July/Aug 2016 – Boating World

BOATING WORLD • JULY/AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 7

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

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

’TOONED UP Today’s pontoons are far better than those of a decade (or less) ago.

BOATS TESTED MANITOU X-PLODE XT 23 SRS ANGLER QWEST 822 PRO TROLL STINGRAY 225RX

JULY/AUGUST 2016 boatingworld.com

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contents

J U LY/AU G UST 2016

MAGAZINE

VOLUME XXXVII NUMBER 7

departments Editor’s Letter Get kids hooked on boating p. 4 Currents Bits from the boating world p. 6

Trailering Mid-season maintenance p. 12

pg.

52

Watersports Be a better towsports driver p. 16 Fishing Turn a cruiser into a fishing machine p. 18

Engines Find the power sweet spot p. 22

DIY Install a new swim platform p. 24

Ask the Experts Our panel of experts answers your questions p. 26

Bonehead Blunders Mistakes no boater should make

features

p. 31

Gear The latest accessories,

Save the Whaler

gadgets and electronics p. 32

A boater bought a neglected Boston Whaler for about half price, but would it prove to be a great deal or a money pit? p. 46 BY ALAN JONES

Not Your Father’s Pontoon

Today’s pontoons are far better than those of a decade (or less) ago.

p. 52 BY DOUG THOMPSON

boats tested

Contest: Name the Boat Win a $350 boat care

pg.

38

package from Bel-Ray p. 64

Angler Qwest 822 Pro Troll

A 23-footer takes the pontoon-as-fishing-platform concept to the max.

pg.

p. 34

Stingray 225RX

The new Rally Boat looks fast,

even when it is idling. p. 38

Manitou X-Plode XT 23 SRS right lane is no place for this pontoon. p. 42 2

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The far

22

pg.

34

Find the power sweet spot

?

Happy Hours

C H E R I S H E D T I M E W I T H FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S.

Apex Marine, Inc. 300 Woodside Drive • Saint Louis, Michigan 48880 Phone: 989-681-4300 • Fax: 989-681-4333

QWEST • GILLGETTER • ANGLER QWEST • PADDLE QWEST Proudly Made in the USA American Workers - American Components

boating world apex.indd 1

www.QwestPontoons.com 11/18/15 8:16 AM

editor’s letter

BY A L A N J O N E S

Get Kids Hooked on Boating F

ACE IT, GETTING KIDS TO do anything, much less hang

around us, is a daunting task. But studies have shown boating, fishing and watersports are uniquely qualified to break though the generational electronic barrier. Like broccoli, sometimes it’s just a matter of getting them to try it before they decide they like it.

In 2014, pro wakeboarders Zane Schwenk and Shaun

Murray decided to do something to get new kids into towed sports and boating by creating the annual Pass the Handle event, held July 24 this year. It’s a grassroots program that consists of boaters acting locally for the global good of watersports.

Last year’s day was a huge success, encompassing events in 25 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, which is catty-corner to Mongolia (I had to look). Twenty-one professional watersports pros volunteered their name and assistance to make this a worldwide event that allowed thousands of kids to participate in watersports for the first time. Go to WSIA.net to find out how you can participate.

Another program, Get Kids Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs (HOFNOD), is designed to introduce kids, especially those at risk, to fishing. It was developed by Future Fisherman Foundation as part of its Pass it On campaign to show kids how much fun fishing is. Combined with other programs such as Physh Ed, Boys and Girls Club, and Aquatic Educator, it has impacted more than 1 million kids in a positive way.

To help make boating more inclusive, a program called Vamas A Pescar got a $50,000 educational grant to go along with its $125,000 in startup funds in 2014. The outreach program, supported by former

President George H.W. Bush, Bass Pro Shops, and the states of Florida and Texas, is designed to get more Hispanics involved in fishing. Currently 17 percent of our population is Hispanic, yet only 7 percent of anglers in the U.S. are Hispanic.

Looking back to when you were a kid, you can probably point to one or more adults who introduced you to water-based fun. Early memories are especially powerful and affect kids their whole lives in a positive way. All of the above organizations are looking for volunteers to help get kids into boating, watersports and fishing. You don’t even need an organization. Make a point this year to invite neighborhood kids and their parents to go boating with you, to show them how much fun it is. If you have kids, encourage them to bring along friends. We need future generations to be involved in boating, watersports and fishing, not only to give us a greater communal voice, but to help create citizens who care about the environment. Because if future generations aren’t on the water, chances are they probably won’t care about it.

THE BOATING WORLD TEAM RESPONDS: What humorous name would you give a big, new firecracker?

Duncan McIntosh Jr. Can You Hear Me Now? ASSOC. EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jeff Fleming La Bomba EXECUTIVE EDITOR Alan Jones High Four!

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Werling WHAT?!?!?!

ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephanie Shibata Berserk Twerk ART DIRECTOR Julie Hogan XGirlfriend PRODUCTION Mary Monge Ready to Rumble CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Amelia Salazar Teenagers FULFILLMENT OPERATIONS MGR. Rick Avila Trump PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Call (949) 660-6150 Janette Hood If It’s Too Loud…

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS

Annabelle Zabala Big Boom Thunder Felice Lineberry Presidential Backfire MARKETPLACE SALES MGR. Jon Sorenson Snap, Crackle & BOOM! AD COORDINATOR Jennifer Chen Chubbo Max BoomBoom 3.0 TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR Dave Kelsen Donald DIGITAL DIRECTOR Bryan Sheehy The Neighbor Waker 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)

CORRECTION: In our May 2016 issue, we listed the incorrect URL for Golden Boat Lifts on page 57. The correct URL is goldenboatlifts.com. BW

Boating World Editorial and Advertising Offices, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; (949) 660-6150. Boating World (ISSN 1059-5155, USPS 16200) is printed in the U.S.A. and published nine times a year in Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, Jun., Jul./Aug., Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec. at 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 by Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Periodicals Postage paid at Santa Ana, CA 92799 and at additional mailing offices. Editorial contributions are welcome. Please submit all contributions to the editor, accompanied by return postage. We M AG A Z I N E assume no responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited materials. Boating World retains reprint rights, via print and electronic media. Contributor retains all other rights for resale, publication, etc. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Boating World, P. O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. CANADA POST: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: Please send all subscription correspondence to Boating World, P.O. Box 25859, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5859. Please allow at least six weeks for the change of address to become effective. Include both your old and your new address enclosing, if possible, an address label from a recent issue. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: U.S. and its possessions, $11.00 per year. Additional postage for Canada is $15.00 per year and other foreign countries $30.00 per year. Single copy price $5.00; back issues, $8.50 (in the U.S. only) includes postage and handling. Boating World is a registered trademark of Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc. Copyright © 2016, all rights reserved. PERMISSIONS: Material in this publication may notMbe in any form without written permission.

AGreproduced AZINE

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER JULY/AUGUST 2016 BOATINGWORLD.COM 2015 BOATINGWORLD.COM M AG A Z I N E

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

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currents

BY STE PH A N IE S H IBATA

LEAD BOAT >> Bass Cat Jaguar

Hauling Bass

Back from a decade-long hiatus, Bass Cat’s Jaguar makes an impression.

Hold on to your hat, and pretty much everything else, because the reinvented Jaguar from Bass Cat is one fast kitty. With a Mercury Verado 400R on the transom — a new-for-2016 option — the Jaguar can reach the mid-80s for speed. That will get any angler to the next fishing hole in a hurry.

Bass Cat put the Jaguar line to rest a decade ago but resurrected it last year when design finally matched with power to create fishing-friendly function. The 21-foot, 5-inch-long bassin’ machine has a seven-inch deeper bow rise in the hull, to attack the water, and power options from 250 to 400 hp mean each buyer can customize the outboard to fit his needs.

A scissor storage system that utilizes slide-out trays holds up to 16 tackle boxes toward the stern. Up front, box trays can hold up to another dozen tackle boxes. A 34-quart cooler with a sandwich tray sits at the deck step, and a tackle shelf sits to port. There’s even a storage space for a spare trolling motor.

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SALT Y DOG

This month’s winner: The forward casting deck is a little more than six feet wide at its broadest, and the aft deck is even wider.

For the runs between hotspots, the cockpit includes a café windscreen, twin rearview mirrors and a standard Humminbird multifunction display screen, in addition to all the necessary gauges and switches. A Sony stereo provides the soundtrack to a busy day, and it includes a USB port for a digital music player, so the tunes are exactly right.

Jaguar is back, and we don’t think this one is looking to sneak up on anything — except maybe the fish.

Bass Cat, basscat.com

Enter Your Dog Now

KOKO

WIN THIS

OWNER:

Sue and Dan Keating HOMETOWN:

West Hartford, Conn.

Send your picture to Bobby for your chance to win a CWB Dog Vest.

Contact Bobby at bobby@boating world.com or Boating World, Salty Dog, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include a photo, along with your name, your dog's name, address and phone number.

Life Imitates Art

THE LITERARY CLASSIC “Moby Dick” might have been somewhat

accurate in its depiction of the whale’s vicious behavior. Numerous reports from the 1800s claim sperm whales attacked whale ships with reckless abandon until the vessels were destroyed. Such ramming behavior is observed in other mammals, but it had only been observed by scientists a few times, because of the sperm whale’s elusiveness. Researchers did, however, discover that the special design and insulation of a sperm whale’s skull cushions the impact of multiple blows against a ship’s hull.

BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2016

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currents

name the boat

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

contest winner

Deborah Perkins from Kettering, Ohio, was the first to submit the winning name, ERR-BORNE, to describe our ramp-skipping skipper’s boat. For droning out the competition, Deborah receives a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350.

MORE OF MAY’S BEST ENTRIES:

UFO-oh

Air Farce One

Up on Plane

Ron Jansen, New Richmond, WI

Nikki Tweet, Long Beach, CA

Gene Pedoto, Lincroft, NJ

Raising Hull

Flight Risk

Drone Headed Move

Larry Bagans, Grosse Ile, MI

Ron Meade, Green Cove Springs, FL

Danny Branna, Saraland, AL

What the Hellicopter?

AeroNOTical

Bottoms Up

Joan Ravitch, San Diego

Wayne Gratkowski, Naples, FL

Accidental Droning

Unbelievable Flying Object

Levitating Launch

Scott Duink, Sarasota, FL

Al Tesoro, Seminole, FL

Skytanic

(H)Overboard

John Hanks, Granite City, IL

Chris Jones, Boonville, MO

Water Wings

Sky Harbor

Bernie Matsumoto, Half Moon Bay, CA

Kenneth Brown, Scottsdale, AZ

Rick Martin illustration

Brenda Tesoro, Seminole, FL

Gary Haight, Emerson, NJ

The Do Drop In David Micetic, Phoenix

Hover Crash Greg Jones, Portage, PA

> M AY ’ S W I N N E R : E R R - B O R N E

A Model of Longevity THE WORLD’S LARGEST ship model is turning 100

years old this year. Ensconced in a “brick berth,” Lagoda is a half-scale model of a 19th-century whaling ship owned by New Bedford’s Jonathan Bourne, a prominent whaling fleet owner. Bourne’s daughter, Emily, had the model and the museum building erected in honor of her father. The New Bedford Whaling Museum (whalingmuseum.org) is marking the 100th anniversary all year with lectures, tours, presentations and family programming, supported by the National Park Service. On Saturday, Aug. 6, the Museum hosts the Lagoda Centennial Gala.

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DID YOU KNOW? THE ORNAMENTAL AND

functional monkey fist knot (named as such because it resembles a fist) was originally used by mariners and sailors to weigh down the ends of lines so that they could be more easily tossed to their destination.

WE BELIEVE IN THE VALUE OF A JOB WELL DONE

To put our best into everything we design and build.

IN THE POWER OF OUR PEOPLE

In the strength and vision of our executive leadership.

In the dedication of our employees, sales professionals and the dealers who make us great.

IN KEEPING OUR PROMISES

To deliver boats of the highest quality, with the best features, for the most reasonable prices.

To provide the most comprehensive service and sales support in our industry.

To stand behind every pontoon we make 100%.

WE BELIEVE YOU’LL AGREE...

FOREST RIVER MARINE IS SECOND TO NONE. SO COME ON BOARD AND LIVE THE GOOD LIFE!

Southbaypontoon.com | Berkshirepontoon.com | Trifectapontoon.com

currents DID YOU KNOW? THE TERM “LOOSE

cannon” refers to ship cannons, which were often placed on rollers and secured with rope to prevent damage from their recoil. A loose cannon could roll about freely and harm the ship. Now it is a term to describe a person who is wild and uncontrollable.

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Where’d He Find the Time?

ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS remembered for many things — the Gettysburg Address, abolishing slavery, living in a log cabin — but what you might not have realized is that he also was an inventor. According to a vintage 1924 Popular Mechanics Magazine, Honest Abe patented a boat lift of sorts: a simple system of ropes and pulleys attached to bellows placed in each side of the hull of the craft. When the keel grated against sand or an obstruction, the bellows would fill with air and buoy the vessel over the shoal. Lincoln was a soldier, a lawyer, a congressman, inventor and the president of the United States. He really meant it when he said “towering genius disdains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.”

Unidentified Floating Object Cool New Toy

THE FUTURE IS here, well almost. These conceptual pods from Jet Capsule (jetcapsule.com), based in

Italy, will be self-sufficient and autonomous.

1 Solar-powered battery fuels an electric motor that can push the pod an estimated 3 to 5 knots.

2 Self-watering garden has a water generator that converts salt water or rain to potable water.

3 Unsinkable platform with hermetic closing system.

4 Torqeedo Deep Blue 1800 provides propulsion.

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trailering

MIDSEASON MAINTENANCE

Trailer TLC As the season hits the midway point, don’t neglect your boat’s chariot: the trailer.

BY CHRIS CASWELL

I

F YOU’RE LIKE MOST BOATERS (and I include

myself at the top of the list), you did some work on your trailer to winterize it at the end of last season, and you did some upkeep at the start of the season. But since then, even though your trailer has probably been in and out of the water many times, your total maintenance regimen has consisted of kicking the tires a couple of times.

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Take care of the trailer hitch and the ball, lubricating where necessary and checking for tightness and proper connections.

THE ULTIMATE IN MARINE LUBRICATION NAME THAT BOAT! Go to www.boatingworld.com/name-the-boat/ and enter for a chance to win a BEL-RAY® prize.

PROUD SPONSOR

trailering Maintenance: can’t live with it, can’t live without it. You’d rather be out on the water having fun, but you need to ensure summertime enjoyment by spending a few minutes checking your trailer.

Let me share a cautionary tale: My friend was towing his boat to the water when his wife said, “Hey, look, there’s a boat exactly like ours next to us!” He looked and, of course, it was their boat. The hitch lock hadn’t been checked and the safety chain had popped like five-pound test line with a hundred-pounder hooked. The tale had a happy ending. The trailer eased to the side of the road on its front roller and stopped … without hitting anything. Guess who checks the hitch and chain several times before setting out now?

Two trailer areas are particularly prone to midseason issues: the wheels and the trailer hitch. Let’s look at these first.

WHEELS

Flats, blowouts and burnt bearings

Photo: Collin Spradlin Insta

/connellyskis

Visit us at connellyskis.com

are the most common causes of trailer breakdowns. Check the tire pressure (cold) before each trip, and compare it with the recommended pressure, which is molded into the sidewall of each tire. And yes, depending on your tires, the PSI may vary.

While you’re squinting to read the PSI, look for spider-web cracks in the tire sidewalls, caused by heat or age. If you see them, replace the tires. Check the tread depth for wear, too. Less than 2/32 of an inch of tread, and you need new tires. The best way to check is to put a penny into the tire tread. Make sure Lincoln’s head is facing inward, toward the tire center. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, navigate to a tire shop.

Inspect around the lug holes for any signs of cracking, and check the lug nuts for tightness.

The wheel bearings take a beating from heat, water and road grit, so make sure they’re in good shape, because you don’t want them seizing while you’re on

the road. One good way to check them is to jack up the trailer and spin the wheel.

Listen carefully for any grating noise; you want to hear a smooth hissing sound. You can grease the bearings yourself — it’s messy but easy — or run the trailer to your marine dealer for greasing. If you have a Bearing Buddy, you can add grease easily by using the grease fitting in the center of the hub. Test your grease level by pushing on the edge of the movable piston: If it rocks or moves, you have enough grease. If it doesn’t move, add grease until the piston moves out about 1/8 inch. Some Bearing Buddies have a blue ring that should extend 1/8 inch outward. If it is flush, add grease. Always use a hand-pump grease gun and use quality multipurpose #2 lubricant (the same as used on auto suspensions).

HITCH

Lubricate moving parts of the hitch, including inside the ball socket that

accepts the trailer ball. There are a number of locking methods for trailer hitches, but hinged locks and rotating ratchets are the most common. The hinged lock usually has an opening to insert a padlock, and you shouldn’t tow the trailer without a large bolt in that hole, to prevent an accidental opening. The ratchet models are more difficult to secure, but make sure the latch fits snugly and the spring holds it tightly in place.

Don’t forget the trailer ball, either. I just happened to touch the trailer ball before a long trip and found it loose, with just a few threads holding it. I have no idea how it got that way, but it won’t ever happen again!

If you have hydraulic brakes, the master cylinder is usually by the hitch, so you can check it for the correct level. Don’t let any debris fall into the cylinder while you’re checking. If it’s low, you may need to bleed the system to get air out of the lines. See your marine dealer.

Look for wear on the safety chain and, if you have S-hooks, look for bending. Tip: Replace the S-hooks with screw pin shackles that you can lock with a wire tie.

MISCELLANY

Check the lights by plugging the trailer lights into the car and then turning on the vehicle lights. Have someone watch for your brake, turn and night lights. It’s best to test them at night, when you can really tell if a light is dim, which may be caused by a poor ground wire or corrosion. Make sure no wires are loose or chafed.

Eyeball the boat supports, too. Whether you have carpeted bunks or rollers, make sure they’re not worn or broken. When the boat is in the water, you can treat the carpeted bunks with silicon spray to make the boat slide on and off easily.

All this sounds like a lot, but it’s just common sense and takes only a few minutes to ensure that you don’t lose a day on the water. BW

That feeling you get when you’re on a Connelly With over 50 years of water sports experience we know a thing or two about having fun on the water.

Visit connellyskis.com to see all the different ways to make you summer a blast!!!

watersports

B E A B E T TER D R I V ER

Drive Like the Best An accomplished boat operator makes a day on the water better for everyone who takes a turn behind the boat.

BY ZENON BILAS

A rearview mirror allows a driver to see what’s going on behind the boat while keeping a close eye on boat speed and maintaining a straight path.

I

N COMPETITIVE TOWSPORTS EVENTS, AN ideal tow (pull) is imperative for setting records and personal bests. Professional wakeboarders and waterskiers can tell when boat speed varies by as little as three-tenths of a mph, when the boat moves just a few inches from a straight path or when the tow boat is not perfectly level. But quality driving should not be exclusive to the pros.

Getting an exact pull benefits everyone from champions to beginners. In fact, a competent driver can instill confidence in an apprehensive beginner, while a less-than-optimal pull can lead to a fall. Master five skill sets competitive drivers possess, so you can deliver a fun and productive day on the water.

and accelerate. Make sure you and your skier know and use the proper skier/rider signals. If you are driving in a waterway that requires a turn at each end, ask the rider if he prefers to turn (spin) or set down.

Such communication demonstrates to skiers that you understand their individual needs, and it allows them to focus on performance.

COMMUNICATION

SAFETY

Truly great competitive drivers never drive for what they think the tow should be; instead, they drive for the person in tow. To do that, they communicate with participants before they get in the water. Ask riders whether they prefer a soft or strong pull for the start, and whether they have a preferred speed. Beginners may not know what they need, in which case it is better to be cautious and go softer on the pull up and slower for the top speed. A skier’s choice of a soft or fast pull up may not be based solely on weight. The size of the ski or board and the person’s technique also influence the type of pull desired.

Once the skier is in the water, make sure he says “hit it” before you put the boat in gear

Safe driving improves the rider experience. When riders know you are vigilant about safety, they will relax and focus on learning and having fun. Find a part of the waterway, preferably calm, far from docks or other obstructions. Choose an area with few other boats. In busy areas, get out on weekdays or early mornings. If you must

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TOWSPORTS SPEEDS TUBING

PAIR OF SKIS

50 to 100 pounds, 13 to 22 mph

PAIR OF SKIS

Above 100 pounds, 20 to 28 mph

SLALOM SKIING

50 to 100 pounds, 16 to 22 mph

SLALOM SKIING

Above 100 pounds, 20 to 32 mph

BAREFOOT WATERSKIING

Divide your weight by 10 and add 20

8 to 18 mph

WAKESURFING

10 mph

WAKESKATING

15 mph

KNEEBOARDING

10 to 20 mph

TRICK SKIING

15 to 20 mph

WAKEBOARDING

15 to 20 mph

(example: 160 lbs./10 = 16 + 20 = 36 mph)

Even with a spotter, mount a mirror on the dash or to the windshield. The mirror allows the driver to keep his eyes on the horizon but see the status of the person in tow. Without a mirror, drivers tend to turn their head and shoulders around to look at the action, which is not only unsafe driving but can pull the boat off the desired path.

ACCURATE SPEED

interact with other boats, keep them at a distance and stay away from their wake.

Ask one person in the boat to be the spotter, someone who sits next to the driver, watches the rider, and relays any requests (e.g., faster, slower, back to the dock) or an alert if the person falls. Pick up fallen riders as quickly as you safely can. Either slow to idle and circle the tow rope around him for another start, or turn off the engine to pick the skier up if he is finished.

Speed varies from 10 mph for wakesurfing to 40 mph for a 200-pound barefoot skier, so be familiar with the various activities’ needs. (Reference the Towsports Speeds chart.) When the skier or rider is getting into the water, turn off the motor.

Stretch the line taut at idle speed. When the towee says “hit it,” move the throttle from neutral to in gear and up to speed smoothly, seamlessly and progressively, taking care not to overshoot the target speed. Glance at the speedometer to set the throttle for the desired speed. The more you drive, the more sensitive to this you will become. To help get an accurate speed, use a handheld GPS speedometer on the dash as a backup.

STRAIGHT BOAT PATH

While occasionally you might want to give someone a leisurely tow around the lake, following the shoreline, generally you should drive the straightest possible path. With the boat tracking straight, the rider can focus on a trick, or a beginner or slalom skier can concentrate on wake crossings. A straight path also keeps the wake shape and size consistent. At the end of the pass, the driver can bring the boat to a stop, or turn and take the rider back down the original boat path.

LEVEL, BALANCED BOAT

Where passengers sit in the boat affects the shape of the wake. And except for wakesurfing, it’s better to have a uniform size and shape on either side. As you pull the person up, check whether the boat is level from gunwale to gunwale, and that the wake is uniform on each side. Don’t be afraid to move people around — even just a few inches — to achieve balance. BW Zenon Bilas is a seven-time U.S. national barefoot waterski champion. For coaching information, visit zenonbilas.com.

BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2016

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fishing

CO N V ERS I O N

Multitasking on Your Machine You want to fish on your non-fishing boat occasionally. A few tweaks make that imminently doable.

BY DEAN TRAVIS CLARKE

N

OTHING BEATS REALLY FRESH FISH as table fare. Not only does it taste terrific, cook

easily and constitute some of the healthiest food you can eat, but your non-vegan guests will be totally impressed by your hunter-gatherer skills.

Modern life is marked by hurry-up attitudes and high stress, so fishing represents a comparatively Zen pastime, forcing you to slow down and take the measure of and connect with nature. And it really doesn’t matter that you own a cruising boat rather than a purpose-designed fishing vessel. You can fish from it.

ROD HOLDERS

It matters not what type or size boat you own, you can find rod holders to fit your needs 18

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at West Marine, Bass Pro, Cabela’s and many catalogs. Some need to be mounted to a bulkhead or gunwale with screws while others simply clamp to a Bimini top or a sunshade. Mount it so that the rod tip rests overboard to the side or aft on an angle between upright and 45 degrees. Any more level and a fish may pull it over the side. If you decide you like fishing enough, you can usually install DIY in-gunwale rod holders fairly easily. One easy possibility comes from Traxstech (traxstech.com). Screwing its simple tracks on the boat’s gunwales lets you mount all imaginable accessories, and remove them when not in use — from rod holders and bait tables to downriggers and outriggers to wine glass holders and barbecue grills.

ROD STORAGE

Store rods in your cabin (where you can securely lock them away when you head home) and around your cockpit in vertical rod racks. Again, both vertical and

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Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual.

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fishing THE EQUIPMENT

TRAXSTECH GUNWALEMOUNTED ACCESSORIES

Virtually every marine multifunction display (MFD) includes a depthsounder.

You can actually see fish — both big and small — on these, as well as the structure around which fish prefer to congregate.

Check YouTube for lessons in what fish look like on such monitors, so you can find them yourself more readily.

WORKING THE COCKPIT

Cruising boats don’t usually have cockpits or aft decks designed for ease of fishing. In order to make your fishing expeditions more enjoyable (and productive), consider several things. If move-about room comes at a premium, assign each angler a specific rod or area. That way, crew won’t need to move back and forth and get in each other’s way. You also need room to boat your catch. In other words, assuming you successfully hook a fish worth keeping and get it alongside the boat, you need to get it out of the water and onto the deck without losing it. To do so, you need a gaff or a net with a handle long enough to reach slightly below the water’s surface while you stand upright in the cockpit.

PLANO TACKLE BOX

LOWRANCE ELITE-7

horizontal rod racks can be found at most boating supply stores, and their installation qualifies as an easy DIY project. Looking at photos of dedicated fishing boats can provide ideas for locations.

LIVE BAITWELL

Small fish that larger fish enjoy eating can be wicked effective as bait. But, you need a place to carry them so they don’t quickly die. A live baitwell needs circulating water. Portable bait tanks probably fit your needs best, as you can take them ashore, freeing up space when you aren’t fishing. Installing one may not be an easy DIY project, since you need a healthy water pump, a through-hull and a means of exhaust for the water to leave the tank (often the scupper works fine temporarily).

Pick a well based on the size of the space in which you plan to use it. Make sure the tank is rounded — no sharp corners for the 20

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LOWRANCE ELITE-4X CHIRP

KEEP ALIVE PORTABLE BAIT TANK

fish to bump into. Numerous manufacturers can fit your needs and price range.

TACKLE STORAGE

Even fanatical fishermen need to change tackle according to the fish they plan to target on a given day. Since most anglers qualify for an episode of “Hoarders,” it’s best to keep your variety of tackle at home and bring only what you’ll need. You can accomplish this with Plano tackle boxes, which are plastic containers that have adjustable compartments to accommodate lures, hooks, weights, swivels and everything else. If you have a cabinet or under-table space, you can build a small cabinet with compartments to hold these.

However, every outdoor retailer carries tackle bags and boxes specifically designed to accommodate such boxes, and then you can just take it home when all you want to do is cruise.

CATCH MANAGEMENT

So, you’re feeling pretty smug now that you’ve caught a fish and brought it aboard.

Your hunter-gatherer throwback genes have you thumping your chest. Now what? Fish quality declines very quickly when it is left in the sun. So you need a dedicated cooler or insulated box filled with ice into which you can gently place your fish. (Remember, fish bruise just like people do.) Many cruising boats have large drink boxes or in-deck storage that can double as a fishbox. Just be sure it has a suitable drain. Stale, fishy water sitting for a time will keep your family from ever wanting to boat again WHERE TO FIND FISH

Scan the depth contours along your course. If you see any spots that are significantly shallower or that suddenly deepen compared to the surrounding area, mark them. Fish like structure and food sources.

Though not a hard and fast rule, you’re less likely to catch fish in deep water with no bottom or surface structure. BW

engines

R I G HTS IZI N G

Personal Usage

Weight vs.

Horsepower Resale Value Price Paid

Top Speed vs.

Fuel Economy

Cost per Horsepower

?

?

Never buy the smallest!

Find the Power Sweet Spot With all the engine choices boat buyers face, deciding which one to get can be downright confusing. Here are a few points to ponder.

BY ALAN JONES

I

N BOATING WORLD’S BOAT REVIEWS, I often refer to the “sweet spot” when I’m discussing power options. To me, the sweet spot is the convergence of the appropriate-sized engine for the tasks at hand and the price a buyer pays. Arriving at the correct decision involves a lot of variables, some obvious and others more subtle.

THE FIRST RULE Sticker shock can sometimes lead buyers to make decisions they later regret, and the biggest mistake of all is underpowering a boat. It doesn’t matter what “great” price you get if the boat won’t perform the tasks it needs to perform. Not only will you kick yourself every time you run the pooch of a boat, but you’ll pay for the mistake again when it comes time to sell the boat. There are no general rules regarding minimum horsepower — every situation is different — but if you eliminate the lowest horsepower offered, the decision is simpler. In 22

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my boat reviews, I often include the aside (don’t do it!) in reference to the smallest engine offered.

THE WEIGHT PENALTY Another factor to consider is the weight of an engine vs. its horsepower. Often, more horsepower weighs more, especially when more cylinders are involved. Take, for example, Yamaha’s F300 and F350 outboards. The F350 has to be much faster, right? Not exactly, because the F350 is a V-8 that weighs 763 pounds, while the F300 is a V-6 that weighs 562 pounds, a difference of 201 pounds. On Yamaha tests of a Sailfish 2360CC, top speed with the F350 was 53.3 mph, and its best fuel economy was 2.75 mpg at 28.6 mph. The F300 pushed the same boat to 49.9 mph, only 3.4 mph slower, and it achieved better fuel economy, getting 3.28 mpg at 27.2 mph. The F350 is $3,795 more expensive, so the extra 3.4 mph costs $1,116 per extra mph. So the F300 is a better engine, right? Not necessarily. For a lot of heavier

applications, the F350 is the vastly superior choice. It’s all about the matchup, but companies such as Yamaha and Mercury make it easy, since they publish their very accurate performance findings on their respective website.

SAME WEIGHT, DIFFERENT HP Another thing to look at is engines of different horsepower that share the same platform. Often, the only difference between a 150, 175 and 200 hp engine is its computer mapping. Without any weight penalty, you can get more performance. But don’t forget to factor in the cost and what it’s pushing.

Mercury’s V-6 2.6L Verado platform has the widest range of horsepower ratings of all, stretching from 200 hp to an astounding 400 hp. There are a few differences. The weight difference between the 200 and 400 is only 33 pounds due to higher-performance items such as a liquid-cooled supercharger, different air-induction systems and the Sport Master gearcase for boats that

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can travel in excess of 85 mph. Price-wise there are a few sweet spots, though. Using suggested retail pricing (all are XL models), to go from a 200 to a 225 is $3,615, which means each pony costs $145. But to go from a 225 to a 250 is only $860 more, or $34 per horsepower. The jump from 250 to 300 is $2,365, which is $47 per equine, but to take it from 350 to 400 costs $5,517 or $110 per thoroughbred; plus, the latter has a year shorter two-year warranty. As you can see, the price increase is not linear, so take note of each price step to find the best bang.

Many companies have a “build-a-boat” section that can help your math.

FINDING YOUR RIGHT POWER Many factors go into the equation, and most of them have to do with your personal usage. Say you find a great deal on a boat at a boat show. It comes with brand X engine, but there’s no service for that brand within 100 miles. That’s not a great deal. Good, readily available service might be the most

important factor in ownership satisfaction, so it most certainly isn’t just a price/ number thing.

Right-sizing your engine has a lot to do with the way you use it. Last month in our review of the Sanpan 250 Wet Bar, I included a (don’t do it!) warning about the low-end 25 hp engine. The owner in our Owner Feedback section, however, purchased his near-27-footer with a 25 hp engine. Why? Because his lake in Ohio is restricted to engines 25 hp or less. In other cases, some people just like the right lane and don’t need a whole lot of power, while others invite many friends, like to go fast and pull size XXL skiers. Talk to your dealer, do research, get out your calculator and crunch the numbers while weighing opinions. And if you’ve considered all the factors and still find yourself sitting squarely on the fence between two engines, go with the bigger of the two — because no one ever said, “I wish I didn’t have all this power.” BW

4/20/2016 4:02:30 PM BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2016

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diy

I N STA LLIN G A S W IM PL ATFO R M

Step Up to a Swim Platform If you have a boat with a stubby swim step, there’s an easy fix you can do yourself (with a little help from your friends).

BY JAMES SMITH

I

OWN A 1999 CHAPARRAL 1930 SS that I like a lot, but the swim platform was really small,

so I went online to search for a new one. My main concern was finding one that looked like it was designed especially for my boat, not a generic one-swim-platform-fits-all model. I discovered SwimPlatforms.com, which has hundreds of models, including 30 for Chaparral alone. I found one listed for my model that could be color-matched to my boat. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the project myself, but Art at Swim Platforms said that if I was comfortable drilling holes in my boat, I could do it, as about 70 percent of their buyers install it themselves.

The instructions said I might have to make a few cuts to ensure a proper fit, and when my friends held the platform up to the transom so I could eyeball it, I noticed we would 24

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have to cut out a small section of the platform (1) where my MerCruiser outdrive housing protruded from the transom. The cutouts for my lifting eyes were already made. After marking it, I used a jigsaw to cut out a rough 6-inch section (it’s on the underside and won’t be seen).

My existing boarding ladder needed to be repositioned. To uninstall the ladder, just remove the bolts and refill the holes with the same bolts, after applying 3M 5200 Marine Adhesive Sealant to the underside of the bolt heads.

Next, support the platform into position before drilling the holes (2). The rubrail is cut long to allow you to trim it to match the angle of the transom, but to temporarily get it out of the way, unscrew it from the inside and let it hang down. We used two-byfour-inch boards to support the front of the platform, and I had adjustable support racks that were perfect to prop up the back of the platform.

To make sure the platform is centered properly, orient the center of the platform directly over the outdrive, which is always positioned dead center. To make sure the swim platform was level, I used a wood slat as a spacer (3) to make sure it was the same distance below the boat’s rubrail all the way across. Don’t use a smartphone app leveler, in case the boat is slightly askew on the trailer.

With the platform securely propped up, it’s time to drill. Start with the two holes on either side of the lower unit (4). First, check out the inside of the engine box where you will be drilling to make sure you don’t hit anything with the drill bit. As you are drilling, have someone watch inside the engine compartment, to be doubly sure the drill bit is coming out in an unobstructed area.

When the two holes are drilled, put the longest bolts through the holes and attach the locknuts, making sure to use washers on both sides (5). The shortest bolts go toward the outside of the boat where the hull is thinner. All the lag bolts should protrude at least three-quarters of an inch.

Don’t worry about caulking them yet; the bolts are going in temporarily, to make sure the platform doesn’t move while you drill the other holes.

Using the 13/64-inch drill bit, drill

2 1

3

4

5

7

9

6

8

TOOLS USED Drill and bits, 5/32, 13/64, 1/4, 3/8 inch // Sockets // Wrenches // Allen wrench, 5/32 inch // Countersink, 3/4 inch // Philips screwdriver // Safety glasses // Rags and towels // Solvent for cleaning adhesive // Caulking gun and caulk // // Two-by-four boards or some suitable support system

Here is the cost breakdown: • Platform with black trim: • Two-tone gelcoat: • Crate: • Freight:

$1,145 $250 $92 $215

• Beer and pizza for my helpers: $30 • Total:

$1,732

three or four more holes on each side (6), evenly spaced, and staggered a bit (up and down) to create different stress points.

The outermost bolts should be near the corner of the platform. Once all the holes are drilled, remove the two (or three) center bolts and remove the platform. Use the 3/8-inch drill bit to enlarge the holes in the hull and swim platform. Clean up all the holes and countersink them to prevent gelcoat cracking from the bolts. Around the outside of the hull, apply a ring of 3M 5200 around each hole (7) and to the underside of the bolt heads, so they form a water-tight seal when they’re tightened.

Re-support the platform into position and install the bolts, starting with the middle two and partially tightening all the others. Then, fully tighten one on each side, alternating sides until they are all tight, making sure they extend at least three-quarters of an inch inside the hull (8).

Next, install the two stainless steel support bars. Each rod should be positioned about an inch or so above the bottom of the boat (9) where the hull is very thick. You might have to bend the flat tabs at the end of the bars for them to lie flat to your hull and swim platform. Before drilling, hold them in place and turn the outdrive to make sure you have clearance.

Each of the top tabs’ holes closest to the bend will be secured with a 2-inch Allen bolt. Drill from the bottom and countersink the top so the head lays flat. The other two top holes will be secured with ¾-inch lag screws, but when drilling your slightly smaller pilot hole underneath the platform, take care not to drill all the way through.

Each of the bottom tabs will be secured with a 1¼-inch lag screw and, again, use a smaller bit to drill and make the holes shorter than the screws’ length. Use the 3M 5200 on each screw to ensure a tight seal.

The final steps are to reinstall the boarding ladder in the new location and reinstall the rub rail and trim it to fit. It helps if you heat the PVC rail first with a hairdryer.

Now we have plenty of room out back, and the new platform looks like it was installed at the factory. BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

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ask the experts

Q

+A

Extinguisher Knowledge

FIRE ABOARD A boat is an owner’s

worst-case scenario, so fire preparedness is vital. Extinguishers are the first line of offense once a fire has started, but they won’t be very effective if they haven’t been properly cared for. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water receives many questions from boaters every year regarding extinguishers. In an effort to help as many boat owners as possible, the foundation created a myth vs. reality piece regarding onboard fire extinguishers.

OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS:

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

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

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

You Are Here

So Are We

NOT EVERY TOWING SERVICE HAS A FLEET STANDING BY TO BACK UP THEIR PROMISES.

We do. TowBoatU.S. has over 600 red boats from coast to coast, so you’re never far from help when you need it. Our Captains are licensed professionals that will get you and your boat underway and where you need to go in no time.

CALL OR GO ONLINE NOW TO JOIN FOR JUST $149 ALL YEAR.

1-800-888-4869 BoatUS.com/towing Towing details can be found online at BoatUS.com/towing or by calling.

Boating World_9x10.875.indd 1

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ask the experts MYTH 1: Tapping or striking the extinguisher keeps the contents “fresh.”

REALITY: Leave the mallet at home. Unlike days of old, today’s modern fire extinguishers don’t use chemicals that cake, get hard or need to be broken up. Whacking it with a mallet or hammer could compromise the extinguisher’s ability to put out a fire.

may protect it from being banged around the boat, but it is not a legal requirement.

You do, however, need to ensure the extinguisher is readily accessible, so leaving it at the bottom of locker or compartment is a big no-no.

MYTH 3: Fire extinguishers get old and go “bad” every year.

Today’s modern fire extinguishers don’t use chemicals that cake, get hard or need to be broken up.

MYTH 2: All extinguishers must be mounted with a bracket.

REALITY: Mounting a fire extinguisher on a bracket keeps the unit in a handy place and

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REALITY: Unlike flares, fire extinguishers have no expiration date. To meet U.S. Coast Guard carriage requirements, however, the extinguisher must be Coast Guard

approved and in “good and serviceable” condition. The charge indicator needs to be in the green zone, the nozzle free of obstruction and the cylinder not rusted.

MYTH 4: The law says you only need to carry one extinguisher.

REALITY: U.S. Coast Guard minimum equipment requirements dictate that larger vessels require more than one fire extinguisher. While a full list of all minimum safety gear requirements for all boat sizes can be found at BoatUS.org/equipment, don’t let that stop you from carrying additional extinguishers. Having backups may help save your boat and won’t break your budget.

For more on fire extinguishers, go to BoatUS.org/fire-extinguishers.

ENGINE COMPONENTS

The Merits of Metals

Q I have twin Volvo Penta 4.3 GL engines in my boat. The manifolds and risers are

next on my list to be replaced. My boat, a 2000 Crownline 268 CR that I use in salt water, is heavy at the transom, and I am looking for lighter manifolds to replace the existing cast-iron ones. I learned there are aluminum and stainless steel replacements, and the stainless steel manifolds are very expensive. I would like to know if I can use the aluminum manifolds and risers — with proper anodes — on my engines, and, if so, will they last as long as the old cast-iron ones.

Carlos Maldonado, via BoatingWorld.com

As you’ve already mentioned, the primary advantage of aluminum over cast iron is weight. As it is roughly 33 percent less dense than cast iron, the overall weight savings would be around one-third over your current cast-iron manifolds. Aluminum is also very corrosion resistant … most of the time. Aluminum is unique in that it reacts with oxygen to create a protective layer that resists

further corrosion. That’s the white powdery substance you see on aluminum exposed to the elements. The key here is exposure to oxygen (i.e., the air), because this protective layer can’t form on aluminum that’s submerged in water. This, of course, is a problem for aluminum exhaust components such as manifolds, which typically retain cooling water after the engine is shut down — particularly when used in an open exhaust system in salt water.

Corrosion is exactly the opposite for cast iron, which corrodes more when exposed to air and less when submerged.

That’s why cast-iron manifolds typically last longer than exhaust elbows/risers, which drain after the engine is shut down, exposing their innards to air.

If you decide to go with an aluminum exhaust system (especially in salt water), the best choice is to use infused ceramiccoated components. Otherwise, you’re better off sticking with cast iron, in my opinion. — FL

ACCESSORIES

Fire Preparedness

Q I carry the required number of fire extinguishers aboard my 2013 26-foot bass boat, but a recent engine-compartment fire on a friend’s boat got me wondering if that’s enough. Should I be proactive and do something else that will help me better respond to an engine-compartment fire?

Kerry P., via BoatingWorld.com

When it comes to engine-compartment fires, the first reaction most boaters have is to open up the hatch to see what the heck’s going on. Unfortunately, doing so provides a rush of oxygen that could easily turn a smoldering fire into an abandon-ship conflagration. The safest way to avoid such a scenario is by installing an automatic fixed extinguisher in the engine compartment.

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends installation of a suitable clean agent fire-suppression

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ask the experts system on all inboard and sterndrive vessels. Dry chemical powder is an effective fire suppressant, but the residue is difficult to remove and highly corrosive — in some cases it can actually cause more damage to the engine than the fire itself. A cleanagent system not only kills the fire without damaging the engine and components, but in many cases the engine can be restarted and used to get back home (after correcting the initial cause of the fire, of course).

Fixed fire-suppression systems can be customized for your particular vessel, but pre-engineered, off-the-shelf systems are cheaper and easier to install. Halon was the clean agent of choice in the past; however, it’s also an ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbon and its production has been banned since the mid-1990s. Today’s systems use “greener” alternatives, such as FM-200 or FE-241. If you already have one installed, pat yourself on the back, but don’t feel too smug, mon — unless it has a current annual inspection tag. — FL

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1

FISHING

Casting Call

Q I’m looking for a new cast to expand my fishing repertoire and make me a better angler. What would you suggest?

P.J. Breedman, via BoatingWorld.com

P.J., our April Fishing column (“Flip It and Rip It, p. 14) might be able to help you.

Here is one section from the story.

Use the flipping method when you’re fairly close to your target and want to gently lay your lure into place, particularly

2

when you’re fishing weed beds and areas with other stuff that might snag your lure.

Pull line off your reel to approximately match the distance to your target. Hold the line in one hand while you swing your lure — which should be dangling from the rod tip like a pendulum — forward and backward in line with your target. You’ll get to a point where one swing will suffice.

As the lure swings away from you, let go of the line in your non-rod hand. The lure will gently arc out toward your target and land with minimum disturbance. BW

bonehead blunders

BY G R I D M I CH A L

Muffing up the Flush BONEHEAD BLUNDER: Not undoing-it-yourself THE BONEHEAD: A long-time boater who needs to rock on the front porch BONEHEAD RATING: 5 WHAT HAPPENED: Last off-season was a long one. It was a delightful surprise, then, when I received a call from a longtime boater who wanted to sell his boat because his “First Mate” couldn’t keep up the pace. Since his time in the country (away from the city) was limited, he asked if I could meet him Sunday (after church), do a diagnostic download on his engine, then go for a ride to ensure everything passed muster.

The boat was on a lift. The owner proudly told me he flushed the engine after every use, using the flush-muffs instead of the engine’s flush port. Access to the computer link was easy, and I got that taken care of right away. As he started the engine and we idled away from the lift, I noticed some Type 1A fuel line above deck running from the bow to the engine. He said that the previous year the main fuel tank had developed a leak. Being a handy sort of guy, he lifted the deck cover and found the tank encapsulated in foam.

The foam was 33 years old and didn’t want to leave its warm home just so the metal tank could be replaced with a new “plastic” tank. Plan B (it may be necessary to have oxygen delivered before reading further) began when he decided that, since he couldn’t handily remove the tank, he’d install the new plastic tank in the center of the old metal one. So he got a Sawzall and proceeded to attempt to cut the top of the metal tank out. Fortunately, he was thwarted by baffles before the whole thing blew due to an errant spark! Following that head-scratcher, he put several six-gallon tanks forward and sent the fuel aft via the 1A hose.

We idled some more, while I tried to decide if I should swim to shore before anything else reared its ugly head. Too late. He throttled up. We went perhaps a quarter mile before the overheat alarm sounded. He pulled back into neutral, shut the engine down and tilted it up. There, confirming he’d flushed it at least once, was his flush-muff neatly blocking off water access to the pickups, save for the small amount coming through the hose connection.

It may be necessary to have some oxygen delivered before reading further...

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

LESSON LEARNED: At some time in every boater’s life, it will become necessary to be a passenger rather than the skipper. Sadly, I was present when that became evident to him. It’ll be a lot uglier when it’s my turn. BW

features

- All day comfort and lumbar support - UV resistant to sun and elements - Heavy duty anodized aluminum frame - Breathable mesh design - 3 year warranty Material Capacity Seat Size

Anodized Aluminum 400 lbs.

W 20” D 13 -17”

AVAILABLE IN

white

grey

millenniummarine.com BOATINGWORLD.COM

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gear

STU FF YO U WA NT

Hercules! Hercules!

$129, hercules.com

The new speaker from Hercules is completely dust-resistant and waterproof, protected from immersion in up to one meter of water as well as being corrosion resistant to ocean water and maintaining buoyancy on the surface. It’s the only wireless speaker in its category to feature a built-in FM radio, which works independently of a mobile device. The Boost Charger mode allows users to utilize the speaker’s power to charge their mobile devices. The built in battery provides 12 hours of life, and the entire unit weighs less than three-quarters of a pound.

Pedal, not Paddle $2,499+, hobiecat.com Everyone’s heard of standup paddleboarding. But have you heard of standup pedalboarding? Hobie Kayaks has adapted its MirageDrive technology to a standup pedalboard, the first of its kind. Just step on and go, no seat or paddle for a whole new experience on the water. Sturdy handlebars balance you and also house the fingertip rudder controls, making the Mirage Eclipse easy to steer. The boards are constructed of glossy but tough Advanced Composite Epoxy (ACX) with a sleek, water-piercing bow. Square tails and flat bottoms enhance stability. Choose between the 10-and-a-half- and 12-foot model, depending on your capacity needs as well as storage and transport considerations.

Roger That $119.99, motorolasolutions. com

Charged Up $54.99, lunasealighting.com The Lunasea Portable Light Bar, which runs on a rechargeable 4 amp lithium-ion battery, is suitable for lighting marine heads, cuddy cabins or any onboard area that doesn’t have power or is under-illuminated. Sturdy aluminum construction ensures durability and long life in the rugged marine environment.

You can simply set the light bar down wherever light is needed, or mount it easily using the included magnetic holders and hardware. An easy-to-access built-in power switch makes it a candidate for semi-permanent installation. Once charged, the light bar can also be used to power cellphones and other USB devices. Just plug your device into the light bar via the USB port.

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When you’re out of cellphone range, be it on different vessels or even just different places on your boat, it’s crucial to have means of communication and safety. With the Motorola Talkabout T600 H20 two-way radios, you’ll have the features you need on the water. They feature NOAA weather updates and alerts, and the units are completely waterproof and float. Each one comes equipped with a handy water-activated flashlight, which includes a white and red LED (to preserve night vision). They are compatible with any FRS/GMRS radio regardless of brand by being on the same channel and using privacy codes.

SUBMIT YOUR GEAR TO STEPHANIE@BOATINGWORLD.COM

Go With Confidence

.

O G T S JU

GO5 XSE

GO7 XSE

Wherever you go, relax and enjoy the day with an easy-to-use Simrad GO XSE chartplotter navigation system.

Take control with an intuitive, super-bright touchscreen display. Customise your GO XSE system with a range of accessories from music streaming, to engine monitoring, to fish-finding sonar – whatever it takes to make every day on the water a great one.

Download and upload maps, software, and apps direct to your fishfinder / chartplotter.

Multi-touch display

Built-in GoFree™ Wi-Fi

ForwardScan® sonar ready

NMEA 2000® Engine Interface

Built-in 10 Hz GPS

SonicHub®2 ready

SIMRAD-YACHTING.COM/GO

tested

A N G LER QW E ST 82 2 PRO TRO LL

Qwest For Fish The Angler Qwest 822 Pro Troll takes the pontoon-as-fishing-platform concept to the max.

BY ALAN JONES

A

FTER GETTING A TEASE OF a first look at the Angler Qwest during the Miami Boat Show — it had nary a fishing rod on board — I got a chance to use it in its true element. I fished aboard one with Brad Dupuie who, during the week, Clark Kents it as the head of Apex Marine’s engineering and production department. But on the weekend he becomes Super(walleye)man in quest of his favorite quarry. Some people in the marine industry like boating and fishing well enough, but Dupuie lives and breathes it as he plies the waters of Michigan’s Saginaw Bay, a body of water that can get ugly quickly.

UNIQUE FACTOR

The jaw-dropping, never-seen-beforeon-a-pontoon-boat signature feature that puts the Pro in the 822 Pro Troll is the aluminum Traxstech arch. It includes eight rocket launcher rod holders on top and six adjustable holders on the side on accessory tracks, and there’s an option to add even more holders. With rods in place, it bristled like an alarmed porcupine as we prepared to shove off from Linwood Beach Marina. The other obvious unique feature is its center console design. Unlike 22-foot center consoles of the fiberglass persuasion, however, this one has abundant room in the fishing cockpit and up front in the lounge section.

Another striking feature of the 822 Pro Troll is the polished stainless steel diamond plating that corrals the inner sidewalls of the fishing arena. The plating gives the cockpit a great industrial look, protects the aluminum fencing and creates double walls that provide room in between for storage. Three flip-down access hatches on each side deliver easy access. On top of the gunwales are two standard 72-inch Traxstech accessory tracks that allow owners to mount a vast array of hardware, such as more rod holders, downriggers, tool holders, cupholders and even a gas grill.

PERFORMANCE

Our triple-tube Pro Troll featured Mercury’s new-generation FourStroke 150, an in-line four-cylinder outboard designed to have as few parts as possible. It has a 34

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single overhead cam and two-valves per cylinder, which allows it to be the lightest four-stroke 150 on the market, tipping the scales at 455 pounds. While it might seem low-tech, items such as its rocker arms are used by Formula One cars. It has 3.0L of displacement, which is the largest in the industry, so it easily cranks out an estimated 158 hp.

The 822 Pro Troll has the Q3 triple-tube setup with lifting strakes on both sides of all the tubes to help it plane quickly and ride high in the water. Its time to plane was a quick 2.4 seconds with practically no bowrise. The Mercury pulled strong and linear and pushed the Angler Qwest to 25 mph in 7.4 seconds and to a top speed of 37.2 mph. Max horsepower for the 822 (and the two-foot-longer 824) is 175 hp, which would put its top speed around 40 mph.

HANDLING

Saginaw Bay, off Lake Huron, has a reputation for being rough thanks to an average depth of 15 feet and an area of 1,142 square miles, but we got lucky and had mostly two-footers for our day on the bay. At a cruise speed of around 25 mph, the 822 Pro Troll positively ate up the head seas. The Q3 tubes have really sharp nosecones for better slicing and oversized splash caps to keep the windshield from getting wet. The splash caps also provide additional insurance against stuffing the bow in large waves.

The tubes are 23-inchers, which seems to concern some pontoon buyers, since the

It’s a hardcore fishing machine, but it has a playful side.

(Clockwise from far right) Under the leaning post is plenty of tackle storage. Not many pontoon boats have a center console. In front of the helm is a jumpseat with a livewell beneath.

The leaning post has a comfortable backrest for sitting.

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owner feedback 

Purchased by Jason Priebe, plus Cooper, 15, and Brooks, 9, Unionville, Mich.

Purchased at Linwood Beach Marina, Linwood, Mich.

standard tube is 25 inches in diameter, but Qwest uses lightweight materials for items such as seat frames, so the boat’s dry weight is only 2,050 pounds, making 23-inch tubes more than sufficient to handle a payload of up to 1,900 pounds. Large lifting strakes kept the Pro Troll high in the water and when I trimmed the Mercury out a bit, the front half of the pontoons raised out of the water to provide more clearance over the waves. But the Pro Troll really shined when we got to the fishing grounds and started trolling. Unlike monohulls with deep-V hulls that can rock from side to side in similar conditions, the Qwest was incredibly stable, even when we trolled with its beam to the waves.

BEST USES

>

W H AT I L I K E D

Versatility/Stability/Reliable and fuel-efficient Mercury 150 FourStroke/Incredible amount of room/Removable fishing chairs/Traxstech track system for accessories >

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

I wish I could get it with a bigger motor than a 150, for a faster top speed. >

WHY I BOUGHT IT

I saw guys like Mike Avery and Mark Dupuie using the Angler Qwest Pro Troll in Saginaw Bay, where I do my boating, and it looked like the perfect rig. It gets really rough here, and for a pontoon it really handles rough conditions well. I’ve had up to nine very large men on this boat fishing, and it handled the load really well and gave everyone plenty of room. I love to fish for walleye, and the Pro Troll, with the arch and Traxtech system, allows me to run as many rods as I want when trolling. Parts of the lake are shallow, but my 822 doesn’t need much water to float. I love its versatility, which allows us to fish in the morning till we bag our limit and then go tubing or wakeboarding in the afternoon. I have the Minn Kota trolling motor with the iPilot system, so when I am jigging on structure I can use it as a virtual anchor. Linwood Beach Marina is an awesome place and they really take care of their customers, like the time ice started to block the entrance of the marina. They went out in several boats and cleared it to make sure we weren’t stranded.

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This concept was a collaborative effort between Qwest’s owners, brothers Brad and Mark Dupuie, and Jeff Miller, the owner of Traxstech. It’s a hard-core fishing machine, but it has a playful side, with twin 60-inch couches up front that are covered in easy-to-clean Soft Touch vinyl. The laybacks face rearward, to accommodate the ultimate in lazy-angler rod-watching.

One of the 822’s huge advantages over “regular” fishing boats is the comfort factor afforded by an enormous Bimini top that completely covers the area from the arch all the way to the bow.

Michigan allows only three trolling rods per person, so we used six on test day, but Dupuie has had as many as 15 going at once.

A boat that can have as many as 13 lucky anglers aboard had better be well laid

out, and the 822 Pro Troll is the ultimate in ergonomic efficiency. Dupuie used the gunwale’s Traxstech tracks to affix cupholders and rod holders holding landing nets, ready for action. We caught a steady stream of keeper walleye that we measured on the stern work station, which included tool holders and a standard high-pressure hose for easy cleanups. A nice touch are the twin flip-up jump seats at the transom, though they would have been more comfortable with backrests. There are plenty of other places to sit, including the small bench behind the console, which is perfect for line-watching and covers a 25-gallon livewell that Dupuie has used to hold up to 30 fish. Another similar seat in front of the console also has a livewell underneath, but we used it as a cooler.

PREFERRED SETUP

The 822 Pro Troll comes ready to fish and needs only a few options to fulfill its potential. While the console is compact to preserve space, it is tall and has plenty of room for flush-mounted electronics such as the optional Humminbird 899 GPS/ fishfinder. A tilt wheel, a handy universal cellphone holder and a Prospec stereo are standard, but our boat had the optional Infinity Bluetooth system. Underneath the leaning/sitting post is storage for Plano tackle boxes to starboard and three tackle drawers to port. Instead of the standard vinyl deck, our boat had the optional upscale teak vinyl floor that had excellent grip even when wet. Add a ski tow and you are ready for a change of pace when the fishing slows down. BW

SPECS Length 23 ft., 2 in. Beam 8 ft. Tube Diameter 23 in. Capacity 13 people Dry Weight (hull) 2,050 lbs. Fuel Capacity 25 gal. Max HP 115 (2 tubes), 175 (3 tubes) PERFORMANCE Peak 37.2 mph/5500 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 24 mph/4000 rpm/83 dBA Time to Plane 2.4 sec. Time to 25 mph 7.4 sec.

POWER Test Mercury 150 FourStroke Cylinders In-line 4 Displacement 3.0L Weight w/outdrive 455 lbs. WOT Range 5500-6000 rpm Base Price w/test power $47,238 Value-Added Standard Features: Radar arch w/14 rod holders, tilt steering, two livewells, stern jump seats, Bimini top, high-pressure washdown, Bluetooth stereo, twin bow couches, two Traxstech tracks Must-Have Options: Gen II Triple tube Package w/aluminum underskin, trailer, 2-foot deck extensions fore and aft, teak vinyl flooring, additional courtesy lighting, Infinity stereo upgrade, docking lights Builder: Apex Marine Inc., apexmarineinc.com Financing: $339/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

tested

STI N G R AY 2 25R X

Rally the Troops The new Stingray 225RX Rally Boat looks fast, even when it is idling.

BY ALAN JONES

S

TINGRAY HAS CARVED OUT A nice niche in the marine industry by sticking to what it

does best: build easily trailerable boats that are sporty, efficient, fast and affordable.

The poster boy for this recipe for success is the new 225RX, a near-23-footer you can get starting at less than $40K. The smiles are free.

UNIQUE FACTOR

Over the past few years, boats with wide bow sections, such as those you find on deckboats, have become the new normal.

Like a station wagon, they are highly practical, but some people miss the performance — that visceral blast of emotion that raises one’s heart rate. To stoke that innate need for speed, Stingray 225RX’s ultrapointy bow section immediately screams performance. It’s the same effect Stingray cars have had over the years, something that gets Stingray Boats’ owner, Al Fink, going. Sure, a little passenger space is lost in a pointed bow, and tall adults have to accordion their legs a bit, but the bow section is comfortable, with 34 inches of depth from the deck up (20 inches deep above the seat bottom), which parents will like when their kids, invariably, head forward.

Another benefit of the sharp bow that’s often overlooked on deckboats is the centerline bow cleat, which helps give the anchor line an even pull when the hook is out. Tying to an offset cleat induces a wiggle-waggle motion that can be unsettling for land-based mammals. For anchor storage, there’s a Danforth locker right at the bow. But while we’re on the subject of throwback features, perhaps the best small details on the 225RX are the side window vents that have all but disappeared on cars and boats. But on blazing hot summer days, when you’re idling in a slow zone, the ability to generate a little breeze in your face is pure gold.

PERFORMANCE

It’s easy to make a fast boat just by giving 38

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it a huge engine and not worrying about the higher price tag and increased fuel costs.

But when a builder has Stingray’s Z-Plane Hull as its ace in the hole, it can achieve the thrill of great performance with less power and save some money in the process.

Other companies offer a crazy-wide variety of power options, but Stingray engineers know the power/price sweet spot and steer buyers into the correct ballpark. For the 225RX, they determined that V-6 sterndrives from either MerCruiser or Volvo Penta, ranging from 200 to 225 hp, are the ticket for the largest boat in its three-boat Rally lineup, which are value-priced in order to get you on the water without busting the bank.

Our test boat had a Volvo Penta 4.3L MPI 225 hp engine, which doesn’t sound like a lot for a boat that’s an inch away from 23 feet long, but the Z-Plane hull’s unique strakes provide extra lift and minimize turbulence, so the prop has cleaner water for a better bite. Its time to plane was 4 seconds flat and was accomplished with minimal bowrise. It took 8.8 seconds to reach 30 mph, and its speed peaked at 49.3 mph. Buyers looking for more speed can find it further up Stingray’s food chain in the 225LS model, which has the same hull but can be equipped with up to a 300 hp V-8 from Merc or Volvo. We tested the latter, which resulted in an astounding 61 mph.

HANDLING

Stingray’s clean-running Z-Plane hull helps during cornering, and that ability was evident on our test run on Lake Robinson.

When skiers go down, they are at their

(Clockwise from top right) Up front is a dedicated Danforth-style anchor locker. At the stern, the boarding ladder is neatly tucked beneath a hatch. The 225RX’s pointy bow says go-fast, even at the dock. The centerline walkthrough has a filler cushion for sunning. A compact helm station preserves cockpit space.

The beauty of having a sterndrive-powered boat is the usable space in the stern.

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owner feedback 

Purchased by Ken and Tracy DuBois, plus Olivia, 9, Mapleville, R.I. Purchased at South Attleboro Marine, North Attleborough, Mass. >

W H AT W E L I K E D

Roomy engine compartment/Abundance of storage/Sporty styling/Side vents/ Large swim platform/Excellent value >

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

The driver’s seat is a little low for me; it should have an adjustable-height pedestal to accommodate drivers of different heights. >

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

I had my previous boat for eight years, and although I keep my boats in great shape it was time for a new boat. I’ve bought two previous boats from South Attleboro Marine, and they gave me a great trade for my old boat, which made my deal even better. The biggest improvement is the larger swim platform. We love to relax and float around and hang around the back of the boat, and it’s much more comfortable now. We do most of our boating on Waterman Lake, which is 12 miles long, and it’s fun to just go cruising.

The 225RX gets on plane quickly and is a pleasure to drive while my daughter goes tubing. She likes to bring her friends along, and there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Twice a year we trailer it to scenic Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. I buy all my boats at South Attleboro because of the great service. One time I tried to start my boat late on a Saturday, and it wouldn’t start. I called the dealership and they stayed open after hours to get me going instead of telling me to wait until Monday.

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most vulnerable to other boat traffic, so having the ability to smoothly transition a boat from running in a straight line to full hard-over, to retrieve skiers rapidly, is handy. We simulated this move by turning to either side with great success. With 20 degrees of deadrise, the 225RX heels over fairly far, but its slicing ability when the lake gets a nasty chop going is exceptional.

Like almost all sterndrive boats with one prop, there is some stern wander at idle, but if the driver learns not to overcorrect, it’s not really a problem.

BEST USES

The beauty of having a sterndrive-powered boat is the usable space in the stern.

The sunpad is wide enough for two sun-worshipers, and the upholstery is Omni Nova with nano-block technology that is highly resistant to stains and mildew, so the onboard Welch’s grape juice ban might need to be revisited. Along the centerline is a removable filler cushion, so boarding guests don’t have to tread on the upholstery to board. There are small black and tan styling swooshes on the sunpad, but they’re small enough to not be solar collection hazards. The swim platform is large and makes a good place for guests to board at the dock or enter the water. The stainless steel swim steps are concealed beneath a lid to keep things tidy.

The boat is maximized for seating, with a U-lounge in the cockpit, and is rated for 10 passengers, so no real friends have to be left at the dock. The twin captain’s chairs on our test boat could be swiveled

180 degrees. During ski runs, leave the portside bucket seat reversed to give the spotter the best seat in the house. Because interior space is maximized, there’s no head compartment on the 225RX, but if this is a problem, Stingray’s 215LR Sport Deck and 250LR sportier pointy-bow models include a head.

PREFERRED SETUP

The standard 225RX is well equipped with convenience features such as a built-in cooler that sits at the bow and has an overboard drain. There’s plenty of storage up front with seat bottoms that remove completely for total access, and there are two ways to access console storage: side doors and bowrider seatbacks that flip open. The helm includes full instrumentation and an Italian wheel, but I would have preferred one with less chrome plastic, which has a tendency to reflect the sun into the driver’s eyes. Stingray makes it really easy to set up a 225RX by bundling popular options together at an attractive price. The first bundle, called the Preferred Equipment Group, takes care of almost everything. A mere $1,240 includes a Sunbrella Bimini top, a 1,200 gpm bilge pump, a stainless steel ski tow eye, LED mood lighting, a transom outdrive tilt switch, tilt steering, an adjustable helm seat and a Bluetooth stereo with USB input.

To add some flash, an extensive Stainless Steel Hardware Package is available for an extra $200. Add a wide black or red color stripe on the white hull for a reasonable $358. BW

SPECS Length 22 ft., 11 in. Beam 8 ft., 4 in. Deadrise 20 degrees Capacity 10 people Dry Weight (hull) 3,210 lbs. Fuel Capacity 47 gal. Max HP 220 PERFORMANCE Peak 49.3 mph/4800 rpm/93 dBA Cruise 32.7 mph/3500 rpm/88 dBA Time to Plane 4.0 sec. Time to 30 mph 8.8 sec.

POWER Test Volvo Penta 4.3 MPI 225 SX Cylinders V-6 Displacement 4.3L Weight w/outdrive 922 lbs. WOT Range 4400-4800 rpm Base Price w/test power $39,170 Value-Added Standard Features: In-deck ski storage, Italian steering wheel, 500 gph bilge pump, remote oil change, electric horn, bow anchor, aft boarding ladder, power steering, amidships cleats Must-Have Options: Depthfinder, snap-in carpeting, Sunbrella Bimini top, twin sports bucket seats w/bolsters, trailer, hull stripe, automatic fire extinguishing system, bow and cockpit covers Builder: Stingray Boats, stingrayboats.com Financing: $281 w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

ON THE ROAD OR THE WATER, YOU’RE HEADED NOWHERE FAST

WHILE WHILE IMPAIRED. IMPAIRED. JUNE 24–26, 2016 OPERATIONDRYWATER.ORG

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tested

M A N ITO U X- PLO D E X T 2 3 S RS

’Tou Fast, ’Tou Furious Manitou’s X-Plode XT 23 SRS blows up the notion that pontoons are for the right lane.

BY ALAN JONES

F

EW PONTOON BUILDERS ARE MORE responsible for changing the image of these pleasure platforms than Manitou. For years, buying a pontoon was the ego-depleting equivalent of trading in your sports car for a minivan. But when Manitou unveiled its Sport Handling Package (SHP) in 2005, pontoon handling changed from Winnebago to Lambo. For its 30th anniversary, that technology and more are on full display with the new X-Plode XT 23 SRS.

UNIQUE FACTOR

Running parallel with improved performance has been heightened styling.

Pontoons have gone from flat tops to purple Mohawks, and Manitou upped its edginess for 2016 with an all-new fiberglass upper that serves as a rail-free blank canvas to splash a little attitude on. And our test pontoon pushed the boundary with a highgloss clear-coat titanium black and orange palate that’s more treat than trick. For rigidity, it’s double-walled, and rails, which can sometimes rattle against the fence like a bag of bones, are absent. The bow gate — something unique for a pontoon — surprised me with its heft. That’s because it’s made of solid billet aluminum and looks like a miniature wrought-iron mansion gate. At the stern, gaining freedom is easier thanks to stainless steel turnstile-like bars that make it legal to stern-sit without resorting to the usual token chain solution.

These two bars are merely the tip of a stainless steel iceberg that includes a stylish soccer goal–type ski tow, a four-step boarding ladder and grabrails.

PERFORMANCE

Powering our test pontoon was Evinrude’s new-gen G2 250 H.O. It is mapped to exceed its 250 hp rating by about 10 percent (allowable in the U.S.), which pushes the X-Plode’s 250 max horsepower rating to the limit. When I 42

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hammered the throttle, there was the briefest hesitation before all the thoroughbreds burst forth from the starting gate.

Then there was a rush of acceleration, accompanied by the classic two-stroke sound o’ power as the Manitou got on plane in 2.4 seconds. Time to 30 mph was 5.8 seconds, and after I trimmed the G2 out, the boat achieved its top speed of 52.9 mph while reaching 6000 rpm. The only knock on the Evinrude is that it’s still louder than comparable four-strokes, by a fair amount, which explains why they are not as popular on pontoons.

Although Manitou seems to have a special affinity for Evinrude, the builder will accommodate a buyer’s hankering for any major outboard brand. I would prefer a four-stroke, mainly for the quiet. What’s great about the SHP package is it can come with a 25-inch transom, which opens all propulsion doors.

HANDLING

Manitou began building three-tube pontoons back in 2001, but it wasn’t until its engineers came up with the SHP tube innovation in 2005 that the arrangement really exploded. Not only is the 27-inch center tube surrounded by 23-inch outers, but it is one and a quarter inches lower, which doesn’t sound like a big difference, but it proved to be the magic number. The arrangement makes the center tube a total

The X-Plode XT is not just a hair-on-fire performance ’toon; it handles entertainment like a pro.

(Clockwise from top right) Twin rear recliners can convert to four face-to-face seats. Optional gray teak deck is installed aslant, for a unique look. A Gussi Evo wheel gives the helm a custom look. Twin captain’s chairs are stylish and comfortable.

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owner feedback 

Purchased by Lisa McCawley and David Kindlesparger, Johnson City, Tenn.

Purchased at Marine Sales Kentuckiana, Gilbertsville, Ky. >

W H AT W E L I K E D

Huge centerline storage locker/Powerful and reliable Suzuki DF250/Bold colors and styling/ Performance and handling/Great stereo >

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

I wish it had more cleats and a flagpole, so I could fly the colors. >

WHY WE BOUGHT IT

I recently retired from 30 years in the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve and really missed the water. My husband, David, and I have three grown kids and five grandkids and wanted to get them out on the water as well.

We spent 10 months researching to find the perfect boat for us. We saw a video of the Manitou XT and were really impressed with its speed and maneuverability. We loved the styling of the XT model with its fiberglass fencing, and it also had all the features we were looking for, such as plenty of storage in the center tube and a changing room. It’s very stable, which is important with little ones on board. We do our boating on Kentucky Lake, Rend Lake and Kinkaid Lake and love to find a cove, throw out the anchor, and swim or fish for crappie and bluegill. The grandkids just got a new tube they are dying to try out. Marine Sales Kentuckiana gave me a great deal, included lots of free stuff and did everything possible to make us happy.

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of five and a quarter inches lower than the outers — a special enough difference that the U.S. Patent Office granted this V-Toon technology a patent. Here was the first pontoon that mimicked the handling of a fiberglass V-hull. The most curious aspect of the Manitou’s tube arrangement is that all three tubes have lifting strakes on both sides, a configuration we’ve seen on other pontoons. But when all three tubes are the same diameter, the outer strakes on the outer tubes tend to “push back” in hard corners, which keeps the pontoon level or even leaning a bit to the outside.

That’s exactly what doesn’t happen with the X-Plode XT. In fact, it heels far enough inward to lift the high-side tube completely out of the water — popping a “tubie.”

BEST USES

The optional Titanium black aluminum Sport Arch ($9,000) is the setup to get if watersports are at the top of the activity list. For an extra wow factor, it lowers electronically with the push of a button. There’s a black Bimini top that can be deployed during wakeboarding. It comes standard with a less fancy tower for buyers watching the bottom line. Our boat had the optional centerline locker for ski storage ($1,500).

The X-Plode XT is not just a hair-on-fire performance ’toon; it handles entertainment like a pro. Its rear loungers have two different configurations: rear-facing chaise loungers or opposable club chairs on each side (converted in one second by flipping the middle cushion backwards to form a backrest). And stored underneath the seat bottom of the port and starboard

rear-facing chair is a side-mounted table for gaming or dining. The only feature I didn’t like about these and the bowrider lounges was the excessively large decorative piping. They also have headrest bulges that moderately tall people can feel poking them in the back.

PREFERRED SETUP

There is little I would change in the way our test boat was set up. It’s a premium boat, so it won’t be hard to crack six figures if you check too many option boxes, but the off-the-rack model comes nicely equipped with features, as exemplified by the helm station. There, you’ll find a 7-inch Smart Touch touchscreen display that does away with almost all buttons and switches, since it takes charge of virtually every boat system. The Gussi Evo wheel is unique and is paired with standard power steering on SeaStar-equipped boats. Evinrudepowered boats can get a power steering system that remains invisible within the really clean integrated steering system; it even allows the outboard to be tilted up 81 degrees to get the lower unit completely out of the water. A master switch allows everything to be shut off with one flick.

The GPS is standard and even controls the analog speedometer, for dialing in precise ski speeds.

Our boat had the optional grey teak vinyl decking ($1,950), which was set at an angle for a different look. Although it comes with an upscale six-speaker Kicker stereo, the upgrade ($1,800) includes an 800-watt speaker, six LED-lit speakers and a subwoofer. BW

SPECS Length 24 ft., 4 in. Beam 8 ft., 6 in. Tube Diameter 23 in. outer, 27 in. center Capacity 12 people Dry Weight (hull) 3,250 lbs. Fuel Capacity 44 gal. Max HP 250 (3-tube SHP), 150 (2-tube VP) PERFORMANCE Peak 52.9 mph/6200 rpm/97 dBA Cruise 37.9 mph/ 4500 rpm/93 dBA Time to Plane 2.4 sec. Time to 30 mph 5.8 sec.

POWER Test Evinrude G2 250 H.O. Cylinders V-6 Displacement 3.4L Weight w/outdrive 537 lbs. (20-in. shaft), 558 lbs.

(25-in. shaft) WOT Range 5500-6000 rpm Base Price w/test power $95,400 Value-Added Standard Features: Carpeting w/vinyl rear deck, 6-speaker Bluetooth Kicker stereo, 6 LED dock lights, interior and exterior blue LED mood lighting, ski tow, 7-in. Smart Touch display, changing station Must-Have Options: Trailer, Bimini top, centerline ski locker, battery charging system, Porta Potti, saltwater package, portable cooler/table, ski mirror, height-adjustable helm seat, Sport Arch, stereo upgrade Builder: Manitou Inc., manitoupontoonboats.com Financing: $684/month w/15% down and 6% interest for 15 years

GEICO and TowBoatU.S. have teamed up to help you on the water.

As a GEICO policyholder, you’ll receive outstanding coverage for your boat at an outstanding price. Plus, when you add towing to your policy, you’ll have the benefits of services provided by TowBoatU.S. — the nation’s largest fleet.

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Service provided by Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company.

GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2015 GEICO

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Save the buy a neglected Boston Braden jumped at a chance to would it prove Boston Whaler for about half price, but to be a great deal or a money pit?

BY ALAN JONE S

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T H E R E ’ S N OT H I N G SA D D E R T H A N A B OAT S I T T I N G U N C OV E R E D , U N TO U C H E D A N D U N L OV E D , BAKING FOR YEARS IN THE FLORIDA SUN.

S

O WHEN BJ BRADEN HEARD THE OWNERS OF BLUE CHIP, a Boston Whaler 21 Conquest cuddy cabin, were selling it (along with everything else on a local emu farm in Myakka City, an hour from Tampa), he told his son Boston about it. But he warned the younger Braden not to get too excited, because it would probably be in rough condition. BJ remembered seeing the boat 12 years prior at a store the Thai owners operated, but he also knew they only used it a couple of times before parking it for more than a decade.

Even his father’s warning didn’t prepare Boston for what he saw. “I was totally shocked when I finally got a chance to see it. The dark blue hull was really faded, which was bad enough, but when we looked inside it was unbelievable.” he said. “The cockpit cushions were totally rotted and there was dirt and mold bonded to every square inch of the boat.”

While it must have looked hopeless, something there intrigued Boston. It was a Boston Whaler, so he knew it was well built; plus, it had his first name, which seemed to be an omen. And then there was the color.

“Blue is our family’s favorite color,” Boston said, “Most of our vehicles are blue, and so is our house. If it was red, chances are I wouldn’t have considered it.”

Let’s Make a Deal

Boston thought if he could get it for the right price, maybe they could bring it back to its former glory. The owners had bought it used for $44,000, but they spent a lot of time in Asia and basically parked it and forgot about it. In an attempt to learn more about it, BJ Googled “Blue Chip” “Boston Whaler 21 Conquest.” Up popped an online ad from 12 years earlier. So he called the number listed and was surprised when the original owner answered. (See “Meet the Original Owner” sidebar.)

The Bradens looked it up in a NADA Guide, which revealed it had an average retail of around $18,000. They paid $9,750 — a gamble considering the condition and the

fact they didn’t even know if the engine would turn over — which was as low as the owners would go. Both Boston and his dad knew a lot about boats, so they didn’t have it surveyed (though that would be a prudent precaution, especially for boats that haven’t been well maintained).

“Everything about the deal just felt right,” Boston said.

“Not only would we be getting a great boat at a reasonable price, but we would also be bringing it back from the dead.”

The trailer tires were low on air, but they were still holding air, so Boston inflated them and tried to tow the boat away.

Unfortunately, the wheels had settled into ruts and the grass around the wheels didn’t want to let go. After rocking it back and forth, he finally freed it, and with the tires’ flat spots clomping on the pavement, he towed it slowly to its new home while BJ observed from behind.

Blue Chip started its life as a one-of-a-kind blue-hulled Boston Whaler 21 Conquest and spent many years fishing the Gulf of Mexico and cruising to the Florida Keys. For the last decade, though, it sat unused by the second owners. Boston Braden (opposite page, top left), his wife, Kaleigh, his father, BJ (atop the boat), and his mother, Carol, bought the boat, determined to restore it to a like-new state.

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Mold, mildew and dirt covered every exposed surface, and the outboard hadn’t been started in a decade.

200 Hours of Hard Labor

Fortunately for Blue Chip, blue is the Braden family’s favorite color; otherwise, it might still be sitting on a trailer in the Florida sun.

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It was time for the unpaid work crew — the best kind — to get to work. In addition to BJ, the crew included Boston’s wife, Kaleigh, and his mother, Carol.

They started by unloading all the loose items from the boat, such as outriggers, canvas and cushions. Then they removed the prodigious amount of debris that had collected over the years, from partially sitting under some banana trees.

When they opened the cabin for the first time in 10 years, the fetid air rushed out to surround them in a powerful, musky, moldy funk. With masks on, they removed the cushions, which were black with mold.

They took a garden hose, turned it on full blast and went to war, hosing down every inch of the interior. A drain hole in the back of the cabin sole ushered the water through the bilge and out of the boat, which allowed them to keep blasting away.

“Even though we were pretty sure the cabin’s cushions would have to be replaced,” Boston said, “my mom laid them out in the yard and went to work on them with a high-pressure washer with a fan tip. We were shocked when they started turning white.”

They continued cleaning the cushions, using scrub brushes, Lysol Mold and Mildew Blaster, and lots of elbow grease.

To their surprise, the cushions cleaned up really well, which allowed them to start ahead of budget, since they thought they were going to have to buy all new cushions.

The ones in the cockpit were toast, but they had a friend in the upholstery business who made an entire set of new cushions, including bolsters, for $1,500.

Then, as a team, they attacked the cockpit, foredeck and hardtop, using a plan of attack that started with high-pressure washing before a good scrubbing with stiff-bristled brushes. And, like the directions on a shampoo bottle, they rinsed and repeated. To cut through the grime, they used a product by Black Magic called Bleche-Wite on everything in the boat that

was white, and to their shock, the topsides of the boat began to gleam like it had just come from the factory.

The entire inside of the cabin had to be cleaned by hand scrubbing, since the high-pressure washer would have been too much for the side panels. Being inside, it wasn’t as dirty as the outside surfaces, and it cleaned up surprisingly well.

Time to Pay the Piper

“Sadly,” Boston said, “we knew the ‘free’ part of the restoration was about to end with a trip to the marina to try to get the engine working after 10 years of being idle.

My dad and I could have probably done a lot of it ourselves, but after it had been so neglected we wanted it gone over by professionals, since we planned on taking it offshore.”

So far, their luck had been holding.

Though they bought the boat without keys, they found a hidden spare key during the cleaning process. But the good-luck bubble burst at the marina. The first item the marina personnel checked was the 92-gallon gas tank: totally shot and unable to be cleaned out.

Elbow grease, highpressure hoses, plenty of cleaning compounds and a power buffer returned the hull to its original blue, turned black cushions white again and restored the deck to its prior whiteness.

Meet the Original Owner Terry Dunagin, the original owner of Blue Chip, was formerly the director of marketing for Boston Whaler for 12 years, always well respected and liked by the Boating World staff who knew her. I contacted her and asked her to tell me the story of this very unusual boat.

T

HE ORIGINAL MSRP for the hull alone was $24,679, and I powered it with a Mercury Marine 200 hp engine and added virtually every retail option available, such as a hardtop, full canvas enclosure, outriggers and an autopilot. I also added options that were available only through Whaler’s commercial boat division — something we could do back then — which included the blue hull, a keel guard, white powder-coated rails, an auxiliary bracket and a 5,000 BTU air conditioner for the cuddy cabin. This pushed the price well past $50,000! I got the boat at an employee discount, but it was

still a considerable amount for a 21-footer back then.

Whaler’s recreational side was exploring the plausibility of offering colored gelcoat hull options like it did on its commercial side, but one significant difference was that the commercial side specialized in fleets rather than one-off boats. Ultimately, we found that it was too expensive to spray one dark blue hull and then clean all of the gear to do a different color and warehouse all of the different gelcoats. Plus, from a customer’s perspective, it was difficult to match the color in later years to effect repairs. The company ultimately decided painted hulls were a better option, so Blue Chip was the

one and only blue gelcoat Conquest ever built.

Blue Chip led the New Smyrna Beach boat parade one year with Santa on board. We fished her hard offshore, and she enjoyed many memorable trips to the Florida Keys and to the Bahamas. We’d put up the full enclosure and air condition the cuddy cabin and the helm area so four or more of us could relax in comfort away from the summer heat.

Several years after I had left Boston Whaler, I received a voicemail out of the blue from a guy named BJ, asking about a boat he had found. I have no idea how he tracked me down, but I was devastated to learn Blue Chip had been left uncovered in a field for a decade. Then he sent me photos of the work he and his son Boston had done to restore her, and I was elated. She had found a new home.

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After a hard-fought victory over the forces of dirt and grime, the Braden crew enjoyed the fruits of their labor aboard a beautifully restored Blue Chip, admiring it from the waist-deep water.

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A boat that cost more than $50,000 originally was purchased for less than $10K, refurbished for less than $10K and is now being enjoyed by two- and four-legged passengers alike.

T H E B O A T P E R F O R M E D B E A U T I F U L LY, A N D I T W A S A R E A L K I C K T O G E T O U T I N T H E W A I S T - D E E P W A T E R A N D J U S T L O O K A T T H E R E S U LT S O F O U R H A R D W O R K .

“But fortunately there was a sticker on it from the manufacturer,” Boston said, “and they were able to make an exact replacement for $976.”

The outside of the Mercury EFI 200 needed repainting and new decals, but when they took off the cowling they found it was pretty clean inside. The mechanics at Cut’s Edge Harbor Marina in Palmetto, Fla., first performed a compression test, which revealed good compression on all six cylinders. They had to replace the spark plugs, high- and low-pressure fuel pumps, fuel lines, the intake gasket, the water pump and the fuel/water separator. They also cleaned the fuel injectors and lubed the cylinders. The through-hull fittings were replaced and two new batteries were installed.

“Then came the moment of truth,” BJ said. “We added some new fuel, turned it over and Bingo! She fired right up and ran excellent, much to our surprise. The 15 horsepower Johnson kicker wasn’t so lucky.

It ran for about 30 seconds before dying for good.”

Total repair bill: $3,471 for all the parts and labor.

The Big Buff

After they got it home, Boston went to work on the badly faded hull. Terry Dunagin, the original owner of Blue Chip

and the former director of marketing for Boston Whaler, told them it had three layers of gelcoat, so they could afford to get pretty aggressive with it without worrying about buffing right through it. First, they thoroughly cleaned the hull and let it dry, and then they used 3M Marine Super Duty Rubbing Compound ($35), which, like the name implies, is for badly oxidized hulls. It suspends its abrasive material, crystalline silica, in kerosene and other nasty liquids, so it should be handled carefully and used outside. Users should protect their eyes and skin from direct contact.

“I found the best way to apply the rubbing compound was to use a rag to apply it in a small area, instead of putting it directly on the buffing pad,” Boston said. “I used a Shurhold Dual-Action Buffer (the kit costs $150) and found it was best to work the rubbing compound in with the buffer on the speed setting 2, to avoid heating the pad up.”

Boston found that the oscillating motion of the buffer was preferable to buffers that simply spin in circles. The motion reduced swirl marks and immediately went to work on the white haze. To his surprise, the deep blue gelcoat started coming through. But it wasn’t shiny yet.

“I switched to Shurhold’s Buff Magic rubbing compound ($23), which has a milder abrasive, and repeated the process,”

Boston said. “Now it was starting to get shinier, but to really bring out the shine and protect it from the elements, I used Shurhold’s Pro Polish ($23), a long-lasting polymer-based wax.”

His technique involved applying a ring of polish onto the pad and pressing it to the hull before starting the buffer — speed setting 3 — and working in small areas.

After each first pass, he switched to the opposite direction, always using light pressure and shutting off the buffer while it was in contact with the hull instead of pulling it away while it was spinning. Next, he snapped on the Brite Bonnet over the wet pad, turned the speed down to 2 and buffed the haze out until he achieved a high gloss.

“When I got done,” Boston said, “it looked great.”

The final step was to get the engine cover repainted, so they went to a family friend and helped him repaint and install the new stickers, for $245. It looks like a new engine.

“After we were done,” BJ said, “we launched it on Manatee River in Bradenton, and all of us headed out into the Gulf of Mexico to beautiful Egmont Key for our first trip and had a blast. The boat performed beautifully, and it was a real kick to get out in the waist-deep water and just look at the results of our hard work. It was a great feeling of satisfaction to know we had given this boat a second life.” BW BOATINGWORLD.COM

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NOT YOUR

FATHER’S PONTOON Today’s pontoons are far better than those of a decade ago (or less) due to advances in design, performance and technology.  BY DOUG THOMPSON

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The good old pontoon has long been the workhorse of the lake resort rental fleet. History credits Ambrose Weeres with inventing the pontoon boat in Minnesota in 1952, and over the decades pontoons proved their worth as stable and spacious — yet often woefully underpowered — boating platforms. It always seemed the wimpiest outboard possible was bolted to pontoons I rented in the 1980s, and we spent the days mushing around the lake looking for a place to hang out and swim.

After all, the “hang out and swim” aspect is one of a pontoon boat’s greatest attributes. With space for coolers and lounges, there’s no better friends-and-family platform for the summer months.

However, improvements in pontoon design and performance have turned these once-docile craft into fun machines with way, way more oomph for watersports and cruising. Pushing the envelope back in 2010 was a 27-foot PlayCraft powered by a 1,280 hp sterndrive engine. Owned by Ken Gouty, it was the first pontoon to touch 100 mph. The same day, Brad Rowland tied the record with his South Bay 925 equipped with triple Mercury 300X outboards.

Rowland has since topped the 117 mph mark.

Today, pontoons can be built with up to triple 300 hp outboard engines, tube bottoms featuring strakes and chines, and even sleeping cabins. How have all the changes made today’s pontoons better than your father’s? Or even yours from five years ago? Here’s a look at 14 innovations that have changed the game.

Log Construction HOW IT USED TO BE:

Pontoons ride on what are referred to as logs or tubes (they mean the same thing).

Aluminum has long been the primary material used for log construction, because its ease of manufacturing and its lightweight qualities offer many benefits.

THE INNOVATION: Builders

Bennington 2575 QSBW

such as Razor (Caravelle Boat Group) are making boats out of fiberglass and calling them E-Toons, a departure from traditional designs in both appearance and performance.

Razor’s patented evolutionary performance hulls (hence, E-Toon) are used on its line of fiberglass boats.

The use of fiberglass not only changes the bottom design, which features multiple lifting points, but also changes the styling aspects and interior attributes. The Razor 246FS includes two front fish chairs, two front livewells, a ski locker and a changing room.

Dynamic Diameters

HOW IT USED TO BE: Tube

diameters from 21 to 25 inches BOATINGWORLD.COM

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Lowe Xtreme 250

Triple Threat

HOW IT USED TO BE: Twin tubes were, and still are, the most common configura-

tion, and the double design works extremely well.

THE INNOVATION: Adding a third log — sometimes called a “tri-toon” — can

increase stability and performance. Lowe’s Xtreme 250 rides on triple tubes and can carry up to 14 people. Engine options range from a single 60 to a 300 hp Mercury outboard.

were common, and were nominally larger or smaller, depending on the length of the pontoon.

THE INNOVATION: Much

larger tubes provide a more stable running surface, and Premier’s 42-inch diameter tube on its 310 Encounter model is a revolutionary concept. A 42-inch center tube increases stability and comfort, and the 310 Encounter is powered with three Evinrude G2 250 hp outboards.

During Boating World executive editor Alan Jones’ performance test, the 310 Encounter popped on plane in two seconds and hit a top speed of 58.1 mph. The pontoon’s stability and power make it great for cruising and pulling people on toys.

but it provides a smoother ride by adding a cleaving action, rather than plowing. They are so efficient, a pontoon can get three-tube performance with only two tubes. You can also get good performance with less horsepower.

Luxury Abounds HOW IT USED TO BE: From

the start, pontoons were nothing stylish: a plywood deck and a smattering of leftover lawn chairs and patio furniture.

Even today, the basics of seats

and a table get the job done, along with storage compartments and perhaps a Bimini top for shade.

THE INNOVATION: Avalon’s

Ambassador Entertainer Deco Series combines retro design with solid aluminum walls with embedded stainless steel designer accent grills and art deco graphics. The starboard rear galley features faux Corian surfaces, a refrigerator, a sink and a rail-mounted grill, while the port bistro bar table offers accent lighting, an electric wine

Yamaha Helm Master

rack and four luxury stools with stainless-steel backrests.

The raised fiberglass helm has a wood-grain dash panel, a metallic and Cherry steering wheel with chrome spokes, and USB and auxiliary inputs

Angling Fun

HOW IT USED TO BE: Even

the earliest pontoons were great angling platforms, because the driver could maneuver the boat on top of the fish. Sure, wind and waves could move it off the spot, but

Joystick Control HOW IT USED TO BE: Windage, bulkiness and a

single propeller made docking a pontoon a challenge.

Tubes Shaped Like Boat Hulls

HOW IT USED TO BE: Round

tubes, especially ones without lifting strakes, aren’t the most efficient shape for moving a boat through the water. They tend to plow through the water instead of riding on top.

THE INNOVATION: Shaping

the bottom of the pontoon like a fiberglass V-hull not only provides lift to help the pontoon ride on the surface,

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THE INNOVATION: Joystick control is offered to ease

handling around the docks and in other low-speed situations. The Yamaha Helm Master system is available on select Premier Pontoons with twin and triple engines. In addition, MerCruiser Axius and SeaStar Solutions’ Optimus 360 systems have brought joystick technology to virtually every outboard builder.

With Helm Master, when the driver twists the joystick to counter the current, back into a slip or just maneuver precisely in the marina, one engine may be kicked inward and the other outward, or one in reverse and the other in forward. Regardless of the angle, when the joystick is twisted and nudged in a direction, the boat goes that way. Powerful computers adjust each engine’s rpm, gear selection and direction precisely, so those forces result in the movement commanded by the joystick.

A host of other features come with Helm Master, including speed control, which is like cruise control for a car. Speed control locks in the rpm and then the driver can step the rpm up 15 percent or down 10 percent with the touch of a button.

Larson Escape TTT 25

Improvements in pontoon design and performance have turned these once-docile craft into fun machines right away the pontoon was a winner.

THE INNOVATION: Today,

all the accessories that make bass fishing boats and center console boats great also make pontoons successful fishing machines. Livewells, trolling motors, rocket launchers, T-tops and of course a host of electronics such as fishfinders and depthsounders hardly give the fish a chance.

Ride In Style

HOW IT USED TO BE: “Styling” used to consist of white sidewalls and aluminum rails, with a short foredeck porch and wraparound bench seats.

THE INNOVATION:

Contemporary styling and wild graphics have improved the look of today’s pontoons, as well as new rail designs. The

new Lowe Xtreme 210 delivers major thrills and big-time styling, with sleek graphics and premium standard amenities and even more options.

Hyper Hydrology

HOW IT USED TO BE: Blunt nose cones

It Feels So Good

HOW IT USED TO BE: Stick-

to-your-skin upholstery was slippery when wet and downright dangerous on hot days.

THE INNOVATION: Improved

upholstery stays cooler, is UV- and stain-resistant and is much softer on the skin. For example, Avalon’s Matrix 50 Soft Touch Seat Vinyl is among the thickest in the industry, and all furnishings are mounted on aluminum lifetime seat frames with no wood or plastic parts.

Even the driver gets a treat with a soft pillow-top helm seat. Seat frames feature flowthrough dry ventilation and seat-base cladding.

and a smooth running surface sufficed when top speeds rarely surpassed 20 mph.

THE INNOVATION: The manner in

which water flows over the tubes can be improved with enhanced aluminum underskins and pointy nosecones. Larson’s Tapered Tube Technology is on its Escape line (TTT 21, TTT 23 and TTT 25 models), and each of the two or three tubes, depending on the model, is built like a boat hull.

A V-nosecone on each log slices waves, and reverse chines create lift for faster planing. A full-length sheeted tunnel between the tubes traps air and compresses it to create more lift, which results in less drag and a smoother, quieter ride.

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Mucho Muscle

HOW IT USED TO BE: A small outboard

motor was all you needed to get around the lake. They were simple and effective, but the engine groaned when a tube was being pulled.

THE INNOVATION: There was a day when

triple 300 hp Mercury Verado outboard engines used to be an outlandish sight on saltwater center-console boats, but now the three big Verados are a viable option on Premier’s 310 Dodici Pub model.

Premier 310 Dodici

Spend The Night?

HOW IT USED TO BE:

Stretching out sleeping bags on the deck, passengers slept under the stars and endured the rain if it came.

Overnighting was possible, but only for heartier souls, and only if one trusted the forecast.

Aqua Patio 250 XP

THE INNOVATION: Now,

Watersports Fun

HOW IT USED TO BE: Diving off the deck or pulling

a tube used to be the extent of pontoon watersports.

Underpowered engines were the main culprit in making pontoons so fuddy duddy.

THE INNOVATION: Increasing engine horsepower

upped the fun factor immediately, and the advent of more advanced tubes and wakeboards was the perfect complement. Because wakeboarding doesn’t require the speed of waterskiing, the pontoon has become a great recreational platform. Adding a wakeboard tower, TurboSwing and cruise control can increase the fun factor.

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pontoons can be used for overnighting without erecting an enclosure or pitching a tent on deck. Premier’s 310 Encounter features a cuddy cabin, for some enclosed shuteye.

Thanks to its 10-foot beam and giant 42-inch center tube, it features an honest-togoodness cabin with stand-up headroom. The cabin features a table, a V-berth and a head with a privacy curtain. It has plenty of room for sleeping overnight or just taking an afternoon nap and getting out of the sun. Entry to the cabin is through a locking smokedglass door to port of the helm.

Portholes allow in light and air.

Up top are also plenty of

places to stretch out, including a front bench, a bow sun lounge and a rear seating area. There’s room for 14 people or more, making the 310 Encounter a serious party platform.

For Your Feet HOW IT USED TO BE:

Threadbare carpet offered little if any padding, was difficult to clean and, once soaked with lake water, retained a season’s worth (or more) of smells.

THE INNOVATION: EVA foam

(SeaDek), PVC (PlasDECK) and woven vinyl (Infinity Fabrics) are three leading types of boat decking. Some builders use decking products like these on new pontoons, and in other cases the owner refurbishes a pontoon with the new decking or has a professional do the job.

EVA foam, PVC or woven vinyl is either neutral in smell or infused with much more pleasant odors. It’s also super comfortable, easy to clean and reduces noise. BW

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Freight.com or by calling our stores or Harbor or prior LIMIT 4 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon l receipt.

800-423-2567. Cannot days from original purchase with origina must be le. Original coupon purchases after 30 nsferab Non-tra last. s per day. er coupon per custom Offer good while supplie h 10/14/16. Limit one presented. Valid throug

R PE ON SU UP CO

Customer Rating

12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT

SUPER COUPON

$28999

• Weighs 74 lbs.

SAVE 66%

R PE ON SUOUP C

LOT 69675/69728/63090/63089 CALIFORNIA ONLY • 70 dB

8999 $155.95

R PE ON SU UP CO

We have invested millions of dollars in our own state-of-the-art quality test labs and millions more in our factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands.

And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple!

Come visit one of our 650+ Stores Nationwide.

LOT 63079/69729/63080/69676 shown

LOT 6922 62590/68048 shown Customer Rating

$7999

How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices?

$34

Freight.com or by calling our stores or Harbor or prior LIMIT 6 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon l receipt.

800-423-2567. Cannot days from original purchase with origina must be Original coupon le. purchases after 30 nsferab Non-tra s last. per customer per day. coupon Offer good while supplie one Limit 6. h 10/14/1 presented. Valid throug

R PE ON SU UP CO • 1.3 GPM Customer Rating

1650 PSI PRESSURE WASHER LOT 68333/69523 69488 shown

SAVE $70

$

7999

comp at

$149.99

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt.

Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 10/14/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

• No Hassle Return Policy • Lifetime Warranty On All Hand Tools

• HarborFreight.com • 800-423-2567

5/12/16 3:13 PM

SURVIVAL PRODUCTS,INC. EMERGENCY LIFE RAFT

WORLD’S LIGHTEST WEIGHT (ONLY 12 POUNDS!)

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

Survival Products, Inc., servicing/sales of aviation/marine life rafts, vests, slides since 1974, manufactures newly designed emergency inflatable four to six man life raft for private aircraft/pleasure boats; world’s lightest weight (only 12 pounds); world’s smallest package (only 4 x 12 x 14 inches); world’s least expensive (only $1,510); optional customized survival kits. (9 to 13 man, 18 lbs.; valise. 5 x 12 x 14 inches: $1,960). Non TSO’d and TSO’d. NEW!! 10 man mac/orc raft/double tube. 30 lbs.; valise, 5"x14"x19"; $3620. 6 man also available. Buy or rent. Made in USA.

marketplace

SURVIVAL PRODUCTS, INC.

5614 S.W. 25th St., Hollywood, FL 33023 (954) 966-7329 • FAX (954) 966-3584 • www.survivalproductsinc.com

Got An Old Boat?

DONATE IT TODAY!

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

•

JULY/AUGUST 2016

BOATINGWORLD.COM

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

marketplace

• Dedicated expertise

Contact Us for a Free Quote

advertiser index BOATS

SIMRAD (800) 628-4487 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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

Survival Products (954) 966-7329 . . . . . . . 62

SmokerCraft, Inc/Starcraft (866) 719-7873 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 11

Swim Platforms (602) 431-8225. . . . . . . . . . 29

Stingray (843) 383-4507 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CV3 Forest River Marine (574) 825-8696 . . . . . . . 9 Yamaha WaterCraft (800) 888-2624 . . . . . . .1

DOCKS & MOORINGS Merco Marine (800) 396-3726 . . . . . . . . . . . 62

ENGINES SternDrive Engineering (813) 925-7127 . . . 60 Suzuki Marine (800) 247-4704 . . . . . . . . . . 19

GEAR & ACCESSORIES Amsoil (800) 777-8491 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Aquatic AV (408) 559-1668 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Bel-Ray Company, Inc. (732) 938-2421 . . . .13 BoatLIFE/Life Industries (800) 382-9706 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Harbor Freight Tools (818) 836-5497 . . . . . 61 StingRay Hydrofoil/Marine Dynamics (913) 451-1090 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58-59

C A LL 949/660 - 6150

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

The Durabak Company (303) 690-7190 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 West System Inc. / Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (989) 684-7286 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

SERVICES 1-800-Progressive (800) 776-4737 . . . . . .CV2 Allstate Insurance Co. (847) 402-5000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CV4 Boat Angel (800) 227-2643 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Boat U.S. (800) 888-4869 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 GEICO Insurance (800) 865-4846. . . . . . . . 45 National Marine Underwriters (800) 262-8467. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Water Sports Foundation (407) 833-0383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT Connelly Skis Inc/CWB (425) 775-5416 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Kwik Tek, Inc. (800) 624-1297 . . . . . . . . . . . .21

McGard, Inc (800) 669-6887 . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Millennium Marine (601) 932-5832 . . . . . . . .31 Monster Tower (877) 778-6937 . . . . . . . . . . 23 NuShield, Inc (215) 500-6426 . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Sacuba Eyewear (03)-8759-3668 . . . . . . . . 30

BOATINGWORLD.COM JULY/AUGUST 2016

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63

R E A D ER CO NTE ST

Rick Martin illustration

name the boat

Oh, boy. Let’s hope this doesn’t come to a grim(m) ending for Red. Do you have a name for our deception boat? Send it to us. If it wins, we will give you a Customized Boat Care Package from Bel-Ray, valued at more than $350, and your name will appear in the November/December 2016 issue of Boating World. > SEE THE WINNING ENTRY AND THE BEST OF THE REST FROM THE MAY CONTEST ON PAGE 8.

YOURS FREE

WIN THIS 64

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JULY/AUGUST 2016



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

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

BOATINGWORLD.COM

HOW TO ENTER:

We’ll reprint the cartoon with the winning boat name in the November/ December 2016 issue. Submissions are due by August 12.

Email editor@boatingworld.com with “Name the Boat” in the subject line, or send snail mail to Boating World Magazine/Name the Boat, 18475 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Please include your full name, address and phone number, along with your entry.

Duncan McIntosh Co. and Bel-Ray employees and their families are prohibited from entering.

Prizewinners are responsible for any applicable taxes. Decisions of the judges and the editor are final.

Does home insurance cover your boat when you’re not at home?

You might not be sure, so let an Allstate Agent help.

Allstate Agents can help you understand where your home insurance ends and your boat insurance begins. You can trust them to help you tailor your Allstate protection to make sure you avoid coverage gaps. Call today to see what the personal service of an Allstate Agent can do for you.

Local Agent Allstate.com 866-414-BOAT

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