAHA (800) 889-2624 .............................. CV3
National Marine Underwriters (800) 262-8467 ................................. 60 Tecnografic (954) 928-1714 ................. 62 WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT Connelly (425) 775-5416...........26-27, 57
Cook Manufacturing Corp (800) 654-3697 ................................. 62
O’Brien (Motion Water Sports) (425) 831-1050 ................................... 47
ECSTAR ...................................................... 31
POP Paddleboards ...................................... (888) 528-7556 .................................. 59 Rave Sports (651) 255-4810 ............15, 57
McGard, Inc (800) 669-6887 ............... 63
Turbo Swing (855) 228-8726 ........39, 58
Overton’s (800) 334-6541 .....................25
WOW World of Watersports (402) 516-8034 .............................21, 58
POP Paddleboards ...................................... (888) 528-7556 .................................. 59
C A LL 949/660 - 6150
GEAR & ACCESSORIES
Harbor Freight Tools (800) 423-2567 .................................. 61
marketplace
BOATS
Swim Platforms (602) 431-8225 ......... 60
BOATINGWORLD.COM JUNE 2019
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63
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5/3/19 7:03 AM
SPONSORED BY
Reader Contest
Rick Martin illustration
Name the Boat
See the winning entry and the best of the rest from the April contest on page 10.
Win This!
Stationed as it is near the hottest fishing hole in the state, the bank holds quite an allure for anglers. The waiving of overdraft fees, however, really tips the scales. Send us your name for our boat. If it wins, we will give you an Atlantis 4 non-towable fourperson float, valued at $219.99, from Connelly, and your name will appear in the September/October 2019 issue of Boating World.
YOURS FREE
The first person to turn in the best boat name will receive an Atlantis 4 non-towable four-person float from Connelly (connellyskis.com), valued at $219.99.
How to enter: We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the September/October 2019 issue. Submissions are due by June 15. Email editor@boatingworld.com with “Name the Boat” in the subject line, or send snail mail to Boating World Magazine/Name the Boat, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please
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With an open center, four rounded backrests and
include your full name, address and phone number, along with
six cupholders, the Atlantis 4 lounge from Connelly
your entry. Duncan McIntosh Co. and Connelly employees and
is a relaxation oasis. A Boston valve ensures quick
their families are prohibited from entering. Prizewinners are
inflation and deflation, so the 90-inch-diameter
responsible for any applicable taxes. Decisions of the judges and
float packs tight for easy onboard storage.
the editor are final.
BOATINGWORLD.COM
5/3/19 9:13 AM
Extreme An entirely new species of
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The all-new, Yamaha V8 XTO Offshore. It’s more than an outboard; it’s a fully integrated power system. And it’s created an entirely new class of extreme offshore power. The Yamaha XTO Offshore was designed from the ground up to be smarter than anything you’ve seen offshore. Its I NTEG R ATED P O W E R S Y S T E M 5.6 liters of extreme thrust and power has inspired a new class of 50-foot-plus boat. And it moves those rigs more reliably and efficiently with a naturally aspirated big block and the industry’s first direct-injection four ur stroke. This revolutionary new take on power is evolving the entire offshore boating experience. ®
Learn more about the Yamaha 425 hp 5.6L V8 XTO Offshore at YamahaOutboards.com/XTO. Available in new, Pearlescent White and Classic Yamaha Gray
INDUSTRY-FIRST DIRECT-INJECTION FOUR STROKE
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REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 1-800-889-2624
UP TO 90 AMPS OF ELECTRICAL POWER
RELIABLE OVERSIZED GEARCASE WITH HARDENED GEARS
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