Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.
There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM
THE NUMBER ONE BOAT FOR FAMILIES WHOSE MEMORIES COME IN WAVES.
19FT
SERIES
This year, it’s time to trade in your kids’ screen time with more sunscreen. Thanks to Yamaha’s all-new 19 FT Series, you can enjoy all of the benefits of a premium boat at an entry-level price. The completely redesigned interior feels like a larger model perfect for a growing family. And with the reliable Yamaha Marine Engine and the world-class swim platform, our versatile and affordable package is the perfect introduction to the water for first-time boat owners. Starting at $29,899.
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.
SX190
SX195
AR190
AR195
Contents
J u ly/Aug u st 2019 • Vol u m e 40 N o. 7
MAGAZINE
pg.
48
VOLUME XL NUMBER 7
4
Editor’s Letter
6
Currents
America’s coral reef Bits from the boating world
12 Fishing Use avian fish markers 16 Watersports Ride a PWC safely 18 Trailering Conduct a midseason maintenance check 20 Engines Get batteries that are up to the task 24 Electronics Make your own charts 28 Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions 32 Gear The latest accessories, gadgets and electronics
48
54
35 Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make
The latest developments keep pushing the boundaries of boat building in favor of buyers. BY ALAN JONES
Find out what makes a pontoon boat an effective — and enjoyable — fishing platform.
64 Contest: Name the Boat Win a pair of Voyage combo skis from Connelly
7 Hot Boat Building Trends
Piscatorial Pontoons BY LENNY RUDOW
boats tested
36 Barletta Elite E 22 Q It’s part of the builder’s more affordable E-Series but retains the M-Series’ upscale vibe.
40 Avalon Catalina 2585 Elite The luxury and styling DNA buyers expect from Avalon comes at a price they won’t expect.
44 Princecraft Ventura 222 Families can ski, fish and entertain without having to return to the dock.
• JUNE 2018 2019 2 • 2 JULY/AUGUST BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM
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Build your 2019 boat online now!
PLEASURE + ADVENTURE
About Brunswick Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation’s leading consumer brands include Mercury Marine outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers, and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine & Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT fitness equipment; and Brunswick billiards tables, accessories and game room furniture. For more information, visit http://www.brunswick.com.
PRINCECRAFT’S Experience
About Princecraft Boats Inc. Since 1954, Princecraft Boats Inc., headquartered in Princeville, Quebec, Canada, creates unparalleled experiences on the water for fishing and boating enthusiasts with "professionally rigged and ready" packages of aluminum fishing boats, pontoon boats and deck boats. Its commitment is borne out of a deeply rooted heritage of unmatched craftsmanship, incomparable performance and the promise of years of trouble-free boating. More fishermen, families and dealers than ever join the Princecraft family, and create some of the best moments of their lives. Princecraft Boats Inc.
C
2019 | A Brunswick Company
Editor’s Letter
by Ala n Jones
THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS:
“
What slogan should the organizers of on-again, off again Woodstock 50 use?
PUBLISHER
Duncan McIntosh Jr.
Wheelchairs, Walkers & Hearing Aids. Oh My ASSOC . EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming
The Hippest Place on Earth
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones
You Still Have a Few Brain Cells Left
STRUGGLING REEF DURING A RECENT press event, held in Marathon in the Florida Keys, I witnessed the release
of a 200-pound loggerhead turtle named Mr. T and, in the process, renewed my acquaintance with Ritchie Moretti, who founded The Turtle Hospital (turtlehospital.org) in 1986. This nonprofit hospital has rehabbed 1,500 turtles and survives solely by donations. This section of the Keys is well on the way to recovery after the devastation of category 4 Hurricane Irma, which hammered the area in September 2017. But while everything above the water’s surface has improved, what’s going on below is another story. Since 2014, America’s only live coral reef — third largest in the world — has been under attack by a mysterious malady with the oddly benign name “coral disease” aka “stony coral tissue loss.” The disease has spread to encompass nearly the entire length of the reef, leaving the most spectacular coral formations dead in its wake. This matters, because while coral reefs comprise just two percent of the ocean floor, they support 25 percent of its life. This isn’t a story about one reef. Coral is the canary in the coal mine, giving us a readily observable barometer to the ocean’s health, and this outbreak indicates there’s trouble brewing. So why should someone in Minnesota care about a coral reef in Florida? It’s a national treasure that is easily accessible to a large number of American boaters who tow boats of all sizes south. Given
that, this situation has ecological and economic concerns. The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates Florida’s reefs pump $6.5 billion a year into the economy and create 70,000 jobs. So what’s responsible for this plague that can completely kill a coral formation in just a couple of months? The pathogen causing it hasn’t been identified yet, but the likeliest culprit is poor water quality caused by nutrients from leaky septic tanks and fertilizer and pesticides runoff. The rise in ocean temperature and a weakening Gulf Stream are also likely contributing factors. Aside from improving water quality, what can be done to save the reefs? Stopgap measures include chiseling “firebreaks” around diseased places on individual corals and ramping up campaigns to educate boaters and divers not to touch the coral and to disinfect gear when moving from site to site. Another prong in the attack is to replant reefs with new, resilient “super corals.” Mote Marine Laboratory has taken the lead and by year’s end will have planted 60,000 new coral formations. BW
MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling
I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Come Down
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata
Aspiring Fyre Fest
ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan
If you remember anything you're doing it wrong PRODUCTION Mary Monge
Age of Geriatrics
CIRCUL ATION
Emily Wells-Horneff Clear Skies. Pristine Setting. Hazy Recollections Dustin Nguyen Got Music? ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING
Call (949) 660-6150
REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS
Annabelle Zabala Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll for the Aged Felice Lineberry Psychedelic Flashbacks Included MARKETPL ACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson Couldn’t Leave Well Enough Alone AD COORDINATORS
Jennifer Chen If It’s Not Loud Enough, You’re Too Old Lacee Garcia #WearSunscreen
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen
Where’s Dave?
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Boating World – Subscriber Services P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799 (888) 732-7323 circulation@boatingworld.com PUBLISHED BY DUNCAN MCINTOSH CO. INC .
Boatingworld.com 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (949) 660-6150 • Fax (949) 660-6172
Duncan Mcintosh Co. is founded by Editor and Publisher Duncan McIntosh Jr. and Co-Publisher Teresa Ybarra McIntosh (1942-2011)
VOLUME 40 • NO. 7 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 M AG A Z I N E 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.
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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
by Steph a n ie S h ibata
L E A D B OAT C R A N C H I E 2 6 C L A S S I C
CLASSICALLY DESIGNED An Italian dayboat brings international panache to U.S. waters.
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ONTEMPORARY DESIGN from the studio of Christian Grande is imbued with classic touches in the latest — and smallest — offering from Cranchi. A dayboat with weekend capability for a couple, the Cranchi E26 Classic is a snub-nosed, silver-hulled, sport-infused, Volvo-Penta powered, 25-foot, 9-inch beauty. Teak on the bow, in the cockpit and on the swim platform, and a wraparound windshield give the E26 Classic its old-timey feel, while tinted hull windows, a plumb bow, Volvo power and a Garmin MFD give the E26 its today cred. In fact, an ultra-modern pod-like helm powering what is ostensibly a classic boat creates a visual effect that’s sure to appeal to potential buyers immediately. Its highly trailerable 8-foot, 2-inch beam is another plus. The E26 Classic is perfectly capable of running to a favorite offshore island or a lunch spot a fair distance down the river, but sun-seeking loungers might prefer it never leave the no-wake zone thanks to a doublewide sunpad that stretches from the aft settee to the swim platform. A companion captain’s chair is situated to port, across from the helm seat, bringing seating capacity to six people when combined with the aft settee. Between the captain’s chairs are teak-covered steps to the forward deck, which is accessed through the center section of windshield, which swings open. Access to the cabin below is forward of the companion seat. Below is a V-berth, a refrigerator and an electric marine head that can be covered by filler cushions, to turn the entire area into a berth. The cabin doesn’t include a shower, but there is one on the swim platform. Engine choices from Volvo Penta include a 300 hp D4 diesel and two gas options: a 280 hp V-6 and a 350 hp V-8. Cranchi, cranchi.com Luxe features, a contemporary design and classic touches give this dayboat upscale style, while a V-berth belowdecks gives owners the ability to spend the night on the hook.
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CURRENTS
name the boat MAY CONTEST WINNER: Dead in the Water
To participate in this month’s contest, turn to page 64
Gene Pedoto from Lincroft, N.J., was the first to submit the winning name, Dead in the Water. For turning a phrase that was dead on and impressing our in-house voters (we had to break an online tie), Gene receives an Atlantis 4 non-towable four-person float from Connelly (connellyskis.com), valued at $219.99.
Rick Martin illustration
MORE OF MAY’S BEST ENTRIES:
R.I.P. Tide
HearsePower
Thomas Biedron, Chesterton, IN
Jacob Cafarella, Marion, MA
The Caskaway
Swan Song
Bruce Conn, Trabuco Canyon, CA
Tim Brown, Hayward, CA
“Grave”y Boat
Wake Up Call
Valerie Mustonen, Portland, OR
Daniel Bofinger, St. Pete Beach, FL
Crossing the Wake Michael Rafferty, Phuket
Dead Slow Mark Nunes, Bellevue, WA
Illegal Passing Chris Kredo, Mission Viejo, CA
Sea Hearse Gary Thornton, Edwards, CO
Hull Bearers Nicola Heslip, Auburn, WA
Morgue Wave Sue Matsumoto, Newport Beach, CA
Get Someone Involved
TAKE SOMEONE NEW for a day
of face-plants, er, we mean skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing or kneeboarding. That’s the message of the Pass the Handle movement, which has been growing for about six years. Now a year-round effort aided by ski schools, clubs and pro athletes, Pass the Handle still highlights one day, July 21 this year, for everyone to take part. If you do get someone new involved July 21, or anytime for that matter, share it using #PassTheHandle on social media. Check out wsia.net or read our story at tinyurl.com/y67bg36x for more information.
NEVER BEEN CHRISTENED
FOU NDING FATHER S
WE KNOW SOME of our country’s founding fathers spent considerable time on boats.
Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson crossed the Atlantic more than once, and George Washington made a memorable crossing on what he probably wished were a larger vessel, but we’ve not heard any stories of them naming a boat. We’re here to help. If these founders had owned a boat, here are our suggestions for a name. VIRGINIA
8
George Washington: George UU > George III Patrick Henry: …Or a Boat
Ben Franklin: Kite-Kraft Thomas Jefferson: I Do Declare John Hancock: Signature Achievement
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600+ TOWBOATS 300+ PORTS READY TO HELP YOU UNLIMITED FRESHWATER*
$85
UNLIMITED SALTWATER*
$159
With Unlimited Towing provided by TowBoatU.S., 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 *Annual Membership. 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.
CURRENTS
Enter Your Dog Now
WIN THIS Dog Vest
S A LT Y D O G OF THE MONTH
Dog: Charlie Owner: Justin McKinley, McKinney, Texas 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
On the Mississippi River, south of St. Paul, Minn., is a 22-acre private island that serves as the summer home for bunnies. Caleb Smith, a 14-year-old animal lover, purchased the island as a base to train domestic rabbits to be comfort/therapy animals. In addition, Smith gives his fuzzy Angora rabbits gentle haircuts to make humane luxury yarn. In the summer of 2019, his island and houseboat will host Sea Scout Ship #202 to help get young people interested in boating and environmental science. Boaters in the area can visit the Peacebunny Cottage in the Prior Lake-Savage area, home to the baby bunny nursery. PeacebunnyIsland.com
photo credit: Peacebunny Island 10
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Dolphins
1,000+
Potential number of dolphins in a single pod
37
Speed, in mph, dolphins can swim
Jump To It!
50%
BIG NUMBERS
100
Number of teeth a dolphin has, on average
61
Age of the world’s oldest recorded dolphin, from Florida
44
Number of different species of dolphins
FA S T FAC T
Tow boats, personal watercraft and pontoons accounted for approximately 50 percent of new powerboat unit sales through February 2019. Source: NMMA
BOATINGWORLD.COM
6/3/19 12:46 PM
DIGITAL & MECHANICAL RIGGING MEET
BIG-BLOCK POWER
Yamaha’s award-winning 4.2-liter V6 four strokes set the standard for offshore performance. Not only do they feature impressive 4.2-liter big-block displacement, but they’re also:
FLEXIBLE — The entire lineup of 4.2-liter V6 four strokes—from the F225 and F250 up to the mighty F300—is now available with either mechanical or digital controls, for ease of repower LIGHTER — At 562 pounds (digital) and 551 pounds (mechanical), they’re up to 51 pounds lighter than other V6 outboards 250 - 300 hp* STRONGER — Up to 16% more displacement than competitive V6 four strokes* SMARTER — Up to 29% higher gross charging power than other V6 four strokes* Learn more about the powerful performance of our 4.2-liter V6 Offshore F300, F250 and F225 at YamahaOutboards.com/V6offshore. *Compared to V6 four-stroke outboards, 250-300 hp. This is based on published data available at the time of publication. 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
Fishing
B ird s a s B eacon s
Seed eaters on a lily pad, such as a bird in the sora family (left), and insect eaters, such as a rednecked grebe, can both lead an angler to fish.
STEALTHY BOAT OPERATION can
Two in the Bush
can be an indication of an area that at least contains fish swallowable by birds, such as yellow perch or sunfish. And the stately great blue heron along the bank can be a clue of spawning activity or shallow feeding fish and that it might be time to tie on a topwater frog lure again. But bird activity that doesn’t involve eating fish can provide useful fishing information as well.
contribute to a successful fishing trip. And not just for quietly slipping into casting range for easily spooked fish; it is also useful for watching wildlife. Even though I’m exposed out on the water, when anchored or quietly running an electric trolling Fish-eating birds aren’t the only avian motor, it seems like I’m on some fish markers at anglers’ disposal. sort of a floating deer stand, because BY ANDY WHITCOMB many animals don’t expect me to be there. NESTING BIRDS Wildlife viewing can almost be enough to make a fisherman Trout anglers aren’t the only fish seekers to “match the hatch.” stop fishing. Almost. However, even though I may not actually For example, professional bass anglers fishing in highly pressured be casting, I’m still fishing. For example, observant and patient areas against the clock as well as one another must be able to find anglers just may discover useful fishing information from some the hot bite in progress. On Lake Havasu, a large reservoir that unlikely feathered resources. borders California and Arizona, a sharp-eyed Aaron Martens Traditionally, the presence of fish-eating birds means, well, fish. noticed that a large bass in his livewell spit up feathers. He ended In vast, open water, flocks of diving birds such as terns and gulls up winning $100,000 in an Elite Bassmaster tournament by are a well-known beacon at which boat operators point the bow targeting areas with blackbirds nesting in shoreline reeds. Young before opening up the throttle. These birds have located, at least birds trying to leave the nest and get too adventuresome too soon temporarily, a large school of baitfish, pushed to the surface by become easy meals for large, opportunistic bass. Young ducks may larger fish below. A focused lone eagle or osprey can indicate when also be a prey item for large fish. No longer just a novelty item in fish are near the surface too. the tackle box, bird-imitating topwater lures can be very productive On smaller water, an actively diving lone cormorant or loon when used at the right time and in the right place.
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THE PINNACLE OF PONTOON PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY.
You see at Manitou, our quest is to provide you absolutely breathtaking boating experiences. So while it’s not easy scaling the mountain of pontoon perfection, the climb sure is worth it when you see the view from the top. With all the horsepower — and the power to impress — Manitou provides an incredible combination of high performance and high style. With over 30 years of craftsmanship, our pontoon boats let you part the water, turn on a dime and carve a wake like no other. Beyond acceleration and handling, our patented V-Toon® and twin tube hulls are constructed to be the strongest in the industry. And our impeccable custom styling ensures that heads will turn when you pass others by. All of which is why at Manitou, we believe that when you choose one of our pontoon boats, you’ve landed the highest-performing, best-quality boat in the industry. Period. For more information, visit www.manitoupontoonboats.com
PASSION. PRECISION. PERFORMANCE.
FISHING
VEGETATION-EATING BIRDS
SEED-EATING BIRDS
Significant borders are created where flocks of geese continually feed on aquatic vegetation to a neck-straining depth. These small transition areas are great places to find actively feeding fish, because these edges serve as both cover and ambush points. Their dabbling activity also can attract fish, as they disturb crayfish from hiding areas and flush out darters for smallmouth bass lurking downstream. Additionally, while geese are feeding they also are dumping roughly two pounds of droppings in the water each day. (How’d you like to be the scientist who measured that figure?) These staggeringly frequent deposits kick-start the food chain in that area by contributing to algae blooms and attracting microscopic insects and, eventually, small fish.
Seasonally, ripening berries on trees and shrubs such as dogwood, juneberry and hackberry attract the attention of small flocks of birds, including cedar waxwings, American goldfinch and blue jays. As the birds feed, berries drop from overhanging limbs and fall into the water. The fruit can be consumed by fish. Catfish and carp are known to gather below mulberry trees along the shore when the fruit is in season. And the plunk-plunk sound from berries knocked off by birds will interest some fish too. Keep boating stealthily, but don’t overlook the bird activity. Any bird activity. On land, water or in the sky, birds near water are fish-marker buoys or sonar without the fish-disturbing “ping,” if you know what to look for and how to use that information. Keep your distance and quietly do some bird watching on your next boat outing. They may just reveal where some cooperative fish are swimming, waiting to be caught. BW
INSECT-EATING BIRDS
On many occasions I’ve held my breath and cringed as I watched some brave, or clueless, sparrow-sized bird hop around on
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the top of a lily pad and feed on a particular insect hatch, despite the potential for an enormous pike eruption from below. The taunting, continual, random tapping on aquatic vegetation’s large surface leaves keeps big fish alert, in the immediate area and focused skyward. The same goes for barn swallows that dart dangerously close to the surface as they chase mosquitoes and even dare to take a quick drink on the wing. In addition, I once saw a woodpecker attract attention from fish as it hammered on standing timber and scattered fragments of wood on the water’s surface.
6/3/19 1:23 PM
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
Watersports
PWC Safety
Safe at Speed Operating a PWC is great fun. So is staying safe and uninjured. Check out our tips for a day of unscathed amusement. BY BOATING WORLD STAFF
• RIDING A PERSONAL watercraft is a thrill most people don’t forget once they’ve done
it. Skipping across the top of the water at more than 60 mph is a definite rush, one we enjoy every chance we get. With all that power and speed, though, comes a fair amount of responsibility, to oneself and everyone else in the vicinity. Nobody wants to be the foreign matter in the punch bowl, but knowing how to stay safe and to keep others that way too is a trait that should be celebrated, not shunned. To help our readers have a great time and stay safe, we’ve compiled the dreaded safety list. It’s not exhaustive, but it touches the important areas. Remember, being the “hall monitor” may save someone’s life.
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Wear a life jacket. That should be enough said, but we’ll go on. Wearing a life vest doesn’t detract from the “cool” factor. Professional riders don’t have a problem wearing one, so recreational riders shouldn’t either. Protective footwear isn’t a bad idea either. Attach the kill switch. Clip it, loop it, hook it. However you attach it, make sure the kill switch’s lanyard is attached your person. It’s for your own safety, yes, but also for the safety of riders around you. Protect your eyes. Goggles, sunglasses, doesn’t matter, as long as you wear them. Eyes tear up at high speeds, which impedes vision, and that’s not good when you’re covering more than 85 feet per second. Based on experience — heard it from a friend — don’t wear your favorite pair. Unless they float. Ride standing up. At least for a while
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W AT E R S P O R T S
Operate a PWC with the approved number of riders (and under the weight limit), and ride standing up in rough water, to minimize the impact to one’s body. And always ride with the kill switch attached.
tk caption
during a run, ride standing up. The comfy seat beckons and is perfect for cruising flat water, but to really enjoy riding at top speed and on choppy water, standing is key. Riders’ legs absorb most of the shock when they’re standing, so choppy water won’t rattle their teeth like an Iowa gravel road after a really hard winter. Observe personal space. Don’t get too close to other riders, and make sure they’re not getting too close to you. Stopping short is not an ability PWCs have. Sea-Doo (iBR) and Yamaha (RiDE) models can stop more quickly than they used to, but stopping is not instantaneous and care must be taken. Figure out how long it takes to stop, remembering that totally disengaging the throttle may disengage the steering. Again, manufacturers have created systems that maintain some steering without the throttle, but only on newer models. Do this: Once you’ve
Dry storage abounds on newer PWCs, so stashing a GPS unit and a cellphone is a no-brainer.
ballparked a safe following distance, add to it. Know the PWC. Squeeze the throttle or push it with your thumb? Get comfortable with whichever is correct. How does it take off? If it’s like the PWCs we’ve tested from Yamaha, Sea-Doo and Kawasaki, the answer is two words: damn quickly. Start slow and get faster to discover the answers to such questions. Trust us: Do. Not. Underestimate. The takeoff power. Of modern PWCs. Wear sunscreen. OK, this one is a bit peripheral, but who wants to ride a PWC for just a few minutes? Nobody. Protect your skin, because you’re going to be out there for a long time, and water intensifies the sun’s rays. Keep the intake clean. To avoid sucking unwanted debris into the intake by touching bottom as you near a beach or depart from one, don’t start the engine too early or kill it too late. Walk your PWC from and to shore. Yes, it’s slower than riding it, but you’ll be tearing along soon enough. Don’t overload a PWC. A PWC that is severely overloaded will be much more difficult to control and will be much more likely to tip over. Even a machine rated for three people has a weight limit. Dad, mom and child probably work. Man, rugby buddy and ex-college football lineman may exceed the limit. Know your sled’s limits. Carry a GPS. Here’s one that may not apply to everyone, but sometimes overkill can be underrated. Most new PWCs feature plenty of storage, a good percentage of it dry, so throwing a handheld GPS unit aboard is a simple matter. A large body of water, especially one new to a rider, is easy to get lost on. The view can be different on the return path than it was going out. Note: A cellphone shouldn’t be the sole, or even primary, means of communication, but having one can be reassuring in case of a breakdown. BW
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Trailering M id sea son M ainten a nce
4
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Keep the Good Times Rolling
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Summer is a good time to conduct a maintenance checkup on the trailer. BY GREGG MANSFIELD
• IT’S BEEN A carefree summer on the water with the family, the only issue being the
occasional sunburn. To keep the good times rolling, now is a good time to perform a midseason maintenance check on the trailer. Even if it was serviced before the start of boating season, unexpected trailer problems can still turn up. Boaters can do the inspection themselves and take it to the local trailer repair shop if they spot any problems. “Things tend to work themselves loose over a course of time, so it’s always good to just look it over and do that check and have a checklist of main items that you should see every single time,” said Bill Tweedie, sales manager for MYCO Trailers in Bradenton, Fla. “Just like an airplane pilot before he goes out. He checks this, that and everything else, and hooks up and goes.” Here are some tips from trailer experts about what to inspect at the midseason mark.
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1 TIRES AND RIMS Manufacturers recommend owners check the tire pressure and make sure the lug nuts are tight every time the trailer hits the road. Yet most of us never do that. Trailer tires can look full because of the sidewall, which is designed for increased load capacity, but can be significantly underinflated. Tires on a boat trailer generally require between 50 and 65 psi — look for the pressure rating on the tire sidewall — and manufacturers recommend inflating to maximum pressure. Look for any unusual wearing on the trailer tires, which can be an early sign of alignment or bearing issues. It’s also a good time to check the age of the trailer tires, especially if you bought a preowned boat and trailer. “We always check the date on the tires to make sure they’re not running a tire that is 12 years old,” said Buck Powers of A&A Trailer Hitch Center in Florida. “It’s just going to be a common blowout problem.”
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2 SEAL LEAKS The hubs and seals on a marine trailer take a lot of abuse. They’re dunked in cold water and heated up on the highway, and as a result the seals will eventually leak and need to be repaired. Don’t panic, though, if you spot some grease around the wheel and axle. Take a towel, clean off the grease and check the spot after the next trip. The best-case scenario is the technician got a little sloppy with the grease gun and the seal isn’t leaking. “If you need a new seal and you’re not that handy at doing it yourself, because you have a 5,000- or 30,000-pound boat sitting on the trailer, you might end up taking the whole thing in to get it worked on by a professional,” said Tweedie, noting that trailer shops should complete the work in a day.
3 TRAILER LIGHTS
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Most marine trailers sold today come with sealed LED lights instead of incandescent lights, but plenty of trailers on the road still have the old technology. Powers said the biggest mistake boaters with incandescent lights make is not unplugging the lights before they back into the water. Trailers with sealed LED lights don’t have the same issue. “It makes electrolysis set in very fast,” Powers said. “The electronics don’t live very long doing that, unless they’re sealed lights.” If the trailer lights have been giving you problems, it might be a good time to upgrade the trailer lights to LED technology. Replacing the lights and wiring will cost less than $450, if you do the work yourself.
4 RUST Rust is the enemy of marine trailers, and boat owners need to keep it in check. Rock chips and scratches need to be covered to keep rust from spreading quickly. “The worst thing is a painted trailer going in and out of salt water, because they only paint the exterior of the metal,” Powers said. “They can’t get to the inside, especially if it’s tubing. If you back into the water, you’ve just got bare metal with salt water running through it; it’s going to rust out extremely quickly.” Even an aluminum trailer can develop rust issues. Powers said it’s wise to inspect the bunk brackets, because trailer manufacturers sometimes use galvanized brackets mated to the aluminum trailer frame. The two dissimilar metals will cause oxidation, which will eventually break down the aluminum. A well-maintained trailer, especially one given regular checkups, should last at least a decade. Tweedie has a customer who has put more than 1 million miles on a painted steel trailer. “It’s kind of like an oil change in your car,” Powers said. “Have the trailer serviced once a year and you should have no problems.”
5 BRAKES A yearly service of the trailer’s brakes should be enough to get through a boating season. Problems can result if the trailer and boat are parked for long periods of time. For a trailer with surge brakes, Tweedie recommends making sure the brake mechanism is pulled out, so it’s not putting pressure on the hydraulic system. Just as important is making sure the brakes, calipers or rotors are washed down with fresh water before the trailer is put away. It’s good practice to move the trailer around every six to eight weeks when it’s not in use. “It’s just like myself; you get a little older, you’ve got to get out every so often and move the body around,” Tweedie said. “And the same thing with the trailer. You’ve got to take it around and move it every once in a while.” BW
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Engines
Better Batteries
Extreme Batteries Sometimes having a good battery is good enough, but a boat with a 36v trolling motor and big-screen electronics needs batteries that are up to the task. BY ALAN JONES
•
HERE’S A MIND-BOGGLING fact: the
rechargeable battery that uses lead plates bathed in sulfuric acid was invented 160 years ago! And believe it or not, this pre– Civil War device, conjured up by French physician Gaston Planté in 1859, is still the most commonly used battery in cars and boats. Why? Because flooded-cell batteries are inexpensive and work well for many applications; plus, properly maintained they have a relatively long service life. People on a budget who own a modestly powered boat that doesn’t have a huge stereo or displays that resemble TV screens can get by with this oldest of battery technologies. But that’s not the direction boat building is headed, especially for buyers serious about fishing. Many anglers who own a boat less than 27 feet long don’t use a traditional anchor anymore. In shallow water, they hit a button and one or two Power-Poles stab the bottom and hold the boat steady. In water 10 feet and deeper, instead of an anchor, they deploy a new generation of trolling motor, which uses an internal computer and GPS to hold the boat in position. For a fishing outing that’s only going to last a couple of hours, conventional deep-cycle batteries will work fine, but for an outing that begins before dawn and goes ’til the sun goes down, conventional batteries won’t cut it. To go all day, it’s time to go extreme. ABSORBED GLASS MAT (AGM)
AGM batteries feature fiberglass matting in between positive and negative lead plates. The matting is saturated with acid, so no liquid acid is sloshing around, which can leak if the case is cracked or the plugs at the top aren’t secured (as can happen with conventional batteries). AGM batteries have a low resistance factor that makes them far faster to charge — four to five hours vs. 12 to 14 hours — and allows faster delivery of power when needed. They are also at least twice as expensive as flooded-cell batteries. Typically, a boat has one starting battery that usually features lots of thin lead plates that can deliver large bursts
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Fish & Cruise While the 236CC was designed for use as a coastal fishing boat, it's really a multi-purpose boat that can be used for lots of activities — pulling kids on a tube, cruising to dinner, or just a leisurely ride along the waterways.
With seating for up to twelve passengers, rod holders and storage throughout, and a changing compartment that can be upgraded with an optional porta potti, the 236CC is ready for a full day of fun on the water with family and friends! 236CC Deck Boat 23’ 8” | 101” beam | 3648 lbs (w/ popular engine) | 68 gal fuel capacity | 12 ppl, 3250 lbs VISIT STINGRAYBOATS.COM /236CC FOR MORE INFORMATION
ENGINES
of power, up to 400 amperes for five to 15 seconds, in order to start an engine. A boat with a large outboard needs a battery rated for 700 cold cranking amps (CCA) and 900 marine cranking amps (MCA) for starting, and a bank of deep-cycle batteries to provide steady power to run items such as trolling motors, stereos and electronics. A 24v trolling motor needs at least two 12v batteries to run it. Most large fishing boats, a 24-foot bay boat, for example, use a 36v trolling motor, which requires three batteries. The downside is they are heavy. A group 31 VMAX deep cycle XTR31-135 AGM battery ($350) that uses lead/tin alloy plates weighs 77 pounds, so three of them and a cranking battery such as an Optima 34M Blue Top ($250) that’s rated at 800 CCA and weighs 38 pounds, weigh 269 pounds total. With a triple bank charger added, the boat is carrying an extra J.J. Watt. Another option is a dual-purpose battery that can be used to power trolling motors and start the main engine. The Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine
Today’s fishing boats, with trolling motors, power anchors and large displays, need batteries that last, such as the Odyssey 31M-PC2150 or LithiumPros M3140-36 36v.
MAKING SUMMER FUN SINCE 1965
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In addition to being long-lived, lithiumion batteries are extremely light ($510) has a massive 1,150 CCA and can last for 400 cycles of up to 80 percent depth of discharge, which is impressive, since it’s recommended users only discharge most batteries to 50 percent before recharging. Odyssey uses Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, which uses 99.7 percent pure lead instead of an alloy, and since the plates are only 1 mm thick, it can pack an enormous number of plates into each battery. One downside to AGM batteries is they are not tolerant of overcharging. LITHIUM ION
To really know where state-of-the-art stands with boat batteries, look no further than top bass pros. What are they using? They spend more time on the water and use their electronics and trolling motors longer than anyone. With previous battery technology, most of them had to ration their consumption or carry a portable gas generator to keep their batteries topped off (the practice was banned a few years ago), but then came a silver bullet in the form of lithium-ion batteries. At the most recent Geico Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, Tenn., 32 of the 50 pros used this technology. The winner, Ott Defoe,
TO THE WEB LifelineBatteries.com LithiumPros.com Mastervolt.com NexGenBattery.com OdysseyBattery.com OptimaBatteries.com TrojanBattery.com VMAXTanks.com
has been using the same set of LithiumPro batteries for seven years, which is unheard of considering most pros will use batteries for only one or two seasons. In addition to being long-lived, lithium-ion batteries are extremely light. Lithium is the lightest metal, weighing 33 pounds per cubic foot compared to lead’s 708 pounds per cubic foot. And Knoxville-based LithiumPros manufactures a 36v battery that weighs just 34 pounds and provides the same power as three group 27 batteries (according to the company). The downside? Lithium batteries are expensive; a LithiumPros M3140-36CK 36V 40Ah plus a charger costs $2,499. But fishing guides and bass pros who spend a lot of time on the water should consider that most people who switch from AGM batteries reduce their boat’s weight by about 230 pounds, which translates to higher speeds and better fuel economy. For a boat owner who changes batteries every two years or less, lithium-ion batteries might be cheaper to own. BW
Visit us at connellyskis.com /connellyskis Insta
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Electronics
User - G enerated Ch a r t s
GROWING SEGMENT
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Self-Styled Cartography Electronic charts continue to get better thanks to input from citizen cartographers. BY ZUZANA PROCHAZKA
• MARINE MOBILE MAPPING has generated buzz for a few years now, but the waters around
it can be a bit murky without knowing the proper terminology. Charts created by users instead of some agency have been referred to as user-generated charts, crowd-sourced cartography or even community-sourced charting. Some people use these terms interchangeably; others draw lines to differentiate the concept. “User generated” may refer to anglers making charts for personal use, while “crowd sourced” may imply that multiple sources deliver the raw data to a map-making authority and then receive in return a complete chart made usable in their chartplotter. “Crowd-sourced means that there was some kind of processing or cleanup done on the consolidated data,” said Iker Pryszo, chief technical officer at Nobeltec, which works with Furuno. Shaun Ruge, product strategy director at Navionics, agreed. “User-generated [charts] can be present on the machine — you create your own and own it — but if you choose to share it, then it becomes crowd sourced.”
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Naming aside, DIY mapping — or user-generated content (UGC) — has gained thousands of followers since it was introduced about a decade ago. As such, the expectations have evolved. An initial goal was to help chart remote areas and potentially add accuracy to existing data. Target users included divers, cruisers and anglers. The bathymetry (depth) aspect caught on quickly, as did charting for tournament lakes. Coastal regions haven’t seen as much involvement, however, and anglers using this technology today far outnumber cruisers or divers. Even within fishing, usage has morphed. “Initially we thought anglers would go for depth, vegetation and bottom hardness information,” said Michael Kaste, product manager of cartography at Navico. “So far, bathymetry-only has won out, but the good news is that a majority of users (80 percent) share their data rather than keep it private.” The lion’s share of existing electronic cartography is based on historical data from governmental agencies enhanced by algorithms (extrapolated estimates) to get depth contours. DIY mapping allows users to add much more detail and create special spots with drop-offs, ditches, structure and more, and that can be a game-changer for fishing. Humminbird’s AutoChart highlights usage on small or hidden lakes and rivers where users become the author of their own cartography, which is fantastic for off-the-beaten-path fishing holes. THE PLAYERS
Most hardware manufacturers, including Raymarine, Garmin, Furuno, Navico (parent of Simrad, B&G and Lowrance) and Humminbird, offer some form of mobile mapping via their cartography partners, including Navionics and C-MAP. Navionics touts 2,000 daily edits that include chart editions and notices to mariners. Navionics’ Community Edit program contributions number several hundred thousand per year and are self-policed.
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ELECTRONICS
Garmin echoMap Ultra with Navionics charts enhanced by user input
Garmin echoMap Plus with g3 community-enhanced Navionics charts
Lowrance HDS LIVE 12 with active sonar and community charts
C-Map Genesis with Social Map and C-Map Reveal showing bottom contour
Reportedly, faulty data and poor behavior in this community are rare. On the other hand, its SonarChart data does undergo checks for validation, so regardless of where it comes from, it’s reviewed before it’s put out to the community. Operators can generally turn UGC information on and off in layers on their chartplotter, so they can go with the official version or their own. Most forms of these programs have a free version, although Navionics also has a subscription program ($99 per year) with enhanced features called Freshest Data. Most data can be gathered with basic transducers and will display on later-model hardware. It’s best to ask a local dealer if a particular unit is capable of displaying this layered information. WHERE IT’S GOING
The trend in DIY mapping is toward simplification, making charts easier to create and share. For example,
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TO THE WEB C-MAP.com CMORMapping.com FurunoUSA.com Garmin.com Humminbird.com Navico.com Navionics.com Nobeltec.com Raymarine.com
users no longer have to upload the data to the cloud via an SD card on a PC. “On a Raymarine system, you can link via Wi-Fi to Navionics on your phone and share via their app,” said James McGowan of Raymarine. “No need to unplug the unit or remove the data on a card.” “The average fisherman can do uploads today, because the data is down to kilobytes rather than gigabytes, the way it used to be,” Kaste said. “We create the chart and turn it around in a week or so. Meanwhile, the next big leap is the upcoming C-MAP Reveal, which, like its competitor CMOR Mapping, is almost a 3-D high-resolution representation of the bottom rather than just contour lines.” It seems everyone is in the DIY mapping space, and boat owners don’t need a 12-inch multifunction display and a multi-beam transducer to play. Most charting will happen even as boaters go about their day of fishing, and their phone is all they need to upload data. The self-styled cartography capability has become especially popular in Australia and parts of Europe, such as Sweden, France and Germany. On the professional side here in the U.S., NOAA and Nobeltec are managing high-level user data too, except its users are commercial fishing fleets and research vessels rather than individual anglers. With minimal equipment, boat owners can be part of a growing worldwide community or just forget everyone else, chart the stumps on the bottom of their favorite lake and bring home the big one. BW
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SUNLINER SERIES
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Ask the Experts
Q
+ LIFE JACKETS
Life Jacket Care
WE DIDN’T RECEIVE a specific question regarding this topic, but this information is valuable to everyone who owns a boat and uses it. Life jacket care is important, especially if the life jackets are the inflatable type. Keep reading for some important tips.
The best place to find specific maintenance requirements is the owner’s manual; however, some things apply to the ongoing reliability of any inflatable life jacket. Prior to each day on the water, be sure to do the following: • Inspect the unit for visible signs of wear or damage. Verify it is free of rips, holes, damaged hardware, etc. Tug on the seams to ensure they are securely sewn and show no thread damage. • If the unit has a service indicator, check it to ensure it’s green. Red indicates the mechanism has been fired or is incorrectly installed. • For auto-inflating life jackets, verify that all components are armed and not expired. Open the jacket and inspect both the automatic inflation system and oral inflation tube. Verify the CO2 cylinder is firmly secured and free from damage or corrosion. • Repack the lifejacket per manufacturer’s instructions, making sure the manual activation pull-tab lanyard is accessible and properly positioned for quick access and use.
MEET OUR EXPERTS Zuzana Prochazka Frank Lanier
Capt. Lanier is an accredited marine surveyor with more than 30 years of experience in the marine industry and owner of Capt. FK Lanier & Associates, Marine Surveyors and Consultants.
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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.
Capt. Prochazka is a freelance journalist and photographer. She’s the founder of Zescapes, a charter operator with voyages organized around the world. She coordinates new gear and boat award programs and often tests products before their introduction to the public.
BOATINGWORLD.COM
6/3/19 12:43 PM
Made for Life on the Water Surrounded by nature and built with modern amenities, Waterways is a private, gated community where the influence of water creates a new rhythm to life. Enjoy endless adventure on Grand Lagoon, Waterways’ Bill Dance Signature Lake, and experience over five miles of canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing under ancient oak hammocks. Coming soon, Waterways Marina will feature drystack storage, Intracoastal access, dining, a marsh-front pool, and more. Homesites from the 50s to the low-100s. Homes from the 300s to 600s.
F I N D YOU R P E R F E C T P L AC E AT L I V E WAT E RWAY S . C O M 912.445.0299 | RICHMOND HILL, GA 31324 Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This is not an offering of property in jurisdictions which have prior registration requirements in order to offer property and we will not knowingly disseminate information tion into such jurisdictions unless we have met such requirements. ©Savannah Land Holdings, LLC. The features and amenities described and depicted herein are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. Actual development may not be as currently proposed. No guarantee is made that the features, amenities and facilities depicted by artists’ renderings or otherwise described will be built or, if built, will be of the same type, size or nature as depicted or described.
If operation of the life jacket is in doubt, or if you just haven’t checked it in a while, try these procedures: • Inflate the bladder using the oral tube and leave it overnight in a room with a constant temperature. If the bladder loses pressure, take the life jacket to an authorized service center for further tests and repair. Don’t attempt to make repairs yourself. If there is no noticeable loss of pressure, deflate the life jacket by turning the cap of the oral inflation tube upside down and pressing it into the inflation tube. Then gently squeeze the life jacket (without twisting or wringing) until all of the air has been expelled. • Repack the life jacket according to the
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manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring the manual activation pull-tab inflation lanyard is accessible and properly positioned.
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On Tilt
Q I have a 50 hp Honda. I put a new trim motor on it and still my motor won’t go up or down. Does it need gear lubricant? Apolonio Corona, via BoatingWorld.com
As I indicated earlier, always follow manufacturer recommendations; with that in mind here are a few other good ideas: • When not in use, store life jackets in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. • Rinse life jackets with fresh water after saltwater exposure and allow them to dry thoroughly prior to storage. If your life jacket has an auto-inflate feature, remove the auto-inflation cartridge prior to rinsing. • Always read the instruction manual for proper care and maintenance of the life jacket. — FL
First, does the tilt motor operate electrically? If so, is the reservoir full of tilt fluid, or ATF? If so, take the tilt motor off again and locate the short connector pin that joins the motor to the gears. You’ll probably have to sop up some of the tilt fluid to locate the proper hole in the gear set. Put it in the hole, then align the tilt motor to it and assemble everything. Lightly run the retaining screws in that hold the tilt motor on. Make sure the tilt motor spins and the engine makes some pretense about wanting to move. Then snug the retaining bolts down, refill the reservoir and you’re good to go. One other thought: If you already have everything together, did you use the manual release and forget to tighten it? — GM
BOATINGWORLD.COM
6/3/19 12:43 PM
SUZUKI HOT SUMMER COOL DEALS
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Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
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 07/01/19 and 09/30/19 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 07/01/19 and 09/30/19. 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 07/01/19 and 09/30/19. “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.
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Gear 1.
St u f f You Wa nt
SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM
Dock Box
$647, dockbox.com
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The TR2 dock box from Better Way Products has a lid that raises and a door that swings, both to provide practical access. Built in the U.S. out of 3/16-inch marinegrade fiberglass, the TR2’s sandwich core construction and protruded walls provide strength. With about 15 cubic feet of interior space — the box is 27 inches square and 36 inches tall — the TR2 can accommodate a lot of gear. Its full-length piano-hinge door hinges, lockable clasp and cable stays are all stainless steel and secured with oversized, rustproof rivets.
2.
Touchscreen MFD
$1599.99+, garmin.com
EchoMAP Ultra series is a new line of keyed-assist 10and 12-inch Garmin touchscreen chartplotters. Designed to bring professional performance to inland and nearshore anglers, echoMAP Ultra includes built-in support for Garmin’s Ultra High-Definition scanning sonar and the award-winning Panoptix LiveScope series, including the new single-array LVS12. LiveScope delivers scanning sonar images of structure, bait and fish swimming below and around the boat, in real time.
3.
Fuel-Free Lighter
$24.99, ustbrands.com
The lightweight and compact TekFire PRO FuelFree Lighter allows for quick and easy fire-starting. Windproof, flameless, and electronic, it requires no butane fuel, and comes in handy on the beach. The included ParaTinder wrist lanyard can be unwound for about three feet of all-purpose paracord with an added single tinder thread. The lighter also comes with a USB cord, so it can be easily recharged.
4.
2
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Bailer Safety Kit
$16.99, basspro.com
Onboard safety should be priority number one for all boaters, and their efforts need to extend beyond life jackets. The Bailer Safety kit with LED Light from Bass Pro Shops contains an 8-inch bailer bucket with a molded-in grip, a 4 3/4-inch dry-compartment opening and an O-ring seal to keep the kit’s contents dry. Also included are 50 feet of high-visibility yellow line with a float, a rugged three-LED flashlight and a pea-less emergency whistle.
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Unforgettable Adventures.
Feel-Good Savings. Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2019 GEICO
Gear
St u f f You Wa nt
SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM
5.
Simple Chartplotter
$399+, simrad-yachting.com Cruise is a new chartplotter from Simrad aimed at boat owners looking for simplicity. Featuring an easy-to-use interface, a sunlight-viewable display, preloaded U.S. coastal charts, a mounting bracket and a sonar transducer, Simrad Cruise combines essential GPS features with basic depthfinding capability to deliver safe and reliable navigation at a lower price point. While Cruise doesn’t include fishing-specific sonar and networking features, it does provide CHIRP sonar with automatic depth tracking and is controlled with a rotary dial and a keypad. Five-, 7- and 9-inch models are available.
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6.
Marine-Grade Amplifier
$299, prospecelectronics.com
JBL’s new Apex Powersports Amplifier from Prospec Electronics packs a high-performance punch, yet is small enough to fit into the palm of a hand. Easily hidden on a boat, the PA1254 speaker is engineered and built to withstand outdoor extremes. The Class D Apex Series of amplifiers features easy-to-use controls for fast and simple wiring. The PA1254 model has four channel amps with 4x75W RMS at 4-ohms and small heat sinks, so they install easily in locations with size restrictions.
7.
The soft Splash Tankwell Cooler from Perception Kayaks is designed to fit in the storage well on the deck of most sit-on-top kayaks and is versatile enough for everyday use. A zippered opening on top provides convenient access to drinks and food, and thick insulated foam keeps them cold. Adjustable backpack-style shoulder straps and a strong haul handle make portage easy.
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Tankwell Cooler
$79.99, perceptionkayaks.com
8.
Vessel Tracker
$999, nauticalert.com The Nautic Alert VTracker Satellite Vessel Tracker detects a location change of just 250 feet and allows the user to kill the engine remotely if theft is suspected. Simple to install and easy to use, the VTracker features an anchor alarm, optional intrusion detection, bilge pump float switch and battery voltage monitoring, daily status reports, email notifications and two-way text messaging. VTracker can also help prevent GPS chartplotter and outboard theft. It interfaces with Nautic Alert microwave and FLIR perimeter security sensors, for reliable and early intruder detection.
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Bonehead Blunders BONEHEAD SCALE:
By G rid M ich a l
1 Acceptably assinine
2 Slightly slow
3 Distinguished dunce
(Not so) Deep River BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Getting too alarmed THE BONEHEAD: An attentive boater BONEHEAD RATING: Way, way more than 5 WHAT HAPPENED: I knew if I hung on through 2018 that 2019 would provide some humdinger boneheads! I received a call from a transplant who owns a used center console boat with a 2000 Yamaha 115 hp. He called in a panic because an alarm was going off at dead idle and he couldn’t tell what it was. I asked what happened at other rpm. When he sped up, the alarm stopped. To me, that spelled water-pump impeller, even if the visible discharge “appeared good.” Regardless, I made the hour-long trek to his place, which I could just see across the river, and hooked up my laptop to his engine to see what the past showed. Unfortunately the engine was one of the originals and didn’t offer that info, so I watched the computer screen as the temperature rose to
4 Massively moronic
5 Seek mental help
104.9 degrees Fahrenheit (cool as a cucumber) and then dropped to 101.3 (just as expected) as I increased the rpm count by a few hundred. Not having a good handle on the problem, I suggested we go for a ride to see if the problem could be duplicated. The gentleman lowered the boat off the lift and climbed aboard. Then he engaged his Garmin, spun the boat slowly and told me they went from his pier to the next one at a dead idle, and just before they arrived the alarm started screeching. They turned around and went home. Sure enough, as he and I approached the neighbor’s pier, the alarm sounded. “There!” He shouted triumphantly. “The alarm!” I reached around him and turned off the Garmin, effectively silencing the shallow-water alarm. “What alarm?” I shouted back. During the ensuing quiet, he looked at me and said, “If you tell my wife about this, I will place a contract on your head. Trust me.” LESSON LEARNED: I gave him a list of things to check the next time he heard the alarm. At the top of the list I wrote Shut Off Depthfinder! BW
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602-431-8225 Pad-Racks.com BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2019
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Tested
First D rive
B A R L E T TA E L I T E E 2 2 Q // B Y A L A N J O N E S
Elite but Less Expensive Part of the builder’s more affordable E-Series, the Barletta E 22 Q retains the M-Series’ upscale vibe. • AT THE MINNEAPOLIS Boat Show’s inaugural NMMA Innovation Awards last year, a new company named Barletta shocked many people by scoring a win for the most innovative pontoon. This year, its designers set out to build a more affordable line, which they did,
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but despite their efforts the Barletta Elite E 22 Q is still a luxurious pontoon with understated elegance. UNIQUE FACTOR
Sometimes it’s the small features that really leave an impression, especially when they’re something we’ve never seen before. On the Barletta Elite E 22 Q, the forehead-slapping feature that now seems obvious isn’t even for people. It’s a slide-out food and water dish for pets. We tested it with Jackson, the resident golden retriever at Wawasee Slip, the marina in northern Indiana where we conduct a lot of tests, and he gave it the
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(Clockwise from top right) A hand-stitched wrapped wheel delivers luxury at the helm. An oversized rear deck and a heavy-duty watersports cage facilitate behind-the-boat action. Pets will love the pullout dog dish. A portside gate is a third access point. Operators deserve, and get, a proper captain’s chair.
Golden Snout of Approval. I usually don’t write a lot about pontoon construction techniques, because most builders use the same tried-and-true processes. But Barletta does something unique that makes a big difference. It uses Vibration Isolator Pads (VIP) — large rubber pads inserted between the metal C-channels and the large metal crossmembers that support the wood deck — to virtually eliminate rattling and vibration that tend to occur when the engine reaches a certain rpm. The net effect is the entire pontoon feels really solid. This technique costs extra, and Barletta could have skipped it on its value line of pontoons, but it didn’t. PERFORMANCE
Our test boat came with the Tri-Toon Package, which features unusual lifting strakes on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the outer tubes. They take a page from racing boats. Instead of just one flat surface, they offer a dual-stage strake surface that kicks in at different speeds. On the outside of the outer tubes are small
extrusions called Wave Tamers that direct water outward and down, creating a drier ride. The standard transom is a 20-incher but a 25-inch transom is an option. For power, our 24-foot, 6-inch boat test
They offer a dual-stage strake surface that kicks in at different speeds. boat featured a Mercury 150 FourStroke. That’s a full 100 hp lower than the E 22 Q is rated for with the Tri-Toon setup, but even with the missing herd of horses the performance was respectable. On plane in 2.6 seconds, it reached 30 mph in 9.7 seconds and reached a top speed of 38.1 mph. Upgrading to the new-gen Mercury 200 hp V-6 provides a decent bump in performance. The new 200 hp is a V-6 with a 3.4L block, weighs 475 pounds (only 20 pounds more than the inline four-cylinder
3.0L 150), delivers a fantastic holeshot and has user-friendly features, including a service hatch at the top of the cowling that allows owners to check or add oil without removing the entire cowling. This 50 hp upgrade costs $4,170. To go up another 50 hp, to the V-8 250, will cost $10,590 more than the 150. With the 150 FourStroke and Tri-Toon setup, the bottom line on this boat tallies $63,330. Barletta will also rig its pontoons with Yamaha power. HANDLING
The all-fiberglass helm on the Barletta E 22 Q is simple and compact but flashes a bit of luxury with a fat, hand-stitched wheel that provides great grip. Oversized multifunction gauges are easy to read, and toggle switches are high enough that the driver’s knees won’t accidentally push them into action. Plus, they have indicator lights, so anyone who looks at them will know when an accessory is on. All Barletta tubes are 26 inches in diameter, which is larger than the industry standard of 25 inches; that extra diameter helps the boat ride higher in the water. BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2019
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OWN E R FE E D BACK
The nosecones are 46 inches long, which is a little shorter than normal, but this setup adds flotation at the bow, so the boat won’t plow when the party moves forward. Dual-stage strakes are designed to create a harmonious flow of water at speed and assist it during turns. I was able to crank the wheel all the way to its stop without a blowout. We experienced a moderate amount of lean-in during hard cornering. BEST USES P U R C H A S E D B Y A N D Y A N D C A R O LY N D I N I N , MOORESVILLE, N.C.
Our test boat featured the quad-lounge setup, which includes four chaise lounges and plenty of open deck space that allows
guests to mingle. The lounge behind the captain’s chair is shorter but still has plenty of room for a stretched out six-foot-tall occupant. I love the fact none of the backrests has any comfort-robbing features, like a fake headrest that jabs the occupant between the shoulder blades. The two-tone upholstery with pleated accent panels gives the lounges an understated look. Up front are two matching layback seats and an optional changing curtain that flips up from the back of the portside lounge. Our boat had a filler seat option ($1,005) that can be placed to cover the port gate gap and deliver more seating flexibility.
PURCH A SED AT R ACE CI T Y M A RINE, MOORESVILLE, N.C. W H AT W E L IK ED
Pull-out dog dish/Roomy rear deck/ Quiet ride/Yamaha outboard/Power Tower/Comfortable captain’s chairs
B A R L E T TA ELITE E 22 Q Length 24 ft., 6 in.
All fiberglass, the helm is simple, compact and functional. Twin bow layback seats can also be multi-person lounges. The boat’s cupholders (opposite) are Yeti-ready.
Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter 26 in.
W H AT W E WOUL D CH A NGE
The Yamaha F150 is a good match for this pontoon, but you can always use more power, so maybe bumping it to a 200 would be nice. WHY WE BOUGHT IT
My wife and I have been boating with friends on Lake Norman for four years on all different kinds of boats, and now we are the first to own a Barletta here. It’s a large, scenic lake with lots of coves that are perfect for watersports. Our grown kids, Brittany and Scott, live nearby and often join us on the weekend. We have two Catahoula leopard dogs, Anni and Remi, and they both love the pullout pet food tray, which I think is a great feature. We enjoy inviting friends for a sunset cruise, and 16 Yeti-ready cupholders provide plenty of places to park a drink. The furniture is really comfortable and the boat is well-built. We are first-time boat buyers and had a fantastic buying experience at Race City Marine. There was no pressure and they worked hard to find the perfect fit for us. We even got a phone call from the president of Barletta, Bill Fenech, to welcome us to the family.
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Passenger Capacity 12 people
Dry Weight (hull) 3,402 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 48 gal. Max HP 250 (w/Tri-Toon), 150 (w/twin tubes)
PERFORMANCE Peak 38.1 mph/ 5600 rpm/92 dBA Cruise 31.8 mph/ 4500 rpm/81 dBA Time to Plane 2.6 sec. Time to 30 mph 9.7 sec.
POWER Test Mercury 150 FourStroke
Cylinders I-4 Displacement 3.0L Weight 455 lbs. WOT Range 5000-5800 rpm
Base Price w/test power $63,330
Value-Added Standard Features: Power Bimini top, 4-speaker Hertz Bluetooth stereo, woven vinyl flooring, Tube-Tow Watersports Cage, extended rear deck, wastebasket
Must-Have Options: Centerline locker, interior RGB lighting, premium stereo w/subwoofer and upgraded speakers, bow gate filler cushion, raised helm, double power Bimini top Builder: Barletta Boats, barlettapontoonboats.com Financing: $454/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years
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Barletta knows that kids on board will demand to be dragged endlessly on a tube, so it includes what it calls a Tube-Tow Watersports Cage on all its boats. Its designers also know that tubes are getting huge these days (see “Boating World’s Tube Test 2019” in the June issue) and so they have overbuilt the “cage” so it can tow up to 3,700 pounds, which is considerably more than the usual 2,100 pounds most tow bars are rated for. To reach such a capacity, the ski tow’s tubes are oversized and the cage is anchored to the chassis, not just to the deck. All Barletta models get an oversized rear deck that makes staging watersports easy and is optimized for lounging with features such as Yeti-ready cupholders. The Tri-Toon package also includes hydraulic steering, so the driver won’t get fatigued from whipping the kids around. PREFERRED SETUP
Despite its lower list price than the
top-of-the-line L-class pontoons, the E 22 Q has several higher-end standard features, including a power Bimini top and more Yeti-ready cupholders at the EZ-Fill fuel station. Even two-tube models have an aluminum underskin on the underside
of the deck, so occupants won’t hear the swooshing of the water as it hits the crossbeams. The standard stereo is a fourspeaker Bluetooth model by Hertz, a manufacturer that might be new to the marine industry but has plenty of experience building stereos for motorcycles; it knows how to deal with the elements and wind noise. A worthy upgrade would be a premium sound system that includes a subwoofer with an amp and upgraded speakers. Our boat didn’t have it, but Mercury’s Active Trim ($885) does all the outboard trimming for the driver. A flush-mounted Simrad GO7 GPS sounder, which will come in handy on large lakes for navigation, is an extra $1,230. One cockpit table comes standard and has a dedicated storage spot in the port lounge; buyers can add another for $345. For beverage storage, an in-floor cooler option preserves storage space. For nighttime ambiance, there’s an interior lighting package ($2,093) that includes RGB lighting. BW
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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
4/17/2019 10:22:15 AM BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2019
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Tested
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A V A L O N C ATA L I N A 2 5 8 5 E L I T E // B Y A L A N J O N E S
Welcome to the Family The luxury and styling DNA buyers expect from Avalon comes at a price they won’t expect with the Catalina 2585 Elite. •
that increase storage capacity, which is easily accessed via seat bottoms that hinge inward to the centerline and stay open. To keep mildew and mold at bay, the underseat compartments are ventilated. Our test boat had the optional centerline storage locker ($1,719), which is cavernous enough to toss back an echo. For customization, Avalon gives owners four choices of primary upholstery color and 11 accent colors. The Matrix 50 Soft Touch vinyl upholstery features different textures, including a pebbly elephant hidelike one for the pillowtop uppers. Avalon likes to color outside the lines, as evidenced by the uniquely molded kick panels that showcase an Art Deco styling theme. Unlike most other pontoons, the 2585’s composite interior wall panels cover the rails, giving it a clean look. PERFORMANCE
AVALON IS ONE of those high-end pontoon companies that will gladly sell a fully loaded, top-of-the-line Excalibur that costs well into six figures. Buyers whose budget can’t handle that extravagance can get into the Avalon family for about half that with the Catalina 2585 Elite.
UNIQUE FACTOR
The Avalon Catalina 2585 Elite features a distinctive, retro/mod Deco 3 exterior that helps it stand out among a sea of sameness, and its unusual seating layout is optimized for seating capacity. It is rated for up to 15 people when it’s equipped with full triple tubes. Usually, the walkthrough to the swim platform is on the starboard side, such as on the 2585 Cruise floorplan, but on this pontoon, it’s to port. The arrangement allowed Avalon designers to place a curved 40
lounge behind the captain’s chair and another abbreviated couch on the port side facing the skipper. Well-positioned, this settee is far enough forward that the driver retains an unencumbered sightline to the walkthrough door, so he can observe reboarding swimmers, which is why the gate is usually to starboard. Even with a rear-facing recliner backrest, the portside lounge would be too short for most adults to recline … if designers hadn’t made the armrest low enough for occupants to comfortably drape their stretched out legs on top. Up front are two long chaise lounges. Adding the filler cushion option ($750) for the bow gate turns the entire front half of the boat into a massive arena where guests can interact with one another. For comfort, the seats have a suspension system, and Avalon uses lightweight aluminum frames
The Avalon Catalina 2585 Elite includes five different tube configurations that allow buyers to scale the performance based on their planned use of the boat and budget. Our test boat was the middle child of the group, equipped with the triple-tube Sport Performance Pontoon Package ($5,742), which is rated to handle up to a 200 hp engine and costs $5,774 less than the 27-inch Waveglider Package, which supports up to a 300 hp outboard. Avalon buyers can choose any of the five major outboard brands. Our test boat was powered by a Suzuki DF200SS with a matte black finish for some extra attitude. Avalon offers a 20- or 25-inch transom, and to me the extra $367 for the 25-incher our test boat had is money well spent, because it keeps the powerhead high above the water. While the Catalina 2385 Elite is a big 25-foot, 3-inch pontoon, Suzuki’s DF200 pushed it well. On plane with zero bowrise in 2.3 seconds, it reached 30 mph in 9.5 seconds and attained a top speed of 38.4 mph, which is plenty fast for all watersport disciplines. Best of all, with the full triple-tube package, a Suzuki DF200SS and 25-inch transom, this feature-loaded pontoon comes in at a $60,201 MSRP.
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HANDLING
The Sport Performance Pontoon Package includes twin lifting fins (in Avalon-speak) on the center tube and one each on the inside on the outer tubes. The fins give the 25-inch tubes plenty of lift for most loads and allow the Catalina 2585 to bank gently into turns. With this setup, I was able to crank the included SeaStar tilt steering wheel all the way to its stops in either direction without the prop losing its grip as the boat carved a tight circle. The Sport setup adds an aluminum underskin and a 38-gallon fuel tank. Buyers who live on a large lake and/or tend to carry a boatload of guests might consider the 27-inch Waveglider package. Its oversized tubes and special cupped high-performance lifting strakes on both sides of all three tubes give the Catalina 2585 incredible lift, to help it ride high in the water. On Avalon models with this setup, the folks at Avalon have made open-ocean trips to places such as Cuba and the Dry Tortugas. Another bonus is
a 58-gallon fuel tank that extends its range; with it comes the ability to power it with up to 300 hp. BEST USES
With its to-the-max seating arrangement, the Avalon 2585 Elite appeals to owners who enjoy hosting large groups. And a couple of options turn it into a party platform. In the stern seating group is an oversized kidneyshaped greywood table that can host drinks and snacks. An optional ottoman cooler up front ($703) acts as another table and serves as a place to store more beverages. The standard stereo is a four-speaker Infinity Bluetooth setup that’s above average, but a JL Audio option ($3,859) with a subwoofer and an extra amp will help passengers really feel the music. To boost the post-sunset wow factor, Avalon’s array of lighting options is headlined by the Blue Ice package ($1,039), which bundles interior mood lighting with lighted cupholders and speakers. Underwater lighting costs $336
A boarding ladder and a matte black Suzuki outboard (top) give the swim platform plenty of panache. Aft, an oversized greywood table (middle) can host drinks and snacks. Speakers throughout the boat amplify the entertainment factor.
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OWN E R FE E D BACK
and under-rubrail lighting is an additional $773. PREFERRED SETUP
PURCHA SED BY VOLKMAR DIRK SEN, CORNELIUS, N.C. PURCH A SED AT NORT H POIN T WA T E R S P O R T S , M O O R E S V I L L E , N . C .
With the addition of a ski tow bar ($766), the 2585 transforms into a solid watersports boat. And Avalon makes it possible to take this theme further with a Decosport arch ($11,484), which also adds some panache. A less expensive tower option is a fold-down, 2-inch-tube model ($6,445). If dragging the kids around on tubes is the only watersport on the docket, a 150 hp outboard is an option that would
save $3,405 (in the Suzuki SS family), but towing adults on skis will require 200 hp or more. Avalon provides plenty of ways to customize the Catalina 2585. Instead of Deco carpeting, owners can choose vinyl flooring that ranges in price from $813 for the Traditional Classic Mist to $2,969 for the yachty Teak Style UV Classic Woodgrain. This model is not really optimized for fishing, but the diehard angler in the family will appreciate an under-bench livewell for $352 and a Garmin 53cv GPS fishfinder at the helm for $1,013. BW
W H AT I L IK ED
Excellent workmanship/Soft and durable upholstery/Seating layout/Avalon styling/Yamaha 150 outboard/Tri-Toon handling and performance W H AT I WOUL D CH A NGE
I wish it had a raised helm, because when guests sit in front of me, visibility is reduced.
A V A L O N C ATA L I N A 2585 ELITE
From the helm (below), the captain has an expansive view forward and can rotate to see the portside walkthrough. Maxed out seating delivers room for 15 passengers (bottom).
Length 25 ft., 3 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter 25 in. Passenger Capacity 15 Dry Weight (hull)
WHY I BOUGHT IT
I grew up in Germany and my family always had boats, so I continued boating when I became an adult. I’ve had boats as large as 50 feet long, which require a lot of maintenance, but pontoons like my Avalon are easy. I had a twin-tube pontoon in Florida, but when I moved to Lake Norman I wanted a triple-tube setup to handle the huge boat wakes here, which my Avalon handles like a V-hulled boat. I am a Yamaha fan — my last one lasted 10 years — and the 150 is more than enough for what I do. Lake Norman has 550 miles of shoreline with endless coves, and I love to cruise with friends and explore and visit restaurants. When my friends with kids come along I break out the tube and tow them around. I also use my pontoon to do volunteer work with the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists; we protect the nesting birds and conduct cleanups on the more than 60 islands here. Everyone at North Point is very professional and gives me great service. The delivery went very smooth and they really took the time to explain every system on the boat.
2,650 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 38 gal. Max HP 300 (w/ Waveglider tubes)
PERFORMANCE Peak 38.4 mph/ 6000 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 30.0 mph/ 4500 rpm/84 dBA Time to Plane (w/trim tabs) 2.3 sec.
Time to 30 mph 9.5 sec.
POWER Test Suzuki DF200SS four-stroke
Cylinders I-4 Displacement 2.9L Weight 529 lbs. WOT Range 5500-6100 rpm
Base Price w/test power $60,201
Value-Added Standard Features: Bimini top, 4-speaker Infiniti Bluetooth stereo, suspension seats, privacy curtain, Deco carpeting/vinyl rear deck, interior composite walls, greywood cockpit table
Must-Have Options: Choice of vinyl flooring, centerline locker, Blue Ice lighting package, Premium JL Audio stereo w/subwoofer, bow gate filler cushion, raised helm, camper enclosure
Builder: Avalon Pontoon Boats, avalonpontoons.com Financing: $432/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years
• JULY/AUGUST • JULY/AUGUST 42 42 2019 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM BOATINGWORLD.COM
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Tested
First D rive
P R I N C E C R A F T V E N T U R A 2 2 2 // B Y A L A N J O N E S
Ventura My Way The Princecraft Ventura 222 allows families to ski, fish and entertain without having to return to the dock. • IF A FAMILY can own just a single boat, one with the ability to do it
all without requiring anything in the way of setup is gold. With the Princecraft Ventura 222, a boating family can shove off, ski to the first fishing spot, catch dinner, ski to their favorite cove, toss out the anchor, crank up the standard 200-watt Kicker stereo and settle in for an afternoon of pure relaxation. 44
UNIQUE FACTOR
Deckboats are a great platform for multitasking, because they are so roomy for their length due to the beam being carried so far forward. And the Princecraft Ventura 222 could be the poster boy for why this concept works so well. Probably the first feature parents with smaller children look for is a boat’s ability to corral those little bundles of energy. Sometimes deckboats fall short, because many are open on all quadrants, but the Ventura 222 scores high in kid containment, thanks to high gunwales, tall lounge seatbacks and boarding gates to port and in the stern that thwart escape attempts. This boat is almost a hybrid pontoon/deckboat, not just for its aluminum structure but also owing to its layout. A seldom seen feature for this genre is a full-width stern sunpad. The Ventura 222 has one that features a slightly raised lip in the back that should ensure semi-somnambulant sunbathers don’t roll off. The starboard section flips up to create a walkthrough to an abbreviated rear deck that on our test boat was augmented by an add-on swim platform
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(Clockwise from above) A changing station option increases self-sufficiency. Anglers will appreciate the bow fishing chairs. A boarding ladder is attached to starboard. Analog gauges and fishing electronics occupy a versatile helm pod. A Kicker stereo is standard. Docking lights add an elegant touch.
($683) and a stainless steel boarding ladder. It can be bundled with a bolstered captain’s chair and a ski tow for a total of $1,453, which Princecraft calls the Entertainment package. With a standard Mercury 150 FourStroke, the Ventura 222 starts at $48,700. PERFORMANCE
Our test Princecraft Ventura 222 featured an optional new-gen Mercury V-6 175 hp FourStroke outboard, which comes at a $4,480 upcharge over the standard 150 hp inline-4 FourStroke, but it’s well worth it. Not only is its acceleration superior — 2.3 seconds to plane and 5.6 seconds to 30 mph — but user-friendly features make it more pleasurable to own, foremost among them the ability to check and add oil without having to remove the cowling. Thanks to a lightweight 2,250-pound aluminum hull, which is 770 pounds less than the shorter Sea Ray SPX 210, its top speed reached 43 mph.
The max power for this 22-foot, 2-inch model is 200 hp, and it would be a good $2,293 upgrade from the 175, both for the extra 25 hp and the addition of Digital Throttle and Shift (the 175 has a mechanical shift setup). Because Princecraft is part of the Brunswick family, power options are limited to Mercury. At a cruise speed of 29.4 mph, the engine was turning at 4000 rpm and the sound in the passenger seat registered only 81 decibels — the large sunning pad has a dampening effect on engine noise — and at WOT, the sound peaked at 91 decibels. HANDLING
The first thing I noticed when I put the Princecraft Ventura 222 on plane was the absence of bowrise; it just rises up and rockets away. Its light hull plays a part in this, but so does its fairly shallow 13 degrees of deadrise, which provides tremendous lift. The flattish hull also adds to its lateral stability. Let me disavow
anyone of the notion that anything less than 18 degrees of deadrise is going to provide a pounding ride. Test day on Lake William in Quebec, not far from where Princecraft builds its boats, was blustery and cold, but the Ventura 222 rode over the chop nicely with little banging. Give partial credit for the comfortable ride to a relatively narrow 8-foot, 1-inch beam that exposes less hull to the chop and reduces drag for better fuel economy. The Mercury 175 FourStroke package includes Sea Star Tilt power steering, so whipping the boat into a hard corner was easy, which is great news for owners whose kids demand constant action while tubing. I noted only a little lean in during hard corners, which will make fear-prone passengers less nervous. BEST USES
Princecraft’s 22-foot Ventura series includes three model choices that allow buyers to select a floorplan that matches
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their usage. The Ventura 220 WS has a bowrider layout and maximum seating capacity with twin chaise lounges up front and an L-lounge in the cockpit; it’s built for skiing and cruising. The Ventura 224 is the most targeted toward angling, with pedestal fishing seats in all four corners. The Ventura 222 I tested is the most versatile of the three. It takes care of anglers with a roomy bow casting deck with twin pedestal seats and wiring for a trolling motor. Our boat had the 24v MotorGuide 70-pound thrust wireless trolling motor, which offers advanced features such as a GPS remote control, for $1,544. A livewell sits at the feet of both anglers and a rod box is built into the cockpit sole and includes rod tubes for protection. Abaft the foredeck, however, the Ventura 222 is a plush cruising machine. A chaise lounge sits to starboard, a slightly shorter couch is situated to port and an L-lounge starts amidships. A contoured cockpit table allows passengers to move easily around it. When the key is in the off position, the captain can spin the bolstered seat toward the centerline and join the party. There’s storage beneath all the lounge seats, and their seat bottoms flip open toward the centerline and stay open for easy stowage of gear. As part of the aforementioned Entertainment package, a ski tow turns the Ventura 222 into a ski boat. At 30 mph, because of the flattish deadrise, the wake softens nicely to allow aggressive slalom skiing, and at 20 mph there’s a small but crisp wake for junior wakeboarders. And with a generous 46-gallon fuel tank, the boat can keep going until the skiers and tubers are worn out.
At the helm, the driver is in charge of a 200-watt Kicker stereo system — that is, until someone highjacks it on Bluetooth. For anglers, a wide range of fishing electronics accommodate about any budget. And because a ram mount is used, a Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4-inch GPS fishfinder ($231) fits just as well as a $3,038 Lowrance HDS 7. Adding Mercury’s SmartCraft gauges ($936) will keep the driver informed of a variety of engine JULY/AUGUST 2019
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Buyers can get a full camper enclosure PRINCECRAFT VENTURA 222 Length 22 ft., 2 in. Beam 8 ft., 1 in. Deadrise 13 degrees Capacity 12 people Dry Weight (hull) 2,250 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 46 gal. Max HP 200
PERFORMANCE Peak 43.0 mph/ 5800 rpm/91 dBA Cruise 29.0 mph/ 4000 rpm/81 dBA Time to Plane 2.3 sec. Time to 30 mph 5.6 sec.
POWER Test Mercury FourStroke V-6 175
Cylinders V-6 Displacement 3.4L
PREFERRED SETUP
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A full-beam stern sunpad sets this multiactivity fishing boat apart from many of its competitors. Passengers on three settees around the perimeter can soak in the sun or enjoy shade created by the deployed Bimini.
Weight 485 lbs. WOT Range 5000-5800 rpm
Base Price w/test power $53,180
parameters, such as fuel burn and trim, and allow him to tweak trolling speed. The other must-have Mercury gadget is Active Trim ($659), which takes care of trimming the engine from holeshot through to top end. Self-sufficiency out on the water can be increased by the changing room option, which is a flip-up, hooped curtain that resides in the stern walkthrough; it’s bundled with a portable toilet with a pumpout for $948. Because Princecrafts are built north of the border, they feature some Canadian DNA, which means buyers can get the Ventura 222 with a full camper enclosure ($4,016), so they can extend the northern boating season by a month on both ends. There’s also a half-camper enclosure ($2,219) that’s a bit more aerodynamic and stylish but just as effective at keeping winter out of the cockpit. BW
Value-Added Standard Features: In-deck ski/rod locker, twin fishing seats, livewell, trolling motor pre-rig, 200-watt Kicker Bluetooth stereo, Bimini top, cockpit table, No-Feedback steering
Must-Have Options: Active Trim, trolling motor, underwater lighting, dual-axle trailer, camper enclosure, fishing electronics, power steering, changing room w/portable toilet, hydraulic steering (150 hp)
Builder: Brunswick Corp., princecraft.com Financing: $449/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years
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7 H O T B OAT T R E N D S BY ALAN JONES
The latest developments keep pushing the boundaries of boat building in favor of buyers. So how do boat trends get started? Often, a manufacturer comes up with a clever idea and another builder will decide it wants something similar but may find a way to improve the original concept. Then, that new iteration might spark another designer’s imagination and voila, we have version 3.0. Some might call it copying — courts sometimes agree — but often this is how the needle gets moved in the marine industry. And guess who benefits: boat buyers everywhere!
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MasterCraft XT25 with Cool Feel upholstery Premier Dodici 310 Pub with a bigger center tube, triple outboards and a legit bar
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ONE OF THE HOTTEST SOPHISTICATED 2 | MORE ELECTRONICS
Bennington 27 QXFBA with a full fiberglass exterior
1 | FIBERGLASS PONTOONS
One of the hottest current trends is the use of fiberglass on pontoon boats. Ironically, the company that started the trend no longer makes pontoons. There may have been earlier models but the first I ever saw, in 2014, was the Larson Escape, which had fiberglass panels in all four corners. Since then, many builders have embraced this design element for a few simple reasons: • It’s much easier to create unique, complex designs out of fiberglass than out of aluminum. • It creates a fresh, more runabout-like appearance. • Fiberglass has a higher gloss factor that lends itself to dazzling paint jobs. It is more costly to integrate fiberglass into the design, so most companies currently reserve this trend for their flagship models. Some models, including the Sylvan M-Series and Princecraft’s Vogue Series, take a hybrid approach and use sculpted fiberglass corners with rail-free aluminum sides to create a clean, integrated look. Models such as the Manitou Legacy LT and Explode XT, the Bennington QX Series and the Harris Crowne Series, use full fiberglass exteriors. Several low-production boat builders have produced fiberglass logs, mainly for saltwater use on tour and dive boats, but Campion takes the concept all the way on its new Biltmore brand, which features fiberglass “logs” that are actually shaped like mini boat hulls and all-fiberglass uppers. Look for more builders to jump on the ’glasswagon in 2020.
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Just a few years ago it would have been unheard of to see a 12-inch multifunction display on a 20-footer, but thanks to falling prices, such displays are now commonplace. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It’s not so much the size of the display as what it displays that’s the game-changer. The latest craze, which we’ll be seeing more of, are integrated systems that deploy a drone. Yep, you read that right. Raymarine’s Axiom UAV app might be the first to fully integrate the use of a DJI Mavic Pro drone, but it won’t be the last, because anglers can use it to scan weed lines for signs of fish and also shoot fantastic video of the catch. When the action is done, the drone automatically lands on the boat’s foredeck thanks to a return-home feature that can hit a moving target. For locating fish, an advance such as CHIRP sonar, which sends multiple sonar frequency signals instead of a single frequency, has given anglers a far crisper image. And not only can today’s sonar see what’s below, but it also looks out front thanks to technology such as Garmin’s Panoptix Forward and Simrad’s ForwardScan. And particularly useful to anglers is Humminbird’s MEGA Side Imaging, Raymarine’s SideVision and Garmin’s SideVü, which allow them to check out docks and jetties to see if anyone’s home. Some anglers have trouble interpreting the Nike-like swooshes that represent fish on most fishfinders, but a Garmin screen using Panoptix LiveScope leaves no doubt what they are seeing. It shows the real-time silhouette of a fish — movement and all — and anglers can clearly see the different sizes well enough to know when a trophy is there for the taking. Raymarine Axiom with drone integration
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TR
ST
TRENDS IS FIBERGLASS ON PONTOON BOATS.
3 | BIGGER PONTOON TUBES
Sanpan 2500 ELW with a larger 27-inch center tube
While the standard pontoon tube diameter remains 25 inches, many companies are using larger diameter tubes to improve a pontoon’s carrying capacity, rough-water handling, cornering ability, top speed and fuel economy. Currently, the Goliath of all pontoon tubes is Premier’s 42-inch PTX center tube, which we tested on the Mississippi River aboard a 12-foot-wide, 31-foot-long Dodici. That giant tube, with a flattish bottom that provides incredible lift, gives this pontoon a passenger capacity of 26 people and allows it to be powered with up to 900 hp. With triple Evinrude G2 300 hp outboards, it hit 30 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reached a top speed of nearly 64 mph. Manitou pioneered the use of a 27-inch center tube with its Sport Handling Package (SHP) but took it a step further by mounting it five and a half inches lower than its 25-inch neighbors. Most recently, we tested a 25 Legacy LT with the SHP package; not only did it achieve great performance but it also used that lower oversized center tube as a pivot point, so when I threw it into a hard turn, it leaned in like a deep-V runabout and carved an unbelievably tight turn. Sanpan by Godfrey Marine takes a different approach to the big-tube trend with its GTP 27-inch Triple Tube Package. Pontoons that are two inches larger don’t sound like much, but I tested the builder’s 2500 ELW, and it was floating so high in the water when I approached it on the dock that it looked like a four-wheel-drive truck with oversized tires. The package delivers better seakeeping ability in choppy water and allows this sub-27-footer to carry up to 16 passengers.
CENTER OF IT ALL Manitou’s SHP package (top) and Premier’s PTX package (above) both feature a larger center tube — shaped and mounted differently — for extra lift and stability.
5 Axis T22 features DECKadence flooring
4 | HIGH-TECH UPHOLSTERY Boat upholstery has gotten cool … literally. In the past, most vinyl was shiny and stiff, and stains seemed to form a molecular bond with the surface (possibly explaining the popularity of white wine among boaters). And even white vinyl could get hot in the sun, so boat builders eschewed any vinyl darker than the lightest of grays or tans. The notion of using black was reserved for boaters who operate in places like the Pacific Northwest. Builders may have used black upholstery as accents in the past, but it virtually always turned out to be a mistake. Ski boat companies, in particular, like to go to the extreme with interior customization, but only in the last few years has virtually every builder gone high tech when using darker vinyl. Syntec is the pioneer in this space, and its CoolTouch black vinyl stays up to 10 degrees cooler than light-colored older-generation vinyl. CoolTouch is used by boat builders such as Tigé, Malibu and Stingray, to name a few. Supra has just jumped on the bandwagon with its Chill Tech vinyl, and recently MasterCraft added its Cool Feel technology to the lower-priced NXT models, so all of its boats now offer Cool Feel upholstery. All of these technologies rely on special pigments with a high reflective quality to be effective. Qwest Pontoons takes a different approach with Comfort Touch, a linen-textured vinyl that uses its cloth-like surface to diffuse light, keeping it cool and comfortable to the skin.
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5
Swim platform with SeaDek padding
NO-CARPET 5 | THE REVOLUTION A walk around a boat showroom these days reveals something that’s missing: Premier Dodici 310 with a full covered bar with stools and carpet. I’m not sure who was overhead glass storage the first to experience the forehead-slapping revelation that carpet, while nice and soft on passengers’ feet, is kind of a pain to maintain, and when it gets wet the dark, splotchy patches make it look funny. But a decade or so ago, the only other option was vinyl that resembled the linoleum in a decades-ago kitchen. The genesis of this mass exodus from carpet was rooted in the development of woven vinyl as a substitute. Although early efforts tended to be slippery and could get Seakeeper 2 hot, today’s products offer good grip and they stay cool. And choices abound. The Harris Grand Mariner 250 has a dozen options for vinyl flooring. One of the unlikeliest of Woven vinyl isn’t the only game in town for big-boat features to filter alt-carpet flooring. Faux teak in all different down to 27-footers is a gyro shades gives boats a nautical feel and, like stabilizer unit. The Seakeeper its woven counterparts, is easy to maintain. 2 dramatically reduces side-toSeaDek, a rubberized deck treatment, was side roll and might allow boat builders to change the way first seen mainly on swim platforms but they build boats; they can add has morphed into full-deck usage and is more deadrise for better slicing even used as coaming pads. What makes it through the chop without unique is the many patterns and graphics worrying about making them that can be used, giving boat builders and too tippy. Look for future gyro models to be designed for even even individuals a blast of customization. smaller boats and become An interesting new flooring mat called commonplace as the price DECKadence is made of thick woven drops. strands of soft PVC vinyl. It’s a good fit for watersports boats, since water passes easily through it and keeps it dry.
Bonus Trend
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6 6 | BAR BOATS It’s no secret many people use their boat for entertaining, so there’s a great need for working surfaces that can display snack and beverage options and that passengers can sit next to. Most builders traditionally offered an entertainment center, which was usually just a countertop with cupholders, but in the last few years this concept has morphed into full-blown bars with stools. I remember a Premier Grand Entertainer at the Miami Boat Show — surrounded by million-dollar yachts — that created a huge buzz with a professional-style bar that included an area in the middle for a mixologist, bar stools and a Cabana roof with holders for stemmed glasses. Since then, bars’ popularity has exploded. Almost every pontoon builder now makes a bar boat, and they come in all sizes and shapes. The Bennington R25 Fastback Bar has a multilevel bar whose working area can hold a gas grill, seriously ramping up the entertainment wow factor. Princecraft’s 29 Vogue takes a different approach; its large stern bar is flanked by captain’s chairs, not barstools. The Aqua Patio 259 WBD
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7 | NONTRADITIONAL SURF BOATS
Yamaha 242 with SurfPoint to direct jet flow and form wake (below)
7
dedicates the rear third of the boat to one giant entertainment area with a bar, seats with backrests and seven — count ’em, seven — working surfaces that could easily host a hotel smorgasbord. The Qwest 825 Executive Lanai DS Bar takes a different approach. Instead of having one bar that dominates the floorplan, it has two smaller ones surrounded by captain’s chairs.
To the Web
Boats BenningtonMarine.com BiltmoreBoats.ca Glastron.com GodfreyPontoonBoats. com/Aqua-Patio GodfreyPontoonBoats. com/Sanpan
Volvo Penta Forward Drive
HarrisBoats.com MalibuBoats.com ManitouPontoonBoats. com MasterCraft.com Nautique.com Pontoons.com (Premier) Princecraft.com
QwestPontoons.com RegalBoats.com StarcraftMarine.com StingrayBoats.com SupraBoats.com SylvanMarine.com Tige.com YamahaBoats.com
It’s no secret wakesurfing is the hottest watersport, and it’s even less surprising the big players in the ski-boat industry, including MasterCraft, Tigé, Malibu and Nautique, all produce boats that can plow up an endless surf wave. What caught many observers by surprise, however, was the explosion of boats on the market from builders not normally associated with wakesurfing. The big hurdle for sterndrive boats was the too-close proximity of a surfer to the exposed prop. But Volvo Penta detoured that roadblock with its Forward Drive system, which features twin forward-facing props tucked under the hull for safety. Forward Drive opened the door for everyone to jump into the surfing game. Suddenly, since it no longer costs six figures to do it, even smaller boats such as Regal’s 19 Surf are plowing up surfable wakes. Larger boats such as the Starcraft 231 SCX Surf Series have tons of seating and use triple ballast tanks with nearly 1,400 pounds of jump juice and surf tabs to produce a riderfriendly wave. Glastron added versatility by becoming the first builder to add fishing into the activity rotation with its GTDW 225 Surf & Fish. Yamaha exploited the fact its boats don’t even have props. The 212X and 242X use a technology called SurfPoint that redirects the jet flow of a boat’s two engines to form a surfable wake. This year the waves got even bigger and cleaner with the introduction of WakeBooster, a surf-enhancing device that attaches to existing hardware and can be used on model year 2015 and newer boats to take their wave to its full potential. BW
Electronics
The Rest
Garmin.com Humminbird.com Raymarine.com Simrad-Yachting.com
MarineFlooring.net (DECKadence) SeaDek.com Seakeeper.com SyntecInd.com/marine VolvoPenta.us
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P I S C ATO R I A L P What makes a pontoon boat an effective — and enjoyable — fishing platform?
Lowe SF 234
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R
L P O N TO O N S
m?
Read on to find out.
By LENNY RUDOW
Angler Qwest 822 Pro Troll
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T
There was a day when pontoon boats not only warranted the moniker “party barge” but were limited to that one activity. That’s now ancient history, however, because modern models are designed for everything from watersports to weekending. And since fishing is a pastime boaters of all stripes enjoy, it’s only natural that we’ve seen a plethora of piscatorial pontoons hit the water. But what makes a pontoon boat a “real” fishing boat? What restraints might a fishing pontoon apply on an angler? Let’s answer these questions as we get to know a few fishing-centric pontoons.
Ranger 223F Fishing Pontoon
ANGLING ACCOUTREMENTS
Ranger 223F Fishing Pontoon
B
efore any pontoon boat can be considered appropriate for angling, it must feature a few items. In the past, rigging a pontoon to fish often meant adding the following items as aftermarket modifications, but today many boats offer them either as factory-installed options or as part of a “fish package” buyers can order to go along with their new boat. • Rod holders are a no-brainer. Without them anglers would be leaning their prized poles against the fence or stacking them on a settee, wondering all the while whether someone might sit or lean on them and damage expensive gear. Any pontoon boat being considered for a fishing machine absolutely must have rod holders that can be used to safely stow fishing rods while its occupants cruise. Most commonly these come in the form of vertical rod racks, though builders use horizontal rod holders or under-seat rod racks in some cases. In addition to any of these rod holders, it’s also quite nice to have some that can be used to hold rods while the crew is actively fishing, or that angle rods out to the side for trolling. Buyers who plan to troll should consider four such holders to be the minimum; in a few rare cases, such as on the Angler Qwest Pro Troll, more than a dozen rod holders are Pedestal seats — positioned to troll a huge number preferably fore and aft of lures all at the same time. — built-in rod storage, Otherwise, the number of holders rod holders and livewells/bait stations merely needs to match up with are a few of the the number of anglers commonly features that define a fishing pontoon. aboard the boat.
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Lowe SF 234
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 20 DLX
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Bow-Mounted Trolling Motor
Most fishing models have a transducer mount designed in.
Fishing Electronics
Livewell
PedestalMount Seats
An overhead view of the Lowe SF 234 provides a good look at the general arrangement of a fishing pontoon. Other builders use similar layouts, and as you can see, there is still room for water toys and other on-the-water necessities.
• Livewells are another item most anglers would consider a necessity. Not only do they allow owners to haul lots of live bait, but they give owners who participate in bass tournaments a way to keep the fish alive and healthy until the weigh-in. Some models will have livewells built into seat bases or furniture, but most often pontoon livewells are found in add-on units that also have rod holders and tackle stowage designed into them. The Bennington SX22 is one example, since it has units added to the corners of the bow, at the transom and amidships that house livewells, rod holders and tackle storage. Note that two livewells are always better than one. The crew can carry multiple types of bait or use one well for bait and the other for the catch, and having one forward and another aft will save dual anglers from having to walk from bow to stern, or vice versa, every time they need a new minnow.
Rod Holders and Bait Station
• Pedestal-mount fishing seats are in order for fishing-dedicated boats. The center-facing settees that are so good for socializing only get in the way of anyone trying to face outside the boat. And those uber-comfy lounges we love so much for tanning are utterly useless when it’s time to cast and reel and swing a landing net. Ideally, a fishing pontoon will have at least a pair of fishing seats forward and another pair aft, and they should swivel on pedestals so anglers can shift to cast in different directions. Some models, such as Lowe’s SF234, have a mix of fishing seats fore and aft with more traditional sofa-like seating in the middle of the boat. • Fishfinders are certainly something fish seekers don’t want to do without. And they can be difficult to adapt to non-fishy pontoons, too, because equipment such as transducers and head units need good mounting spots. Most fishing models have a transducer mount designed in, and many also offer factory-mounted units. At the helm, a flat mounting surface or a flushmounted unit is ideal. A word to the wise: Be sure that what’s on offer is the fishfinder BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2019
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Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 20 DLX Sun Tracker’s Fish Package adds a fishfinder and trolling motor to fishing standards such as pedestal seats and under-seat livewells.
one really wants. In many cases, the choices for factory-installed units are limited to one or two models from a specific electronics manufacturer, which may or may not fulfill specific needs. Sometimes they’re low-end units, and spending some extra cash on a favorite brand and model and mounting it DIY-style or paying the dealer to install it is a better option in the long run.
A pontoon needs the speed and the tankage to accomplish what a buyer wants.
• Bow-mounted electric trolling motors aren’t seen on each and every fishing pontoon, and people who usually fish at anchor will find them to be of limited utility, but serious fishermen will find them a feature that seriously boosts the catch. Electric motors allow a pontoon to sneak up to hotspots with stealth, creep along as the crew works a shoreline and hold position above structure as everyone drops baits or lures. Electric trolling motors also allow boat owners to make silent micro-adjustments to boat positioning as they drift-fish. Fortunately, adding some or all these goodies to a pontoon boat is not usually a cost-intensive measure. Consider, for example, the Fish Package for a Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 20 DLX. It adds just $1,350 to the cost of the boat (right around $20,000), but it adds some of the perks we just mentioned, such as the fishfinder and the electric trolling motor, to a boat that already has fishing seats, livewells and rod holders included. 58
FISHING ON LOGS
T
hose must-have fishing features only tell part of the story. Using a pontoon boat as a fishing boat works better or worse depending on some of the boat’s inherent design features. Consider, for example, the boat’s range and performance. Owners who use their pontoon for putting around the lake, waterskiing and sunbathing probably aren’t too worried about making miles-long runs on any given day. Anglers, however, often want to cruise to distant hotspots and may need to stay on the move until they find a good bite. In both cases, a fast cruising speed and hefty fuel capacity are in order. Naturally, an owner’s specific requirements will change depending on where she commonly fishes and whether she trailers the boat or keeps it in the water at one location all the time. Either way, a pontoon needs the speed and the tankage to accomplish what a buyer wants. Another important consideration is flooring. While marine-grade outdoor carpet might work great on an entertaining platform, it will make for a very difficult cleanup after a slimy day of fishing. Most pontoon boats are offered with a range of flooring, giving buyers options to consider. Look at the Princecraft Sportfisher LX 25, for example. It comes with choices of carpet, vinyl flooring, or faux-teak vinyl flooring. Either vinyl option will reduce cleanup to a
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hose and a brush at the end of the day, and in the long run will be a much better choice for buyers who fish often. Some pontoon boats are natural-born fish-spookers, and even though they may look like great fishing machines, owners may find that the fish seem to disappear whenever they’re around. The usual culprit is fencing, gates and hatches that clang, bang and vibrate. Remember that any sounds a boat makes travel right through the water and to the fish. Yes, they can hear. And yes, they will get spooked if a boat’s fence clangs every time someone moves around. A sea trial is an important part of the boat-buying process, and potential buyers should add “listen for loud noises” to the list of items to look out for Angler Qwest Pro Troll when they give a fishing pontoon a trial run. So, who’s ready to run out and buy a new fishing pontoon? We’d certainly encourage such behavior. And now everyone should know exactly Angler Qwest’s 822 Pro Troll includes concealed tackle drawers and a livewell built into the base what to look for in a fishing pontoon. As for actually of the helm seat. And vinyl flooring makes getting a fish on the line… BW
To the Web
AvalonPontoons.com BenningtonMarine.com LoweBoats.com LundBoats.com ManitouPontoonBoats.com Pontoons.com (Premier) Princecraft.com QwestPontoons.com RangerBoats.com StarcraftMarine.com SunTrackerBoats.com TahoePontoons.com
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ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown
SUPER COUPON
• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle
$
NOW
Customer Rating
9 $799
174
44 SAVE $94 BRIGGS & $ STRATTON MODEL: 20600 ITEM 63255/63254 shown
*73941740 * 73941740
*73955951 * 73955951
*73941908 * 73941908
*73942439 * 73942439
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$1 8 99
$
99 $
2982 SAVE 36% Customer Rating
MODEL: 12865
ITEM 69580/61939/62884/62890 shown
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
.50 CAL METAL 2000 WATT CONTINUOUS/ AMMO CAN 4000 WATT PEAK POWER INVERTER Customer Rating NOW
3/8" x 50 FT. INDUSTRIAL GRADE RUBBER AIR HOSE NOW
15
99
NOW
$12 COMPARE TO
GAME WINNER
$
2499
MODEL: FSGWHE1030
SAVE 48%
99 $129
99 $
ITEM 63750 63181 shown
169
COMPARE TO
Customer Rating 4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER
SAVE 44%
99
STRONGWAY
NOW
$999
COMPARE TO
$
SAVE $120 24999 ITEM 63426/63429 shown
MODEL: 53071
PERFORMAX $ 99
17
MODEL: 2411-1
ITEM 69645/60625 shown
$
1499
*73946469 * 73946469
*73950922 * 73950922
*73953347 * 73953347
*73954982 * 73954982
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 10/21/19.
hft_boatingworld_0719_M-REG162508.indd 1
5799
HEAVY DUTY 9 PIECE FULLY POLISHED TRAILER DOLLY COMBINATION WRENCH SETS
*73938668 * 73938668
LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
• 450 in. lbs. of torque • 1.5 amp hour battery • Weighs 3.4 lbs.
COMPARE TO
B. PANCAKE
*73935622 * 73935622
20 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
GOODYEAR
A. HOT DOG
ITEM 69269/97080 shown
B
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
Customer Rating
23
A
$5 99
COMPARE TO
VENOM $ 97
SUPER COUPON
3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE Customer Rating AIR COMPRESSORS
*73932839 * 73932839
SUPER COUPON
$
*73926101 * 73926101
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 10/21/19.
SUPER COUPON
3500 WATT SUPER QUIET POWDER-FREE INVERTER GENERATOR NITRILE GLOVES • 11 hour run time PACK OF 100 • 5 mil thickness NOW NOW
Customer Rating
®
SAVE $ 100
Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 10/21/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.
Item 64433, 64431, 64162, 56104, 56105, 56106
SUPER COUPON
13
*73927764 * 73927764
MODEL: KRA4008FPBO
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 10/21/19*
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
ITEM 63878/63991 PERFORMANCE $ 52 64005/69567/60566 MODEL: W2364 63601/67227shown TOOL COMPARE TO
COMPARE TO
*73930300 * 73930300
20% OFF
WITH ANY PURCHASE
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
FREE
OVER 5,000 5 STAR REVIEWS Customer Rating
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.
5/22/19 9:01 AM
advertiser index PR O D U C T I N FO R M ATI O N A N D PH O N E N U M B E R S
BOATS
Overton’s (800) 334-6541..................47
Apex Marine (989) 681-4300.........CV4
Pad-racks.com (602) 431-8225.........35
Godfrey Marine (574) 522-8381........25
POP Paddleboards (888) 528-7556................................63
Harris (260) 432-4555........................ 27 Hurricane Boats (574) 522-8381.......43
Swim Platforms (602) 431-8225.......35
Manitou Pontoon Boats (517) 322-3822..................................13
West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286........................14
Princecraft Boats Inc. (800) 395-8858................................. 3
SERVICES
SmokerCraft, Inc./Starcraft (866) 719-7873............................. 5, 15 Splendor Boats (260) 352-2835.......62 Stingray (843) 383-4507.....................21 Yamaha WaterCraft (800) 962-7926.................................. 1 ENGINES GM Marine............................................CV3 Suzuki Marine (800) 247-4704..........31
1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737............................CV2 Boat Angel (800) 227-2643..............59 Boat U.S. (800) 283-2883.................... 9 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846...33 Waterways Township (914) 445-0299................................29 WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT Connelly (425) 775-5416...............22-23
800-88-YAMAHA (800) 889-2624....11
POP Paddleboards................................... (888) 528-7556................................63
GEAR & ACCESSORIES
Turbo Swing (855) 228-8726............39
Cook Manufacturing Corp (800) 654-3697...............................59 Harbor Freight Tools (800) 423-2567................................61 McGard, Inc (800) 669-6887.............62
62
JULY/AUGUST 2019 BOATINGWORLD.COM
•
+ BW Marketplace2.indd 62
6/3/19 12:39 PM
SPONSORED BY
Name the Boat
Rick Martin illustration
Reader Contest
See the winning entry and the best of the rest from the May contest on page 8.
Jerry knew that before he could attempt his first heelside 540, he had to perform a spouse-spin 180. Send us your name for our boat. If it wins, we will give you a pair of Voyage combo skis, valued at $169.99, from Connelly (connellyskis.com), and your name will appear in the November/December 2019 issue of Boating World.
Win This!
YOURS FREE
64
JULY/AUGUST 2019
•
+ BW NTB2.indd 64
The first person to turn in the best boat name will receive a pair of Voyage combo skis from Connelly (connellyskis. com), valued at $169.99.
How to enter: We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the November/December 2019 issue. Submissions are due by Aug. 10. Email editor@boatingworld.com with “Name the Boat” in the subject
Featuring a traditional shape that’s augmented by
line, or send snail mail to Boating World Magazine/Name the Boat,
a slightly wider frame, especially from the bindings
18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include your
to the tail, Voyage skis make it easier for skiers to
full name, address and phone number, along with your entry. Duncan
get out of the water and to stay up once they’re on
McIntosh Co. and Connelly employees and their families are
top. Beveled tips make turning easier and bottom
prohibited from entering. Prizewinners are responsible for any
tunnels reduce drag.
applicable taxes. Decisions of the judges and the editor are final.
BOATINGWORLD.COM
6/4/19 7:10 AM
GREAT
STORIES BEGIN WITH A
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